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Crackers requested for
the West Chatham Food Pantry
  August 1, 2010 — Rocky River Baptist Church has been asked to contribute crackers in August to the West Chatham Food Pantry, serving needy area families.
   Many area churches are donating one "staple" item each month. In recent months, Rocky River contributed peanut butter, canned fruit, crackers, soup, canned vegetables and jelly. All contributions may be dropped in the old fellowship hall on Sunday mornings.

Graduates recognized
during worship service
  June 6, 2010 — Members of the church family graduating from college and high school this spring were recognized today during morning worship.
   They include Cody Brown, graduating from Jordan-Matthews High School in Siler City; Matthew Kidd, graduating from Chatham Central High School in Bear Creek; Christina Olsen, Chatham Central High School; and Jessica Seagroves, Jordan-Matthews High School.
   Also, Derrick Brown, graduating from Western Carolina University, and Joshua Olsen, who received a degree from Anamarc College in Texas.

Visions Beyond performs
"third sundays" in May
   May 4, 2010 — Visions Beyond, a gospel trio based in western Chatham, will perform a free public concert on May 16 as part of the "third sundays @ rocky river" entertainment series.
   All performances in the monthly series begin at 6 p.m. and are held at the Rocky River Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, located behind the main building on Siler City-Snow Camp Road.
   Visions Beyond was formed more than a decade ago, when baritone Ike Gray served as Chatham County Sheriff. He, Ann Wilkie and Linda Spivey got together initially to perform at local schools during public safety programs sponsored by the sheriff's office.
   After Gray retired, the group continued to sing, but shifted toward its current Southern Gospel style. "We enjoy Southern Gospel because it's the kind of music we were raised on," says Gray. "We just want to testify about God and do it in song. We ought to live what we preach."
   The trio is no stranger to local audiences. Their schedule this spring includes visits to a number of local churches, and the group sings each month for residents of the Siler City Care and Rehabilitation Center.
   Visions Beyond closes the spring season for "third sundays @ rocky river," which takes a summer hiatus every June and July. Performances are scheduled to resume in August.
   Rocky River Baptist Church meets at 4436 Siler City-Snow Camp Road, about three miles north of Siler City. Directions and information about the church are available at rockyriverbaptist.org.

Crossroads Trio sings
at "third sundays" in March
   March 4, 2010 — Crossroads Trio, a women's vocal group based in Chatham County, will perform a free public concert on Mar. 21 as part of the "third sundays @ rocky river" entertainment series.
   All performances in the monthly series begin at 6 p.m. and are held at the Rocky River Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, located behind the main building on Siler City-Snow Camp Road.
   The family group actually formed more than a decade ago by accident, when sisters Janet and Sandi Brady teamed up with cousin Angie Brady-Andrew to sing for Angie's wedding. They found a unique harmony and kindred spirit in that initial performance and have been singing ever since, often at church revivals, ladies' luncheons or the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.
   When it came to select a name for their group, the relatives chose something that reflected their shared family history, but also a deeper sense of purpose in life.
   "We were raised in the Harper's Crossroads community and that did have an effect on our choice of a group name," says Sandi, who now resides in Pittsboro. "But we ultimately chose 'Crossroads' because when we began singing, each of us was at a crossroad in life."
   The trio draws on a wide range of vocal styles — including Contemporary Christian, traditional hymns and Southern gospel — but Sandi says one theme unites the selections. They want to give listeners an opportunity for "a little fun and a lot of faith."
   Rocky River Baptist Church meets at 4436 Siler City-Snow Camp Road, about three miles north of Siler City. Directions and information about the church are available at rockyriverbaptist.org.

The Lindley Family sings
free 3sun concert Feb. 21
   February 10, 2010 — The Lindley Family, an a cappella vocal group based in Silk Hope, will sing a free public concert on Feb. 21 as part of the "third sundays @ rocky river" entertainment series.
   All performances in the monthly series begin at 6 p.m. and are held at the Rocky River Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, located behind the main building on Siler City-Snow Camp Road.
   Brenda Lindley, one of the group members, says The Lindley Family sings a mixture of Southern gospel, bluegrass, hymns and related styles. She is joined on stage by her husband, Harry, and their three children — Erik Lindley, Kevin Lindley and Melanie Lindley Reece.
   The Lindley Family's repertoire continues a diverse array of recent concerts in the series. January featured The Pioneers, a renowned Southern gospel group. Also on stage in recent months were Heartstrings, a contemporary praise and worship band; Coyote Ridge, an acoustic bluegrass group; and The Family Gospel Singers, performing traditional quartet music.
   Pastor Greg Burriss, who helps organize the "third sundays" series, says the range of musical styles is designed to appeal to a broad audience throughout the community.
   "There are some styles, like Southern gospel, that have a good following in our area, but we realize there are a lot of people interested in a lot of different musical styles," Burriss said. "This series is designed to offer a relaxed evening of fellowship for everyone. That's why we're always looking for different styles of music and other kinds of entertainment."
   Burriss said the idea has always been to welcome people from all denominations, not just cater to members of the Rocky River congregation. "We hope people from across the community will join us," he said, "and maybe even suggest groups to invite in the future."
   Rocky River Baptist Church meets at 4436 Siler City-Snow Camp Road, about three miles north of Siler City, and the worship service begins at 11 a.m. Directions and information about the church are available at rockyriverbaptist.org.

The Pioneers open new year
of "third sundays" on January 17
   January 5, 2010 — The Pioneers, a Southern gospel group now celebrating its 50th anniversary, will open the new year for "third sundays @ rocky river" with a free public concert on Jan. 17.
   All performances in the monthly series begin at 6 p.m. and are held at the Rocky River Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, located behind the main building on Siler City-Snow Camp Road.
   Steve McPherson, a tenor and the group's spokesman, says The Pioneers have toured extensively in six states through the South, from Virginia through Texas, and have developed a strong local following through events in this area.
   Other current members of the quartet are baritone Bobby Marsh, steel guitarist Kenneth Bray and lead singer Bruce Moore, who also founded the group.
   Greg Burriss, pastor of Rocky River Baptist, says The Pioneers are an attractive addition to a series which has included musicians from contemporary praise and worship bands, to others performing bluegrass and contemporary quartet styles. The series has even welcomed magicians and comedians.
   "We're blessed to have The Pioneers kick off the new year," Burriss says. "We know there are a lot of Southern gospel fans in our area and most of them are probably familiar with this talented group. We hope they'll come out and join us."
   Rocky River Baptist Church meets at 4436 Siler City-Snow Camp Road, about three miles north of Siler City, and the worship service begins at 11 a.m. Directions and information about the church are available at rockyriverbaptist.org.

CHRISTMAS 2009:
Event and ministry roundup
   December 1, 2009 — Several special activities and ministry opportunities are planned for Christmas. Dates and deadlines are listed in the church calendar, but here is a quick summary:
   Operation Christmas Child was a churchwide project led by Rocky River's youth to help bring joy and hope to children in desperation situations around the world. Contributions were collected in November and have been wrapped and dropped off for shipment.
   Poinsettia Tree. The poinsettia tree will return for worship services on Dec. 13 and 20. Orders are due Sunday, Dec. 6 and can be made using the order form.
   Salvation Army Coat, Shoe and Toy Drive. The church will be participating this year in the Salvation Army Coat, Shoe and Toy Drive. Donations of new and unwrapped toys, shoes or coats (for adults or children) may be dropped off in the old fellowship hall through Sunday, Dec. 6. Monetary contributions may be left in the offering plate (please use an envelope marked "Salvation Army Toy Drive").
   An Evening of Christmas Music. A special concert of Christmas music will be held in the sanctuary on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.
   Handbells Worship. The Handbells will lead worship on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m.
   Caroling to Shut-Ins. Everyone is invited to join a group from Rocky River to spread Christmas blessings to shut-ins in our community. The group will leave the church at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13, and plans to return by 7 p.m.
   Churchwide Fellowship and Refreshments. Whether you join the caroling group or not, you're invited to stop by the church for an evening of fellowship and refreshments on Sunday, Dec. 13, beginning at 7 p.m.
   Christmas Cantata. The Adult Choir will lead worship with a Christmas cantata on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 11 a.m.
   Children's Christmas Program. Rocky River's children will present their annual Christmas program in the new fellowship building on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.

Youth pack 78 boxes for
Operation Christmas Child
   November 19, 2009 — Thanks to an outpouring of generosity, Rocky River's youth managed to assemble and ship 78 gift boxes this year as part of Operation Christmas Child. In addition to the boxes, $752 in cash was contributed, enough to cover shipping for the boxes plus an additional donation to the ministry.
   The annual service project conducted with Samaritan's Purse, an international relief ministry led by Franklin Graham, provides Christmas gifts to needy children around the world.
   Thanks go to Charity Dixon, Bobby Gales, Janet White, David Seagroves and all of the youth who led the churchwide effort and packed boxes with donated toys, school supplies, candy and personal hygiene items.

Nationally-renowned bluegrass
group to lead worship service
   November 12, 2009 — The Churchmen, a nationally-renowned bluegrass gospel group based in Virginia, will lead the morning worship service on Nov. 22 for Rocky River Baptist Church.
   Twice nominated for a Dove Award, the most prestigious prize in gospel music, The Churchmen have garnered countless accolades since being formed two decades ago.
   Among them, the five-member ensemble has received multiple nominations for Gospel Group of the Year by the Society of Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America and was recognized by PowergrassRadio.com as its 2008 Bluegrass Gospel Group of the Year.
   The Churchmen's latest album, "I'll Be Long Gone," was recognized as the 2008 Bluegrass Gospel Album of the Year. In all, the group has released six albums.
   Though the group has received plenty of awards, it's a sense of ministry that drives its members. Keith Clark, a vocalist and acoustic bass player who helped form The Churchmen, says each feels personally called by God into this music ministry.
   "We love to share the good news of the gospel and the love of the Lord through our music," says Clark. "Sharing the love of Jesus and having a good time while we are ministering is what it's all about."
   Other performers include vocalist and banjo player Freddy Rakes, another original band member, as well as Gerald Harbour on vocals and mandolin, David Guthrie on vocals and guitar and Rick Keen on dobro.
   Greg Burriss, pastor of Rocky River Baptist Church, says the group was coming through the area for another performance and offered to stop and lead the morning worship service.
   "A bluegrass musician in our congregation knows a member of The Churchmen, and the two talked about the band stopping by," Burriss says. "Obviously, when they offered to visit Rocky River, we jumped at the chance to have them play."
   Rocky River Baptist Church meets at 4436 Siler City-Snow Camp Road, about three miles north of Siler City, and the worship service begins at 11 a.m. Directions and information about the church are available at rockyriverbaptist.org.

Poinsettia tree planned
once again for Christmas
   November 8, 2009 — A Christmas tradition, Rocky River's poinsettia tree, will return this year to decorate our sanctuary for worship services on December 13 and 20.
   Poinsettias may be purchased for $8.50 each by completing an order form. Printed copies will be available in the old fellowship hall and weekly worship bulletins.
   Please submit your order in an envelope marked "Poinsettia" no later than Sunday, December 6.

Heartstrings praise band
to play 3Sun on Nov. 15
   October 29, 2009 — Heartstrings, a contemporary praise and worship band from Jonesboro United Methodist Church in Sanford, will play a free public concert on Nov. 15 as the next installment of 3Sun: Third Sunday @ Rocky River.
   All concerts in the monthly series begin at 6 p.m. and are held at the Rocky River Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, located behind the main building on Siler City-Snow Camp Road.
   A fixture at Jonesboro United Methodist's 8:30 a.m. worship service, the Heartstrings praise band regularly takes its contemporary sound throughout the area, playing venues from Sanford's Depot Park to special events at various churches.
   Reinette Seaman, one of 10 current members, says the band has been a gradually changing ensemble since it was created nearly a decade ago to provide worship music for Heartstrings Fellowship, Jonesboro United Methodist's contemporary worship service.
   Today, the group combines three guitars, dobro, drums, bass and four vocalists, two of whom do double-duty behind a keyboard.
   Members are Mike Baker, Charles Dycus, Richard Galloway, Van Groce, Jayme Miller, Emily Oakley, Reinette Seaman, Robert Watson, Cliff Wheeler and the church's music minister, Dwayne Williams.
   The praise band's purpose, according to Williams, is to use their combined talents to witness through song, to bless and be blessed by music that glorifies God.
   Pastor Greg Burriss, a native of Sanford himself, looks forward to introducing people in the community to the well-respected band from just down U.S. 421. And he knows them well, having longstanding friendships with many in the group.
   "Heartstrings has entertained and encouraged thousands of people in its ministry, and they always generate a lot of interest and excitement wherever they play," Burriss says. "It's a group of genuine people and talented musicians that everyone in our community will enjoy."
   Rocky River Baptist Church meets at 4436 Siler City-Snow Camp Road, about three miles north of Siler City. Directions and information about the church are available at rockyriverbaptist.org.