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The Cook Family sings free
gospel concert on February 19
   Wednesday, January 25, 2012 — The Cook Family, a Southern gospel group based in Denton, will perform a free public concert on February 19 as part of the "third sundays @ rocky river" series.
   Sponsored by Rocky River Baptist Church, the series brings musicians and other family-oriented entertainment to western Chatham, usually on the third Sunday of every month. The Cook Family concert begins at 6 p.m. in the church fellowship building.
   The Cook Family was created four decades ago by Lawrence Cook. Children and spouses jumped into the group over the years, as the family expanded, and a few others joined as well.
   Doug and Stacey Stuart were adopted into the ensemble last summer after attending a concert and feeling called to expand from their bluegrass repertoire into Southern gospel. Both now perform with The Cook Family and their bluegrass group, Coyote Ridge.
   "That night, we talked after the service and shared each other's leadings," Doug recalls. "We all realized the possibilities and left it as a matter of prayer. Later that week, we met and prayed, asking for God's will and everyone felt peace. Our prayer was answered and so was theirs!"
   The group now includes James Cook on guitar; Lonnie Cook on drums; Ronnie Cook on bass and vocals; Tony Cook on lead guitar; Doug Stuart on piano, guitar and vocals; and Otha Cook, Gina Cook and Stacey Stuart on vocals.
   Others get their turns in the spotlight. Tonya Cook joins the band for one song on vocals — along with son, Daniel, on drums. Candice Cook performs vocals on another number.
   With nearly a dozen members taking the stage at some point during the evening, The Cook Family brings plenty of talent to audiences throughout Virginia and the Carolinas. Doug says the group travels throughout the region most weekends with as many as five families packed onto the bus.
   "In all my years of traveling and playing music," he says, "this is the most enjoyable group I have ever had the privilege to travel with."
   The Cook Family concert will be held in the Rocky River Baptist Church fellowship building, located behind the main facility at 4436 Siler City-Snow Camp Road, about three miles north of Siler City. A love offering will be taken to help cover the band's travel expenses and CDs will be on sale.
   More-intimate concerts like these are what motivate the band to keep music flowing. "Unlike some other groups out there, we're not about making a name for ourselves," he says. "Our prayer is that we are used to minister through our music and testimony — and that souls will be saved."

Former Rocky River Pastor
Charles Rutt passes away
   Sunday, January 15, 2012 —The Rev. Charles Edward (Chuck) Rutt Sr., a longtime resident of Durham, died Friday afternoon at Hock Family Pavilion following several months of declining health.
   Chuck was born in Columbia, Pa., the son of the late Grace Hensel Rutt and the late John Mark Rutt Sr. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy. Chuck served as pastor of several churches in North and South Carolina, including Rocky River Baptist Church in Siler City and Rose of Sharon Baptist Church and North Durham Baptist Church, both in Durham.
   Surviving are his wife, Linda Brantley Rutt; three sons, Charles Edward "Les" Rutt Jr. of Leland, Timothy Wade Rutt (Lorraine) and John Richard Rutt, both of Durham; two grandchildren, Erick Edward Wade Rutt and Abigail Elizabeth Rutt; three sisters, Grace Rutt Steinbrecher (Rolin) of Holliston, Mass., Anna M. "Amy" Rutt Yeatts (John) of Mechanicsburg, Pa., and Kathleen Rutt Neuman (Ed) of York, Pa.; and two brothers, John Mark Rutt Jr. of Harrisburg, Pa., and William Albert Rutt of Bonita Springs, Fla.
   A funeral service will be conducted on Monday at 2 p.m. at Clements Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. Dr. John Yeatts. Following the service, Chuck will be cremated and his ashes will be interred with military honors at the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake at a later date.
   The family will receive friends at Clements Funeral Home on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. Friends may also pay their respects at Clements Funeral Home any time Sunday afternoon or online at clementsfuneralservice.com
   In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Hock Family Pavilion (Hospice), 4023 N. Roxboro Road, Durham, NC, 27704 or to North Durham Baptist Church, 6036 Guess Road, Durham, NC, 27712.

Baptist Children's Home
set for 3sun in January
   Tuesday, January 10, 2012 — Performers from the Baptist Children's Home in Thomasville provide an evening of music and testimony when "third sundays @ rocky river" kicks off the new year.
   The presentation is set for January 15 at 6 p.m. and continues Rocky River Baptist Church's recent focus on the home and its ministry.
   The "3sun" series brings free entertainment with a message to western Chatham. Guests often include musical groups; recent performances have included Blender, The Churchmen, New Direction, The Carolinians and The James King Band, an internationally renowned bluegrass group.
   Next month, 3sun welcomes The Cook Family, a Southern Gospel group based in Denton. The ensemble performing locally on February 19 was started more than four decades ago and now features Otha and James Cook; Lonnie, Gina and Candice Cook; Ronnie, Tonya and Daniel Cook; Tony and Amanda Cook; and Doug and Stacey Stuart.
    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.

CHRISTMAS 2011:
Event and ministry roundup
   November 30, 2011 — Several special activities and ministry opportunities are planned for Christmas. Dates and deadlines are listed in the church calendar, but here's a quick summary:
   Poinsettia Tree. Our traditional poinsettia tree will return for worship services on Dec. 18 and 25. Plants are $8.50 each and orders are due Sunday, Dec. 11. Order forms are available here.
   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. 11. Monetary contributions may be left in the offering plate (please use an envelope marked "Toy Drive").
   Caroling for Shut-Ins. Everyone is invited to join a group from Rocky River to spread Christmas blessings to shut-ins throughout our community. The evening begins on Sunday, Dec. 11, with refreshments at 5 p.m. in the new fellowship building and continues with groups leaving at 5:45 p.m. for caroling.
   An Evening of Christmas Music. A special concert of Christmas music featuring the Handbells and other special performances will be held in the sanctuary on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m.
   Christmas Cantata. The Adult Choir will lead worship with a Christmas cantata on Sunday, Dec. 18, 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. 18, at 6 p.m. The play will be followed by gift giving and a visit from someone special.
   Christmas Day Worship with the Handbells. The Handbells will lead our Christmas Day worship service on Sunday, Dec. 25, at 11 a.m. There will be no Sunday School.

The Churchmen bluegrass band
to lead worship on November 20
   Thursday, November 3, 2011 — The Churchmen, a nationally-renowned bluegrass gospel group based in Virginia, will lead the Rocky River Baptist Church morning worship service on November 20.
   Twice nominated for a Dove Award, the most prestigious prize in gospel music, The Churchmen have received countless accolades since being formed more than two decades ago.
   The five-member ensemble has received multiple nominations for Bluegrass Gospel Group of the Year by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America, a nomination they received again just this year. The Churchmen also were recognized by Powergrassradio.com as its 2008 Bluegrass Group of the Year.
   Keith Clark, a vocalist and acoustic bass player who helped form The Churchmen, says the group will bring a high-energy bluegrass gospel sound to lift everyone's spirit and worship the Lord.
   "We try to project that serving the Lord is the best thing that can happen to a person," Clark says. "We want our music to be a hard-driving, good bluegrass music that contains a relevant message about Christ. We believe that you can serve the Lord and have fun while we're doing it."
   Clark is joined by vocalist and banjo player Freddy Rakes, another original band member, as well as Gerald Harbour on vocals and mandolin, Glenn Waller on vocals and guitar, and Rick Keen on dobro.
   The Churchmen have been on a whirlwind tour this fall, playing a number of venues in Florida, Ohio, Virginia and New York since the beginning of October. Many dates are traditional concerts in larger venues, rather than worship services, but worship provides a more-intimate atmosphere the band enjoys.
   "We love doing concerts and festivals, but you can never replace the feeling of a church service and the closeness that they provide," Clark explains. "We believe that church worship is the best way to enjoy music."
   Worship with The Churchmen begins at 11 a.m. and will be held in the new fellowship hall behind the main building at 4436 Siler City-Snow Camp Road, about three miles north of Siler City. A love offering will be taken to help cover the band's travel expenses.

Blender with guest Angelynn Fox
to play free concert on October 16
   Monday, October 3, 2011 — Blender, the popular local band featuring Chad Gaines, will play a free gospel concert on October 16 as part of the "third sundays @ rocky river" performance series.
   All concerts in the series begin at 6 p.m. at the Rocky River Baptist Church Fellowship Building, located behind the main facility on Siler City-Snow Camp Road. Casual attire is welcome.
   The band performs a wide range of contemporary styles and is particularly noted for its "old time rock and roll." This month's gospel concert features special guest vocalist Angelynn Fox and includes a mixture of contemporary and traditional songs.
   Gaines, who performs vocals and plays the bass guitar, says the group will share testimonies and stories about the numbers and how they have shaped their faith.
   "We share a passion for music and a love for the Lord," Gaines says. "Music has given us many avenues in which to share our faith, but it is such a treat to return to our local churches to worship with family and friends.
   "It's always a pleasure to give back to our community that has supported us so faithfully in all our musical endeavors..
   Those endeavors recently included a performance at Liberty Showcase and one show taped by UNC-TV, the state's public television network.
   Blender also features Joey Walden on keyboards, the Rev. Brad Gaines on percussion and Frante Matthews on drums. All members also contribute lead and harmony vocals.
   More information about Blender is available at Facebook.com/OTRNR.
   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.

Eddie Hill bluegrass band
appearing August 21 at 3Sun
   Monday, August 15, 2011 — Eddie Hill and The Gospel Travelers, a bluegrass band based in Staley, will play a free public concert on August 21 as part of the "third sundays @ rocky river" performance series.
   All concerts in the series begin at 6 p.m. and are held at the Rocky River Baptist Church Fellowship Building, located behind the main facility on Siler City-Snow Camp Road. Casual attire is welcome.
   The "third sundays" series brings free live entertainment — often musical groups — to the area. Recent performances have included New Direction, The Carolinians and The James King Band, an internationally renowned bluegrass group.
    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.

Internationally acclaimed bluegrass
band to play 3Sun on June 12
   Wednesday, June 1, 2011 — The James King Band, an internationally renowned bluegrass group, will play a free public concert on June 12 in Siler City as part of the "third sundays @ rocky river" performance series.
   All concerts in the 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 James King Band rose to prominence in 1997, when the group was named Emerging Artist of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association.
   Two years later, they received even more acclaim when their song, "Bed By the Window," was nominated as the IBMA Song of the Year. The gripping, bittersweet song about a man in a nursing home with a vivid imagination appeared as its album's title track.
   King, who also plays guitar and performs vocals with the Longview Bluegrass Band, is a featured performer on a number of solo and group albums dating back to the mid 1980s. His most recent, The Bluegrass Storyteller, was a solo effort produced by the Rounder label in 2005, and he currently is headed back to the studio to record another release for Rounder.
   The band also features Jesse Smathers on mandolin and vocals, Clay Lillard on banjo and Wade Cox on bass and vocals.
   When they take the stage at Rocky River Baptist Church, the James King Band will mix gospel tunes with some of their light bluegrass classics, including "Bed By the Window."
   Despite playing large music festivals and major venues this year from Miami, Fla., to Arizona and Upstate New York, along teh Canadian border, King says he enjoys the smaller, more intimate venues because they take him back to when he first began singing — in church as a teenager.
   Pastor Greg Burriss says he was thrilled that The James King Band would come down from its base in Danville, Va., to entertain and encourage the local audience.
   "You don't get many chances locally to hear a group as well respected as The James King Band," Burriss says. "We definitely appreciate him coming and know everyone will enjoy the performance and will be uplifted by the message."
   There is no admission fee, though a love offering will be collected to help cover the band's expenses. CDs will be on sale.
   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.

New Direction bluegrass
to play 3sun on May 15
   Saturday, May 7, 2011 — New Direction, a bluegrass band featuring musicians from Siler City, Liberty and Durham, will play a free public concert on May 15 as part of the "third sundays @ rocky river" performance series.
   All concerts in the series begin at 6 p.m. and are held at the Rocky River Baptist Church Fellowship Building, located behind the main facility on Siler City-Snow Camp Road. Casual attire is welcome.
   Charity Gales, who lives in Liberty and plays bass, says the band was formed as a creative outlet for the musicians and as a ministry to serve others.
   "It's our goal to play and sing music that reflects what God has done in our lives through his grace and mercy," she says. "We hope those who hear our songs will be uplifted and encouraged in their faith."
   Others in the quartet include Bobby Gales, Charity's husband, on banjo; Billy Mickle of Durham on guitar; and Greg Burriss of Siler City on mandolin.
   All members of the group contribute vocals.
   Because of their emphasis on ministry, New Direction can usually be found playing church events — whether it's a worship service, homecoming or some special program. But their bookings include community venues, as well.
   Greg Burriss, the newest member of the group and whose "day job" happens to be pastor of Rocky River Baptist Church, looks forward to playing for the local audience.
   "We've always had a great reception here and I'm sure it's not only because people feel like the great reception is some sort of requirement," says Burriss, joking because Charity and Bobby Gales also are involved in the church. "Really, it's because bluegrass is such a joyful form of music. People enjoy the instrumentals and appreciate the message, too."
   Rocky River's "third sundays" concert series continues next month — albeit on the second Sunday, not the third — when legendary bluegrass vocalist James King performs a free concert on June 12.
   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 Carolinians quartet
to play 3sun on April 17
  Wednesday, April 6, 2011 — The Carolinians, a Southern gospel quartet with roots in the area, will play a free public concert on Apr. 17 as part of the "third sundays @ rocky river" performance series.
   All concerts in the 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.
   With its genesis in the late 1940s, The Carolinians is one of the oldest names in gospel music. Danny Spivey, who sings first tenor, says the group has a special appeal to audiences who relate important milestones in life to the old hymns.
   At the same time, the group has appealed to new audiences. Spivey says The Carolinians change some lyrics and make other adaptations to appeal to younger listeners.
   Veteran baritone Vernon Trogdon, who sang with The Carolinians in the 1960s, says many young people are amazed to hear a gospel group perform with live musicians only — with no soundtrack.
   In addition to Spivey and Trogdon, The Carolinians include second tenor Sam Kiser, bass Leonard Hatcher and pianist Wayne McDowell.
   Late last year, the group released its latest CD, "Back to the Basics," and has several concerts scheduled throughout central North Carolina this year. Dates this spring include performances in Fayetteville, Asheboro, Denton and Siler City.
   Pastor Greg Burriss says "third sundays" had been on a hiatus, but has returned as a way to bring people throughout the community together.
   "People in our congregation enjoy live performances with an uplifting message and they wanted to welcome groups like The Carolinians," Burriss says. "At the same time, this isn't just about our church, but the church throughout the entire community.
   "This is a good time for people to get together in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy some good music and fellowship."
   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.

Drive-through Easter pageant
returns to Rocky River Baptist
   Tuesday, April 5, 2011 — "The Death and Resurrection of Christ," an annual drive-through Easter pageant, returns to Rocky River Baptist Church this year for one performance only.
   Scheduled for Saturday, April 23, the pageant depicts scenes from the last days of Jesus' life, including the triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and his crucifixion and resurrection one week later.
   The performance runs from 8:30 to 10 p.m. and is suitable for all ages. Cars entering the church driveway will be directed through the presentation.
   While the church usually offers two weekend performances of the pageant, Pastor Greg Burriss says some scheduling complications made it necessary to offer just one performance this year.
   With The Carolinians playing a Southern gospel concert at Rocky River Baptist the Sunday night before, an Easter Egg Hunt set for the morning of the pageant and two special services on Easter morning, one night seemed like the best option.
   "Every year, we hear how much people appreciate the chance to ride through the pageant and remember Jesus' sacrifice," says Burriss, "And our church really enjoys doing this for the community — especially given the large turnout we have every single year.
   "We just hope everyone will take some time that Saturday night to drive through. It doesn't take long, and it can have a memorable impact during this important time of year."
    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.

Nationally-renowned bluegrass
group to lead worship service
   November 4, 2010 — The Churchmen, a nationally-renowned bluegrass gospel group based in Virginia, will lead the morning worship service on Nov. 21 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, Glenn Waller on lead vocals and guitar, and Rick Keen on dobro.
   Greg Burriss, pastor of Rocky River Baptist Church, says the group first visited the church last fall while coming through the area for another performance. The worship service was so well received that it was reprised again this fall.
   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 2, 2010 — A Christmas tradition, Rocky River's poinsettia tree, will return this year to decorate our sanctuary for worship services on December 12 and 19.
   Poinsettias may be purchased for $8.50 each by completing an order form. Printed copies will be available in the old fellowship hall, in weekly worship bulletins or right here on the website.
   Please submit your order in an envelope marked "Poinsettia" no later than Sunday, December 5.

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.