November 16, 2009

Brian Helstrom flew into town on Saturday evening and I picked him up from the Nashville Airport. It dawned on me as I drove to Donelson Pike that I had heard Brian speak on three to four occasions but did not remember what he looked like. I stood at the bottom of the escalator on the baggage floor and waited for someone to come down who looked lost. I found him. I served as his chauffeur over the weekend, transporting him from the Hampton Inn in Mt. Juliet to church and back. He was as real and genuine one-on-one as he was in services yesterday. I drove him to the airport at 4:40 AM today.

I think most of you found a friend in Brian. He is fresh and inspirational and ethically challenged. He has never found a kingdom tool he could not hide or sneak across a border. The video of the African children responding to the Jesus Film was nearly overwhelming, was it not? We have heard and overheard the story of the crucifixion and resurrection so often that we almost do not hear it anymore. Those kids heard it. They made us hear it. People who do not weep were weeping. Someone told me they worked really hard not to cry loudly. Brian loved worship. He said it had been a long while since he had spoken in a church with a choir instead of a praise team. He loved the choir.

When we did evaluations in Pastoral Staff Meeting this morning, Ken Jewett mentioned that he had felt rushed at the conclusion of the service when people were asked to commit a pledge for missions and that he did not have a very good idea of exactly what he was committing to: missions or the Jesus Film ministries. I print this because I think Ken’s point was valid. While response to Brian was good, response to pledging was not. The goal for our church is $65,000 which pays for our local church’s responsibilities to world missions for the 2009-2010 church year. It supports 750+ missionaries in 175+ world areas. Spencer and April Baggott, members of HCN, are two of the 750+ missionaries assigned to the Horn of Africa Region in the Sudan, Congo. We give to missions on a weekly, monthly, annually, or one time basis. It is not too late to participate. Cards are available in the foyer and lobby.

Dr. Sam Green was back in the house, home from fifty-five days in Centennial Medical Center. It was great to see Sam and to have him lead congregational singing and the choir. We still have to keep our hands off due to germs. He is only half way through his treatment for acute leukemia and this is the interim.

The Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday evening provided some of the best food I have ever eaten. I was sad that I had gone at the end of the line and could not return for seconds since I was sitting at a table in front of the speaker. Turkey is not one of my favorite foods but I ate some turkey that made me want more. I also ate some of Keely Mullins potato casserole that was still hot and delicious. Thanks to the Early Christian Sunday School Class which set up tables and chairs, organized food, and with the exception of one other family, cooked all of the turkeys and hams.

Room-in-the-Inn came to HCN for the first night of the 2009-2010 season. Paul Stonecipher directs us in this ministry to the homeless assisted by his wife, Pam. Two Sunday School Classes provided food and hosting: New Horizons and the University Class. Thanks to Donna Shankle, Rick Person, Susan Pilgreen, Marsha Shultz, Beverly Mitchell, Erna Plaxco, Barbara Douthit, Diane Brimm for delicious food preparation. Thanks to Lisa Anderson for assistance with breakfast. Thanks to Jon Alderman for driving the van for transportation to and from downtown Nashville. Thanks to Daniel Smith, Jake Resor, Hayley Hill, Justin Smith, and Ken Jewett for chaperoning and cleaning up in time for Sunday School Classes.

Pastor Rondy Smith served on the leadership team for a national “Come to the Fire” women’s conference held at Nashville First Church last weekend. Speakers, singers, assistants from HCN included Yori Taylor, Dorinda Biggs, Beth Fox, Alex Whitehead, Jody Scott, Betty Willis, Beth and Maggie Hollingsworth, Carol Waller, Valerie Marsh, Teresa Vines. Forty-one HCN women attended including: Anna and Michelle Plummer, Charlayne Trotter, Jill Satterlee, Traci Haydel, Feli Tigabu, Lisa Kelley, Kristi Mabry, Beth Seaman, Becky Evans, Mary Alice Butler, Lisa Anderson, Beth Rouse, Angela Hisey, Jillian Forcum, Cathy Preston, JoAnn Jackson, Jo Apple, Joyce Clevenger, Tiffany Mathias, Kathy Orrick, Joy Bradley, Missy Mize, Sandra Hunt, Holly Steinmetz, Dawn Parker, Deborah Coppedge, Stacey Joyce, Amy Walvoord, Miriam McMillan, Amy Ruff, Dottie Brown, Doris Jordan, Shelli Russell. Great, great work occurred in the lives of these women. Watch and listen for what God is doing.

Pastor Ken Jewett led the fifth and sixth grade LiveWire Students in Climb Nashville and a Lock-in last Friday evening. He was assisted by Hayley Hill, Jake Resor, Daniel Smith, Alan Elkins, Mike Miranne, Jon Paddon, Tanner Webb, Jim Waters, Michael Follis. Climbers were Trevor Hunt, Josh Elkins, Mikaila Duck, Hannah Garrett, Ryan Mahoney, Alex Houser, Emily Paddon, Jared Mannen, Rachel Jones, Rachel Thimell, Corey Miranne, Callie Dilts, Ryann Amity, Mackie Daily, Matt Lucas, Allyson Huffman, Kellie Rose, Jessie Joyce, Avie Joyce, Kevin Helm, Landon Cable, Andrew Vines, Bryson Fox, Nathanael Jackson, Sara Drummond, Ronnie Moore.

Wendell Marlowe submitted his resignation as plant manager effective Sunday, November 15, 2009. When Wendell started the position, he lived around the corner and has moved twice since. He is a middle school principal and husband and father and grandfather and ready to do more of those things. At this moment, we are dividing the responsibilities for the job between several people and groups. Richard Hysell, Wendell’s assistant, is out of commission with pending surgery and recovery. Thanks to Wendell for the hard, thankless job of cleaning floors and setting up chairs, cutting off lights, locking and unlocking doors for the last four years.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

November 9, 2009

Congratulations to the four believers who were baptized on Sunday, November 8, 2009, in the 5:00 PM service in the HCN Sanctuary: Caroline Brasfield, Brooklyn Fox, Christian Rhodes, Victoria Hampton. Caroline, Brooklyn, and Christian are elementary children and Victoria is a young mother. Each confessed their new life in Christ and then was immersed in baptismal waters by Pastor Carol Waller or Pastor Rondy Smith. We rejoice in their faith and their participation in the sacrament.

All the blood work numbers came together for Sam Green today and unless something changes, he will be discharged from Centennial Medical Center this Wednesday. His platelets are actually higher than when he entered the hospital. The bone marrow trans-plant comes in January 2010. We pray for a complete cure from this acute leukemia.

Bryson Fox is an HCN Middle School Student who formed a special connection with the Nashville Rescue Mission two years ago and has raised over $4,500 to help feed their homeless clients. This Thanksgiving, the mission will feed a hot meal to each person who walks through their doors for $1.92 per person. Bryson and his sister, Brielle, would like to raise $1,000 by Wednesday, November 18, 2009. If you would like to assist, write a check to the Nashville Rescue Mission or place cash in an envelope to give to Bryson or Brielle.

Congratulations to Preston and Grant Phelps who have both advanced to the championship game in their divisions of Tennessee Youth Football Alliance. Preston is on the Mt. Juliet Pee-Wee Gold Team and Grant is on the Mt. Juliet C-Gold Team. Games will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2009, at Charlie Daniels Park.

Steve Kelley led a Men’s Ministry Breakfast on Saturday, November 7, 2009, in The Center. Approximately sixty men ate together and then listened to life stories from Marvin Heath, Darrell Moody, and Dan Scott. Ken Koon and Bobby Smith served as the morning chefs. The food was delicious and the stories were humbling and inspiring.

Ray Render completed directing the Upwards Flag Football Season under the lights on Saturday, November 7, 2009, on the west end of the church campus. Rather than participating in entertainment with a banquet, each player and cheerleader participated in a night game with all the excitement of a crowd. Thanks to Ray for leading the season. Coaches, refs, and players will be listed in next week’s letter.

I mentioned the kids who tried out for the play in the message on Sunday. Well, those kids would like to invite you to see them in “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” presented by Encore Theatre located on Lebanon Road in Old Hickory. Make reservations or purchase tickets at 598-8950 or www.encoretheatre-company.org. HCN’s Diane Cater is the director.

Brian Helstrom directs one of the most effective evangelistic ministries in the world, a.k.a. Jesus Film Ministries. I have heard Brian speak on four occasions and each time, he inspires and motivates me to help change the world. Brian speaks at HCN this Sunday, November 15, 2009, in both the 9:00 AM and 10:15 AM services. Please be present and listen to stories of how God is changing the world.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

November 2, 2009

Last week was a big event week. The Candy Parade hosted close to two hundred children in The Center on Wednesday evening. It is one of those events that seems to have no spiritual content until you see it through the lens of the church providing the safety of community for children. It is one more memory added to a thousand that will cause our children to know: my church loves me. Plus, where else can you get a bag of candy filled to dragging without walking five miles in a soggy neighborhood?

The District Superintendent met with the Church Board and me on Thursday evening to report and discuss the results of the official survey and vote of the renewal of pastoral relations. The vote was 17-0 for continuing the current pastoral arrangement for four more years. The vote speaks well of a mature and unified church. Thanks for the recognition of staff on Sunday morning in each service. You are very kind.

The Heritage Men’s Choir of Trevecca alums sang in sacred concert on Friday evening in The Sanctuary and despite the rain that began to pour at 6:00 PM, the place was packed. Bob Bishop, Mark Greathouse, Herb McMillan, Rodney Neighbors, and Ken Stegall represented HCN in the choir. The selection of music was masterful. People have asked for this to be an annual event. Is that possible?

Don and Vilanda Merritt placed flowers in The Sanctuary on Sunday in recognition of their Twenty-eighth Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations on the keeping of promises.

Congratulations to Ashlynn Lounsbury and Maxwell Mullins who attend David Deaton Karate in Mt. Juliet. On October 24, 2009, both won first place in sparring and in kata. Karate encourages maintaining academics, positive attitudes, respect, and responsi-bility.

Clocks returned to normal on Sunday morning and the saving of daylight fled. The extra hour made the whole day better. I think it even helped Sunday School attendance.

HCN is unique in so many ways that it is hard to list any. One of the examples of what makes the church great includes the people who in the midst of doing ministry receive a Spirit-anointed idea to help or honor others. Glenda Perkins and Diane Cater taught a class on the book of Ruth to a group of young women lately and then had the idea of helping the girls to sponsor a tea for all of the widows, the Naomis in the church. They sent out personally decorated invitations for last Sunday’s afternoon event in The Parlor. Pastor Carol Waller said everything about it was classy. I hope every widow felt the esteem of the Ruths.

Sam Green, HCN’s Pastor of Worship, continues to rest and wait at Centennial Medical Center as his body responds to the chemo treatments for acute leukemia. Blood count numbers have to balance at a particular place before he is discharged for home and a first of 2010 bone marrow transplant. Sam’s doctors tell him this should be the week the numbers move. Pray that everything that needs to happen to make Sam well will fit in place this week. Keli’s Green’s mom and dad have moved into their house to watch over the girls until Sam and Keli return home.

Thanks to the crew of volunteers who continue to supply leadership for music/worship needs in the absence of Sam. Thanks to Tammy Tarter, Donny Jackson, John Jordan, Paul Vann, Ricky Gore, Dave Flint, Paul Bolling, Randy Layne, Kevin Terry, Graham Scott, Jay Barfield, Willard Brinkman, Michael Waller, Worship Choir members. Thanks for honoring Sam with your labor. Thanks for making the difference in our worship.



In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard

October 26, 2009

Pauline Hall regularly attends the first service of HCN. She is the mother of Dalene Barnett and a long-time resident of Trevecca Towers. At 93 years of age, she is moving to Ohio to live near her son. I will miss Pauline and her kind emails to me regarding preaching. She is an ordained elder in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ.

Congratulations to Heather Miller, a scholarship basketball player on Vol State’s Women’s Team for 2008-2010, who signed last week to play for Trevecca’s Lady Trojans in the fall of 2010. Heather will be reunited with her coach, Gary Van Atta, and her teammate/ sister, K.C. Van Atta. See Heather’s signing ceremony in the glass board in The Center.

Congratulations to Will Miranne who competed with his theatre class from DCA in a one-act “Flowers for Algernon” in the Tennessee State Theatre Festival in Cookeville on Saturday. The team placed first out of six high schools (all large except DCA).

Congratulations to the Fall Softball Team who won their last and only game of the season on Monday, October 19, 2009. Team members were Eric Owens, Brandon Shepard, Seth Alderman, Grant McCoy, Reed McCoy, Daniel Jones, Brian Brinkman, Dalton Winfree, Hunter Steinmetz, Toby Haydel, Philip Caulkins, and Kyle Russell.

A group of very talented ladies from HCN’s Women’s Ministries sponsored the second Seasonal Flair last Thursday evening. Pastor Rondy Smith sang their praises in pastoral staff meeting this morning. These were the women who made it all happen: Rachelle Reigard, Jennifer Neely, Kylee Koon, Kim Vann, Carol Clem, Natalie Lutz, Dottie Brown, Feli Tigabu, Janice Jones, Diane Cater, Jill Satterlee, Traci Hollandsworth, Beth Rouse, Lawana Jones, Stacey Sweeten, Marilyn Keener, and Beth Seaman.

Building One Senior High Students made their annual pilgrimage to Barnes Farm in Livingston, TN, for a fall camping retreat last weekend. Ron Barnes opens his arms, cabin, and family farm to our teens every year and cooks an audacious breakfast for them on Saturday morning. Steve Kelley served as special speaker and Bobby Smith served as chef, both Building One favorites. Chaperones were Pastor Shane Tarter, Carolyn Washing, Brady Plummer, Shaun Lewis, and Rondy Smith. Student campers were Anna-Laura Green, Sophie Green, Ashley Crues, Adrie Brown, Morgan Harold, Katelyn Houge, Christy Fite, Sara Vaden, Clair Burgette, Cassie Hunt, Presley Stinson, Alex Hamer, Jessica Dozier, Daniel Jones, Hunter Steinmetz, Taylor Steinmetz, Lucas Houge, Jonathan Tigabu, Brian Brinkman, Robert Luther, Reed McCoy, Grant McCoy, Dalton Winfree, Justin Jones, Toby Haydel, Eric Owens, Brandon Shepard, Bret Washing, Matt Bastin, Kyle Smith, Josh Cater, Jonathan Mowry, and Thomas Sharpe.

Senior Adults and Friends made their annual pilgrimage to the north Georgia mountains last Thursday through Saturday. Brenda Agee planned and organized the entire event and missed the action due to other responsibilities. We were housed at the Country Inn and Suites in Dalton. We ate both evening meals at Edna’s in Chatsworth. We visited the look-out at Fort Mountain State Park in Cohutta. We shopped and ate lunch in Ellijay and then toured the apple houses down Highway 52. Thanks to Charles and Nancy Jewell for driving their truck to transport our luggage. Thanks to Tommy and Mary Ann Boner for driving/hosting the van. Thanks to the rest of the gang for sharing the fudge, fruit slices, grapes, tangerines, pretzels and whatever else you dreamed of eating: Joy Bradley, Mary Alice Butler, Marsha Shultz, Dot Waffird, Pauline Harbin, Anna Plummer, Billie Ragland, Shirley Maschinski, Betty Willis, Alene Gill, and Carrie Knox. They let me go with them.

HCN’s Fall Fish Fry was big and food was the best yet. The fish was golden fried. The homecut fries and hushpuppies were delicious. The slaw and beans were the perfect sides. Would you believe that none of the fried foods were put in oil until 4:15 PM? How did they cook that much food in that length of time? Wayne McNeese ran the show and recruited his team. These are the people to thank: Jason Vines, Kevin Daugherty, Kris Neely, Dan Scott, Tim Garrett, Tom Stephens, Ken Willis, Paul Stonecipher, J.D. Hisey, Ronnie Marsh, Ken Koon, Jon Nelson, Marty Peach, Kenny McNeese, John Jordan, Phil Stinson, Bobby Smith, Webb Trojan, Glen Detwiler, Ken Elkins, Mike Anderson, Rick Person, Dean Beach, Jonathan Beach, Ricky McNeese. Kitchen workers who prepared all set-ups and food delivery were Pam McNeese, Lisa Anderson, Dianne McNeese, Kylee Koon, Joyce Clevenger, Pam Stonecipher, Kim Vann, Jennifer Neely, Chandler Scott, Jill Satterlee, and Beth Vines. The Genesis Sunday School Class handled all table set-ups and clean-up afterwards. Ken Willis, Glen Detwiler, and Dan Scott provided the wood for the bonfire. I think it would please everyone to know that Beth Vines and some of our young people transported all of the leftovers to the Nashville Rescue Mission. Beth said the mission was excited to receive such amazing food.

Beth Vines serves as the Director of Human Resources at Remarketing Solutions. Currently, there are three jobs posted for immediate need including District Manager, Skip Trace Investigator, and Vice President of Operations. If you are qualified and interested in any of the jobs, contact Beth at 762-2210 or email her at beth.vines@ remarketingsolution.com.

I look forward to Sunday.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

October 19, 2009

EverPraise opened both worship services yesterday with voice and spirit. They are eight students from Trevecca Nazarene University presenting the gospel in musical story. The two young men who played guitar and the percussion box are twins: Parker and Jordan Guthrie from Bradenton, Florida. They are freshmen. Their dad and mom are extremely talented musicians who served on pastoral staff with us when the boys were born. What gracious, talented young men they have become. One of our young senior high students posted on Facebook after church that he was switching from drums to box. One of our freshman college students, home for fall break, told me he forgot how much he missed his church.

HCN’s Fall Fish Fry is served this Sunday, October 25, 2009, at 5:00 PM on the west end of the campus. Wayne McNeese, CEO for the cooking team, requests a VIP meeting of all the cooks at 10:00 AM in the Church Kitchen. This is the fifteen minute block for transitions between services. These are the people who make or break the evening. Please be there to receive schedules and information from Wayne. The Fish Fry is a simple all church feast of fried fish, homecut fries, hushpuppies, slaw. The church provides the first courses. Everyone else is asked to bring their favorite dessert and a large drink. Wear outdoor clothes. Dress for cool weather. Bring outdoor games to play and outdoor chairs to sit in. This is not a come play in the gym night. It is a get yourself outside and talk to somebody night.

When a local Church of the Nazarene calls a pastor, the church board does the interviewing, and eventually the church membership (15 years of age and older), does the voting. That vote extends for a term of two years. After two years, the district superin-tendent meets with the church board to determine if the relationship between the pastor and church remains positive. If it is positive, the church board votes to extend the term of service for two, three, or four more years. If it is not positive, the church board discusses ways to resolve conflict with the pastor and may vote to call a vote of the congregation on continued pastoral relations. HCN extended the initial call to me to pastor the church in August of 1995. Two years later, in 1997, the church board extended the call for four years. Another four year call was extended in 2001 and 2005. It is 2009 and time for another evaluation. Dr. Larry Leonard, Superintendent of the Tennessee District, meets with the HCN Church Board on Thursday, October 29, 2009, at 7:00 PM in the Center Parlor. Church Board members are Tony Dozier, Kendell Poole, John Reigard, Aaron Foster, Steve Kelley, Matthew Mullins, Beverly Sharpe, Jennifer Neely, Scott Perkins, John Mannen, Phil Jordan, David Hunt, Brad Houser, Scott Steinmetz, Mike Miranne, Donna Shankle, Marvin Heath, and Kristi Mabry. If you would like to communicate with one of these board members regarding the continuing or discontinuing of current pastoral relations, consult your church directory for phone numbers or call the church office. All of this sounds very negative and makes people nervous and wonder what they do not know. The truth is: there is nothing negative happening and this is simply a required, official announcement. Results from the board meeting will be announced on Sunday, November 1, 2009. We all pray for God’s will to be made known to us.

The Pastoral Staff Team visited with Sam Green this morning at Centennial Medical Center. Sam is having a good day, free from nausea, bored, ready to be on to the next good thing that brings wholeness to his body. He is up and smiling and acting like Sam. Pray that Sam remains free from infections and viruses as his blood counts balance where the doctors desire. Pray for the safety and health of Keli, Anna-Laura, Sophia, and Bella.

Continued thanks are extended to Tammy Tarter, Donny Jackson, and every instrumenta-list, band member, choir member, and praise team member who faithfully provides the ministry of music in Sam’s absence. I believe it is a testimony to the character of the church that we continue to worship and serve and be present during the illness and absence of a talented, gifted brother.

I look forward to Sunday.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

October 12, 2009

Congratulations to Andrew Richard Nelson and Katie Nicole Stonecipher who were joined in marriage on Friday, October 10, 2009, at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary of Hermitage Church of the Nazarene. Katie is the daughter of Paul and Pam Stonecipher and the sister of Christy Stonecipher. Christy served as Katie’s maid of honor. The reception was held at the Old Hickory Country Club. Andrew’s groomsmen were the coolest, most attentive group of attendants I have ever witnessed on their wedding day. It was like having seven best men. Katie was a beautiful, jubilant bride. We celebrate the joining of this couple in marriage and the love they bring to share with one another for the rest of their lives.

Congratulations to Sarah Harris on her outstanding accomplishments in the game of golf. She was named “Player of the Year” in the Girls 15-18 Masters Division of the Tennessee Golf Association Junior Tour, winning the year end Tournament of Champions event with a final round of 72. She won the Division 2A High School Regionals (east/middle Tennessee) as an individual and as a member of her DCA team. She won the Division 2A High School State Tournament last week as an individual and as a member of the DCA team. She shot 75-72 (+3) during the two day event. In the process, Sarah was commended for her display of good character, composure, and sports-manship. Congratulations to Sarah Harris, State Champion!

Congratulations to Dan Preston, nominated to become the Chairman of the Tennessee State Kairos Committee. The election is Saturday, November 14, 2009. Dan’s heart is serving the Lord in ministering to prison inmates throughout the southeastern USA.

Jamell Emerson was recognized in second worship on Sunday as he prepares to leave for the completion of his military duty in Iraq. He told me to tell you that your prayers for him have been effective. Four times his squad was attacked at the threat of his life and four times, his life was spared.

Sam Green begins the fifth and last day of his chemotherapy treatment this afternoon and completes it in the morning (Tuesday). The pastoral staff team visited with Sam at lunch. He had an elevated fever and did not feel well. Pray that the chemotherapy destroys the remaining leukemia cells in his body; that Sam stays free of viruses and infections; that he begins to feel better. He could be home by the end of the week for the next waiting period. Follow Sam’s daily progress at www.samandthegreens.com.

Diane Cater placed a wicker basket in The Center Lobby on Sunday for the purpose of collecting dolls for a particular service project. It was there through Sunday morning services but gone by the evening. If you know where the basket was relocated, please call the church office at 847-3335 to let someone know. Thanks.

EverPraise is an eight member, young adult ensemble from Trevecca Nazarene University. The group visits HCN this Sunday to share in the musical section of worship in each service. They will provide the opening song and the offertory before preaching. It is always good to have visitors from TNU. Greet them with me.

There are a series of events just ahead in the life of HCN that would be easy to miss if you do not get them on your calendar NOW. Would you take a moment and look at your schedule and make room?

• Seasonal Flair is a once per year event for ladies where ideas are shared to warm your heart and home for the holidays. It is scheduled for Thursday, October 22, 2009, at 6:30 PM in The Center. I believe in the ladies who are presenting this activity. Cost is $5 with tickets to be purchased in the Foyer and the Lobby.
• Candy Parade is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, 2009, at 6:30 PM in The Center. It is an invitation for preschool and elementary children through grade 4 to wear costumes (appeal to parents for appropriateness), and to parade through the Center to receive treats from church families. All adults are encouraged to bring candy for 200+ children and to find a chair in the circle to share your goodies.
• Fall Festival Fish Fry is the largest all church social event at HCN. Wayne McNeese leads teams of cooks in preparing fried fish, hushpuppies, and homecut fries outdoors. The date is Sunday, October 25, 2009, at 5:00 PM. The location is the west end of the church campus.
• Heritage Men’s Chorale visits HCN on Friday, October 30, 2009, at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary. The chorale sings sacred hymns and compositions. It is composed largely of TNU alumni. You will recognize a number of men from the HCN congregation.

I look forward to a return from fall break schedules which keep us scattered. I like routine and I miss you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

October 5, 2009

The preaching series in the biblical book of James ended yesterday. Many of you have talked to me after services; called me on the phone; sent emails to let me know that you listened closely. I am hoping that the mirror in which we saw ourselves in chapter 1 remains with us so that our lives are changed, so that we do not merely listen to the word but do the word. Are you talking to the people who have wandered?

Thanks to the crew of volunteers who continue to supply leadership for music/worship needs in the absence of Sam Green, our Pastor of Worship. Thanks to Tammy Tarter, Bryce Fox, Donny Jackson, John Jordan, Paul Vann, Emily Sullivan, Ricky Gore, Dave Flint, Paul Bolling, Randy Layne, Graham Scott, Jay Barfield, Willard Brinkman, Michael Waller, Worship Choir members. Not one person has told me “no” when I have called to ask for help. Thanks for honoring Sam with your labor. Thanks for making the difference in our worship.

Sam Green had his head shaved last Friday to get ahead of the hair that was letting go due to chemotherapy. His smile remains big. The pastoral staff team visited with Sam and Keli this morning. We wear masks and choke and talk. One way to make a preacher shut up is to make him wear a mask to catch his hot air. Sam has the second bone marrow biopsy tomorrow (Tuesday), to determine if all the leukemia cells are gone. Crazy as it seems, Sam could be back with us in the not too distant future while he awaits the bone marrow transplant. Pray for Sam.

Kris Hostetler deploys on October 20, 2009, for his second tour of duty with the US Army in Iraq. We took the opportunity to pray for Kris on Sunday during second service while he was in town. Connect the face with name you will hear called for the next year.

Congratulations to Bret Washing on his selection to the Middle Tennessee Vocal Association Freshman Honors Choir. There were twenty slots open for freshmen and Bret was the third chosen.

Congratulations to Taylor Gonyea, a member of the 2009 Homecoming Court, at Mt. Juliet Middle School.

Paul Stonecipher led the Room-in-the-Inn organization yesterday for the 2009-2010 season of hosting dates. At this writing, we host on nine evenings. Needs remain for the following items: disposable razors, chap stick, toothbrushes, combs, underwear (L, XL, 2XL), tee shirts (L, XL, 2XL, 3XL).

Tim Garrett called this morning to say his plant is hiring again through the end of October. If you need work, call Tim at 350-7630.

If you see Jill, Gaby or Nick Satterlee at church, your eyes are not deceiving you. They decided they could not live without us and have returned home to Tennessee. Their house is rented for a year so they are living with Franky and Missy Mize. Jill returns as our Wednesday night chef this week. Welcome home. You are loved.

A Baptismal Service is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, 2009, at 5:00 PM in the sanctuary. In the New Testament Church, all believers were baptized as immediately as possible. Paul baptized in the middle of the night. Stephen baptized on the side of the road. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ and need to be baptized, please call the church office to be placed on the list of candidates.

If you missed someone from worship yesterday, it may be they are out-of-town due to the Wilson County School Break which began last Friday. You may miss them for several more Sundays as the break continues for two weeks. While part of our family is resting and recreating, please know that all things continue full throttle at HCN. I plan to be here each Sunday and it would be nice to see you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard