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Mark your calendars! Mark and Brynn Gersmehl will be joining us for a time of Worship and Ministry on Sunday morning December 4th, 2011...Mark was a founding member and principal songwriter for Whiteheart spanning sixteen years and including more than 12 albums, 22 Dove award nominations, two Grammy nods, and over 1.5 million records sold. During that time he wrote 22 #1 songs for Whiteheart as well as a wide variety of Christian artists. Brynn was a founding member and keyboardist and the chief writer for Word Music recording artist Rachel Rachel and has penned two #1 songs as well. You will not want to miss this time of music and ministry.

Be sure to visit their site at www.SoulBreather.com

Jr. High / Sr. High Event...

Australia’s Revive brings the modern rock romps to town with a little help from local Denny Rockey

Story and Photos By Andy Argyrakis

Streator- Imagine a younger version of INXS or Midnight Oil steeped in modern rock sensibilities with inspiring lyrics and that’s exactly what Australia’s Revive brought to a jam packed Grace Community Church. Considering the fact that the group hails from the land down under, the comparisons to those above countrymen are easy to spot, though the group’s also gotten an extra leg up by touring with multi-platinum Aussies the Newsboys, while being introduced to Sony’s Provident Music Group by the Grammy award winning band Third Day.

Even with all its famous friends, Revive’s 75-minute show more than proved its international merit thanks to a set list between its rousing debut disc Chorus of the Saints and the even more compelling new collection Blink. Fans leapt to their feet for the crunchy guitar rockers “Almost Missed This Moment” and “My Hope,” both of which unveiled the group’s pensive lyrical dynamic that points to a higher power without ever coming across as preachy.

Revive demonstrated additional variety thanks to power ballads like “Hold On Love” and “All of This For You,” followed by a spot on cover of Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” that highlighted the foursome’s seasoned musicianship. Yet it was the title tracks from both CDs, along with the charging “Don’t Give Up the Fight,” that provided a serious jolt of faith renewing energy to the all ages audience.

Prior to the headliners, Grand Ridge’s very own Denny Rockey (also of Final Quest fame), performed a full band set split between covers and originals. A stirring take on Chris Tomlin’s “Our God” suggested the powerhouse singer could very well follow in the world’s most recognized praise leaders’ footsteps, while “Until My Breath Runs Dry” and “My Anthem” put an introspective cap on an all around uplifting evening.
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