Local Pastor Don Norris just couldn't make any sense of it.

Out in West Texas in one of the most devout areas amid some of God's most talented people, he had to get in a car and drive for hours before he could attend a gospel music festival - or at least one that really burrowed the Holy Spirit deep down in the soul.

So he called a buddy up in Lubbock, a man known for his ability to sing a little gospel, and did something about it.

His friend, acclaimed Christian performer Chip Polk of Lubbock's Ragtown Gospel Theater who said he shared Norris' love of gospel music, was much obliged.

"There's just a really special sort of atmosphere about these sorts of concerts," he said. "I'm really excited about it."

On Thursday, Norris and an entire lineup of gospel musicians, including many from Lubbock, plan to raise God's roof at about 7:15 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Odessa.

And you're all invited to attend.
"It's open to everybody, anybody who likes gospel music, and a lot of it goes across denomination lines," Norris said.

"We'll just try to keep it moving, non-stop music," Polk added.

Norris said the idea occurred to him a few year's ago that the Permian Basin was a "hotbed" of good Christian music with a wealth of local talent, but the area didn't host any large gospel festivals.

He said he called Polk, a personal friend and successful gospel singer who now lives and performs in Lubbock, and told him the duo should work to get a gospel festival together in Odessa.

"I decided it would be a fun thing to have a big gospel concert here," Polk said. "Don let me in on it, and I'm excited about it."

Polk, the event's headliner, also helped Norris gather a list of the "best of the best of the region" to put on the playbill for Thursday's event.

Other acts on the list are 4HeavensSake, Sisters Joy, Barry Sykes and the in-house favorites First Baptist Church Gospel Quartet all are slated to take the stage as well.

"A lot of those guys are going to be riveted by what they hear here on the 21st," Polk said. "There's going to be a lot of talent."

If nothing else, audience members could take the opportunity to get out of the house and enjoy a little praise and worship, Polk and Norris agreed.

A little faith can go a long way, they said, especially during times like these, when times are tough and life can get even the most devout folks down.

"Well, they can come here on Thursday the 21st and all that's going to change," Norris smiled. "It'll be a really great time of fellowship and worship."

If you go
>> What: First Baptist Church's inaugural Gospel Celebration.
>> When: 7:15 p.m. Thursday.
>> Where: First Baptist Church of Odessa, main sanctuary, 709 N. Lee Ave.
>> Tickets: $10 in advance; $12 at the door; group discounts available.
>> Call: Shawna Ashburn at 337-1117.

Online poll

What's your favorite way to praise God?

>> Prayer. Quiet. Simple. Succinct.
>> Shout it on the rooftops. Let them all hear me say it.
>> Sing it. Give me a guitar, and I will show you his Kingdom with every note I make.
>> Preach it. Give me an hour, and I'll give you a crash course in the good book.

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