Tuesday, July 31, 2012

OLYMPIC MEDAL COUNT

CLICK HERE to keep up with the 2012 Games!

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

Join In The Sound
by Brothers McClurg | Genre: Praise & Worship

Emerging Voices
by Jesus Culture | Genre: Praise & Worship

'Til the Storm Passes By
by Lynda Randle | Genre: Southern Gospel

The Quiet Life
by Anchor & Braille | Genre: Rock

Faith EP
by Je'kob Washington | Genre: Urban

V4...The Other Side Of Victory
by JAMES "J" MOSS | Genre: Urban

Better: The Fan Appreciation Album
by Chris Lee Cobbins | Genre: Urban

Glory Songs
by AMP | Genre: Rap

WANT MORE? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Jeremy Camp

For over a decade Jeremy Camp has been ruling the Christian music charts. He debuted back in 2004 shortly after his first wife died of ovarian cancer just five months after they were married. She was 21. The raw reality of a tested faith was evident in every song. Since then, God has blessed Jeremy with a new family, success and opportunities to use his journey to impact lives every day through music.

Jeremy Camp's latest worship album is called We Cry Out. “The Lord says in Jeremiah 29:13, ‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’ But we live in such a distracted society; we let the world’s noise divide our focus and our hearts. Our generation is in desperate need of crying out to God.”

Jeremy Camp By The Numbers:
Over 3-million records sold
GRAMMY nominated
Multiple Dove wins (even more nominations)

Family: Adie Camp is Jeremy's second wife and mother to their two children.  She used to be the lead singer of Christian rock band The Benjamin Gate - and now does solo projects as well as co-writes songs with her husband and sings back-up for his band.

Progressive: Jeremy Camp has an official iPhone app to keep up with his concerts, videos and more.

Album: I Still Believe: The Number Ones Collection

Book: I Still Believe

Twitter: @jeremycamp

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Walk By Fait (Acoustic)



What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?
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SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Jesus met Zacchaeus on the outskirts of what city?

A:  Jericho (Luke 19)

NOBODY GOT IT RIGHT?!

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Monday, July 30, 2012

New week. New Grace.

OLYMPIC MEDAL COUNT

CLICK HERE to keep up with the 2012 Games!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Barlow Girl

Since releasing their self-titled debut in 2004, sisters Rebecca, Alyssa and Lauren Barlow have continuously inspired fans with intimate portraits through music. The focus is always on sharing what God has placed on their hearts. whether that be through a song on an album, or talking with a group of young fans for hours after a concert.

The girls' dad Vince Barlow is a pastor at Willow Creek Community Church outside of Chicago. Becca, Alyssa and Lauren got their start playing as his backup band for youth events. A lot of their lyrics deal with issues like eating disorders, self-mutilation, abortion, prayer and self-worth.

Fun Fact: Years before Barlow Girl became a band, the group Superchic[k] wrote a song called "Barlow Girl" after meeting the sisters and being impressed by the stance for purity.

Happy Birthday: Lauren Barlow's birthday was Saturday.

Album: Our Journey ... So Far

Twitter: @alyssabarlow @laurenbarlow @rebeccabarlow

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Barlow Girl by Superchic[k]



What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?
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SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  True or False? Zacchaeus was a tall man.

A: FALSE! (Luke 19)

Congratulations to Nate for scoring the brand new album from MercyMe!

JOIN THE TEAM!

Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!


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Friday, July 27, 2012

The weekend in HERE!
Also, a little thing called THE OLYMPICS!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Justin Unger

Justin was raised in a Christian home in Phoenix, AZ. Justin says that it was in 8th Grade that he really made his faith in Christ his own. Middle School is usually a time when we search for our identity - and Justin found his identity solely in Jesus Christ. It was in the summer after 8th grade that Justin wrote his first song titled “To Know You Love Me” with his grandfather Larry Wright.

After winning a songwriting competition in Colorado in 2000, Justin moved to Nashville (still in high school) to nail down a recording contract with Atlantic Records. Justin joined the group Across The Sky and began touring - opening for Mark Schultz, Avalon, Downhere and many others. Two years of touring passed quickly. Justin got married and he and his wife welcomed their first child, Carson.

The Unger family then headed to Prescott, AZ where Justin became the worship leader at The Heights Church. Flash forward to today - Justin is still leading worship and recording and touring on the side. Now his family is four kids strong and life is full!

Justin Unger wants to create - just like the Creator - "..as a songwriter I believe that each new melody and lyric is nothing shy of a miracle, and even a gift from the Chief Creator Himself."

Album: Some Good Advice

Twitter: @justinunger

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Never Just Another Day (live)



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JOIN THE TEAM!

Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!


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Thursday, July 26, 2012

Today we honor Ernest Hansen and George Ortolano.  Two 1930s contemporaries who both invented dueling ice shaving machines and established the tradition of the Snowball. Best. Invention. Ever.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Kathleen Carnalli

Kathleen Carnali is an international touring artist whose ministry spans the globe as she brings to the world a strong message of love, hope and new life in Christ. Her love for the Word, gift of evangelism and heart for Worship underline all of Carnali's songs.

She has three albums to her credit, including her most recent release Be Still and Know.

Her voice has taken her to countries all around the world, such as Ireland, Germany, Italy, Honduras, South Korea, Canada, Australia, Haiti, Israel and around the US of A too!

"I believe that music can speak to people in ways that mere words cannot. Somehow, it can break through walls and barriers and reach down to touch the soul. What an awesome tool we have been given to share the Love and Good News of our Lord."  - Kathleen Carnali

Family: Kathleen and husband Brett are expecting a baby any moment now.  She's due next Wednesday!

Album: Be Still And Know

Twitter: @KathleenCarnali

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Kathleen Carnali singing in the heart of Jerusalem.



What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?
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SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Who was Jesus talking to when He said the verse we know as John 3:16?

A:  Nicodemus (John 3)

Congratulations, Kelly in Crisfield, MD!

JOIN THE TEAM!

Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!


LISTEN ONLINE

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Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Missed you at our Community Bible Study this morning.  
Make a plan to join us next Wednesday.
10 AM at Get'n Grounded Coffee Shop in Princess Anne, MD!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Chris Eaton

Since the early 1980s Chris Eaton has been building a profile as one of Britain's classic songwriters. His songs have been recorded by megastars Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Sheena Easton, Rachel Lampa, Rebecca St. James, Jaci Velasquez, Janet Jackson, 4Him and Jessica Simpson - just to name a FEW! His working relationship with Amy Grant is most profound. Almost all of her projects have included at least one song written by Chris Eaton.

Besides writing many of the number one hits on Christian radio over the past two decades, Chris also records and performs his songs. Just a couple of years ago he toured with Amy Grant, performing on his own and backing her up on many of their joint efforts.

Even though you might know many of Chris Easton's songs by heart, you probably don't know he's the man behind the curtain. Chris Eaton prefers to avoid the spotlight and spend his time routing for the Wolverhampton Wanderers (soccer). And his middle name is Neville. Total Brit.

Eaton Songs: Breath of Heaven, Everlasting Love, Flowers in the Rain, Lay It all On The Line, God So Loved The World, Live For You, No Greater Love, Friend For Life, River Of Life and many more!

Album: Dare To Dream

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: I Know My Redeemer Lives



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SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Which disciple refused to let Jesus wash his feet?

A:  Peter (John 13)

So who won that awesome new album from The City Harmonic?!
Congrats to Hannah in Modest Town, VA!

JOIN THE TEAM!

Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!


LISTEN ONLINE

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Tuesday, July 24, 2012

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

You Are The Fire: Live From Kansas City
by Dustin Smith | Genre: Praise & Worship

Magnificent Obsession
by onething Live | Genre: Praise & Worship

The Restoration
by Timothy Brindle | Genre: Rap

WANT MORE? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Al Denson

Al Denson is originally from Starkville, MS.  He's had a decades long music career and branched into religious radio and television.  Denson has written 19 songs that reached the top 10 on Christian radio charts nationwide and seven songs that reached the #1 position on the Christian radio charts.  In addition, he has been nominated for five Dove Awards, and he won Song of the Year. He has been a featured performer for Billy Graham's and Franklin Graham's crusades and Dawson McAllister Ministries.

Denson also hosts a weekly television show called The Al Denson Show, which is aired on Trinity Broadcasting Network, Daystar, and INSP, as well as on the Sky Angel satellite TV service. He has since also started a program called The Parent Factor, a radio show geared towards parents.

Honors: In 2009 Al Denson was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame.

Album: Amazing Love

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: I've Got Something to Say



What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?
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SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  According to the Gospel of Matthew, who asked Jesus if James and John could have places of power in His coming Kingdom?

A:  Their mother! (How embarrassing!) (Matthew 20)

Congratulations to Hannah from Accomack, VA for picking up a very cool Chris August CD!

JOIN THE TEAM!

Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!


LISTEN ONLINE

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Monday, July 23, 2012

JOIN THE TEAM!

Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Sixteen Cities

Sixteen Cities is a Christian pop rock four-piece band from Portland, Oregon.  The band started out as a public school worship and prayer ministry in 2002.  They started meeting at their school each week, in an attempt to reach their friends for Christ. It wasn't long before the band knew they were called to use music as a way to reach their generation. After graduating high school, they decided to go into the music industry full-time, embarking on an indie artist career in the northwest.  In 2009 Sixteen Cities signed with Centricity Music and in 2010 they released their first major release.

Their songs were featured on TV shows like "One Tree Hill" and have been played in the retail store Hollister. A busy tour schedule has taken Sixteen Cities all over the world, playing at festivals, conferences, churches, schools and camps with artists such as Casting Crowns, Kutless, Building 429 and Sanctus Real.  This past fall, Sixteen Cities released a worship EP called Your Love Is.

"It is our desire to be a band of servants, humbly offering our gifts and talents to reach this world for Christ. We know we're just a bunch of normal guys, living each day in the grip of God's grace." - Josiah Warneking

Summertime: The band is leading worship for several youth camps across the country.  They'll be spending the next few weeks with teens in Missouri, Michigan, Indiana and Texas!

Line-Up:
Josiah Warneking
Josh Miller
Joel Warneking *Joel got married yesterday!
Chad McCutchen

Album: Love is Making A Way

Twitter: @sixteencities

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Love Is Making A Way



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SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  According to the book of Matthew, what is the one permissible reason for divorce?

A:  Adultery. (Matthew 19)

And the JJ Weeks Band album goes to... Rose in Laurel, DE!

LISTEN ONLINE

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Friday, July 20, 2012

Are you ready for a fantastic weekend?! 
Kick it off the right way - with the Joy Ride!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Casting Crowns

Lead singer Mark Hall says, “Our main purpose, above all else, is to know Him more.” In just eight years Casting Crowns has wracked up over 8.2 million album sales, 3 GRAMMY Awards, an American Music Award, 14 Dove Awards and a dozen chart-topping radio singles! Even as Casting Crowns has become Christian music's most successful act, Hall and his fellow band members have continued working at their home churches. Hall has remained a youth pastor at Eagles Landing Baptist Church as the band's music ministry has gained global acclaim.

After all the accolades, all the awards, all the time on the road and in the studio, why does Casting Crowns continue to do what they do? The answer is simple: It’s their calling – God’s calling on the lives of these seven committed and talented musicians. To pour their lives into the students and families God has placed in their paths. To set discipleship to music. To challenge and strengthen the body of Christ. It’s what brought them together in the first place and what keeps them going.

Tonight, Casting Crowns headlines the fun at the Delaware State Fair in Harrington!

Line Up:
Mark Hall
Megan Garrett
Melodee DeVevo
Hector Cervantes
Chris Huffman
Juan DeVevo
Brian Scoggin

Album: Come To The Well

Twitter: @castingcrowns

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Jesus, Friend of Sinners



What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?
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SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Jesus said that a wise man builds his house upon a what?

A:  A rock.

Congrats to Gladys in Salisbury!

JOIN THE TEAM!

Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!


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Thursday, July 19, 2012

Have a prayer request?  We pray.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Nicole C Mullen

Nicole C Mullen started her music career as a background vocalist/dancer/choreographer. But her talent went far beyond support. She wrote "Redeemer" and the Jaci Velasquez hit "On My Knees."

Both hits were named Song of the Year at the Dove Awards. With that distinction she joined the ranks of Gloria Gaither and Michael W. Smith as the only songwriters to ever have two songs honored as the Song of the Year. In fact, she is the first African American to ever win a Dove Award in the category!

When NCM began the writing process for Captivated, she set out to craft a funk album - but God had other plans. As she began writing and recording it became evident that Captivated would be a worship album. Nicole had shyed away from making a worship project up to this point, not wanting to be trendy, but authentic.

Album: Captivated

Twitter: @nicoleCmullen

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Holy Captivated in Africa!



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SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  What did Jesus do before breaking the bread and giving it to the disciples to feed the multitude?

A:  He gave thanks. (Matthew 14)

Score for Rusty in Southern Maryland!

JOIN THE TEAM!

Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!


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Wednesday, July 18, 2012

The week is halfway over, already?!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Meredith Andrews

A few years back, Meredith Andrews was a recent college grad working as the worship leader at Chicago's Harvest Bible Chapel. Then Word records released her debut album The Invitation. And her world changed. Fast!

Almost instantly she found herself touring with Michael W. Smith and wracking up radio hits. Since 2008, Meredith has released two hit albums, garnered Dove nominations, gotten married and had a baby!  This year she'll release her third full-length album and is already racing up the charts with her first single Not For A Moment.

A native of Wilson, NC, she began singing in church when she was only six-years-old, and by the time she was in high school, she was writing songs and leading worship. Andrews went on to attend Liberty University (like our own Rodney Baylous!), majoring in family and child development. Meredith originally planned to work at an orphanage. However, during her junior year at Liberty, she felt God calling her into music ministry.

Awesomeness: Meredith's son's name is Maverick!

Album: As Long As It Takes 

Upcoming: A new album is excpected from Meredith this Fall!

Twitter: @MereMusic

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: What It Means To Love





What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?
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SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  When the Disciples saw Jesus walking on the Sea of Galilee, what did they think He was?

A:  A ghost! (Matthew 8)

Way to go, Amy on Chincoteague Island!

JOIN THE TEAM!


Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!

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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

The Acoustic Sessions EP
by Kari Jobe | Genre: Praise & Worship

LOL
by Natalie Villa | Genre: Pop/Rock

Rhythm N' Moves
by Capital Lights | Genre: Pop/Rock

Redirect
by Your Memorial | Genre: Hard Rock

Weight & Glory
by KB | Genre: Rap

WANT MORE? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Austins Bridge

The story of Austins Bridge began in 2007 when Jason Rivers and Justin Baird (formally of the Crabb Family) set out to form an all male trio named Austins Bridge. Joined by Mike Kofahl, their southern sound mixed with a bit of country and bluegrass was different from anything on Christian radio at the time.  Their debut album scored them several Dove award nominations and they won for Best Bluegrass Recorded Song.

As former music ministers, Austins Bridge has a passion for the church. Their mission is to build up the body of Christ, and reach as many unbelievers with the message as possible. While bridging the gap between different genres of music, they want to show the world that the gospel can be portrayed through different types of music and still have a huge affect on people.

A gifted multi-instrumentalist, Justin plays piano, drums, bass, acoustic, electric guitar, banjo, mandolin, and fiddle. Each member brings a diverse set of influences to Austin’s Bridge. Pressed to define how they’d categorize their unique sound, the guys may even reply, “contemporary pop country bluegrass with a little bit of funk.”

In 2008 Mike Kofahl left the group and was replaced by long-time friend of the band Toby Hitchcock.  Their 2010 album Times Like These was nominated for a Grammy in 2011.  Despite critical success, the cost of touring and the downturn within the music industry, the band called it quites this past February.

Album: Times Like These

Video: Dry Bones



What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?
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SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  In what town did Jesus perform his first miracle?

A:  Cana (John 2)

Congratulations to Rodney in Pocomoke!

JOIN THE TEAM!

Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!


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Monday, July 16, 2012

Ready for a fresh start? Embrace the Monday!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
The City Harmonic

In 2011, a band hailing from Ontario, Canada made a tremendous splash into the United States.  Their debut album Introducing The City Harmonic featured a hit song that captivated the American Christian radio audience and scored a surprise late hit.  The song was Manifesto.  That one track soared to #5 on iTunes and swiftly got over 1 million hits on YouTube.  Before the end of 2011, The City Harmonic became the best selling new artist on Billboard’s Top Current Digital Sales Chart.

The band's first full-length album I Have A Dream has already conquered the airwaves with hit songs like the title track and their latest Mountaintop.  It'd be one thing if their popularity was fueled simply by their creative piano driven rock sound, but it's the lyrical depth that gives the band staying power.  Many times, taken directly from scripture, always doctorinely sound, and constantly surging towards moments of worship - The City Harmonic's songs have been called "a roadmap with only one route, to sum up the journey of faith and mystery."

“Being a Christian now is more difficult than it was 200 years ago,” Elias says of the thematic trail. “We face tragedy at every turn because of the way our media and culture operates. The stories of this world have let us down. Politics have let us down. We try to cope with it by becoming apathetic or by hiding in the Christian bubble—some altered version of the American dream where living for Christ leads to personal comfort— even misguided Christian stories can let us down and this is the tension of the world we live in.  Christianity isn’t a tool to escape suffering, it’s a lens by which we understand it and the means by which we live through it. Our culture is built on the notion that our spirituality can be compartmentalized but, simply put, the Christian story isn’t.  We can go from mountaintop to valley in the span of a day, and in the midst of that valley Christ calls us to love our neighbors, our enemies, just as if we were with them on the mountaintop. Apathy may be a natural result of today’s broken world, but the Christian story is that Christ is redeeming his creation and we have a role to play as the body of Christ.”

Prayer: Eric Fusilier, guitarist for the band, is currently undergoing treatment for ALL, or Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.  It's a difficult journey, fighting cancer while touring around the world.  His wife and bandmates are standing by him throughout the process, but the band has been very public in asking fans and friends to pray for God's hand to be upon the situation.

The City Harmonic is:
Elias Dummer
Eric Fusilier
Aaron Powell
Josh Vanderlaan

Album: I Have A Dream (This Feels Like Home)

Twitter: @TheCityHarmonic

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: I Have A Dream (This Feels Like Home)



What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?
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SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Who was the elderly prophetess who rejoiced at seeing Jesus at his presentation in the Temple as a baby?

A:  Anna (Luke 2)

Congrats, Emma on New Market, MD!

JOIN THE TEAM!

Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!


LISTEN ONLINE

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Friday, July 13, 2012

Are you ready for a fantastic weekend?!
Kick it off the right way - with the Joy Ride!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Jeremy Horn

On his 15th birthday, Jeremy Horn's older brother gave him a guitar.  And that was the beginning of his life's calling. Over the next month's using an old "learn guitar" book he found in the attic, Jeremy taught himself how to play.  Horn’s zeal to serve God with his musical gifts has resulted in a flourishing role as worship leader at Christ the Rock Church in Memphis, Tennessee.

Horn was born and raised in Memphis, a town where the music is as much a part of life as great barbque (afterall, Memphis is where Elvis called home)!   He grew up listening to Big Tent Revival, Skillet and his parent's old DeGarmo & Key cassettes. As a teenager, he got a job as a temp (answering phones and making coffee) at Ardent Records (a great Christian record label).

Today, Horn is a married father of two young boys, and he’s still part of the Ardent family - though now as a recording artist. He knows his way around a guitar and a recording studio after years of helping other musicians.  And with Sound of the Broken he offers an album of worship meant to remind us that the Spirit of God rests inside of broken people, and that God wants to use us to tell His story of redemption.

Album: Sound Of The Broken

Twitter: @jeremyhorn

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Tutorial: How to Play Surrender



What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?
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JOIN THE TEAM!

Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!


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CLICK HERE for Joy 102.5! (Christian Hits)
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Thursday, July 12, 2012

Thursdays can be great, too, you know.  It's not likely, but possible...

ARTIST OF THE DAY
August Rain

The inception of August Rain resulted from a few early song collaborations between drummer Frank Bowen and then guitarist Josh Kirk in 2009.   Fellow musicians Denise Bowen, Paul Kendall and Matthew Janzen were quickly recruited to share in the pursuit of developing the band's initial sound.

Barely a year old, August Rain embarked on a journey to record an album of original music.   Recording veteran Jonathan David Brown produced the album, with the hope that the songs and the sound would be a fresh voice in christian music.   The appeal of that initial recording went beyond expectations, gaining airplay on numerous radio and internet stations.   In turn, the success of the music opened up opportunities to perform to a variety of audiences in concert and through TV appearances.

With the departure of lead singer Josh Kirk in the fall of 2010, August Rain turned to Matthew Janzen to front the group and Erich Janzen was brought in to assume the bass guitar duties.   The change in lead vocal dynamics broadened the musical style which is reflected in the overall production of their newest album "Time."

The unique appeal of the music is its ability to reach people with a spiritual message without invoking a "preachy" style.   Their goal is to give the listener an experience that goes beyond the immediate or as one industry executive endorses "a music style that you just can't get out of your head; in a good way!"

Album: Time 


Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Yahweh Highway





What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?
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SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  How did the mourners respond when Jesus told them the that daughter of Jairus was no dead but only sleeping?

A: They laughed. (Mark 5)

Way to go, Sarah in Greenwood, DE!

JOIN THE TEAM!

Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!


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CLICK HERE for Joy 102.5! (Christian Hits)
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Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Is it the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end?
Wednesday ponderings...

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Avalon

Avalon by the Numbers:
4 million records sold
21 chart topping singles
13 albums
6 Dove Awards
3 Grammy nominations
1 American Music Award

So who has that sort of success and says "I think we need to shake things up a bit?" That's exactly what Avalon did with their latest album Reborn. As artists they wanted to be more than just relevant, but to push the envelope and deliver music with a message that will reach the world.

Avalon was formed in 1995 by Grant Cunningham, A&R director at Sparrow Records. Cunningham was in search of a vocal group that could sing tight harmonies and carry God's message to the world. He pooled talent from mega group Truth and other struggling soloists to form the harmony driven vocal group - and its been a whirlwind of excellence for the last 16 years!

Current Line-up:
Janna Long
Greg Long
Jeremi Richardson
Amy Richardson

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

Album: Reborn

Twitter: @AVALONtheGroup

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Everything to Me (live)



What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?
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SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Whose mother asked Jesus to give her sons places of honor in His coming Kingdom?

A:  James & John (Matthew 20)

Congratulations, Janet in Lexington Park, MD!

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Tuesday, July 10, 2012

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

So I Can Tell
by Cheri Keaggy | Genre: Adult Contemporary

Introducing Katie Gustafson
by Katie Gustafson | Genre: Praise & Worship

Sunday Mornin' Singin'
by Rhonda Vincent | Genre: Southern Gospel

Young Man Follow
by Future of Forestry | Genre: Alternative

Cold Hard Want
by House of Heroes | Genre: Rock

Murdered Love
by P.O.D. (Payable On Death) | Genre: Hard Rock

The Search Is Over
by Mellatonic | Genre: Pop/Rock

WANT MORE? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Rich Mullins

Born and raised in Indiana, Rich Mullins was a farm boy with Quaker roots. He studied classical piano while playing for his church with his grandmother. As a child, Mullins was a part of a regionally touring group, The New Creations Choir. He later used his fame and money to found New Creations church and school for teens.

The profits from his tours and the sale of each album went to his church, which divided it up, paid Mullins the average salary in the U.S. for that year, and gave the rest to charity. He was considered a radical for bucking the mega-church trends of the 80s.

"..if I want to identify fully with Jesus Christ, who I claim to be my savior and Lord, the best way that I can do that is to identify with the poor."

Mullins was heavily influenced by St. Francis of Assisi. In 1997, he composed a musical called Canticle of the Plains, a retelling of the life of St. Francis set in the Old West. He also spent a lot of time evangelizing and living with Native Americans (particularly the Navajo). Mullins died in a car accident in 1997.

Famous Albums: Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth (1988), The World As Best As I Remember It, Volume One (1991) and A Liturgy, A Legacy, & A Ragamuffin Band (1993).

The Movie: CLICK HERE 

Video: Step By Step



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SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Who did Jesus first meet up in a tree near Jericho?

A:  Zacchaeus (Luke 19)

Score for Sara in Bloxom, VA!

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Monday, July 9, 2012

It's a new week, full of hope and expectations!
So let's save all the disappointment for Tuesday.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
The Museum

The Museum took shape when singer Ben Richter and guitarist Geoffrey Ashcraft moved from Texas to Georgia and plugged into a church where drummer/programmer Josh Kirk was the janitor. Soon they were leading local worship services together and then traveling on musical mission trips overseas.

Joined by bassist Chris Brink in 2009, The Museum is continuing its commitment to global outreach while also developing an important bond with churches across the United States. Ben’s passion for staying rooted in a spiritual community brought the group to Briarlake Church near Atlanta where it still leads worship most Sundays. Additionally, the guys have helped out at neighboring North Point Community Church’s partner Atlanta locations and around the country as well as Ben leads at the multi-site Elevation Church in North Carolina on a recurring basis.

For The Museum, reaching out to the world in need was a priority long before it had the platform that a record deal provides. Geoffrey lived in Belize for many years with his missionary family. Josh—who recently earned a commercial pilot’s license—will someday fly mission workers and supplies into remote areas. Together, the band partners with Overlooked, a company that donates proceeds from t-shirt sales to provide clean water to children in Africa, help free young girls from sexual slavery, which is a global issue, and feed victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

What's in a Name: In Romania, Josh was deeply moved to be part of a large Christian gathering in a town square where communism had been overthrown in 1989. A nearby museum containing humble evidence of that revolution also left a remarkable impression. It was that particular museum that led to the band's name. Josh says, “because we hope our music and those we share it with can be the evidence that Christ has done a revolution in our hearts.”

Fun & Games: If there's a basketball court nearby, that's where you'll find the guys of The Museum during tour stops.

Coming Soon: A new album My Only Rescue hits shelves 08.28.12

Album: Let Love Win

Twitter: @TheMuseumMusic

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Love Will Find You



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SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Who was ordered to help Jesus carry His cross?

A:  Simon of Cyrene (Matthew 27)

Congrats, Beverly in Atlantic, VA!

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Friday, July 6, 2012

It's not hot out there.  It's all in  your head.  Or was that a heat stroke?

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Chris Sligh

Chris Sligh entered the American Idol spotlight and earned a lot of fans.  Ultimately he didn't win the singing competition, but that time in the spotlight earned him a shot in the music industry.  While he could have written and performed in the secular market, Sligh felt called to use his talents to minister to Christians.

“I chose to be in Christian music. I walked away from a mainstream record deal because I felt like this was where God had me.” - Chris Sligh

Chris Sligh signed with Word records and has written and produced a couple of fantastic albums.  On top of his own music, Sligh writes and produces for other artists - in fact, he's penned over 150 songs for other musicians, both Christian and secular (including the Rascall Flatts hit Here Comes Goodbye.

“I’m not writing happy songs for you to clap along with,” he says. “I’m writing songs to challenge you to be a better person.” - Chris Sligh

More recently, Sligh has stepped out of the limelite to focus on being a husband and father - and most importantly a man of God.  He's the worship pastor at Rocky Mountain Christian Church in Niwot, CO (just North of Boulder).

New Music: Chris Sligh has been working quietly on a new album to be entitled For Our God & King.  The album will be an indie release and the plan is to give it away for free!  CLICK HERE to check out the latest on the project.

Fun Fact: Chris was asked to play Shrek on Broadway, but his post-Idol tour conflicted.

Album: The Anatomy of Broken

Twitter: @ChrisSligh

Tour: CLICK HERE

The Experience of Worship: TUMBLR

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Empty Me (live at Church)



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SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  While dying on the cross, Jesus committed the care of his mother to which Apostle?

A:  John (John 19)

Congratulations to our FIRST TIME WINNER Yvonne from Lewes, DE!

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Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!

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Thursday, July 5, 2012

July 4th is over - so time for Back to School sales?

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Andrew Peterson

You know those people who have just done so much in their young lives that leave you a little embarrassed by how little you have accomplished?  Andrew Peterson is one such individual.

Discovered by Caedmon's Call, Andrew Peterson is a singer-songwriter who isn't afraid to challenge the norm. He was nominated for "Country Recorded Songs Of The Year" at the 2004 Dove Awards, even though he's not strictly a country musician. He's spent over a decade touring with artists Caedmon's Call, Derek Webb, Nicole Nordeman, Jill Phillips, and other members of the mysterious "Square Peg Alliance."

The SPA is a group of Christian artists who push the envelope when it comes to lyrics and reaching the lost for Christ by actually going to them, rather than hoping they show up at a church show.  They often play at bars, instead of churches, and host Q&A sessions at their table after the show.

Further establishing his artist cred - Peterson is the proprietor of The Rabbit Room - a community of songwriters, authors and artists interested in storytelling, faith and fellowship.

The Writer: As if being an acclaimed singer/songwriter wasn't enough - Andrew Peterson also writes award winning fantasy novels and kids' books!  CLICK HERE to check out his work.

Current Events: Andrew Peterson is writing and recording a new album - and working on his children's fantasy book series!

Music:CLICK HERE

Twitter: @AndrewPeterson

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Dancing in the Minefields




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SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Who replaced Judas as an Apostle?

A:  Matthias (Acts 1)

Score for Andrew - a first time winner!

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Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!


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Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Happy 4th of July!

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Kari Jobe

Kari Jobe knew at 10 that she would be a worship leader. Raised in a Christian home with a father who was a traveling minister, Kari began singing in church when she was 3. Through high school and college, Kari watched God set the path before her as she began leading worship in various places. She spent time studying at Oral Roberts University, Christ For The Nations and Dallas Baptist University, where she finished her psychology and Pastoral Ministries degree.

For the past seven years Kari has been a worship pastor at her home church in Southlake, TX. She has been a featured singer on Gateway Worship projects and in 2009 released her self-titled debut album. More recently, Kari released a new worship project entitled Where I Find You.

About We Are: “We Are is a song of commission for us as believers,” says Kari, “to be reminded of what we’ve been called to; and that is to impact people’s lives in everything we do.”

Album: Where I Find You

Twitter: @karijobe

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: We Are (acoustic)

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

Cornerstone
by Hillsong LIVE | Genre: Praise & Worship

More Power to Ya: 30th Anniversary Edition
by Petra | Genre: Rock

This Means War!: 25th Anniversary Edition
by Petra | Genre: Rock

Release
by Clint Brown | Genre: Praise & Worship

Take Him to the World
by Myesha Chaney | Genre: Gospel

Captors
by Wolves At the Gate | Genre: Hard Rock

Milestone
by Gideon | Genre: Hard Rock

WANT MORE? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Sara Groves

This former teacher, who lives in Minnesota with her husband and their three kids probably wouldn't strike you as a famous songwriter if you caught her in the grocery store or out at the park playing - but she's already a legend in Nashvillian circles.

When it comes to songwriting, Sara Groves influences the influencers. Her most vocal admirers range from pioneers of Christian worldview music, including Randy Stonehill, Michael Card and Charlie Peacock, to her peers today, Natalie Grant, Jars of Clay, Nichole Nordeman, Point of Grace and Bethany Dillon.

Sara Groves started writing songs when she was four years old. She describes her youth as being "lonesome", and she wrote about deep issues while still in junior high school. Eventually, she took a songwriting course, prompted by her husband, and she began to take the art seriously.

Accolades: Sara has been nominated for many Dove Awards over the years, including "New Artist of the Year" in 2002. She was named one of the best Christian music artists of 2005 and the album, Add to the Beauty, was named "Album of the Year" for 2005 by CCM Magazine.

Album: Invisible Empires

Twitter: @grovesroad

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Eyes Wide Open




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SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  What was bought with the 30 pieces of silver Judas got for betraying Jesus?

A:  The potter's field/burial place for strangers.  (Matthew 27)

Congrats to Jackie in Fishing Creek, MD!

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Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!


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Monday, July 2, 2012

Cities, counties and states across our country are cancelling fireworks displays. Some for finances, others for safety in fire prone areas.  Many other communities will still have fireworks so during your celebrations for the 4th of July, pray for safety in all of our communities.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Darlene Zschech

Darlene Zschech used to be the worship pastor of Hillsong Church. Having spent 25 years at the Sydney based mega-church, she 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.

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.

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

Album: You Are Love

Twitter: @DarleneZschech

Tour: CLICK HERE 

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: High And Lifted Up



What artists would you like to hear featured on The Artist of the Day?
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SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Which Apostle was a tax collector before following Jesus?

A:  Matthew/Levi (Matthew 9)


Congratulations, Cheryl in Royal Oak, MD!

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Joy 102.5 is a listener supported ministry.  You can be a part of this amazing ministry by supporting us financially. CLICK HERE to learn more!


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CLICK HERE for Joy 102.5! (Christian Hits)
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