Christmas is coming....

Please welcome our new sister, Pam Ennis.  Pam will be a great addition to our group.  Many of you know her from her business "Pam's Home Furnishings" on highway 72 in Athens.  Pam has been singing for years and you can tell she's a pro as soon as you hear her voice.  You may have heard her at the Musical Explosion where she has been singing with Bill and I for ....too many years to count.  We hope to see you soon and let you hear our new sound.  She started out with us 3 years ago but decided she couldn't commit to it at the time.  Now that Carole has decided to move on to other things Pam has stepped in to help us "keep a'kickin'!  Join us at the Red Caboose in Elkmont on November 28th and December 19th and help us to make the season wonderful!

Love,

Tina

A Goodbye of Sorts...

Greetings to you all! I hope that everyone is enjoying a beautiful fall wherever you are. We haven’t posted anything in a while as we have each been busy with our lives outside of Sister Grace. And as the holiday season approaches the band is grateful to be in demand with the request of 2 holiday concerts!

Something that has been on my heart and mind the past few months is the call to and practice of surrender. God wants that of each of us, and I can say that in regard to my family life and my art career, I have been working on that. It has been a blessing too! Surrendering to, first, a stronger walk with Christ as well as learning what He wants me to do is the first in a succession of many beautiful blessings that have come along. To surrender is scary. To surrender is to make decisions that lead to making changes, and as one floats down that river of the unknown with her Creator, she finds herself in places she never dreamed. Places of pain. Places of fear. But, finally places of reward. That is how it is in a life of surrender. It takes surrendering each day, each hour, each minute--a conscious effort.

In sharing this, I, Carole, can say things are new and great in my life! I am grateful. With these changes has come a turning point in my being a part of the ministry of Sister Grace. I will no longer be a part of the band. Being a part of Sister Grace has been a huge joy in my life--something I surrendered to several years ago! Being a singer and a drummer--haha--who would have ever dreamed? I feel that God led me through those roles in helping create a ministry, and it was great, but now it’s time to move into a fuller focus on my other gifts as a ministry. My true gifts. My art. My 20-year art career. And even more importantly, my being a wife and mother. With a husband who needs my support and 2 teenage daughters who need--need I say more? I need to be home more. In surrendering to this, many a prayer have been answered already, and my efforts have been blessed at home.

While I move ahead with a true knowing that this change is right, you all know that Sister Grace is a very special ministry made up of beautiful women inside and out who truly have a heart for Christ. I will continue to pray for Tina, Whit and Steph, support them and love them. As they make changes to, perhaps, replace me and add new members, it is my hope that you will continue to pray for and support them as well! I wish Sister Grace the BEST! I know God has great things in store for those of us who love Him!

In His Amazing Grace,

Carole Foret

Grand Time at The Red Caboose!

Thank you to Gary & Linda at the Red Caboose for such warm hospitality for the 3rd time now!  We were blessed to have a huge sell-out crowd of gracious people.  It was amazing raising the roof for our Lord in such a beautiful way.

The venue couldn't be any more charming--old building, brick walls, tables & chairs to munch on great food, included in your ticket. ;)

Carole & Tina

Stephanie

Whitney rockin' the keys!

Passion! 

Put a Little Love In Your Heart with trumpets!

A show-stopping moment when Mike Cole took the stage upon our insistence to play one of his songs from his just-released CD.  He captured the crowd with "Don't Judge Me Brother"--one of his awesome originals.  In the back there, is the awesome Bill Swindell on yet another instrument, his harmonica!  Surprised us all!  Also back there is Jonathon Young, who plays bass guitar for us.  He'll be graduating next month from high school, and we are going to miss him so much!

Thank you to all who came and made it such a wonderful evening of music and ministry.  Praise to our awesome God!

Sister Grace

Tina Swindell, Whitney Hubbs, Stephanie Fenton & Carole Foret

Spring Concert!

We invite YOU to our spring concert at the awesome

 Red Caboose in Elkmont, Alabama! 

Saturday Night, April 4th, 2009

7pm - 9pm

Enjoy new music from the girls of Sister Grace including:
Lean On Me
Oh Happy Day
When The Saints
Jesus Loves Me

Imagine
All done in their signature dynamic harmony sound!

$20 at the door

Includes meal and show!

Reserve by calling: 

256.306.6201

or simply emailing:

theredcabooseonline@gmail.com

The Red Caboose Site

First Light Sunday March 15th

We had a great practice today for tomorrow's service.  It is so exciting when we gals feel God's presence among us.  Of course, He's always there, but the great thing is when we realize and acknowledge it like we did today.  And why are we suprised when things run much more smoothly??  We have a few new songs that we'll be singing, and they are such passion-inspiring songs! (Is that even a word?)  I love great music during the Lenton Season...Here is our song list:

Grace Great Than All Our Sin

Above All

How Great Is Our God (Chris Thomlin)

Part the Waters / I Need Thee Every Hour (Selah)

Jesus Loves Me (Jennifer Knapp)

My Redeemer Lives (Extravagant Grace)

Join us in worship at First Light at FUMC, Athens in the Beasley Center on Bryan & Marion Streets.

Blessings!

Join Carole and Her Twin Sister Claire!

Hey Ladies! Carole & Claire have the deal of a lifetime! Now you can attend Southern Palette for less than you thought. This is a price that doesn't need much consideration. If you like to paint or THINK you'd like to paint in a getaway fun-filled weekend, then this is the weekend for you!

April 16 - 19

At Carole's Studio

Athens, Alabama

Historical downtown Athens Alabama in the springtime is a gorgeous setting. The dogwoods are in bloom, and there is an infectious energy all around. Claire and I have a great weekend planned. Check out the details at CaroleAndClaire.Com for a complete schedule of activities.

Want to know more about Athens? Visit the Spirit of Athens Site!

Read comments by those who have worked with Carole & Claire:

Carole and Claire came to Rosemary Beach to teach a few paint techniques to women, which they did. But they also spread broad brush strokes of joy, confidence, and effervescence. The beauty they brought to Girls' Getaway Weekend, on their canvases and in their smiles, was an integral part of the event. Their students left class glowing, happy with new skills and a masterpiece!

---Kim Jameson, Rosemary Beach, FL

"I've attended Carole and Claire's workshops and absolutely enjoyed them immensely. The ingredients that you can depend on in this "artistic" recipe are: relationship building, accomplishment, knowledge and most of all a large amount of FUN. Go, you will have the best time EVER!" ---Marcia Whitaker, Anniston, AL

It was such a joy to have you and your sister as our guests. Your artwork and sweet personalities were an inspiration to all! Thanks again...We hope to see you both again.

---Bev Sanders, Carmel, CA

Participating in the artist workshop was the best time I had all weekend. It gave me a chance to step outside of myself, in a fun and creative way. I met new friends that I look forward to seeing every year. And I love it when my friends in Atlanta visit my home and say "Did YOU paint that?" Then they want to hear about the whole trip and how then can attend one.....

---Sylvia Holler, Atlanta, GA

Our Own Carole Featured on WHNT 19

If you missed our Sister and Athens artist Carole Foret and her husband Todd (avWORKS ) on the live show on Robert On The Road Monday morning talking about her art and Todd's theater, you can see the clips here that were filmed by clicking the links below. Thanks to Robert Reeves for coming out and doing a great job for Carole AND for the city of Athens!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Southern Nights and Broadway Lights

Last Friday night Sister Grace had the honor of playing for the Southern Nights and Broadway Lights Fundraiser event for the Mental Health Foundation of Decatur, Alabama.  We were so excited to be included among a great group of incredibly talented singers.  We sang to a sold-out house at the beautiful Princess Theater  in downtown Decatur.  We performed "Put A Little Love In Your Heart" a great song performed by many great artists, like Al Green.  "Shackles" was another one we sang--Mandisa's version of it with our horn section accompanying us.  The closing finale was the entire group of singers singing "Let There Be Peace On Earth"--a very moving finale.  If you misssed it, you should plan to be a part next year.  It is for a great cause, and the entertainment is phenomenal.  Thank you to Lynda Mullinax for her awesome organization of the event and thanks goes to Julie Leavitt for taking this great photo.

Get Your Tickets!

Happy 2009 everyone!  Sister Grace is excited to be a part of Southern Nights and Broadway Lights, a fund raiser for the Mental Health Organization in Decatur, Alabama.  The event is going to be Friday night, January 23rd at the beautiful Princess Theater!  Help us as we support a great cause--Join us and get your $10 tickets here!

Great Shows at the Red Caboose!

On December 13th we had our highly publicized Christmas concerts at the awesome Red Caboose in Elkmont, Alabama!  We had 2 sold-out shows, and we thank everyone who came and made it so much fun and very festive.  We recorded live and hope to produce a Christmas CD to have for 2009--so plan on spinning some Sister Grace tunes next Christmas!  Below are some images that were shot by Peggy Parks--thank you, Peggy!

Merry Christmas to you from Sister Grace!

Christmas Schedule

Don't miss a fun, festive time with Sister Grace!  We are recording live our Christmas Concert at The Red Caboose on December 13th.  Reserve your spot now for a night to remember.  Enjoy drink, hors d'oeuvres and traditional Christmas carols as well as a few originally written songs too.  Let us share a warm Christmas wish with you!

Sister Grace meets one of our heroes...Sara Groves

We took a night off and went to Franklin Tennessee last week and heard an amazing concert featuring Sara Groves and some other great artists at their "Art, Music, Justice" tour. We all admire Sara so much for her beautiful voice and truly amazing songwriting. My daughter and her friend were there too and we had a wonderful time. Kacey and I have been harmonizing to Sara Groves for many years. She was one of the reasons we tuned in to contemporary Christian music years ago. Through her songs, both of us have grown so much spiritualy. Thanks Sara for the inspiration and the beauty of your music. We're still tuned in! Sister Grace decided at the concert to sponsor a child in Africa named Josephine. We hope to be learning more about her in the future and will share with you. Here's a picture Kacey took of us when we had the pleasure of meeting Sara back stage.

More later!
Tina

Update on Benefit Concert

We are so happy to let everyone know that the giving toward LeAnna's benefit has been tremendous.  Since the concert evening, nearly $10,000 was raised!  We praise God for people who have opened their hearts to her needs for her care and for her children.  Thank you so much!

Giving to LeAnna

For those who want to give to LeAnna Bennett privately, here is what they can do:

There are funds set up in her name at these places:

Reliance Bank:
112 N. Jefferson St.
Athens, AL 35611
256-232-1944
Send donation with a letter or notation in the memo line that it is to go to the "LeAnna Bennett Fund."
It is set up so that the money will go straight to LeAnna. In the future, the money will go straight to her children.

Central Church of Christ:
320 US Highway 31 North
Athens, AL 35611-4966
256-232-2014
Make check payable to "Benevolence Fund for LeAnna Bennett"
The church will make a check out to LeAnna
Donor would receive a receipt for tax write-off

First United Methodist Church:
208 E. Hobbs St.
Athens, AL 35611
256-232-2020
Make check payable to "Benevolence Fund for LeAnna Bennett"
The church will make a check out to LeAnna
Donor would receive a receipt for tax write-off

Happy Birthday Mom!

I would like to wish my Mom a very happy, happy birthday today! I don't remember when this picture was taken, but I do remember Mom being there for me so many times throughout my life. She is still there for me today, too.


Motherhood is the strangest thing! I'm sure I have not always been the "model" child and have done things to disappoint my Mom (and my Dad) occasionally, but I will promise you one thing. No matter what I do or have done, they love me no matter what! Now that I have been a parent for almost 21 years, I understand this thing called unconditional love.


That's how God's love is for each of us. We usually don't deserve it, but that is His "amazing grace"! When I think about my love for my children and my parents' love for me, it helps me to understand how God can love us when we are at our best, when we stumble, just whenever.


Mom, thanks for always loving me--I love you!


Steph


P. S. This was the only picture I could find of the two of us when I was little. I wear more clothes now and we both look a little different now, don't we?

Cancer Awareness Program

Click on flyer to enlarge...

Benefit Concert For our Friend

Sister Grace is holding a Benefit Concert for our dear friend LeAnna Bennett who has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.  A beautiful, kind, loving mother of 2 has needs beyond her means right now, and we want to help her by praising God through this storm.  LeAnna's spirit is amazing and is wrapped in love and comfort from the only One who can grant such peace. 

She will plan to share in that the evening of the concert.  We welcome 2 other praise bands from our church, Mike Cole's Band and 5 For 3.  It will be a night of sharing and celebrating!  There will be light desserts to enjoy too!  Please make your plans to attend!

Benefit Concert

Tuesday Night, September 30

7pm

Love Offering Accepted

Beasley Center at

First United Methodist Church

Downtown Athens

The Corner of Marion and Bryan Streets

Share the Blessings

I have known who LeAnna was for many years, but have gotten to know her much better this past year and a half. I heard she was looking for a job, while going through a divorce, trying to raise two children and caring for her mother with Alzheimer's. I was aware of a job opening where I work and encouraged her to apply. I thought it would be a good fit for her, not only the job, but the people she would be working with--two divorced women, another woman caring for her mother, people that could probably offer her much support. She got the job and I was right about the support group for her in that department.

Not too long after she started working there, she began to have health problems. She did not ignore her symptoms. She began trying to find answers and after undergoing many tests and surgeries and a trip to Mayo Clinic, she finally has a diagnosis. It is not a diagnosis that anyone wants to hear--stage 4 cancer.

LeAnna has started chemo treatments, but that too has not gone without complications. Every step LeAnna takes seems to have a roadblock. It is so frustrating for all of us, but let me tell you, she holds her head up high (to God) and inspires us all. She says if she had not gone through all of this, she would have missed out on so many blessings.

On September 30th, at 7:00 p.m., there will be a benefit for LeAnna and we thought "Share the Blessings" would be an appropriate name for it. LeAnna has been in on the planning and has requested that this be an evening to praise and honor God. There will be praise music, cookies, and a great time to also let LeAnna know how much she has blessed us! Instead of ticket sales, there will be a love offering taken that evening.

Hope to see you there!

Steph

Hazelgreen Retreat

Sister Grace had a wonderful time at Hazelgreen United Methodist Church this past Saturday for their women's retreat.  We were so impressed with the sound system, their set-up and their sound-man, Steve!  He did a great job making us sound our best.  Thank you, Steve!

Cheryl Clontz put together a fabulous set of talks for us surrounding the idea that we are all patches in one great quilt.  She had us really thinking.  Thank you to Kim Scites for putting this together with her great team of helpers.  We felt very welcome, and above all, I think God felt the glory we were all lifting up to Him.

Above is a shot of us singing a new song for us by the great Sara Groves, "Jesus, You're Beautiful"---a beautiful, contemplative, prayerful song.  Our awesome musicians played most of the day with us, but we all played our own instruments for the last couple of songs.

A big thanks to Maryleen Richardson for coming with us--she is one of our greatest fans.  We love you, Maryleen!

Sister Grace in New Orleans

The Girls of Sister Grace had the pleasure of meeting and singing with Hack Bartholomew in New Orleans over the weekend! He was such a taste of God's love that we can't wait to bring him to our church so that everyone can experience his soulfulness and love of the Lord. We were enjoying coffee and Beignets at Cafe' Du Monde when we heard this beautiful trumpet playing "It Is Well With My Soul". We knew we had to talk to the musician. We struck up a conversation and ended up singing a couple of songs with him and getting a round of applause from the crowd there at Cafe' Du Monde. It turns out he is a songwriter too and has a song on the Neville Brothers "Brothers Keeper" album. My husband Bill and I are long time fans of the Neville Brothers and this was a real surprise. In the video below he's speaking to his Pastor about us since we're hoping to visit with his church and sing for them when we're back there again in January. We never know what God has in store for us! This, as Hack said, "was no accident".

We also got to visit with some of Carole's sweet relatives in Baton Rouge and were treated to wonderful hospitality there. What a beautiful trip and a much needed break from our busy lives. Thanks Carole for taking us away! ...and thanks to God for keeping us safe in the questionable weather.

May your week be filled with joy!

Tina