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