Nine original songs. Fifteen years in the making.
For more than a decade, Leap of Faith has led contemporary worship at Sewickley United Methodist Church. Along the way, we began writing our own music—songs inspired by scripture, shaped by worship, and refined through years of playing them together as a band.
The River Rises brings together nine of those songs in a collection that spans rock, folk, pop, worship, and even a touch of punk influence. Some are energetic and guitar-driven. Others are intimate prayers carried by piano, violin, and cello. Together, they tell stories of hope, grace, faith, doubt, transformation, and God’s enduring presence.
Where the River Begins
The album takes its name from the song “Leaves Won’t Wither,” inspired by the vision found in Ezekiel 47.
In the prophet’s vision, water flows from the temple and grows into a mighty river. Wherever the river goes, life follows. The dry places are renewed. Trees flourish along its banks. “Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail.”
That image became the heart of the album.
We see it as a reflection of what the church is called to be: not a place that keeps God’s gifts within its walls, but a source of life flowing outward into the community. It’s also a fitting image for Sewickley itself, whose name is often translated as “sweet water.”
The river rises, and life follows.
Songs Born in Worship
All of these songs were first written for and performed in worship at Sewickley United Methodist Church.
The earliest song on the album, “Even the Stones,” debuted during Palm Sunday worship in 2011. Inspired by Luke 19, it reflects Jesus’ words that if the crowds remained silent, “the stones would cry out.”
That song opened the door to more writing. One song became several. Over the years, the congregation encouraged us to keep going, often telling us these songs deserved a life beyond Sunday morning.
Eventually, we decided to record them.
From Sanctuary to Studio
Recording The River Rises was a learning experience for all of us.
We are not full-time musicians. We are volunteers who rehearse every Wednesday, lead worship every Sunday, and balance music with careers, families, and everyday life.
The album was recorded over the course of roughly a year at Audible Images (now Red Caiman Studios) with Grammy-winning engineer Jay Dudt and later with engineer Jacob Zang.
We recorded the songs in small groups, refining arrangements, revisiting performances, and learning what it meant to create a professional recording. Some songs came together quickly. Others—especially “Even the Stones,” with its layered strings, harmonies, key change, and rubato passage—required significant attention and craftsmanship.
The process stretched us as musicians and deepened our appreciation for the gift of creating music together.
The Cover
The album cover features the members of Leap of Faith standing in Little Sewickley Creek.
The image was photographed by award-winning photographer Harry Giglio, who generously partnered with us after helping document a fundraising concert held to support the project.
Standing in the water was more than a visual idea. It represented the album’s central theme: a river flowing outward, bringing life wherever it goes.
Listen Now
The River Rises is available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and other major streaming platforms.
Track Listing
Signs in the Moon
Leaves Won’t Wither
A Cross Became the Cross
Heaven on Earth
Love Like Fire
Call My Name
Even the Stones
Come By Here
Far Horizon