WKGMA 2016 Spring Convention

The Echoes sing "I Wouldn't Take Nothing For
My Journey Now"

Well, it seems you don't see it too often in many churches these days, but by the conclusion of the Friday night session of the 2016 WKGMA Spring Convention, the altar was filled with people seeking God's Will in their lives and life situations.

The event was hosted by Trinity Baptist Church in Paducah, KY.

The Echoes kicked off the evening with Sharon taking the lead on "I Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now," followed by Twila featured on "It's My Desire," and ending with David singing "I'll Never Be Over The Hill.

A short devotion at the end of the singing by Dale Harrell, Pastor at Park Avenue Baptist Church, and husband of WKGMA President Marilyn Harrell, resulted in a spontaneous move of the Holy Spirit in the congregation.  As people came forward to pray, strains of "Amazing Grace" began filling the church.

So, if you weren't there, you missed a visit from God at the Convention.

For Him was another featured
group at the Friday session.

The WKGMA Convention always offers a variety of soloists, duets, trios and quartets.  The Holy Spirit is always present at the events, but this night, the Holy Spirit took control of the event.  What better way to spend a Friday night (or any other day of the week).

Saline County Singing Convention

It has been some time since we were last at the Saline County Singing Convention, but the Echoes made up for lost time when we were invited to be the featured singers at the April 2016 convention.  This one was hosted by the North Williford Baptist Church, in Harrisburg, IL.  Pastor Keith Ital made us feel very welcome at his church, and we also enjoyed his "Elvis-style" singing.

The Saline County Singing Convention is one of the oldest continuing such events in Illinois (or anywhere else around the tri-state that we know of).

Phillip Fritts is the current President of the Convention, and he and his wife are working hard to line up both featured singers to sing at and Saline County locations to host the Convention.

The Convention has a Facebook page, which features a number of the songs sung by the Echoes and others at this event.  Check it out at:
https://www.facebook.com/salinecountysingingconventiin/?fref=ts

GloryBound Christian Entertainment Event

The Echoes travelled down the road to the Murray, Kentucky area for another GloryBound event.

Just as always, we had another great time with our hosts, Renee Taylor and Pat Lea.  Renee and Pat work tirelessly to coordinate on a monthly basis bringing the Gospel in Song in a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere at the Goshen United Methodist Church Family Life Center in Stella, KY.

At this event, we got the opportunity to not only share the Gospel in song, but also to enjoy the songs of April Arnold and Jesse Farmer.  It was a busy night in the Murray area, and there was a lot going on in the Murray area and Calloway County last night, so the crowd was down. But the blessings still flowed freely, which made us all glad that we are "Glory Bound!"

WKGMA Mini-Convention

As we do every time we get together to sing, the Echoes had a another great time at a WKGMA Mini-convention.  This mini-convention was hosted by Park Avenue Baptist Church, in Paducah, KY.  

It started out with a delicious pot-luck meal to get everyone in the mood to sing.  Then, with a full stomach, we adjourned to the sanctuary at Park Avenue to enjoy some spiritual food.

For our part, the Echoes went a ways back in the song archives with "This Time," "What You Took From Me," and "Damascus Road." We also included a newer song, "Borrowed Tomb."   And the song selection appeared to be used by the Holy Spirit to bless those in attendance.

God is GOOD!

WKGMA 2015 Fall Convention

The Echoes, as always, had a great time as we sang at the 2015 Fall edition of the WKGMA Convention.  Once again hosted by Trinity Baptist Church, in Paducah, KY, the crowd was very receptive to the various messages in song from WKGMA members.

For the Echoes, our 3-song set started out with "He Saw It All," which talks about the miracles that happen because of Jesus' touch.

That song was followed by "Just One More Soul," which explains why the Echoes (and the other WKGMA members) sing.  You can see a video as the Echoes sing that song at https://youtu.be/mFCYApAOSFw

We ended our set with a challenge to each Christian there to "Preach The Word" in our daily lives.

That's what we like about Southern Gospel songs; each of them supports and provides another look at the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Immanuel Baptist Temple

The Echoes had a somewhat rare Sunday morning service, as Twila was given the day off at her church so we could sing at David's church, Immanuel Baptist Temple (IBT) in their worship service.

We started out singing an up-tempo "Getting Ready To Leave This World" for the offertory selection.  That got hands to clapping and feet tapping.  Then, for the worship portion of the service, we sang primarily about Jesus -- that's just what we do! -- starting with "There Was Jesus."

It was then to give the message that the tomb where Jesus was laid after his crucifixion is now empty, with "Borrowed Tomb."

We then offered encouragement to those who are facing the troubles and trials of our culture today, reminding  people that although it is a "Broken World," it's not for long -- because Jesus is soon returning.

Finally, we charged Pastor Ken Gazaway to "Preacher, Tell It Like It Is," as he prepared to deliver the message of the morning.  And he did just that.

So, we trust that the people there in the service left a little more encouraged to face the coming times.  We know that we did.

Azotus Homecoming

The Echoes at Azotus Missionary Baptist
Church

The Echoes returned for their annual singing at the Azotus Missionary Baptist Church Homecoming.  The Echoes have been singing at this once-a-year event every year since 1972, so one could say it's pretty much a tradition -- and one that we cherish.

The church was established in 1848, so it has had a long-time impact in the Azotus community of very rural Pope County, Illinois.  

The annual homecoming on the last Sunday of August each year is the only service held at the old church building.  The remainder of the year, it sets beside the gravel road as a continuing testimony to God. 

The yearly service at Azotus gives the long-time members and relatives a time to gather each year to talk about old memories and renew old acquaintances -- as well as to walk the grounds of the adjoining cemetery to pay respects to those gone on.  

Pastor Mark Staton leads the congregation in singing old hymns, as Twila provides the music on the old up-right piano in the church.  The pews rough-hewed and certainly not padded, and the floor hasn't been level for years.  But God is still worshipped.

The day began with a church service in the old church building at 11:00am, with Calvary Baptist Church Pastor Mark Staton (Twila's husband) preaching from Genesis to Revelation.  Then, the people moved to the church grounds under the huge maple tree to enjoy a delicious potluck dinner-on-the-grounds.  As the eating subsided, the Echoes set up their sound equipment, these days powered by an inverter running off one of our vehicles, and sang a selection of songs to those resting up from the bountiful meal.

The day always brings back memories of earlier times; we're booked to return next year to do it all again, unless Jesus comes between now and the last Sunday in August 2016.