Congratulations to Dr. William Greathouse on the celebration of his ninetieth birthday this Wednesday, April 29, 2009. His long-time friend, Dr. Rob Staples, came to town to join the celebration last weekend and stayed for worship on Sunday morning. The theo-logical mega wattage of those two men in the same room should have blown the lights. Happy birthday to the churchman who has inspired laity and clergy for decades with a laser focus on the heart and life and work of John Wesley and the message of the book of Romans. Dr. Greathouse is a shepherd and encourager to his pastor.
A multitude of runners from HCN are shining stars this week. Ronnie Marsh ran the 113th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20, 2009. He finished the 26.2 miles course in 3 hours 18 minutes, finishing 4,238 out of 23,000 plus runners. Valerie ran the last 5K of the course on Sunday, April 19, 2009, an opportunity for the runners’ families. The Country Music Marathon was run on Saturday, April 25, 2009, in Nashville and included Carolyn Washing, Sarah Paddon, Mike Miranne, Dan Scott, Aaron Foster, and Barry Whitehead. Chandler Scott and Marileigh Mabry ran in the Children’s Marathon. I have attempted to secure information on CMM runners but no one, I repeat no one, is home.
The face or voices of Joy Bradley or Jody Scott provide the first impression to most people who visit HCN through the weekday. Both serve roles as administrative assistants to the pastoral staff team. Joy is the longest serving employee of the church. On behalf of the church, I took them to lunch last Thursday and presented them with a thank you card and small gift certificate. Afternoon secretaries, Billie Ragland and Betty Willis, were also given cards and certificates. Thank you to the people who greet us and admit us to the buildings and channel our phone calls to the right office. Thank you for your kindness and competence.
College and university graduates will be recognized during worship services this Sunday, May 3, 2009. If you have a family member who is graduating with an under-graduate or graduate degree, please call the church office at 847-3335 and tell us.
Annual Elections are scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2009, during the regular hours of morning worship services and Sunday School. Five of fifteen church board members will be elected to serve a three year term. Leaders of Sunday School, NMI (Missions), and NYI (youth) will also be elected and serve for a one year term. Delegates to District Assembly and District Conventions will be elected. Members of the local church who are fifteen years of age and older are eligible on all ballots. Members of the local church who are twelve to forty years of age will be eligible to vote for the NYI (youth) ballot. The five church board members who rotate off the board for one year effective June 1, 2009, are Jerry Keener, Barbara Parrish, Alan Elkins, Miriam McMillan, and Jea Agee.
Middle School Students began the tradition of a great fundraiser in their first Dinner Theatre four years ago. I remember watching them bow as a group at the end of the evening and thinking of how God had made them into a team that evening. Senior High Students join Middle School Students this year in a Dinner Theatre scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2009, at 5:00 PM in The Center. It is especially important that we support the youth as all funds subsidize their Camp trip to Gatlinburg in June. Would you place the date and time on your calendar? Please.
Pete Benson concludes the three Sunday evening sessions on “Facing the Economic Storm” this Sunday, May 3, 2009, at 5:30 PM in the Sanctuary. The final session focuses on retirement and investment plans. Thanks to Pete for taking his time to talk to us out of his heart and expertise.
I don’t know what your prayer list is like these days, probably long. If you have time to pray for one more person, I want to get someone on your list. Her name is Victoria. She is a young single woman in her early thirties. I have never met her. She is the friend of Robert and Barbara Parrish’s daughter, Rachel. Victoria lived in Colorado until she discovered a month ago that she had multiple brain aneurisms. Her doctors sent her to Stanford Medical Center in California where she went through multiple tests and was scheduled for multiple surgeries. She has now gone through all the surgeries; has suffered several strokes; and is awaiting a controlled awakening from a coma-like state. Despite the enormity of all that trauma, there have been periodic miraculous moments. The movement of a hand. The speaking of her name. In between surgeries, she woke up and put on some make-up. For reasons unknown to me, I feel great faith for Victoria’s healing, recovery. If you feel moved to prayer, would you take a moment as you read this letter and speak her name to the Lord? Would you ask for healing? I have read lots of biblical stories lately about Jesus doing powerful things and I think my believing has gotten lazy. Her name is Victoria. What if she was your daughter, your sister?
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
April 20, 2009
Philip and Natalie Lutz presented their son, Keegan Thomas Lutz, in dedication to the Lord Jesus on Sunday, April 19, 2009, in the 10:15 AM service in The Center. Keegan was joined at the altar by his grandparents: Tom and Beverly Lutz, Mike and Cathy White; aunts: Carley Lutz and Brittany White; great-grandmothers: Mary Grace Greer and Jean Bandy; great-aunt: Becky Greer. Keegan screamed just before I got him and then traveled the distance of the blessing journey in complete peace. He received the official foot shake by numbers too numerous to tell. How do you keep your hands off those bare toes? We bless the Lord who has blessed Philip and Natalie with a child to love and raise for him.
Congratulations to HCN’s Youth on their successful venture into TNT Land at TNU last weekend. Anna-Laura Green won 3rd place in Ladies Middle Youth Table Tennis. Lauren Lavery won 1st place in Ladies Senior High Swimming; won 2nd place with the Ladies Basketball Team; chosen for the All-Star Ladies Basketball Team; awarded the Ladies Basketball Sportsmanship Award. Brian Brinkman won 1st place Men’s Senior High Tennis; won 3rd place with the Ultimate Frisbee Team; chosen for the Beach Volleyball All-Star Team; played on the Men’s Beach Volleyball Team. Ben Mabry won 3rd place with the Ultimate Frisbee Team and played on the Men’s Beach Volleyball Team. Sophie Green submitted art work. The HCN Mission Trip video won second place among Nazarene Churches in the Southeast Region and received a $1,000 check to support future ministry.
Tennessee District Senior High and Seventh and Eighth Grade Youth are normally registering for a week at Camp the first of June. This year, however, the camp was scheduled while Wilson County Schools are still in session. So, our youth leaders have worked extraordinarily hard to find a super alternative. This year’s camp for grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 and separately, grades 7 and 8, is scheduled for Friday through Tuesday, June 19-23, 2009, at Gatlinburg, TN. The camp is coordinated by Student Life Ministries with special speaker, Lou Giglio; special worship leader, Steve Fee; and a concert on Thursday evening with The David Crowder Band. Cost for the camp is $250. A deposit of $50 is required for each camper by Sunday, May 3, 2009. Housing and transportation is separate for Senior High and 7th and 8th Grade Students. Contact Pastor Shane at Shane.Tarter80@gmail.com for more information.
This Sunday, April 26, 2009, is designated as a Recognition Day for all volunteers of Nashville’s Room-in-the-Inn. Could I share a few stats with you regarding accomplish-ments of the mission in the 2008-2009 host year? Between November 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, more than 1,200 guests participated in RITI; more that 28,000 beds were provided; more than 60,000 meals were served; more than 20,000 showers were offered. More than 17,000 volunteers gave more than 92,000 hours of service. The connections made between volunteers and guests were born of mutual respect and recognition of a common humanity. Thanks to all who provided meals, conversations, chaperoning, transportation, set-up, clean-up, wash-ups in the name of Jesus Christ.
The Church Board met on Sunday, April 19, 2009, at 4:30 PM, and passed the following motions and affirmed the motions passed on the Sunday, April 1, 2009:
· Accepted Ronnie Thompson’s resignation as Middle School Pastor effective April 30, 2009. Ronnie’s last two weeks are vacation time. The church will pay Ronnie’s health insurance through June 30, 2009, and gift him with the laptop from his office.
· Changed Ken Jewett’s pastoral staff assignment to full-time Associate Pastor of Student Ministries with umbrella oversight of Middle School, Senior High, and College Ministries.
· Hired three part-time assistants to work in Middle School and Senior High Ministries: Hayley Hill, Jake Resor, Daniel Smith. All three are pastoral ministry majors at Trevecca.
· Approved Ken Elkins, Gay Elkins, Arch Dobson, Donna Shankle, and Amy Walvoord, as Task Force members to receive requests and distribute funds for compassionate needs at HCN and to approve Quarterly Poverty Dinner with funds to be halved between World Servants in Kenya and HCN.
· Recommended renewal of district license for Carol Waller, Bryce Fox, Tes Tigabu and issue of district license for Shane Tarter.
· Set Annual Meeting Elections for Sunday, May 17, 2009, during AM services.
· Appointed Nominating Task Force for Annual Meeting Elections: Phil Jordan, Kendell Poole, Teresa Vines, Jea Agee, Rondy Smith
· Approved repeat of scheduled break for Sunday PM services for June and July 2009 with one class meeting in sanctuary at 6:00 PM for all ages; leadership for class is to be rotated among pastoral staff team.
K.C. Van Atta, also a pastoral ministries major at TNU, will serve a summer intern-ship at HCN with me. K.C. receives her assignment through the office of Dr. Wilbur Brannon, pastoral intern director at TNU. We meet for the first time this week.
Sometimes I am trusted to keep my two year old granddaughter, Kennedy, by myself. Last week, I got to keep her twice in the early evening. We walked in the backyard and discovered a rabbit and a squirrel and listened to birds and a train whistle. Then we went to the front yard and tailgated out of the back of my Expedition. I washed some grapes and had some rolls of Smarties left from the Easter Egg Hunt. Kennedy wanted to push the inside button to close the back lift gate and eventually I let her. I had no idea it did not open from the inside. I had to crawl over the back seats and out the side doors to let us escape. It was not pretty. I am glad that my life has serendipities and that I have a granddaughter who helps me play.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Congratulations to HCN’s Youth on their successful venture into TNT Land at TNU last weekend. Anna-Laura Green won 3rd place in Ladies Middle Youth Table Tennis. Lauren Lavery won 1st place in Ladies Senior High Swimming; won 2nd place with the Ladies Basketball Team; chosen for the All-Star Ladies Basketball Team; awarded the Ladies Basketball Sportsmanship Award. Brian Brinkman won 1st place Men’s Senior High Tennis; won 3rd place with the Ultimate Frisbee Team; chosen for the Beach Volleyball All-Star Team; played on the Men’s Beach Volleyball Team. Ben Mabry won 3rd place with the Ultimate Frisbee Team and played on the Men’s Beach Volleyball Team. Sophie Green submitted art work. The HCN Mission Trip video won second place among Nazarene Churches in the Southeast Region and received a $1,000 check to support future ministry.
Tennessee District Senior High and Seventh and Eighth Grade Youth are normally registering for a week at Camp the first of June. This year, however, the camp was scheduled while Wilson County Schools are still in session. So, our youth leaders have worked extraordinarily hard to find a super alternative. This year’s camp for grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 and separately, grades 7 and 8, is scheduled for Friday through Tuesday, June 19-23, 2009, at Gatlinburg, TN. The camp is coordinated by Student Life Ministries with special speaker, Lou Giglio; special worship leader, Steve Fee; and a concert on Thursday evening with The David Crowder Band. Cost for the camp is $250. A deposit of $50 is required for each camper by Sunday, May 3, 2009. Housing and transportation is separate for Senior High and 7th and 8th Grade Students. Contact Pastor Shane at Shane.Tarter80@gmail.com for more information.
This Sunday, April 26, 2009, is designated as a Recognition Day for all volunteers of Nashville’s Room-in-the-Inn. Could I share a few stats with you regarding accomplish-ments of the mission in the 2008-2009 host year? Between November 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, more than 1,200 guests participated in RITI; more that 28,000 beds were provided; more than 60,000 meals were served; more than 20,000 showers were offered. More than 17,000 volunteers gave more than 92,000 hours of service. The connections made between volunteers and guests were born of mutual respect and recognition of a common humanity. Thanks to all who provided meals, conversations, chaperoning, transportation, set-up, clean-up, wash-ups in the name of Jesus Christ.
The Church Board met on Sunday, April 19, 2009, at 4:30 PM, and passed the following motions and affirmed the motions passed on the Sunday, April 1, 2009:
· Accepted Ronnie Thompson’s resignation as Middle School Pastor effective April 30, 2009. Ronnie’s last two weeks are vacation time. The church will pay Ronnie’s health insurance through June 30, 2009, and gift him with the laptop from his office.
· Changed Ken Jewett’s pastoral staff assignment to full-time Associate Pastor of Student Ministries with umbrella oversight of Middle School, Senior High, and College Ministries.
· Hired three part-time assistants to work in Middle School and Senior High Ministries: Hayley Hill, Jake Resor, Daniel Smith. All three are pastoral ministry majors at Trevecca.
· Approved Ken Elkins, Gay Elkins, Arch Dobson, Donna Shankle, and Amy Walvoord, as Task Force members to receive requests and distribute funds for compassionate needs at HCN and to approve Quarterly Poverty Dinner with funds to be halved between World Servants in Kenya and HCN.
· Recommended renewal of district license for Carol Waller, Bryce Fox, Tes Tigabu and issue of district license for Shane Tarter.
· Set Annual Meeting Elections for Sunday, May 17, 2009, during AM services.
· Appointed Nominating Task Force for Annual Meeting Elections: Phil Jordan, Kendell Poole, Teresa Vines, Jea Agee, Rondy Smith
· Approved repeat of scheduled break for Sunday PM services for June and July 2009 with one class meeting in sanctuary at 6:00 PM for all ages; leadership for class is to be rotated among pastoral staff team.
K.C. Van Atta, also a pastoral ministries major at TNU, will serve a summer intern-ship at HCN with me. K.C. receives her assignment through the office of Dr. Wilbur Brannon, pastoral intern director at TNU. We meet for the first time this week.
Sometimes I am trusted to keep my two year old granddaughter, Kennedy, by myself. Last week, I got to keep her twice in the early evening. We walked in the backyard and discovered a rabbit and a squirrel and listened to birds and a train whistle. Then we went to the front yard and tailgated out of the back of my Expedition. I washed some grapes and had some rolls of Smarties left from the Easter Egg Hunt. Kennedy wanted to push the inside button to close the back lift gate and eventually I let her. I had no idea it did not open from the inside. I had to crawl over the back seats and out the side doors to let us escape. It was not pretty. I am glad that my life has serendipities and that I have a granddaughter who helps me play.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Monday, April 13, 2009
April 13, 2009
Easter Sunday provides a wonderful opportunity to the church to tell the story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ to all who will listen and in as many ways as you can tell it. Hermitage Church tries to tell it in music and media, by the band and the choir, in the songs and the instruments, via children and preachers. The messenger changes about every five minutes but the message is the same: Jesus Christ laid down his life in a sacrifice of love, but now he is risen and alive. These are some of the people who worked to make a difference on Sunday, April 12, 2009:
· Jennifer Neely, Kris Neely, Kim Vann who decorated The Center and lobby with lilies and dogwoods
· Betty Willis who draped The Sanctuary cross with cloth and light
· Glen Detwiler, Ken Elkins, Tommy Boner, and Ken Willis who extended the stage in The Center
· Billie Ragland and Shirley Maschinski who prepared all the elements for communion on both Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday
· Andy McCormick who played the saxophone solo at the opening of worship
· Andy McCormick, Graham Scott, Randy Layne, Dave Flint, Donny Jackson, Ricky Gore, Paul Bolling, and Michael Waller who provided live instrumenta-tion for congregational and choral music
· Dorinda Biggs who sang the solo to “Because of Love”
· Paul Vann who sang the solo to “Arise, My Love”
· HCN Choir Members who provided live vocals: Dorinda Biggs, Christi Fite, Beth Fox, Keli Green, Emily Sullivan, Miriam McMillan, Ole Blomberg, Will Chambers, Bryce Fox, Marvin Heath, Art Kurtz, Herb McMillan, Mike Orrick, Paul Vann, Mark Washing, Lisa Anderson, Sami Chambers, Joyce Clevenger, Ashley Crues, Jessica Dozier, Kristi Dozier, JoAnn Jackson, Pam McNeese, Sarah Vaden, Brenda Waffird, Dalene Barnett, Janeene Davis, Julie Foster, Anna-Laura Green, Julie Harrison, Marilyn Keener, Sandra Kurtz, Madeline Moser, Anna Plummer, Emily Sullivan, Betty Willis
· The Stick Team who dramatized “Arise, My Love”: Bethany Ruff, Brielle Fox, Annie Cater, Mikayla Wurth, Madeleine Rouse, Lydia Foster, Bryson Fox, Kristin Paddon, Mahaliah Davis, Sara Drummond, Jacob Paddon, Shelby Rose, Kellie Rose, Drew Silvernail, Jonathan Silvernail
· The Stick Team Directors who rehearsed the kids: Christy Barfield, Michelle Silvernail
· Sunday morning ushers who assisted the distribution of communion elements and received the offering (wish I knew everyone’s name)
· Charles Jewell and Robert Parrish for cutting the lawn, trimming the edges, blowing off the parking lots
· Andy Elkins for directing Easter traffic, Jake Pilarski for directing Palm Sunday traffic
· Brian Biggs, Robert Sullivan for operating sound, lights, videos
· Dr. Sam Green for coordinating and directing major pieces of all of the above
If you thought any of it was too much, blame me. For everyone who made the Lenten journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, I hope the “giving up” made you think of Jesus often. Thanks to everyone who made the transitions in time and location.
HCN’s Spring Bass Tournament fished out on Saturday, April 11, 2009, on Old Hickory Lake. Nineteen entrants entered Shutes Branch just after 5:00 AM and when weigh-in came at 12:00 Noon, the winners were Steve Kemp and Rob Lyles. Second place winners were David Drummond and Ross Drummond. Third place winners were Chris Taylor and Austin Taylor. Congratulations to everyone who tried.
Congratulations to all North Carolina Men’s Basketball fans on the successful completion of the only game in sports where you choose the top 65 teams in the nation and let them play until one team is standing. I picked Louisville to win it all. I am glad I was wrong.
Did anyone besides me pull for Kenny Perry in the Master’s on Sunday afternoon?
Barbara Douthit’s family is having a public sale of Jim’s tools, fishing gear, etc., on May 1 and 2, 2009. There is a pre-sale available to you on April 25, 2009, from 9 AM to 3 PM. The list is long and includes a boat, pick-up truck, saws, air compressor, hand tools. Call 874-9162 and talk to David or Amy Elmore for more information or email to DATAS@comcast.net.
I look forward to Sunday.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
· Jennifer Neely, Kris Neely, Kim Vann who decorated The Center and lobby with lilies and dogwoods
· Betty Willis who draped The Sanctuary cross with cloth and light
· Glen Detwiler, Ken Elkins, Tommy Boner, and Ken Willis who extended the stage in The Center
· Billie Ragland and Shirley Maschinski who prepared all the elements for communion on both Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday
· Andy McCormick who played the saxophone solo at the opening of worship
· Andy McCormick, Graham Scott, Randy Layne, Dave Flint, Donny Jackson, Ricky Gore, Paul Bolling, and Michael Waller who provided live instrumenta-tion for congregational and choral music
· Dorinda Biggs who sang the solo to “Because of Love”
· Paul Vann who sang the solo to “Arise, My Love”
· HCN Choir Members who provided live vocals: Dorinda Biggs, Christi Fite, Beth Fox, Keli Green, Emily Sullivan, Miriam McMillan, Ole Blomberg, Will Chambers, Bryce Fox, Marvin Heath, Art Kurtz, Herb McMillan, Mike Orrick, Paul Vann, Mark Washing, Lisa Anderson, Sami Chambers, Joyce Clevenger, Ashley Crues, Jessica Dozier, Kristi Dozier, JoAnn Jackson, Pam McNeese, Sarah Vaden, Brenda Waffird, Dalene Barnett, Janeene Davis, Julie Foster, Anna-Laura Green, Julie Harrison, Marilyn Keener, Sandra Kurtz, Madeline Moser, Anna Plummer, Emily Sullivan, Betty Willis
· The Stick Team who dramatized “Arise, My Love”: Bethany Ruff, Brielle Fox, Annie Cater, Mikayla Wurth, Madeleine Rouse, Lydia Foster, Bryson Fox, Kristin Paddon, Mahaliah Davis, Sara Drummond, Jacob Paddon, Shelby Rose, Kellie Rose, Drew Silvernail, Jonathan Silvernail
· The Stick Team Directors who rehearsed the kids: Christy Barfield, Michelle Silvernail
· Sunday morning ushers who assisted the distribution of communion elements and received the offering (wish I knew everyone’s name)
· Charles Jewell and Robert Parrish for cutting the lawn, trimming the edges, blowing off the parking lots
· Andy Elkins for directing Easter traffic, Jake Pilarski for directing Palm Sunday traffic
· Brian Biggs, Robert Sullivan for operating sound, lights, videos
· Dr. Sam Green for coordinating and directing major pieces of all of the above
If you thought any of it was too much, blame me. For everyone who made the Lenten journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, I hope the “giving up” made you think of Jesus often. Thanks to everyone who made the transitions in time and location.
HCN’s Spring Bass Tournament fished out on Saturday, April 11, 2009, on Old Hickory Lake. Nineteen entrants entered Shutes Branch just after 5:00 AM and when weigh-in came at 12:00 Noon, the winners were Steve Kemp and Rob Lyles. Second place winners were David Drummond and Ross Drummond. Third place winners were Chris Taylor and Austin Taylor. Congratulations to everyone who tried.
Congratulations to all North Carolina Men’s Basketball fans on the successful completion of the only game in sports where you choose the top 65 teams in the nation and let them play until one team is standing. I picked Louisville to win it all. I am glad I was wrong.
Did anyone besides me pull for Kenny Perry in the Master’s on Sunday afternoon?
Barbara Douthit’s family is having a public sale of Jim’s tools, fishing gear, etc., on May 1 and 2, 2009. There is a pre-sale available to you on April 25, 2009, from 9 AM to 3 PM. The list is long and includes a boat, pick-up truck, saws, air compressor, hand tools. Call 874-9162 and talk to David or Amy Elmore for more information or email to DATAS@comcast.net.
I look forward to Sunday.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Monday, April 6, 2009
April 6, 2009
Dr. Sam Green led the HCN Choir and Worship Band in a morning of music and narration on Palm Sunday, April 5, 2009. “He Chose the Nails” resulted in an opportunity to tell the story of the Cross one more time to people who know it best. Thanks to the excellent instrumentalists: Paul Bolling, Dave Flint, Ricky Gore, Donny Jackson, Randy Layne, Andy McCormick, Graham Scott, and Michael Waller. Thanks to the inspired soloists: Dorinda Biggs, Christi Fite, Beth Fox, Keli Green, John Jordan, Emily Sullivan, and Miriam McMillan. Thanks to the magnificent choir: Ole Blomberg, Will Chambers, Bryce Fox, Marvin Heath, John Jordan, Art Kurtz, Herb McMillan, Ryan Means, Mike Orrick, Ken Stegall, Mark Washing, Renita Amity, Lisa Anderson, Dorinda Biggs, Sami Chambers, Ashley Crues, Jessica Dozier, Christi Fite, Keli Green, JoAnn Jackson, Pam McNeese, Miriam McMillan, Kate O’Connell, Sarah Vaden, Brenda Waffird, Dalene Barnett, Janeene Davis, Julie Foster, Beth Fox, Anna-Laura Green, Sandra Kurtz, Madeline Moser, Anna Plummer, Emily Sullivan, and Betty Willis. There were 880 cups served in communion.
The Easter Egg Hunt at 5:00 PM brought out a great crowd. Because the west end parking lots were blocked for reasons of safety for children, cars were parked all over the east end lawn. The storm which rained all over Nashville never touched us. Every child I interviewed carried away more eggs than they could carry. Six hundred plates were put out for the cook-out, eat-in and one hundred more were added when those were used. For the first time, we ran out of hamburgers, hotdogs, and chicken. Even the bowls were bare when I walked past the tables at the end. Thanks to our faithful cooking crew of Wayne McNeese, Kenny McNeese, Ricky McNeese, Ken Koon, Darrell Moody, Dan Scott, and Paul Stonecipher. Thanks to the kitchen crew of Lisa Anderson, Pam McNeese, Kylee Koon, Dianne McNeese, and Dot Waffird for doing all the slicing and dicing. Thanks to the Bread Breakers and Journey Sunday School Classes for set-up and service and clean-up before and after the meal.
This Sunday, April 12, 2009, is Middle School Pastor Ronnie Thompson’s last Sunday on staff. He takes the remaining two weeks in April for vacation and then on to a senior pastor assignment in Arkansas. Jenni, Ben, and Shelby remain with us until school is out and then follow Ronnie. Tom Christensen and Sophia Green presented a card, file, and cupcakes to Ronnie at the Sunday evening cook-out and the Church Board voted to gift Ronnie with his laptop computer. If you did not have an opportunity to give Ronnie a card last Sunday night, take the time to do so this week.
This Sunday, April 12, 2009, is Easter Sunday with services at HCN at 9:00 and 10:30 AM in The Center. We plan with intention to create a time when we thoughtfully and thankfully look back on the crucifixion and with celebration and joy look around at the resurrection. Pieces of the service include media, congregational singing, the HCN choir and Worship Band, preaching, and vocals to close by Paul Vann and a dramatic demonstration by a band of children. Reach out to your unchurched neighbors, family, friends, and co-workers and invite them to attend a service with you. You will not regret the risk you take.
The Prayer Path Labyrinth in Building One has open slots for reservations this week. If you would like to walk, call the church at 847-3335. It is one of the Lenten ingredients which make the forty days and night rich.
Gail and Rick Foster are members of HCN completing a three year tour of duty for the USA in Rome, Italy. Last night, an area north of Rome was hit by a 6.3 earthquake on the Richter Scale which killed 150 people and displaced 10,000 people from their homes.
Gail and Rick are safe and we are thankful.
Watch for the beautiful pink and white dogwood trees which grow in a corner nook outside the east sanctuary windows. They are full of blooms and ready to explode. The harsh weather, however, may undo their season before it comes. Watch anyway.
I am thankful to serve as your pastor with such a gifted and committed pastoral staff team. We invested six hours this morning concentrating on our spiritual formation and asking the questions which will help the formation of others.
I look forward to Sunday.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
The Easter Egg Hunt at 5:00 PM brought out a great crowd. Because the west end parking lots were blocked for reasons of safety for children, cars were parked all over the east end lawn. The storm which rained all over Nashville never touched us. Every child I interviewed carried away more eggs than they could carry. Six hundred plates were put out for the cook-out, eat-in and one hundred more were added when those were used. For the first time, we ran out of hamburgers, hotdogs, and chicken. Even the bowls were bare when I walked past the tables at the end. Thanks to our faithful cooking crew of Wayne McNeese, Kenny McNeese, Ricky McNeese, Ken Koon, Darrell Moody, Dan Scott, and Paul Stonecipher. Thanks to the kitchen crew of Lisa Anderson, Pam McNeese, Kylee Koon, Dianne McNeese, and Dot Waffird for doing all the slicing and dicing. Thanks to the Bread Breakers and Journey Sunday School Classes for set-up and service and clean-up before and after the meal.
This Sunday, April 12, 2009, is Middle School Pastor Ronnie Thompson’s last Sunday on staff. He takes the remaining two weeks in April for vacation and then on to a senior pastor assignment in Arkansas. Jenni, Ben, and Shelby remain with us until school is out and then follow Ronnie. Tom Christensen and Sophia Green presented a card, file, and cupcakes to Ronnie at the Sunday evening cook-out and the Church Board voted to gift Ronnie with his laptop computer. If you did not have an opportunity to give Ronnie a card last Sunday night, take the time to do so this week.
This Sunday, April 12, 2009, is Easter Sunday with services at HCN at 9:00 and 10:30 AM in The Center. We plan with intention to create a time when we thoughtfully and thankfully look back on the crucifixion and with celebration and joy look around at the resurrection. Pieces of the service include media, congregational singing, the HCN choir and Worship Band, preaching, and vocals to close by Paul Vann and a dramatic demonstration by a band of children. Reach out to your unchurched neighbors, family, friends, and co-workers and invite them to attend a service with you. You will not regret the risk you take.
The Prayer Path Labyrinth in Building One has open slots for reservations this week. If you would like to walk, call the church at 847-3335. It is one of the Lenten ingredients which make the forty days and night rich.
Gail and Rick Foster are members of HCN completing a three year tour of duty for the USA in Rome, Italy. Last night, an area north of Rome was hit by a 6.3 earthquake on the Richter Scale which killed 150 people and displaced 10,000 people from their homes.
Gail and Rick are safe and we are thankful.
Watch for the beautiful pink and white dogwood trees which grow in a corner nook outside the east sanctuary windows. They are full of blooms and ready to explode. The harsh weather, however, may undo their season before it comes. Watch anyway.
I am thankful to serve as your pastor with such a gifted and committed pastoral staff team. We invested six hours this morning concentrating on our spiritual formation and asking the questions which will help the formation of others.
I look forward to Sunday.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Monday, March 30, 2009
March 30, 2009
There are so many people to recognize this week that it is hard to know the most appropriate place to begin. So, I think I will begin with Savannah Szyperski. I recorded her birth stats in last week’s letter but I had yet to make a pastoral visit to the hospital. Her mother, Debbie, asked me if I wanted to hold Savannah when I came to visit and I needed no more encouragement. She is beautiful, sleepy and smells wonderfully sweet.
John and Rachelle Reigard presented their son, Austin Perry Reigard, in dedication to the Lord on Sunday, March 29, 2009, in the 10:15 AM service. Austin was joined at the altar by his brother, Grant; his sisters, Camille and Abby; his grandparents, Kenneth and Virginia Reigard; his uncle and aunt, Rod and Emily DeVore; his cousins, Trey, Owen, and Lyla. Paul Vann sang the dedication song and Austin blew bubbles through his blessing journey. We bless the Lord who has blessed John and Rachelle with a son to teach and to lead to Him.
Children’s Bible Quizzing concluded last Saturday, March 28, 2009, on the district level. The meet was held at Clarksville Park Lane Church. Red level quizzers were Sara Waller, Daniel Silvernail, Brielle Fox, and Briley Ruff. Sara received a gold all-star trophy, perfect quiz, $100 scholarship to TNU. Daniel received a gold all-star trophy, perfect quiz, memory verse trophy, and $100 scholarship to TNU. Brielle received a gold all-star trophy, one perfect round, memory verse trophy, and $100 scholarship to TNU. Briley received a gold medal trophy and memory verse trophy. Blue level quizzers were Bethany Ruff, Bryson Fox, Jonathan Silvernail, Drew Silvernail. Bethany received a gold all-star trophy, perfect quiz, memory verse trophy, and $100 scholarship to TNU. Bryson received a gold all-star trophy, one perfect round, memory verse trophy, and $100 scholarship to TNU. Jonathan received a gold medal trophy and memory verse trophy. Drew received a silver medal trophy and memory verse trophy. Bethany and Bryson qualify to quiz at the Southeastern Regional Quiz and all quizzers qualified to quiz at the World Quiz Finals in Orlando, Florida, this summer. Congratulations on a super season!
Congratulations to Kurt Kile, who graduated from Navy Basic Training on Friday, March 20, 2009, in Chicago, Illinois. In a ceremony of 5,500+ people, including his parents, Kent and Kim, and sisters, Katie and Kelsey, Kurt officially became a sailor with 1,096 compatriots. He will be stationed in Pensacola, Florida, for advanced training in jet aircraft maintenance. The Kiles appreciate your continued prayers.
Will Miranne starred in a production of “Hello, Dolly” at DCA last weekend on Friday, Saturday, March 27-28, 2009. He filled the role of Cornelius Hackl, who partici-pates in two fine occupations: singing and kissing. I have reports that the acting and singing were great. We need to talk to the prom queen about the kissing. Kudos to Will.
The Mt. Juliet Men’s Baseball Team includes three significant players from HCN: Logan Dalton, Taylor Haydel, Matt Sedgewick. Matt pitched a no-hitter against McGavock in the first game of the season. Taylor pitched a one-hit shut-out on March 16, 2009, against Hendersonville in the 9-AAA opener. Taylor also had two hits in the game. Logan Dalton hit a RBI triple in the fourth inning and also doubled in the game. Taylor pitched again on March 23, 2009, against LaVergne, striking out twelve batters with no walks as coaches from Vanderbilt, MTSU, and Western KY watched. He hit a pair of singles in that game. Get a schedule and go cheer for the Golden Bears.
The six male college freshmen from HCN who room together at TNU’s Benson Hall are featured in an article entitled “Arriving at the Destination—Together,” in the Spring 2009 issue of The Treveccan. Find their photo and article in the glass bulletin board outside The Center. Great to see the smiling faces of Derek Brinkman, Michael Follis, Preston Hunt, Jake Resor, Daniel Smith, and Tanner Webb.
The Early Christians Sunday School Class hosted Room-in-the-Inn on Saturday night, Sunday morning, March 28-29, 2009. Once again, the church provided warm food, warm and dry beds, opportunities to wash clothes or shower to ten men without homes. Thanks to Wayne McNeese for driving to and from the city. Thanks to the following people for providing leadership, food, and chaperoning: Paul and Pam Stonecipher, Robert and Barbara Parrish, Harry and Donna Wood, Bob and Wanda Bishop, Herb and Miriam McMillan, Dot Waffird, Bobby Meadows, Lucy Cline, Wendell Poole, Sandra Kurtz, and Linda Parkhurst. What a privilege to serve others in the name of Jesus. Thanks to the named and un-named, including those who gave to purchase the ham.
This Sunday, April 5, 2009, is Palm Sunday and the evening activities include:
· The Annual Easter Egg Hunt for children from infancy through grade 4. Children’s Pastor Carol Waller told me in staff meeting that we need lots of plastic eggs filled with non-chocolate candy to be brought to church this week through Sunday morning. Eggs will be hidden in late afternoon so it is too late to bring them past the morning.
· The Farewell Occasion for the Ronnie Thompson Family. Ronnie’s official last Sunday as Middle School Pastor is Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009. However, this is the most sensible social time to express our appreciation to Ronnie and Jenni, Ben and Shelby. You will probably see Jenni, Ben, and Shelby while school finishes. Bring a card and include some cash or a gift card as you feel directed.
I want to make a last appeal to you to take the risk with unchurched family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers and invite them to church with you this Sunday and next Sunday. People go to church on Easter Sunday. You have to ask. Take the risk and make a difference in a life, a marriage, a family, an eternity.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
John and Rachelle Reigard presented their son, Austin Perry Reigard, in dedication to the Lord on Sunday, March 29, 2009, in the 10:15 AM service. Austin was joined at the altar by his brother, Grant; his sisters, Camille and Abby; his grandparents, Kenneth and Virginia Reigard; his uncle and aunt, Rod and Emily DeVore; his cousins, Trey, Owen, and Lyla. Paul Vann sang the dedication song and Austin blew bubbles through his blessing journey. We bless the Lord who has blessed John and Rachelle with a son to teach and to lead to Him.
Children’s Bible Quizzing concluded last Saturday, March 28, 2009, on the district level. The meet was held at Clarksville Park Lane Church. Red level quizzers were Sara Waller, Daniel Silvernail, Brielle Fox, and Briley Ruff. Sara received a gold all-star trophy, perfect quiz, $100 scholarship to TNU. Daniel received a gold all-star trophy, perfect quiz, memory verse trophy, and $100 scholarship to TNU. Brielle received a gold all-star trophy, one perfect round, memory verse trophy, and $100 scholarship to TNU. Briley received a gold medal trophy and memory verse trophy. Blue level quizzers were Bethany Ruff, Bryson Fox, Jonathan Silvernail, Drew Silvernail. Bethany received a gold all-star trophy, perfect quiz, memory verse trophy, and $100 scholarship to TNU. Bryson received a gold all-star trophy, one perfect round, memory verse trophy, and $100 scholarship to TNU. Jonathan received a gold medal trophy and memory verse trophy. Drew received a silver medal trophy and memory verse trophy. Bethany and Bryson qualify to quiz at the Southeastern Regional Quiz and all quizzers qualified to quiz at the World Quiz Finals in Orlando, Florida, this summer. Congratulations on a super season!
Congratulations to Kurt Kile, who graduated from Navy Basic Training on Friday, March 20, 2009, in Chicago, Illinois. In a ceremony of 5,500+ people, including his parents, Kent and Kim, and sisters, Katie and Kelsey, Kurt officially became a sailor with 1,096 compatriots. He will be stationed in Pensacola, Florida, for advanced training in jet aircraft maintenance. The Kiles appreciate your continued prayers.
Will Miranne starred in a production of “Hello, Dolly” at DCA last weekend on Friday, Saturday, March 27-28, 2009. He filled the role of Cornelius Hackl, who partici-pates in two fine occupations: singing and kissing. I have reports that the acting and singing were great. We need to talk to the prom queen about the kissing. Kudos to Will.
The Mt. Juliet Men’s Baseball Team includes three significant players from HCN: Logan Dalton, Taylor Haydel, Matt Sedgewick. Matt pitched a no-hitter against McGavock in the first game of the season. Taylor pitched a one-hit shut-out on March 16, 2009, against Hendersonville in the 9-AAA opener. Taylor also had two hits in the game. Logan Dalton hit a RBI triple in the fourth inning and also doubled in the game. Taylor pitched again on March 23, 2009, against LaVergne, striking out twelve batters with no walks as coaches from Vanderbilt, MTSU, and Western KY watched. He hit a pair of singles in that game. Get a schedule and go cheer for the Golden Bears.
The six male college freshmen from HCN who room together at TNU’s Benson Hall are featured in an article entitled “Arriving at the Destination—Together,” in the Spring 2009 issue of The Treveccan. Find their photo and article in the glass bulletin board outside The Center. Great to see the smiling faces of Derek Brinkman, Michael Follis, Preston Hunt, Jake Resor, Daniel Smith, and Tanner Webb.
The Early Christians Sunday School Class hosted Room-in-the-Inn on Saturday night, Sunday morning, March 28-29, 2009. Once again, the church provided warm food, warm and dry beds, opportunities to wash clothes or shower to ten men without homes. Thanks to Wayne McNeese for driving to and from the city. Thanks to the following people for providing leadership, food, and chaperoning: Paul and Pam Stonecipher, Robert and Barbara Parrish, Harry and Donna Wood, Bob and Wanda Bishop, Herb and Miriam McMillan, Dot Waffird, Bobby Meadows, Lucy Cline, Wendell Poole, Sandra Kurtz, and Linda Parkhurst. What a privilege to serve others in the name of Jesus. Thanks to the named and un-named, including those who gave to purchase the ham.
This Sunday, April 5, 2009, is Palm Sunday and the evening activities include:
· The Annual Easter Egg Hunt for children from infancy through grade 4. Children’s Pastor Carol Waller told me in staff meeting that we need lots of plastic eggs filled with non-chocolate candy to be brought to church this week through Sunday morning. Eggs will be hidden in late afternoon so it is too late to bring them past the morning.
· The Farewell Occasion for the Ronnie Thompson Family. Ronnie’s official last Sunday as Middle School Pastor is Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009. However, this is the most sensible social time to express our appreciation to Ronnie and Jenni, Ben and Shelby. You will probably see Jenni, Ben, and Shelby while school finishes. Bring a card and include some cash or a gift card as you feel directed.
I want to make a last appeal to you to take the risk with unchurched family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers and invite them to church with you this Sunday and next Sunday. People go to church on Easter Sunday. You have to ask. Take the risk and make a difference in a life, a marriage, a family, an eternity.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Monday, March 23, 2009
March 23, 2009
Congratulations to Mark and Debbie Szyperski on the birth of their daughter, Savannah Joy Szyperski, on Monday, March 23, 2009, at 10:46 AM at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee. Savannah weighed 7 pounds 8 ounces and measured
20 ½ inches in length. We give thanks to the Lord for a healthy baby and a safe delivery.
We informed you in last week’s letter that Ronnie Thompson was leaving his ministry assignment as the HCN Middle School Pastor to accept a new assignment as Preaching Pastor of the Mountain Home Twin Lakes Church of the Nazarene in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Ronnie’s call to ministry has always included the call to pastor a church so we rejoice in this opportunity for him. His last Sunday with us will be Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009. We will officially say our goodbyes at the Palm Sunday Easter Egg Hunt and Cook-out at 5:00 PM on Sunday, April 5, 2009.
In an attempt to acknowledge the economic realities of this moment, the church will not hire a full-time person to replace Ronnie. This in no way diminishes our commitment to middle school students. Ken Jewett transitions into leadership of the Middle School LiveWire Service which meets on Sunday mornings at 10:15 AM in the Sanctuary. His first service will be Sunday, April 19, 2009. Ken will speak in each service and coordinate music and drama. He will also plan curriculum and recruit the Wednesday and Sunday night volunteer teams of facilitators. Shane Tarter will plan and direct activities, mission trips, and camps and recruit Sunday School teachers. These responsi-bilities are additions to Ken and Shane’s previous assignments.
A meeting for PARENTS of Middle School Students is scheduled for THIS SUNDAY, March 29, 2009, at 4:30 PM in the Sanctuary. I will lead the meeting with Ken and Shane present to assist me. This meeting is scheduled at the suggestion of several parents. The purpose of the meeting is to answer questions and give information.
A Called Church Meeting for the Church Board is announced for Wednesday, April 1, 2009, at 7:35 PM in the Parlor to officially receive Ronnie’s resignation and to process the changes in staff assignments. Please plan to attend this important meeting. The regular monthly meeting is on the calendar for Sunday, April 19, 2009, at 4:30 PM.
Rev. Nicholas Kusia and Ben Kikuvi from Kenya visited in both worship services yesterday morning and brought greetings from our brothers and sisters in Africa. Pastor Nicholas is the person through whom God has worked to build the orphanage in Kali where our MissionAfrica’08 team worked and where twenty-five orphan girls live who we sponsor. Thanks to Pastor Rondy Smith for coordinating their visit including sight-seeing on Saturday; to Kelly Plummer for hosting them in her home; to Bobby Smith for cooking Sunday dinner; to Dan Scott for assisting with transportation; to Rob Mathias for providing Monday morning breakfast and transportation to the airport.
Thanks to the Early Christian Sunday School Class for providing the beans, potatoes, and cornbread for last evening’s Poverty Dinner. I thought the food was delicious. The donations totaled $3,071. $110 awaits deposits to be added next Sunday. The money will be divided between the daily/weekly needy requests of this community and the hungry needy of the Kali, Kenya, community.
The journey of Lent enters the fifth week this Sunday. I have greatly enjoyed the stories of pilgrims who are traveling this road for the first time in their lives, particularly Christians who have never celebrated Lent. Please keep telling me. Allow me to talk to you about the weeks ahead.
Palm Sunday is April 5, 2009. There are two services: 9:00 and 10:30 AM. Please notice the second service is 15 minutes later than usual. Both services will meet in The Center due to space and instrument needs. Both services feature music and narration which tells the story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Hermitage Choir and Center Band provide the ministry of music directed by Dr. Sam Green, our Pastor of Worship. The program is entitled “He Chose The Nails.”
Palm Sunday at 5:00 PM features an Easter Egg Hunt of 10,000 Easter eggs on the west lawns of the church campus. We depend on you to bring plastic eggs with non-chocolate candy inside to hide. Leave your donated plastic eggs in the containers outside each worship area. After the hunt (which takes about 10 minutes), we enjoy a cook-out with hotdogs and hamburgers provided by the church. We need you to bring salads, desserts, and drinks.
Easter Sunday is April 12, 2009. There are two services: 9:00 and 10:30 AM. Please notice the second service is 15 minutes later than usual. Both services meet in The Center due to space and instrument needs. This service includes preaching, music, media, communion, and a special ministry with some of the church’s children.
Invite your unchurched friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family to attend church with you on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. You will be surprised how many will attend if you will take the risk and ask. I cannot count the number of people who tell me they began to attend church at HCN at Easter. Someone invited them. Be that someone. Do not find yourself at church on Palm Sunday or Easter Sunday wishing you had invited others to come with you and the opportunity is passed. Take the opportunity NOW.
Back in November, many of us made commitments to give to world missions over the period of a year. I have kept up my commitment on a monthly basis. We told you then that our need to give to missions would snowball in the first half of 2009. The time is here. If you are able to give the bulk of your pledge at Easter or by the end of May 2009, please do so.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
20 ½ inches in length. We give thanks to the Lord for a healthy baby and a safe delivery.
We informed you in last week’s letter that Ronnie Thompson was leaving his ministry assignment as the HCN Middle School Pastor to accept a new assignment as Preaching Pastor of the Mountain Home Twin Lakes Church of the Nazarene in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Ronnie’s call to ministry has always included the call to pastor a church so we rejoice in this opportunity for him. His last Sunday with us will be Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009. We will officially say our goodbyes at the Palm Sunday Easter Egg Hunt and Cook-out at 5:00 PM on Sunday, April 5, 2009.
In an attempt to acknowledge the economic realities of this moment, the church will not hire a full-time person to replace Ronnie. This in no way diminishes our commitment to middle school students. Ken Jewett transitions into leadership of the Middle School LiveWire Service which meets on Sunday mornings at 10:15 AM in the Sanctuary. His first service will be Sunday, April 19, 2009. Ken will speak in each service and coordinate music and drama. He will also plan curriculum and recruit the Wednesday and Sunday night volunteer teams of facilitators. Shane Tarter will plan and direct activities, mission trips, and camps and recruit Sunday School teachers. These responsi-bilities are additions to Ken and Shane’s previous assignments.
A meeting for PARENTS of Middle School Students is scheduled for THIS SUNDAY, March 29, 2009, at 4:30 PM in the Sanctuary. I will lead the meeting with Ken and Shane present to assist me. This meeting is scheduled at the suggestion of several parents. The purpose of the meeting is to answer questions and give information.
A Called Church Meeting for the Church Board is announced for Wednesday, April 1, 2009, at 7:35 PM in the Parlor to officially receive Ronnie’s resignation and to process the changes in staff assignments. Please plan to attend this important meeting. The regular monthly meeting is on the calendar for Sunday, April 19, 2009, at 4:30 PM.
Rev. Nicholas Kusia and Ben Kikuvi from Kenya visited in both worship services yesterday morning and brought greetings from our brothers and sisters in Africa. Pastor Nicholas is the person through whom God has worked to build the orphanage in Kali where our MissionAfrica’08 team worked and where twenty-five orphan girls live who we sponsor. Thanks to Pastor Rondy Smith for coordinating their visit including sight-seeing on Saturday; to Kelly Plummer for hosting them in her home; to Bobby Smith for cooking Sunday dinner; to Dan Scott for assisting with transportation; to Rob Mathias for providing Monday morning breakfast and transportation to the airport.
Thanks to the Early Christian Sunday School Class for providing the beans, potatoes, and cornbread for last evening’s Poverty Dinner. I thought the food was delicious. The donations totaled $3,071. $110 awaits deposits to be added next Sunday. The money will be divided between the daily/weekly needy requests of this community and the hungry needy of the Kali, Kenya, community.
The journey of Lent enters the fifth week this Sunday. I have greatly enjoyed the stories of pilgrims who are traveling this road for the first time in their lives, particularly Christians who have never celebrated Lent. Please keep telling me. Allow me to talk to you about the weeks ahead.
Palm Sunday is April 5, 2009. There are two services: 9:00 and 10:30 AM. Please notice the second service is 15 minutes later than usual. Both services will meet in The Center due to space and instrument needs. Both services feature music and narration which tells the story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Hermitage Choir and Center Band provide the ministry of music directed by Dr. Sam Green, our Pastor of Worship. The program is entitled “He Chose The Nails.”
Palm Sunday at 5:00 PM features an Easter Egg Hunt of 10,000 Easter eggs on the west lawns of the church campus. We depend on you to bring plastic eggs with non-chocolate candy inside to hide. Leave your donated plastic eggs in the containers outside each worship area. After the hunt (which takes about 10 minutes), we enjoy a cook-out with hotdogs and hamburgers provided by the church. We need you to bring salads, desserts, and drinks.
Easter Sunday is April 12, 2009. There are two services: 9:00 and 10:30 AM. Please notice the second service is 15 minutes later than usual. Both services meet in The Center due to space and instrument needs. This service includes preaching, music, media, communion, and a special ministry with some of the church’s children.
Invite your unchurched friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family to attend church with you on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. You will be surprised how many will attend if you will take the risk and ask. I cannot count the number of people who tell me they began to attend church at HCN at Easter. Someone invited them. Be that someone. Do not find yourself at church on Palm Sunday or Easter Sunday wishing you had invited others to come with you and the opportunity is passed. Take the opportunity NOW.
Back in November, many of us made commitments to give to world missions over the period of a year. I have kept up my commitment on a monthly basis. We told you then that our need to give to missions would snowball in the first half of 2009. The time is here. If you are able to give the bulk of your pledge at Easter or by the end of May 2009, please do so.
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard
Monday, March 16, 2009
March 16, 2009
Congratulations to Peter and Betty Chang on the birth of their son, Brandon Zhang, on Thursday, March 12, 2009, at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, TN. Brandon weighed 8 pounds 14 ounces and measured 20 ½ inches in length. He is the brother of Stephanie and Julie; the nephew to Susan Wu and Zhouli Ni; cousin to Raymond and Cindy Ni. We give thanks to the Lord for a healthy baby and a safe delivery.
Congratulations to Matthew and Keely Mullins on the birth of their son, Malcolm Lee Mullins, on Friday, March 13, 2009, at 7:43 AM at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, TN. Malcolm weighed 8 pounds 11 ounces and measured 21 inches in length. He is the brother of Maxwell; the grandson of Dan and Janie Mullins, Bob and Carol Broadbooks. We give thanks to the Lord for a healthy baby and a safe delivery.
When I went to Summit on Friday evening to visit with parents and babies, I found both Brandon and Malcolm in the nursery window, side-by-side. I stood a long time and watched them sleep. If someone else had come to watch, I planned to tell them that I was the pastor of both babies. No one else came so there was no bragging.
Congratulations to HCN Bible Quizzers who competed in zone finals at Trevecca Community Church on Saturday, March 14, 2009. Red level quizzers included Sara Waller (gold medal), Brielle Fox (gold all-star medal, perfect quiz ribbon), Briley Ruff (gold all-star medal), Daniel Silvernail (gold all-star medal, perfect quiz ribbon). Blue level quizzers included Bethany Ruff (gold all-star medal, perfect quiz ribbon), Drew Silvernail (gold medal), Jonathan Silvernail (gold all-star medal), Bryson Fox (gold all-star medal). Blue level quizzers won the 2nd place team trophy and quoted all memory verses. What marvelous effort and work to study and remember the word of God.
Congratulations to Rebecca Sharpe who is transferring to Union University for fall semester 2009. Becca just completed her freshman year of basketball at Bryan College. Highlights include leading the nation for NAIA schools with 241 assists; making 85% of her free throws; rebounding 123 balls; making 83 steals. Not bad stats for the shortest player to come out of the Mt. Juliet basketball program.
Congratulations to Sarah Perry on her selection to the Goodpasture Lady Cougars Varsity Fast-Pitched Softball Team. The Lady Cougars have been Class AA State Champions for the six consecutive years. Sarah is a sophomore.
The Cross-Trainers and Young Professional Sunday School Classes hosted Room-in-the-Inn at HCN on Saturday night, Sunday morning, March 14-15, 2009. Hosting involves the preparation and service of three meals; providing fresh linen and clean cots for sleeping; providing clean towels for showers; making a washer and dryer available for clothes; chaperoning 24/7; treating people with respect and dignity. Those who helped with the various needs were Jea and Jessica Agee, Kenny and Tiffany McNeese, Kevin and Kim Davenport, Mike and Carol Waller, Jonathan and Sarah Paddon, Sam and Angela Eiseman, Evan and Cindy Spann, Billy and April Swoner, Paul and Glenda Bolling, Brian and Dorinda Biggs, Lynn and Carrie Lounsbury, Albert and Keri Rios, Wayne and Pam McNeese, Dot Waffird, Kris and Jennifer Neely, Richard and Beth Rouse, Ken and Kylee Koon, Jonathan and Michelle Gaertner, John and Rachelle Reigard, Paul and Kim Vann, Jeff and Diane Cater. Whatever you did, you did for Jesus.
Our Middle School Pastor, Ronnie Thompson, was elected as senior pastor of the Mountain Home Twin Lakes Church of the Nazarene in Mountain Home, Arkansas, on Sunday morning, March 15, 2009. Mountain Home is on the North Arkansas District where HCN’s former pastor, Barney Baggott, is the superintendent. It is also the district where HCN’s former associate/senior high pastor, Chuck Seay, pastors. Transition plans are already in process with leaders to be named within the next few weeks.
HCN received thank you notes from Missionaries Spencer, April, Lucas, and Abby Baggott (in Senegal heading to Rwanda) and Ruthie Cordova (in San Jose, Costa Rica). The gratitude comes in response to the Christmas packages sent to their families at the end of 2008. The Baggotts are members of HCN.
HCN students in grades 7-12 and who attend Wilson County Schools will still be in session when the Tennessee District Teen Camp convenes on June 1-5, 2009, on Trevecca’s campus. It appears that Wilson County is the only county in middle or west Tennessee that is so affected. District leadership is fully aware of the problem but not able to do anything which changes things for 2009. So, Ken Jewett, Shane Tarter, Brad Houser, Treila Garrett, Darlene Miranne, Scott Steinmetz, and I met on Sunday afternoon to consider alternative options for our youth. While details are still in process, please reserve June 19-23, 2009, as the most likely dates.
Pastor Nicholas Kisua, our Kenyan host in the 2008 MissionAfrica trip, visits HCN this Sunday. He will be introduced to the congregation in both services. He will also eat with those who come to the Poverty Dinner of Beans, Potatoes, and Bread at 5:00 PM on Sunday, March 22, 2009, in The Center. All donations for the supper will be divided to feed the hungry in Kenya and Tennessee. Fellowship times are scheduled for the 2008 group at 6:00 PM on Saturday, March 21, 2009, in the parlor, and for the 2010 group at 6:00 PM on Sunday, March 22, 2009, in The Center. The Early Christians Sunday School Class provides beans and cornbread for the evening. I have failed to ask for people to help with stewed potatoes. Please call the church office to volunteer.
Congratulations to Matthew and Keely Mullins on the birth of their son, Malcolm Lee Mullins, on Friday, March 13, 2009, at 7:43 AM at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, TN. Malcolm weighed 8 pounds 11 ounces and measured 21 inches in length. He is the brother of Maxwell; the grandson of Dan and Janie Mullins, Bob and Carol Broadbooks. We give thanks to the Lord for a healthy baby and a safe delivery.
When I went to Summit on Friday evening to visit with parents and babies, I found both Brandon and Malcolm in the nursery window, side-by-side. I stood a long time and watched them sleep. If someone else had come to watch, I planned to tell them that I was the pastor of both babies. No one else came so there was no bragging.
Congratulations to HCN Bible Quizzers who competed in zone finals at Trevecca Community Church on Saturday, March 14, 2009. Red level quizzers included Sara Waller (gold medal), Brielle Fox (gold all-star medal, perfect quiz ribbon), Briley Ruff (gold all-star medal), Daniel Silvernail (gold all-star medal, perfect quiz ribbon). Blue level quizzers included Bethany Ruff (gold all-star medal, perfect quiz ribbon), Drew Silvernail (gold medal), Jonathan Silvernail (gold all-star medal), Bryson Fox (gold all-star medal). Blue level quizzers won the 2nd place team trophy and quoted all memory verses. What marvelous effort and work to study and remember the word of God.
Congratulations to Rebecca Sharpe who is transferring to Union University for fall semester 2009. Becca just completed her freshman year of basketball at Bryan College. Highlights include leading the nation for NAIA schools with 241 assists; making 85% of her free throws; rebounding 123 balls; making 83 steals. Not bad stats for the shortest player to come out of the Mt. Juliet basketball program.
Congratulations to Sarah Perry on her selection to the Goodpasture Lady Cougars Varsity Fast-Pitched Softball Team. The Lady Cougars have been Class AA State Champions for the six consecutive years. Sarah is a sophomore.
The Cross-Trainers and Young Professional Sunday School Classes hosted Room-in-the-Inn at HCN on Saturday night, Sunday morning, March 14-15, 2009. Hosting involves the preparation and service of three meals; providing fresh linen and clean cots for sleeping; providing clean towels for showers; making a washer and dryer available for clothes; chaperoning 24/7; treating people with respect and dignity. Those who helped with the various needs were Jea and Jessica Agee, Kenny and Tiffany McNeese, Kevin and Kim Davenport, Mike and Carol Waller, Jonathan and Sarah Paddon, Sam and Angela Eiseman, Evan and Cindy Spann, Billy and April Swoner, Paul and Glenda Bolling, Brian and Dorinda Biggs, Lynn and Carrie Lounsbury, Albert and Keri Rios, Wayne and Pam McNeese, Dot Waffird, Kris and Jennifer Neely, Richard and Beth Rouse, Ken and Kylee Koon, Jonathan and Michelle Gaertner, John and Rachelle Reigard, Paul and Kim Vann, Jeff and Diane Cater. Whatever you did, you did for Jesus.
Our Middle School Pastor, Ronnie Thompson, was elected as senior pastor of the Mountain Home Twin Lakes Church of the Nazarene in Mountain Home, Arkansas, on Sunday morning, March 15, 2009. Mountain Home is on the North Arkansas District where HCN’s former pastor, Barney Baggott, is the superintendent. It is also the district where HCN’s former associate/senior high pastor, Chuck Seay, pastors. Transition plans are already in process with leaders to be named within the next few weeks.
HCN received thank you notes from Missionaries Spencer, April, Lucas, and Abby Baggott (in Senegal heading to Rwanda) and Ruthie Cordova (in San Jose, Costa Rica). The gratitude comes in response to the Christmas packages sent to their families at the end of 2008. The Baggotts are members of HCN.
HCN students in grades 7-12 and who attend Wilson County Schools will still be in session when the Tennessee District Teen Camp convenes on June 1-5, 2009, on Trevecca’s campus. It appears that Wilson County is the only county in middle or west Tennessee that is so affected. District leadership is fully aware of the problem but not able to do anything which changes things for 2009. So, Ken Jewett, Shane Tarter, Brad Houser, Treila Garrett, Darlene Miranne, Scott Steinmetz, and I met on Sunday afternoon to consider alternative options for our youth. While details are still in process, please reserve June 19-23, 2009, as the most likely dates.
Pastor Nicholas Kisua, our Kenyan host in the 2008 MissionAfrica trip, visits HCN this Sunday. He will be introduced to the congregation in both services. He will also eat with those who come to the Poverty Dinner of Beans, Potatoes, and Bread at 5:00 PM on Sunday, March 22, 2009, in The Center. All donations for the supper will be divided to feed the hungry in Kenya and Tennessee. Fellowship times are scheduled for the 2008 group at 6:00 PM on Saturday, March 21, 2009, in the parlor, and for the 2010 group at 6:00 PM on Sunday, March 22, 2009, in The Center. The Early Christians Sunday School Class provides beans and cornbread for the evening. I have failed to ask for people to help with stewed potatoes. Please call the church office to volunteer.
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