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Blog2023-08-01T22:03:24-07:00
Lessons Through Pain, Affliction & Despair (Psalm 102)

October 21, 2020|

Have you ever felt as if you were in utter despair, all alone and even God is not hearing your cries for help? Life brings us many unexpected events that that can cause great feelings of pain and despair. As Christians, we know are not exempt from pain and suffering. Jesus said “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Whether through our own personal crisis’ or the effects caused by all the craziness in the world right now, the experience of the feelings of pain and affliction are very real and can seem overwhelming.

Put on God’s Armor

September 16, 2020|

Dear Friends, We are anxious, as I know you are, to get back to our monthly live and in-person events at the Upper Room. It is anybody’s guess when things will return to “normal”- whatever that means these days. I was recently reminded as the Lord very clearly spoke to my heart, that the next few months, in particular, are going to be a very trying spiritual time in our country. The battle for the very heart and soul of this country has been raging for quite some time, and it is going to heat up like no other time we’ve witnessed.

Bennett, Willard and Hockensmith II

February 2, 2020|

On February 1st, 2020, The Upper Room presented Bob Bennett, Kelly Willard and PointMade, with Hadley Hockensmith, in concert. Founder and host, Ron Strand, greeted the audience at 7:30 pm. He introduced local band PointMade, which opened the concert. Their set included many classic rock tunes including: “Baby, I Love Your Way” by Peter Frampton, “Danny’s Song,” by Loggins and Messina, and “Doctor My Eyes” by Jackson Browne.

A Warm & Cozy Family Christmas Concert

December 8, 2019|

On December 7th, 2019, The Upper Room presented A Warm & Cozy Family Christmas, which featured CCM artists Bob Bennett, Kelly Willard and Hadley Hockensmith. Founder and host, Ron Strand, greeted the audience at 7:30 pm. Ron explained that due to a scheduling conflict (the Upper Room’s host church was holding a drive through nativity), the concert was moved to Ron’s living room, where it was live-streamed. In honor of the last minute change in concert venues, Bob performed a humorous, newly-minted song that ended with: “We’re glad that you have joined us, we hope it all goes right, and that the drive by nativity Jesus blesses us all tonight.

Scott Wesley Brown and Dana Daniels

November 28, 2019|

On November 2nd, 2019, The Upper Room presented singer, Scott Wesley Brown, and comedian, Dana Daniels, in concert. The concert began when founder and host, Ron Strand, greeted the audience at 7:30 pm. With The Upper Room celebrating its 10-year anniversary, many past performers have submitted videos congratulating the ministry on its major milestone. A compilation of curated clips included such former guests as: Jon Courson, Chuck Girard, Benny Hester, and comedian Victoria Jackson, who played a ukulele and sang a humorous song to commemorate the occasion.

Terry Talbot

October 20, 2019|

On October 19th, 2019, The Upper Room presented singer, Terry Talbot, in concert. The concert began when founder and host, Ron Strand, greeted the audience at 7:30 pm. Ron announced that The Upper Room is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. For the occasion, many former artists submitted videos congratulating The Upper Room on its decade of ministry.

Kerri Pomarolli and Scott Wood

September 8, 2019|

On September 7th, 2019, The Upper Room presented comedians, Kerri Pomarolli and Scott Wood, in concert. The concert began at 7:30 pm when founder and host, Ron Strand, greeted the audience and said he wanted to do something a little different than the typical trivia to open the show. Before the concert, Upper Room volunteers had passed out cards and encouraged audience members to write down any questions they had about The Upper Room.

Gary Chapman

August 18, 2019|

On August 17th, 2019, The Upper Room presented Dove Award winning vocalist, Gary Chapman, in concert. Founder and host, Ron Strand, greeted the audience at 7:30 pm and welcomed Brenda Harp to the stage. Brenda performed a five song set that included her new EP, “Even on the Dark Days,” which she wrote as an encouragement to those who deal with depression. Brenda’s soulful voice and beautiful keyboard playing set the tone for a heartfelt, worshipful evening.

Jeff Allen

July 21, 2019|

On July 20th, 2019, The Upper Room presented comedian, Jeff Allen, in concert. Founder and host, Ron Strand, greeted the audience at 7:30 pm and made a special introduction—Chip and Kim McAllister, winners of “The Amazing Race” Season 5, were in attendance. Ron kicked off the evening with “Song Lyric Trivia,” and tossed out an Upper Room T-shirt to everyone who correctly linked the lyric line to the song’s name and artist.

Leon Patillo

June 16, 2019|

On June 15th, 2019, The Upper Room presented singer, Leon Patillo, in concert. The event began at 7:30 pm when founder and host, Ron Strand, greeted the audience and initiated a trivia contest where those who correctly answered a question received a CD or book. The questions were comprised of a series of hints about famous figures from the past and present. The audience was up to the challenge, successfully identifying most of the mystery individuals after only one hint.

Nazareth Concert

May 12, 2019|

On May 11th, 2019, The Upper Room presented Comedian Nazareth in an Upper Room live performance. Founder and host, Ron Strand, greeted the audience at 7:30 pm. He began the evening with “70s Trivia.” Some of the questions were: Which two countries financed the Concorde jet (United Kingdom and France), The final episode of which TV show was watched by 100 million viewers in 1977 (“Roots”), In 1972, this became the most highly produced car in the world (Volkswagen Beetle), In 1973, which horse won the coveted Triple Crown (Secretariat), Which 1979 movie featured the ginger-haired cat named Jones (“Alien”) and What sport was featured in the 1970 film “Love Story” (ice hockey)?

Bryan Duncan

April 28, 2019|

On April 27th, 2019, The Upper Room presented Dove Award winning vocalist, Bryan Duncan, in concert. At 7:30 pm, founder and host, Ron Strand, greeted the audience. He began the evening with “60s and 70s Trivia” and gave away Upper Room T-shirts to individuals who correctly answered each question.

Matthew Ward

February 17, 2019|

On February 16th, 2019, The Upper Room presented Dove Award winning singer, Matthew Ward, in concert. Founder and host, Ron Strand, greeted the audience and introduced singer, Felson Palad. Felson opened the concert with an expressive performance of Gary Valenciano’s “Could You Be Messiah?”

Ron Pearson

January 20, 2019|

On January 19th, 2019, The Upper Room presented a unique performance by comedian Ron Pearson. Founder and host, Ron Strand, took the stage with his band and greeted the audience. At the downstroke of 7:30 pm, the band opened with bluesy tune “Paradise,” which featured three rhythm guitars, one electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, keyboards and a harmonica. Ron said he enjoys country/rock and much of the set featured songs in that musical vein.

New Year’s Eve 2018

January 1, 2019|

On Monday, December 31st, 2018, The Upper Room presented a special New Year’s Eve concert that began at 7:30 pm and ended just past midnight. The limited seating event included mini-concerts from five musical guests and one comedian. Dinner was included with admission—pasta, salads and desserts were catered by Peppino’s Italian Family Restaurant.

Victoria Jackson and Michele Pillar

November 11, 2018|

On Saturday, November 10th, The Upper Room presented a joint concert with comedian Victoria Jackson and singer Michele Pillar. Founder and host, Ron Strand, greeted the audience at 7:30 pm and modeled the brand new Upper Room T-shirts. He then gave members of the audience a chance to win a T-shirt by playing a variation of “Let’s Make a Deal.”

Oden Fong

October 21, 2018|

On Saturday, October 20th, The Upper Room presented Oden Fong in concert. The concert kicked off at 7:30 pm when founder and host, Ron Strand, introduced singer Felson Palad. Felson opened the concert with a four song set that included worship songs and popular hits like “Take On Me” by A-ha and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel. Felson’s pure tone and incredibly high range kept the audience spellbound. The raucous applause at the end of his set was an indication of the overwhelming satisfaction the audience derived from Felson’s performance.

Chris Lizotte

September 22, 2018|

Saturday, September 22nd marked a unique event at The Upper Room. The first half of the evening was dedicated to a music concert and the second half featured a talk on how to share Christ with Muslims. Opening the concert, which started at 7:30 pm, was an amusing movie trivia challenge where audience members attempted to stump Movie Boy. Surprisingly, Ernest Borgnine appeared in nearly every movie mentioned.

Phil Keaggy

August 26, 2018|

On August 25, 2018, a large crowd assembled at The Upper Room to see Phil Keaggy in concert. The doors were opened at just after 7 pm and the venue was filled to capacity within minutes. The proceedings began at 7:30 and there were plenty of surprises right out of the gate.

Put on God’s Armor

September 30, 0202|

Dear Friends, We are anxious, as I know you are, to get back to our monthly live and in-person events at the Upper Room. It is anybody’s guess when things will return to “normal”- whatever that means these days. I was recently reminded as the Lord very clearly spoke to my heart, that the next few months, in particular, are going to be a very trying spiritual time in our country. The battle for the very heart and soul of this country has been raging for quite some time, and it is going to heat up like no other time we’ve witnessed.

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