2007
November
Holiday Well Wishes from Three Bridges
NQC 2007 was filled with many great moments and memories, along with some disappointments. We were, obviously, disappointed with our removal from the main stage. We were approached by many fans who likewise expressed dissatisfaction upon learning such news. To those who didn't address this issue with us, we were advised that the personnel changes caused concerns about the group’s presentation. We remain optimistic, however, about our involvement in the 2008 convention and we look forward to seeing you there! God has blessed and He just keeps on blessing!
Thanks to SoGospelNews for keeping you, our fans, informed of all the changes through their web site and media exposure. Thanks to Paul Heil for his Sunday, October 14 Gospel Greats program featuring Three Bridges. We have received scores of phone calls and e-mails applauding this program. Paul remains a consummate professional with his tasteful programming and ministry presentations. We'd like to add our applause to Paul and Sheila for their standard of excellence over the years!
As we enter the holiday season, we have much to be thankful for -- here are a few. We are thankful to our faithful friends and supporters who have lifted our spirits with their words of encouragement and prayers over the last few months. We give many thanks to our families for their love and support in both the good times and the bad. We thank our industry friends who have called with their words of encouragement, prayers and support. Finally, we give all of our thanks to our Savior and King that He would consider us worthy recipients of his Grace, Mercy and salvation. We are humbled that He would allow us to represent Him as ambassadors to the Kingdom of Heaven.
On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.
Eddy Bolton,
Three Bridges
http://www.threebridges.net
And The Thanksgiving Turkey Award Goes To..
Gus Gaches and David both live in Nashville and most of the time commute back and forth to Gainesville, GA where the bus is parked. But before Gus joined the group, David flew to either meet the bus each week or directly to the date. David's wife is a flight attendant, so he always flies stand by, which can be a scary thing if the flights fill up and he can't get on the plane. We're still scheduled to sing regardless of the flight schedule. I'm a worry wart at heart, so one phone call from David telling me that he can't get on his flight can give me an ulcer and send me sucking down Mylanta like it's a diet coke.
One day, David flew into the Atlanta airport and normally I call him to make sure he has landed. On this particular day, he left his cell phone off on purpose and told our piano player who had picked him up to call me and tell me that the flight had been delayed. Just 5 minutes before they arrived at the bus, our piano player was telling me that he was still circling the airport waiting for David to land. During that 45 minutes, I was frantically calling David's phone (which was turned off). Just before I was about to go into cardiac arrest, they both pulled up to the bus. All weekend long, I shared with them both how the Bible teaches that all liars will have their part in the lake of fire. Neither of them seemed to feel the least bit convicted.
One Saturday night, we were singing in Ringold, GA. We were singing with some folks who knew David because he had sang years ago with a group that was based just down the road from there. They came to see us that night and they knew that we didn't have a Sunday morning date the next day. What they didn't know was that David was sick and very sleep deprived that night. Now normally whether we are singing or not, we are in church on Sunday morning, but David was planning on sleeping in so he would be well enough to sing for our Sunday night concert. After a very Spirit filled altar call that night (which by the way, David led), they had a dinner prepared for us. David's friends asked him if he would like to get up the next morning and go to church with them and see many people that he knew there, David very tactfully declined their offer. But rather than telling them that he was not feeling well and desperately needed to sleep, he told them that since going on the road with us, he had stopped going to church. He said, (with a very straight face) that when he goes to church, he starts feeling convicted and it's better if he doesn't have to feel convicted because it's hard for him to sing and cry at the same time. Now anyone who knows David at all, knows that nothing could be farther from the truth, but evidently they didn't know David as well as they thought they did. When he saw the look on their face, he quickly let them know that he was joking. Are you starting to see why I have ulcers?
Now, I know I'm picking on David because I am awarding the turkey award to him. But just know that Stacy and Gus are just about as bad. And every now and then, everyone on the bus is in on the joke except me. You all please pray for me.
Mike LeFevre
LeFevre Quartet
http://www.lefevrequartet.com
November Reflections, ‘07
I guess most of our attitudes about Thanksgiving and the holidays in general are linked to very specific childhood recollections. It’s funny how the aroma of bread baking in the oven and giblets simmering in broth with onions, celery, and sage can instantly transport me back to my mother’s kitchen and a little red Chromecraft table where I sat and watched Mom prepare her dressing on Thanksgiving Eve and those night-before scents are as much a part of the memory as the holiday itself.
Smoke hung thick in the air as neighbors joined dad in the rites of fall….leaf burning. I can remember the strange mingling of burning leaves in the backyard and mom’s pumpkin pie in the kitchen, an odd collaboration of scents that together meant mom and dad are here and all’s right with the world.
Of course it wasn’t just the olfactory glands that were stimulated at this time of year. It was a sensory delight.
There are sounds that I will always associate with Thanksgiving, like the hissing and chugging of mom’s pressure cooker and dishes rattling in the sink. Mom got the “good” china down and washed it for its yearly appearance – good meaning less chipped. There was the sound of leaves crunching as family trudged up the walk to swing open the picket gate. There was the smoke alarm that inevitably went off when the turkey boiled over in the oven. There was talking and laughing, and I can still hear the tapping of game pieces on a cardboard sidewalk and marbles rolling around inside a metal Chinese checkerboard. After a while there was the snoring of those whose intention was to watch football, but fell victim to tryptophan’s curse.
There were sights to behold as well. There were leaves of red and gold that created a gorgeous canopy overhead and then fell to the ground when nudged by a cold fall rain. The little hitch-hikers stuck to the soles of our shoes and we tracked them onto the freshly vacuumed carpet. There were bright orange pumpkins stacked high on bales of straw and Indian corn tied with twine begging to be bought at the open air market down on Broadway and Main.
Thanksgiving morning meant the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade on television…the real deal, not the abbreviated version that’s shown today and pre-empted by local copycats. We watched it to the very end when that nice old man in the red suit arrived.
Thanksgiving Day brought out the long, “white” table cloth. It was stained with sweet tea and giblet gravy. The stylish centerpiece was a “turkey” made from a pineapple laid on its side. Googly button eyes and red yarn crocheted to resemble a neck and head were affixed with straight pins to the “body” of the pineapple and the bushy pineapple top created a properly fanned tail. The pineapple turkey was ogled and admired until mom’s turkey came out of the oven, then was set aside like your fourth grade crush for the real thing.
I guess the thing that I will always remember is how the dining room table expanded over the years. As her kids married and had children of their own, mom added to the table’s length to accommodate more and more. The family grew from the original seven to the point where mom was somehow fitting more than twenty-five people into her tiny dining area, and the table stretched well into the living room. At 93 she has now passed the holiday dinner baton to my sister, Darlene, who has fed nearly forty family members and friends at her Thanksgiving Day table.
It reminds me of a picture (artist unknown) that I first saw in the seventies. It was a table spread with white linen and adorned with fine china and gold utensils and it stretched as far as the eye could see and disappeared into the clouds. It was just a reminder of the invitation the Lord has extended to us. There is room for more at His table and the old song says it well: “Come and dine, the Master calleth, come and dine. You can feast at Jesus’ table all the time. He who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine, to the hungry calleth now, come and dine.”
Have a great fall and a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Janice Crow
A Quick Spider
I wanted to be as discreet as possible, so I waited until Tim began to close in prayer. You’ll be happy to know that I snuck over and swatted that spider right off of Tim’s coat. I also might add that as soon as he said “Amen” I looked over and there that thing was still hanging on! Unfortunately, the spider must have been there just a little too long because he had already spun a web, anchoring himself firmly to the coat. I jumped to Tim’s rescue and began to slap at the back of his suit coat repeatedly before finally saving him from the vermin!
Many spiders are harmless actually serving a good purpose, but then again, some can be fatal. How do we know whether we should swat or leave it alone? I was bitten by a spider when I was young and had to stay in bed for days while we watched the poison slowly spread over most of my leg. This is an easy choice for me - “kill ‘em all!” I’m sure I won’t affect the spider population to the point of damaging the ecosystem!
Little things creep into our lives that can possibly harm us or at the very least, distract us; things that don’t belong in our lives, like the bad timing of a good spider at a Gospel singing. Sin can creep in and harm us – even destroy us; on the other hand there are little things that can just distract us from our walk with Him.
I have had my share of “little spiders” to swat out of my life. Some I took care of right away. Others I let stay too long and they got attached to me. Sin isn’t something to tiptoe around in our own lives. We need to confront temptation kicking and screaming! We are to flee from the appearance of evil, not daintily sidestep it while trying not to disturb the devil!
On the other hand, some things in our lives maybe serve a good purpose, like even a ministry. But even ministry can become a breeding ground for distraction. I know some people who have run themselves into tremendous debt, even bankruptcy for the sake of ministry. But I find it hard to believe that our Father who owns the cattle on a thousand hills would place the burden of ministry debt on our backs if our business choices were truly in His will. I’m not saying we can’t finance our ministry in different ways like bus payments and such, but you know whether or not you can pay those bills. I’m not saying you can’t step out on faith either. Our family knows too well how God can provide when it doesn’t make sense on paper; as long as it is in His perfect will. But there is nothing more distracting or destructive in our lives or ministry than the unnecessary stress we place on ourselves with bad choices - whether it financial, relational, spiritual neglect, or any number of things. I can say this to you in love, because I know. I’ve been there.
As we continue to grow in our walk with God and in the Word of God, let’s keep our eyes open. You may have a little swatting to do yourself!
till next time…
Sally
Tune in to The Gospel Greats the weekend of November 3rd to hear The Quicks on the Artist Spotlight. We are so excited! Actually, Paul Heil should really have taped our conversation before he turned on the mics when Sheila was still in the room! That was the REAL interview!
To contact The Quicks:
Phone: 615-459-5119 / 615-403-0047
Write: The Quicks / P.O. Box 581 / Smyrna, TN 37167
E-mail:
Busy as Squirrels Gathering Nuts!
Everyone is doing quite well. Penny has pretty much adjusted to bus life and we...to life with Penny! She is a delight to have in the group and I want to say thanks to all of you who have been so complimentary and supportive of her. She is certainly appointed and annoited by the Lord.
We have covered a lot of territory the past 6 weeks and are winding down our 2007 year. We plan to visit several churches in December, spend Christmas with the family, and get ready for 2008 by going to Shipshewana, IN for New Year's Eve. If we come to your area, please do drop in.
I want to remind everyone of April 12, 2008. It is our second annual CWG Reunion Concert. Again, we hope to have several former members with us and look forward to getting them on stage to sing. It was a lot of fun last year, and we have had many already buying their tickets. Right now, there is choice seating available, so if you want to attend, call Harold at 888- 319-1021 and reserve your seats.
I want to appeal to some of you who would like to take part in helping us support Convoy of Hope. We have a pledge to raise $10,000 for the children and families of America as well as those internationally who are less fortunate than we. Your gift will go to help with medical needs as well as food, shelter and clothing for hurting families down the road from each of us. Some have already joined us and we appreciate it very much. If you would like to contribute, call Harold at 888-319-1021. He can give you directions to send a check or he can take a credit card. You will receive a tax deductible receipt for your gift. I want to say thanks in advance to everyone who shares with us in this worthy cause. You may check the organization out at: http://convoyofhope.org.
Be sure and check out our discussion board at: http://www.chuckwagongangblog.com. If you have questions about the current or former CWG groups, our products, and future plans, Harold Timmons will be happy to care of you. You can call him at 888-319-1021. Thanks and God bless,
Dave
A Biblical Perspective
"...we must be about the Father's business."
I was driving through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains this afternoon, just outside of Pigeon Forge, and couldn't help but notice the colorful trees all around me. They had leaves that were a variety of colors, shapes and sizes that served to paint a beautiful picture. As I pondered the sight, I had a thought skitter across my mind about 'time'. It is the Fall of the year, and the 'time' for the leaves to give up their green, lush life and be transformed into one last bit of beauty before they fall helplessly to the ground. There they will turn brown and rot to serve as a sort of mulch to keep the tree from whence they fell well and protected. While they themselves won't return next Spring, we can be sure there will be new leaves to take their place on the tree limb, only to repeat the process that 'time' has already scheduled for them just as it did their predecessors.
The word 'time' sparked a whole bevy of thoughts while I drove on to my destination. We have all been given a certain alottment of time. For some it is much, for others, little. But, be sure there is a divine 'purpose' for each of us and it is our responsiblity to seek and find that 'purpose' for our alotted 'time' on earth. Time is constant, relentless, and unforgiving. It moves on whether we want it to or not. It doesn't speed up, but the more of it we use in life, it seems that it does. Maybe it is because, for us, we know there is a limit as to how much we get to have and to use. Life, couched in time, can easily be compared to the seasons of the year as many poets and songwriters have done. For each of us there was a beginning (Spring) and there certainly will be an end (Winter). What we do with the time alotted us (Summer and Fall) is the real issue. If we use it productively, we can look back with satisfaction. If we waste it, we don't get to go back and use that 'time' again. It is forever gone.
I remember as a boy listening to Dad and Mom Speer sing the song, "Time Has Made A Change". After listening to that song, I would often wonder what was in store for 'my time' that lay out ahead of me. Having been saved at the age of eight, I began to lay my plans of how I would grow up and serve the Lord. In my early teens, I felt a call to preach. I remember taking my Bible to bed with me and reading verses until I found a 'text'. Then, when the lights would go out, I would clutch the Bible to my chest and would preach up a 'storm'. Of course it had to be a silent sermon, because my brothers lay sleeping in the beds next to me. If I woke them, I don't think I would have gotten much of an 'amen'! So, I tried to be quiet, and yet still get my point across to my imaginary congregation. That seemed to mark the direction my life would go and how I would spend a lot my time of 'Summer'.
Now that I am well into 'Summer' and can see 'Fall' just ahead, I often wonder if I have 'redeemed' my time and made it count. When I look back, I see a lot detours that I took off of the main path God had laid out for me. I see distractions, many of which caused me to shift my focus from the 'purpose' that I knew God had laid out for me to pursue. Each time that I got back on track, it wasn't without some pain and regret of having wasted valuable 'time'. Thank God, his mercy and grace always pursued me until I was safely back in the center of his will. Each time I learned a valuable lesson that has served to help me make better decisions.
While I don't preach much anymore, I do have the privilege of singing the little sermonettes, as Ronnie Page used to say, that God gave to songwriters. This has been a highlight of my 'Summer' and I thank God that I can be a part of blessing folks with this marvelous music. Of course, we sing to many who are in the 'Fall' of their 'time'. It is so rewarding for us when we hear the stories of how blessed you folks are to hear the old songs sung the old fashioned way and the many memories that it brings to mind.
It is my aim, and I hope your's too, to do what Paul says he did with his life in Philippian 3:13 and 14, "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, leaving those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." It is my prayer that while we all have used and misused this wonderful gift called 'time', we can still start afresh and anew each day with the goal to fulfil whatever 'purpose' God calls us to in the 'now'.
Dave
The Upcoming CWG Reunion...
Moves to Pigeon Forge!
The Chuck Wagon Gang is pleased to announce plans for our Second Annual Reunion Concert to take place at the Music Road Inn Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, TN on Saturday, April 12th at 6:00 PM. Former members will again be invited to participate in this year's event.
TICKET INFORMATION:
RESERVED SEATS - $20.00 - We have a limited number of numbered reserved seats which are closer and more center. These are available on a first come, first served basis, and are not expected to last long.
GENERAL ADMISSION - $15.00 - GENERAL ADMISSION - Overall general admission - sit where you like in the larger general admission area
CHILDREN - Free through age 12 - general admission only.
YOUTH - $5.00 Ages 13 through 18 - general admission only.
TO ORDER TICKETS: Tickets are currently available through the Nashville office. You may call me at 615- 885-8000; if there is no answer leave a message on 888-319-1021. You may also fax orders to 615-316- 0990. Tickets are now available and will be mailed to you. Tickets ordered after 10 days prior to the program will not be mailed, but will be held as a "will call" at the door. All ticket orders will be processed in the order received.
The Music Road Inn and Convention Center is located right off the parkway at 314 Henderson Chapel Rd. in Pigeon Forge, TN right behind the Smith Family Theater. We have reserved a block of 70 rooms at the hotel for this event, but only for the night of the event. The rate for a standard room with two queen sized beds is $99 plus 11.75% tax. If you wish to make a reservation, call 1-800-429-7700. You must mention "Chuck Wagon Gang Reunion" / Music Road Inn for April 12th in order to get the discounted rate. Guests will be issued a parking pass to place on their car at the hotel. Please note that the hotel does not have a restaurant, but there are many eating places nearby.
Other motels are in the area, including the Holiday Inn, which is the closest. The convention center has limited parking space, and urges all guests not staying at the Music Road Inn to ride the shuttle to and from the convention center.
The CWG Store
"Remembering the Old Songs" is being received wonderfully!!
Our new CD, "Remembering the Old Songs" is being received very well. If you haven't gotten yours yet, you will want to be sure and get one. It is the first CD that includes Penny on the alto. She does a fine job singing some of those great alto leads so reminiscent of Anna. To order the new CD, simply click on the album cover.
The songs on the album include: I'm Gonna See Heaven | I'll Meet You By The River | I've Been With Jesus | The Old Country Church | There's A Little Pine Log Cabin | I Want To See My Jesus | Did You Ever Go Sailin'? | Suppertime I Can Hear Them Singing Over There | When We Get To The Gloryland
"Reminiscing" our new DVD, is going to be available soon. I will alert you when it is ready. It will be featured on an upcoming television program by Great American Gospel. Be watching for that program to begin some time early next year.
We continue to carry and you can order a variety of DVDs, namely, 'Clinging to a Saving Hand' , and 'Wagon Tracks', both recorded live in Pigeon Forge, TN as well as 'Live in Branson', 'The Farewell Tour' and now 'Live at the Grand Ole Gospel, Chocowinity, NC'. Be sure and check out the Original Gang recordings we have, like 'Looking for a City'. and 'I'll Fly Away'.
To order any of our products, including the new "Remembering the Old Songs" and "I Have A Prayer", simply click on the CWG Online Store link which will take you to our online store. If you don't want to use a credit card, you can always mail a check to P.O. Box 1459, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868 or call 888- 319-1021 and Harold Timmons will help you.
The CWG Road Schedule
November 2007 through January 2008 Schedule
There are always some changes, so be sure and check the schedule online.
November 2007
November 15, 2007 First Baptist Church - 6:30 PM Hwy 15, Mathiston, MS 800-327-8158
November 16, 2007 New Life in Christ Church - 7:00 PM Foley, AL 251-949-7771
November 17, 2007 Flomaton H. S. Auditorium - 6:00 PM Flomaton, AL 251-296-3783
November 29, 2007 Helena First Baptist Church - 7:00 PM 600 Franklin Street, Helena, AR
November 30, 2007 Collins Theater - 7:00 PM Paragould, AR 870-236-7169
December 2007
December 1, 2007 Gateway Assembly of God - 6:00 PM 1642 Hwy. 12 South Ashland City TN 615-792- 5978
December 2, 2007 Morning Star Baptist - 2:30 PM Hwy 321, Maryville, TN 865-579-4105
December 8, 2007 Freedom Baptist Church - 7:00 PM Milan, GA
December 15, 2007 Weber City Elementary School - 7:00 PM 322 Jenning St., Weber City, VA 423-293- 2507
December 16, 2007 Valley View Baptist Church - 6:00 PM Knoxville, TN
December 28, 2007 Hollis Seafood Buffet - 6:00 PM 113 hwy 3265, Spearsville, La. 318-778-0444
December 29, 2007 First United Methodist Church - 6:30 PM Main at McGaughey, Dyersburg, TN 731-285- 6454
December 31, 2007 Bluegate Restaurant - CFT Shipshewana, IN 888-447-4725
January 2008
January 10, 2008 Performing Arts Center - 7:30 PM Ormond Beach, FL
January 11, 2008 Bill Bailey Concert - TBA Florida 941- 756-6942
January 12, 2008 Bill Bailey Concert - TBA Florida 941- 756-6942
January 26, 2008 Kings Mountain HS - 6:00 PM Kings Mountain, NC
Thank you so much for all your prayers and thoughts. They don't go unnoticed as we see God's Hand on us continually. It is our prayer that God blesses you and keeps each of you till we meet again. We welcome your comments and emails. If you wish to contact us, click on Contact Us on the web site.
Chuck Wagon Gang
http://www.chuckwagongang.org
Singing at Sea and the “Cannonball” Scam
We shared the stage with many of the top groups in gospel music today: Booth Brothers, Legacy Five, The Hoppers, The Inspirations, Squire Parsons, Gold City, Greater Vision, The Kingsmen, and The Royalaires. Also, we heard some great preaching and comedy from Jerry Goff and Little Jan, Jamey Ragle, Geraldine and Ricky, and Aaron Wilburn. Wow!!! What a boatload of talent…literally!
It was a great chance for Shiloh to get to know the groups just a little bit better and also get to spend some quality time with the many great fans of gospel music in this intimate setting. We definitely made many new memories and friendships that will surely last a lifetime. Only a handful of folks boarded Carnival’s “ms Holiday” (the name of the ship) knowing about Shiloh’s music and ministry; but we made many, many new friends and hopefully fans! God really blessed the entire cruise!
Now for a short story….Brian White, tenor for Shiloh (now known as a weasel…lol), really had me going before the trip began. He told me he entered me into the “Artist Cannonball” splashing contest that apparently was a tradition at Singing at Sea. This "weasel" got many of the singers in on this as well. I would be walking somewhere on the ship, and someone would bring it up out of nowhere. “Hey! I heard you think you’re taking the cannonball contest,” some would say. I was really getting kinda worried about it, but I was no doubt convinced this was going to happen. Of course, my being the big manly man (6’8”) that I am, I was sure I would win it; and others, such as Michael Booth (the nut he is…you gotta love him though) of the Booth Brothers, Rodney Griffin of Greater Vision, Frank Seamans of Legacy Five, Dean Hopper, and Philip Hughes of The Kingsmen had plenty to say about it. Let’s just say there was a lot of trash talking going on. I remember thinking…where is this contest going to happen? I hadn’t seen a pool really big enough or DEEP enough on the ship….this should have been my first clue. The news was finally broken to me during dinner on the last day of the cruise. There were a lot of laughs, not exactly from me though. I laugh about it now. It’s ok to joke around as Christians, even if the joke’s on you. As Christians, we should be happy and full of joy, and everyone around should know it’s the love of Christ shining in us!
Before I leave, we want to thank all the radio stations for playing our newest single “Water Walking,” and thank all of you good folks who request it. Keep those phones ringing! For those who haven’t checked out Shiloh, go to our website(s) and listen in. We would love to hear from you!
In Christ,
Jeremy McKissack
Shiloh
http://www.shilohnet.com
http://www.myspace.com/shilohnet
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