Entertainment
Hezekiah Walker, Donnie McClurkin, Beverly Crawford and others attend the 2015 Gospel Heritage International Worship Summit in Orlando
Florida National News: “Surely you could feel the presence of the lord at the 2015 Gospel Heritage Foundation’s International Worship Summit in Orlando”
Bishop Gunns at the pulpit during the International Worship-Summit
By Adrienne K. Noel
Orlando, FLA – February 21st, 2015 – Orlando was the venue of the Gospel Heritage Foundation’s 2015 International Worship Summit, the largest Worship gathering in the US during Black History Month. The 2½ -day International Worship Summit (IWS) was ministered to by nationally known Faith Leaders such as Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Dr John Gunns of St. Paul’s M.B. Church of Jacksonville and Bishop John Hanna of New Life Covenant Church of Southside Chicago, and featured well-known Grammy and Stellar award winners such as among Gospel Singer and Songwriter VaShaun Mitchell, Beverly Crawford of the New Life Singers on BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel and Da’Dra Crawford Greathouse, half of the Gospel duo “Anointed” and the praise leader of Joel Osteen Ministries.
DaDra-Crawford-Greathouse-at-the-2015-International-Worship-Summit-by-the-Gospel-Heritage-Foundation
Visiting pastors, music and worship arts department personnel (leaders and performers), Gospel musicians, producers and fans traveled to Orlando from all over the continental United States and even as far as Sweden, to learn new strategies in Praise and Worship and Gospel Music at the daily seminars.
Dr-Judy-McAllister-First-Lady-of-Praise-of-the-COGIC-at-the-2015-International-Worship-Summit-in-Orlando
In the evenings, conference participants and Orlando residents were blessed to hear the Word of God as delivered by Dr. Judy McAllister, the International Minister of Music and President of the Music Department of the Church of God In Christ (COGIC), Pastor William McDowell, the lead pastor at Deeper Fellowship Church in Orlando and Donnie McClurkin, Senior Pastor of Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport NY. Friday night’s praise celebrations included a tribute to Gospel Music Pioneer Andrae Crouch, who had recently moved on to his glory. Beverly Crawford also received the Heritage Award for her contribution to Gospel Music.
Dr-Teresa-Hairston-delivering-The-Word-at-the-2015-International-Worship-Summit-in-Orlando
Pastor Riva Tims, the Founder of the Majestic Life Ministries said, “We were so pleased to be able to host the International Worship Summit in Orlando. These artists and leaders came to usher us into a deeper worship.” Dr. Teresa Hairston, the founder of The Gospel Heritage Foundation and its IWS, added, “this is one of the ONLY events that brings together this many Praise and Worship experts in one setting. The inspiring daily teaching sessions and evening celebrations left God’s people educated, inspired, informed and empowered!”
Pastor-John-Hannah-of-New-Life-Covenant-Church-on-the-South-Side-of-Chicago-at-the-2015-International-Worship-Summit-in-Orlando
Sponsors for this year’s IWS included: ABBVIE, The Coca-Cola Bottling Company, African American Expressions, Worship MD, Black Gospel Promo, UrbanGospel.com, Orlando’s Rejoice Radio and Majestic Life Ministries.
The Gospel Heritage Foundation is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization with the goal of preserving the heritage and legacy of Gospel ministry and music through education, performance and celebration. Every year during Black History Month, Gospel Heritage presents a “Praise and Worship Conference”. This conference, the International Worship Summit, is acknowledged by many as the #1 educational setting of its type; it is attended by pastors, church music and worship arts department personnel (leaders and participants), and Gospel Music fans. The conference presents daytime presentations, classes, seminars, showcases and workshops; and nightly services and special presentations and concerts. International Worship Summit 2016 will be held in Houston TX.
Florida Hotel the venue-for the 2015 International Worship Summit in Orlando
Feel God’s Presence In This Place
Gospel-Singer-Songwriter-VaShawn_Mitchell-at-the-2015-International-Worship-Summit-hosted-by-the-Gospel-Heritage-Foundation
Pastor-William-McDowell-at-the-2015-International-Worship-Summit-with-accompanying-vocals-by-Shawn-Bigby
Central Florida News
Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Presents ‘HYPE HAIR’ Exhibit by Peppermint Sandy in Downtown Orlando
Entertainment
USF Credit Union Named Presenting Sponsor of ‘Rainbow To Your Door’ With $5,000 Challenge Match Grant
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The production team behind Rainbow To Your Door announced that USF Credit Union has joined the upcoming theatrical production as its Presenting Sponsor, accompanied by a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant aimed at encouraging community support and helping fully fund the project.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to arts, education, and community engagement across Central Florida. Organizers say the challenge grant will match community contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, helping expand public access and educational opportunities connected to the production.
Original Play Celebrates Florida’s Artistic Legacy
Rainbow To Your Door is an original stage production written by Los Angeles-based playwright Kenneth Brown. The play is inspired by the historic friendship and artistic exchange between acclaimed author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston and artist Jules André Smith.
Set in 1938 at the historic Maitland Art Center, the production explores the challenges, triumphs, and purpose of artists navigating a rapidly changing world while preserving their creative voices.
“This partnership represents more than sponsorship. It is an investment in storytelling, culture, and preserving the legacy of artistic voices that helped shape Florida’s creative identity,” Brown said. “We are incredibly grateful to USF Credit Union for believing in this vision and helping us create meaningful community impact through the arts.”
Challenge Match Campaign Aims to Fully Fund Production
As part of the sponsorship, USF Credit Union will provide a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant to encourage community participation and charitable giving. Production organizers say that once the matching goal is reached, Rainbow To Your Door will be fully funded.
Donations generated through the campaign will support expanded accessibility initiatives, educational programming, community outreach, and audience engagement efforts associated with the production.
“USF Credit Union is proud to support initiatives that enrich the communities we serve,” said Rick Skaggs, CEO of USF Credit Union. “Rainbow To Your Door reflects the power of culture, education, and the arts to inspire meaningful conversations and strengthen community connections.”
Production Scheduled for October 2026
Media relations and promotional efforts for the production are being coordinated by Fierce Entertainment.
Rainbow To Your Door is scheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026, at the Timucua Arts Foundation in Orlando.
Additional information regarding ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities, and the community challenge campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.
Media Contact:
Rob Henlon
Fierce Entertainment
rob@alwaysfierce.com
For sponsorship information and production updates, visit Rainbow To Your Door.
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