Buncombe UMC, Greenville, brought another beautiful, moving service to New Hope on October 29, 2017. On a day that fall was filling the air, choir director Rosemary Hughes and her voices filled our sanctuary with songs of praise and adoration. Buncombe was with us in July, 2016 for a Fifth Sunday Praise and Singing service. We have formed close associations with these wonderful servants of the Lord over the last two years. It is joyful and inspiring to be a part of this celebration of the Lord's blessings and to be able to praise Him in song. The congregation upped their game singing lustily and somewhat in tune.   

The theme of this service was G-I-F-T-S. G is for Grace, I is for Illumination, F is for Freedom, T is for Thanksgiving and S is for Stewardship. Hymns and special numbers were selected to fit into the theme.  Rosemary gave us backgrounds on the composers, so the lyrics have a powerful meaning for us. The narrative on John Newton, composer of Amazing Grace, was especially moving. Rosemary performed a beautiful solo of His Eye is On the Sparrow, with the splendid piano accompaniment of Vance Jenkins. 

The service was followed by a dinner at the Community Center. Friend Tom Jennings provided us with a delicious  and abundant buffet of comfort foods in the fine southern tradition. Some folks brought desserts and everyone brought a smile and an expression of grateful appreciation for a most memorable occasion. 

The service is available on video, click here. Many thanks to Kevin Hutto for this significant milestone in the history of our church. Also to Jimmy Lyons for expertly coaching us on equipment selection and getting it going. Fifth Sundays have become an important and meaningful workship experience for us. We get to praise God in a special way and to enjoy fellowship with so many who have called Rowesville their home.