September 27, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

September 20, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

August 30, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

August 23, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

August 17, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

August 9, 2010

Congratulations to Matt and Katie Seaton on the birth of their son, Champ Matthew Seaton, on Saturday, August 7, 2010, at 3:03 AM at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. He weighed 8 lbs 5 ozs and measured 19 inches in length. Champ is the brother of Bella and Mia. We bless the Lord who has blessed Matt and Katie with a healthy baby and safe birth.

Congratulations to the nine young people who were baptized on Sunday, August 8, 2010, in the 5:00 PM service in the Sanctuary: Tristan Lee, Morgan Evans, Bethany Thimell, Rachel Thimell, Braden Maphet, Ben Griffith, Morgan Harold, and Jessica Long. Those who baptized were Pastors Carol Waller, Ken Jewett, and Shane Tarter. We celebrate the resurrected new life represented in the sacrament of baptism and the models they provide for the congregation.

Thank you to the Saturday Samaritans coordinated by Marvin Heath who worked on various projects throughout the congregation to assist widows and single parents in caring for their homes. Some of the volunteers worked on projects on the church property. Volunteers were Jeff Cater, Josh Cater, Philip Lutz, Herb McMillan, Kent Kile, Jim Knox, Tanner Webb, Ken Willis, and Carter Poole.

All the services at HCN seemed to possess a special anointing on Sunday, August 8, 2010. The invitation to prayer at the close of second service was still coming out of my mouth when young people started to come forward, and not only forward but up and onto the platform beside of me. Eventually around fifteen to twenty senior high students were standing beside of me with lots more people standing on the floor in front of the pulpit. I was and remain deeply moved by the transparency of those who came to pray and the Holy Spirit who moved them. I am so grateful to the Lord that he still surprises me.

Thank you to the people who joined the Africa Mission 2010 Team at 6:00 PM in the Center to listen to their stories and to see their pictures. I tried to let other people talk but I wanted to tell you some things I think are important to know but were not told:

· Becky Evans ordered what must have been several thousand crosses on ebay months and months before our trip. She purchased the string to go with the crosses and cut them to proper length. The team gave one of the cross necklaces to every child in every school we visited. I wore mine the entire trip.

· I owe Phil Stinson a pair of dress socks. One of my suitcases arrived five days late in Kenya. I had no dress socks for the first Sunday morning in Nairobi and went begging. Phil gave me a pair and I have not returned them. They may still be in Kali.

· Jessica Dozier is a hard worker. On more than one occasion, she functioned as a mule to pull a wheelbarrow to some destination. She pulled and pushed and carried until she earned my respect.

· Rob Mathias led our group in and out of terminals and airplanes and got us to Kenya and back home with grace and a little arguing with airlines. Rob’s mother, Margaret, joined our group for the trip and made everything better, including adding another redhead.

· Hunter Steinmetz and Daniel Jones stepped up every time we needed heavy lifting. I told them before we left that they needed to be the strong men when it came to lifting suitcases to the top of buses and pulling luggage in and out of tight places. I never had to speak to them again. They always carried the heavy loads.

· Jessica, Presley Stinson, Hunter, Daniel, and Andrew Vines loved on the Kenyan children the entire time we were in Kali. They are only teens themselves but they gave themselves away every evening when we returned from a day of work at the orphanage property. Kids from the surrounding community would be waiting on them to play soccer or to take a walk and they were always ready. Andrew began to tell us early that he was a new person and I believe him.

· Teresa Vines gave me medicine on one of the long flights when I was too sick to get medicine from my own briefcase. It was the only flight where Anna and I were separated. It is good to share ailments with a bearer of meds.

· Although John Reigard talked bad about me in his report, I will have a big heart. John is one of the most multi-talented men I know. He has enormous ability in leading children in worship. As I am fortunate to have Anna, John is fortunate to have Rachelle.

· Valerie Marsh and Teresa Vines took some amazing photos on our journey. I do not like to have my picture taken but I now have some of my favorite photos ever. The service did not do justice to all that is yet to be shown.

· Ronnie Marsh and Dan Scott ran almost every morning in Kali, even when they were sick, so that they would not miss the life-time opportunity to run with Kenyans.

· Jody Sweeten helped me receive the news of the death of Palmer Maphet by telling me a call was coming for me on his phone. What little he already knew helped to prepare me for what I heard.

· The Early Christian Sunday School Class served as my prayer partners for the trip. I asked them to pray for my health and specifically the aches and pains that come with age. The two major aches and pains that afflicted me before the trip left and have not returned.

An additional matron is being added to the orphanage at Kali due to the generosity of donors at HCN.

The first Sunday of the new schedule begins this Sunday, August 15, 2010. Remember that first service remains the same at 9:00 AM. Second service is fifteen minutes earlier at 10:00 AM. Third service begins at 11:30 AM. I look forward to seeing each of you in one of the services.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

August 2, 2010

HCN looks for ways to fellowship and starting back to school seems as good a reason as any. So, we enjoyed a Back-to-School Bash last night in the Center. There were no inflatables because we did not have $1,000 to sponsor them. Our times require we make different decisions. The Cooking Team led by Wayne McNeese and staffed by Kenny McNeese, Ricky McNeese, Ken Koon, Tyler Koon, Tim Garrett, and Trey Miles grilled the hotdogs and hamburgers. The Kitchen Crew washed and stacked the lettuce; sliced the tomatoes and onions; and organized the food on the tables. The crew included Lisa Anderson, Pam McNeese, Dianne McNeese, and Kylee Koon. Parents of children, middle school, and senior high students provided set-up and break-down of tables and chairs. I enjoyed talking to friends in the food line and then sitting with my family, Josh Marlowe, and Trey Miles. Josh began a new year this morning as teacher and coach at a Wilson County Middle School. Thanks to every person who prepared and brought salads and desserts to share. The fact that people lingered long says the time was valued and needed. Thanks to the people with servant hearts and hands who cooked and prepared all the food.

Jill Satterlee planned to lead an Art Camp at HCN last week for elementary age children. She had no way of knowing that she would be in a Wilson County Middle School preparing to teach instead. Instead of canceling, artsy and talented HCN people were recruited and saved the day. Thanks to Ken Jewett, Preston Hunt, Michael Follis, and Jody Scott.

Forty-two Senior High Students and their chaperones invested four days at Fall Creek Falls last week. They hiked. They swam. They ate. They devoted themselves to spiritual formation. Their hearts were bonded to each other in Christ Jesus. These were the participants: Brandon Shepard, Hope Elkins, Brooke Elkins, Hayley Hicks, Justin Angle, Ryan Mahoney, Eric Owens, Josh Elkins, Philip Caulkins, Adrie Brown, Cade Crosslin, Matt Follis, Taylor Haydel, Shane Tarter, Rebecca Sharpe, Traci Haydel, Sandra Hunt, Will Miranne, Taylor Clarke, Toby Haydel, Daniel Jones, Rachel Jones, Jake Cannella, Fredric Walther, Jessica Long, Ben Griffith, Austin Woodfin, Natalie Semro, Presley Stinson, Robert Luther, Thomas Sharpe, Braden Maphet, Isaac Thompson, Taylor Steinmetz, Hunter Steinmetz, Morgan Shafer, Paige Hood, Brian Brinkman, Hayley Fee, Trevor Hunt, Cassie Hunt, and Jonathan Tigabu.

Brady Earnhardt wrote a letter to me and to the congregation from the United States Military Academy at West Point. I will post it under the glassboard in the Center Lobby. He would like a card or letter from you. He misses you. Write:

CC Earnhardt, Brady

1205 Abbey Avenue

USMAPS Box 73

Ft. Monmouth, NJ 07703

I drove to Sheffield, Alabama, to visit with Chuck, Jennifer, and Jack Seay last Thursday. Chuck has pastored First Naz there for the last year. He spent ten years of his life on staff at HCN. Jack rode in my car to lunch and told me I had a monster truck. He also told me he missed me. I think Chuck fed him lines. It has been a long time since I drove through so many small towns with speed zones changing every one-half mile. Some things you do for love. I also got good cornbread for lunch. How does someone so skinny know all the good places to eat?

Two big Sundays are just ahead for us. This Sunday is August 8, 2010, and the last Sunday with a regular schedule for at least four months. Enjoy it. The sacrament of baptism will be celebrated in the Sanctuary at 5:00 PM. If you are a believer and remain unbaptized, you need to add your name to the list of candidates. The Mission Africa’10 Team reports to the congregation in the Center at 6:00 PM. The team has great pictures, videos, and stories to share.

The next Sunday is August 15, 2010, and the first Sunday with a new schedule and a third service.

• First service meets at 9:00 AM in the Sanctuary.
• Second service meets at 10:00 AM in the Center.
• Third service meets at 11:30 AM in the Center.
• Dr. Sam Green leads music in all three services.
• First service music includes the choir, piano, and organ.
• Second service music includes the choir, the band, praise team.
• Third service music includes the band and an expanded praise team.
• First service includes communion every Sunday.
• Second and third service includes communion on the fourth Sunday of the month.
• I will preach in all three services.
• A new adult Sunday School class begins at 10:00 AM to give more opportunity to people who would like to attend first worship or third worship.
• All of the changes are an experiment approved by the church board through the month of December 2010.

If you currently attend first service, the schedule remains the same for you. If you currently attend second service, the schedule begins at 10:00 AM instead of 10:15 AM.

Sunday School Classes which currently say they begin at 9:00 AM will actually begin at 9:00 AM and conclude by 9:50 AM.

God constantly calls his people to courage and risk so that he might reveal his power and love to the nations. We humbly attempt these changes believing they provide opportunities for more people to know the Lord and to serve him.

I love you and I am grateful that I have the privilege to serve as pastor at HCN.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard