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Church News

November, 2002

It's On My Heart! By Rev. Bill Abrams, Pastor

Music has always a vital part of my life.

At home I was awaken in the morning by dad’s radio in the kitchen listening to Farmer Gray in Spartanburg and country music. It was there I heard Hank Williams signing, ”Your Cheatin Heart,” or “Lord, if you can’t help me please don’t help that bear!” When Christmas came it was not only time to decorate, but pull out a small record player and 78 speed record of Bing Crosby and White Christmas.

The gift of music came mainly from the Abrams side of the family yet I do remember my Papa Dave Sims whistling: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” or “Amazing Grace” while we worked on the farm. The Abrams were the main leaders in music at Gray’s Creek Baptist Church. Granny Sally played the organ, Aunt Floy played the piano, while dad led the music. All had been trained by a Rev. J.A. Leslie, an ordained minister from the mountains of West Virginia, who traveled extensively over the south preaching revivals and holding “Singing Schools.” At the “Singing Schools” churches were taught to sing shape notes and learn to sing. After a week or so of training the church had learned the basics, have a choir, and could sing the old familiar hymns. Dad was a disciple of Rev. Leslie, and even to this day leads music in churches in Rutherford County.

God gave to my sister Barbara a very special gift to play and sing. Even before she had a piano, I remember her taking a cardboard keyboard, placing it in a window, and pretending to play. One of the most exciting Christmases ever was when Santa brought me a brand new Red Bike, and Barbara got a piano.

How Santa got that huge upright piano down our chimney I will never know. I am sure that mom and dad did not get any sleep because early on Christmas day Barbara was playing the piano and I was riding my bike in the living room.

Every First Sunday we had an afternoon singing which would last for hours. Our small church would bulge at the seams from listeners as well as Gospel Singing Groups that would travel from surrounding counties to join in on the “Singing.” Dad, Barbara, and myself were a trio that sang “Stamps Baxter Music” and I was also expected to sing in the choir.

As a boy, I also have fond memories of the Morning Worship Service, after Granny Sally had retired as organist, and Floy became the organist and my sister became the church pianist. I would sit with my Granny and even before I could read would stand on the pew beside her and sing the songs of Zion. Of course we sang many of the most beloved hymns and so it didn’t take long to memorize them. Much of my theology come from those songs learned as a boy such as: “Jesus Loves Me,” “Amazing Grace,” “To God Be the Glory,” or “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

Every Sunday, the manner in which I worship is through the music. From the preludes, postludes, congregational hymns, and special music God speaks to me and ministers unto me.

When I was nine years old and came to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior the Lord put a song in my heart and I cannot keep silent. As I think of the End Days in which we are living, knowing that 9-11 is only a sign of things to come before the Lord returns, a song comes to my mind which brings comfort to my heart:

The Solid Rock

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Bill

P.S. Cornerstone Baptist Church, Thank you for the generous gift and the wonderful Birthday wishes you shared with me. This past Sunday was a wonderful Sunday, just a sign of many more wonderful days to come.

YOUTH CORNER

Nitro performing

Sunday, November 3

7:30 PM – Bible Study

Sunday, November 10

7:30 PM – Nitro

Sunday, November 17

7:30 PM – Nitro

Friday, December 6

Scott & Cathy Lykins will host a Bible study at their home.
Pizza will be served and arrangements are being made for bowling at Pin Station.

Next Council Meeting – November 24 (5:00 PM)

THANKSGIVING SERVICES

Sunday, November 24

9:55 AM - Sunday School
11:00 AM - Lord’s Supper
5:00 AM - Children’s Choir
6:00 PM – Thanksgiving Service & Meal

Wednesday, November 27

7:00 PM – Prayer Meeting
7:30 PM – Adult Choir

For Your Records

September, 2002

Monthly Requirement $9,232.58
General Receipts $13,115.51
Building Fund $3,602.43
Total Debt $385,303.80

October, 2002

Monthly Requirement $9,232.58
General Receipts (0ct. 20) $7,688.90
Building Fund (0ct. 20) $4,094.00

Welcome New Member

Ms. Helen H.

Children's Fall Festival

Saturday, October 26

MUSIC SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27

Tyler's Senior Project - Turn Your Radio On