November 30, 2009

Congratulations to Paul and Glenda Bolling on the birth of their son, Liam Finnten Bolling, on Wednesday, November 25, 2009, at 8:12 AM at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. He weighed 8 lbs 9 ozs and measured 21 inches in length. Liam is the brother of Caeden. Glenda was scheduled for inducement later in the morning when Liam decided it was time to come on his own. I held Liam on Friday morning and had my picture taken with him. I have history with this young family. I watched their courtship; presided at their marriage; and now greet their babies. We bless the Lord who has blessed Paul and Glenda with a child to love and nurture in His ways.

The Breadbreaker Sunday School Class hosted Room in the Inn at HCN last Saturday night. Jon Alderman transported the ten men to and from the downtown campus to our campus. Saturday supper, Sunday breakfast, Sunday sack lunches were provided by Carl, Janeene, Clarissa, and Mahaliah Davis; Bill, Julie, and Nicholas Groover; Tim, Treila, and Hannah Garrett; Jay, Christy, Holly, and Jackson Barfield; Rusty Waffird; Ted Brown; Rodney, Tammy, Daniel, Rachel, and Joel Jones; Beth Rice; Bryan, Catherine, Afton, and Bennett Segars; Paul and Pam Stonecipher. Ten men were housed and fed; given an opportunity to shower and wash their clothes; given a safe, warm, dry bed to sleep in; treated with respect and compassion in the name of Jesus.

I know a neat story about Bryce Poole. Several weeks ago, the Encore Theater presenting “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” needed a quick study for one of the roles about to be vacant for a day. Director Diane Cater asked Bryce to come and rehearse just in case. What Diane suspected might happen did happen and Bryce stepped in to speak the lines and act the role with excellence. I thought you would like to know.

For three years, on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, members of the congregation have stepped to the microphone in morning worship services and shared their testimonies of Thanksgiving. Four testifiers did so on Sunday: John and Melinda Knott, Jake Resor, and Sam Green. John and Melinda told us of the crisis they faced last June when John nearly lost his life and/or both legs when an unsuspecting tumor growing in an upper chamber of his heart began to break apart and shred time bomb clots to his legs. I hope you heard them say that the surgeon who saved John’s life and legs “happened” to be at the hospital for another procedure that day. Jake Resor told us what it was like to be a middle school kid who came along with his mom to a new marriage, new sisters, new house, new city, new school, new church. Now Jake works at that church in his first ministerial assignment with middle school kids. Yes, sometimes Christ does save our lives through the church. Sam Green told us what it was like to receive a diagnosis of acute leukemia and then to process chemotherapy which takes your hair and puts you to walking in hospital hallways with a pole (behind, not in front of you). Sam is mid-way in treatment. He receives one more round of super chemo, then rest. In January, he receives the bone marrow transplant from his brother, Steve. Mercies are new every day. You told me how much you loved the day. I am glad. Thanks be to God. I loved it too.

The Advent service last evening was simple and filling. The soups and salads and desserts were delicious. Ken Jewett read scripture. Shane Tarter said the story was like a papa bear reading to his family. Dot Waffird carried the light into darkness and lit the first Advent candle.

Morning services for this Sunday, December 6, 2009, is back to normal with preaching in the morning. The Children’s Musical and Christmas Program for pre-school through grade four begins at 6:00 PM in the evening. We will have lots of guests, so bring one of the following: a tray of sandwiches OR a tray of veggies or fruit. Also, bring a plate of finger desserts: cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and a large drink. Food will be received in the kitchen via the hallway service windows and set up in the hallways while the program is presented.

God is doing a mighty redemptive work on the earth. I ate lunch with a college student last week who asked if we could schedule a baptismal service where he could be baptized. He said it was time to let his friends know who he was.

I hope God is real to you and talking your ears off.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

November 23, 2009

Thanks to the Saturday Samaritans who served on Saturday, November 14, 2009, and made a difference in properties of people in need throughout the church. The group was led by Marvin Heath and included Kent Kile, Ken Willis, Kevin and Joel Daugherty, Rob and Michael Mathias, J.D. Hisey, Jeff and Josh Cater. Marvin actually took a tumble off a ladder and fell ten feet before landing on his side. Thankfully, he suffers only sore ribs.

Congratulations to Adrie Brown and Hunter Steinmetz who were nominated for the Hoby Award at Mt. Juliet High School. MJHS teachers were asked to nominate sophomores who demonstrated the following characteristics: charismatic personality; courage to speak one’s beliefs; courage to challenge authority; strong decision making skill; outstanding oral and written skills; critical and creative thinking; sensitivity to the needs of others; participation and interest in community service activities; good academic record. One sophomore was then selected to attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference, a stellar leadership conference for local youth. Adrie Brown was the recipient.

Sam Green received GREAT news last week. His bone marrow biopsy showed he is in complete remission from acute leukemia. The news was so good that his doctor admitted him to Centennial Medical Center last Friday to begin the last of two rounds of powerful chemo. The purpose is to destroy any remaining cancer cells which may be lurking in his body. He will be discharged this Wednesday, in time to spend Thanks-giving with his family.

Ruby Ann Barnes died last Friday, November 20, 2009, in Livingston, Tennessee. She is the mother of Ron Barnes and the grandmother of Gatha Barnes Frizsell. Ruby Ann lived her life in the Livingston, Tennessee, area, keeping a farm and family going with her husband and son. For the last fifteen years, she has hosted the Hermitage Senior High Students on that farm for their fall retreat. While Ron is the actual host, Ruby Ann allowed it and invited the kids into her home for a visit to indoor plumbing. She loved the company. This is a tribute to a lady who loved people and shared her home and property in a way that was a blessing. If you ever attended one of those retreats, these are addresses for Ron and Gatha to send your condolences: Ron and Illona Barnes, 3217 Dinah Court, Nashville, TN, 37214-2305…Gatha and Mike Frizsell, 649 Des Moines, Hermitage, TN, 37076.

Often someone in the church approaches a pastoral staff member to ask how to let the church body know they have a tool to lend or an appliance to sell or children’s clothing to share. Or someone needs a personal reference for an electrician or plumber or carpenter. Pastor Rondy Smith has attempted to pass information knowing that we needed a better way. Rob Mathias, a member of HCN, recommended Google Groups, a board used by his business to pass information. He visited our staff meeting this morning to demonstrate how it might work for the church. The site allows a secure environment without sharing email addresses. Staff members will experiment with the site for several weeks and then extend the option to the church.

Thanksgiving Day is this Thursday. By the time you get this letter, it may be passed.

All that I am grateful for begins with God and the church. God found me early, talked to me often, never gave up on me. People at my church loved me and wrapped their arms around me and prayed me through more than one trauma. My conversion, baptism, call to ministry, marriage, ordination, and dedication of my children took place in the church.

It is the place I love and the people I love. I am grateful for my wife, Anna; my children, Kelly, Brady and Michelle; my grandbabies, Kennedy and Leyton. I am thankful that we love each other. I am grateful for decent health at 57 years. I am thankful I still like to learn. I am glad for friends of long years; medium years; this year. I am a rich man.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

November 16, 2009

Brian Helstrom flew into town on Saturday evening and I picked him up from the Nashville Airport. It dawned on me as I drove to Donelson Pike that I had heard Brian speak on three to four occasions but did not remember what he looked like. I stood at the bottom of the escalator on the baggage floor and waited for someone to come down who looked lost. I found him. I served as his chauffeur over the weekend, transporting him from the Hampton Inn in Mt. Juliet to church and back. He was as real and genuine one-on-one as he was in services yesterday. I drove him to the airport at 4:40 AM today.

I think most of you found a friend in Brian. He is fresh and inspirational and ethically challenged. He has never found a kingdom tool he could not hide or sneak across a border. The video of the African children responding to the Jesus Film was nearly overwhelming, was it not? We have heard and overheard the story of the crucifixion and resurrection so often that we almost do not hear it anymore. Those kids heard it. They made us hear it. People who do not weep were weeping. Someone told me they worked really hard not to cry loudly. Brian loved worship. He said it had been a long while since he had spoken in a church with a choir instead of a praise team. He loved the choir.

When we did evaluations in Pastoral Staff Meeting this morning, Ken Jewett mentioned that he had felt rushed at the conclusion of the service when people were asked to commit a pledge for missions and that he did not have a very good idea of exactly what he was committing to: missions or the Jesus Film ministries. I print this because I think Ken’s point was valid. While response to Brian was good, response to pledging was not. The goal for our church is $65,000 which pays for our local church’s responsibilities to world missions for the 2009-2010 church year. It supports 750+ missionaries in 175+ world areas. Spencer and April Baggott, members of HCN, are two of the 750+ missionaries assigned to the Horn of Africa Region in the Sudan, Congo. We give to missions on a weekly, monthly, annually, or one time basis. It is not too late to participate. Cards are available in the foyer and lobby.

Dr. Sam Green was back in the house, home from fifty-five days in Centennial Medical Center. It was great to see Sam and to have him lead congregational singing and the choir. We still have to keep our hands off due to germs. He is only half way through his treatment for acute leukemia and this is the interim.

The Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday evening provided some of the best food I have ever eaten. I was sad that I had gone at the end of the line and could not return for seconds since I was sitting at a table in front of the speaker. Turkey is not one of my favorite foods but I ate some turkey that made me want more. I also ate some of Keely Mullins potato casserole that was still hot and delicious. Thanks to the Early Christian Sunday School Class which set up tables and chairs, organized food, and with the exception of one other family, cooked all of the turkeys and hams.

Room-in-the-Inn came to HCN for the first night of the 2009-2010 season. Paul Stonecipher directs us in this ministry to the homeless assisted by his wife, Pam. Two Sunday School Classes provided food and hosting: New Horizons and the University Class. Thanks to Donna Shankle, Rick Person, Susan Pilgreen, Marsha Shultz, Beverly Mitchell, Erna Plaxco, Barbara Douthit, Diane Brimm for delicious food preparation. Thanks to Lisa Anderson for assistance with breakfast. Thanks to Jon Alderman for driving the van for transportation to and from downtown Nashville. Thanks to Daniel Smith, Jake Resor, Hayley Hill, Justin Smith, and Ken Jewett for chaperoning and cleaning up in time for Sunday School Classes.

Pastor Rondy Smith served on the leadership team for a national “Come to the Fire” women’s conference held at Nashville First Church last weekend. Speakers, singers, assistants from HCN included Yori Taylor, Dorinda Biggs, Beth Fox, Alex Whitehead, Jody Scott, Betty Willis, Beth and Maggie Hollingsworth, Carol Waller, Valerie Marsh, Teresa Vines. Forty-one HCN women attended including: Anna and Michelle Plummer, Charlayne Trotter, Jill Satterlee, Traci Haydel, Feli Tigabu, Lisa Kelley, Kristi Mabry, Beth Seaman, Becky Evans, Mary Alice Butler, Lisa Anderson, Beth Rouse, Angela Hisey, Jillian Forcum, Cathy Preston, JoAnn Jackson, Jo Apple, Joyce Clevenger, Tiffany Mathias, Kathy Orrick, Joy Bradley, Missy Mize, Sandra Hunt, Holly Steinmetz, Dawn Parker, Deborah Coppedge, Stacey Joyce, Amy Walvoord, Miriam McMillan, Amy Ruff, Dottie Brown, Doris Jordan, Shelli Russell. Great, great work occurred in the lives of these women. Watch and listen for what God is doing.

Pastor Ken Jewett led the fifth and sixth grade LiveWire Students in Climb Nashville and a Lock-in last Friday evening. He was assisted by Hayley Hill, Jake Resor, Daniel Smith, Alan Elkins, Mike Miranne, Jon Paddon, Tanner Webb, Jim Waters, Michael Follis. Climbers were Trevor Hunt, Josh Elkins, Mikaila Duck, Hannah Garrett, Ryan Mahoney, Alex Houser, Emily Paddon, Jared Mannen, Rachel Jones, Rachel Thimell, Corey Miranne, Callie Dilts, Ryann Amity, Mackie Daily, Matt Lucas, Allyson Huffman, Kellie Rose, Jessie Joyce, Avie Joyce, Kevin Helm, Landon Cable, Andrew Vines, Bryson Fox, Nathanael Jackson, Sara Drummond, Ronnie Moore.

Wendell Marlowe submitted his resignation as plant manager effective Sunday, November 15, 2009. When Wendell started the position, he lived around the corner and has moved twice since. He is a middle school principal and husband and father and grandfather and ready to do more of those things. At this moment, we are dividing the responsibilities for the job between several people and groups. Richard Hysell, Wendell’s assistant, is out of commission with pending surgery and recovery. Thanks to Wendell for the hard, thankless job of cleaning floors and setting up chairs, cutting off lights, locking and unlocking doors for the last four years.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

November 9, 2009

Congratulations to the four believers who were baptized on Sunday, November 8, 2009, in the 5:00 PM service in the HCN Sanctuary: Caroline Brasfield, Brooklyn Fox, Christian Rhodes, Victoria Hampton. Caroline, Brooklyn, and Christian are elementary children and Victoria is a young mother. Each confessed their new life in Christ and then was immersed in baptismal waters by Pastor Carol Waller or Pastor Rondy Smith. We rejoice in their faith and their participation in the sacrament.

All the blood work numbers came together for Sam Green today and unless something changes, he will be discharged from Centennial Medical Center this Wednesday. His platelets are actually higher than when he entered the hospital. The bone marrow trans-plant comes in January 2010. We pray for a complete cure from this acute leukemia.

Bryson Fox is an HCN Middle School Student who formed a special connection with the Nashville Rescue Mission two years ago and has raised over $4,500 to help feed their homeless clients. This Thanksgiving, the mission will feed a hot meal to each person who walks through their doors for $1.92 per person. Bryson and his sister, Brielle, would like to raise $1,000 by Wednesday, November 18, 2009. If you would like to assist, write a check to the Nashville Rescue Mission or place cash in an envelope to give to Bryson or Brielle.

Congratulations to Preston and Grant Phelps who have both advanced to the championship game in their divisions of Tennessee Youth Football Alliance. Preston is on the Mt. Juliet Pee-Wee Gold Team and Grant is on the Mt. Juliet C-Gold Team. Games will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2009, at Charlie Daniels Park.

Steve Kelley led a Men’s Ministry Breakfast on Saturday, November 7, 2009, in The Center. Approximately sixty men ate together and then listened to life stories from Marvin Heath, Darrell Moody, and Dan Scott. Ken Koon and Bobby Smith served as the morning chefs. The food was delicious and the stories were humbling and inspiring.

Ray Render completed directing the Upwards Flag Football Season under the lights on Saturday, November 7, 2009, on the west end of the church campus. Rather than participating in entertainment with a banquet, each player and cheerleader participated in a night game with all the excitement of a crowd. Thanks to Ray for leading the season. Coaches, refs, and players will be listed in next week’s letter.

I mentioned the kids who tried out for the play in the message on Sunday. Well, those kids would like to invite you to see them in “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” presented by Encore Theatre located on Lebanon Road in Old Hickory. Make reservations or purchase tickets at 598-8950 or www.encoretheatre-company.org. HCN’s Diane Cater is the director.

Brian Helstrom directs one of the most effective evangelistic ministries in the world, a.k.a. Jesus Film Ministries. I have heard Brian speak on four occasions and each time, he inspires and motivates me to help change the world. Brian speaks at HCN this Sunday, November 15, 2009, in both the 9:00 AM and 10:15 AM services. Please be present and listen to stories of how God is changing the world.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

November 2, 2009

Last week was a big event week. The Candy Parade hosted close to two hundred children in The Center on Wednesday evening. It is one of those events that seems to have no spiritual content until you see it through the lens of the church providing the safety of community for children. It is one more memory added to a thousand that will cause our children to know: my church loves me. Plus, where else can you get a bag of candy filled to dragging without walking five miles in a soggy neighborhood?

The District Superintendent met with the Church Board and me on Thursday evening to report and discuss the results of the official survey and vote of the renewal of pastoral relations. The vote was 17-0 for continuing the current pastoral arrangement for four more years. The vote speaks well of a mature and unified church. Thanks for the recognition of staff on Sunday morning in each service. You are very kind.

The Heritage Men’s Choir of Trevecca alums sang in sacred concert on Friday evening in The Sanctuary and despite the rain that began to pour at 6:00 PM, the place was packed. Bob Bishop, Mark Greathouse, Herb McMillan, Rodney Neighbors, and Ken Stegall represented HCN in the choir. The selection of music was masterful. People have asked for this to be an annual event. Is that possible?

Don and Vilanda Merritt placed flowers in The Sanctuary on Sunday in recognition of their Twenty-eighth Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations on the keeping of promises.

Congratulations to Ashlynn Lounsbury and Maxwell Mullins who attend David Deaton Karate in Mt. Juliet. On October 24, 2009, both won first place in sparring and in kata. Karate encourages maintaining academics, positive attitudes, respect, and responsi-bility.

Clocks returned to normal on Sunday morning and the saving of daylight fled. The extra hour made the whole day better. I think it even helped Sunday School attendance.

HCN is unique in so many ways that it is hard to list any. One of the examples of what makes the church great includes the people who in the midst of doing ministry receive a Spirit-anointed idea to help or honor others. Glenda Perkins and Diane Cater taught a class on the book of Ruth to a group of young women lately and then had the idea of helping the girls to sponsor a tea for all of the widows, the Naomis in the church. They sent out personally decorated invitations for last Sunday’s afternoon event in The Parlor. Pastor Carol Waller said everything about it was classy. I hope every widow felt the esteem of the Ruths.

Sam Green, HCN’s Pastor of Worship, continues to rest and wait at Centennial Medical Center as his body responds to the chemo treatments for acute leukemia. Blood count numbers have to balance at a particular place before he is discharged for home and a first of 2010 bone marrow transplant. Sam’s doctors tell him this should be the week the numbers move. Pray that everything that needs to happen to make Sam well will fit in place this week. Keli’s Green’s mom and dad have moved into their house to watch over the girls until Sam and Keli return home.

Thanks to the crew of volunteers who continue to supply leadership for music/worship needs in the absence of Sam. Thanks to Tammy Tarter, Donny Jackson, John Jordan, Paul Vann, Ricky Gore, Dave Flint, Paul Bolling, Randy Layne, Kevin Terry, Graham Scott, Jay Barfield, Willard Brinkman, Michael Waller, Worship Choir members. Thanks for honoring Sam with your labor. Thanks for making the difference in our worship.



In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard