I pray you all had a blessed and relaxing Christmas and New Year.  I hope you enjoy checking out some of the great new material on ShareSong.org this month…

Congratulations to the Dunamis gang who have once again scooped the pool at the Queensland Recording Association’s 2002 Sunnie Awards.  Their two latest albums picked up five awards between them: Best Gospel Album – “I Believe”, Best Female Vocal - Sarah Mathias for her work on her song “Paid the Price”, Best Adult Contemporary Song – Chris Thompson for “Stand Up”, Best Ethnic/Folk Song - “Alone With You” by Richard Oddie”, Best Album Colver – Ted Pangilinan and Phil Slade for the cover of their new album “By Faith”.  “It’s good to have a Christian influence in a secular world,” said Dunamis’ executive producer Richard Oddie.  “We are getting into the devil’s territory and making our mark.”  Check out their latest album “By Faith” on ShareSong.org this month.   

Judah's Fire is from Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Santa Maria, California.  Bandleader Kevin Elling says, “I think I love music so much because it really is the language of the heart. We can tell God exactly how we feel through song. There is something about intimate worship music that "connects" us to Him in a way that Bible reading and prayer cannot. Praise music to me is the party, the celebration, of enjoying who God is and what He has done. Without worship music, I'd be lost!”

Stephanie has been singing since I was old enough to memorize music.  “I began writing music in the 6th grade, but the songs were mostly an outlet for myself.  I didn't start writing music for others to sing until recently.  Over the past 5-6 years I have felt a strong calling to lead the church to worship.  The love and support of my husband, church, and best friends, John and Helen Green, have helped turn a vision into reality.  There is nothing quite like hearing Gods voice, putting it to music, and then hearing a congregation worship before God.”

1.      Alone With You – Richard Oddie

2.      Embrace Me – Larry Hewitt