Tuesday, April 10, 2012

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

The Moment We’ve Been Waiting For
by FIKE | Genre: Praise & Worship

Heal Our Land
by Planetshakers | Genre: Praise & Worship

Center Of It All
by Desperation Band | Genre: Praise & Worship

Fearless
by Travis Ryan | Genre: Praise & Worship

Safe Place
by Kristene Mueller-DiMarco | Genre: Praise & Worship
*From Jesus Culture

Manifesto [We Believe]
by Various Artists | Genre: Praise & Worship

Precious Memories
by Alan Jackson | Genre: Country

Musical Revival
by Forever Jones | Genre: Gospel

Fighter
by Manafest | Genre: Rock

X 2012
by Various Artists - "X" Series | Genre: Rock

True Defiance
by Demon Hunter | Genre: Hard Rock

The Good Life
by Trip Lee | Genre: Rap

My Story
by Papa San | Genre: Reggae

Kind Of A Big Deal
by Chonda Pierce | Genre: Comedy


WANT MORE? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Point of Grace

Point of Grace first came to be 19 years ago at Ouachita Baptist University. Despite nearly two decades of Christian music stardom, at it's essense are women who are trying to live their lives right, be good wives and raise their children the best they can. In conjunction with their new album, they released a new cookbook, Cooking with Grace, featuring personal photos and stories to help raise money for an African orphanage.

The two-time Grammy nominees have sold more than 6.5 million albums and earned 24 consecutive No. 1 singles (27 total), a feat unmatched by any artist in any genre. They’ve also won 10 Dove Awards.

The title track of their upcoming album A Thousand Little Things was actually the last song written for the album.  Something felt incomplete and after a meeting with their producer the group began to flesh out what was missing - a sense of gratitude.  So with an ever growing list of things the women found themselves grateful for, the song was born and ultimately became the crowning jewel of the entire album.

Album: A Thousand Little Things (due out May 2012)

Twitter: @PointofGrace

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: How You Live (acoustic)



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  What kingdom took over Israel and took Daniel and others captive?

A:  Babylon (Daniel 1)

No correct answer!?  I'm shocked!

Monday, April 9, 2012

I hope your Easter was memorable and worship-filled!
If you have yet to connect to a local expression of the body of Christ - let us help!
CLICK HERE for our Area Church Directory.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Francesca Battistelli

Francesca Battistelli's last couple of years were more like a whirlwind than actual time! Bursting onto the scene with My Paper Heart, an album so rich with sincerity and filled with radio hits, made 2010 something of an out of body experience. And to think this was not the life Francesca set out for ...

At only six years old, Francesca was an aspiring actress. She longed to be on Broadway - singing and dancing and acting. Francesca’s passion for life on the stage wasn’t all that surprising, given her mom and dad’s extensive theater background. In fact, they met when her dad was the assistant conductor for the national tour of “The King and I,” while her mom played Anna, the show's female lead opposite Yul Brynner.

And when Francesca was 15, she put her skills to good use in an all-girl mainstream pop group in Orlando, an experience that helped pave the way for what she does today. But when the gig eventually ended, Francesca says she was thankful for an opportunity to clear her head. “Not long after, I recharged my batteries by going to this youth ministry that I absolutely loved,” Francesca shares. “It was there where the Lord really captured my heart for Christian music. I started playing guitar and really longed to bring something authentic to the scene that even non-Christians could listen to.”

Inspiration for Hundred More Years: “We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”—E.M. Forester

Francesca married Matthew Goodwin in 2009 (he plays drums for her band now) and they welcomed baby Matthew into the family this past September. The 2009 Dove Female Vocalist and New Artist Of The Year released her sophomore album Hundred More Years, featuring the hits This is the Stuff, Motion of Mercy and the brand new Angel By Your Side.

Album: Hundred More Years

Twitter: @francescamusic

Tour: CLICK HERE  (She's in Marlton, NJ April 29th!)

Want More? CLICK HERE 

Video: This Is The Stuff



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Isaiah compared the wickedness of Jerusalem to what two cities destroyed during Abraham's time?

A:  Sodom & Gomorrah (Isaiah 1:8-13)

Big win for Nahan on Princess Anne, MD!  Tune in all week for special Todd Agnew & Jonny Diaz prizes (including concert tickets)!

Friday, April 6, 2012

The Good Friday Joy Ride is all about worship.

Easter Sunday is coming up!
Need a place to worship?
Visit our Area Church Directory.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Addison Road

Jenny Chisolm met Ryan Simmons at Baylor University in Waco, TX. They began writing songs together and not long after the group started booking shows. Ryan played acoustic guitar and Jenny sang. It became apparent that they needed a full band, so they enlisted a couple of friends: Jay Henderson on drums, and a friend from church, Ryan Gregg, on lead guitar. Thus was born The Jenny Chisolm Band.

In 2002, Ryan and Jenny were married, and they moved to Dallas to become a full-time band. Eventually they changed their name to "Addison Road." It was named after a sound tech who had a baby named Addison. They liked the name Addison and put Road at the end of it for no real reason. Jenny just didn't want to be the moniker that the band went by anymore.

The band's line-up has shifted from time to time, but Jenny and Ryan are still at the core. in 2010 the band held a YouTube competition to fill an opening on drums! After many tryouts, the band invited Richard Scott into Addison Road! Pretty cool way to join an established Christian group!

Big Break: Addison Road got their big break when MercyMe invited them to join the Rock 'n Road Worship show.  At the time, Jenny was very pregnant and the band usually only did one song each night of the tour - but still made a big impact and they continue to gain momentum!

Album: Stories 

Twitter: @addisonroad

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: This Little Light of Mine

Thursday, April 5, 2012

HISTORY LESSON

What is Maundy Thursday?

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Laura Story

Laura Story 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.

Blessings abound as Laura is expecting her first child and won her first GRAMMY Award this year!  I expect she'll sweep the Dove Awards where she's nominated for just about everything.

Album: Blessings

Devotional: What If Your Blessings Came Through Raindrops?

Twitter: @LauraStoryMusic

Tour: CLICK HERE  (Her Spring tour features Mandisa & Brit Nicole - it's called Girl's Night Live)

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Video Tutorial: Immortal, Invisible



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  How did Haman plan to retaliate for Mordecai's failure to bow to him?

A:  He wanted to have Mordecai (and all the other Jews) hung on the gallows. (Esther 3)

Way to go Lisa in Melfa, VA!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Easter is just a few days away.
How are you preparing your heart for this most important celebration?
We'd love to pray for you.
CLICK HERE and let us know how we can cover you in prayer.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Christ for the Nations

Christ For The Nations is an international, interdenominational organization which exists to train and equip men and women with the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit and with a lifestyle of worship, to reach the nations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Worship Leaders Nicole C. Mullen, Kari Jobe, Russ Taff, Tommy Walker, Kevin Jonas and many more have been both trained and equipped to spread the heart of worship around the world through Christ for the Nations. Christ For The Nations Institute (CFNI) started out with a group in 1972 called the "Luminaires" and quickly broke into multiple focussed groups of ministry. Every year, since 1974, Christ For The Nations has been producing live album recordings that are created out of the students, staff, and alumni's hearts. Some of the music that has come out of Christ For The Nations include songs "As The Deer Panteth For The Water" by Marty Nystrom, and "When I Think About The Lord" by James Huey.

Providing resources for the completion of church buildings, caring for orphans, supporting the nation of Israel, humanitarian relief efforts, establishing and strengthening international Bible schools and the distribution of Christian literature. On top of that multi-layered ministry is the CFNMusic label, producing modern worship music and training worship leaders to carry the cause of Christ around the world.

Album: 37

Twitter: @CFNMusic

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: Christ for the Nations Worship Conference 2012



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Whom did Elijah revive from the dead at the home of the widow in Zarephath?

A:  Her son.  (1 Kings 17:20-22)

Score for Christine in Laurel, DE!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY

October Baby Motion Picture Soundtrack
by Various Artists | Genre: Pop/Rock

Into The Glorious
by Christy Nockels | Genre: Praise & Worship

For You From You
by Dan Macaulay | Genre: Praise & Worship

Heartache To Hope
by Holly Spears | Genre: Pop/Rock

Number 1's Volume 1
by Steven Curtis Chapman | Genre: Adult Contemporary

Working on a Building
by Various Artists | Genre: Country

I Win
by Marvin Sapp | Genre: Gospel

Once In A Lifetime
by Smokie Norful | Genre: Gospel

Worship Soul
by Anita Wilson | Genre: Gospel

Love On The Outside EP
by Willet | Genre: Rock

Plans Within Plans
by MxPx | Genre: Punk

X 2012
by Various Artists - "X" Series | Genre: Rock

Something Cold EP
by Phao | Genre: Rock

Dangerous
by KJ-52 | Genre: Rap

WANT MORE? CLICK HERE

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Jadon Lavik

Jadon was born in Redmond, Washington, where he was raised in a Christian home with his parents and two siblings. Although he had some experience with music early in life playing violin and guitar, he was most energized about sports and desired to pursue a baseball career. But after an internship at Saddleback church in Southern California, the calling on his life became glaringly obvious.

Jadon Lavik's seminary background gives him a true concern with using Biblical theology in his worship songs. It is sometimes easier for a songwriter to go with what feels good. Spiritual candy. But Jadon deals with the depths of God's word in his writings.  Now married with two kids, Jadon ministers in the local church and tours the country playing music whenever he can.

Studio: Jadon is working on a new hymns album due out this Fall!

Album: Art & Soul 

Twitter: @jadonlavik

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

Video: To The Cross - a tutorial



SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Who hid a hundred prophets in caves to prevent them from being killed by Jezebel?

A:  Obadiah (1 Kings 18)

Hooray for Don in Salisbury!

Monday, April 2, 2012

The countdown to Easter is on!
Have family coming into town?
Are you traveling this week?
Please be safe and know our prayers are with you.

ARTIST OF THE DAY
Living Anthem

The word Anthem means “a song or hymn of praise”. Collectively and as individuals the band says it's their hearts' cry to not only lift up God through song but with every aspect of their lives.  They strive to lead the church in the pursuit for us to all live our anthem!

Living Anthem consists of: Matt Seagle, Lucas Budde, Toby Holloman and Jeff Bowman.

Indie Life: The band recently parted ways with their label (ala Switchfoot) to run their band in house.  They have been recording new music over the past couple of months, hoping for a late summer release for fans.

Album: How Beautiful The Cross EP

Twitter: @LivingAnthem

Tour: CLICK HERE

Want More? CLICK HERE

SCRIPTURAL PURSUIT

Q:  Who is believed to be the author of Ecclesiastes?

A:  Solomon

Way to go Judy from the sunny shores of California!  Well, California, MD...