One of the things that first drew me to the Vineyard was the passion that I saw in others, who attended, to worship God. It was simply more than music. It was simply more than a group sing-along. It was something that had been collectively born in the hearts of those who called Vineyard home. I didn't really understand this dynamic at first, but curiosity kept me coming back. Worship seemed to be the driving force. A love for God....A love for His Kingdom rule to come down and manifest in our meetings....A love to pour out our hearts to Him, because, to simply put it, He is God and He deserves our praise and worship. Worship was to expend ourselves singing TO God, not simply singing about Him.
More than anything, I found that worship is not the singing or the music, but rather a lifestyle. A lifestyle where everything we do....everything we say is worship unto God. My very life becomes an instrument through which God manifests His goodness and love to a world that is lost and dying without Him. So one of the hallmark's, or cornerstone of the Vineyard has been our worship. But the music used to worship.....now that's a whole other story.
Early on in the Vineyard, a vehicle was created to dispense the music that was being written, produced and recorded. Vineyard Music Group was born, and through it came hundreds, if not thousands, of songs that are sung in churches around the world today. And an entire generation of song writers and musicians were raised up to pour their hearts and talents into creating songs that honored God. Songs that were simple and could be sung by anyone, yet contained the mystery and beauty of the personality of this God we love so much.
Over the years, the styles and sounds of worship has changed in order to reflect the new voices of the up and coming generation seeking to find their place in worship. So, in one sense, worship is always moving and changing. New sounds are being created to reflect the personality of specific regions in our country. One example is the musical offering by a group of Vineyard churches in the area around New Orleans, Louisiana. The "WE ARE ONE" album contains incredible lyrics wrapped around Zydeco, Gospel, Jazz styles of music. To boil down this whole explanation I have tried to write.....Every Vineyard Church has a sound that is reflective of the people who call it home. In our case, Vineyard ReCovery Church has a sound that is part roadhouse/blues...part rock and roll...a sound that would appeal to those who usually don't go to church.
Sometime back, Todd and LeNola Bagley ran into some people who are part of the history of Vineyard. John and Marie Barnett have written and recorded some of the most incredible music ever when it comes to worship. The list of their offerings would take up more room than one could ever imagine. Through the friendship between the Bagley's and the Barnett's, there was an invitation to come and be a part of a worship conference that was held at Gadsden Vineyard. The friendship blossomed....the Barnett's were adopted by our fellowship and the rest is history. They have visited with us on several occasions, and John is bringing his "CABIN FEVER" tour to us in September of this year. (Go ahead and block out September so you can come and join us).
CABIN FEVER RECORDINGS is John's latest worship Cd. John and Marie have been honing a sound over the years that has come to be known as Americana. A blend of the styles and sounds that flowed from many streams, into one that been birthed to reflect the Barnett's heart for God and Kingdom. I picked up my copy of CABIN FEVER RECORDINGS yesterday and have been totally captured by the simplicity of the lyrics and dynamics of the music.
The style and heart of the music found in this Cd have captured my attention and my heart. It speaks to me on so many levels that I want to recommend it to you, that you might pick up a copy for yourself. Not trying to be a snake-oil salesman, or a huckster, I just want to get the word out that there is some music being recorded that you won't hear on the local station that carries worship and praise music. We currently are stocking CABIN FEVER RECORDINGS in the bookstore at Gadsden Vineyard.
Thanks for letting me share this....
God on you...
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Here are some photo's of John and Marie's visit with us at the Living Sacrifices Worship Conference.
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