Congratulations to Peter and Betty Chang on the birth of their son, Brandon Zhang, on Thursday, March 12, 2009, at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, TN. Brandon weighed 8 pounds 14 ounces and measured 20 ½ inches in length. He is the brother of Stephanie and Julie; the nephew to Susan Wu and Zhouli Ni; cousin to Raymond and Cindy Ni. We give thanks to the Lord for a healthy baby and a safe delivery.
Congratulations to Matthew and Keely Mullins on the birth of their son, Malcolm Lee Mullins, on Friday, March 13, 2009, at 7:43 AM at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, TN. Malcolm weighed 8 pounds 11 ounces and measured 21 inches in length. He is the brother of Maxwell; the grandson of Dan and Janie Mullins, Bob and Carol Broadbooks. We give thanks to the Lord for a healthy baby and a safe delivery.
When I went to Summit on Friday evening to visit with parents and babies, I found both Brandon and Malcolm in the nursery window, side-by-side. I stood a long time and watched them sleep. If someone else had come to watch, I planned to tell them that I was the pastor of both babies. No one else came so there was no bragging.
Congratulations to HCN Bible Quizzers who competed in zone finals at Trevecca Community Church on Saturday, March 14, 2009. Red level quizzers included Sara Waller (gold medal), Brielle Fox (gold all-star medal, perfect quiz ribbon), Briley Ruff (gold all-star medal), Daniel Silvernail (gold all-star medal, perfect quiz ribbon). Blue level quizzers included Bethany Ruff (gold all-star medal, perfect quiz ribbon), Drew Silvernail (gold medal), Jonathan Silvernail (gold all-star medal), Bryson Fox (gold all-star medal). Blue level quizzers won the 2nd place team trophy and quoted all memory verses. What marvelous effort and work to study and remember the word of God.
Congratulations to Rebecca Sharpe who is transferring to Union University for fall semester 2009. Becca just completed her freshman year of basketball at Bryan College. Highlights include leading the nation for NAIA schools with 241 assists; making 85% of her free throws; rebounding 123 balls; making 83 steals. Not bad stats for the shortest player to come out of the Mt. Juliet basketball program.
Congratulations to Sarah Perry on her selection to the Goodpasture Lady Cougars Varsity Fast-Pitched Softball Team. The Lady Cougars have been Class AA State Champions for the six consecutive years. Sarah is a sophomore.
The Cross-Trainers and Young Professional Sunday School Classes hosted Room-in-the-Inn at HCN on Saturday night, Sunday morning, March 14-15, 2009. Hosting involves the preparation and service of three meals; providing fresh linen and clean cots for sleeping; providing clean towels for showers; making a washer and dryer available for clothes; chaperoning 24/7; treating people with respect and dignity. Those who helped with the various needs were Jea and Jessica Agee, Kenny and Tiffany McNeese, Kevin and Kim Davenport, Mike and Carol Waller, Jonathan and Sarah Paddon, Sam and Angela Eiseman, Evan and Cindy Spann, Billy and April Swoner, Paul and Glenda Bolling, Brian and Dorinda Biggs, Lynn and Carrie Lounsbury, Albert and Keri Rios, Wayne and Pam McNeese, Dot Waffird, Kris and Jennifer Neely, Richard and Beth Rouse, Ken and Kylee Koon, Jonathan and Michelle Gaertner, John and Rachelle Reigard, Paul and Kim Vann, Jeff and Diane Cater. Whatever you did, you did for Jesus.
Our Middle School Pastor, Ronnie Thompson, was elected as senior pastor of the Mountain Home Twin Lakes Church of the Nazarene in Mountain Home, Arkansas, on Sunday morning, March 15, 2009. Mountain Home is on the North Arkansas District where HCN’s former pastor, Barney Baggott, is the superintendent. It is also the district where HCN’s former associate/senior high pastor, Chuck Seay, pastors. Transition plans are already in process with leaders to be named within the next few weeks.
HCN received thank you notes from Missionaries Spencer, April, Lucas, and Abby Baggott (in Senegal heading to Rwanda) and Ruthie Cordova (in San Jose, Costa Rica). The gratitude comes in response to the Christmas packages sent to their families at the end of 2008. The Baggotts are members of HCN.
HCN students in grades 7-12 and who attend Wilson County Schools will still be in session when the Tennessee District Teen Camp convenes on June 1-5, 2009, on Trevecca’s campus. It appears that Wilson County is the only county in middle or west Tennessee that is so affected. District leadership is fully aware of the problem but not able to do anything which changes things for 2009. So, Ken Jewett, Shane Tarter, Brad Houser, Treila Garrett, Darlene Miranne, Scott Steinmetz, and I met on Sunday afternoon to consider alternative options for our youth. While details are still in process, please reserve June 19-23, 2009, as the most likely dates.
Pastor Nicholas Kisua, our Kenyan host in the 2008 MissionAfrica trip, visits HCN this Sunday. He will be introduced to the congregation in both services. He will also eat with those who come to the Poverty Dinner of Beans, Potatoes, and Bread at 5:00 PM on Sunday, March 22, 2009, in The Center. All donations for the supper will be divided to feed the hungry in Kenya and Tennessee. Fellowship times are scheduled for the 2008 group at 6:00 PM on Saturday, March 21, 2009, in the parlor, and for the 2010 group at 6:00 PM on Sunday, March 22, 2009, in The Center. The Early Christians Sunday School Class provides beans and cornbread for the evening. I have failed to ask for people to help with stewed potatoes. Please call the church office to volunteer.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
March 9, 2009
Congratulations to Steve and Leisha Stride on the birth of their son, Jake Saunders Stride, on March 6, 2009, at 5:01 AM at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, TN.
Jake weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce and measured 19 ¾ inches in length. He is the brother of Will and Seth. Anna and I visited with Jake and his mom and dad a little later on his birth day and he was warm and resting. We give thanks to the Lord for a healthy baby and a safe delivery.
John and Kristin Jordan presented their son, Cooper Davis
Congratulations to Jonna Taylor and Victor Taylor on the birth of their daughter, Abigail Grace Taylor, born on March 9, 2009, at 10:14 AM at Centennial Women’s Hospital in
Senior Adults and Friends visited Second Harvest Food Bank on Friday, February 27, 2009, to sort food and pack boxes and to deliver the 350 pounds of food collected at HCN. They also delivered $420 which will purchase an additional 2,100 pounds of food. Workers included Jim and Brenda Agee, Doug and Dalene Barnett, Tommy and Mary Ann Boner, Joy Bradley, Glen and Pat Detwiler, Rebecca Dickens, Jeanette Flatt, Alene Gill, Pauline Harbin, Carrie Knox, Shirley Maschinski, and Ken Willis.
Trevecca Nazarene University Lady Trojan’s Basketball Team plays the women of
Upwards Basketball concluded its 2009 season last week with a total of 140 children participating. As is always true, 65% of the children were from outside of our church. Basketball players from within the church were Isabella Agee, Mia Agee, Gavon Baker, Jackson Barfield, Holly Baughman, Logan Baskin, Emma Brown, Jacob Brown, Joel Daugherty, Preston Davis, Abby Elkins, Logan Evans, Emily Flint, Evan Flint, Ethan Foster, Jared Gardenour, James (J.D.) Hall, T.J. Hysell, Joel Jones, Luke Joselyn, Noah Joselyn, Teddy Joyce, Marileigh Mabry, Anthony Mannen, Michael Mathias, Trey McNeese, Maxwell Mullins, David Paddon, Jacob Paddon, Bryce Poole, Carter Poole, Erica Render, Grant Render, Kelli Rose, Shelby Rose, Bethany Ruff, Briley Ruff, Daniel Silvernail, Drew Silvernail, Jonathan Silvernail, Elizabeth Sweeten, Jordan Sweeten, Reid Swoner, Ben Thompson, Shelby Thompson, Austin Waller, Braxton Waller, and Travis Walter. Cheerleaders from within the church were Brooke Bradley, Morgan Evans, Lydia Foster, Alyssa Mannen, and Annalee Poole. Coaches within the church included Chip Jackson, Rob Matthias, Kenny McNeese, Ashley Mize, Buddy Mabry, Kendell Poole, Ray Render, Jody Sweeten, David Russell, and Rick Brown. Senior High Students who coached were Ben Mabry, Hunter Steinmetz, Lauren Lavery, and Whitney Gonyea. Referees included Marvin Heath, Kris Neely, and Mark Washing. Congratulations to everyone on a successful season! Thanks to Pastor Ronnie Thompson for coordinating each piece and date.
Senior Night Live ’09 happened at
We have told you for several weeks that Pastor Nicholas Kisua, our host pastor from MissionAfrica’08, will visit the
I want to ask the Early Christian Sunday School Class to prepare beans and bread again and have all donations be divided between the needs of our African brothers and sisters and the needs of our local community seeking assistance at our doors.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Monday, March 2, 2009
March 2, 2009
Congratulations to Whitney Gonyea on winning the Bear Idol title at
I know it sounds crazy but did you know that Daylight Savings Time starts this Sunday, March 8, 2009, at 2:00 AM? That means that when you retire to bed this Saturday evening, you need to set your clocks FORWARD one hour. Yes, it is time to lose an hour so that we can be awake in more daylight. Yes, this Sunday!
Room-in-the-Inn returned to HCN on Saturday evening with the New Life Sunday School Class serving as host/hostess. Ten men without a place to sleep or eat were transported to your church facilities where they were fed a hot meal for dinner; given opportunity to shower and wash their clothes; provided a place to sleep that was warm and dry; fed breakfast and given a sack lunch to take with them back to the city. Servants were Kendell, Tammy, Bryce Poole; Scott and Janet Moore; Mike, Darlene, Corey Miranne; Suzanne Karr; Valerie Marsh; Aaron, Julie, Caleb, Lydia, Ethan, Elizabeth Foster; Mark, Carolyn, Bret Washing; Alan and Angie Elkins; Troy Haydel; Greg Trotter; Howard Barrett; Sheri Render; Judy, Brent, Christi Fite; Paige Abernathy; Wayne McNeese; Jody Sweeten; Rob Mathias; Tony Dozier; Ed Gonyea; Scott Perkins.
Pastor Ken Jewett and University Students have served the Monday evening meal and the Tuesday lunch meal for several months at the Nashville Rescue Mission. When mission leaders found out most of the group included ministerial students, they asked if they would be willing to lead an evening service. So, on Sunday, March 1, 2009, the following students and Ken led the service with sixty to seventy men present: Hayley Hill, Elissa Olds, Mandy Goon, Tyler Greene, Daniel Smith, Derek Brinkman, Jake Resor, J.T. Blue, David Tigabu.
Joel Thimell is the owner/operator of City Wraps Café in the Arcade in downtown
Thanks to the team which filled the gap in Pastor Ronnie Thompson’s absence last Sunday from Livewire Worship: Rodney Neighbors, Ginger Pilarski, K.C. Van Atta, Brad Thompson.
Thanks to Daniel Smith, Jake Resor, and Hunter Steinmetz for reading lectionary scriptures on the first Sunday of Lent in first service.
Two heads are always better than one and especially if Rondy Smith’s head is the one you add. Rondy suggested some changes to the meetings I wrote about last week with Kenyan Pastor Nicholas Kisua. I agree that her suggestions are better. Therefore,
- MissionAfrica’08 Team meets with Pastor Kisua and Ben on Saturday, March 21, 2009, at 5:00 PM in the Parlor with a potluck meal and a time of reunion.
- MissionAfrica’10 Team meets with Pastor Kisua and Ben on Sunday, March 22, 2009, at 6:00 PM in the Sanctuary. If you are thinking about participating in the June 2010 trip to
I looked at your faces last Wednesday night as we gathered in the Sanctuary and I think I recognized the look of people who were excited to begin a trip, to take a journey. The season of Lent is exactly that: a purposeful, thoughtful journey to Easter Sunday. In the process, we mark our foreheads with ashes and decide the something we will deny ourselves and the something we will do for forty days as we identify ourselves with Christ. The stories I told in services on Sunday have provoked more of you to tell me of your experience on Wednesday night. You make me weep. I am so glad to be traveling with you.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Monday, February 23, 2009
February 23, 2009
Jonathan Beach presented his son, Mason Christopher Beach, in dedication to the Lord on Sunday, February 15, 2009, in the 10:15 AM service in The Center. Mason was joined at the altar by his grandparents Dean and Melody Beach, his great-grandparents Arthur and Opal Beach, Ralph and Marion Ulmer; his aunt Amber Beach; his great-aunts and great-uncle Joy Bradley, Brenda Christy, Lamar Bradley; his cousins Kevin and Kim Davenport, Carmen Campbell. Mason acted a perfect gentleman as I carried him around for you to see as his grandfather Dean sang the song of dedication. Jonathan is in the unusual position of being a young, single dad raising an infant son. He works difficult hours so he is assisted by his mom and dad. We bless the Lord who has entrusted Jonathan with a child to raise for Him.
Two Adult Sunday School Classes combined to host Room-in-the-Inn at HCN on Saturday night, Sunday morning, February 21-22, 2009. The classes were the Faith Builders and The Journey. Workers included Caleb Foster, Brent West, Kathy Drummond, Ted and Karen Tillman, Drew Tillman, Savannah Tillman, Christian Tilllman, Allie Rickets, Kelli Rose, Shelby Rose, Sara Drummond, Marley Gibson, Jessica Perkins, Glenda Perkins, Charlotte Rose, Dan Mullins, Bernita Gately, Katie Stonecipher, Paul and Pam Stonecipher, Ricky and Terri Gore, Ed Mahoney, Jon Alderman, Beth Rice, Callie Rice, and Lisa Anderson. Ten homeless men were fed dinner; housed in a safe, dry, warm environment; given opportunity to shower and wash clothes; treated with dignity and respect; and sent into the new day from a hot breakfast and a packed lunch in the name of Christ because of your church family.
Pastor Ronnie Thompson led Middle School students on a winter charge to Maggie Valley, NC, last weekend which included snow tubing, hiking, fellowship, and devotional worship. Students were Hannah Garrett, Rachel Thimell, Bethany Ruff, Shelby Combs, Ryan Amity, Kaina Habibeche, Ashley Brown, Mikalia Duck, Corey Miranne, Steve Pine, Trevor Hunt, Evan Hollingsworth, Bret Washing, Thomas Sharpe, Clarrisa Davis, Sophia Green, Bella Green, Kenzie Eiseman, Rachel Jones, Abbie Winfree, Andrew Vines, Kevin Helm, Grey Garrett, Alex Houser, Isaac Houser, Josh Elkins, Justin Angle, Keegan Brown, Jonathan Mowry, Ryan Mahoney, Josh Cater. Chaperones were Treila Garrett, Alexandra Whitehead, Mike Miranne, Tom Christensen, Janeene Davis, Steve Vines, Brad Houser, Robert Angle, Ronnie Thompson. The speaker for the weekend was Daniel Meadow, youth pastor at Erin Church of the Nazarene.
Twenty-four people were baptized in the icy cold waters of the HCN baptistery on Sunday, February 22, 2009, at 6:00 PM. Those baptized included Ruth Pilkinton, Carrie Rios, John Boyter, Beth Seaman, Becca Waller, Reid Swoner, Abby Elkins, Annie Cater, Kailey Perkins, Noah Joselyn, Isabella Agee, Lydia Foster, Jackson Barfield, Shelby Jackson, Cole Jackson, Ian Rouse, Seth Price, Heath Price, Gabby Satterlee, Nick Satterlee, Eddie Mahoney, Carson Davenport, Cameron Davenport, Kevin Davenport. Those baptizing included Carol Waller, Rondy Smith, and Howard Plummer. The sanctuary was packed as it should be and the congregation was alive with the celebration of wives, husbands, children, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins witnessing the immersion of their family members.
Congratulations to Ricky and Terri Gore who were nominated for a Dove Award this morning in ceremony announcements. Their category is Bluegrass Album of the Year and their entry is “Hymns from Chigger Hill” by The Chigger Hill Boys and Terri. The Fortieth Annual Dove Award Ceremony is scheduled for April 23, 2009, in Nashville. Ricky is the “one, two, three” percussionist in the second service band. He has a great testimony.
When the MissionAfrica’08 Team traveled to Kenya last June, we worked in a Kali market community presided over by a Pastor Nicholas Kisua of Africa Inland Mission. Pastor Kisua is a charismatic, energetic man of God. The first unit of the orphanage we assisted in constructing was the product of his vision. The twenty-five orphans our church members sponsor are there because of his vision. Our group ate nearly every meal in the front yard of his compound and our safety was a product of his protective arrangements. He is the person who sent our group in three directions on Sunday morning to preach the gospel. World Servants is bringing Pastor Kisua and a board member, Ben, to the USA in March and they are scheduled to visit with our congregation on Sunday, March 22, 2009. We would like the MissionAfrica’08 group to reunite on Saturday, March 21, 2009, for a meal at 6:00 PM in the Parlor and for the MissionAfrica
’10 group to meet and eat with us to meet Pastor Kisua. More details to come. Please put this date on your calendar.
Jan Greathouse, at the request of staff, has agreed to lead a literary group for two Sunday evenings at 6:00 PM on the book, Jayber Crow, written by Wendell Berry. The group will meet in Room 223 in The Center. I wanted you to know that I will be there as an eager participant. I am hoping many of my literary friends will find the time to join us. Take the time to google Wendell Berry and see if he piques your interest.
Yesterday was the last Sunday of the month and therefore the Sunday we serve communion in both morning worship services. Second service attendance was especially large and concern enough for me that when the trays of juice began to be passed, I sug-gested that husbands and wives may need to share a cup. Almost before the words could escape from my mouth, Rondy Smith looked up at me and held up three trays filled with empty cups. The cups were tinted purple and looked very much like they were filled from the side. By the time everyone was served and trays were back to the front, there were extras. God is good. We are only human.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Two Adult Sunday School Classes combined to host Room-in-the-Inn at HCN on Saturday night, Sunday morning, February 21-22, 2009. The classes were the Faith Builders and The Journey. Workers included Caleb Foster, Brent West, Kathy Drummond, Ted and Karen Tillman, Drew Tillman, Savannah Tillman, Christian Tilllman, Allie Rickets, Kelli Rose, Shelby Rose, Sara Drummond, Marley Gibson, Jessica Perkins, Glenda Perkins, Charlotte Rose, Dan Mullins, Bernita Gately, Katie Stonecipher, Paul and Pam Stonecipher, Ricky and Terri Gore, Ed Mahoney, Jon Alderman, Beth Rice, Callie Rice, and Lisa Anderson. Ten homeless men were fed dinner; housed in a safe, dry, warm environment; given opportunity to shower and wash clothes; treated with dignity and respect; and sent into the new day from a hot breakfast and a packed lunch in the name of Christ because of your church family.
Pastor Ronnie Thompson led Middle School students on a winter charge to Maggie Valley, NC, last weekend which included snow tubing, hiking, fellowship, and devotional worship. Students were Hannah Garrett, Rachel Thimell, Bethany Ruff, Shelby Combs, Ryan Amity, Kaina Habibeche, Ashley Brown, Mikalia Duck, Corey Miranne, Steve Pine, Trevor Hunt, Evan Hollingsworth, Bret Washing, Thomas Sharpe, Clarrisa Davis, Sophia Green, Bella Green, Kenzie Eiseman, Rachel Jones, Abbie Winfree, Andrew Vines, Kevin Helm, Grey Garrett, Alex Houser, Isaac Houser, Josh Elkins, Justin Angle, Keegan Brown, Jonathan Mowry, Ryan Mahoney, Josh Cater. Chaperones were Treila Garrett, Alexandra Whitehead, Mike Miranne, Tom Christensen, Janeene Davis, Steve Vines, Brad Houser, Robert Angle, Ronnie Thompson. The speaker for the weekend was Daniel Meadow, youth pastor at Erin Church of the Nazarene.
Twenty-four people were baptized in the icy cold waters of the HCN baptistery on Sunday, February 22, 2009, at 6:00 PM. Those baptized included Ruth Pilkinton, Carrie Rios, John Boyter, Beth Seaman, Becca Waller, Reid Swoner, Abby Elkins, Annie Cater, Kailey Perkins, Noah Joselyn, Isabella Agee, Lydia Foster, Jackson Barfield, Shelby Jackson, Cole Jackson, Ian Rouse, Seth Price, Heath Price, Gabby Satterlee, Nick Satterlee, Eddie Mahoney, Carson Davenport, Cameron Davenport, Kevin Davenport. Those baptizing included Carol Waller, Rondy Smith, and Howard Plummer. The sanctuary was packed as it should be and the congregation was alive with the celebration of wives, husbands, children, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins witnessing the immersion of their family members.
Congratulations to Ricky and Terri Gore who were nominated for a Dove Award this morning in ceremony announcements. Their category is Bluegrass Album of the Year and their entry is “Hymns from Chigger Hill” by The Chigger Hill Boys and Terri. The Fortieth Annual Dove Award Ceremony is scheduled for April 23, 2009, in Nashville. Ricky is the “one, two, three” percussionist in the second service band. He has a great testimony.
When the MissionAfrica’08 Team traveled to Kenya last June, we worked in a Kali market community presided over by a Pastor Nicholas Kisua of Africa Inland Mission. Pastor Kisua is a charismatic, energetic man of God. The first unit of the orphanage we assisted in constructing was the product of his vision. The twenty-five orphans our church members sponsor are there because of his vision. Our group ate nearly every meal in the front yard of his compound and our safety was a product of his protective arrangements. He is the person who sent our group in three directions on Sunday morning to preach the gospel. World Servants is bringing Pastor Kisua and a board member, Ben, to the USA in March and they are scheduled to visit with our congregation on Sunday, March 22, 2009. We would like the MissionAfrica’08 group to reunite on Saturday, March 21, 2009, for a meal at 6:00 PM in the Parlor and for the MissionAfrica
’10 group to meet and eat with us to meet Pastor Kisua. More details to come. Please put this date on your calendar.
Jan Greathouse, at the request of staff, has agreed to lead a literary group for two Sunday evenings at 6:00 PM on the book, Jayber Crow, written by Wendell Berry. The group will meet in Room 223 in The Center. I wanted you to know that I will be there as an eager participant. I am hoping many of my literary friends will find the time to join us. Take the time to google Wendell Berry and see if he piques your interest.
Yesterday was the last Sunday of the month and therefore the Sunday we serve communion in both morning worship services. Second service attendance was especially large and concern enough for me that when the trays of juice began to be passed, I sug-gested that husbands and wives may need to share a cup. Almost before the words could escape from my mouth, Rondy Smith looked up at me and held up three trays filled with empty cups. The cups were tinted purple and looked very much like they were filled from the side. By the time everyone was served and trays were back to the front, there were extras. God is good. We are only human.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Monday, February 16, 2009
February 16, 2009
Middle School Students and their parents sponsored a Breakfast for Dinner fundraiser last night with a simple request for donations. All monies support the Winter Retreat this weekend. Alexandra Whitehead served as head chef, assisted by Darlene Miranne, Carolyn Washing, Mark Washing, Amy Ruff, Marla Houser, and Sarah Paddon. I can personally testify that the delicious bacon was a topic of conversation in staff meeting. Thanks for supporting this good cause.
Children’s Ministries sponsored a Daddy/Daughter Date Night last Friday for girls from infancy through grade four. The Lobby of The Center was filled with round tables decorated in pink with music and indirect lighting. All of the girls were dressed beautifully. There were thirty-five dads who escorted their daughters. I like to think it was a marker in our culture for what we value.
Senator Mae Beavers had the Tennessee Senate to issue a proclamation of congratulations to the Church of the Nazarene on her 100th Anniversary on October 29, 2008. Mae has recently sent copies of the proclamation to every Nazarene Church in her district, including Hermitage. The letter and folder are regal and are posted in the glass bulletin board in The Center with a personal letter to us from Mae. Take a few minutes to read and to admire. Thanks to Senator Beavers.
Dr. Bryce Fox invited me to speak this afternoon to his Christian Education Class at Trevecca on the topic of administrating the local church. Bryce said he considered it one of my gifts. I found that comment generous and amusing because the truth is administra-tion is an acquired skill for me. Talented, gifted laymen in churches I have pastored have taught me how to administrate. I did not learn it in a class. I learned it in church council meetings and board meetings. The class was gracious and attentive. The students want to come and visit. Watch for new, young faces.
Bill Stricklin is a retired lawyer from west Tennessee who walks around loving on a lot of us on Sunday morning. His granddaughter, Reese, was in church with him on Sunday and for the first time, dared to go to Kid’s Church by herself. Bill wrote these things to me via email this morning. “I asked her what they did and her reply was, ‘Oh, we sang lots of good songs and had a Bible lesson.’ I asked what the songs were---her reply ‘I didn’t know them but they were good and there was one about ‘Power in the Blood.’’ I sang a bit of the old hymn. She said that was not it, that theirs was better. I have no doubt it was. When quizzed about the Bible lesson she said it was about Daniel. I asked if he was in a lion’s den. She said ‘no.’ Was he in a fiery furnace? ‘No.’ It was about a ‘hand’ not an arm or anything else ‘just a hand writing on the wall.’ What did it write? Her reply, ‘it is just too long to tell.’ Sounds like someone is doing their job. What a good church.” I asked Carol Waller and she said Reese was spot-on.
I have learned recently that our prayers take one of four forms: talking at God, talking to God, listening to God, being with God. If God reported on me, he would say I do the first two more often than the last two. I think the list relates to almost all of our com-munication. Could I take a few paragraphs to talk at you about serious turns just ahead of us?
We observe the sacrament of baptism this Sunday, February 22, 2009, in a 6:00 PM gathering in the sanctuary. The candidate list to date includes children, teens, and adults. Hermitage Church considers baptism as a time to announce the choice of faith, marked by water, identifying with Jesus. If you are a believer and have never been baptized, the time is now. Call the church office at 847-3335 so that we might prepare for you.
The Wednesday, February 25, 2009, Ash Wednesday Service meets in the sanctuary at 6:30 PM. Nurseries and pre-school classes will meet as usual but from elementary children through adults, we will meet as one. Ash Wednesday is the first day in the season of Lent. Count from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday and subtract all the Sundays as Sabbath rests, and you have forty days. The service will include thoughtful, reflective worship; marking ourselves with the sign of the cross with ashes from last Palm Sunday’s palm branches; beginning a journey of self-denial of something significant in our lives (giving up liver and brussel sprouts does not count). This is not a Catholic service. This is a Christian service. I want to participate in any service which brings me closer to Christ and helps to identify my life with his life. Be prayerful about what you give up this year.
Sunday, March 1, 2009, is the first Sunday in the season of Lent. Sundays are days of rest from the fast/self-denial. Some people choose to keep a strict fast and that is completely up to you. I like the rest because it makes me happier that it is Sunday and I already like Sundays. It makes you especially joyful when Easter Sunday comes and the fast is over. Easter Sunday is April 12, 2009.
Consider each of these events as opportunities to listen to and to be with God.
I look forward to worship with you this Sunday.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Children’s Ministries sponsored a Daddy/Daughter Date Night last Friday for girls from infancy through grade four. The Lobby of The Center was filled with round tables decorated in pink with music and indirect lighting. All of the girls were dressed beautifully. There were thirty-five dads who escorted their daughters. I like to think it was a marker in our culture for what we value.
Senator Mae Beavers had the Tennessee Senate to issue a proclamation of congratulations to the Church of the Nazarene on her 100th Anniversary on October 29, 2008. Mae has recently sent copies of the proclamation to every Nazarene Church in her district, including Hermitage. The letter and folder are regal and are posted in the glass bulletin board in The Center with a personal letter to us from Mae. Take a few minutes to read and to admire. Thanks to Senator Beavers.
Dr. Bryce Fox invited me to speak this afternoon to his Christian Education Class at Trevecca on the topic of administrating the local church. Bryce said he considered it one of my gifts. I found that comment generous and amusing because the truth is administra-tion is an acquired skill for me. Talented, gifted laymen in churches I have pastored have taught me how to administrate. I did not learn it in a class. I learned it in church council meetings and board meetings. The class was gracious and attentive. The students want to come and visit. Watch for new, young faces.
Bill Stricklin is a retired lawyer from west Tennessee who walks around loving on a lot of us on Sunday morning. His granddaughter, Reese, was in church with him on Sunday and for the first time, dared to go to Kid’s Church by herself. Bill wrote these things to me via email this morning. “I asked her what they did and her reply was, ‘Oh, we sang lots of good songs and had a Bible lesson.’ I asked what the songs were---her reply ‘I didn’t know them but they were good and there was one about ‘Power in the Blood.’’ I sang a bit of the old hymn. She said that was not it, that theirs was better. I have no doubt it was. When quizzed about the Bible lesson she said it was about Daniel. I asked if he was in a lion’s den. She said ‘no.’ Was he in a fiery furnace? ‘No.’ It was about a ‘hand’ not an arm or anything else ‘just a hand writing on the wall.’ What did it write? Her reply, ‘it is just too long to tell.’ Sounds like someone is doing their job. What a good church.” I asked Carol Waller and she said Reese was spot-on.
I have learned recently that our prayers take one of four forms: talking at God, talking to God, listening to God, being with God. If God reported on me, he would say I do the first two more often than the last two. I think the list relates to almost all of our com-munication. Could I take a few paragraphs to talk at you about serious turns just ahead of us?
We observe the sacrament of baptism this Sunday, February 22, 2009, in a 6:00 PM gathering in the sanctuary. The candidate list to date includes children, teens, and adults. Hermitage Church considers baptism as a time to announce the choice of faith, marked by water, identifying with Jesus. If you are a believer and have never been baptized, the time is now. Call the church office at 847-3335 so that we might prepare for you.
The Wednesday, February 25, 2009, Ash Wednesday Service meets in the sanctuary at 6:30 PM. Nurseries and pre-school classes will meet as usual but from elementary children through adults, we will meet as one. Ash Wednesday is the first day in the season of Lent. Count from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday and subtract all the Sundays as Sabbath rests, and you have forty days. The service will include thoughtful, reflective worship; marking ourselves with the sign of the cross with ashes from last Palm Sunday’s palm branches; beginning a journey of self-denial of something significant in our lives (giving up liver and brussel sprouts does not count). This is not a Catholic service. This is a Christian service. I want to participate in any service which brings me closer to Christ and helps to identify my life with his life. Be prayerful about what you give up this year.
Sunday, March 1, 2009, is the first Sunday in the season of Lent. Sundays are days of rest from the fast/self-denial. Some people choose to keep a strict fast and that is completely up to you. I like the rest because it makes me happier that it is Sunday and I already like Sundays. It makes you especially joyful when Easter Sunday comes and the fast is over. Easter Sunday is April 12, 2009.
Consider each of these events as opportunities to listen to and to be with God.
I look forward to worship with you this Sunday.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Monday, February 9, 2009
February 9, 2009
Pastor Rondy Smith coordinated the Newcomer’s Luncheon on Sunday, February 8, 2009, after second service. The luncheon provides a wonderful opportunity for the pastoral staff team to meet new people in the church. Jill Satterlee caters the delicious box lunches and the rest of us float through and eat. Word on the street says the church is friendly; experiences Spirit-filled worship; provides good fellowship/study groups for men; offers great children’s programs (especially Upwards), great music, decent preaching. Families who joined the staff for lunch included the Mahoneys, the Eisemans, the Spanns, the Clines, the Gardenours, the Rapps, the Cutrights, and the Walvoords.
Ken Stegall, Ole Blomberg, Gary Helm, and Bobby Smith sang the offertory in first service and the opening in second service on Sunday. Someone in the Newcomer’s Luncheon requested more soon.
Congratulations to Morgan Follis who participated in a Gymnastic League Champion-ship last Saturday, February 7, 2009, and won first place in the All-Around Competition. Exercises included balance beam, parallel bars, vault, and floor.
Congratulations to Will Miranne and the Donelson Christian Academy Drama Depart-ment on their successful competition at the National Performing Arts Festival at Disney World the last week in January, 2009. The DCA group won Best Overall Performance for a scene from their upcoming musical, “Hello, Dolly,” in which Will is one of the main characters. Will also received the Best Supporting Actor award for a musical role and a Superior Rating for a dramatic duet comical role.
Congratulations to Adrie Brown, freshman at Mt. Juliet High School, who was one of two students from MJHS to have their art displayed in the Superintendents Exhibit at the Frist Center through February 15, 2009. Adrie’s piece is an ink and watercolor of a bridge/landscape.
Congratulations to Collin Earnhardt, senior at Mt. Juliet High School. When National Signing Day came for college football scholarships last Wednesday, February 4, 2009, Collin was signed by the Carson-Newman Eagles of Jefferson City, Tennessee. Carson-Newman has twenty of the last thirty South Atlantic Conference Championships in the NCAA Division II football program. Collin’s speed also inked him a track scholarship.
Congratulations to the Children’s Quiz Team and their great success at the Zone Quiz at Nashville First Church on Saturday, February 7, 2009. Red level quizzers were Brielle Fox, Sara Waller, Briley Ruff, and Drew Silvernail. Brielle and Sara received Gold All-Star ribbons. Briley and Drew received Gold ribbons. Drew, Briley and Brielle recited all memory verses. Blue level quizzers were Bryson Fox, Bethany Ruff, Jonathan Silvernail, and Drew Silvernail. Bryson, Bethany, and Jonathan received Gold All-Star ribbons. Drew received a Gold ribbon. Each of the blue level quizzers completed all memory verses and earned third place overall in the quiz.
Congratulations to Ronnie Marsh who ran in the Phoenix, Arizona, P.F. Chang’s Marathon on Sunday, January 18, 2009, in the company of 47,000 plus other runners. Ronnie finished 11th in his age group and 1,013th in the whole marathon. The Phoenix event is the largest combined running event in the USA and a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
Hermitage Middle School and Senior High Students competed in the Tennessee District Extravaganza last weekend on the campus of Trevecca Nazarene University. All first place winners progress to the Southeastern Regional Top Nazarene Talent at TNU in April. The following young people participated in a variety of events: Daniel Jones, Brian Brinkman, Bryson Fox, Josh Cater, Jonathan Mowry, Lauren Lavery, Ben Mabry, Toby Haydel, Anna-Laura Green, Sophia Green, Cassie Hunt, and Cali Crosslin. The following students qualified to represent the Tennessee District in these events at TNT: Lauren Lavery (women’s basketball), Brian Brinkman (beach volleyball, men’s tennis, men’s table tennis), Ben Mabry (beach volleyball, ultimate frisbee), Toby Haydel (ultimate frisbee, art), Anna-Laura Green (women’s table tennis, art), Sophia Green (art), Cassie Hunt (art), and Cali Crosslin (art).
Middle School Ministries sponsors a Breakfast for Dinner in The Center this Sunday, February 15, 2009, in a 45 minute window just before the Evening Gatherings. The time is 5:00 to 5:45 PM. The cost is donations with all proceeds helping to reduce the cost of the 2009 Winter Charge to Maggie Valley, NC. All age-level programming must cover their own expenses due to the spending freeze at church so this is an important event. Alexandra Whitehead serves as French chef for the evening.
In thirty-two years of pastoral ministry, I have baptized all but three people I have ever baptized by immersion. Those waters have included church baptisteries, swimming pools, North Carolina’s Albemarle Sound, and Northern California’s Pacific Ocean. Both the coldest and the hottest water have been at HCN. Two of the three people were not physically able to be immersed. They were adults who were sick with an over-whelming desire to complete what they had postponed throughout their lives. Last Thursday, Ruthanne Terrell brought her friend, Bill Garrett, to the Hermitage Church sanctuary and together, we listened to scripture and affirmed the truths we believe about water baptism. Then gathering as much water as I could in one hand and placing it on Bill’s forehead, I baptized him in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Bill wept almost from beginning to end. I charged him with the responsibility to go and tell everyone he could about his baptism, including his 90 year old mother in an extended care facility. Ruthanne testifies that he has done just that. We rejoice.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Ken Stegall, Ole Blomberg, Gary Helm, and Bobby Smith sang the offertory in first service and the opening in second service on Sunday. Someone in the Newcomer’s Luncheon requested more soon.
Congratulations to Morgan Follis who participated in a Gymnastic League Champion-ship last Saturday, February 7, 2009, and won first place in the All-Around Competition. Exercises included balance beam, parallel bars, vault, and floor.
Congratulations to Will Miranne and the Donelson Christian Academy Drama Depart-ment on their successful competition at the National Performing Arts Festival at Disney World the last week in January, 2009. The DCA group won Best Overall Performance for a scene from their upcoming musical, “Hello, Dolly,” in which Will is one of the main characters. Will also received the Best Supporting Actor award for a musical role and a Superior Rating for a dramatic duet comical role.
Congratulations to Adrie Brown, freshman at Mt. Juliet High School, who was one of two students from MJHS to have their art displayed in the Superintendents Exhibit at the Frist Center through February 15, 2009. Adrie’s piece is an ink and watercolor of a bridge/landscape.
Congratulations to Collin Earnhardt, senior at Mt. Juliet High School. When National Signing Day came for college football scholarships last Wednesday, February 4, 2009, Collin was signed by the Carson-Newman Eagles of Jefferson City, Tennessee. Carson-Newman has twenty of the last thirty South Atlantic Conference Championships in the NCAA Division II football program. Collin’s speed also inked him a track scholarship.
Congratulations to the Children’s Quiz Team and their great success at the Zone Quiz at Nashville First Church on Saturday, February 7, 2009. Red level quizzers were Brielle Fox, Sara Waller, Briley Ruff, and Drew Silvernail. Brielle and Sara received Gold All-Star ribbons. Briley and Drew received Gold ribbons. Drew, Briley and Brielle recited all memory verses. Blue level quizzers were Bryson Fox, Bethany Ruff, Jonathan Silvernail, and Drew Silvernail. Bryson, Bethany, and Jonathan received Gold All-Star ribbons. Drew received a Gold ribbon. Each of the blue level quizzers completed all memory verses and earned third place overall in the quiz.
Congratulations to Ronnie Marsh who ran in the Phoenix, Arizona, P.F. Chang’s Marathon on Sunday, January 18, 2009, in the company of 47,000 plus other runners. Ronnie finished 11th in his age group and 1,013th in the whole marathon. The Phoenix event is the largest combined running event in the USA and a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
Hermitage Middle School and Senior High Students competed in the Tennessee District Extravaganza last weekend on the campus of Trevecca Nazarene University. All first place winners progress to the Southeastern Regional Top Nazarene Talent at TNU in April. The following young people participated in a variety of events: Daniel Jones, Brian Brinkman, Bryson Fox, Josh Cater, Jonathan Mowry, Lauren Lavery, Ben Mabry, Toby Haydel, Anna-Laura Green, Sophia Green, Cassie Hunt, and Cali Crosslin. The following students qualified to represent the Tennessee District in these events at TNT: Lauren Lavery (women’s basketball), Brian Brinkman (beach volleyball, men’s tennis, men’s table tennis), Ben Mabry (beach volleyball, ultimate frisbee), Toby Haydel (ultimate frisbee, art), Anna-Laura Green (women’s table tennis, art), Sophia Green (art), Cassie Hunt (art), and Cali Crosslin (art).
Middle School Ministries sponsors a Breakfast for Dinner in The Center this Sunday, February 15, 2009, in a 45 minute window just before the Evening Gatherings. The time is 5:00 to 5:45 PM. The cost is donations with all proceeds helping to reduce the cost of the 2009 Winter Charge to Maggie Valley, NC. All age-level programming must cover their own expenses due to the spending freeze at church so this is an important event. Alexandra Whitehead serves as French chef for the evening.
In thirty-two years of pastoral ministry, I have baptized all but three people I have ever baptized by immersion. Those waters have included church baptisteries, swimming pools, North Carolina’s Albemarle Sound, and Northern California’s Pacific Ocean. Both the coldest and the hottest water have been at HCN. Two of the three people were not physically able to be immersed. They were adults who were sick with an over-whelming desire to complete what they had postponed throughout their lives. Last Thursday, Ruthanne Terrell brought her friend, Bill Garrett, to the Hermitage Church sanctuary and together, we listened to scripture and affirmed the truths we believe about water baptism. Then gathering as much water as I could in one hand and placing it on Bill’s forehead, I baptized him in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Bill wept almost from beginning to end. I charged him with the responsibility to go and tell everyone he could about his baptism, including his 90 year old mother in an extended care facility. Ruthanne testifies that he has done just that. We rejoice.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Monday, February 2, 2009
February 2, 2009
Welcome to the twenty-one new members who joined the church on Sunday, February 1, 2009, at the close of the 9:00 and 10:15 AM services: Randall and Janis Barrett, Dean and Melody Beach, John and Josie Boyter, Charles and Lucy Cline, Barbara Douthit, Joel Jones, Philip and Natalie Lutz, Rodney Neighbors, Donald and Gail Rollins, Evan and Cindy Spann, Webb and Maile Trojan, Paul and Patty West. They were born in Texas, Alabama, California, Wisconsin, and Tennessee. Their church backgrounds are Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Lutheran, Church of Christ, and Nazarene. The most important thing to know about them is they all confess Christ as their Savior and the Bible as the authoritative word of God. I met with them on Tuesday evening and Saturday morning and enjoyed the time. The bulk of the Saturday morning crew stayed an extra hour to ask questions. One person has attended the church for five years. One couple has attended the church for less than two months. I have known Rodney Neighbors since he was in junior high school. I met some of the people for the first time on Saturday. I look forward to the days ahead as we share our gifts, talents, abilities and discover what this local body of Christ looks like with a new class.
Welcome home to Sam and Keli Green who have invested the last two weeks of their lives in the Caribbean Nazarene College in Trinidad. It was nice to hear their voices in church yesterday.
Congratulations to Holly Baughman, who won 1st place in her 4-H Fourth Grade Class at Andrew Jackson Elementary. The win qualified Holly to go to the Davidson County 4-H Finals on January 31, 2009, where she won second place. Her speech was on the three branches of government.
Congratulations to Brandon Shepard on his selection as the Mt. Juliet Athlete of the Week last week. As a ninth grade student, Brandon plays on the Varsity Men’s Basket-ball Team at Mt. Juliet High School.
Congratulations to Palmer Maphet and Graham Scott who were elected two of four members of the 2009 Senior Class Coming Home Court at Mt. Juliet High School. The coronation of the king happened last Friday night. Their best friend was crowned.
Congratulations to Daniel Smith, Duke University fan extraordinaire, who jumped with the Crazzies at Cameron Indoor last Sunday afternoon. Duke’s men’s basketball program is ranked first in the nation. They beat Virginia.
You may not have had a dog in the hunt, however, the Super Bowl did have an exciting ending. Wonderful as Kurt Warner may be, Ben Roethlisberger threw the last touchdown and won. My favorite moment came as the first half expired. Steeler James Harrison returned an interception for a record 100 yards. He had to lay on the ground for several minutes before he could breathe again and then take oxygen when he returned to the bench. I can relate from the last time I tried to run.
Dr. Bob and Carol Broadbooks worshipped with us in second service yesterday. Bob is our former district superintendent, now director of the USA/Canada Mission for the denomination. Although their new home is in Kansas City, their hearts are in Tennessee with their grandson, Maxwell Mullins, and a new grandson about six weeks from delivery. Bob spoke appreciation for the service and confessed that he remains the worst member of Hermitage Church. He is absent most Sundays doing the work of the Lord in some other location.
Pneumonia weather has arrived in Tennessee. Last week’s weather included snow and ice which closed schools and mid-week church and then rebounded with balmy sunny days. I gripe but I like the variety.
Thanks to the choir for doing an encore of “God Is In This Place” at the close of second service. It was the perfect song. I hope you continue to hear the words of Jesus from Mark 1 speaking “be quiet, be gone” to any thing, any circumstance, any disease which may have consumed your personality lately. You are much more than that. Remember that our God is creative and caring, reconciling and redemptive. The powers of evil are crippling, alienating, distorting, destructive. Measure, discern the powers at work in your life and make sure the voice speaking is the voice of God.
I consider myself fortunate to know you and serve with you.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Welcome home to Sam and Keli Green who have invested the last two weeks of their lives in the Caribbean Nazarene College in Trinidad. It was nice to hear their voices in church yesterday.
Congratulations to Holly Baughman, who won 1st place in her 4-H Fourth Grade Class at Andrew Jackson Elementary. The win qualified Holly to go to the Davidson County 4-H Finals on January 31, 2009, where she won second place. Her speech was on the three branches of government.
Congratulations to Brandon Shepard on his selection as the Mt. Juliet Athlete of the Week last week. As a ninth grade student, Brandon plays on the Varsity Men’s Basket-ball Team at Mt. Juliet High School.
Congratulations to Palmer Maphet and Graham Scott who were elected two of four members of the 2009 Senior Class Coming Home Court at Mt. Juliet High School. The coronation of the king happened last Friday night. Their best friend was crowned.
Congratulations to Daniel Smith, Duke University fan extraordinaire, who jumped with the Crazzies at Cameron Indoor last Sunday afternoon. Duke’s men’s basketball program is ranked first in the nation. They beat Virginia.
You may not have had a dog in the hunt, however, the Super Bowl did have an exciting ending. Wonderful as Kurt Warner may be, Ben Roethlisberger threw the last touchdown and won. My favorite moment came as the first half expired. Steeler James Harrison returned an interception for a record 100 yards. He had to lay on the ground for several minutes before he could breathe again and then take oxygen when he returned to the bench. I can relate from the last time I tried to run.
Dr. Bob and Carol Broadbooks worshipped with us in second service yesterday. Bob is our former district superintendent, now director of the USA/Canada Mission for the denomination. Although their new home is in Kansas City, their hearts are in Tennessee with their grandson, Maxwell Mullins, and a new grandson about six weeks from delivery. Bob spoke appreciation for the service and confessed that he remains the worst member of Hermitage Church. He is absent most Sundays doing the work of the Lord in some other location.
Pneumonia weather has arrived in Tennessee. Last week’s weather included snow and ice which closed schools and mid-week church and then rebounded with balmy sunny days. I gripe but I like the variety.
Thanks to the choir for doing an encore of “God Is In This Place” at the close of second service. It was the perfect song. I hope you continue to hear the words of Jesus from Mark 1 speaking “be quiet, be gone” to any thing, any circumstance, any disease which may have consumed your personality lately. You are much more than that. Remember that our God is creative and caring, reconciling and redemptive. The powers of evil are crippling, alienating, distorting, destructive. Measure, discern the powers at work in your life and make sure the voice speaking is the voice of God.
I consider myself fortunate to know you and serve with you.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
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