Congratulations to Joe and Jami Walker who received a three week old infant girl this morning, January 26, 2009, to adopt, to take home to love. She was born on January 1, 2009. Joe and Jami have named her Caroline Hope Walker. We rejoice.
Pastor Shane Tarter led Building One (Senior High Students) in hosting Room-in-the-Inn on Saturday evening, Sunday morning for ten homeless men. The students who served and socialized were Ben Mabry, Callie Rice, Avery Blomberg, Adrie Brown, Cassie Hunt, Daniel Jones, Hunter Steinmetz, Taylor Steinmetz, Brandon Shepard, Dalton Winfree, Mathew Bastin, Jonathan Tigabu, Lauren Lavery, Alex Hamer, Palmer Maphet, Brian Brinkman, Ryan Mahoney, Graham Scott, Katie Scott, Matt Follis, Jared Angle, Reed McCoy, and Grant McCoy. The adults who assisted with food and trans-portation were Wayne McNeese, Ole and Rene Blomberg, Sandra Hunt, Beth Rice, Kristi Mabry, Ted and Jody Brown, Paul Stonecipher, Ed and Sandy Mahoney, and Shane. Katie Stonecipher was left off the list of host workers when the College/University students served last month. Thanks to everyone who served in the name of Jesus. Two Sunday School Classes combine to host Room-in-the-Inn on February 21-22, 2009, but with limited resources. HCN Coordinator, Paul Stonecipher, is recruiting a few helpers to assist. Contact Karen Tillman or Paul Stonecipher for information.
Pray for Kurt Kile who left on Sunday afternoon for weeks of training in the United States Navy. Pray for safety and endurance and presence. Kurt joins Justin Smith who left our congregation in December for training in the United States Marine Corp.
Rodney Jones, a member of HCN and representative of Gideons International, opened both services on Sunday, January 25, 2009, with a DVD of new Gideon Expressions Cards and an opportunity to receive the cards after services. Gideons place scriptures in more places around the world than any other non-profit organization known to me. If you were not able to speak with Rodney yesterday, an attractive rack of cards are available in the lobby of The Center. Thanks, Rodney.
Thanks to my friends, Bryce and Beth Fox and Dorinda Biggs, who led congregational singing and the choir in worship on Sunday, January 25, 2009, in the place of Dr. Sam Green. Bryce, Beth, and Dorinda are examples of the very talented people who step-up to fill the gaps around this great faith community. Dr. Green, also known as Sammy G., returns to the USA this Saturday and will lead worship on Sunday.
Pastor Ken Jewett worked for weeks to get the College/University Students into the Nashville Rescue Mission to serve an evening meal. Last Monday, January 19, 2009, they were allowed in and served in all of the beauty of plastic hairnets. Because of the cold, the normal 350-400 people expanded to 600 people with needs for food. They plan to return this week with a goal to not only serve the hungry but to build relationships with the kitchen workers. The group included Tanner Webb, JT Blue, David Tigabu, Jonathan Robbins, Hayley Hill, Daniel Smith, Derek Brinkman, Jake Resor, and Ken.
Ken Jewett also spoke in the Junior Class Chapel at Trevecca Nazarene University last week. Spreading the word and the love.
Pastor Ronnie Thompson took advantage of his position last Saturday morning. Ronnie serves as Middle School Pastor and also gives leadership to all of the Upwards Sports ministries at HCN. When basketball season started on Saturday, January 17, 2009, in The Center, he noticed one of the player’s granddaddy present. He was Whispering Bill Anderson. So, before yesterday’s games were over, the country music legend was in Ronnie’s office, strumming Ronnie’s guitar, which he autographed before he left.
If you are interested in playing on a men’s softball team in a church league this spring, an introductory sign-up meeting will be held in the Parlor this Sunday, February 1, 2009, after second service. Three teams are in recruitment, one for Senior High students.
Lots of responses were received from the brief Sunday bulletin survey regarding needs for surviving the economic storm. Pete Benson, HCN member and founder of his own financial group, has offered to lead a practical helps seminar. We are searching for the right schedule to reach the most people. Dr. Rondy Smith is coordinating this event.
Do you remember when I told you last week that Nazarenes follow four degrees of separation rather than six? On Friday, Dr. Sam Green sent me an email from Trinidad, where he is teaching for two weeks, to tell me a work and witness team was there last week from the North Carolina District (my home district). Three of the people knew me as a child or teen, and one as a pastor in the same city.
Pray for the world and the country and the state and the counties and the cities when you pray. Pray for godly wisdom to prevail in each government, in the heart and mind of each elected representative. Pray for people in our congregation who have lost/are losing their jobs. Pray for the sick and those who are healing and grieving. Pay attention to the margin between the call of God in your life and your obedience. Welcome his kingdom into your heart and life where he rules and reigns.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Monday, January 26, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
January 19, 2009
Thanks to Dr. Rondy Smith for preaching in both morning worship services on Sunday, January 18, 2009, at HCN. Although Rondy preached in a Kenyan church last summer and in a Trevecca Nazarene University Chapel last month, she had not preached in her local church since her ordination last July, 2008. Rondy is a master teacher with a bright mind and strong communication gifts. Thanks to Pastor Ken Jewett for teaching the Early Christian Sunday School Class at 8:00 AM last Sunday morning. He also taught the Emerge Class (College/University Students) at 9:00 AM. Thanks to Bryce and Beth Fox, Dorinda Biggs, and Paul Vann for leading congregational worship on Sunday and to Dorinda for directing the choir. Bill Stricklin reported for the congregation this morning via email. He told me who taught his Sunday School Class; who he met fixing the door so he could come in; who were the celebrities he had seen on television last week; who directed the choir; who sang the special; who directed the congregational singing; who preached and the scripture from which she preached. Then he told me what a gift from God she is. What a gift Bill is.
Pastor Shane Tarter led the Building One Senior High troop on their winter retreat to Gatlinburg last weekend, January 16-19, 2009. Retreaters included Allyssa Maphet, Jessica Dozier, Christi Fite, Amanda Steelman, Madeleine Moser, Whitney Gonyea, Anna-Laura Green, Cassie Hunt, Emily Wilson, Matt Follis, Andrew Kawczynski, Dalton Winfree, Taylor Steinmetz, Hunter Steinmetz, Brian Brinkman, Taylor Wallace, Christian Roberts, Cali Crosslin, Alex Hamer, Lauren Lavery, Matt Sedgwick, Graham Scott, Daniel Jones, Kyle Smith, Jeff Blankenship, Palmer Maphet, Matt Bastin, Ben Mabry, and Dylan Merritt. Chaperones and chauffeurs included Brady Plummer, Holly Steinmetz, Sandra Hunt, Bobby Smith, Kristi Dozier, and YP Shane.
Four years ago, on January 21, 2005, I ate lunch in the President’s Dining Room at Trevecca Nazarene University. The purpose of the meeting was the introduction of pastors and pastoral interns for the semester. Caleb Henry was the intern assigned to Hermitage Church. He was skinny and introverted and drove a truck that looked like it was on its last leg. Caleb was a Nazarene preacher’s kid just returned to school from a semester off while he worked in a factory to earn money for his education. He carried a full load of hours at Trevecca, worked 2:00 AM shifts loading trucks at UPS, and attend-ed every Sunday and Wednesday service scheduled at the church. Many of you will remember Caleb from leading responsive readings and The Lord’s Prayer in first service or filling in for me in teaching a class. I remember him because he was a rare young man responsible for himself early in life with no complaints. Not one whine. Caleb is now a senior at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Last September, Caleb asked his high school girlfriend to marry him and after she said yes, he asked if I would come to Lexington to do the honors. Last Saturday afternoon, Anna and I were two of ninety guests in a historic Presbyterian Church in Paris, Kentucky, witnessing the uniting of Caleb Henry and Ashley McCorkle in marriage. When we came to the conclusion of the very high church service and the groom and bride were pronounced husband and wife, I gave Caleb permission to kiss Ashley. It was the first time they have ever kissed on the mouth. In a world that lives with few values and morals, it was a good moment for everyone present. Some people walk to the beat of a different drum, but rarely so carefully. I am glad I went to lunch four years ago.
But I am not through with the story. The musician for the wedding and reception was Kendall Turnbough, a former student of Dr. Sam Green at Trevecca. Kendall was Caleb’s freshman roommate at Trevecca. He sat with us in the wedding socials and talked about HCN. He was in the spring choir which visited from Trevecca the year we hired Sam in the fall. Jared Henry served as a groomsman for his younger brother. Jared is the pastor of the Church of the Nazarene in Greensburg, Kentucky. It is a congregation organized in 1985 with Mark and Jan Greathouse as charter members. Mark and Jan are now members of HCN. He sends his greetings to them.
There were other connections and blessings in the weekend. Gary, Laura, Garrison, Rachel, and Sam Hughes are members of HCN who now live in Lexington, Kentucky, due to Gary’s work. When the Hughes joined HCN in February 2003, we were already bonded. Sam is now four years old but one of Anna’s babies from his nursery days. Not only did the Hughes host us in their home but Gary sent and handed me details of every road we would need to travel for the wedding and rehearsal and reception. When we got lost one evening, he drove to where we were to make sure we arrived safely. He cooked crepes to order for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning and checked on us when we drove home on Sunday in a snow storm. In the times, we were not with Caleb and Ashley, Kendall and Jared, we enjoyed the wonderful company of the Hughes family.
There is a small world phenomenon which proposes that everyone is connected by six degrees of separation. I actually think in Nazarene circles, it may be more like four degrees of separation. I am thinking about how thankful I am that the church has connected me to a wonderful world of people I would never know without her. My life is better because I know you.
I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Pastor Shane Tarter led the Building One Senior High troop on their winter retreat to Gatlinburg last weekend, January 16-19, 2009. Retreaters included Allyssa Maphet, Jessica Dozier, Christi Fite, Amanda Steelman, Madeleine Moser, Whitney Gonyea, Anna-Laura Green, Cassie Hunt, Emily Wilson, Matt Follis, Andrew Kawczynski, Dalton Winfree, Taylor Steinmetz, Hunter Steinmetz, Brian Brinkman, Taylor Wallace, Christian Roberts, Cali Crosslin, Alex Hamer, Lauren Lavery, Matt Sedgwick, Graham Scott, Daniel Jones, Kyle Smith, Jeff Blankenship, Palmer Maphet, Matt Bastin, Ben Mabry, and Dylan Merritt. Chaperones and chauffeurs included Brady Plummer, Holly Steinmetz, Sandra Hunt, Bobby Smith, Kristi Dozier, and YP Shane.
Four years ago, on January 21, 2005, I ate lunch in the President’s Dining Room at Trevecca Nazarene University. The purpose of the meeting was the introduction of pastors and pastoral interns for the semester. Caleb Henry was the intern assigned to Hermitage Church. He was skinny and introverted and drove a truck that looked like it was on its last leg. Caleb was a Nazarene preacher’s kid just returned to school from a semester off while he worked in a factory to earn money for his education. He carried a full load of hours at Trevecca, worked 2:00 AM shifts loading trucks at UPS, and attend-ed every Sunday and Wednesday service scheduled at the church. Many of you will remember Caleb from leading responsive readings and The Lord’s Prayer in first service or filling in for me in teaching a class. I remember him because he was a rare young man responsible for himself early in life with no complaints. Not one whine. Caleb is now a senior at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Last September, Caleb asked his high school girlfriend to marry him and after she said yes, he asked if I would come to Lexington to do the honors. Last Saturday afternoon, Anna and I were two of ninety guests in a historic Presbyterian Church in Paris, Kentucky, witnessing the uniting of Caleb Henry and Ashley McCorkle in marriage. When we came to the conclusion of the very high church service and the groom and bride were pronounced husband and wife, I gave Caleb permission to kiss Ashley. It was the first time they have ever kissed on the mouth. In a world that lives with few values and morals, it was a good moment for everyone present. Some people walk to the beat of a different drum, but rarely so carefully. I am glad I went to lunch four years ago.
But I am not through with the story. The musician for the wedding and reception was Kendall Turnbough, a former student of Dr. Sam Green at Trevecca. Kendall was Caleb’s freshman roommate at Trevecca. He sat with us in the wedding socials and talked about HCN. He was in the spring choir which visited from Trevecca the year we hired Sam in the fall. Jared Henry served as a groomsman for his younger brother. Jared is the pastor of the Church of the Nazarene in Greensburg, Kentucky. It is a congregation organized in 1985 with Mark and Jan Greathouse as charter members. Mark and Jan are now members of HCN. He sends his greetings to them.
There were other connections and blessings in the weekend. Gary, Laura, Garrison, Rachel, and Sam Hughes are members of HCN who now live in Lexington, Kentucky, due to Gary’s work. When the Hughes joined HCN in February 2003, we were already bonded. Sam is now four years old but one of Anna’s babies from his nursery days. Not only did the Hughes host us in their home but Gary sent and handed me details of every road we would need to travel for the wedding and rehearsal and reception. When we got lost one evening, he drove to where we were to make sure we arrived safely. He cooked crepes to order for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning and checked on us when we drove home on Sunday in a snow storm. In the times, we were not with Caleb and Ashley, Kendall and Jared, we enjoyed the wonderful company of the Hughes family.
There is a small world phenomenon which proposes that everyone is connected by six degrees of separation. I actually think in Nazarene circles, it may be more like four degrees of separation. I am thinking about how thankful I am that the church has connected me to a wonderful world of people I would never know without her. My life is better because I know you.
I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Monday, January 12, 2009
January 12, 2009
Dr. Sam Green works under a special assignment for the next two weeks in the West Indies. He teaches Worship Arts Administration to students at the Caribbean Nazarene College from January 19-30, 2009. Students work during the day and then attend class for four hours each evening. He then gets to attend worship in local congregations. We all love and appreciate Sam so much that it is only fitting we should share him. Pray for his safety in travel and for the anointing of the Holy Spirit on his ministry. The Praise Team of Bryce and Beth Fox, Dorinda Biggs, and Paul Vann will lead congregational music during Sam’s absence. Dorinda Biggs will direct the choir.
The Children’s Quiz Team participated in the Zone Quiz Meet on Saturday, January 10, 2009, at Nashville Grace Church of the Nazarene. Red level quizzers were Brielle Fox, Briley Ruff, Daniel Silvernail, and Sara Waller. Each of the four had at least one perfect round. Gold All-star ribbons were presented to Brielle, Briley, and Sara. A Gold ribbon was presented to Daniel. Brielle, Briley, and Daniel earned memory verse ribbons.
Blue level quizzers were Bryson Fox, Bethany Ruff, Drew Silvernail, and Jonathan Silvernail. Gold All-star ribbons were presented to Bryson and Jonathan. A Gold ribbon was presented to Bethany. A silver ribbon was presented to Drew. The Blue Team received ribbons for the 2nd place team score. Bethany, Bryson, and Jonathan all completed the Super 7 questions and received ribbons. We congratulate the quizzers on their wonderful accomplishments and celebrate the study and memory of God’s Word. The children were recognized at the opening of second service yesterday.
Room-in-the-Inn came to Hermitage Church on Saturday night hosted by the New Horizon and College Sunday School Classes. The evening began with a tailgate party of grilled hamburgers and all the fixings and concluded with breakfast casseroles and lunch-to-go. Food, fellowship, chaperoning, and clean-up was provided by Rick Person, Erna Plaxco, Melissa Walker, Beverly Mitchell, Donna Shankle, Paul Stonecipher, Pam Stonecipher, Ken and Robin Jewett, J.T. Blue, Jake Resor, David Tigabu, Hayley Hill, Steve Peigh, Pam Williams, Logan Blomberg, Tanner Webb, Preston Hunt, Derek Brinkman. J.T., Tanner, Preston, and Derek were up with Ken at 4:30 AM to help with breakfast and clean-up. That is very impressive for college students. I think it should positively impact their grades in Tim Green’s classes this semester.
If you were cold in second service yesterday, it was not because serious people were not on top of the problem. Aaron Foster has worked for months to discover the rhyme and reason with which our heating/cooling system functions. I can testify that when I walked through The Center at 7:55 AM and again at 8:55 AM, the temperature was almost too warm. When Aaron adjusted the system one degree to make it cooler, it dropped closer to ten degrees. Trane specialists come in this week to read the journal which Aaron has prepared for them. Accept my personal apologies if you were cold. The problem is acknowledged and people smarter than me are working to solve the issue.
I know very little about the actual curriculum of Men’s Fraternity (need to read it more closely), so I will reserve my opinions there for later. However, I know the character of the men who lead Men’s Fraternity and about them, I can rave. The second thirteen week semester begins this Sunday, January 18, 2009, at 5:30 PM in Room 225. It is open for all veterans of last semester and new men for this semester. Take note of the early start at 5:30 PM and not 6:00 PM and contact Jim Knott or Greg Ruff if you have further questions. Call the church office for their contact numbers.
IRS approved contribution statements for 2008 may be available this Sunday from Recording Secretary Phil Jordan. Phil faithfully records all giving each week and then prints the forms which are signed by the both of us. Thank you to every person who has given to God and his mission through Hermitage Church of the Nazarene.
I bought a new car last week. I feel like a traitor. For twelve years, I have driven my 1997 Buick LaSabre and I traded her in last week without a word of thanks. When the general manager started to tell me all the things that were wrong with her (slow shifting from first, worn interior), I almost got defensive. He did say the exterior looked good. My kids had long ago given up their admiration. All they saw were peeling and cracking interior issues. I knew she started every morning. That counts for something. Chris Taylor walked me through the process and I am grateful. My kids are grateful. I bought a Ford. My daddy would be proud.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
The Children’s Quiz Team participated in the Zone Quiz Meet on Saturday, January 10, 2009, at Nashville Grace Church of the Nazarene. Red level quizzers were Brielle Fox, Briley Ruff, Daniel Silvernail, and Sara Waller. Each of the four had at least one perfect round. Gold All-star ribbons were presented to Brielle, Briley, and Sara. A Gold ribbon was presented to Daniel. Brielle, Briley, and Daniel earned memory verse ribbons.
Blue level quizzers were Bryson Fox, Bethany Ruff, Drew Silvernail, and Jonathan Silvernail. Gold All-star ribbons were presented to Bryson and Jonathan. A Gold ribbon was presented to Bethany. A silver ribbon was presented to Drew. The Blue Team received ribbons for the 2nd place team score. Bethany, Bryson, and Jonathan all completed the Super 7 questions and received ribbons. We congratulate the quizzers on their wonderful accomplishments and celebrate the study and memory of God’s Word. The children were recognized at the opening of second service yesterday.
Room-in-the-Inn came to Hermitage Church on Saturday night hosted by the New Horizon and College Sunday School Classes. The evening began with a tailgate party of grilled hamburgers and all the fixings and concluded with breakfast casseroles and lunch-to-go. Food, fellowship, chaperoning, and clean-up was provided by Rick Person, Erna Plaxco, Melissa Walker, Beverly Mitchell, Donna Shankle, Paul Stonecipher, Pam Stonecipher, Ken and Robin Jewett, J.T. Blue, Jake Resor, David Tigabu, Hayley Hill, Steve Peigh, Pam Williams, Logan Blomberg, Tanner Webb, Preston Hunt, Derek Brinkman. J.T., Tanner, Preston, and Derek were up with Ken at 4:30 AM to help with breakfast and clean-up. That is very impressive for college students. I think it should positively impact their grades in Tim Green’s classes this semester.
If you were cold in second service yesterday, it was not because serious people were not on top of the problem. Aaron Foster has worked for months to discover the rhyme and reason with which our heating/cooling system functions. I can testify that when I walked through The Center at 7:55 AM and again at 8:55 AM, the temperature was almost too warm. When Aaron adjusted the system one degree to make it cooler, it dropped closer to ten degrees. Trane specialists come in this week to read the journal which Aaron has prepared for them. Accept my personal apologies if you were cold. The problem is acknowledged and people smarter than me are working to solve the issue.
I know very little about the actual curriculum of Men’s Fraternity (need to read it more closely), so I will reserve my opinions there for later. However, I know the character of the men who lead Men’s Fraternity and about them, I can rave. The second thirteen week semester begins this Sunday, January 18, 2009, at 5:30 PM in Room 225. It is open for all veterans of last semester and new men for this semester. Take note of the early start at 5:30 PM and not 6:00 PM and contact Jim Knott or Greg Ruff if you have further questions. Call the church office for their contact numbers.
IRS approved contribution statements for 2008 may be available this Sunday from Recording Secretary Phil Jordan. Phil faithfully records all giving each week and then prints the forms which are signed by the both of us. Thank you to every person who has given to God and his mission through Hermitage Church of the Nazarene.
I bought a new car last week. I feel like a traitor. For twelve years, I have driven my 1997 Buick LaSabre and I traded her in last week without a word of thanks. When the general manager started to tell me all the things that were wrong with her (slow shifting from first, worn interior), I almost got defensive. He did say the exterior looked good. My kids had long ago given up their admiration. All they saw were peeling and cracking interior issues. I knew she started every morning. That counts for something. Chris Taylor walked me through the process and I am grateful. My kids are grateful. I bought a Ford. My daddy would be proud.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Monday, January 5, 2009
January 5, 2009
Congratulations to John and Rachelle Reigard on the birth of their son, Austin Perry Reigard, on Tuesday, December 30, 2008, at 2:32 PM at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee. Austin weighed 6 lbs 3 ozs and measured 19 inches in length.
He is the brother of Grant, Camille, and Abigail. I was the first visitor to see Austin after his birth. He was in the nursery getting cleaned up for company and his dad was busy taking photos and sending crazy emails to trusting, naïve friends. His mom was resting from a busy morning and getting ready for the rest of her babies to come and meet the new baby. We bless the Lord who has graced the lives of John and Rachelle with a son who is depending on their love and care and instruction.
Congratulations to Cara Harris and Nathan Brown who were married on Thursday, January 1, 2009, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chancellor Judge of Rutherford County, Robert Corlew, officiated the ceremony. Judge Corlew is Cara’s step-father. Cara is a child of the HCN family who has matured into a wonderful, gifted and giving young woman. We pray the Lord’s blessings on Cara and Nathan as they begin their life together. Cara is the granddaughter of Carrie Agee Knox.
The first worship opportunity for the Hermitage Church family in each new year is the Wesleyan Covenant Service. It is such a different service that I find myself defending it to those who ask about it. The service is full of music and the Word, confession and commitment, sacrament and prayer. Dot Waffird stopped me in the Lobby after second service to tell me how God takes one piece every year and makes it new and meaningful.
Shannon Stephens wrote on Facebook this morning that she calls it her “clean slate” service as it prepares her spiritually for another year. Carrie Ermshar stopped by the office on the way to work to say it was the most powerful service she has attended at HCN. Marilyn Jordan called on the phone to profess the good work God is continuing to do in her life including the covenant service. Tiffany Mathias emailed that it was a touch of heaven for her. Thanks to the vocalists who sang in each service: Beverly Sharpe, Beth Fox, Sam and Keli Green, Emily Sullivan, and Dorinda Biggs. Thanks to the instrumentalists who played the music that made you want to sing: Willard Brinkman, Michael Waller, Dave Flint, Donny Jackson, Graham Scott, Randy Layne, Ricky Gore, Paul Bolling. The Holy Spirit is so faithful to give distinctive life to each service. First service was sacred and reflective and liturgical. Second service was emotional and dynamic and demonstrative. I worshipped in both and stand amazed at the greatness of our God. Remember: Jesus is full of grace and truth. Tell it.
The first meeting for those interested in participating in a mission trip to Africa in 2010 was held on Sunday, January 4, 2009, at 6:00 PM in the Sanctuary. Forty-eight people signed a register sheet with their name and email address. The relative secure date is June 11-26, 2010. Five specific projects are now in dream works stage. If you were not able to attend but would like to be added to the list, send a note to hlplummer@aol.com. For those people who have not dared to tell anyone that they would like to go but the Holy Spirit is stirring in your heart, put the date on your calendar. What do you have to lose?
Some years ago, the church purchased liturgical cloths for the sanctuary communion table and pulpit which direct us in the Christian year. The cloths are purple at Advent, white for Christmas, purple for Lent, white for Easter, red for Pentecost, green for the season after Pentecost. Each cloth is now amply stained with grape communion juice and/or candle wax. One family in the church talked to me for months about purchasing new cloths and offered to pay the entire bill of $556 to replace them. When I ordered the cloths, I suggested that they pay one-quarter of the bill and allow others to share the cost. Two families have now given $139 each with the need for two more sponsors remaining. I know the church well enough to know there are two other families who would like to share in this particular expense. Make your check to the church and mark it for pulpit/
communion cloths. We use the new cloths this Sunday, January 11, 2009.
When you think about all the issues in your life and wonder if you can make it, consider that people in your church have confronted the following events in their lives over the last month: sat with a sister who was disconnected from life support systems; awoke from surgery less one kidney; survived the last radiation treatment which had followed chemo treatment which had followed radical surgery; pulled from a car which rolled on the interstate and then caught on fire. Receive encouragement to know that whatever your troubles, whatever your suffering, God is present with you and will give you strength in times of trial if you will let Him.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
He is the brother of Grant, Camille, and Abigail. I was the first visitor to see Austin after his birth. He was in the nursery getting cleaned up for company and his dad was busy taking photos and sending crazy emails to trusting, naïve friends. His mom was resting from a busy morning and getting ready for the rest of her babies to come and meet the new baby. We bless the Lord who has graced the lives of John and Rachelle with a son who is depending on their love and care and instruction.
Congratulations to Cara Harris and Nathan Brown who were married on Thursday, January 1, 2009, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chancellor Judge of Rutherford County, Robert Corlew, officiated the ceremony. Judge Corlew is Cara’s step-father. Cara is a child of the HCN family who has matured into a wonderful, gifted and giving young woman. We pray the Lord’s blessings on Cara and Nathan as they begin their life together. Cara is the granddaughter of Carrie Agee Knox.
The first worship opportunity for the Hermitage Church family in each new year is the Wesleyan Covenant Service. It is such a different service that I find myself defending it to those who ask about it. The service is full of music and the Word, confession and commitment, sacrament and prayer. Dot Waffird stopped me in the Lobby after second service to tell me how God takes one piece every year and makes it new and meaningful.
Shannon Stephens wrote on Facebook this morning that she calls it her “clean slate” service as it prepares her spiritually for another year. Carrie Ermshar stopped by the office on the way to work to say it was the most powerful service she has attended at HCN. Marilyn Jordan called on the phone to profess the good work God is continuing to do in her life including the covenant service. Tiffany Mathias emailed that it was a touch of heaven for her. Thanks to the vocalists who sang in each service: Beverly Sharpe, Beth Fox, Sam and Keli Green, Emily Sullivan, and Dorinda Biggs. Thanks to the instrumentalists who played the music that made you want to sing: Willard Brinkman, Michael Waller, Dave Flint, Donny Jackson, Graham Scott, Randy Layne, Ricky Gore, Paul Bolling. The Holy Spirit is so faithful to give distinctive life to each service. First service was sacred and reflective and liturgical. Second service was emotional and dynamic and demonstrative. I worshipped in both and stand amazed at the greatness of our God. Remember: Jesus is full of grace and truth. Tell it.
The first meeting for those interested in participating in a mission trip to Africa in 2010 was held on Sunday, January 4, 2009, at 6:00 PM in the Sanctuary. Forty-eight people signed a register sheet with their name and email address. The relative secure date is June 11-26, 2010. Five specific projects are now in dream works stage. If you were not able to attend but would like to be added to the list, send a note to hlplummer@aol.com. For those people who have not dared to tell anyone that they would like to go but the Holy Spirit is stirring in your heart, put the date on your calendar. What do you have to lose?
Some years ago, the church purchased liturgical cloths for the sanctuary communion table and pulpit which direct us in the Christian year. The cloths are purple at Advent, white for Christmas, purple for Lent, white for Easter, red for Pentecost, green for the season after Pentecost. Each cloth is now amply stained with grape communion juice and/or candle wax. One family in the church talked to me for months about purchasing new cloths and offered to pay the entire bill of $556 to replace them. When I ordered the cloths, I suggested that they pay one-quarter of the bill and allow others to share the cost. Two families have now given $139 each with the need for two more sponsors remaining. I know the church well enough to know there are two other families who would like to share in this particular expense. Make your check to the church and mark it for pulpit/
communion cloths. We use the new cloths this Sunday, January 11, 2009.
When you think about all the issues in your life and wonder if you can make it, consider that people in your church have confronted the following events in their lives over the last month: sat with a sister who was disconnected from life support systems; awoke from surgery less one kidney; survived the last radiation treatment which had followed chemo treatment which had followed radical surgery; pulled from a car which rolled on the interstate and then caught on fire. Receive encouragement to know that whatever your troubles, whatever your suffering, God is present with you and will give you strength in times of trial if you will let Him.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
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