The Echoes appeared at Bethany General Baptist Church, on Route 34 in the Hicks Community of Hardin County, Illinois, for their annual "Autumn" Service. This event includes decorating the church in Fall colors, and dressing up in "old timey" clothing for some, to celebrate God's Goodness during the Harvest season.
David "dressed up" in his overalls and fit right in with Pastor Stan Pennell, who was similarly attired.
It was a good evening of inspirational singing, testimony and fellowship. The after-service meal was also an enjoyable part of the evening, too.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Gaither Suites at Westpark - October 7th
Those residents at Gaither Suites at Westpark Assisted Living Center just can't seem t get enough of good Southern Gospel singing with the Echoes from Calvary. We were asked to return once again -- the second time this year -- to provide the Gospel in Song to a full house in their "parlor" area.
We followed our "tried and true" formula of singing some of our more current songs, then going back into the hymnal and singing requests of the old standards. This is always a popular segment. We then end the evening with a final message from our newer selections.
The smiles on faces, and the kind words as we greet the residents after the singing, indicate that we'll most likely be going back again and again.
We followed our "tried and true" formula of singing some of our more current songs, then going back into the hymnal and singing requests of the old standards. This is always a popular segment. We then end the evening with a final message from our newer selections.
The smiles on faces, and the kind words as we greet the residents after the singing, indicate that we'll most likely be going back again and again.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Saline Care Nursing Home - September 30th
It was back to the Saline Care Nursing Home for the Echoes, to sing to the enthusiastic residents there. Don't let anyone tell you that these people are "over the hill," or anything like that. In fact, many of them will NEVER "Be Over The Hill," as one of the Echoes' songs attests. (Come hear us sing sometime and request it, and you'll know what we mean).
David's Aunt Marie Bryan is a resident at Saline Care, and was part of our official "cheering section." David's Maltese dog, Tessa, also attended, and was a very popular visitor for the residents.
The Saline Care residents almost sang us to death! They also really got into David playing "Keep On The Firing Line" on the piano, and singing along to Twila and David playing "Amazing Grace" and "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" on the organ and piano.
The Saline Care folks know how to respond to Southern Gospel singing, and always make us feel so welcome in their home. We're looking forward to going back in January 2007.
David's Aunt Marie Bryan is a resident at Saline Care, and was part of our official "cheering section." David's Maltese dog, Tessa, also attended, and was a very popular visitor for the residents.
The Saline Care residents almost sang us to death! They also really got into David playing "Keep On The Firing Line" on the piano, and singing along to Twila and David playing "Amazing Grace" and "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" on the organ and piano.
The Saline Care folks know how to respond to Southern Gospel singing, and always make us feel so welcome in their home. We're looking forward to going back in January 2007.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Triple L's - Thursday, September 21st
After spending last weekend at the National Quartet Convention, the Echoes were anxious to sing again. We had the opportunity to do so, as we made a return appearance at the Triple L Senior's group monthly get-together at Immanual Baptist Temple in Henderson, Kentucky (David's home church).
Triple L stands for "Living Life & Loving It," and the lively senior's group at IBT does just that. They get together regularly for a delicious meal and fellowship. The entertainment can be very diverse in nature, but the food is ALWAYS the greatest. This time around, it was Apple Dumplings, Monkey Bread, all kinds of desserts, along with Fried Chicken and numerous other delights that made it hard to sing after eating. David shamelessly put in a plug for some Apple Dumplings to go, and ended up taking a few home with him. Sharon and Twila were more reserved and ate all their meal before singing.
Great food, Christian Fellowship, the message of Jesus Christ via great Southern Gospel songs.... A great way to spend an enjoyable evening.
Triple L stands for "Living Life & Loving It," and the lively senior's group at IBT does just that. They get together regularly for a delicious meal and fellowship. The entertainment can be very diverse in nature, but the food is ALWAYS the greatest. This time around, it was Apple Dumplings, Monkey Bread, all kinds of desserts, along with Fried Chicken and numerous other delights that made it hard to sing after eating. David shamelessly put in a plug for some Apple Dumplings to go, and ended up taking a few home with him. Sharon and Twila were more reserved and ate all their meal before singing.
Great food, Christian Fellowship, the message of Jesus Christ via great Southern Gospel songs.... A great way to spend an enjoyable evening.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Cedar Grove Social Brethren Church - September 3rd
After a gap of several years, the Echoes returned to sing to our good friends at the Cedar Grove Social Brethren Church, 4 miles north of Glendale, Illinois. Jerry Wells has returned there as pastor, after a short pastorate in Michigan. It was good to have Jerry "back home" in Southern Illinois.
Jerry used to sing bass with his wife and sister in a family group several years ago. So, on "We'll Soon Be Done With Troubles And Trials," we invited Jerry to sing along with us. He did great! David had to ask how much the church was paying him; we might want to hire him away to sing with us!!
Great Food, Great Fellowship, Great Worship in Song.....
All in all, in every way, it was a great day!
Jerry used to sing bass with his wife and sister in a family group several years ago. So, on "We'll Soon Be Done With Troubles And Trials," we invited Jerry to sing along with us. He did great! David had to ask how much the church was paying him; we might want to hire him away to sing with us!!
Great Food, Great Fellowship, Great Worship in Song.....
All in all, in every way, it was a great day!
Friday, September 01, 2006
Glorybound Christian Entertainment - September 1st
We made another return visit to Glorybound Christian Entertainment venue at Goshen United Methodist Church Family Life Center, in Stella, Kentucky (west of Murray, Kentucky). This was our third visit this year. This time around, Joe Lawrence had lined up a good evening of Gospel singing, with a new family trio, and a soloist, along with the Echoes.
There was a good number of enthusiastic attendees, and we enjoyed the evening very much, as always. We'll be looking forward to returning again before too long.
There was a good number of enthusiastic attendees, and we enjoyed the evening very much, as always. We'll be looking forward to returning again before too long.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Azotus Church Homecoming - August 27th
The Echoes returned for the 35th year to participate in the once-a-year church service at the old Azotus Baptist Church, in the Azotus community in a very rural area south of Bay City, Illinois.
Azotus Church was established in 1848, but has not had regular church services for many years. However, once a year, descendants of the church congregation and families of those buried in the church cemetery gather for a worship service, dinner on the grounds and afternoon Gospel singing.
The morning message was delivered by Twila's husband, Mark. After a delicious pot luck lunch, the Echoes sang under the shade of a huge oak tree for about an hour. Just as we were finishing up our last song, it began to sprinkle rain. Not long after we loaded up our equipment, it began raining harder, and eventually came a deluge of over 3 inches in less than an hour. But the skies had held off pouring out the deluge until after another Azotus afternoon was complete.
Azotus Church was established in 1848, but has not had regular church services for many years. However, once a year, descendants of the church congregation and families of those buried in the church cemetery gather for a worship service, dinner on the grounds and afternoon Gospel singing.
The morning message was delivered by Twila's husband, Mark. After a delicious pot luck lunch, the Echoes sang under the shade of a huge oak tree for about an hour. Just as we were finishing up our last song, it began to sprinkle rain. Not long after we loaded up our equipment, it began raining harder, and eventually came a deluge of over 3 inches in less than an hour. But the skies had held off pouring out the deluge until after another Azotus afternoon was complete.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Saline County Singing Convention - August 6th
The Echoes travelled to Pankeyville, Illinois (near Harrisburg) and the Pankeyville Baptist Church, for the monthly Saline County Singing Convention. This event has been going on since the early 1900's and is a good opportunity for regional and local groups to share the Gospel in Song with others.
A number of soloists sang between our two sets of music and the Blessings of the Lord came down during the service.
We appreciate Alma Young, President of the Convention, for her dedication to helping sustain Gospel Music in the Southern Illinois area.
A number of soloists sang between our two sets of music and the Blessings of the Lord came down during the service.
We appreciate Alma Young, President of the Convention, for her dedication to helping sustain Gospel Music in the Southern Illinois area.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Rend Lake Visitor's Center - August 5th
For the second summer in a row, the Echoes travelled to the Rend Lake Visitor's Center, near Benton, Illinois, to sing at their Summer Concert series. The Corps of Engineers sponsors this summer music event.
Held outside in an amphitheater setting, a number of people sat out in the warm, summer evening, to listen to the Gospel in song. Beginning a little before sundown, we sang until well after dark.
Our friend, Alma Young, sang a couple of songs to give us a little break, and we all enjoyed the evening under the stars.
We appreciate the Corps of Engineers for their sponsorship of this summer series and look forward to participating again next year.
Held outside in an amphitheater setting, a number of people sat out in the warm, summer evening, to listen to the Gospel in song. Beginning a little before sundown, we sang until well after dark.
Our friend, Alma Young, sang a couple of songs to give us a little break, and we all enjoyed the evening under the stars.
We appreciate the Corps of Engineers for their sponsorship of this summer series and look forward to participating again next year.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Saline Care Nursing Home - July 22nd
The Echoes made a first appearance at the Saline Care Nursing Home, in Harrisburg, Illinois. David's Aunt, Marie Bryan, is a resident there, and gave a special invitation for us to come visit and sing to her and her friends.
The common area at the nursing home was pretty full with residents, family members, and staff. We sang a number of songs, and were happy to see some of the residents clapping their hands to the beat of the song and being blessed by the words.
At the conclusion, several of the residents invited us back, and we will be doing so this fall. We'll be looking forward to seeing them again and sharing the Gospel with such an appreciative and responsive audience.
The common area at the nursing home was pretty full with residents, family members, and staff. We sang a number of songs, and were happy to see some of the residents clapping their hands to the beat of the song and being blessed by the words.
At the conclusion, several of the residents invited us back, and we will be doing so this fall. We'll be looking forward to seeing them again and sharing the Gospel with such an appreciative and responsive audience.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Elizabethtown Baptist Church - July 8th
Not many churches in this area can say they have been spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ for 200 years. But the Elizabethtown Baptist Church, in Elizabethtown, Illinois, celebrated its 200th anniversary on the weekend of July 8th and 9th.
The Echoes were privileged to be asked to sing as part of the multi-day celebration at the church. So, on Saturday afternoon, we stood under a tent-covered stage to sing to people gathered around to listen to Gospel singing, eat ice cream, pie and other complimentary goodies.
We taxed our memory somewhat, as we had been asked to sing for a 2-hour period. But we made it. Part of the time, we "went back in time" to sing some old standard hymns acapella, just like they might have done 200 years ago when the church was first getting started. (David said that acapella meant "too poor to afford a piano." So, as the audience would call out a song, we would do our best to sing at least one verse. We had a ball, as did most everyone else.
Congratulations, E-town Baptist, on this milestone event in your work for Christ! May you continue until He returns.
The Echoes were privileged to be asked to sing as part of the multi-day celebration at the church. So, on Saturday afternoon, we stood under a tent-covered stage to sing to people gathered around to listen to Gospel singing, eat ice cream, pie and other complimentary goodies.
We taxed our memory somewhat, as we had been asked to sing for a 2-hour period. But we made it. Part of the time, we "went back in time" to sing some old standard hymns acapella, just like they might have done 200 years ago when the church was first getting started. (David said that acapella meant "too poor to afford a piano." So, as the audience would call out a song, we would do our best to sing at least one verse. We had a ball, as did most everyone else.
Congratulations, E-town Baptist, on this milestone event in your work for Christ! May you continue until He returns.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Gaither Suites at Westpark - July 1st
We made another return engagement to sing to the residents of Gaither Suites at Westpark Assisted Living Center (formerly Paragon), in Paducah, Kentucky.
As always, the residents made us feel right at home. The meeting area (parlor?) was filled this time with a very appreciative number. As we have made it a practice there, we sang a while, and then passed out song books and invited the residents to call out their favorite hymn. That's always a popular segment of our service.
We hope to get on the busy schedule at Gaither Suites again soon, as we always enjoy worshiping with these wonderful senior citizens.
As always, the residents made us feel right at home. The meeting area (parlor?) was filled this time with a very appreciative number. As we have made it a practice there, we sang a while, and then passed out song books and invited the residents to call out their favorite hymn. That's always a popular segment of our service.
We hope to get on the busy schedule at Gaither Suites again soon, as we always enjoy worshiping with these wonderful senior citizens.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Oscar Baptist Church Homecoming - May 21st
The Echoes made our first appearance at Oscar Baptist Church, in Oscar, Kentucky, for their annual homecoming celebration.
The 10:00am starting time necessitated getting up early for the pretty long trip to get to Oscar. But singing to a full house of enthusiastic worshipers made the getting up early well worth it.
We'll be looking forward to a return visit to Oscar Baptist.
The 10:00am starting time necessitated getting up early for the pretty long trip to get to Oscar. But singing to a full house of enthusiastic worshipers made the getting up early well worth it.
We'll be looking forward to a return visit to Oscar Baptist.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Glorybound Christian Entertainment - May 19th
The Echoes made a return appearance at Glorybound Christian Entertainment's event at the Goshen United Methodist Church Family Life Center, in Stella, Kentucky. This is about the 4th time we have enjoyed singing to friendly folks, in a dinner club atmosphere.
Appearing with us were The Moreheads, of Monkey's Eyebrow, Kentucky. Although we are both members of the WKGMA, and have sung in the same areas, this is the first time we've had the opportunity to sing on the same program. And what a joy it was! If you get a chance to go see the Moreheads, you'll be in for a treat. Wes Morehead writes a lot of their material, and he is one more good songwriter!
Appearing with us were The Moreheads, of Monkey's Eyebrow, Kentucky. Although we are both members of the WKGMA, and have sung in the same areas, this is the first time we've had the opportunity to sing on the same program. And what a joy it was! If you get a chance to go see the Moreheads, you'll be in for a treat. Wes Morehead writes a lot of their material, and he is one more good songwriter!
Friday, May 05, 2006
WKGMA Spring Convention - May 5th
The Echoes participated in the West Kentucky Gospel Music Association's Spring Convention, which took place once again at Trinity Baptist Church, in Paducah, Kentucky. Talmadge Martin emceed the Friday concert, introducing a number of WKGMA groups and soloists.
A good time was had by all, as they say. And it was real good to see John Clark, of the New Harmony Singers, in attendance, only a couple of weeks after suffering a stroke. John's miraculous recovery is truly a miracle of God.
A good time was had by all, as they say. And it was real good to see John Clark, of the New Harmony Singers, in attendance, only a couple of weeks after suffering a stroke. John's miraculous recovery is truly a miracle of God.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Illinois State Quartet Convention - April 21st
The Echoes from Calvary met up with a number of our "singing buddies" at the Illinois State Quartet Convention. Held in the beautiful, new Marion Civic Center, in Marion, Illinois, the event features Southern Gospel groups from all over southern and central Illinois. Hosted by our friends, The Glorylanders, the Echoes look forward each year to this event, where we can not only sing the praises of Jesus Christ, but listen to others do the same. This is about the 30th year or so that we've been participating.
It was good to see that God still has his hand on emcee Dean Stephanson, who is conquering cancer, and Dee Ozment, of the Glorylanders, who has recuperated very well from a stroke suffered last year.
It was good to see that God still has his hand on emcee Dean Stephanson, who is conquering cancer, and Dee Ozment, of the Glorylanders, who has recuperated very well from a stroke suffered last year.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Glorybound Christian Entertainment - March 16th
The Echoes once again were featured at the Glorybound Christian Entertainment program. This time around, Glorybound now promotes their program at the Family Life Center at Goshen Methodist Church, in Stella, Kentucky, about 4 miles west of Murray, Kentucky.
A good group of people enjoyed the evening of the greatest entertainment there is -- Southern Gospel singing.
We're already booked to return to Glorybound on Friday, May 19th. Come out and enjoy the Gospel of Jesus Christ in song with us. We'd like to see you there.
A good group of people enjoyed the evening of the greatest entertainment there is -- Southern Gospel singing.
We're already booked to return to Glorybound on Friday, May 19th. Come out and enjoy the Gospel of Jesus Christ in song with us. We'd like to see you there.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Paragon Assisted Living Center - March 4th
We made a return trip to sing to the great folks at the Paragon Assisted Living Center in Paducah, KY. The community room area of the Center was full of lively seniors who enthusiastically responded to the Gospel in song. We stood around the piano and invited the folks to call out songs from hymnals for us to sing. They always seem to enjoy that segment of our program the most.
We'll look forward to going back to visit again before too long.
We'll look forward to going back to visit again before too long.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
IBT Triple L's - December 15th
The Echoes shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the senior group of Immanuel Baptist Temple, the Triple L's. After a delicious pot-luck meal, we sang a number of songs, and also gathered around the piano for some Christmas carols. (That's "Christmas" carols, not "Holiday" carols).
As we close out the year, we're especially thankful for all the people who have attended our concerts and helped us worship the Lord. Maybe we can worship with you in the coming year.
As we close out the year, we're especially thankful for all the people who have attended our concerts and helped us worship the Lord. Maybe we can worship with you in the coming year.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Gospel Mission Tabernacle - Bill Carter Benefit - December 2nd
The Goodness and Mercy of God, as well as the generosity of friends and neighbors, was well-represented, as the Echoes took part in a benefit singing for Bill Carter, of the Dixon Springs/Pope County area of Illinois.
Bill has been dealing with melanoma for several years. But his testimony was the highlight of the evening. Bill's faith and trust in God is greater than any disease that might attack him. And that has been a big part of his survival thus far. God's healing power, which is far greater than man's understanding, can overcome. As a song we used to sing says, "God has it Under Control."
A local youth group ended the evening with a drama presentation, which depicts Satan's attempts to control our lives. But turning to Jesus can break the chains that Satan uses to bind -- a very powerful message in a contemporary format.
The love that the community has for the Carter family was amply displayed, as over $2000 was raised to help Bill and his family pay for medical-related expenses. And as another song we sang that night states: "Even In The Valley God Is Good."
To God be the Glory.
Bill has been dealing with melanoma for several years. But his testimony was the highlight of the evening. Bill's faith and trust in God is greater than any disease that might attack him. And that has been a big part of his survival thus far. God's healing power, which is far greater than man's understanding, can overcome. As a song we used to sing says, "God has it Under Control."
A local youth group ended the evening with a drama presentation, which depicts Satan's attempts to control our lives. But turning to Jesus can break the chains that Satan uses to bind -- a very powerful message in a contemporary format.
The love that the community has for the Carter family was amply displayed, as over $2000 was raised to help Bill and his family pay for medical-related expenses. And as another song we sang that night states: "Even In The Valley God Is Good."
To God be the Glory.
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