Thursday, June 30, 2011

WATERMELON 101

Here's three easy tips to picking the best/ripest watermelon!

1. LOOK – Your watermelon should be firm, symmetrical and free of major bruises or scars. Some minor scratches are okay, however. After all, the purpose of that thick rind is to protect the delicious contents inside. Ripe watermelons should also be dark green in color.

2. LIFT – The ripest watermelons have the most water. And since watermelons are 92 percent water, your watermelon should be relatively heavy for its size.

3. TURN – Turn your watermelon over and check out its bottom, which should have a creamy yellow spot (also called “the ground spot”). This is where the watermelon sat on the ground while it soaked up the sun at the farm. If this spot is white or greenish, your watermelon may have been picked too soon and might not be as ripe as it should be.

Thanks to everyone who gave for our special June $70,000 match!
There's still time to give! DONATE NOW!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Darlene Zschech



She has been the voice of Hillsong for twenty years! Many of the praise songs sung worldwide were written by Darlene Zschech. Aside from singing, song writing and pastoring, Darlene is a globally published author. Her latest book tackles generational-ism in the body of Christ. It's called The Great Generational Transition.

Darlene was formerly the worship pastor of Hillsong Church. Having spent 25 years at the Sydney based mega-church, Darlene and her husband Mark left in 2007 to take up new roles as Senior Pastors at Church Unlimited in Australia. Darlene still works very closely with Hillsong through - leading concerts and touring with their various praise teams.

Fun Fact: As a young adult Zschech sang jingles for a number of international companies including McDonald's, KFC and Coca Cola.

Latest Album: You Are Love due out in September 2011

Want More? CLICK HERE

Rare Concert Opportunity: This August Darlene Zchech will be leading worship for the Wave Conference in Virginia Beach! CLICK HERE FMI.

Video: Change Your World

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who was taken by Satan to the highest point of the Jerusalem Temple?

A: Jesus (Matthew 4:5)

Way to go Janet of Hurloc!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Just 1 1/2 days left to help us hit our special June $70,000 match!
Can you give? DONATE NOW!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Brandon Heath



The song Give Me Your Eyes was the first single off of Brandon Heath's sophomore album What If We. That song caught like a fever and became of the most played songs on Christian radio around the world. That one song was Brandon Heath striking gold. Because after that one song, the relative unknown became a multiple Dove Award winning/GRAMMY Award nominee staple on everyone's top 10 charts!

How do you follow up such success? Well Brandon enlisted his friends to co-write the majority of Leaving Eden. Teaming up with Jason Ingram, Lee Thomas Miller, Dan Muckala and many others - Brandon Heath has crafted a powerful album, filled with pop-hooks and inspired lyrics.

Brandon grew up surrounded by music - raised in Nashville, the epicenter of Christian music. It was through a Young Life camp that Heath became a christian (at the age of 16). Heath writes, produces and leads worship outside of his music career. And Carey Underwood had him sing his hit song Love Never Fails for her and her husband's first dance at their wedding reception.

Fact: Brandon's father was a police officer and his mother a hair dresser. They divorced when he was 5.

Latest Album: Leaving Eden

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: The Story Behind Leaving Eden



Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What Phillistine soldier was famously slain by a boy carrying a bag of stones?

A: Goliath (1 Samuel 17:48-54)

Way to go Patti from Delmar!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Just 3 days left to help us hit our special June $70,000 match!
Can you give? DONATE NOW!

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

Your Sparkling Death Cometh
by Falling Up | Genre: Alternative

Open It
by William Wallace | Genre: Rap

Nothing Is Impossible
by Planetshakers | Genre: Praise & Worship

Want more info? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Plumb



Tiffany Arbuckle Lee is the voice and face of the Christian band Plumb. Off and on, Plumb has been making amazing music that is never quite what the standard of the day happens to be. Call it being "before their time" or retro or inventive - Plumb pulls heartstrings with deep, passionate lyrics and sonically takes listeners to a place they can't get to through any other artist.

Tiffany Lee grew up in Fayetteville, GA and started her career as a backup singer. Her career is in its second decade and her music has been featured on six feature films (including Bruce Almighty) and many other television shows (mostly on the CW). As a busy mom, Plumb doesn't have many concerts, and without pressure from record labels, we never know when new Plumb might pop up. But we wait with bated breath.

Fun Fact: Tiffany Lee also writes for other singers - including Michelle Branch, Kimberly Locke and Mandy Moore.

Latest Album: Beautiful History

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Sink N Swim



Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What beautiful woman committed adultery with David?

A: Bethsheba (1 Samuel 11)

Congratulations, Bonnie!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Just 4 days left to help us hit our special June $70,000 match!
Can you give? DONATE NOW!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Rachel Lampa



Rachel Lampa was born in Ann Arbor, MI and grew up in a tightly knit family just outside of Boulder, CO. As a family, they clung to Christ through hard times, including job losses and divorce. Through the hard times, God used Rachel's voice to inspire and bring healing. And it was her voice that landed her a Word Recording contract at the age of 14.

The next 8 years of Rachel's life were filled with recording, touring, promoting - a crazy travel schedule that stretched right through adolescence. Some of her adventures included an appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The View, ET, CNN, the privilege of recording at Abbey Road Studios in London, and a performance for the Pope in Rome in 2000.

After a few years of rest and searching, Rachel Lampa got married, started writing music again, moved to Nashville and has a new album due out this September!

Fun Fact: Rachel starred as Sally in the Christian DVD Hidden Secrets, co-starring John Schneider (from The Dukes of Hazzard).

Album: Human EP

New Album: Due out September 2011

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Rocketeer (featuring Tyler Ward & Crew/ Far East)



Scriptural Pursuit

Q: In what city did Rahab live?

A: Jericho (Joshua 2:1-6)

Way to go, Brenda!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Just 6 days left to help us hit our special June $70,000 match!
Can you give? DONATE NOW!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Remedy Drive



Remedy Drive is a Nebraskan band that brings a rock edge to contemporary praise and worship. Despite only recently garnering attention on the Christian charts, the group formed back in 1998. They've got over a decade of touring and recording practice, which gives them an immense appreciation for the success they have stumbled into in recent years.

David Zach and his brothers Paul, Philip and Daniel founded the band, but in 2010 all but David decided to move on from Remedy Drive. The Remedy Drive song, "Hope", was used for the Vancouver Olympic Games commercial in 2009 - 2010. The band regularly tours with Skillet, Superchick and others. This year the band in independently releasing an EP called Light Makes A Way.

Fun Fact: Narnia fans will be impressed that the original name of the group was The Aslan Band.

Remedy Drive:
David Zach
Timmy Jones
Corey Horn
Dave Mohr

Album: Light Makes A Way EP

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Daylight



Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who threw a javelin at (future king) David?

A: (King) Saul (1 Samuel 18:11)

Congratulations, Scott!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Just 7 days left to help us hit our special June $70,000 match!
Can you give? DONATE NOW!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Chris & Conrad



Chris and Conrad came together as a duo in 2007 after being introduced to one another as solo artists and potential co-writers. Along with writing their own music, the duo wrote for other bands. Chris Kuti wrote We Want The World To Hear for Big Daddy Weave.

Ironically, while both Chris and Conrad are accomplished songwriters, their first and biggest single (Lead Me To The Cross) was written by Brooke Fraser. The band, unfortunately, is no longer touring together. Chris and Conrad split as of some time in November, 2010.

Only Album: Chris & Conrad

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: You're The One (Acoustic)



Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What cousin of Jesus was imprisoned for criticizing King Herod's marriage to Herodias?

A: John (the Baptist) (Matthew 14:3-5)

Congratulations to Kathryn - just passing through on vacation from Michigan and you became a winner!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Just 8 days left to help us hit our special June $70,000 match! Can you give? DONATE NOW!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Bebo Norman



Jeffrey Stephen "Bebo" Norman is from Columbus, GA. He was originally involved in Young Life Ministries and gained a considerable fan base by performing at the summer camps there. He made friends with the members of Caedmon's Call and toured with them for years.

Hist latest single God of My Everything is a compassionate song born out of his older brother's struggle with prescription drug abuse. Now 2 years clean and sober, this song is a testament to how God can bring hope and healing even in the most hopeless of situations.

Latest Album: Ocean

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: God Of My Everything



Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Which Disciple was stealing from the treasury?

A: Judas

Way to go Mrs. Anna!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

The Journey
by Stuart Townend | Genre: Praise & Worship
*Townend wrote In Christ Alone & How Deep The Father's Love For Us

On Fire
by Peter Furler | Genre: Pop/Rock
*Former front-man for the Newsboys

Collage
by The Katinas | Genre: Adult Contemporary

Perfect Love
by Ronnie Freeman | Genre: Adult Contemporary

Unfailing Love
by Patrick Paegel | Genre: Adult Contemporary

Love Is Waiting
by Danen Kane | Genre: Adult Contemporary

Coming Alive
by Casey Darnell | Genre: Praise & Worship

Dwell
by Aaron Keyes | Genre: Praise & Worship

Leveler
by August Burns Red | Genre: Hard Rock

Never Odd or Even
by Shonlock | Genre: Pop/Rock

Forever Ended Yesterday
by These Hearts | Genre: Pop/Rock

Fire It Up
by Various Artists | Genre: Rock

Before My Beginning
by Jon Cleland | Genre: Rap

New Day
by The Martins | Genre: Southern Gospel

WANT MORE? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
The Afters



The Afters are a Christian rock band founded by Joshua Havens and Matt Fuqua. Havens and Fuqua first worked together in a Starbucks coffee shop in Mesquite, Texas, where they played for customers, before deciding to form a band. They added Brad Wigg and Marc Dodd, who were also employed at the same Starbucks, under their original name of Blisse. Their song "Never Going Back to OK" was the most-played song on R&R magazine's Christian CHR chart for 2008.

Recently both Brad and Mark left the group to pursue other life outside of the crazy touring schedule. Founders Josh and Matt welcomed Jordan and Dan to the group, and the new album (Light Up The Sky) has a different - more pop/less punk sound due to the changing dynamics of the band.

Random Music History: As a precursor to Blisse, Matt and Josh performed several shows around Dallas as The Screaming Mimes, a reference to a St. Francis of Assisi quote "Witness at all times. Sometimes use words."

Latest Album: Light Up The Sky

Want More? CLICK HERE http://theafters.com/#!/ss:facebook

Video: The Story Behind Light Up The Sky



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q: What leader acknowledged the innocence of Jesus but allowed Him to be crucified anyway?

A: Pontius Pilate (John 18-19)

Way to go Wendy of Snow Hill, MD!

Monday, June 20, 2011

The June Match is almost over! We need your help to take full advantage of this amazing opportunity. We've been given a $70,000 match for the ministry! Every gift - no matter what the size - is being double for WOLC! DONATE NOW!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Anthony Evans



Born and raised in Dallas as the third of four children, 30-year-old Anthony grew up in a family of great achievers. His father, Dr. Tony Evans, is the founder and president of the internationally syndicated radio and television program “The Alternative” and senior pastor of the more than 8,000-member Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. His mother, Lois, is the executive vice president of The Urban Alternative.

Growing up singing, Anthony’s musical career took a more serious turn after college when he began a two-year stint as a vocalist with TRUTH. Next he toured for four years as a vocalist for good friend and gospel music sensation Kirk Franklin. Anthony’s other musical influences vary from Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith to Commissioned, Andre’ Crouch and The Winans.

Anthony has teamed with varying organizations including the Billy Graham Evangelical Association, Lifeway, Women of Faith, Promise Keepers, and many more, as his heart and their messages have crossed. Anthony currently resides in Franklin, Tennessee. He spends most of his free time with his close friends or on a local farm with his horses.

Latest Album: Undisguised

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Behind The Scenes of Undisguised



Scriptural Pursuit

Q: From what country was the eunuch that was baptized by Phillip?

A: Ethiopia (Acts 8:27)

Congrats Larissa!

Friday, June 17, 2011

This Sunday is Father's Day - so don't forget to wish your Dad a happy one! Ties are still good presents, if your dad wears ties. If your dad wears overalls - you might skip the tie...

Gift Idea of the Day: A Powermat. These things let you just drop your phone or device on the mat - without plugging your device in! Super cool, but a bit pricey for a glorified phone charger...

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Needtobreathe



Named after the acclaimed University of Alabama football coach Bear Bryant, brothers Bear and Nathaniel Bryant "Bo" Rinehart were born and raised in rural Possum Kingdom, SC, where their pastor father ran a church camp.

In 2008, Needtobreathe was nominated for two Dove Awards at the 39th annual GMA Dove Awards and in 2009, Needtobreathe's song "Washed by the Water" was nominated and won the Dove Award for "Rock/Contemporary Song of the Year."

Needtobreathe is:
Bear Rinehart (lead vocals, guitar, piano)
Bo Rinehart (backing vocals, guitar)
Seth Bolt (backing vocals, bass)
Joe Stillwell (drums, percussion)

Cool Fact: Needtobreathe is opening for Taylor Swift on her Speak Now tour.

Latest Album: The Outsiders

Want More? CLICK HERE

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Tick tock, tick tock...
That's the sound of you running out of time to get the perfect Father's Day gift!
Gift Idea of the Day: Coupon for a free foot rub. A little stinky, but very sweet - and cheap.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Avalon



Avalon has been singing in a variety of harmonies for over 14 years. Born out of the 80s singing phenomenon Truth - the group has had a revolving door of vocalists. Some leave for five or six years and come right back as if nothing happened - but change continues to be a driving force in the group. Musically they keep pace with the times, while the message is always Christ-centered and worshipful.

Avalon by the Numbers:
21 chart topping singles
6 Dove Awards
3 Grammy nominations
1 American Music Award

Current members:
Janna Long
Greg Long
Jeremi Richardson
Amy Richardson

Former Members:
Rikk Kittleman
Tabitha Fair
Nikki Anders
Cherie Adams
Michael Passons
Jody McBrayer
Melissa Greene

Latest Album: Reborn

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who slept during a storm on the Seao of Galilee?
(Hint: His disciples woke him up in a panic)

A: Jesus (Luke 8:23-24)

Congratulations, Denise - representing the Northern Neck of VA!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Can you believe Father's Day is almost here?!

Gift Idea of the Day: Hammock. A big one. Dad's like to share with the wife and/or the kids.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Mark Harris



After 15 years with 4Him, a collaboration that resulted in 22 No. 1 hits and 8 Dove Awards, Mark Harris has gone on to have a sterling solo career as well! As 4Him’s primary songwriter, Harris had spent years writing from a corporate perspective, making sure his words encompassed what the entire group wanted to say. Now, speaking only for himself, he was able to communicate more personal messages straight from his own heart.

Not only is Mark Harris continuing his musical career, but to give his family a solid foothold on life, he's the Head of Worship Ministries at Bay Community Church near his home on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. That security and home base allows for more time with family - and a needed church roots system.

“I believe that songs can make a difference when someone hears them at the right time. Because I’ve seen how songs impact people, I just can’t leave this behind." - Mark Harris

It's safe to assume Harris' songs will be gracing the radio airwaves for years to come!

Fact: Before 4Him, the guys were a part of the ensemble cast of Truth.

Latest Album: Windows and Walls

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: One True God Live Performance

One True God from Mark Harris on Vimeo.

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What Patriarch (of the Jewish faith) slept at Bethel and dreamed of angels?

A: Jacob (Genesis 28:11-15)

Congrats Christine from Federalsburg!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

Your Word
by Weekend Warrior Worship | Genre: Praise & Worship

Dream With Me
by Jackie Evancho | Genre: Adult Contemporary

All Things Bright And Beautiful
by Owl City | Genre: Techno

XV DVD
by Chicago Mass Choir | Genre: Video/DVD

Want More Info? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Jordan Biel



Jordan Biel is an artist, song-writer, worship-leader and speaker. For nearly six years he was a youth pastor, but just last year, Biel stepped out in faith to answer God's call to minister in other churches around the nation in leading worship and preaching.

Jordan is a PK (pastor's kid) and grew up in a solid home. At the age of 14 God called Jordan into ministry. Ever since that youth camp, ministry has been his dream and goal. Jordan Biel attended Brownsville Revival School of Ministry in Pensacola, FL and received Associates of Arts degrees in Pastoral Theology and Worship Ministry. After college, God lead him back to his home church, Rock of Grace Family Ministries in Kinsman, OH, to serve as the worship pastor and youth pastor.

Latest Album: Into Your Presence

Want More? CLICK HERE

Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What New Testament word means "teacher"?

A: Rabbi (John 1:38)

Way to go Darlene!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Some Mondays are the exciting beginnings to new adventures.
Some Mondays bring surprises.
Some Mondays are like the perfect cup of coffee to start your week.
I hope that your Monday was one of those and not the kind that bummed out Karen Carpenter so much.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Britt Nicole



A native of Salisbury, NC, Britt has always had a heart for reaching people and has long used music as the vehicle to change lives. She began singing in church at age three and by the time she was in high school, was appearing on her church’s daily television program and logged a performance at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall with her school’s advanced chorus.

Those early pursuits paved the way for her to sign with Sparrow Records in 2006. She burst on the charts a year later with her label debut, “Say It.” It was a super-fun album with surprising lyrical depth - and it earned her a slot on the Winter Jam tour that year with Steven Curtis Chapman, Jeremy Camp, NewSong and Hawk Nelson where she developed a reputation as a compelling live performer.

Aside for making a name for herself in the states - Britt's pop-electronica stuff has been charting solidly in the UK. Expect a lot more from her in the future. Even in her early 20s, she's already a veteran in the new world order of Christian music.

Latest Album: Acoustic (EP)

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Headphones



Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What future prophet/judge heard God calling to him late at night when he was just a boy?

A: Samuel (1 Samuel 4)

Congratulations Kim!

Friday, June 10, 2011

It's finally here - tomorrow is the BIG HUGE MEGA 5th ANNUAL MARANATHA YARD SALE! Unfortunately, we didn't get any of those blow-up wavy hand thingies they have at car dealerships - but fortunately there will be a ton of stuff for sale right here at the studio tomorrow morning starting at 7 AM!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Natalie Grant



Natalie Grant is an award winning singer and songwriter. She's four consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year Awards (2006-2009) at the Dove's and is never far from the top of the charts. Her latest album Love Revolution has already produced a handful of radio hits as well!

Born in Seattle, she currently lives in Nashville with her Canadian music producer husband, Bernie Herms, and their three daughters which includes a set of twins.

Beyond her artistry, Natalie Grant is an advocate for victims of human trafficking. The Home Foundation, which Grant created in 2005, has raised over a quarter of a million dollars to fight the trafficking of women and children for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Latest Album: Love Revolution

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: I Will Not Be Moved



Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who was the first person mentioned in the Bible to practice wine making?

A: Noah (Genesis 9:20-21)

Congratulations to Vivian & James - great teamwork!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Today I get to talk with J. Jackson of Apologetix.
Psyched about their show this Saturday night at Allen Memorial Baptist Church!
Check out the deets HERE!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Downhere



Downhere is actually from up there - Canada. Or as I like to call the Great White North - North Minnesota. Jason and Marc - co-lead singers of Downhere - met in college and have been laughing, writing and playing music together for over a decade. It's that friendship and sense of calling that keeps Downhere plugging away, even though the past decade has been anything but kind to the recording industry.

The band has been nominated for dozens of Dove Awards, Juno Awards, Covenant Awards and more. Sure most of those awards are "Canadian" but that doesn't make it less impressive. I mean how many awards have you been nominated for? That's what I thought...

The goal of the band's last album Ending Is Beginning: "a soundtrack for authentic Christian living. We try and take the truth we know from the Word, apply it to our lives, and create prayers, almost liturgies, which people can sing along to in their own pursuits."

Band Line-Up:
Jason Germain - co-lead singer/guitar
Marc Martel - vocals/guitar
Glenn Lavender - bass
Jeremy Thiessen - drums

Latest Album: On The Altar Of Love (Due Out August 2011 - preorder HERE)

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Preview of new single Let Me Rediscover You



Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Whose wife caused Joseph to be thrown into an Egyptian jail?

A: Potipher's wife

Way to go David - a first time winner!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

I popped a blister on my hand.

I have "soft hands" - since I usually work with computers and music - not hammers or construction materials. But today I joined Rodney and Dave - and together we prepped the Maranatha property for our HUGE 5th Annual Regional Yard Sale. We marked off the parking lot - and designed/organized the locations for you to set up your yard sale with us!

It's this Saturday so don't miss out the perfect opportunity to unload all that stuff piled up in the garage, shed, attic or your kids bedrooms...

You don't have to sign up or anything - just come this Saturday morning! Shopping begins at 7 AM - set up as early as 6 AM. I can't wait to see you here! Need directions? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Big Daddy Weave



Mike Weaver is a big guy, hence the name Big Daddy Weave! Simple, funny, slightly self depreciating - and yet once you get past the fun of simply saying "Big Daddy Weave!" you find a worship band that is sincere in there desire to lead others to throne of God.

BDW's fifth studio album What Would It Be Like is all about Grace - something they all feel is missing in a lot of today's evangelical churches: “We all grew up in church,” Mike explains. “That is awesome, and I’m thankful for it, but there is also some baggage that comes with that. We grew up hearing people talk about grace, but there seemed to be an unspoken law that said, ‘but you also have to do this, this, this, this, and this.’ Nobody ever said it out loud, but I saw how people who didn’t do ‘this, this, this, this, and this’ were treated."

What Would It Be Like is a question asked to the Church - what if we really practiced what we preach? It might sound cynical, but it is asked from an admission of guilt - and an inspiring hope of what we are called to be.

Right now the band is booking their Fall tour (Love Come To Life) - so churches - if you're interested CLICK HERE!

Latest Album: What Life Would Be Like

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Every Time I Breathe



Scriptural Pursuit

Q: After fleeing Egypt, who made the Israelites a golden calf to worship? (Hint: He's Moses' brother!)

A: Aaron (Exodus 7)

Way to go Kathy!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

The Road
by Tricia Brock | Genre: Praise & Worship
*Tricia is the lead singer of Superchic[k]

Plain And Simple
by Crystal Lewis | Genre: Adult Contemporary

Freedom Calling
by Jake Hamilton | Genre: Praise & Worship

With Shivering Hearts We Wait
by Blindside | Genre: Hard Rock

Live At The Masquerade
by Thousand Foot Krutch | Genre: Rock

Live In Concert
by Manafest | Genre: Rock

Want more? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Matt Redman



First and foremost, Matt Redman is a family man. He is married to Beth and they have five children; Maisey, Noah, Rocco, Jackson and Levi. Based in Brighton, England they are part of St Peters, a new church planted out of HTB in London. They are excited about the challenge of working in a city which is currently one of the most unchurched in the UK. Previously they were part of Passion City Church in Atlanta, USA with pastors Louie and Shelley Giglio, and continue to work alongside the Passion movement.

Matt has been leading worship full-time since the age of 20 and this journey has taken him to countries such as South Africa, Japan, India, Australia, Germany, Uganda, Croatia and the Czech Republic. His early compositions include ‘The Heart of Worship’, ‘Better is One Day’ and ‘Once Again’. More recent songs have included ‘Blessed Be Your Name’ and ‘You Never Let Go’ – both written with wife Beth and encouraging us to worship God through the storms of life.

His upcoming album (10,000 Reasons) is a live worship album recorded with over 10,000 worshipers in a packed arena - expect it to be incredibly powerful!

Fact: Matt and his wife Beth are both authors - with three books published between them.

Latest Album: 10,000 Reasons (Due out July 12, 2011)

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Introduction to 10,000 Reasons



Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Which apostle of Jesus recorded his visions of the world's end times in the book Revelation?

A: John

Congrats Carol!

Monday, June 6, 2011

The 5th Annual HUGE Regional Yard Sale is just a few days away! This Saturday you can come and sell, shop and hang with us! CLICK HERE FMI.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TETRIS!

I'm not much of a gamer.
But I can still appreciate that on this day in 1984 computer engineer Alexey Pajitnov created a great puzzle game that we still play today - only now on our smart phones instead of a Nintendo.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Sarah Reeves



19-year old Sarah Reeves is originally from Alabama and has garnered much attention in the last couple of years as "the next big thing" in worship music. She's a worship leader, song writer, artist and prayer warrior who intends for her generation to worship like no other before.

Born into a family of musicians, Sarah knew from an early age that music would be her career. With a father who was well-respected in the mainstream music business, she naturally assumed she would follow in his footsteps. But a radical encounter with God at a youth camp when she was 15 years old forever changed Sarah's focus.

Sarah says about her experience, "During that week, God messed up my whole perspective on worship. He humbled me. He filled me with the Holy Spirit. He called me to be a worship leader. He told me, 'Life is not about you, Sarah. Life is about Me. From this point on you will live to glorify My name, to reach people, and lead them into My arms.' My life has not been the same since that day."

This summer Sarah is busy leading worship for youth camps and retreats - which is how Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Building 429 and a host of others that rule the Christian charts got their start. When she has some free time, she's in the studio working on a new release for later this summer.

Latest Album: Sweet, Sweet Sound

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Story Behind Mighty Wave



Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What reluctant prophet was thrown overboard in a storm?

A: Jonah

Way to go Kevin!

Friday, June 3, 2011

Tomorrow I'll (Josh) be broadcasting live from the Francis Scott Key Family Resort in Ocean City, MD for the Ride Across Maryland - a motorcycle ride-fundraiser to fight cancer. I can't wait, but I have absolutely no motorcycle experience. Are you a rider? Learn more about Dick Gelfman's Ride Across Maryland.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Laura Story



There’s no denying some of the blessings in Laura Story’s life. She wrote the No. 1 worship hit “Indescribable” recorded in 2004 by Chris Tomlin, married a handsome athlete named Martin Elvington the next year, and began working in music and women’s ministry at the 4,000-member Perimeter Church in Atlanta. After signing an artist deal with the INO Records, her 2008 national debut won a Dove Award for Inspirational Album and earned Laura two consecutive nominations for Female Vocalist of the Year—all blessings, indeed.

But amidst that success a brain tumor hospitalized her husband in 2006. The faith Story sang about was put through the unexpected fires of fear and loneliness; most young newlyweds don’t imagine being kept alive at one point by breathing machines or having to find their way through significant post-operative vision and memory loss.

Throughout it all, Laura's faith kept her focused on Jesus. It's that faith that is explored through lament and praise on her new album Blessings. Offstage, she and Martin love to be outdoors, riding bikes or trekking their way through the book 50 Hikes in North Georgia. She also meets women from church for coffee a couple of times during the week, talking one-on-one about the lessons their congregation explores in Sunday worship. And it all pours back into her musical gift.

In Concert: Tomorrow Night @ Greenwood Menonite School

Latest Album: Blessings

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: The Story Behind the Song: Blessings



Scriptural Pursuit

Q: Who said "Tear down this Temple and I will raise it again in three days"?

A: Jesus (John 2:19)

Kudos to Debbie!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Some days are just hard.
Everything goes wrong. Everyone is in a bad mood. Absolutely nothing can fix it.
Ever feel like that?
The good news is that no day - no moment for that matter - is irredeemable.
It's not easy - but it is possible to "turn that frown upside down."
Prayer works. Ice cream helps.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
No Other Name



No Other Name was formed when siblings Sam and Laura made a new friend, Chad one day at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. The legendary concert venue was allowing tourists to get up on stage and belt a song out for fun. When Sam and Laura heard Chad, they knew he would be the perfect fit with their harmonies. Sam and Laura left their family's Christmas tree farm in Tampa to move full time to Nashville, while Chad finished his degree at Belmont University.

Shortly after forming their singing group, No Other Name caught the attention of legendary record executive Mike Curb who soon tapped them to become part of the Curb Records roster that includes Natalie Grant, Selah, Plumb and other Christian music notables.

Acts 4:12 is a favorite verse of the group; “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." The scripture encapsulates the essence of the gospel and defines the mission statement for No Other Name, a trio of talented young vocalists, dedicated to spreading the good news—and spreading it everywhere.

Latest Album: Lead You To The Cross EP

Want More? CLICK HERE

Music Video: Lead You To The Cross



Scriptural Pursuit

Q: What man (considered a Judge and Prophet) anointed the first two kings of Israel?

A: Samuel

Congratulations, EJ!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

This Saturday I'll (Josh) be broadcasting live from the Francis Scott Key Family Resort in Ocean City, MD for the Ride Across Maryland - a motorcycle ride-fundraiser to fight cancer.

I can't wait, but I have absolutely no motorcycle experience. Are you a rider? Learn more about Dick Gelfman's "Ride Across Maryland."

LEMONADE

Josh's Recipe:
* Fill blender half-way with ice.
* 1 Cup (overflowing) Real Lemon
* 3/4 Cup Sugar
* Fill the rest of the blender with water (leaving some space at the top for blending)
* Blend until frothy on top. Serve immediately.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
JJ Heller



Most overnight successes take years to accomplish. For example, JJ Heller began writing and performing music full time with her husband Dave back in 2003. But it was just last year that her song "Your Hands" skyrocketed her to Christian radio recognition. Only in the entertainment industry can a 7 year career be classified as an over-night success.

When I'm With You is actually JJ Heller's 4th studio album - but it might as well be her debut. JJ is expecting her second daughter in September, yet continues to tour with her husband as God is using their music to impact lives. When you listen to JJ Heller, listen for honesty and melody. It's those two words that define her style and life.

Latest Album: When I'm With You

Want More? CLICK HERE

Music Video: Control (song coming soon to Joy!)



Scriptural Pursuit

Q:What bald prophet was the performer of many miracles and the successor to another (similarly named) prophet?

A: Elisha (1-2 Kings)

Way to go, Richard!