June 7, 2010

Congratulations to Christopher Lewis and Jennifer Carter who were united in marriage on Saturday, June 5, 2010, at 6:00 PM in the Hermitage Church Sanctuary. I led Chris and Jenny in premarital counseling and presided over their ceremony. Chris is the son of Lisa Anderson, the grandson of Dot Waffird. Members of his wedding party included brother, Nick; long-time friend, Cory Rice; cousins: Kenny McNeese, Trey McNeese, Madi McNeese, Tyler Koon, and Emilee Koon. We pray for a long and loving marriage.

Our love and prayers are extended to Judy and Clint Riggan and Eddie and Lisa Kirkus in death of their son, Brandon Lee Kirkus Dunlap, on Wednesday, June 2, 2010. Brandon was thirty years of age. He suffered from addiction and depression. His death causes those of us who knew him to consider how we might reach others who suffer in the same way.

Congratulations to Logan Dalton who signed an NJCAA National Letter of Intent and scholarship papers to play baseball with Vol State Community College in the next academic year. Logan played as the Mt. Juliet High School everyday right fielder in the 2010 season. The team record was 35-7. He contributed 60 RBIs in the last two years. Logan is the son of Steve and Lori Dalton and the brother of Chase Dalton, who plays baseball at Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky.

Vacation Bible School opened at 9:00 AM this morning with 213 children in attendance. An army of workers descended on the place after second service on Sunday and turned the entire facility into one of the most beautiful places on earth. Color, color everywhere. I know that Pastor Carol Waller is an amazing leader of children’s ministries but the significantly talented team of volunteers who assist her are also amazing. There are families who moved away years ago and live in other states who are moved down for the week for their children to attend VBS at HCN. May the imprint of God’s Word and Spirit be stamped on the hearts and minds of these kids as they sing and dance and study and play and eat and live in community for a week with their friends. They expect many more tomorrow.

The 2010-2011 Church Board met on Sunday for their first monthly session and elected Matthew Mullins as Secretary of the Church Board and Scott Steinmetz as Treasurer of the Church. Newly elected members who attended were Jerry Keener, Wendell Marlowe, Teresa Vines, Jeff Cater, Beverly Mitchell, and Carolyn Washing.

I received this email today and print it here believing the person who wrote it would not object as it brings praise to God. “In your letter last week, you stressed the financial needs of the church. With the $44,000 listed as the amount needed, we were really skeptical that the needs could be met. There are so many financial needs within the church body that we just didn‟t think it could be accomplished. As soon as I saw the financial report in the bulletin yesterday, I sent my husband a text and told him the good news (he had to work). His response was simple—we should never doubt the Almighty!! This may seem like a small thing in a world full of problems, but for me, it was a sign that He will provide what we need. With all the things happening in our lives, I need these „small‟ reminders that he hears our prayers. I am still amazed at God‟s hand in our lives. Thanks for being faithful and doing what God would have you to do. Asking for a specific amount of money shows your trust and faithfulness in a living God.”

Anna and I leave with our sixteen MissionAfrica’10 Teammates on Thursday of this week. We begin the flights which will carry us across the world to Nairobi, Kenya. A bus will carry us four hours into the Kali village where we will re-unite with the people we came to love two years ago. We will assist in additional construction in an AIDS orphanage. We will visit in four large public schools and teach the gospel. We will visit and work with the people in the community. We will preach in three to four different churches on Sunday. At the end of the weeks, we will spend three days in the Serengeti, chaperoned by members of the Masai tribe on morning and evening jeep excursions into the park. We are taking lots of gifts from you: homemade quilts, Bible story books, baby dolls, cross necklaces, crayons. When people have little, something is everything. Please pray for our safety and health and for effectiveness in mission and ministry. We will pray for you. Preachers for the next three Sundays are HCN pastoral staff members: Ken Jewett, Rondy Smith, and Carol Waller. I will listen to them when I return via our website.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

May 31, 2010

Congratulations to Ray and Heather Anderson on the birth of their son, Jack Gregory Anderson, on Thursday, May 13, 2010, at 12:03 PM at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee. Jack weighed 7 lbs 12 ozs and measured 19 ½ inches in length.

He is the brother of Allyson, Sarah and Rebecca. We bless the Lord who has blessed the Andersons with a son to teach the ways of the Lord.

Dr. William Greathouse was honored with the publication of his biography, presented in the opening service of PALCON at Trevecca Nazarene University on Tuesday, May 11, 2010. The book is entitled Crucified with Christ: The Life and Ministry of William Marvin Greathouse. It was written by Dr. William J. Strickland and Dr. H. Ray Dunning.

The photos in the book are worth its purchase.

HCN enjoyed an indoor Memorial Day Picnic on Sunday, May 30, 2010, at 5:00 PM. The rain and thunder and lightning was mild but significant enough to chase us indoors. Wayne McNeese had the Men’s Cooking Team smoking hot by the time I arrived on the property at 4:00 PM. I saw Wayne, Kenny McNeese, Paul Stonecipher, and Ken Koon at the grills. I saw Pam McNeese, Dot Waffird, and Traci Hollandsworth in the kitchen slicing and dicing. I saw Rick Person coordinating the set-up for the event. I know that you are missing Lisa Anderson’s name in the list. Lisa fell on Sunday afternoon and broke her arm in multiple fractures. Pray for Lisa as decisions are made about treating her arm and she prepares for a weekend family wedding. Thanks to everyone who added all the salads and deserts to the meal. I ate delicious rhubarb pie for desert. I also ate at a table full of the Fox children and their cousins. I think it made the parents nervous about what I was asking and what they were telling me. There were a few craned necks trying to ease drop on our table’s conversation. Beware: I may sit with your children next.

The 2010 Pinewood Derby took place in the HCN Center on Wednesday, May 26, 2010, at 6:30 PM. The Preschool winners were 1) Konnor Russell, 2) Carson Slocum, 3) Hannah Holderby. The Elemenary/Adult winners were 1) T.J. Hysell, 2) Jeff Cater, 3) Joel Daugherty. Keep dreaming that your car will cross the finish line first on the next race day. Congratulations to the 2010 racers. Thanks to John Reigard for giving leader-ship to this year’s running.

Senior Adults and Friends took a trip to Lexington, Kentucky, last week (Tuesday-Friday), led by Brenda and Jim Agee. Travelers included Jim and Brenda, Charles and Nancy Jewell, Mel and Linda Parkhurst, Dot Waffird, Myrna Shurtleff, Billie Ragland, Mary Alice Butler, and Shirley Maschinski. They toured the Lexington Horse Park, Shaker Village, Asbury College, and drove through the horse farms. Although the scenery is always beautiful, the company is better. The group stayed in a Holiday Inn Express and kept the place hopping. The next activity is a one-day trip to Leipers Fork and the Natchez Trace Parkway on Friday, June 18, 2010. You are invited if you are 55 years of age or older or close.

The last paragraph of last week’s letter told you that we needed to raise $44,000 on Sunday, May 30, 2010, or changes would begin to be made in local staff assignments. I am glad to report to you that more than $45,000 was received on Sunday toward that goal with total giving in excess of $51,000. Those who recorded the giving on Sunday were smiling on Sunday night as they recounted check after check after check with the memo: “pastor’s letter.” Thanks for listening. Thanks for caring. Thanks for giving. Please remain faithful as we move through the summer.

The New Church Board meets for the first time this Sunday, June 6, 2010, at 5:00 PM in The Parlor. Elected Board Members include:

(2010-2013) Jerry Keener, Wendell Marlowe, Lance Waller, Teresa Vines, Jeff Cater

(2009-2012) Steve Kelley, Beverly Mitchell, Matthew Mullins, Scott Perkins, John

Mannen (2008-2011) Phil Jordan, John Reigard, Carolyn Washing, Kendell Poole, Mike Miranne

Tony Dozier (SS), Kristi Mabry (Missions), Jennifer Neely (Youth)

The new board elects officers and organizes itself for business in this first meeting. Board members who are rotating off the board for one year are Beverly Sharpe, Brad Houser, David Hunt, Marvin Heath, and Aaron Foster.

I am grateful to continue to serve as pastor of this great people. I love and appreciate you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

May 17, 2010

Annual Meeting Elections were directed by Matthew Mullins, Secretary of the Church Board, on Sunday, May 16, 2010, before, during, and after morning services. As directed by the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene, Matthew appointed a Board of Tellers from the church membership to distribute, collect, and count ballots. Congratulations to those who were elected and those who were nominated and allowed their names to appear on the ballot. There were 177 ballots cast.

The five members with the highest vote totals serve a three year rotation on the church board. The person with the sixth highest vote totals replaces Kristi Mabry for two remaining years. Kristi was elected NMI (Missions) President. The person with the seventh highest vote totals replaces Scott Steinmetz for one remaining year. Scott leaves due to his wife’s employment by the church.

(2010-2013) Jerry Keener, Wendell Marlowe, Lance Waller, Teresa Vines, Jeff Cater

(2010-2012) Beverly Mitchell

(2010-2011) Carolyn Washing

Sunday School Superintendent: Tony Dozier

NMI (Missions) President: Kristi Mabry

NYI (Youth) President: Jennifer Neely

Delegates to District Assembly: Joy Bradley, Alene Gill, Marilyn Jordan, Linda Parkhurst, Anna Plummer, Wendell Poole, Dan Preston, Jake Resor, Daniel Smith, Dot Waffird

Delegates to NMI (Missions) Convention: Joy Bradley, Alene Gill, Marilyn Jordan, Linda Parkhurst, Anna Plummer, Wendell Poole, Dan Preston, Jake Resor, Daniel Smith, Dot Waffird

Delegates to NYI (Youth) Convention: Anna-Laura Green, Hunter Steinmetz, Jonathan Tigabu, Sophie Green, Ben Mabry, Josh Cater, Jessica Dozier

LiveWire Students presented An Evening of Hymn Singing with some country cousins on Sunday, May 16, 2010, at 5:45 PM in The Center. Terri and The Chigger Hill Boys were recruited for vocal and instrumental support. It would be hard to overstate how much their singing and playing really added. Diane Cater directed the event with great support from Beth Fox, Christine Helm, Susan Scappaticci, Jillian Forcum, Jeremy and Heather Michael, Jake Resor, Ken Jewett, Stephan Scappaticci, Sarah Paddon, Glenda Perkins, Robert Sullivan, and Daniel Smith. Jill Satterlee cooked the meal served family style at 5:00 PM. Singers, instrumentalists, and conversationalists were Jameson Scappaticci, Bryson Fox, Gabby Satterlee, Rachel Jones, Isabella Green, Jacob Paddon, Kristen Paddon, Emily Paddon, Keely Dozier, Annie Cater, Anna Waller, J.D. Hall, Olivia Garrett, Hannah Garrett, Chandler Scott, Taylor Shoemake, Abby Elkins, Kailey Perkins, Jessica Perkins, Mahaliah Davis, Bryce Poole, Shelby Rose, Kelli Rose, Jared Mannen, Brianna Post, Drew Silvernail, Jonathan Silvernail, William Fleming, Holly Baughman, Bethany Ruff, Marileigh Mabry, Hannah Jackson, Nathanael Jackson, Keegan Brown, Travis Walter, Avie Joyce, Jessie Joyce, Niki Graves, Josh Elkins, Logan Evans. Thanks for the great food and company.

Congratulations to Adrie Brown who attended the HOBY Leadership Conference at Lipscomb University this past weekend. One sophomore student was selected from each high school in Tennessee. Adrie represented MJHS. At the banquet for students and parents on Sunday, an award was presented to the best female and best male leader at the conference. Adrie was given the best female award.

Congratulations to Anna-Laura Green, Katelyn Hogue, and Eric Owens on their graduation from the Youth Leadership Program of Wilson County on Sunday, May 16, 2010, at 2:00 PM. Each high school in Wilson County recommends five outstanding students for one year of leadership development and education. Three of the five MJHS students are from HCN this year.

The Church Board met for its monthly schedule on Sunday, May 16, 2010, at 4:00 PM. Finance Reports were received and a motion was passed to rehire current pastoral staff and support staff on a month-by-month basis. All employees of the church minus the senior pastor are employed on an annual basis. A new church year begins on June 1. When and if our budgets are paid in full, then staff and employees will be re-evaluated. Lay-offs and reduction of hours begin on June 1, 2010. If this concerns you, pay attention to your giving to the church over the remainder of the month of May. If you need to catch-up any giving, it would be timely and reduce the pain.

All Adult Groups are invited to a Thinking Meeting this Sunday, May 23, 2010, at 6:00 PM in the Sanctuary to consider options for future worship schedules to allow the church to reach new people. Pastoral staff members have looked at several options to resolve parking issues and seating issues. We need your mind and your heart and your prayers.

I hope you are remembering that Jesus the Son of God is our great high priest who has gone through the heavens. He is able to sympathize with our weaknesses and temptations because he was “just as we are—yet was without sin.” Let us approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Let us go there with confidence. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

May 10, 2010

Sunday, May 9, 2010, was not only Mother’s Day but it was a catch-up day for all that we missed during the floods of the previous weekends. Catch-up included Baby Day and recognition of College and University Graduates. Michael Waller prepared our Annual Video for Baby Day and we were able to watch it in first and second service. The parents and babies on that video were presented with engraved New Testaments in the second service with blessing prayers. The video included Avonlea Segars, Lucia Greathouse, Emilee Koon, Zoie Butler, Becca Anderson, Savannah Szyperski, Caroline Walker, Abigail Taylor, Katie Grace Walvoord, Austin Reigard, Liam Bolling, Leyton Plummer, Cason Ebel, Levi Keener, Mason Beach, Malcolm Mullins, Jake Stride, Tristan Mullins, Cooper Jordan, Lucas Waller, and Keegan Lutz.

2010 Graduates of Colleges and Universities were also recognized in the second service with additions from my list last week: associate degree: Jenny Carter; bachelor degrees: David Tigabu, Eddie Witkowski, Lindsay Miller, Frank Bolyard, Jeremy Michael, Heather Michael, Julie Groover; master degrees: Cassidy Nelson, Stephan Scappaticci, Rebekah Means, Jessica Tarter Page, Jon Page; doctorate degrees: Brooke Foxworthy, Donny Jackson. Cards with gift certificates were presented to each one.

Beautiful, blooming flowers were given to each woman, eighteen years of age and older for Mother’s Day. We prayed at the close of service for each lady. I received an email this morning from one of them. This is some of what she wrote. “For the past few years I have dreaded going to church on Mother’s Day. One reason was my mother lives far away and I miss celebrating with her. The bigger reason was I felt out of place not being a mother, especially since I longed to be one for many years. For the most part, I have put closure to the idea as God has prepared my heart. Thank you for ending the service praying for ALL women. Someone had to tell me to stand up. I was thankful to God for continuing to heal the void in my heart. I am aware of those who would love to be a mother and those who cannot. I will no longer dread going to church on Mother’s Day.” Thanks for the email that speaks for more than we know. Thanks to Wendell Poole who provides our flower connection with a Mennonite farmer in the area.

Lawana Nelson was presented in second service with her husband, Ken Jones, and her daughter, Lauren Lavery. Lawana leaves Thursday, May 13, 2010, for a four month tour of duty in Afghanistan with the Tennessee Air National Guard. We prayed for Lawana’s safety and for her family with outstretched hands.

The “In Ten Years” video is a classic reminder to the HCN family that a generation depends on our intention and prayers. In second service, I interviewed Preston Hunt who is the concluding speaker on the seven year old production. In the fall, Preston will be a junior at Trevecca Nazarene University. He was elected this spring to serve as the Vice President of Student Services in the ASB. I hope you saw the faces of the students we are leading and teaching and nurturing in faith in Christ Jesus. For the most part, they remain with us on their faith journey.

You also had the privilege to witness Hunter Steinmetz as he discovered a letter he had written to Coach Mark Richt of the University of Georgia had paid dividends. Hunter is in the tenth grade at MJHS and planning to return to Africa this summer. He was a part of the group in 2008 also. Hunter has worked hard labor for months to raise the funds. He wrote letters to selected individuals asking if they would consider contributing to the support of his trip. Week before last, Coach Richt had his secretary to call me and ask for the church’s address. On Saturday, a note arrived with a check made out to the church for Hunter’s trip in the amount of $2,500. It is a personal check from the resources of the Coach and his wife. Hunter and his family found out the good news at the close of the service in front of the congregation and his reaction was priceless: sobs of joy. Could we be more glad?

Teams of servants from HCN have worked in the surrounding neighborhoods over the last week to help get life back to normal for those most affected by the floods. An army of young mothers originating in the Moms2Moms Group have fed the Waterford subdivision for multiple days. They met in the HCN kitchen on Friday, Saturday, and this morning (Monday) to prepare sack lunches and then to distribute the food. This morning, they prepared close to one thousand sack lunches and then fed the Waterford community, DCA remodeling workers, the Old Hickory Community Center workers. Do you know what an assembly line of young moms sounds like when they have a mission?

Eight HCN men invested one/two days at Camp Garner Creek on Thursday and Friday of last week. They stripped insulation and interior walls from the chapel and cut siding to replace lower walls. Two of the men had never stepped foot on the campus previously. They were Glen Detwiler, Ken Willis, Tommy Boner, Jerry Woods, Ken Elkins, Dean Pilkinton, Don Rollins, and Charles Jewell.

Twenty Senior High Students took on one house devastated by the flood. They unhooked and removed appliances and toilets; pulled up tile; removed drywall; packed dishes; etc. They were Ben Griffith, Austin Woodfin, Jasmine Stiles-Barnes, Robert Luther, Robby Amity, Brandon Shepard, Morgan Harold, Christi Fite, Katie Scott, Jessica Long, Cassie Hunt, Trevor Hunt, Grant McCoy, Reed McCoy, Braden Maphet, Eric Owens, Philip Caulkins, Timmy Porter, Taylor Steinmetz, Hunter Steinmetz.

Annual Elections take place this Sunday, May 16, 2010, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at HCN. Members of the church who are fifteen years of age and older elect five new members to serve a three year rotation on the Church Board of Directors; one Sunday School Superintendent; one NMI (Mission) President; one NYI (Youth) President; and delegates to District Assembly and Conventions. District Assembly and Conventions are in Memphis this July 7-9, 2010.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

May 3, 2010

Fourteen inches of rain fell at the Nashville International Airport over a twenty-four hour period, spanning Saturday-Sunday, May 1-2, 2010, and broke the recorded historical record for rainfall in our area. The result is that two of the three interstates (I-24 and I-40) which converge in Nashville were closed for portions of Sunday. Portions of Lebanon Road and Saundersville Road were closed. Neigborhoods off Andrew Jackson Parkway were underwater up to window tops. As of this writing, I do not know of anyone from HCN whose home is flooded, however, multiple reports of flooded businesses are reported (Rob Mathias, Ronnie Marsh). Rob and Tiffany Mathias lost a car. Opryland parking areas are underwater. Multiple buildings at Trevecca have water covering the floor. Camp Garner Creek at Dickson has a bridge washed out, a newly remodeled building destroyed by falling trees, multiple facilities with water. It is a momentous flood. I have emails from HCN families offering to share their meals, their homes. I have an email saying “let me know what is needed.” As we discover needs, we will attempt to connect them with offers for help.

I drove to the church at 7:40 AM on Sunday already knowing that Tulip Grove Road was impassable. I drove in the center of the two lanes on Andrew Jackson and sent wake east and west. I parked on the back of the gravel lot at church and without wisdom, walked through the newly created creek flowing from our trash container to the large trees. I found the most narrow place to cross which was also the deepest place. I had water up to my knees which meant that my socks and shoes and pants were wet through. Early Christians had dutifully gathered for Sunday School with thirty plus people in first service. I think there were more than twelve people in the choir. By second service, the rain was heavier and people arriving informed me that more and more neighborhood roads were being closed. So, we prayed and sang and listened to the scripture read with brief commentary and we went on our way with a blessing spoken. Chef Jill Satterlee came to me and told me that she had prepared spaghetti for whoever wanted to stay and eat lunch and while I was not one, I have heard the Parlor was full of those who accepted her invitation. Many of you attempted to get to church and were blocked at numerous, overflowing passages. My friend, Richard Rouse, wrote on his facebook page that he had been snowed in once and rained in twice in his life. I think it was my first rain-in.

Baby Day was scheduled for last Sunday morning and will need to be included at the start of services this Sunday morning, May 9, 2010. Recognition of 2010 graduates of Colleges and Universities was also scheduled for last Sunday morning. While graduates will be recognized in the services on May 9, 2010, I want to print the names of those currently known to us. Bachelor degrees will be granted to David Tigabu, Eddie Witkowski, Jenny Carter, Frank Bolyard, Jeremy Michael, Heather Michael. Masters degrees will be granted to Cassidy Nelson, Stephan Scappaticci, Rebekah Means, Lindsay Miller. Doctorate degrees will be granted to Donny Jackson and Brooke Foxworthy.

I asked in last week’s letter for information on Country Music Marathon Runners from HCN. I know more. Kids ran a marathon of 25 miles (one mile at a time after school each day for weeks before the event), and then ran their 26^th mile on Friday night before the marathon. HCN runners in the Kids Marathon were Adam Jones (best time ever at 6 minutes 52 seconds), Shelby Rose, Hannah Jackson, Madeleine Rouse (second year). Also, additional Half-Marathon runners were Richard Rouse, Mark Washing (2:46), Carolyn Washing (2:03), Suzanne Karr. I continue to express my admiration for the training and endurance.

When the rain was not letting up last Saturday afternoon and Mt. Juliet Prom Attendees needed a place for photo-ops, a large crew came to the HCN Center Lobby. There was lots of styling and profiling. I am not sure but I think forty of our kids did a group date. I am kind of kidding and kind of not. Anna-Laura Green was elected a Prom Princess which is similar to Snow White and Cinderella. When you have a three year old granddaughter, you know about these things. Congratulations to Anna-Laura.

Rondy Smith and I spent last Thursday and Friday at Camp Garner Creek in Dickson as members of the Boards of Ministry in Ministerial Studies and Credentials. We participated in the interviews of one hundred plus district licensed ministers and ordination candidates. Shane Tarter, Eddie Witkowski, Tes Tigabu, Daniel Smith, and Jake Resor were interviewed for renewal of licenses and for grant of licenses. Ken Jewett was interviewed for transfer of ordination credentials from the Wesleyan Church to the Church of the Nazarene. Ken’s decision to transfer is an enormous decision as he and Robin were both raised and nurtured from birth in the Wesleyan Church. The process is long and laborious but remains the one responsibility I have on the district level which I believe makes a difference in the kingdom of God.

It is the first of May and HCN continues to work to complete the payment of financial mission obligations. It would be hard for me to overestimate how important it is that we pay these apportionments. Non-payment eventually affects our ability to keep pastoral staff members and impacts the quality of ministry in our community and church. Meeting our goals require that everyone share in giving and that some of us are moved to give above and beyond our tithes and pledges. This is my fifteenth year to pastor this congregation and I have never seen our spending tighter while our ability to pay our mission budgets are more difficult. I continue to ask for your prayers and participation.

If you are behind in your giving; need to catch up a pledge; or feel moved to give extra, now would be a great time. You do not need to tell me. Just do it.

This Sunday is Mother’s Day. We will honor all women eighteen years of age and older, with children and without children. Please plan to bring the women in your house to church with you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

April 26, 2010

Trevecca Nazarene University’s Gospel Choir visited HCN in second service yester-day, bringing their jazz band and three music professors. I liked the humility of telling us the choir is a one semester venture with all non-auditioned vocalists. I like people who like to sing. Graham Scott was the one HCN representative but as far as I could tell, the most superlative.

Saturday, April 24, 2010, was the date of the Country Music Marathon and Half-Marathon in Nashville and the weather changed some things for some runners in our congregation. I need a list of those who ran. Would you send me a note on email or facebook? I know that Tammy Poole ran the Half-Marathon and I know that Sarah Paddon was diverted to the 20.4 mile or 22.2 mile race. Congratulations on this great venture and accomplishment.

Fresh fruit, raisins, drinks from the marathon were distributed after worship services on Sunday, abandoned left-overs from the race. Ken Elkins called Glen Detwiler and they took a trailer downtown to rescue the goods and get them distributed. Thanks to Ken and Glen.

Congratulations to Lauren Lavery and to her mother, Major Lawana Nelson, on Lauren’s official swearing-in ceremony into the Air National Guard on Tuesday, April 20, 2010. Lawana serves as Director of Personnel at the 118^th Airlift Wing. Lauren is completing her freshman year at TNU, majoring in elementary education. See the related article on the glassboard outside The Center.

Carl Davis begins a new job in Boston on Monday, May 3, 2010. Janeene, Clarissa, and Mahaliah remain with us to close the school year and to sell their house. Although both Carl and Janeene are from the Jamestown part of the state, they have lived in this community and have been a part of HCN for close to fifteen years. They are family. We pray for Carl’s new employment and for this significant relocation for all four. They are loved and will be missed.

Pastoral Staff expressed appreciation to Joy Bradley, Jody Scott, Billie Ragland, Betty Willis, and Lanora Cass on Wednesday, April 21, 2010, for Administrative Professionals Day. Joy and Jody serve in the support offices of the staff suite in morning hours. Billie Ragland and Betty Willis serve in the offices for afternoon hours. Lanora Cass serves as a volunteer assistant on Tuesday mornings who helps to get this newsletter into your home and hands. Their gifts were small in comparison to the appreciation we all feel for the work they do on our behalf.

Whenever pastoral staff talks about the significant pieces which make HCN a unique community, we often begin with how pastoral community members are to one another. I recognize that sometimes people fall through the cracks, but not often. This Sunday, May 2, 2010, there are several pastoral moments included in our worship. A video will begin the service to recognize our babies who are zero to twenty-four months. Michael and Carol Waller have staged the video clips and Michael is now sequestered for the rest of the week so that he can edit. At pastoral prayer time, we will recognize the college/university graduates for 2010 and present them with gifts. If you or a member of your family attends HCN and graduates this year as an undergraduate or graduate student, please notify the church office at 847-3335. Sunday, May 9, 2010, is Mother’s Day and HCN will recognize all women who are eighteen years of age or older, with and without children. There is always a floral gift but mostly a lot of love and appreciation. Sam Green returns to both services after a week with a stomach bug (unrelated to his recent treatment) and I preach and first and second services for both Sundays. I hope to see you and to be with you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard

April 19, 2010

Welcome to the newest members of HCN: Amber Beach, Bill and Mya Fleming, Jill Forcum, Bill and Dean Jackson, Jonathan and Sarah Paddon, Dennis and Scottie Scholl.

They were born in Tennessee, New York, Kentucky, and Indiana. They were nurtured as Southern Baptists, Presbyterians, Catholics, and Nazarenes. For this portion of their spiritual journey, they have settled into the life of Christ at HCN and desire to be a member of the community. We are glad. As members of the body of Christ, they change us and make us better. We make them better. We pray that our association will lead us to love God wholly and to love each other.

Congratulations to Ben Mabry, Brian Brinkman, Anna-Laura Green, and Sophie Green who participated in TNT at TNU over the weekend. TNT is an annual event where Nazarene youth from across the southeastern USA compete in art, sports, speech, Bible quizzing, etc. Individuals have already competed at a district level and taken first place. Ben, Brian, Anna-Laura, and Sophie won first place in ultimate Frisbee. Ben and Brian were members of the second place beach volleyball team. Brian was chosen a member of the beach volleyball all-star team and awarded the individual sportsmanship award. Brian also placed first in the senior high men’s tennis. Youth group members joined them in the opening ceremonies at an Opryland Ballroom on Thursday evening.

Last week, I told you about Will Miranne’s feature in “Singin’ In The Rain” on Friday and Saturday, April 23 and 24, 2010, at DCA. I also told you that Will is a genuine star. The Tennessean agreed with me and in their Davidson AM feature page last week printed an article about DCA’s drama department that is all about Will. Read on the Center glassboard.

Kevin Terry played cello for the offertory in first service yesterday. Kevin is a Nazarene boy from Texas who is a freshman at Belmont University. He drives to HCN each Sunday and plays in the second service band. I asked Kevin to play in first service so we all could have the opportunity to enjoy his talent. He leaves for Russia in only a few months to minister in churches and orphanages there at the invitation of the Russian Gospel Music Association. If you would like to contribute to Kevin’s trip, send a check made out to Artists in Christian Testimony International, Box 1649, Brentwood, TN, 37027-1649. Kevin’s account is #357.

Sunday, May 2, 2010, is the day we want to recognize College/University Graduates for 2010 at HCN. If you are a 2010 graduate (either undergraduate or graduate), or you have a family member who attends HCN who is a 2010 graduate, please notify the church office by phone 847-3335 or by email so that we may prepare for your recognition in the service.

Before we received new members in second service on Sunday, we concluded the preaching service by re-singing the new song that Sam Green taught us and spending quiet, reflective time in our seats. I thought the message required a private time instead of a public response, yet I asked if God had spoken to you that you would speak to me, write me a note, send me an email, call me on the phone and tell me simply: “I swam to Jesus today.” The responses have made me weep. I have emails. I have notes. Men especially came straight to me and talked. Two of the messages were so moving I thought you needed to hear them. One wrote: “I swam to Jesus today and I will again tomorrow.” Another wrote: “I was drowning when I came to church today and I swam to Jesus.” We never know what is going on in the heads and hearts of those who come to worship but the wonderful, powerful Holy Spirit is always ahead of us, always at work, always speaking, always drawing us to Jesus. I am amazed at his discerning power. I am glad I am connected to him and to you.

In Christ Jesus,

Pastor Howard