September 28, 2009

Yesterday was a stellar day of worship. The HCN Worship Choir and Center Band presented back-to-back concerts at 9:00 and 10:30 AM in The Center. It was the first time I had heard the music. I realized one-third of the way into the first service that I was grinning from ear-to-ear. That music was happy. The band included Ricky Gore, Dave Flint, Donny Jackson, Randy Layne, Paul Bolling, Graham Scott, and Michael Waller. They were on. The choir included Herb McMillan, Ryan Means, Bobby Smith, Ken Stegall, Tom Stephens, Dalton Stephens, Mark Washing, Bryce Fox, Marvin Heath, Ken Koon, Art Kurtz, Dalene Barnett, Julie Foster, Beth Fox, Anna-Laura Green, Sandra Kurtz, Anna Plummer, Emily Sullivan, Betty Willis, Renita Amity, Lisa Anderson, Jo Apple, Dorinda Biggs, Joyce Clevenger, Jessica Dozier, Kristi Dozier, Christi Fite, Keli Green, JoAnn Jackson, Tiffany Matthias, Pam McNeese, Miriam McMillan, and Brenda Waffird. Tammy Tarter stepped into the place of Sam Green and directed vocals. Tammy is a music teacher for Metro Schools but most importantly is a woman of great character and spirit. Ricky Gore set the timing for the band and the talent flew from there. Paul Vann, Beth Fox, Dorinda Biggs, Catherine Segars, and Emily Sullivan delivered the powerful solos. Sam Green sang via pre-recorded video and backed live by Keli, Anna-Laura, Sophia, and Bella. Stephan Scappaticci preached the “That’s My King” recitation. Declaring our faith in Christ through communion centered the day. Thanks to every person who stepped forward and followed through with commitments to sing and to play and to lead in the absence of Sam, who prayed for us in his Centennial Medical Center room. Sam received the news at 10:30 AM on Sunday that his brother, Steve, is a 10 out of 10 match for a bone marrow transplant for him. Meanwhile, in the drama of all that went on at the HCN campus on Sunday, Missionaries Spencer and April Baggott watched from their home in Africa via SKYPE. They wondered if they could visit every Sunday morning.

Seventeen LiveWire Students attended the District Pre-Teen Retreat at Trevecca Community Church last Friday night, Saturday morning. Retreaters included Anna Stephens, Eddie Mahoney, Marileigh Mabry, Abby Elkins, Bethany Ruff, J.D. Hall, Cameron Davenport, Hannah Jackson, Niki Graves, Matthew Helm, Olivia Garrett, Taylor Shoemake, Isaac Houser, Morgan Houser, Holly Baughman, Drew Silvernail, and Bryce Poole. Chaperones and chauffeurs included Pastor Ken Jewett, Alan Elkins, Kristi Mabry, Hayley Hill, Jake Resor, and Daniel Smith.

Congratulations to Anna-Laura Green who served as a junior class representative to the Homecoming Court at Mt. Juliet High School on Friday night. Anna-Laura was escorted by Braden Maphet.

Congratulations to the Mt. Juliet High School Marching Band of Gold which competed in the Columbia Marching Invitational on Saturday, September 26, 2009. The Band won Grand Champion 1^st Place Band, 2^nd Place Field Commander, 1^st Place Percussion, 1^st Place Color Guard. HCN Band members include Dalton Stephens and Ben Mabry.

I think often of the awesome responsibility you and I have to lead this incredible group of children and young people to a personal relationship with Christ and into a Christlike lifestyle. I think of the pastoral staff team we invest in for our children, middle school students, high school students, university students. I think of the properties purchased and the facilities we have constructed which allow us to reach our community with opportunities for worship, for fellowship, for recreation, for ministry, for mission. When I think of a place I want to support with the financial resources entrusted to me by God, I cannot think of a place more worthy than the local church I attend, Hermitage Church of the Nazarene. Occasionally someone tells me where they give their tithes, their offerings other than HCN and I wonder what it is that is not exceedingly evident that this local church needs and deserves their support. I wonder if I need to tell you more often. You know, don’t you? I am grateful for those who understand the need to give so that the witness for Christ in this place is strong.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

September 21, 2009

Fall Concerts for the HCN Worship Choir and Band are scheduled for this Sunday, September 27, 2009, at 9:00 and 10:30 AM in The Center. Please notice that second service meets at 10:30 AM and not 10:15 AM for this one week. Policemen will be available to direct our entry and exit to and from the parking areas to Saundersville Road. Music offers a wonderful opportunity to worship the Lord and to reach out to others who need an entry way into the church. Invite your unchurched neighbors, co-workers, relatives to attend one of the concerts with you on Sunday. Then trust the Holy Spirit to speak and draw them to Christ. No Sunday School Classes meet on Sunday.

Sam Green, Pastor of Worship at HCN, was admitted to Centennial Medical Center on Friday, September 18, 2009, to begin chemotherapy for the diagnosis of acute leukemia. By Day 14, the leukemia should be in complete remission and the next stage should bring a bone marrow transplant. Two of Sam’s brothers were tested on Friday as possible donors. The Green family is writing a blog to document this journey. Check it out at www.samandthegreens.com. Pray for Sam.

Thanks to every person who is stepping up and accepting the responsibilities we rarely think about because Sam cares for them so ably and completely. Thanks to Tammy Tarter for leading the choir. Thanks to Richard Knox and Dorinda Biggs for leading congregational singing. Thanks to the Choir and Praise Team and Band and Instrumen-talists for staying the course and providing the ministry of music for Sunday mornings.

Pray that the Lord will give us wisdom regarding how we proceed with music leadership in Sam’s absence. Filling roles for one or two or three weeks is one thing. Filling that place for months or seasons is another thing. While Sam gets well, the church continues to worship and to find and to do God’s will. When Sam is ready and able to return, his place will be reserved and waiting.

Welcome to the fifteen newest members of HCN who joined at the close of worship services last Sunday: Jo Apple; Sam, Angela, Kenzie, and Rebecca Eiseman; John and Melinda Knott; Susan Pilgreen; Keith, Stephanie, Chelsea, and Christian Rhodes; Brandon Shepard; Myrna Shurtleff; and Eddie Witkowski. They were born in Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, and Alabama. Their spiritual backgrounds include the Church of Christ, Cumberland Presbyterian, Presbyterian Church of America, Methodist, Southern Baptist, and Free Will Baptist. One has been here five years. Some have been here five weeks. One is a senior high student. One is a university student. One is a nurse. All claim the name of Christ. We are better because we belong to each other and bring to the body the gifts which glorify Christ and his church.

If you are thinking about or planning to participate in MissionAfrica 2010, the next meeting takes place in The Sanctuary this Sunday, September 27, 2009, at 4:30 PM. It is time to discuss deposits and dates for the first deposit. Reservations have been made by World Servants at the Serena Mara Lodge in the Serengeti to close our two week project.

Robin Jewett is an instructor in the Physician’s Assistant program at Trevecca Nazarene University. She and her students volunteer for health related seminars and health fairs at the Mercury Courts across from the university on Murfreesboro Road. Two weeks ago, Robin issued a challenge to her students to stock the pantries at Mercury Courts with a One Ton Grocery Run. She thought the health of the residents would improve if they were eating a healthy, consistent diet. On Wednesday, September 16, 2009, at 12:30 PM, that challenge resulted in 4,332 pounds of food being delivered to Mercury Courts. Congratulations to Robin and to the Trevecca PA Students for stretching beyond themselves and then delivering the goods.

Fall Festival Fish Fry is rushing toward us on October 25, 2009. Wayne McNeese needs a crew of people who have outdoor fryers to volunteer cooking fish, hushpuppies and fries. Start talking to Wayne. More than six hundred people ate with us last year.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

September 14, 2009

Congratulations to Lawana Nelson and Ken Jones who were married on 9/9/09 (Lawana’s favorite number J), in a simple Christian ceremony at their beautiful lake home, officiated by their Sunday School teacher, Rev. Rondy Smith. Jill Satterlee came “home” to cater the event. Jill was the friendly, caring next door neighbor who originally invited Lawana to church, along with her twin daughters, Lauren and Megan Lavery. Ken and his sons, Justin and Jonathan, began attending when he and Lawana started dating. We pray blessings on this newly established home and family. We’re glad the church could make a special difference in their lives.

Congratulations to Johnny Pilarski who won the National Championship for BMX bike racing for 6 year old riders. The field began with hundreds of participants, narrowed to 32, narrowed to 16, narrowed to 8. Johnny blew the field away and won the final by 6 bike lengths. Go to www.go211.com to see the final races.

Congratulations to the HCN runners in the Christie Cookie 5k originating at the Green Hills YMCA last Saturday morning. The group has met once per week at the Greenway near Kohl’s to run and walk as well as training at home. Children running were Kelli and Shelby Rose, Bryce Poole, Rachel Jones, David Paddon, Jacob Paddon, Kristin Paddon, Emily Paddon, Jessica and Kailey Perkins. Adults running were Glenda Perkins, Tammy Poole, Sarah Paddon, and Charlotte Rose.

Last Saturday morning, a number of HCN college students and young adults participated in the GIVE A LITTLE, FEED A LOT SORT-A-THON for Second Harvest Food Bank. The event was a 24 hour project and our folks took the 12:00 AM to 3:00 AM shift. It was a great evening. Our group sorted over 13,000 pounds of donated food items. These are the night owls: Pastor Ken and Robin Jewett, Daniel Smith, Tezlo Thompson, Justin Smith, Hayley Hill, Mandie Goon, Mark Hewitt, and Nicholas Herring.

Sam Green was officially diagnosed this morning with acute leukemia. It is the first time those words have been used for Sam. He is relatively stable at this point and plans to be in services again this Sunday and then to begin chemo treatments the following week at Centennial. Pray for Sam’s healing. Also, we need to keep Sam as isolated as possible when he is present at church. Thanks for not being offended. I realize it goes against every instinct we have.

Beth Vines, HCN member and Director of Human Resources at Remarketing Solutions, has written this morning with three job postings: client services representative, auction coordinator, skip trace investigator. Call 762-2210 for more information.

Dr. Harvey Hendershot died around 11:30 AM on Saturday, September 12, 2009, at McKendree Village with Martha present. He had not been well for several weeks. A memorial service was held at the church yesterday, Tuesday, September 15, 2009, at 2:00 PM. Dr. Hendershot is the beloved district superintendent who planted Hermitage Church in August of 1977; pastored HCN from 1983 to 1986; led in the construction and occupation of the sanctuary in 1986; modeled faithful giving and attendance for the rest of his life. He was a member of HCN from its organization.

Dr. Hendershot led a significant life. He was one of nine children. He left home at 13 years of age in 1935 to attend school at Trevecca Nazarene College. He left Trevecca at 20 years of age in 1942 to begin pastoring churches in West Virginia. At the age of 36, he was elected district superintendent of West Virginia. Over the next twelve years, he earned his pilot license and purchased a plane; was awarded an honorary doctorate by Trevecca; was elected the chairman of the board of trustees of the newly organized Mount Vernon Nazarene College. In 1970, he was elected district superintendent of Tennessee, and served in that capacity until 1980. During those years, he purchased and led in the development of the district campground at Garner Creek and served as the chairman of the board of trustees of Trevecca Nazarene College.

Dr. Hendershot is survived by his wife, Martha; his daughter-in-law, Carla; his granddaughters, Kellye and Allison, and their husbands and children. I consider Harvey Hendershot one of the finest men I have ever known. It is hard to overstate his considerable importance to this congregation. We will miss him greatly. It is possible that Martha will return to California to live with her brother, David, this Saturday.

God is good and helping us at every turn in the road.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

September 8, 2009

Once more the clouds of rain descended just in time to chase us into The Center for the church cook-out on the Sunday before Labor Day. No gripes here, however. I en-joyed the food, the company, the conversation. Thanks to the Cooking Team of Wayne McNeese, Kenny McNeese, Ken Koon, and Mike Anderson. Thanks to the Prep Team of Lisa Anderson, Pam McNeese, Kylee Koon, and Dot Waffird. Thanks to everyone who prepared food to add to the hamburgers and hotdogs. I ate some great salads, baked beans, deviled eggs, and apple pie.

Music on Sunday was led by a group of incredible friends who stepped up to fill the gaps in the absence of Sam Green. Thanks to Richard Knox and Donny Jackson for leading congregational worship in first and second services. Thanks to Donny for leading the choir in each. Thanks to Dave Flint for coordinating band rehearsal. Thanks to Willard Brinkman for playing the offertory to release Dave. Thanks for operating as a great team.

Sam Green was absent on Sunday morning due to unexpected results from his annual physical the previous Thursday. Sam’s white blood count runs consistently low. It was too low on Thursday, however, so he had a bone marrow biopsy on Friday and received several units of blood. By Sunday morning, the numbers were improved slightly. Results from the biopsy are back this Thursday. Pray for Sam’s healing.

I teach a class for people interested in membership on Tuesday, September 15, 2009, at 7:00 PM and Saturday, September 19, 2009, at 9:00 AM. Classes last less than one hour and fifteen minutes. You only need to attend one class. You do not have to join the church after attending. Some people come to find out what we believe. The emphasis in the class is on articles of faith; how we govern ourselves; who we call our pastors; how we handle money. New members will be received on Sunday, September 20, 2009, at the close of each worship service.

A meeting for people planning to go on the Africa Mission in June 2010 is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2009, at 4:30 PM in the Sanctuary. World Servants has asked for our first $100 deposits for each person and we need to comply ASAP. Questions are being asked again regarding inoculations. We will try to cover all relevant issues again and begin to compile a probability list of participants. If you believe you are supposed to go on this trip, keep walking toward it.

There are several special music projects heading toward us. The Fall Concerts are planned for Sunday, September 27, 2009, at 9:00 and 10:30 AM in The Center. There will be no Sunday School on this Sunday. EverPraise, a mixed ensemble from Trevecca Nazarene University, provides special music as a part of worship services on Sunday, October 18, 2009. The Heritage Men’s Choir leads a special worship service on Friday, October 30, 2009, at Hermitage Church. This choir is composed largely of Trevecca alumni with emphasis on sacred hymns and compositions.

The Fall Festival Fish Fry is on calendar for Sunday, October 25, 2009, at 5:00 PM in the outdoors of the west end of the church campus. Wayne McNeese asked on Sunday if I could begin to alert volunteers who are willing to help cook fish, potatoes, hush puppies or serve in any food delivery area for the evening. Listen for a called meeting soon.

Anna and I were leaving Outback Steak House last Friday evening where we had eaten supper. I had made my turn toward the door when I heard someone shout “Pastor” across the restaurant. I turned to see Trey Miles standing up and motioning for me to come over. He and Sarah, Hutson and Harper Kate were there eating with their extended family. Trey wanted me to meet them. He introduced me as the pastor of their church. They were gracious people like the Miles. On Sunday, Trey came to me to apologize for putting me on the spot. I told him I was honored that he wanted me to meet his family. I told him most of us would say, “There’s the pastor. I hope he doesn’t see us.” Maybe Trey will get there, but in the meantime.

I am glad I know you all.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard