April 26, 2010

Trevecca Nazarene University’s Gospel Choir visited HCN in second service yester-day, bringing their jazz band and three music professors. I liked the humility of telling us the choir is a one semester venture with all non-auditioned vocalists. I like people who like to sing. Graham Scott was the one HCN representative but as far as I could tell, the most superlative.

Saturday, April 24, 2010, was the date of the Country Music Marathon and Half-Marathon in Nashville and the weather changed some things for some runners in our congregation. I need a list of those who ran. Would you send me a note on email or facebook? I know that Tammy Poole ran the Half-Marathon and I know that Sarah Paddon was diverted to the 20.4 mile or 22.2 mile race. Congratulations on this great venture and accomplishment.

Fresh fruit, raisins, drinks from the marathon were distributed after worship services on Sunday, abandoned left-overs from the race. Ken Elkins called Glen Detwiler and they took a trailer downtown to rescue the goods and get them distributed. Thanks to Ken and Glen.

Congratulations to Lauren Lavery and to her mother, Major Lawana Nelson, on Lauren’s official swearing-in ceremony into the Air National Guard on Tuesday, April 20, 2010. Lawana serves as Director of Personnel at the 118^th Airlift Wing. Lauren is completing her freshman year at TNU, majoring in elementary education. See the related article on the glassboard outside The Center.

Carl Davis begins a new job in Boston on Monday, May 3, 2010. Janeene, Clarissa, and Mahaliah remain with us to close the school year and to sell their house. Although both Carl and Janeene are from the Jamestown part of the state, they have lived in this community and have been a part of HCN for close to fifteen years. They are family. We pray for Carl’s new employment and for this significant relocation for all four. They are loved and will be missed.

Pastoral Staff expressed appreciation to Joy Bradley, Jody Scott, Billie Ragland, Betty Willis, and Lanora Cass on Wednesday, April 21, 2010, for Administrative Professionals Day. Joy and Jody serve in the support offices of the staff suite in morning hours. Billie Ragland and Betty Willis serve in the offices for afternoon hours. Lanora Cass serves as a volunteer assistant on Tuesday mornings who helps to get this newsletter into your home and hands. Their gifts were small in comparison to the appreciation we all feel for the work they do on our behalf.

Whenever pastoral staff talks about the significant pieces which make HCN a unique community, we often begin with how pastoral community members are to one another. I recognize that sometimes people fall through the cracks, but not often. This Sunday, May 2, 2010, there are several pastoral moments included in our worship. A video will begin the service to recognize our babies who are zero to twenty-four months. Michael and Carol Waller have staged the video clips and Michael is now sequestered for the rest of the week so that he can edit. At pastoral prayer time, we will recognize the college/university graduates for 2010 and present them with gifts. If you or a member of your family attends HCN and graduates this year as an undergraduate or graduate student, please notify the church office at 847-3335. Sunday, May 9, 2010, is Mother’s Day and HCN will recognize all women who are eighteen years of age or older, with and without children. There is always a floral gift but mostly a lot of love and appreciation. Sam Green returns to both services after a week with a stomach bug (unrelated to his recent treatment) and I preach and first and second services for both Sundays. I hope to see you and to be with you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

April 19, 2010

Welcome to the newest members of HCN: Amber Beach, Bill and Mya Fleming, Jill Forcum, Bill and Dean Jackson, Jonathan and Sarah Paddon, Dennis and Scottie Scholl.

They were born in Tennessee, New York, Kentucky, and Indiana. They were nurtured as Southern Baptists, Presbyterians, Catholics, and Nazarenes. For this portion of their spiritual journey, they have settled into the life of Christ at HCN and desire to be a member of the community. We are glad. As members of the body of Christ, they change us and make us better. We make them better. We pray that our association will lead us to love God wholly and to love each other.

Congratulations to Ben Mabry, Brian Brinkman, Anna-Laura Green, and Sophie Green who participated in TNT at TNU over the weekend. TNT is an annual event where Nazarene youth from across the southeastern USA compete in art, sports, speech, Bible quizzing, etc. Individuals have already competed at a district level and taken first place. Ben, Brian, Anna-Laura, and Sophie won first place in ultimate Frisbee. Ben and Brian were members of the second place beach volleyball team. Brian was chosen a member of the beach volleyball all-star team and awarded the individual sportsmanship award. Brian also placed first in the senior high men’s tennis. Youth group members joined them in the opening ceremonies at an Opryland Ballroom on Thursday evening.

Last week, I told you about Will Miranne’s feature in “Singin’ In The Rain” on Friday and Saturday, April 23 and 24, 2010, at DCA. I also told you that Will is a genuine star. The Tennessean agreed with me and in their Davidson AM feature page last week printed an article about DCA’s drama department that is all about Will. Read on the Center glassboard.

Kevin Terry played cello for the offertory in first service yesterday. Kevin is a Nazarene boy from Texas who is a freshman at Belmont University. He drives to HCN each Sunday and plays in the second service band. I asked Kevin to play in first service so we all could have the opportunity to enjoy his talent. He leaves for Russia in only a few months to minister in churches and orphanages there at the invitation of the Russian Gospel Music Association. If you would like to contribute to Kevin’s trip, send a check made out to Artists in Christian Testimony International, Box 1649, Brentwood, TN, 37027-1649. Kevin’s account is #357.

Sunday, May 2, 2010, is the day we want to recognize College/University Graduates for 2010 at HCN. If you are a 2010 graduate (either undergraduate or graduate), or you have a family member who attends HCN who is a 2010 graduate, please notify the church office by phone 847-3335 or by email so that we may prepare for your recognition in the service.

Before we received new members in second service on Sunday, we concluded the preaching service by re-singing the new song that Sam Green taught us and spending quiet, reflective time in our seats. I thought the message required a private time instead of a public response, yet I asked if God had spoken to you that you would speak to me, write me a note, send me an email, call me on the phone and tell me simply: “I swam to Jesus today.” The responses have made me weep. I have emails. I have notes. Men especially came straight to me and talked. Two of the messages were so moving I thought you needed to hear them. One wrote: “I swam to Jesus today and I will again tomorrow.” Another wrote: “I was drowning when I came to church today and I swam to Jesus.” We never know what is going on in the heads and hearts of those who come to worship but the wonderful, powerful Holy Spirit is always ahead of us, always at work, always speaking, always drawing us to Jesus. I am amazed at his discerning power. I am glad I am connected to him and to you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

April 12, 2010

Steve and Leisha Stride presented their son, Jake Saunders Stride, in dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, April 11, 2010, at 10:15 AM in The Center. Jake was joined at the altar by his brothers, Will and Seth, and his multiple uncles and aunts from the Crosstrainers Sunday School Class. Steve and Leisha’s families live in California and so their Tennessee classmates appointed themselves family. I like the concept. Jake was carried on his blessing journey by Pastor Carol Waller. We bless the Lord who has blessed Steve and Leisha with a child to love and to nurture in Christian faith.

Brady and Michelle Plummer presented their son, Leyton Tyler Plummer, in dedica-tion to the Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, April 11, 2010, at 10:15 AM in The Center. Leyton was joined at the altar by his sister, Kennedy; his grandparents, Keith and Marlene Arend, Howard and Anna Plummer; his aunt and uncle, Kelly Plummer and Roger King; his great-uncle and great aunt, Bobby and Rondy Smith. Leyton was carried on his blessing journey by his Pops. We bless the Lord who has blessed Brady and Michelle with a child to love to nurture in Christian faith.

Following a semester of small group instruction on life purity, close to one hundred middle school and senior high students joined their parents for a banquet on Friday, April 9, 2010, in The Center. They sat at formal tables decorated by Sandra Hunt, JoAnn Jackson, Jody Scott, Traci Haydel, Brian Brinkman, Hunter Steinmetz, Daniel Jones, and Christi Fite. They ate delicious food catered by Jill Satterlee and served by Barbara Parrish. They listened to scriptures read by Bethany Ruff, Anna-Laura Green, and Ben Mabry and sacred music led and sung by Dorinda Biggs. They entered into covenant with God, their parents, their community of faith. They were prayed over by Pastor Shane Tarter and Pastor Rondy Smith. They were photographed by Valerie Marsh. Pastor Ken Jewett did anything and everything to make the evening successful. Teachers for the semester were Bryce Fox, Beth Fox, Lauren Lavery, Jennifer Neely, Cassidy Nelson, Jake Resor, Ken Jewett, Jody Scott, Shane Tarter, Carol Waller, Carolyn Washing, and Eddie Witkowski. In the pages of eternity, this is an event that marks who we are and what we believe as a church. It is one of the difference-makers for this generation of youth.

Will Miranne is featured in DCA’s Fine Arts Department presentation of “Singin’ In The Rain” on Friday and Saturday, April 23 and 24, 2010, at 7:00 PM. Prices are $18 for reserved floor seating, $12 for general seating for adults, $8 for general seating for students. In case you don’t know, Will is a genuine star.

Congratulations to Cameron Wisdom, a fourth grade student at Dodson Elementary School, who was selected Student-of-the-Year by the Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce. Cameron is the grandson of Barbara Thompson.

Taylor Haydel, freshman pitcher for Western Kentucky University, enjoyed his best outing of the season on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 in a 12-2 victory over Murray State. He struck out four and did not walk a batter. See the newspaper article with more on The Center glassboard.

The Spring 2010 Issue of The Treveccan contains articles on HCN members Gary Van Atta and Tanner Webb. Coach Van Atta was recognized for 400 wins as a coach in games at a four-year college. Tanner was recognized as a TNU student completing the Behavioral Science Research Methods Class which may lead to scholarly publication.

See the Treveccan article on The Center glassboard.

The Nashville Rescue Mission featured Pastor Ken Jewett and two HCN groups in their recent Heart of the Mission publication. Homeschooled, middle school students and the college students each were photographed serving lunch at the mission. See photos on the glassboard including Josh Cater, Caleb Foster, Bethany Ruff, Jonathan Mowry, Emily Paddon, Jacob Paddon, Kristin Paddon, Bryson Fox, Jameson Scappaticci, David Tigabu, and Hayley Hill.

The Church Board has set Sunday, May 16, 2010, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon for Annual Meeting Elections. Members of the church who are fifteen years of age and older vote to elect five new members to serve a three year rotation on the church board. They also elect delegates to the District Assembly and Missions Convention, Sunday School Superintendent, and Missionary President to serve for one year. Members who are twelve to forty years of age elect the NYI (Youth) President to serve for one year. Matthew Mullins serves as Secretary of the Church Board and is charged with conducting the election and the counting of ballots by an official board of tellers. The Nominating Task Force appointed to prepare a ballot for the elections includes Phil Jordan, Kendell Poole, Kristi Mabry, Jerry Keener, Rondy Smith.

Aaron Foster serves as chair of the Buildings, Grounds, and Equipment Council on the Church Board. Aaron has a list of projects which need sponsors around the church. The inside projects include wall painting, electrical ballast replacement, ceiling tile replacement, door painting touch-ups. The outside projects include cleaning around HVAC Units, flower bed weeding, cob web removal, window cleaning. The area size can be as small or as great as you would like to tackle. Call the church office at 847-3335 and leave a name and number with Jody or Joy. Aaron will contact you with an assignment.

If you are interested in joining the church, one last membership class should still be available this Saturday, April 17, 2010, at 9:00 AM in The Parlor (next to the kitchen). I teach the class and it should last 75 minutes or less.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

April 5, 2010

Congratulations to Scott and Amy Walvoord on the birth of their daughter, Katie Grace Walvoord, on Thursday, April 1, 2010, at 4:07 AM at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Katie weighed 7 lbs 7 ozs and measured 20 inches in length. She has lots of curly blond hair. We bless the Lord who has blessed the Walvoords with a child to love and to nurture in Christian faith.

We arrived at Easter Sunday on April 4, 2010, after forty days and nights of a Lenten journey, begun on Ash Wednesday. The mark of the cross led us through Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Easter morning. I left the Maundy Thursday service thinking of Simon Peter’s promise that he would never fail, never disown Jesus, with all the disciples saying the same. The world never changes.

I heard Jake Resor tell Sam Green that it was almost poetic that he was able to return to lead worship on Easter Sunday. I agree, Jake. Sam brought his energy and discern-ment to the morning and to the music. Paul Vann brought his voice and ability to climb inside of a song and make it personal. Dorinda Biggs brought her voice and ability to hit ethereal notes that float heavenward. Andy McCormick brought his saxophone and gift to play it and hit every soulful note perfectly. The choir made all of the congregational singing and specials better and celebrative. The band is so enormously talented that when I leave worship each week, I am sure I have no idea what feats were accomplished. That was most especially true for yesterday. The technical side of making every mic work and every video play and words to every song appear at just the right time belonged to Brian Biggs and Robert Sullivan.

Andy Elkins is the Metro officer posted on Saundersville Road who directed our entry and exit from the church parking lot on Sunday. What would we have done without Andy? His dad, Ken Elkins and Ken Willis, Glen Detwiler, and Jim Agee assisted the parking needs in transitions between services.

If you are new to Hermitage Church and would like to know more about the Church of the Nazarene or you are interested in membership, mark your calendar with one of the following dates. I will teach two classes on Monday, April 12, 2010, at 7:00 PM or Saturday, April 17, 2010, at 9:00 AM. You only need to attend one of the classes. Each will last one hour and fifteen minutes and each will meet in The Parlor (beside the kitchen). You need to provide your own childcare. New members will be received on Sunday, April 18, 2010, at the conclusion of each morning worship service.

Congratulations to all Duke fans on their victory dance. I took my bracket off office door this morning. I not only did not pick the winner. Only one of my selections played in the final eight.

I had a birthday last week. It fell on Thursday, my day off from a regular schedule. The shining sun made it dry and toasty. I finished picking up the million sticks and mowed my grass for the first time this season. I had stacked a burn pile over the winter that needed torching so I called for my burn permit number and then called the local fire department to give them my address. The permit was good for the day and it was a good thing. No matter how many matches I lit, the pile would not light. That normally would frustrate me but a still small voice kept telling me to leave it for later. I took a break for about three hours to help a member of my family and then returned to my yard. When I went back to the back of the property, I could tell something was different about the burn pile. It was much bigger. Someone had brought their wood and added it to my pile. I tried to think of which neighbor would do that but none of my neighbors were home. I was a little irritated. Something else was different about my yard but I could not discern what it was. Then it dawned on me that someone had cut a dead tree out of a natural area on my property. They had cut it, stacked the wood, picked up the trash limbs and fixed them in my burn pile. I remembered that Robert Parrish and Charles Jewell had asked me recently if I needed any trees cut. I had two matches left from the morning. It took one to set the pile ablaze. I tell you all of that to tell you that God and I had a significant, quiet conversation on my birthday. I am not a person who believes that God orchestrates every detail of my day. He allows me to make lots of choices about which he could care less. Normally, I would say that my match lighting was not a God thing. But on this day, I believe it was. God let me get still enough to hear him say to wait on the fire. He sent two good men to my yard to cut my tree and clean up the mess in a perfect time window. He forced me to wade through my judgmental spirit when I thought someone else had added to my burn pile. And when it was time to light the fire, it took one match. Not a word was spoken but God talked to my heart all day. I hung out with him in the yard.

I am looking forward to worship with you on the Sunday after Easter. First service gets to sing the Easter hymns you missed last Sunday with organ and piano.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard