TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW November 30, 2007

In this Issue of THE REVIEW

1. The Bluegrass Retreat in the Blue Hills by Harry Robinson. Bluegrass retreat and workshop designed specifically for United Methodist groups here in the Tennessee Conference
2. Bishop’s Convocation on Restoring Methodism draws over 500 laity and clergy
3. The Hispanic/Latino Academy for Christian Formation and Church Leadership Establishes Much-Needed Programs. Through the academy there will be an intentional, committed, in-depth and on-going opportunity for Hispanic/Latino pastors and laity to learn, grow, and develop their gifts within the context of the United Methodist Church.
4. Gallatin Shalom Zone – Largest in the Nation. Groundbreaking for Union School Resource Center highlights unique partnership between Gallatin Community and the Shalom Zone.
5. Conference Board of Laity Presents Check to Martin Methodist College—offering will be used to support scholarship funding for the newly established Academy for Congregational Leaders
6. One God, one calling… Many the gifts, many the works, one in the Lord of All.
On November 2, 3, 4 the Nashville District offered the Lay Speakers Training where 19 Hispanic/Latino persons participated and were blessed to be with other students to explore and affirm their call.
7. Mountain T.O.P. Offers a chance to minister in 2008. Mountain T.O.P. (Tennessee Outreach Project) announces its schedule of ministry events for 2008,
8. November-December Interpreter Magazine features Gordon Memorial story

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The Bluegrass Retreat in the Blue Hills
By Harry Robinson, director of music and arts, Bethlehem UMC, Franklin TN

I have always loved Bluegrass Music. In fact the first Sunday I served at Bethlehem I invited all those interested in Bluegrass to meet me in front of the chancel. That was 11 years ago, and we have had a Bluegrass Band at Bethlehem ever since.

Harry Robinson

As a second-career church musician (I spent 30 years in the music business as a guitar player and band leader) I often find myself answering questions about the “how-to’s and whereabouts” of playing music. I’ve always done the best I could to answer those questions, which led me to join the International Bluegrass Music Association three years ago. I have attended the last three IBMA Conventions, attending seminars and mentoring sessions.

The IBMA Convention is geared towards the professional musician, and mostly deals with their concerns. This year after the convention was over I had an epiphany of sorts. It occurred to me that we can really use a Bluegrass retreat and workshop designed specifically for United Methodist groups here in the Tennessee Conference.

I have talked with Dickie Hinton at Beersheba Springs, and we have settled on August 15-17 for the event.

The Bethlehem United Methodist Bluegrass Band

The three-day event will feature master classes on all instruments, workshops on presentation and performance technique, lots of jamming, a Sunday morning all-Bluegrass worship service and a concert featuring all of the groups.

This is an opportunity to gather new material, develop playing skills and make many new friends.

We have a community of Bluegrass Bands in this conference. Blakemore, First Church Franklin, West Nashville, Ashland City and Bethlehem all have bands, and I know there have to be many more out there.

If you’re interested in having your group participate in this event, or if you would like to join the planning team, call Harry Robinson at 615-415-0873 or e-mail unvarnished@bellsouth.net


Bishop’s Convocation on Restoring Methodism draws over 500 laity and clergy

Most historians and scientists can all come up with a short list of “days that changed the world.” Events of such magnitude occurring at a specific time that they literally effected the course of history—sometimes quickly, and other times over a relatively short period of time.

The Laity Convocation was for lay leadership in the Tennessee and Memphis Annual Conferences—it brought forth the questions “Why haven’t we done this before?” and “When are we going to do it again?”

Though it is too early to tell, the four days of the Bishop’s Convocation for Church Renewal—one day specifically for lay leadership, and a three day retreat for clergy—may be days that change the course of the United Methodist Church in the Tennessee and Memphis Annual Conferences.

Dr. James B. Scott and Dr. Molly Davis Scott, authors of the recent book Restoring Methodism, led the Laity Convocation on Saturday, November 10th, with an attendance of 285 persons. The event was hosted by Dickson First United Methodist Church, and Tennessee Conference Lay Leader Joe Williams was impressed by the excitement generated by the Scotts. “Very few left before it was over! We had a ‘packed house’ until the end.” Questions posed by the attendees, according to Williams, indicated the most persons already knew the church had a lot of unattended to problems that needed fixing. The questions were honest and sincere and showed that half of the participants had read Restoring Methodism prior to coming to Dickson.

Lay participants completely filled the Dickson First UMC sanctuary.

“The reality of The United Methodist Church in America,” according to the Scotts, “is that, in spite of some great service by laity and clergy, and some strong local churches, our Church as a whole is a collapsing denomination.” They point to a concern expressed by the Founder of Methodism, John Wesley, when he said, “I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist either in Europe or America. I am afraid, lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power.” The Laity resonated with the Scott’s feeling that this does not need to happen. There is an answer. “As always, that solution is found in our past. The story of the Christian Church, from the primitive Church and down through the ages and stages of Church history, cycles through the themes of flaming birth, growth and phenomenal success, abandonment of the essentials, severe decline, repentance, confession, recommitment, and—by the grace of God and the power of Holy Spirit—rebirth.”

The two events were time consuming for Dr. James B. and Dr. Holly Davis Scott. At the Clergy Convocation even breaks were filled with informal conversations.

“The purpose of the comprehensive solution given in Restoring Methodism is not to save a denomination. The purpose is to honor our own salvation and our own calling to serve Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God to the best of our abilities; the purpose is to pray and work so that we might become deeper disciples and even apostles.”

The Clergy Convocation, November 12-14 at Montgomery Bell State Park, was in the form of a retreat for clergy members of both the Tennessee and Memphis Annual Conferences. There were a reported 250 clergy in attendance—and like the Laity Convocation—most persons stayed through to the end.

Though the focus was slightly different between the Laity and Clergy Convocations, the basic framework was built upon ten decisions that MUST be made by United Methodist Churches in America – things we need to recognize in who we are, things we need to reclaim, redefine, or restore, and finally the power of the Holy Spirit that must be reborn within us.

Many notes were taken during the Clergy Convocation

Cumberland District Superintendent Dr. Ron Lowery summarizes the final decision: “We need to be experiencing pneumatological (activities of the Holy Spirit) events. This is found through personal and congregational devotional and worshipful experiences with God, through general and private experiences of the Holy Spirit at work in the world, and through theological studies of what the Holy Spirit is doing in the minds and hearts of the children of God.” He quotes Molly Scott on the fear of Methodists concerning the Holy Spirit, “We are so afraid of looking like what we don’t want to be that we ended up not looking like ourselves.”

Discussion times helped clergy participants focus on specific issues and their impact on local churches.

Opal Ransom, chairperson of the Conference Council on Connectional Ministries, felt strongly that four key questions stated by the Scotts would be a good starting place for discussion in local churches:

1. What are we doing now that we should continue doing?
2. What are we doing now that we should stop doing?
3. What are we not doing now that we should start doing?
4. What are we not doing now that we should not start doing?

Cookeville District Lay Speaking Ministries Director Holly Neal summed up the challenge she felt coming from the Bishop’s Convocation: “Let's grow together - clergy & laity- through repentance, faith and holiness. May we find ways to share our devotion to God and our Wesleyan tradition so as to impact everyone we meet.”


The Hispanic/Latino Academy for Christian Formation and Church Leadership Establishes Much-Needed Programs
By Joaquin Garcia

The Hispanic/Latino Academy for Christian Formation and Church Leadership is a cooperative initiative sponsored by the Tennessee Conference Council on Connectional Ministries and the Cal Turner, Jr. Center for Church Leadership at Martin Methodist College, in collaboration with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry.

Joaquin Garcia, seen here during a discussion at the Bishop’s Convocation on Restoring Methodism, is director of the Hispanic/Latino Academy.

Through the academy there will be an intentional, committed, in-depth and on-going opportunity for Hispanic/Latino pastors and laity to learn, grow, and develop their gifts within the context of the United Methodist Church. With leadership and evangelism skills developed through the academy Hispanic/Latino clergy and laity will be enabled to serve the needs of persons, faith communities, and the world, The Academy also offers Hispanic/Latino clergy and lay leadership an opportunity for a supportive and accountable relationship with other Hispanic/Latino pastors and laity—building upon the small group class meetings envisioned by John Wesley. One major benefit of the academy, notes director Joaquin Garcia, is that it allows us to present a biblical and theological foundation for ministry from a Hispanic/Latino perspective.

Over the next year the Academy will be offering the following opportunities for Christian Formation and Church Leadership:

• Acquainting Hispanic/Latino students with opportunities in higher education with spring and fall visits of young people to Martin Methodist College.
  
• An Hispanic/Latino Incubator Covenant group offering on-going montly gatherings for pastors, January through November.


• Spring and Fall Spiritual Retreats for Hispanic/Latino Women. The first of these will be held February 15-16, 2008.
  
• A Children’s Day Celebration in April of each year.


• Participation in the Annual Conference Lay Speaking Ministry program—with classes in Spanish leading toward certification and assignment to mission sites. The basic course will be offered in the Fall and an Advanced Course in the Spring.


• Program to Equip and Develop Hispanic Lay Missioners (Module One), event to be held March 28-29, 2008 under the sponsorship of the National Plan for Hispanic Ministries , General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.


• Program to Equip and Develop Hispanic Lay Missioners (Modules Two and Three) sponsored by the National Plan for Hispanic Ministries. This event will focus on specific content areas such as evangelism and Christian Education and will be held in the Fall.


• Finally, the Academy will be promoting and offering Consultations related to the development of Hispanic/Latino Ministries.

For further information about the Hispanic/Latino Academy, its goals, objectives and program, contact: Rev. Joaquin Garcia, Director, 304 South Perimeter Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37211, Phone 615-329-1177, email jgarcia@tnumc.org


Gallatin Shalom Zone – Largest in the Nation

Historic Union High School is becoming a Resource Center to serve the needs of Sumner county poor and working poor.

Sumner County Tennessee— In response to a national call by the United Methodist Church for racial unity following the unrest associated with the Los Angeles riots, local leaders formed the Gallatin Shalom Zone. The name “Shalom” is a Hebrew word meaning “peace”. Its founders intended to form a “zone” where residents could live, work and play without the threat of violence. Today there are over 300 “Shalom Zones” operating across the US. While the possibility of violence is always there, many of these organizations have been able to draw attention to large sectors of their communities that lack social services. When the new Gallatin Shalom is completed it will be the largest such facility nation-wide.

P. J. Davis, Executive Director of the Gallatin Shalom Zone, displays the floor plan of the Union High School Resource Center – soon to be home to over a dozen Social Service agencies and non-profit organizations.

The area identified as the Gallatin Shalom Zone is a racially diverse community of primarily lower income residents who need community and social services such as: adequate daycare facilities, transportation, information and referral resources for the working poor, after school recreational programs, educational and mentoring programs for young people, dental care and drop out prevention programs. The Board of the Shalom Zone envisions an “umbrella” type organization providing collaborative opportunities for other social service areas to be housed at one location. The “one-stop shop” concept is especially important to low income underserved families that lack transportation. The Board is determined that the facility will not duplicate current services, but provide the space needed to better serve the underserved in this area.

United Methodist leaders who were part of the beginnings of the Gallatin Shalom Zone in the mid-1990s: (left to right) James Gourley, First UMC; the Rev. Charles Williams, Key Stewart UMC; Alpha Abbott, First UMC; Cathie Leimenstoll, then pastor of Rehoboth UMC; and Mark Douglas, Key-Stewart UMC.

The former school building located at 600 Small Street in Gallatin Tennessee was built in 1949 as the only high school for African-Americans in Sumner County. It was known state-wide for a sound academic curriculum as well as its talented athletes and an outstanding marching band. The school was a focal point of community pride until it closed in 1970 to pave the way for a totally integrated school system. Although it was still used as a junior high and middle school for the next 29 years, changing demographics, increased operating costs, and an aging population forced the school district to close its doors in 1999. The building and 8 acres of land were donated to the Gallatin Shalom Zone board of directors to be utilized as a community resource center. The building and property today is insured for over $3.5 million.

Once a predominantly African American community, today the Clearview community where Shalom is located is becoming a racially diverse neighborhood. It still remains an area that is home to a large majority of underserved persons with low incomes. Crime in the area over the years has dropped and continues to do so as the Shalom is involved in the area activities. The focus of the new Union High Resource Center, a project of the Shalom Zone, will be to:

• Define a new era for the delivery of social services in Sumner County and will become the first step in breaking the cycle of families living in poverty and dependence on public funds


• It will become a focal point of the Sumner County Clearview area providing a safe, active, vibrant and central location for the underserved of Gallatin and the Sumner County area to receive social services


• Provide a healthy and wholesome environment for young people to gather for recreational, educational, and cultural activities after school, on weekends and during vacation times
  
• Provide reasonably priced daycare to enable single parents to raise their personal esteem through a higher paying job


• Provide a place where the working poor can learn life skills such as balancing a checkbook, managing debt, becoming better parents, and acceptable methods of dealing with anger, sadness, and emotional obstacles
  
• Provide healthcare prevention screening that would reduce the burden on Medicaid and Medicare
  
• Provide programs that assist the school system to increase average daily attendance.
  

Community Leaders, Sumner County church leaders, business leaders and Shalom Zone board members prepare to “dig in” at the official ground breaking for the Union High School Resource Center.

The Union High Resource Center, a project of the Shalom Zone, Inc. is heading into Phase II of a building project in the 43,000 square foot building. Renovation construction on the building will start by November 15, 2007. The building will become a one stop shop for local Sumner County Social Services and non profit organizations. Locating in the building will be Tennessee Technology Center at Hartville, Gallatin Day Care, Sumner Mediation, NAACP, AIM, Greater Nashville Regional Council Social Workers, Sumner Schools Family Resource Center, Teen Peace, Gallatin Police Department and others. The building will also house a medical and dental clinic for the underserved in all of Sumner County.

The Gallatin Shalom Zone, Inc. Union High Resource Center, when finished in December of 2008, will serve as Sumner Counties only resource center. The center will serve as an umbrella agency for, social service agencies, in Sumner County.

The current temporary office for the Shalom Zone is located at 575 E. Bledsoe St. Suite 1, Gallatin, Tennessee 37066. For more information see our web site at http://www.gallatinshalomzone.org/



Conference Board of Laity Presents Check to Martin Methodist College

Gloria Watts and Joe Williams present the 2007 Tennessee Annual Conference Laity Luncheon offering to Martin Methodist College’s Domenic Nigrelli. Watts is the Conference Director of Lay Speaking Ministries and Williams is the Conference Lay Leader.

The Board of Laity presented a check to Martin Methodist College’s Cal Turner, Jr. Center for Church Leadership, during its annual meeting on November 13th The check for $907.40 represented the total raised during a special offering at the 2007 Annual Conference Laity Luncheon and will be used to support scholarship funding for the newly established Academy for Congregational Leaders. The Academy for Congregational Leaders is a nurturing/educational experience designed to facilitate the development of effective ministry through innovative and comprehensive leadership training. The Academy offers church leaders an opportunity to grow in the spiritual life, deepen their biblical faith, expand their theological understanding as servant leaders, and gain practical skills for the purpose of becoming effect leaders in their congregations
The check was accepted by Dr. Domenic Nigrelli, Director of the Center for Church Leadership. In his remarks after accepting the check, Dr. Nigrelli also shared the success of the Center in recruiting United Methodist Student to Martin Methodist College through the Church Leaders Scholarship. The College offers two full scholarship to outstanding United Methodist students, who are showing leadership potential and commitment to the United Methodist Church. Last year, of the 27 invitees to the competition, 22 students decided to make Martin Methodist their college and embark on a journey of learning and church leadership.

For more information about this and other scholarship opportunities please contact Rev. Mary Noble Parrish at www.martinmethodist.edu/ccl/ or call 931.33.9864


One God, one calling… Many the gifts, many the works, one in the Lord of All
By Joaquin Garcia*

On November 2, 3, 4 the Nashville District offered the Lay Speakers Training where 19 Hispanic/Latino persons participated and were blessed to be with other students to explore and affirm their call. They were affirmed in the recognition that there is one God who calls in different ways, to different persons, for different tasks. The Hispanic/Latino students represented congregations and faith communities from Smithville, Nashville and Riddleton/Hartsville. Rev. Alejandro Hernandez taught the basic course in Spanish.

Participants in the Nashville District Hispanic/Latino Lay Speaking class pose with teacher, the Rev. Alejandro Hernandez.

The Hispanic/Latino brothers and sisters will be serving in their congregations and faith communities to proclaim the Good News and serve Jesus Christ, and the Hispanic/Latino Academy expresses great appreciation to the Board of Laity that administers this program.

The Academy will continue identifying and engaging persons in their own context where God has put them, affirming their call and passion for ministry, and equipping them to develop mission sites where the gospel of Jesus Christ will be preached and lived among the Hispanic/Latino communities to make Disciples of Jesus Christ.

*Joaquin Garcia is Director of the Hispanic/Latino Academy, a cooperative effort between The Tennessee Conference Council on Connectional Ministries and Martin Methodist College.


Mountain T.O.P. Offers a chance to minister in 2008

ALTAMONT, Tenn. -- Mountain T.O.P. (Tennessee Outreach Project) has announced its schedule of ministry events for 2008, with opportunities for church youth groups, young adults and adults to change their own lives by changing the lives of others.

Mountain T.O.P. is an interdenominational ministry to the Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee affiliated with the Tennessee Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Its major program areas include:

Youth Service Ministry
In the summer, youth groups serve at one of Mountain T.O.P.'s two camp facilities for a week in either the Service Project or Day Camp programs. Participants in the Service Project will perform minor home repair projects for four different Cumberland Mountain families over the course of the week. These projects could include yard work, painting a trailer, or building a wheelchair ramp. Service Project campers are placed in small work teams, staying with the same work team all week.

Summer options at Mountain T.O.P. provide opportunities to help with building wheelchair ramps and with major home repair.

Teens serving at Day Camp will run large and small group activities for local children ages 6 to 10 from remote mountain communities. The Day Camp program gives these children a safe environment to have fun and learn about Christ. Youth Summer Ministry 2008 begins June 8 and runs every week until August 2. Early registration is recommended to ensure that the desired camp week is available.

Adults in Ministry
Adults from all over the country give of their time and come together to serve in this program. Campers in Major Home Repair will work in teams on major construction projects such as roof repair, room additions, and siding. Major Home Repair is an option at week-long camp events during the summer but is also offered at long weekend camps (Thursday night through Sunday morning) in the spring and fall. All skill and experience levels are welcome, from novices to professional contractors.

The Adults in Ministry (AIM) program has many major construction and repair projects but also offers opportunities to work with teens and special needs children.

In the Summer Plus program, teams of adults lead sessions for local teenagers on topics from self defense to creative writing. Kaleidoscope is a program for local special needs children. Volunteers help these children learn about and experience the visual and performing arts.

AIM weekends for 2008 are April 3-6, April 24-27, Oct. 2-5, Oct. 9-12, Oct. 16-19, Oct. 23-26, and Oct. 30-Nov. 2. AIM full weeks are June 22-28 (choice of Major Home Repair or Summer Plus and July 6-12 (choice of Major Home Repair or Kaleidoscope.)

Young Adult Ministry
Each summer, one AIM Major Home Repair week is designated as Young Adult Week; this year's event, June 8-14, is an opportunity for twenty-somethings to serve together. BreakOut is another chance for young adult or college groups to serve in the Cumberland Mountains. Throughout the spring, a less structured mission trip / retreat experience is offered. Groups will participate in minor home repair, projects around camp, and optional low ropes activities and caving adventures. Scheduling is flexible.

More information about the AIM program, as well as applications for 2008 camp events, can be found on the Mountain T.O.P. web site, http://www.mountain-top.org/, by e-mailing info@mountain-top.org or by calling (931) 692-3999.

November-December Interpreter Magazine features Gordon Memorial story
Read about Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church in Nashville, a part of the Tennessee Conference, in the November-December 2007 issue of Interpreter, the official ministry magazine for the people of The United Methodist Church. A story of the "Gift of Hope" scholarships funded through the United Methodist Student Day offering features Camela Jordan, a member of Gordon Memorial. You may read the story on-line at http://interpretermagazine.org/interior.asp?ptid=43&mid=12459.

This issue of Interpreter focuses on spiritual growth and ways congregations and individual United Methodists are growing spiritually. One feature looks at ways young people are engaging in simple lifestyles.

Learn, too, how United Methodist churches celebrate Epiphany and read also about the proposal for a new Social Creed for the denomination. As always, enjoy reading the popular "It Worked for Us" and "IdeaMart" departments as well as the new "Leadership Link" and "Lighter Fare" pages.

Refocused and redesigned Interpreter serves lay leaders -- those who serve by role as well as position -- and clergy with inspiration and information to connect leaders and potential leaders across the denomination with God, with each other and with ideas and resources.

Check out Interpreter OnLine at http://www.interpretermagazine.org/. Then order your personal subscription by calling United Methodist Communications at 888-346-3862.

TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW November 16, 2007

In this issue of THE REVIEW:

1. Guatemalan mission trip changes the lives of VIM Team members by Patty Wilson

2. A New Kind of Buggy Whip, commentary by the Rev. Jeff Streszoff

3. Sixty-First Avenue United Methodist Church Last Minute Toy Store brings Christmas to many -- here is your chance to be a volunteer at the Toy Store

4. Three from Conference Attend National Hispanic Incubator Covenant Group by Joaquin Garcia. The national experience will be replicated in a Spanish language Incubator within the Tennessee Conference--orientation session is November 17th, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

5. Conference United Methodist Men on the move -- 2007 Annual Meeting

6. Jo Reece Describes the art of Reiki -- the Rev. Jo Bentley Reece is director and spiritual guide for The Quiet Center at Glendale United Methodist Church.

7. Foundation Fall Fling WIll Take on New Name in 2008 -- David Hawkins Clergy Golf Tournament

8. Playground Equipment Installed by Farmington United Methodist Church -- a congregation planning for the future.

9. Congregational Development School to expand to two sites in 2008

10. Clergy Financial Inventories Being Offered by the Foundation -- check the dates in your district and register to participate

11. Hispanic/Latino Academy Sponsors Student Visit to Martin Methodist College

12. Bishop Wills Receives Affirmation for Presentation at Wisconsin Annual Conference Worshop -- the Rev. Scott Carlson, pastor of Sun Prairie United Methodist Church, shares the impact of the event

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Guatemalan mission trip changes the lives of VIM Team members

By Patty Wilson

It’s 5:00 a.m. on Sunday morning July 8, 2007. Ten volunteers from Nashville, Tennessee, arrive at the Nashville International Airport ready to embark on a mission to do God’s work in Guatemala. Each arrives with smiling faces, bags in hand and relatives in tow as we set out on a mission that will involve construction and Vacation Bible School in the village of Paxtoca, Guatemala.

The Nashville Team meets up with seven (7) additional volunteers in Atlanta from the states of New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. We all board the plane together, not really knowing one another, but together nonetheless and focused on the task ahead – the desire to share the love of Christ with the people of Guatemala.

The entire VIM team gathers with some friends from Paxtoca

Arriving in Guatemala was somewhat surreal in that among the beautiful architecture and landscaping was this desperate poverty. One only had to look past the historical buildings and coffee beans to see locals of all ages working in the fields. Old and young alike, scratching out a living in the corn fields and in the adobe houses with concrete or mud flooring weaving beautiful textiles.

James Cole (left), Pastor of Woodbine UMC (Nashville), and his brother, Dean Cole (right), stand with Jorge, a young man who lives on the VIM compound in Guatemala.

The West Virginia Conference coordinated and planned this mission trip that would change the lives of 17 people forever. We spent our two weeks working at a Methodist church in Paxtoca. We were met every day by locals with open arms and open hearts. Our hands and hearts were in turn open to the people of Paxtoca by working side by side with the locals to complete an addition that would provide space for the children and families to gather. The work was hard and sometimes exhausting. But by the grace of God we woke each morning with the desire to give our all to show the love of Christ.

Following lunch each day, our team provided a Vacation Bible School experience for the local children. We sang, made crafts, told stories and put on puppet shows for the children and the local community. There was great commitment from the locals to provide a spiritual and memorable experience for the children. You could see the excitement build each day as they passed the church after school; for they knew they were coming back to the church to have fun in the name of the Lord!

The Hillcrest United Methodist Church team: Back row from left, Terry Linehan, Jimmy Wilson; Front row from left, Donna Nelson, Joan Reese, Patty Wilson.


When it was time to come home the team's emotions were on edge. We knew we were coming back to America - the home of excess and greed. Feelings of helplessness flowed over me as I knew I couldn't take care of all the people. Each of us had made friends - friends we wanted to take care of. But the enormity of the poverty was overwhelming. As I prayed about these feelings, I could feel God speaking to me; encouraging and reassuring me that one person can make a difference. God had used the other team members and me to make a difference in the village of Paxtoca. All I had to do was look at the smiling faces of the children and the village locals. If I looked close enough, I could see the face of God smiling back at me. His smile was saying, "Well done, my good and faithful servants.”

Included on the VIM team from Tennessee were Hillcrest UMC members Jimmy Wilson, Patty Wilson, Jean Reese, Donna Nelson, and Terry Linehan. Emma Smith and the Rev. James Cole represented Woodbine UMC. Also participating were Dean Cole, Trevecca Community Church of the Nazarene, Alan Wong, West End Community Church, and Becky Gibbs from a local Cumberland Presbyterian congregation.



A New Kind of Buggy Whip
Commentary by Jeff Steszoff*

On June 16th, 1903, the Ford Motor Company entered the business world. Henry Ford insisted that the company's future lay in the production of affordable cars for a mass market. The company began using the first 19 letters of the alphabet to name new cars. In 1908, the Model T was born. 19 years and 15 million Model T's later, Ford Motor Company was a giant industrial complex that spanned the globe.

Around the same time Henry Ford and his eleven business associates signed the company’s article of incorporation, the town of Westfield, Massachusetts, was enjoying prosperity. This small town was home to the manufacturers of over 90% of the world’s buggy whips. Westfield is still affectionately known as “Whip City” today. However, today there remains only one buggy whip manufacturer, Westfield Whip Company.

I can just imagine what it must have been like to be in a company meeting. As the demand for automobiles began to surge, buggy manufacturers and in turn buggy whip manufacturers began to see their production slip. Less and less orders would mean less profit. There was probably a deep concern about their future as they discussed ways to compete with the automobile. I am sure they were convinced that if they just changed a few things they would be able to survive. After all, people had been using buggies and buggy whips just about forever.

To be sure, there were some who refused to evolve. They were not going to change the way they had been making buggy whips. They had always done it this way. There were others, who in desperation decided to come up with a new and innovative way to market their buggy whips to the consumer. Yet there were a few who realized that they probably needed to get out of the buggy whip business all together. These were the true innovators. They took the time to figure out what the new consumer wanted, evaluated their skill set, and came up with new ways to be relevant in the emerging culture of the 20th Century.

As I contemplate the church, I am reminded of these long forgotten buggy whip manufacturers. For the past 20 years or more we have been debating between traditional and contemporary style worship services. There are those who refuse to change. They have been worshiping this way for their entire lives and they are not about to change now. Then there are those that feel we need to change in order to stay “competitive.” All the while we cannot figure out why the people 35 years and younger are disappearing from our congregations.

When I was 18 years old I left the church. There were many reasons for me leaving none of which are pertinent to this discussion. The bottom line was that I did not see the church as relevant to my life. Eight years later I returned. I love God and I came to the conclusion that if God has not given up on the church I should not either. After all, even with all her faults God has chosen to work through the church. After 10 years I think I may have finally figured it out. God does not give up on his church but he will surely let an organization die.

When we hear about God having faith in the church, that statement is referring to the people not the institution. When was the last time you heard about the vibrant church in Corinth other than while reading your Bible? You probably haven’t. Very few of the churches that Paul wrote to in the New Testament are in existence today, yet Christ’s followers remain. The church is the people following Christ, not an organization that needs to be supported. When we become focused on our organizations rather than Christ, people become consumers and Christ is a product. When that happens we will become just like the buggy whip manufacturers.

Let’s quit trying to figure out better ways to entertain ourselves. Let’s get busy with the mission Christ has left for us; the mission Paul writes about in 2 Corinthians 5. Let’s take our example from that third group of buggy whip manufacturers. We need to look at our culture and find ways that we can be relevant. We have one thing going for us that the buggy whip manufacturers didn’t. They were trying to sell a product; we are simply trying to introduce a lost world to a living Savior.

*The Rev. Jeff Streszoff is Associate Pastor, Cookeville First United Methodist Church


Volunteers Needed
Sixty-First Avenue United Methodist Church Last Minute Toy Store brings Christmas to many

For the last thirteen years Sixty-First Avenue United Methodist Church in West Nashville has hosted the “Last Minute” Toy Store in the days just before Christmas. This year the Last Minute Toy Store will run from Wednesday, Dec. 19 through Saturday, Dec. 22, 12:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Davidson County parents who are struggling to provide holiday gifts for their children and have not received toys from other sources can come to the Toy Store to select free, new, unwrapped toys for their children, ages newborn to 18.

This is a cooperative effort with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s “Toys for Tots” program which provides approximately two-thirds of the toys distributed. The rest come from donations of toys, teen gifts, or money given directly to Sixty-First Avenue UMC for this purpose.

In 2006 approximately 16,000 toys/teen gifts were distributed to 3,591 children and youth from 1,250 families (Up from 3,279 children from 1,150 families in 2005).

Persons who would like to help out can do so in a number of ways:

1. By donating new unwrapped toys or money to buy toys. Toys or teen gifts can be brought to the church at 6018 New York Avenue in West Nashville. Checks can be made out to Sixty-First Avenue UMC and sent to 6018 New York Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209. There is always a special need for gifts for teens who often get overlooked during toy drives. Last year 1,042 teens received gifts through the Toy Store.

2. By volunteering before, during, and after the Toy Store. Rev. Paul Slentz, Pastor of Sixty-First Avenue United Methodist Church, reports that about ninety volunteers are needed each day. Over the last few years over twenty churches in the Tennessee Conference and a dozen schools made donations to the project or sent volunteers. Volunteer Orientation is at 12:00 noon each day and the Toy Store opens at 12:45 p.m.Volunteers will:

.Help set up the Toy Store, especially sorting toys and setting them out for display
.Greet and make welcome those who are coming to the Toy Store
.Register those seeking assistance
.Help parents select toys for their children
.Help provide child care for children while their parents “shop” for toys
.Carry toys to cars (good job for teens)
.Translate information for non-English speakers (English-Spanish translators especially needed).

Sixty-First Avenue UMC is in West Nashville at 6018 New York Avenue, the corner of 61st and New York Avenues, one block off of Centennial Blvd. From Charlotte Ave., turn north on 51st Avenue. Take 51st until it dead ends into Centennial Blvd. Turn left on Centennial and go to 61st Avenue. Turn left on 61st and go one block.

To volunteer or for any other information, call Rev. Slentz or Lay Leader, Brenda Hix, at 292-7184.


Three from Conference Attend National Hispanic Incubator Covenant Group
by Joaquin Garcia*

On October 10-11 the Reverends Eliud Martinez (serving the Crossville and Fairfield Glade Hispanic Ministries), Enrique Hernandez (serving Shelbyville and Winchester Hispanic Ministries), and Joaquin Garcia, director of the Hispanic/Latino Academy for Christian Formation and Church Leadership, participated in the National Hispanic Incubator. Eleven individuals from six annual conferences participated in the event which was sponsored by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church and held in Nashville at the Denman Building. This national covenant group continues to meet monthly through July of 2008.

Rev. Sam Rodriguez, Central Texas Conference, Rev. Eliud Martinez, Tennessee Conference, Rev. Enrique Hernandez, Tennessee Conference , Rev. David Ortigoza, Western North Carolina Conference.

The Incubator Covenant Group is based in the Wesleyan tradition of the “Holy Club” where a small group meets to pray together, share in communion, and serve the poor. The L3 Leadership Incubator offers the experience of formation as leaders in community, holding each one to a high level of accountability, in an environment of trust, innovation, and action. This experience includes the commitment of each participant to develop a Ministry Action Plan [MAP] to transform their setting of ministry into disciple-making congregations and faith communities. The Incubator covenant group experience will be offered in Spanish to the Hispanic/Latino pastors and lay missioners in the Tennessee Conference.

Dates now set for Tennessee Conference Hispanic/Latino Incubator On October 11 the Hispanic/Latino pastors met and the kick-off of the Incubator in Spanish was announced. The Spanish language Incubator will offer Tennessee Conference Hispanic/Latino clergy leadership an opportunity to participate in a covenant group to experience mutual support and accountability. From the Incubator will come the trained and dedicated leadership needed to create new disciple-making faith communities.

The orientation session in Spanish for Hispanic/Latino pastors and missioners is scheduled for Saturday, November 17, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., and the Incubator group will continue to meet from January to November of 2008. The orientation will be held at Tennessee Conference United Methodist Center, 304 S. Perimeter Park Drive, Nashville, Tennessee. Reverend Eliseo Mejia, Associate Director of Hispanic/Latino Ministries of the Kentucky Conference, will be the resource person.

This event is offered by the Hispanic/Latino Academy of the Tennessee Conference.

*Joaquin Garcia is Director of the Hispanic/Latino Academy of the Tennessee Conference, a cooperative initiative sponsored by the Cal Turner, Jr. Center for Church Leadership at Martin Methodist College and The Tennessee Conference Council on Connectional Ministries.

Conference United Methodist Men on the move – 2007 Annual Meeting

The Tennessee Conference United Methodist Men met on Saturday, November 3, at the United Methodist Center in Nashville. Seen with Conference UMM president, Ingram Howard (right), are guest speaker Steve Robinson, Director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for Middle Tennessee (left), and singer/song writer/recording artist/ evangelism Mike Rayson (center) who provided inspirational music for the event. Robinson, who played football the University of Tennessee and appeared in three different bowl games (Cotton, Gator, and Sugar), challenged the men present to be better leaders and mentors in their churches especially as it relates to younger adults and youth.

Officers for the Conference United Methodist Men are President Ingram Howard (Bellevue UMC), First Vice President Mike Bishop (Hermitage UMC), Second Vice President Gerald Brubaker (First UMC, McMinnville), Treasurer Claude Steele (Bellevue UMC), Scouting Coordinator James Hardin (Belle Meade UMC), BB/BS Amachi Coordinator Cliff Steger (Gordon Memorial UMC) and Prayer Advocate Bob Cate (Calvary UMC). District UMM presidents include Gordon Shippy (Clarksville District, Sango UMC), Ken Roberts (Cookeville District, First UMC McMinnville), and William Roggan (Cumberland District, Key-Stewart UMC). At the conclusion of the meeting all officers present were installed in an installation service conducted by the Rev. Lynn Hill, Pastor at First Franklin UMC


Jo Reece Describes the art of Reiki
By Jo Bentley Reece*

Intercessory prayer using the Usui Method of Natural Healing, or Traditional Reiki, is an ancient art which involves learning medically where to place your hands for touch to provide the most comfort. Reiki was rediscovered by a Japanese Christian teacher, Dr. Mikao Usui, in the early 1900s. It is a Japanese word that means ‘universal life force energy.’ Energy flows through energy/nerve centers throughout our bodies all day every day. There are seven major energy centers plus our palms and the soles of our feet. At any one time, energy centers may be partially closed, shut down, or open too far, due to stress, a long-term illness or simply a difficult day. This imbalance may affect a person physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Jo Reece at a session of a new interdenominational networking group, “Spiritual Friends Network of Middle Tennessee,” centered on how God is moving in the lives of persons in traditional and nontraditional ways.

Balancing energy using Reiki is similar to acupressure, acupuncture, healing touch, and therapeutic touch taught in nursing schools across the country. It complements other forms of treatment in a growing number of medical facilities around the world.

The purpose of intercessory prayer using Reiki is to bring a person’s energy system into balance. By simple touch, if a person’s energy flow is too low or too high, the vibration of the Reiki Practitioner/Therapist or Teacher increases or lowers to bring the person receiving Reiki prayers into balance. It is done with very light touch sometimes holding a position for five minutes or more. Often you can feel the shift. When learning this process, you are taught where to place your hands and to empty yourself so that God can use you through the touch of your hand and your presence. While you are moving through this process, prayers are being lifted up for the person receiving Reiki prayers. My sense is that the Holy Spirit in me is that energy and is touching the Holy Spirit in the other person and at that point we are connected in a very sacred way. This prayer time as part of the retreats I offer lasts approximately 45 minutes. Most retreats are 60-90 minutes; longer times are available upon request. Art, music, centering prayer, and/or guided meditation are also included.

Today there is a focus on spiritual practice that involves the whole person--body, mind and spirit--in the divine-human relationship. Healing services and other forms of embodied spiritual practice are coming back into our faith communities. Forms of worship that involve the body have always continued to be present such as acts of baptism and communion, as well as singing our faith and prayer; however, for many years the church left the healing of the body to the medical community while focusing on healing of the mind and spirit. Also, the focus on individualism in the world in the last part of the 20th century seeped into our church pews. As Henri Nouwen reminds us, although our faith journey is a personal one that only we can know fully, it is within a faith community where two or more are gathered in God’s name that we are strengthened in body, mind and spirit to live a life of hope.

Resources that are available to help us include: the acts of Baptism and communion, various postures and gestures for prayer, singing our faith, bodily movement in prayer (e.g., walking the labyrinth or circle dancing); God’s Spirit identified in breath (Hebrew: ruach, Greek: pneuma); various methods of prayer and meditation; a long tradition of fasting and abstinence as a form of prayer; as well as feasting. The body may also be a means through which certain gifts (instruction, healing, miracles, laying on of hands) operate. Various Eastern practices are also being integrated or re-introduced into Christian practice today. They may include: yoga, tai chi, aikido, various forms of meditation and dance, and reiki.

Eibner quotes Tilden Edwards, Living in the Presence, “What makes a particular practice Christian is not its source but its intent. If our intent in assuming a particular bodily practice is to deepen our awareness of Christ, then it is Christian. If this is not our intent, then even reading of Scripture loses its authenticity.”

Suggested discernment questions include: “(1) Does this practice broaden my awareness and experience of God in Christ? (2) Does it help me to pay attention to the movement of the Spirit within me? (3) Does it deepen my practice of love, compassion and service.”

*The Rev. Jo Bentley Reece is director and spiritual guide for The Quiet Center at Glendale United Methodist Church. For further information about The Quiet Center or the art of Reiki contact the Reverend Jo Bentley Reece at ministermama@juno.com or telephone 615-367-3586, cell 615-943-9092. For information on Glendale UMC’s hospitality and retreat ministry including use of The Retreat House, contact the Reverend Sandra Griggs at sandragriggs@comcast.net or phone 615-297-6233 (Glendale UMC), cell phone 545-8060.


David Hawkins to be honored
Foundation Fall Fling Will Take on New Name in 2008
By Vin Walkup

The first annual Foundation Fall Fling Clergy Golf Tournament took place on October 22 and 23. Those who were able to participate, to trust that golf could be played during the beginning of the most consecutive days of rain in months, and to take the chance to play golf with other clergy had a great time.

The Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation sponsored the two-day tournament at The Reserve at Collins River and McMinnville Country Club, and Beersheba Springs Assembly hosted the group for dinner, overnight and breakfast. The threesome of Mike Waldrop, Jimmy Beaty, and L. C. Troutt won the first day, with Lee Parkison having the closest to the pin shot.
The second day winners were Waldrop, Beaty, and Parkison.

At the end of the second day, just as the rain had begun in earnest, the group decided that next year the tournament will have a new name – The David Hawkins Clergy Golf Tournament. David had planned to play this year, and those involved think this will be a good way – one that David would appreciate – to remember him as clergy gather to enjoy God’s creation and “scramble” together to have a good time.

Next year the dates will be October 9 and 10 (Thursday and Friday), so mark your calendars now, and save the dates. Even if you do not play golf, you are invited to join the group for dinner, overnight, and breakfast at Beersheba Springs Assembly. Watch for information mid-year about the event.

Playground Equipment Installed by Farmington United Methodist Church

Farmington United Methodist Church, located just outside the city limits of Lewisburg, Tennessee, is very proud of its children. Included in this photo of some of the Farmington UMC younger generation are pastor Jay Hoppus and his son Joshua. The playground equipment seen in the picture was recently purchased by the church thanks to several personal donations and the proceeds from Farmington’s annual ice cream supper. "Children are a blessing to everyone , and the future of the church !!!"


Congregational Development School to expand to two sites in 2008

The annual United Methodist School of Congregational Development is being expanded to two sites next year to accommodate the growing interest in new congregation starts and older congregational revitalization within the denomination.

The 2007 school, held in Leawood, Kansas, on August 2-7, drew slightly more than 600 people from across the United States. This is approximately the same number that attended the two previous schools, but the idea of multiple locations did not arise from space or numbers issues.

"A school of 600 is a fine size," says the Rev. Sam Dixon, an executive with the General Board of Global Ministries, "but we need to have more geographically available schools in order to serve the needs of our annual (regional) conferences. We also need to be able to experiment with the use of electronic transmission in training for congregational development, and even in linking churches to one another."

Tennessee Conference delegation at the 2007 School of Congregational Development

The School of Congregational Development is sponsored jointly by the General Board of Discipleship and Global Ministries.

The two sites for 2008 are Orlando, Florida, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. The simultaneous dates are July 31 to August 5. Audio and video links will allow the school sites to share certain plenary speakers and, perhaps, workshops, although each site would have locally focused activities. The Florida Conference and St. Luke’s Church in Orlando and the West Michigan Conference and Cornerstone Church in Grand Rapids will serve as hosts.

Each school also features visits to local "teaching congregations" that illustrate a variety of strengths in congregational development and ministry.

While the school has a long history, it has taken on new significance as The United Methodist Church embarks on an effort to start 650 new congregations between 2009 and 2012. The plan is called "Path 1."

The 2008 school will include ministry tracks for bishops, district superintendents, staff members of conferences, new church pastors, and leaders of "turn around" churches. For more information on the 2008 school contact Craig Miller, General Board of Discipleship, at cmiller@gbod.org or Christopher Heckert, General Board of Global Ministries, at checkert@gbgm-umc.org.


Clergy Financial Inventories Being Offered by the Foundation
by Vin Walkup

Beginning in mid-January, The Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation is offering the clergy of the Memphis and Tennessee Conferences an opportunity to participate in a personal, confidential financial inventory. The districts and dates scheduled are below.

This is an opportunity for a 45-50 minute appointment for clergy and spouses to review their financial inventory, discuss points of stress, relationship between personal income and commitments, and opportunities to begin plans for moving forward toward financial peace.

Those who register for one of these opportunities will meet privately and confidentially with Dr. Vincent (Vin) Walkup, President of the Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation. Prior to the appointment, participants will be given a method of doing a personal financial inventory.

During the session, participants will work through a process of evaluating their financial journey, with a potential of reducing personal and/or family stress regarding finances, and thereby increasing family harmony and ministerial effectiveness.

These sessions are not designed to provide income tax or legal advice. None will be given in this process. For tax or legal advice, participants are encouraged to consult an accountant, a lawyer, or a financial planner.

To register to participate, contact your district office or Vin Walkup at vwalkup@nashaumf.org or (615)259-2008. Dates in each district are as follows:

Memphis Conference
Brownsville District February 28, 2008
Dyersburg District February 7, 2008
Jackson District February 4, 2008
Memphis Asbury & McKendree Districts January 15, 2008
Paducah District February 26, 2008
Paris District February 25, 2008

Tennessee Conference
Clarksville District March 4, 2008
Columbia District March 6, 2008
Cookeville District February 12, 2008
Cumberland District March 5, 2008
Murfreesboro District January 31, 2008
Nashville District February 21, 2008
Pulaski District January 22, 2008

If a clergy needs to meet on a date other than her/his own district date, that can be arranged.



Hispanic/Latino Academy Sponsors Student Visit to Martin Methodist College

On November 1st, the Hispanic/Latino Academy of the Tennessee Conference sponsored a visit of Hispanic/Latino students to Martin Methodist College. The visit allowed the students to explore the opportunities open to them through enrollment at Martin Methodist. Eleven students from Hispanic Ministries in the Conference attended this event. They are seen here with Dr. Ted Brown, Martin president (front left), Joaquin Garcia, Director of the Hispanic/Latino Academy (front right), Tennessee Conference ministers Miguel Carpizo, Juan Purdue, and Carlos Merida, and Martin Staff persons Daniel Smith, and Brad Taylor. Photo by Mary Noble Parrish, Martin Methodist Church-Based Recruiter.


Bishop Wills Receives Affirmation for Presentation at Wisconsin Conference Workshop

Taking Responsibility
By the Rev. Scott Carlson, pastor, Sun Prairie United Methodist Church, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Article first appeared in his church’s newsletter.

In February of 2006 our church sponsored a workshop for the large United Methodist Churches in Wisconsin. Our presenter was Bishop Dick Wills, the Bishop of the Nashville area of the United Methodist Church. Prior to his being a Bishop, he was a local church pastor at Christ United Methodist Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

I was so excited about his coming here, because he had already influenced me quite a bit through a book he had written called Waking to God’s Dream. It is a book that has had a profound impact on me as I go about ministry.

During his workshop here, he told the story about a person who came to him, when he was serving a church. This individual told Dick that he was leaving the Christ Church to go to a “church where he felt he could be fed” the word of God. As Dick talked about his disappointment with that conversation, I found myself thinking about a time when someone said almost those very words to me in a previous congregation.

For me, those words caused me to re-examine what I was doing in preaching and teaching the faith. They caused me to wonder, am I doing something other than preaching the good news of Jesus Christ? Am I not challenging people to walk faithfully? Biblically?

As I listened to Dick continue on with his story, he talked about how he shared this disappointment with a pastor that he looked up to. This wise pastor reminded him that while we as pastors certainly have an important role to play in helping people connect with God and grow in faith, the members of our church also have a role to play in working at their life of faith and growing in their life of faith as well.

He introduced Dick to a method of reading scripture and praying that would allow people to have access to nurturing their own life of faith. It is a method that allows people to take responsibility for their own growth in faith, so that the role of the church can help aid people as they grow.

I have introduced this method to people in our church; it is called the Life Journal or the SOAPY method of prayer. You can even find more instructions for it on-line at our website (http://www.sunprairieumc.org/ follow the link to worship then click on methods of prayer).

Recently, Bishop Dick Wills sent me a note to share with me that he has started an on-line Life Journal. He is inviting us to participate in it if journaling on line is something that would appeal to you.

It is easy to sign up. All you have to do is follow the instructions. At this website you will even have access to a video on how to do it. It will give examples of how to do the life journal as well. If you would like to sign up, you can go to:
http://www.nashvilleareajournal.org/

Taking responsibility for our personal growth in faith is something that each one of us needs to do. Recently, I was reading some of my daughter Whitney’s Life Journals. I have been deeply touched by how she was using this method and it was helping her to grow in faith.

My hope and prayer for each one of us, is that we can learn how to trust God more and more each day. If you are not taking the time now to do some type of personal devotions and journaling, why not? What is stopping you?

As a church, it is our job to connect people to Christ and to help them grow in faith. As individuals it is our task to open ourselves to the movement of God in our life, as we seek to help others grow in faith. May this willingness to open yourself to God bring you joy today and each day for the rest of your life.

In the hope Jesus offers us,

Rev. Scott Carlson