September 6, 2022

To all our friends everywhere--SORRY for the lateness of this week's LesterGram--We're in Nashville, TN, this week recording vocals for our new Christmas CD, and we're having FUN! Can't wait for YOU to hear it.

"GOSPEL GOES UNDERGROUND"

October 19-20-21-22, 2022

The Countdown Continues and in just 42 Days..."THE. CAVE SING!" MAKE PLANS "NOW" TO ATTEND ONE OF THE LONGEST RUNNING AND MOST UNIQUE CONCERTS IN AMERICA... DON'T MISS IT !!!!!(Children Under 16 Free; Handicap Accessible) "THE CAVE SING" @ MERAMEC CAVERNS, Stanton, Missouri / SEE COMPLETE INFORMATION BELOW.

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THE WEEKEND REPORT

We want to say a 'HUGE THANK YOU" to the following folks for hosting The Lesters last week:

THURSDAY - To Randy Morrison (Senior Adult Minister @ Twin Rivers Church, St. Louis, MO. I was blessed to have my “older” sister Donna Tramel and my “younger” sister Ginger Pitchers (& my brother-in-law “Smilin” Dan). It was great having my 2 sisters join me on a couple of songs. Thanks to all our friends who joined us for a wonderful evening of praise & worship.

FRIDAY - To Pastor Ron Scaaff and congregation of Nilwood Baptist Church in Nilwood, IL. It was great being with all our friends from Central Illinois, including the “3 Amigos" (who are sisters), Margaret Vedder, Wanda Gass & Velma Royer. It was a great night of worshipping our Lord. Thank you also to the ladies for the soup, sandwiches and desserts in the fellowship hall afterwards-YUM.

After Friday night we headed over to Margie Fouts’ house ("Butterball” to the Little Lesters-LOL!) in Virden, IL. The kids got to have a sleepover at Butterball’s and had a fun fun time. Then on Saturday before heading to Piasa, the “big” Lesters and some friends got to enjoy their favorite pizza at DiCarlos. It was a joyous time just relaxing & being together.  

SATURDAY - To Pastor Ron Shelton and congregation of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Piasa, IL. It was great seeing all our Friends and great to have several new people who had never seen us. It was a wonderful time of sharing Christ and praising our Lord & Savior. 

SUNDAY - To Pastor Gerald McElroy and congregation of Pleasant Dale Baptist Church in Girard, IL. (Gerald & his wife Carolyn arranged the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday services to Celebrate The McElroy’s Homecoming!) Thank you to everyone who helped with the delicious dinner and good fellowship. The morning and afternoon services were both spirit-filled with the presence of God. Then the afternoon service ended with Little Jon & Pastor Gerald singing a duet of “Amazing Grace”-hallelujah!! 

PRAISE GOD for a tremendous weekend; THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO CAME TO EACH CONCERT!

Pics from Twin Rivers Church "Young At Heart" Dinner/Singing at Andre's Banquet Center in St. Louis, MO

Brian Lester singing "I Won't Have To Worry Anymore" accompanied by his two sisters (l-r) Ginger (Lester) Pitchers and Donna (Lester) Tramel at Andre's Banquet Center for Twin Rivers Church

Ginger Pitchers and Donna Tramel joining Brian, Bailee and Jonathan on "Glad Reunion Day" 

Papa Brian introducing "Little" Lesters (l-r) Josie, Jayda, Little Jon for Twin Rivers Church at Andre's Banquet Center

Pics from Nilwood Baptist Church in Nilwood, IL

Pastor Ron Scaaff introducing The Lesters at Nilwood Baptist Church.

Group singing at Nilwood Baptist Church.

Lester Kids (l-r): Little Jon, Jayda, Judah and Josie singing at Nilwood Baptist Church

Pics from Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Piasa, IL

Pastor Ron Shelton from Piasa Mt. Zion Baptist Church introducing The Lesters

The Lesters (l-r: Brian Bailee and Jonathan) singing at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Piasa,IL

The "Little" Lesters singing at Piasa Mt. Zion Baptist Church singing "I'll Fly Away"

Lester Kids singing a reprise of I'll Fly Away with friends, Paisley Everett and her brother Pruitt (of The Chosen Ones)

Pics from Pleasant Dale Baptist Church in Girard, IL

Pastor Gerald McElroy introducing The Lesters at Pleasant Dale Baptist Church in Girard, IL

Brian, Bailee and Jonathan singing "Who You Say I Am"

Bailee Lester singing "The River"

The "Little" Lesters (l-r) Josie, Jayda, Little Jon and Judah singing "Uncle Noah's Ark"

The Lester Kids singing "Grandma's House" 

Little Jon and Pastor Gerald singing their duet "Amazing Grace" at Pleasant Dale Baptist Church

Miscellaneous Pics from last weekend in Illinois

Little Jon and Jayda pointing to a rainbow in Nilwood, IL

The Lesters with friends enjoying their favorite pizza at DiCarlos in Virden, Illinios

Sandra and Brian with long-time friend, Velma Royer

Brian and Sandra with Velma Royer's family at DiCarlos in Virden IL

Brian and Sandra with long-time friends, Don and Carlene Daley at Piasa, IL Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Brian Lester with good friends, Lionel and Donna Gruver at Piasa Mt. Zion Baptist Church 

Brian and Sandra with long-time friends The Gass Family (L-R: Brian Lester, Fred & Gail Gass, Jim & Judy Gass and Wanda "Mom" Gass, and Sandra Lester holding Judah Lester)

Sandra and Brian Lester with long-time friend Margie Fouts and her daughter, Pam

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THE LESTERS' CONCERT SCHEDULE FOR THIS WEEK

• THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8 - Ridgway, IL  Firehouse (Popcorn Festival-125 W Main Street) @ 7:00pm
• SATURDAY SEPTEMBER10 - Trenton, MO  Rural Dale Baptist Church, 618 NE Beryl Lane, Trenton, MO 64683 @ 6:00pm
• SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11 - Lincoln, NE  Piedmont Park Church, 4801 A Street, Lincoln, NE 68501 @ 6:00pm  

“CHRISTMAS IN BRANSON BUS TOUR,” Second Bus Almost SOLD OUT! We only have room for a FEW MORE PEOPLE on Bus #2! VERY IMPORTANT…To Make Your Reservation - CALL TODAY: (314) 772-3048 or EMAIL: lstrs@aol.com  Following is brief information regarding Christmas Branson Bus Trip:

PRICING IS ALL INCLUSIVE...(with exception of Lunch on Tuesday while shopping) ~ Taxes & Gratuities Are Included (Including Bus Driver) ~ 

• SINGLE - $655 Per Person
• DOUBLE - $575 Per Person
• TRIPLE - $525 Per Person
• QUAD - $510 Per Person...

FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Half Payment Per Person Due Now Upon Sign-Up;  FINAL PAYMENT DUE OCTOBER 26th, 2022. Payment is NON-REFUNDABLE If Canceled after September 16th, 2022. VERY IMPORTANT....A "CANCELLATION WAIVER" IS AVAILABLE FOR AN EXTRA CHARGE OF ($24.95) PER PERSON. We Highly Recommend This Waiver. If you choose to purchase this Waiver...PLEASE PAY DIRECTLY TO: Branson Ticket & Travel, P.O. Box 1373, Branson, MO 65615; PHONE: (417) 335.2707; (Refer To Package #27932 with Arrival Date November 28th, 2022). The CANCELLATION WAIVER should be Purchased and Paid to Branson Ticket & Travel at the same time you reserve your TOUR PACKAGE #27932 and make your Half Payment Fee Deposit to The Lesters. MAKE CHECK PAYABLE FOR YOUR DEPOSIT TO: GTTWEC (Gateway To The West Evangelistic Crusade) & MAIL TO:  The Lesters, P.O. Box 15197, St. Louis, MO 63110 / ONLINE PAYMENT BY PayPal @ www.thelesters.com; or Payment By Major Credit Cards Accepted with 3% Service Charge / FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SIGN-UP ~ CALL TODAY: (314) 772.3048 or EMAIL: lstrs@aol.com.

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SCHEDULING "NOW" FOR 2023

If you would like to schedule The Lesters for a Concert In 2023 at your Church, School, Community Center, Fair, Homecoming ~ CALL: (314) 772.3048 or EMAIL: lstrs@aol.com

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UPCOMING LESTERS' 2022 CONCERT APPEARENCES

VERY IMPORTANT:  Please Call (314-772-3048) or Email Our Office lstrs@aol.com Before Driving A Great Distance To Attend A Concert as Dates Subject To Change. 

SEPTEMBER

8 - Ridgway, IL Firehouse (Popcorn Festival-125 W Main Street) @ 7:00pm

10 - Trenton, MO  Rural Dale Baptist Church @ 6:00pm

11 - Lincoln, NE  Piedmont Park Church @ 6:00pm  

14-17 - Fairmount, IL  (Tent Revival @ Firehouse) @ 6:30pm Nightly 

18 - Cherokee, IA  Community Center @ 6:00pm

22 - Fredericktown, MO  Rhoades Mountain Music Festival @ 6:00pm

24 - Paducah, KY  Bellvue Baptist Church - (BENEFIT CONCERT - "A NIGHT FOR EASTERN KENTUCKY FLOOD VICTIMS") @ 6:00pm ~ Featuring: The Gage Boys, Bill Allen, & The Lesters / FOR MORE INFORMATION & HOW YOU CAN DONATE CALL: (270.554.3173)

25 - Portland, TN  Portland General Baptist Church @ 10:00am

25 - Springfield, TN  Oakland Baptist Church @ 6:00pm

29 - Rosedale, IN  Rosedale Baptist Church @ 7:00pm

30 - Newport, IN  United Methodist Church ~ (Hill Climb Gospel Jubilee) @ 7:00pm

OCTOBER

1 - Shelbyville, IL  Chautauqua Auditorium in Forest Park (For First Christian Church) @ 5:00pm

2 - Plainville, IL  First Baptist Church @ 9:00am

2 - Barry, IL  Apple Festival @ 1:00pm

7 - Waynesville, MO Faith Baptist Church (w/Brenda Denney Rhoades and Lauryn Lercher) @ 6:00pm

8 - Keokuk, IA  Living Waters Assembly Of God @ 5:00pm

9 - Jonesburg, MO  Oak Grove Baptist Church @ 10:45am

11 - Virden, IL  Grace Southern Baptist Church - (w/Big MO) @ 6:30pm

14 - St. Charles, MO  Immanuel Lutheran Church @ 6:30pm

15 - Sullivan, MO  New Life Of Hope @ 6:00pm

16 - Sullivan, MO  New Life Of Hope @ 10:30am

17 - Branson, MO  Lodge Of The Ozarks (Private Event)

18 - Branson, MO  Lodge Of The Ozarks (Private Event)

19 - Stanton, MO  Meramec Caverns (FALL FESTIVAL OF GOSPEL MUSIC) @ 6:00pm

20 - Stanton, MO  Meramec Caverns (A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION) @ 12:30pm

20 - Stanton, MO  Meramec Caverns (FALL FESTIVAL OF GOSPEL MUSIC) @ 6:00pm

21 - Stanton, MO  Meramec Caverns (FALL FESTIVAL OF GOSPEL MUSIC) @ 6:00pm

22 - Stanton, MO  Meramec Caverns (LESTERS & FRIENDS) @ 12:30pm

22 - Stanton, MO  Meramec Caverns (FALL FESTIVAL OF GOSPEL MUSIC) @ 6:00pm

28 - Villa Ridge, MO  The Ridge Church (Davis Family Concert) @ 6:30pm

29 - Allenville, IL  Allenville Christian Church @ 6:00pm

30 - Champaign, IL  Judson Chapel Baptist Church @ 10:00am

30 - Sidell, IL  United Methodist Church @ 5:00pm

31 - Annapolis, MO  First Baptist Church @ 6:00pm

NOVEMBER

1 - Annapolis, MO  First Baptist Church @ 6:00pm

2 - Annapolis, MO  First Baptist Church @ 7:00pm

4 - Farmington, MO  New Heights Church - (MAGMA ~ 23rd Annual Gospel Music Jubilee) @ 6:30pm

5 - St. Louis, MO  St. Louis Bible Fellowship @ 6:00pm

6 - Bonne Terre, MO  Gospel Light Freewill Baptist @ 10:45am

7 - Cuba, MO  Amazing Grace Fellowship ~ (Food Pantry Benefit) @ 7:00pm

10 - Jacksonville, IL  Westfair Christian Academy - (Benefit Concert) @ 7:00pm

12 - Tower Hill, IL  Tower Hill Free Methodist Church @ 5:00pm

13 - Oakland, IL  Oakland Christian Church @ 6:00pm

18 - Wheaton, MO  Body Of Christ Ourtreach Ministries @ 7:00pm 

19 - Joplin, MO  North Main Street Baptist Church @ 5:00pm

20 - Lawson, MO  Old Union Christian Union Church @ 10:30am

27 - O'Fallon, MO  First Freewil Baptist Church @ 10:30am

28-29-30 - Branson, MO  CHRISTMAS IN BRANSON BUS TOUR

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THE LESTERS ANNOUNCE:

"2022 CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION"

CONCERT TOUR SCHEDULE 

FYI...THERE ARE A FEW DATES OPEN IF YOU WOULD BE INTERESTED IN SCHEDULING A "CHRISTMAS CONCERT" FOR YOUR CHURCH / COMMUNITY ~ FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: (314) 772.3048 or EMAIL: lstrs@aol.com for available dates!

• OCTOBER 20 - STANTON, MO / Meramec Caverns ~ "A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION" @ 12:30pm (Matinee @ Fall Festival Of Gospel Music)  
• NOVEMBER 30 - BRANSON, MO / Americinn Hotel Conference Center / Open To The Public ~ "FREE CHRISTMAS CONCERT" @ 9:00am
• DECEMBER 2 - CASEY, IL / Richard's Farm ~ "A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION" @ 6:00pm / For Reservations CALL: (314) 772.3048 or EMAIL: lstrs@aol.com
• DECEMBER 3 - CASEY, IL / Richard's Farm ~ "A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION" @ 12:00pm / For Reservations CALL: (314) 772.3048 or EMAIL: lstrs@aol.com
• DECEMBER 4 - HARRISTOWN, IL / Camp Wilson Foursquare Church ~ GOSPEL/CHRISTMAS CONCERT @ 6:00pm
• DECEMBER 9 - BLOOMINGTON, IL / Cross Pointe Church Of God ~ "A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION" @ 7:00pm
• DECEMBER 10 - VIRDEN, IL / Grace Southern Baptist Church ~ "A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION" @ 6:00pm
• DECEMBER 11 - ANNAPOLIS, MO / Happy Zion General Baptist Church ~ CHRISTMAS CONCERT @ 12:30pm
• DECEMBER 14 - ST. LOUIS, MO / Crosspoint Church ~ GOSPEL/CHRISTMAS CONCERT @ 9:00am
• DECEMBER 15 - MACON, IL / Macon Community Center ~ "A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION" @ 6:00pm (Sponsored by First Baptist Church Of Macon)
• SATURDAY DECEMBER 17 - JEFFERSON CITY, MO / Memorial Baptist Church ~ "CHRISTMAS CONCERT" @ 6:00pm
• DECEMBER 18 - PALMYRA, MO / Mission Hill Baptist Church ~ CHRISTMAS CONCERT @ 6:00pm