August 22, 2011

I sat at my dining room table at 5:00 AM on Sunday morning and listened to the hard rain and thunder and lightning storm outside. At one point, the thunder rumbled so loudly and deeply that it rang the crystal glasses inside the china cabinet like bells. I was impressed. In some crazy way, I felt God was speaking to me. We need a little mystic in us.

Pastor Ken Jewett invited the College/University Crew to join him rafting on the Ocoee River last Friday evening, Saturday morning. Those who accepted were Lauren Lavery, Ky Bailey, Rebecca Sharpe, Derek Brinkman, Taylor Haydel, Matt Follis, and Michael Follis. I have seen pictures and there were several dips in the water. I will not name them.

Pastor Shane Tarter invited Senior High Students to join him for a Lock-In at HCN on Friday, August 19, 2011. Chaperones who joined him were Treila Garrett, Teresa Vines, Sandra Hunt, Marla Houser. Students included Hunter Steinmetz, Nathan Brown, Connor Allen, Kiana Gonzalez, Blair Stanton, Dillon McCabe, Aren Edwards, Nathan Curtis, Robert Luther, Chris West, Daniel Jones, Sarah Burnette, Hannah Burnette, Allyson Huffman, Madison Trotter, Kelli Rose, Caleb Foster, Blake Propes, Max Andrade, Kevin Helm, Hardie Chambers, Stephanie Owens, Sara Drummond, Jacqueline Winstead, Brandon Shepard, Drew Fraley, Matt Bastin, Trevor Hunt, Eddie Hunsberger, Joshua Elkins, Isaac Thompson, Ryan Mahoney, Jackson Hollinshead, Jessie Raines, Kelsie Craighead, Jessica Perkins, Rachel Jones, Reed McCoy, Sergio Myers, Chase Buscherfeld, Morgan Harold, Jonathan Mowry, Lucas Houge, Hannah Garrett, Hayley Fee, Emily Paddon, Hunter Batty, Toby Haydel, Maya Mansour, Savannah Wilson, Nahall Yousef-Zaden, Naseem Yousef-Zaden, Dylan Thomson, Matthew Kelley, Austin Twelly, Julian Turner, Brett Frashier, Jesse Yates, John Gutman, Marley Gibson, Thomas Waldrop, Robby Amity, Philip Calkins, Brandon Smith, Taylor Gonyea, Jackie Kuiack, Sara Matthews, Jessie Joyce, Avie Joyce, Sarah Griffith, Parker Lawrence, Corey Miranne, Brad Mullins, Justin Woodfin, Rachel Thimell, Travis Dakhil, Peter Murray, Jonathan Silvernail, Ryan Youngs, Levi Calton, Will Choe, Wes Gibson, Blake Escue, Brian Brinkman, Josh Cater, Taylor Clark, Katelyn Houge, Alex Houser, Jonathan Smith, Ryann Amity, Halle Raines, Taylor Vines, Zach Austin, Connor Drape, Justin Angle, Haley Richey, Erin Conway, William Fleming, Josh Johnson, Evan McDaniel, Andrew Vines, Ben Mabry, Nathanael Jackson, Chris Presley, Daniel Allen. If you count, there are 105 names. There were 107 students. This is what happens when the church provides a safe place for young people to be together with food and their friends. A PS to this paragraph is I am a member of a message board on facebook that Senior High Students post to regarding announcements and questions. Yesterday afternoon as I sat in my office waiting for an appointment to arrive, I read this on the message board: “Hey, can anyone get me to church tonight. I will give gas money.” I remembered when I was a teen and needed a ride to church on Wednesday or Sunday night and the people I depended on to pick me up and take me home. Shane told me our kids took the initiative last night to make a sign-up sheet for helping to get this friend back and forth to church.

Senior High Students recently elected a student council for their Building One Team. Seniors elected are Hunter Steinmetz, Reed McCoy, Ben Mabry. Juniors elected are Josh Cater, Sophie Green. Sophomores elected are Jessica Perkins, Rachel Jones. Freshmen elected are Caleb Foster, Jonathan Silvernail. The council has held its first meeting to organize and to begin implementing ministry.

Pastor Rondy Smith coordinated a Newcomers’ Luncheon after second service yesterday morning. The luncheon gives new families an opportunity to meet pastoral staff and for pastoral staff to meet new families. I am always amazed at who I do not know. I had previously met one person. The families who were brave and courageous and made time to meet us were Patrick and Janelle Lake and their children, Zack, Ariana, Elijah; Michael Hraba and his daughters, Katelyn and Haley; Wade and Tonya Williams and their children, Cade and Sydney; and Stan Stocki. Two of the four families first connected with the church through Upwards.

One of the newcomer families asked about a membership class opportunity. I have scheduled two: Tuesday, September 6, 2011, from 7:00 to 8:15 PM and Saturday, September 10, 2011, from 9:00 to 10:15 AM. You only need to attend one and there is no pressure to join the church after attending.

Last Wednesday evening, Jared Bouton brought one of his childhood friends to church with him. His friend’s name is Sawyer. Sawyer was home on a two week leave from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Jared told me he prayed for Sawyer every week when we pray through the soldier list. Jared prayed that when Sawyer came to visit that it would be on a church night. It was. They came to the class I teach in the Parlor. We are finishing the first Radical book. Afterwards, people swamped Sawyer and his wife telling them we were going to pray for him for the rest of his tour of duty. Jared said Sawyer was honored and somehow he felt honored. He wrote: “I was so happy to be a part of a church that is loving, caring, and an amazing example of Christ to someone not a regular within our walls.” You never know when opportunities will come your way to take care of someone for Jesus.

I am glad I know you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

August 15, 2011

Congratulations to Brady and Michelle Plummer on the birth of their son, Nolan William, on Tuesday, August 9, 2011, at 7:33 PM at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee. He weighed 7 lbs 10 ozs and measured 21 inches in length. Nolan is the brother of Kennedy and Leyton; the grandson of Howard and Anna Plummer; the nephew of Kelly Plummer and Roger King; the great-grandson of Sue and Darvin Dobbins; the great-nephew of Bobby and Rondy Smith; the cousin of Daniel and Kyle Smith. We give thanks to the Lord for a safe delivery and a healthy baby.

Congratulations to Sarah Jo Bouton who officially graduated from Belmont University on Saturday with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Sarah Jo is the wife of Jared Bouton. She is employed by STAR Physical Therapy in Mt. Juliet.

All five of our Trevecca Student Immerse Missionaries have returned to the USA from twelve weeks in Bulgaria and Romania. Jake Resor, Daniel Smith, Preston Hunt, Michael Follis, and Graham Scott greeted the second service congregation on Sunday, August 14, 2011. Welcome home. You were missed. We are proud of you.

Seventy-eight Middle School Students participated in a Lock-In at HCN on Friday, August 5, 2011, under the leadership of Pastor Eddie Witkowski and Pastor Carol Waller. They were assisted by Yana Witkowski, Patty Daugherty, Jake Resor, Katie Scott, Katelyn Hogue, and Aaron Foster. Middle School Students included Joel Daugherty, Evan Gibson, Logan Evans, Evan Flint, Nick Satterlee, Gabi Satterlee, Nate Martin, Tanner Cheatham, Corinne Cheatham, Shelby Rose, Brianna Post, Chandler Scott, Kailey Perkins, Abby Elkins, Olivia Garrett, Cameron Davenport, Carson Davenport, Carly Earnhardt, Anthony Mannen, Lacey Remmert, Logan Remmert, Logan Brooks, Jonathan Smith, Nathan McLaughlin, Michael Mathias, Ben Thompson, Shelby Thompson, TJ Hysell, Annie Cater, Keegan Brown, J.D. Hall, Isaac Houser, Morgan Houser, Bella Agee, Bryce Poole, Joel Jones, Cade Williams, Jacob Brown, Holly Barfield, Nick Groover, Marileigh Mabry, Chelsea Rhodes, McClain Remus, Hannah Gastley, Madeline Scholl, Emma Montague, Grant Reigard, Teddy Joyce, Bella Green, Danielle Wylomans, Jordan Sweeten, Eddie Mahoney, Evan Gamble, Mason Greenwood, Adam Shelton, Grant Render, Morgan Follis, Maddy Rouse, Lydia Foster, Trace Tignor, Cole Jackson, Shelby Jackson, Anna Waller, Sara Waller, Becca Waller, Mikayla Wurth, Ashley Wallace, Hannah Dubin, Keely Dozier, Josh Pilarski, Austin Waller, Ashlee Harrison, Nolan Magee, Daniel Magee.

Eleven College/University Students served the evening meal on Monday, August 8, 2011, at the Nashville Rescue Mission. The group included Morgan Harold, Katelyn Houge, Heather Miller, Katie Scott, Ben Griffith, Braden Maphet, Jasmine Stiles-Barnes, Jessica Long, Rebecca Sharpe, Anna-Laura Green, Jake Resor. They were led by Pastor Ken Jewett.

The Church Board met on Sunday, August 14, 2011, for their monthly session. Motions passed include the restructuring of pastoral staff titles, assignments. Carol Waller’s title changes from Pastor to Families with Children to NextGen Pastor. Carol retains her role in leading children’s ministries but assumes oversight roles over children, youth, and college ministries. Ken Jewett focuses on College Ministries and adds leadership for Upwards Sports Ministries. Eddie Witkowski assumes leadership for Middle School Ministries.

Wendell and Sheila Marlowe have a son, Patrick, who is an inmate in a federal prison. In the last six months, Patrick was relocated from a federal facility in one state to a federal facility in another state. What initially appeared good for Patrick was not good. He is isolated and sinking physically and emotionally. Wendell and Sheila have just returned from a visit. Patrick has hope for something that might help his situation. If you are interested in helping, contact Wendell at wendell.marlowe@live.com. Patrick is a child of this church and a member.

Remember when your dad or mom gave you the lecture about turning lights on and off in the house? Well, we need the lecture. If you are passing by a room or the sanctuary and no one is present, would you make it your business to turn off the lights? It surely would help the church electric bill which was especially high last month.

Numbers are interesting to me. Lance Waller told me when he counted attendance in The Center for second service he went to the second floor and looked down. He said Senior High Students seated 20 people on 15 chairs. I think my area seated 3 people on 5 chairs. Lance suggests we follow the Senior High model. Carol Waller reported in pastoral staff meeting this morning that there were 22 students in Sunday School in the 5th Grade Class. You know that large Senior High Group we enjoy? There is another wave just behind them.

Two young adult women who suffer from Huntington’s disease are sisters and members of the HCN community with their husbands and children. This Thursday, August 18, 2011, at 7:00 PM, Melissa Darnell will provide a learning opportunity about Huntington’s at HCN. Melissa is a cousin of our sisters and the caretaker of her dad and aunt. Both sisters have given permission for this meeting. If you need more information, contact Carol Waller at waller.cw@gmail.com.

We failed to publish this in last Sunday’s bulletin.

I look forward to singing with you on Sunday.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

August 8, 2011

Congratulations to Bill Manley and Angela Draper who were joined in marriage on Tuesday, August 4, 2011, at 4:00 PM in the Hermitage Church Sanctuary. The ceremony was so private that we had to pick up witnesses on the way to the sanctuary. Traci Haydel and Matt Follis served as witnesses and Matt signed the papers. I was pleased to preside.

Congratulations to Brad Mullins who made the Mt. Juliet High School JV Baseball Team last week. Brad has just returned to Middle Tennessee from Oklahoma with his brother, Travis, and parents, Paul and Wendy.

Thanks to all of the servants who do most of the hard work every time we have an all church social. Last Sunday afternoon, Wayne McNeese led the cooking team with his son-in-law, Ken Koon. Lisa Anderson, Pam McNeese, Kylee Koon, and Traci Hollandsworth prepared the onions and tomatoes and condiments. Chris Lewis and Caleb Foster set up all the tables and chairs. Thanks to everyone who brought the extras of salads, desserts, and drinks.

Dr. Sam Green planned and rehearsed an evening of music with the Praise Team and Worship Band that followed our meal. The vocalists included Christi Fite, Anna-Laura Green, Sophie Green, Suzanne Karr Herring, Keli Green, Dorinda Biggs, Paul Vann, Hunter Steinmetz, and Sam. The instrumentalists included Michael Waller, Donny Jackson, Andy McCormick, Randy Layne, David Flint, Jay Barfield, Ben Tyler, Paul Bolling, and Josh Sinclair. The talent and spirit of the service was amazing. I heard and witnessed much joy and celebration.

The Radical Together Experience began on Sunday, August 7, 2011, in the Sunday School hour with middle school through adult classes participating. Early Christians decided to meet at 7:50 AM instead of 8:00 AM to give ten extra minutes of discussion. What are you bringing to the table that requires change for you?

Two young adult women who suffer from Huntington’s disease are sisters and members of the HCN community with their husbands and children. Many people in the congregation want to know more about the disease and how to help the families. On Thursday, August 18, 2011, at 7:00 PM, Melissa Darnell will provide a learning opportunity at HCN. Melissa is a cousin of our sisters and the caretaker of her dad and aunt. Both sisters have given permission for this meeting. If you need more information, contact Carol Waller at waller.cw@gmail.com.

Last week, when I reported that Dr. Rondy Smith and Pastor Carol Waller preached at HCN while I was away on vacation, I made a major error. I wrote that Carol Waller was Carol Smith. It was somewhat of a joke on staff because sometimes people mistake Rondy and Carol for each other. I apologize. It will not be my last mistake.

I am glad I know you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

August 1, 2011

Anna and I have taken two weekends in a row as vacation time to rest and refresh. We could not afford to get too far away as grandbaby number three is scheduled for arrival. During the two weeks, our son, Brady, was involved in an accident in Bowling Green, KY, which totaled his car and left him to kick his way out of a window. He has bruises and a very sore back but no broken bones or head injuries. We are grateful and fortunate.

Dr. Rondy Smith filled the pulpit on Sunday, July 24, 2011, as she told the story of her Radical Sabbatical. The whole church is joining Rondy in the process as Adult and Youth Sunday School Classes begin the study of Radical Together this Sunday, August 7, 2011. Pastor Carol Smith filled the pulpit on Sunday, July 31, 2011, as she told the story of The Generations. Carol had the HCN Generations of Youth to come to the front for a prayer of blessing before dismissal in second service. Both of these women are gripped with conviction for where God leads them and how he wants them to lead in their ministry assignments at HCN. I am very proud of each pastor and the excellence with which they led morning worship services. Thanks to Pastor Ken Jewett who taught the Early Christian Sunday School Class on both July 24 and July 31, 2011.

There are three special musical events coming to HCN in the next eight weeks and each possesses a distinct personality and purpose. The first is scheduled for this Sunday, August 7, 2011, at 6:00 PM in The Center. It has incubated in the heart of Dr. Sam Green. It is a worship and praise experience entitled, “Renew Your Mind,” and led by the praise team and worship band. It is not about watching. It is about participating. You want to come at 5:00 PM and eat and then help us to rearrange the chairs so that we might sing and praise the Lord.

The second is about others. If you were present in The Center Lobby on Sunday, you witnessed a wall of work by Betty Willis, Anna Plummer, and Jody Scott. The wall tells a story of how Kenya became a place of calling to members of the HCN family, beginning in 2006. It includes the construction of an orphanage; life for 26 orphan girls; protection for the property; dreams for a community well; feeding a community starving from drought. The wall ends by telling you there is a benefit concert and silent auction planned for Saturday, September 10, 2011, entitled “Grounded In Hope.” The purpose of the event is to raise funds to send a new team to Kenya in June 2012. Entertainment for the evening features vocalist Paul Vann. Tickets are $25 and $50. This benefit was approved by the Church Board. Like the meetings of the 2006 team which dreamed the 2008 trip into being, the meetings planning the 2012 trip are empowered by the Holy Spirit. I sat and watched each take form and was amazed.

The third is the Annual Fall Concert with music from Prestonwood Choir entitled “You Reign.” The date is September 25, 2011, at 10:00 AM in The Center. We looked at all of the stats from previous years and decided this is the one event we can do together in one great big morning. It will be fun to fill the house. Would you reserve the morning?

Jake Resor landed safely in Nashville, TN, last night following a summer of mission in Bulgaria and an automobile wreck which dislocated his hip. His hip is now relocated and he is on a month of crutches. Dr. Tim Green chaperoned Jake home. We look forward to seeing and hearing from Jake. The other eighteen missionaries return in several weeks.

Kyle Smith is in Lakeland, Florida, this week playing in the East Coast Pro Showcase. 150 high school baseball players from 6 regions make up the rosters of 6 teams. The percentage of draft picks to MLB teams from the 2010 showcase is huge. Previous players include Josh Hamilton and Brian McCann.

I am glad to be home and look forward to worship with you on Sunday.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard