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