TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW December 12, 2008
Articles in the December 12th issue of THE REVIEW
1. To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah
2. October 5, 2008, 200th Anniversary of the Liberty Hill Conference and of Liberty United Methodist Church. See also “Revolutionary War Officer pivotal in the start of middle Tennessee Methodism”
3. Bethlehem Centers Celebrating Revival with Dec. 21 Open House/Holy Communion.
4. “Jesus’ Closet” Hispanic Ministry is Helping the Needy and transforming hearts—Nolensville First United Methodist Church
5. Warming the World’s Children – Lavergne First United Methodist Church
6. Seay-Hubbard United Methodist Church’s Elizabeth’s Table shares 458 Thanksgiving Dinners.7. Revolutionary War Officer pivotal in the start of middle Tennessee Methodism. See also “October 5, 2008, 200th Anniversary of the Liberty Hill Conference and of Liberty United Methodist Church.”
8. Nicaragua VIM Trip: Words can’t describe it, article with one captioned photo, Photo #20.
9. MTSU Wesley Foundation sponsors basketball shootout to help defeat the ravages of malaria.
10. Hispanic women and Children Retreat, “Breaking the Jar, retired Bishop Judy Craig impressed with what she saw at the retreat.
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“To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah”
Luke 2: 8-12 "In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”
(Nativity figures from The Tullahoma First United Methodist Church exhibit of nativity scenes)
October 5, 2008, The 200th anniversary of the Liberty Hill Conference and of Liberty United Methodist Church
Historic Liberty United Methodist Church
It was a dramatic and joyful worship service for Liberty United Methodist Church – celebrating the church, and one of the founding fathers of Tennessee Conference Methodism. It was no surprise that Brentwood Mayor Joe Reagan, was there to bring a proclamation from the community, but as individuals looked in fascination, bagpiper Glen Cutcliff entered the Liberty Church sanctuary followed by historic Tennessee figure and Revolutionary War officer, Green Hill.
With bagpiper Greg Cutcliff beside him, the Rev. Green Hill shares the story of early Methodism in middle Tennessee
Hill, enacted by Liberty UMC church member Fred Mindermann, explained some of the dramatic story of the Liberty Hill area, Williamson County, and the beginning of Liberty Church, a congregation that was to entertain the ninth session of the Western Conference of the Methodist Church in 1808. This Conference was the first Conference held west of the Alleghenies and it was attended by Bishops McKendree and Asbury, two of the strongest spiritual forces in early American Methodism.
Special music for the service was provided by Josh and Jennifer McGuire, vocal duo Buzz Arledge and Hank Martin, Sutton Partsch, and auto harpist Will Smith. Officiating clergy were Liberty UMC pastor, Rev. Edward Friesen, former pastor Rev. Linda Johnson, and the Rev. William Freeman.
Pastor Ed Friesen displays the proclamation presented to Liberty Church by the Brentwood mayor.
Following the 200th Anniversary Worship service at Liberty UMC, the congregation moved down the road for at outdoor celebration of Liberty Hill Vineyard/Liberty Hill shrine. The celebration was held at the residence of Fred and Carol Mindermann in the Liberty Downs Subdivision. The Mindermann property contains the Liberty Hill Shrine and a cemetery containing the gravesites for Green Hill and his family. The Mindermann house is constructed of historic logs from the early 1800s, and across the road is the original Green Hill home, now owned by the O’Connell family.
The program included a scout honor guard, presentation of a Video Documentary on Liberty United Methodist Church prepared as an Eagle Scout project by Nick Hudson, welcome of United States military veterans, introduction of Eagle Scouts including Andrew Mindermann (son of Fred and Carol Mindermann), plus tours of the Green Hill cemetery and original Green Hill home. Proclamations were presented by Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson, State Senate and Representatives by Senator Jack Johnson. U. S. Representative Marsha Blackburn sent a proclamation from the US House of Representatives.
A letter from TN Governor Bredesen along with USA and Tennessee flags flown over the Tennessee State Capital during the week were also presented to the Church during the afternoon event.
All of this was moderated by “Green Hill” (Fred Mindermann) in authentic costume and period wig.
Editor’s Note: A brief history of Liberty United Methodist Church and the Liberty Hill Shrine can be found in the article, “Revolutionay War Officer pivotal in the start of middle Tennessee Methodism"
Come to Bethlehem and See
Bethlehem Centers Celebrating Revival with Dec 21 Open House/Holy Communion
Bishop William Morris and Nashville District Superintendant Rev. John Collett, will lead Bethlehem Centers of Nashville celebration of service to Nashville’s neediest citizens on Sunday, Dec. 21.
“Everyone in the Nashville area is invited to come to Bethlehem and see the positive results of our renewed commitment to ministry,” said Phyllis Hildreth, Chair of the Centers’ Board of Directors. Bethlehem Centers of Nashville has been a United Methodist ministry in Nashville since 1894.
“As God provided us with the miracle of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago, God performs miracles in this Bethlehem as well,” Hildreth said. “We see miracles happening in the lives of the 6,000 persons we serve each year. We see God’s blessings in all that we do.”
"In the spirit of the Bethlehem Centers’ mission and commitment the community is invited on December 21st to Come to Bethlehem and See.”
The program will take place from 2-6:30 p.m. at the primary campus at 1417 Charlotte Ave., Nashville. It will include tours of the facility, hands-on activities for children, and performances by area gospel choirs.
Bishop Morris and Rev. Collett will lead a praise and worship service as well as celebrate Holy Communion as the Centers’ staff, directors, friends and constituents to signify the Centers’ renewed focus on Christian ministry. The worship will take place at 3:30 p.m.
Bethlehem Centers of Nashville are responsible for three top rated child care facilities.
The celebration will conclude with a special 5 p.m. Star Child Party.
The Dec. 21 celebration is part of Bethlehem Centers “Come to Bethlehem and See” commitment campaign. The faith-centered campaign seeks to reconnect United Methodists and other persons of good will with Bethlehem Centers through faith partnerships, volunteering, and financial support.
Among Bethlehem Centers programs are:
· Three top-rated child care facilities.
· Many programs for teens, including after-school activities, tutoring, alcohol and drug prevention programs.
· Hot lunch delivery services for homebound seniors.
· Seniors Club.
· Christmas Toy Store.
“Our Christian mission is clear: take care of children, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and provide hope and help to those in need,” Hildreth said. “It is in the spirit of our mission and commitment that we are inviting the community to Come to Bethlehem and See.”
For additional information, contact: Amber Williams at 615-329-3386 ext. 104 or e-mail awilliams@bethlehemcenters.org.
“Jesus’ Closet” Hispanic Ministry is Helping the Needy and transforming hearts
Shoppers wait in the rain and cold for the opening of Jesus’ Closet – many stood in line for over two hours
The weather was awful, a cold front had moved through bringing with it an ongoing rain. Yet in this cold rain stood a line of persons extending from a Nolensville First United Methodist Church side entrance into the church’s parking lot. Some persons huddled together for warmth, while a plethora of rain deflection devices were held overhead—plastic bags, tarps, large umbrellas, rain coats. The door to the church wouldn’t open for several hours yet those in line were excited, hopeful, some what oblivious to the circumstances. For Saturday, November 15th is the day of Jesus’ Closet, a four year old program which would allow low income Hispanic families to safely shop for free Christmas gifts during difficult times.
Amber Dexter, Spanish teacher at Ravenwood High School, stands with her students, ready to guide Spanish speaking families through Jesus’ Closet.
Inside, volunteers readied roomfuls of gifts on tables. A group of about twenty-five high school students from Spanish classes at Ravenwood High School prepared to greet Hispanic mothers and fathers and take them to those rooms containing gifts for the age levels of their children. Persons were in place to interview those who had come, checking information –making certain that there were no individuals just trying to work a scam. Others were setting out refreshments and still others preparing the child care center.
There are a hundred fifteen volunteers, many from Nolensville First but others from Crievewood UMC and Ebeneezer UMC—others representing other denominations. Three Hispanic congregations provide volunteers as well. There is the sound of joy, of anticipation, but also of concern that the “shoppers” were having to stand outside in terrible weather.
Volunteers formed a prayer circle just before the doors were opened. Heather Thomas, Director of the Jesus’ Closet ministry, stands with the Revs. Sandy Shawhan and Enrique Hernandez
Heather Gee Thomas, director of the Nolensville program, gathers all the volunteers and briefs them on what to expect. The together time concludes with prayer by pastor Sandy Shawhan and a prayer in Spanish by Rev. Enrique Hernandez.
Persons hurry back to their volunteer posts then the flow of shoppers begins There is a look of hope on the shoppers faces, then joy and gratitude. The faces of the shoppers move the volunteers. Each volunteer KNOWS why he or she is there—the faces of the shoppers, their eyes tell the story—we are doing something important in the name of Christ. Jesus’ Closet is bringing cultures together in an atmosphere of love.
The shoppers were brought into the church in groups, given a briefing on what is to happen, and then each groups participated in a brief worship experiences. Over 50 individuals accepted Christ as they were moved by the Hispanic Pastor’s words of hope and a young man of 11 who sang songs of faith like an angel. All this was accomplished as persons waited their turn patiently to have their personal information checked, and begin their shopping tours.
Eleven year old Steven Pascual moved Hispanic worshippers
At the end of the day Jesus’ Closet has served 207 families with 477 children. This is up substantially from 134 families served in 2007 and 354 children. Many toys and gifts are donated by members of First UMC and other churches as well. Jesus’ Closet is also a line-item in the church’s yearly budget. Businesses provide food and supplies, and financial contributions are accepted throughout the year. Then the week after Christmas, when special sales are operating, Heather Gee Thomas and her committee will be making purchases for Jesus’ Closet Christmas 2009. These gifts will be carefully stored until next year.
Heather Gee Thomas reflects on what Jesus’ Closet means to her personally. “Since its inception four years ago, Jesus’ Closet has been a labor of love for me. Not only has this ministry helped countless families in need but it has also opened many hearts towards people who are different than they are. Our volunteers (youth and adult) were able to experience the joy of helping others regardless of their cultural background. What a blessing this ministry is for all involved.“ Pastor Sandy Shawhan, can recall a time when Jesus’ Closet was not understood. There were questions, “We aren’t going to continue Hispanic ministry are we?” “Now,” notes Shawhan “it’s transforming hearts . . . everyone can sense a blessing.”
Warming the World’s Children
By Debi Walker, Lavergne First UMC
In October of 1999, two members of the Lavergne First United Methodist Women’s Group decided it would be fun to make children’s sweaters for the Guideposts Knit for Kids Program. Both were retired and had the time to do something they enjoyed together.
What started out that fall of 1999 as two friends wanting to spend time together has become an ecumenical ministry that has shipped 1000 sweaters to the magazine’s office in New York this year alone.
There are now approximately 30 active participants in the group, named the Heartwarmers’ Circle of the Women in Action UMW.
Back left to right, Cassie Clark and Trisha Clark; front, left to right, Sandra Cortez and "Meemaw" Helen Cortez, four generations from one.family.
We range in age from a sophomore at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, Cassie Clark, to her 94 year old great grandmother, “Meemaw” Helen Cortez. Cassie inspires and delights us with the colors she chooses and Meemaw charms us with her smile and loving spirit. Cassie’s mother, Trisha Clark, and her grandmother, Sandra Cortez, round out four generations of a family involved together in this ministry. And Cassie’s boyfriend, Kyle Marcum, crochets with us as well!!
We are an inclusive group, welcoming members of the community to participate with members of the congregation. We are open to any one, any faith, man or woman. We are truly ecumenical, with approximately half our membership Methodist and the remaining members Presbyterian, Baptist, Church of Christ, Catholic and Jewish. Liz Garrison, one of the founding members says, “We don’t discuss differences in faith. We just talk about ‘What a pretty sweater that is.’ ”
Without the support of our entire church, however, this ministry could not take place. Women In Action is our sponsor in the UMW, taking care of shipping costs, a major expense. Each group member donates a dollar per meeting to go toward shipping. Supplies to make the sweaters and instruction in crochet and knitting to those who want to learn is provided. Once a year, the communion rail offering is given to help cover shipping costs to New York. The United Methodist Men supply the boxes and tape needed to ship the sweaters, another major expense. We use the left over Sunday programs to place in each box of sweaters for identification. Yard sales are visited regularly to find yarn and other supplies, which quite often are donated rather than purchased when the program is explained. A church member regularly donates knitting and crocheting supplies to us from the company where he works.
A local school of Tae Kwan Do donates quarters, nickels and dimes the students collect. Various yarn companies send boxes of yarn, end-runs, samples, discontinued colors and styles, and sometimes the first rate product. One of the Senior Citizens Buildings has become a drop-off for donations. One of the local sororities collects yarn for us once a year. And the ministry gives us "yarn-aholics" a good reason to purchase any yarn we can find on sale!!
Over the years, articles have been written in the local papers and magazines that have made the community aware of our group. The church office gets calls from people wanting to donate supplies to us. We turn nothing down. One of our members, Maggie Fraser, works exclusively with sport weight and baby yarns. When we’ve received something we simply could not use, we’ve found other groups in the area that could use it. Donating those things to other groups has simply grown the Body of Christ and His love in our community.
We meet two times a month, on the second Saturday at our church, and on the fourth Tuesday at Smyrna Housing Authority. We welcome any and everyone who wants to participate. We all feel blessed to have been able to come together in this ministry, to feel the love that goes into each stitch of these sweaters and visualize and pray for the child who will be warmed by it.
The chance to work for God anonymously brings an awareness of His presence to each one of us that we don’t often get to experience. It’s our prayer that this awareness can be felt by others. This program is a very effective way to make that happen.
Information about the program can be found online at http://www.knitforkids.com/. Simple knitting and crocheting patterns can be downloaded from the site.
We welcome the opportunity to go and speak about this mission effort, and help other groups begin to participate in it. We can be contacted through the church office, 615-793-6631, or the church website, http://www.lavergnefirstumc.org/.
Seay-Hubbard United Methodist Church’s Elizabeth’s Table shares 458 Thanksgiving Dinners
Elizabeth’s Table, Seay-Hubbard UMC’s newest ministry is making headway in reaching the people in the South Nashville Community. Elizabeth’s Table is a feeding ministry that is open to the public five days a week, from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., sharing groceries for the body’s nutritional needs and Daily Devotionals to feed the soul.
Rev. Dr. Kennard Murray, pastor, administers Communion during Thanksgiving Devotional Service.
On Monday, November 24, 2008, Elizabeth’s Table Thanksgiving Dinner shared 458 meals and distributed one-hundred and fifteen (115) turkeys to families and others in the South Nashville community.
This ministry is a divine gift to the people of Seay-Hubbard and the community. Elizabeth’s Table was started at Humphrey Street UMC, which closed its doors this summer. The people of Seay-Hubbard were excited to keep this ministry alive by adding it to our outreach ministries. All have been blessed, knowing what it means to be in God’s divine will, remembering Jesus said "If you love me, feed my sheep."
VBS was fantastic!! All the children were very happy that we were there to play with them, to show them God’s love, and to let them know that we care about them and pray for them every day. Each day after VBS concluded the children would chase our “chicken bus” and wave to us as we drove off. It was hard to say goodbye to all the children on the last day of VBS. They brought us flowers from their homes as a goodbye gift and a thank you. I know that none of us will ever forget those children. The friendships that everyone made with the children at VBS, the workers at the church, the families at the house site and other people we met from day to day are friendships that will last forever. We all became especially close to the guardian family, our cooks, and our bus driver – they were and still are a part of our family. We would have “Disco, Disco” parties at night, which is where Alan Wong and Jimmy Wilson (both of TN) would make their famous fried egg and cheese sandwiches and we would all sing and dance to Spanish songs.
The closer it got to the time for us to leave Guatemala, the more everyone wanted to stay. The very last night at the compound we had a big celebration. We enjoyed everyone’s company for one last night by eating S’mores, singing around a campfire, dancing to guitar music played by James Cole (TN) and Ethan Rapking (WV), and doing the Guatemalan version of the “Chicken Dance.” We presented a wooden cross, handmade by Jimmy Wilson and signed by each member of the VIM team, to the guardian family as a thank you to them and to let them know that we love them and that they will always be a part of our family. The day we left was a sad day and there was not a dry eye in the compound because everyone was sad that we had to leave. When we were all hugging and saying our goodbyes, the guardian family would say, “It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later.” I know that no one on our team will ever forget them.
People, after they have been on a mission trip that really impacted them, always say that there aren’t words to describe how they felt. I always thought they were just saying that as an expression, but it is so true. There aren’t words to describe how I felt during and after this mission trip. There aren’t words to describe how I felt on the first day and seeing the guardian family come running out of their house to greet us. There aren’t words to describe how I felt seeing how grateful Maria and Moises were that we were there to build them a house. There aren’t words to describe how I felt at VBS and seeing all those children and the big smiles they had on their faces every day. There aren’t words to describe how I felt waking up and going to breakfast and seeing a line of people waiting outside the clinic just to see the doctor. There aren’t words to describe how I felt when we took the children of the guardian family shopping to buy them toys, and seeing the joy they had when they picked out their toy and took it out of the box to play with it. There aren’t words to describe how I felt the entire time. It’s just one of those things you have to experience for yourself.
Of all the mission trips I’ve been on in my life, this mission to Guatemala was my favorite. And it is also the one that had the most impact on my life. I learned that it is not what you have, but it is what you do with what God has given you that is important – using the gifts that He gave us to work through us to help those in need. Not only helping those in need internationally but helping those in need in our own “backyards” too. I learned not to take the “simple things” in life for granted, and to be thankful for what I have and for the people that are part of my life. My heart goes out to all those in Guatemala. There isn’t a day that passes by that I don’t think about the people we were in contact with every day there. I am truly thankful and blessed to have been a part of this mission in Guatemala, and I am looking forward to next year.
On behalf of the entire Guatemala 2008 VIM team, I want to thank Dean Cole of TN for putting this amazing experience together and for being an awesome leader during the entire trip. We all appreciate your leadership and all that you did to make this trip an experience of a lifetime!!
MTSU Wesley Foundation sponsors basketball shootout to help defeat the ravages of malaria
In November the Wesley Foundation at Middle Tennessee State University officially joined the national Nothing But Nets campaign to help defeat malaria on the Continent of Africa. In keeping with the “nets” motif the Wesley Foundation sponsored a basketball challenge.
On November 17-19, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., the Wesley Foundation students challenged students, faculty, staff and the Murfreesboro community to shoot baskets to raise money to buy nets. A Basketball goal was set up in front of the Keathley University Center on the MTSU campus and for a small donation; individuals were able to shoot baskets for door prizes and most importantly to buy mosquito nets.
Members of the MTSU Men’s Basketball team joined the Wesley Foundation on Monday, November 17 to kick off the event. Players were available to sign autographs and give basketball tips.
Nothing But Nets is a global grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. Malaria claims more than a million lives every year, mostly children. The good news is that malaria can be prevented by sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net. Bed nets are an important tool in fighting malaria because they create a barrier against mosquitoes at night, when most transmission occurs. Just one bed net can keep an entire family safe from malaria transmission for up to four years!
In the three days the students had the basketball shootout on campus they raised $800.00 enough money to purchase 80 bed nets. It was amazing what a dime a basketball shot can do! Despite the cold weather students had a great time stopping to shoot some hoops and helping to prevent malaria. Eight MTSU students won door prizes from eight businesses: Textbook Brokers, Applebee’s, The City Café, The Daily Buffet & Grill, Bliss Nail Spa, Ideas, Tamato Tomato, and the Maple Street Grill.
“It was great way to raise awareness of the need to prevent malaria,” noted Wesley Foundation Director Bill Campbell, “have some fun between classes, and relieve some end of the semester stress, all while helping other people to be healthy!”
A presentation of the check will be made public during half-time of an MTSU Men’s Basketball game.
Hispanic women and Children Retreat, “Breaking the Jar
Bishop Judy Craig
With the theme “Breaking the Jar” Isaias 43:19 , 43 Hispanic/Latino women and 23 children met on October 31 –November 1 at Scarritt Bennett Center to have their Fall retreat. Retired Bishop Judy Craig who was attending another meeting, at the same time, was able to visit with the Hispanic/Latino women and children and shared her feelings about the experience with Joaquin Garcia:
“Friday, November 14, 2008
Dear Joaquin:
Watching the Hispanic/Latino women when they were at lunch and around the campus at Scarritt-Bennett for the retreat experience was delightful. They were full of energy, interacting intensely, and seemed very engaged in what was happening around them. To see them with their children was heartening, and it spoke volumes about their values and those of the Tennessee Conference in providing a retreat where the children could be cared for. What a blur of laughter and chatter and mutual encouragement. It made me smile and think about the wonder of our ever emerging multi-cultural church. It made me hopeful that we can more and more point the way for people of many backgrounds to "be the church" in their various settings for the sake of Jesus Christ.
Faithfully yours,
Judy’
1. To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah
2. October 5, 2008, 200th Anniversary of the Liberty Hill Conference and of Liberty United Methodist Church. See also “Revolutionary War Officer pivotal in the start of middle Tennessee Methodism”
3. Bethlehem Centers Celebrating Revival with Dec. 21 Open House/Holy Communion.
4. “Jesus’ Closet” Hispanic Ministry is Helping the Needy and transforming hearts—Nolensville First United Methodist Church
5. Warming the World’s Children – Lavergne First United Methodist Church
6. Seay-Hubbard United Methodist Church’s Elizabeth’s Table shares 458 Thanksgiving Dinners.7. Revolutionary War Officer pivotal in the start of middle Tennessee Methodism. See also “October 5, 2008, 200th Anniversary of the Liberty Hill Conference and of Liberty United Methodist Church.”
8. Nicaragua VIM Trip: Words can’t describe it, article with one captioned photo, Photo #20.
9. MTSU Wesley Foundation sponsors basketball shootout to help defeat the ravages of malaria.
10. Hispanic women and Children Retreat, “Breaking the Jar, retired Bishop Judy Craig impressed with what she saw at the retreat.
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“To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah”
Luke 2: 8-12 "In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”(Nativity figures from The Tullahoma First United Methodist Church exhibit of nativity scenes)
October 5, 2008, The 200th anniversary of the Liberty Hill Conference and of Liberty United Methodist Church
Historic Liberty United Methodist ChurchIt was a dramatic and joyful worship service for Liberty United Methodist Church – celebrating the church, and one of the founding fathers of Tennessee Conference Methodism. It was no surprise that Brentwood Mayor Joe Reagan, was there to bring a proclamation from the community, but as individuals looked in fascination, bagpiper Glen Cutcliff entered the Liberty Church sanctuary followed by historic Tennessee figure and Revolutionary War officer, Green Hill.
With bagpiper Greg Cutcliff beside him, the Rev. Green Hill shares the story of early Methodism in middle TennesseeHill, enacted by Liberty UMC church member Fred Mindermann, explained some of the dramatic story of the Liberty Hill area, Williamson County, and the beginning of Liberty Church, a congregation that was to entertain the ninth session of the Western Conference of the Methodist Church in 1808. This Conference was the first Conference held west of the Alleghenies and it was attended by Bishops McKendree and Asbury, two of the strongest spiritual forces in early American Methodism.
Special music for the service was provided by Josh and Jennifer McGuire, vocal duo Buzz Arledge and Hank Martin, Sutton Partsch, and auto harpist Will Smith. Officiating clergy were Liberty UMC pastor, Rev. Edward Friesen, former pastor Rev. Linda Johnson, and the Rev. William Freeman.
Pastor Ed Friesen displays the proclamation presented to Liberty Church by the Brentwood mayor.Following the 200th Anniversary Worship service at Liberty UMC, the congregation moved down the road for at outdoor celebration of Liberty Hill Vineyard/Liberty Hill shrine. The celebration was held at the residence of Fred and Carol Mindermann in the Liberty Downs Subdivision. The Mindermann property contains the Liberty Hill Shrine and a cemetery containing the gravesites for Green Hill and his family. The Mindermann house is constructed of historic logs from the early 1800s, and across the road is the original Green Hill home, now owned by the O’Connell family.
The program included a scout honor guard, presentation of a Video Documentary on Liberty United Methodist Church prepared as an Eagle Scout project by Nick Hudson, welcome of United States military veterans, introduction of Eagle Scouts including Andrew Mindermann (son of Fred and Carol Mindermann), plus tours of the Green Hill cemetery and original Green Hill home. Proclamations were presented by Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson, State Senate and Representatives by Senator Jack Johnson. U. S. Representative Marsha Blackburn sent a proclamation from the US House of Representatives.
A letter from TN Governor Bredesen along with USA and Tennessee flags flown over the Tennessee State Capital during the week were also presented to the Church during the afternoon event.
All of this was moderated by “Green Hill” (Fred Mindermann) in authentic costume and period wig.
Editor’s Note: A brief history of Liberty United Methodist Church and the Liberty Hill Shrine can be found in the article, “Revolutionay War Officer pivotal in the start of middle Tennessee Methodism"
Come to Bethlehem and See
Bethlehem Centers Celebrating Revival with Dec 21 Open House/Holy Communion
Bishop William Morris and Nashville District Superintendant Rev. John Collett, will lead Bethlehem Centers of Nashville celebration of service to Nashville’s neediest citizens on Sunday, Dec. 21.
“Everyone in the Nashville area is invited to come to Bethlehem and see the positive results of our renewed commitment to ministry,” said Phyllis Hildreth, Chair of the Centers’ Board of Directors. Bethlehem Centers of Nashville has been a United Methodist ministry in Nashville since 1894.
“As God provided us with the miracle of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago, God performs miracles in this Bethlehem as well,” Hildreth said. “We see miracles happening in the lives of the 6,000 persons we serve each year. We see God’s blessings in all that we do.”
"In the spirit of the Bethlehem Centers’ mission and commitment the community is invited on December 21st to Come to Bethlehem and See.”The program will take place from 2-6:30 p.m. at the primary campus at 1417 Charlotte Ave., Nashville. It will include tours of the facility, hands-on activities for children, and performances by area gospel choirs.
Bishop Morris and Rev. Collett will lead a praise and worship service as well as celebrate Holy Communion as the Centers’ staff, directors, friends and constituents to signify the Centers’ renewed focus on Christian ministry. The worship will take place at 3:30 p.m.
Bethlehem Centers of Nashville are responsible for three top rated child care facilities.The celebration will conclude with a special 5 p.m. Star Child Party.
The Dec. 21 celebration is part of Bethlehem Centers “Come to Bethlehem and See” commitment campaign. The faith-centered campaign seeks to reconnect United Methodists and other persons of good will with Bethlehem Centers through faith partnerships, volunteering, and financial support.
Among Bethlehem Centers programs are:
· Three top-rated child care facilities.
· Many programs for teens, including after-school activities, tutoring, alcohol and drug prevention programs.
· Hot lunch delivery services for homebound seniors.
· Seniors Club.
· Christmas Toy Store.
“Our Christian mission is clear: take care of children, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and provide hope and help to those in need,” Hildreth said. “It is in the spirit of our mission and commitment that we are inviting the community to Come to Bethlehem and See.”
For additional information, contact: Amber Williams at 615-329-3386 ext. 104 or e-mail awilliams@bethlehemcenters.org.
“Jesus’ Closet” Hispanic Ministry is Helping the Needy and transforming hearts
Shoppers wait in the rain and cold for the opening of Jesus’ Closet – many stood in line for over two hoursThe weather was awful, a cold front had moved through bringing with it an ongoing rain. Yet in this cold rain stood a line of persons extending from a Nolensville First United Methodist Church side entrance into the church’s parking lot. Some persons huddled together for warmth, while a plethora of rain deflection devices were held overhead—plastic bags, tarps, large umbrellas, rain coats. The door to the church wouldn’t open for several hours yet those in line were excited, hopeful, some what oblivious to the circumstances. For Saturday, November 15th is the day of Jesus’ Closet, a four year old program which would allow low income Hispanic families to safely shop for free Christmas gifts during difficult times.
Amber Dexter, Spanish teacher at Ravenwood High School, stands with her students, ready to guide Spanish speaking families through Jesus’ Closet.Inside, volunteers readied roomfuls of gifts on tables. A group of about twenty-five high school students from Spanish classes at Ravenwood High School prepared to greet Hispanic mothers and fathers and take them to those rooms containing gifts for the age levels of their children. Persons were in place to interview those who had come, checking information –making certain that there were no individuals just trying to work a scam. Others were setting out refreshments and still others preparing the child care center.
There are a hundred fifteen volunteers, many from Nolensville First but others from Crievewood UMC and Ebeneezer UMC—others representing other denominations. Three Hispanic congregations provide volunteers as well. There is the sound of joy, of anticipation, but also of concern that the “shoppers” were having to stand outside in terrible weather.
Volunteers formed a prayer circle just before the doors were opened. Heather Thomas, Director of the Jesus’ Closet ministry, stands with the Revs. Sandy Shawhan and Enrique HernandezHeather Gee Thomas, director of the Nolensville program, gathers all the volunteers and briefs them on what to expect. The together time concludes with prayer by pastor Sandy Shawhan and a prayer in Spanish by Rev. Enrique Hernandez.
Persons hurry back to their volunteer posts then the flow of shoppers begins There is a look of hope on the shoppers faces, then joy and gratitude. The faces of the shoppers move the volunteers. Each volunteer KNOWS why he or she is there—the faces of the shoppers, their eyes tell the story—we are doing something important in the name of Christ. Jesus’ Closet is bringing cultures together in an atmosphere of love.
The shoppers were brought into the church in groups, given a briefing on what is to happen, and then each groups participated in a brief worship experiences. Over 50 individuals accepted Christ as they were moved by the Hispanic Pastor’s words of hope and a young man of 11 who sang songs of faith like an angel. All this was accomplished as persons waited their turn patiently to have their personal information checked, and begin their shopping tours.
Eleven year old Steven Pascual moved Hispanic worshippersAt the end of the day Jesus’ Closet has served 207 families with 477 children. This is up substantially from 134 families served in 2007 and 354 children. Many toys and gifts are donated by members of First UMC and other churches as well. Jesus’ Closet is also a line-item in the church’s yearly budget. Businesses provide food and supplies, and financial contributions are accepted throughout the year. Then the week after Christmas, when special sales are operating, Heather Gee Thomas and her committee will be making purchases for Jesus’ Closet Christmas 2009. These gifts will be carefully stored until next year.
Heather Gee Thomas reflects on what Jesus’ Closet means to her personally. “Since its inception four years ago, Jesus’ Closet has been a labor of love for me. Not only has this ministry helped countless families in need but it has also opened many hearts towards people who are different than they are. Our volunteers (youth and adult) were able to experience the joy of helping others regardless of their cultural background. What a blessing this ministry is for all involved.“ Pastor Sandy Shawhan, can recall a time when Jesus’ Closet was not understood. There were questions, “We aren’t going to continue Hispanic ministry are we?” “Now,” notes Shawhan “it’s transforming hearts . . . everyone can sense a blessing.”
Warming the World’s Children
By Debi Walker, Lavergne First UMC
In October of 1999, two members of the Lavergne First United Methodist Women’s Group decided it would be fun to make children’s sweaters for the Guideposts Knit for Kids Program. Both were retired and had the time to do something they enjoyed together.
What started out that fall of 1999 as two friends wanting to spend time together has become an ecumenical ministry that has shipped 1000 sweaters to the magazine’s office in New York this year alone.
There are now approximately 30 active participants in the group, named the Heartwarmers’ Circle of the Women in Action UMW.
Back left to right, Cassie Clark and Trisha Clark; front, left to right, Sandra Cortez and "Meemaw" Helen Cortez, four generations from one.family.We range in age from a sophomore at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, Cassie Clark, to her 94 year old great grandmother, “Meemaw” Helen Cortez. Cassie inspires and delights us with the colors she chooses and Meemaw charms us with her smile and loving spirit. Cassie’s mother, Trisha Clark, and her grandmother, Sandra Cortez, round out four generations of a family involved together in this ministry. And Cassie’s boyfriend, Kyle Marcum, crochets with us as well!!
We are an inclusive group, welcoming members of the community to participate with members of the congregation. We are open to any one, any faith, man or woman. We are truly ecumenical, with approximately half our membership Methodist and the remaining members Presbyterian, Baptist, Church of Christ, Catholic and Jewish. Liz Garrison, one of the founding members says, “We don’t discuss differences in faith. We just talk about ‘What a pretty sweater that is.’ ”
Without the support of our entire church, however, this ministry could not take place. Women In Action is our sponsor in the UMW, taking care of shipping costs, a major expense. Each group member donates a dollar per meeting to go toward shipping. Supplies to make the sweaters and instruction in crochet and knitting to those who want to learn is provided. Once a year, the communion rail offering is given to help cover shipping costs to New York. The United Methodist Men supply the boxes and tape needed to ship the sweaters, another major expense. We use the left over Sunday programs to place in each box of sweaters for identification. Yard sales are visited regularly to find yarn and other supplies, which quite often are donated rather than purchased when the program is explained. A church member regularly donates knitting and crocheting supplies to us from the company where he works.
A local school of Tae Kwan Do donates quarters, nickels and dimes the students collect. Various yarn companies send boxes of yarn, end-runs, samples, discontinued colors and styles, and sometimes the first rate product. One of the Senior Citizens Buildings has become a drop-off for donations. One of the local sororities collects yarn for us once a year. And the ministry gives us "yarn-aholics" a good reason to purchase any yarn we can find on sale!!
Over the years, articles have been written in the local papers and magazines that have made the community aware of our group. The church office gets calls from people wanting to donate supplies to us. We turn nothing down. One of our members, Maggie Fraser, works exclusively with sport weight and baby yarns. When we’ve received something we simply could not use, we’ve found other groups in the area that could use it. Donating those things to other groups has simply grown the Body of Christ and His love in our community.
We meet two times a month, on the second Saturday at our church, and on the fourth Tuesday at Smyrna Housing Authority. We welcome any and everyone who wants to participate. We all feel blessed to have been able to come together in this ministry, to feel the love that goes into each stitch of these sweaters and visualize and pray for the child who will be warmed by it.
The chance to work for God anonymously brings an awareness of His presence to each one of us that we don’t often get to experience. It’s our prayer that this awareness can be felt by others. This program is a very effective way to make that happen.
Information about the program can be found online at http://www.knitforkids.com/. Simple knitting and crocheting patterns can be downloaded from the site.
We welcome the opportunity to go and speak about this mission effort, and help other groups begin to participate in it. We can be contacted through the church office, 615-793-6631, or the church website, http://www.lavergnefirstumc.org/.
Seay-Hubbard United Methodist Church’s Elizabeth’s Table shares 458 Thanksgiving Dinners
Elizabeth’s Table, Seay-Hubbard UMC’s newest ministry is making headway in reaching the people in the South Nashville Community. Elizabeth’s Table is a feeding ministry that is open to the public five days a week, from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., sharing groceries for the body’s nutritional needs and Daily Devotionals to feed the soul.
Rev. Dr. Kennard Murray, pastor, administers Communion during Thanksgiving Devotional Service.On Monday, November 24, 2008, Elizabeth’s Table Thanksgiving Dinner shared 458 meals and distributed one-hundred and fifteen (115) turkeys to families and others in the South Nashville community.
This ministry is a divine gift to the people of Seay-Hubbard and the community. Elizabeth’s Table was started at Humphrey Street UMC, which closed its doors this summer. The people of Seay-Hubbard were excited to keep this ministry alive by adding it to our outreach ministries. All have been blessed, knowing what it means to be in God’s divine will, remembering Jesus said "If you love me, feed my sheep."
Seay Hubbard UMC members Frances Spain, Cecey Bledsoe, and Elizabeth’s Table Coordinator Leo Portis, practice the procedure for how 115 turkeys would be given away.
Seay-Hubbard UMC is located at 1116 First Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37210. Romona L. Douglas-Matlock is Feeding Ministry Coordinator, Leo Portis is Elizabeth’s Table Coordinator, and Rev. Dr. Kennard Murray is pastor.
Revolutionary War Officer pivotal in the start of middle Tennessee Methodism
In 1786, Mr. Green Hill acquired land which is the current Liberty Downs Subdivision in Brentwood, TN through Revolutionary War land grants he was awarded and that he purchased from another soldier (Randolph Humphries). The Revolutionary Veterans were paid land grants versus cash after their service in the American Revolutionary War. He moved his family from Louisburg, North Carolina in 1799 and named his new home “Liberty Hill” after his home in North Carolina. His family had to stay in the safety of Fort Nashboro (Nashville) until his home was completed.
Historic marker for the Green Hill shrine.
Early in his life, he dedicated himself to two causes: Colonial independence and Methodism. He served in the North Carolina Militia as a Major then later as an Army chaplain. He is credited while serving as the State Treasurer of the Halifax District in NC for saving the state treasury from the advancing British Army led by Cornwallis. As a lay preacher, Green Hill was instrumental in the spread of Methodism in North Carolina and Tennessee. His home Liberty Hill in Louisburg, NC was the scene of the first Annual Conference of the Methodist Church in America in 1785.
Green Hill brought the Methodist Church to Middle Tennessee and held the first services in his Liberty Hill log home in 1799. At that time the Methodist-Episcopal Church was an American Revolutionary version of John Wesley’s English church but since the Americans wanted little to nothing to do with England it was based on American ideals of liberty and spirit for freedom resting on the foundation of the Holy Bible. That's why it’s also called Liberty Hill.
In 1807 the Liberty Methodist-Episcopal Church was officially created and most services were held on Liberty Hill. According to the property deed on record, August 18, 1837, one acre was donated by Mr. John Hamer to the church trustees (Primm, Fly, Hamer, Brown) by the waters of Millcreek (the current Bonbrook neighborhood on Liberty Church Road off Concord Road) for the sole purpose of erecting a place of worship.
Boy and girl scouts, serving as an honor guard, processed in with flags.
After 200 years Liberty Church is still holding weekly Sunday services at 11 a.m., performing community outreach programs like the Scouting Teen Venture Crew (Liberty Crew 9 http://www.crew9.com/ ) and children’s ministry. There is live music and worship every week with pot luck once a month following service and communion the first Sunday of each month. Visitors are always welcome to this historic living worship site that is filled with the Holy Spirit every day. Recently an outdoor meditation area was created by a member Boy Scout for his Eagle Project and is open anytime for anyone to find a peaceful place to reflect. Another Liberty Crew 9 Scout prepared an historical video documentary on the Liberty Church which was completed in the of fall 2008.
One of the brightest hours of the Liberty Church was in October 1808 when Green Hill and the Liberty Church entertained the ninth session of the Western Conference of the Methodist Church right in Liberty Downs. A week long Camp Vigil was held with prayer meetings, revivals and people accepting Jesus Christ. It was called "The Awakening." People were said to be filled with the Holy Spirit dancing and singing in joy. This conference was presided over by Bishops McKendree and Asbury and was the first annual conference held west of the Alleghenies.
Early Methodist Itinerant preacher Lorenzo Dow mentioned in his journal attending the Liberty Church in 1804 on his way from Ohio to Natchez, Mississippi. He said: “Camp meeting commenced at Liberty Hill; here I saw people filled with the Holy Spirit. Some danced and jerked; a strange exercise indeed; however, it is involuntary, yet requires consent of the will, i.e. the people are taken jerking irresistibly, and if they strive to resist it, it worries them much, yet is attended with no bodily pain, and those who are exercised to dance, (which in the pious seems an antidote to the jerks) if they resist, it brings sadness and baroness over the mind; but when they yield to it they feel happy. Although it is a great cross; there is a heavenly smile and solemnity on the countenance, which carries a great conviction to the minds of beholders; their eyes when dancing seem to be fixed upwards as if upon an invisible object, and they are lost to all below."
District Superintendent John Collett greets the crowd. The Mindermann family log home can be seen in the background.
Green Hill, his family and others are buried in a family cemetery on Liberty Hill and on June 25, 1960, it was given by Green Hill’s 58 descendents to the Tennessee Conference of the Methodist Church and was accepted as a Methodist Shrine. The Mindermann Family, currently living on the property, maintains the shrine-cemetery. Their log home made from local logs dating back to 1829 rests next to the shrine. The Mindermann family and Liberty Church hold annual Easter Sunrise Services at the cemetery site with worship and music including a bag pipe player. It is located at 9401 Glen Ridge Drive, Brentwood, TN 37027. The Mindermanns have set up a website http://www.libertyhillvineyard.com/ and welcome visitors to the cemetery shrine.
Nicaragua VIM Trip: Words can’t describe it
By Ryan Walsh, Nolensville, TN (Ryan is a member of Nolensville First United Methodist Church and a freshman at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN)
Beep!! Beep!! Beep!! My alarm clock yelled at me on July 5, 2008 at 3:00 A.M. telling me to get up and get ready to head for the airport to catch a flight to Guatemala for a mission trip. When I arrived at the airport, I found the other people from Tennessee (TN) that would be going on this mission as well. We (TN people) flew to Atlanta, Georgia where we met up with people from West Virginia (WV) and Connecticut (CT). We soon found out that our very own Jean Sunny from CT had run into some traveling difficulties, to say the least, and wouldn’t be arriving in Guatemala until late that night. Anyway, after our flight to Guatemala we all started to get to know one another on our long and bumpy ride on the “chicken bus.” As people got to know one another I could tell that God had called each person to be a part of this mission team to show His love and to spread His Word to the people of Guatemala – we were going to be a great team!!
Ryan Walsh helps out in the Vacation Bible School.
When we arrived at the VIM compound, the place where we would be staying for the next two weeks, the guardian family came running out of their house with huge smiles on their faces. They were very glad to see the old faces and to meet the new faces. As we settle in, some play soccer and frisbee with the young children, David, Enrique, Josef, and Christopher; some look at soccer magazines with the oldest son, Jorge; some help build a chicken coop for the guardian family; some visit with the cooks; some have a dance party with one of the daughters, Brenda, in her room; and some just sit back and relax from the long day’s travel and watch everything going on around them and think about/prepare themselves for the upcoming two weeks.
Our team, “El Grupo de Bob,” named after Rev. Robert (Bob) Cole of WV, was assigned different tasks which included: building a house for a mother and son (Maria and Moises), helping build a church, and putting on a Vacation Bible School for the children of the community. The house crew was excited to be building a house for Maria and Moises. The first day we were at the house the entire VIM team unloaded a flatbed truck stacked high with cinder blocks. Everyone jumped in to help unload the blocks by making an assembly line and passing them down the line to one another. It was cool to see the entire team come together so fast on the first day, to be so willing to help each other and accomplish this job. The house crew leveled the ground of the entire house by digging and hauling the dirt in a wheelbarrow, laid the cinder blocks, tied rebar, and performed various other house building tasks. We got the walls of the house about five feet above the ground before we had to leave to return home. Maria and Moises were very thankful for us helping to build them a house.
Seay-Hubbard UMC is located at 1116 First Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37210. Romona L. Douglas-Matlock is Feeding Ministry Coordinator, Leo Portis is Elizabeth’s Table Coordinator, and Rev. Dr. Kennard Murray is pastor.
Revolutionary War Officer pivotal in the start of middle Tennessee Methodism
In 1786, Mr. Green Hill acquired land which is the current Liberty Downs Subdivision in Brentwood, TN through Revolutionary War land grants he was awarded and that he purchased from another soldier (Randolph Humphries). The Revolutionary Veterans were paid land grants versus cash after their service in the American Revolutionary War. He moved his family from Louisburg, North Carolina in 1799 and named his new home “Liberty Hill” after his home in North Carolina. His family had to stay in the safety of Fort Nashboro (Nashville) until his home was completed.
Historic marker for the Green Hill shrine.Early in his life, he dedicated himself to two causes: Colonial independence and Methodism. He served in the North Carolina Militia as a Major then later as an Army chaplain. He is credited while serving as the State Treasurer of the Halifax District in NC for saving the state treasury from the advancing British Army led by Cornwallis. As a lay preacher, Green Hill was instrumental in the spread of Methodism in North Carolina and Tennessee. His home Liberty Hill in Louisburg, NC was the scene of the first Annual Conference of the Methodist Church in America in 1785.
Green Hill brought the Methodist Church to Middle Tennessee and held the first services in his Liberty Hill log home in 1799. At that time the Methodist-Episcopal Church was an American Revolutionary version of John Wesley’s English church but since the Americans wanted little to nothing to do with England it was based on American ideals of liberty and spirit for freedom resting on the foundation of the Holy Bible. That's why it’s also called Liberty Hill.
In 1807 the Liberty Methodist-Episcopal Church was officially created and most services were held on Liberty Hill. According to the property deed on record, August 18, 1837, one acre was donated by Mr. John Hamer to the church trustees (Primm, Fly, Hamer, Brown) by the waters of Millcreek (the current Bonbrook neighborhood on Liberty Church Road off Concord Road) for the sole purpose of erecting a place of worship.
Boy and girl scouts, serving as an honor guard, processed in with flags.After 200 years Liberty Church is still holding weekly Sunday services at 11 a.m., performing community outreach programs like the Scouting Teen Venture Crew (Liberty Crew 9 http://www.crew9.com/ ) and children’s ministry. There is live music and worship every week with pot luck once a month following service and communion the first Sunday of each month. Visitors are always welcome to this historic living worship site that is filled with the Holy Spirit every day. Recently an outdoor meditation area was created by a member Boy Scout for his Eagle Project and is open anytime for anyone to find a peaceful place to reflect. Another Liberty Crew 9 Scout prepared an historical video documentary on the Liberty Church which was completed in the of fall 2008.
One of the brightest hours of the Liberty Church was in October 1808 when Green Hill and the Liberty Church entertained the ninth session of the Western Conference of the Methodist Church right in Liberty Downs. A week long Camp Vigil was held with prayer meetings, revivals and people accepting Jesus Christ. It was called "The Awakening." People were said to be filled with the Holy Spirit dancing and singing in joy. This conference was presided over by Bishops McKendree and Asbury and was the first annual conference held west of the Alleghenies.
Early Methodist Itinerant preacher Lorenzo Dow mentioned in his journal attending the Liberty Church in 1804 on his way from Ohio to Natchez, Mississippi. He said: “Camp meeting commenced at Liberty Hill; here I saw people filled with the Holy Spirit. Some danced and jerked; a strange exercise indeed; however, it is involuntary, yet requires consent of the will, i.e. the people are taken jerking irresistibly, and if they strive to resist it, it worries them much, yet is attended with no bodily pain, and those who are exercised to dance, (which in the pious seems an antidote to the jerks) if they resist, it brings sadness and baroness over the mind; but when they yield to it they feel happy. Although it is a great cross; there is a heavenly smile and solemnity on the countenance, which carries a great conviction to the minds of beholders; their eyes when dancing seem to be fixed upwards as if upon an invisible object, and they are lost to all below."
District Superintendent John Collett greets the crowd. The Mindermann family log home can be seen in the background.Green Hill, his family and others are buried in a family cemetery on Liberty Hill and on June 25, 1960, it was given by Green Hill’s 58 descendents to the Tennessee Conference of the Methodist Church and was accepted as a Methodist Shrine. The Mindermann Family, currently living on the property, maintains the shrine-cemetery. Their log home made from local logs dating back to 1829 rests next to the shrine. The Mindermann family and Liberty Church hold annual Easter Sunrise Services at the cemetery site with worship and music including a bag pipe player. It is located at 9401 Glen Ridge Drive, Brentwood, TN 37027. The Mindermanns have set up a website http://www.libertyhillvineyard.com/ and welcome visitors to the cemetery shrine.
Nicaragua VIM Trip: Words can’t describe it
By Ryan Walsh, Nolensville, TN (Ryan is a member of Nolensville First United Methodist Church and a freshman at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN)
Beep!! Beep!! Beep!! My alarm clock yelled at me on July 5, 2008 at 3:00 A.M. telling me to get up and get ready to head for the airport to catch a flight to Guatemala for a mission trip. When I arrived at the airport, I found the other people from Tennessee (TN) that would be going on this mission as well. We (TN people) flew to Atlanta, Georgia where we met up with people from West Virginia (WV) and Connecticut (CT). We soon found out that our very own Jean Sunny from CT had run into some traveling difficulties, to say the least, and wouldn’t be arriving in Guatemala until late that night. Anyway, after our flight to Guatemala we all started to get to know one another on our long and bumpy ride on the “chicken bus.” As people got to know one another I could tell that God had called each person to be a part of this mission team to show His love and to spread His Word to the people of Guatemala – we were going to be a great team!!
Ryan Walsh helps out in the Vacation Bible School.When we arrived at the VIM compound, the place where we would be staying for the next two weeks, the guardian family came running out of their house with huge smiles on their faces. They were very glad to see the old faces and to meet the new faces. As we settle in, some play soccer and frisbee with the young children, David, Enrique, Josef, and Christopher; some look at soccer magazines with the oldest son, Jorge; some help build a chicken coop for the guardian family; some visit with the cooks; some have a dance party with one of the daughters, Brenda, in her room; and some just sit back and relax from the long day’s travel and watch everything going on around them and think about/prepare themselves for the upcoming two weeks.
Our team, “El Grupo de Bob,” named after Rev. Robert (Bob) Cole of WV, was assigned different tasks which included: building a house for a mother and son (Maria and Moises), helping build a church, and putting on a Vacation Bible School for the children of the community. The house crew was excited to be building a house for Maria and Moises. The first day we were at the house the entire VIM team unloaded a flatbed truck stacked high with cinder blocks. Everyone jumped in to help unload the blocks by making an assembly line and passing them down the line to one another. It was cool to see the entire team come together so fast on the first day, to be so willing to help each other and accomplish this job. The house crew leveled the ground of the entire house by digging and hauling the dirt in a wheelbarrow, laid the cinder blocks, tied rebar, and performed various other house building tasks. We got the walls of the house about five feet above the ground before we had to leave to return home. Maria and Moises were very thankful for us helping to build them a house.
VBS was fantastic!! All the children were very happy that we were there to play with them, to show them God’s love, and to let them know that we care about them and pray for them every day. Each day after VBS concluded the children would chase our “chicken bus” and wave to us as we drove off. It was hard to say goodbye to all the children on the last day of VBS. They brought us flowers from their homes as a goodbye gift and a thank you. I know that none of us will ever forget those children. The friendships that everyone made with the children at VBS, the workers at the church, the families at the house site and other people we met from day to day are friendships that will last forever. We all became especially close to the guardian family, our cooks, and our bus driver – they were and still are a part of our family. We would have “Disco, Disco” parties at night, which is where Alan Wong and Jimmy Wilson (both of TN) would make their famous fried egg and cheese sandwiches and we would all sing and dance to Spanish songs.The closer it got to the time for us to leave Guatemala, the more everyone wanted to stay. The very last night at the compound we had a big celebration. We enjoyed everyone’s company for one last night by eating S’mores, singing around a campfire, dancing to guitar music played by James Cole (TN) and Ethan Rapking (WV), and doing the Guatemalan version of the “Chicken Dance.” We presented a wooden cross, handmade by Jimmy Wilson and signed by each member of the VIM team, to the guardian family as a thank you to them and to let them know that we love them and that they will always be a part of our family. The day we left was a sad day and there was not a dry eye in the compound because everyone was sad that we had to leave. When we were all hugging and saying our goodbyes, the guardian family would say, “It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later.” I know that no one on our team will ever forget them.
People, after they have been on a mission trip that really impacted them, always say that there aren’t words to describe how they felt. I always thought they were just saying that as an expression, but it is so true. There aren’t words to describe how I felt during and after this mission trip. There aren’t words to describe how I felt on the first day and seeing the guardian family come running out of their house to greet us. There aren’t words to describe how I felt seeing how grateful Maria and Moises were that we were there to build them a house. There aren’t words to describe how I felt at VBS and seeing all those children and the big smiles they had on their faces every day. There aren’t words to describe how I felt waking up and going to breakfast and seeing a line of people waiting outside the clinic just to see the doctor. There aren’t words to describe how I felt when we took the children of the guardian family shopping to buy them toys, and seeing the joy they had when they picked out their toy and took it out of the box to play with it. There aren’t words to describe how I felt the entire time. It’s just one of those things you have to experience for yourself.
Of all the mission trips I’ve been on in my life, this mission to Guatemala was my favorite. And it is also the one that had the most impact on my life. I learned that it is not what you have, but it is what you do with what God has given you that is important – using the gifts that He gave us to work through us to help those in need. Not only helping those in need internationally but helping those in need in our own “backyards” too. I learned not to take the “simple things” in life for granted, and to be thankful for what I have and for the people that are part of my life. My heart goes out to all those in Guatemala. There isn’t a day that passes by that I don’t think about the people we were in contact with every day there. I am truly thankful and blessed to have been a part of this mission in Guatemala, and I am looking forward to next year.
On behalf of the entire Guatemala 2008 VIM team, I want to thank Dean Cole of TN for putting this amazing experience together and for being an awesome leader during the entire trip. We all appreciate your leadership and all that you did to make this trip an experience of a lifetime!!
MTSU Wesley Foundation sponsors basketball shootout to help defeat the ravages of malaria
In November the Wesley Foundation at Middle Tennessee State University officially joined the national Nothing But Nets campaign to help defeat malaria on the Continent of Africa. In keeping with the “nets” motif the Wesley Foundation sponsored a basketball challenge.On November 17-19, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., the Wesley Foundation students challenged students, faculty, staff and the Murfreesboro community to shoot baskets to raise money to buy nets. A Basketball goal was set up in front of the Keathley University Center on the MTSU campus and for a small donation; individuals were able to shoot baskets for door prizes and most importantly to buy mosquito nets.
Members of the MTSU Men’s Basketball team joined the Wesley Foundation on Monday, November 17 to kick off the event. Players were available to sign autographs and give basketball tips.
Nothing But Nets is a global grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. Malaria claims more than a million lives every year, mostly children. The good news is that malaria can be prevented by sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net. Bed nets are an important tool in fighting malaria because they create a barrier against mosquitoes at night, when most transmission occurs. Just one bed net can keep an entire family safe from malaria transmission for up to four years!
In the three days the students had the basketball shootout on campus they raised $800.00 enough money to purchase 80 bed nets. It was amazing what a dime a basketball shot can do! Despite the cold weather students had a great time stopping to shoot some hoops and helping to prevent malaria. Eight MTSU students won door prizes from eight businesses: Textbook Brokers, Applebee’s, The City Café, The Daily Buffet & Grill, Bliss Nail Spa, Ideas, Tamato Tomato, and the Maple Street Grill.
“It was great way to raise awareness of the need to prevent malaria,” noted Wesley Foundation Director Bill Campbell, “have some fun between classes, and relieve some end of the semester stress, all while helping other people to be healthy!”
A presentation of the check will be made public during half-time of an MTSU Men’s Basketball game.
Hispanic women and Children Retreat, “Breaking the Jar
Bishop Judy CraigWith the theme “Breaking the Jar” Isaias 43:19 , 43 Hispanic/Latino women and 23 children met on October 31 –November 1 at Scarritt Bennett Center to have their Fall retreat. Retired Bishop Judy Craig who was attending another meeting, at the same time, was able to visit with the Hispanic/Latino women and children and shared her feelings about the experience with Joaquin Garcia:
“Friday, November 14, 2008
Dear Joaquin:
Watching the Hispanic/Latino women when they were at lunch and around the campus at Scarritt-Bennett for the retreat experience was delightful. They were full of energy, interacting intensely, and seemed very engaged in what was happening around them. To see them with their children was heartening, and it spoke volumes about their values and those of the Tennessee Conference in providing a retreat where the children could be cared for. What a blur of laughter and chatter and mutual encouragement. It made me smile and think about the wonder of our ever emerging multi-cultural church. It made me hopeful that we can more and more point the way for people of many backgrounds to "be the church" in their various settings for the sake of Jesus Christ.
Faithfully yours,
Judy’
posted by TN Conference UMC @ 7:07 AM
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