Congratulations to Brian and Dorinda Biggs on the birth of their daughter, Atalaya Marie Biggs, on Tuesday, December 28, 2010, at 6:29 PM in Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Atalaya weighed 8 lbs 3 ozs and measured 19 inches in length. She is the sister of Dakota and Emberlynn. We bless the Lord who has blessed Brian and Dorinda by entrusting this child to their care and nurture. We thank him for safe delivery.
Congratulations to Kyle Smith on his performance in the 5th Annual Power Showcase on Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 28-30, 2010. Kyle hit the longest homerun with a wood bat (429 feet); placed 2nd in the 1st round with six homeruns; tied for 4th in the championship round. The Showcase is by invitation only for high school students. See Kyle’s picture at www.power-showcase.com.
Carol Waller, Shane Tarter, and I visited with Sam Green at Centennial Medical Center after staff meeting this morning (Monday). Sam’s primary doctor had just visited and told Sam that after twelve days in the hospital, his gastro system should have shown more improvement as it copes with graft versus host disease. In two to three days, if there are no changes, the doctor will begin new meds and new treatment with more challenging results. We pulled up chairs, gave Sam a pep talk, and then had a prayer meeting. Would you pray with us that God will intervene for Sam? He needs to be able to eat and to keep the nutrients in his body longer.
The Wesleyan Covenant Service gave form to worship at HCN on Sunday, January 2, 2011. John Wesley’s inspiring challenge to renew our covenant with God included music, prayer, scripture, communion, and major responsive readings. Thanks to vocalists Paul Vann, Keli Green, Beth Fox, Emily Sullivan, and HCN Worship Choir members. Thanks to musicians Willard Brinkman, Michael Waller, Andy McCormick, Dave Flint, Randy Layne, Graham Scott, Paul Bolling. Thanks to Billie Ragland and Shirley Maschinski for preparing communion trays for 600+ people. Thanks to Rondy Smith for assisting with the reading of liturgy. Thanks to Tammy Tarter for directing the choir and leading congregational singing.
We speak often of the musically talented people who worship at HCN. At Christmas, some of the people who regularly share their talents were away visiting or on vacation and needs existed for others to step up and in. And they did. One of the people who best illustrates that practice was Rich Herring. Rich came early to worship to practice the offertory song his wife, Suzanne, was singing. By profession, Rich plays the guitar. When someone in the band asked if there was anyone who played the drums, Rich said he had a set when he was child. He then sat down at the drums and played wonderfully for the whole morning of music. I saw Rich playing and assumed it was a regular piece of his arsenal; until someone in the band told me this story.
When I attempted to list the names of those who hosted Room-in-the-Inn at HCN on Christmas night, I failed to list Kelly Ann West. Kelly Ann is a friend of Beth Rouse who made 4 homemade pumpkin pies from fresh pumpkins for the men. She actually made multiple pies for local ministries. Thanks.
Teams are getting slack for setting up the chairs in The Center on Saturday. It does not make for good attitudes when you come to serve and there are only three people to accomplish the very large task. Set up begins weekly at 4:00 PM. Adult Sunday School Classes are assigned weeks on a rotating basis. If you do not attend a class but would be willing to help on any Saturday, you would be greatly welcomed and appreciated. If you are not a part of a class but would be willing to be assigned a Saturday, call Rondy Smith at 847-3335 to volunteer.
For fifteen years, Anna and I have lived in a house on Raccoon Trail that is just off of Old Lebanon Dirt Road. It’s called the country. The main thoroughfare that connects us with the church is Tulip Grove Road. Tulip Grove is a twisting, winding, up and down, two lane road that has more than once been under water after heavy rains. It is a take your life in your own hands road. You know when a rookie is driving it. Up until three to four months ago, it had more potholes than any road on which I travel. One morning on the way to work, I noticed that someone had started to patch the worst stretches of Tulip Grove. I felt encouraged. However, there was one particular long hole that got missed and I just could not believe that someone would patch every other hole and miss that one. I muttered and complained to myself going and coming. Then, to my amaze-ment, the paving machine came and repaved every inch of Tulip Grove Road with thick, heavy paving material. The patching was only a precursor. I was thankful. I felt joy. I also remembered how I had doubted the good common sense of the people paving the road. I want to do better. I need to believe that I am not the only person in the world who knows that there are holes in the road. It is a good resolution for 2011. I hope you have some with as much substance.
Schedules are back to normal this Sunday with the exception of third service. See you in Sunday School.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
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