July 18, 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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