NEW MUSIC
VILLAGE LIGHTS Song Spotlight “ Take , Eat , Drink ” instruments such as fiddles , cellos , violins , acoustic guitars and a host of bagpipes just to remind us that this ain ’ t no ordinary cookiecutter worship album . The vocals blending of multiple harmonies and vocal accents also make this album stand out . This is something different , but also at the same time something wonderfully familiar all in one album .
Of the beloved hymns on this album , the ones worth mentioning all take the “ less-is-more ” approach and remind all of us that authentic worship doesn ’ t just happen with pads , electric guitars , big drums and 10,000 worshipers gathered in an arena . “ Blessed Assurance ”, “ Turn Your Eyes ” and “ Because He Lives ” bring us back to the simplicity of sung worship with tight four-part harmonies , familiar melodies and grass roots arrangements that fit within their context as a body and make sense .
The three new songs on the collection include " I Trust in Jesus " which begins with a gorgeous cello before reminding us of God ’ s faithfulness with its hymn-like structure . " Father of Light " is a folky ballad that draws it ’ s lyrical foundation from Psalm 91 , and " O Be Still My Soul " is warm and inviting with violins , acoustic guitars and floating vocals reminding us of how true rest comes only through Jesus .
These are basic , well written and arranged humble songs of worship written for the local church . The album often draws its lyrical inspiration from scripture and every song is delivered with honesty and adoration for the Lord .
When it comes to worship music , there is , in my opinion , a serious lack of well written congregationally friendly songs that point to specific parts of a worship experience . For instance , there aren ’ t many great songs about baptism , confession , sending , prayer . I find myself as a worship leader having to highlight parts of songs to fit particular worship pieces instead of having whole songs dedicated to a part of the worship experience .
One of those “ holes ” that need to also be filled is in the area of communion . There are currently a few good ones out there ( Remember- Stephanie Gretzinger , Communion- Third Day etc .) but any time I come across a great song that can fill those liturgical niche ’ s that some of us need , I am excited to highlight them .
Enter worship collective , Village Lights which is a multi-cultural gathering of artists based out of Nashville and Arizona and was started by Sara Kroger , Ike Ndolo and Ricky Vazquez . The three independent artists share a common vision of creating relevant and modern worship music for liturgical spaces . Their first full-length release , Kingdom features a whopping sixteen tracks ( many of which were pre-released as singles ) and contains a handful of modern liturgical tracks that many traditional churches use in their regular services .
One of the best tracks on the album is the
eucharisitic inspired “ Take , Eat , Drink ” which is a simple yet gorgeous exposition of Holy Communion . Beginning with a simple piano motif accompanied by violins and a cello , worship leader , Sara Kroger gloriously lays out how the bread and the wine of communion are the perfect sacrifice for God ’ s people .
The simple chorus invites us to take , eat and drink as we remember what Jesus did for us on the cross . This is one of those times in a song where I was thankful that the writers did not overthink the lyric , instead they just present good theology in a simple , sing-able and understandable way .
Verse two calls these elements of bread and wine our hope and new life as we partake of this meal together keeping with the simple approach to what the Holy Spirit does during the celebration of the Holy Supper . The second chorus follows and repeats with a little added percussion just to keep things moving .
The bridge is also simple as Kroger faithfully sings the respectful and appropriate response : “ Thank You , Thank You Jesus , Thank You , O Thank You , We say thank You ” before the song ends with another quiet chorus .
The theology here is perfect and I really enjoyed how the folks from Village Lights kept things simple and to the point directed at the moment . This is a great song for your congregation to learn and sing as you celebrate the Lord ’ s Supper together .
Gerod Bass Worship leader in Tacoma , WA . Mentor with Worship Catalyst . Singer , songwriter , guitarist with a passion for impacting lives for the sake of the Gospel . www . oslc . com