October 25, 2010

Congratulations to Jeremy David Hood and Jamie Renee Wood who were united in marriage in a 3:00 PM ceremony on Saturday, October 23, 2010, in the sanctuary of HCN. Jamie is the daughter of Harry and Donna Wood. She and Jeremy attend first service.

The Fall Fish Fry continues to be my favorite all church social. Wayne McNeese does the lion’s share of carrying responsibility for the event. He recruits the cookers and then snaps the whip. Plate filling began at 5:00 PM yesterday from HCN’s west lawn but the cooking and potato cutting and hush puppy stirring began hours before. Outdoor Cooks included John Jordan, Ken Elkins, Glen Detwiler, Dan Scott, Dean Beach, Tom Stephens,

Paul Stonecipher, Rick Person, Bobby Smith, Tim Garrett, Jason Vines, Ken Willis, Ken Koon, Trey Miles, Ricky McNeese, Paul Vann, Kenny McNeese, Webb Trojan, Bill Jackson, Jonathan Beach, Chris Lewis. Indoor Cooks included Lisa Anderson, Pam McNeese, Kylee Koon, Dianne McNeese, Kim Vann, Dot Waffird, Traci Hollandsworth.

The New Life Sunday School Class provided set-up, service, and clean-up and that included the carting of tables and chairs to and from the yard. The weather was balmy (that means looked like it might rain but did not until we got home). Thank you to every person who labored and made the evening great for the rest of us. I stood and talked and sat and talked and ate and talked. All of the extra food was taken to the mission to feed the homeless. That should make us all happy.

Most of you have received the great news by now but those who depend on this letter for information about the congregation may not know. Our Pastor of Worship, Dr. Sam Green, was informed by his doctors at Centennial Medical Center on Wednesday, October 20, 2010, that his bone marrow biopsy taken the previous Monday shows he is in remission from leukemia. Infusions (new description instead of transplants), of stem cells from his brother, Steve, will be administered when Sam’s blood work reaches appropriate levels. The pastoral staff team visited with Sam this morning. He is a happy man.

HCN has tried to respond carefully and responsibly to Halloween through the years. Christians have differing opinions on what the day is about. So, we try to offer options to our families. We sponsor a Candy Parade inside the Center on the Wednesday night before Halloween for children ages infant to grade 4. That is this Wednesday night, October 27, 2010, at 6:30 PM. We ask families to bring candy for approximately 200 children and to distribute it personally from a long and winding line of chairs. The event is dry and safe for our children. Halloween is scheduled for October 31 every year and for 2010, that day is this Sunday. We have purposefully not scheduled any meetings at HCN this Sunday evening to allow families to make their own decisions regarding trick or treating or distributing candy from their homes. We hope this helps you and makes your family decision-making easier.

Children’s Pastor Carol Waller asked me to tell you that Upward’s Basketball is on schedule for registration, practice, and games. Evaluations take place November 29/30, 2010. Practices begin December 13, 2010. The first games are played on January 15, 2010. Carol is recruiting leadership for all areas and seriously needs your help. Call her at 847-3335 or email her at waller.cw@gmail.com to volunteer.

Jerry Keener and Phil Jordan represented the church board on Sunday morning in making appeals to the congregation for help with the $15,000 need for two major maintenance projects: replacing an HVAC unit in one of children’s wings and completing payment on a major plumbing repair. Just over $5,000 was received on Sunday. Thanks to Paul Stonecipher who worked with the plumbing contractor on Saturday evening and early Sunday morning to get all of the plumbing operational before services.

Is this the Sunday everyone comes back to church? I have missed you. The church is less without you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

October 18, 2010

Congratulations to Sarah Perry, a senior at Goodpasture Christian School in Madison, who was selected as a Senior Homecoming Attendant. Homecoming events are scheduled for Friday, October 22, 2010. Sarah is the daughter of Hal and Melissa Perry.

The HCN Church Board met in regular session on Sunday, October 17, 2010, at 4:30 PM. Jerry Keener reported as chair of the Buildings, Grounds, and Equipment Council that two major maintenance projects need funding immediately. An HVAC unit which services the upper floor of the educational unit built in 1996 is non-functioning and must be replaced. Also, one of two motors for plumbing issues servicing our entire plant has been replaced with major time investment from two companies. Jerry estimates the costs will approximately total $15,000. Your help is needed. Jerry will present the need in the 9:00 AM service and Phil Jordan, chair of the Finance Council, will present the need in the 10:00 AM service. If you would like to help, make checks to HCN and designate “maintenance.”

Sam Green had a bone marrow biopsy performed around noon today to discover if his body is in remission from leukemia. Sam is back in the oncology unit at Centennial. Pray for healing. Pray for Sam’s family.

Thanks to the team that continues to make the music work at HCN in Sam’s absence. Thanks to Ken Stegall and Donny Jackson for stepping up this week for the choir and congregational singing. I would make an appeal to choir members. Participation in the choir last Sunday was weak. That not only affects the music but puts a lot of strain on the choir members who are present. There are ten different ways that singing in the choir week-after-week supports Sam but I do not like guilt as a motivation. What about the opportunity to praise God and express our gratitude to him?

The Fall Fish Fry is scheduled for this Sunday, October 24, 2010, at 5:00 PM on the west lawn of the church. All the frying is done outside. The menu includes fresh fish, homecut potatoes, hushpuppies, slaw, iced tea. You are responsible for bringing a favorite dessert. Hey, if somebody cooks your supper you can take the time to make a homemade dessert. Also, bring a large drink to add to the table. Wear outside clothes and plan to stay outside. Bring lawn chairs or something to spread and sit on. Bring yard games. There will be no entertainment except yourself and your friends. This event is my personal favorite of all-church socials. The Genesis Sunday School Class provides set-up, service, and clean-up. If Wayne McNeese asks for your help, do it, please.

One last word. Do not be casual about the focus of your life. Life is too fragile and brief to not pay attention. Do not wait until you lose what you treasure because you take it for granted. Be awake and give yourself to eternal things.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

October 11, 2010

Bryan and Catherine Segars presented their daughter, Avonlea Grace Segars, in dedication to the Lord on Sunday, October 10, 2010, in the 10:00 AM service. Avonlea was joined at the altar by her sister, Afton; brother, Bennett; grandparents, Joe and Carol Clem, Steve and Maria Segars; aunt and uncles, Mincy and Ray Hines, Jason Segars; cousins, Sarah and Alaina Hines, Stacey Sweeten; great-aunt, Emily Barry. While Catherine sang the blessing song, I carried Avonlea on the blessing journey for lots of love. We bless the Lord who has blessed the Segars with this daughter to nurture in Christian faith.

Congratulations to Sarah Harris, a junior at DCA, named to the HP Scholastic Junior All-American Team selected by the American Junior Golf Association. Sarah is one of twelve girls named to the team. Her nomination was based on excellence on the golf course and in the classroom. Selection was based on grade point average, class rank, SAT/ACT scores, leadership skills, community service, and writing ability. Sarah has helped to lead the DCA Girls Golf Team to state championships in 2007 and 2009, and was the individual state champion in 2009. She has a 4.23 GPA.

Thanks to the musical team which continues to step forward and fill the roles needed in the absence of our Pastor of Worship, Sam Green. First, the staff team visited with Sam this morning at Centennial Medical Center and he is recovering from a weekend virus. The big event this week is the bone marrow biopsy on Friday (October 15), results to be known on Monday evening or Tuesday morning (October 18, 19). If the leukemia is in remission, stem cell transplants from his brother, Steve, are next. Your prayers mean a lot. Second, Tammy Tarter continues to lead the choir and direct congregational singing in first worship. Jeremy Michael led congregational singing in second and third worship with Dorinda Biggs, Paul Vann, and Hunter Steinmetz as support. Jo Apple and Carrie Lounsbury provided keyboards in the absence of Michael Waller and Donny Jackson. Thanks to Willard Brinkman, Randy Layne, Graham Scott, Paul Bolling for providing the core instrumental roles week-after-week.

District Children’s Quizzing has started back. Briley Ruff quizzes in the Red Level. Briley recently earned a gold all star ribbon for one perfect round and a ribbon for memorizing all of his Bible verses. Drew and Daniel Silvernail quiz in the Blue Level with reports to come. Quizzing covers I and II Samuel this year.

Thanks to the Livewire staff and students who put-up The Center chairs on Sunday afternoon: Jameson Scappaticci, Jonathan Silvernail, Bryson Fox, Drew Silvernail, Bryce Poole, Logan Evans, Jacob Paddon, Jake Resor, and Ken Jewett.

These are things that make me know it is October. The Atlanta Braves are playing in post season and breaking my heart. Ron Barnes has brought me the cleanest bag of turnip greens I have ever seen and I am eating them like dessert. Tomato plants are dead and dying. The maple tree in my back yard has turned crimson and is making all the other trees in the yard jealous. I debate in the morning before I grab a short sleeve or long sleeve shirt to wear for the day. I have seen Dr. Beckham for a steroid shot and antibiotics for sinuses. Wilson County Schools have moved to Florida. Wayne McNeese is recruiting fish fryers. Pumpkins are for sale. Braeburns are fresh and crisp. I need to find my rakes.

I look forward to singing with you this Sunday.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

October 4, 2010

Sam Green, HCN Pastor of Worship, is back in Centennial Medical Center for Round Two with leukemia. A next round of chemotherapy began on Friday, October 1, 2010, and will complete on Tuesday or Wednesday of this week. A bone marrow biopsy within ten to fourteen days will reveal whether the chemo has impacted the disease. When Sam is in remission again, his brother, Steve, will be brought back for another donation of stem cells. This withdrawal will target specific resistant units which will put Sam back into recovery. Please add Sam to your prayers. He is a much-loved and much-needed partner in ministry.

Thank you to each person who continues to step-up and fill the places of need in the HCN music ministry. Ken Stegall practiced with the choir on Wednesday evening. Tammy Tarter directed the choir on Sunday morning and led congregational singing in first service. Dorinda Biggs and Tiffany Mathias led congregational singing in second service. Jeremy Michael, Dorinda Biggs, and Dalton Winfree led congregation singing in third service. Wilson County School Break takes multiple members of our band out-of-town this week including two keyboardists, several guitarists, and a percussionist. Michael Waller is recruiting replacements. If you are interested and capable of helping, call the church office at 847-3335. The same goes for people who are willing to assist with leading congregational singing.

I avoid trying to describe what takes place in worship each week, lest I rob the dynamic of what God is doing or harm the spontaneity of those participating. However, as in last week, I feel led to try to describe things I witnessed last Sunday. I came to church on Sunday feeling relatively overwhelmed with all that needed to be done. I knew that Sam was in the hospital on a chemo drip and Rondy Smith had spent the early morning in the ER at Summit with a virus. Anna and I were responsible for the after-third-service meal for the college students so I had been up early cooking. God always provides for me and he did again. I came to third service with the conviction that it may need to be discontinued considering Sam’s diagnosis and all that the service requires of so many people. Donny Jackson, who normally leads singing in Sam’s absence was out-of-town, so Jeremy Michael started vocals, soon joined by Dorinda Biggs. By the second song, the band was good and the vocals were good when out-of-the-blue, a senior high student jumped up on the stage and grabbed a mic and joined in the leading. It was Dalton Winfree. Dalton is a guitarist but I had never seen him try to sing. He was nervous but he followed through with what he came to do. By the last song, most of us were singing with all we had (or had left), and I felt very moved. It was time for prayer, so I asked if there were three members of the congregation who sensed that God wanted them to lead in prayer and there were four quickly gathered on the stage. There were two senior high students, one young woman, and one mature woman. Each prayed with anointing. When it was time to preach, I recognized a special power from the Holy Spirit. At the close of the service, the young woman who prayed came straight to me and told me that just as I was asking for volunteers to pray, God was telling her that she needed to say something, do something for him. She told me how powerful she thought it was that the Holy Spirit would coordinate such things. I am not sure what God plans to do with the 11:30 AM service but I am sure that it is meeting the needs of a particular group of people in a significantly spiritual way. I tell this story to testify to the power and work of God.

Thank you to Janie Mullins, Beth Rice, and Barbara Parrish who made banana puddings for the college lunch. Thanks to Jill Satterlee for staying after second service and helping Anna to set-up the meal for service. Thanks to Ken and Robin Jewett who collected the chicken from the Publix Deli and ran the dishwasher after lunch.

Congratulations to the Mt. Juliet High School Band of Gold which took first place in every category at band competitions held at MTSU in Murfreesboro on Saturday, October 2, 2010. HCN members are Dalton Stephens and Ben Mabry.

Congratulations to Savannah Collins who was chosen seventh grade attendant for the 2010 Homecoming Court of Mt. Juliet Middle School. Savannah is the granddaughter of Darrell and Norma Moody.

Stay focused. God is doing more than we can imagine.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard