Glory Bound Christian Entertainment

The Glory Bound Christian Entertainment event is one that we always look forward to participating in, especially around Christmas time.  And this year, it was especially enjoyable, as Sharon's daughter, Trina Thomas Slaughter and her two children, Moriah and Josiah, joined us to sing about Christmas.

Trina sang as an Echo from 1975 to 1984, when she left to attend college.  Her spot was assumed at that time by Twila.  She now lives with her pastor husband, Ken Slaughter and children in Milford, OH.

We began our part of the program with Moriah, who is an accomplished singer in her own right, taking the lead on an impromptu a cappella version of  "Gloria in excelsis Deo."  It sounded great, even if we do say so.

We then continued with additional songs, most of them not Christmas-themed, but rather weaving a story of not only the birth of Christ, but also the most important aspect of His birth, His death on the cross to pay our sin-debt.

Hallelujah Singers

April Arnold

Others appearing on the program were soloist April Arnold and fellow WKGMA members, the Hallelujah Singers.

In our second set of the evening, the expanded Echoes sang another a cappella song, "Joy To The World," once again with Moriah Slaughter setting the pitch and tempo, as we all picked out a part and sang it out for the glory of Jesus Christ.  What better way to celebrate Christmas but with family singing about Him.

WKGMA Christmas Dinner - 2014

The members of the West Kentucky Gospel Music Association (WKGMA) get together each year for a Christmas dinner.  This year, the group was hosted by Cuba Baptist Church, at Cuba, Kentucky (south of Mayfield, KY).

Although the forecasted weather of rain and potential icy conditions kept some away, those who attended enjoyed a delicious meal of roast pork, ham, and related vegetables and desserts, prepared by "The Faithful Three" (faithful in multiple ways).

The Echoes sing "That Little Baby."

After the bountiful meal, some of the soloists and groups each sang a song, most of them related to Christmas in one way or another.  As one person said, if the song is about Jesus, it's a Christmas song!

The Echoes selected an up-tempo song about Jesus' birth, "That Little Baby," which had feet tapping and hands clapping.  Other songs were more meditative and thought-provoking.  But each of them reminded us of the One whose birth we all gathered to celebrate this rainy, winter evening.

As the evening ended, we all closed with "Happy Birthday, Jesus."

WKGMA Fall Convention

The Echoes had a great time at the final night of the West Kentucky Gospel Music Association (WKGMA) Convention.

Once again, the convention was hosted by Trinity Baptist Church, in Paducah, KY.

With a number of other members performing before us, none of them sang our planned songs, so it was full steam ahead on our song selection.

Our list consisted of a song we have been singing for a while, "A Greater Yes," which features Twila.  Then Sharon was featured on a brand new song for us (but an old one from a way back), "Because He Loved Me."  We ended up with David giving a challenge to the preachers in the audience, through "Preacher Tell It Like It Is."

The various groups and soloists were each enthusiastically received, as the Holy Spirit was present in the house.  It's always a great time, when God's people get together to worship Him, and that's just what happened.

WKGMA Picnic

The Echoes attended the annual WKGMA (West Kentucky Gospel Music Association) Picnic in Paducah.  Originally scheduled to be outside, the cool, rainy weather resulted in a move to Park Avenue Baptist Church.

There were about 70 people in attendance to enjoy fellowship and a delicious potluck meal in the church's fellowship hall.

Then, when you get a bunch of singers together, there must be singing.  So after getting stuffed with the meal, we adjourned to the sanctuary and any member (soloist or group) that wanted had the opportunity to provide a little Gospel in Song to feast on.  And that's just what we did.

It was a great time of rejoicing.  We thank the folks at Park Avenue for being so welcoming to us, as we worshiped the Lord in song.

Paducah Christian Fall Festival

The Echoes sang as part of the 2nd Annual Christian Fall Festival, at Carson Park, in Paducah, KY.  Barney McNeil, the coordinator of the event, put together a very wide variety of Christian speakers, singers, and booths of all types.

It was a little like Heaven must be, as people from many different denominations presented their offerings to God.  The Festival truly brought people together to clearly demonstrate that while we might have relatively minor differences in our beliefs or practices, we all serve the same God and Jesus died for all of us.  

Fellow WKGMA member "Forgiven" preceded us, and then we sang some of our newer songs.  A first for us -- the Echoes were followed by a Christian magician, who said that the success of many of his illusions depended on the "magic" words, "I Love Jesus."  Using kids from the audience as assistants, he related each of his illusions with a Biblical truth.  Like we said -- a first for the Echoes.

Kudos to Barney McNeil for bringing us all together for a day of worship variety. 

Dixon Springs 5th Sunday Singing

After singing earlier in the afternoon at Azotus (see previous post), the Echoes gathered at Dixon Springs Baptist Church for their evening 5th Sunday Singing.

A good crowd listened attentively and enthusiastically, as we sang a new song for us, "Preacher Tell It Like It Is."

David explained that the congregation should listen to the message contained in each of the songs and confirm that the message of each song is scripturally sound.  So, the theme of our song selections pointed to scriptural correctness.  If the songs we sing are not scripturally correct, then we certainly don't want to sing them.

When the Echoes took a break, others in the congregation had the opportunity to sing a song, read a poem, offer a testimony, or whatever the Holy Spirit prompted them to do.  And that is just what they did -- from the young to some of the more "mature" attendees.

A time of finger-food fellowship in the church basement was a fitting conclusion to a great, full day for the Echoes.

Azotus Homecoming

The Echoes wondered whether the weather (rain) would hold off for the annual Azotus Homecoming, as we eat and sing outside for this one each year.  And in August, it's usually HOT!

Well, although it rained earlier in the morning, the rain subsided beforehand, and there was a breeze every once in a while.

So, after a church service / message by Rev. Mark Staton, the tables were once again set up and filled with food for the noon meal.  Then it was time for the Echoes to do their part to once again sing the Gospel alongside the church cemetery, under the big maple tree.

The Echoes have been singing at the annual Azotus Homecoming just about every year since 1972 and are currently booked for the event until Jesus comes again.  As David told them this year, if Jesus comes back between now and next year, the Echoes won't be there.

It was an old-fashioned, good time for all.

Gospel Mission Tabernacle

The Echoes don't often sing on Sunday mornings, due to commitments at our home churches.  But this Sunday we made an exception.  We presented the Gospel in Song for the morning worship at the Gospel Mission Tabernacle, in Golconda, IL.  The infrequent exception was made, because this is Sharon's home church, and we always feel at home when we sing at GMT.

It is important that the Gospel is shared whenever God's children gather together, and we did our best to provide the Good News of Jesus Christ in our song selections for the service.  From comments afterward, we accomplished our goal.

And it was also good to sing BEFORE we had a big, delicious meal.  The potluck meal after the morning service was indeed filling.  We would have had a hard time singing after that bountiful meal.

Thanks, Pastor Tim Green and the congregation of Gospel Mission Tabernacle, for the opportunity to present Jesus once again, and also for your continued prayers and support as we fulfill the ministry God has given us.

WEBQ Gospel Night at the Saline County Fair

The Echoes sing out on an up-tempo number

The Echoes travelled to Harrisburg, IL, where we sang under the WEBQ tent at the Saline County Fair.  It was a great evening, with mild temperatures and a good group of attendees and passers-by hearing the Gospel in Song.

Peyton Sisters

Joining us for the evening were our friends, the Peyton Sisters and Voices In Praise.  They both were a blessing
and popular with the crowd.

Voices In Praise

Voices in Praise even did an impromptu acapella number, when the power to the tent was temporarily interrupted in mid-song.  But that didn't even slow them down; they finished the song as if nothing happened, and as a result the song was an even greater blessing, because Satan had once again been defeated.

It was a fun time once again at the Fair, and we'll look forward to doing it again next year.

Gideons Benefit - Glory Bound

The Echoes enjoyed being able to contribute to a successful benefit singing for the Gideons.  The people at Goshen United Methodist Church, in Stella, Ky (near Murray, Ky) have hosted this benefit for several years.  The people at Glory Bound Christian Entertainment coordinate it all.

Appearing with us this year were WKGMA artists Sheltered Hearts and Sharon and Mickey Beck.  The evening started out with a spaghetti dinner with all the fixin's.  And then those gathered, with full stomachs, settled back to listen as the Echoes kicked off the evening.

Altogether, the event raised well over $500, 100% of which will be used by the Gideons to purchase and place Bibles worldwide.  Their efforts have been and will continue to be blessed and used by God to accomplish His Will for the world.

Dorrisville Social Brethren Church Homecoming

We had another great time with the folks at Dorrisville Social Brethren Church, as we celebrated Homecoming with them.  Pastor Jerry Wells and his congregation made us feel very welcome and "at home" for the afternoon of singing and worshiping.  (The food wasn't bad, either, for the noon meal)

Of course, with Sharon still healing from her knee replacement, we once again gathered around her wheelchair to sing a selection of some of our older songs, along with a few of the newer once.  We also enjoyed the children singing, as we took a break.

Jerry likes to use the video camera, so you can catch a couple of the songs on video on the Echoes' Facebook page, at http://www.facebook.com/echoesfromcalvary

As Jerry likes to say, "God Is Good, All The Time."

Illinois State Quartet Convention - 2014

The Echoes were privileged to participate once again in the premier Southern Gospel event in Illinois, the 45th Annual Illinois State Quartet Convention.

Taking place in the beautiful Marion, IL Civic Center, this event, hosted by the Nehrkorns, brought together a number of popular groups from the region.

We didn't know if we would be able to attend, as Sharon had knee surgery a couple weeks before, and in fact, just was released from an in-patient rehab facility that very morning.  But being the trooper she is, she was right there, although singing from her wheelchair.  That was just an example that when God gives you a ministry, you want to do your best to fulfill that ministry whenever given the opportunity.  God blessed the Echoes that evening, and also the audience present that night.

It was also good to finish up the evening listening to the special guest group, The Lesters, of St. Louis.  They were a blessing, too.

Thanks to the Nehrkorns for the opportunity to be a part of this great annual event.

WKGMA 2014 Spring Convention

The Echoes once again participated in the 2014 WKGMA Spring Convention at Trinity Baptist Church, in Paducah.  This one was a little different, as Sharon was somewhat incapacitated with a bad knee, and thus sang sitting in a wheelchair.  But that didn't keep the Spirit of the Lord from coming down.

Our message in song for the night was that we would do "Whatever It Takes" to live for Jesus, including singing under adversity.  Then Sharon used the song, "God Wants To Hear You Sing," to remind people that God wants our praises in any circumstances.  Twila then charged those present to keep working for the  Lord and not give up, with a new song for us, "Finish Well."

Even sitting in and gathered 'round a wheelchair, it was a great evening.
 

Glorybound Christian Entertainment

After all the snow, freezing rain and cold temperatures, the weather cooperated nicely with a 60-degree afternoon and evening.  The Echoes used it well, as we traveled to the Stella Community near Murray, KY once again to participate in the Glorybound Christian Entertainment event for March.

Joining in on the evening were soloists April Arnold and Ron Lovern.  We all enjoyed worshiping together through singing, as well as through a devotional given by April, who is also a United Methodist minister.

We're already looking forward to the next time we have the opportunity to sing at Glorybound.

Saline County Singing Convention

After the originally scheduled January Convention featuring the Echoes was cancelled due to weather, the Echoes were rescheduled for the February Saline County Convention.  And as it came close to time for the Convention to begin, the snow coming down made us wonder if once again we would find ourselves singing to an empty church.  If so, we decided since we were already there, we would work in a little practice session.

However, the dedicated folks of the Convention began arriving, and by Convention time, there was a pretty good crowd at Dorrisville Social Brethren Church in Harrisburg, IL.

The Echoes kicked it off with some of our older songs, including one we hadn't done in a while, "Been There, Done That."  This one was for Zena Wells, wife of the church's pastor, Jerry Wells.  Zena had requested this song when we sang at the Convention at their church in October 2013.  At that time, we hadn't sung it in about 10 years.  So we had rehearsed it for this convention.  Come to find out, Zena had broken her ankle the morning of this convention and wasn't able to attend.  But husband Jerry connected with her on his cell, and we still got to sing it to Zena.

The snow was still coming down when the Echoes took a break and others began taking their turns at singing.  It was a good time of specials and congregation singing, featuring instrumentalists forming an impromptu band as Steve Hunt and his granddaughter sang.  

A good ole "pickin' and sangin' time" was experienced at this month's Saline County Singing Convention

Then, the Echoes came back to sing a few more songs to wrap up a very successful convention before parting to travel to our respective homes on the now wet and/or snow-covered roads.

Current Convention President Don Haney is leading the Saline County Singing Convention as it celebrates over 100 years of continuous activity, about the only monthly singing remaining in this area.  Each month, singers and those who enjoy good gospel music and singing gather together to worship the Lord in song.  The Echoes always enjoy being a part of this tradition and look forward to our next visit to the Saline County Singing Convention.