There are so many people to recognize this week that it is hard to know the most appropriate place to begin. So, I think I will begin with Savannah Szyperski. I recorded her birth stats in last week’s letter but I had yet to make a pastoral visit to the hospital. Her mother, Debbie, asked me if I wanted to hold Savannah when I came to visit and I needed no more encouragement. She is beautiful, sleepy and smells wonderfully sweet.
John and Rachelle Reigard presented their son, Austin Perry Reigard, in dedication to the Lord on Sunday, March 29, 2009, in the 10:15 AM service. Austin was joined at the altar by his brother, Grant; his sisters, Camille and Abby; his grandparents, Kenneth and Virginia Reigard; his uncle and aunt, Rod and Emily DeVore; his cousins, Trey, Owen, and Lyla. Paul Vann sang the dedication song and Austin blew bubbles through his blessing journey. We bless the Lord who has blessed John and Rachelle with a son to teach and to lead to Him.
Children’s Bible Quizzing concluded last Saturday, March 28, 2009, on the district level. The meet was held at Clarksville Park Lane Church. Red level quizzers were Sara Waller, Daniel Silvernail, Brielle Fox, and Briley Ruff. Sara received a gold all-star trophy, perfect quiz, $100 scholarship to TNU. Daniel received a gold all-star trophy, perfect quiz, memory verse trophy, and $100 scholarship to TNU. Brielle received a gold all-star trophy, one perfect round, memory verse trophy, and $100 scholarship to TNU. Briley received a gold medal trophy and memory verse trophy. Blue level quizzers were Bethany Ruff, Bryson Fox, Jonathan Silvernail, Drew Silvernail. Bethany received a gold all-star trophy, perfect quiz, memory verse trophy, and $100 scholarship to TNU. Bryson received a gold all-star trophy, one perfect round, memory verse trophy, and $100 scholarship to TNU. Jonathan received a gold medal trophy and memory verse trophy. Drew received a silver medal trophy and memory verse trophy. Bethany and Bryson qualify to quiz at the Southeastern Regional Quiz and all quizzers qualified to quiz at the World Quiz Finals in Orlando, Florida, this summer. Congratulations on a super season!
Congratulations to Kurt Kile, who graduated from Navy Basic Training on Friday, March 20, 2009, in Chicago, Illinois. In a ceremony of 5,500+ people, including his parents, Kent and Kim, and sisters, Katie and Kelsey, Kurt officially became a sailor with 1,096 compatriots. He will be stationed in Pensacola, Florida, for advanced training in jet aircraft maintenance. The Kiles appreciate your continued prayers.
Will Miranne starred in a production of “Hello, Dolly” at DCA last weekend on Friday, Saturday, March 27-28, 2009. He filled the role of Cornelius Hackl, who partici-pates in two fine occupations: singing and kissing. I have reports that the acting and singing were great. We need to talk to the prom queen about the kissing. Kudos to Will.
The Mt. Juliet Men’s Baseball Team includes three significant players from HCN: Logan Dalton, Taylor Haydel, Matt Sedgewick. Matt pitched a no-hitter against McGavock in the first game of the season. Taylor pitched a one-hit shut-out on March 16, 2009, against Hendersonville in the 9-AAA opener. Taylor also had two hits in the game. Logan Dalton hit a RBI triple in the fourth inning and also doubled in the game. Taylor pitched again on March 23, 2009, against LaVergne, striking out twelve batters with no walks as coaches from Vanderbilt, MTSU, and Western KY watched. He hit a pair of singles in that game. Get a schedule and go cheer for the Golden Bears.
The six male college freshmen from HCN who room together at TNU’s Benson Hall are featured in an article entitled “Arriving at the Destination—Together,” in the Spring 2009 issue of The Treveccan. Find their photo and article in the glass bulletin board outside The Center. Great to see the smiling faces of Derek Brinkman, Michael Follis, Preston Hunt, Jake Resor, Daniel Smith, and Tanner Webb.
The Early Christians Sunday School Class hosted Room-in-the-Inn on Saturday night, Sunday morning, March 28-29, 2009. Once again, the church provided warm food, warm and dry beds, opportunities to wash clothes or shower to ten men without homes. Thanks to Wayne McNeese for driving to and from the city. Thanks to the following people for providing leadership, food, and chaperoning: Paul and Pam Stonecipher, Robert and Barbara Parrish, Harry and Donna Wood, Bob and Wanda Bishop, Herb and Miriam McMillan, Dot Waffird, Bobby Meadows, Lucy Cline, Wendell Poole, Sandra Kurtz, and Linda Parkhurst. What a privilege to serve others in the name of Jesus. Thanks to the named and un-named, including those who gave to purchase the ham.
This Sunday, April 5, 2009, is Palm Sunday and the evening activities include:
· The Annual Easter Egg Hunt for children from infancy through grade 4. Children’s Pastor Carol Waller told me in staff meeting that we need lots of plastic eggs filled with non-chocolate candy to be brought to church this week through Sunday morning. Eggs will be hidden in late afternoon so it is too late to bring them past the morning.
· The Farewell Occasion for the Ronnie Thompson Family. Ronnie’s official last Sunday as Middle School Pastor is Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009. However, this is the most sensible social time to express our appreciation to Ronnie and Jenni, Ben and Shelby. You will probably see Jenni, Ben, and Shelby while school finishes. Bring a card and include some cash or a gift card as you feel directed.
I want to make a last appeal to you to take the risk with unchurched family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers and invite them to church with you this Sunday and next Sunday. People go to church on Easter Sunday. You have to ask. Take the risk and make a difference in a life, a marriage, a family, an eternity.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
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