This month’s spotlight is on Cicero UMC Pastor Everett Bassett who is also a member of the God’s Country Rambler’s (GCR) Band. 

GCR: How long have you been pastor at CUMC?

Everett:  This July I will have been here 12 years.

GCR: The God’s Country Service was your idea, what was your inspiration:

Everett:   Members of the church had invited me to karaoke night at various Country and Western spots, and I was struck by how fun, popular, and spiritual the music is. I wondered what a worship service would look like in this venue. I found many people were interested in it. Then I was surprised and delighted (God has a way of doing that) when God’s Country Ramblers (our in-house band) came together so fast.

GCR: What makes the God’s Country Service different from a typical Sunday morning service?

Everett:  I get to wear a cowboy hat! And, the setting is informal, the jokes are funny (even the corny ones), and we say ‘Yee-hah!’ instead of “Hallelujah!’  When we get serious, there is a warmth and real-ness that comes from the bond we feel in the love of this good music.  We’re feeling more and more like a family of faith.

GCR: What’s one of your favorite songs played at a God’s Country Service?

Everett:  Our own special version of “We’re From God’s Country and We Like it That Way.”