As you know, The Ordinary Radicals continues to gain exposure and stir up conversation as it makes its rounds through film festivals and other special screenings. But if we really want to give our exploration of this great social and Christian movement the attention it deserves we need more publicity, and that’s where you, our fans, come in. We’re looking for reporters, television, or radio program hosts that you know of or have connections with in your area who would be interested in covering the film. Send us an e-mail with their contact information so we can send a press release their way and spread the word to an even wider audience! As always, your help is greatly appreciated.

First off, a quick introduction: I’m Rebekah, the friendly new Promotions Assistant for The Ordinary Radicals.  I’ll be helping to keep things updated around here alongside Jamie and Ryan.

Second, I wanted to share some updates with you that were passed on to us from Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove and our other friends at the School for Conversion:

• Jonathan and Shane had previously shared a list of “50 Ways to Become the Answer to Our Prayers” in an article in Sojourners Magazine in preparation for the National Day of Prayer on May 7th, hoping to turn the annual event into a day of prayer AND action. Since then, they’ve received beautiful stories from people who have used this list at National Day of Prayer gatherings and in their own churches and families, making the day a success. You can order copies of their book Becoming the Answer to Our Prayers and read an excerpt at InterVarsity Press. You can also read their op-ed in Newsweek/The Wasington Post’s On Faith column.
• The new monastic community of communities, a partner of School for Conversion, is hosting weekend visits as a way of “introducing folks to community life in the way of Jesus”. You can go here for more information or to register for a visit. You can also visit the community of communities’ website here.
• Shane will be joining Kelly Johnson, Will Samson, and others in a conference on “economic faithfulness in an age of consumerism” at the Englewood Christian Church in Indianapolis on November 13th and 14th to discuss community, contentment, and creativity in the midst of economic crisis. You can visit the conference website for more information.
• Lastly, our good friend Jonathan has written a new book entitled God’s Economy: Redefining the Health and Wealth Gospel, that is due for release on October 1st of this year. For more information and to pre-order a copy, visit his website at jonathanwilsonhartgrove.com.

That’s all from me for now!

-Rebekah

Things continue to be exciting here as we continue to take the film on the road and as it’s the official selection at another film festival. The Hoboken International Film Festival has officially selected “The Ordinary Radicals” for its 2009 festival! And the festivals are starting to pile up on our “splash page”, which is a great thing.

But we decided we wanted to try something for all of you who’ve helped to support this project. We are declaring May 29, 2009 “The Ordinary Radicals” House Party Day! I know, you’re wondering what this means… we’re encouraging everyone to throw a screening party in their house, local coffee shop, their friend’s house, etc, and to invite friends, family, neighbors, people you might not even like to come to your party and to watch the film together. We are also offering a special package in case you don’t already have a DVD of the film. If you order a DVD & soundtrack and mention the words “House Party”, we’ll throw in some stickers, and a disc with the trailer for our upcoming film, and the first 50 orders will have their DVD autographed by the director, Jamie Moffett. The only condition for throwing a house party, is that you have to send an email over to events@theordinaryradicals.com an let us know where you are, how many folks you’re inviting, what time the screening is, and if you’d like… why Jamie should attend your party. You see, things are really busy around here with some upcoming projects, and while Jamie really wants to throw a party, he’s busy working on a bunch the next film, and as a result, I told him that I would find a really happening house party and send him to it. So, all you have to do is send an email with that info by May 20, 2009 and you are entered into the contest!* Once we receive your email, we’ll also send you a .pdf for a special poster that you can print and use to promote your party. We think this will be a great event and I can’t wait to pick where Jamie goes!  (And if it’s a really happening party, maybe I’ll even come!)  I’ll also be having Jamie call in to a few house parties to do a sort of Q & A, so even if Jamie doesn’t make it to your party, he might still be able to call or video chat it.  So start sending those party emails!

Also, if you’re interested in a larger screening for May 29 (for an organization, church, local theater, etc), send an email to events@theordinaryradicals.com and we’ll make it happen with a special reduced screening cost for that day.

Have a marvelous May!~

Ryan

*Disclaimer: The winner of the contest will be selected by Ryan, who will pick a winner based on whatever criteria he picks (which could be anything from the funniest idea for a party, to the party that will have the most unusual food item).