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clergy appreciation month

Peace in Forgiveness!!

On this week’s Monday Motivation, we shared motivation about forgiveness and eternity. Plus, we played our Family Feud question for Mystery Monday! Here’s what we talked about:

Joe’s Motivation: Luke 15:1-7 (NIV): Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Gabriella’s Motivation: It’s dangerous to think that we always see what’s true—that we possess internal clarity about our lives. However, we suffer from a deadly confusion and repeatedly demonstrate that even our best wisdom—left to itself—eventually yields misery. “There is a way that appears to be right,” Proverbs says, “but in the end it leads to death” (16:25). We think we see what’s real, but too often we’re confused. Even our keenest insight is riddled with misperceptions. Even our clearest vision is still cloudy, imperfect, and often ruinous.

That’s why we need God’s wisdom (vv. 20-21). We need Him to illuminate the truth and guide us into what’s real. We need Him to lead us out of our deadly confusion and into wholeness and life.

October is Clergy Appreciation Month. WNZR helps you honor your pastor!

WNZR is celebrating Clergy Appreciation Month throughout October. This month is a time to honor our local pastors and their commitment to families in our community. Each pastor that is mentioned will receive TWO $25.00 gift certificates to local restaurants to enjoy a dinner out with family. Each pastor will ALSO receive a WNZR goodie bag!

Fill out the form on our website wnzr.fm! This Thursday at 11:59pm is the last day to vote for this year’s Clergy Appreciation!!

Name something that might give you a jolt.

  1. Electricity/wires (53)
  1. Coffee/ caffeine (25)
  1. Lightning (10)
  1. Spicey foods (6)
  1. Taser Gun (6)

Congratulations to Haley of Mount Vernon for guessing the top two answers correctly and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Tune in Tomorrow for Artist Newsday with Joe and Brock!

Thanks so much for listening!

– Joe and Gabriella 🙂

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A First For Megan Woods!?!

The hit series The Chosen is getting a new musical companion. Songs Inspired by The Chosen: Seasons 1–5, an 11-track record, will be released October 30 and features original music inspired by the first five seasons of the series.

The album’s third single, “I Love The One,” brings together seven-time Grammy-winning country trio Lady A and four-time Grammy-winning R&B group Boyz II Men. The song explores themes of healing, hope, and the transformative power of encountering Jesus.

Lady A’s Hillary Scott says several of her favorite Bible stories inspired the song, including the woman healed after touching the hem of Jesus’ garment. Scott also shared how watching The Chosen with her teenage daughter has deepened their appreciation for Jesus’ love and mercy.

The album also features Jamie MacDonald’s song “Roots,” inspired by Psalm 1.

The album arrives ahead of the two-part debut of The Chosen Season Six, with new episodes beginning November 15 on Prime Video. A feature film is also scheduled to hit theaters March 12. Click HERE to see the exact countdown till it releases!

WNZR is collaborating with MVNU’s office of spiritual life for an exclusive showing of Season 6, Episode 1, on October 29th at 7pm in the R.R. Hodges Chapel!

Megan Woods has released her self-titled debut album, Megan Woods. The 10-track project explores identity, hope, and finding your worth in Christ.

Woods first gained national attention with her breakout single, “The Truth,” which has surpassed 175 million streams and earned RIAA Gold certification. The song also reached number one on multiple Christian radio charts.

Named Billboard’s number one Top New Christian Artist of 2025, Woods has continued to build her audience through powerful vocals and honest, faith-filled songwriting. Her new album features the current radio single, “Heaven Down Here,” which is inspired by the work of Compassion International. The song is now playing on more than 70 radio stations and has reached the top 15 on both Mediabase Christian AC and Billboard Christian AC Airplay.

Woods is currently on the fall leg of The Truth Tour, running through November 22, with special guest Jeremy Rosado. She’ll also return to the Grand Ole Opry stage on October 28.

This week’s Song Poetry was a stumper, but come back next week for a chance to win TWO $5 gift card to Watts Resturant in Utica!

Tune in Tomorrow for Who Knew Wednesday with Joe and Gabriella!

Thanks so much for listening!

– Joe and Gabriella 🙂

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You’re Problems WILL Be Repurposed!!

On this week’s Praise Thursday, we gave inspiring devotions and worshiped through songs. Plus, we played Name That Tune in the second hour! Check on our website wnzr.fm and participate in the giveaways we have going on! Here’s what we talked about:

Daniel’s Devotion: To those who don’t know, I got engaged on Sunday. My girlfriend of a year and friend for far longer than a year decided that I was (pause for effect) “eh, good enough” to marry. We got to work the next day on preparing what we need to do and plan for. We started looking at churches, planning potential honeymoon locations, deciding what color theme we’ll use, and, importantly, deciding who we would invite. Right now, we have been putting nearly every friend we would want to come on the list and inviting every single family member we can think of, it’s been kind of a joyous thing to do.

Planning my wedding kinda got me thinking about something Jesus said in Matthew 22. Since the beginning of time, he’s been planning his own wedding. I’ll abridge it a bit, but Jesus has been planning the reunification of his kingdom; the wedding is for his Church and himself to be restored. As someone who’s planning one myself, I got to reconsider what that really means. Think about it, my closest friends and family, making it the perfect occasion, and how much excitement is going on around it. That’s what Jesus feels.

Modernly, it’s the happiest day of one’s life, and you are all invited to Jesus’ wedding. The king of the universe wants you- yes, you to come to the happiest moment of his life. Can you imagine that? Imagine how excited you might have been for your own wedding, or when you plan yours; it’s exciting, and Jesus thought of you when planning it. We don’t know when the wedding will be, but make sure your calendar is cleared for the wedding supper of the Lamb.

Gabriella’s Devotion: The devotional looks at Moses when God called him from the burning bush. Moses felt inadequate and didn’t think he had much to offer, asking what he had in his hand—a simple shepherd’s staff. When Moses threw the staff down on the ground in obedience, God turned it into a snake and back again, using it as a sign of His power. The writer notes that God often takes our ordinary skills, career changes, or past experiences and repurposes them in fresh ways for His kingdom. The piece draws a parallel to how large ships—such as the retired SS United States—have been intentionally sunk to serve as artificial reefs on the ocean floor, transforming something from one stage of use into a life-sustaining habitat for marine life. Similarly, God can repurpose our lives and resources no matter where we are in our journey. Check the full story on Our Daily Bread Ministries.

October is Clergy Appreciation Month. WNZR helps you honor your pastor! WNZR is celebrating Clergy Appreciation Month throughout October. This month is a time to honor our local pastors and their commitment to families in our community. Each Friday, 5 local pastors will be honored on The Morning Thing. Our morning show hosts will share their names and churches along with comments from their church family. Each pastor that is mentioned will receive TWO $25.00 gift certificates to local restaurants to enjoy a dinner out with family. Each pastor will ALSO receive a WNZR goodie bag! Tell us why you love your pastor. Fill out the form on wnzr.fm! Your Church should be within 25 miles of Mount Vernon.

WNZR’s Dove Awards Prediction Prize Giveaway !! Cast your predictions for the Dove Awards and get registered to win a special Dove Award Nominee Prize Package featuring special gifts from 2026 Dove Award nominees!! Tell us who you think will win “Song of the year” and “Artist of the year” at the 57th annual Dove Awards. Fill out the form on wnzr.fm. You’ll see the nominees and a place to click with your votes. A list of nominees for “Song of the year” and “Artist of the year” is available on the form. All correct predictions will be entered into the Dove Award Nominee Prize Package giveaway. Entries will only be accepted if both categories are correct. TONIGHT AT 11:59 IS THE DEADLINE!!!!

This week’s Name That Tune was… Father Let It Be by Sidewalk Prophets! Congratulations to Mason of Mount Vernon for guessing correctly and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Tune in Tomorrow for the NZ Top 10 with Brock and Joe!

Thanks so much for listening!

– Gabriella and Daniel 🙂

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PUMPKIN!!

On this week’s Who Knew Wednesday, we had some fall-festive conversations. Plus, we played our “Who am I” trivia in the second hour! Here’s what we talked about:

Who Knew Fact: National inner beauty day- It serves a profound and urgent purpose–to raise awareness and mobilize support for the victims and survivors of human trafficking. This day is not about aesthetics. It’s about recognizing the inherent worth, spirit, and dignity—the true inner beauty—that traffickers attempt to steal. We stand together to honor the resilience of survivors and take meaningful action to end this modern-day slavery.

Who Knew Fact: National pumpkin seed day– do you like roasted pumpkin seeds? Before you carve your Halloween pumpkin, don’t discard its contents! Tucked inside is a nutritional powerhouse celebrated on National Pumpkin Seed Day. Falling on the first Wednesday of October, this food day recognizes the crunchy, savory seed that is packed with protein, magnesium, and healthy fats, making it the perfect guilt-free snack for a crisp autumn day.

Who Knew Fact Check: Is Johnny Appleseed this weekend? YES! Experience Mount Vernon and Ariel-Foundation Park invite the community to celebrate the arrival of fall at the 6th Annual Johnny Appleseed Fall Festival on Sunday, October 11, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Schnormeier Event Center at Ariel-Foundation Park. Presented by the Peoples Bank of Gambier, this free event will feature live music, food trucks, festive activities, local vendors, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy an autumn afternoon together. WNZR will be at Ariel Foundation Park for the Johnny Appleseed Fall Festival! For more information go to wnzr.fm! Stop by and register to win a special prize!

Who Knew Fact Check: Tomorrow is the last day to participate in WNZR’s Dove Awards Prize Prediction Giveaway? YES! Go to wnzr.fm and click on the Dove Awards banner to give us your predictions for a chance to win our awesome prizes! Scroll to the bottom and give us the artist of the year and song of the year you think will win!

October is Clergy Appreciation Month. WNZR helps you honor your pastor! WNZR is celebrating Clergy Appreciation Month throughout October. This month is a time to honor our local pastors and their commitment to families in our community. Each Friday, 5 local pastors will be honored on The Morning Thing. Our morning show hosts will share their names and churches along with comments from their church family. Each pastor that is mentioned will receive TWO $25.00 gift certificates to local restaurants to enjoy a dinner out with family. Each pastor will ALSO receive a WNZR goodie bag! Tell us why you love your pastor. Fill out the form on wnzr.fm!

Who Am I?

  1. I was born on October 7, 1959, in London, England. 
  1. I began my career working in the music industry, eventually becoming a successful music executive and producer. 
  1. I became widely known as a judge on American Idol, where I was known for giving direct opinions to contestants. 
  1. I created The X Factor and helped develop the Got Talent franchise, including America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent. 
  1. I have helped launch or support the careers of several successful music acts, including One Direction, Fifth Harmony, and Leona Lewis. 

I am… Simon Cowell! Congratulations to Nicole of Mount Vernon for guessing correctly and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Tune in Tomorrow for Praise Thursday with Daniel and Gabriella!

Thanks so much for listening!

– Gabriella and Joe 🙂

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The Prince of Peace!?!

Who Knew Fact Check: National Oatmeal Day! You can celebrate by eating oatmeal in new and creative ways, like trying a savory recipe with cheese, making overnight oats, or baking oatmeal cookies. Try an oatmeal face mask for skin rejuvenation!

Who Knew Fact Check: National Cat Day! You can spend quality time with your own cat by playing or grooming, give treats and new toys, or support cats in need by donating to a local shelter or becoming a foster. You can also share photos and stories of cats online, learn more about cat welfare, or adopt a cat if you’re ready!

Who Knew Fact Check: A snail can sleep for three years? Yes! Some snails can sleep for up to three years by entering a state of dormancy called estivation (to survive heat/drought) or hibernation (to survive cold). They seal themselves inside their shells with a mucus layer to stay moist and protected, slowing their metabolism to survive harsh conditions.

October is almost over, BUT there’s still time to show your pastor appreciation. This Friday during the morning thing is the last drawing along with our GRAND drawing. Go to wnzr.fm to nominate your pastor for Clergy Appreciation Month!

Who am I?  

  1. I was born Oct. 29th, 1942, in Daytona Beach, Florida 
  1. I had a PBS television show, “The Joy of Painting”, which aired in 1983-1994
  1. I am known for my soothing voice, gentle personality, and calm demeanor 
  1. I served our country in 1961 for 20 years in the U.S. Air Force 
  1. My most expensive painting is “A Walk in the Woods,” which is valued at $9.85 million

I am… Bob Ross! Congratulations to Kari of Mount Vernon for guessing correctly and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Tune in tomorrow for Praise Thursday with Ethan and Gabriella!

Thanks for listening!

– Joe and Gabriella 🙂

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Truly Trust in God’s Path!!

On this beautiful Praise Thursday, we shared inspiring worship music, gave devotions, shared updates, and played a fun game of NTT! Check out our website wnzr.fm!

Many people have been in a difficult position. You can’t control what people say or do, but you can control how you react. As followers of Christ, it’s our duty to not fight fire with fire. Kindness triumphs when those who’ve received it from God share it generously with others as the Spirit helps them. 1 Peter 3:8-12 (NIV): “When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us.”

Most of us have heard “don’t bite the hand that feeds you,” the same is true in your relationship with God. God has a plan for us, but most of us try to go on our own path. God’s path’s are trustworthy, for He loves us and has our best interests at heart. Psalm 32:6-11 (NIV): “I will instruct… you in the way you should go… with my loving eye on you.”

To read more click HERE!

This month is a time to honor our local pastors and their commitment to families in our community. Tell us why you love your pastor. Go online to wnzr.fm and click on the “Clergy Appreciation Month” banner. Nominate your pastor at www.wnzr.fm TODAY!

This week’s Name That Tune was “The Love I Have For You” by Colton Dixon. Congratulations to Jennifer of Centerburg for taking home TWO $5 gift cards to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Tune in tomorrow for The NZ Top 10 with Joe and Ethan!

Thanks so much for listening!

– Ethan and Gabriella 🙂

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Dog’s are a Man’s Best Friend!?!

Who Knew fact checks– National make a dog’s day. We use this day to ensure that the dogs around us enjoy themselves as best as possible. 

Who Knew fact checks: National nut day. It was created by Liberation Foods Company to encourage the public to choose healthier snack options. This is your day for nutty fun!

Who Knew fact checks: National smart is cool day. Recognizes, appreciates, and celebrates being smart!

October is almost over, BUT there’s still time to show your pastor appreciation. Go to wnzr.fm to nominate your pastor for Clergy Appreciation Month!

Who am I?   

  1. I was born on this day in 1938 in Stamford, Connecticut. 
  1. I’m known for my role as Emmett “Doc” Brown in the Back to the Future trilogy. 
  1. I also played Uncle Fester in The Addams Family films. Jim Ignatowski in the TV series Taxi. 
  1. I have won three Primetime Emmy Awards.  
  1. I have won 13 awards overall in my career. 

I am…Christopher Lloyd! Congratulations to Theresa of Mount Vernon for guessing correctly and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Tune in tomorrow for Praise Thursday with Ethan and Gabriella!

Thanks for listening!

– Joe and Gabriella 🙂

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Your Heart Belongs to God!!

On this beautiful Praise Thursday, we shared inspiring worship music, gave devotions, shared updates, and played a fun game of NTT! Check out our website wnzr.fm!

Gabriella’s devotion: A God-fearing woman is a good thing to be called especially by your children. On Rosie’s birthday her family wanted to go around and talk about the life she has lived. Her children said something that will never leave her soul. They called her “a God-fearing woman” and she felt a sense of accomplishment after. It should be everyone’s goal to be a God-fearing follower of Christ. Parents are a role model to their kids and it’s their responsibility to show them who God is. Proverbs 31:24-31 (NIV).

Ethan’s devotion: Tom was fighting a chronic illness and wanted to spend time with God, but he couldn’t find a way to position his body where it wasn’t painful for him. He fell to his knees in pain and that prayerful posture proved to lessen the agonizing ache. He felt comfort in the next mornings on his knees praying out to God. In painful and challenging times He helps us submit to His will and live out a prayer posture in our hearts, we can find comfort and peace in Him. 2 Chronicles 20:5-12 (NIV).

Read more about

This month is a time to honor our local pastors and their commitment to families in our community. Tell us why you love your pastor. Go online to wnzr.fm and click on the “Clergy Appreciation Month” banner. Nominate your pastor at www.wnzr.fm TODAY!

This week’s Name That Tune was a stumper, but come back next week to win TWO $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Tune in tomorrow for The NZ Top 10 with Joe and Ethan!

Thanks so much for listening!

– Ethan and Gabriella 🙂

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Don’t be a Grouch!!

Who Knew – The acid in your stomach can dissolve steel. The hydrochloric acid in your stomach is strong enough to dissolve some metals, including stainless steel. This process takes a long time and requires immersion. 

Who Knew fact checks: National Grouch Day– Is it a day to literally be a grouch? Yes, it’s an unofficial day for people to embrace their inner grouch. Inspired by Oscar the Grouch and Sesame Street magazine. Don’t be a grouch!

Who Knew fact checks: National I Love Lucy day. Day to commemorate the premiere of the iconic American sitcom ‘I Love Lucy’ that first aired on October 15, 1951. Happy 74th anniversary to I Love Lucy!

Who Am I?   

  1. I was born today, October 15, 1943, in The Bronx, New York City. 
  1. I became famous for my role as Laverne DeFazio on the hit sitcom Laverne & Shirley. 
  1. My brother Garry was a well-known writer, director, and producer who created Laverne & Shirley as well as a show called Happy Days. 
  1. I made history as one of the first women to direct a film that grossed over $100 million. The movie was Big, starring Tom Hanks. 
  1. I also directed A League of Their Own in 1992, which was another huge success. This film also featured Tom Hanks.  

I am… Penny Marshall! Congratulations to Heather of Mount Vernon for guessing correctly and taking home a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Tune in tomorrow for Praise Thursday with Ethan and Gabriella!

Thanks for listening!

– Joe and Gabriella 🙂

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