Pilgrims by Faith – Jon Troast
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Recording artist Jon Troast is best known for his continuing series of five song EPs titled with letters of the alphabet. Thus far, he has released “A” through “J”, and the “K” EP should be out soon.
In 2020, Jon became the worship leader at the church I attend (Christ Church PCA in Normal, Illinois). He often writes songs for our sermon series, and teaches them to our congregation. For his new worship album Pilgrims by Faith, Jon travelled to Nashville last fall to capture the bulk of the recording with producer Andy Osenga. Then, earlier this year, Osenga came to Christ Church to capture our congregation singing these songs. He then mixed that audio with the studio recorded tracks.
Paul Eckberg plays drums and percussion, Kevin Whitsett plays bass, Mike Hicks plays piano, organ, and keys, Stacy Lantz and the Christ Church congregation contribute background vocals. Andy Osenga plays guitars and synth and Jon Troast contributes lead vocals, acoustic guitar and wrote all of the songs.
Here are a few comments about each song:

Abiding in Christ – This song was written for the sermon series on the Gospel of John. This song features themes from the Gospel of John, proclaiming how sweet it is to abide in Christ. The song includes drums, bass, guitar, piano, organ, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Abiding in Christ
What joy will be mine
My wavering branch
Upheld by the Vine
The Living Water
The Bread of Life
How sweet it is
Abiding in Christ

The Rising of the Son – This song came out of a season of depression. When life seems more than we can bear, help us Lord to not despair. The song features piano, backing vocals, drums, bass, and guitar.
Key lyric:
Jesus, our Messiah
Lamb of God, Holy One
Please remind us in our trials
Of the rising of the Son

Pilgrims by Faith – This upbeat song was written for the sermon series on the Epistle to the Hebrews. The song features guitar, bass, keys, drums, organ, and backing vocals. I really like how the song, near its conclusion, turns to Hebrews 12:2-3:
Who, for the joy set before Him
Bore the cross, rose in glory
And He sits on His throne
Until we all bow before Him

Key lyric:
We are pilgrims by faith
Foreigners in these days
May his promises lift our eyes
To the Kingdom to come
Heavenly City of God
Under the reign of Jesus Christ

Come, Thou Long Awaited One – This song was written for the sermon series on the Book of Isaiah. The song touches on prophesies of the coming Lord, and eventually the New Jerusalem. The song features piano, guitar, backing vocals, synth, and drums.
Key lyric:
Come now, New Jerusalem
For the Lord our God
Will dwell with us forever and Amen

There is a God in Heaven – This joyful song of praise was written for the sermon series on the Book of Daniel. The song features organ, drums, guitar, bass, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
There is a God in heaven
Who reveals great mysteries
His kingdom comes
And His will is done
For He reigns in majesty

Lord Have Mercy – This song was written for a service of lament in 2020. During this time there were protests and riots over social injustice, and the world was in the midst of the COVID pandemic. The song features acoustic guitar, bass, synth, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Lord, we come with heavy hearts
Restless minds and stammering tongues
Crying out with all we are
Singing, “Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy”

Servants of a Gracious King – This joyful song of praise was written for the sermon series on Philippians. The song touches on themes from Philippians such as remain steadfast, stand firm and press on. The song features organ, guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
We are servants of a Gracious King
Who has served us in His suffering
Christ our Savior, to Your name we sing
“Hallelujah” is the only song we bring