September 19, 2011

Welcome to the eleven newest members of Hermitage Church of the Nazarene: Doug, Christy, Hayley, and Jack Gold; Jessica, Kailey, and Regan Perkins; Bill and Angela Manley; Andy Myers; and Stan Stocki. They were born in New York, Germany, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Their church backgrounds are Southern Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal, and Nazarene. They are students, bank officers, CPAs, and retirees. Each person brings their own spiritual gifts to this local body and we celebrate who they make us. They belong to us and we belong to them. They are committed believers in Jesus Christ and his church.

On Thursday, September 15, 2011, Trevecca Nazarene University honored three women. First, they honored Dr. Nina Gunter with the recognition of a service award to women in her honor. Second, they presented a national service award to Senator Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina. Third, they presented a servant leadership award to a TNU student who exemplifies all of the qualities of Dr. Gunter and Senator Dole. The recipient was Vera Pendergraft, a student who calls HCN home while in Nashville. Congratulations to a very deserving Vera. Vera was a member of the Immersion Mission Teams in Eastern Europe last summer.

Congratulations to Trevecca’s newly elected freshman class officers who attend HCN. They are Brian Brinkman, president; Anna-Laura Green, chaplain; Chelsea Hardy, communications; Cassie Hunt, student services.

Eighty plus middle school students packed onto the property of Isaac and Morgan Houser last Saturday, September 17, 2011, in the evening. They were there for a bonfire (I heard it was 10 feet tall); for food (I heard there was chili); for a game of the underground church (can Eddie really scream that loudly?). Everyone posted great reports on the FB page. If I had names, I would post. I think they want to remain incognito (underground church and all).

Chuck Seay served on the HCN pastoral staff for ten of the last fifteen years. He now serves the Sheffield, Alabama, First Church of the Nazarene, as senior pastor. Chuck, Jennifer, and Jack were on vacation last Sunday and decided to spend the morning at HCN. We love the Seays and rejoice at the good ways God is using them in Alabama. It was good to give them a squeeze. My, how Jack has grown.

Jamie Stanfill came to second service on Sunday, September 18, 2011. It was his first Sunday out of prison in several years. People in that service prayed with Jamie and his family on the Sunday before his incarceration. Jamie thanked them for their prayers at the mic. Now, he is about the task of rebuilding his life with vows to stay clean and close to the church. Encourage Jamie when you see him.

There will be a Called Church Board Meeting this Sunday, September 25, 2011, at 4:00 PM in the Parlor. The board needs to be informed and discuss a positively important issue.

Dr. Sam Green directs the Center Worship Choir and Band this Sunday, September 25, 2011, in their Annual Fall Concert entitled “You Reign.” The first concert begins at 9:00 AM in The Center. The second concert begins at 10:30 AM (notice this is thirty minutes later than usual). The schedule is an attempt to give time to exit and to enter the buildings and parking areas. Special events always provide opportunities for us to invite our unchurched neighbors, friends, coworkers, family, fellow students to church with us. Take a risk and invite someone. What do you have to lose? What do they have to gain?

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

September 12, 2011

Congratulations to Jerrod and Emily Waffird on the birth of their daughter, Chandler Elizabeth, on Sunday, September 11, 2011, at 9:15 PM at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Chandler weighed 7 lbs 3 ozs and measured 19 ½ inches in length. She is the granddaughter of Rusty and Brenda Waffird; the niece of Jason and Katie Waffird; the great-granddaughter of Dot Waffird. We give thanks to the Lord for a safe delivery and a healthy baby girl.

Donnie and Angela Dillon presented their daughters, Jessie Rae and Amanda Gale, in dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, September 11, 2011, in the 9:00 AM service in The Sanctuary. The girls were joined at the altar by their siblings: Sadie, Lila, William, Donnie, and Mary. Pastor Carol Waller carried Amanda for the blessing journey and I carried Jessie. We bless the Lord who has blessed Donnie and Angela with children to love and nurture in His ways.

Matthew and Sabrina Keener presented their daughter, Andrea Cherlyn, in dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, September 11, 2011, in the 10:15 AM service in The Center. Andrea was joined at the altar by her brothers, Trace and Levi; grandparents: Jerry and Marilyn Keener, Paul and Cheryl Cote; aunt and uncle, Julie and Aaron Foster; cousins: Caleb, Lydia, Ethan, and Elizabeth Foster. I carried Andi for her blessing journey and her toes were a favorite feature. We bless the Lord who has blessed Matthew and Sabrina with children to love and nurture in His ways.

Congratulations to Hayley Fee elected by the MJHS Student Body as the 2011 Homecoming Queen. Hayley was crowned during the Homecoming Football Game on Friday, September 9, 2011. She was escorted by Ben Mabry. Ben is the President of the MJHS Marching Band. Both are HCN Seniors. Anna-Laura Green was the 2010 MJHS Homecoming Queen.

Second service yesterday broke the routines of scheduled order. Young people came to the altars to pray at all sorts of irregular times and their courage opened up opportunities for the rest of us to pray. As the Holy Spirit steered the service, I tried to keep us out of the way. I watched all four altars fill front and back twice and people seated on the steps of the platform. Then I watched people move out of their front seats so their chairs could become places of prayer. In the midst of the wonder, I forgot that new members were waiting to be received at the close of worship. I can only ask for forgiveness and a promise to check with each of you for a new schedule.

Paul Vann brought his friends to church last Saturday night. They provided the show for the Grounded in Hope Benefit and they were sensational. They sang gospel, patriotic, country, Elvis, Patsy Cline, Tina Turner, Neil Diamond and whatever else floated your boat. For years, they provided the show on the General Jackson. This night, they sang and played so a team of twenty to twenty-four people from HCN could go to Africa in June 2012. Thanks if you bought a ticket to the benefit or donated a service or item to the silent auction. Thanks to John Reigard who was the mastermind behind the event and to Teresa Vines, Traci Hollandsworth, and Jody Scott who provided organizational support. The 2012 Team (still forming), includes John Reigard (leader), Traci Hollandsworth, Kim Vann, Valerie Marsh, Phil Stinson, Jody Sweeten, Robert Angle, Justin Angle, Rachel Jones, Adrie Brown, Teresa Vines, Andrew Vines, Gregg Trotter, Madison Trotter, Dan Scott, Richard Rouse, Max Andrade, Deborah Kuiack, Jackie Kuiack, Betty Willis, Anna Plummer, Howard Plummer.

The HCN Worship Choir and Band presents their Fall Concert, “You Reign,” on Sunday, September 25, 2011, in two services at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM in The Center. We initially planned for one service but realized we cannot all fit into one seating. So, please plan for your family to attend one of the services and invite your unchurched friends and neighbors to come with you. Dr. Sam Green directs the choir and band. Sam reminded us on Sunday that it was two years ago he received his first diagnosis of acute leukemia and only one year ago that he passed out on stage to go through round two. This year is a celebration of complete remission for Sam, for his family, and for us.

I am grateful to God for you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

September 6, 2011

Rain, wonderful rain has soaked Middle Tennessee and made our once brown lawns think about turning green again. It encouraged some of us to stay in bed a little longer on Labor Day Monday and then held us inside to do generally whatever we felt like doing. It was kind of like a snow day. I took my two year old grandson, Leyton, out on the front porch last night to show him the rain and to talk about all the sounds it makes in the trees. He then refused to let me return indoors. I do respect whatever captures the attention of a two year old child.

Pastor Ken and Robin Jewett provided the lunch for college students on Sunday, hosting forty-five people. Are you interested in assisting in this monthly venture? Volunteer with Ken at ken.jewett@gmail.com.

The Labor Day Cookout turned into an Eat-in because of the rain. Wayne McNeese plowed through his own physical ailments to lead Kenny McNeese, Ricky McNeese, Ken Koon, Paul Stonecipher, and Phil Stinson in grilling the hamburgers and hotdogs. Lisa Anderson, Pam McNeese, and Kylee Koon prepared the sliced tomatoes, onions, and condiments. The Set-up and Clean-up Crew came from the Faith Builders Sunday School Class and included Jim and Brenda Agee, Jeanette Flatt, Myrna Sisco, Mary Alice Butler, Wendell and JoAnn Poole. Thanks to everyone who produced the side dishes, salads, desserts, and drinks.

The Grounded in Hope Benefit Concert with Paul Vann takes place this Saturday, September 10, 2011, at 7:00 PM in The HCN Center. Tickets cost $25 for general admission and $50 for reserved seating. All proceeds support the cost of sending the Mission Africa Team to Kenya in June 2012. A Silent Auction is also available in The Center Lobby. I made a quick list of some of the products and services included: photo sessions with Valerie Marsh; floral arrangements by Keli Green; coffee products from Dan Scott; photos by Reed McCoy; Babysitting by Anna Waller; computer tech services by Philip Lutz; tutoring sessions for grades 1-5 by Beverly Mitchell; pies, cakes, cookies, banana puddings by excellent HCN bakers; Titans tickets; St. Louis Cardinals tickets; Titan hats; Dale Earnhardt Photo/Frame; Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Photo/Frame; Predators Tickets; Windtree Golf Course twosome; Riverside Golf Course twosome; Grand Ole Opry tickets; Ipod products; car details; massage; A New Day Salon cut/style; Stylemaster’s haircut/style; Tangles Salon Gift Card; Two Roads Band CD; Campbell Hausfield power wash; Walk-in bathtub; crocheted products (hat, scarves, purse, bride/groom); Wildhorse gift package; Needham’s Nursery; car wash kit; homemade jellies; paintings; fleece throws; smoke detectors; Gibson hoodies and hats; Goodyear gift card; Scenty candles basket; Christmas scrapbook; large tote bags; Avon gift baskets; gift cards from Longhorn, Shagor, Fulin’s, El OK Corral, Courtney’s Restaurant and Catering, La Hacienda’s, El Chico’s, Chili’s, The Corner Pub, Outback. Please do not be mad with me if I did not include something you donated. The omission was not purposeful. I took fifty tickets to sell. I need help.

Graham Scott, Andy McCormick, Anna-Laura Green, and Christi Fite regularly contribute to The Center Worship Band and Vocal Praise Team on Sunday mornings. They are college students. Hunter Steinmetz, Ben Mabry, Sophie Green, Grant McCoy, and Reed McCoy sing in the Vocal Praise Team. They are Senior High Students. I watch them and listen to them and think about how proud I am to know them and how gifted they are. It requires a great deal of courage and faithfulness to stand up in front of the church week after week. Thanks.

Senior Adults and Friends gathered for our monthly pot luck luncheon last Friday. The variety of foods was incredible and the company was just as good. Our meetings conclude with spiritual conversation. I ask a specific question and everyone shares their own personal answer. On Friday I asked for people to share a memory of the season of fall. The stories were remarkable. When we were finished, one of the ladies told me that her mother would call her when she got home and ask what we had to eat and what was the question this month and what did people say. I was moved by the power of a simple lunch to take on life that fed the spirit of another. I told another lady what was just spoken to me. And she told me when she got to her parent’s home that afternoon, they would ask her the same questions. I forget how rich my life is. Do you?

The tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001, is this Sunday. That seems appropriate to me. Ten years after terrorists flew airplanes into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in NYC, into an open field in Pennsylvania, into the Pentagon in Washington, DC, our country and our world remain forever changed. God, on the other hand, is the same. Psalm 27:1 says: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” As we recognize this tenth anniversary this Sunday, may we exalt the Lord who is the source of our strength and security.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

August 22, 2011

I sat at my dining room table at 5:00 AM on Sunday morning and listened to the hard rain and thunder and lightning storm outside. At one point, the thunder rumbled so loudly and deeply that it rang the crystal glasses inside the china cabinet like bells. I was impressed. In some crazy way, I felt God was speaking to me. We need a little mystic in us.

Pastor Ken Jewett invited the College/University Crew to join him rafting on the Ocoee River last Friday evening, Saturday morning. Those who accepted were Lauren Lavery, Ky Bailey, Rebecca Sharpe, Derek Brinkman, Taylor Haydel, Matt Follis, and Michael Follis. I have seen pictures and there were several dips in the water. I will not name them.

Pastor Shane Tarter invited Senior High Students to join him for a Lock-In at HCN on Friday, August 19, 2011. Chaperones who joined him were Treila Garrett, Teresa Vines, Sandra Hunt, Marla Houser. Students included Hunter Steinmetz, Nathan Brown, Connor Allen, Kiana Gonzalez, Blair Stanton, Dillon McCabe, Aren Edwards, Nathan Curtis, Robert Luther, Chris West, Daniel Jones, Sarah Burnette, Hannah Burnette, Allyson Huffman, Madison Trotter, Kelli Rose, Caleb Foster, Blake Propes, Max Andrade, Kevin Helm, Hardie Chambers, Stephanie Owens, Sara Drummond, Jacqueline Winstead, Brandon Shepard, Drew Fraley, Matt Bastin, Trevor Hunt, Eddie Hunsberger, Joshua Elkins, Isaac Thompson, Ryan Mahoney, Jackson Hollinshead, Jessie Raines, Kelsie Craighead, Jessica Perkins, Rachel Jones, Reed McCoy, Sergio Myers, Chase Buscherfeld, Morgan Harold, Jonathan Mowry, Lucas Houge, Hannah Garrett, Hayley Fee, Emily Paddon, Hunter Batty, Toby Haydel, Maya Mansour, Savannah Wilson, Nahall Yousef-Zaden, Naseem Yousef-Zaden, Dylan Thomson, Matthew Kelley, Austin Twelly, Julian Turner, Brett Frashier, Jesse Yates, John Gutman, Marley Gibson, Thomas Waldrop, Robby Amity, Philip Calkins, Brandon Smith, Taylor Gonyea, Jackie Kuiack, Sara Matthews, Jessie Joyce, Avie Joyce, Sarah Griffith, Parker Lawrence, Corey Miranne, Brad Mullins, Justin Woodfin, Rachel Thimell, Travis Dakhil, Peter Murray, Jonathan Silvernail, Ryan Youngs, Levi Calton, Will Choe, Wes Gibson, Blake Escue, Brian Brinkman, Josh Cater, Taylor Clark, Katelyn Houge, Alex Houser, Jonathan Smith, Ryann Amity, Halle Raines, Taylor Vines, Zach Austin, Connor Drape, Justin Angle, Haley Richey, Erin Conway, William Fleming, Josh Johnson, Evan McDaniel, Andrew Vines, Ben Mabry, Nathanael Jackson, Chris Presley, Daniel Allen. If you count, there are 105 names. There were 107 students. This is what happens when the church provides a safe place for young people to be together with food and their friends. A PS to this paragraph is I am a member of a message board on facebook that Senior High Students post to regarding announcements and questions. Yesterday afternoon as I sat in my office waiting for an appointment to arrive, I read this on the message board: “Hey, can anyone get me to church tonight. I will give gas money.” I remembered when I was a teen and needed a ride to church on Wednesday or Sunday night and the people I depended on to pick me up and take me home. Shane told me our kids took the initiative last night to make a sign-up sheet for helping to get this friend back and forth to church.

Senior High Students recently elected a student council for their Building One Team. Seniors elected are Hunter Steinmetz, Reed McCoy, Ben Mabry. Juniors elected are Josh Cater, Sophie Green. Sophomores elected are Jessica Perkins, Rachel Jones. Freshmen elected are Caleb Foster, Jonathan Silvernail. The council has held its first meeting to organize and to begin implementing ministry.

Pastor Rondy Smith coordinated a Newcomers’ Luncheon after second service yesterday morning. The luncheon gives new families an opportunity to meet pastoral staff and for pastoral staff to meet new families. I am always amazed at who I do not know. I had previously met one person. The families who were brave and courageous and made time to meet us were Patrick and Janelle Lake and their children, Zack, Ariana, Elijah; Michael Hraba and his daughters, Katelyn and Haley; Wade and Tonya Williams and their children, Cade and Sydney; and Stan Stocki. Two of the four families first connected with the church through Upwards.

One of the newcomer families asked about a membership class opportunity. I have scheduled two: Tuesday, September 6, 2011, from 7:00 to 8:15 PM and Saturday, September 10, 2011, from 9:00 to 10:15 AM. You only need to attend one and there is no pressure to join the church after attending.

Last Wednesday evening, Jared Bouton brought one of his childhood friends to church with him. His friend’s name is Sawyer. Sawyer was home on a two week leave from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Jared told me he prayed for Sawyer every week when we pray through the soldier list. Jared prayed that when Sawyer came to visit that it would be on a church night. It was. They came to the class I teach in the Parlor. We are finishing the first Radical book. Afterwards, people swamped Sawyer and his wife telling them we were going to pray for him for the rest of his tour of duty. Jared said Sawyer was honored and somehow he felt honored. He wrote: “I was so happy to be a part of a church that is loving, caring, and an amazing example of Christ to someone not a regular within our walls.” You never know when opportunities will come your way to take care of someone for Jesus.

I am glad I know you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

August 15, 2011

Congratulations to Brady and Michelle Plummer on the birth of their son, Nolan William, on Tuesday, August 9, 2011, at 7:33 PM at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee. He weighed 7 lbs 10 ozs and measured 21 inches in length. Nolan is the brother of Kennedy and Leyton; the grandson of Howard and Anna Plummer; the nephew of Kelly Plummer and Roger King; the great-grandson of Sue and Darvin Dobbins; the great-nephew of Bobby and Rondy Smith; the cousin of Daniel and Kyle Smith. We give thanks to the Lord for a safe delivery and a healthy baby.

Congratulations to Sarah Jo Bouton who officially graduated from Belmont University on Saturday with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Sarah Jo is the wife of Jared Bouton. She is employed by STAR Physical Therapy in Mt. Juliet.

All five of our Trevecca Student Immerse Missionaries have returned to the USA from twelve weeks in Bulgaria and Romania. Jake Resor, Daniel Smith, Preston Hunt, Michael Follis, and Graham Scott greeted the second service congregation on Sunday, August 14, 2011. Welcome home. You were missed. We are proud of you.

Seventy-eight Middle School Students participated in a Lock-In at HCN on Friday, August 5, 2011, under the leadership of Pastor Eddie Witkowski and Pastor Carol Waller. They were assisted by Yana Witkowski, Patty Daugherty, Jake Resor, Katie Scott, Katelyn Hogue, and Aaron Foster. Middle School Students included Joel Daugherty, Evan Gibson, Logan Evans, Evan Flint, Nick Satterlee, Gabi Satterlee, Nate Martin, Tanner Cheatham, Corinne Cheatham, Shelby Rose, Brianna Post, Chandler Scott, Kailey Perkins, Abby Elkins, Olivia Garrett, Cameron Davenport, Carson Davenport, Carly Earnhardt, Anthony Mannen, Lacey Remmert, Logan Remmert, Logan Brooks, Jonathan Smith, Nathan McLaughlin, Michael Mathias, Ben Thompson, Shelby Thompson, TJ Hysell, Annie Cater, Keegan Brown, J.D. Hall, Isaac Houser, Morgan Houser, Bella Agee, Bryce Poole, Joel Jones, Cade Williams, Jacob Brown, Holly Barfield, Nick Groover, Marileigh Mabry, Chelsea Rhodes, McClain Remus, Hannah Gastley, Madeline Scholl, Emma Montague, Grant Reigard, Teddy Joyce, Bella Green, Danielle Wylomans, Jordan Sweeten, Eddie Mahoney, Evan Gamble, Mason Greenwood, Adam Shelton, Grant Render, Morgan Follis, Maddy Rouse, Lydia Foster, Trace Tignor, Cole Jackson, Shelby Jackson, Anna Waller, Sara Waller, Becca Waller, Mikayla Wurth, Ashley Wallace, Hannah Dubin, Keely Dozier, Josh Pilarski, Austin Waller, Ashlee Harrison, Nolan Magee, Daniel Magee.

Eleven College/University Students served the evening meal on Monday, August 8, 2011, at the Nashville Rescue Mission. The group included Morgan Harold, Katelyn Houge, Heather Miller, Katie Scott, Ben Griffith, Braden Maphet, Jasmine Stiles-Barnes, Jessica Long, Rebecca Sharpe, Anna-Laura Green, Jake Resor. They were led by Pastor Ken Jewett.

The Church Board met on Sunday, August 14, 2011, for their monthly session. Motions passed include the restructuring of pastoral staff titles, assignments. Carol Waller’s title changes from Pastor to Families with Children to NextGen Pastor. Carol retains her role in leading children’s ministries but assumes oversight roles over children, youth, and college ministries. Ken Jewett focuses on College Ministries and adds leadership for Upwards Sports Ministries. Eddie Witkowski assumes leadership for Middle School Ministries.

Wendell and Sheila Marlowe have a son, Patrick, who is an inmate in a federal prison. In the last six months, Patrick was relocated from a federal facility in one state to a federal facility in another state. What initially appeared good for Patrick was not good. He is isolated and sinking physically and emotionally. Wendell and Sheila have just returned from a visit. Patrick has hope for something that might help his situation. If you are interested in helping, contact Wendell at wendell.marlowe@live.com. Patrick is a child of this church and a member.

Remember when your dad or mom gave you the lecture about turning lights on and off in the house? Well, we need the lecture. If you are passing by a room or the sanctuary and no one is present, would you make it your business to turn off the lights? It surely would help the church electric bill which was especially high last month.

Numbers are interesting to me. Lance Waller told me when he counted attendance in The Center for second service he went to the second floor and looked down. He said Senior High Students seated 20 people on 15 chairs. I think my area seated 3 people on 5 chairs. Lance suggests we follow the Senior High model. Carol Waller reported in pastoral staff meeting this morning that there were 22 students in Sunday School in the 5th Grade Class. You know that large Senior High Group we enjoy? There is another wave just behind them.

Two young adult women who suffer from Huntington’s disease are sisters and members of the HCN community with their husbands and children. This Thursday, August 18, 2011, at 7:00 PM, Melissa Darnell will provide a learning opportunity about Huntington’s at HCN. Melissa is a cousin of our sisters and the caretaker of her dad and aunt. Both sisters have given permission for this meeting. If you need more information, contact Carol Waller at waller.cw@gmail.com.

We failed to publish this in last Sunday’s bulletin.

I look forward to singing with you on Sunday.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

August 8, 2011

Congratulations to Bill Manley and Angela Draper who were joined in marriage on Tuesday, August 4, 2011, at 4:00 PM in the Hermitage Church Sanctuary. The ceremony was so private that we had to pick up witnesses on the way to the sanctuary. Traci Haydel and Matt Follis served as witnesses and Matt signed the papers. I was pleased to preside.

Congratulations to Brad Mullins who made the Mt. Juliet High School JV Baseball Team last week. Brad has just returned to Middle Tennessee from Oklahoma with his brother, Travis, and parents, Paul and Wendy.

Thanks to all of the servants who do most of the hard work every time we have an all church social. Last Sunday afternoon, Wayne McNeese led the cooking team with his son-in-law, Ken Koon. Lisa Anderson, Pam McNeese, Kylee Koon, and Traci Hollandsworth prepared the onions and tomatoes and condiments. Chris Lewis and Caleb Foster set up all the tables and chairs. Thanks to everyone who brought the extras of salads, desserts, and drinks.

Dr. Sam Green planned and rehearsed an evening of music with the Praise Team and Worship Band that followed our meal. The vocalists included Christi Fite, Anna-Laura Green, Sophie Green, Suzanne Karr Herring, Keli Green, Dorinda Biggs, Paul Vann, Hunter Steinmetz, and Sam. The instrumentalists included Michael Waller, Donny Jackson, Andy McCormick, Randy Layne, David Flint, Jay Barfield, Ben Tyler, Paul Bolling, and Josh Sinclair. The talent and spirit of the service was amazing. I heard and witnessed much joy and celebration.

The Radical Together Experience began on Sunday, August 7, 2011, in the Sunday School hour with middle school through adult classes participating. Early Christians decided to meet at 7:50 AM instead of 8:00 AM to give ten extra minutes of discussion. What are you bringing to the table that requires change for you?

Two young adult women who suffer from Huntington’s disease are sisters and members of the HCN community with their husbands and children. Many people in the congregation want to know more about the disease and how to help the families. On Thursday, August 18, 2011, at 7:00 PM, Melissa Darnell will provide a learning opportunity at HCN. Melissa is a cousin of our sisters and the caretaker of her dad and aunt. Both sisters have given permission for this meeting. If you need more information, contact Carol Waller at waller.cw@gmail.com.

Last week, when I reported that Dr. Rondy Smith and Pastor Carol Waller preached at HCN while I was away on vacation, I made a major error. I wrote that Carol Waller was Carol Smith. It was somewhat of a joke on staff because sometimes people mistake Rondy and Carol for each other. I apologize. It will not be my last mistake.

I am glad I know you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

August 1, 2011

Anna and I have taken two weekends in a row as vacation time to rest and refresh. We could not afford to get too far away as grandbaby number three is scheduled for arrival. During the two weeks, our son, Brady, was involved in an accident in Bowling Green, KY, which totaled his car and left him to kick his way out of a window. He has bruises and a very sore back but no broken bones or head injuries. We are grateful and fortunate.

Dr. Rondy Smith filled the pulpit on Sunday, July 24, 2011, as she told the story of her Radical Sabbatical. The whole church is joining Rondy in the process as Adult and Youth Sunday School Classes begin the study of Radical Together this Sunday, August 7, 2011. Pastor Carol Smith filled the pulpit on Sunday, July 31, 2011, as she told the story of The Generations. Carol had the HCN Generations of Youth to come to the front for a prayer of blessing before dismissal in second service. Both of these women are gripped with conviction for where God leads them and how he wants them to lead in their ministry assignments at HCN. I am very proud of each pastor and the excellence with which they led morning worship services. Thanks to Pastor Ken Jewett who taught the Early Christian Sunday School Class on both July 24 and July 31, 2011.

There are three special musical events coming to HCN in the next eight weeks and each possesses a distinct personality and purpose. The first is scheduled for this Sunday, August 7, 2011, at 6:00 PM in The Center. It has incubated in the heart of Dr. Sam Green. It is a worship and praise experience entitled, “Renew Your Mind,” and led by the praise team and worship band. It is not about watching. It is about participating. You want to come at 5:00 PM and eat and then help us to rearrange the chairs so that we might sing and praise the Lord.

The second is about others. If you were present in The Center Lobby on Sunday, you witnessed a wall of work by Betty Willis, Anna Plummer, and Jody Scott. The wall tells a story of how Kenya became a place of calling to members of the HCN family, beginning in 2006. It includes the construction of an orphanage; life for 26 orphan girls; protection for the property; dreams for a community well; feeding a community starving from drought. The wall ends by telling you there is a benefit concert and silent auction planned for Saturday, September 10, 2011, entitled “Grounded In Hope.” The purpose of the event is to raise funds to send a new team to Kenya in June 2012. Entertainment for the evening features vocalist Paul Vann. Tickets are $25 and $50. This benefit was approved by the Church Board. Like the meetings of the 2006 team which dreamed the 2008 trip into being, the meetings planning the 2012 trip are empowered by the Holy Spirit. I sat and watched each take form and was amazed.

The third is the Annual Fall Concert with music from Prestonwood Choir entitled “You Reign.” The date is September 25, 2011, at 10:00 AM in The Center. We looked at all of the stats from previous years and decided this is the one event we can do together in one great big morning. It will be fun to fill the house. Would you reserve the morning?

Jake Resor landed safely in Nashville, TN, last night following a summer of mission in Bulgaria and an automobile wreck which dislocated his hip. His hip is now relocated and he is on a month of crutches. Dr. Tim Green chaperoned Jake home. We look forward to seeing and hearing from Jake. The other eighteen missionaries return in several weeks.

Kyle Smith is in Lakeland, Florida, this week playing in the East Coast Pro Showcase. 150 high school baseball players from 6 regions make up the rosters of 6 teams. The percentage of draft picks to MLB teams from the 2010 showcase is huge. Previous players include Josh Hamilton and Brian McCann.

I am glad to be home and look forward to worship with you on Sunday.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard