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"Understanding the Old Testament"
sermon series scheduled in January
December 29, 2008 — "Understanding the Old Testament," a short series of sermons explaining how the Old Testament relates to our Christian life, begins Sunday and continues at 11 a.m. worship services through January.
The series begins this week with "A Christian Reading of the Old Testament," based on John 6:66-69. Other topics in January include "Creation from Chaos," a look at the book of Genesis, and "God to the Rescue," focusing on Exodus.
Each message will outline the contents of the entire book, but focus on one broad theme. The fourth Sunday of the month is Baptist Men's Sunday and will feature worship led by men in the congregation.
Rice again requested for
West Chatham Food Pantry
December 28, 2008 — Rocky River Baptist Church has been asked to contribute rice in January to the West Chatham Food Pantry, serving needy families in western Chatham County.
Many area churches are donating one "staple" item each month. Rocky River contributed rice in December, macaroni and cheese in November, and breakfast items in October. All contributions may be dropped in the old fellowship hall on Sunday mornings.
CHRISTMAS 2008:
Event and ministry roundup
November 30, 2008 — 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. 14 and 21. Orders are due Sunday, Dec. 7 and can be made using the order form.
Salvation Army Coat and Toy Drive. The church will be participating this year in the Salvation Army Coat and Toy Drive. Donations of new toys and new coats (for adults or children) may be dropped off in the old fellowship hall through Sunday, Dec. 14. Monetary contributions may be left in the offering plate (please use an envelope marked "TOY DRIVE").
Handbells Worship. The Handbells will lead worship on Sunday, Dec. 14 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. 14, 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. 14, beginning at 7 p.m.
Christmas Cantata. The Adult Choir will lead worship with a Christmas cantata, "Hope Has Hands," on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 11 a.m.
Children's Christmas Program. Rocky River's children will present "Meet Me at the Manger," their annual Christmas program in the New Fellowship Building on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.
New Direction bluegrass band
set for "third sundays" this month
November 6, 2008 — New Direction, a noted bluegrass band based in the area, returns to the stage later this month for a free concert at Rocky River Baptist Church.
Scheduled for Nov. 16 at 6 p.m., the concert is the latest installment of "third sundays @ rocky river," a free monthly performance series offering family entertainment with a spiritual message. All shows are open to the public and held in the church's new fellowship hall.
New Direction took an unplanned break this summer, when banjo and guitar player Bobby Gales had shoulder surgery. But he's back in full force — and full voice — joined by Billy Mickle on guitar and vocals, Charity Dixon on upright bass and vocals, and Rafe Martin on mandolin.
Dixon describes the band's song list as "some of the old, traditional favorites mixed with a few of the latest bluegrass gospel tunes on the charts today." And with the holidays quickly approaching, she expects a Christmas song or two to pop up some time during the evening.
The goal is to provide a good range of songs that will appeal to a broader audience. "Whether hard driving or smooth flowing," she says, "we look for songs that people can relate to and find encouragement."
Once Gales' wing recovered, New Direction got back into action, performing at the North Carolina State Fair last month in Raleigh. After playing in Siler City, New Direction is slated for Christmas concerts at four local schools, something Dixon says is one of the band's favorite traditions.
Because so many people have plans for the Christmas season, no "third sundays" event is scheduled for December. Greg Burriss, pastor of Rocky River Baptist, says the series will return in January for its second year, with more free, family-oriented shows.
"We've had plenty of positive comments about 'third sundays,'" Burriss says. "In our first year, we had a good variety of shows — contemporary Christian music, magic, comedy, and gospel bands — and we're looking forward to another good season ahead."
Burriss invites everyone to attend, saying the series was designed for the general public to have an enjoyable, relaxing evening. "We encourage families, church groups and anyone else to stop by. There's absolutely no obligation of any sort, just a chance for people to get together, enjoy fellowship and have a good time."
Rocky River Baptist Church meets at 4436 Siler City-Snow Camp Road, about three miles north of Siler City. Directions and information about the performance series are available at 3SunLive.com.
Poinsettia tree planned
once again for Christmas
November 1, 2008 — A Christmas tradition, Rocky River's poinsettia tree, will return this year to decorate our sanctuary for worship services on December 14 and 21.
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 7.
Youth sponsoring
Operation Christmas Child
October 30, 2008 — Rocky River's youth are sponsoring Operation Christmas Child, a churchwide project to help bring joy and hope to children in desperation situations around the world.
For November, they ask everyone to provide shoeboxes, wrapping paper and $7 (cash or check) to cover the cost of shipping each box, which will contain a variety of gifts to brighten the lives of children.
Watch the bulletin for deadlines to submit items for this project coordinated internationally by Samaritan's Purse, a widely-respected, nondenominational ministry providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the globe.
Chad & Kristi Gaines sing gospel
mix this week at "third sundays"
October 13, 2008 — Popular vocalists Chad and Kristi Gaines will appear this Sunday night in their only remaining gospel show of the year.
Scheduled for Oct. 19 at 6 p.m., the concert is part of "third sundays @ rocky river," a free monthly performance series offering family entertainment with a spiritual message. All shows are open to the public and held in the new fellowship hall at Rocky River Baptist Church.
Pinning down their style of music can be a challenge, admits Chad, but the bulk of this week's concert will feature Southern Gospel tunes, with some contemporary selections scattered throughout the program. As Chad puts it: "We try to have something for everyone."
That's also their approach when performing for the general public. Chad and Kristi are probably best known for what they call "feel good" music — a broad mix of rock and roll, country, gospel, Motown, Oldies and "Elvis."
Their band, Blender, appears regularly at Liberty Showcase, a 500-seat, historic theater in downtown Liberty, and they're no strangers to other local functions. In fact, Blender is scheduled to bring their foot-tapping tunes to the Western Chatham Senior Center in Siler City for a special Halloween concert on Oct. 31.
Greg Burriss, pastor of Rocky River Baptist, says he's thrilled that Chad and Kristi agreed to bring their enormous talent to the "third sundays" series.
"They have quite a following and that may help unite the community and create a real sense of fellowship and cooperation throughout the area," says Burriss. "One of our goals is to bring people together from all different denominations and backgrounds."
Rocky River Baptist Church meets at 4436 Siler City-Snow Camp Road, about three miles north of Siler City. Directions and information about the performance series are available at 3SunLive.com.
Bigfoot the Clown brings
stories and fun to 3sun
September 6, 2008 — Bigfoot the Clown brings an evening of comedy, balloon art and Bible stories to Siler City later this month, when he appears at "third sundays @ rocky river."
Scheduled for Sept. 21 at 6 p.m., "third sundays @ rocky river," is a free monthly performance series offering family entertainment with a spiritual message. All shows are open to the public and held in the new fellowship hall at Rocky River Baptist Church.
Bigfoot, portrayed by Bill Brown of Ramseur, is a popular performer throughout the region. He's a fixture at youth camps and vacation Bible schools, and holds down a regular gig on Tuesday nights at the Golden Corral restaurant in Asheboro.
Over his 35-year career as Bigfoot, Brown has entertained audiences as far away as Texas, Alabama and New York, and it all happened almost by accident.
"I always was a clown at heart," Brown says. "I was like that all the time. I had crazy things in my pocket and liked to make people laugh. Then, one time I put on a clown suit and children went wild. So, I started going from one church to another."
While laughter is a primary goal, Bigfoot's performance also explains the Christian faith to young audiences. He tells Bible stories while twisting balloons into interesting figures and uses magic to teach important lessons.
Bigfoot's biggest appeal may be for the younger audience, but adults also enjoy all of the clowning around. Greg Burriss, pastor of the local church, says that's the kind of show the church has been looking to attract.
"Family entertainment with a Christian message" is how Burriss describes the series. "We've had Christian rock and Southern gospel music. We've had magic and comedy," he says. "The idea is to bring people and families together with live entertainment in a relaxed setting."
Rocky River Baptist Church meets at 4436 Siler City-Snow Camp Road, about three miles north of Siler City. Directions and information about the performance series are available at 3SunLive.com.
Rocky River to participate
in 'pulpit exchange' next month
August 21, 2008 — Rocky River Baptist will join several other churches in the Siler City area on Sept. 18 for a 'pulpit exchange.'
As the Rev. Greg Burriss travels to deliver a message for another church in western Chatham, Rocky River will welcome a special guest to lead morning worship.
The 'exchange' continues that evening at 5 p.m., with a community worship service hosted by Rocky River. Scheduled for the new fellowship building, the program will feature a musical group from various churches involved in the project. Look for more details in the coming weeks.
REVIVAL 08:
Services begin September 14
August 20, 2008 — Revival comes to Rocky River next month, with four days of special services beginning with morning worship on Sept. 14.
The Rev. Jim Wall, retired pastor of First Baptist Church Siler City, will open the week's activities, delivering a message at the 11 a.m. service on Sunday. He will be followed later in the day by Don Sellers, who will speak at evening worship.
Revival continues on Monday evening with another special guest, the Rev. Womack Keck, and Tuesday features a talk by Coach John Phillips, the respected teacher from Jordan-Matthews High School, with vocal music by the Harry Lindley family.
Special services close that Wednesday evening with a unique program — inspiration by Hal Siler in the form of visual art and the spoken word.
Presentations during the week include other special music and drama by the youth. Worship music will be led by Pastor Greg Burriss; his wife, Vicky; and a youth chorus. All evening services begin at 7 p.m.
Yadkin Valley Boys entertain
and inspire at "third sundays"
August 18, 2008 — Mixing insightful stories with traditional Southern gospel music, the Yadkin Valley Boys entertained and encouraged their audience when the group appeared Sunday night in Siler City.
The concert was part of "third sundays @ rocky river," a free monthly performance series offering family entertainment with a spiritual message. All shows are open to the public and held in the new fellowship building at Rocky River Baptist Church.
Working their way through an hour-long concert, the group based in Elkin encouraged the audience to join the singing on a medley of traditional hymns and paused along the way to provide moments of inspiration.
At one point, the group recounted a tragedy back home at Poplar Springs Baptist Church, when the youth minister, his wife and unborn child were killed in a car accident — and how God sustained the church through that difficult time.
Baritone Craig Caudill also recounted the difficulty he faced spending a month in the hospital. Then the group launched into "God Wants to Hear You Sing," a song that, Caudill says, provided him inspiration during the long recovery.
The Yadkin Valley Boys came to Siler City just weeks after being named top gospel quartet at Singing in the Foothills 2008, a two-day music festival in Wilkesboro. Caudill was joined by lead vocalist Chris Newman, tenor Jed Metts and bass Bill Hooper.
Since beginning in February, "third sundays" has featured a wide range of family-oriented entertainment, including comedy, magic, bluegrass gospel and contemporary Christian rock. Greg Burriss, pastor of Rocky River Baptist, says the series was designed as a monthly evening of fellowship for the entire community, not just his congregation.
Rocky River Baptist Church meets at 4436 Siler City-Snow Camp Road, about three miles north of Siler City. Information about "third sundays" is available at 3SunLive.com.
Yadkin Valley Boys gospel quartet
featured at August "third sundays"
August 4, 2008 — The Yadkin Valley Boys, a Southern gospel quartet based in Elkin, will bring their smooth harmonies to Siler City later this month as featured performers for the next edition of "third sundays @ rocky river."
Scheduled for Aug. 17 at 6 p.m., "third sundays @ rocky river," is a free monthly performance series offering family entertainment with a spiritual message. All shows are open to the public and held in the new fellowship hall at Rocky River Baptist Church.
The Yadkin Valley Boys come to Siler City just weeks after being named top gospel quartet at Singing in the Foothills 2008, a two-day music festival in Wilkesboro.
Tenor Jed Metts said his group — which includes bass Bill Hooper, baritone Craig Caudill and lead vocalist Chris Newman — began singing together about seven years ago at Poplar Springs Baptist Church and plays at worship gatherings throughout the region.
"We're excited to come and join the folks there in Siler City for an evening of gospel music and praising the Lord," Metts says.
Since beginning in February, "third sundays" has featured a wide range of family-oriented entertainment, including comedy, magic, bluegrass gospel and contemporary Christian rock.
Greg Burriss, pastor of the local church, says the series was designed for the entire community, not just his congregation.
"This is an ideal opportunity for people throughout the area to get together; we welcome other church youth groups, choirs, classes and anyone else," Burriss explains. "It's a great opportunity for people and churches to come together for a relaxed evening of entertainment 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 performance series are available at 3SunLive.com.
Rocky River Baptist plans
Homecoming on Aug. 10
August 3, 2008 — Rocky River Baptist Church will welcome former members and their families back to Siler City when the church holds its annual Homecoming festivities on Aug. 10.
Worship, featuring special music by the adult choir and a message from Pastor Greg Burriss, begins at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. The service will be followed by a Homecoming potluck dinner, the first one ever held in Rocky River's new fellowship building.
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 is available at RockyRiverBaptist.org.
VBS helps collect food
and cash for food pantry
July 6, 2008 — Students and staff from Vacation Bible School used the annual event last month to help collect food and contributions for the West Chatham Food Pantry, which needy families in western Chatham County. When the tally was final, more than 300 pounds of food and almost $90 in cash had been contributed and delivered to the pantry on Village Lake Road.
Congratulations to college
and high school graduates
May 28, 2008 — Congratulations to four members of our family who are graduating this spring. Jessica Rogers will be graduating from Central Carolina Community College. High school graduates include: Joshua Olsen and Sapna Varkey from Chatham Central High School and Hampton Price from Jordan-Matthews High School.
Grassmann to serve as
summer youth worker
May 27, 2008 — Jessica Grassmann, a rising senior at Wingate University near Monroe, will be joining the Rocky River staff in June as a summer youth worker. The Kannapolis native will be leading our youth and children during the coming months, so please welcome her and pray for her ministry here.
Claudene the Hillbilly
visits "third sundays"
May 18, 2008 — Using comedy, music and her alter ego as "Claudene the Hillbilly," Renea Henderson charmed her audience and gave everyone a unique look at life — from the difference between city and country folks to the roots of her faith.
Claudene introduced herself as "the smart one, pretty one" in her family as she appeared at "third sundays @ rocky river," a free monthly performance series, dressed in a flannel shirt, overalls and a floppy black hat.
During the hour-long show, she introduced other family members, as well — Paw, Maw, Bubba, Buford and Willamine — through engaging stories and short songs.
Willamine's date with "the ugly boy." Family encounters with town folks that "hain't never been nowhere." Wanting to smack people sitting in the pews at her fictional Possum Holler Baptist Church on Booger Swamp Road. All kept the audience laughing. And thinking.
But it was Claudene's levity about her experience in the church that taught one important truth: Growing up in the church doesn't make someone a Christian. "Just 'cause a mouse gets in the cookie jar," Claudene told the audience, "don't make 'em no cookie."
About that time, Claudene the Hillbilly changed into Renea Henderson, the comedienne and vocalist. With a rendition of "Amazing Grace," she illustrated the transformation true Christians experience in real life.
A fixture at retreats and conferences, Henderson mixes music and comedy to encourage her audiences and communicate essential Christian truths. Claudene, a proud resident of Frog Lips, Ky., led this highly-interactive show at Rocky River Baptist Church, where some audience members found themselves up front and engaged in the action.
At other times, she entertains and teaches as Bertie the Bag Lady, Claudia the Clown or Ima Klutz. In addition to her character comedy, Henderson is a talented vocalist who has released "The Reason," a solo gospel recording.
Plans for the "third sundays" performance in June are still being finalized and will be announced soon. Directions and information about the series are available at 3SunLive.com. More about Renea Henderson and her characters is available at www.youlaughalot.org.
Comedienne set for May
edition of "third sundays"
May 8, 2008 — Comedienne and vocalist Renea Henderson, who has entertained audiences of all kinds with her alter egos, "Bertie the Bag Lady" and "Claudene the Hillbilly," brings her act to Siler City on May 18.
Henderson will appear at "third sundays @ rocky river," a monthly performance series providing family entertainment with a spiritual message. The free show will be held in the Rocky River Baptist Church fellowship hall at 6 p.m. and is open to the public.
A fixture at retreats and conferences, Henderson uses a mix of music and comedy to encourage her audiences and communicate essential Christian truths.
As Bertie from Bugtussle, Renea relates tales about her wacky exploits and outlandish relatives, while challenging everyone to become involved in missions and service to others.
When appearing as Claudene, a proud resident of Frog Lips, Ky., she takes audiences on her wild misadventures and helps them learn to laugh at life.
In addition to her character comedy, Henderson is a talented vocalist and has released "The Reason," a solo gospel recording.
Greg Burriss, pastor of Rocky River Baptist Church, has seen Henderson in action and says the show has broad appeal.
"She's extremely talented — a great vocalist and hilarious comic," Burriss says. "Children like her goofy characters and the odd-ball jokes, but Renea's comedy is not just geared toward children. This is a show for all ages. Teens through adults will appreciate it just as well."
Burriss says the "third sundays" series is designed for the entire family — and could be particularly helpful for church groups throughout the area who might enjoy a special event.
"Somewhere between 150 and 200 people have been attending the series each month, but there's always room for more," he says. "We want to provide some uplifting family entertainment and build a sense of community, not just in our church, but throughout the community."
Since opening in February, "third sundays" has featured a contemporary Christian rock band, magic and a bluegrass gospel group.
Directions and information about the performance series are available at 3SunLive.com. More about Renea Henderson and her characters is available at www.youlaughalot.org.
Bluegrass entertains crowd
at "third sundays" in April
April 21, 2008 — Emerging from a home studio, where they've been recording their first CD, the Rocky River Ramblers filled a church fellowship hall with the strains of bluegrass gospel during the latest installment of "third sundays @ rocky river."
During last night's hour-long performance, the band mixed bluegrass gospel standards with a few special numbers. One, "I Didn't See But I Believe," was written by Janice Dunn, who happened to be listening three rows back.
Another appeared to be one of the band's ad libs.
"We're going to do something completely unrehearsed," lead vocalist Tony Bristow announced to his audience, "something these guys up here don't even know we're going to do."
Explaining that the band doesn't always have as many youth in the audience, Bristow made an executive decision. "It's for the little kids," he said, "and if you adults want to listen, well, go ahead."
The band then launched into a peppy version of "The Green Grass Grows All Around" that accelerated to its climax with enthusiastic applause.
Otherwise, the band sprinkled tunes with humor, both one-liners and a few extended stories, for about 150 people filling the new fellowship hall at Rocky River Baptist Church.
The "third sundays" series continues May 18 with Renea Henderson and Friends, best described as comedy with a message. All events are free, and the public is encouraged to attend. Details about "third sundays @ rocky river" are available at 3SunLive.com.
The Rocky River Ramblers take a few days off before playing twice in the area this weekend. The seven-member bluegrass ensemble will appear at the Silk Hope Ruritans Grounds on Saturday at 5 p.m. and Piney Grove United Methodist Church on Sunday at 6 p.m.
Rocky River Ramblers bluegrass
featured at April's "third sundays"
April 14, 2008 — Bluegrass comes to "third sundays @ rocky river" this weekend, when The Rocky River Ramblers headline the free monthly performance series.
The ensemble will kick off its traditional bluegrass concert at 6 p.m. on Apr. 20. The free show will be held in the Rocky River Baptist Church fellowship hall and is open to the public.
Larry and Tony Bristow planted seeds for the band when the father-son duo began picking music together, with Tony playing guitar and singing the lead and Larry joining in on banjo and guitar.
A few others jumped in over time, rounding out the ensemble — with Gary Nunn on Dobro, Tim Calicutt on mandolin and Greg Burriss contributing vocals and plucking the bass. The Bristow family connection grew stronger, too. Tony's son Jed brought his guitar and daughter Erin added another banjo.
Burriss, who doubles at this week's concert as pastor of the host church, Rocky River Baptist, says the Rocky River Ramblers play pretty much anywhere they're invited, and that's happened more and more of late.
Their concert schedule shows two more events later this month, with gigs set for the Silk Hope Ruritan Grounds and Piney Grove Methodist Church over the last weekend of April.
Like others in the "third sundays" series, this event is designed to provide uplifting family entertainment and build a sense of community — well beyond Rocky River Baptist Church.
"We've been happy with the reception we've had for the contemporary Christian band in February and the magic show last month," says Burriss. "The audiences enjoy themselves, and it really is a nice way to spend an evening.
"Details about the performance series are available at 3SunLive.com, and more about the Rocky River Ramblers is available on the group's Web site at www.myspace.com/rockyriverramblers.
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