M&D’s BLOG

(Zephaniah 3:17 paraphrased) The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing [he will spin round in a violent motion with gladness, shouting and triumph]!  
M & D, The Sound
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   Is peace with God the same as falling asleep? Does ‘fall-on-your-face worship leave you longing for your pillow? If it does, remember Rev 8:1,  “. . .there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.“ If you’re tired of sleepy services, snoozy music, or are looking to be on the cutting edge, LOOK NO FURTHER! Originally from Chicago, IL, Mark & Denise bring joy and freedom thru their unique style of music and teaching wherever they go. Stepping out of the typical ‘religious’ role, they bring the love and faith of Jesus wherever they go, mixing original contemporary music with parodies and humor for an unbeatable combination. Their goal is to get God’s people to understand His love and grace so they can hear and receive from Him for themselves.

     Though Mark & Denise are accomplished recording artists, producers, songwriters and teachers, they don’t measure the success of their ministry by the number of CD’s and books distributed and sold worldwide, or offerings received. The real rewards and proof that God is alive and working in people’s lives are the miracles and testimonies they receive from the people impacted by their music and teaching. You’ll be stirred and encouraged as you listen to their music threaded with the teaching of God’s grace. For a taste of their original music, check out their CD, JumpingOffTheCliff.  

     In addition to music, Mark & Denise have authored several books called A Sound Word, Volumes 1 & 2, which answer doctrinal questions and puzzlements people have about God, His love, and the Bible.  Together they have ministered to literally thousands of people, both in the United States and overseas. Mark and Denise share the heart of God to meet the needs of His people.

   Mark Abernethy (guitarist) began his musical career when he first took the stage in high school with his band, The Lords.  He appeared on the Chicago music scene (in the late 60's), traveling with various bands, and in his 20's he had a brief stint as lead singer with Ted Nugent in the Amboy Dukes. Several other bands followed including Buddy, Murphy’s Law and Ivory. After Mark’s conversion in 1979, he discovered a whole new reason for playing and it’s not hard to see where his passion lies. He was involved with worship teams for the next several decades. As he learned about recording, he developed a gift for songwriting and arrangement. Whenever he plays, the atmosphere of the room changes. Whole meetings have changed direction as a result. Talent? Maybe some, but the real reason is the anointing behind it. Some people have compared his playing to Eric Clapton, JJ Cale, Robben Ford and one guitarist even called it "smoother than the inside of Angelina Jolie's thigh". (no kidding).
  Mark flows in a prophetic anointing, following the leading of the Holy Ghost to create an atmosphere for God’s people to go directly to the throne.  He grew up listening to various styles of music, always stepping out to that cutting edge. Denise calls him the ‘King of Wing’ because he won’t be confined to any box.
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   Denise Abernethy (bass guitar) grew up in the Chicago suburbs being influenced by pop, rock, disco and motown. She became a Christian in 1990 which opened up a whole new world for her. Denise’s bass playing stays in the pocket and holds down the bottom end. She's easy on the eyes but more than just window dressing. She's a great lyricist with a smile that could light up a whole town.
   Denise, aka “Parody Queen” brings her freedom and enthusiasm to this gifted team. Flowing  in prophetic words of knowledge, wisdom and exhortation, she helps to bridge any perceived gap between the congregation and the platform. Sacred cows make the best hamburgers when it comes to her parodies. Denise ministers with joy, spark and wit to complement this team. 

     Since moving to Colorado in 1995, Mark and Denise have been creating and recording their own unique style of Christian music while being involved in leading, assisting, and forming praise and worship teams.Mark and Denise independently recorded and released their debut CD, Open Up The Gates! in 2001. Jumping Off The Cliff came a year later in 2002.   They shifted gears in 2009 to complete Denise’s parody album, The Tune Remains The Same, under her Parody Queen persona (the Christian version of Weird Al). They just finished their fourth CD, KEY OF BLUE, which is blues driven. When they aren’t recording in their studio, you can usually find them on the road. Every year they have the opportunity to share the gospel in places beyond the walls of the church – ‘taking it to the streets’. You can find them in prisons, schools, coffeehouses, performing at festivals or at county fairs.

 

PREVIOUS ENGAGEMENTS

Arizona
Navajo Nation – Ganado
Navajo Nation – Dilkon

California
Faith Builders Family Church – Banning
Abundant Life Fellowship – Beaumont

Colorado
Pikes Peak Christian Artist Festival – Col Springs
Stargazers Theater – Col Springs
County Fair – Fairplay
Denver Christian JAM – Lakewood
Jives Coffee Lounge – Col Springs
The Mustard Seed – Kittredge
Pikes Perk – Colorado Springs
Saint Arbuck’s – Colorado Springs
Salvation Army – Col Springs
Springs Rescue Mission – Col Springs
Trail West Conference – Buena Vista
Westwood Housing – Denver
Charis Christian Center – Col Springs
CC Church – Greeley
Faith Ministries Church Intl – Lakewood
Faith Freedom Fellowship – Fairplay
Mountain High Christian Center – Conifer
Open Bible Baptist Church – Colorado Springs
Rifle Christian Fellowship – Rifle
Springs Full Gospel Korean American Church – Col Springs
Victorious Living Fellowship – Thornton

Florida
Charis Bible College – Jacksonville
Charis Bible College – Orlando
Faith City – Titusville
Victory Community Church – Seminole

Illinois
Good News Christian Center – Des Plaines
Jesus Journey – Bartlett
RAMH Fellowship – Belvidere
Charis Bible College – Elmhurst
First Presbyterian Church – Arlington Hts

Georgia
Charis Bible College – Atlanta
Lee Arrendale State Prison – Alto
Metro State Prison – Atlanta
Solid Rock of Atlanta – Atlanta
Main Street Gospel – Lula

Kansas
Hallelujah Ministries – Hays
Living Water Fellowship – Hiawatha

Massachusetts
Charis Bible School – Plymouth
Charis Bible School – Gardner
Charis Coffee House – Plymouth

Missouri
Faith Ministries WOC – Grandview
Harry’s Mug Coffeehouse – Grandview

New Mexico
Albuquerque Convention Center (conference)
Faith Family Church – Farmington
Glorybound Ministries – Albuquerque

North Carolina
Freedom Christian Center – Gastonia
Charis Bible College – Gastonia

North Dakota
Circle C Ranch/Roundup – Bismark

South Carolina
Foundations of Faith Church – Greenville

South Dakota
Believers Fellowship – Sturgis

Tennessee
Gracepointe Church – Cookeville

Texas
Charis Bible College – Dallas

Wisconsin
Big Church Alive – Wausau

INTERNATIONAL
Palabra de Vida Church – Cd Victoria, Mexico
Charis Bible Institute – Belize
Youth Hostel & Men’s Prison – Belize
UK Tour – England, Ireland, Scotland
 YMCA Dublin
Victory Christian Center – Grimsby England
Church On The Rock – Coventry England
Acorn Christian Fellowship – Nottingham England
Life Tribe Kidz Klub – Coventry England
Charis Bible College – Coventry England
Bible Christian Centre – Haselbury Plucknet  Somerset England

Copyright Sound Ministries Int’l, 2001-2011 -- Site Last Modified: Jan 17, 2011