NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The five new songs for LifeWay’s Vacation Bible School 2013 theme, Colossal Coaster World: Facing Fear, Trusting God, were written and will be performed by a new creative team.
Dove Award-winning artist Jamie Grace will sing three of the five songs to help teach Bible truths to the next generation.
Grace, 20, from Atlanta, won the Dove Award for New Artist of the Year after the smash hit, “Hold Me,” released last year.
Growing up in church and attending VBS, Grace credits the evangelism outreach as a formidable time in her faith. She said Lifeway’s VBS gave her “some of the best summers of my life – filled with moments that encouraged me and have made me want to give back.”
“We are thrilled to have Jamie Grace adding not only her award-winning talent, but her passion and love for VBS to our project,” said Jerry Wooley, Lifeway’s VBS specialist.
Also joining the creative team are songwriters Paul Marino and Jeremy Johnson.
“For more than 20 years, Paul has been quietly making a name for himself in music,” said Wooley. “His expertise and experience makes him one of the top consultants in the areas of producing, writing, publishing, leading worship and concert performance.”
As a songwriter, Marino has penned many chart-topping hits, including 16 top ten national radio singles. He wrote the theme song for the movie Road to Redemption, produced by Billy Graham’s World Wide Pictures.
While Marino isn’t an employee at Lifeway, he has been crafting songs for Lifeway Worshipsince 2004. He was named Lifeway songwriter of the year for 2010 and 2011.
As a performer, Marino has sung with the vocal trio, River, for 20 years, serving as the group’s producer, vocalist and primary songwriter. River has performed more than 1,500 concerts around the world and amassed numerous Top 10 national radio hits.
Shreveport, La., native Jeremy Johnson moved to Nashville in 1994 to attend Belmont University. He signed an exclusive publishing contract with Lifeway in 2004 when his songs gained the attention of producer/songwriter Greg Nelson.
“While he isn’t a Lifeway employee either, Jeremy is a full-time songwriter for Lifeway Worship Music Group,” said Wooley.
Since signing with Lifeway, Johnson’s songs have been recorded by Steve Green, Michael W. Smith, Elliott Yamin (American Idol finalist), and Brian Free and Assurance. His music has been featured in more 200 choral and print projects.
Three of Jeremy’s songs were included in the 2008 Baptist Hymnal.
Samples of the VBS music can be heard at LifeWay.com/vbs2013. Also, visit LifeWay’s VBS blog for more information to learn more about the theme, craft ideas and other VBS enthusiasts.
by Communications Staff
