REVIEW: Sojourn – The Water and the Blood

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ARTIST: Sojourn
RELEASE: The Water and the Blood: the Hymns of Isaac Watts Vol. II
LABEL: Independent

I’ve been listening to Sojourn Community Church’s music since 2006, when they were still mostly unknown outside their home-base of Louisville, KY.  Upon first listen I was struck by a number of things: these folks are creating music missionally, in a style that connects directly with their community, not following fads or fashions to get radio play or label attention.  Secondly, they care about doctrine, and history, crafting songs that express and pay homage to not only where the church may be headed, but where it’s been.  Lastly, their music consistently manages to be modern, paradoxically,  by being so faithful to crafting genuinely timeless songs. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Music Review, Musicianship, New Music, Shannon, Theology

The Hardest Words to Say

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I’ve gotten rather good at saying “I’m sorry“

Over the years I’ve had to learn an important phrase, and no – it’s not “Goodbye“- as is often rumored. These words have the power to free me of self-centeredness, breaks down barriers between myself and others, demolishes pride in a single blow, and it’s one of the hardest things to say genuinely… “I’m sorry.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: marriage, Ministry Trips, Shannon, Theology

THE BIKE…

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“Out of the mouth of babies and infants you have established strength…” – Psalm 8:2a

It was a normal Tuesday afternoon.  A two year old was sleeping and a 4 year old was doing an art project. I was on the phone sitting in our family room generally facing the direction of our back yard. Sunlight was streaming in through the bay window filtered by the glistening leaves on the towering oak in our back yard. Sometime during the conversation – for no specific reason – Cyle turned around to look out the window.

What she saw baffled her. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Cyle, Encouragement, parenting, Shannon, Theology

Aaron Keyes Interview, part 2: Lead PEOPLE

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“We’ve got to do more than lead songs – we’ve got to lead people.”
– Aaron Keyes

In preparation for the international re-release of Aaron Keyes‘ last CD, NOT GUILTY ANYMORE, Kingsway Records had contacted TWC to request an interview. Knowing that I’d occasionally led worship at Aaron’s church, Fred McKinnon – founder of TWC – suggested that I take this on.   Aaron came into town to lead worship for SuperWow over on Jekyll Island, which is practically next door, so I snagged the opportunity, and what an interview it was!  You can see Part 1 Here.  Sadly, a number of technical delays led to the loss of some alternate footage, but I have the continuation of the interview right here as we discussed issues that concern us regarding the current state of “worship” and ask the question, “Are we really worshiping?”  In Summary, Aaron says, “We’ve got to do more than lead songs – we’ve got to lead people.”

 

Aaron Keys Interview – Part 2 (Shannon Lewis for TWC) from Russ Hutto on Vimeo.

Filed Under: Interviews, Ministry Trips, Shannon, Theology Tagged With: , ,

Not Guilty Anymore

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We have met and connected with some marvelous people the past few years. Some such folks would be Aaron Keyes and his family.

 

Aaron has penned some beautiful worship songs, but on of my favorites is “Not Guilty Anymore.” This tune truly resounds with my soul, echoing the heart of God our Father to us, his children.

I could describe it.

I could write the lyrics.

I could tell you the story behind the song.

I could further describe how the song has impacted me.

However, I think I will stop and persuade you to watch this. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Creativity, Encouragement, Interviews, Ministry Trips, New Music, Saint Lewis, Shannon, Theology, writing