Congratulations to Eric and April Branscum on the birth of their daughter, Gemma Louise, and two sons, Hunter Harrison and Christian Nash on Friday, July 1, 2011, at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Gemma was born at 10:56 AM; weighed 5 lbs 10 ¾ ozs; and measured 17 inches in length. Hunter was born at 10:57 AM; weighed 5 lbs 2 ¾ ozs; and measured 17 inches in length. Christian was born at 10:58 AM; weighed 5 lbs 11 ¾ ozs; and measured 17 inches in length. April invested the last two weeks in bed in the hospital to get the babies to 35 weeks gestation with strong lungs. Anna and I visited the family on Saturday. Anna held Gemma and I held Hunter. Christian was getting his bath in the nursery. Gemma, Christian, and Hunter share a brother, Erickson, and grandparents, Jeff and Sally Ebel. We give thanks to the Lord for healthy babies and a safe delivery for April.
Congratulations to Dr. Kevin Ulmet, current pastor at Chicago First Church of the Nazarene, who was elected to serve as the new pastor of Nashville First Church of the Nazarene upon the retirement of Dr. Gary Henecke at District Assembly this week. Kevin is the father/father-in-law of our Carrie and Ben Wagner. His first Sunday arrives the end of August.
The July 3, 2011, Cook-out at HCN met indoors in air conditioning and I was glad. Cooks came early and sweated the grills. They included Wayne McNeese, Paul Stonecipher, Ken Koon, and Tyler Koon. The kitchen crew included Lisa Anderson, Pam McNeese, Kylee Koon, Dot Waffird, Chris and Jenny Lewis. Set-up and Clean-up Crew included the Young Professionals and CrossTrainers Sunday School Classes. I am grateful to everyone involved in preparation and to everyone who brought food to share for the evening. I like being with my friends.
Missionaries Jay and Teanna Sundberg are in town next week. They serve as Field Directors for the Southeastern European Field of the Church of the Nazarene. They are responsible for Bulgaria, Romania, Kosovo, Albania. This is the field where Michael Follis, Preston Hunt, Graham Scott, Jake Resor, and Daniel Smith are currently serving. Jay and Teanna used to serve in Russia with Jon and Kathy Mowry. They are available on Wednesday, July 13, 2011, to speak at HCN in an open forum telling us about themselves, where they serve, what they do, and to answer questions about mission in the world. Would you plan to attend this event?
Large pine trees crowd the property line between HCN and our north boundary neighbor. Harsh wind and rain in the last weeks have ripped some of the pine limbs off the trees and blocked access into and off of our west parking areas. Robert Parrish cleared the first branches and Charles Jewell cleared a massive limb that required an entire day to cut up and haul away. I am most impressed, however, not with the chainsawing or the hauling. I am most impressed that after each man labored to clear the property, they blew the parking lot clear of debris. I may have cut and hauled but someone else would have dealt with the details. Thanks, men. I am humbled and grateful.
Since the first week in June, young people have gathered on the HCN campus every Monday morning for the purpose of finding transportation to a week of camp at Garner Creek. Today (Tuesday), the young people gathering are headed to Nazarene Youth Congress in Louisville, KY. Pray for their safety and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in their worship services. Youth Congress members are Brian Brinkman, Ben Mabry, Robert Luther, Corey Miranne, Justin Angle, Andrew Vines, Sophie Green, Hannah Garrett, Katie Gracy, Josh Cater, Brandon Shepard, Alex Houser. Their chaperone is Pastor Shane Tarter.
The 100th Assembly of the Tennessee District Church of the Nazarene meets this week at Nashville First Church at 510 Woodland Street. The first service meets on Wednesday, July 6, 2011, at 7:00 PM. It includes special music, a challenge from the district superintendent, and a reception to follow. Assembly business begins on Thursday, July 7, 2011, at 8:30 AM. The Ordination Service begins at 7:00 PM on Thursday. The NMI (Missions) Convention and business meets on Friday, July 8, 2011, at 9:00 AM.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
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