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.

Glory Bound Gideons Benefit

The Echoes from Calvary

We had a great time of Gospel singing, as we traveled to Stella, Kentucky (Murray area) for a singing to benefit the ministry of the Gideons.

Also appearing during the evening were soloist Jesse Farmer, of Murray, and the popular Liberty Boys, of the Benton, Ky area.

Jesse Farmer

It's always a great time at a Glory Bound event, and this evening was no different.  Each performer was in top form.

Liberty Boys

And God blessed the event through the raising of over $800 to support the on-going work of the Gideons as they distribute Bibles all over the world.

Gospel Mission Tabernacle

The Echoes took part in the Sunday morning worship service at the Gospel Mission Tabernacle in Golconda.  We usually don't schedule singings on Sunday mornings, as Twila is a key "player" in the worship services at Calvary Baptist, where her husband, Mark, is pastor.

But the Gospel Mission has a special place in our hearts, not only because GMT is the church where Sharon and her husband, Dorris, attend, but also because one of our founding members, Billy Green, was a long-time pastor at GMT before his retirement from the ministry.  And it was great seeing Billy at the church today.

The Echoes have sung at GMT a good number of times through the years, especially in those years that the congregation was building the new building on Route 146 West in Golconda.  We participated in numerous benefit singings, not only for the church itself, but also for other causes which used the church facilities to host other benefit events.

But today, it was just a great time of singing, worship and praising, with Pastor Tim Green and his GMT congregation, followed by a bountiful potluck meal in the fellowship hall afterward.  You can't get much better than that!

WKGMA Mini-Convention

The Echoes participated in a WKGMA "Mini-Convention" at Park Avenue Baptist Church, in Paducah, KY.

Several WKGMA groups and soloists sang throughout the evening, but only after enjoying a pot-luck meal in the church fellowship hall.

The WKGMA holds such "mini-conventions" periodically during the year, each of which is a smaller version of the main Spring and Fall Conventions.  Watch and/or listen for notice of future events in your area.  Or if your church be interested in hosting a mini-convention, just contact the Echoes or any other member of the WKGMA (contact information is available on the WKGMA website, wkgma.com.

2015 WKGMA Spring Convention

The Echoes from Calvary are one of the oldest members of the WKGMA, ((http://wkgma.com/Welcome.html)  having participated in that organization since the early 1990's.  The WKGMA members gather together twice a year for a 3-day Spring and a 3-day Fall Convention, and the Echoes were scheduled to sing at the Saturday session this year.

The Holy Spirit was very much in the house for all three nights of the convention, hosted once again by the folks at Trinity Baptist Church, in Paducah, KY.  And good crowds were present each night to enjoy all the participating soloists and groups.  Hearty applause and "amens" testified that the message of the Gospel in song was getting through.

The Echoes chose to start our part of the convention with "I've Got That Old-Time Religion," a song we've been singing for a good number of years.  We then sang a new song (for us) for the first time, "There Was Jesus."  And to put extra stress on our memory banks, we followed that with another new song, "Borrowed Tomb."  You can see a video of that song on YouTube at http://youtu.be/w3RAEpyIT3Q

The program concluded with all the WKGMA member singers gathering on-stage to sing "Amazing Grace," and then by request, "If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again" in honor of Mother's Day.

It's always a blessed time at the WKGMA convention.  Make plans to attend the Fall Convention, the first Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of November, which this year is on November 5-7, 2015.

Kim Hale Benefit Singing

Even with insurance, the costs of medical care for serious illness can be astronomical.  Folks at the First Apostolic Church in Rosiclare, IL hosted a benefit singing for Kim Hayden Hale, who is currently under treatment for cancer.
The Echoes were blessed to be able to participate in this event, along with "2nd Generation" and Danny Wayne Mahoney.

2nd Generation (Butch Gowins, Sandra Jerrells,
Donna, Cullum

Danny Mahoney

Danny started the evening off at his home church, with a couple of songs.  Then, it was time for 2nd Generation to sing a selection of songs, which uplifted those there.  2nd Generation is a trio composed of Lowell "Butch" Gowins, Donna Cullum and Sandra Jerrells.

Echoes - David, Sharon, Twila

Then, it was the Echoes' turn, and we picked up the tempo somewhat with a number of songs reminding those in attendance of the hope that is only found in Jesus Christ.
During the intermission, David (Echoes) on the piano, Donna (2nd Generation) on the keyboard, and Danny Mahoney on bass then played a special number while the offering was being taken -- a medley of "What A Friend We Have In Jesus," and "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms."  The latter part of that medley had everyone clapping their hands and tapping their toes.

Then, it was time for the 2nd round, during which Butch Gowins, who also is Pastor at First Apostolic, announced that the offering collected came to well over $2000, with a couple additional checks having been received in the mail that day for $5,000 each.  GOD IS GOOD!!!

The grand finale of the evening had all the singers gather together to sing "I've Got A Mansion Just Over The Hilltop."  It was a great conclusion to a fantastic evening of singing and demonstration of Christian love.

"I've Got A Mansion"

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.