CALVARY CROSS †
Calvary Cross Band Members (left to right):
Tim Duffy, Bassist and Back-up Vocals; Jena Tully, Piano/Keyboard and Back-up Vocals; Craig McKenry, Percussion
and Back-up Vocals; Nick Miller, Lead Vocals; Dawn Rager, Keyboard and Back-up Vocals; and Chuck Rager, Guitar.
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OUR JOURNEY...
In May of 2009, Calvary Cross came into existence. It's a very interesting sequence of events and a strong testimony to God's perfect timing! Several of us had been playing together in another local worship band but due to personal circumstances and availability issues, we were separated and somewhat discouraged for a short time. We were ready for a very-needed change, but we did not want to give up on the music ministry God had placed on our hearts... After months of prayer in trying to discern a new path for ourselves, God answered us with an outstanding new bassist and back-up vocalist, Tim Duffy. Then after our debut at Bethany United Methodist Church in October 2009, our band family increased with the joining of an energetic and skilled Jena Tully, a pianist/keyboardist and back-up singer. More recently (in February 2010), God once again answered prayer and blessed us with an exceptional new lead vocalist and worship leader, Nick Miller. It's so true that when God lays something upon your heart, He will provide the way. You just have to "keep the faith" and keep lookin' up! Sometimes, the "little bumps" in the road are required to get you where God wants you to be:
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [Romans 8:28 (NIV)]
OUR MUSIC...
Our music styles include: country-pop, folk rock, and soft to hard rock (and we've been known to jam a few "Oldies" from time to time, too!). We cover many contemporary Christian tunes often played on KLove (105.7 FM) -- but, sometimes, with our own twist. We also look forward to playing our own originals in the very near future, so stay tuned! ♫ ♪
OUR MISSION...
Calvary Cross is a very special group of musicians and singers who enjoy each others' company and fellowship, share a love for Jesus and music, and enjoy helping others to worship in spirit and truth [John 4:23].
Come and worship with us; we're about having fun! God wants us to have a good time and renew ourselves through worship and fellowship, friends. It's time we forget that "religious stuff" and some of the misconceptions we've learned about how we ought to worship (There is more than one way to worship.). IT'S OKAY to raise those hands, clap, and dance in the presence of the Lord!
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. [Psalm 100:1 (NIV)]
It's also OKAY to bow and kneel during worship when the Holy Spirit touches your heart... Sometimes, the quiet and subdued moments are just as important and impactful to us and our worship as the joyful and upbeat ones. Sometimes...the sad, gentle strings of a muted guitar and quiet reflection are just what we need, too!
*It's just about making that connection... † Won't you join us?
Our band members (in alphabetical order)...
*Tim Duffy
Tim (or "Timmy" as we fondly call him) is a founding member, bassist, and back-up singer for Calvary Cross. Tim has been playing bass for 43 years and has been a member of several bands: The Attraction Company, Marble, and Oz (among others). He regularly listens to: Oldies Top 40, Classic Rock, and Classical music. Some of his favorite artists include: Chicago, The Doobie Brothers, The Steve Miller Band, and The Beatles. Tim's favorite Christian song is "He Reigns." Tim and his wife, Marie, operate the very successful local business called Marie's Nutcracker Sweet, Inc. (a family artisan bakery located in Richland Township). Tim and his family (and grandchildren) reside in Johnstown, PA.
*Craig McKenryCraig is a founding member, percussionist, and back-up singer for Calvary Cross. He is a former band member of Heavy Faith along with Chuck and Dawn. Craig has been playing drums for 38 years and has traveled up and down the east coast (and was based in Palm Beach, Florida for a time) as a member of the following bands: Fifth Avenue, Brandi Over Ice, Bob and Brandi Baker Band, Clap Hands Here Comes Charlie, and Birdland. In the late 80's and into the early 90's, Craig played for two local bands called Flash and Rock-It. He enjoys listening to: 1950's Doo-wop, 1960's Rock and Roll, 1970's Rock and Disco, and 1980's Rock -- all the way up to today's popular Christian Rock music. One of his favorite artists is Pat Benatar. Craig's all-time favorite Christian songs are: "Shout to the Lord" by Darlene Zschech, "El Shaddai" by Amy Grant, and "I Will Rise" by Chris Tomlin. Craig, Tisha (his wife), and 3 daughters reside in St. Michael, PA.
*Nick MillerNick is an exciting, new addition to the Calvary Cross worship band! Nick is our new lead singer and "front man" who has been singing and performing at churches for the past 15 years. He also led worship at the Cornerstone Church in Johnstown for a brief time. Nick has sung the National Anthem for two different Major League Baseball teams -- the Cleveland Indians and the Colorado Rockies. He also has sung the National Anthem for the opening of a Johnstown Chiefs' game (a local Minor League professional hockey team). Nick has a passion for pointing people upward during worship and bringing them into a total intimate, authentic, and powerful worship experience. Nick enjoys all Christian music and his favorite Christian artists are Third Day and Casting Crowns. Finally, Nick is married to his best friend, Patti, and they have 5 young children (whose names all begin with a different vowel! Pretty Cool!). Nick and his family reside in Windber, PA.
*Chuck Rager Jr.Chuck is a founding member and lead guitarist for Calvary Cross. He has been playing guitar for more than 21 years. Chuck has been in a few garage bands over the years and a former member of Heavy Faith along with Craig and Dawn. In recent years, Chuck has taken a keen interest in writing and recording his own originals. He enjoys listening to: Oldies, Classic Rock, Folk, Blues, and "Hair Band" music of the 80's. Some of his musical influences include: Robert John "Mutt" Lang (a music producer and song writer), Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, ACDC, and RUSH. His favorite Christian song is "Grace Like Rain." Chuck is married to Dawn, one of the band's keyboardists, and they and their twin daughters reside in Johnstown, PA.
*Dawn RagerDawn is a founding member, keyboard player, and backup singer who has been playing keyboards for more than 25 years. She is a former member of Heavy Faith along with Craig and Chuck. She regularly listens to: Oldies (50's and 60's), Classic Rock, 80's Top 40, 80's "Hair Band" music, and Christian Pop and Rock. Some of her favorite artists and bands include: Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys, The Vogues, Paul Anka, Simon & Garfunkle, Peter Paul & Mary, The Mamas & the Papas, Boston, Van Halen, YES, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, U2, Creed, The Clarks (area band), and Michael W. Smith. Her favorite Christian songs are: "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" by Michael W. Smith, "I Will Rise" by Chris Tomlin, "He Reigns" and "Grace Like Rain." Dawn is married to Chuck, the lead guitarist, and they and their twin daughters reside in Johnstown, PA.
*Jena TullyJena is a skilled pianist/keyboardist and back-up singer who also happens to have a music education degree (Lucky for us!). Jena is a former member of That Band, a college band from the Arbutus Park area in Johnstown. She regularly listens to: Country Pop and Rock, 80's music, and Christian Pop and Rock. Her all-time favorite Christian artist is Michael W. Smith (whom she met backstage during a recent concert in Johnstown) and some of her favorite Christian songs are: "Blessed Be Your Name," "You Are My All in All," and "Here I Am to Worship" (and of course anything recorded by Michael W. Smith!). Jena and her husband, Andy, reside in Johnstown, PA.
