On Saturday, May 9th, the 12th edition of this annual event was very, very hot!! Hot from all the smokers cooking and the actual weather. Temperatures hit in the high 90's but the hundreds of attendees braved it well.
The day was full of fun, food and celebration. There were community leaders, a wonderful hot country lunch, raffles and, of course, great music for all. Bluegrass and country were handled by Ramblin' Rose and a cowboy pickin' group (Jack and the Seminoles?). Brotherhood and The Floridians anchored the southern gospel side. The blend of sounds complemented each other throughout the day.
Brotherhood shared traditional favorites such as "Nothing But The Blood", "Sweeter As The Days Go By" & "The Eastern Gate" that got everyone clapping & "signing" (for the hearing impaired). That was a first for us - we enjoyed it, too! We also introduced some new stuff including "Give It Away" - a rousing Gaither tune. Before that song, Brotherhood did a Mother's Day give-a-way to the oldest Mom present. Two ladies in their 80's shared that honor (remember... women do not reveal their true age!). Check our photo album above for new ones added.
Thanks to John & Jean Tanner who organize Old Timers Day each year. A special thanks to Joe Long (The Floridians) for handling our sound... good job!! See you all next May... it just keeps getting better and better! (It's always the Saturday before Mother's Day). God bless you!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Busy... Busy... Busy
It's been awhile since the last update but Brotherhood has... been busy. Besides our livelihood, each one is either leading or a part of a small group within our local church. Dan is just about to start one with his wife dealing with couples discipleship. John is dealing with important family matters - a graduation and a wedding (both out of state)!!
Rehearsals for current and new material have been rescheduled a few times, as well. Mel is undergoing medical treatment in Tampa so his available time is meager. Please keep him in your prayers during this crucial time. Mel is fun loving, has a jovial spirit and a self admitted "cryer" so he has a tender heart. The latest news is that he's having very little side effects, eating well and has almost completed the required weeks. Praise God for doing ALL things well!
More good news as Brotherhood is excited about our upcoming ministries. The outdoor concert in May at Ft. Christmas heads the list. We also anticipate an Old Time Gospel Sing in the fall that will revive classic hymns and choruses we all love so well. Our next CD project will include many more of your favorites and a sprinkling of newer Gospel songs that Brotherhood can't wait to record!
On a final note... may everyone have a blessed Ressurection Sunday. Remember," you can't have the cradle without the cross"!
Rehearsals for current and new material have been rescheduled a few times, as well. Mel is undergoing medical treatment in Tampa so his available time is meager. Please keep him in your prayers during this crucial time. Mel is fun loving, has a jovial spirit and a self admitted "cryer" so he has a tender heart. The latest news is that he's having very little side effects, eating well and has almost completed the required weeks. Praise God for doing ALL things well!
More good news as Brotherhood is excited about our upcoming ministries. The outdoor concert in May at Ft. Christmas heads the list. We also anticipate an Old Time Gospel Sing in the fall that will revive classic hymns and choruses we all love so well. Our next CD project will include many more of your favorites and a sprinkling of newer Gospel songs that Brotherhood can't wait to record!
On a final note... may everyone have a blessed Ressurection Sunday. Remember," you can't have the cradle without the cross"!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Breakfast Kickoff '09
A blessed New Year to all!! After some rest during the holidays, Brotherhood starts again. It also gave us time to learn/ rehearse new songs as we modify our "play list" to better minister to the various audiences.
A case in point - a men's breakfast (Jan. 24) was a first for us. The song selections were made with much prayer so the ministry would be most effective. Typically, our musical style crosses a congregation's culture but singing to only men - they are a different breed!! Brotherhood was pumped as we sang some classics and added a few new upbeat quartet songs to "test" on this crowd.
Wow... did God ever deliver!! The men rejoiced, clapped, sang along (sometimes) and were very receptive. The breakfast theme was, "The Right Thing - In the Home" and the message shared by Dan focused on that subject. "Give It Away" urged them to share the blessings of God with others and "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" reminded the men to depend on Him for all things. The altar call saw men receive salvation and prayer for those seeking healing, financial miracles and a closer walk with our Lord. Once again, we praise God for His faithfulness and being there - all the time!
A case in point - a men's breakfast (Jan. 24) was a first for us. The song selections were made with much prayer so the ministry would be most effective. Typically, our musical style crosses a congregation's culture but singing to only men - they are a different breed!! Brotherhood was pumped as we sang some classics and added a few new upbeat quartet songs to "test" on this crowd.
Wow... did God ever deliver!! The men rejoiced, clapped, sang along (sometimes) and were very receptive. The breakfast theme was, "The Right Thing - In the Home" and the message shared by Dan focused on that subject. "Give It Away" urged them to share the blessings of God with others and "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" reminded the men to depend on Him for all things. The altar call saw men receive salvation and prayer for those seeking healing, financial miracles and a closer walk with our Lord. Once again, we praise God for His faithfulness and being there - all the time!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The W in Christmas...
Christmas has become a time of gift giving, parties and out of town travel. However, let's never forget the true meaning of this season. It's" joy to the world, the Lord is come" and without His coming we would be lost in a dying world. Of course, there are those who become very charitable. And, there are heart warming stories of people reaching out to those in need, paying bills, offering jobs and providing Christmas dinners and trees. Brotherhood will continue to do our part to share the Good News, not only at Christmas time, but the whole year through!
We are a blessed people and a blessed nation. Let's remember the "W" in Christmas. What's that you say...well here's the story in a nut shell. A school's Christmas presentation showcased a kindergarten class singing "Christmas Love". Each student held a letter spelling the song's title. As they sang each phrase, a child would hold up a letter (i.e. C is for Christmas). The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, a small, quiet girl held the letter "M" upside down. It appeared as a "W" and the small audience snickered. The laughter continued until the last letter was raised. Suddenly, a hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.
In that instant, everyone understood the reason they were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place and, why in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For, when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:
"CHRISTWASLOVE"
And, I believe, He still is. We should be amazed in His presence... humbled by His love!!
We are a blessed people and a blessed nation. Let's remember the "W" in Christmas. What's that you say...well here's the story in a nut shell. A school's Christmas presentation showcased a kindergarten class singing "Christmas Love". Each student held a letter spelling the song's title. As they sang each phrase, a child would hold up a letter (i.e. C is for Christmas). The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, a small, quiet girl held the letter "M" upside down. It appeared as a "W" and the small audience snickered. The laughter continued until the last letter was raised. Suddenly, a hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.
In that instant, everyone understood the reason they were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place and, why in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For, when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:
"CHRISTWASLOVE"
And, I believe, He still is. We should be amazed in His presence... humbled by His love!!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
A wow night at Calvary Towers (10/23)
It was our first visit to Calvary Towers. They've wanted Brotherhood to sing for a while but could not set a date. Well, the wait was worth it, Praise God! What a time of praise and worship we had as we ministered in song and Word.
A sprinkling of new music along with a heapful of old favorite hymns and choruses was warmly received. Each member of Brotherhood shared from their heart. The people raised their hands to heaven as we sang "Learning To Lean", "In The Cross" and "Because He Lives". On the lively numbers, they clapped and joined in singing "When We All Get To Heaven", "Goodbye World, Goodbye" and "I'll Fly Away" (they knew the words, of course!).
After a brief message, Brotherhood concluded with gospel classics, "How Great Thou Art" and "There's A Sweet, Sweet Spirit". At the altar call, many asked for salvation and a healing touch in their body. And, those moments made it the grandest finale of all. Our efforts are not in vain, but through prayer and dedication, we give glory and honor to Jesus Christ.
Yes... the wait was truly worth it!! Amen!!
A sprinkling of new music along with a heapful of old favorite hymns and choruses was warmly received. Each member of Brotherhood shared from their heart. The people raised their hands to heaven as we sang "Learning To Lean", "In The Cross" and "Because He Lives". On the lively numbers, they clapped and joined in singing "When We All Get To Heaven", "Goodbye World, Goodbye" and "I'll Fly Away" (they knew the words, of course!).
After a brief message, Brotherhood concluded with gospel classics, "How Great Thou Art" and "There's A Sweet, Sweet Spirit". At the altar call, many asked for salvation and a healing touch in their body. And, those moments made it the grandest finale of all. Our efforts are not in vain, but through prayer and dedication, we give glory and honor to Jesus Christ.
Yes... the wait was truly worth it!! Amen!!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Gospel Nite with Lillie Knauls (10/20)
A popular phrase, "A good time was had by all" truly sums up the evening! Lots of fun, laughter, sharing, congregational hymn singing, quartet and soulful gospel music. Linda Nuzum shared a solo from her CD and Brotherhood sang a few songs between Lillie's sets including an uptempo "Nothing But The Blood".
Even as a "senior lady", Ms. Lillie Knauls still looks and sounds great - a broad smiling face and full of the joy of the Lord! Throughout the night, she encouraged the congregation to join in singing such favorites as "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands", "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" and her signature song, "O Happy Day". Currently known as part of Gaither's Homecoming group, Lillie was also a member of the Edwin Hawkins Singers who made that last song a mainstream hit in 1969.
Brotherhood was priviledged to join Ms. Knauls singing "Walkin' On Dry Land", a song she penned awhile back but with a country twist. It's included on her current album which won a Dove Award. If you get the chance, don't miss out seeing Lillie Knauls in concert. You will be thrilled and blessed... we sure were! If all goes well, concert photos will follow.
Even as a "senior lady", Ms. Lillie Knauls still looks and sounds great - a broad smiling face and full of the joy of the Lord! Throughout the night, she encouraged the congregation to join in singing such favorites as "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands", "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" and her signature song, "O Happy Day". Currently known as part of Gaither's Homecoming group, Lillie was also a member of the Edwin Hawkins Singers who made that last song a mainstream hit in 1969.
Brotherhood was priviledged to join Ms. Knauls singing "Walkin' On Dry Land", a song she penned awhile back but with a country twist. It's included on her current album which won a Dove Award. If you get the chance, don't miss out seeing Lillie Knauls in concert. You will be thrilled and blessed... we sure were! If all goes well, concert photos will follow.
"Live In Lakeland" CD now available
On October 16, 2008, the dream became a reality for Brotherhood. Unknown to us all, our August concert at Victory Assembly in Lakeland, FL was videotaped. Brotherhood was given a copy and, thanks to advanced technology, a masterful CD was created. First, and foremost, we want to thank God Almighty for His faithfulness and providing this opportunity to advance His kingdom through music. God is good... all the time! Also, a special thanks to Vaughn Rhea (an accomplished musician, song writer and sound technician) who helped greatly in the production.
This CD includes a dozen wonderful, well-known gospel songs - old and new. There's also an added bonus - a track where Dan shares his heart with us from the word of God. All proceeds received go back to support Brotherhoods' outreach ministry.
This CD includes a dozen wonderful, well-known gospel songs - old and new. There's also an added bonus - a track where Dan shares his heart with us from the word of God. All proceeds received go back to support Brotherhoods' outreach ministry.
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