Azotus

Well, for about the 43rd year, the Echoes once again returned to the Azotus community to help them celebrate another homecoming at the Azotus Church.

As indicated, we've been singing at the once-a-year worship service and dinner on the ground for over 40 years.  The singing over last good number of years has taken place under the big old maple tree in the church yard.  That's also where the tables are set up each year to hold all the potluck food for the traditional dinner on the ground.

Twila's husband, Mark, has brought the morning message in the church building for a number of years and did so once again this year.

Azotus is one of those traditions that we cherish, and one we hope can continue until Jesus returns.

Gideons Benefit

The Echoes count it a privilege to participate in a number of benefits each year.  We had the opportunity to travel to Stella, Kentucky (near Murray) to help the folks at Goshen United Methodist Church raise money to benefit the Gideons organization.

Besides having another opportunity to sing the praises of Jesus Christ, we enjoyed the opportunity to once again hear soloist Eddie Boone and the Erwins, who also participated.  They are also members of WKGMA, the West Kentucky Gospel Music Association, whose members frequently help with benefits across western Kentucky.

Money raised all goes to purchasing Bibles that the Gideons distribute all over the world through their ministry.  We pray that God continues to bless them mightily in their work for His Kingdom.

Gospel Mission Tabernacle

The folks at Gospel Mission Tabernacle, in Golconda, IL once again hosted the Echoes for an afternoon of Gospel singing.  They've done this for the past several years, and we always enjoy and appreciate the opportunity.  This is also the church Sharon attends, so of course she felt right at home.

We went way back in the archives for many of our songs that afternoon, singing some songs that we used on our program even 15-20 years ago.  But we also included a few of our newer ones, too.

Thanks, GMT, for another great afternoon of worship in song.

Saline County Fair

The Echoes sang in the big tent at the WEBQ-sponsored Gospel Music Night at the Saline County Fair, in Harrisburg, IL.  Others appearing with us included the ever-popular Nehrkorns and Voices In Praise.

In settings such as the fair, one never knows the impact we might have on people who might happen to walk by on their way to the rides or other attractions.  But we'll keep faithfully proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and let God take care of the rest of the details.

Briensburg Baptist Church

The Echoes took a trip to sing for the folks at Briensburg Baptist Church, outside of Benton, Kentucky.  We had participated in other singings through the WKGMA at Briensburg, but this time we did it alone.

Road construction had Sharon and Twila running a little late, but that didn't hinder us once they arrived.  And we weren't the least bit nervous, even though the service was broadcast on the local access cable channel.

We had a great time and look forward to going back again soon.

Owens Chapel United Methodist Church

The Echoes from Calvary had an opportunity to "stand in" for fellow WKGMA member "Rejoice Trio" and had a great time as a result.  Owens Chapel United Methodist Church had previously booked Rejoice for their homecoming.  But just a few days ago, Rejoice's tenor singer, Talmadge Martin, came down with a touch of the shingles (is there even just a "touch" of shingles?) and called us to see if we could help them meet their commitment for the date.

Being "instant both in and out of season," we were available to stand in Rejoice's place, and God really moved in the service.

After a delicious potluck meal, we gathered in the sanctuary to once again share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the songs we sang.  There's always a message if one listens for it -- guaranteed.  And from comments after the service, many messages were received and souls were blessed by them.  All in all, a very enjoyable and blessed afternoon -- all because of shingles and friends who help each other out when needed.

Illinois State Quartet Convention

The Echoes opened the first night of the 44th Illinois State Quartet Convention at the beautiful Marion Civic Center.  The Convention continues each evening through Saturday.

Once again, we went back to some of our older songs, beginning with "Wouldn't Take Nothin' For My Journey Now."  And since we were among a number of singers this evening, we continued with "God Wants To Hear You Sing."  We then picked up the tempo with "Gettin' Ready To Leave This World," followed by our only "new" song of the evening, "Like I Wish I'd Lived."  Our set ended with another Rodney Griffin composition, "Just One More Soul."  After all, our main purpose in our singing ministry, as I'm sure it is with the other groups there, is to see more people come to a personal understanding and acceptance of the message of Jesus Christ and what He can mean to their lives.

It was good to see long-time friends we've come to know through the years of our ministry, and also to hear the comments from those taking the time to tell us how much they enjoyed our song selection and singing during the evening.

One of Dee Ozment's legacies that he left with us upon his passing in March is the Illinois State Quartet Convention.  His family plans to see that legacy continue in the coming years, and the Echoes look forward to being part of that for years to come.

WKGMA Spring Convention

The Echoes once again were participants in the West Kentucky Gospel Music Association's Spring Convention for 2013.  The organization was organized in 1976 to help promote and sustain Southern Gospel music in the Western Kentucky area.  Membership today includes groups and soloists from several surrounding states.

For our part, the Echoes joined the organization in the early 90's and have been participants since that time.  Our own Twila Staton serves as Secretary of the organization.

At this 3-day convention, held at Trinity Baptist Church, in Paducah, KY, the Echoes went back in the archives on the final night of the convention for our song selections.  Since the Echoes are in their 44th year of continuous ministry, we started out with "I Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now."  From there, Twila was featured on "What Judas Didn't Know," which talks about the saving Grace of Jesus Christ.  We concluded our set with the rousing "My Name Is Lazarus."

We also enjoyed listening to a number of other WKGMA artists as they presented the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the best music in the world, Southern Gospel.

You can find out more about WKGMA by visiting their website at:
http://wkgma.com/blog/

Saline County Singing Convention

Every year since 2009, the Echoes have been the featured group at the 1st Saline County Singing Convention of the new year, and additionally, doing so at Rudement Social Brethren Church.  So it was also on the 1st Sunday of 2013.

Don Haney also started the year as the official head of the Saline County Convention, taking over from Alma Young.

As always, the convention started with a congregational song, after which the Echoes sang a selection of numbers.  Then, other talent presented in song, and even a few sign language songs, where sign language was utilized in a very flowing manner to worship Jesus Christ.

After a few more songs by the Echoes, the convention concluded with a rousing up-tempo congregational song to send everyone off with tapping feet, clapping hands, and soaring hearts.

The Saline County Convention is one of the few left these days in Southern Illinois, and may it continue to be a beacon of the Gospel in Song until Jesus returns,

WBCE Radio Benefit

The Echoes traveled to Wickliffe, Kentucky, where we joined 12 other WKGMA groups and soloists to raise funds for WBCE Radio.  WKGMA always enjoys our relationship with WBCE and counts it an honor to help keep the Gospel going out over the midwest tri-state area.

The congregation was ready to worship, and our first song, "I'm Not Giving Up," got our set off to a fantastic start.  We then reminded people to just keep praying when things might not be going well for us, with "I Keep Praying."  Our final song was a recent addition, "Like I Wish I Had Lived."  We all have made mistakes in our past, but this song reminds us to learn from those mistakes and live our lives today forward like we would have liked to have lived them in the past.  Think about it.

Fall Harvest Festival

The Echoes returned to the Elizabethtown 1st Baptist Church in Elizabethtown, IL to participate in an afternoon of Gospel Singing.  This was one of the events culminating a month of Harvest celebration.  The church had been collecting articles to give to the Baptist Children's Home in Carmi, IL.  

After a noon luncheon, Roy Jackson led off the afternoon of singing with some solo selections of old-time favorite gospel songs.  Then, the Echoes continued with a mixture of our older songs, along with some newer ones.  It was a time of reflection, celebration and thankfulness for God's goodness.

May we always keep that in our minds -- that God is good, He is faithful, and Everlasting -- the same yesterday, today, and forever.

WKGMA Fall Convention

The Echoes had another great time at the WKGMA Fall Convention.  Held at Trinity Baptist Church, in Paducah, there were a good number of singers, singing to an enthusiastic audience.

We debuted a new song for us, "Like I Wish I Had Lived."  It's going to be a good one; there's a great message there.

Nothing much left to say.  God is good; He loves us; we should want to live for him each day.

Glory Bound Christian Entertainment

The Echoes always enjoy singing at the Glory Bound Christian Entertainment events at the Goshen Methodist Church, in Stella, KY (rural Murray).

On this return visit, we sang with soloists April Arnold and Ms Mathias (sorry, the brain does not retain as much the older one gets).  

Pat and Renee are carrying on the tradition that the late Joe Lawrence started a number of years ago.  They sponsor these monthly events to offer an opportunity for the community to hear the Gospel in Song and to fellowship with finger-food refreshments.  They also present a weekly radio program, utilizing excepts from the live singings.

The Echoes have been participating for several years and look forward to being a part of Glory Bound for years to come.

Trader's Mall

After singing at the Aurora Fall Festival earlier in the day, we traveled down the road to Trader's Mall, outside of Paducah, Kentucky.  First planned as a WKGMA Mini-convention, the evening ended up as we joined "For Heaven's Sake," from Murray, KY and "Yours Truly," from Clarksville, TN.  It was not a large crowd that we sang to, but they were enthusiastic and very receptive to the Gospel in Song by the three groups.

We always enjoy the opportunity to sing about Jesus.

Aurora Fall Festival

The Echoes returned to sunny Aurora, Kentucky, to climb up on the trailer once again and sing to those sitting around tables eating lunch.  

The Aurora Baptist Church is right along the parade route and busy thoroughfare, and have a very popular food booth, which usually draws a good crowd of hungry patrons.  The church arranges for various groups and soloists  who are members of the West Kentucky Gospel Music Association to sing to those eating at the tables (or in some cases just there to hear the music and songs).

It's one of those times where we don't know how many are listening, which words of the songs might be speaking to someone in a special way, or what impact our efforts might be having on someone.  

We're just there to help sow the seeds; we leave the rest up to God. 

Azotus Homecoming

For about the 40th consecutive year, the Echoes once again spent the last Sunday afternoon of August on the grounds of Azotus Baptist Church.  The church is no longer active, but former members and friends return once a year for a homecoming celebration.

Mark Staton, Twila's husband and pastor of Calvary Baptist Church of New Liberty, IL, brought the morning message.  Then, after setting up tables on the grounds under the big maple tree, people enjoyed an abundance of food of all types.

Then, prior to the Echoes' singing, the people gathered in front of the old church building for a photo to commemorate the day.

Then it was time to sing.  And sing we did.  The day was somewhat humid, so we kept moving to stay in the shade of that maple tree.  But the heat and humidity didn't interfere with enjoy singing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We'll continue doing that as long as God says "Go."

Gospel Mission Tabernacle

The Echoes made a return visit to the Gospel Mission Tabernacle, near Golconda, for an afternoon of singing and fellowship.

After their morning service, the congregation enjoyed a bountiful meal of many delicious items.  It's really difficult to get up and sing after being exposed to the temptation of so many delicious dishes, and this day was no different for the Echoes.

But, after the meal, sing we still did.  And, as always, one could see on people's faces the blessings being received through the messages in the songs as we sang.

At the conclusion of the worship in song, the Echoes were blessed to have the congregation gather around us, as they prayed for our continuing ministry that people might be transformed through the words of the songs as we travel from place to place.  That's our prayer, also. 

Dixon Springs Baptist Church

The Echoes had a great time as we returned to and had the opportunity to sing to and visit with long-time friends at Dixon Springs Baptist Church.

It was especially good to see Billy Green, a founding member of the Echoes in 1970, along with his daughter, Theresa. During the Echoes' break, it was like old times as David played the piano for Billy to sing "Who Am I."

After singing a number of songs, many of them themed around the need for, and power of, Prayer, a time of fellowship took place, where we enjoyed home made ice cream and other delicious desserts.

As the old saying goes, "A good time was had by all."

Elizabethtown, IL First Baptist Church

The Echoes helped celebrate the anniversary of our Nation's birth, as we sang for the folks at the Elizabethtown First Baptist Church, in Elizabethtown, Illinois.  First Baptist, originally known as Big Creek in its early days, is the oldest active Baptist church in Illinois, in fact being founded in 1806, before the creation of Illinois in 1815.


We have sung at First Baptist a number of times in the past.  But it was especially good to return to see how beautifully the church had been restored after extensive damage during the extreme flooding in the Spring of 2011.  And the church was even more beautiful as it was decorated for the July 4th patriotic theme.


The Echoes don't have the traditional patriotic songs in our repertoire.  But David did weave a story of true Freedom as revealed in a number of songs we sang.  While honoring the many who have died for the many freedoms we enjoy in America, true Freedom can only come through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  That was our message that evening.  What better place to celebrate our Nation's birth than in a church that is almost as old as our nation itself.

WBCE Benefit

The Echoes were blessed to be able to participate in a benefit for WBCE Christian Radio, of Wickliffe, KY.  Held at the House of Prayer Church in LaCenter, Kentucky, the evening featured a large number of WKGMA-affiliated soloists and groups.


Well over $1000 was raised to keep Southern Gospel music and other religious programming going out over the airwaves in the Western Kentucky, Southern Illinois, Northwestern Tennessee, and Eastern Missouri.


Thanks to the members of "For Him" for coordinating the benefit.