ChildOfMercy

Genre: Contemporary Christian
Secondary Genre: Rock Bay area, California USA Contact

"Catchy melodies mingled with insightful lyrics that resinate and minister to the depths of the soul..."

Artist Information

Biography

Child of Mercy’s MISSION STATEMENT:
We are passionate about seeing revival in the hearts of God’s people and ministering to those who are hurting and broken. Our original music and powerful testimony reveals the indescribable love and mercy of an AMAZING God who can take our broken pieces and make everything beautiful in His time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

BIO:
The ministry "Child of Mercy" was born in 2006. Their inspiring music and Denise's testimony has impacted the lives of many.

Child of Mercy was interviewed and featured on 101.5 KAMB Celebration Radio, Reality Church TV, Take12 Radio and JCM Productions.

Denise's story was featured on CBN News "The 700 Club", Reality Church TV, Take12 Radio and JCM Productions. She will make a guest appearance on JCTV, a youth program on the Trinity Broadcasting Network "TBN" in October, 2010.

The band has been touring over the past two years leading worship at several churches including Venture Christian in Los Gatos with Pastor Chip Ingram and playing numerous events including SPIRIT WEST COAST in Del Mar and Monterey. The new album “Broken Pieces" is receiving international recognition and their music is featured on several radio stations across the country.

In addition, Denise Bridges speaks at shares her story at conferences, retreats, middle school/high schools, youth groups, festivals, recovery groups, etc.

SONGWRITING AWARDS AND RECOGNITION:
The song “You Are”, written by Denise Bridges, on Child of Mercy’s first album “The Narrow Road” earned her song-writing recognition at the 2006 ISC International Songwriting Competition and was chosen as a finalist for song of the year in the 2007 King Cat Songwriting Competition. The song “Another saint has gone home” written by Chris Rooke earned him an honorable mention in the John Lennon songwriting competition 2001. Keith Mohr/Founder of Indieheaven announced that Child of Mercy was nominated for "Artist of the year" in the 3rd annual "Momentum Awards".

COMPILATION CD'S
Denise’s song "You Are" was picked up by Roo Records to be included in a compilation project along side national recording artist Daniel James and world renowned singer-songwriter/recording artist JON GIBSON. Another song off the first album “The Narrow Road”, written by Denise Bridges and Stephen Martinez was included on Quickstar’s compilation project “Unified by Grace” released in 2009. Just recently, the song “Lay your hands on me”, off the new release “Broken Pieces” written by Chris Rooke will be included on a rock compilation “A call for healing” to be released in 2010. The proceeds from the two Quickstar compilations will aid a health clinic in Uganda.

DENISE BRIDGES/Singer-Songwriter-Speaker:
TESTIMONY as seen on CBN NEWS “The 700 Club”
(Detailed version upon request)

Psalm 40:2-3; "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire, He set my feet on a rock and gave me a place to stand, He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord."

"At the tender age of 6, my Mother began teaching me about Jesus and instilling in me her own life-changing faith. I vividly remember telling her I wanted to ask Jesus into my heart and kneeling with her to pray. I was raised in church, but as a teenager I began to feel like I was missing out, wanting to see what the world had to offer me. I truly believed that if I surrendered to God, I would be losing so much. During this time God tried to get my attention, but in my stubbornness I resisted Him with tears time and time again. I chose to walk my own path, and in doing so, paved a trail of heartache and extreme regret. When I finally came to my end, I began to hear God's voice and I could no longer resist. Seventeen years ago I surrendered my life into the hand of the Almighty. His Love and Forgiveness transformed my life and set me on a new course. Since then, he has done a miraculous work of healing and restoration. He's made all things beautiful in His time and I am overwhelmed with gratitude."

Life has not been easy for Denise Bridges.

Not understanding how to deal with her wounds, she learned how to suppress the pain by clinging to different vices such as drugs and alcohol to mask the hurt. Although her mother continued to raise her children in church, Denise rebelled and began a long search for love, fulfillment and happiness. Feeling as though herself worth was dependent on how she looked, she embarked on a professional modeling career that caused her to spiral down even further. She soon developed an eating disorder and became obsessed with her weight. After feeling she had no control over her life and along with other disappointments, she finally came to her senses and realized that the materialism and excess she became consumed with did not fill the empty hole in her heart. It was then that the Lord, in His great mercy and love, called her back to Himself. In May of 1992, Denise surrendered her life into the hands of the Almighty. Denise states, "I am so amazed that he would use my broken life as a testimony to His AMAZING love and mercy. "

The past seventeen years have been a sweet adventure but they are also mingled with some devastating choices that left her with life changing consequences. Through her pain and regret, the Lord has done an amazing work of emotional and spiritual healing. Denise states, “I now fully realize the DEPTH of love and mercy my Father has for me. He’s gone above and beyond my expectations by taking my broken pieces and making everything beautiful in His time. I am truly His Child of Mercy. ”

CHRIS ROOKE/Singer-Songwriter:
Two years ago, Chris teamed up with Denise Bridges and joined the band Child of Mercy. Their writing styles complement one another and the new album is a catchy blend of rock and heartfelt melodies. Chris played on several worship teams over the past 15 years including leading worship for three churches in the bay area. He’s shared his music at several coffee houses, conferences, retreats, churches and weddings. Music has always been a part of his life with influences from the Beatles, Third Day, Tree 63 and Jars of Clay.

TESTIMONY:
Chris was not raised in a Christian home but received Jesus as his savior while attending a friend’s church in 1973. Chris reminisces, “As I grew older, I did not understand my purpose in life. The all-too-popular, "Why am I here" question filled my mind, and my heart. Though most of us are taught evolution in school, I always believed in something more.” Throughout his teen years and early twenties he had a number of broken relationships that deeply hurt him. Chris states, “I never understood why until God revealed to me that I was not putting Him first. So much has been revealed to me since then.” Chris never dabbled in drugs, smoking or other vices and thanks the Lord for His protection over his life.

Chris says, “After Jesus was baptized, a dove came down from the sky, and God the Father said, "This is my Son in whom I am well pleased". My desire is to be pleasing in my Father's sight. I am so blessed to be sharing my music and I pray that God will be glorified through the songs He’s given me.

PASTORAL REFERENCES:
Steve Jones, Pastor of Worship and Creative Arts at Los Gatos Christian Church states, "In my opinion, Child of Mercy deserves success in ministry because their attitudes are right and their motives pure. And they deserve commercial success because of their talent and willingness to work hard at their craft.”

Ron Scadina, Pastor of Santa Cruz Revival states, The Santa Cruz County has been impacted by Denise and her heart and gratitude for Jesus. In the last year, Denise and Child of Mercy have partnered with Santa Cruz Revival and participated as we hosted several outdoor evangelistic crusades in Capitola on Resurrection Sunday and Father's day. Child of Mercy was also featured on our weekly TV show where she shared from her heart the saving grace and mercy of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, and the direct impact He has had in rescuing and reshaping her life. As a Pastor, who has led 17 outdoor concert/crusades in the last three years, I can say that her transformed life, her open and transparent story have touched the lost and motivated many to turn to Jesus for healing (The GREAT Physician.)

Instrumentation

Denise Bridges - Lead vocals & keyboard
Chris Rooke - Lead vocals, acoustic & electric guitar
Jeff Zajac - Lead guitarist
Russell Bridges - Bass guitar
London Osborne - Drummer/percussionist
Megan Osborne-back up singer

Discography

(2006)
"THE NARROW ROAD"
The song "You Are", track 1 on her Cd earned her songwriting recognition at the 2006 International Songwriting Competition in the Gospel/Christian category, and was a finalist for the 2007 song of the year in the King Cat Music Songwriting Contest.

(2008)
"MUSIC TO LIVE BY" Roo Records
A compilation project featuring the hit song "You Are" by Child of Mercy. Other artists include Daniel James, National recording artist and Jon Gibson, world renown producer and recording artist.

(2009) "UNIFIED BY GRACE" Quickstar Productions
A compilation project featuring the hit song "The Narrow Road" by Child Of Mercy. All proceeds will go to the Nyambabare Clinic in southwestern Uganda to help fight Malaria.

(2009) "BROKEN PIECES"
A full length album including the hit song "Broken Pieces"

(2010) "A CALL FOR HEALING"
A Rock Compilation
by Quickstar Productions
Featuring the song "Lay your hands on me" by Child Of Mercy. All proceeds will go to the Nyambabare Clinic in southwestern Uganda to help fight Malaria.


STREAMING/RADIO AIRPLAY: The Narrow Road EP is featured on several radio stations across the country. TSR Radio, Christian Originals Radio, Outbound Music, Women of Substance Radio, Hallel Music, Holy Revival Radio and Spiritco1 Radio.

Official Website

http://www.myspace.com/childofmercyband

Links

Audio

  • "The Rain Still Falls"
    Listen  
  • Lay your hands on me 2009
    Listen  
  • Letting Go 2009
    Listen  
  • Broken Pieces 2009
    Listen  
  • Here comes the Son 2009
    Listen  
  • You Are 2006
    Listen  

Lyrics

Video

Photo Gallery

  • New release "Broken Pieces" promo 2009

    Download print quality (high-res) version (Right Click -> Save As)
  • Promo pic

    Download print quality (high-res) version (Right Click -> Save As)
  • London Osborne, Jeff Zajac, Denise Bridges, Russ Bridges and Chris Rooke

    Download print quality (high-res) version (Right Click -> Save As)
  • Denise Bridges taping for CBN NEWS "The 700 Club"

  • Spirit West Coast Monterey 2010

  • 101.5 KAMB Celebration Radio interviews ChildOfMercy at Spirit West Coast Monterey

  • Spirit West Coast Del Mar 2010

  • IMG_0212

  • ChildOfMercy on "REALITY CHURCH TV"

  • Take12 Radio Interview

  • Denise Bridges shares her amazing story

  • girls conference flyer

  • Abundant Life Fellowship 2009

  • Shoreline Community Church in Monterey, Ca.

Press

  • Child of Mercy nominated for "Artist of the year" [+ Show ]

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Child of Mercy Nominated for "Artist of the year" IndieHeaven’s Momentum...

  • Songwriting review from industry professionals [+ Show ]

    Songwriting review for "So Amazed" by Denise Bridges & Tina Parrott. "Two of the singer songwri...

  • International Songwriting Competition [+ Show ]

    Dear Denise, We are pleased to inform you that the song "You Are," entered into the Gospel/Christ...

  • "You Are" song of the year monthly finalist [+ Show ]

    Congratulations Child of Mercy! Your song titled "You Are" has now made it to the first round of the...

  • Quickstar Productions [+ Show ]

    Hi, I heard you song, "Narrow Road" and I am very impressed with it. We are currently working on a ...

  • Roo Records

    Hey guys Loved it!! Thanks for submitting, we are honored to have you be a part of the project!

  • GOD TOUCHING LIVES THROUGH OUR MUSIC & TESTIMONY... [+ Show ]

    Name: Scott Burgess The visitor commented: ------------------------------ I had t...

  • Recommendation letter from LGCC worship/creative arts pastor [+ Show ]

    July 19, 2006 Denise Bridges and Child of Mercy To Whom It May Concern: My name is Steve Jo...

  • Recommendation letter from SCR Television/Outreach Pastor [+ Show ]

    Dear Fellow Pastor, Santa Cruz County has been impacted by Denise Bridges and her heart and grati...

Setlist

CONCERT: Our set is typically 1.5 hours which includes 10-12 originals with a few cover songs. Denise's story is included per request.

You Are
Mercy Reigns
Here comes the Son
So Amazed
Lay your hands on me
Broken Pieces
Letting go
Comeback
Called to holiness
To be like you
Letting go (reprise/upbeat version)
He's my God
All I need
No other Name
Shadow of your wings
I see you (in everything around me)
All for your glory
The rain still falls

WORSHIP AND COVER SONGS:
*God of Wonders
*How Great is our God
*No other Name (original)
*Open the eyes of my heart
*You are worthy of my praise


Basic Requirements


Calendar

There are no upcoming dates at this time.