Okay, so was it possible for the weather to be more wonderful than it was for last
night’s Fall Fish Fry? It was dry. It was simultaneously cool and warm. There was little
to no wind. Some people wore shorts and sandals. Some people wore pants and jackets.
Added to the great weather was the new breading on the catfish. The team used cornmeal
versus flour and cooked the fish last instead of first. It was the best. The hushpuppies
and fries were their usual great. The slaw was fresh and barely sweet. How did I miss
the white beans? You stocked the drink and dessert tables and there was an abundance of
both. The firewood for the bonfire was slow-burning which kept the pyromaniac children
restrained. The Chigger Hill Boys and Teri never sang finer. I think there are still bluegrass
notes hanging in the trees. I heard sweet hymns sung that seemed ancient (my
childhood?). If you would like a CD, it is not too late to purchase for $12. Attendance
was four hundred plus. I wish someone could have taken an overhead photo. Last night
was a slice of wonderful Americana. We were privileged to be there…to eat and talk and
meet families and neighbors. Someone admitted to me this morning that their family
makes sure they visit on this Sunday every year. Thanks to the Special Cooking Team
recruited and directed by Wayne McNeese: Paul Stonecipher, Kenny McNeese, Ken
Koon, Sam Green, Tim Garrett, Dan Scott, Ken Willis, Frank Rice, John Jordan, Ricky
McNeese, Ken Elkins, Glen Detwiler, Jason Vines, Kevin Daugherty, Tom Stephens,
Mike Anderson, Rick Person, Dean Beach. Thanks to Kylee Koon, Kim Vann, Beth
Vines, Taylor Vines, Lisa Anderson, Pam McNeese, and Jody Scott for preparing the
fish; washing potatoes; stirring hushpuppies. Thanks to Marilyn Jordan for mixing the
delicious slaw. Thanks to the Early Christian Sunday School Class which came early
and stayed late for set-up and clean-up. What a wonderful, cooperative team!
Pastor Shane Tarter led HCN Senior High Students on their annual fall retreat to the
Barnes Farm in Livingston, TN, last weekend. Ron Barnes and his mother, Ruby, are the
gracious hosts who open their property, cabin, and house, and then cook breakfast each
morning. Retreaters were Brandon Shepard, Taylor Steinmetz, Hunter Steinmetz, Will
Miranne, Dalton Winfree, Brian Brinkman, Ben Mabry, Anna Laura Green, Toby
Haydel, Cali Crosslin, Jeff Blankenship, Daniel Jones, Lauren Lavery, Scott Primm,
Cassie Hunt, Ashley Colbert, Matt Sedgwick, Madeleine Mosier, Alex Hamer, Natasha
Ploetz, Palmer Maphet, and Jared Angle. Chaperones included Shane, Buddy Mabry,
Cara Harris, Logan Blomberg, Shaun Lewis, and Brady Plummer. Logan, Cara, and
Brady led devotion times. Master Chef Bobby Smith prepared the evening meals which
is a highlight of every Barnes Farm weekend.
Jim and Brenda Agee led the Senior Adult and Friends group on their fall trip to
Branson, Missouri, last week. They were accompanied by Sue Smith, Alene Gill, Dot
Waffird, Mary Alice Butler, Jeanette Flatt, Judy Henderson, and Joy Bradley. The group
attended three shows including the musical, “Noah.” They ate, shopped, and stayed up
late playing games. Rev. Fred Agee and his wife, Mildred, live in nearby Arkansas and
led devotions at Table Rock Lake one day. They returned home exhausted and satisfied
and safe for which we are thankful.
When the list was compiled for the donors of the Poverty Dinner Silent Auction weeks
ago, two names were missing: Charlotte Rose and Bonnie Swartz. While Charlotte and
Bonnie said nothing about the slight, someone who knew better passed me a note on
Sunday. Even though it is tardy, thanks to Charlotte and Bonnie.
HCN works hard to report and account for income on a weekly basis in the tip sheet
and the Sunday bulletin. Two areas are under-reported this week because counters did
not include the Sunday School Offering or Alabaster. It will be included next week.
Alene Gill and Carrie Knox counted and rolled the Alabaster Offering on Sunday afternoon.
It totals to date: $718.29. If you forgot your offering last Sunday, bring it with you
next week or the next and leave it on one of the communion tables. Also, the church was
notified this week that a HCN member had given $5,000 through the United Way to the
orphans at the Suvia Children’s Home. That means giving and associated HCN giving to
the orphans totals $15,106. We are close to sponsorship for 18 of the 50 orphans. And, I
think that giving continues. Glory be to God.
Someone asked to see me in the Lobby following second service yesterday. A fine
lady told me a story which I received permission to tell you. Several weeks ago, her
ninety-two year old mother was visiting and attended worship with the family. The
morning message included an admonition on forgiveness. The Holy Spirit used the Word
of God to penetrate the heart of that mother and she made the willful decision to forgive
an elder daughter with whom her relationship was broken. She confessed that decision to
her family. I praise God for His powerful work among us, no matter our age.
My daughter, Kelly, was having her hair cut in a salon in Green Hills on Saturday
when she noticed a man near her who was wearing a hat from the Java House in Nairobi,
Kenya. She asked him if he had ever been there and when he answered affirmatively, she
told him she was there last June. He asked her why she was there and she used the
opportunity to tell him about the mission trip to build an orphanage. He then told her he
was a doctor and was there as a part of a medical mission group. When the man left, the
hairdresser asked Kelly if she knew who the man was. She told him she did not. So, he
told her. The man was Bill Frist, former US Senator from Tennessee and Majority Leader
of the US Senate.
I testify to you today of my renewed belief in the grace and providence of God. He
intersected my life last Saturday morning through a phone call and email which should
have never reached me. God loves us more than we know. He works in mysterious ways.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Monday, October 27, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
October 20, 2008
Jim Douthit began to attend Hermitage Church almost four years ago with his wife,
Barbara. He came first to participate in the Recovery Group on Wednesday nights and in
the last year found his way regularly to first worship and the Early Christians Sunday
School Class. Like many of us have experienced, Jim lived with an addiction which was
about to destroy his life, until he made a significant turn. Alcoholics Anonymous helped
him to find the discipline and support to get started and then pointed him back to the
church and a renewed relationship with Christ. Two months ago, he gave a significant
testimony in a Friday luncheon with Senior Adults and Friends. On Friday, October 10,
2008, Jim died suddenly and unexpectedly at sixty years of age of an apparent heart
attack. A Celebration of Life service was held in the sanctuary on Saturday, October 18,
2008, at 11:30 AM. We extend our love and prayers to Barbara and her children, Amy
and Sam, and their extended family. May Jim’s life encourage others to make turns that
are needed. May his death teach us that life is fragile and too brief. May his testimony
teach us that it is a good thing to say out loud what God is doing in your life.
One young woman and three young men were presented their local license for ministerial
service in second worship on Sunday, October 19, 2008. They were Jake Resor,
Daniel Smith, Shane Tarter, and Kelley Christian Van Atta. Jake, Daniel, and K.C. are
pastoral ministry majors at Trevecca Nazarene University. Jake and Daniel are freshmen.
K.C. is a sophomore. Shane serves as our Senior High Pastor. He is a graduate of
MTSU and a grad student in the School of Religion at Trevecca. This is a first license
which must be renewed every year as each individual processes through district licensing
lead-ing to ordination. Their calling speaks to the faithfulness of this community in
Christ.
Spencer and April Baggott, members of HCN, have received their missional assignment
to the French Equatorial Field covering Rwanda, Burundi, and portions of the
Congo. Their home and headquarters will be in Kigali, Rwanda. April will work in the
area of finance. Spencer will assist pastors in processing the course of ministerial study
and administratively assist the Field Strategy Coordinator. They have invested the last
year in language school in Senegal. Pray for a smooth and safe transition and for effective
and productive ministry.
Pastor Ronnie Thompson led LiveWire (middle school) Students on their Fall Charge
to the John Knox Center in east Tennessee last weekend. Chaperones included Ronnie,
Treila Garrett, Keli Green, and Hayley Hill. Chargers included Keegan Brown, Shelby
Combs, Clarissa Davis, Josh Elkins, Hannah Garrett, Isabella Green, Sophie Green,
Kevin Helm, Alex Houser, Isaac Houser, Hannah Jackson, Nathanael Jackson, Rachel
Jones, Avie Joyce, Jessie Joyce, Jonathan Mowry, Emily Paddon, Kristin Paddon, Taylor
Vines, and Bret Washing. Talk to some of the youth about the team building events with
the capacity to scare you to death.
One of the most promising options for altering Corey Marlowe’s life sentence in a
federal prison was dashed last week when the Supreme Court refused to hear his appeal.
The court had weeded through cases they would receive and Corey’s case kept making
the cut. Four justices needed to sign on to hear the appeal and only one signed. I received
a letter from Corey today expressing his great disappointment and weariness. Would you
take the time right now before you finish reading this letter and pray that God would give
Corey strength and peace that passes understanding and that the next step would become
crystal clear? Pray like you would pray if Corey was your son.
Alabaster Offerings for mission construction are supposed to be received in
September and February in the Church of the Nazarene. Jon Alderman tried to give his
offering to me several weeks ago. He thought we had received it and he had missed it. I
was embar-rassed and asked him to wait. Could we plan to receive the offering this
Sunday, October 26, 2008, at the beginning of each worship service? Alabaster Offerings
are largely composed of loose change collected over a period of time in boxes, jars, or
any other keeper. 100% of offerings are used to build churches, parsonages, schools, and
hospitals in world mission areas where funds are not available.
As a worshipping congregation, we intercede weekly for the safety of soldiers who
serve in dangerous global areas. As pastor, I depend on you to add names and to remove
names when the soldier returns home. Would you check this list for actively deployed
soldiers and if you find someone who has returned home, call the church office at
847-3335 or email me at hlplummer@aol.com. Thanks. Ben Walker, Marshall Tucker,
Michael Bobel, Veronica Maxwell, Tigh (Ti) Gustafson, Nathanael Badders, Linus
Byars, Shay Coats, Paul Jordan, Tom Ferguson, Josh Baker, Marshall Liddle, Mark
Morgan, Ryan Husted, Chad Adams, Billy Poe, Chris Middleton, Peter and Debra Lee,
Bret Calhoon, Zachary Hallum, Micah Smith, Frank Clark, Chris Manning, Cody Mang,
Matthew Bateman, Doran Ray Daugherty, Chuck Vaughn, Andrew Rist, Timothy and
Elizabeth Pool, Nicholas Culora, Cole Ebel, Luke Carroll.
You are invited to the Fall Fish Fry at HCN this Sunday, October 26, 2008, at 5:00
PM on the west end of the church campus. Wayne McNeese and an expanded cooking
team fry fish filets, home cut fries, and hushpuppies and Women’s Ministries prepares
the slaw, condiments, and paper products. The Early Christian Sunday School Class is
responsible for set-up, assisting service, and clean-up. Everyone is asked to bring a large
drink and dessert. All food will be consumed outdoors, so wear warm clothes and bring
your lawn chair. The Chigger Hill Boys and Terri provide the finest bluegrass music
around during the fellowship (including our own Ricky and Terri Gore). I have heard
through the grapevine that the group has just released a recording of hymns. This is the
BIG fellowship, folks. Join us.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Barbara. He came first to participate in the Recovery Group on Wednesday nights and in
the last year found his way regularly to first worship and the Early Christians Sunday
School Class. Like many of us have experienced, Jim lived with an addiction which was
about to destroy his life, until he made a significant turn. Alcoholics Anonymous helped
him to find the discipline and support to get started and then pointed him back to the
church and a renewed relationship with Christ. Two months ago, he gave a significant
testimony in a Friday luncheon with Senior Adults and Friends. On Friday, October 10,
2008, Jim died suddenly and unexpectedly at sixty years of age of an apparent heart
attack. A Celebration of Life service was held in the sanctuary on Saturday, October 18,
2008, at 11:30 AM. We extend our love and prayers to Barbara and her children, Amy
and Sam, and their extended family. May Jim’s life encourage others to make turns that
are needed. May his death teach us that life is fragile and too brief. May his testimony
teach us that it is a good thing to say out loud what God is doing in your life.
One young woman and three young men were presented their local license for ministerial
service in second worship on Sunday, October 19, 2008. They were Jake Resor,
Daniel Smith, Shane Tarter, and Kelley Christian Van Atta. Jake, Daniel, and K.C. are
pastoral ministry majors at Trevecca Nazarene University. Jake and Daniel are freshmen.
K.C. is a sophomore. Shane serves as our Senior High Pastor. He is a graduate of
MTSU and a grad student in the School of Religion at Trevecca. This is a first license
which must be renewed every year as each individual processes through district licensing
lead-ing to ordination. Their calling speaks to the faithfulness of this community in
Christ.
Spencer and April Baggott, members of HCN, have received their missional assignment
to the French Equatorial Field covering Rwanda, Burundi, and portions of the
Congo. Their home and headquarters will be in Kigali, Rwanda. April will work in the
area of finance. Spencer will assist pastors in processing the course of ministerial study
and administratively assist the Field Strategy Coordinator. They have invested the last
year in language school in Senegal. Pray for a smooth and safe transition and for effective
and productive ministry.
Pastor Ronnie Thompson led LiveWire (middle school) Students on their Fall Charge
to the John Knox Center in east Tennessee last weekend. Chaperones included Ronnie,
Treila Garrett, Keli Green, and Hayley Hill. Chargers included Keegan Brown, Shelby
Combs, Clarissa Davis, Josh Elkins, Hannah Garrett, Isabella Green, Sophie Green,
Kevin Helm, Alex Houser, Isaac Houser, Hannah Jackson, Nathanael Jackson, Rachel
Jones, Avie Joyce, Jessie Joyce, Jonathan Mowry, Emily Paddon, Kristin Paddon, Taylor
Vines, and Bret Washing. Talk to some of the youth about the team building events with
the capacity to scare you to death.
One of the most promising options for altering Corey Marlowe’s life sentence in a
federal prison was dashed last week when the Supreme Court refused to hear his appeal.
The court had weeded through cases they would receive and Corey’s case kept making
the cut. Four justices needed to sign on to hear the appeal and only one signed. I received
a letter from Corey today expressing his great disappointment and weariness. Would you
take the time right now before you finish reading this letter and pray that God would give
Corey strength and peace that passes understanding and that the next step would become
crystal clear? Pray like you would pray if Corey was your son.
Alabaster Offerings for mission construction are supposed to be received in
September and February in the Church of the Nazarene. Jon Alderman tried to give his
offering to me several weeks ago. He thought we had received it and he had missed it. I
was embar-rassed and asked him to wait. Could we plan to receive the offering this
Sunday, October 26, 2008, at the beginning of each worship service? Alabaster Offerings
are largely composed of loose change collected over a period of time in boxes, jars, or
any other keeper. 100% of offerings are used to build churches, parsonages, schools, and
hospitals in world mission areas where funds are not available.
As a worshipping congregation, we intercede weekly for the safety of soldiers who
serve in dangerous global areas. As pastor, I depend on you to add names and to remove
names when the soldier returns home. Would you check this list for actively deployed
soldiers and if you find someone who has returned home, call the church office at
847-3335 or email me at hlplummer@aol.com. Thanks. Ben Walker, Marshall Tucker,
Michael Bobel, Veronica Maxwell, Tigh (Ti) Gustafson, Nathanael Badders, Linus
Byars, Shay Coats, Paul Jordan, Tom Ferguson, Josh Baker, Marshall Liddle, Mark
Morgan, Ryan Husted, Chad Adams, Billy Poe, Chris Middleton, Peter and Debra Lee,
Bret Calhoon, Zachary Hallum, Micah Smith, Frank Clark, Chris Manning, Cody Mang,
Matthew Bateman, Doran Ray Daugherty, Chuck Vaughn, Andrew Rist, Timothy and
Elizabeth Pool, Nicholas Culora, Cole Ebel, Luke Carroll.
You are invited to the Fall Fish Fry at HCN this Sunday, October 26, 2008, at 5:00
PM on the west end of the church campus. Wayne McNeese and an expanded cooking
team fry fish filets, home cut fries, and hushpuppies and Women’s Ministries prepares
the slaw, condiments, and paper products. The Early Christian Sunday School Class is
responsible for set-up, assisting service, and clean-up. Everyone is asked to bring a large
drink and dessert. All food will be consumed outdoors, so wear warm clothes and bring
your lawn chair. The Chigger Hill Boys and Terri provide the finest bluegrass music
around during the fellowship (including our own Ricky and Terri Gore). I have heard
through the grapevine that the group has just released a recording of hymns. This is the
BIG fellowship, folks. Join us.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
October 14, 2008
It is early Tuesday morning in Gatlinburg. Anna and I drove up yesterday morning to spend four nights away in a house provided to us by the grace of God. It is wonderfully cool on the outside deck where I went to read God's word. God's word is wonderfully fresh. I have prayed for you and for your new day where ever you are this morning.
Matthew and Sabrina Keener presented their son, Levi Samuel Keener, in dedication to the Lord Jesus on Sunday, October 12,2008, in the 10:15 AM service in The Center. It was Levi's first Sunday in church since his birth. He was joined at the altar by his brother, Trace; his grandparents: Jerry and Marilyn Keener, Paul and Cheryl Cote; his aunt and uncle, Julie and Aaron Foster; his cousins: Caleb, Lydia, Ethan, Elizabeth. Levi slept peacefully through most of his blessing journey, occasionally opening one eye to see who was touching his toes. Levi's dad, Matthew, is a child of Hermitage Church so it was a special joy for all of us to participate in the dedication of this child. We bless the Lord who has blessed Matthew and Sabrina with a child to love and to teach and to bring to Him.
Congratulations to the Children's Quiz Team which participated in a Zone Quiz on Saturday, October 11,2008. Red level team members were Brielle Fox, Briley Ruff, and Daniel Silvernail. Brielle earned a gold all-star ribbon and quizzed two perfect rounds. Briley earned a gold all-star ribbon and quizzed two perfect rounds. Daniel earned a gold ribbon and quizzed one perfect round. Blue level team members were Bryson Fox, Bethany Ruff, Drew Silvernail, and Jonathan Silvernail. Bryson earned a gold all-star ribbon and quizzed two perfect rounds. Bethany earned a gold all-star ribbon and quizzed two perfect rounds. Drew earned a gold ribbon and quizzed one perfect round. Jonathan earned a gold all-star ribbon and quizzed two perfect rounds. The Blue Team answered six out of eight bonus questions and received third place in the quiz. All of the children recited all ef their memory verses. We recopiized and honored them at the beginning of second worship service on Sunday.
Dr. Bob Broadbooks has accepted his election by the General Board of the Church of the Nazarene to serve as Executive Director of USA/Canada Mission in the new general church headquarters in Lenexa, Kansas. The assignment begins on November 1,2008. The practical consequence of that election is that we lose our district superintendent in Tennessee. We also lose Dr. Bob and Carol as members of Hermitage Church. AND Maxwell Mullins, Keely Mullins, and Matthew Mullins have to deal with grandparents, parents, and parents-in-law moving from the South to the Midwest. We love Bob and Carol Broadbooks with affection and while we congratulate them on this assignment, we express our sadness at their leaving.
Allow me to tell you about three events that could be relevant to you.
· First, five young men and women will receive their first local license in ministrythis Sunday, October 19, 2008, in the 10:15 AM service. The license arerecommended by the pastor, approved by the church board, and presented afterprayer in worship. They are Hayley Hill, Jake Resor, Daniel Smith, Shane Tarter,and Kelley Christian Van Atta.
· Second, Women's Ministries is sponsoring a First Seasonal Flair on Thursday,October 23,2008, at Hermitage Church at 6:30 PM. Tickets are on sale for $5.The event will leave you with lots of ideas, brunch, recipes, and a heart motivatedand ready for the holidays. Every piece of the event is First Class.
· Third, Mark Greathouse, Bob Bishop, Ken Stegall, and Herb McMillan aremembers of the Heritage Men's Chorale which sings in concert on Friday,October 24,2008, at 7:00 PM in the Trevecca Community Church sanctuary.Part of that concert is a hymn sing of old, old hymns. You have a personalinvitation from Mark, Bob, Ken, and Herb.
October is Clergy Appreciation month and it would be a great time for you to send a card, write a note, extend a kindness to Rondy Smith, Carol Waller, Sam Green, Ronnie Thompson, Ken Jewett, or Shane Tarter. They form the extremely gifted Hermitage Pastoral Staff Team. Find a way to tell them they are valued.
I love you and I am grateful for this day.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Matthew and Sabrina Keener presented their son, Levi Samuel Keener, in dedication to the Lord Jesus on Sunday, October 12,2008, in the 10:15 AM service in The Center. It was Levi's first Sunday in church since his birth. He was joined at the altar by his brother, Trace; his grandparents: Jerry and Marilyn Keener, Paul and Cheryl Cote; his aunt and uncle, Julie and Aaron Foster; his cousins: Caleb, Lydia, Ethan, Elizabeth. Levi slept peacefully through most of his blessing journey, occasionally opening one eye to see who was touching his toes. Levi's dad, Matthew, is a child of Hermitage Church so it was a special joy for all of us to participate in the dedication of this child. We bless the Lord who has blessed Matthew and Sabrina with a child to love and to teach and to bring to Him.
Congratulations to the Children's Quiz Team which participated in a Zone Quiz on Saturday, October 11,2008. Red level team members were Brielle Fox, Briley Ruff, and Daniel Silvernail. Brielle earned a gold all-star ribbon and quizzed two perfect rounds. Briley earned a gold all-star ribbon and quizzed two perfect rounds. Daniel earned a gold ribbon and quizzed one perfect round. Blue level team members were Bryson Fox, Bethany Ruff, Drew Silvernail, and Jonathan Silvernail. Bryson earned a gold all-star ribbon and quizzed two perfect rounds. Bethany earned a gold all-star ribbon and quizzed two perfect rounds. Drew earned a gold ribbon and quizzed one perfect round. Jonathan earned a gold all-star ribbon and quizzed two perfect rounds. The Blue Team answered six out of eight bonus questions and received third place in the quiz. All of the children recited all ef their memory verses. We recopiized and honored them at the beginning of second worship service on Sunday.
Dr. Bob Broadbooks has accepted his election by the General Board of the Church of the Nazarene to serve as Executive Director of USA/Canada Mission in the new general church headquarters in Lenexa, Kansas. The assignment begins on November 1,2008. The practical consequence of that election is that we lose our district superintendent in Tennessee. We also lose Dr. Bob and Carol as members of Hermitage Church. AND Maxwell Mullins, Keely Mullins, and Matthew Mullins have to deal with grandparents, parents, and parents-in-law moving from the South to the Midwest. We love Bob and Carol Broadbooks with affection and while we congratulate them on this assignment, we express our sadness at their leaving.
Allow me to tell you about three events that could be relevant to you.
· First, five young men and women will receive their first local license in ministrythis Sunday, October 19, 2008, in the 10:15 AM service. The license arerecommended by the pastor, approved by the church board, and presented afterprayer in worship. They are Hayley Hill, Jake Resor, Daniel Smith, Shane Tarter,and Kelley Christian Van Atta.
· Second, Women's Ministries is sponsoring a First Seasonal Flair on Thursday,October 23,2008, at Hermitage Church at 6:30 PM. Tickets are on sale for $5.The event will leave you with lots of ideas, brunch, recipes, and a heart motivatedand ready for the holidays. Every piece of the event is First Class.
· Third, Mark Greathouse, Bob Bishop, Ken Stegall, and Herb McMillan aremembers of the Heritage Men's Chorale which sings in concert on Friday,October 24,2008, at 7:00 PM in the Trevecca Community Church sanctuary.Part of that concert is a hymn sing of old, old hymns. You have a personalinvitation from Mark, Bob, Ken, and Herb.
October is Clergy Appreciation month and it would be a great time for you to send a card, write a note, extend a kindness to Rondy Smith, Carol Waller, Sam Green, Ronnie Thompson, Ken Jewett, or Shane Tarter. They form the extremely gifted Hermitage Pastoral Staff Team. Find a way to tell them they are valued.
I love you and I am grateful for this day.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
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