Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Happy birthday to Vonda Armstrong

Many of you know Vonda Armstrong as a member of the sweet ladies trio, Hope’s Journey. You may also know Vonda as the CEO of Hey Y’all Media. And many of you listen to her as the host of Strictly Southern and Strictly Country on WPIL FM.

Top Row: Josh and Ashley Franks
Bottom Row: Eli Franks, Jack Armstrong, Vonda Easley Armstrong, Priscilla Franks

Did you also know that Vonda and her husband Jack Armstrong host an all Requests Show on SGMRadio.com? And did you know that she is one of the powerful engines behind Creekside Gospel Music Convention, Southern Gospel Weekend, and many other gospel music events? And did you know that she is in charge of Social Media and Advertising at SGNScoops.com?

On top of all of this, Vonda writes the DJ Spotlight feature for SGNScoops.com every month, plus the Weekend Word for the SGNScoops website, as well as other website articles.

There are many other behind the scenes activities that Vonda looks after, and SGNScoops would not be the same without her.

For all of this, and for everything else that we didn’t have space for, Vonda Armstrong, thank you so very much.

We wish you a very happy birthday and hope that this coming year is filled with many blessings from God as you draw closer to him.

Happy birthday Vonda Armstrong!

Be sure to visit Vonda’s page on all social media outlets and wish her a very happy birthday!

“JOSH & ASHLEY FRANK’S ALABAMA HOMECOMING” This Week!

The annual “JOSH & ASHLEY FRANKS ALABAMA HOMECOMING” is set for Friday, February 21, at Liberty Hill Church, 77 Co Rd 142, (off Hwy 431), in Heflin, AL. Diamond Award Winner for Duet of the Year and host, Josh & Ashley Franks, have included special guest Hope’s Journey and one of Southern Gospel’s Favorite Songwriters and Artist, Phil Cross & Poet Voices (pictured).

Phil Cross & Poet Voices

Phil Cross is celebrating 40 years of gospel songwriting with songs such as “When I Get Carried Away”, “Champion of Love”, “I Am Redeemed”, “Wedding Music”, and many many more. Dinner will be served beginning at 5:30 PM and the concert will begin at 7:00 PM CST. The concert is FREE admission, however, a generous love offering will be received. For more information visit www.joshandashleyfranks.com

Road to Creekside concert wrap

Bibletones. Picture courtesy of Penny Walters and Gloryland. Road to Creekside

On Saturday, August 17, Laurel, Mississippi, was the site for a concert dubbed, “Road to Creekside.” Featuring artists who are on the roster for Creekside Gospel Music Convention, a lot of great gospel music was thoroughly enjoyed by all who were in attendance.

Rob Patz. Picture courtesy of Penny Walters and Gloryland.

Rob Patz was the emcee for the evening, bringing his own flare to the proceedings. Live and in concert were: the Bibletones, Hope’s Journey, Eagle’s Wings, Gloryland, Charlie Lucas, and Hunter May.

Eagle’s Wings. Picture courtesy of Penny Walters and Gloryland.

“The people of Mississippi are awesome,” says Patz. “I had a great time. The music was terrific and the food was fantastic!”

Gloryland and Vonda Armstrong

Pictures shown were taken the night of the event.

Hunter May. Picture courtesy of Penny Walters and Gloryland.

For those wishing to see these artists live, as well as many others, Creekside Gospel Music Convention is slated for Oct. 27 – 31, 2019, at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Gloryland and Rob Patz

Held at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, events each day include showcases, seminars, chapel, nightly special features, midnight prayer, and more.

Hope’s Journey. Picture courtesy of Penny Walters and Gloryland.

New events this year include Christian Country at the Creek, Creekside Bluegrass, and Singing on the Square.

Charlie Lucas. Picture courtesy of Penny Walters and Gloryland.

For VIP Tickets and accommodations, contact Rob Patz at 360-933-0741.

Gloryland. Picture courtesy of Penny Walters and Gloryland.

For more information please visit the Creekside Facebook page HERE or contact events@sgnscoops.com.

For more Gospel music features read the latest SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

Finale. Picture courtesy of Vonda Armstrong.

Eagle’s Wings. Picture courtesy of Vonda Armstrong.

Vernon Alabama’s Gospel Music Weekend “Spotlight Artist”

Hope’s Journey from  Ellisville, Mississippi is our Vernon, Alabama Spotlight Artist of the week.

About Hope’s Journey:

Fourteen years ago, Vonda Easley Armstrong and her daughter, Ashley Easley (Franks), began the ministry of Hope’s Journey. The vision for the group was to spread “Hope” to a lost and dying world. In 2006, Ashley met Josh Franks at The National Quartet Convention and, on December 8th, 2007, they were married and began an exciting ministry together as husband and wife. In regards to Hope’s Journey, Vonda states, “We’ve had some amazing opportunities come our way and have been able to share the stage with many fantastic groups and singers through the years.  We’ve also had our fair share of transition, but with those changes, we have experienced some amazing blessings! Today, Hope’s Journey is comprised of Vonda Easley Armstrong, Alicia Estis & Jenny Stork. 

“I am so excited about today’s lineup,” states Vonda. “God did it! We hope to see many of our friends and family in Vernon, Alabama at Vernon’s Gospel Music Weekend.”

Here is a complete lineup of the event:

See you in Vernon!

“All Roads Lead to Creekside Tour” Makes First Stop in Laurel, Mississippi

What do Eagle’s Wings, Hope’s Journey, and The Bibletones have in common? Here’s the answer, They will  be performing in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at Creekside Gospel Music Convention, 2019!

Armstrong Promotions and SGN Scoops Magazine present “All Roads Lead To Creekside” First Stop in Laurel, Mississippi.

The event will take place on August 17th at Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, Mississippi. Southeastern Baptist College is located at 4229 MS-15 Laurel, Mississippi. The doors will open at 5:00 pm. A $10 donation will be taken at the door. These concerts will help to give information about Creekside to more people around the globe and also showcase some of the best talent that will be featured at Creekside.

Vonda Armstrong states, ” Don’t miss our friends Eagle’s Wings if you like Bluegrass Music. They are one of the best out there today. I had the priveledge of promoting their first number one song, “King Jesus”,  last year! We are fortunate to have them coming to our hometown!”

Creekside Gospel Music Convention is a convention like no other. The folks pictured above are the core of making this event possible.

They came, they participated, and they got the t-shirt to prove it!

Join us on August 17th in Laurel, Mississippi ! It’s gonna be a great night. If you haven’t booked your room for Creekside or need information or VIP tickets, you can do it at this concert.

Rob Patz, SGN Scoops Magazine will be our emcee for the evening.

MORE ABOUT CREEKSIDE:

Creekside 2019 will present daily musical showcases, evening concerts, midnight prayer, keynote speakers, and a large exhibit hall for fellowship and interaction with artists. Special events include the Life Achievement Honors, 2019 Diamond Awards, Creekside Choir, and main event artists.

For more information on all of these events as well as hotel accommodations, and VIP tickets, please contact Rob Patz at rob@sgnscoops or 360-933-0741. Be sure to follow Creekside on Facebook HERE for all the latest news and update

Exciting Changes For Hope’s Journey

2019 Vernon Alabama’s Gospel Music Weekend

Vernon Alabama’s Gospel Music Weekend will be held Sept. 6 – 7, 2019 at the City Auditorium in downtown Vernon, Alabama. This family-friendly event is open to all ages and groups. Admission is free.

The weekend will feature multi-talented gospel artists showcasing a variety of musical styles, including Southern Gospel, Christian Country, and Bluegrass. Evening concerts begin at 6:00 p.m.

Many artists appearing are M.A.C. Records recording artists, including Jesse Reece, Jessica Horton, McKay Project, Carol Barham, Kenny Gardner, and Amy Richardson.

Also appearing are special guests the Bibletones, Eagle’s Wings, Day Three, Chronicle, Hope’s Journey,  The Riders, Gloryland, and Zion’s Way.

In addition to the nightly concerts, this year there will be a Saturday afternoon showcase concert featuring various regional artists. Concessions will be available.

Artists interested in performing during the showcase are invited to call the promoter listed below.

General admission is free, however, VIP passes are available this year. VIP guests will receive special priority seating, a bag of merchandise, and a private meet and greet reception with the artists. VIP passes are only $25.

Artists wishing to participate in the showcase, or for more information and VIP passes, email info@macrecords.net or call 662.889.2829 . For more information about the artists, sponsors, hotel accommodations, and restaurants, visit facebook.com/macnightofworship/

McCreary to Depart Hope’s Journey

Cody McCreary

Heflin, Alabama (July 25, 2018) – Cody McCreary, lead singer for mixed trio, Hope’s Journey, has announced his resignation. McCreary is known for his popular country style and ability to play many instruments during performances.

Hope’s Journey owner, Vonda Easley, says, “As every member that has left Hope’s Journey, Cody is family. I love his extended family as well and I will be his biggest cheerleader in his future endeavors.”

McCreary previously played for the Freedom Quartet and his family group, the McCrearys. He plans to pursue new endeavors in a solo Christian Country setting. He states, “I am very thankful for the opportunity that Vonda Easley and Hope’s Journey has given me to grow and train in my craft and I look forward to what the near future has to hold.”

Hope’s Journey is looking ahead with anticipation as well and Easley, along with Rhonda and Terry Wooten, will present the same strong, ministry-minded songs and testimony that their audience have come to expect from this trio.  Friends and fans will be able to continue to support Hope’s Journey during this season of change by following along on their Facebook page here.

For booking information about Cody McCreary, contact him via e-mail at codymccrearymusic@gmail.com.

Hope’s Journey – Vonda Easley and Terry and Rhonda Wooten

I Love You Mom by: Vonda Armstrong

Vonda Armstrong and her mom, Margaret Turner

One day out of the year, we have this beautiful opportunity to give back to the people who have given us so much: our moms.

So on this day, I’d like to say a few things about my mom, Margaret  Ann Turner.

Life has been difficult and there have been times when I’ve felt like giving up, when things were not going my way. Each time, my mother was there to remind me of my worth.

She encouraged me to keep reaching for the unreachable and never settle for anything less than I deserved. No matter how bizarre my dreams were,  I’m thankful my mom never stopped believing in me.

Perhaps it was easier for me to take my frustrations out on my mom when I was growing up because she loved me unconditionally. During my teenage years,  there were times when I was a selfish brat; still, she loved me anyway and I am forever grateful. My parents sacrificed so much in order to give me a better life than they had when they were kids. Like the old Loretta Lynn song says, “We were poor but we had love.”

My mother taught me to sing at an early age. Later, she taught us how to sing harmony. Music is all we knew. I am so thankful for that.

So on this Mother’s Day, I want to say: “I love you, Momma. I am so glad God chose you to be my Mom.”

By Vonda Armstrong, Owner of Hope’s Journey and Hey Y’all Media; VP of Sales and Marketing  SGN Scoops Magazine

Today we hear from Vonda Armstrong, an integral part of SGNScoops,  as she explains what is unique about her mom.

To send in your tribute, write to lorraine@sgnscoops.com

For more on Vonda Armstrong, click here.

For the latest SGNScoops Magazine,  click here.

For Gospel music news, click here.

A Big Surprise for Hope’s Journey

With God…. All Things are Possible……

Last week, you may have seen a post by Vonda Easley stating that With God All Things are Possible. Today this became a reality to Vonda Easley and Hope’s Journey.

The group has been traveling in Vonda’s SUV and pulling a trailer. She told us that the miles were racking up on the SUV which is also her personal vehicle.  Vonda stated that last night before bed, she prayed for God to send  something else.  “I’m sure some people think I’m crazy, but this is exactly what happened, Vonda states. I woke up this morning with a phone call about a Silver Eagle that was mine if I wanted it. The purchase price was unbelievable and I know God sent this bus. It is a 1983 Silver Eagle to most, but to us, its a Brand New Prevost. We are honored and eternally grateful.”

The church had used the bus for youth trips and took their Seniors out to eat in it occasionally.

Congratulations Vonda and Hope’s Journey! We at SGN Scoops are excited for you guys.

Hope’s Journey