Stars Go Dim's Josh Roach Welcomes Son, Zedekiah Aric James Roach

Zedekiah Aric James Roach was born to Stars Go Dim drummer, Josh Roach and Audrey Roach Monday, January 4, 2016.

Stars Go Dim is currently out on the Winter Jam tour, and Josh’s red eye flight from Grand Rapids to Tulsa the night before his son's birth was cancelled at the last minute.

Upon hearing this, the members of Stars Go Dim immediately left the Winter Jam venue, rented a car, and drove him the 850 miles (12.5 hours) home, arriving at the hospital with one hour to spare.

Congratulations to Josh, Audrey, big sisters Allie and Kylee and baby Zeddy!

About Stars Go Dim
Fervent Records' latest act Stars Go Dim is composed of Chris Cleveland, Michael Cleveland, Kyle Williams and Josh Roach. Each member of the Tulsa-based band lends unique musical talents that have been honed for nearly twenty years each, including lead singer, Chris Cleveland, who began traveling and singing with his brother, Michael, at age 12. Stars Go Dim's first single, "You Are Loved" has received incredible response at radio, reaching the top 2 at CHR and the Top 10 across AC charts. The band is traveling the country performing in front of 600,000+ fans alongside for KING & COUNTRY, Lauren Daigle and more on the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular. Their approach to live show production is praised and imaginative, and compelling pieces can be expected on their Winter Jam set. The band's debut album Stars Go Dim is available on all digital music platforms with a worldwide physical release slated for January 29.

Get Connected With Stars Go Dim
Website: starsgodim.com
iTunes: http://smarturl.it/starsgodim
Spotify: http://smarturl.it/starsgodimspotify

Media Contact
Kirsten Grenier
the media collective
kirsten@themcollective.com
615.591.7989
www.themcollective.com

Passion: Salvation's Tide Is Rising Debuts At No. 1 On iTunes Christian Albums Chart

Songs introduced to more than 40,000 18-25 year olds
at Passion 2016 conferences in Atlanta and Houston

Nashville, Tenn. (January 4, 2016) — Several of the world's most renowned worship leaders came together to write and record Passion: Salvation's Tide Is Rising, which debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Christian Albums chart and reached the Top 5 overall after its January 1 digital release. Physical copies of the album will be available January 29. Featuring Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill, Melodie Malone, Brett Younker and Jimi Cravity, the worship anthems were introduced to more than 40,000 18-25 year olds at Passion 2016 conferences held in Houston and Atlanta arenas this past weekend.

Young adults from all 50 states, 51 countries and more than 1,600 universities gathered across three locations in Atlanta (Infinite Energy Arena and Philips Arena) and Houston (Toyota Center) January 2-4. Special musical guests included Rend Collective, Hillsong UNITED and surprise performers KB, Trip Lee and Tedashii, while students heard from renowned speakers Louie Giglio, John Piper, Christine Caine, Ravi Zacharias and Levi Lusko. The conferences took place simultaneously as bands traveled between locations, and each venue experienced live and simulcast teaching from speakers.

Along with continued support for the END IT Movement to end modern-day slavery, students also donated money for the construction of a hospital to serve at-risk mothers and children in war-torn Syria. Throughout the weekend, students proclaimed the name of God, joining together to sing anthems of worship from Passion: Salvation's Tide Is Rising. Passion 2017 will take place at Atlanta's Georgia Dome, with more than 60,000 college students expected to attend. Click here for additional information.

Passion: Salvation's Tide Is Rising follows in the footsteps of several Passion albums, many of which have debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian Albums Chart. Listeners have become accustomed to hearing live Passion albums recorded at the annual conferences, but for the first time ever, Passion: Salvation's Tide Is Rising was recorded in a studio prior to Passion, bringing a new element to the latest release.

Passion: Salvation's Tide Is Rising is available for purchase here.

Salvation's Tide Is Rising
1.   Salvation’s Tide (feat. Kristian Stanfill)
2.  My Victory (feat. Crowder)
3.  Remember (feat. Brett Younker & Melodie Malone)
4.  God and God Alone (feat. Chris Tomlin)
5.   Simple Pursuit (feat. Melodie Malone)
6.   I Turn to Christ (feat. Matt Redman)
7.   Your Grace Amazes Me (feat. Christy Nockels)
8.   All We Sinners (feat. Crowder)
9.   Surrender (feat. Jimi Cravity)
10. Good Good Father (feat. Kristian Stanfill)


About Passion Conferences
Led by a stirring in the heart of Atlanta-based pastor, Louie Giglio, Passion was birthed in 1997 to see the 20+ million college students across the globe awaken to the reality of an omnipotent and glorious Creator. Since then, millions of students from across the globe have joined the Passion movement, united across ministry and denominational lines, to seek the face of God in worship and prayer at several conferences, four world tours and multiple one-day and regional events. Passion’s core scripture, Isaiah 26:8 states: “Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.” The small Passion Team is led by Louie Giglio and operates under the direction of a Board that is committed to spreading the fame of Jesus Christ to college students around the globe.

About sixstepsrecords
Founded in 2000 by Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords is a worship label and a division of Passion Conferences. sixstepsrecords’ artists include Chris Tomlin (ADORE: Christmas Songs of Worship), Crowder (Neon Steeple), Matt Redman (Unbroken Praise), Christy Nockels (Let It Be Jesus), Kristian Stanfill (Mountains Move) and Passion (Passion: Salvation's Tide Is Rising). The label partners with Sparrow Records/Capitol Christian Music Group for A&R, marketing, sales and distribution operations. For more information on sixstepsrecords, visit:www.sixstepsrecords.com.

Get Connected with Passion
Website // www.268generation.com

###

Media Contact
Kirsten Grenier
the media collective
kirsten@themcollective.com
615-591-7989
www.themcollective.com

MercyMe Headlines 2015 FOX News Radio’s Todd Starnes All-American Christmas Special

Photo Credit Bellevue Baptist Church

MercyMe Headlines 2015 FOX News Radio’s
Todd Starnes All-American Christmas Special

MercyMe, It’s Christmas! 
among top holiday albums of the season

Nashville, Tenn. (December 23, 2015) - Filmed in front of a live audience in Memphis, Tenn., MercyMe’s headlining performance on FOX News Radio’s Todd Starnes All-American Christmas Special will broadcast this week on hundreds of FOX News Radio stations along with the entire American Family Radio network and the Bott Radio Network. Performing songs such as “Christmastime Again” and “Our Lullaby” from their newest holiday album MercyMe, It’s Christmas!, the multi-platinum selling group was joined by GRAMMY® winner Laura Story, jazz great Kirk Whalum and the 300-voice Bellevue Baptist Church Singing Christmas Tree & Orchestra. The show will also be broadcast on FoxNews.com and FoxNation.com. Airings for FOXNewsRadio.com (click "listen live") are scheduled for Christmas Eve (7pm and 10 pm ET), Christmas Day (1 am, 7am, 1pm and 7 pm ET) as well as December 26 (11 am and 5 pm ET) and December 27 (1 pm and 6 pm ET).

The multi-platinum selling group has had a busy Christmas season with the release of their newest holiday album, MercyMe, It’s Christmas! and a performance on the 89th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. MercyMe, It’s Christmas! has resonated with media nationwide including FOX & Friends, PEOPLE Magazine, The New York Times, Delilah and SIRIUS XM. The holiday album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Holiday Albums chart and is currently top four. MercyMe, It's Christmas! is available on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify. 

About MercyMe:

Since their debut in 2001, GRAMMY®-nominated, multiple American Music Award and Dove Award winners MercyMe have sold more than 8.5 million units in CD, single and DVD sales, garnered 27 No. 1 multi-format Christian radio singles and four consecutive mainstream radio hits with “I Can Only Imagine,” (No. 4 AC/Top 25 on Top 40/Hot AC), “Here With Me” (No. 4 AC), “Homesick” (Top 10 AC) and “So Long Self.” Their radio success has continued with recent singles “Flawless" (No. 1 for 15 weeks) and "Greater" (No. 1 for 16 weeks), landing them the Top Christian Airplay Artist spot on Billboard's 2015 Year End charts. MercyMe made history in 2014 as “I Can Only Imagine” surpassed 2 million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum and double-platinum in the digital domain. In 2009, Billboard named MercyMe's "Word Of God Speak" the No. 1 Song of The Decade and the group the No. 1 Artist of the Decade in both the Christian Songs and Christian AC Songs categories, recognizing them as one of the industry's most notable talents. They have sold out venues throughout the US and Canada, including Radio City Music Hall, and have appeared on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, FOX New Channel's FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News and in the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today and more. MercyMe’s eighth studio album, Welcome To The New, garnered Billboard Music Award nominations in all three Christian categories and two GRAMMY® nods. Their brand new project MercyMe, It’s Christmas! debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Holiday Albums chart and offers a fresh spin on seasonal favorites as well as several original songs.

Get Connected with MercyMe:
Website // www.mercyme.org

# # #

Media Contact:
Velvet Kelm & Courtney Hyder
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Hillsong UNITED Named Billboard's Top Christian Artist For 2015

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Chris Tomlin's ADORE Continues to Awe, Topping Billboard And Radio Charts Amidst Sold-Out Christmas Tour

ADORE holds top 3 position on Billboard's Holiday Albums Chart for seven weeks straight

Christmas album to be featured on
PBS' "Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly"

Nashville, Tenn. (December 17, 2015) — Chris Tomlin's ADORE: Christmas Songs Of Worship has received overwhelming response since its October release, originally debuting atop Billboard's Holiday Albums Chart. ADORE continues to hold strong on the chart, just behind Pentatonix and Michael Buble, marking seven weeks straight in the top 3. Additionally, ADORE sits at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums Chart, holding that spot for the third week in a row.

Tomlin featured in latest issue of CCM
Magazine

Songs from the album are resonating with listeners at radio, with "Noel (Feat. Lauren Daigle)" hitting No. 1 on the AC Monitored Chart and "He Shall Reign Forevermore" hitting No. 4.

ADORE will be included in a special segment about Christmas music airing this coming weekend on the national PBS television program "Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly." www.pbs.org/religionethics (Check local listings.)
 

Additional media outlets continue to highlight the album as well, with recent support from Yahoo Music, CCM Magazine, Guideposts, The Blaze, Keep The Faith, The New York Times, People Magazine and more.

Fans continue to show their enthusiasm for Tomlin's worshipful Christmas anthems, selling out every venue on the "ADORE Christmas Tour," featuring Crowder and Lauren Daigle. The tour wraps up this weekend in Phoenix. 

With the closing of 2015, a year full of touring, new music and sold-out Worship Night In America events for Tomlin, he has earned several top spots on Billboard's year-end charts. Tomlin was named the Top Male Christian Artist and landed in the top 3 on both the Top Christian Artists Chart and Christian Albums Artists charts. Love Ran Red took the No. 3 spot on the Christian Albums chart. For a full list of year-end honors, click here.

Tomlin worships with a sold-out audience in LA for the "ADORE Christmas Tour"

About Chris Tomlin
With ten albums, 13 No. 1 radio singles, a GRAMMY® Award and eight additional nominations, three Billboard Music Awards, 21 Dove Awards, a platinum and four gold albums to his credit, Chris Tomlin is among the most well-known and influential artists in contemporary Christian music. Referred to by TIME Magazine as “most likely the most often sung artist anywhere,” Tomlin consistently has several songs in the top 20 of the Top 100 CCLI songs. BMI and GMA Dove Awards' 2014 Songwriter of the Year, Tomlin’s “How Great Is Our God” was his first No. 1 on the CCLI Top 25, becoming one of the fastest rising modern day hymns in CCLI chart history. In addition to having sold more than 7 million albums and over 8.9 million digital tracks, Tomlin made history as his No. 1 single “Jesus Messiah” (Hello Love) garnered 97 adds at radio, making it the biggest ever add date in Christian radio history. He recently broke the record for most top tens in the history of Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart. In the midst of his record-breaking success, Tomlin continues touring and leading at Passion Conference gatherings across the US and worldwide, including his recent Worship Night In America events, which sold out NYC’s Madison Square Garden, Denver’s Red Rock’s and Sacramento’s Sleep Train Arena. Burning Lights debuted at No. 1 atop the Billboard 200 in January 2013, making history as only the fourth Christian music album to do so, and his tenth recording, Love Ran Red continues to produce chart-topping singles. ADORE: Christmas Songs of Worship recently released, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard's Holiday Albums Chart.


Get Connected with Chris Tomlin
Website // http://www.christomlin.com
Spotify // https://play.spotify.com/artist/6pRi6EIPXz4QJEOEsBaA0m

###

Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Kirsten Grenier
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
kirsten@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

MercyMe Earns Big in Billboard Year End 2015

Phil Wickham’s “This Is Amazing Grace” Receives RIAA Gold Certification

Highly anticipated project Children of God expected to release in April 2016

Nashville, Tenn. (December 15, 2015) - Phil Wickham's acclaimed single "This Is Amazing Grace” was honored with RIAA Gold Certification for both sales and streams of the song off of his 2013 project, The Ascension. Reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s National Christian Audience Chart, "This Is Amazing Grace" received top honors at the 2015 BMI Christian Awards for Song of the Year and earned Wickham three nominations at this year's 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards, including a nod for Song of the Year. The hit single was the most played song on Christian radio for 2014, topping Billboard's 2014 Christian Airplay Song Year End Chart at No. 1. In addition to sales and radio success, the song is No. 2 on the US chart of Christian Copyright Licensing International, recognizing it as one of the most-often-sung worship songs in the church today.

"I am blown away with how the Lord has used 'This Is Amazing Grace'," says Wickham. "For the song to reach this achievement is such an honor and I'm so grateful."

His highly anticipated project Children of God is expected to release in April 2016.

Wickham is set to tour alongside Newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Mandisa and more on The Rock and Worship Roadshow 2016, presented by Compassion International. With a total of 27 dates, the tour will kick off in Springfield, Mo. this February. For more information on the tour, visit theroadshowtour.com.

About Phil Wickham:
Phil Wickham is, at his core, a humble and sincere artist who writes songs and worships God using the medium of music. It is with that brush that he paints images of a loving and creative God across the canvases of listeners’ hearts and minds. The evidence of this gift has been apparent on all of his critically acclaimed efforts: Phil Wickham (2006), Cannons (2007), 
Heaven & Earth (2009), Response (2011) and The Ascension (2013). Wickham's latest release debuted at No. 2 on the SoundScan Christian Albums Chart and in the Top 40 on the Billboard 200. The first single off the album, “This Is Amazing Grace,” gave Wickham his first career No. 1, claiming the top spot on Billboard’s National Christian Audience Chart for thirteen consecutive weeks. On Billboard’s 2014 Year End Charts, the song was the No. 1 Christian Airplay Song, and Wickham himself claimed the No. 2 spot on the Christian Airplay Artists Chart. “This Is Amazing Grace” also received top honors at the BMI Christian Awards as their Song of the Year, recognizing it as the most-played song on Christian radio in 2014. Not only has the single achieved great radio success, but the song has become a beloved anthem in the modern church, increasing Wickham’s recognition as a gifted artist and songwriter with a true heart of worship.


Stay Connected with Phil Wickham:
Website // www.philwickham.com

# # #

Media Contact
Courtney Hyder
the media collective
courtney@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com
@themcollective

Chris Tomlin's 12 Days of Christmas

Patheos presents... 
12 Days of Chrismas Devotionals From Chris Tomlin
based on songs from ADORE: Christmas Songs of Worship

Days 7-12

Day 7: Silent Night

Day 8: What Child Is This?

Day 9: It's Christmas

Day 10: A King Like This

Day 11: Bethlehem

Day 12: A Christmas Alleluia

Get Connected with Chris Tomlin
Website // http://www.christomlin.com
Spotify // https://play.spotify.com/artist/6pRi6EIPXz4QJEOEsBaA0m

Media Contact:
Velvet Kelm and Kirsten Grenier
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
kirsten@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Holiday Tips From The Grit & Grace Project

Seasonal tips on everything from fun ideas with the kids to surviving family gatherings and making the most out of the holidays. The Grit & Grace Project has your holidays covered!

Technology and Hands Free Holidays
 

Click here for tips on loosening your grip on technology this holiday season

Christmas Gift Wrapping Tips
 

Click here for tips to wrap the perfect Christmas present

When Heartbreak Tries to Steal Christmas

Click here for tips to overcome heartbreak and hurt over the Christmas season

Stressed and Blessed This Christmas

Click here for help in finding peace during the stress of the holidays

About The Grit & Grace Project
Launched by Author and businesswoman Darlene Brock, The Grit & Grace Project is an online destination for women of all ages and walks of life. With content created by women for women, it's a place where contributors share stories, tips, how-tos and hope with each other. The project is built upon the belief that the two most important qualities women possess and must embrace are grit and grace. To learn more, visit www.thegritandgraceproject.org.


About Darlene Brock
Darlene Brock is President and co-founder of The Grit and Grace Project. As the author of Help Wanted: Moms Raising Daughters, Brock has appeared on Fox & Friends, multiple ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox affiliates. She has been a guest columnist for CNN, Thriving Family Magazine and appeared on radio programs such as Family Life Today, The Hope Line and Keep the Faith. Throughout her career, Brock traversed the world of raising two daughters while working primarily with men in the Christian Music Business for over twenty years. Her varied experiences included producing award winning music videos, personal artist management, concert promotion and the position of Chief Operating Officer of ForeFront Records. The blend of author, mother, business woman, wife, creative producer and just managing this project we call life has shown her that it is indeed true that “life challenges should neither defeat nor define you." 
 

# # #

Get Connected With The Grit & Grace Project
Website: www.thegritandgraceproject.org
Periscope: www.periscope.tv/GritandGraceOrg

Media Contact:
Velvet Kelm, Courtney Hyder and Kirsten Grenier
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com, courtney@themcollective.com & kirsten@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Hillsong Young & Free Surprises Listeners With Brand New Single “Where You Are"

Newest album Youth Revival due out in February 2016

Nashville, Tenn. (December 11, 2015) - Surprise! Hillsong Young & Free has unveiled a brand new single titled “Where You Are." Originally announced through the band’s social media conversation followed by millions around the world, the upbeat EDM sounding “Where You Are” is the first song from Hillsong Young & Free’s anticipated full-length sophomore project Youth Revival due out in February 2016. Filling stadiums globally with their notable EDM and pop sounds, songs found on Youth Revival articulate the deep desire of the human heart for something more. Clearly, the project continues their own journey of experience through their faith. To purchase the single “Where You Are” from the to-be released Youth Revival, click here.

Initially revealing clues on Instagram, the internationally recognized Hillsong Young & Free debuted We Are Young & Free The Remixes on December 7. The digital EP features remixes of some of their most well-known songs along with two bonus tracks. To download We Are Young & Free The Remixes, click here. 

About Hillsong Young & Free:
Hillsong Young & Free is a youth movement born out of Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia. In this thirty year story, they have seen generations of people serving, leading and pioneering movements. Hillsong Young & free is comprised of a collective of young people who come together to make music for youth and young adults everywhere. Their first album We Are Young & Free (2013) debuted to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Christian/Gospel Chart. Also scoring a No. 1 debut, their most recent EP, This Is Living (2015), garnered a top 10 iTunes Overall spot and received support from MTV, MTVHITS and MTVU. With millions of social followers engaging in the social conversation, Hillsong Young & Free has scored two No. 1 radio singles. Their anticipated release of Youth Revival is due out in February 2016. Hillsong Young & Free fill stadiums across the globe and continue to push their positive message in the musical context of EDM and pop influences.  

About Hillsong Church:
In August 1983, Brian and Bobbie Houston founded the Hills Christian Life Centre in the Hills District of Sydney, Australia. It has grown from a congregation of 45 to what is said to be the largest local church in Australian history. It has now expanded to be a global church with local expressions in significant cities; with churches in Australia, London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Cape Town, Stockholm, Germany, Kiev, Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Each week, tens of thousands of people across the globe call Hillsong Church ‘home’ and the reach, impact and influence of this local congregation is seen across many nations.


Get Connected with Hillsong Young & Free:
Website // www.hillsongyoungandfree.com
Snapchat // hillsongyandf

# # #

Media Contact:
Courtney Hyder & Velvet Kelm
the media collective
courtney@themcollective.com
velvet@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

TobyMac Honored With Two GRAMMY® Nominations

Nashville, Tenn. (December 9, 2015) - With nods in both the Best Contemporary Christian Music Album and Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song categories, six-time GRAMMY® winner TobyMac was honored with two nominations during Monday’s announcements of the 58th Annual GRAMMY® nominations. Called a “masterful mix,” “ a consistent pleasure” and “worthy of repeat,” his nominated album THIS IS NOT A TEST debuted in the No. 4 spot on the Billboard Top 200 while garnering No. 1 on the Christian Albums Chart and No. 3 on the Digital Albums Chart. “Feel It,” TobyMac’s No. 1 radio hit which scored a music video debut on ESPN Online is among the nominees for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song. The 58th Annual GRAMMY® Awards will be held on Feb. 15, airing live from Los Angeles' Staples Center on CBS.

The honor comes as the multi-platinum selling artist wraps his headlining THIS IS NOT A TEST tour at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena this Sunday, Dec. 13. For the latest on TobyMac, visit www.tobymac.com.


About TobyMac:
With more than 11 million units in career sales and a whopping six GRAMMY® Awards, TobyMac's career continues on the fast track. His most recent studio album, THIS IS NOT A TEST garnered two GRAMMY® Award nominations and a high marking debut at No. 4 on the Billboard Top 200. Each one of his previous five studio solo projects have achieved Gold certification, a first for an artist in the history of his label, Capitol Christian Music Group. Among those honored with Gold certification, EYE ON IT, which debuted atop the Billboard 200, only the third ever Christian album to do so. His live DVD, ALIVE & TRANSPORTED, is RIAA Certified platinum and received a GRAMMY® award. His sixth solo studio project THIS IS NOT A TEST is now available.

# # #

Stay Connected with TobyMac:
Website // www.tobymac.com

Media Contact
Velvet Kelm & Courtney Hyder
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com
@themcollective

Billboard Premieres Live Version of Hillsong UNITED’s “Even When It Hurts” Music Video As Song Assists In Syrian Refugee Crisis

Song given away with donation to World Vision’s
Syrian refugee efforts

Nashville, Tenn. (Dec. 8, 2015) - After an exclusive music video premiere on Billboard.com, platinum selling Hillsong UNITED’s “Even When It Hurts” is being given away with a donation to the international work of World Vision as they aim to provide Syrian refugee families with urgent care and a better future. Reflecting the journey of the song from the studio to the live stage, the video for the live version of "Even When It Hurts" was filmed in four locations spanning the globe, including Capitol Records (Los Angeles), Club Nokia (Los Angeles), Hillsong Church (Sydney) and Hillsong Conference (Sydney). The song, originally found on Hillsong UNITED's critically acclaimed EMPIRES, is available for download at Hillsong.com, with a minimum donation of .20 to World Vision's efforts to serve Syrian refugees. 

"We are making the download available on our website – but humbly ask that you would consider donating an amount to the World Vision Syrian refugee fund," shares Joel Houston. "Together we are believing that our generosity, will ring even louder than our song, and will tangibly become the miracle to the desperate plight and prayers and of so many who have lost everything – It’s impossible to fathom the enormity of the crisis, and the turmoil people have been through, and are going through – forced to flee the oppression and war-ravaged-hell-on-earth they once called home, and the daunting uncertainty of all that is before them."  

World Vision’s assistance in the global displacement of refugees includes providing essentials like food, safe, clean water, critical emergency supplies, access to basic healthcare and education and "Child Friendly Spaces." To read more about what World Vision is doing to aid in the crisis, click here.

Hillsong UNITED recently attended the 2015 American Music Awards as nominees in the Favorite Artist Contemporary Inspirational category. The honor and second nomination marks a strong 2015 for the globally recognized band as their newest album EMPIRES debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard Top 200. The album was met with appearances on The Today Show and Yahoo! along with critical acclaim from the likes of USA Today and The New York Times which remarked their talent as “a musical powerhouse.” 2016 will find Hillsong UNITED touring internationally with stops already announced in the United States, Indonesia, Singapore and more. For the latest tour information, click here.

About UNITED:
UNITED is a worship band that originally rose out of the youth ministry of Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia. This progressive worship band is a global recording and touring entity sent out to share the ever-evolving worship music of Hillsong Church to an international audience through live performances and records. UNITED desires to see a generation across the earth awakened to real love, rising up with hearts as one and finding value in the broken, hurting and lost connecting with Jesus.

The Billboard Music Award winner’s newest record EMPIRES debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard Top 200 to critical support from The New York Times, The Today Show, USA Today and Yahoo! Selling out venues across multiple continents, Hillsong UNITED have filled major U.S. venues including Staples Center (Los Angeles), Radio City Music Hall (New York City), Red Rocks Amphitheater (Denver) and more. It is estimated that over 30 million people sing their songs each week, among those, their platinum selling single “Oceans."

About Hillsong Church:
In August 1983, Brian and Bobbie Houston founded the Hills Christian Life Centre in the Hills District of Sydney, Australia. It has grown from a congregation of 45 to what is said to be the largest local church in Australian history. It has now expanded to be a global church with local expressions in significant cities; with churches in Australia, London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Cape Town, Stockholm, Germany, Kiev, Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Each week, tens of thousands of people across the globe call Hillsong Church ‘home’ and the reach, impact and influence of this local congregation is seen across many nations.

Get Connected with Hillsong UNITED:
Website // www.hillsong.com/united

# # #

Media Contact:
Velvet Kelm & Courtney Hyder
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Chris Tomlin's 12 Days of Christmas

Patheos presents... 
12 Days of Chrismas Devotionals From Chris Tomlin
based on songs from ADORE: Christmas Songs of Worship
 

Days 1-6

Day 1: This Christmas, Let's Adore Jesus

Day 2: He Shall Reign Forevermore

Day 3: Adore

Day 4: Midnight Clear

Day 5: Noel

Day 6: Hymn of Joy

Get Connected with Chris Tomlin
Website // http://www.christomlin.com
Spotify // https://play.spotify.com/artist/6pRi6EIPXz4QJEOEsBaA0m

Media Contact:
Velvet Kelm and Kirsten Grenier
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
kirsten@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

Holiday Tips From The Grit & Grace Project

Seasonal tips on everything from fun ideas with the kids to surviving family gatherings and making the most out of the holidays. The Grit & Grace Project has your holidays covered!
 

Holiday Party Etiquette

Click here for the do's and don'ts of holidays gatherings.

5 Tips to Get You Through the Holidays
 

Click here for tips on surviving the stress of the holidays.

Tis the Season to Be Jolly. Or Not.

Click here for tips on navigating the holidays joyfully while single.

Our Secret Santa
 

Click here for an inspirational look at God's love and support for a family during their darkest hour.

About The Grit & Grace Project
Launched by Author and businesswoman Darlene Brock, The Grit & Grace Project is an online destination for women of all ages and walks of life. With content created by women for women, it's a place where contributors share stories, tips, how-tos and hope with each other. The project is built upon the belief that the two most important qualities women possess and must embrace are grit and grace. To learn more, visit www.thegritandgraceproject.org.


About Darlene Brock
Darlene Brock is President and co-founder of The Grit and Grace Project. As the author of Help Wanted: Moms Raising Daughters, Brock has appeared on Fox & Friends, multiple ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox affiliates. She has been a guest columnist for CNN, Thriving Family Magazine and appeared on radio programs such as Family Life Today, The Hope Line and Keep the Faith. Throughout her career, Brock traversed the world of raising two daughters while working primarily with men in the Christian Music Business for over twenty years. Her varied experiences included producing award winning music videos, personal artist management, concert promotion and the position of Chief Operating Officer of ForeFront Records. The blend of author, mother, business woman, wife, creative producer and just managing this project we call life has shown her that it is indeed true that “life challenges should neither defeat nor define you." 
 

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Get Connected With The Grit & Grace Project
Website: www.thegritandgraceproject.org
Periscope: www.periscope.tv/GritandGraceOrg

Media Contact:
Velvet Kelm, Courtney Hyder and Kirsten Grenier
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com, courtney@themcollective.com & kirsten@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

sixstepsrecords' Chris Tomlin and Crowder Honored With Nominations For The 58th Annual GRAMMY® Awards

Nashville, Tenn. (December 7, 2015) — sixstepsrecords' Chris Tomlin and Crowder each garnered a GRAMMY® nomination today for the 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards. Tomlin's Love Ran Red is nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album while Crowder's "Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)" is up for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song. The 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards will take place Monday, Feb. 15, 2016, live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and broadcast on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

This marks 11 GRAMMY® nominations for Tomlin, who previously won this award in 2012 for his album And If Our God Is For Us...

Recently making his Grand Ole Opry debut at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tomlin performed his chart-topping single "Good Good Father" as well as a track from ADORE: Christmas Songs of Worship, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Holiday Albums Chart. 

Tomlin kicked off his sold-out "Adore Christmas Tour," featuring Crowder and Lauren Daigle, this past weekend in Knoxville. For additional information, click here.

This nomination marks the second consecutive nod in this category for Crowder who was recognized last year for “Come As You Are,” also found on Neon Steeple. After a music video filled with camera shots captured by drones, complete with lasers, neon and banjos which exclusively premiered on Billboard.com, “Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)” also proved to be a radio hit for Crowder.

While touring across the U.S., Crowder surprised fans in late October when he dropped the digital Neon Porch Extravaganza, a live album recorded in his new hometown of Atlanta. Neon Porch Extravaganza features six newly recorded live songs and a video element from Neon Steeple, which boldly debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard Top 200.

Get Connected with Chris Tomlin
Website // www.christomlin.com
Spotify // play.spotify.com/artist/6pRi6EIPXz4QJEOEsBaA0m

About Chris Tomlin
With ten albums, 13 No. 1 radio singles, a GRAMMY® Award and eight additional nominations, three Billboard Music Awards, 21 Dove Awards, a platinum and four gold albums to his credit, Chris Tomlin is among the most well-known and influential artists in contemporary Christian music. Referred to by TIME Magazine as “most likely the most often sung artist anywhere,” Tomlin consistently has several songs in the top 20 of the Top 100 CCLI songs. BMI and GMA Dove Awards' 2014 Songwriter of the Year, Tomlin’s “How Great Is Our God” was his first No. 1 on the CCLI Top 25, becoming one of the fastest rising modern day hymns in CCLI chart history. In addition to having sold more than 7 million albums and over 8.9 million digital tracks, Tomlin made history as his No. 1 single “Jesus Messiah” (Hello Love) garnered 97 adds at radio, making it the biggest ever add date in Christian radio history. He recently broke the record for most top tens in the history of Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart. In the midst of his record-breaking success, Tomlin continues touring and leading at Passion Conference gatherings across the US and worldwide, including his recent Worship Night In America events, which sold out NYC’s Madison Square Garden, Denver’s Red Rock’s and Sacramento’s Sleep Train Arena. Burning Lights debuted at No. 1 atop the Billboard 200 in January 2013, making history as only the fourth Christian music album to do so, and his tenth recording, Love Ran Red continues to produce chart-topping singles. ADORE: Christmas Songs of Worship recently released, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard's Holiday Albums Chart.

Get Connected with Crowder
Website // www.crowdermusic.com

About sixstepsrecords
Founded in 2000 by Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords is a worship label and a division of Passion Conferences. sixstepsrecords’ artists include Chris Tomlin (ADORE: Christmas Songs of Worship), Crowder (Neon Steeple), Matt Redman (Unbroken Praise), Christy Nockels (Let It Be Jesus), Kristian Stanfill (Mountains Move) and Passion (Passion: Even So Come). The label partners with Sparrow Records/Capitol Christian Music Group for A&R, marketing, sales and distribution operations. For more information on sixstepsrecords, visit: www.sixstepsrecords.com.
 

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Media Contact
Velvet Kelm, Courtney Hyder & Kirsten Grenier
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
kirsten@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

GRAMMY® Award Winner Laura Story To Make Grand Ole Opry Debut

Story set to perform for "The Todd Starnes All-American Christmas" FOX News Radio special

Story challenges fans with message behind
"Just Another Christmas"

Nashville, Tenn. (December 7, 2015) — GRAMMY® Award Winner Laura Story will make her Grand Ole Opry debut tomorrow, December 8, at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. 

Story will join the ranks of legends who have taken part in the world-famous show, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. Additional performers tomorrow include Carrie Underwood, Chris Janson, Kristian Bush and more – a lineup set to play to back-to-back Opry shows at 7:00 and 9:30pm. For additional show and ticketing information, click here.

The following day, December 9, Story will be part of the 2015 Todd Starnes Fox News Radio Christmas special. The two-hour show will be filmed at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. “The Todd Starnes All-American Christmas” will be broadcast the week of Christmas on hundreds of FOX News Radio stations along with KCBI in Dallas, the entire American Family Radio network and the Bott Radio Network. The show will also be broadcast on FoxNews.com and FoxNation.com.

Story will perform songs from her debut Christmas album, God With Us, which is being widely praised by critics. CCM Magazine calls the album "beautiful" and "timeless," while NewReleaseToday says it's full of "passion and substance." Worship Leader praises her "clear and rich vocal elegance" while Hallels calls the music "stunning."

God With Us includes the track "Just Another Christmas," which Story hopes will serve as a reminder to herself and fans not to lose the wonder of Christmas this year. "What would it look like to celebrate the birth of Christ in a new and fresh way?" Story asks. Click below to watch Story as she issues a challenge to fans: "Don't let this be just another Christmas."

God With Us is available now.

About Laura Story
GRAMMY® award winning artist, speaker, songwriter, author and worship leader Laura Story has a gift for penning songs that connect with people all around the world. Among her successes as a solo artist with her smash hits “Mighty To Save” and “Blessings,” Laura has also penned hit songs for other renowned artists including Chris Tomlin’s “Indescribable.” Her solo artist music debut in 2008 with Great God Who Saves led to four Dove nominations and the award for “Inspirational Album of the Year.” In 2011, Laura released her sophomore project Blessings. The album and the emotionally powerful title was inspired by her real life trials and adversities, primarily her husband Martin's diagnosis of a brain tumor. The album resonated with a huge audience and led to whirlwind career highlights for Laura, peaking at the No. 1 album spot for three consecutive weeks on Billboard’s Contemporary Christian Overall chart, topping the iTunes® Christian/Gospel Top Songs chart and holding the No. 1 spot for an impressive 28 consecutive weeks on the Christian charts. The success of the single “Blessings,” which was certified RIAA Gold, includes the GRAMMY® Award for Best Contemporary Christian Song, the Billboard Music Award for Top Christian Song and the Dove Awards for Song of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. The song inspired Laura's first book, “What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops?” in 2012. God Of Every Story released in 2013 to much acclaim, and her first ever Christmas project God With Us, released in October. Laura is a worship leader at Perimeter Church outside of Atlanta, GA and lives with her husband Martin and three children.


Get Connected with Laura Story
Website // www.laurastorymusic.com

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Media Contact
Kirsten Grenier
the media collective
kirsten@themcollective.com
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Michael W. Smith to Make Third Appearance on CMA Country Christmas Broadcast Tonight on ABC

People Magazine Online and Country Issue Highlights Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas

Nashville, Tenn. (December 3, 2015) - Joining the talents of Kelsea Ballerini, Darius Rucker, LeAnn Rimes, Charles Kelley and more, Michael W. Smith will appear on tonight’s CMA Country Christmas on ABC at 9/8 CST. Hosted by Jennifer Nettles, the all star line-up includes Smith’s duet with Martina McBride for “What Child Is This” from his 2014 release of Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas. The multi-platinum selling Smith partnered with PEOPLE Magazine for a free download of his collaboration with McBride for their holiday playlist, including an exclusive interview in PEOPLE's popular Country issue.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® is sponsoring Smith's nationwide Christmas tour. The tour will hit more than a dozen markets this holiday season, including Dallas, Atlanta, Detroit and more. Smith’s long-time friend and fellow GRAMMY® winner Amy Grant will co-bill with him in select cities. Complimented by a full symphony orchestra, the evening will feature favorites from Smith’s latest Christmas release. For a full list of tour dates and ticket information, visitmichaelwsmith.com/tour.

With critical praise from USA Today, The New York Times, Huffington Post, Country Weekly and more, Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas found Smith collaborating with Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles, Bono and Michael McDonald. To hear more about the album from Smith, click here.


About Michael W. Smith: 
Michael W. Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 32 No. 1 songs, received 2x RIAA Multi Platinum, 6 Platinum and 16 Gold certified albums, earned three GRAMMY® Awards, one American Music Award and 45 Dove Awards. Amassing an in-depth catalog of achievements, Smith was honored at ASCAP’s 100th Anniversary for his groundbreaking career and significant influence in music. He performed at Former First Lady Barbara Bush’s 90th birthday celebration and also had the privilege to join Former President Clinton, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and others in remembering victims in the 20th Anniversary of the Oklahoma City attacks. Smith was appointed by the White House as Vice Chair for the President’s Council on service and civic participation and, most recently, was the featured performer at the 2015 USO Gala and recognized as a USO veteran. In addition to the international impact he has had through multiple global tours, he has written and composed various scored film projects, has authored 12 books, has acted in assorted motion pictures and has been featured by numerous national media outlets. He founded, and actively supports, the teen club Rocketown – a nonprofit outreach for teens, providing opportunities in arts, music, sports and mentoring programs. This year also marks the 25th anniversary in partnership with Compassion International, seeing more than seventy thousand families’ and children’s lives changed, around the world. For more information, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.


Get Connected with Michael W. Smith: 
Website // www.michaelwsmith.com

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Media Contact:
Velvet Kelm & Courtney Hyder
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
615.591.7989
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