Letters from the Pastor

December 5, 2011

2011-12-05T13:05:00.000-08:00

HCN’s Children’s Ministries presented “Christmas Gifts” from the Lamb’s Club Children and “A King Is Coming To Town” from the His Kids Crew on Sunday, December 4, 2011, at 6:00 PM in The Center. The Lamb’s Club (pre-school) program was directed by Amy Slocum with assistance from Adrie Brown and Rachel Jones. Toddler I Bell Ringers were Liam Boling, Zoie Butler, Addiston Miller, Katie Grace Walvoord, Lanie Kate Jordan, Atalaya Biggs, Gibson Lutz, and Porter Hood. Handbell Ringers were Caeden Boling, Megan Ermshar, Tyler Koon, Harper Kate Miles, Kennedy Plummer, Carson Slocum, and Nicholas York. Speakers were Caeden Boling, Megan Ermshar, Tyler Koon, Harper Kate Miles, Kennedy Plummer, Carson Slocum, Nicholas York, Kyler Kelley, Cole Petroff, Owen Agee, Mercedes Greathouse, Bryan Ermshar, and Seth Stride. Nativity Scene Characters were Mason Beach, Emmy Biggs, Amanda Dillon, Ellianna Gamble, Brandon Helm, Keegan Lutz, Emma Petroff, Lucas Waller, Lucia Greathouse, Cooper Jordan, Emilee Koon, Larry Douglas Pardue, Leyton Plummer, Austin Reigard, Jake Stride, Caroline Walker, and Savannah Szyperski.

Tammy Tarter served as His Kids’ general director, with assistants, Julie Groover and Jessica Agee in music and April Swoner and Kristin Jordan in drama. Robert Sullivan ran sound and lights. Jody Scott and Betty Willis prepared the set. The cast for “A King Is Coming To Town” included Caroline Brasfield, Reid Swoner, Trey McNeese, Johnny Pilarski, Jackson Barfield, Selah Coppedge, Summerlyn Hysell, Carter Poole, Stephen Swoner, Rebecca Eiseman, Eva Harris, Madi Slocum, Regan Perkins, and Bethany Webb. Vocalists included Hutson Miles, Sydney Webb, Kyler Kelley, Parker Hollandsworth, Briley Ruff, Bryan Ermshar, Will Stride, Stephen Swoner, Ashlynn Lounsbury, Regan Perkins, Elizabeth Foster, Brooke Bradley, Victoria Hood, William Dillon, Katelyn Brown, Cole Petroff, Owen Agee, Gracie Lee, Sydney Williams, Dillon Massey, Michael Spraker, David Paddon, Christian Rios, Elizabeth Stinson, Gant Brasfield, Camille Reigard, Miranda Spraker, Preston Davis, Brenae Fox, Mercedes Greathouse, Hannah Holderby, Alexi Baltz, Gabby Rouse, Alex Sullivan, Rebecca Eiseman, Madison McNeese, Annalee Poole, Isabella Stinson, Alyssa Mannen, Bethany Webb, Tristan Lee, Breelyn Ruff, Seth Stride, Ian Rouse, Ava Davis, Mia Agee, Dakota Biggs, Eva Harris, Ethan Foster, Abby Reigard, Madi Slocum, Brooklyn Fox, Lyric Gray, and Mary Dillon. I think if you count, there were sixty plus children in the production.

Pastor Carol Waller said people wrapped boxes, herded animals, practiced lines, painted signs, fluffed trees, hung a set, ran power point, invested in the lives of children. Thanks to all parents and children and directors who allowed the rest of us to listen and to see.

Thanks to the Genesis Sunday School Class for providing set-up and for receiving and preparing the food for the rest of us. Thanks to all who brought food to feed our guests. Thanks to the Senior High B1 Students who broke down the chairs and tables and assisted with clean-up.

Steven and Ginger Magee moved with their children to Middle Tennessee from Colorado last year. They brought with them a great desire to begin a teen Bible Quiz program at HCN and they have. Their sons, Taran, Josiah, Daniel, and Nolan were joined by Bryce Poole in this first year, quizzing on the book of Hebrews. In several weeks, I and II Peter will be added to the mix. Half way through the Tennessee District season, Bryce and Nolan have placed in the top five for novice quizzers. Taran, Josiah, and Daniel have placed consistently in the top sixteen quizzers. Daniel and Josiah competed in a national tournament last weekend in St. Louis. In the November meet, one of the HCN teams took second place in the meet. Congratulations to these quizzers and to their dedicated coaches who make the difference in their team effort.

Thanks to Gant Brasfield and Dillon Massey who lighted Advent candles during worship services on Sunday, December 4, 2011, at HCN.

Thanks to Betty and Ken Willis, Keli and Sam Green for using their superb decorating skills over the last two weeks to decorate the church for Advent. Keli and Sam set up the Christmas tree in the Center Lobby. Betty and Ken then relocated the tree so that the crèche could be moved to the corner of the Lobby. Betty has hung banners, hung wreaths inside and outside, prepared bulletin boards for silk screens and stars. Her fingerprints are lots of places around the church.

Do you ever buy a paper from one of the homeless vendors on the streets around Nashville? In the most recent issue of The Contributor, December 2011, Ray Ponce De Leon has written an article about the Trevecca Physician Assistants program and their ministry to the clients at Mercury Courts. He cites Robin Jewett as the coordinator of the effort as she teaches at TNU. Turn to page 4 and read.

This Sunday’s schedule follows regular times and Sunday School. There is a preaching service at 9:00 AM in the Sanctuary and the Worship Choir presents their annual Christmas musical at 10:15 AM in the Center. This gives options to what you want to see and hear. Diane Cater directs the LiveWire (middle school students) Ministry in a drama at 6:00 PM in the Center. Bring pasta and pizza, desserts, and drink to this fellowship. We will get our food first, be seated at tables, and watch the program.

I look forward to singing with you on Sunday.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

November 28, 2011

2011-11-28T13:40:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Max Andrade, Doug and Christy Gold, and Bill Manley, for sharing pieces of their lives during Sunday morning worship yesterday. For five to six years, I have selected three or four people from the congregation to tell their stories on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. I attempt to ask people who are relatively new to the congregation and who have experienced significant life events in the past year. I think it is easy to attend worship week-after-week and to believe that everyone else has a smooth life. It helps to know that we all have tough places and times of struggle. It took great courage for each person to stand and speak. I appreciate your investment in both services. Thanks to Billie Ragland for overseeing the preparation of communion for each service.

Congratulations to Max Andrade and Jennifer Lee who were baptized in a 5:00 PM service on Sunday, November 27, 2011, in the Sanctuary. Pastor Shane Tarter interviewed and baptized Max and Pastor Rondy Smith interviewed and baptized Jennifer. We rejoice in their declarations of faith and their receiving of the sacrament.

The New Life Sunday School Class began the Room-in-the-Inn season at HCN on Saturday, November 26, 2011, by hosting ten homeless men in our facilities. HCN Director Paul Stonecipher served as transporter to and from the downtown center. Ray Render and Jody Sweeten served as overnight chaperones. Ronnie Marsh, Kendell Poole, Tony Dozier, Darlene Miranne, Tammy Poole, Stephanie Gamble, Stacey Sweeten, Charlotte Rose, Judy Shepard, Ginger Magee, Pam Stonecipher, Mike Miranne, and Lisa Kelley prepared the evening and breakfast meals and the take-away lunches; set up tables and televisions and bed cots; offered washers and dryers and showers for personal needs. They treated our guests with courtesy and dignity. Jesus said whatever was done to and for these men was done to and for him. Think about that for a while. Thanks to the New Life Class for representing all of us.

The B1 Senior High Men set up the tables and chairs on Sunday night in The Center. Lisa Anderson and Pam McNeese led the hard work in setting up the serving tables. Thanks for your service. Thanks to everyone who brought soup, salads, desserts, and drinks. The people at my table enjoyed the great variety. Thanks to Tyler Koon for bringing in the light for the Advent candles.

This Sunday, December 4, 2011, at 6:00 PM, HCN Children present their Christmas program and musical in The Center. We always have lots of guests so we need lots of food to serve. Bring a tray of sandwiches or veggies or fruit and finger food desserts. Deliver your food to a kitchen window and service will be set up in the hallway.

Each Sunday in worship, we pray for a significant list of soldiers by name. Those names represent sons, grandsons, friends, neighbors, co-workers. Some of the soldiers are on their first tour of duty. Some of the soldiers are on their fourth tour of duty. What sacrifice. Our specific request in prayer is that God will return each soldier safely to his or her family. I have one request of you. When you know that a soldier has returned stateside, would you notify me or the church office. I am listing the names here: Ryan McDaniel, Micah Terry, Jeff Holland, Brandon Hanks, Eric Lathrop, Jeremy Binkley, Matthew Muniz, Michael Resendez, Jamie Nicholson, Dylan Booher, Ron Ray, Nicole Rollis, Jeff Worley, Kevin Thomas, Josh Samuels, Derek Thornhill, Shawn Crofutt, Clint Hale, Allison and Brian Murray, Sean Clymer, Ricky Lutz, Kurt Kile, Jason Schlee, Matt Clouse, Sawyer Smith, Jamie Hazel, Caleb Cook, Jamie Barber, Robert Pizzatola, Thomas St. Thomas, Dan Hansmeier, Mike Berman, Anton Hoffman. If you know someone who has returned, please call.

The Thanksgiving Offering for world missions totaled $8,125 for the month of November. Thank you for your participation, prayer, and thought.

The Mission Africa ’12 Team is reaching critical schedule points in its venture. Shot regimes must be completed. Passports must be secured. Rosters must be finalized. Strange as it may seem, there are always a few people who really want to go and wait until the last months to join the team. If you are one of the people who is holding back, it is time to identify yourself. In the month of December, minimal deposits must be made for those registering for the trip and in the month of February, all monies must be paid for airfare. We are getting near the point where we could not add people if we wanted. So, now is the time. We still have room for you. Are you supposed to go on this mission?

It is possible that you have no direction to go on this mission but you feel drawn to assist someone else in participating. I know several young people and several adults who could use your help. Talk to me if you are interested. The end of the year is a good time to give for tax credits.

Quite a few college/university students were present in worship on Sunday. They were home for Thanksgiving. I had an opportunity to speak to several and to tell them how much I had missed them. They told me how much they had missed church and how they had enjoyed worship on Sunday. One young man told me it would only be two to three weeks and he would be home for Christmas and back in church. I look forward to him being home with us.

I look forward to all of us being home.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

November 21, 2011

2011-11-21T14:20:00.000-08:00

I hope Psalm 100 is still ringing in your ears today. It was not the lectionary scripture for Sunday but it was the scripture from which I was led to preach. One family posted on facebook that they are memorizing it for Thanksgiving and may make its recitation the ticket for pumpkin pie. Our lives are not our own. We belong to God. “It is he who made us and we are his.”

The Thanksgiving Meal last evening looked delicious. The tables were full. Thanks to the turkey and ham cookers: Bill Lowe, Pam McNeese, Shelley Flint, Ginger Magee, Rachelle Reigard, Cathy Preston, Lisa Anderson, Angela Manley, Ruthann Terrell, Miriam McMillan, Carol Waller, and Sandra Hunt. I know at least three ladies who made dressing: Betty Willis, Pam McNeese, and Barbara Parrish. Thanks to everyone who provided the fixings, the salads, the vegetables, the bread, the desserts, the drinks. Thanks for the good company. Thanks to the New Life Sunday School Class for handling set-up and break-down for the event. Great teams are required to make the church work. Thanks to Lisa Anderson and Pam McNeese for setting up and cleaning up the serving tables.

The Weekend Bake Sale led by Diane Cater was an attempt to raise money to alter Hunger for Children. Over $600 was raised from the HCN parking lot on Saturday. The total edged closer to $1000 from the Lobby on Sunday. We will give you totals next week and the route the money takes to make a difference for kids.

Upwards Basketball Evaluations take place on Monday and Tuesday, November 27-28, 2011, from 6 to 8 PM in The Center. It is not too late to register online or by picking up a form at the HCN offices. Pastor Ken Jewett directs the ministry.

Reid Swoner, Maxwell Mullins, and Grant Phelps’ B-Gray Team won their State Champion-ship Game in Brentwood and Preston Phelps’ CCC Team won their State Championship Game.

I know grandparents who traveled from Kansas City to attend the games. Congratulations.

For weeks, I have written to you regarding the Thanksgiving Offering for world missions. I have attempted to offer multiple reasons for supporting the 700 plus Nazarene missionaries in 150 plus world areas. If specifics are your thing, I offered the support of our own missionaries, Spencer and April Baggott, who serve with their three children in Rwanda. The Baggotts are members of HCN. Giving to missions in the month of November totals $6,337. It is not too late to participate in this offering. Someone who will be out of town this weekend handed me their mission offering on Sunday night and asked if I would put it in the plates this coming Sunday. How close could we get to $10,000?

Like you, I am thankful this year for my family, the health and safety of my family, my church. I am thankful for the pastoral staff team with which I work week-after-week. I am thankful for you. The Wednesday night class I teach is currently studying a newly published book by Gordon MacDonald entitled Going Deep. Two weeks ago, the lesson contained an elevator story. The simple message was: if you were on the first floor in an elevator and were traveling to the thirtieth floor, what would you tell someone about your church in that amount of time. I asked the pastoral staff team that question last week and these are some of the words they used: healthy, Spirit-filled, Spirit-led, intergenerational, non-threatening, genuine love for people, relationships with Jesus, challenges for life, young people, energetic worship, pastoral, longevity of staff, community, missional, eclectic, biblically based, relevant, hospitable, fluid, trust, future-driven, family oriented. I know all those words take longer than thirty floors but that included seven people sharing. What would you tell someone in that elevator? What are you thankful for regarding your church this Thanksgiving?

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

November 14, 2011

2011-11-14T13:46:00.000-08:00

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

November 7, 2011

2011-11-07T08:46:00.000-08:00

Trevecca’s Homecoming Activities filled up last Friday and Saturday, November 4-5, 2011, on the hill. Daniel Smith, a senior class representative to the court, was crowned Homecoming King. Anna-Laura Green and Toby Haydel represented the freshman class as princess and prince. Michelle Arend Plummer was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame, honoring her career as a scholarship volleyball player. We are proud of all of these HCN honorees.

Building One’s Senior High Students traveled to Livingston, Tennessee, to the famous Barnes Farm on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, November 4-6, 2011, for their annual fall camping retreat. There were sixty-eight students, eleven chaperones, and four hosts and hostesses. Ron, Illona, Gatha, and Mike cooked breakfast each morning including eggs, biscuits, French toast, omelets, sausage, bacon, etc. Shaun Lewis, assisted by Scott Perkins, cooked the barbecue for Saturday night. Jared Bouton served as chaplain speaker. Chaperones included Steven Magee, Gloria Maphet, Sarah Joe Bouton, Aaron Foster, Julie Foster, Katie Bridges, and Gregg Trotter. Pastor Shane Tarter served as the big boss. Retreaters included Adrie Brown, Alex Houser, Allyson Huffman, Andrew Vines, Avie Joyce, Caleb Foster, Chase Buscherfeld, Christopher West, Colby Wilcock, Corey Miranne, Ben Mabry, Emily Paddon, Evan Hollingsworth, Grant McCoy, Haylee Fee, Hannah Burnette, Hunter Steinmetz, Jackie Kuiack, Jared Mannen, Jessica Perkins, Jessie Joyce, Jonathan Mowry, Jonathan Silvernail, Josiah, Magee, Josh Cater, Josh Elkins, Kaitlin Hunek, Kelli Rose, Kevin Helm, Levi Carlton, Lisa Schwabauer, Max Andrade, Madison Trotter, Paige Ronsen, Rachel Thimell, Reed McCoy, Renee Lancaster, Robby Amity, Robert Luther, Ryann Amity, Ryan Mahoney, Sadie Dillon, Sara Drummond, Sara Matthews, Sarah Griffith, Sarah Burnette, Sophie Green, Stephanie Owens, Taylor Clark, Taylor Gonyea, Taran Magee, Torrey Cheney, Trevor Hunt, Will Choe, Will Fleming, Zack Duncan, Philip Calkins, Paige Hood, Daniel Jones, Brad Mullins, Hunter Batty, Nathan Curtis, Rachel Jones, Cameron Woodfin, Colby Earls, Mikey Jacobi, and Bonnie Baker. My friends on facebook raved about the experience. These are some of their posts: “unparalleled in its awesomeness,” “friends, serenity, and God,” and “amazing.” Hunter Steinmetz told me the only thing he did not like about it was it was his last time to go. He is a senior. No electricity. No running water. No indoor plumbing. One john. In the middle of the woods on a privately owned farm. Sleeping in tents in 40 degree weather. And they loved it.

Upwards Flag Football Teams and Cheerleaders played their last games at HCN on Saturday, November 5, 2011, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. They played under the lights set up under the gracious direction of Robert Sullivan (without whom there would be no lights). Coaches, officials, and volunteers for the season included Kristi Dozier, Gabby Satterlee, Keely Dozier, Ashley Wallace, Steve Stride, Steve Webb, Craig Cardwell, Dwayne Wright, Lindsey Miller, Maddy Rouse, Derek Brinkman, David Tigabu, Rick Brown, Wade Williams, Paige Ronsen, Caitlyn Taylor, Janelle Lake, Greg Ruff, Jonathan Beach, Valerie Marsh, Lamont Price, Tonya Williams, Chip Jackson, Troy Wood, Logan Frye, Richard Rouse, Beth Rouse, David Silvernail, Phil Stinson, Ray Render, Sheri Render, Grant Render, Ronnie Thompson, Jody Sweeten, Rob Mathias, Michael Mathias, and Mark Washing. This list does not reflect the parents who stepped in as substitute coaches, kept the fields mowed, provided snacks, or extended hospitality to the many guests we had each week at our games. Congratulations to Pastor Ken Jewett on leading and organizing a successful season. Now, on to basketball.

Congratulations to Reid Swoner, Maxwell Mullins, and Grant Phelps, on their season in the Charlie Daniel’s Tennessee Football Alliance. The Mt. Juliet Boys Grey Team earned a 7-1 regular season, two play-off wins, and head to the championship game in Brentwood this Saturday, November 12, 2011. Preston Phelps and Zachary Gonyea played on the Mt. Juliet Triple C Team with a 7-1 record, two play-off wins, and head to their own championship game in Brentwood on Saturday.

If you watch the Today Show on NBC in the mornings, you are familiar with the annual sketches of “Where In The World Is Matt Lauer?” Well, this is the week that Matt Lauer is traveling to a different place every day. And the male vocalist singing the “Where In The World Song” is Paul Vann. Listen and brag to your neighbors and coworkers.

Thanks to all of the Veterans reading this letter who have served in a branch of the United States Military. Thanks for your service and sacrifice. Thanks for your courage. We commit ourselves to continue to pray for the safety of those on active duty.

The next two Sunday nights in November are BIG at HCN.

• This Sunday, November 13, 2011, features the musical “Smoke on the Mountain” directed by Diane Cater. The actors and actresses are all our own and they are fabulous. The event begins at 6:00 PM in The Center.

• The next Sunday, November 20, 2011, features the All Church Thanksgiving Dinner. This meal begins at 5:00 PM. We need six families to cook a ham and six families to cook a turkey. The rest of us need to bring a vegetable, a salad, and a dessert. If you will volunteer to prepare a ham or turkey, call the church office at 847-3335 and put your name on a list with Jody, Joy, Billie, or Betty.

I know I may be in the minority, but I love when Daylight Savings Time ends. I love the extra hour on Sunday morning. I loved it last night when it was 9:00 PM and it seemed late. It is 4:15 PM right now and it is already getting dark outside. It reminds me of when I was a kid and no one had heard of Daylight Savings Time.

I hope you are considering giving a Thanksgiving Offering to World Missions. I have attempted over the last month to help us consider some of the reasons why we should give. You might give simply because you are thankful.

I am thankful to serve as the pastor of HCN.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

November 1, 2011

2011-11-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

Mel Parkhurst died on Thursday evening, October 27, 2011, at St. Thomas Hospital. Mel was a member of HCN since 1998. There are lots of special stories about Mel. Bethel Church of the Nazarene was born from prayer meetings, one of which was held in Mel’s family home. Mel loved Bethel Church and her people. He married Linda when she was a young teenage girl and he was just discharged from the Navy. They were married 58 years. Mel was a clown and loved to do magic tricks. He loved to meet people. He had pictures of himself with David Copperfield, Reba McIntyre, and Al Gore. He loved to travel, to swim, to camp, to grow roses, to cook for other people. His brother and his sons said he never cussed, never used tobacco, never drank alcohol of any kind. Linda said his mother was an old prayer warrior who prayed for Mel continuously. He and Linda knelt at the corner of the front altar in first service during pastoral prayer on the last Sunday of his life. His memorial service was held at HCN on Monday, October 31, 2011, at 11:00 AM. His life began in the church and the church was the last place his body left before he was carried to the cemetery. We extend our arms and love and care to Linda, who survives Mel. The Early Christians and Faith Builders Sunday School Classes were asked to serve as honorary pallbearers for Mel. At the close of the service, they formed an honor guard of sorts that extended out of the sanctuary and through the foyer to the hearse. It was very moving.

Congratulations to Hunter Steinmetz, a senior at Mt. Juliet High School, selected for the DAR Citizenship Award. His counselor reports he received the most nominations from the faculty.

Congratulations to Daniel Smith, one of the senior representatives elected to the Trevecca Homecoming Court for King. Congratulations to Anna-Laura Green, the single representative for the freshman class to the Trevecca Homecoming Court for Queen. Congratulations to Toby Haydel, the single representative for the freshman class to the Trevecca Homecoming Court for King. All are members of HCN.

More than fifty men and young men ate breakfast together and listened to Dr. Steve Stride on Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 7:00 to 8:30 AM in The Center. Thanks to Brian Biggs for arriving early and running all the audio visuals. Steve talked to us about the profound effect of violence in the home in comparison to other types of abuse. Thanks, Steve. Thanks to Jill Satterlee for preparing the great breakfast.

The Fall Fish Fry held on the west end of the campus on Sunday, October 30, 2011, at 5:00 PM showed the refined planning of Wayne McNeese to begin frying all food items around 4:45 PM. Every item was hot and crisp and fresh. Although Wayne has lots of help, it is help that he recruits and he carries the load on his shoulders. Thanks to the following cooks: John Jordan, Ken Elkins, Glen Detwiler, Tim Garrett, Dan Scott, Ken Willis, Dean Beach, Paul Stonecipher, Tom Stephens, Rick Person, Ricky McNeese, Bobby Smith, Kenny McNeese, Ken Koon, Webb Trojan, Bill Jackson, Jonathan Beach, Marvin Heath, and Bill Groover. Thanks to the following prep and kitchen workers: Diane McNeese, Kylee Koon, Pam McNeese, Dot Waffird, Lisa Anderson, Rose Baker, Treila Garrett, and Julie Groover. Thanks to the Early Christians Sunday School Class for providing set-up and clean-up.

Hosting for Room-in-the-Inn begins at HCN on Saturday, November 26, 2011, with the New Life Sunday School Class. Each Adult and Teen Sunday School Class has an assigned evening to host through the winter months. Check with Paul Stonecipher for your assignment. If your heart has a special place for ministering to the homeless and you would be interested in assuming a learning role for directing the Room-in-the-Inn program at HCN, Paul is interested in training and passing the torch.

HCN participates in lots of venues for giving to mission projects. We support orphans; send volunteers to India, Peru, Kenya, Bulgaria, Romania; involve ourselves in right-to-life ministries and recovery ministries; serve and host the homeless; visit in nursing homes; and on and on. The very large investment in missions that we carry year after year is the support we share with Nazarene churches around the world for 750 plus career missionaries serving in 150 plus world areas. Our portion approaches $60,000 every year. There are hundreds of ways to look at this amount of money but one way is to consider that we fully fund and support our own missionary family, Spencer and April Baggott, who serve in Rwanda with their three children. I would think it takes $60,000 per year to house, feed, insure, and care for the Baggott family. Thanksgiving and Easter are great times for Nazarenes to sacrificially give to world missions. Our Radical adventure challenges us to sacrifice your money for a specific purpose. Involve your family. Talk about the contribution. Allow your children to sacrifice their money. Use this as a teaching moment. Please consider this opportunity. The more I learn about the world and the need for a faithful witness for Christ, the more I want to give to missions in ways that matter.

Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 6, 2011, at 2:00 AM. That means that you gain back the hour you gave up last Spring. So, before you retire to bed this Saturday evening, November 5, 2011, turn your clock BACK one hour and get extra sleep.

Thanks to Daniel Smith and Jake Resor, senior pastoral ministries students at TNU, who read the text and led in the Lord’s Prayer in last Sunday’s worship services. Thanks to Hunter Steinmetz, Grant McCoy, Reed McCoy, Ben Mabry, Kyle Peterman, Christi Fite, Sophie Green, and Anna-Laura Green, all high school and university students who served on the second service Praise Team last Sunday. You inspire me.

There are lots of large activities going on around the church this weekend. It is Trevecca’s Homecoming. It is the Senior High’s Barnes Farm Retreat. I hope you plan to include worship at HCN in your activities. I personally think it is a great place to be.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

October 24, 2011

2011-10-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the ten believers who were baptized into Christ and the church on Sunday, October 23, 2011, in the 5:00 PM service. Each made a public confession and followed after Christ into the baptismal waters. I baptized Sara Drummond, a senior high teen. Pastor Carol Waller baptized five elementary children: Elizabeth Stinson, Isabella Stinson, Dakota Biggs, Jonathan Pilarski, and Stephen Swoner. Dr. Bryce Fox baptized his daughter, Brenae Fox, and a father, mother, son: Eric Ni, Susan Ni, and Raymond Ni. The sacrament provided a true opportunity to hear stories of faith and to celebrate.

Congratulations to the Mt. Juliet Middle School Girls Soccer Team who are the 2011 undefeated District Champions and District Tournament Champions. Team members who either call HCN their home church or visit frequently with teammates are Savanah Collins, Morgan Houser, Hannah Jackson, Marileigh Mabry, Chandler Scott, Sarah Carter, Corinne Cheatham, Julian Duggan, Kendell Rice, Katilyn Bender, and Karah Sharpe. Marileigh was injured in a fluke accident moments before the championship tournament game and was unable to play. Her previous contributions to the team’s success were acknowledged by still bei

ng chosen all-tournament.

Congratulations to Alex Gray, student at McGavock Comprehensive High School and a member of the McGavock Marching Band. On Saturday, October 22, 2011, the band was named Reserve Grand Champions at the Contest of Champions held at Middle Tennessee State University. They also took second place honors in the Extra-Large Classification. They were the second highest scoring band in the state of Tennessee.

Pastor Eddie Witkowski led LiveWire (middle school) Students on a camping retreat to Fall Creek Falls last weekend, October 21-23, 2011. They not only survived the coldest weekend of the year but thrived in the wilderness. Chaperones were Kevin Davenport, Jake Pilarski, Jonathan Paddon, Ginger Magee, Adrie Brown, Eddie and Yana Witkowski. Retreaters included Carson Davenport, Teddy Joyce, Joel Jones, Daniel Magee, Cameron Davenport, Josh Pilarski, Keegan Brown, Nolan Magee, Jacob Paddon, Bryce Poole, Matthew Helm, Shelby Jackson, Isabella Green, Kristin Paddon, Kenzie Eiseman, Catherine Mann, Becca Waller, Sarah Helm, Maddy Rouse, Hailey Gold, and Kailey Perkins.

Pastor Ken Jewett led a LEAP Hiking Trip for Trevecca Students last weekend, October 21-23, 2011. Students included HCN peeps Anna-Laura Green, Shelby Bowman, Chelsea Hardy, Cassie Hunt, and Vera Pendergraft.

There are four significant events I need to talk with you about that arrive in the next seven days.

· The first is the Candy Parade on Wednesday, October 26, 2011, at 6:30 PM in the HCN Center. Bring 200 pieces of candy to give and come and sit and share with the children of our church and community. Children from infants through grade 4 are invited to dress up and take a candy walk. Bring a bag/sack/container.

· The second is the Seasonal Flair Event for Women on Thursday, October 27, 2011, at 6:30 PM in the HCN Center. Tickets are $6. Highlights include fellowship, shopping at vendors booths, crafty ideas, taste and take recipes.

· The third is the Men’s Breakfast on Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 7:00 to 8:30 AM in the HCN Center. Jill Satterlee cooks and serves breakfast from 7:00 to 7:30 AM. Dr. Steve Stride, HCN member and a licensed clinical psychologist, speaks from 7:30 to 8:30 PM. If you have an opportunity, register your intention to attend with the church office at 847-3335 or hlplummer@aol.com.

· The fourth is the Fall Fish Fry on Sunday, October 30, 2011, at 5:00 PM on the west end of the HCN campus. It is the largest and most popular social of the year. The menu includes freshly fried fish, French fries, homemade hushpuppies, slaw, and white beans.

Families are asked to bring a large drink and a dessert. There are twenty cookers ready to go. Wayne McNeese still needs volunteers who would serve as food runners from the fryers to the serving tables. Send a message to the church if you would like to help.

My good friend, Daron Brown, attended second service yesterday with his wife, Katie, and children, Kendall, Parker, and Macy. He is the pastor of the Waverly Church of the Nazarene and in the midst of a sabbatical. Daron attended HCN as a student at Trevecca in the 1990’s and as an intern for one semester. He is a contemporary of Matthew Mullins and Chuck Seay. It is my biased opinion that Daron is one of finest graduates of the TNU School of Pastoral Ministry and that the school should find a way to clone him.

Approximately one month ago, I wrote about the possibility that you would consider a significant offering for world missions at Thanksgiving. It is a long-standing tradition in the Church of the Nazarene for gifts to be given for missions at Thanksgiving and Easter. The Radical Series in progress in the HCN Sunday School has five particular challenges: pray for the entire world; read through the entire Bible; sacrifice your money for a specific purpose; spend your time in a specific context; commit your life to a multiplying community. Could I ask that you consider sacrificing your money for a specific purpose to be fulfilled in a Thanksgiving Offering for world missions? There is a generation of young men and women from HCN who sense a specific call to serve God in global missions. We guarantee there will be a place for them by giving now and continuing to give. Spencer and April Baggott, members of HCN, currently serve as missionaries in Kigali, Rwanda, with their three children. Please pray and think and ask God for direction regarding this investment.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

October 17, 2011

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Congratulations to Jason and Katie Waffird on the birth of their daughter, Harper Grace, on Saturday, October 8, 2011, at 10:41 PM at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Harper weighed 7.8 lbs and measured 19.5 inches in length. She is the granddaughter of Rusty and Brenda Waffird; the niece of Jarrod and Emily Waffird; the cousin of Chandler Waffird; the great-granddaughter of Dot Waffird. We give thanks to the Lord for a safe delivery and a healthy baby girl.

Today is the first day back in the office after two weeks of vacation. If you have missed the pastoral letter, it is not because you were ignored. I want to recognize the significant ministry of preaching offered by Shane Tarter and Ken Jewett in my absence. I have received emails from many of you telling me what wonderful messages each man delivered. I am delighted at your reports and the good news that God is at work dispensing his gifts. Bill Stricklin told me there is quite a stable of preachers on this pastoral staff. I agree. Thanks to Rondy Smith and Carol Waller for providing support ministry during worship services.

It would not be a bad time to mention that October is the month designated for pastoral appreciation. If you value the ministry of Rondy Smith, Carol Waller, Sam Green, Ken Jewett, Shane Tarter, or Eddie Witkowski, send them a note or card and tell them. Praise provides lots of encouragement to continue on the way. I highly value each of these women and men.

Rhea McCoy is the single mother of three young adult men while she works as an employee of an international airline flights. Rhea left a voice mail message last week saying she was getting ready to leave for a flight to New Dehli but wanted to call and comment on the church marquee message: “O God of Second Chances, here I am again.” She said she has read that message on our sign through the years and thanked God it was up again reminding her of God’s grace and love. I hope it works the same for multitudes more.

I received a facebook message on Sunday from Luke Coffey in Australia. Luke was an exchange student who lived with Bobby, Donna, and RJ Shankle some years back. He is now graduated from the university and has a government job. He wrote to tell me that he is listening to the sermon podcasts on the HCN website and has received great encouragement from them. He said he lives in a culture with little to encourage spiritual life but that God is doing a work in his own life. I find it interesting that the Holy Spirit is speaking and reaching through marquees and podcasts even when we are unaware. Rhea’s message and Luke’s message made me genuinely glad. When you think the darkness is overwhelming, remember that God’s light is piercing into places you and I know not.

Could I make an appeal to all men in the church that stretches from middle school age to senior adulthood? I would like to personally invite you to a breakfast on Saturday, October 28, 2011, from 7:00 to 8:30 AM in The Center. The cost is a donation. I want you to eat and I want you to listen to my friend, Dr. Steve Stride. I want you to listen to Steve because I believe he has lots of relevant things to say to us. Steve is a licensed clinical psychologist who is a real person. He is a husband and an involved father of three boys. He coaches his son’s football team. He has played on the men’s softball team for the last two years. He and Leisha, his wife, serve their time as volunteers in all of the preschool areas. Steve is also a serious Christian. He believes that his faith informs every area of his life and actions. As pastor, I have asked Steve to address some issues that I believe will help us personally and with our families. If you plan to attend, would you call the church office at 847-3335 or email me at hlplummer@aol.com. We need some estimate for food preparation. I hope you will give some thought to this.

Twelve years ago, I was diagnosed with adult onset diabetes. It was an early diagnosis and I am very fortunate that to date, I have no damage to major organs, eyes, or legs and feet. For eleven years, my blood sugar stayed in complete control depending on varying medicines and insulin shots. In the last year, by blood sugar has changed and has become unpredictable. I have a great endocrinologist who cares about me and has monitored my health closely. Five years ago, he began to talk to me about weight loss surgery. He told me I would need a surgery that would address serious and long-lasting weight loss. I laughed at him. I told him I could never do that. In the last year, I began to talk to him about a less invasive procedure and he told me I should really consider gastric bypass. Six months ago, I began to jump through the hoops at Centennial that prepared me for the surgery. On Monday, October 3, 2011, at 8:00 AM, I had the gastric bypass procedure that alters my eating for the rest of my life but particu-larly over the next six to nine to twelve months. I will lose a significant amount of weight so that is why I am giving you this information. If you think I am sick and dying, I am not that I know of; as a matter of fact, I am getting well. I did not intend to tell you more than you wanted to know. Forgive me if I did.

I know that school breaks have seriously affected our attendance over the last weeks. I am hoping that this Sunday gets us back on course. I am aware that there is a Titan game at home at noon. There is a 9:00 AM service in the sanctuary if you are interested. I look forward to seeing you. I am grateful to serve as your pastor.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

September 26, 2011

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Congratulations to Eric Owens, freshman at Belmont University, elected to the forty member Congress in the Student Government Association. He is one of twenty students chosen for the Freshman Leadership Program.

Congratulations to Robin Jewett, instructor in the Physician Assistant program at Trevecca Nazarene University. Physician Assistants must recertify every six year by taking a long and difficult exam (PANRE). A passing score is 379. A score of 720 places the student in the top one percentile. Robin scored an 800 which is beyond extraordinary.

Congratulations to Michelle Plummer, elected to the Trevecca Nazarene University Athletic Hall of Fame, to be inducted at Homecoming Ceremonies in November. Michelle was a scholarship volleyball player at TNU from 2000-2003. She is a graduate of Trevecca and the graduate research program at Vanderbilt Medical School. She serves as the assistant coach of Girl’s Volleyball at St. Cecilia’s High School and is the mother of three preschool children.

Dr. Sam Green led the Hermitage Worship Choir in two morning worship concerts in The Center on Sunday, September 25, 2011. Vocalists included Lisa Anderson, Jo Apple, Melody Beach, Dorinda Biggs, Joy Bradley, Joyce Clevenger, Kristi Dozier, Julie Foster, Beth Fox, Anna-Laura Green, Keli Green, Wendi Harrison, Traci Haydel, Marvin Heath, Traci Hollandsworth, JoAnn Jackson, Ken Koon, Pam McNeese, Herb McMillan, Miriam McMillan, Lindsey Miller, Anna Plummer, Ruthann Ring, Beverly Sharpe, Bobby Smith, Kari Snyder, Ken Stegall, Tammy Tarter, Jenni Thompson, Jim Trease, Paul Vann, Brenda Waffird, Jami Walker, Joe Walker, Deborah Walter, Misty Webb, and Betty Willis. Band members included Jay Barfield, Paul Bolling, David Flint, Donny Jackson, Patrick Lake, Randy Layne, Graham Scott, and Michael Waller. I think it should be noted that Michael Waller played knowing he was going to his father’s wake in the afternoon and memorial services today. The concerts exalted the Lord Jesus Christ by declaring his name, his saving work, his attributes. What a tremendous display of talent and energy.

Kristi Mabry, Hermitage Missions President, and the Missions Council presented the Missions Fair in The Center on Sunday, September 25, 2011, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The Team who made it happen included Jared (co-leader) and Sarah Jo Bouton, Jeremy and Heather Michael, Donna Shankle, Amy Walvoord, Jenn Neely, Matthew Mullins, Marvin Heath, Bev Mitchell, Ken Jewett, Jody Scott, and Adrie Brown. Helpers who assisted in the action included Kris Neely, Shane Tarter, Hunter Steinmetz, Reed McCoy, Daniel Jones, Chase Wheeler, Josh Cater, Ben Mabry, Robert Luther, Eddie Witkowski, Christine Helm, Jill Satterlee, Marilyn Jordan, Miriam McMillan, Ken Elkins, Kim Vann, Jill Sweigard, Kailey Perkins, Hayley Gold, Marileigh Mabry, and Shelby Rose. Multiple and diverse agencies opened their displays and tables and offered opportunities for mission in the neighborhood and around the world. One mission leader told me our church was the first Nazarene Church to invite her agency to a fair. A Room-in-the-Inn executive told me Hermitage Church was the church homeless men plead to be put on their list because of how they are treated. He had great words to say about Paul Stonecipher, the HCN director of Room-in-the-Inn. An estimated 300 people attended the fair.

Thanksgiving may seem far away to you, but I want to talk to you about something that has been a part of my Thanksgiving for decades: the Thanksgiving Offering for World Missions. Since I was a child, the Church of the Nazarene has received special offerings at Thanksgiving and Easter for world missions. These days, those offerings support 702 missionaries in 156 world areas, sharing the gospel. It supports 175 compassionate ministry centers in the United States and Canada to care for underprivileged and hurting people. 10.6 million people have accepted Jesus because of the sponsorship of the Jesus Film and 27,769 churches have started because of them. 10,205 children in 79 countries are supported through the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Child Development Fund. 54 Nazarene Schools provide education in 34 countries. Hermitage Nazarenes give between $55,000 to $60,000 to the World Mission Fund each year. Most of the time, we do that in catch up fashion in May and June. Would you begin to think about and pray about the possibility that you would give an offering for missions at Thanksgiving time? I will talk to you more as Thanksgiving gets closer.

I have not written it this year so here goes. Fall officially arrived last Friday, September 23, 2011. It is my favorite season and I think the favorite season of most people I know. It has its own distinct smell and wardrobe and colors and foods. I know it brings a lot of rain but I like rain too. And, as if you needed more, the farther you get into the fall, the sweeter the collard greens taste. When God renews the earth, I am hoping I get a lot of fall.

I know that the Wilson County School break begins this weekend and extends into the next three weekends. That means lots of people are going out-of-town. If you are in-town, I hope you will make it your business to attend Sunday School and worship. I look forward to seeing you and being with you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

September 19, 2011

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Welcome to the eleven newest members of Hermitage Church of the Nazarene: Doug, Christy, Hayley, and Jack Gold; Jessica, Kailey, and Regan Perkins; Bill and Angela Manley; Andy Myers; and Stan Stocki. They were born in New York, Germany, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Their church backgrounds are Southern Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal, and Nazarene. They are students, bank officers, CPAs, and retirees. Each person brings their own spiritual gifts to this local body and we celebrate who they make us. They belong to us and we belong to them. They are committed believers in Jesus Christ and his church.

On Thursday, September 15, 2011, Trevecca Nazarene University honored three women. First, they honored Dr. Nina Gunter with the recognition of a service award to women in her honor. Second, they presented a national service award to Senator Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina. Third, they presented a servant leadership award to a TNU student who exemplifies all of the qualities of Dr. Gunter and Senator Dole. The recipient was Vera Pendergraft, a student who calls HCN home while in Nashville. Congratulations to a very deserving Vera. Vera was a member of the Immersion Mission Teams in Eastern Europe last summer.

Congratulations to Trevecca’s newly elected freshman class officers who attend HCN. They are Brian Brinkman, president; Anna-Laura Green, chaplain; Chelsea Hardy, communications; Cassie Hunt, student services.

Eighty plus middle school students packed onto the property of Isaac and Morgan Houser last Saturday, September 17, 2011, in the evening. They were there for a bonfire (I heard it was 10 feet tall); for food (I heard there was chili); for a game of the underground church (can Eddie really scream that loudly?). Everyone posted great reports on the FB page. If I had names, I would post. I think they want to remain incognito (underground church and all).

Chuck Seay served on the HCN pastoral staff for ten of the last fifteen years. He now serves the Sheffield, Alabama, First Church of the Nazarene, as senior pastor. Chuck, Jennifer, and Jack were on vacation last Sunday and decided to spend the morning at HCN. We love the Seays and rejoice at the good ways God is using them in Alabama. It was good to give them a squeeze. My, how Jack has grown.

Jamie Stanfill came to second service on Sunday, September 18, 2011. It was his first Sunday out of prison in several years. People in that service prayed with Jamie and his family on the Sunday before his incarceration. Jamie thanked them for their prayers at the mic. Now, he is about the task of rebuilding his life with vows to stay clean and close to the church. Encourage Jamie when you see him.

There will be a Called Church Board Meeting this Sunday, September 25, 2011, at 4:00 PM in the Parlor. The board needs to be informed and discuss a positively important issue.

Dr. Sam Green directs the Center Worship Choir and Band this Sunday, September 25, 2011, in their Annual Fall Concert entitled “You Reign.” The first concert begins at 9:00 AM in The Center. The second concert begins at 10:30 AM (notice this is thirty minutes later than usual). The schedule is an attempt to give time to exit and to enter the buildings and parking areas. Special events always provide opportunities for us to invite our unchurched neighbors, friends, coworkers, family, fellow students to church with us. Take a risk and invite someone. What do you have to lose? What do they have to gain?

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

September 12, 2011

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Congratulations to Jerrod and Emily Waffird on the birth of their daughter, Chandler Elizabeth, on Sunday, September 11, 2011, at 9:15 PM at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Chandler weighed 7 lbs 3 ozs and measured 19 ½ inches in length. She is the granddaughter of Rusty and Brenda Waffird; the niece of Jason and Katie Waffird; the great-granddaughter of Dot Waffird. We give thanks to the Lord for a safe delivery and a healthy baby girl.

Donnie and Angela Dillon presented their daughters, Jessie Rae and Amanda Gale, in dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, September 11, 2011, in the 9:00 AM service in The Sanctuary. The girls were joined at the altar by their siblings: Sadie, Lila, William, Donnie, and Mary. Pastor Carol Waller carried Amanda for the blessing journey and I carried Jessie. We bless the Lord who has blessed Donnie and Angela with children to love and nurture in His ways.

Matthew and Sabrina Keener presented their daughter, Andrea Cherlyn, in dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, September 11, 2011, in the 10:15 AM service in The Center. Andrea was joined at the altar by her brothers, Trace and Levi; grandparents: Jerry and Marilyn Keener, Paul and Cheryl Cote; aunt and uncle, Julie and Aaron Foster; cousins: Caleb, Lydia, Ethan, and Elizabeth Foster. I carried Andi for her blessing journey and her toes were a favorite feature. We bless the Lord who has blessed Matthew and Sabrina with children to love and nurture in His ways.

Congratulations to Hayley Fee elected by the MJHS Student Body as the 2011 Homecoming Queen. Hayley was crowned during the Homecoming Football Game on Friday, September 9, 2011. She was escorted by Ben Mabry. Ben is the President of the MJHS Marching Band. Both are HCN Seniors. Anna-Laura Green was the 2010 MJHS Homecoming Queen.

Second service yesterday broke the routines of scheduled order. Young people came to the altars to pray at all sorts of irregular times and their courage opened up opportunities for the rest of us to pray. As the Holy Spirit steered the service, I tried to keep us out of the way. I watched all four altars fill front and back twice and people seated on the steps of the platform. Then I watched people move out of their front seats so their chairs could become places of prayer. In the midst of the wonder, I forgot that new members were waiting to be received at the close of worship. I can only ask for forgiveness and a promise to check with each of you for a new schedule.

Paul Vann brought his friends to church last Saturday night. They provided the show for the Grounded in Hope Benefit and they were sensational. They sang gospel, patriotic, country, Elvis, Patsy Cline, Tina Turner, Neil Diamond and whatever else floated your boat. For years, they provided the show on the General Jackson. This night, they sang and played so a team of twenty to twenty-four people from HCN could go to Africa in June 2012. Thanks if you bought a ticket to the benefit or donated a service or item to the silent auction. Thanks to John Reigard who was the mastermind behind the event and to Teresa Vines, Traci Hollandsworth, and Jody Scott who provided organizational support. The 2012 Team (still forming), includes John Reigard (leader), Traci Hollandsworth, Kim Vann, Valerie Marsh, Phil Stinson, Jody Sweeten, Robert Angle, Justin Angle, Rachel Jones, Adrie Brown, Teresa Vines, Andrew Vines, Gregg Trotter, Madison Trotter, Dan Scott, Richard Rouse, Max Andrade, Deborah Kuiack, Jackie Kuiack, Betty Willis, Anna Plummer, Howard Plummer.

The HCN Worship Choir and Band presents their Fall Concert, “You Reign,” on Sunday, September 25, 2011, in two services at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM in The Center. We initially planned for one service but realized we cannot all fit into one seating. So, please plan for your family to attend one of the services and invite your unchurched friends and neighbors to come with you. Dr. Sam Green directs the choir and band. Sam reminded us on Sunday that it was two years ago he received his first diagnosis of acute leukemia and only one year ago that he passed out on stage to go through round two. This year is a celebration of complete remission for Sam, for his family, and for us.

I am grateful to God for you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

September 6, 2011

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Rain, wonderful rain has soaked Middle Tennessee and made our once brown lawns think about turning green again. It encouraged some of us to stay in bed a little longer on Labor Day Monday and then held us inside to do generally whatever we felt like doing. It was kind of like a snow day. I took my two year old grandson, Leyton, out on the front porch last night to show him the rain and to talk about all the sounds it makes in the trees. He then refused to let me return indoors. I do respect whatever captures the attention of a two year old child.

Pastor Ken and Robin Jewett provided the lunch for college students on Sunday, hosting forty-five people. Are you interested in assisting in this monthly venture? Volunteer with Ken at ken.jewett@gmail.com.

The Labor Day Cookout turned into an Eat-in because of the rain. Wayne McNeese plowed through his own physical ailments to lead Kenny McNeese, Ricky McNeese, Ken Koon, Paul Stonecipher, and Phil Stinson in grilling the hamburgers and hotdogs. Lisa Anderson, Pam McNeese, and Kylee Koon prepared the sliced tomatoes, onions, and condiments. The Set-up and Clean-up Crew came from the Faith Builders Sunday School Class and included Jim and Brenda Agee, Jeanette Flatt, Myrna Sisco, Mary Alice Butler, Wendell and JoAnn Poole. Thanks to everyone who produced the side dishes, salads, desserts, and drinks.

The Grounded in Hope Benefit Concert with Paul Vann takes place this Saturday, September 10, 2011, at 7:00 PM in The HCN Center. Tickets cost $25 for general admission and $50 for reserved seating. All proceeds support the cost of sending the Mission Africa Team to Kenya in June 2012. A Silent Auction is also available in The Center Lobby. I made a quick list of some of the products and services included: photo sessions with Valerie Marsh; floral arrangements by Keli Green; coffee products from Dan Scott; photos by Reed McCoy; Babysitting by Anna Waller; computer tech services by Philip Lutz; tutoring sessions for grades 1-5 by Beverly Mitchell; pies, cakes, cookies, banana puddings by excellent HCN bakers; Titans tickets; St. Louis Cardinals tickets; Titan hats; Dale Earnhardt Photo/Frame; Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Photo/Frame; Predators Tickets; Windtree Golf Course twosome; Riverside Golf Course twosome; Grand Ole Opry tickets; Ipod products; car details; massage; A New Day Salon cut/style; Stylemaster’s haircut/style; Tangles Salon Gift Card; Two Roads Band CD; Campbell Hausfield power wash; Walk-in bathtub; crocheted products (hat, scarves, purse, bride/groom); Wildhorse gift package; Needham’s Nursery; car wash kit; homemade jellies; paintings; fleece throws; smoke detectors; Gibson hoodies and hats; Goodyear gift card; Scenty candles basket; Christmas scrapbook; large tote bags; Avon gift baskets; gift cards from Longhorn, Shagor, Fulin’s, El OK Corral, Courtney’s Restaurant and Catering, La Hacienda’s, El Chico’s, Chili’s, The Corner Pub, Outback. Please do not be mad with me if I did not include something you donated. The omission was not purposeful. I took fifty tickets to sell. I need help.

Graham Scott, Andy McCormick, Anna-Laura Green, and Christi Fite regularly contribute to The Center Worship Band and Vocal Praise Team on Sunday mornings. They are college students. Hunter Steinmetz, Ben Mabry, Sophie Green, Grant McCoy, and Reed McCoy sing in the Vocal Praise Team. They are Senior High Students. I watch them and listen to them and think about how proud I am to know them and how gifted they are. It requires a great deal of courage and faithfulness to stand up in front of the church week after week. Thanks.

Senior Adults and Friends gathered for our monthly pot luck luncheon last Friday. The variety of foods was incredible and the company was just as good. Our meetings conclude with spiritual conversation. I ask a specific question and everyone shares their own personal answer. On Friday I asked for people to share a memory of the season of fall. The stories were remarkable. When we were finished, one of the ladies told me that her mother would call her when she got home and ask what we had to eat and what was the question this month and what did people say. I was moved by the power of a simple lunch to take on life that fed the spirit of another. I told another lady what was just spoken to me. And she told me when she got to her parent’s home that afternoon, they would ask her the same questions. I forget how rich my life is. Do you?

The tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001, is this Sunday. That seems appropriate to me. Ten years after terrorists flew airplanes into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in NYC, into an open field in Pennsylvania, into the Pentagon in Washington, DC, our country and our world remain forever changed. God, on the other hand, is the same. Psalm 27:1 says: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” As we recognize this tenth anniversary this Sunday, may we exalt the Lord who is the source of our strength and security.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

August 22, 2011

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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

2011-08-15T18:39:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

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

July 18, 2011

2011-07-18T11:51:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Lauren Shepard on qualifying for the Spring 2011 Dean’s List at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Lauren is a double major in English and Women’s Studies.

Mike Miranne’s finish at the Boston Marathon on April 8, 2011, is recorded in the Summer 2011 Treveccan. Mike wore a Trevecca Cross Country shirt and made it into the Where in the World Section.

Matthew Helm competed with the Donelson Blue Devils in the 12U Cal Ripkin State Tournament. The team went undefeated and Matthew batted .571 with a .714 on base percentage. They represent Tennessee in regionals in South Carolina at the end of the month.

Pastor Ken Jewett led the College Class last Wednesday, July 13, 2011, in service at Catholic Charities Refuge Warehouse. They sorted contributions for refugees who are new to Nashville and setting up housekeeping. Servants were Rebecca Sharpe, Katie Scott, Katelyn Houge, Cassie Hunt, Timmy Porter, Eric Owens, Jonathan Tigabu, and Will Miranne.

Missionaries Jay and Teanna Sundberg visited HCN on Wednesday, July 13, 2011, speaking in a combined service of adults, Senior High and Middle School Students in The Center. The Sundbergs were the host missionaries for our TNU students in Bulgaria and Romania this summer. Home on furlough, when they return to Europe, they will serve in Hungary. The offering received for them at the close of service totaled $551.55. Thanks for giving.

Early Christians prepared the beans, potatoes, and cornbread that fed the Poverty Dinner diners. I asked for volunteers last week and they signed up on Sunday morning. Barbara Parrish reminded me that I needed people to help set up and serve and clean up and so class members came early and stayed late to do that. Arch Dobson called from vacation last week to say that he would be out of town on Sunday and he needed me to put in $20 for him. I did. The giving reports this week read that $160 was given for the Poverty Dinner, but that is only money that came through the offering plates in services. Add $1,673 which was given at the head of the serving lines. So far, the total is $1,833. All of those monies will go through World Servants to buy grain, rice, and beans for people in Kali Market, Kenya.

I told you several weeks ago when my watch stopped that I realized people no longer wore watches. They tell time by their cell phones. Well, my cell phone stopped so I bought another watch. Actually, I bought two Timex watches, one with a black band and one with a brown band. Then, I bought another cell phone. My new three month Timex black band watch has already stopped. So, I have bought a $12.99 black band watch from Target. I do not know the brand nor do I care. I am over status symbols.

Words to remember from Sunday: incomparable, merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love, faithful, resilient, reliable. I hope you are remembering to ask God the question: Who is like you?

I look forward to the return of school and the return of some regularity in worship. I miss you when you’re gone.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

July 11, 2011

2011-07-11T13:20:00.000-07:00

Twenty-six primary students (grades 1-2), leave this morning from the HCN parking lot to attend a week of camp at Garner Creek. Pastor Carol Waller directs the camp. Campers include Erica Render, Annalee Poole, Abigail Reigard, Elizabeth Sweeten, Regan Perkins, Bethany Thimell, Maidson Slocum, Rebecca Eiseman, Elizabeth Stinson, Isabella Stinson, Alexi Baltz, Morgan Evans, Ashlynn Lounsbury, Lauren Hanks, Kaitlin Minter, Cheyenne Houchin, Brooke Bradley, Jackson Barfield, Stephen Swoner, Ian Rouse, Christian Rios, Gant Brasfield, Patrick Holderby, Daniel Webb, Jordan Marlowe, Jacob Hale. This is the last summer camp of the 2011 season. A total of 176 young people attended camp from HCN this year. I believe Dr. Harvey Hendershot would be pleased and honored. Dr. Hendershot led the Tennessee District when Garner Creek was purchased and upon his retirement, pastored HCN for three years. He was a member of HCN from 1977 until his death.

I mentioned that Middle School Students traveled to Cullman, Alabama, last week to assist in cleaning up the remnants of the spring tornadoes. Workers included Ashley Wallace, Keely Dozier, Shelby Jackson, Mikayla Wurth, Julia Mowry, Grant Reigard, Ashlee Harrison, Marileigh Mabry, Emily Flint, Evan Flint, TJ Hysell, Chandler Scott, Cameron Davenport, Sara Waller, Anna Waller, Isaac Houser, Morgan Houser, Marley Gibson, Nick Groover, Evan Gibson, Annie Cater, Josh Pilarski, Haylee Gold, Lydia Foster, Caleb Foster, Lacey Remmert, Madeleine Rouse, Joel Jones, Kailey Perkins, Bethany Ruff. Chaperones included Katelyn Houge, Katie Scott, Eddie and Yana Witkowski, Carol Waller, Jeff Cater, Marla Houser, Buddy and Kristi Mabry, Shelley Flint, Heather Michael, Ginger Pilarski, Aaron Foster, Tammy Jones.

The new address for Patrick Marlowe is posted below. Patrick is 34 years old and serving a life sentence in a federal facility. A card, a note, a letter could really lift his spirit. He is the son of Wendell and Sheila Marlowe and a member of HCN.

Patrick Corey Marlowe #16762075

USP Terre Haute

P.O. Box 33

Terre Haute, IN 47808

The 100^th Anniversary of the Tennessee District Assembly was held last week at Nashville First Church of the Nazarene. Dr. Larry Leonard was elected to a four year term of service as superintendent. Sixteen men and women were ordained to ministry. Delegates from HCN included Linda Parkhurst, Alene Gill, Joy Bradley, Dot Waffird, Anna Plummer, Wendell Poole, Mark Greathouse, Rondy Smith, Ken Jewett. We all invested lots of sitting and listening time. Dr. Jesse Middendorf presided at the sessions.

I mentioned last week that Missionaries Jay and Teanna Sundberg, Field Directors for the Southeastern European Field of the Church of the Nazarene, will speak in an open forum in The Center this Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at 6:30 PM. We will set up tables with chairs for comfort and ask that you join us. The Sundbergs hosted our five young missionary men (Michael Follis, Preston Hunt, Graham Scott, Jake Resor, Daniel Smith), this summer in Bulgaria and Romania and are close friends of Jon and Kathy Mowry. The Sundbergs and Mowrys served together in Russia. Please plan to attend this event.

I know it is hard to imagine that there are people in the world who live close to starvation but all of those who have traveled to Kali Market, Kenya, know those who do. Everything depends on whether rain comes to water gardens. There are no rivers, lakes, downpours to nourish the land. There are tanks to catch the water that runs off the roofs when rain infrequently comes. Rain has not come in 2011. Pastor Nicholas Kisua called me last week to greet our church and to tell me food is scarce. What food is available costs more than last year.

The Church Board has approved a Poverty Dinner for this Sunday, July 17, 2011, at 5:00 PM in The Center. The Early Christian Sunday School Class will provide beans, potatoes, cornbread, and water. You are invited to come and eat and make a donation to the church for food to be distributed in Kenya. All other meetings will take place as normal at 6:00 PM.

I just got off the phone with Sam Green, Pastor of Worship at HCN. Sam will be discharged from Centennial Medical Center tomorrow or Wednesday (July 12-13, 2011). His pulmonary system is greatly improved and responding to the steroid treatments for the graft versus host disease. He is off oxygen support. His coughing is almost gone. His color is improving. He plans to be leading worship this Sunday. We give thanks to the Lord. Thanks to Tammy Tarter, Ken Stegall, Donny Jackson for leading in worship on Sundays in Sam’s absence.

Dr. Jesse Middendorf preached in the recent District Assembly and as a person in authority would often address churches in conflict. He challenged people to love each other and to cease arguing and complaining. I sat in each service and thought about how unlike Hermitage Church were his descriptions. I have pastored several churches like that. I recognized his words. I am grateful that they did not describe us. I do not take our church for granted. I received a long email from a young husband and father last night. He came to church on Sunday with a heavy heart. He was headed to Sunday School and then to worship but people kept “interjecting themselves into my path. I heard none of your sermon this morning but from the quotes my friends mentioned about recognizing areas to serve and getting in action to help, made it one of the most powerful sermons I never heard. I love you in ways that I can’t express but wanted you to know.” I walked through The Center on the way to first service on Sunday and two men were already at the altars praying and crying. I walked by them and touched them to let them know I was aware and praying with them. This is the church I belong to. It is not always perfect. We do not always get it. But most of the time, there is a whole lot of kindness and compassion and praying and caring going on. It beats arguing and complaining all to pieces. I sure do love you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

July 5, 2011

2011-07-05T15:45:00.000-07:00

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 100^th 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

June 20, 2011

2011-06-20T06:41:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Ryan and Catherine Nickason on the birth of their daughter, Carrington Delaney Nickason, on Friday, June 17, 2011, at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Carrie weighed 8 lbs 8 ½ ozs and measured 18 inches in length. She is the sister of Caitelyn and the granddaughter of Dean and Ruth Pilkinton. We give thanks for a healthy delivery and a healthy baby girl.

Congratulations to Marvin Maphet and Gloria Griffith who were married in a private family ceremony on Saturday, June 18, 2011. Marvin is the father of Justin, Kelsey, Palmer, Alyssa, and Braden. Gloria is the mother of William, Ben, and Sarah. We celebrate the union of two friends who supported and cared for each other as they raised their families and in the process discovered love.

Congratulations to Kyle Smith, a member of Team Tennessee, a travel baseball squad that includes eleven high school players who played in the 15^th Junior Sunbelt Classic in McAlester, Oklahoma, last week. Kyle pitched and hit his way to the MVP Award in the tournament.

PreTeen Camp begins today (Monday), at Garner Creek. Thirty fifth and sixth grade students from HCN are attending. HCN campers include Sara Waller, Annie Cater, Biranna Post, Shelby Thompson, Carley Correnti, Ashley Wallace, Olivia Garrett, Ashlee Harrison, Morgan Houser, Anna Stephens, Shelby Rose, Abby Elkins, Marileigh Mabry, Madeleine Rouse, Gabrielle Satterlee, Keely Dozier, Taylor Shoemake, Bryce Poole, Grant Reigard, Michael Mathias, Cole Jackson, Evan Gibson, Joel Daugherty, Drew Silvernail, Ben Thompson, Teddy Joyce, TJ Hysell, Logan Evans, Jacob Paddon, and Joel Jones. HCN counselors are Eddie and Yana Witkowski, Becca Sharpe, and John Reigard.

Many of you have asked for the source and a copy of the story which concluded the message yesterday. It is an essay entitled “The Tire Iron and The Tamale” written by Justin Horner and published in the NY Times Sunday Magazine on March 6, 2011. Sheila Marlowe wrote this email to me this morning. I asked for her permission to print this. “When I heard the story you told about the man with car trouble, I couldn’t help but think about mine and Jordan’s experience week before last. I had just picked him up at Long Hunter from Cub Scout Day Camp and we ran out of gas on Hobson Pike. It was 95 degrees and there we sat on the side of the road. I had called my brother because Wendell was in a meeting in Lebanon. My brother had to come from my mom’s house so it took him awhile. There must have been over a hundred cars go by but only two stopped to see if they could help in any way. The first was a black lady with three kids in her car. I thanked her and told her I had help coming. The next was a black man in a pickup with his son who looked about ten years old. I told him my brother was on his way but he insisted on doing something, so he went to the cooler in his work truck and brought Jordan a Gatorade and me a bottle of water. I thanked him over and over and told him he was a blessing from God. There I was stranded in the heat with my seven year old grandson and only two people stopped. And they were not my skin color.” Jesus really does break down boundaries. “Today you, tomorrow me.”

I have promised you for weeks that Scott Steinmetz and I would sit down and find the official balance for completing our mission to others. The balance is $27, 500. I know it seems like a lot of money and an undoable feat except that we do it together. Please pay special attention to your giving over the next two weeks. It is a great time to give to missions or to catch up your tithes and offerings. We are still getting there.

I am not a golfer but I sure did enjoy watching Rory McIlroy win the U.S. Open on Sunday. He broke all sorts of records including the youngest winner at 22 years of age. He had a catastrophic fall at the Master’s this Spring, which makes this win all the sweeter. His humility and character match his superb game.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

June 13, 2011

2011-06-13T07:29:00.000-07:00

I asked for Senior High Students who experienced significant spiritual growth at Senior High Camp to come forward and share in Sunday’s second service. I suggested four or five. Eight came on the platform. They spoke of prayer, intercession, acceptance, community. One of the eight was Felix Menke. Felix is an exchange student from Germany whose host family does not attend our church. He lives next door to Braden Maphet and his family has allowed him to attend HCN with Braden. Felix returns to Germany in several weeks. Jonathan Mowry’s family went on a vacation to California last week. His mom walked the graduation line at Fuller Theological Seminary and received her PhD in Intercultural Studies. Their tour included time in So Cal and Disneyland, the real one. Jonathan did not go. He wanted to go to Senior High Camp. His parents allowed him. Shane Tarter asked Connor McCoy to serve as a counselor at Senior High Camp a month ago. Two weeks later, a friend of Connor asked him to be his guest on a cruise with family and friends. It was the same week of camp. Connor declined his friend and went to camp. This is what Robert Luther posted on facebook last Friday evening: “Church camp was the most spiritual week of my life. We cried together, laughed, played, worshiped, sang, and bonded with one another on so many levels. Camp changed me. I am reborn and have forgotten about past sufferings and regrets. God reassured me about my purpose in life. I am incredibly thankful for each and every individual that went to camp. I love you all with the bottom of my heart. Thank you Lord.” I salute the priorities these young people place on community and spiritual life.

Middle School Camp (7^th and 8^th Grade Students), begins today (Monday). HCN is sending 23 campers and 2 counselors. Campers include Chandler Scott, Marley Gibson, Shelby Jackson, Kristin Paddon, Anna Waller, MacKenzie Eiseman, Maggie Hollingsworth, Lacey Remmert, Hannah Jackson, Taylor Gonyea, Isabella Green, Josh Pilarski, Nicholas Groover, Jonathan Silvernail, Keegan Brown, Nathanael Jackson, Shane Wells, Isaac Houser, Will Fleming, Garrison Hughes, Will Tate, Charlie Tate, Zach Fudeen. Counselors include Eddie and Yana Witkowski.

As I write, VBS students are pouring into the parking lot and through the registration lines. End of the morning stats say there are 240 children with 80 volunteer workers. The building is decorated from head to toe. The work hours to prepare the building would come close to a thousand. One man took three days off work just to paint banners. Carol Clem and I happened to be in the Center Lobby at the same time and she said what I was thinking: “if I was a kid and I wanted to go to VBS, this is the one I would want to go to.”

Congratulations to Andrew Vines recognized as Lineman of the Week at the Mt. Juliet High School Football Camp in the Mt. Juliet News of June 4, 2011. See the photo and article on the Center Glassboard.

Thanks to Holly Steinmetz for using her exceptional painting skills to transform a wall in my office to the color Betty Willis selected. I highly value the time investment and the skill. Now Betty gets to place all frames.

The Church Board met for its first session in the new church year (June to May), on Sunday, June 12, 2011, at 4:30 PM in Room 107. The following organization was approved with officers elected:

Secretary of the Board: Matthew Mullins

Treasurer of the Church: Scott Steinmetz

Adult Ministries: Tony Dozier, Steve Kelley, Alan Elkins, Ken Stegall

Building, Grounds, & Equipment: Jerry Keener, Wendell Marlowe, Lance Waller

Children/Youth Ministries: Jennifer Neely, Jeff Cater, Philip Lutz

Finance: Scott Perkins, John Mannen, Scott Steinmetz, Teresa Vines

Mission: Kristi Mabry, Matthew Mullins, Beverly Mitchell, Marvin Heath

Slowly and incrementally, I am attempting to live more simply. The lack of drinkable water in Kenya has made me turn the water pressure down while I brush my teeth. The six items or less of clothing during Lent made me realize I needed one tenth of my clothes. So, last Friday, I emptied an entire closet of about 125 pieces of clothes and Anna took them to a consignment store. I will be accountable to you for how the profits are used for others.

This Sunday, June 19, 2011, is Father’s Day in the USA. It is the day set aside to honor dads and the roles they play in the American family. I consider it one of the greatest privileges of my life to be a dad. I hope you take the time to honor the men in your family this Sunday. Start the day in worship and then eat good food together and enjoy each other’s company.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

June 6, 2011

2011-06-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Matthew and Sabrina Keener on the birth of their daughter, Andrea Cherlyn Keener, on Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at 1:01 PM at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee. She weighed 8 lbs 4 ozs and measured 20 ½ inches in length. Andie is the sister of Trace and Levi; the granddaughter of Jerry and Marilyn Keener; the niece of Julie and Aaron Foster; the cousin of Caleb, Lydia, Ethan, and Elizabeth Foster. We thank the Lord for a safe delivery and healthy baby and bless his name for the gift of a child to Matthew and Sabrina and to us.

Brian and Dorinda Biggs presented their daughter, Atalaya Marie Biggs, in dedication to the Lord on Sunday, June 5, 2011, in the 10:15 AM service in The Center. Atalaya was joined by her brother, Dakota; sister, Emberlynn; grandparents, Jim and Susan Harper, Mike and Kathy Orrick; aunt, Jennifer Lee; uncle, Nathan Massey; friend, Debbie Pace; cousin, Tristan Lee. We bless the Lord who has blessed Brian and Dorinda with a family to love and nurture for his glory.

Congratulations to Jacob Leath and Ashley Shrader who were joined in marriage on Saturday, June 4, 2011, at 5:00 PM in the HCN Sanctuary. I presided at the ceremony.

Congratulations to Jake Scott on signing a wrestling scholarship with Cumberland University for the 2011-2012 school year. Jake lives with his uncle and aunt, Dan and Jody, and works in housekeeping part-time at HCN.

A church vote to approve refinancing the church mortgage was taken on Sunday, June 5, 2011, at the close of each morning worship service. The results of the vote were 251 YES, 0 NO.

I am grateful to Mike Miranne and to Matthew Mullins for giving leadership to the voting process on Sunday. I am grateful to Mike Miranne and Scott Perkins for giving leadership to securing the loan with First State Bank. I am grateful to the church membership for taking the vote seriously and for trusting leadership in the process. The vote speaks well of the church.

Sixty-seven Senior High Students left with four HCN counselors at 11:45 AM today to participate in a week of camp at Garner Creek. There were so many attending that Shane chartered a bus to transport them and then needed to add several support vehicles with parents driving. There are 38 young men, 29 young women. Campers include Will Miranne, Daniel Jones, Christopher West, Corey Miranne, Bret Washing, Eric Owens, Jonathan Tigabu, Robert Luther, Philip Calkins, Brian Brinkman, Timothy Porter, Trevor Hunt, Josh Elkins, Robby Amity, Toby Haydel, Thomas Waldrop, Alex Houser, Lucas Houge, Ryan Mahoney, Ben Mabry, Jonathan Mowry, Andrew Vines, Chase Buscherfield, Max Andrade, Felix Menke, Evan McDaniel, Hunter Batty, Josh Cater, Grant McCoy, Reed McCoy, Justin Angle, Matthew Bastin, Hunter Steinmetz, Austin Woodfin, Braden Maphet, Evan Hollingsworth, Ben Griffith, Dalton Winfree, Adrie Brown, Jessica Perkins, Emily Paddon, Sophie Zander, Abbie Winfree, Rachel Thimell, Morgan Harold, Paige Ronsen, Jessica Long, Haley Hicks, Madison Trotter, Sarah Burnette, Rachel Jones, Christi Fite, Allyson Huffman, Stephanie Owens, Cassie Hunt, Hannah Garrett, Sadie Dillon, Katelyn Houge, Chelsea Hardy, Katie Scott, Sara Matthews, Haley Fee, Ryann Amity, Anna-Laura Green, Sophie Green, Sarah Griffith, Jessie Joyce. Counselors include Becca Sharpe, Yana Witkowski, Connor McCoy, Shane Tarter. This is an incredible group of young people who greatly desire a week of spiritual growth and fellowship. Please pray for their safety and God’s glory.

From 1977 to 1983, the first pastor and wife of Hermitage Church of the Nazarene were George and Irene Pitzer. HCN was a church plant by the Tennessee District. I believe it was the most successful church plant on this district since 1977. I tell you that to recognize the death of Irene on Saturday evening, June 4, 2011. Visitation will be held at Cole and Garrett Funeral Home in Goodlettsville on Wednesday, June 8, 2011, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM and on Thursday, June 9, 2011, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Goodlettsville Church of the Nazarene. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM at the church. We extend our love and prayers to George and Irene’s children. Thanks to Helen Adams for calling me.

Each year, exchange students come to our church from Germany, Finland, Thailand, Portugal, Australia, and other global communities. They are students who are investing a year of their lives in a culture different to their own. Without exception, HCN becomes a favorite place to meet friends, enjoy a social life, and to find a personal relationship with Christ. The students say: “church is not like this in my country.” In the processes, they share their testimony of faith. The time has come for this year’s exchange students to return home and they are already writing letters asking “what will I do?” If you have connected with a student, be aware that only weeks remain. Say your goodbyes. Encourage their faith.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

April 25, 2011

2011-04-25T10:03:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-18T20:58:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

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

March 28, 2011

2011-03-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

Dr. William Greathouse died on Thursday, March 24, 2011, at 9:30 PM at his home with his family. Dr. Greathouse is survived by his wife, Judy; his children Becky and Ted Martin, Mark and Jan Greathouse, Beth and Mike Sykes. Two of his grandchildren and their families attend HCN: Emily and Robert Sullivan, Wes and Angel Greathouse. It is appropriate that “great” is a part of Dr. Greathouse’s name because he represented the superlative characteristics of a “great” man. Our love and prayers are extended to the Greathouse family in this passing. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, March 30, 2011, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 5:00 to 8:00 PM and for Thursday, March 31, 2011, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. The funeral service is scheduled for 1:00 PM on Thursday, March 31, 2011. Both visitation and services are planned for First Church of the Nazarene, 510 Woodland Street, Nashville, Tennessee.

HCN hosted ten homeless men from Room-in-the-Inn twice in the month of March. On March 12, 2011, the Early Christian Sunday School Class hosted the men guided by the leader-ship of Ron Thompson. On March 26, 2011, the New Horizons Class joined with the College/University Class to host the men. Members of this group included Beverly Mitchell, Rick Person, Barbara Douthit, Diane Brimm, Jane Gardner, Marsha Shultz, Susan Pilgreen, JoAnn Taylor, Donna Shankle, Justin Smith, Tara Streiff, Dawn Carter, Josh Drawhorn, Jake Scott, Ken Jewett, Wayne McNeese, Paul Stonecipher, Pam Stonecipher. These men are provided a hot evening meal and breakfast in the morning. They are given a take-away lunch. They are provided a warm, dry, safe place to sleep. Private space to shower and to wash their clothes are made available. Each person is treated with respect and kindness. Jesus said “I was a stranger and you invited me in” (Matthew 25:35). Thanks to every person who invited in the strangers in March.

Congratulations to Lauren Lavery on her graduation from Basic Training in the Air National Guard at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, on March 11, 2011. She is currently stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, in training for personnel school. A great picture is available of Lauren saluting her mother immediately following graduation.

Thanks to Jim Knott, Jared Austin, Amy Brown, Amy and Bethany Ruff for assisting Maria Pardue in moving over the weekend. Maria is a single mom.

Albert and Christian Rios competed in the SE AAU Taekwondo District Tournament on Saturday, March 26, 2011. Albert took 1st in forms and 2nd in sparring. Christian took 1st in forms and sparring in his group. The Rios are father and son.

Thanks to the teams of people who read the John 4 scripture in the Reader’s Theatre on Sunday. Dr. Mike Jackson organized the script from the scripture. Mike, Christy Barfield, and Josh Cater read in first service. Christy, Josh, and Brian Brinkman read in second service. Christy, Diane Cater, and Shane Tarter read in third service. Diane coordinated the teams.

New banners hang in The Center thanks to the inspiration and talents of Betty Willis. Betty has remarkable creative skills that combine aesthetic tastes and sewing. I am glad for the installation of the banners during Lent.

Mike Miranne and Scott Perkins are members of the Church Board Finance Council. Mike and Scott were recently assigned with the responsibility of researching best options for the refinance of the church’s mortgage. They have convened several gatherings of people in the church who serve in lending institutions and sought the best counsel of people familiar with HCN banking. Mike and Scott reported to the Church Board on Sunday afternoon, March 27, 2011, that several opportunities may come to the church to reduce our interest rate and to greatly reduce our indebtedness over the next seven years. One option increases our current monthly payment by $850 per month but reduces our debt by over $500,000 in seven years. We make application this week as directed by the board. Pray that God will guide us and others as we seek the best options for the church.

I am grateful to serve as the pastor of this church.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

March 21, 2011

2011-03-21T07:58:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of Spring. Spring is a piece of the wonder of how God makes the earth work. It is green and wet. It means the lawn mower comes out of hibernation. It means I am already behind my neighbors who took three days off last week to work in their yard. How is that fair? I have already given up on yard of the month. I hope you saw the big moon on Saturday night.

Congratulations to Lindsay Washing and Alex Forehand who became engaged to be married on Saturday, March 19, 2011. They are planning a Spring 2012 wedding. Alex is currently in the Air Force ROTC and was awarded a pilot position with the Air Force when he graduates from college in May 2012.

Congratulations to the DCA Legacy Show Choir for placing first in their division and one of six finalists with other divisions in competition last weekend in Lebanon, Ohio. Out of fifteen groups in all divisions, DCA placed fifth runner up. Will Miranne is a member of the show choir and Brian Brinkman is a member of the set crew.

Brian Brinkman travels to Honduras from March 30 to April 6, 2011, on mission with DCA. The group will work in impoverished areas, going into schools, leading VBS during the day and services at night. Lots of supplies are needed.

Jake Resor and Graham Scott spend twelve weeks in Bulgaria this summer. Michael Follis spends the same twelve in Romania. They are members of Immerse teams from Trevecca Nazarene University changing their world in the name of Christ. If you want to read more about what they are up to, follow their blog at http://thisiswhatitslike.blogspot.com.

You will find a new paragraph in the newsletter tip sheet and the Sunday bulletin each week. It will list various projects which need volunteer leadership both inside facilities and outside on the grounds. This week’s needs include painting, sanding, shoveling, and repairing. If you have expertise in any of the areas and would like to help, call the church office at 847-3335 and let us connect you with Jerry Keener or Traci Haydel. Jerry serves as chair of the Buildings, Grounds, and Equipment Council on the Church Board. Traci serves as head of housekeeping for church facilities.

The local school systems are taking their spring breaks and lots of people have fled town. I say fled as the posts on facebook actually count down hours until they leave. I am sincerely glad when you are able to take a break. I pray you are safe in travel and that the presence of the Lord is with you. Come back whole and refreshed.

The Church Board Meeting that was delayed from the second Sunday of the month due to the school breaks will be convened this Sunday, March 27, 2011, at 4:00 PM in the room beside the sanctuary. Note the time is early because there are important issues to be discussed.

I look forward to community worship on Sunday. We are traveling to Jerusalem with Jesus.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

March 14, 2011

2011-03-14T18:01:00.000-07:00

After I told everyone else how to spring their clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time last

Saturday night, I failed to set my own personal alarm clock forward. I got up at 5:00 AM like I

usually do; only it was really 6:00 AM. When Anna started to run bath water upstairs at 6:35

AM, I ran up to ask her why she was up so early. She broke the news to me. It was 7:35 AM

and I was supposed to be at church teaching Sunday School in 25 minutes. I had not shaved.

I had not showered. I was in trouble. Somehow, I drove onto the grass on the west lawn of the

church at 7:57 AM. It was a good week to already know what I was going to wear.

If you are doing the Six Items or Less for Lent and feel comfortable telling someone, let me

know. My email address is hlplummer@aol.com. I would also like to know anything about the

experience that you care to share. There are two things I would tell so far: 1) it is far harder

than I thought; 2) I have not yet picked the sixth item.

Matthew Helm just completed his first year of wrestling at Mt. Juliet Middle School as a

student in the sixth grade. He was undefeated all season. So, he competed in AAU Wrestling

and placed second and third in two different tournaments. Last weekend, he competed

in the regional tournament and placed fourth earning him a slot in the state tournament.

Congratulations to Matthew on a great first year in wrestling.

The Tennessee District Extravaganza took place in Clarksville last Friday night and Saturday.

HCN participants included Toby Haydel, Ben Mabry, Jonathan Mowrey, Matt Bastin, Ross

Drummond, Kevin Helm, Reed McCoy, Brandon Shepard, Brian Brinkman, and Taylor White.

Congratulations, men. These were the results:

• Toby, Ben, Jonathan, Matt, and Ross presented in the worship band category

• Ben placed 3rd in senior high men’s vocal solo

• Toby was selected to district team in ultimate Frisbee and beach volleyball

• Jonathan was selected to district team in ultimate Frisbee; participated in table tennis

• Kevin exhibited in pencil, mixed media, pastels; placed 1st in pencil

• Reed participated in photography, ultimate Frisbee

• Brandon participated in beach volleyball; placed 2nd in men’s swimming; placed 1st in

impromptu speaking

• Brian was selected to district team in ultimate Frisbee and beach volleyball; placed 1st in

senior high men’s tennis and senior high men’s table tennis

• Taylor participated in senior high men’s table tennis and beach volleyball; was selected

to the senior high men’s district basketball team

• Brandon, Brian, and Taylor placed 1st in 3 on 3 basketball

Congratulations to Kyle Russell on the completion of basic training in the US Air Force in San

Antonio, Texas. David and Shelli attended ceremonies there for five days and report a greatly

matured young man. Kyle is now enrolled in a fourteen week training camp to qualify for para-

rescue jumpers.

It was great to see Brady Earnhardt on Sunday. He is home for a break in his first year at the

US Military Academy in West Point, NY, where he is a member of the football team. Although

his head is shaved, I still see red hair.

Pastor Ronnie Thompson completed a pastoral assignment in Mountain Home, Arkansas,

last week and he, Jennifer, Ben, and Shelby have moved back to Tennessee. We welcome them

with glad and open arms at HCN. Embrace them. Tell them how glad you are to see them.

They will be working and serving in the area until their next call.

Congratulations to Dr. Geneva Silvernail, who will be installed as Vice President for the

Florida Dunnam Campus of Asbury Theological Seminary on Tuesday, March 15, 2011. Geneva

is a career missionary in the Church of the Nazarene and the mother of our David Silvernail.

Patrick Marlowe was moved to a Special Housing Unit at the Federal Penitentiary in Pollock,

Louisiana, last week. The move was for his own safety due to threats on his life. The move has

severely restricted access Patrick has to books, physical training facilities, food and drink, and

contact visitation. It would be a good time to send a card or short letter to let him know you

are thinking about him and praying for him. His address is:

Patrick Corey Marlowe

#16762-075

USP Pollock

PO Box 2099

Pollock, LA 71467

You are a great people and I am grateful to serve as your pastor.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

February 14, 2011

2011-02-14T18:03:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Kim Vann who was chosen as Teacher of the Year at Castle Heights in the Lebanon City Schools for the 2010-2011 school year. Kim teaches a self-contained comprehen-sive development class. It is her twelfth year of teaching special education. Kim loves her job and feels lucky to have a career where her students lead by example, encouraging her to do more with her own God-given abilities.

The Discovery and Twenty-Something Sunday School Classes combined their energy and efforts on Saturday, February 12, 2011, and hosted ten men from Room-in-the-Inn at HCN. Hosts included Gary and Mary Lou Heskje, Craig Pell, Jessie and Avie Joyce, Marilyn Jordan, Cassidy Nelson, Dena Muri, Rodney and Tammy Jones, Joel Jones, Teddy Joyce, Jonathan Paddon, Bill Jackson, Lisa Anderson, Paul and Pam Stonecipher, and Wayne McNeese. Their various tasks included providing transportation, serving a hot supper and breakfast, packing lunches to go, offering a place to shower and wash clothes, chaperoning overnight sleeping, being together in mutual respect as fellow human beings. All of these things are commended by Jesus as the very things we do to him when we do them for the most powerless. A special letter was sent to the church this week from Room-in-the-Inn thanking the congregation for providing food and shelter to the homeless during recent severe winter weather. It is our pleasure.

Dr. Greg and Amy Crofford visited at HCN last Sunday where Greg spoke in all three worship services. Greg and Amy serve as career missionaries through the Church of the Nazarene in the Africa East Region. Although they live in Nairobi, Kenya, they do not serve the Kenyan region as Kenya is entirely self-supporting with five distinct districts. Greg serves primarily as an educator and Amy serves as an administrator and writer. They serve in nine French-speaking countries in Africa. I am always nervous when someone I do not know comes to HCN to speak. I sat in first service on Sunday and submitted myself to the Holy Spirit. I asked that he speak through Greg and that he would calm my heart. I have received an email this morning from a mature man telling me how God dealt with his heart yesterday in services. I continue to learn that God is always at work doing something very good sometimes without my assistance.

The Church Board met for its regular monthly meeting on Sunday, February 13, 2011, at 4:30 PM to receive finance reports and to handle the following business items: 1) Third service will continue through May 1, 2011. More evaluation will come as college students go home for the summer. 2) Effective March 6, 2011 (the first Sunday of March), second service start time will move from 10:00 AM back to 10:15 AM. The change extends the close time for the Sunday School session. 3) Local ministerial licenses were renewed for Tes Tigabu, Daniel Smith, Jake Resor, Shane Tarter, and Webb Trojan. 4) Local ministerial licenses were issued for David Taylor, John Nelson, Jared Bouton.

When schools were released early last Wednesday, February 9, 2011, and reports on the internet Doppler said a snow storm was impending for the greater Nashville area, we struggled to know what to do regarding the cancellation of our services. It had not snowed yet. It was just very, very cold. Jill Satterlee had already prepped for the Wednesday night meal and it was on hold in the refrigerators. Teens came home from school and began to post pleas NOT to cancel church. Please, please, please, they said. Well, finally, we knew services had to be cancelled for safety reasons and when the snow came like a blizzard, it proved to be a wise decision. Most every family has a story of how long it took someone to get home last Wednesday. The point remains that lots of young people were sad. They wanted to be with their friends. That matters to me. Carrie Knox called me last week to say thanks for bragging on the Senior High Students during the message. She told me as a senior adult widow, she comes to church every week largely to watch those kids in worship. She believes in them. So, sorry that we had to cancel services last Wednesday. I hope it always makes you sad.

The Second Grade Sunday School Class made valentines on Sunday and I found a whole packet of them on my desk after the third service. I now have documented proof that I rock and that I am a BFF (best friend forever). Thank you. I needed that.

Sam Green missed attending Sunday worship for the first time in three weeks. However, it was for a very good reason. Sam was receiving platelets every other day until his doctors told him last Wednesday that he could wait for four days. The day for new platelets was Sunday. I asked Sam several weeks ago when he was going to sing the song he missed singing in last September’s fall concert. He told me he plans to sing it this Sunday, February 20, 2011. I hope I get to listen.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

February 7, 2011

2011-02-07T18:02:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the newest members of Hermitage Church of the Nazarene: Matthew Bastin, Jessica Long, Toby Haydel, Esther Owens, Matthew Owens, Stephanie Owens, Ed Joyce, Stacey Joyce, Jessie Joyce, Avie Joyce, Teddy Joyce, John Nelson, Cassidy Nelson, Jared Bouton, Sarah Jo Bouton, Hannah Garrett, and Olivia Garrett. The total of seventeen were received through-out the morning at the close of three services. They are natives of California, Florida, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Tennessee. Their ecclesial backgrounds are Lutheran, Baptist, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Dutch Reformed, Non-denominational, and Nazarene. Ten of the seventeen join by profession of faith. Four of the new members profess a call to ministry. Each member brings the gifts and graces of their spiritual life to the body of Christ at HCN. We celebrate our union.

Madi McNeese participated in a Dance Competition last weekend in Memphis and won first place in two events in the Petite Division. Congratulations, Madi.

Sam Green attended second service on Sunday, February 6, 2011. That is two Sundays in a row the boy was strong enough not only to be present but to smile and to participate. I am having conversations with Sam about when he might sing the song he prepared for the Fall Concert. It remains his to testify.

Some months ago, several men who are relatively new to the church told me how glad they are that HCN has groups for men. Men’s Fraternity is one of the groups, meeting on Sundays at 5:30 PM in Room 225. This week, on February 13, 2011, the group begins nine sessions focusing on Your Unique Design. The program identifies natural strengths and types of environments in which a man thrives. There is a $35 online inventory that will require two hours of time. The men who have already taken the inventory report that it was worth the effort even before processing the nine weeks of class.

When the Mission Africa Team traveled to Kenya in June of last year, we met twenty-six orphan girls who occupied the Suvia Children’s Home. One of the girls was Wanza Mutheu. Wanza confessed that she wanted to become a nurse and so my wife, Anna, took her under her wing and taught her how to dress sores and rashes on the other orphans. She was a pro. When we were asked to sponsor a particular girl, our decision was easy. We chose Wanza. There are multiple photos of and letters from Wanza on our refrigerator. Anna intended for her to come and visit in our home when she was old enough. Last Tuesday, February 1, 2011, I received an email from Ben Kikuvi, a beloved member of the World Servants Team in Kenya informing us of Wanza’s untimely death. Today, a phone call came from Rhoda Kisua, wife of Pastor Nicholas Kisua, telling us that Wanza died from a virus that had traveled to her brain. It is hard to comprehend how a bright, healthy young adolescent woman can slip so quickly from the earth to heaven. Her funeral is tomorrow (February 8). Twenty-five orphan girls will attend. I can see them and hear them. I bet they are singing.

Gail Foster asked me on Sunday to give more details about the six pieces of clothes challenge for Lent. I want to remind you that this is only one option to consider. It is one idea. I understand that not everyone finds this challenging or possible. My wife is one, however, I find it interesting that she is trying to tell me what colors to choose for my six pieces.

Six Items or Less…this is a challenge to select six pieces of outer clothing to wear over a specific period of time to teach principles of simplicity, a life with less.

The time frame begins on Ash Wednesday, March 9, 2011, and concludes on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011.

The rules are to select six pieces of top clothing (pants, shirts, etc.), and only six pieces which you will wear during this time frame. The exceptions to the six pieces are undergarments, shoes, socks, accessories, workout clothes, pajamas, outerwear, and work uniforms.

The idea is not original. It was tried first last year in an international experiment. People assumed that everyone would notice, and they didn’t. Not people at work, not even family members who did the laundry. We may think our clothes define us, but there really is so much more to who we are. College students in our congregation have attempted some variation of the experiment since October and they are trying it for one year.

It only has spiritual value if you want it to have spiritual value. It has the potential to be a rules game or to give you something to be falsely humble about; however, it also has the potential to break into habits of excess. One of the pieces of following Jesus is to “deny yourself.” This experiment could be a foot in the door.

It is snowing again.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

January 17, 2011

2011-01-17T08:53:00.000-08:00

I visited with Sam Green this morning at Centennial Medical Center. Nurses were hanging some platelets to keep his blood work strong. He is coming off of steroids and moving up the food chain diet. Sam has taken on pieces of his music/worship role at HCN, doing things he has not done since last September. He has selected and ordered the Palm Sunday music for the choir and sending missives as we speak. The Green family hopes this is week Sam gets to go home. One of Sam’s nurses visited second service yesterday.

Third service started again yesterday but in a new location. The Sanctuary was a perfect fit. I cannot commend the musical team enough for their preparation and delivery.

Donny Jackson led congregational singing with Paul Vann and Beth Fox as praise team vocalists. Donny also played the guitar which is confessed is his instrument of choice. Paul Bolling played all of my favorite percussion pieces which I think Paul masters. Michael Waller played the baby grand and David Flint played acoustic guitar. Michael and David are the quiet, behind the scenes coordinators who make things flawless.

Ken Jewett started recruiting a music team for LiveWire worship when he realized Jeremy Michael would not be available last Sunday. He called Beth Fox who pulled in Bryson Fox, Jameson Scappaticci, and Nathanael Jackson to accompany her. Ken had nothing but praise for the goods delivered.

One more thing about music assistance: at the close of second service on Sunday, I needed someone to help us with music. I called for someone in the band (Michael, Donny, and Dave were setting up in the sanctuary for third service). Randy Layne was the person who came to help and played a wonderfully soulful song on his bass guitar. What a gift. As I walked off the stage in the center, Carrie Lounsbury met me and asked if I needed help on the keyboards at the close of services. I told her I did and she said she would be there next Sunday. I think some glory rose up to heaven right then.

Margaret Mathias was one of the eighteen people from HCN who traveled to Kenya last June. Rob asked early on if it would be okay for his mom to go and we agreed. Margaret was a devout Christian, an experienced nurse, a pray-er. She was kind and wonderful. When the girls at the orphanage were treated to cleanse their faces, their hair, their legs, Margaret was one of three people who did all of the work. What few people on the trip knew was that Margaret was in remission for cancer. Last Thursday, January 13, 2011, Margaret died. The memorial service is today (Monday). It is hard to believe that a person as vibrant as Margaret could be gone within seven months. We rejoice that she was a part of our Mission Africa ’10 Team and that we were a part of each other. Margaret was sixty years old.

Youth Villages visits HCN this Thursday, January 20, 2011, at 7:00 PM in the Parlor of the Center. This is a second opportunity for people in our church to listen to opportunities for foster care and adoption. If your heart is pulled in this direction, please attend. Each speaks to our proactive support for the sacredness of life.

Senior High Pastor Shane Tarter led sixty-one students and eight chaperones on their winter retreat to Gatlinburg last weekend (January 14-17, 2011). Students included Ryan Mahoney, Matt Lucas, Evan McDaniel, Colby Earles, Andrew Vines, Ben Mabry, Hunter Steinmetz, Isaac Thompson, Braden Maphet, Hannah Garrett, Jessica Joyce, Sophie Zander, Jessica Perkins, Josh Cater, Stephanie Owens, Eric Owens, Cassie Hunt, Trevor Hunt, Sarah Griffith, Bret Washing, Christi Fite, Anna Laura Green, Sophie Green, Dalton Winfrey, Abby Winfrey, Page Abernathy, Morgan Harold, Callie Crosslin, Cameron Woodfin, Austin Woodfin, Chase Busherfield, Alex Houser, Paul Polland, Miranda Buyna, Lucas Houge, Katelyn Houge, Kevin Helm, Jonathan Tigabu, Jessica Long, Matt Bastin, Taylor Clark, Daniel Jones, Hayley Fee, Robby Amity, Ryan Amity, Timmy Porter, Phillip Caulkins, Sarah Matthews, Allison Huffman, Ben Griffith, Toby Haydel, Jonathan Mowry, Corey Miranne, Grant McCoy, Reed McCoy, Johnny Lee, Felix Menke, Justin Angle, Robert Luther. Chaperones included Gina Winfree, Sandra Hunt, Alan Elkins, Tanya Bastin, Esther Owens, Teresa Vines, Holly Steinmetz. Shane sat in my office this afternoon and told me he thought it was the most spiritual retreat he has experienced with the kids. There were only two trips to the ER.

Reminder for the Men’s Breakfast at Mt. Juliet Cracker Barrel on Fridays at 6:30 AM with Dennis Scholl and Doug Gold. All men are welcome.

Reminder for those who want to pray for Matthew Bateman, nephew to Tony Dozier, who is being deployed to Afghanistan for a fifth tour of duty. When Delores Thompson wrote me to join the prayer team for Matthew, she asked I could remember her nephew, Michael Pickartz, who is being deployed to Afghanistan for his fourth tour of duty. Could I ask that those who have written me about Matthew would include Michael in your daily, weekly prayers?

I am thankful for you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

January 11, 2011

2011-01-11T14:17:00.000-08:00

Snow has come again to Middle Tennessee. I am thankful first of all that it did not come on Sunday. I am thankful secondly that east Davidson County, west Wilson County were not forgotten. I am amazed that the trash collection truck and the postal service jeep were able to navigate to my cul-de-sac. The Tennessean paper car made it this morning (Tuesday). The paper said to go to the internet to find out who won the Auburn-Oregon Championship Game. Congratulations to Auburn fans.

The Life Connections Sunday School Class hosted ten homeless men through Room-in-the-Inn on Saturday-Sunday, January 8-9, 2011, on the HCN campus. The group provided Saturday supper, Sunday breakfast, and a sack lunch to carry away. They chaperoned the dry and warm evening rest; opened the facilities for washing clothes; made the showers and lockers available for getting clean. The men are always transported by our van to and from downtown Nashville and treated with kindness and respect. HCN hosts included Pam and Paul Stonecipher, Wayne McNeese, Tim and Treila Garrett, Ronnie and Pam Crues, Jerry and Lori Wallace, Tom and Shannon Stephens, Buddy and Kristi Mabry, Gary and Christine Helm, Stephan and Susan Scappaticci, Traci Hollandsworth, Jonna Taylor, Hannah Dubin, Dean Beach, and Beth Rice. The words of Jesus recorded in Matthew 25:40 say that whatever you did for one of these brothers, you did for him. Thanks.

A Zone Quiz Meet for Children was held at Trevecca on Saturday, December 8, 2011. Briley Ruff represented HCN and had a perfect quiz; received a gold all star and memory verse ribbon; received two perfect round ribbons. It was his best quiz yet.

Congratulations to Kylee Koon who has completed course work for her master’s degree in education at Trevecca Nazarene University with a 4.0 GPA. She graduates in the commencement in May.

After three weeks of hospitalization, Sam Green is physically improving daily. His body is retaining nutrients from the food he is consuming which was not true for the first two weeks. The numbers in his blood work are superior. His doctors are very pleased. Sam is ready to be home with his baby girls and they are ready to have their daddy home. We give thanks for the intercession healing for Sam.

The Church Board met on Sunday, January 9, 2011, at 4:00 PM for the regular monthly meeting. The proposed budget prepared by the appointed task force (Phil Jordan, Scott Steinmetz, John Mannen, Jerry Keener, Howard Plummer), was presented by Phil as the chair of the Finance Council. The budget was unanimously approved following lots of questions and discussion. There was a strong sentiment expressed from board members that we begin to include the weekly need in the weekly tip sheet and Sunday bulletin. So, you will find that number at the bottom of the numerical information this week. Also, permission to continue the third service through the next board meeting was sought and approved. The third service begins again this Sunday, January 16, 2011, in the Sanctuary (note change of location). There are other pieces being processed for this service.

The Discovery Sunday School Class beings a 14 week study on Sunday, January 30, 2011, of Christ’s life and ministry based on The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey. The series employs video clips of various film portrayals of Jesus as a basis of discussion. If you attend first or third worship and would like to try a Sunday School Class, please join this group. For more information, speak to Jonathan or Sarah Paddon or email at jwpaddon@tds.net.

Dennis Scholl and Doug Gold are starting a weekly men’s prayer breakfast on Fridays at 6:30 AM at the Mt. Juliet Cracker Barrel. The meeting will include a short devotion, prayer, and fellowship. Men, this is your invitation.

Tony Dozier sent me an email on Monday asking me to return his nephew, Matthew Bateman, to our prayer list of soldiers. Matthew is headed to Afghanistan. It is his fifth tour of duty in either Iraq or Afghanistan. Matthew’s mother is Tony’s sister, Carolyn, who lives in California. When Carolyn visits us, she attends each morning worship service so that she can hear her son’s name called in prayer. I feel strongly that a small group of people need to pray for Matthew’s safety daily. If you would be one of those people, write me a note and drop it in the offering plate or email me at hlplummer@aol.com.

The words from Sunday’s message are “consistent and conscious submission.” Jesus is our model.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

January 3, 2011

2011-01-03T08:33:00.000-08:00

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 5^th 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 2^nd in the 1^st round with six homeruns; tied for 4^th 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

December 27, 2010

2010-12-27T07:39:00.000-08:00

It is the week after Christmas and I need to rest. Do you? I loved all of the events and activities and services and took them one day at a time. Anna and I hosted the pastoral staff team and spouses for dinner in our home on Tuesday, December 21. We celebrated our thirty-eighth wedding anniversary out with close friends on Wednesday, December 22. We celebrated Sue Smith Dobbins’ eighty-ninth birthday on Thursday, December 23, with dinner at Bobby and Rondy Smith’s house. Sue is Anna and Bobby’s mother. We participated in the Christmas Eve Service at HCN on December 24. On Christmas morning, we rose early and drove to Brady and Michelle’s house to watch Kennedy and Leyton open presents left by Santa. We ate breakfast, drove home, and started cooking for our 5:00 PM dinner with everyone. Somewhere in the week, I enjoyed a good visit with Sam Green at Centennial. I read and soaked in scripture and structured the sermon for Sunday morning. On Sunday, December 26, I worshipped at HCN with my sisters and brothers in Christ.

This was our third year for a Christmas Eve Service at HCN. Too many people asked for too many years that we try it and so we did. It was so simple but so inspirational. We prayed; read scriptures; sang great Christmas hymns; received communion; listened to Landon Collins sing “Away in a Manger”; watched three and four year old children (Ava Collins, Kyler Kelley, Tyler Koon, Kennedy Plummer, Carson Slocum), portray the nativity; lit the Christ candle and passed the light to the congregation. The sanctuary was packed floor and balcony with chairs down the aisles and lining the back wall. These are the comments posted by some on you on my facebook page regarding the service. “I love the service. I love the times we gather in the sanctuary.” “Brother! We loved it. I was a little torn up singing the old hymns.” “I wish there was a LOVE button. LIKE just does not cut it.” “The sight of a packed house of people saved by grace with candles lit all in the name of Jesus. There was no other place I would rather have been tonight.” “We did our celebrating before the service time. Did not ask who was going with me…just said we needed to leave by 6:30 PM. Had some whines, but held my ground. Our home of 2 had 7 people there.” “I loved the packed house. I loved being squished between my husband and a woman who I met for the first time. I loved that one of the balcony doors was accidentally left locked and every couple of minutes someone knocked softly on the door.”

Snow really did come Christmas Eve night. And more on Christmas Day. And more on Christmas night. So, Sunday morning travel was questionable. I left my house at 9:00 AM for the previously scheduled one service at 10:00 AM. When I walked into The Center at 9:15 AM, the band (Randy Layne, Jay Barfield, David Flint, Michael Waller, Graham Scott, Rich Herring), was already practicing; the praise team (Tammy Tarter, Suzanne Karr-Herrring, Emily Sullivan), was rehearsing; Brian Biggs and Robert Sullivan were setting up sound and lighting. I honestly thought: how do I get to be a part of this wonderful, responsible group of people? Music was spirited. Suzanne and Rich provided the soulful offertory. We prayed for Kyle Russell with his family at open altars. Kyle leaves tomorrow (December 28), for Texas and basic training in the Air Force. Kyle came to see me on Christmas Eve and we had a great heart-to-heart conversation. After preaching, we gathered at the front of the Center for communion. I met your families who were visiting and I think I was honest when I bragged on you. Actually, I am sure I was honest. There were 212 people counted who were able to drive to church.

Since this is our second snow in December that affected Sunday services, could I talk to us about general decision making regarding future services and ice and/or snow? If there is winter precipitation on a Sunday, we will move to one service at 10:00 AM and it will probably meet in The Center. If there is winter precipitation on a Sunday afternoon/evening or Wednesday evening, we will most likely cancel services. The easiest place to check is the church website at www.hermitagenazarene.org or my facebook page. We try to make as many phone connections as possible for those who have no access to the internet. There is no perfect system. I ask for forgiveness in advance.

End of the year giving is available by mailing your contributions to HCN, Post Office Box 111, Hermitage, TN 37076, or by bringing your contributions to the church by Friday, December 31, 2010, at 4:00 PM. The important thing is to date your check for 2010. I always come to the end of a church year having received at least a dozen requests for charitable giving. Some I give to regularly. Some I would give to never. But I wonder if I have made a sufficient appeal for the church as a place to give. I would have a hard time telling you how appropriate I think it is to give to HCN in the midst of serious mission and ministry. I hope you feel the same.

The Church Board meeting scheduled for Sunday, December 12, 2010, at 4:30 PM was canceled due to ice and snow that afternoon and evening. The busy Christmas schedules kept us from rescheduling. The next Church Board meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 9, 2011, at 4:00 PM. Please note the earlier time.

The Genesis Sunday School Class hosted Room-in-the-Inn men at HCN on Christmas Day and evening. I do not have a complete list of those who helped but those I know include Wayne and Pam McNeese, Ricky and Dianne McNeese, Lisa Anderson, Paul and Pam Stonecipher, Andrew and Katie Nelson, Christy Stonecipher and Dennis Hughes, John and Erika Mannen, Jared, Anthony, and Alyssa Mannen, Steve, Lisa, and Kyler Kelley, Becky Evans, JD and Angela Hissey, Joe and Carol Clem, Dan and Cathy Preston, Bob and Rhonda Ward, Marvin and Ruth Heath, Carter Poole. Various groups of people provided gifts to the men including reading glasses from Ruth Heath. Paul Stonecipher said the reading glasses were received like candy.

Sam Green spent Christmas Day with his family in Centennial. The graft versus host disease that proves his brother Steve’s stem cells have taken over his body put him there. Pray that Sam continues to get well, slowly but surely.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

December 20, 2010

2010-12-20T07:51:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Donnie and Angela Dillon on the birth of their daughter, Jessie Rae Dillon, on Monday, December 13, 2010, at 3:26 PM at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee. Jessie weighed 7 lbs 9 ozs and measured 20 ½ inches in length. She is the sister of Sadie, Lila, Donnie Jr., William, Mary, and Amanda. We bless the Lord who has blessed Donnie and Angela by entrusting this child to their care and nurture.

HCN Middle School Students (LiveWire) presented the Christmas narrative with drama and music on Sunday, December 19, 2010, at 6:00 PM in The Center. Christine Helm wrote and directed the production. Diane Cater, Beth Rouse, and Crew created the set. Brian Biggs, Robert Sullivan, and Caleb Foster operated the sound and lights. Donny Jackson, Paul Bolling, Michael Waller, Dave Flint, Jay Barfield, Nathaniel Jackson, and Jameson Scappaticci formed the band. Cast members included Drew Silvernail, Jonathan Silvernail, Joel Daughtery, Michael Mathias, Jared Mannen, Annie Carter, Madeline Rouse, Isabella Green, Bryson Fox, Morgan Houser, Bethany Ruff, Marileigh Mabry, Olivia Garrett, Kristin Paddon, Jacob Paddon, Izzy Scappaticci, Chandler Scott, Anna Waller, Anthony Mannen, Sara Waller, Abby Elkins, Grant Reigard, Bethany Ruff, Brielle Fox, Lydia Foster, and Shelby Rose. The drama was simple and easy to follow. The music revealed lots of talent. I enjoyed it immensely.

Thanks to the New Life Sunday School Class for providing set-up and clean-up and to Lisa Anderson for generally directing the food service. Thanks to everyone who brought pizza or pasta dishes and desserts and drinks. The food was good and plentiful.

Thanks to a variety of people who stepped forward on Sunday to make the music and drama happen. Thanks to Jamie Slocum who sang with the praise team and provided the special music for the offertory. Thanks to Stephan Scappaticci for the story of the geese and the doubter. Thanks to the band which plays every week and the choir which sings every week and to Tammy Tarter and Donny Jackson who lead congregational singing and choirs. Thanks for your time investment and use of musical gifts.

A Christmas card with this handwritten note was received by the church last week: Dear Friends, we lived in Waterford during the May flood. While this was a difficult time for us, volunteers such as ones from your church made a big difference through their kind acts. It wasn’t just the bottle of water or meal either. It was enlightening to have strangers helping just because they could. So we wanted to thank you for your contributions to our flooded neighborhood. We hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. Amy and Nathan Qualls

Elsie Patton Elementary School in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, has twenty-six students who are provided take-home backpacks with food for the weekend every Friday of the school year. HCN provides that food through special offerings received in the adult Sunday School classes. Kenzie Eiseman, a Middle School student at HCN, works with the backpack program as a project for the Beta Club at her school. At Thanksgiving, it bothered Kenzie that the students went home for a long weekend with not enough food. She asked the school coordinator if something could be done to provide food for the students over Christmas break. When word was passed around about the project, food for sixteen Christmas boxes was brought to the church. Kenzie and her mom went to Krogers to buy food for the rest of the boxes and before they left the store, the manager had provided a large discount for all of the groceries and some of the employees had paid for the food. Some of us already know the story. Most of us do not. I think it is a great model for what happens when one person, a middle school student, gets proactive about a need and it provides a handle for other people, unlikely people to get involved in serving others. Families were waiting in the rain last Thursday morning at 6:30 AM at the school to receive the groceries.

Christmas is this week. I read somewhere of a woman’s disgust at a nativity scene in a store Christmas window. She huffed, “Can you believe it? They try to drag religion into every thing.” I felt a little snooty. Ignorance can make me arrogant. I also read that American families feel more spiritual about Thanksgiving than about Christmas. They feel thankful to God at Thanksgiving and go on vacations at Christmas. It is our job, yours and mine, to engage our culture and help others to know the reason for the season. How do we shine a light on the Christ child? The Christmas Eve service on December 24, 2010, at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary is available. There will be carols and communion and candlelight and children. I can guarantee you the spirit will be high. Christmas Day offers an opportunity to teach. This is the day to celebrate the birth of Christ. Will you read the story? Will you pray? There is one service at HCN on Sunday, December 26, 2010. It meets at 10:00 AM in The Center.

You are greatly loved and appreciated. Merry Christmas. Jesus has come to save us from our sins. Go tell it.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

December 14, 2010

2010-12-14T11:41:00.000-08:00

The weather outside is frightful, frigid, dangerous, and I am not talking about ice and snow. I am talking about the cold. Rondy Smith tried to talk me into announcing something a little more definitive about what we would do in case of inclement weather on Sunday morning. I function on the principle that if you speak it, it will happen. Snow and ice and cold happened anyway. The canceled service on Sunday evening means we need to reschedule with our missionaries from Rwanda, Spencer and April Baggott. Several weeks ago, three HCN Adult Sunday School Classes received a collection of money to purchase Christmas gifts for the Baggott family. Kristi Mabry got sizes from April and purchased coats for all, some clothes, with cash remaining. When we did not meet on Sunday evening, the Mabry family delivered the coats and gifts to the Baggotts. Now they are warm. I hope you are safe and warm.

“The Night of Alleluias” produced a swell of Alleluias beyond Sunday, December 12, 2010. The Adult Worship Choir sang with Holy Spirit passion and power. The vocalists included Renita Amity, Lisa Anderson, Jo Apple, Dalene Barnett, Dean Beach, Melody Beach, Joy Bradley, Kristi Dozier, Julie Foster, Beth Fox, Bryce Fox, Keli Green, Marvin Heath, Gary Helm, Donny Jackson, JoAnn Jackson, John Jordan, Marilyn Keener, Melinda Knott, Ken Koon, Tiffany Mathias, Herb McMillan, Miriam McMillan, Pam McNeese, Anna Plummer, Beverly Sharpe, Bobby Smith, Ken Stegall, Tom Stephens, Emily Sullivan, Tammy Tarter, Jim Trease, Brenda Waffird, Carrie Wagner, Deborah Walter, Betty Willis. The Worship Band played with Holy Spirit gifts and grace. The musicians included Michael Waller, Donny Jackson, Randy Layne, Dave Flint, Jay Barfield, Graham Scott, Ricky Gore, Paul Bolling. Thanks to Tammy Tarter for rehearsing and directing the production. Thanks to Tim Green for writing and then narrating the story. Thanks to Brian Biggs and Robert Sullivan for directing the sound, lights, and word screens.

Sam Green attended the second service production at 10:30 AM and sat on the front row. The best news is that it must have inspired his blood. When Sam went to the clinic yesterday (Monday), all of his blood work was UP! It was a great surprise. His hemo-globin had taken a major bounce. I think we are good for the boy. Continue to pray for Sam’s complete healing. Speak an Alleluia for this good news.

Carol Waller asked me to plug the need for Upward Basketball Coaches. The current need is for 3 coaches. It is a one-hour commitment during the week for practices and one game each Saturday in January and February. What an opportunity to intersect the lives of children and to make a investment of time and energy.

Paul Stonecipher, HCN Coordinator of Room-in-the-Inn, asked me to thank the Faith Builders Sunday School Class for the great job they did in replenishing supplies and clothing for the men of Room-in-the-Inn. As the calendar falls this year, one of our hosting dates for Room-in-the-Inn is Christmas Day. The Genesis Sunday School Class asked for the privilege to serve.

This Sunday, December 19, 2010, is the fourth Sunday of Advent. The schedule is normal this Sunday, including Sunday School, with the exception of no third service this week. College students are out-of-town for Christmas break. Worship services meet at 9:00 AM in the sanctuary and at 10:00 AM in The Center. Teens lead worship this Sunday evening at 6:00 PM with pizza and pasta and desserts to follow their presentation. Bring either pizza or pasta dishes, desserts, and a large drink to feed our friends and ourselves. There are great deals at pizza places these days.

I hope you have the Christmas Eve Service at HCN on Friday, December 24, 2010, at 7:00 PM on your radar. It will not be boring. It is planned with lots of participation. You will be glad you came. It meets in the Sanctuary.

I look forward to worship with you this Sunday.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

December 6, 2010

2010-12-06T12:14:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Josh and Amber Alberts on the birth of their son, Zinn Michael Alberts, on Monday, December 6, 2010, at 10:53 AM at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee. Zinn weighed 7 lbs and measured 20 inches. He is the brother of Kaylee and Abram and the grandson of David and Dawn Parker. We bless the Lord who has blessed Josh and Amber and entrusted this child to their care and nurture.

The Children of Hermitage Church of the Nazarene presented their annual Christmas program on Sunday, December 5, 2010, at 6:00 PM in The Center. Glory be to God that 104 full of wonder children helped to tell the story again of Jesus come to earth.

Preschool children rang bells and portrayed the nativity. Toddler 1 Bell Ringers were Lucia Greathouse, Emilee Koon, Austin Reigard, Caroline Walker, Cooper Jordan, Malcolm Mullins, Jake Stride, Leyton Plummer. PreK Handbell Ringers were Owen Agee, Ava Collins, Bryan Ermshar, Mercedes Greathouse, Kyler Kelley, Cole Petroff, and Seth Stride. The Nativity Scene Animals were portrayed by Mason Beach, Emmy Biggs, Tate Collins, Brandon Helm, Keegan Lutz, Bennett Segars, Nicholas York, Ellianna Gamble, Emma Petroff, Lucas Waller. The Nativity Scene Cast Members were portrayed by Harper Kate Miles, Carson Slocum, Caeden Bolling, Tyler Koon, Megan Ermshar, Kennedy Plummer.

“The Next Noel” Children’s Musical was sung by Isabella Stinson, Annalee Poole, Parker Hollandsworth, Briley Ruff, Rebecca Eiseman, Regan Perkins, Katelyn Brown, Daniel Webb, Breelyn Ruff, Michael Spraker, Will Stride, Sydney Webb, Konner Russell, Matthew Baughman, Elizabeth Sweeten, Alyssa Mannen, Morgan Evans, Selah Coppedge, Mia Agee, Ashlynn Lounsbury, Victoria Hood, David Paddon, Jacob Brown, Tristan Lee, Katie Grace Russell, Evan Gamble, Jack Gold, Sarah Helm, Hutson Miles, Afton Segars, Hannah Holderby, William Dillon, Elizabeth Stinson, Stephen Swoner, Madison McNeese, Alexi Baltz, Abigail Reigard, Madison Slocum, Dakota Biggs, Brenae Fox, Christian Rios, Elizabeth Foster, Ava Davis, Gant Brasfield, Brandon Vines, Miranda Spraker, Erica Render, Caroline Brasfield, Emma Vermilye, Gabriella Rouse, Brooke Bradley, Bethany Webb, Eva Harris, Ethan Foster, Camille Reigard, Ian Rouse, Gracie Parman, Eli Gamble, Maxwell Mullins, Preston Davis, Brooklyn Fox, Alex Sullivan, Donnie Dillon, Mary Dillon. Musical Cast Members were Isabella Agee, Olivia Vermilye, Landon Collins, Jackson Barfield, Daniel Silvernail, Holly Barfield, Reid Swoner, Becca Waller, Trey McNeese.

Leaders who assisted the program were:

Amy Slocum: teaching parts and songs to preschoolers
Jessica Agee: training bell ringers
Angel Greathouse: directing the elementary drama
April Swoner and Tammy Jones: leading the elementary choir
Brian Biggs and Robert Sullivan for operating sound and lights
Kristin Jordan and Jillian Forcum for filling in all the gaps
Sam Eiseman, Jeff Cater, John Mannen, and Jamie Slocum for setting curtains
Jody Scott: providing staging
Pastor Carol Waller, general director

Thank you to every parent who practiced songs and lines with their children and transported them to and from rehearsals. Thank you to every adult who invested time and talent with the children to enable their presentation. Thank you to every adult who used technical skills to make the production happen. Thank you to every child who gave their voice and heart and hands to tell the story of Jesus. Thank you to the Genesis Sunday School Class for providing set-up and clean-up for the food lines after the service. Thank you to every person/family for providing food and drink to share.

Thank you to Ken Stegall for directing the Worship Choir and congregational singing in first worship on Sunday. Tammy Tarter took a one Sunday break as she fills the gap for Sam Green. Thank you to Jeremy Michael for leading congregational singing in third worship to help us with selection variety.

Spencer and April Baggott are missionaries in the Church of the Nazarene and members of Hermitage Church of the Nazarene. They are stationed in Kigali, Rwanda. For Christmas this year, the Baggotts are allowed to visit their family in the USA with their three children including a new baby. They arrive on December 9. I wrote Spencer and April and invited them to come and visit with us on Sunday, December 12, 2010, in the 6:00 PM service. They accepted my invitation. Our fellowship for the evening includes Soup and Salad and Dessert. We will fix our bowls and plates first; seat ourselves at tables; and listen to stories from Africa. Families with last names beginning with A-L are asked to bring salads, desserts, and large drinks. Families with last names beginning with M-Z are asked to bring soup, desserts, and large drinks.

The HCN Adult Choir and Center Band present “A Night of Alleluias” this Sunday, December 12, 2010, at 9:00 and 10:30 AM. Please notice this represents a time change for the second service. The Early Christian Sunday School Class will meet at 8:00 AM but no other Sunday School Classes will meet this Sunday. Both services will meet in The Center. Dr. Tim Green, brother to our Sam Green, wrote the narration for this musical and will serve as narrator at HCN on Sunday. You will minimally like this music. You might love it. Invite your unchurched friends and family to attend with you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

November 29, 2010

2010-11-29T10:17:00.000-08:00

The New Life Sunday School Class hosted our Room-in-the-Inn friends on Saturday night, November 27, 2010. Ten homeless men were transported from downtown Nashville to the HCN campus for a safe, dry place to sleep and hot food to eat. Hot showers and a place to wash clothes were available to all the men. Wayne McNeese drove the van which brought the men to church and returned them to the city. Stephanie, Eli, and Evan Gamble and Keith, Stephanie, Chelsea, and Cristian Rhodes set the facility up for use. Supper, breakfast, and sack lunches for Sunday were provided by Glenda Perkins, Charlotte Rose, Kendell and Tammy Poole, Lance and Patty Waller, Tony Dozier, Mike and Darlene Miranne, Alan and Angie, Josh and Abby Elkins, Howard and Barbara Barrett, Scott Moore, Rusty Waffird, Judy Fite. Ray Render and Jody Sweeten stayed overnight to chaperone the group. Paul Stonecipher served as coordinator for the event. One of the men wrote a poem about his experience and left it for you. It is posted on the Center glassboard. Thanks to the New Life Class for representing all of us.

I hope you were present in worship yesterday. Sophie Zander, Eddie Witkowski, Dennis Scholl, and Marvin Maphet opened up their hearts and told us moving pieces of their life stories. Sophie is an exchange student from Germany who lives with Jerry, Lori, and Ashley Wallace. Eddie is a recent pastoral ministries graduate from Trevecca and a summer missionary to Thailand. Dennis is a husband, dad, engineer, and general contractor who faced a serious health crisis five years ago. Marvin Maphet is the single parent of five kids who survived the sudden death of his middle child last June. Each person told us of his or her walk and talk with God. Each person expressed his or her thanksgiving for the way God has guided or healed or sustained. Thank you for investing in your preparation and living so transparently before us for the morning.

Communion closed both services for the morning. How appropriate to end at the table of the Lord. First service worshippers sang The Doxology. Second service worshippers sang “He Loves Us.” Dot Waffird told me her favorite time came when the Senior High Students began to stand spontaneously while we sang. Billie Ragland prepared the elements for first and second service with no idea the second worship would need extras. Pastor Ken Jewett recruited Marla Houser, Treila Garrett, and Jake Resor to help him and extra trays were prepared. Thank you. Thank you for being aware.

One more story you would like to know. The elementary children and middle school students joined second worship on Sunday. When open altars were announced for prayer and the Senior High Students sent their army to pray, a young boy joined them in moving forward. When he got to the altar, Pastor Shane Tarter reached out his arm and took him in to the fold. Shane had no idea who he was. Pastor Carol Waller watched the whole thing happen. The young boy is a quiet, shy child of parents who were serving in another area of the facility. Something moved him. Someone moved him. What a morning.

Soup and Salad and Desserts began our 6:00 PM service. Three and one-half year old Tyler Koon had asked me after the Thanksgiving Dinner blessing why I did not say the “God, our Father” blessing. I asked him if would be willing to ask the blessing at our next meeting and he said he would. So, on Sunday evening, Tyler Koon sang the “God, our Father” blessing loudly and straight into the microphone. Thanks, Tyler. Thanks to Betty Willis for providing organization and leadership to the Advent decorating. Thanks to the Senior High Students for climbing into attics and carrying decorations wherever they needed to go. Thanks to the Breadbreaker Sunday School Class for setting up and breaking down after the social on Sunday. Thanks to Tim Garrett for leading.

Dr. Donny Jackson and JoAnn, Cassidy Nelson and Jon, joined eight other couples on November 19-20, 2010, for a weekend at HCN investing in their marriages. Donny reports it was the best retreat yet but believes a great deal more needs to be done to proactively support healthy marriage relationships. I know the schedules of most of the couples and it is impressive that they created the space and time to attend.

LiveWire Students (middle school) will deliver your Christmas cards (within the church), for a greatly reduced fee than the post office. The cost is 25 cents per card. All proceeds go to offset the cost of the Winter Get Away. Christmas cards are also available that were designed exclusively by LiveWire students. Deliver your cards to the Welcome Desks through December 19, 2010.

For the last few years, many of you have asked how you could help a family who has legitimate needs at Christmas. The pastoral staff has asked that you purchase gift cards that we in turn can distribute to families within the church who are struggling to meet food needs and gifts for children. While you can purchase cards anywhere you would like, cards to grocery stores (Kroger, Publix, etc.) or to Walmart are easiest to use. I can tell you that the cards have fed single parents and babies and provided Christmas gifts to children when there were none to give. If you want, you can drop the cards in the offering plates on Sunday morning and the counting teams will get them to the pastoral staff for distribution. Pastor Rondy Smith sent me an email today telling me that our food pantry is low again due to the number of people who are coming to the church weekly for food. Would you shop for dry staples and leave them in bins in the Center Lobby for the next few Sundays? All of us want to help people who have genuine needs. This is one way to help.

I look forward to Sunday.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

November 22, 2010

2010-11-22T18:28:00.000-08:00

The season for Room-in-the-Inn has begun. The Breadbreakers and Young Profes-sionals Sunday School Classes hosted the first group of homeless men on Saturday evening, November 13, 2010. The men were transported to and from downtown Nashville; served a hot evening meal; given a dry, safe place to sleep; offered a hot shower; offered an opportunity to wash clothes; served breakfast on Sunday morning and provided a sack lunch to go. Paul and Pam Stonecipher coordinate the program for HCN. Pam wrote me a personal note saying everything was done well, representing a wonderful kick-off to the fall/winter months.

The All Church Thanksgiving Dinner was served at 5:00 PM on Sunday, November 21, 2010, thanks to all of you who brought vegetables, salads, and desserts, and the turkey, ham, and dressing bakers. Thanks to Joyce Clevenger, Alexandra Whitehead, Bill Lowe, Pam McNeese, Marilyn Jordan, Gay Elkins, Amber Beach, Glen Detwiler, and Beth Rouse for the turkeys and to Kristi Mabry, Donna Wood, Ruth Ann Terrell, Joy Bradley, Tiffany Mathias, Lisa Anderson, Shelly Flint, Barbara Parrish, and Betty Willis for the hams. Thanks to the Early Christian Sunday School Class for providing set-up and clean up for the event. They made the meal easy for the rest of us. I stayed away from the dessert table and ate seconds from all the dishes I ate from the first time. Every morsel of food I put on my plate was delicious. Someone made a cranberry salad that I could eat for dessert.

A tradition began four years ago at HCN for the Sunday after Thanksgiving. It is the telling of significant life stories from members of the congregation. We always go away wishing we did it more often and wishing more had heard. This year includes a senior high woman, a young adult student, and two mature dads: Sophie Zander, Eddie Witkowski, Dennis Scholl, and Marvin Maphet. There will be two services for the morning: 9:00 AM in the Sanctuary and 10:00 AM in the Center. Like the first Sunday of November, we are asking third service people to worship at 10:00 AM and then flip to Sunday School at 11:30 AM. Please pay attention and plan to be present.

Advent begins Sunday, November 28, 2010, in the 6:00 PM service in the Center. Families with last names beginning with letters A-L are asked to bring a pot of soup and dessert. Families with last names beginning with letters M-Z are asked to bring a salad and a dessert. Water and tea will be provided. We will be served and seated first. The light for the first Advent candle will be brought to the wreaths. Christmas stories will be read. Banners and wreaths will be hung. Nativity scenes will be set. Christmas trees will be decorated.

When Sam Green was not able to continue practicing the Christmas music he planned for this year’s choir, Tammy Tarter and I decided to look again at the music/narration previously presented in “A Night of Alleluias.” The Adult Choir responded favorably and the concerts are now set for Sunday, December 12, 2010, at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. Dr. Tim Green, who wrote the narration for the music, will return as narrator. Tim is Sam’s brother.

Thanksgiving Day arrives this week. I am most grateful for relationships. I am grateful for my family. I am grateful that my daughter is getting married and planning her wedding. Like every other grandparent, I find my grandchildren to be a special delight. I am grateful for my friends. I have spent my entire life in church so the great percentage of my friends are from church. I am thankful that for every person who was mean to me, there were ten who were kind to me. I am thankful that friends can disagree agreeably. Several weeks ago, a friend of mine disagreed with something I said while teaching Sunday School. Imagine that. When Sunday School was over, he waited on me to make sure that he and I were okay. I saw him waiting. I knew what he wanted. We said words but we didn’t need to. Another man in the class wrote me an email saying he had watched and listened to the disagreement. He said he had stayed out of church for years because of all the fussing and fighting. He said he was proud of the way things were handled that morning. I have decided that somebody can say or do almost anything if you know they love you. And we know who loves us, don’t we? I am grateful for the young people at HCN who inspire me. I am so proud of them. I consider the Senior High Students to be one of the finest groups of people I have ever known. I believe God has something considerable to do in and through them. I am grateful for a church board full of intelligent, spiritual, competent leaders who give of their time and combined wisdom. I am grateful for a pastoral staff team of gifted and graced sisters and brothers. One of the brothers is stricken but healing right now. I miss him. I am grateful for the people who step up and pour themselves out so that ministry and mission continue forward while he is absent. I am thankful for people who understand giving. Church doors are open and facilities are available because some people believe that God cares about what you share. I serve full-time in ministry because people give. I am grateful. I am grateful that at fifty-eight years of age, my vision for ministry is wide and not narrow. I know my next-door neighbors and love them. One of them raked the leaves in my yard last Saturday. I know twenty-six little orphan girls in Kenya and love them. I am grateful that God is great and fresh to me. My favorite song to sing in second and third service contains these words: ‘O great and mighty One, with one desire we come, that you might reign, that you would reign in us.” I sing those words. I pray those words. I am grateful for you. When I count my blessings, I count you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

November 15, 2010

2010-11-15T19:01:00.000-08:00

“Two By Two: Noah and the Ark” was presented to a packed Center on Sunday, November 14, 2010, at 6:00 PM. The drama/musical was directed by Diane Cater. Cast members included Lamar Bradley (Noah), Jo Apple (Esther), Bryce Fox (Shem), Beth Fox (Rachel), Donny Jackson (Japeth), Kim Kinsley-Herrera (Leah), Matt Wurth (Ham), and Suzanne Karr-Herring (Hannah). Band members included David Flint (guitar), Michael Waller (keyboard), Stephan Scappaticci (percussion). The show was funny, entertaining, light, thoughtful, funny. I am always amazed at the memorization require-ments of such a venture. Thank you, thank you for your time investment and the sharing of your magnificent gifts.

The All Church Thanksgiving Dinner takes place this Sunday, November 21, 2010, at 5:00 PM in The Center. Each family is asked to bring either a salad or vegetable, dessert, and large drink. We ask for volunteers to bring turkeys or hams. We need eight of each and currently have five of each. If you bring a ham or turkey, you do not need to bring anything else. We also need people to make dressing. Call the church office at 847-3335 to volunteer to provide one of the meats.

Congratulations to Daniel Smith, junior class male representative to the Homecoming Court in TNU’s Homecoming festivities. Michael Follis emceed the event as junior class president.

The goal to raise $15,000 to pay maintenance needs for replacing a HVAC unit and making repairs to our sewage system was met in Sunday morning’s offering. $15,251 was designated and received in four weeks. Thank you for caring and responding.

John Reigard and his posse are leading the Mission Africa 2012 Team in preparation for launch in June 2012. The group met last Tuesday evening for a meal in the Parlor and to continue giving attention to the thousand details before mission. If you are considering participating, it is not too late nor is it too early to begin. Vaccinations, passports, fund-raising are all appropriate to pursue now.

I do not always go home from church feeling good about the events of the day. Sometimes, I walk to my car after the last service thinking about the things I wished were different. No matter how good the music was, I still miss Sam. We all miss Sam. Having said that, I walked across the field on Sunday believing in my heart that God was pleased with all of our efforts on Sunday. I am seeing the faces of a lot of young people at the close of services. They are people responding to the message and I know God is the one who has spoken to them and drawn them. I received a facebook post this morning from a young dad in the congregation. His eight year old son left church yesterday and announced he wanted to be a pastor and a missionary. Who knows what he will be but at this point, God has his attention. I wanted you to know that he has mine. I am thankful for yesterday.

Patrick Corey Marlowe is a member of HCN; the father of Jordan Marlowe, the son of Wendell and Sheila Marlowe, the brother of Josh Marlowe. Patrick is a resident of the US Penitentiary in Pollock, LA. A change in policy was recently made at the facility regarding all correspondence sent to residents. Effective immediately, correspondence must include Patrick’s full name or it will be returned to sender. It would be a good time for all us to write Patrick a letter or to send a card to him and let him know that we remember him, think of him, pray for him. Tell Patrick about what is happening in your life and how he can pray for you.

Patrick Corey Marlowe 16762-075

US Penitentiary

PO Box 2099

Pollock, LA 71467

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

November 8, 2010

2010-11-08T18:32:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to John and Kristin Jordan on the birth of their daughter, Lanie Kate Jordan, on Tuesday, November 2, 2010, at 1:45 PM at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Lanie Kate weighed 6 lbs 15 ozs and measured 19 ¾ inches in length. She is the sister of Caroline, Gant, and Cooper, and the granddaughter of Marilyn Jordan. We bless the Lord, the giver of life and breath and trust.

Congratulations to Will Miranne, Senior Class President at Donelson Christian Academy, who was chosen a member of the All-Star Cast at the Tennessee Theatre Competition several weeks ago. Will was the only DCA student selected. Congratu-lations to Corey Miranne who was recently elected President of the National Junior Honor Society at DCA.

Congratulations to Mae Beavers who was re-elected Senator of District 17 to the Tennessee Legislature on Tuesday, November 2, 2010. Mae represents citizens from eight different counties.

Congratulations to Mark Greathouse who was presented the McClurkan Award by the Alumni Association at Trevecca’s Homecoming Ceremonies on Friday, November 5, 2010, at TNU. Mark is a Nashville businessman and coordinator of the Heritage Men’s Choir.

Sam Green is home from the hospital even though he returns to the clinic every day to keep him clean from leukemia. When his blood work matches certain numbers, he will begin an infusion of stem cells from his brother, Steve. Sleeping in his own bed and eating food his family prepares is a great reward and comfort.

Ron Barnes visited my office last Wednesday afternoon. He brought a mixed bag of turnip and mustard greens because he knows I love them and would cook and eat them. He also wanted to tell me how much he enjoyed the fifty-five young people from HCN who camped on his farm the previous weekend. Actually, he wanted to brag about them. Actually, he wanted to rave about them. Ron said they were the finest group of young people he had ever been around. He said he used to think he built the cabin in the woods for his own enjoyment but he realizes now that he built it for these kids to enjoy. He said they gave him a standing ovation at a campfire and it was his first. He also said his guests commented on the manners of the kids. I thought parents of the Senior High Students would like to know how their kids act when they are away from them.

Dr. Nina Gunter visited Hermitage Church on Sunday, November 7, 2010, and preached in first and second services. Her command of missional statistics was astounding. I liked everything she said but these are things I liked the most: The Church of the Nazarene is only one of the churches preaching the gospel and reaching the world in the name of Jesus Christ. We are not the only ones. The Church of the Nazarene is one of the ten largest mission organizations in the world. The Church of the Nazarene has a presence in more countries in the world than McDonald’s (and then spoke very favorably toward McDonald’s). In the first century, there was 1 believer for every 300 plus nonbelievers. In 2010, there is 1 believer for every 7 nonbelievers.

God is doing great things in China, Iraq, and Cuba.

Nina sent an email this morning thanking the church for the opportunity to speak and for the honorarium. She said preaching was easy; the Holy Spirit was faithful; and you were kind and responsive. She said this is HCN’s greatest day with the best yet to come.

Five young people reported to the HCN congregation on Sunday evening regarding their mission venture to Eastern Europe in June, 2010. They were Jake Resor, Graham Scott, Anna-Laura Green, Jonathan Mowry, and Daniel Smith. Dr. Kathy Mowry, mission professor at TNU and a member of HCN, coordinated and chaperoned the trip and is currently planning a return for five HCN college students for twelve weeks in 2011. Those students are Daniel Smith, Jake Resor, Graham Scott, Preston Hunt, and Michael Follis. I was proud of the Sunday night crew and of the new team.

Jerry Keener and Phil Jordan addressed the congregation several weeks ago to tell you about a $15,000 maintenance need at the church (replacing a large HVAC unit and plumbing repairs). I told you about the need in this weekly letter. $12,936 has been given to date toward that project. That leaves a $2,064 balance. The church board meets again this Sunday, November 14, 2010, at 4:30 PM. It would be nice for Jerry and Phil to report to the board that all monies are paid. Have you helped yet?

Veterans Day is recognized officially this Thursday, November 11, 2010. Thanks to every man and woman connected to HCN who has served honorably in military service through the years. I asked those who attended the Senior Adults and Friends Luncheon last Friday to share something about themselves that the rest of us were unlikely to know. Shirley Maschinski told us of her two brothers who served on the same ship in the US Navy during World War II. When the ship was sunk, one brother survived and one died.

That puts faces on Veterans Day for me.

Third service schedules return to normal this week. Thanks for making the adjust-ments last week. It was nice to get that hour back from last March.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

November 1, 2010

2010-11-01T18:56:00.001-07:00

I need your help on morning schedules for this Sunday, November 7, 2010. Dr. Nina Gunter serves as the opening speaker for a Day of Missions at HCN. We have asked Dr. Gunter to speak in the 9:00 and 10:00 AM services, realizing three services are too much to ask of a guest preacher. That means:

Third worship people (11:30 AM) need to attend the second worship service at 10:00 AM and then attend Sunday School at 11:30 AM.
College students and The Twenty-Something Class will eat lunch at 12:30 PM in The Parlor as usual.
The New Adult Sunday School Class which meets at 10:00 AM and taught by the Paddons will meet as usual. First service people who attend the Paddon’s Class make no changes. Third service people who attend the Paddon’s Class need to think about attending first service.

Remember that this is the Sunday we regain the hour lost from last March. Before you retire to bed on Saturday night or Sunday morning, November 6 or 7, 2010, turn your clocks BACK one hour. Smile and enjoy the extra sixty minutes.

The Mission Europe Team reports to the congregation this Sunday, November 7, 2010, at 6:00 PM in The Center. Six of our college and senior high students served in special capacities last summer in Eastern Europe under the direction of Dr. Kathy Mowry, professor of missions at Trevecca. Plan to be present and hear about last summer’s ministry and the possibilities for the return this summer.

Ron Barnes has invited the Senior High Students from HCN to camp on his farm, in his woods in Livingston, TN, every year since 1995. This year, last weekend specifically, the largest group yet accepted his invitation. Fifty-five students joined seven chaperones as they pitched tents, built fires, hiked, shared life stories, ate great food, and enjoyed devotions led by Scott Moore. Bobby Smith cooked lunches and suppers and Ron Barnes cooked daily breakfast. The repeated reports to me all include: “it was the best one yet.” Campers included Toby Haydel, Dalton Winfree, Kyle Smith, Austin Smith, Brandon Smith, Eric Owens, Paul Poland, Chase Buscherfeld, Taylor Clark, Josh Elkins, Hunter Steinmetz, Thomas Sharpe, Philip Calkins, Grant McCoy, Reed McCoy, Robert Luther, Campbell Scholl, Robby Amity, Matt Bastin, Brett Washing, Jonathan Mowry, Jonathan Tigabu, Nathan Curtis, Justin Angle, Felix Menke, Max Andrade, Ross Drummond, Katie Scott, Adrie Brown, Morgan Harold, Sophie Green, Anna-Laura Green, Cassie Hunt, Jessica Perkins, Emily Paddon, Brittany Crues, Sarah Griffith, Sophie Zander, Stephanie Owens, Katelyn Hogue, Hailey Hicks, Paige Hood, Rachel Jones, Alex Houser, Trevor Hunt, Kevin Helm, Andrew Vines, Madison Trotter, Alex Hamer, Christy Fite, Anna Schilling, Renee Lancaster. Chaperones included Bobby Smith, Mark Washing, Scott Moore, Brady Plummer, Scott Perkins, Hillary Osborne, Shane Tarter. Mike and Gatha (Barnes) Frizsell helped Ron host the group with whatever was needed.

Thanks to Ron for opening his big property and big heart to our teens.

The Candy Parade delivered approximately two hundred children to The HCN Center on Wednesday, October 27, 2010. Each was dressed in the costume they had dreamed and needed a safe place to showcase. They collected more candy than should be legal that will provide sugar highs for weeks to come. It was the first year I had candy rejected. I thought that was the candy your daddy ate. An interesting historical fact: The Candy Parade was the first event held in The Center (October, 2005).

Building One is composed of three rooms: the Worship Room shared by multiple age groups and the Senior High Room with Kitchen. The Worship Room in B1 has a sound and video board which is elevated in the rear of the room. It contains expensive equipment which is easily damaged and set incorrectly. On a regular basis, people who have no knowledge and no business doing so, push buttons and turn dials on that board. The result is that equipment does not work on Sunday mornings and evenings and Tuesday mornings and evenings when large groups are meeting there. Last week, a company repaired and replaced pieces of the system to get it working at peak capacity. It can stay that way if only authorized and trained people operate it. Please help us to be smart about the way we use church property and equipment.

Thank you to the team of people who continue to provide leadership for music ministry in the absence of our Pastor of Worship, Dr. Sam Green. For the second time, leukemia has been chased into remission for Sam. Another bone marrow biopsy will be taken tomorrow (Tuesday), to tell the doctors how clean he remains. The infusion (new word for transplant), of stem cells from Sam’s brother, Steve, awaits. Keep praying. And keep stepping up to fill the choir and band and praise team. You make the difference.

So many times, I want to connect people in this congregation. I meet someone who is from upstate New York and I run to find all of my friends who were born there and now live in middle Tennessee. I am around the incredible senior high men and I want Dr. Greathouse to hear the testimonies of what God is doing in their lives. Several weeks ago, I met a man after second worship named Bill Smith. He told me he had attended HCN for a year. We had never met. I apologized. But I had the sense and the comfort level that we had known each other a long time. I want you to meet Bill. Yesterday, I started at 8:00 AM teaching the Early Christian Sunday School Class, a group of my peers in their fifties, sixties, and seventies. I finished at 2:00 PM, cleaning up The Center Kitchen with the Twenty-Something Sunday School Class after we had eaten lunch with the College Students following Third Worship. There were several young married couples there who were not leaving until the work was done and I wished there was a way for the Early Christians to know these people who were so responsible. I ate lunch at a table filled with college freshmen from Mississippi and I wanted them to meet the Rodney and Tammy Jones family. My life is filled with the privilege of getting to know and meet wonderful people. I am glad I get to know you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

October 25, 2010

2010-10-25T18:54:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Jeremy David Hood and Jamie Renee Wood who were united in marriage in a 3:00 PM ceremony on Saturday, October 23, 2010, in the sanctuary of HCN. Jamie is the daughter of Harry and Donna Wood. She and Jeremy attend first service.

The Fall Fish Fry continues to be my favorite all church social. Wayne McNeese does the lion’s share of carrying responsibility for the event. He recruits the cookers and then snaps the whip. Plate filling began at 5:00 PM yesterday from HCN’s west lawn but the cooking and potato cutting and hush puppy stirring began hours before. Outdoor Cooks included John Jordan, Ken Elkins, Glen Detwiler, Dan Scott, Dean Beach, Tom Stephens,

Paul Stonecipher, Rick Person, Bobby Smith, Tim Garrett, Jason Vines, Ken Willis, Ken Koon, Trey Miles, Ricky McNeese, Paul Vann, Kenny McNeese, Webb Trojan, Bill Jackson, Jonathan Beach, Chris Lewis. Indoor Cooks included Lisa Anderson, Pam McNeese, Kylee Koon, Dianne McNeese, Kim Vann, Dot Waffird, Traci Hollandsworth.

The New Life Sunday School Class provided set-up, service, and clean-up and that included the carting of tables and chairs to and from the yard. The weather was balmy (that means looked like it might rain but did not until we got home). Thank you to every person who labored and made the evening great for the rest of us. I stood and talked and sat and talked and ate and talked. All of the extra food was taken to the mission to feed the homeless. That should make us all happy.

Most of you have received the great news by now but those who depend on this letter for information about the congregation may not know. Our Pastor of Worship, Dr. Sam Green, was informed by his doctors at Centennial Medical Center on Wednesday, October 20, 2010, that his bone marrow biopsy taken the previous Monday shows he is in remission from leukemia. Infusions (new description instead of transplants), of stem cells from his brother, Steve, will be administered when Sam’s blood work reaches appropriate levels. The pastoral staff team visited with Sam this morning. He is a happy man.

HCN has tried to respond carefully and responsibly to Halloween through the years. Christians have differing opinions on what the day is about. So, we try to offer options to our families. We sponsor a Candy Parade inside the Center on the Wednesday night before Halloween for children ages infant to grade 4. That is this Wednesday night, October 27, 2010, at 6:30 PM. We ask families to bring candy for approximately 200 children and to distribute it personally from a long and winding line of chairs. The event is dry and safe for our children. Halloween is scheduled for October 31 every year and for 2010, that day is this Sunday. We have purposefully not scheduled any meetings at HCN this Sunday evening to allow families to make their own decisions regarding trick or treating or distributing candy from their homes. We hope this helps you and makes your family decision-making easier.

Children’s Pastor Carol Waller asked me to tell you that Upward’s Basketball is on schedule for registration, practice, and games. Evaluations take place November 29/30, 2010. Practices begin December 13, 2010. The first games are played on January 15, 2010. Carol is recruiting leadership for all areas and seriously needs your help. Call her at 847-3335 or email her at waller.cw@gmail.com to volunteer.

Jerry Keener and Phil Jordan represented the church board on Sunday morning in making appeals to the congregation for help with the $15,000 need for two major maintenance projects: replacing an HVAC unit in one of children’s wings and completing payment on a major plumbing repair. Just over $5,000 was received on Sunday. Thanks to Paul Stonecipher who worked with the plumbing contractor on Saturday evening and early Sunday morning to get all of the plumbing operational before services.

Is this the Sunday everyone comes back to church? I have missed you. The church is less without you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

October 18, 2010

2010-10-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Sarah Perry, a senior at Goodpasture Christian School in Madison, who was selected as a Senior Homecoming Attendant. Homecoming events are scheduled for Friday, October 22, 2010. Sarah is the daughter of Hal and Melissa Perry.

The HCN Church Board met in regular session on Sunday, October 17, 2010, at 4:30 PM. Jerry Keener reported as chair of the Buildings, Grounds, and Equipment Council that two major maintenance projects need funding immediately. An HVAC unit which services the upper floor of the educational unit built in 1996 is non-functioning and must be replaced. Also, one of two motors for plumbing issues servicing our entire plant has been replaced with major time investment from two companies. Jerry estimates the costs will approximately total $15,000. Your help is needed. Jerry will present the need in the 9:00 AM service and Phil Jordan, chair of the Finance Council, will present the need in the 10:00 AM service. If you would like to help, make checks to HCN and designate “maintenance.”

Sam Green had a bone marrow biopsy performed around noon today to discover if his body is in remission from leukemia. Sam is back in the oncology unit at Centennial. Pray for healing. Pray for Sam’s family.

Thanks to the team that continues to make the music work at HCN in Sam’s absence. Thanks to Ken Stegall and Donny Jackson for stepping up this week for the choir and congregational singing. I would make an appeal to choir members. Participation in the choir last Sunday was weak. That not only affects the music but puts a lot of strain on the choir members who are present. There are ten different ways that singing in the choir week-after-week supports Sam but I do not like guilt as a motivation. What about the opportunity to praise God and express our gratitude to him?

The Fall Fish Fry is scheduled for this Sunday, October 24, 2010, at 5:00 PM on the west lawn of the church. All the frying is done outside. The menu includes fresh fish, homecut potatoes, hushpuppies, slaw, iced tea. You are responsible for bringing a favorite dessert. Hey, if somebody cooks your supper you can take the time to make a homemade dessert. Also, bring a large drink to add to the table. Wear outside clothes and plan to stay outside. Bring lawn chairs or something to spread and sit on. Bring yard games. There will be no entertainment except yourself and your friends. This event is my personal favorite of all-church socials. The Genesis Sunday School Class provides set-up, service, and clean-up. If Wayne McNeese asks for your help, do it, please.

One last word. Do not be casual about the focus of your life. Life is too fragile and brief to not pay attention. Do not wait until you lose what you treasure because you take it for granted. Be awake and give yourself to eternal things.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

October 11, 2010

2010-10-11T18:52:00.000-07:00

Bryan and Catherine Segars presented their daughter, Avonlea Grace Segars, in dedication to the Lord on Sunday, October 10, 2010, in the 10:00 AM service. Avonlea was joined at the altar by her sister, Afton; brother, Bennett; grandparents, Joe and Carol Clem, Steve and Maria Segars; aunt and uncles, Mincy and Ray Hines, Jason Segars; cousins, Sarah and Alaina Hines, Stacey Sweeten; great-aunt, Emily Barry. While Catherine sang the blessing song, I carried Avonlea on the blessing journey for lots of love. We bless the Lord who has blessed the Segars with this daughter to nurture in Christian faith.

Congratulations to Sarah Harris, a junior at DCA, named to the HP Scholastic Junior All-American Team selected by the American Junior Golf Association. Sarah is one of twelve girls named to the team. Her nomination was based on excellence on the golf course and in the classroom. Selection was based on grade point average, class rank, SAT/ACT scores, leadership skills, community service, and writing ability. Sarah has helped to lead the DCA Girls Golf Team to state championships in 2007 and 2009, and was the individual state champion in 2009. She has a 4.23 GPA.

Thanks to the musical team which continues to step forward and fill the roles needed in the absence of our Pastor of Worship, Sam Green. First, the staff team visited with Sam this morning at Centennial Medical Center and he is recovering from a weekend virus. The big event this week is the bone marrow biopsy on Friday (October 15), results to be known on Monday evening or Tuesday morning (October 18, 19). If the leukemia is in remission, stem cell transplants from his brother, Steve, are next. Your prayers mean a lot. Second, Tammy Tarter continues to lead the choir and direct congregational singing in first worship. Jeremy Michael led congregational singing in second and third worship with Dorinda Biggs, Paul Vann, and Hunter Steinmetz as support. Jo Apple and Carrie Lounsbury provided keyboards in the absence of Michael Waller and Donny Jackson. Thanks to Willard Brinkman, Randy Layne, Graham Scott, Paul Bolling for providing the core instrumental roles week-after-week.

District Children’s Quizzing has started back. Briley Ruff quizzes in the Red Level. Briley recently earned a gold all star ribbon for one perfect round and a ribbon for memorizing all of his Bible verses. Drew and Daniel Silvernail quiz in the Blue Level with reports to come. Quizzing covers I and II Samuel this year.

Thanks to the Livewire staff and students who put-up The Center chairs on Sunday afternoon: Jameson Scappaticci, Jonathan Silvernail, Bryson Fox, Drew Silvernail, Bryce Poole, Logan Evans, Jacob Paddon, Jake Resor, and Ken Jewett.

These are things that make me know it is October. The Atlanta Braves are playing in post season and breaking my heart. Ron Barnes has brought me the cleanest bag of turnip greens I have ever seen and I am eating them like dessert. Tomato plants are dead and dying. The maple tree in my back yard has turned crimson and is making all the other trees in the yard jealous. I debate in the morning before I grab a short sleeve or long sleeve shirt to wear for the day. I have seen Dr. Beckham for a steroid shot and antibiotics for sinuses. Wilson County Schools have moved to Florida. Wayne McNeese is recruiting fish fryers. Pumpkins are for sale. Braeburns are fresh and crisp. I need to find my rakes.

I look forward to singing with you this Sunday.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

October 4, 2010

2010-10-04T18:51:00.000-07:00

Sam Green, HCN Pastor of Worship, is back in Centennial Medical Center for Round Two with leukemia. A next round of chemotherapy began on Friday, October 1, 2010, and will complete on Tuesday or Wednesday of this week. A bone marrow biopsy within ten to fourteen days will reveal whether the chemo has impacted the disease. When Sam is in remission again, his brother, Steve, will be brought back for another donation of stem cells. This withdrawal will target specific resistant units which will put Sam back into recovery. Please add Sam to your prayers. He is a much-loved and much-needed partner in ministry.

Thank you to each person who continues to step-up and fill the places of need in the HCN music ministry. Ken Stegall practiced with the choir on Wednesday evening. Tammy Tarter directed the choir on Sunday morning and led congregational singing in first service. Dorinda Biggs and Tiffany Mathias led congregational singing in second service. Jeremy Michael, Dorinda Biggs, and Dalton Winfree led congregation singing in third service. Wilson County School Break takes multiple members of our band out-of-town this week including two keyboardists, several guitarists, and a percussionist. Michael Waller is recruiting replacements. If you are interested and capable of helping, call the church office at 847-3335. The same goes for people who are willing to assist with leading congregational singing.

I avoid trying to describe what takes place in worship each week, lest I rob the dynamic of what God is doing or harm the spontaneity of those participating. However, as in last week, I feel led to try to describe things I witnessed last Sunday. I came to church on Sunday feeling relatively overwhelmed with all that needed to be done. I knew that Sam was in the hospital on a chemo drip and Rondy Smith had spent the early morning in the ER at Summit with a virus. Anna and I were responsible for the after-third-service meal for the college students so I had been up early cooking. God always provides for me and he did again. I came to third service with the conviction that it may need to be discontinued considering Sam’s diagnosis and all that the service requires of so many people. Donny Jackson, who normally leads singing in Sam’s absence was out-of-town, so Jeremy Michael started vocals, soon joined by Dorinda Biggs. By the second song, the band was good and the vocals were good when out-of-the-blue, a senior high student jumped up on the stage and grabbed a mic and joined in the leading. It was Dalton Winfree. Dalton is a guitarist but I had never seen him try to sing. He was nervous but he followed through with what he came to do. By the last song, most of us were singing with all we had (or had left), and I felt very moved. It was time for prayer, so I asked if there were three members of the congregation who sensed that God wanted them to lead in prayer and there were four quickly gathered on the stage. There were two senior high students, one young woman, and one mature woman. Each prayed with anointing. When it was time to preach, I recognized a special power from the Holy Spirit. At the close of the service, the young woman who prayed came straight to me and told me that just as I was asking for volunteers to pray, God was telling her that she needed to say something, do something for him. She told me how powerful she thought it was that the Holy Spirit would coordinate such things. I am not sure what God plans to do with the 11:30 AM service but I am sure that it is meeting the needs of a particular group of people in a significantly spiritual way. I tell this story to testify to the power and work of God.

Thank you to Janie Mullins, Beth Rice, and Barbara Parrish who made banana puddings for the college lunch. Thanks to Jill Satterlee for staying after second service and helping Anna to set-up the meal for service. Thanks to Ken and Robin Jewett who collected the chicken from the Publix Deli and ran the dishwasher after lunch.

Congratulations to the Mt. Juliet High School Band of Gold which took first place in every category at band competitions held at MTSU in Murfreesboro on Saturday, October 2, 2010. HCN members are Dalton Stephens and Ben Mabry.

Congratulations to Savannah Collins who was chosen seventh grade attendant for the 2010 Homecoming Court of Mt. Juliet Middle School. Savannah is the granddaughter of Darrell and Norma Moody.

Stay focused. God is doing more than we can imagine.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

September 27, 2010

2010-09-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the HCN Worship Choir and Center Band presented their annual fall concerts of gospel music at 9:00 and 10:30 AM. Singers included Renita Amity, Lisa Anderson, Jo Apple, Dorinda Biggs, Joyce Clevenger, Deborah Coppedge, Kristi Dozier, Keli Green, JoAnn Jackson, Tiffany Mathias, Pam McNeese, Janie Mullins, Tammy Tarter, Brenda Waffird, Carrie Wagner, Deborah Walter, Misty Webb, Liz Widmer, Marvin Heath, Ken Koon, Art Kurtz, Deena Wurth, Matt Wurth, Mike Jackson, Dalene Barnett, Julie Foster, Traci Hollandsworth, Denise Hostetler, Kelsey Kile, Sandra Kurtz, Carrie Lounsbury, Anna Plummer, Paul Vann, and Bobby Smith. Band members included Michael Waller, Donny Jackson, David Flint, Graham Scott, Paul Bolling, Eric Arhelger, Jay Barfield, Tom Baughman, and Kevin Terry.

Close to the middle of the first concert, Dr. Sam Green, pastor of worship at HCN, began to feel faint. He sat down on a stool and soon after lost consciousness. Keli, Sam’s wife moved quickly to support him and with the assistance of other capable adults, Sam was carried quickly to the staff office hallway and then transported by ambulance to Centennial Medical Center. The Staff Team visited with Sam this morning in his favorite room at Centennial, the place where he was treated for leukemia in the last twelve months with a bone marrow transplant. He slept well last night and is eating well. He will have a bone marrow biopsy in the morning (Tuesday), to determine that his transplant is going well. He is rehydrating and resting.

When Sam went down yesterday, the church did that amazing thing that it does so well: filled the gaps. Strange as it seems to write even now, the choir never quit singing and the band never quit playing. Tammy Tarter moved to the director’s lectern, the same place she stood in the months of Sam’s absence. When the choir finished the song, people began to spontaneously move to the altars to pray. Communion followed prayer. The offering followed communion. The choir and band then completed the concert. In staff meeting, Carol Waller confessed what we all knew. The service had potential to disintegrate when Sam went out but the Holy Spirit moved everyone to the right places at the right times and Christ was honored. By the time the second service was starting, Tammy and Dorinda Biggs had planned the changes. Tiffany Mathias stepped up and sang one of Keli’s solos, Dorinda sang the other. Tammy led again. The band played again.

There is a wonderful little story in the midst of all the big. When Tammy was leading the choir, there was a moment when she got lost in the shuffling of Sam’s director sheets. So, she did what you should do. She mouthed to the choir that she was lost. Deena Wurth talked back to her from the back row and told her the correct page numbers and she found her place again.

Paul Vann is that handsome guy who sang the solo pieces on three of the songs. He moves some when he sings. He breaks all the rules that say that Nazarenes have no rhythm. When Paul sang on Sunday, he did not back down. I think he put more in. As did Dorinda. As did Tiffany. As did the choir.

If I was a man of few words, I would tell you simply that I watched the church be great on Sunday when she could have fallen apart. I loved her more than I have ever loved her.

Congratulations to Anna-Laura Green on her coronation as the 2010 Homecoming Queen of Mt. Juliet High School on Friday, September 24, 2010. Anna-Laura was one of four young women who were senior class representatives. She was escorted by Eric Owens, Senior Class President. Jessica Long was also a senior class representative of the Homecoming Court, escorted by Ben Griffith. Dalton Stephens escorted the young woman who was the representative to the Homecoming Court from the marching band. Anna-Laura, Eric, Jessica, Ben, and Dalton are all great representatives of HCN youth.

Congratulations to Tammy Jones, Jonna Taylor, and Sarah Paddon who ran in a Women’s Running Half-Marathon on Saturday, September 25, 2010. It was Tammy’s first. Deena Wurth ran the Women’s Running 5k. This was Deena’s first 5k. She has already signed up to run a half-marathon.

Congratulations to Lawana Nelson on her safe return from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Her family picked her up at the Nashville Airport on Sunday morning. Welcome home, Lawana. We are proud of you. We have missed you.

Art Kurtz sent me an email this afternoon that I want to share with you. I hope Art does not mind. He is truly a man of few words. His sister, Rebecca, passed away this morning. “She was 97 and had been ill for some time. As in so many cases, it is a blessing that she finally got to see her Savior. Out of eight children, I am the youngest at 80. I have seen the passing of my mother, father, three brothers and three sisters. I have one sister left and she is 87. In the early years, there are many rewards for being the youngest. It is really hard to see them all pass away. I am headed to Indiana tomorrow to spend a few days with the family. I appreciate your prayers.”

I hope you are well. If you are going away during the Wilson County School break, I pray you are safe and come home rested. If you stay in-town, I hope to see you at worship.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

September 20, 2010

2010-09-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the twenty-one newest members of HCN: Chase Buscherfeld, Cali Crosslin, Kerry and Sherry Cummings, Alex Hamer, Morgan Harold, Katelyn Hogue, Lucas Hogue, Mike and Cheryl Jackson, Robert Luther, Daniel Jones, Grant McCoy, Reed McCoy, Jared and Lindsey Miller, Eric Owens, Maria Pardue, Stephen and Deborah Walter, Tanner Webb. They were born in Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, California, Michigan, Tennessee, Poland, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Mississippi. Their church backgrounds are Episcopalian, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Catholic, Mennonite, Southern Baptist, and Nazarene. Each person stood at the close of one of the three worship services on Sunday, September 19, 2010, to affirm their profession of faith, their desire for complete commitment to Christ, their knowledge of the life and practice of Nazarenes. We acknowledge that we are stronger, broader, deeper as a community of believers because we belong to one another in Christ. May our association encourage us as we live the joy and make our way home.

Jonathan and Sarah Paddon joined the church last year and already bring flavor to the church. They gave leadership to a family canoe trip on Saturday, September 18, 2010, on the Piney River in Dickson. It was a five mile float spanning four hours, including sack lunches on the banks of the river. Participants included Matthew and Maxwell Mullins; Jeff and Annie Cater; Mike and Kathy Orrick; Brianna Post; Rob and Michael Mathias; Jon and Seth Alderman; Logan Evans; John, Jared, and Anthony Mannen; David, Michelle, Drew, Jonathan, and Daniel Silvernail; Tammy, Bryce, and Annalee Poole; Jamie, Jared, and Jordan Gardenour; Dean and Jonathan Beach; David, Shelley, Emily, and Evan Flint; Jonathan, Sarah, Kristen, Emily, Jacob, and David Paddon; Kevin, Patty, and Joel Daughterty. Some were brave enough to kayak. More were brave enough to swim both voluntarily and involuntarily.

A group of 102 Nashville area World War II veterans will be flown to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, September 22, 2010, to see the National World War II Memorial as part of the National Honor Flights Program. Congratulations to Sherman Nash who was selected to participate in this one day event.

When HCN traveled to Kenya in June of 2008, Rondy Smith gave leadership to the preparation, travel, and details. When the church returned in June of 2010, Rob Mathias carried the load. As a group is formed for the June of 2012 mission venture, John Reigard is leading the charge. The first group meeting took place on Sunday, September 19, 2010, at 4:30 PM in the Parlor and I think twenty-plus individuals signed the roster of interest. It is the beginning. However, if it seems early to you, it is not. It is less than one year and nine months away with lots of monies to be gathered and shots to be taken and passports to be secured and suitcases to be packed and skills to be learned. If you are interested and were not able to attend the meeting on Sunday, please talk to John or me or the church office and get yourself on the email list for notifications of future gatherings.

Someone put a copy of the Mt. Juliet High School News in my box in the office suite on Sunday. I suspect they wanted me to read the front page article memorializing Palmer Maphet and announcing the plaque placed in his honor on the soccer field at MJHS. One line in the article reads: “In 19 years Maphet was able to impact more people than most do in entire life times.” I agree. As I continued to flip through the paper, however, I found a photo of Seniors Eric Owens and Braden Maphet representing Youth in Government. I found a photo of Junior Hunter Steinmetz chosen to attend Youth Leadership Wilson. I found a feature article on Senior Class President, Eric Owens. I found an introduction of Exchange Student Felix Menke. All are HCN youth. I thought about the impact these kids have on my life and the magnified impact they must have on their school. It made me proud. I miss Palmer.

Please pay attention to the schedule changes for this Sunday, September 26, 2010. No Sunday School Classes meet. There are two worship services: 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. They both meet in The Center. The HCN Worship Choir presents a concert of gospel music in each, accompanied by the HCN Worship Band. The music is Brooklyn Tabernacle with great solo pieces. Invite your unchurched friends, co-workers, neighbors, family, and fellow students to attend with you. What do you have to lose? Take the risk.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

August 30, 2010

2010-08-30T18:47:00.000-07:00

Scott and Amy Walvoord presented their daughter, Katie Grace Walvoord, in dedication to Jesus Christ on Sunday, August 29, 2010, in the 10:00 AM service in The Center. Katie Grace was joined at the altar by her maternal and paternal grandparents: David and Judy Morford and David and Peggy Walvoord. She wore the 108 year old christening gown of her Great-Grandmother Walvoord. I have seen matching photos of the 1902 baby and the 2010 baby and the likeness is amazing. Pastor Carol Waller carried Katie Grace on her blessing journey. We bless the Lord who has blessed Scott and Amy with a child to love and nurture in the ways of God.

Jason and Casi Berry presented their son, Julian Sage Berry, in dedication to Jesus Christ on Sunday, August 29, 2010, in the 10:00 AM service in The Center. Jules was joined at the altar by his brother, Patrick; grandmother, Karen Smith; great-grandparents, Sue and Darvin Dobbins; uncles and aunts: Bobby and Rondy Smith, Anna and Howard Plummer; cousins: Daniel Smith, Kyle Smith, Brady and Michelle Plummer, Kennedy and Leyton Plummer, Kelly Plummer; friend, Roger King. Casi is in the Air Force and Jason is a Marine Recruiter, both stationed in Brunswick, Georgia. We bless the Lord who has blessed Jason and Casi with a child to love and nurture in his ways.

A benefit walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 25, 2010, at 10:00 AM to fund research for Huntington’s Disease through the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. The walk progresses from West Wilson Middle School to Stoner Creek Elementary School and back to WWMS. It is a one to three mile leisurely walk and will not be timed. To register to be a walker or to donate, visit www.firstgiving.com/HDSA and choose the South/Southwest Chapter at the bottom of the fourth page or call Linda Gray at 732-9220. Angie Elkins and Anita Jackson are adult sisters who are also wives and mothers. With their husbands and children, they are active, vital members of HCN. Both young women have developed the Huntington’s Disease they inherited from their father. Their story was included in a recent issue of The Chronicle and is posted on the glassboard outside The Center. Angie asked me personally if I would include this announcement in my letter. I am glad to do so. I love them both.

Heather Miller moves into the dorm at Trevecca Nazarene University this week where she begins her career as a Lady Trojan on the women’s basketball team. Heather shared the story in first service on Sunday of how the Brinkman family took her in for the last two years and shared their home, their food, their family. The experience restored her faith in her own future as a wife and mother. Franky and Missy Mize opened their home to Jill, Gabby, and Nick Satterlee for a year when the move they made to New Jersey made them homesick for Tennessee. The rental contract on the Satterlee’s home expired last week and they were able to move back to their old neighborhood, but not before claiming Franky and Missy as permanent family.

One of the great serendipities of beginning a third worship service has been the significant increase in interest in Sunday School. The Genesis Class realized they were not willing to surrender class time so they moved their start time to 8:45 AM. The Discovery Class has opened possibilities for people who have always wanted to attend the first, more traditional service to do so and to keep Sunday School in their lives. College students love to sleep in and the later schedule allows their SS to begin at 10:00 AM and their worship at 11:30 AM. The schedule required the Senior High Class to be offered at 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. I hope you are connected to a class. It is a great time to shuffle if you want.

I am grateful that I get to pastor this great church and to know and love you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

August 23, 2010

2010-08-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Landon Trotter who signed to play baseball with Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee, beginning in the 2010-2011 academic year. Carson-Newman is a four year Christian liberal arts school. Landon was one of two catchers for the Mt. Juliet High School Golden Bears last year. He is the son of Greg and Charlayne Trotter.

Thanks to Aaron Foster and Paul Stonecipher who stayed at the task all day last Saturday to get a major facility issue under control at the church. An alarm light should have warned us on Thursday that two motors on our sewage pumps were down. The system was repaired and up and running by late Saturday night. I appreciate the time investment and concern from both men who did what they did on behalf of us all.

Kendell Poole led the 2010 Hermitage Invitational at Windtree Golf Course on Saturday, August 21, 2010. Forty-eight men gathered for breakfast at the church with forty-three golfers participating. Breakfast cooks and set-up people were Ken Willis, Jay Earnhardt, and Scott Moore. The first place golfers were Troy Haydel, Taylor Haydel, Toby Haydel, and Kevin Brennan. The long drive winner was Kevin Orrick. Closest to the hole were Troy Haydel and Mark Washing.

Kyle Poole has served as senior pastor of Gallatin Church of the Nazarene since April of 2007. His last Sunday was August 22, 2010. He begins service as senior pastor of Midland Valley Church of the Nazarene in Graniteville, South Carolina, on August 29, 2010. Congratulations to Kyle and Julie on their new assignment. Wendell and JoAnn, Kendell and Tammy, Bryce, Carter, and Annalee will be missing their family. Dr. Bryce Fox from HCN will serve as the interim preacher at Gallatin while they search for a new pastor.

Thanks to Ken Jewett who is the creative finder, arranger of videos for Sunday preaching. I want to point at the people who are doing the hard work.

My personal apologies are extended to second service people who tried to exit the property on Sunday without a traffic officer. Rondy Smith is working today to resolve the problems involved.

Two new membership classes are scheduled for Tuesday, September 14, 2010, at 7:00 PM and Saturday, September 18, 2010, at 9:00 AM. If you are interested in knowing more about the church and how to join, call the church office at 847-3335 and tell us which class you plan to attend. New members will be received at the close of each service on Sunday, September 19, 2010. I will personally lead each class. The transfer of membership for Dr. Mike Jackson and his wife Cheryl is already in my office and awaiting their welcome with you. Mike is the new preaching professor at TNU.

Week after week during pastoral prayer, we pray for soldiers connected to our church families who are stationed out and away. We pray the specific prayer that God will protect each man and woman and bring them home safely to their families. We depend on you to keep us posted when soldiers return home. Would you check the following list and if you see the name of a soldier who has returned, would you call the church office so we might keep the list current? The list is printed in the order that soldiers were added.

Evan Gire, Chris Crabtree, Kurt Kile, Cameron Bradshaw, Matthew Hurt, Ryan McDaniel, Randy Baker, Kris Hostetler, Chris Bear, Scott Girard, Micah Terry, Christopher Woottoon, Joshua Woottoon, Jeff Holland, Brandon Hanks, Michael Barrett, Chris Pack, Nathaniel Lindsley, Eric Lathrop, Frank Clark, Jeremy Binkley, Stephen Nunley, Noah Jiminez, Lawana Nelson, Bobby Pigott, Dan Hansmeyer, Matthew Muniz, Roland Matthews, Joseph Eley, Michelle Shakida, Michael Resendez, Paul Jordan, Paul Galloway, Jamie Nicholson, Travis Massa

Four Senior High Students from HCN left worship two Sundays ago with inspiration from God to begin work on a particular mission assignment. That Monday, they met with their high school principal and applied for permission to begin a new club at school: a mission club. The name of the club is Humble Hands. On Friday, August 13, 2010, the club became official. I am thinking today of the difference some young people are making in their world and I am glad to know them. When you are tempted to think that the world is going to the hot place, think again. You now know better.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

August 17, 2010

2010-08-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

Sunday, August 15, 2010, wrote some history for HCN. It was the first day of the experiment to add a third service at 11:30 AM; to begin second service earlier at 10:00 AM; to conclude Sunday School fifteen minutes sooner; to begin a new Adult Sunday School Class and Senior High Sunday School Class at 10:00 AM. It was only the first day, but it was a good beginning. Ninety-one people attended third service. The critical mass of warm bodies was important. The Center is big but the building did not seem empty. I find the most important thing to say about the service: the Spirit of God was big and filling the praises and prayers of his people. There were lots of young people and there were lots of adults. Several whole families attended saying the later start time was very attractive. Dr. Wilbur Brannon attended all three worship services and told me after the third service that he had loved them all. Dr. Larry and Dr. Gay Leonard attended all three worship services. The Leonards were present for other reasons but could only express their excitement at what they saw and heard. Kristi Mabry wrote this morning of her positive feelings about the service. All three services were excellent for me. I loved the music and the pulse of each. Services started and stayed on time and dismissed appropriately. The dynamic of the new schedule has produced unexpected, unintended pluses. Sunday School numbers were up, up, up. First service has received new attenders who have always preferred more traditional worship but needed a support Sunday School Class of their peers. Second service had some empty chairs which we needed to be able to invite new people again. I do not know where the changes will take us by December. However, I cannot express strongly enough how much I appreciate the cooperation from so many people to give this a chance. Thank you music people who sing in two services or play in two services. Thank you pastoral staff team for flexing in age level ministries. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for blowing us where You will.

The second piece of history was the recognition of the fifteenth anniversary of the Plummer family moving to HCN to serve. Anna, Kelly, Brady, and I moved to middle Tennessee in August of 1995. The Church Board led the day, represented by board secretary, Matthew Mullins. The board extended a one month sabbatical to be used at our scheduling. They also invited the district superintendent of the Tennessee Churches of the Nazarene, Dr. Larry Leonard, to be present and to address the congregation. In the evening, the board had arranged a great party in the Center planned and coordinated by Teresa Vines. Diane Cater baked a cake with a replica of my preaching bible, the cross book mark I have used for twenty years, and one of my favorite pens. Jill Satterlee catered the massive food stores assisted by Tammy Jones, Feli Tigabu, Jillian Forcum, Rachel Jones. Jennifer Neely decorated the center serving tables. Kris Neely, Kristi Mabry, Teresa Vines, Rick Person, Beverly Mitchell, Betty Willis, Steve Kelley, Tes Tigabu, Carolyn Washing, and multiple teens set-up chairs and food tables. Mike Miranne presided as master of ceremonies. Jake Resor taped and edited the video. Brian Brinkman prepared the slide show. Rondy Smith stealthly stole my bible and Jody Scott stole my pen for Diane’s model. Humbly, I am grateful to each one of you.

Mike Miranne’s words stimulated several people to ask me how many babies I have dedicated, how many members I have received in fifteen years. In the first year I was here, new members included Lee Hodges, Bobby Shankle, Ken and Arlene Dove, Tom Hills, Jonathan and Dawn Crumpton, Chuck Seay and Jennifer Harvey, Wayne McNeese. 668 people have joined HCN in those fifteen years. I am not telling you how many left in those fifteen years. I have dedicated 135 babies, including all the children in many families. Beverly Sharpe told me that she was pregnant with Thomas when I came to interview in 1995. Thomas stood towering over her as she told me that on Sunday night.

I want to acknowledge the support staff and pastoral staff members and laity who have made significant contributions to the church in the last fifteen years. I want to go a hundred different directions here but I could get in trouble mentioning some and missing some. I think I need to recognize them at a different time in different ways. Allow me to acknowledge that a team of extremely talented, gifted leaders have provided the heart and soul of the last fifteen years to serve and move the church forward. I am missing Bobby Shankle. I know the joy in his place is greater than mine but I wish he was here to share this joy. I wish the same for Dr. Harvey Hendershot.

How do I say thank you for the party and your kind words and notes? Anna and I sat up until midnight on Sunday night and read every card. They are keepers. I love you and respect you and highly value your friendship. I am grateful for your willingness to follow leadership for fifteen years. That is one of your distinguishing qualities. You allow me to use the gifts God has given to me. I try to allow you to use the gifts God has given to you. We trust each other. Or at least, I trust you. I had no idea where God would lead in 1995 but it was to a good place for me and my family. I praise him for his goodness and grace. I thank him for you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard