NEW PORT RICHEY — After recording 12 albums, with seven of them going either gold or platinum, Heather Payne decided to retire last June from the group she helped start.
Point of Grace was formed by Payne and three other young women in 1991 and through the years they garnered many awards and accolades as they sang, ministered and wrote several books together.
At 7 p.m. April 4, Payne will be in concert in one of her first solo appearances at the Cornerstone Community Church of Pasco, 6540 Massachusetts Ave.
Pastor Brian Walls, 40, said Payne and her husband are good friends of his and he is thrilled to have her at his church.
"Heather's ministry is bringing glory to God," Walls said. "She leads people in worship."
Payne's last album with Point of Grace is titled How You Live and the lyrics may have pointed the way to her retirement decision.
She said in an interview that the title track is a challenge to examine priorities and enjoy the blessings God has given.
"It is really a reminder of how we live our lives," she said. "We live in such a fast-paced life we put things off. When you wish time away you don't get it back."
She said that how you live is about making every moment count.
Originally from Abilene, Texas, Payne now lives in Kentucky with her husband, Brian, and four children.
Because You Are is her favorite song on the album.
"It is Christ-centered and reminds me I have eternal life through Christ because of the price he paid," she said.
I'll Be Believing is one of the best-known songs Point of Grace recorded. It was from their first album, released in 1993, and became a No. 1 song. With several Dove awards under their belts the group went on to record 27 No. 1 singles as of 2006.
They have been regulars at Disney World's Night of Joy and debuted on the Grand Ole Opry stage in 2008.
Walls has been the pastor at the Cornerstone Community Church since it formed more than two years ago. With about 120 members, the church meets in a rented facility. There are 290 seats available for the concert.
Tickets are $5 each or $20 for a family of four or more.
Walls will graduate from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in May with a doctorate in theology. He and his wife, Kara, have two children.
"This should be a great event to get the church known in this community," Walls said.
If you go
In concert
Who: Heather Payne in concert (founding member of Point of Grace Christian music group).
When: 7 p.m. April 4.
Where: Cornerstone Community Church, 6540 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey. (727) 849-4800.
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