CHoSen for Faith Day

TYRONE - Borough residents are getting ready to celebrate their spiritual side.

A day of music, games for children and friendly competition are some of the activities planned for the first Faith Day, sponsored by the Tyrone Merchants Association.

Sue Griep, president of the association, said, "Tyrone has a lot of community spirit, and it has a lot of spiritual spirit as well."

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(Courtesy photo) Members of the band CHoSen will be the featured artists at Faith Day to be held June 9 at Reservoir Park in Tyrone. The event includes, music, food, a race-walk and games for children. The event is sponsored by the Tyrone Merchants Association.

She said the day offers an opportunity to bring people together and to show the talents and abilities that can be found in the churches.

"Everybody is welcome to be part of the events," Griep said. "They don't have to be affiliated with any church."

The event will be held June 9 at Reservoir Park.

A walk/run, children's games and a friendly archery competition will be among the activities.

"You don't have to know anything about archery to participate," Griep said of the competition for youths and adults to be hosted by Pastor Joe Rose of Play by Faith.

"You just need to bring your sense of adventure and fun."

Churches will sell snow cones, hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream and baked items at various booths, and the Rotary Club of Tyrone will host a chicken barbecue for $8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce, Gardner's Candies, various churches or from club members.

While these activities are taking place, music will fill the air as more than 10 local groups take their turns on the stage.

Headlining the event is CHoSen, a band that has performed throughout the area, including Central Pennsylvania Fourth Fest, the July 4 celebration at University Park, and Hartslog Fall Festival in Alexandria.

The group released an EP "Crying Out" last year. It is currently recording a CD called "Vapor" with Frigo Recording, which has worked with The Indigo Girls, Bad Company, Keith Urban and Amy Grant.

CHoSen was formed more than seven years ago when Brett Rodkey of Alexandria and Dan Hannon of Julian responded to a classified ad that stated a need for musicians to help form a band in State College.

The name is based on a Scripture verse (I Peter 2:4) and that is why some of the letters are capitalized. The verse calls Christ "the living stone, rejected by people, but chosen by God and precious to him."

Rodkey said the CH and S are capitalized to emphasize that the band has been "Chosen for His Service."

Over time, changes have occurred to the five-member group. Rodkey (lead guitar and vocals) and Hannon (rhythm guitar) remain and have been joined by Larry Sprankle of Tyrone (lead vocals) and Ken Confer (bass guitar) and Bruce Herold, (drums) both of State College.

Rodkey, who also sings backup vocals, said CHoSen's music is upbeat and rocking.

"We like to keep the energy high," he said, "We like it full throttle."

Sprankle, described the music as southern country rock.

The band writes its own songs, but also performs ones made popular by Third Day, the Jesus Culture, DC Talk, Cutlass and occasionally "I Can Only Imagine" by mercyme.

"Larry's vocals are powerful on that song. Sometimes folks ask for it," Rodkey said.

Sprankle writes the lyrics for most of the group's projects with Rodkey and Hannon writing the music.

"The words are usually heartfelt," Sprankle said. "Each one tells a story."

"In His Grip" is about today's society and its culture, he said. "Crying Out,' is the story of how he became a Christian.

"It is near and dear to my heart," Sprankle said.

When the group isn't playing at a festival, youth camp or church, the members are working their daytime jobs or spending time with their wives and children.

Their careers include teaching, managing businesses and doing research as a biochemist.

Both Sprankle and Rodkey credited the members' wives for standing behind the band.

"We have loving wives who are supportive when we need to practice or get an opportunity to play," Rodkey said.

Sprankle, who has lived in the borough all his life, is looking forward to Faith Day.

"It's awesome, what Tyrone has put together," he said. In addition to the music and activities, several pastors will speak at the event.

Sprankle said it is an opportunity for the community to get acquainted with the churches as well as giving youth leaders and pastors time to network.

"I think it is going to be a great day," he said.