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
Posts
