Congratulations to Kyle Smith, a Mt. Juliet High School Senior, on signing a baseball scholarship with Vanderbilt University on Thursday, November 10, 2011. Congratulations to Sarah Harris, a Donelson Christian Academy Senior, on signing a golf scholarship with the University of Kentucky on Monday, November 14, 2011.
Jordan Marlowe and Stephen Swoner play on the same team in the Mt. Juliet Youth Football League: Mt. Juliet C Black. They had an undefeated season and were division champs in their age group. On Saturday, November 12, 2011, they played at Brentwood’s Crockett Park in State Playoffs for the Tennessee Youth Football Association. They remain undefeated and were crowned TYFA State Champions. The team goes to Knoxville to play in the Battle at the Rocky Top Football Tournament. Stephen is the quarterback, punter, kicker and receives both kickoffs and punts. Jordan plays offensive and defensive tackle and is on the kickoff and receiving team. Congratulations to both young men.
Tennessee District TNT for Sports met at HCN on Friday and Saturday, November 11-12, 2011. More than 300 young people attended the opening worship service on Friday night in the Sanctuary. HCN Senior High Students served as hosts and hostesses, which often meant they were doing dirty work. They picked up and emptied trash around the building and even plunged toilets and mopped floors in restrooms. Does that impress you as much as it impresses me? Ben Mabry and Jonathan Mowry made the Senior High Ultimate Frisbee Team. Nolan Magee placed 2nd in Junior High Table Tennis. Daniel Magee placed 3rd in Middle High Table Tennis. Bryson Fox placed 4th in Middle High Table Tennis and Bryson’s Basketball Team took 3rd place. Hannah Jackson placed 2nd in the 5K run. Kenzie Eiseman placed 3rd in the 5K run. Chandler Scott and Marileigh Mabry made the Girls’ Soccer Team. Congratulations to the individual and team participants.
Simon Kiendi is a Kenyan who works in volunteer service for World Servants. For the last two missions to Kenya, Simon has become a beloved brother to our HCN teams. He takes care of us and we return his care with deep affection. Simon visited in second service on Sunday, November 13, 2011. He is in the states visiting his son who lives with his family in Texas. He was so moved by the privilege to share worship with us on Sunday that when given an opportunity to greet the congregation, he could only weep and lay his head on the pulpit. John and Rachelle Reigard hosted the 2008, 2010, and 2012 Mission Africa Teams at their home on Saturday, November 12, 2011, so everyone could renew and make new friendships with Simon.
Smoke on the Mountain debuted at HCN on Sunday, November 13, 2011, at 6:00 PM in The Center. Diane Cater dreamed and directed the production. Actors and vocalists included Lamar Bradley, Beverly Sharpe, Suzanne Karr-Herring, Shelley Flint, Ronnie Thompson, Will Miranne, and John Jordan. Blue Grass Musicians included Michael Waller, David Flint, Bill Fleming, Rich Herring, Graham Scott, Chuck Cline, and Lucy Cline. I received this email this morning which I will alter enough to protect the identity of the writer. “I cried my eyes out at the altar this morning as I grieved for loved ones. I reluctantly went to the Sunday evening performance of “Smoke” because I was despondent and so weary from fatigue—but that performance made me laugh with all my might and relieved the stress in my body. It also relieved some of the stress in my mind because, after all, laughter is the best medicine. The performers were excellent and my daughter almost fell out of her seat laughing at Shelley’s signing. Great music and joy lifted the burdens of this old battered heart. I love my church.” I personally asked everyone at the staff table this morning if they had ever flown a June bug. It is with great sadness that I report only Rondy Smith and I had done so. Not everyone is as culturally rich as we are. We take so much for granted. Thanks for the June bug theology, Beverly. Were there 400 people present on Sunday night?
This Sunday, November 20, 2011, is the Sunday before Thanksgiving. It is also the evening when our congregation gathers to eat a Thanksgiving meal. We will begin to prepare our plates at 5:00 PM in The Center. We need six families to prepare a turkey and six families to prepare a ham. We need some families to prepare dressings. The rest of us need to prepare a salad or vegetable, a dessert, and bring a large drink. If you will prepare a turkey or ham, please call the church office at 847-3335 and put your name on a list. We need to know ASAP. Thanks.
Thanksgiving Offering envelopes were included in last Sunday’s bulletins and will be included in this week’s newsletter mailing. The envelopes are to help us remember our participation in the offering for world missions. I have written you for weeks about the possibility of making a sacrificial offering for missions. November is the time. I hope you are thinking and praying and planning.
Samaritan’s Purse sponsors Operation Christmas Child each year in hopes of providing joy to underprivileged children at Christmas. Shoe boxes are filled with recommended and age appropriate gifts that are then distributed to children in need. This is the week for collecting the boxes. 94 boxes are ready for delivery from HCN. Thanks to Jody Brown for leading the project.
I look forward to Sunday.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
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