Program Lineup Announced for 27th Annual Smoky Mountain Jubilee
James E. Cossey, executive aof Church of God USA Missions, has announced the entertainers and speakers for the 2016 Smoky Mountain Jubilee, the National Church of God Senior Adult Retreat, which will be held in Gatlinburg, Tennessee April 26-28, 2016.
The retreat begins on Tuesday night at 6:00 p.m. with a concert featuring two of Southern Gospel music’s most sought-after performances—Singer/Comedian Aaron Wilburn, and the trio, Greater Vision.
“Wilburn is one of Nashville’s funniest Christian performers,” Cossey stated. “He will have the audience in stitches with his hilarious stories, unbelievable antics, and his side splitting comedic parodies, and songs such as ‘If My Nose Was Running Money, Honey,’ and ‘The Cat’s in the Kettle.’ While expertly adept at clean, family-style humor, Wilburn is also a deeply spiritual Christ-follower, and the writer of such stirring gospel songs as ‘That Sounds Like Home to Me,’ made famous by the Gaither Vocal Band, as well as the Happy Goodman Family favorites, ‘What a Beautiful Day for the Lord to Come Again,’ ‘Just Any Day Now (Our Lord is Coming),’ and Karen Peck’s hit song, ‘Four Days Late.’ Wilburn also wrote the worshipful message of the song ‘It’s Beginning to Rain.’ At the Jubilee, Aaron will perform his comedy, but will also share some of his serious gospel music as well.”
Following Wilburn, the stage will be given to Gerald Wolfe and GREATER VISION, one of the leading Southern Gospel trios, headquartered in Morristown, Tennessee. Founded in 1990, Greater Vision is known for such Southern Gospel Chart songs as “My Name is Lazarus,” “He’d Still Been God,” and many more.
“Their concerts are successes also in part because of the times when they pull out the old ‘Red Back Hymnal,’ and engage the audience in some old fashion Gospel testimony songs and hymns,” Cossey explained. “Almost 200 times every year, the three gentlemen collectively known as Greater Vision, united to present the gospel in a way that has endeared them to audiences across the United States and around the world. Their deepest desire is to encourage the Christian listener to share their faith with others and to cause the listener who isn’t a believer to see their need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.”
On Wednesday, hundreds will be involved in the Church of God National Senior Adult Talent Finals Competition. State winners from numerous states and regions will compete in various categories of music (vocal solo, vocal ensemble, choir, keyboard, brass, woodwind, percussion, etc.), creative writing, and creative art. Information on state/regional competition can be secured by contacting one’s individual state/regional Church of God offices, or by calling USA Missions at 423-478-7103. While the competition is held on Wednesday, the announcement of winners and presentation of awards is done in the final session of the Jubilee on Thursday morning.
The Wednesday night service is a worship setting with emphasis on genuine Pentecostal worship, preaching, prayer, and praise. The service will open with congregational singing and will include music from Ryan Wilson and the Wilson Family Singers from Hiawassee, Georgia. Just before the evening message, Evangelist Janice Hill from Cleveland, Tennessee, will minister in song.
One of the highlights of the retreat will be a Wednesday night message by Dr. Wallace J. Sibley, Third Assistant General Overseer of the Church of God, and Executive Divisional Director of World Evangelization.
“The Jubilee staff prevailed upon Dr. Sibley to be the speaker this year because it is his final year as Executive Divisional Director,” Cossey said. “The South Georgia native has had an outstanding ministry in the Church of God that spans more than five decades. He has served as evangelist, pastor, district overseer, state youth director, regional evangelism director for Black Churches of God, director of Cross-Cultural Ministries, and as state administrative bishop. Because of his humble spirit, his deep devotion to Christ and the Church of God, and because of his adept ability to effectively ministry to all people of all races and cultures.” Sibley was the first person of color ever elected to top leadership positions in the Church of God—first as Assistant Director of Evangelism (now USA Missions), and then the Director. From there, he was elected as Secretary General where he served for four years before election to his present position as an Assistant General Overseer.
Register online and pay only $69 (it will be $75 onsite) or download forms at www.usamissions.com. A list of recommended hotels is also on the website. For more information call USA Missions at 423-478-7103.
