Christmas Prayers

Christmas Prayers from SGN Scoops and friends

For a different look at Christmas, we asked artists what their prayer would be this Holy season. Here is what a few of them had to say:

Terry Blackwood

“Heavenly Father, thank You for all You have done for us and for all You mean to us. Without You, we would have no hope; but because You sent Your Son, Jesus, as the perfect sacrifice for our transgressions, we can be reconciled to You. The Baby in the manger will soon come back as the conquering King to rule and reign over the whole world. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.” – Terry Blackwood, artist

“My Christmas prayer would be that the world would know Jesus in a personal way, that there would be no hungry people, no sickness and no dying.  Also, that this world would always be a happy place to live and raise our families. Sounds like Heaven!” – Kelly Nelon Clark, The Nelons

The Nelons

“My Christmas wish is for people to stop including the wise men in the nativity. THEY WEREN’T THERE! Seriously, my prayer is for my kids to see the love of Christ in everything I do this season. That I can help them realize the truest meaning of the season.” – Pat Barker, artist

“Funny you should write. Just a few days ago, I was digging out books to

Pat Barker

read about the stories behind Christmas carols in preparation for Christmas 2015. I came across a really old book of prayers by Peter Marshall who was Chaplain of the U.S. Senate from 1947 until his death in 1949 This is Peter Marshall’s prayer for world peace: ‘We pray for our troubled world. Impress upon the minds and hearts of our leaders that until we are at peace with Thee, we can be at peace with no one else, that freedom can exist nowhere unless it exists everywhere, that the strength of this nation does not lie in armies or navies but in the

Larry Ford

integrity of her people, that peace is born out of righteousness and nothing else, that the trouble with our world is still people, that peace is not possible until men’s hearts, our hearts, and the direction of our wills, are changed. Make us willing to be changed, whatever the cost to our self-sufficiency, whatever the price to our insistence on having our own way.’ Amen. The world events of November 2015 are nothing new to God. Human beings still suffer from the same sin-sickness that began with the first man and woman. Hosanna; save us now, Lord. We look for the return of the Prince of Peace.” – Larry Ford [Editor’s notes: The Prayers of Peter Marshall by Catherine Marshall; Hardcover, Published January 1st 1954 by McGraw-Hill Book Company, In; original title The Prayers of Peter Marshall; ISBN 00070405980 (ISBN13: 9780070405981)]

Robert York

“Dear God, thanks for sending Your Son to earth as a baby so many years ago. Thank You that He paid the price for our sins by dying on the cross and that He rose again proving that death was defeated. Thanks for family and friends during the time we celebrate His birth and for our freedom to worship.” – Robert York of SGN Scoops

“My prayer is that we would always remember the true reason for the Christmas season. It’s so easy to be consumed with all of the commercialism, the store sales, the gift giving.

LeFevre Quartet

Don’t get me wrong; I enjoy all that goes with the season but may we not forget JESUS!” – Mike LeFevre, The LeFevre Quartet

“My Christmas prayers, and Christmas wishes, have changed many times over the years. As a child, of course my wishes and prayers were for something

Ricky Atkinson

special under the tree. Then, in later years, as a young father, my Christmas wishes and prayers all became about my children; their well being, their aspirations, their dreams and hopes. Now many years later, they are all grown and gone. I sit here on Thanksgiving evening 2015, looking ahead to the Christmas season. At this time in life, my Christmas wishes and Christmas prayers are solely about the hurting people around me. The older I get, the more people around me, including my loved ones and family, are dealing with spiritual struggles, physical health issues, emotional problems, financial struggles, and even death. My prayers and wishes this Christmas are for those who need help that only the Lord can give.” – Ricky Atkinson of Ricky Atkinson and Compassion.

Mark Bishop and Forget The Sea

“My Christmas prayer for the season would be for a time of peace around our world and nation. I am a bit of a news junkie and sometimes I just sigh in disbelief at the things going on in our country. I would pray for peace among the different beliefs and races. I would pray for peace and love in broken families. I would ask God to give us a glimpse of His love for us, so that we would remember His love for us is not contingent on how we feel about ourselves. He loves us anyway! Merry Christmas everyone!” – Mark Bishop, artist, Forget The Sea

“My Christmas wish this year is that I will be able to put a smile on at least one person’s face. I have really caught the holiday bug and the Christmas spirit this year, doing more decorating of my small residence than usual and going all-out on gifts. I even bought a random ladies purchase at the dollar store. I really can’t say why or how I caught it, but this season has already been fun and if somebody gets a smile out of something I do this year, that’ll be worth it for me!” – Justin McLeod, blogger, writer for SGN Scoops

Sherry Anne

“This holiday season I think of the song I just released on my new Christmas CD: ‘Let There Be Peace on Earth.’ While I realize that complete peace is not possible as we enter the last days, I pray that people would find true peace in Jesus Christ, the One who came to bring peace, not as the world gives, but rather a peace that surpasses our own understanding and brings comfort to a lost, hurting world. (John 14:27)” – Sherry Anne, soloist, writer for SGN Scoops

Kingdom Heirs

“It may sound cliche but I wish what the multitude of angels proclaimed that first Christmas night: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward man.’” – Arthur Rice, Kingdom Heirs

“My wish for this Christmas is that the Church will put off its despondency and

Freedom Quartet

reflect Christ to an increasingly desperate world. It’s time for Christians to unite. All Christians, not just the Baptists or the Methodists, the Lutherans or Presbyterians, but everyone who is called by the name Christian. We have allowed worldly attitudes and ideas to separate and segregate the Church and it has taken a toll. There’s no better time for the Church to arise and boldly proclaim ‘I Am A Christian’ than right here at Christmas!” – John Rulapaugh, Freedom Quartet

Sylvia Greene

“The truth of the Christmas story is that on that long ago night, a Savior was born to save the world from their sins! This message of salvation and forgiveness, no matter who we are or how far in sin we’ve gone, is timeless in its beauty! But my Christmas Prayer for you this year, is that you will fully realize in the midst of your daily struggle, in your time of grief, when feeling hurt or betrayed, while experiencing sheer terror because you don’t know what tomorrow holds and you simply don’t know what to do….you have a Hope! That beautiful, starry, Christmas night, in the form of a tiny baby Boy named Jesus…Hope was born! I don’t know where you are in your life right now, you may have run out of answers, but I pray that you’ll realize that when you’re right in the middle of hopelessness…that’s when real Hope is the closest to you. What a wonderful gift to us all, I pray you will unwrap yours this Christmas! Merry Christmas!” — Sylvia M. Green, The Bradys

Amber Eppinette, 11th Hour

Selena Day

Yvonne and Bryan Hutson. Rescue Me Ministries

“Our Christmas Prayer is that we be a light in a dark world and help those in need this season, whether it be by helping the poor, comforting the widows, or sharing the greatest Gift of all: Jesus!” — Amber Eppinette, 11^th Hour

“My Christmas Prayer would be that people would begin to see themselves as Christ sees them; to know that Jesus IS the Hope of the world. ‘Christ in us – the Hope of Glory.’ (Col. 1:27)” – Selena Day, motivational speaker, writer at SGN Scoops

“Our prayer is that for the next year it wouldn’t take a holiday to remind us that no day is guaranteed, life is short and loved ones are to be cherished.” — Bryan and Y Hutson, Rescue Me Ministries

This Week On Good News Music Radio with Woody Wright

This week’s program on “Good News Music Radio with Woody Wright” features Part 1 of our interview with Larry Ford and music from Gordon Mote, The Booth Brothers, Rachel West Kramer, The Goodman Revival, Ponder, Sykes & Wright, Joseph Habedank, and MORE!

Tune-in to one of the stations listed on our site or listen online for an hour of great gospel music, inspiring ministry and fun with Woody Wright and D. Scott Kramer on the web HERE or on Facebook HERE! 

2013 Diamond Award Winners Announced At Creekside Gospel Music Convention

Pigeon Forge, TN.(November 5, 2013) – SGN Scoops and Creekside Gospel Music Convention was proud to present the 2013 Diamond Awards on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The gala celebration was hosted by Tim Lovelace and included appearances by Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Larry Ford, Jeff and Sheri Easter, Gerald Crabb and many others. The evening was also filmed by WATC, Channel 57 of Atlanta, Georgia, to be aired at a later date.

Rob Patz, CEO of Coastal Media Group and publisher of SGNScoops, commented, “The Diamond Awards are always a special time of honoring the Gospel artists that fill our world with the music we love,” said Patz. “It’s great to take this opportunity to thank them and to be able to share the ceremony with fans across the nation and the world by internet. We are grateful to Tim Lovelace, our special musical guests and to WATC for  recording the Diamond Awards. We had a great time at the ceremony and we hope everyone will tune in and watch!” The airing date of the Awards will be announced shortly.

The 2013 Diamond Award Winners Are:

J.D. SUMNER LIVING LEGEND AWARD: Squire Parsons

MIXED GROUP OF THE YEAR: The Isaacs

QUARTET OF THE YEAR:Ernie Haase and Signature Sound

TRIO OF THE YEAR: Booth Brothers

DUET OF THE YEAR: Aaron and Amanda Crabb
FEMALE SOLOIST OF THE YEAR: Sheri Easter
MALE SOLOIST OF THE YEAR: Jason Crabb
SUNRISE AWARD: Morgan Easter
SONG OF THE YEAR: I Want To Be That Man – Brian Free & Assurance
ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Love Is Stronger – Jason Crabb
CHRISTIAN COUNTRY GROUP OF THE YEAR: Jeff & Sheri Easter
CHRISTIAN COUNTRY FEMALE ARTIST OFTHE YEAR: Christy Sutherland
CHRISTIAN COUNTRY ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Love Is Stronger – Jason Crabb
ANTHONY BURGER INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR: Gordon Mote
DOTTIE RAMBO SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR: Gerald Crabb
BLUEGRASS GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Doyle Lawson & Quick Silver
VIDEO/DVD OF THE YEAR: Pure & Simple – Gaither Vocal Band
FAVORITE ARTIST WEBSITE: Jason Crabb
FAVORITE INDUSTRY WEBSITE: Gospel Music Today
PAUL HEIL AWARD (Broadcasting): Ken & Jean Grady- Gospel Music Today
CHRISTIAN COUNTRY MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Guy Penrod
LOU HILDRETH AWARD: Matthew Dudney
PUBLISHER’S CHOICE AWARD: Tim Lovelace

About Creekside Gospel Music Convention: Creekside Gospel Music Convention was held at the Smokey Mountain Convention Center, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee from October 28 through 30, 2013. The CGMC is presented by SGN Scoops and Coastal Media Group at Pigeon Forge and is the home of The Diamond Awards and other special events. For more information on Creekside Gospel Music Convention visithttp://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/

About SGNScoops: SGNScoops Digital is a fully-downloadable monthly magazine that exists to promote the gospel by unveiling what is intriguing and real about Southern Gospel and Christian Country music. SGNScoops offers music news and views as well as concert and book reviews, inspirational articles and features reaching beyond our gospel music world. SGNScoops is the home of the Diamond Awards, a fan-based annual awards program recognizing the best in Southern Gospel and Christian Country music.  SGN Scoops is always digital, always free. For more information: https://www.sgnscoops.com/

Ed O’Neal Honored By SGN Scoops

Pigeon Forge, TN (October 28, 2013): Hall of Legend Ed O’Neal was honored on Monday night by the SGN Scoops Digital Magazine. The tribute was held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Presented by Rob Patz and SGN Scoops, the evening was hosted by Gaither Homecoming star Larry Ford and Jonathan Edwards.

Several former members including Bryan Walker and Joe Kitson were on hand to pay tribute as well as a letter from Rodney Griffin and touching comments from the current members.

The evening included performances by Three Bridges, the Skyline Boys, Pauls Journey and the Dixie Melody Boys.

The audience was also able to hear incredible memories as Ed told many stories from the past. It was an special night in Gospel music history honoring one of its true treasures, Ed O’Neal.

The event will be televised at a later date.

For more information, go to https://www.sgnscoops.com/ orhttp://www.dixiemelodyboys.com/ .

 

Tribute To Ed O’Neal Hosted By Lou Hildreth And Larry Ford

Creekside Gospel Music Convention, Pigeon Forge, TN (October 28, 2013) – Monday, October 28 is the date to honor the legacy of Ed O’Neal at Creekside Gospel Music Convention, Pigeon Forge, TN. Hosts Lou Wills Hildreth and Larry Ford will present an evening of memories, music and merriment as they lead the audience through the life and career of this Gospel music great.

Ed O’Neal will be joined by current and past members of the Dixie Melody Boys, the group he has led for several decades.

SGN Scoops is very excited that Three Bridges will also be making a guest appearance Monday night for the tribute to Ed O’Neal at the Smoky Moutain Convention Center.

“I was a young Gospel singer in the early 70’s when I first met Ed O’Neal and one thing that sticks out in my mind is that he has never changed,” says Elliott McCoy of Three Bridges. “He was a true gentleman then and he is still a true gentleman today.”

The tribute will begin at 7:00pm and will be held at the Smoky Mountain Convention Centre, 4010 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. The admission is free so if you can, please come and join us and a host of Gospel music groups for a great evening of Gospel music.

For more information on Creekside Gospel Music Convention, visit http://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/ The Convention which is being held from October 28 through 30, encompasses three nights and two days of music, showcases and devotionals by Dr. Jeff Steele.

Tuesday afternoon is the Patterson Promotions showcase and the 2013 Diamond Awards. Wednesday brings the Old Time Gospel Sing and another evening of great gospel music.

Tickets are free for the entire event but must be reserved. For more information click on to: http://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/ or email Rhonda Frye rhonda@sgnscoops.com or Rob Patz at rob@sgnscoops.com

LOU HILDRETH 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION TO BE AIRED DECEMBER 29, 2012 ON WATC

Atlanta, GA.(December 27, 2012) – WATC Television out of Atlanta, Georgia, will be airing the Lou Hildreth 75^th Anniversary Celebration held at Creekside Gospel Music Convention on October 30, 2012. The event was hosted by Coastal Media Group and SGNScoops to honor Lou Wills Hildreth, a Gospel Music legend who was delighted by tributes from artists such as Phil Cross, Ann Downing, The Blackwoods, Clayton Inman, Jeff Stice, David Sutton, The Southmen and many more, as well as video clips from Larry Gatlin, Larry Ford and Bill Gaither. Many of these special moments are shown on TV Special to be aired December 29, 2012 at 3:00pm.

Patricia Mathis and her crew of WATC TV, Atlanta’s TV 57, recorded the Celebration and is excited about airing the TV Special. “The inspiring and precious life of Lou Wills Hildreth, taped at Creekside Gospel Music Convention, will be aired in a 75th Anniversary Celebration special on www.watc.tv, Saturday, December 29, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. You will not want to miss this special honoring Lou for her 75 years of spreading the gospel in music through her own singing, inspiring others and being a person that everyone wanted to know. Thanks to Rob Patz of SGNScoops Digital Magazine and his crew for making this special an awesome event.”

Rob Patz, CEO of Coastal Media Group and publisher of SGNScoops, was thrilled to have the opportunity to honor his friend, Lou Hildreth, in such a way. “Lou has spent her lifetime promoting this special music and its timeless message,” said Patz. “To be able to celebrate her achievements and the many friendships she has made was a blessing. We are excited that WATC TV was there to record this special event for those who couldn’t be with us. We hope many will tune in and watch!”

Picture information: Lou Hildreth, J.P. Miller and choir

 About WATC TV: WATC TV provides Atlanta with a mix of family, Christian and educational programming. It is known to viewers as the home of Atlanta Live and is seen over the air throughout the metro Atlanta market and also in over one million cable and satellite homes. WATC is the home of many original series and has been honored with numerous Angel and Telly Awards, as well as receiving it first EMMY in 2010. The station’s programming can be seen around the world via video streaming located on the WATC website at http://www.watc.tv/

About Creekside Gospel Music Convention: Creekside Gospel Music Convention held it’s inaugural event at the Smokey Mountain Convention Center, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee from October 29 through 31, 2012. The CGMC is presented by SGN Scoops and Coastal Media Group at Pigeon Forge and is the home of The Diamond Awards and other special events. Next year’s dates are October 28, 29 and 30^th, 2013. For more information on Creekside Gospel Music Convention visit http://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/

About SGNScoops: SGNScoops Digital is a fully-downloadable monthly magazine that exists to promote the gospel by unveiling what is intriguing and real about Southern Gospel and Christian Country music. SGNScoops offers music news and views as well as concert and book reviews, inspirational articles and features reaching beyond our gospel music world. SGNScoops is the home of the Diamond Awards, a fan-based annual awards program recognizing the best in Southern Gospel and Christian Country music.  SGN Scoops is always digital, always free. For more information: https://www.sgnscoops.com/

Larry Ford: Little Is Much When God Is In It

Larry Ford: Little Is Much When God Is In It
By Sandi Duncan Clark

One of the nicest, most gracious couples in Southern Gospel music is Larry and
Sherryl Ford. No matter where you meet this charismatic couple, they greet you with a
smile, a hug and a warm handshake. This IS Larry and Sherryl Ford. More than forty
years of marriage, six children and eight grandchildren, have melded this couple into a
ministry of faith and family that God has used all around the world.

Larry’s first performance was on the stage of his home church in Levelland,
Texas. Standing on a chair, singing “How Great Thou Art,” and accompanied by his
Mom at the piano, Larry began an illustrious music career. Larry credits his mother for
instilling in him and his brother, Bruce, a love for God and a love for music.

“Our musical training began at home and at church. We learned to sing shaped notes;
the old fashioned way to read music. Mom saw to it that we were also trained by an
Italian vocal coach, who began our formal, classical training” Larry stated. Later, Larry
attended Eastern New Mexico University on a music scholarship.

During those years, the family; Larry, his brother Bruce, along with his Mom and Dad,
would sing and his Mom would play piano. On Sunday mornings, they often sang for
their church’s live radio program before going to the morning service and singing. “More
importantly, my mom and dad modeled for us a life of faith and trusting God.” Larry
adds.

From that early beginning to some of the grandest stages all around the world, Larry
Ford has ministered and entertained thousands of people with his testimony and vibrant
tenor voice. Larry has appeared at many Gaither Homecoming events and on a number of
videos. As an ordained minister, former pastor and evangelist, he has shared the love of
God and the plan of salvation wherever he is called.

Read more »

July 2012 SGNScoops Magazine

It’s a good thing our magazine is digital, you just might burn your hands on this one! Remove your hats, grab a a box of Kleenex and enjoy a Patriotic influenced, Southern Gospel loaded issue of Scoops Magazine!

The Queen of Bluegrass, Rhonda Vincent shares about her latest GOSPEL release! Also in this edition read the latest on Beyond The Ashes,The Sneed Family, The Crist Family, Logan Smith, Libbi Perry, Larry Ford and songwriter, Sue C. Smith! Lorraine Walker offers information about the location of Creekside Gospel Music Convention, Sandi reveals new music- including a review on the Oak Ridge Boys’ latest release! Charlie Sexton moves us with an INCREDIBLE story- sure to warm hearts. And…Rhonda Frye tracks down Ernie Haase & Signature Sound on the road.

Between the covers you’ll find encouragement and memories from John Mathis Jr. and Jennifer Campbell. Ms. Lou Hildreth shares lyrics to a patriotic song she penned a few years ago, too! Celebrate our Nation’s Independence with Laura Kennedy, and get a snap shot of Rhonda’s Washington DC Experiences. Rob Patz shares a “Media Minute” with his friends at Good News Radio With Woody Wright and Sandi Duncan Clark shares Karen Peck & New River’s Homecoming! Don’t miss the latest from KP&NR’s by Jeff Hawes either! As if it isn’t hot enough outside, our staff has turned the heat up even more! Grab some lemonade and enjoy July’s Edition! Please share with your friends! As always…. We’re digital- and yes….Always free!

Check Out This Magazine Here

Larry Ford Presents “Freedom Still Rings”

Larry Ford, Tom Sterbens & the New Hope Worship Team and Choir will present a concert to commemorate the 10th anniversary of  September 11, 20011.   A concert entitled, Freedom Still Rings, will be presented at New Hope Church, 2450 Winfield Dunn Parkway, Kodak, TN.  

Larry Ford, a Grammy award winning tenor and Gaither Homecoming soloist, will sing the National Anthem, We Are America and other inspirational songs. Tom Sterbens, singer, songwriter and pastor of New Hope Church, will also be featured singing the song he wrote immediately after the events of September 11, 2001 ~ Freedom Still Rings.
 
Special guests include Sevier County Sheriff Ron Seals, representatives from Sevier County’s Fire Departments, Police Department, and U. S. military veterans.Please come and help us thank those who serve and care for our county all year long. They deserve the thanks.

GUY PENROD-Texas Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Induction—Tickets available

Native Texan GUY PENROD will be inducted into the TEXAS GOSPEL MUSIC HALL OF FAME  Saturday, February 26, 7 PM at Dallas Baptist University, 5000 Mountain Parkway, Dallas, Texas.  After 14 fabulous years with the Gaither Vocal Band, Guy Penrod is now riding high in a solo ministry, garnering a 2011 Dove Award nomination. Guy and Angie live in Nashville, Tennessee, with their seven sons and one daughter.  He is famous the world over and Texans are proud of this native son.   With his induction into the TGMHOF, Guy joins notable Texans Larry Gatlin & the Gatlins, Cynthia Clawson, Duane Allen, Les Beasley, Larry Ford, Glen Payne, Walt Mills, Roger McDuff, Lou Wills Hildreth, Wills Family, Chuck Wagon Gang, pioneers V. O. & Frank Stamps, W. B. Nowlin, and others who have influenced gospel music in Texas and far beyond.  Joining Guy Penrod, the 2011 inductees on February 26th are Jack Davis, radio, Jack Taylor, pioneer keyboardist, Plainsmen Quartet,  Marion Snider’s Original Imperial Quartet, Bob Wills & The Inspirationals.   Doors will open at 6:00 and the public is encouraged to attend this benefit and help preserve the gospel music heritage of Texas.  General Admission is $25.For more information call Randy Wills 214-934-5983.