October 5, 2009

The preaching series in the biblical book of James ended yesterday. Many of you have talked to me after services; called me on the phone; sent emails to let me know that you listened closely. I am hoping that the mirror in which we saw ourselves in chapter 1 remains with us so that our lives are changed, so that we do not merely listen to the word but do the word. Are you talking to the people who have wandered?

Thanks to the crew of volunteers who continue to supply leadership for music/worship needs in the absence of Sam Green, our Pastor of Worship. Thanks to Tammy Tarter, Bryce Fox, Donny Jackson, John Jordan, Paul Vann, Emily Sullivan, Ricky Gore, Dave Flint, Paul Bolling, Randy Layne, Graham Scott, Jay Barfield, Willard Brinkman, Michael Waller, Worship Choir members. Not one person has told me “no” when I have called to ask for help. Thanks for honoring Sam with your labor. Thanks for making the difference in our worship.

Sam Green had his head shaved last Friday to get ahead of the hair that was letting go due to chemotherapy. His smile remains big. The pastoral staff team visited with Sam and Keli this morning. We wear masks and choke and talk. One way to make a preacher shut up is to make him wear a mask to catch his hot air. Sam has the second bone marrow biopsy tomorrow (Tuesday), to determine if all the leukemia cells are gone. Crazy as it seems, Sam could be back with us in the not too distant future while he awaits the bone marrow transplant. Pray for Sam.

Kris Hostetler deploys on October 20, 2009, for his second tour of duty with the US Army in Iraq. We took the opportunity to pray for Kris on Sunday during second service while he was in town. Connect the face with name you will hear called for the next year.

Congratulations to Bret Washing on his selection to the Middle Tennessee Vocal Association Freshman Honors Choir. There were twenty slots open for freshmen and Bret was the third chosen.

Congratulations to Taylor Gonyea, a member of the 2009 Homecoming Court, at Mt. Juliet Middle School.

Paul Stonecipher led the Room-in-the-Inn organization yesterday for the 2009-2010 season of hosting dates. At this writing, we host on nine evenings. Needs remain for the following items: disposable razors, chap stick, toothbrushes, combs, underwear (L, XL, 2XL), tee shirts (L, XL, 2XL, 3XL).

Tim Garrett called this morning to say his plant is hiring again through the end of October. If you need work, call Tim at 350-7630.

If you see Jill, Gaby or Nick Satterlee at church, your eyes are not deceiving you. They decided they could not live without us and have returned home to Tennessee. Their house is rented for a year so they are living with Franky and Missy Mize. Jill returns as our Wednesday night chef this week. Welcome home. You are loved.

A Baptismal Service is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, 2009, at 5:00 PM in the sanctuary. In the New Testament Church, all believers were baptized as immediately as possible. Paul baptized in the middle of the night. Stephen baptized on the side of the road. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ and need to be baptized, please call the church office to be placed on the list of candidates.

If you missed someone from worship yesterday, it may be they are out-of-town due to the Wilson County School Break which began last Friday. You may miss them for several more Sundays as the break continues for two weeks. While part of our family is resting and recreating, please know that all things continue full throttle at HCN. I plan to be here each Sunday and it would be nice to see you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard