September 14, 2009

Congratulations to Lawana Nelson and Ken Jones who were married on 9/9/09 (Lawana’s favorite number J), in a simple Christian ceremony at their beautiful lake home, officiated by their Sunday School teacher, Rev. Rondy Smith. Jill Satterlee came “home” to cater the event. Jill was the friendly, caring next door neighbor who originally invited Lawana to church, along with her twin daughters, Lauren and Megan Lavery. Ken and his sons, Justin and Jonathan, began attending when he and Lawana started dating. We pray blessings on this newly established home and family. We’re glad the church could make a special difference in their lives.

Congratulations to Johnny Pilarski who won the National Championship for BMX bike racing for 6 year old riders. The field began with hundreds of participants, narrowed to 32, narrowed to 16, narrowed to 8. Johnny blew the field away and won the final by 6 bike lengths. Go to www.go211.com to see the final races.

Congratulations to the HCN runners in the Christie Cookie 5k originating at the Green Hills YMCA last Saturday morning. The group has met once per week at the Greenway near Kohl’s to run and walk as well as training at home. Children running were Kelli and Shelby Rose, Bryce Poole, Rachel Jones, David Paddon, Jacob Paddon, Kristin Paddon, Emily Paddon, Jessica and Kailey Perkins. Adults running were Glenda Perkins, Tammy Poole, Sarah Paddon, and Charlotte Rose.

Last Saturday morning, a number of HCN college students and young adults participated in the GIVE A LITTLE, FEED A LOT SORT-A-THON for Second Harvest Food Bank. The event was a 24 hour project and our folks took the 12:00 AM to 3:00 AM shift. It was a great evening. Our group sorted over 13,000 pounds of donated food items. These are the night owls: Pastor Ken and Robin Jewett, Daniel Smith, Tezlo Thompson, Justin Smith, Hayley Hill, Mandie Goon, Mark Hewitt, and Nicholas Herring.

Sam Green was officially diagnosed this morning with acute leukemia. It is the first time those words have been used for Sam. He is relatively stable at this point and plans to be in services again this Sunday and then to begin chemo treatments the following week at Centennial. Pray for Sam’s healing. Also, we need to keep Sam as isolated as possible when he is present at church. Thanks for not being offended. I realize it goes against every instinct we have.

Beth Vines, HCN member and Director of Human Resources at Remarketing Solutions, has written this morning with three job postings: client services representative, auction coordinator, skip trace investigator. Call 762-2210 for more information.

Dr. Harvey Hendershot died around 11:30 AM on Saturday, September 12, 2009, at McKendree Village with Martha present. He had not been well for several weeks. A memorial service was held at the church yesterday, Tuesday, September 15, 2009, at 2:00 PM. Dr. Hendershot is the beloved district superintendent who planted Hermitage Church in August of 1977; pastored HCN from 1983 to 1986; led in the construction and occupation of the sanctuary in 1986; modeled faithful giving and attendance for the rest of his life. He was a member of HCN from its organization.

Dr. Hendershot led a significant life. He was one of nine children. He left home at 13 years of age in 1935 to attend school at Trevecca Nazarene College. He left Trevecca at 20 years of age in 1942 to begin pastoring churches in West Virginia. At the age of 36, he was elected district superintendent of West Virginia. Over the next twelve years, he earned his pilot license and purchased a plane; was awarded an honorary doctorate by Trevecca; was elected the chairman of the board of trustees of the newly organized Mount Vernon Nazarene College. In 1970, he was elected district superintendent of Tennessee, and served in that capacity until 1980. During those years, he purchased and led in the development of the district campground at Garner Creek and served as the chairman of the board of trustees of Trevecca Nazarene College.

Dr. Hendershot is survived by his wife, Martha; his daughter-in-law, Carla; his granddaughters, Kellye and Allison, and their husbands and children. I consider Harvey Hendershot one of the finest men I have ever known. It is hard to overstate his considerable importance to this congregation. We will miss him greatly. It is possible that Martha will return to California to live with her brother, David, this Saturday.

God is good and helping us at every turn in the road.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard