This week's featured song comes from yet another hymns project that is well worth your time: The Outliers - "Amid the Flood." The Outliers are comprised of Memphis area songwriters, Myla Smith and Luke Smith (brother and sister), and their band, including Matt Wood, Chris Vickers, and Michael Coggin (yes, that'd be my brother; affectionately known as "mCog").
Myla and Luke have written some excellent new folk/pop/rock tunes for these cherished hymn texts, and many times I've found myself singing their melodies randomly throughout the day. I think you'll absolutely love their music, and will be compelled to worship God by their rich, lyrical truth.
It should be noted that all proceeds received from this CD will go to three missions: Lagniappe Presbyterian Church (pastored by Jean Larroux in Bay St. Louis, MS), Christ Presbyterian Church (a recent church plant in Oakland, TN), and Palmer Home for Children (Columbus, MS).
If you're part of Grace Evan, or are local to the Memphis area (Germantown), two of the Outliers will be playing songs from the album tonight (July 8) at our outdoor Family Picnic, starting at 5:45pm. They'll also be playing 2 songs in our worship services on Sunday, July 19. CDs will be available for $10.
Almost forgot - here's the featured song of the week: the classic Martin Luther hymn, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (plays a clip from their MySpace music page). Listen to the other song clips while you're there, and consider buying this album, either online or at Grace Evan tonight or July 19. You'll be glad you did.
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
music by Luke Smith/Myla Smith
words by Martin Luther, 1529
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.
