Erin Bode Performs at LCMS Convention Featuring New Themba Choirs Album “Sounds of Mercy”

Erin Bode, a Lutheran jazz singer, performed at the LCMS convention in Phoenix, featuring songs from her new album *Sounds of Mercy*. The album, released in partnership with the LCMS, includes tracks recorded nearly two decades ago with the Themba School Choirs of South Africa.

The project began with the 2007 album *The Themba Girls with the Erin Bode Group*, which was recorded at the request of LCMS World Relief and Human Care. The album featured Bode and young women from a South African school supported by The Themba Trust. Proceeds from the album and subsequent performances in the U.S. helped fund scholarships for students.

Bode returned to South Africa two years later to record additional tracks with a choir of boys from the same school. However, the project was delayed, and the tracks were not released until now. At the request of LCMS leadership, Bode recently completed the album, adding eight previously unreleased songs and new compositions with singer-songwriter Derren Raser.

During her performance at the convention, Bode introduced the song “Romans,” based on her favorite Bible verses, particularly Romans 8. The song reflects on the assurance of God’s love and the victory found in Christ.

The album also includes seven spoken word tracks from an *Issues, Etc.* interview with LCMS President Matthew C. Harrison. The tracks reflect on mercy work and the call to care for one another in Christ. Harrison emphasizes that being united in faith means caring for one another, as Christ shows compassion to those in need.

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