Monday, May 31, 2010

May 31, 2010

Congratulations to Ray and Heather Anderson on the birth of their son, Jack Gregory Anderson, on Thursday, May 13, 2010, at 12:03 PM at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee. Jack weighed 7 lbs 12 ozs and measured 19 ½ inches in length.

He is the brother of Allyson, Sarah and Rebecca. We bless the Lord who has blessed the Andersons with a son to teach the ways of the Lord.

Dr. William Greathouse was honored with the publication of his biography, presented in the opening service of PALCON at Trevecca Nazarene University on Tuesday, May 11, 2010. The book is entitled Crucified with Christ: The Life and Ministry of William Marvin Greathouse. It was written by Dr. William J. Strickland and Dr. H. Ray Dunning.

The photos in the book are worth its purchase.

HCN enjoyed an indoor Memorial Day Picnic on Sunday, May 30, 2010, at 5:00 PM. The rain and thunder and lightning was mild but significant enough to chase us indoors. Wayne McNeese had the Men’s Cooking Team smoking hot by the time I arrived on the property at 4:00 PM. I saw Wayne, Kenny McNeese, Paul Stonecipher, and Ken Koon at the grills. I saw Pam McNeese, Dot Waffird, and Traci Hollandsworth in the kitchen slicing and dicing. I saw Rick Person coordinating the set-up for the event. I know that you are missing Lisa Anderson’s name in the list. Lisa fell on Sunday afternoon and broke her arm in multiple fractures. Pray for Lisa as decisions are made about treating her arm and she prepares for a weekend family wedding. Thanks to everyone who added all the salads and deserts to the meal. I ate delicious rhubarb pie for desert. I also ate at a table full of the Fox children and their cousins. I think it made the parents nervous about what I was asking and what they were telling me. There were a few craned necks trying to ease drop on our table’s conversation. Beware: I may sit with your children next.

The 2010 Pinewood Derby took place in the HCN Center on Wednesday, May 26, 2010, at 6:30 PM. The Preschool winners were 1) Konnor Russell, 2) Carson Slocum, 3) Hannah Holderby. The Elemenary/Adult winners were 1) T.J. Hysell, 2) Jeff Cater, 3) Joel Daugherty. Keep dreaming that your car will cross the finish line first on the next race day. Congratulations to the 2010 racers. Thanks to John Reigard for giving leader-ship to this year’s running.

Senior Adults and Friends took a trip to Lexington, Kentucky, last week (Tuesday-Friday), led by Brenda and Jim Agee. Travelers included Jim and Brenda, Charles and Nancy Jewell, Mel and Linda Parkhurst, Dot Waffird, Myrna Shurtleff, Billie Ragland, Mary Alice Butler, and Shirley Maschinski. They toured the Lexington Horse Park, Shaker Village, Asbury College, and drove through the horse farms. Although the scenery is always beautiful, the company is better. The group stayed in a Holiday Inn Express and kept the place hopping. The next activity is a one-day trip to Leipers Fork and the Natchez Trace Parkway on Friday, June 18, 2010. You are invited if you are 55 years of age or older or close.

The last paragraph of last week’s letter told you that we needed to raise $44,000 on Sunday, May 30, 2010, or changes would begin to be made in local staff assignments. I am glad to report to you that more than $45,000 was received on Sunday toward that goal with total giving in excess of $51,000. Those who recorded the giving on Sunday were smiling on Sunday night as they recounted check after check after check with the memo: “pastor’s letter.” Thanks for listening. Thanks for caring. Thanks for giving. Please remain faithful as we move through the summer.

The New Church Board meets for the first time this Sunday, June 6, 2010, at 5:00 PM in The Parlor. Elected Board Members include:
(2010-2013) Jerry Keener, Wendell Marlowe, Lance Waller, Teresa Vines, Jeff Cater
(2009-2012) Steve Kelley, Beverly Mitchell, Matthew Mullins, Scott Perkins, John
Mannen (2008-2011) Phil Jordan, John Reigard, Carolyn Washing, Kendell Poole, Mike Miranne
Tony Dozier (SS), Kristi Mabry (Missions), Jennifer Neely (Youth)
The new board elects officers and organizes itself for business in this first meeting. Board members who are rotating off the board for one year are Beverly Sharpe, Brad Houser, David Hunt, Marvin Heath, and Aaron Foster.

I am grateful to continue to serve as pastor of this great people. I love and appreciate you.

In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard

Monday, May 17, 2010

May 17, 2010

Annual Meeting Elections were directed by Matthew Mullins, Secretary of the Church Board, on Sunday, May 16, 2010, before, during, and after morning services. As directed by the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene, Matthew appointed a Board of Tellers from the church membership to distribute, collect, and count ballots. Congratulations to those who were elected and those who were nominated and allowed their names to appear on the ballot. There were 177 ballots cast.

The five members with the highest vote totals serve a three year rotation on the church board. The person with the sixth highest vote totals replaces Kristi Mabry for two remaining years. Kristi was elected NMI (Missions) President. The person with the seventh highest vote totals replaces Scott Steinmetz for one remaining year. Scott leaves due to his wife’s employment by the church.

(2010-2013) Jerry Keener, Wendell Marlowe, Lance Waller, Teresa Vines, Jeff Cater
(2010-2012) Beverly Mitchell
(2010-2011) Carolyn Washing

Sunday School Superintendent: Tony Dozier
NMI (Missions) President: Kristi Mabry
NYI (Youth) President: Jennifer Neely

Delegates to District Assembly: Joy Bradley, Alene Gill, Marilyn Jordan, Linda Parkhurst, Anna Plummer, Wendell Poole, Dan Preston, Jake Resor, Daniel Smith, Dot Waffird

Delegates to NMI (Missions) Convention: Joy Bradley, Alene Gill, Marilyn Jordan, Linda Parkhurst, Anna Plummer, Wendell Poole, Dan Preston, Jake Resor, Daniel Smith, Dot Waffird

Delegates to NYI (Youth) Convention: Anna-Laura Green, Hunter Steinmetz, Jonathan Tigabu, Sophie Green, Ben Mabry, Josh Cater, Jessica Dozier

LiveWire Students presented An Evening of Hymn Singing with some country cousins on Sunday, May 16, 2010, at 5:45 PM in The Center. Terri and The Chigger Hill Boys were recruited for vocal and instrumental support. It would be hard to overstate how much their singing and playing really added. Diane Cater directed the event with great support from Beth Fox, Christine Helm, Susan Scappaticci, Jillian Forcum, Jeremy and Heather Michael, Jake Resor, Ken Jewett, Stephan Scappaticci, Sarah Paddon, Glenda Perkins, Robert Sullivan, and Daniel Smith. Jill Satterlee cooked the meal served family style at 5:00 PM. Singers, instrumentalists, and conversationalists were Jameson Scappaticci, Bryson Fox, Gabby Satterlee, Rachel Jones, Isabella Green, Jacob Paddon, Kristen Paddon, Emily Paddon, Keely Dozier, Annie Cater, Anna Waller, J.D. Hall, Olivia Garrett, Hannah Garrett, Chandler Scott, Taylor Shoemake, Abby Elkins, Kailey Perkins, Jessica Perkins, Mahaliah Davis, Bryce Poole, Shelby Rose, Kelli Rose, Jared Mannen, Brianna Post, Drew Silvernail, Jonathan Silvernail, William Fleming, Holly Baughman, Bethany Ruff, Marileigh Mabry, Hannah Jackson, Nathanael Jackson, Keegan Brown, Travis Walter, Avie Joyce, Jessie Joyce, Niki Graves, Josh Elkins, Logan Evans. Thanks for the great food and company.

Congratulations to Adrie Brown who attended the HOBY Leadership Conference at Lipscomb University this past weekend. One sophomore student was selected from each high school in Tennessee. Adrie represented MJHS. At the banquet for students and parents on Sunday, an award was presented to the best female and best male leader at the conference. Adrie was given the best female award.

Congratulations to Anna-Laura Green, Katelyn Hogue, and Eric Owens on their graduation from the Youth Leadership Program of Wilson County on Sunday, May 16, 2010, at 2:00 PM. Each high school in Wilson County recommends five outstanding students for one year of leadership development and education. Three of the five MJHS students are from HCN this year.

The Church Board met for its monthly schedule on Sunday, May 16, 2010, at 4:00 PM. Finance Reports were received and a motion was passed to rehire current pastoral staff and support staff on a month-by-month basis. All employees of the church minus the senior pastor are employed on an annual basis. A new church year begins on June 1. When and if our budgets are paid in full, then staff and employees will be re-evaluated. Lay-offs and reduction of hours begin on June 1, 2010. If this concerns you, pay attention to your giving to the church over the remainder of the month of May. If you need to catch-up any giving, it would be timely and reduce the pain.

All Adult Groups are invited to a Thinking Meeting this Sunday, May 23, 2010, at 6:00 PM in the Sanctuary to consider options for future worship schedules to allow the church to reach new people. Pastoral staff members have looked at several options to resolve parking issues and seating issues. We need your mind and your heart and your prayers.

I hope you are remembering that Jesus the Son of God is our great high priest who has gone through the heavens. He is able to sympathize with our weaknesses and temptations because he was “just as we are—yet was without sin.” Let us approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Let us go there with confidence. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard

Monday, May 10, 2010

May 10, 2010

Sunday, May 9, 2010, was not only Mother’s Day but it was a catch-up day for all that we missed during the floods of the previous weekends. Catch-up included Baby Day and recognition of College and University Graduates. Michael Waller prepared our Annual Video for Baby Day and we were able to watch it in first and second service. The parents and babies on that video were presented with engraved New Testaments in the second service with blessing prayers. The video included Avonlea Segars, Lucia Greathouse, Emilee Koon, Zoie Butler, Becca Anderson, Savannah Szyperski, Caroline Walker, Abigail Taylor, Katie Grace Walvoord, Austin Reigard, Liam Bolling, Leyton Plummer, Cason Ebel, Levi Keener, Mason Beach, Malcolm Mullins, Jake Stride, Tristan Mullins, Cooper Jordan, Lucas Waller, and Keegan Lutz.

2010 Graduates of Colleges and Universities were also recognized in the second service with additions from my list last week: associate degree: Jenny Carter; bachelor degrees: David Tigabu, Eddie Witkowski, Lindsay Miller, Frank Bolyard, Jeremy Michael, Heather Michael, Julie Groover; master degrees: Cassidy Nelson, Stephan Scappaticci, Rebekah Means, Jessica Tarter Page, Jon Page; doctorate degrees: Brooke Foxworthy, Donny Jackson. Cards with gift certificates were presented to each one.

Beautiful, blooming flowers were given to each woman, eighteen years of age and older for Mother’s Day. We prayed at the close of service for each lady. I received an email this morning from one of them. This is some of what she wrote. “For the past few years I have dreaded going to church on Mother’s Day. One reason was my mother lives far away and I miss celebrating with her. The bigger reason was I felt out of place not being a mother, especially since I longed to be one for many years. For the most part, I have put closure to the idea as God has prepared my heart. Thank you for ending the service praying for ALL women. Someone had to tell me to stand up. I was thankful to God for continuing to heal the void in my heart. I am aware of those who would love to be a mother and those who cannot. I will no longer dread going to church on Mother’s Day.” Thanks for the email that speaks for more than we know. Thanks to Wendell Poole who provides our flower connection with a Mennonite farmer in the area.

Lawana Nelson was presented in second service with her husband, Ken Jones, and her daughter, Lauren Lavery. Lawana leaves Thursday, May 13, 2010, for a four month tour of duty in Afghanistan with the Tennessee Air National Guard. We prayed for Lawana’s safety and for her family with outstretched hands.

The “In Ten Years” video is a classic reminder to the HCN family that a generation depends on our intention and prayers. In second service, I interviewed Preston Hunt who is the concluding speaker on the seven year old production. In the fall, Preston will be a junior at Trevecca Nazarene University. He was elected this spring to serve as the Vice President of Student Services in the ASB. I hope you saw the faces of the students we are leading and teaching and nurturing in faith in Christ Jesus. For the most part, they remain with us on their faith journey.

You also had the privilege to witness Hunter Steinmetz as he discovered a letter he had written to Coach Mark Richt of the University of Georgia had paid dividends. Hunter is in the tenth grade at MJHS and planning to return to Africa this summer. He was a part of the group in 2008 also. Hunter has worked hard labor for months to raise the funds. He wrote letters to selected individuals asking if they would consider contributing to the support of his trip. Week before last, Coach Richt had his secretary to call me and ask for the church’s address. On Saturday, a note arrived with a check made out to the church for Hunter’s trip in the amount of $2,500. It is a personal check from the resources of the Coach and his wife. Hunter and his family found out the good news at the close of the service in front of the congregation and his reaction was priceless: sobs of joy. Could we be more glad?

Teams of servants from HCN have worked in the surrounding neighborhoods over the last week to help get life back to normal for those most affected by the floods. An army of young mothers originating in the Moms2Moms Group have fed the Waterford subdivision for multiple days. They met in the HCN kitchen on Friday, Saturday, and this morning (Monday) to prepare sack lunches and then to distribute the food. This morning, they prepared close to one thousand sack lunches and then fed the Waterford community, DCA remodeling workers, the Old Hickory Community Center workers. Do you know what an assembly line of young moms sounds like when they have a mission?

Eight HCN men invested one/two days at Camp Garner Creek on Thursday and Friday of last week. They stripped insulation and interior walls from the chapel and cut siding to replace lower walls. Two of the men had never stepped foot on the campus previously. They were Glen Detwiler, Ken Willis, Tommy Boner, Jerry Woods, Ken Elkins, Dean Pilkinton, Don Rollins, and Charles Jewell.

Twenty Senior High Students took on one house devastated by the flood. They unhooked and removed appliances and toilets; pulled up tile; removed drywall; packed dishes; etc. They were Ben Griffith, Austin Woodfin, Jasmine Stiles-Barnes, Robert Luther, Robby Amity, Brandon Shepard, Morgan Harold, Christi Fite, Katie Scott, Jessica Long, Cassie Hunt, Trevor Hunt, Grant McCoy, Reed McCoy, Braden Maphet, Eric Owens, Philip Caulkins, Timmy Porter, Taylor Steinmetz, Hunter Steinmetz.

Annual Elections take place this Sunday, May 16, 2010, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at HCN. Members of the church who are fifteen years of age and older elect five new members to serve a three year rotation on the Church Board of Directors; one Sunday School Superintendent; one NMI (Mission) President; one NYI (Youth) President; and delegates to District Assembly and Conventions. District Assembly and Conventions are in Memphis this July 7-9, 2010.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

Monday, May 3, 2010

May 3, 2010

Fourteen inches of rain fell at the Nashville International Airport over a twenty-four hour period, spanning Saturday-Sunday, May 1-2, 2010, and broke the recorded historical record for rainfall in our area. The result is that two of the three interstates (I-24 and I-40) which converge in Nashville were closed for portions of Sunday. Portions of Lebanon Road and Saundersville Road were closed. Neigborhoods off Andrew Jackson Parkway were underwater up to window tops. As of this writing, I do not know of anyone from HCN whose home is flooded, however, multiple reports of flooded businesses are reported (Rob Mathias, Ronnie Marsh). Rob and Tiffany Mathias lost a car. Opryland parking areas are underwater. Multiple buildings at Trevecca have water covering the floor. Camp Garner Creek at Dickson has a bridge washed out, a newly remodeled building destroyed by falling trees, multiple facilities with water. It is a momentous flood. I have emails from HCN families offering to share their meals, their homes. I have an email saying “let me know what is needed.” As we discover needs, we will attempt to connect them with offers for help.

I drove to the church at 7:40 AM on Sunday already knowing that Tulip Grove Road was impassable. I drove in the center of the two lanes on Andrew Jackson and sent wake east and west. I parked on the back of the gravel lot at church and without wisdom, walked through the newly created creek flowing from our trash container to the large trees. I found the most narrow place to cross which was also the deepest place. I had water up to my knees which meant that my socks and shoes and pants were wet through. Early Christians had dutifully gathered for Sunday School with thirty plus people in first service. I think there were more than twelve people in the choir. By second service, the rain was heavier and people arriving informed me that more and more neighborhood roads were being closed. So, we prayed and sang and listened to the scripture read with brief commentary and we went on our way with a blessing spoken. Chef Jill Satterlee came to me and told me that she had prepared spaghetti for whoever wanted to stay and eat lunch and while I was not one, I have heard the Parlor was full of those who accepted her invitation. Many of you attempted to get to church and were blocked at numerous, overflowing passages. My friend, Richard Rouse, wrote on his facebook page that he had been snowed in once and rained in twice in his life. I think it was my first rain-in.

Baby Day was scheduled for last Sunday morning and will need to be included at the start of services this Sunday morning, May 9, 2010. Recognition of 2010 graduates of Colleges and Universities was also scheduled for last Sunday morning. While graduates will be recognized in the services on May 9, 2010, I want to print the names of those currently known to us. Bachelor degrees will be granted to David Tigabu, Eddie Witkowski, Jenny Carter, Frank Bolyard, Jeremy Michael, Heather Michael. Masters degrees will be granted to Cassidy Nelson, Stephan Scappaticci, Rebekah Means, Lindsay Miller. Doctorate degrees will be granted to Donny Jackson and Brooke Foxworthy.

I asked in last week’s letter for information on Country Music Marathon Runners from HCN. I know more. Kids ran a marathon of 25 miles (one mile at a time after school each day for weeks before the event), and then ran their 26th mile on Friday night before the marathon. HCN runners in the Kids Marathon were Adam Jones (best time ever at 6 minutes 52 seconds), Shelby Rose, Hannah Jackson, Madeleine Rouse (second year). Also, additional Half-Marathon runners were Richard Rouse, Mark Washing (2:46), Carolyn Washing (2:03), Suzanne Karr. I continue to express my admiration for the training and endurance.

When the rain was not letting up last Saturday afternoon and Mt. Juliet Prom Attendees needed a place for photo-ops, a large crew came to the HCN Center Lobby. There was lots of styling and profiling. I am not sure but I think forty of our kids did a group date. I am kind of kidding and kind of not. Anna-Laura Green was elected a Prom Princess which is similar to Snow White and Cinderella. When you have a three year old granddaughter, you know about these things. Congratulations to Anna-Laura.

Rondy Smith and I spent last Thursday and Friday at Camp Garner Creek in Dickson as members of the Boards of Ministry in Ministerial Studies and Credentials. We participated in the interviews of one hundred plus district licensed ministers and ordination candidates. Shane Tarter, Eddie Witkowski, Tes Tigabu, Daniel Smith, and Jake Resor were interviewed for renewal of licenses and for grant of licenses. Ken Jewett was interviewed for transfer of ordination credentials from the Wesleyan Church to the Church of the Nazarene. Ken’s decision to transfer is an enormous decision as he and Robin were both raised and nurtured from birth in the Wesleyan Church. The process is long and laborious but remains the one responsibility I have on the district level which I believe makes a difference in the kingdom of God.

It is the first of May and HCN continues to work to complete the payment of financial mission obligations. It would be hard for me to overestimate how important it is that we pay these apportionments. Non-payment eventually affects our ability to keep pastoral staff members and impacts the quality of ministry in our community and church. Meeting our goals require that everyone share in giving and that some of us are moved to give above and beyond our tithes and pledges. This is my fifteenth year to pastor this congregation and I have never seen our spending tighter while our ability to pay our mission budgets are more difficult. I continue to ask for your prayers and participation.

If you are behind in your giving; need to catch up a pledge; or feel moved to give extra, now would be a great time. You do not need to tell me. Just do it.

This Sunday is Mother’s Day. We will honor all women eighteen years of age and older, with children and without children. Please plan to bring the women in your house to church with you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard