Congratulations to the four believers who presented themselves for the sacrament of water baptism in the Hermitage Church Sanctuary on Sunday, July 19, 2009, at 5:00 PM: Lindsey Layne, Chad Young, Jamie Young, and Taylor Shoemake. Lindsey is a 2009 graduate of UT-Chattanooga. Chad is a recently commissioned Metro police officer. Jamie is a nurse at Trevecca’s Health Care Center. Taylor begins the fifth grade at Lakeview Elementary School in August. Carol Waller baptized Taylor. Rondy Smith baptized Jamie. I baptized Chad and Lindsey. The baptismal water was uncharacteris-tically warm. I am used to Artic waters. The service was simple and inspirational. I am thankful to belong to the church of Jesus Christ.
Congratulations to the Hermitage Men’s Blue Team on finishing the season third in their division and receiving an invitation to play in the City League Tournament. Teammates are Michael Follis, Matt Follis, Scott Follis, Daniel Smith, Bobby Smith, Nick Lewis, Shaun Lewis, Haven Mahaffey, Barry Whitehead, Derek Brinkman, Brady Plummer, Blake Tarter, Shane Tarter. Shane coaches the team.
Will and Sami Chambers are moving to Kansas City to attend Nazarene Theological Seminary in two weeks. Transitions are going on because of their move in the Twenty Something Sunday School Class. Will and Sami are passing leadership to Jon and Cassidy Nelson. A Farewell to the Chambers, Hello to the Nelsons Social is taking place at the home of Pastor Rondy and Bobby Smith on Saturday, August 1, 2009, at 6:30 PM. If you are in your twenties, single or married, and are interested in finding a Sunday School Class to attend, please consider attending this event at the Smith’s. There are promises of good food (Bobby is a great chef), good fellowship, and good fun. A word of warning: if you play games, Rondy is competitive. Contact rondysmith@aol.com for directions and more information.
Ray Render leads the Upward Flag Football/Cheerleading League for HCN this fall with sign-ups and evaluations on Saturday, August 15, 2009, from 10:0 AM to 2:00 PM and Monday, August 17, 2009, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. This league includes Kindergarten through Grade 6. Also on Saturday, August 15, 2009, Punt, Pass and Kick trials will be held for youth from 8 to 15 years of age. PP&K participants need to bring a birth certificate to verify age. Call Ray at 390-2126 with any questions or contact him at rayrender@yahoo.com or www.hermitagenazarene.org and click on Upward link on home page.
For several months this Spring/Summer, I have taught a Wednesday night class using The Jesus Priorities: 8 Essential Habits written by Christopher Maricle and published by Cokesbury. It was a great complement to the sermon series on Spiritual Formation. Ken Jewett posted it on our church’s website as one of the small group teaching options. Several weeks ago, I received an email from the author telling me how pleased he was that we were using the book and asking if there was anything he could do to help us. He had googled his book and every church using it and advertising it had popped on the screen. Did I tell you he lives in California? While I liked the personal contract with the author, it scared me a little. Beware what you post on the internet.
The Church Board authorized a quarterly Poverty Dinner to help fund compassionate needs for locals and African hunger. The Dinner consists of Beans, Potatoes, Bread, and Drink. The next dinner is scheduled for Sunday, August 9, 2009, at 5:00 PM in The Center. The cost is a donation. Food will be available in time to eat and to attend the new Sunday night small groups.
What wonderful Middle Tennessee weather we are enjoying. It is fall in July.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Monday, July 20, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
July 13, 2009
Congratulations to Ken and Kylee Koon on the birth of their daughter, Emilee Gayle Koon, on Wednesday, July 8, 2009, at 7:40 AM at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee. Emilee weighed 7 lbs 12 ozs and measured 19 ½ inches in length. She is the sister of Tyler; granddaughter of Wayne and Pam McNeese; great-granddaughter of Dot Waffird; niece of Kenny and Tiffany McNeese; cousin of Trey and Madi McNeese. I held beautiful Emilee on Wednesday afternoon and had my picture taken with her while Tyler entertained the room. He is smitten with her. We bless the Lord who has blessed Ken and Kylee with a healthy baby girl to love and instruct for him.
Congratulations to Eric and April Branscum on the birth of their son, Erikson Hans Branscum, on Saturday, July 11, 2009, at 3:34 PM at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Erikson weighed 9 lbs 13 ozs and measured 21 ½ inches in length. He is the grandson of Jeff and Sally Ebel; nephew of Cole and Erika Ebel, Clint Ebel; cousin of Colin Ebel. We bless the Lord who has blessed Eric and April with a healthy baby boy to love and instruct for him.
Matthew and Keely Mullins presented their son, Malcolm Lee Mullins, in dedication to the Lord on Sunday, July 12, 2009, in the 10:15 AM service in The Center. Malcolm was joined at the altar by his brother, Maxwell; grandparents: Dan and Janie Mullins, Bob and Carol Broadbooks; uncle and aunt: Paul and Wendy Mullins; cousins: Travis and Brad Mullins. Bob and I shared responsibilities. I carried him on his blessing/foot shaking journey and Bob did the official readings and praying. We pray that Malcolm responds to the love of the Lord early in his life and becomes a mighty man of God.
Congratulations to Bryce Fox and Carol Waller who were ordained as elders in the Church of the Nazarene on Thursday, July 9, 2009, in a District Assembly service at Trevecca Community Church. Bryce serves as professor in the School of Religion at Trevecca Nazarene University. Carol serves as Associate Pastor of Children’s Ministries at HCN. I was permitted to pray for each of them during the service and consider it a great honor. Congratulations to Shane Tarter on receiving his first district license in the significant road to credentialing.
Dr. William Greathouse was honored during the District Assembly service on Friday, July 10, 2009, with a Centennial Award from the General Church of the Nazarene in honor of his significant and historical contributions to Wesleyan Holiness theology. The award came with a limited edition print of the Centennial Celebration in the church.
Johnny Pilarski took advantage of the Nationals for BMX racing being in Nashville over the weekend. He raced on two days and won 1st place both days in the six year old category. Congratulations, Johnny.
Dan Scott led Soccer Camp at HCN last week with the assistance of Teresa Vines, Matt Follis, Palmer Maphet, Graham Scott, Anna Waller, and Chandler Scott. Soccer students were Marileigh Mabry, Karah Sharp, Anthony Mannen, Evan Flint, Cayla Cohen, Grant Render, Christian Tillman, Leslie Myers, Rachel Johnson, Matthew Helm, Sarah Helm, Jordan Sweeten, and Bryce Poole. PreK and Kindergarten students were Morgan Evans, Jackson Barfield, Gant Brasfield, Elizabeth Stinson, Isabella Stinson, Annalee Poole, Caroline Brasfield, and Brandon Vines. The camp raised $867.50 for Africa needs.
Carol Waller directs District Primary Camp (grades 1 and 2), at Garner Creek this week. Campers are Caroline Brasfield, Summerlyn Hysell, Katie Grace Russell, Cole Jackson, Sarah Helm, Payton Swords, Carson Davenport, Carter Poole, Grant Render, Camille Reigard, Daniel Silvernail, Reid Swoner, Becca Waller, Sara Waller, Trey McNeese, Tristan Lee, Gracie Parman, Morgan Follis, Rachel Hughes, McKenzie Carlton, and Zachary Gonyea. HCN staff and counselors are Anita Jackson, Kristin Jordan, Laura Hughes, Kay Hysell, Ray Render, and Kenny McNeese.
The Nashville Sounds offer a great opportunity to the church for an evening of sport and fellowship. A baseball game on Saturday, August 15, 2009, at 6:00 PM is preceded by a Christian concert at 4:30 PM and followed by fireworks after the game. A $10 ticket
allows entry to the concert, game, fireworks and purchases a hotdog and coke during the game. Twenty-five tickets need to be sold quickly to cover our deposit. If you would like tickets, call the church office or see Sam Green this Wednesday/Sunday.
Jonathan Shultz found me after second service on Sunday and asked about the repair of our house from the tornado tree. He said that lightning had struck their house recently during a passing storm and fried all of their electronics. I told Jonathan that I had rather a tree knock the chimney off my house. It would have taken me three days to determine if lightning had really struck or if I had hit the wrong button on the remotes.
Be sure your sins will find you out. I allow myself to eat chili dogs from Sonic once per month. They remind me of the Varsity in Atlanta. I pulled into Sonic for a late lunch on Saturday and it took me five minutes to convince the person on the intercom that I did not want cheese on them, just mustard and chili. I also got fries and a Route 44 Diet Cherry Coke. When the waitress brought my food to the car, she told me my bill had been paid by someone else. I only know it was someone in a silver truck. I gave the waitress a tip and she reached in and patted me and told me “just know you’re loved.” She left me stuttering. To whoever bought my chili dogs on Saturday, thank you for interrupting my day with kindness.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Congratulations to Eric and April Branscum on the birth of their son, Erikson Hans Branscum, on Saturday, July 11, 2009, at 3:34 PM at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Erikson weighed 9 lbs 13 ozs and measured 21 ½ inches in length. He is the grandson of Jeff and Sally Ebel; nephew of Cole and Erika Ebel, Clint Ebel; cousin of Colin Ebel. We bless the Lord who has blessed Eric and April with a healthy baby boy to love and instruct for him.
Matthew and Keely Mullins presented their son, Malcolm Lee Mullins, in dedication to the Lord on Sunday, July 12, 2009, in the 10:15 AM service in The Center. Malcolm was joined at the altar by his brother, Maxwell; grandparents: Dan and Janie Mullins, Bob and Carol Broadbooks; uncle and aunt: Paul and Wendy Mullins; cousins: Travis and Brad Mullins. Bob and I shared responsibilities. I carried him on his blessing/foot shaking journey and Bob did the official readings and praying. We pray that Malcolm responds to the love of the Lord early in his life and becomes a mighty man of God.
Congratulations to Bryce Fox and Carol Waller who were ordained as elders in the Church of the Nazarene on Thursday, July 9, 2009, in a District Assembly service at Trevecca Community Church. Bryce serves as professor in the School of Religion at Trevecca Nazarene University. Carol serves as Associate Pastor of Children’s Ministries at HCN. I was permitted to pray for each of them during the service and consider it a great honor. Congratulations to Shane Tarter on receiving his first district license in the significant road to credentialing.
Dr. William Greathouse was honored during the District Assembly service on Friday, July 10, 2009, with a Centennial Award from the General Church of the Nazarene in honor of his significant and historical contributions to Wesleyan Holiness theology. The award came with a limited edition print of the Centennial Celebration in the church.
Johnny Pilarski took advantage of the Nationals for BMX racing being in Nashville over the weekend. He raced on two days and won 1st place both days in the six year old category. Congratulations, Johnny.
Dan Scott led Soccer Camp at HCN last week with the assistance of Teresa Vines, Matt Follis, Palmer Maphet, Graham Scott, Anna Waller, and Chandler Scott. Soccer students were Marileigh Mabry, Karah Sharp, Anthony Mannen, Evan Flint, Cayla Cohen, Grant Render, Christian Tillman, Leslie Myers, Rachel Johnson, Matthew Helm, Sarah Helm, Jordan Sweeten, and Bryce Poole. PreK and Kindergarten students were Morgan Evans, Jackson Barfield, Gant Brasfield, Elizabeth Stinson, Isabella Stinson, Annalee Poole, Caroline Brasfield, and Brandon Vines. The camp raised $867.50 for Africa needs.
Carol Waller directs District Primary Camp (grades 1 and 2), at Garner Creek this week. Campers are Caroline Brasfield, Summerlyn Hysell, Katie Grace Russell, Cole Jackson, Sarah Helm, Payton Swords, Carson Davenport, Carter Poole, Grant Render, Camille Reigard, Daniel Silvernail, Reid Swoner, Becca Waller, Sara Waller, Trey McNeese, Tristan Lee, Gracie Parman, Morgan Follis, Rachel Hughes, McKenzie Carlton, and Zachary Gonyea. HCN staff and counselors are Anita Jackson, Kristin Jordan, Laura Hughes, Kay Hysell, Ray Render, and Kenny McNeese.
The Nashville Sounds offer a great opportunity to the church for an evening of sport and fellowship. A baseball game on Saturday, August 15, 2009, at 6:00 PM is preceded by a Christian concert at 4:30 PM and followed by fireworks after the game. A $10 ticket
allows entry to the concert, game, fireworks and purchases a hotdog and coke during the game. Twenty-five tickets need to be sold quickly to cover our deposit. If you would like tickets, call the church office or see Sam Green this Wednesday/Sunday.
Jonathan Shultz found me after second service on Sunday and asked about the repair of our house from the tornado tree. He said that lightning had struck their house recently during a passing storm and fried all of their electronics. I told Jonathan that I had rather a tree knock the chimney off my house. It would have taken me three days to determine if lightning had really struck or if I had hit the wrong button on the remotes.
Be sure your sins will find you out. I allow myself to eat chili dogs from Sonic once per month. They remind me of the Varsity in Atlanta. I pulled into Sonic for a late lunch on Saturday and it took me five minutes to convince the person on the intercom that I did not want cheese on them, just mustard and chili. I also got fries and a Route 44 Diet Cherry Coke. When the waitress brought my food to the car, she told me my bill had been paid by someone else. I only know it was someone in a silver truck. I gave the waitress a tip and she reached in and patted me and told me “just know you’re loved.” She left me stuttering. To whoever bought my chili dogs on Saturday, thank you for interrupting my day with kindness.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Monday, July 6, 2009
July 6, 2009
Building One Senior High Students invested a week in local missions last Monday through Friday that included sealing a driveway, changing flood lights, painting patio furniture, weeding a garden, building a stone edge around a garden, cleaning up a back yard and pond, power washing windows, and several projects around the church. Brandon Shepard worked every day on every project. He was joined on other days by Cassie Hunt, Daniel Jones, Dalton Winfree, Lauren Lavery, Robert Luther, Katie Scott, Ben Mabry, Taylor Steinmetz, Hunter Steinmetz. Pastor Shane Tarter organized the projects and lead the team.
Thanks to the Men’s Quartet of Sam Green, Gary Helm, John Jordan, and Ken Stegall who were accompanied by the HCN Choir on “Let Freedom Ring” in Sunday’s worship services. It was never more beautiful and a great addition to honor the day. I could listen to it every year. I could listen to the quartet more often than that.
I have received lots of response to the message from Sunday morning from both services. Could I repeat the challenge to ask the question: Would God like to say anything to us? And then instead of being “unyielding and hardened,” “obstinate and stubborn” (Ezekiel 3:8, 2:4), let us listen and obey.
At ten minutes until time to eat at the All Church Fourth Cookout last night, it looked like there might be forty to fifty people present. The rains had started thirty minutes earlier and it looked like a wash-out. I had already decided I would need to eat three hot dogs to make up for who did not make it. What a difference thirty minutes made! I think people realized there was better food at the church than whatever was left at their house. I ate one hot dog. Thanks to the Cooking Team of Wayne McNeese, Rick Person, Paul Stonecipher, Tim Garrett, Mike Anderson, and Ken Koon for grilling the hamburgers and hotdogs. Thanks to the Prep Team of Lisa Anderson, Pam McNeese, and Dot Waffird for slicing the tomatoes and onions and preparing all the condiments. Thanks to the Early Christian Sunday School Class for setting up and cleaning up before and afterwards. Pat Detwiler made the decision to set the tables up inside. Is it possible that she is the prophet in the house?
This Thursday, July 9, 2009, at 7:00 PM is the first service of the District Assembly and the Ordination Service for Carol Waller and Bryce Fox. It will be held at Trevecca Community Church of the Nazarene on the front of Trevecca’s campus on Murfreesboro Road. There are no mid-week services at HCN so it would be easy for you to plan this service into your schedule. Ordination is the high and holy moment when we set apart men and women who are called to full-time ministry and affirmed by the church to the service of Christ by the laying on of hands and prayer. If you can, be there.
Several people have asked about the soldier we prayed for on Sunday who has lost contact with his family for 8-9 days. His name is Jeffrey Sherman and he is in Afghanistan. Marilyn Jordan is the person who added Jeffrey to our prayer list and who asked her Sunday School Class to pray. I choose to believe that Jeffrey is safe and not able to communicate right now. Keep him in your prayers.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Thanks to the Men’s Quartet of Sam Green, Gary Helm, John Jordan, and Ken Stegall who were accompanied by the HCN Choir on “Let Freedom Ring” in Sunday’s worship services. It was never more beautiful and a great addition to honor the day. I could listen to it every year. I could listen to the quartet more often than that.
I have received lots of response to the message from Sunday morning from both services. Could I repeat the challenge to ask the question: Would God like to say anything to us? And then instead of being “unyielding and hardened,” “obstinate and stubborn” (Ezekiel 3:8, 2:4), let us listen and obey.
At ten minutes until time to eat at the All Church Fourth Cookout last night, it looked like there might be forty to fifty people present. The rains had started thirty minutes earlier and it looked like a wash-out. I had already decided I would need to eat three hot dogs to make up for who did not make it. What a difference thirty minutes made! I think people realized there was better food at the church than whatever was left at their house. I ate one hot dog. Thanks to the Cooking Team of Wayne McNeese, Rick Person, Paul Stonecipher, Tim Garrett, Mike Anderson, and Ken Koon for grilling the hamburgers and hotdogs. Thanks to the Prep Team of Lisa Anderson, Pam McNeese, and Dot Waffird for slicing the tomatoes and onions and preparing all the condiments. Thanks to the Early Christian Sunday School Class for setting up and cleaning up before and afterwards. Pat Detwiler made the decision to set the tables up inside. Is it possible that she is the prophet in the house?
This Thursday, July 9, 2009, at 7:00 PM is the first service of the District Assembly and the Ordination Service for Carol Waller and Bryce Fox. It will be held at Trevecca Community Church of the Nazarene on the front of Trevecca’s campus on Murfreesboro Road. There are no mid-week services at HCN so it would be easy for you to plan this service into your schedule. Ordination is the high and holy moment when we set apart men and women who are called to full-time ministry and affirmed by the church to the service of Christ by the laying on of hands and prayer. If you can, be there.
Several people have asked about the soldier we prayed for on Sunday who has lost contact with his family for 8-9 days. His name is Jeffrey Sherman and he is in Afghanistan. Marilyn Jordan is the person who added Jeffrey to our prayer list and who asked her Sunday School Class to pray. I choose to believe that Jeffrey is safe and not able to communicate right now. Keep him in your prayers.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
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