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
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