Vestal Goodman

Mark Lowry is a very clever comedian, as well as an excellent singer, and this DVD focuses on his funny routines during the thirteen years he spent with the Gaither Vocal Band. The way it is presented, is that Mark and Bill Gaither are shown in a relaxed setting, as they sit and talk about the clips they show from the many Homecoming Series concerts around the country, as well as one in Ireland, and a short piece in England. It also includes some terrific music with the comedy, and my favorites are the two versions of "I'm Gonna Keep On", with Bill trying to sing the song while he is interrupted by bird calls and Mark's mischief; it's a terrific combination of wonderful music and harmonies, and at the same time totally hilarious. Well edited, this is a fast moving one hour and thirty-five minute show, interesting as well amusing, with often laugh-out-loud humor. Good clean fun is hard to come by, and Mark is one of the best at it. -Alejandra Vernon

Carp Lowry is the writer of the pond's newsletter and starts making up stories to put in the newsletter which causes distress to the inhabitants of Gaither's Pond.

From Father Abraham to John the Revelator, from the first century church to this moment, the people of God have always seen themselves as pilgrims — never settlers. "This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through" is more than a line from an old song. This sojourner's theme has been told to children in stories, sent in letters of encouragement to friends, preached from pulpits and whispered behind the closed doors of the underground church in times of persecution. But mostly, it's been sung. When kings were unjust, they sang of a kingdom whose builder and ruler was God. When the world seemd like a foreign country and when the strange language of power and materialism was the accepted tongue, these pilgrims reminded each other that they were natives of a far better place to which they were traveling. When they were separated, estranged or lonely, they sang of a great homecoming when all the singers would one day be together around their Father's throne.

The Homecoming Friends recall Christmases long, long ago, while showcasing familiar Christmas Carols and new Gaither-penned songs like "Come And See What's Happenin'." The Old Friends Quartet fronted by Jake Hess and George Younce makes its debut, and Bill pays tribute to the pioneers of Southern Gospel music. "What A Wonderful World," performed by Russ Taff, is dedicated to the memory of Homecoming regular Bob Cain.

The Homecoming Friends gathered at Christ Church in Nashville, Tennessee, with the world-famous Christ Church Choir and a sanctuary full of brothers and sisters in the Lord. You are invited to rejoice with them and to share in this very special Homecoming Christmas celebration... Joy To The World! Includes: Joy To The World, Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem, Rejoice With Exceeding Joy, Away In A Manger, I'll Be Home With Bells On What Did You Say Was The Baby's Name?, There's Something About That Name, Jesus The Light Of The World, Go Tell It On The Mountain, Winter Wonderland, I'd Still Like To Go To Grandma's House For Christmas, C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S, Mary, Did You Know?, O, Little Town of Bethlehem, Come On Ring Those Bells, Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring, Sleep, Baby, Sleep Little One, What Child Is This?, The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy, Jesus, What A Wonderful Child, New Star Shining O Holy Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, Glory In The Highest, Silent Night, Holy Night

Have you ever wished you could watch your favorite Homecoming songs one right after another? Now you can with the Homecoming Classics Series! Each volume contains 20 of the most requested performances from the Gaither Homecoming Series.

A computer-animated homecoming for kids of all ages!

There was a time when the need for "community" pulled folks from their homes to country churches for worship and fellowship. Today, we are crowded into cities, surrounded by stimulation, and bombarded by noise. Yet, we are often no closer to each other than we were our pioneer ancestors. Now, more than ever, we need community, fellowship, and a place to turn our hearts toward the things that last forever.