iWORSHIP signs up as title sponsor for Michael W. Smith's Christmastime Tour 2002

Following the Platinum success of Worship, the near-Platinum selling Worship DVD, the recording of his second live praise & worship album, Worship Again (arriving October 22), and the Come Together and Worship Tour, Michael W. Smith will be wrapping up a busy 2002 with his Christmastime Tour. Title sponsored by iWORSHIP, the 14-city tour launches November 29 and runs through December 14. Smith will share stage with very special guests Point of Grace and debut artist Kara while continuing a ministry partnership with Compassion International.

This is Michael’s second Christmastime Tour; the first tour took place in 2000 with fellow artists Anointed and The Katinas. “Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I’ve recorded two holiday albums and look forward to singing many of those songs with Point of Grace and Kara,” notes Smith. “And though this is a Christmas tour, a good part of the evening will consist of worship, which is why I’m excited about partnering with our friends at iWORSHIP. Their presence will lend a unique visual element to each evening,” he adds.

iWORSHIP, a new interactive line of worship resources jointly created by Integrity Music, Maranatha!, Hosanna! Music, Vertical Music, and INO Records, is the title sponsor for this year’s Christmastime Tour. “iWORSHIP is pleased to be the lead sponsor for Michael W. Smith’s Christmastime Tour. We feel that this new brand will add something special to the events, enhancing the overall live, visual experience,” comments Daniel McGuffey, chief marketing officer/senior vice president, Integrity Music.

iWORSHIP resources include double disc albums, songbooks, tracks, and DVDs, which, for the first time ever, marry today’s most popular worship songs with experiential visuals, lyrics, and click track options. The iWORSHIP resources were created for use in times of personal worship as well as corporate worship by groups of all sizes.

As ministry partner on this tour, Compassion International continues its long-time relationship with Smith.“Compassion has a deep respect for Michael,” says Spence Smith, artist relations manager, Compassion International. “We appreciate his heart for children and are glad to come alongside him for Christmastime. Over the years, he’s been responsible for the sponsorship of thousands of children all over the world.” Michael adds, “The relationship I share with Compassion is such a natural fit with my life. I believe in pouring into people, and this organization offers a great way to put legs to that calling.”

Christmastime Tour 2002:
11/29/02 Ft. Wayne, IN Memorial Colliseum
11/30/2002 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
12/1/2002 Cleveland, OH CSU Arena
12/2/2002 Nashville, TN Gaylord Entertainment Center
12/3/2002 Little Rock, AR Alltel Arena
12/5/2002 Champaign, IL Assembly Hall
12/6/2002 St. Paul, MN XCEL Energy Center
12/7/2002 Chicago, IL Arie Crown Theatre
12/8/2002 Grand Rapids, MI DeltaPlex
12/9/2002 Salem, VA Salem Civic Center
12/10/2002 Greenville, SC Bi-Lo Center
12/12/2002 Lakeland, FL Carpenter’s Home Church
12/13/2002 Jacksonville, FL Veterans Memorial Coliseum
12/14/2002 Columbia, SC Carolina Center

*All dates subject to change. Visit www.michaelwsmith.com for the most current itinerary.