Dr. Sam Green led the HCN Choir and Worship Band in a morning of music and narration on Palm Sunday, April 5, 2009. “He Chose the Nails” resulted in an opportunity to tell the story of the Cross one more time to people who know it best. Thanks to the excellent instrumentalists: Paul Bolling, Dave Flint, Ricky Gore, Donny Jackson, Randy Layne, Andy McCormick, Graham Scott, and Michael Waller. Thanks to the inspired soloists: Dorinda Biggs, Christi Fite, Beth Fox, Keli Green, John Jordan, Emily Sullivan, and Miriam McMillan. Thanks to the magnificent choir: Ole Blomberg, Will Chambers, Bryce Fox, Marvin Heath, John Jordan, Art Kurtz, Herb McMillan, Ryan Means, Mike Orrick, Ken Stegall, Mark Washing, Renita Amity, Lisa Anderson, Dorinda Biggs, Sami Chambers, Ashley Crues, Jessica Dozier, Christi Fite, Keli Green, JoAnn Jackson, Pam McNeese, Miriam McMillan, Kate O’Connell, Sarah Vaden, Brenda Waffird, Dalene Barnett, Janeene Davis, Julie Foster, Beth Fox, Anna-Laura Green, Sandra Kurtz, Madeline Moser, Anna Plummer, Emily Sullivan, and Betty Willis. There were 880 cups served in communion.
The Easter Egg Hunt at 5:00 PM brought out a great crowd. Because the west end parking lots were blocked for reasons of safety for children, cars were parked all over the east end lawn. The storm which rained all over Nashville never touched us. Every child I interviewed carried away more eggs than they could carry. Six hundred plates were put out for the cook-out, eat-in and one hundred more were added when those were used. For the first time, we ran out of hamburgers, hotdogs, and chicken. Even the bowls were bare when I walked past the tables at the end. Thanks to our faithful cooking crew of Wayne McNeese, Kenny McNeese, Ricky McNeese, Ken Koon, Darrell Moody, Dan Scott, and Paul Stonecipher. Thanks to the kitchen crew of Lisa Anderson, Pam McNeese, Kylee Koon, Dianne McNeese, and Dot Waffird for doing all the slicing and dicing. Thanks to the Bread Breakers and Journey Sunday School Classes for set-up and service and clean-up before and after the meal.
This Sunday, April 12, 2009, is Middle School Pastor Ronnie Thompson’s last Sunday on staff. He takes the remaining two weeks in April for vacation and then on to a senior pastor assignment in Arkansas. Jenni, Ben, and Shelby remain with us until school is out and then follow Ronnie. Tom Christensen and Sophia Green presented a card, file, and cupcakes to Ronnie at the Sunday evening cook-out and the Church Board voted to gift Ronnie with his laptop computer. If you did not have an opportunity to give Ronnie a card last Sunday night, take the time to do so this week.
This Sunday, April 12, 2009, is Easter Sunday with services at HCN at 9:00 and 10:30 AM in The Center. We plan with intention to create a time when we thoughtfully and thankfully look back on the crucifixion and with celebration and joy look around at the resurrection. Pieces of the service include media, congregational singing, the HCN choir and Worship Band, preaching, and vocals to close by Paul Vann and a dramatic demonstration by a band of children. Reach out to your unchurched neighbors, family, friends, and co-workers and invite them to attend a service with you. You will not regret the risk you take.
The Prayer Path Labyrinth in Building One has open slots for reservations this week. If you would like to walk, call the church at 847-3335. It is one of the Lenten ingredients which make the forty days and night rich.
Gail and Rick Foster are members of HCN completing a three year tour of duty for the USA in Rome, Italy. Last night, an area north of Rome was hit by a 6.3 earthquake on the Richter Scale which killed 150 people and displaced 10,000 people from their homes.
Gail and Rick are safe and we are thankful.
Watch for the beautiful pink and white dogwood trees which grow in a corner nook outside the east sanctuary windows. They are full of blooms and ready to explode. The harsh weather, however, may undo their season before it comes. Watch anyway.
I am thankful to serve as your pastor with such a gifted and committed pastoral staff team. We invested six hours this morning concentrating on our spiritual formation and asking the questions which will help the formation of others.
I look forward to Sunday.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
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