April 25, 2011

Easter Sunday is behind me but it remains within me. Sometimes I am so consumed with my responsibilities on such a big day that I miss enjoying the moment. That was not true of Sunday.

I enjoyed every moment. I know the videos are old but I love them. I loved the saxophone solo. I loved the responsive readings and scripture reading. I loved receiving communion. I loved the senior high teens who served communion. I loved the congregational singing. I loved the band which remained non-stop on the platform. I loved “I Will Rise” by Sam and the Choir. I loved preaching about rescue and Christ the Victor. I loved the Praise Ensemble. I loved joining the church universal in repeating: “He is risen. He is risen indeed!” I loved the almost equal numbers of people who attended first service and then second service. One of my buddies posted on facebook yesterday afternoon: “That was the Easter service I needed, wanted, and craved. Rescued…that’s me.” Dean and Bill Jackson are senior members of the congregation. Dean wrote an email on Sunday afternoon: “When we drove out of the parking lot this morning, tears flowed with thanksgiving to God for the traffic jam! I was blessed to be a part of the beginning efforts of charter members. We have grown from no parking lot to an overflow parking lot.”

The team of people who made the day work are large in number. The team has to begin with Sam Green. Sam and I sat and planned the service and then he disappeared to recruit and rehearse and create chemistry with musicians. Musically creative people do things for Sam. He recruited a choir, a band, a saxophonist, an ensemble. Brian Biggs made the microphones work when they needed to work. Robert Sullivan made the videos start when they needed to start. Everyone who read and sang understood their cues and were on time. Shane Tarter recruited twelve senior high students to serve communion in first and second service. Jody Scott recruited Ken Elkins, Tommy Boner, Glen Detwiler, and Ken Willis to assist in the parking lots. Billie Ragland recruited Shirley Maschinski and Cindy Harris to help prepare communion trays.

Rondy Smith, Carol Waller, and Ken Jewett read and led us in the crucifixion, resurrection story.

Betty Willis draped The Center cross with a gold cloth and positioned the lilies in banks. Lance Waller led ushers in seating guests and locating and relocating communion trays. Thanks Andy McCormick, Dave Flint, Randy Lane, Graham Scott, Michael Waller, Ben Tyler, Paul Bolling, Josh Sinclair, Hunter Steinmetz, Christi Fite, Anna-Laura Green, Suzanne Karr Herring, Dorinda Biggs, Keli Green, Beth Fox, Paul Vann.

I met VIPs after second service. Dr. Bob and Carol Broadbooks were visiting with their family. Bob served previously as superintendent of the Tennessee District and currently serves the International Church in Lenexa, Kansas. The Broadbooks remain members of HCN. Missionaries Spencer and April Baggott and their children Lucas, Abigail, and Silas were visiting. They return to Africa this Friday. The Baggotts also remain members of HCN.

The Season of Lent ended on Easter Sunday. Whatever you gave up for forty days could begin again on Easter. For forty days including the six Sundays, I have participated with others in the congregation in the Six Pieces or Less. I wore a suit for two funeral services in which I served and counted them as my uniform exception. Otherwise, I have worn two pairs of pants and four shirts. The experience has helped me to know that I want to clean out my closets and reduce my wardrobe to much less than half. If you are willing, I would love to hear from others who participated in the Six Items. Please tell me what you learned.

The Heritage Men’s Choir sings at HCN this Saturday, April 30, 2011, at 7:00 PM in The Center. The choir includes approximately fifty men who sing a concert of classical Christian hymns. The choir sang two songs at Dr. Greathouse’s funeral and each was my favorite part of the service. The selection and sound were exquisite. Mark Greathouse gives leadership to the choir and its scheduling. If you like hymns, you need to be present.

Baby Day is this Sunday, May 1, 2011. Expect videos at the beginning of worship services of all children who are infants to age two. When we talk about how young our congregation is, this is the proof.

Recognition of College/University Graduates takes place at the start of prayer this Sunday, May 1, 2011. If you or a member of your family will graduate from an undergraduate or graduate program by the end of the summer, please contact the church office at 847-3335 and share information with us.

Our Soldier list for morning prayer needs updating. Please check the list and if you know someone on the list who has returned home, please contact me at hlplummer@aol.com.

Ryan McDaniel, Micah Terry, Jeff Holland, Brandon Hanks, Eric Lathrop, Jeremy Binkley, Stephen Nunley, Noah Jiminez, Matthew Muniz, Michael Resendez, Paul Galloway, Jamie Nicholson, Dylan Booher, Seth Pate, Jonathan Denson, Ron Ray, Nicole Rollis, Jeff Worley, Kevin Thomas, Donnie Samuels, Matt Clouse, Kerry Evans, Micah Smith, Michael Pickartz, Derek Thornhill, Shawn Crofutt, David Durrette

Several part-time housekeeping jobs are currently open at the church. If you like to clean and are not afraid of hard work, contact Jody Scott at 847-3335 and leave your name and a phone number where you may be reached. Do not be offended if you call and are not hired. Please notice the “like to clean” and “hard work” parts. They would not hire me.

Years ago, a young family began to attend HCN because they read the marque on the church lawn inviting them to Easter services. Now relocated in another state, they have searched for a church home without success. This week, the mother told me of calling a church in their area to ask for information about their Easter services. She was told the church did not cater to people who just came to church at Easter. She wrote to say she remembered one church that took that risk. I pray that some who came to HCN yesterday will give us the opportunity again.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

April 18, 2011

Congratulations to Kim Vann on her selection as Wilson County Teacher of the Year. The award represents years of education, experience, and a servant heart lived out in classrooms of children with specialized needs. When Kim posted the photo on facebook of receiving the check that goes with the award, she wrote: “Africa $$$$$.” When you live with intention, everything has a purpose.

Congratulations to Mike Miranne who qualified with 26,964 runners to run in the Boston Marathon today, the world’s largest and greatest race. The event allowed three waves of 9,000 runners apiece. Mike is 45 years old and ran the course in 3 hours 46 minutes, a 8:38 pace. It is a life goal accomplished.

HCN’s Worship Choir and Band presented “Savior, Jesus Messiah” in two services on Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011, and each service was forceful, passionate, inspiring. After I heard the pace and conviction of the first four songs, I was not sure how my first service people would respond. Then Gary sang. Then Beth sang. Then Sam sang. Then we received bread and juice from the Lord’s Table. Then the first four songs made sense. What a morning of worship. I need to tell you some great stories. When palm branches were handed out as we entered worship, a young girl ask her parents if this was a real palm branch. Yes, baby, it was. A young girl who sat with her parents turned to her dad during one of the services and told him he was going to have to take her home. When he asked her why, she said: “I feel like I am getting ready to cry.” When it was over, she said: “That was better than a Garth Brooks concert.”

Vocalists for the morning include Lisa Anderson, Jo Apple, Dean Beach, Melody Beach, Dorinda Biggs, Joy Bradley, Joyce Clevenger, Deborah Coppedge, Kristi Dozier, Julie Foster, Beth Fox, Bryce Fox, Keli Green, Sam Green, Marvin Heath, Gary Helm, Suzanne Karr Herring, Traci Hollandsworth, JoAnn Jackson, Marilyn Keener, Melinda Knott, Ken Koon, Art Kurtz, Sandra Kurtz, Carrie Lounsbury, Pam McNeese, Miriam McMillan, Kari Snyder, Ken Stegall, Tom Stephens, Emily Sullivan, Tammy Tarter, Jim Trease, Lizzie Tyler, Carrie Wagner, Jami Walker, Joe Walker, Deborah Walter, and Betty Willis. Instrumentalists for the morning included Rich Herring (drums), Ben Tyler and Paul Bolling (percussion), Jay Barfield and Randy Layne (electric guitar), Dave Flint (acoustic guitar), Graham Scott (bass), Donny Jackson (keyboards), Michael Waller (piano). Technicians for the morning include Brian Biggs (sound), Robert Sullivan (lighting, video screens). Dr. Sam Green selected the music. Tammy Tarter began the rehearsals. When Sam became strong enough, he slid into the director’s chair and Tammy slid into the choir. What a model of humility and cooperation between the two. I think the morning was a testimony of convicted musicians.

It sounds so secular to schedule an Easter Egg Hunt on Palm Sunday but if you were there, you would never think that. The thousands of eggs filled with candy were prepared by the congregation and the children who Jesus loved vacuumed them up in record time. Then we ate the hamburgers and hotdogs cooked by Wayne McNeese, Ken Koon, Paul Stonecipher, Ricky McNeese, Kevin Copeland, and Christopher Lewis. We pampered the dogs and burgers with sliced tomatoes, onions, and the works prepared by Lisa Anderson, Pam McNeese, Diane McNeese, and Kylee Koon. The New Life Class set up and broke down the service and dining tables and chairs. Then we formed an old fashioned neighborhood and everyone sat in chairs and on the ground and talked. The children played. The teens played. When everyone else left, the teens stayed. When we got home, we thought about how nice it was to slow down and be together and say more to each other than hello and goodbye. We thought about who we talked to that we never get to talk to and about friends reacquainted. I thought about how Jesus was pleased. It was his kind of day.

This Sunday is Easter Sunday. It is the highest and holiest day of the Christian calendar. It is the day Jesus Christ rose from the dead and began a resurrection journey that continues to this day. HCN celebrates Easter with two services, the same as Palm Sunday. The first service begins at 9:00 AM. The second service begins at 10:30 AM. Both services meet in The Center. There will be familiar pieces to the morning. There will be new pieces to the morning. Once again, our elementary children and middle school students will join us. Events in the service will change quickly and keep their attention. When we are at the end, you will not want to leave. Easter Sunday is the one day that unchurched people will accept your invitation to attend church with you. More people attend church on Easter than any other Sunday. Take the risk. Make the effort to invite your unchurched friends, neighbors, family, co-workers. It has the potential to change their eternity. Think about that awhile.

Remember the Offering for World Missions this Sunday. We have a long way to meet our responsibilities.

Thanks for praying for me and my family last week at the death of my brother, Jerry. His death made me more aware of the loss some of you have suffered lately. Doug Gold lost his dad last week. Judy Shepard lost her sister weeks ago. Angie Davis has lost her mother and two grandparents in the last nine months. I grieve with you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

April 11, 2011

Philip and Natalie Lutz presented their son, Gibson Michael Lutz, in dedication to the Lord on Sunday, April 3, 2011, in the 10:15 AM service in The Center. He was joined at the altar by his brother, Keegan; grandparents, Tom and Beverly Lutz and Mike and Cathy White; aunt, Brittany White. We give thanks to the Lord for the blessing of this child and for the opportunity to nurture him in the love of Jesus.

Congratulations to Amanda Benson and Steven Loosier who were joined in marriage at Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, on Saturday, April 9, 2011, at 2:00 PM. The ceremony was officiated by fathers, Pete Benson and Roger Loosier. Ginger Pilarski served as her sister’s matron of honor. Nephew Hunter Pilarski served as ringbearer. Nephews Josh Pilarski and Johnny Pilarski read scripture. We celebrate this union of believers and the life they will share together.

Congratulations to Eddie Witkowski and Yana Sinjang who were joined in marriage at Hermitage Church of the Nazarene in Old Hickory, Tennessee, on Saturday, April 9, 2011, at 3:30 PM. The ceremony was officiated by Howard Plummer. We celebrate this union of believers and the life they will share together.

Congratulations to Will Miranne on his selection to the First Team of All Midstate Boys Bowling. Will finished sixth at the Division II Tournament with a 1,611 pinfall. He had a 183.74 scoring average. Will is a senior at DCA. His photo and selection were announced on the front page of The Tennessean Sports Section on Friday, April 8, 2011.

Congratulations to Cali Crosslin on signing to play volleyball with Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee, on April 1, 2011. Cali is a senior at Mt. Juliet High School. She was a two time All District 9AAA selection averaging 9 kills, 5 assists, 4 digs and 3 aces per game.

Congratulations to Matthew Helm, a sixth grade student at Mt. Juliet Middle School, who wrestled in the Spring Youth National Championship in Kingsport, Tennessee, last weekend. He placed 3^rd in the 80 lb weight class making him an AAU All American Wrestler. He was one of two 3^rd place finishers for the Mt. Juliet Bear Club. It was the first time the team brought home medals from the AAU Nationals.

Congratulations to Brian Brinkman and Kevin Helm who represented the Tennessee District in the Southeastern Regional Top Nazarene Talent at Trevecca Nazarene University last weekend. Brian placed 1^st in both Senior High Men’s Table Tennis and Senior High Men’s Tennis. Kevin placed 1^st in Early Youth Chalk/Pastel Art. Each had represented HCN at the previous District Extravaganza. There were 1,900 participants in the TNT event.

Congratulations to Madi McNeese who participated in a Dance Competition in Atlanta, Georgia, last weekend. She placed 1^st in her age group for both trio and small group and over all in her large group competition.

Congratulations to Trey McNeese who participated in a baseball tournament for 9 year old boys in Cookeville, Tennessee, last weekend. Trey’s team won 3 out of 4 games.

The first good news about Patrick Marlowe was received last week. Patrick’s case manager coordinator and the investigation team have agreed that Patrick should be moved to a medium security facility. Pray that management will agree and that the facility will be closer. Wendell, Sheila, and Jordan were able to talk with Patrick via phone for five minutes on Saturday.

John and Melinda Knott are featured in an article on educator couples in Educator Today magazine this month. Melinda is a Consulting Teacher and Numeracy Coach at Isaac Litton Middle School in Nashville. She has taught for 29 years. John is a 4^th Grade Teacher at McGavock Elementary School. He has taught for 15 years. The article with photos is posted on The Center glass board.

Bill and Dean Jackson are featured in an article on their work in Restoration Community Outreach this month. Bill and Dean have given leadership to RCO since 1996. Read about their work in the article posted on The Center glass board.

The church never looks finer than when her people are caring for others. I asked the Greathouse family to let HCN provide a place and a meal for them and their guests following services for Dr. Greathouse on March 31, 2011. I then asked the Early Christian Sunday School Class to provide direction and leadership to the meal. Pat Detwiler, Betty Willis, Mary Ann Boner, and Gay Elkins recruited the cooks and the food and a host of others came in to set tables with cloth and glass dishes. Approximately 100 people were served. Robert and Barbara Parrish came in to clean and wash dishes.

When Eddie Witkowski told us he was getting married and his bride, Yana Sinjang, was coming in from Thailand for the wedding, we asked Eddie if we could help. Eddie has taught in the Middle School and Senior High areas at HCN for three years. Like other interns, he came to learn and stayed with us. Jody Scott began to recruit and Jennifer Neely began to coordinate and Sandra Hunt began to decorate. Betty Willis baked the cake. Diane Cater, Feli Tigabu, Kristi Mabry, Donna Shankle, Valerie Marsh, Brian Biggs, Michael Waller, Rhea McCoy, Shane Tarter, Robin Jewett, Lucas Houge, Katelyn Houge, Beth Houge did whatever was needed. They set tables, arranged flowers, ran sound systems, played the piano, prepared and served food. They did it all for Eddie and Yana. The church never looks finer than when her people are caring for others.

Remember to invite your unchurched friends, family, and neighbors to church on Sunday.

In Christ Jesus,

Howard Plummer

April 4, 2011

I was honored last Thursday, March 31, 2011, to serve as one of the speakers at the funeral service for Dr. William Greathouse. The Greathouse family told me stories that I attempted to weave together and present. I want to take a personal freedom here and tell you some of my experience with Dr. Greathouse. When I was a young pastor in North Carolina, I asked Dr. Greathouse and his first wife, Ruth, to come home with me from District Assembly. I wanted him to preach in the morning worship service and to dedicate our new baby boy, Brady Justin. It was September of 1978 and Plymouth had never had a general superintendent visit before. Dr. G spent the Sunday School hour in my office and wrote notes on index cards and stuck them into books. He told me how much he admired my breadth of reading and encouraged me to continue. I still have the cards. He performed the dedication ceremony for Brady and sent us a New Testament later with Brady’s name. He came to our house for lunch and sat in the living room while the meal was put on the table. He took his shoes off, put his feet up in the recliner, and conversed with everyone from living room to kitchen. It was the beginning of my thinking he was one of the greatest men I knew. I never considered that I would have the opportunity to be his pastor someday. However, he and Ruth followed Mark and Jan here and joined HCN in the year 2000 with Ted and Becky. When Ruth died in 2002, Dr. Greathouse was sad. He ate breakfast with me one morning at Cracker Barrel in Mt. Juliet and a young waitress by the name of Connie waited on us. I had performed the ceremony to marry Connie and her husband and when she came up to our table, she kissed me on the forehead. Dr. Greathouse looked at her and asked if he could have one of those too. So, she kissed him on the forehead. Not too many years later, he married Judy so she could do the kissing. In the last ten years, Dr. G has become a great friend and mentor and coach. He has taught me theology and influenced everything I believe about worship. He was a constant encourager. On most Sundays, he would embarrass me with praise. He never corrected me. He was a constant learner, reader and generally when he got a book, he got me one. He has given me more books than any other person in my life. He talked to me on the phone at least three times per week. He would call and apologize for taking my time and I would think of all the Nazarene preachers I knew who would have given their right hand to have him call them once. He prayed for me every day. He told me he did. He was humbly accountable. A man of his age and credentials did not need to report to me. But he did. When he was out-of-town, he told me where he had gone and how he had missed being at his church. He was the first person with a checkbook out to support whatever the church was doing. His love for people and friendships cast a wide net in first service. He loved Arch Dobson, a seasoned military veteran. He called Arch on the phone the last week of his life and told him goodbye. He loved Rhea McCoy, a single mom of three teenage sons. He and Judy took her out to eat lunch weeks ago. I think I speak for all of us when I say, we trusted him. He trusted us. And we loved each other. We will look forward to meeting again at God’s house. I bet he already has his shoes off.

The United States Military Academy Prep School held its end of the year football banquet in Ft. Monmouth, NJ, on February 17, 2011. Coach Tom Semi presented Brady Earnhardt with three awards: Team Captain, Special Teams Captain, and Screaming Eagle (heart award). Coach describes Brady as “an outstanding leader.” Brady played six different positions this past season on offense and defense and special teams. Their season ended with a 7-3 record. Congratulations to Brady.

Logan Dalton is enjoying an outstanding season playing outfield for the Volunteer State Community College Baseball Team. Vol State competes in the TCCAA and NJCAA playing teams across Tennessee and Kentucky. In recent games, Logan batted 3 for 5 with two RBIs and a run scored in the victory; a walk-off hit in a game he went 3 for 3; hit a homerun after the team brought in a lefty pitcher to face him. See his photo on the glass board outside the Center.

Hannah Garrett raced in the Quarter Midgets this weekend at Carthage for the Tennessee Valley Quarter Midget Association. She set a track record in Heavy Honda. It is the first track record for this class. She won Heavy Honda and came in second in Heavy 160. Hannah runs a decal in memory of Bobby Shankle on each car. Congratulations to Hannah.

Brian Brinkman returned to Tennessee in the middle of a storm after a week of mission in Honduras. Brian traveled there with a team from DCA. We looked forward to hearing his stories. We are glad he is home safely.

For most of my life in the Church of the Nazarene, special mission offerings were received at Thanksgiving and Easter. I know it sounds extreme, but it is the truth. As a young pastor, I went to the bank to borrow the amount of money I wanted to give in an Easter offering. Supporting world missions is a major piece of what we do at HCN. Would you begin to think of sharing a significant offering on Easter Sunday for missions? We have goals to meet by the end of May but it would be freeing to see what we could do without a hoop to shoot.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard