August 31, 2009

Joe and Jami Walker presented Caroline Hope in dedication to the Lord on Sunday, August 30, 2009, in the 10:15 AM service in The Center. Caroline was joined at the altar by her grandparents: Jim and Sharon Blakely, Bill Shelow; aunts and uncles: Shari and Steve Cox, Lori Wantz, Bethany Winkler, Kristi and Kevin Walker; cousins: Julia, Isaac, Lily Walker and Mark, Emily, Elle Cox. I carried Caroline on her blessing journey and what a blessing she was to me. She put her arm up on my shoulder, grabbed a piece of my neck, and never let go. Her Uncle Kevin Walker read the story of Hannah from her great-grandfather’s preaching bible and then prayed the prayer of dedication. We thank the Lord for this child entrusted to Joe and Jami to love and to teach the ways of the Lord.

Scott Moore wins the Sunday School story of the week. Scott attended the New Life Sunday School Class last Sunday morning and heard Dave Hunt teach the last lesson of the quarterly session on the book of Revelation. The theme of the lesson was “Jesus is coming, soon” and David emphasized the fact that we need to be ready for his coming. We never know when our time will come. On the way home, driving down Andrew Jackson Parkway, Scott’s car was hit head-on by a young woman who had fallen asleep at the wheel of her car. The impact totaled both cars. Scott escaped with bruises and soreness but without a scratch. He said the only thing he could think of were the words of his Sunday School teacher recorded that morning in his head.

Lisa Kelley sent an email to the church this morning notifying us of an opening in the Admitting Department at Vanderbilt Medical Center. Schedule is either 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM (Mon-Fri) or 11 PM to 7:30 AM (Mon-Fri). If you have questions, call Lisa at home at 754-0032.

I am a grass cutter. So, I never drive onto the campus of the church without noticing that someone, not me, has paid very careful attention to cutting and trimming the lawn and then blowing the parking lot clean. I am also aware that someone started the process by picking up all the garbage that thoughtless people have thrown in the church yard. The first witness that anyone ever gets from the church is the care of the church lawn. Thanks to Robert Parrish, Aaron Foster, Charles Jewell, Jerry Keener, Julie Foster, and Caleb Foster for helping our witness.

Several teen lock-ins back, a couple of holes were knocked in the upstairs hallways of The Center. I think it was the result of a race down the ramp in a shanghaied wheel chair. Ed Hailey repaired those holes recently along with several other bumps around the property. And, I think Ed was the person who repaired the rust stains on one of the metal crosses on the exterior front wall of The Center. Thanks, Ed, for seeing a need and putting your hand to it.

Jennifer Neely asked Shane Tarter and Ken Jewett for a project to work on as the new NYI President and they gave her the task of remodeling Building One’s Senior High Center. Jennifer recruited a team which included Sandra Hunt, Holly Steinmetz, Scott Steinmetz, and Darlene Miranne. Results to date are a spic and span cleaning of the kitchen; new paint on the kitchen wall; new paint on the separator wall of Building One.
It looks classy.

Ray Render has invested a lot of hours and energy in preparing for the new Upward’s season of flag football and cheerleading at HCN. If he is not receiving uniforms and assessing skills, then he is pampering and marking the field. Thanks, Ray. I notice your hard work. Our kids reap the rewards of your labor.

I worked on staff with a pastor once who could not let go of the responsibilities he assigned to me. He was a great guy and to this day we are good friends. I lasted seven months. I like to think I know how to hand off responsibilities and empower others to do their work. I asked for Shane Tarter’s permission to join the Senior High Gathering on Sunday Evenings for a month. I have been afraid the kids thought I came to spy. It would be hard for me to express how much I have enjoyed being with them. If I had a teen who was in the ninth through twelfth grade, I would do everything I could to help them be with these kids. I am sure they are not perfect but I like that they like each other and encourage each other and are good role models for each other. For the last four weeks, I have listened to these teens confess their great desire to know and to do God’s will and then to pray like saints. I will miss my back seat assignment.

The month of August contained two anniversaries for HCN. The first is for the organization of the church on August 14, 1977. That makes the church 32 years old. I think she is aging well. The second is for the first day I became the pastor of the church. That was August 21, 1995. That means we have started our fifteenth year together. I came as a Dad and now I am a Pops. Dr. Larry Leonard, Superintendent of the Tennessee District Church of the Nazarene, visits with the church board on Thursday, October 29, 2009, at 7:00 PM to determine the status of pastoral relations for the next four years. If you have a particular opinion and would like to express it, speak to a church board member between now and then.


In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard

August 24, 2009

Congratulations to Brady and Michelle Plummer on the birth of their son, Leyton Tyler, on Tuesday, August 18, 2009, at 3:15 PM at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee. Leyton weighed 7 lbs and measured 21 inches. He is the brother of Kennedy Plummer; grandson of Howard and Anna Plummer; nephew of Kelly Plummer; great-grandson of Sue and Darvin Dobbins; great-nephew of Bobby and Rondy Smith; cousin of Daniel and Kyle Smith. He has lots of dark hair and Brady says he looks like Michelle.

I think he looks like Brady. Whoever he looks like, he is slim like Michelle. We thank the Lord for a healthy baby and a safe delivery.

Building One Senior High Students enjoyed a Lock-In last Saturday night which included ice skating at the Centennial Sportsplex. Chaperones included Tammy Jones, Ed Mahoney, Holly Steinmetz, Barry Whitehead, Jill Satterlee, Traci Haydel, Gina Winfree, Daniel Smith, Jake Resor, Hayley Hill, Jim Waters, and Pastor Shane Tarter. B1 Students included Grant McCoy, Reed McCoy, Robby Amity, Justin Jones, Philip Calkins, Caitlyn Richardson, Nathan Curtis, Nathan Elder, Ben Griffith, Cassie Hunt, Sophie Green, Kristi Fite, Alex Hamer, Anna-Laura Green, Jeffrey Morris, Jonathan Mowry, Eric Owens, Allie Lynn, Hayley Fee, Toby Haydel, Whitney Gonyea, Ben Mabry, Ashley Crues, Sarah Vaden, Claire Burgett, Max Andrade, Bret Washing, Scott Primm, Parker Flatt, Matt Bastin, Morgan Harold, Josh Cater, Dalton Winfree, Justin Angle, Austin Kippes, Hunter Batty, Robert Luther, Brandon Shepard, Kyle Smith, Daniel Jones, Hunter Steinmetz. Jonathan Mowry cut his leg with his own skate and did not know he was bleeding until someone pointed it out to him. He went to the emergency room; got it stitched up; returned to the church for the rest of the evening; and did not miss an activity on Sunday.

HCN Men enjoyed a golf outing at the Windtree Golf Course in Mt. Juliet on Saturday. The thirty-eight men allowed one woman, Traci Haydel, to play. Kendell Poole organized the event for fellowship and worked to keep teams as fair as possible.

The first place team was Bill Sharpe, Kevin Brennan, and Joel Thimell. The second place team was John Jordan, Kenny McNeese, Bobby Smith, and Wayne McNeese. The third place team was Roger King, Mike Miranne, John Mannen, and David Shepard. Hugo Rios was closest to the pin and Eric Bodoin had the long drive. The rest of the golfers included Troy Haydel, Taylor Haydel, Jeff Bryant, Scott Perkins, Rusty Waffird, Jerrod Waffird, Cole Ebel, Richard Hysell, Scott Moore, Phil Jordan, Dan Preston, Sam Green, Mark Washing, Tom Stephens, Rick Brown, Marvin Heath, Gregg Trotter, Landon Trotter, Bobby Davis, Ole Blomberg, Trey Miles, Rob Miles, Randy Layne, and Art Kurtz.

In June of 2008, twenty-two people from HCN traveled to Africa to live for two weeks in a village located four hours by bus from Nairobi, Kenya. Like most of you, we only knew stories of Africa and tried to imagine what life would be like. We met some of the poorest, most wonderful people we have ever known. We met people who have nothing who would give to us the best they possessed. They were kind. They were happy. They were smart. They stole our hearts. Our work included building the first unit of an orphanage while we socialized with the entire community. When the day came to apply for a place in the orphanage, 299 children were registered for the 50 beds. Even as I write this letter, there is only enough funding for 25 children.

Ten of our twenty-two people were teens. Three were going into their freshman year in high school. Three were going into their freshman year in college. All were profoundly affected by the encounter. One young man took his shoes off and gave them to a man with whom he had worked side-by-side to carry sand, break rock, build a wall. Although the journey to Africa was difficult, these young people never complained and generally made the trip full of joy.

Five of the young people were able to go on the trip because people in HCN gave anonymously to sponsor someone. Rondy Smith, Chuck Seay, and I worked to identify the kids who expressed a desire to go from the beginning of planning and attempted to discern who could process the trip and profit from the trip.

I tell you all of that because a return trip to the same village to build another unit of the orphanage and maybe a water system for the area is scheduled for June 11-26, 2010. Again, we would like to include as many teens as possible. Our goal is not only to change lives in Africa but to change lives in the youth of HCN. Would you like to help? I am the beggar. The total cost of the trip in 2010 could approach $5,000. It may be that you would like to contribute $5,000. It may be that you could pay $2,500. It may be that you could pay $500. It was a combination of all of those that enabled us to pay the way for five young people the last trip. If you would communicate with me regarding your interest, we could begin to recruit young people who would like to be a part of this trip but could never do so because of the expense. I realize it is brazen to ask for those sums of money in the midst of the economic crises of our time. However, I believe there are resources which are available for this mission which would not be made available for another. Talk to me; email me if you would like to help.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

August 17, 2009

Ken and Kylee Koon presented their daughter, Emilee Gayle, in dedication to the Lord on Sunday, August 16, 2009, in the 10:15 AM service in The Center. Emilee was joined at the altar by her brother, Tyler; grandparents, Wayne and Pam McNeese; great-grand-mother, Dot Waffird; uncle and aunt, Kenny and Tiffany McNeese; cousins, Trey and Madi McNeese; great-aunts and uncles, Lisa and Mike Anderson, Dianne and Ricky McNeese; cousins, Chris Lewis and fiancée Jenny, Caley Cook; and Chandler Scott. Beverly Sharpe sang the blessing song while sleeping Emilee went on a tour of the Center with me in her beautiful white dedication dress. Emilee is a unique fourth generation member of the church. We give thanks to the Lord for her life and for the privilege to love and care for her in the name of Jesus.

Pastor Ken Jewett led University Students on an overnight camp and rafting trip down the whitewaters of the Ocoee River on Friday-Saturday, August 14-15, 2009. Water was high and fast and rumor has it that only Ken and Preston Hunt screamed like girls. Another rumor has it that Lauren Lavery is not a princess and does not want to be a princess. Rafters were David Tigabu, Rebecca Sharpe, Andrew Jones, Lauren Lavery, Graham Scott, Jake Resor, Daniel Smith, Preston Hunt, Michael Follis, Hillary Osborne, Ashley Diffenderfer, Megan Lavery, and Ken. I also happen to know that Drew, Robert, and Barbara Parrish rode the Ocoee by raft over the weekend.

Fourth Grade students shared a Lock-In in The Center on Friday-Saturday, August 14-15, 2009. The group met at the church; bowled at Hermitage Lanes; came back to the church for games, an ultimate snack bar, and a movie. All were asleep by 3:00 PM. Students were Madeleine Rouse, Julia Mowry, Lydia Foster, Sara Waller, Teddy Joyce, Joel Jones, Ethan Smith, Nick Satterlee, Nathan Morgan, Cole Jackson, T.J. Hysell, Grant Reigard, Evan Flint, Anthony Mannen, Michael Mathias, Jared Gardenour, and Joel Daugherty. Chaperones were Pastor Carol Waller, Tammy Jones, Anita Jackson, Aaron Foster, and Richard Rouse. Middle School helpers were Rachel Jones and Jonathan Mowry.

If you are interested in joining Hermitage Church of the Nazarene, I will teach membership classes on Tuesday, September 15, 2009, at 7:00 PM, and Saturday, September 19, 2009, at 9:00 AM. Both classes will meet in The Parlor (beside the kitchen). You need to attend only one class. Classes are offered to help you know what we believe and how we govern ourselves. New members will be received on Sunday, September 20, 2009, at the close of each morning worship service.

Two years and four months ago, my daughter-in-law, Michelle, delivered a baby girl named Kennedy at Summit Medical Center. I had looked at her ultrasound photo for months and talked to her quite a bit. I carry the ultrasound in my bible. She was the first grand for Michelle’s family and for our family. On Sunday, Kennedy rode home with me after Sunday lunch and we had a conversation about the squirrels eating the black walnuts in my backyard. It is a domain which entertains her. When she left, she talked all the way home to her dad about the nuts and the squirrels. Tomorrow morning, Michelle delivers a baby boy at Summit Medical Center. I do not yet know his name. I am excited about meeting him and sharing his life. I am looking forward to conversations with him.

There is not an ounce of worry in me that the love I know and feel for Kennedy will need to be shared. He will have his own major supply. Love is crazy like that. God gives us the capacity to love beyond our comprehension, beyond our limits. I hope our baby boy has sweet dreams tonight. Tomorrow is another world.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

August 10, 2009

Sue Smith moved to Nashville, Tennessee, from Bellville, Georgia, in 2004, at the age of eighty-two. She sold her house; sold her car; gave up driving; transferred her church membership to HCN; and moved into Trevecca Towers. That was quite a shift for a girl who had lived her entire life in south Georgia. Last December, she accepted an invitation from a good friend at the Towers to play table games with herself, her boyfriend, and her boyfriend’s brother who was visiting from Indiana. It was love at first sight. The brother thought Sue had a halo and she was so smitten she was embarrassed to turn her head and look at him. When he left two days later, she cried. On Saturday, August 8, 2009, I presided over the marriage of Sue Rogers Smith to Darvin Allen Dobbins in The Center Lobby of HCN at 4:00 PM. Sue and Darvin are both eighty-seven years old. Her eighty year old sister, Ann Crapo, was her bridesmaid. Her two year old great-granddaughter, Kennedy Plummer, was her flower girl. Her eldest son, Stewart Smith, gave her away on behalf of himself and his sister, Anna Plummer, and his brother, Bobby Smith. Sue and Darvin are on an extended honeymoon to Indiana and Wisconsin to visit with family and to fish. Darvin has put his house up for sale and the new couple will officially reside at the Towers. Life can take a good turn when you step out on faith and take a risk; no matter how old you are. Congratulations to Darvin and Sue Dobbins.

Jill, Gabby, and Nick Satterlee are moving to Toms River, New Jersey, in several weeks. Jill’s family lives there and it seems a good time to be near them. We will miss the Satterlees for layered reasons. Jill currently serves as the church’s head housekeeper and chef. She caters most parties and receptions around HCN. She has one speed and that is full throttle. Gabby and Nick are friends and teammates to most of our children. All three are loved greatly. Take a moment and give them a squeeze over the next Sundays. They will be gone before you can blink.

Will Miranne is currently appearing as Lefou in the Nashville Dinner Theater’s “Beauty and the Beast.” HCN folks who attended a production on Sunday afternoon came home raving. I quote: “the boy can sing.” Will begins his junior year at DCA this week. The playbill includes a brief bio of Will. He recognizes HCN and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for guiding him through life.

Kurt Kile leaves for Virginia on Tuesday morning for specialized training and then on to a naval assignment on the USS George Washington stationed in Japan at the end of September. We prayed with Kurt and his family around open altars in second service on Sunday. Be safe.

Thanks to the Early Christian Sunday School Class for cooking the beans, potatoes, and bread for Sunday’s Poverty Dinner in The Center. Thanks for setting up and serving and cleaning up afterwards. $2,214 was given to the fund which feeds starving people in Kali, Kenya, and needy people in the HCN community.

I asked Senior High Pastor, Shane Tarter, if I could be a part of his Sunday Night Gatherings for a month and he let me. I witnessed a generation shift when the band and praise team took the stage. It was led by Ben Mabry, Dalton Winfree, Scott Primm, Anna-Laura Green, Cali Crosslin, and Hunter Steinmetz. Andrew Jones and Sophie Green ran the lights and screen. Dorinda Biggs led the vocals and Hayley Hill played keyboard. When we broke into small groups for prayer, I joined Toby Haydel, Jonathan Tigabu, Josh Cater, Daniel Jones, Hunter Steinmetz, and Brian Brinkman. Everybody shared prayer needs and then we prayed. I asked for three or four to pray. I wish I had asked everyone. They knew how to pray. Brian wrote me on Facebook this afternoon to ask about my prayer request. What a privilege to know these young people.

Tim Garrett works for the Visteon Nashville Glass Plant, an enterprise of Ford Motor Company. He handed me his personal card yesterday and said there are jobs available if someone does not mind working in manufacturing. Call the church office if you would like Tim’s number.

Several months ago, I introduced people in second service to a young family who found the church through the Mother’s Day Out program. The young man was facing a court appearance that week with the probability of going to prison. He had walked a lonely path to open altars that morning. Jamie is now incarcerated with a sentence of ten years, possibility of parole in 4 ½ years. Some of you have asked for his address to write and encourage him.

Jamie Stanfill (2A-410)

117 West Smith Street

Gallatin, TN 37066

If I have not told you lately, I love you and I am grateful that I get to be your pastor.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

July 20, 2009

Congratulations to the four believers who presented themselves for the sacrament of water baptism in the Hermitage Church Sanctuary on Sunday, July 19, 2009, at 5:00 PM: Lindsey Layne, Chad Young, Jamie Young, and Taylor Shoemake. Lindsey is a 2009 graduate of UT-Chattanooga. Chad is a recently commissioned Metro police officer. Jamie is a nurse at Trevecca’s Health Care Center. Taylor begins the fifth grade at Lakeview Elementary School in August. Carol Waller baptized Taylor. Rondy Smith baptized Jamie. I baptized Chad and Lindsey. The baptismal water was uncharacteris-tically warm. I am used to Artic waters. The service was simple and inspirational. I am thankful to belong to the church of Jesus Christ.

Congratulations to the Hermitage Men’s Blue Team on finishing the season third in their division and receiving an invitation to play in the City League Tournament. Teammates are Michael Follis, Matt Follis, Scott Follis, Daniel Smith, Bobby Smith, Nick Lewis, Shaun Lewis, Haven Mahaffey, Barry Whitehead, Derek Brinkman, Brady Plummer, Blake Tarter, Shane Tarter. Shane coaches the team.

Will and Sami Chambers are moving to Kansas City to attend Nazarene Theological Seminary in two weeks. Transitions are going on because of their move in the Twenty Something Sunday School Class. Will and Sami are passing leadership to Jon and Cassidy Nelson. A Farewell to the Chambers, Hello to the Nelsons Social is taking place at the home of Pastor Rondy and Bobby Smith on Saturday, August 1, 2009, at 6:30 PM. If you are in your twenties, single or married, and are interested in finding a Sunday School Class to attend, please consider attending this event at the Smith’s. There are promises of good food (Bobby is a great chef), good fellowship, and good fun. A word of warning: if you play games, Rondy is competitive. Contact rondysmith@aol.com for directions and more information.

Ray Render leads the Upward Flag Football/Cheerleading League for HCN this fall with sign-ups and evaluations on Saturday, August 15, 2009, from 10:0 AM to 2:00 PM and Monday, August 17, 2009, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. This league includes Kindergarten through Grade 6. Also on Saturday, August 15, 2009, Punt, Pass and Kick trials will be held for youth from 8 to 15 years of age. PP&K participants need to bring a birth certificate to verify age. Call Ray at 390-2126 with any questions or contact him at rayrender@yahoo.com or www.hermitagenazarene.org and click on Upward link on home page.

For several months this Spring/Summer, I have taught a Wednesday night class using The Jesus Priorities: 8 Essential Habits written by Christopher Maricle and published by Cokesbury. It was a great complement to the sermon series on Spiritual Formation. Ken Jewett posted it on our church’s website as one of the small group teaching options. Several weeks ago, I received an email from the author telling me how pleased he was that we were using the book and asking if there was anything he could do to help us. He had googled his book and every church using it and advertising it had popped on the screen. Did I tell you he lives in California? While I liked the personal contract with the author, it scared me a little. Beware what you post on the internet.

The Church Board authorized a quarterly Poverty Dinner to help fund compassionate needs for locals and African hunger. The Dinner consists of Beans, Potatoes, Bread, and Drink. The next dinner is scheduled for Sunday, August 9, 2009, at 5:00 PM in The Center. The cost is a donation. Food will be available in time to eat and to attend the new Sunday night small groups.

What wonderful Middle Tennessee weather we are enjoying. It is fall in July.


In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard

July 13, 2009

Congratulations to Ken and Kylee Koon on the birth of their daughter, Emilee Gayle Koon, on Wednesday, July 8, 2009, at 7:40 AM at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee. Emilee weighed 7 lbs 12 ozs and measured 19 ½ inches in length. She is the sister of Tyler; granddaughter of Wayne and Pam McNeese; great-granddaughter of Dot Waffird; niece of Kenny and Tiffany McNeese; cousin of Trey and Madi McNeese. I held beautiful Emilee on Wednesday afternoon and had my picture taken with her while Tyler entertained the room. He is smitten with her. We bless the Lord who has blessed Ken and Kylee with a healthy baby girl to love and instruct for him.

Congratulations to Eric and April Branscum on the birth of their son, Erikson Hans Branscum, on Saturday, July 11, 2009, at 3:34 PM at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Erikson weighed 9 lbs 13 ozs and measured 21 ½ inches in length. He is the grandson of Jeff and Sally Ebel; nephew of Cole and Erika Ebel, Clint Ebel; cousin of Colin Ebel. We bless the Lord who has blessed Eric and April with a healthy baby boy to love and instruct for him.

Matthew and Keely Mullins presented their son, Malcolm Lee Mullins, in dedication to the Lord on Sunday, July 12, 2009, in the 10:15 AM service in The Center. Malcolm was joined at the altar by his brother, Maxwell; grandparents: Dan and Janie Mullins, Bob and Carol Broadbooks; uncle and aunt: Paul and Wendy Mullins; cousins: Travis and Brad Mullins. Bob and I shared responsibilities. I carried him on his blessing/foot shaking journey and Bob did the official readings and praying. We pray that Malcolm responds to the love of the Lord early in his life and becomes a mighty man of God.

Congratulations to Bryce Fox and Carol Waller who were ordained as elders in the Church of the Nazarene on Thursday, July 9, 2009, in a District Assembly service at Trevecca Community Church. Bryce serves as professor in the School of Religion at Trevecca Nazarene University. Carol serves as Associate Pastor of Children’s Ministries at HCN. I was permitted to pray for each of them during the service and consider it a great honor. Congratulations to Shane Tarter on receiving his first district license in the significant road to credentialing.

Dr. William Greathouse was honored during the District Assembly service on Friday, July 10, 2009, with a Centennial Award from the General Church of the Nazarene in honor of his significant and historical contributions to Wesleyan Holiness theology. The award came with a limited edition print of the Centennial Celebration in the church.

Johnny Pilarski took advantage of the Nationals for BMX racing being in Nashville over the weekend. He raced on two days and won 1st place both days in the six year old category. Congratulations, Johnny.

Dan Scott led Soccer Camp at HCN last week with the assistance of Teresa Vines, Matt Follis, Palmer Maphet, Graham Scott, Anna Waller, and Chandler Scott. Soccer students were Marileigh Mabry, Karah Sharp, Anthony Mannen, Evan Flint, Cayla Cohen, Grant Render, Christian Tillman, Leslie Myers, Rachel Johnson, Matthew Helm, Sarah Helm, Jordan Sweeten, and Bryce Poole. PreK and Kindergarten students were Morgan Evans, Jackson Barfield, Gant Brasfield, Elizabeth Stinson, Isabella Stinson, Annalee Poole, Caroline Brasfield, and Brandon Vines. The camp raised $867.50 for Africa needs.

Carol Waller directs District Primary Camp (grades 1 and 2), at Garner Creek this week. Campers are Caroline Brasfield, Summerlyn Hysell, Katie Grace Russell, Cole Jackson, Sarah Helm, Payton Swords, Carson Davenport, Carter Poole, Grant Render, Camille Reigard, Daniel Silvernail, Reid Swoner, Becca Waller, Sara Waller, Trey McNeese, Tristan Lee, Gracie Parman, Morgan Follis, Rachel Hughes, McKenzie Carlton, and Zachary Gonyea. HCN staff and counselors are Anita Jackson, Kristin Jordan, Laura Hughes, Kay Hysell, Ray Render, and Kenny McNeese.

The Nashville Sounds offer a great opportunity to the church for an evening of sport and fellowship. A baseball game on Saturday, August 15, 2009, at 6:00 PM is preceded by a Christian concert at 4:30 PM and followed by fireworks after the game. A $10 ticket
allows entry to the concert, game, fireworks and purchases a hotdog and coke during the game. Twenty-five tickets need to be sold quickly to cover our deposit. If you would like tickets, call the church office or see Sam Green this Wednesday/Sunday.

Jonathan Shultz found me after second service on Sunday and asked about the repair of our house from the tornado tree. He said that lightning had struck their house recently during a passing storm and fried all of their electronics. I told Jonathan that I had rather a tree knock the chimney off my house. It would have taken me three days to determine if lightning had really struck or if I had hit the wrong button on the remotes.

Be sure your sins will find you out. I allow myself to eat chili dogs from Sonic once per month. They remind me of the Varsity in Atlanta. I pulled into Sonic for a late lunch on Saturday and it took me five minutes to convince the person on the intercom that I did not want cheese on them, just mustard and chili. I also got fries and a Route 44 Diet Cherry Coke. When the waitress brought my food to the car, she told me my bill had been paid by someone else. I only know it was someone in a silver truck. I gave the waitress a tip and she reached in and patted me and told me “just know you’re loved.” She left me stuttering. To whoever bought my chili dogs on Saturday, thank you for interrupting my day with kindness.

In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard

July 6, 2009

Building One Senior High Students invested a week in local missions last Monday through Friday that included sealing a driveway, changing flood lights, painting patio furniture, weeding a garden, building a stone edge around a garden, cleaning up a back yard and pond, power washing windows, and several projects around the church. Brandon Shepard worked every day on every project. He was joined on other days by Cassie Hunt, Daniel Jones, Dalton Winfree, Lauren Lavery, Robert Luther, Katie Scott, Ben Mabry, Taylor Steinmetz, Hunter Steinmetz. Pastor Shane Tarter organized the projects and lead the team.

Thanks to the Men’s Quartet of Sam Green, Gary Helm, John Jordan, and Ken Stegall who were accompanied by the HCN Choir on “Let Freedom Ring” in Sunday’s worship services. It was never more beautiful and a great addition to honor the day. I could listen to it every year. I could listen to the quartet more often than that.

I have received lots of response to the message from Sunday morning from both services. Could I repeat the challenge to ask the question: Would God like to say anything to us? And then instead of being “unyielding and hardened,” “obstinate and stubborn” (Ezekiel 3:8, 2:4), let us listen and obey.

At ten minutes until time to eat at the All Church Fourth Cookout last night, it looked like there might be forty to fifty people present. The rains had started thirty minutes earlier and it looked like a wash-out. I had already decided I would need to eat three hot dogs to make up for who did not make it. What a difference thirty minutes made! I think people realized there was better food at the church than whatever was left at their house. I ate one hot dog. Thanks to the Cooking Team of Wayne McNeese, Rick Person, Paul Stonecipher, Tim Garrett, Mike Anderson, and Ken Koon for grilling the hamburgers and hotdogs. Thanks to the Prep Team of Lisa Anderson, Pam McNeese, and Dot Waffird for slicing the tomatoes and onions and preparing all the condiments. Thanks to the Early Christian Sunday School Class for setting up and cleaning up before and afterwards. Pat Detwiler made the decision to set the tables up inside. Is it possible that she is the prophet in the house?

This Thursday, July 9, 2009, at 7:00 PM is the first service of the District Assembly and the Ordination Service for Carol Waller and Bryce Fox. It will be held at Trevecca Community Church of the Nazarene on the front of Trevecca’s campus on Murfreesboro Road. There are no mid-week services at HCN so it would be easy for you to plan this service into your schedule. Ordination is the high and holy moment when we set apart men and women who are called to full-time ministry and affirmed by the church to the service of Christ by the laying on of hands and prayer. If you can, be there.

Several people have asked about the soldier we prayed for on Sunday who has lost contact with his family for 8-9 days. His name is Jeffrey Sherman and he is in Afghanistan. Marilyn Jordan is the person who added Jeffrey to our prayer list and who asked her Sunday School Class to pray. I choose to believe that Jeffrey is safe and not able to communicate right now. Keep him in your prayers.


In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Howard