Tennessee Conference Review

Electronic Version of The Tennessee Conference Review a publication of The Tennessee Conference - United Methodist Church

Thomas Nankervis, Editor

Friday, February 27, 2009

TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW March 6, 2009

Articles in this issue of THE REVIEW

This issue of THE REVIEW seems to focus on “Stepping out in Faithno matter the obstacles—Robert Churchwell, Sr., confronting racism to become the first African-American hired as a general assignment reporter for a daily newspaper in the South; The Olivers, selling their home and belongings and heading to the African country of Malawi on mission; Warmth in Winter where nearly 2000 young people were challenged “to take on the world”: even a fund raiser for Miriam’s Promise is included –raising funds for an agency that ministers to unwed moms, expectant moms in prison, and much much more. And we pick up an article about the Rev. Bill Starnes, a retired United Methodist Minister who reached out in faith to the needy both in Africa and in the communities where he served as pastor; and then there are more stories of local churches who have reached out in faith to the communities they serve– one for over 200 years, another to the homeless and hungry, a third to those in need of prayer support.

1. Southern Journalism’s Jackie Robinson—from a eulogy given about Robert Churchwell, Sr., by the Rev. Dr. Kennard Murray, Seay Hubbard United Methodist Church.
2. “Where the worlds deep needs and our deep joy meet,” Jeff Oliver, Karen Lassen Oliver, and their two children sold house and belongings and are moving to Malawi for a year. Karen reflects on how/why the decision was made.
3. Warmth In Winter 2009:UNDIGNIFIED!
4. Tickets Now On Sale For Popular “Pasta & Promises” Benefit Set for March 27 At The Factory
5. Mr. Churchwell is owed a debt of gratitude, a colleague reflects on his contributions to racial harmony
6. Black journalism pioneer Churchwell, 91, dies, another colleague reflects on Mr. Churchwell’s contributions to healing a divided society.
7. A true Partner for Healing: Alumnus and former Martin Methodist College president Bill Starnes honored by free medical clinic he helped establish—
8. Bellevue United Methodist Church Dedicates Bicentennial Quilt
8. Thursday Nights on Charlotte—A newspaper for the homeless tells of West Nashville UMC’s Thursday night community meal
9. Prayer Cloths – Special prayer ministry makes an impact on Leeville UM

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Southern Journalism’s Jackie Robinson
Excerpt from Rev. Dr. Kennard Murray's eulogy for Robert Churchwell, Sr., February 5, 2009 Seay Hubbard United Methodist Church

Robert Churchwell, Sr., in recent years

During his earlier years Robert Churchwell’s passion was teaching Sunday School and working with the United Methodist Youth Fellowship and the United Methodist Men. He was a faithful member of Seay Hubbard United Methodist Church and we will greatly miss him.

Brother Churchwell was a Christian man, a husband of 57 years to his bride Sister Mary. He was the father of 5 outstanding children. As his oldest son Robert Churchwell, Jr. stated about his father in Monday’s Tennessean, “ He will be remembered not only as a trailblazer but a family man. There was nothing that he wouldn’t do for his family.”

The tributes in his honor have clearly stated that Robert Churchwell, Sr. will be remembered for another distinction. He was one of a generation who God chose to participate in tearing down the walls of discrimination and victoriously confronting blatant or at times subtle, but still a very real demonic ideology that one person’s race made them inferior to another's race. It is interesting where he would be sent to do his part; to be what some call a trailblazer: the former Nashville Banner in 1950.

On the walls of the den in his home are many pictures of his family, their achievements, as well as his many awards, pictures, and articles about his achievements. There is one picture of him at his desk at the Banner shaking hands with a young Muhammad Ali when he really was the greatest boxer in the world.

As I canvassed the pictures and articles, I noticed one titled “Southern journalism’s Jackie Robinson.” This was an article about Mr. Churchwell being the first black person hired as a general assignment reporter for a white-owned daily newspaper in the South. Unfortunately, alone with the honor of being the first black reporter during that time in the South, there was also contempt by many. It has been well documented that not all 31 years he was employed at the former Nashville Banner were pleasant, friendly, or professional. He endured hardships, frustrations, disrespect, and some difficult times from some of his white co-workers. It was also documented in the book titled The Children there were some in the black community who did not understand why he would work for the Nashville Banner of that time. But Brother Churchwell was determined that negative attitudes, no office space at the building for several years, having to work out his home, not being included in staff meetings, and being limited to reporting on certain events in the black community would not stop him from fulfilling his chosen career as a reporter for a major newspaper. One need only to look at his children’s accomplishments to see he passed down that determination.

Read also the articles “Mr. Churchwell is owed a debt of gratitude” (by Dwight Lewis) and “Black journalism pioneer Churchwell, 91, dies” (by Colby Sledge)



“Where the world’s deep needs and our deep joy meet”
By Kara Lassen Oliver

Kara Lassen Oliver was asked to preach on Risk-Taking Mission at Belmont UMC on Sunday, February 1, 2009. In her sermon she indicates why she and her husband Jeff decided to sell their home and move to Malawi, Africa, for a year. Belmont has a lengthy relationship with the United Methodist Church in Malawi and at Christmas raised $54,143 so that 16 villages could construct church buildings.

On the recent exploratory trip to Malawi Kara Lassen Oliver admitted to being tired. “It's not that we have come to Malawi just to visit or even participate in a VIM team, but we are experiencing a brand new culture, learning about the Malawi UMC and imagining how we might participate in their work and ministry, processing the logistics of moving here and trying to see Malawi through the eyes of our children - all at the same time. It’s a great deal for me to process. My brain is tired

We longed to find our vocation, as Frederick Buechner says, “where the world’s deep needs and our deep joy meet”.

As we pondered and prayed, we listened to a sermon series last summer on Romans 12 and heard Linda Johnson and Ken Edwards challenge us “to offer our bodies as living sacrifices – holy and pleasing to God… not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds.” That was quite a sermon series for persons considering a radical change. Through prayer and conversation we felt a strong call to service – a calling to leave the well-trod path of suburban life to give one year of service that we might gain a fresh perspective on our lives, set new priorities, and come to view our lives from a different vantage point. And in the midst of these abstract conversations came a very concrete email from Herb Mather asking Jeff to consider a trip to Malawi in 2009 to meet with church groups about business development. "In addition to the help you may be able to provide the people of Malawi, I can promise that such an experience would be a spiritually challenging and renewing time for you."

Left to right Kara and Jeff Oliver; Sue Mather (she and her husband, Herb, visit Malawi each year to do training and support; they also are members of Belmont UMC); Rev. Daniel Mhone, Superintendent of the Malawi Missionary Conference; Bishop Nhwiatiwa

And it was just that simple. We decided that afternoon to move to Malawi – with our children Claire Marin, 9 and Carter, 3 – for one year. Our journey and prayer culminated in that one email that cast out all abstractions and made our plans concrete – one year of service with the people of the United Methodist Church of Malawi.

As we begin our journey, we find not that the path is more narrow or less traveled than any other. Instead we realize that we have joined the flow of persons also seeking the abundant life, those who are doing justice, who love kindness and who walk humbly with God. While we expected to feel keenly the sacrifice, instead we feel more secure, cared for and provided for than at any other time in our lives.

We have been identified as “risk-taking missioners” but I can tell you that from where we stand, the risk seems to lie with you.

Sue Mather; Rev. Mhone; Jeff Oliver; Rev. Steve Mbewe - worshiping at his church, St. John's. This is the site of one of the churches to be built by Belmont's Miracle Offering

You take a risk – trusting us to continue the good work of our mission teams, of your prayers, and of your extravagant generosity in the Miracle Offering. We take your commissioning seriously and go forward with the utmost humility.

And God takes a risk on us – ever faithful and sure – God still risks to invite us – naïve and sure to falter – into God’s work of healing and transformation in the world, and in the corner called Malawi.

As we move into our own experience of risk-taking mission, we can’t believe we would be willing to leave this community for a full year, but it is precisely this community that has given us the strength and inspiration to go. We go forward relying more heavily each day on scripture, the witness of the saints and the still small voice of God. So deeply have you cared for us, that we are determined to share with the people of Malawi not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you are so dear to us.

Editor’s Note: Prior to the Oliver move to Malawi they had an opportunity to visit the country with several others from Belmont United Methodist Church—photos accompanying this article are from that preliminary journey. While in Malawi they had opportunity to meet with Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa, who offered some advice. Here is the story as told by Kara Oliver:

Knowing that we would be moving to Malawi for a year the Bishop’s advice to us was not to worry about how we might use our gifts or where to start. He said, "First, you must blend in. Come and worship with the people. Get to know one another and build relationships. From these relationships and friendships, your gifts will overflow and God will show you what to do." These wise and important words give Jeff and I great comfort and strength.

Pastor Collings Kaunda and Kara Oliver; at the Pastor's Training Conference - the sheets Kara is holding are prayers for Malawi offered during a Belmont United Methodist Church worship service and shared here with the Malawi pastors. Collings was translator for the training and will be the Oliver family pastor at Galilea UMC in Blantyre.


Warmth In Winter 2009:UNDIGNIFIED!
By Brad Fiscus, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Tennessee Conference, bfiscus@tnumc.org

The Jesus Painter (Mike Lewis) creates “Christ's Eyes” Saturday evening of Warmth In Winter.

Warmth In Winter 2009 took place January 30th - February 1st at the Nashville Convention Center. Youth and youth workers from all over the conference attended this weekend worship and training event. Now in its 27th year, Warmth In Winter continues to be an opportunity for youth and youth workers to gather to see old friends, learn new things, and worship God as the body of Christ.

Approximately 2000 youth and youth workers attended Warmth In Winter this year. The excitement was obvious and the energy was high. The evening began with a powerful and exciting performance by drum group Sheltered Reality. Sheltered Reality's educational message focused on facts, statistics, and real-life stories, and culminated with character education and ideas for action. SR's unique percussive approach to performing music inspires the audience members to 'take on the world' and ensures that the message 'doing good is fun' is remembered by all in attendance. One of the youth workers relayed this about Sheltered Reality, “I was really inspired by the SR drum group. They were awesome.” The SR group consisted of youth and adults from Nashville, West Branch, Iowa, and Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Youth from 61st Avenue United Methodist Church made up a large portion of the drum line. The energy created by SR was further enhanced by worship band 3 Mile Road. 3 Mile Road has been a part of Warmth In Winter for the past three years. The band members have all been involved in youth ministry at some point along their careers and lead singer Travis Garner serves as the Director of Youth Ministry at Brentwood United Methodist Church.

Youth engaged in worship during Warmth In Winter 2009.

Tony Jones was our speaking for the weekend. Tony did a great job despite being in enormous pain from a herniated disc pressing on his sciatic nerve. We eventually had to transport Tony to and from the session area with a wheelchair. He tied this adversity into his message and even utilized X-rays of his back as the doctor was injecting Cortisone into the disc to alleviate the swelling. That didn't help and Tony had surgery the week after Warmth In Winter. Tony is the national coordinator of Emergent Village (http://www.emergentvillage.org/). He is the author of many books, including The New Christians: Dispatches from the Emergent Frontier and The Sacred Way: Spiritual Practices for Everyday Life. Tony shared stories and scripture to help further define the meaning of the theme for 2009 of being UNDIGNIFIED in praise and worship of our God. As David said to Michal in 2nd Samuel 6:21-22, “I will celebrate before the LORD. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes.” One of the youth workers in attendance said this about Tony, “He was excellent. His talks FLEW by! I loved the simplicity of his stories and certainly enjoyed his message.”

Sheltered Reality at Warmth In Winter 2009.

Each year the design team meets the challenge of creating a unique event, this year was no different. Out of a desire for their fellow youth and youth workers to have an opportunity to have some time away from the noise, nationally known Experiential Worship leader Lilly Lewin was invited to create a “Sacred Space.” This space provided an area where through directed activity, participants could spend time in prayer and reflection. Lilly also directed a workshop that was very well received entitled “Art In Worship.” We were very fortunate to have Lilly offer time from her busy schedule and family. Lilly coauthored the book Sacred Space with Dan Kimball. As a worship consultant, Lilly is the curator of thinplace where she helps leaders think creatively about worship, teaching and youth ministry.

Another important visual component that the design team added to the weekend was inviting Mike Lewis, aka The Jesus Painter. Mike offered his incredible talent to relay an artistic and visual message of the life of Christ. Mike is internationally known and creates paintings that can be found throughout the world. Typical of feelings about The Jesus Painter was a comment by one youth worker: “The Jesus Painter was very moving. Our kids really loved him and we ended up with one of the paintings. The kids are very excited to tell our church family about it.” Mike created three paintings during the weekend and donated one of them to the Youth Ministries of The Tennessee Conference which was quickly purchased through a silent auction. Two other paintings were sold during the weekend as well – and those paintings are being added to the youth rooms at Hermitage UMC and Hillcrest UMC. Additionally, all were impressed and inspired by the message and the movement provided by the Sticks Ministry of the Forest Hills Youth Group during the Sunday worship.

Communion was served by the Disciples as a representation of the Last Supper.

An important part of the Warmth In Winter weekend every year is to raise funds for the Youth Service Fund. YSF is a fund that is utilized to provide grants to youth and youth groups for service projects. This year YSF raised over $11,000 through the sale of Warm fuzzies, the change challenge, the Jail, sales of shirts from past events, and by playing Guitar Praise and Dance Praise.

The following quote sums up what the Warmth In Winter experience is all about, “I have been bringing a group for 11 years now. Each year the number of youth grows because the youth that have attended return and have had such a positive experience to share with others. This year we had 41 youth attend, compared to 32 last year. When we first started coming to Warmth in Winter we could transport everyone in 2 cars. This year it took our bus (holds 15) and 7 cars."



Tickets Now On Sale For Popular “Pasta & Promises” Benefit Set for March 27 At The Factory
NASHVILLE---A fun-filled evening of distinctive art, delicious Italian food and fine wine are all part of the annual Pasta & Promises Benefit for Miriam’s Promise set for 6 p.m., Friday, March 27 at The Factory in Franklin.

Celebrating its 25th year of service, Miriam’s Promise is a crisis pregnancy, family counseling and adoption services agency which uses the annual fundraiser to assist families throughout the Middle Tennessee area.

Amazing local artisans are making this evening spectacular says event chairperson Nancy Chilton.

“Combining delicious food and wine with wonderful, collectible art while benefiting a worthy, local organization makes this an event you won’t want to miss. We are opening the courtyard of the historic Factory for the artist booths and recreating a charming Italian Street Fair,” Chilton said. “It is such an incredible event because we have paintings and art pieces in every price range with a good diversity of style and size.”

Nancy Chilton, Pasta & Promises chairman, is surrounded by beautiful artwork of artists participating in the annual art show benefit for Miriam’s Promise on March 27 at The Factory in Franklin.

Former news reporter and now successful painter Emme Nelson Baxter joins the line-up of new artists and returning favorites. Participating painters include Leslee Lewis Bechtel, Celia Denney, Jason Erwin, Lisa Gardiner, Deane Hebert, Larry Layne joined by wood artist Ray Sandusky, jeweler Susan Russell, glass artist Tom Furman and potters Tom Turnbull and Timothy Weber. Artwork ranges from $50 to over $600. Artists donate a portion of their sales to Miriam’s Promise and a Live Auction will be held with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the agency’s work.

Miriam’s Promise Executive Director Debbie Robinson said community underwriting has been an important part of this successful evening.

“In order for us to continue helping children find forever families, we need to have a big crowd on March 27. In addition, we have been so blessed to have the support of Pinnacle Financial Partners, Enterprise Electric, Parkway Wholesale, Dotson Electric, Wolfe and Travis Electric, Bloom Electric Supply, Williams Wholesale Supply, and Walker Electric as well as many other wonderful organizations with in-kind donations,” Robinson said.

Tickets for Pasta & Promises are $100 per person or a table of eight for $700 which includes dinner, beverages, music and the opportunity to purchase tax-free artwork with 75% of the event ticket price tax-deductible. For more information or to make a reservation, 615-292-3500 or visit http://www.miriamspromise.org/. The deadline is March 23.

Serving Middle Tennessee since 1985, Miriam’s Promise provides pregnancy counseling and parenting services along with domestic and international adoption services. All services to expectant parents are free. Last year, Miriam’s Promise facilitated 9 agency adoptions, assisted in 12 international placements, 15 independent adoptions and provided services to 52 expectant mothers programs include a prison ministry serving 45 expectant mothers in 2008 as well as attachment therapy and on-going counseling clients. Miriam’s Promise is affiliated with the Tennessee Conference of the United Methodist Church.



Mr. Churchwell is owed a debt of gratitude
By Dwight Lewis
Reprinted from The Tennessean, January 29, 2009, copyright 2009. Used here by permission.

THANK you, Mr. Churchwell

I've said this before in this space, but I have to say it again. Thank you for making the road that I and others like me am traveling so much smoother and less congested than before you came along.

You were a pioneer, and today we stand on your shoulders.

Robert Churchwell Sr., now 91, is believed to have been the first black person hired as a general assignment reporter for a white-owned daily newspaper in the South.

That was in February 1950 when, at age 32, Mr. Churchwell was hired by the "radically conservative'' Nashville Banner.

"I was hired to cover 'progressive news' in the Negro community,'' Mr. Churchwell told me back in 1997. "Not society or sports.''

Some of you who know Mr. Churchwell know that initially he had to work out of his home because he was black. After writing his stories, he would take them to the newspaper at 1100 Broadway and give them to the executive editor. It was not until four years later, around the time the U.S. Supreme Court handed down the historic Brown vs. Board of Education decision, that Mr. Churchwell was given a desk at his newspaper.

Robert Churchwell, Sr., during his groundbreaking years with the Nashville Banner.

I recently visited Mr. Churchwell in Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he is being treated for a chronic illness. On the way to the hospital and since then, I have thought about how he served as a mentor, not only for me but so many others.

And that's both in journalism and outside. He's a role model in life, as well, and one that Bill Cosby, President Obama or anyone could point to with joy.

In journalism, I don't know that I could have put up with some of the things he had to go through. For instance, Mr. Churchwell told me about the time, about 1956 or 1957, when he was in his office writing a story and a political reporter sitting not far from him "yelled up to the city editor, Bob Battle. He was asking about a black man from Memphis who had been appointed to a relatively high position by the governor at the time.

"But he yelled, 'Hey, Bob, what's that n….r's name from Memphis?' I stopped what I was doing and just looked at him. Then, he got up from his desk and walked up to the city editor. When he sat back down, I rolled my chair over to him and told him I was surprised he would do something like that.

"At first, he wanted to know what I was talking about, and then he apologized. He told me he had a lot of 'colored' friends, and I could ask them what type of person he really was.''

In the book, The Children, the late Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Halberstam writes about how, over the years, before Mr. Churchwell retired as the Banner's education writer in 1981, other reporters at the newspaper came to respect and admire him.

Halberstam also writes about Mr. Churchwell's relationship with his wife of 57 years, Mary.

"He and Mary Churchwell, who taught school all those years, raised five children on their limited resources, and all five went to college, two to Tennessee State, one to Vanderbilt, one to MIT, and one to Harvard; three of their children became doctors, serving in different Nashville hospitals, and two of them became teachers.''

Yes, that was way before anybody ever thought of the Huxtable family on television, and it was way before, as a Democratic candidate for president, Sen. Barack Obama urged black men to take care of their children.

Yes, Mr. Churchwell, I stand on your shoulders, and I will never forget it. But so do so many others, and I am sure they are just as proud of the hero in you as I am. And those feelings go for your wife, as well.

Dwight Lewis is editorial page editor for The Tennessean. His column appears Sundays and Thursdays. E-mail: dlewis@tennessean.com.


Black journalism pioneer Churchwell, 91, dies
By Colby Sledge
Reprinted from The Tennessean of February 1, 2009, copyright 2009. Used here by permission.

Robert Churchwell Sr., the first African-American journalist at a major white-owned newspaper in the South, died early Sunday morning in Nashville.

He was 91.

Mr. Churchwell came to the Nashville Banner in February 1950 to cover the African-American community, and later became the paper’s education writer. He often referred to himself as “the Jackie Robinson of journalism,” and worked for the Banner for 31 years before retiring in 1981.

“He just couldn’t have been a finer guy,” said retired Banner photographer Jack Gunter, who worked with Mr. Churchwell throughout his career.

“He was a really great person, a great American, and I was proud to be with him.”Born in Clifton, Tenn., Mr. Churchwell served four years in the U.S. Army during World War II in both the European and Pacific theaters. Upon returning, he attended and graduated from Fisk University as an English major before being hired in 1950 at the Banner, a paper known then for its defense of the old South and its segregationist ways.

Mr. Churchwell began reporting solely on the African-American community in an attempt by the Banner to increase circulation among black readers. The 1998 book The Children — the account by the late former Tennessean reporter David Halberstam of the Nashville civil rights movement — said Mr. Churchwell met with hostility in his own newsroom and among some African-Americans unhappy with his decision to work at the Banner.

“The insults that he was forced to endure were devastating to him, and despite the fact that I think some of his co-workers intentionally tried to make him leave, he struggled through it,” said Tennessean Publisher Emeritus John Seigenthaler, who began reporting at the same time as Mr. Churchwell, each in his own newsroom in the building at 1100 Broadway the newspapers shared.

Banner reporter and later editor Eddie Jones, who sat next to Churchwell and shared a phone with him, said Churchwell was treated no differently than other reporters. In Halberstam’s account, Churchwell was often left out of meetings and retreats held by then-publisher Jimmy Stahlman, who did not publish stories about the Nashville sit-ins.

“I don’t really remember any sort of workplace conflicts,” said Eddie Jones, whose desk was next to Churchwell’s upon Jones’ return from the military. “When I came back in the newsroom, he was just another member of the staff, just an accepted fact, and doing good work.”

Mr. Churchwell later became as well known in Nashville for his family as for his career. His wife Mary taught for 30 years in the Metro school system, and their five children became doctors or teachers.

“He will be remembered not only as a trailblazer but as a family man,” said son Robert Churchwell Jr., an assistant principal at Gra-Mar Middle School. “There was nothing that he wouldn’t do for his family.”

Dr. Kevin Churchwell is CEO of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, and twin brother Keith and brother Andre are Vanderbilt cardiologists. Daughter Marisa Churchwell-Smith is a special education teacher in Augusta, Ga.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday at Seay-Hubbard United Methodist Church, 1116 First Ave. S., with services to follow. Donations to the church’s capital fund are requested in lieu of flowers.

Contact Colby Sledge at 615-259-8229 or ccsledge@tennessean.com


A true Partner for Healing
Alumnus and former Martin Methodist College president Bill Starnes honored by free medical clinic he helped establish
Reprinted from Martin Methodist College Alumni News and used with permission.

Dr. Bill Starnes ’50 was instrumental in the founding of Partners for Healing in Tullahoma, Tenn.

It’s no secret to the Martin Methodist College community that Dr. Bill Starnes embodies the concept of service to others.

After all, the 1950 alumnus and his wife, Rosemary, also a Martin gradutate, were inducted into the college’s Hall of Distinction in 2004. And, of course, he spent 11 years on the campus as college president from 1974-85.

Nevertheless, it was quite an honor on Aug. 2 of this year when a free medical clinic in the Starneses’ hometown of Tullahoma, Tenn., dedicated its annual gala to the retired minister who helped get it started.

Partners for Healing Inc. – a free clinic for the working uninsured of Coffee, Franklin and Moore counties that Starnes played a significant role in founding – dedicated its 2008 gala in his honor.

Prior to coming to Tullahoma as pastor of First United Methodist Church, Starnes had already established an amazing reputation for service to others, through his ministry and his mission – his wife right there at his side.

Prior to his appointment as president of Martin Methodist, the Starneses spent 11 years as missionaries to the Belgium Congo in Africa, where he started the Congo Polytechnic Institute, one branch of which has become the University of the Congo, with more than 5,000 students.

While in Africa, Mrs. Starnes worked with the United Methodist Women, training Sunday School teachers, and taught health and hygiene, home economics and French.

Since his “retirement,” Starnes continues to preach and counsel on a regular basis, as well as conduct funeral, wedding and consecration ceremonies. He was interim pastor of Tullahoma First Presbyterian Church for one year.

He holds a master of divinity degree from Vanderbilt University and an honorary doctorate of humanities degree from Lambuth University. He also studied at the Ecole Coloniale in Brussels, Belgium.


Bellevue United Methodist Church Dedicates Bicentennial Quilt
Nashville, Tenn., January 23, 2009 - Bellevue United Methodist Church unveiled and dedicated a quilt on Sunday, January 18, that was made by church members in celebration of the church’s bicentennial.

In commemoration of the special event, Bishop Richard Wills, who serves the Tennessee Conference and Memphis Conference of the United Methodist Church which includes Middle and West Tennessee and Western Kentucky, delivered the sermon and dedicated the quilt in a special ceremony.

Rev. David Rainey, pastor at Bellevue UMC, assisted in the dedication and commended the bicentennial quilt committee for their work. “As we receive this quilt, we give thanks for our sisters in Christ whose vision inspired it, whose hands created it, and whose gifts made it a reality,” said Rainey.

From left to right: Rev. David Rainey, Mary McKinney, Nancy Robertson, Judy Slater and Bishop Richard Wills.

The quilt, titled “Hands to work, hearts to God,” features squares that have special meaning to the Bellevue church. The focal point in the center of the quilt is the cross and flame insignia of the United Methodist Church, which relates the church to God by way of the second and third persons of the Trinity: the Christ (cross) and the Holy Spirit (flame). The four corners include depictions of the church buildings throughout its 200-year history. The squares on the top row depict the birth, death and resurrection of Christ. The remaining squares symbolize church groups, sacraments such as communion and baptism, as well as other symbols of the church. The quilt, 84” x 84” with a hand appliqué top, was machine quilted in an artistic process with stitching unique to each square. The border around the outside is the theme verse for the bicentennial and relates to looking back and looking forward. The vine throughout the border is a symbol of God’s people and comes from the scripture, “I am the vine and you are the branches.”

The quilt was a labor of love that lasted just over two years. In late 2006, Mary McKinney, Judy Slater and Nancy Robertson came together as the bicentennial quilt committee. McKinney was the principal designer and hand stitched most of the appliqué. Robertson was responsible for the appliqué in the center square depicting the cross and flame insignia. Slater gave support in the final quilting.

McKinney is a master quilter and taught classes for 15 years at the now closed Harpeth Clock and Quilt Company in Pegram. She was introduced to the art of quilting at age six by her grandmother. Through the years that followed, Mary fell in love with quilting and went on to get professional lessons. “I wanted to teach others, especially young people, so they could carry on the tradition of quilting,” said McKinney.

Slater and Robertson also have quilting backgrounds. Slater is a member of the quilt guild Beach Quilts of Oak Island in Oak Island, North Carolina. She splits her time between there and Nashville. Robertson, who grew up watching her mother quilt, has 30 years of experience.

The members of Bellevue UMC are grateful to have such a beautiful quilt to help commemorate the church’s bicentennial.


Thursday Nights on Charlotte
BY CHUCK CLINARD
Formerly Homeless Writer
phillipclinard@yahoo.com
thecontributorstaff@gmail.com
This article by Charles Clinard is reprinted with permission from The Contributor © The Contributor: http://www.nashvillecontributor.org/

One of the best-kept secrets in Nashville can be found along the 4700 block of Charlotte Ave. in West Nashville: the Thursday night Community Meal at West Nashville United Methodist Church. For many years, the West Nashville UMC has hosted a community meal at 5:30 P.M. on Thursdays in their Fellowship Hall. Anyone who cares to attend is welcomed and attendance is not limited to the homeless, but includes area neighbors and friends from all over town. The church’s pastor, Reverend Dennis Meaker, well-known in the area for his homeless outreach, welcomes all with a word of prayer.

The meal is prepared and served by members of the church and Pastor Meaker’s family. Guests circle around for a word of prayer and the meal begins with women and children lining up first. I have participated in almost every free church-sponsored meal in Nashville and give this one a 10+ rating for food, fellowship, and genuine concern for the guests.

After everyone has eaten their fill, Pastor Meaker opens the well-stocked food pantry for his guests to patronize. There are choices of canned meat items, pop-top can items, dry goods and even a sack style lunch. There are toiletries available such as razors, soap, shampoo and the like. Having attended several of these meals, I was impressed with the sincerity of the staff and membership of WNUMC. On a historical note, WNUMC is one of the oldest church structures still in use in West Nashville. The church’s cornerstone reflects a date of an original portion of the building dating back to the late 1880’s.

If your travels land you near 47th and Charlotte Ave. on Thursday evenings around 5:30 P.M., it would be well worth stopping in and visiting with the fine folks at WNUMC. Food, fellowship, and conversation are served up in heaping portions. And guess what? It’s free!

Prayer Cloths
By Sue Pedigo*
Last autumn, a very unusual request came to Leeville United Methodist Church in Lebanon, Tennessee. Leeville is a small congregation located between Mt. Juliet and Lebanon with an average attendance of about 50. Though they may be small in numbers, they are very strong in Spirit. One day a gentleman that the church adopted asked the pastor, Larry Pedigo, if Leeville believed in "Prayer Cloths”, because his sick friend's wife from the campground where he lived wanted one. The pastor had heard of prayer cloths and in fact his daughter had worn one during her sickness some 12 year earlier. As a response to strengthen the faith of this woman, the pastor brought the request to the Bible Study the following Wednesday night. He presented them with the scripture reference, Acts 19: 11-12, "Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them". The request was well received. The fifteen in attendance, cut up some cloth napkins they had there and made eight squares of cloth. They gathered around the alter in the sanctuary, anointed them with oil, and laid hands on them and prayed that God's presence would be with each one that would receive and wear these cloths and that His healing would go out to each of them in whatever form He saw appropriate. That night was the beginning of a very powerful focused ministry.

Like that first night, we only prepare a few at a time, as we want our prayers for the persons to be fresh. Many times now at the close of Wednesday Night Bible Study, there will be some who says,” I need a prayer cloth”. We stop and prepare it fresh with direct and intentional prayer for that particular person's specific healing situation. We believe that these cloths themselves have no special healing ability; however, we do believe that the presence of this cloth is a tangible reminder of God's presence with the person wearing it, no matter their situation. We have given these cloths to persons who have need of physical healing, as well as those in need of deliverance and spiritual healing. We now have "Prayer Cloths" as far away as California, North Carolina, East Tennessee and the surrounding area of Leeville United Methodist Church. We have received reports back from our recipients who have seen bad mammograms turn good. We have also received testimony of one being delivered from the scares of child abuse. Some tell of the great peace that they have in knowing that Jesus is right beside them through their treatment for cancer. An eleven year old boy, who had contracted a terrible virus that had left him without the use of his legs, was told that he would have to go to Atlanta for rehabilitation to learn to walk again. However, one week after receiving his "Prayer Cloth", came walking into church.

God brought this unique ministry to Leeville United Methodist Church and we are amazed at what God has done because we have chosen to pray and believe together. If you ask anyone at Leeville UMC if we believe in "Prayer Cloths", they will say "Yes" because we believe God is who He says He is and He can do what He says He can do.

*Sue Pedigo is the Cumberland District Spiritual Formation Chairperson

Monday, February 16, 2009

TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW February 20, 2009

Articles in this special Spiritual Formation edition of the Tennessee Conference Review
1. South African Pastor Trevor Hudson to Lead Lenten Retreat Examining Questions God Asks Us, March 7, 2009, Brentwood United Methodist Church
2. Spiritual Formation and the Local Church: The Ins and Outs
3. A Day Apart, a look at the Cumberland District vision for prayer and renewal in partnership with Aldersgate Renewal Ministries.
4. Asking, Seeking, Knocking – Prayer room established in Tennessee Conference Center
5. The Academy for Spiritual Formation
6. Preach Good News! Evangelist Cinde Lucas reflects on Matthew 28:18-19
7. What might a Spiritual Director Offer a Church?,
8. Spiritual Formation Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Celebrating 200 Years of Methodism in Smith County Part of the Cookeville District – Carthage United Methodist Church involves all Smith County United Methodist Churches in celebration.
9. Glendale United Methodist Church Retreat House Ministry

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South African Pastor Trevor Hudson to Lead Lenten Retreat Examining Questions God Asks Us
By Sherry Elliott, The Upper Room

Trevor Hudson’s new book Questions God Asks us

The Rev. Trevor Hudson, noted South African pastor, will lead a mini-retreat on Saturday, March 7, at Brentwood United Methodist in Nashville. Open to all, the half-day event will include Bible study, worship, periods of silent reflection, and holy conversation to help attendees draw deep from Christ’s well during the reflective season of Lent.

Based on his new book, Questions God Asks Us, Hudson will help participants examine and wrestle with a few of the questions God posed in the Old and New Testament. “I thought the Bible was a just a book of answers and existed to give me solutions to my everyday concerns and dilemmas,” says Hudson. “Then one day, several years ago, I realized I might be approaching God and the Bible from the wrong direction. It was as if God said to me, Trevor, rather than you always asking questions of me, start listening to the questions I have for you.” This realization was a critical turning point in my journey with God, adds Hudson.

“God wants to enter into a conversational relationship with each of us and one way God shows this deep desire is by asking questions. When we start hearing them as addressed to us, we receive a glimpse into those things that God wants to talk about with us”, writes Hudson in his latest book. The book published in January by Upper Room Books, addresses 10 questions including Where are you?, Who do you say I am?, and Do you understand what I have done for you?

Internationally known speaker and retreat leader Trevor Hudson

Hudson believes God gives us greater dignity by allowing us to wrestle with the questions rather than simply giving straightforward answers. Questions have greater power to transform us, especially when they come from God who knows exactly what questions to ask.

“The questions that God has asked over the ages have invited me to look deeply and honestly into my heart. They have challenged me in my relationships with God and others. They have engaged me more realistically with the pain and suffering of our society. Somehow they have a way of getting inside my life with a power to change me from the inside out”, continues Hudson.

Hudson is also a leading a retreat designed for clergy on Friday, March 6, at Brentwood UMC from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. “Living the Cycle of Grace” will explore patterns found in Jesus’ life and ministry and how he lived in a cycle of grace that was the source of his fruitful existence. A pastor for more than 30 years, Hudson knows the frustration, exhaustion, and dissatisfaction his colleagues face daily and will present a model that he hopes will address it.

Hudson affirms “Most of our discipleship is lived out in the mundane and the ordinary. We do need to set aside moments when we can gather together in worship and learning. Often these times enable us to re-enter the mundane and ordinary in fresh and more faithful ways. I trust, these retreats, will serve this purpose in the lives of those who come.”

Currently serving on the pastoral team at Northfield Methodist in Benoni, South Africa, Hudson is an international speaker, retreat leader, and the author of numerous books including A Mile in My Shoes, The Way of Transforming Discipleship, and Journey of the Spirit, awarded Best Christian Book of the Year in 2003 in South Africa. Upper Room Publisher Stephen Bryant says, “Trevor Hudson is one of God's great gifts to the ecumenical church. Like Desmond Tutu, Peter Storey, and others, his leadership in the church has been shaped in the crucible of the South African experience in recent years.” Hudson will be in the states for two weeks to lead retreats in Atlanta, Houston, and Nashville. Hudson connected with The Upper Room when Bryant invited him to preach at SOULfeast, The Upper Room’s annual spiritual formation conference at Lake Junaluska. He has led SOULfeast twice now, and will be keynoting again this summer. SOULfeast is scheduled for July 12-16, 2009, and will focus on the theme Show Me Your Ways, O Lord.

To register or to download a brochure about both retreats, visit http://www.tnumc.org/ under Upcoming Events – Lenten retreats. The two retreats provide an opportunity to spend a day apart from our busy schedules and focus on our lives in Christ. The retreats are sponsored by the Spiritual Formation Committee of the Tennessee Annual Conference, the Board of Laity, the Tennessee Conference Orders of Deacons and Elders, The Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members, and The Upper Room, a division of the General Board of Discipleship.

Both retreats are from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Brentwood United Methodist Church. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Each retreat is $21.00 per person and includes lunch. For more information, contact Sherry Elliott at selliott@gbod.org or 615-340-7250.

Spiritual Formation and the Local Church: The Ins and Outs
Submitted by Suzanne Clement*

Spiritual Formation should be the result of everything that is done in, by or in the name of the Body of Christ-- a sweeping statement indeed, but I stand my ground.

“Spiritual Formation is the process by which a person is conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others.” Robert Mulholland’s definition of “spiritual formation” in Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993, 16) embodies that often elusive goal of spiritual development that not only grounds a person in the Spirit, but fills that same person to overflowing with Christ-love for others to the point where he or she must act out that love. Christ-love compels individuals to share personal stories of redemption and healing, propels persons and groups toward action to alleviate suffering and requires them to take a stand for justice.

“Spiritual Formation is the process by which a person is conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others.” Photo from special Human Relations Day worship service.

How does this overpowering commitment develop? It is through what John Wesley called the “means of grace,” habitual spiritual practices which are the necessary building blocks for growing toward perfection in love: corporate worship, participation in the sacrament, prayer, searching the scriptures, Christian conferencing (for accountability). Disciplined spiritual practice opens our spirits to the teaching, healing, and compelling presence of God.

When we consider spiritual formation ministries in local context, it is easy to become focused on sets of tasks or events that generally resemble an occasional sampling of contemplative prayer forms or slightly different styles of worship. Whatever the practices, they are not ends in themselves. They are means--just as going on mission trips and corporate worship are means--for us to offer ourselves to God, to turn our attention and intention toward God so completely that we become instruments of God’s will .

The Church is given two tasks: to share the Good News of salvation for all through Christ; and to make disciples of Christ (which includes teaching and reinforcing ever deepening discipleship). In determining a course of action, whether that is for a class to be given, the use of the church gym, or going on a mission trip across the world or down the street, we should be asking ourselves questions. “How does this share the Gospel of Christ?” “How does this help us grow spiritually in order to become better disciples?” If we cannot discern the answer to at least one of those questions within our grand plans, then chances are there is something very important missing—God’s Will!

To John Wesley participating in the Sacrament was a means of grace. Photo from 2009 Quad Training event, “Living the United Methodist Way: Turning Worlds Upside Down.”

Spiritual formation happens through different vehicles according to individual temperaments. There is an inward path and an outward path. Some people find their vocation for service through practices of reflection. Others will find that they act and then find their points for reflection within their experiences. These are both valid. Those responsible for planning spiritual formation ministries should ensure that opportunities and experiences geared to both personality types are offered.

For programming purposes, in those activities that focus on contemplative practices, we continue to invite participants to listen for God’s Word. Then we follow through, asking what change that Word requires of them and what action does that same Word call them to take?

For activities that focus on doing or serving, the process requires surrendering the task to God and asking for wisdom and guidance. Lift up all efforts to God that participants may do and accomplish God’s will, recognizing that all power and means to do the works are gifts from God. Pray that participants be willing to be taught and changed through serving. After working together, it is useful to share together as well, answering questions such as: “What change is God calling forth in me?” “Am I being drawn into a new discipline of devotion?” “Is there clear guidance toward additional action?” Surrender what you have received in either setting to God in prayer.

Persons responsible for program planning need to be well grounded, faithful and accountable in their own devotional practice, educated and able to teach spiritual disciplines, ways of prayer, discernment and spiritual reading of scripture and other materials. They must attend to the ins as well as the outs -- the being and the doing aspects of ministry-- as equally formative paths and create methods so that neither approach can become isolated or distinct from the other.

Note: http://gbod.org/ is loaded with resources for integrating individual and corporate devotional practice into lives –and programs—that flow into and are interdependent with love and justice ministries, evangelism, and stewardship.

*Suzanne Clement is a Steward of Spiritual Formation at Bethlehem UMC in Franklin, TN. She is a spiritual director and a UM Certification Student at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. Contact information: SuzC2@aol.com or 615-595-7126.


A Day Apart
By Sue Pedigo*

The Cumberland District has an exciting vision for prayer and renewal. In partnership with Aldersgate Renewal Ministries, District Superintendent Ron Lowry has laid out a strategy to facilitate four days of targeted prayer around the celebrations of the church year. Four locations have been chosen that, if plotted out on a map, would form a cross over the district. ARM has created a new resource specifically for this emphasis entitled "Concerts of Prayer for the Church Year". The concerts of prayer will be held for Advent, Lent, Pentecost, and Kingdomtide. Participants will take part in a model of Corporate and Soaking Prayer. During the model for Corporate Prayer, the people pray corporately, in small groups and individually, through both spoken and sung prayers. There will also be a time of Soaking Prayer, during which the participants will rest quietly with soft music while they are silently prayed over by a small team of people. Persons who have experienced soaking prayer testify of feelings of great peace and significant encounters with Jesus.

Discussion during the Advent Concerts of Prayer for the Church Year. Photo courtesy of Aldersgate Renewal Ministries.

The Advent "A Day Apart" was held in November at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Lebanon. The Lent "A Day Apart" will be held February 21, 2009 at McKendree Memorial UMC in Portland. The Pentecost "A Day Apart" will be held May 16, 2009 at Hartsville UMC in Hartsville and the Kingdomtide "A Day Apart" will be held at Greenville UMC in Joelton on August 29, 2009.

Those who have participated in this special time apart from the world to pray for their District, its pastors, its churches and its people have found it to be a great time of spiritual renewal and refreshment. You may obtain more information on "Concerts of Prayer for the Church Year" at http://www.aldersgaterenewal.org/.

*Sue Pedigo is the Cumberland District Spiritual Formation Chairperson


Asking, Seeking, Knocking
By the Rev. Bettye Lewis*

“Ask, and it shall be given to you, seek, and you shall find, knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and they who seek find, and to them who knock it shall be opened.” (Matthew 7: 7-8)

Prayer center, Tennessee Conference Office of Connectional Ministries

What powerful words: “ask…seek…knock” - three monosyllabic words, all commands, urging us not to cave in with discouragement when facing the difficult or the unknown. They are “present imperatives” in the language Matthew wrote them: “Keep on asking! Keep on seeking! Keep on knocking!”

It is out of this command of asking, seeking, and knocking that the Tennessee Conference Committees on Worship and Spiritual Formation have set up a PRAYER ROOM in the Office of Connectional Ministries located at 304 South Perimeter Park Drive. The implication is that there is power through persistence in “whatever you do, therefore, don’t quit; keep it up!” In childlike innocence we are called to turn to our heavenly God who has come among us in the flesh, whose Spirit speaks to our hearts, and who abides with us forever, as promised. Whoever said we are to ask only once has not understood the Savior’ words: “keep on asking…..seeking…..knocking.”

The Apostle Paul later wrote, “Pray without ceasing” and demonstrated it by returning to the Lord again and yet again for relief from his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:8). Therefore, we can take Jesus at His word. We can become like little children and constantly seek the Lord in all things.

Having reared two daughters, I have witnessed how our children do this very thing. If I were nearby, they asked and kept asking. If I happened to be out of the room, they would seek me and kept seeking. If I needed a few moments of peace and quiet, I occasionally would go to my bedroom and close the door to rest or read. Do you think the kids gave up? Of course not; they knocked…and knocked…and knocked…and kept knocking!

The same is often true with us. We are invited to persist in our quest for God’s presence, God’s assistance. And let us not miss the three fold promise that accompanies the commands. What happens when we ask, seek, and knock?

“…it shall be given to you;”
“…you shall find;”
“…it shall be opened to you.”

Because of the power of persistence, the Committees on Worship and Spiritual Formation invite the members and friends of the Tennessee Conference to come and visit the PRAYER ROOM often. Indeed as the People of God we are called to be in a continual Spirit of prayer. We need times alone in prayer. We need times together in prayer. We are called to open our hearts to Jesus Christ and allow Him to replace our weakness in His power, to cover our sin with His healing, to lift our despair with His joy, to cleanse our mistakes with His truth, to relieve our fear through His courage, to take away our pride by His grace, to inspire our lethargic spirits with His loving Spirit, and to replace our feeble efforts to serve others with His joyful gift of servant ministry.

Persistence then must characterize our prayers. In addition, asking, seeking, and knocking call for simple faith. There is no need to bargain or to pay penance….no need for incantation, no secret password. We only need to ask in simple faith.

Do we have a need? Then do the simple thing and the best thing first: Ask in simple faith. And by the power of God’s promise, we will receive according to the will and purposes of God in Christ Jesus.

*Rev. Bettye Lewis is Associate Director, Office of Connectional Ministries, Tennessee Annual Conference.

The Academy for Spiritual Formation
By Diane Luton Blum*

Whether you consider participation in the 5 Day Academy or the 2 Year Academy, each provides an invitation from God to grow, to listen, to learn, to share and to serve from the deepest well of living water in Christ (John 4).

Pastors:
Consider the Academy for Spiritual Formation as an adjunct to your course of study or master of divinity degree. I studied for my M. Div. in the late 1970’s and later realized that I had no courses that directly addressed the ministry of prayer and spirituality for Christian discipleship, so critical to congregational vitality. When I began participation in the 2 Year Academy for Spiritual Formation in 1995, I was hungry to grow in my own spiritual grounding for long term pastoral ministry. I was faced with the spiritual quests that brought most newcomers into my congregations. They were coming, not just to be a member of a church, but more and more to have a living relationship with the Holy One in our midst. The Academy for Spiritual Formation became a transformative school for my ministry and my life.

Moms:
In 1998, Danny Morris (who helped to found both the Academy for Spiritual Formation and the Walk to Emmaus through The Upper Room) called me to ask if I would be willing to be part of a 5 Day Academy leadership team in Vermont the following summer. As always, I told him I would have to take significant time with my husband to decide if I could take this time away from our family (our sons were still young teens at home). I called my husband right away and told him of the request. He immediately replied that I should do this. I was so surprised at his response. We had not even opened our calendars! I asked him why his response was so strong and supportive. He answered, “You know that it’s not my style to go away on any quiet retreat, and I don’t really know what you do in those academy sessions (there had been 8 of these 5 day sessions in the 2 year academy), all I know is that for the boys and myself, it is always a good thing—the way you are when you come home from these experiences.” To this day, this story is my favorite definition of “spiritual formation.”

Laity and Clergy together:
The Academy experience places participants on a level playing field as we discover together our “equal” access to God’s living presence in the community. Praying and singing together three times each day forms a body of Christ that has the power to provide healing and guidance, trust and hope. Keeping silence for three extended periods each day, as a community, supports our individual capacity to listen to and notice God’s word and spirit. Sharing from these experiences reminds us of the uniqueness of each life and the common well of grace poured out for all. When I return from an academy I am more able to notice the many “spiritual giants” already serving from within our congregations—privately and publicly—through prayer and spiritual guidance. Pastors have no monopoly on this gift of the spirit.

Younger and older persons together:
In my 2 year academy, both the senior pastor (in his 50’s) and the associate pastor (in his 20’s) of a large membership UM congregation participated in all the sessions. The younger man was in my covenant group—we shared 1 ½ hours in our group each night (5 days X 8 sessions= 40 meetings). After our academy he and I kept in touch by e-mail for several years as he got another degree and returned to their city to found a new congregation that now counts and serves thousands of members. When I see the fruitfulness of his pastoral ministry, I give thanks to God for providing the additional spiritual grounding of his academy journey, while he was still so young. I thank God for the wisdom of his senior pastor, who mentored and modeled for him the priority of self care, renewal, and time apart to meet, hear and obey the Holy Spirit.

No two Academy sessions are alike.
Two leaders provide specific courses from their own training, experience and spiritual practice. These “experts” are chosen not just because they have published books or teach at theology schools, but because they are able to powerfully embody what they teach. From Glenn Hinson and Bob Mulholland to Hazelyn McComas and Kathryn Damiano, Academies call forth loving leaders whose chief task is to help every participant to experience the living God among us all. And of course, that is the task of every participant as we return to our homes and our work after an academy. Blessed to become the blessing for which our world is thirsting: A well of living water in Jesus the Christ.

*Rev. Diane Luton Blum, pastor of East End UMC in Nashville, has served with 5 Day Academy leadership teams in TN, VT, NY, and OH


Preach Good News!
By Cinde Lucas*

Scripture Matthew 28:18-19 Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

In a world where it seems that the darkness is getting darker, Christians have an awesome opportunity to shine! I can think of no better time for the LIGHT to be turned on than in darkness. God is calling us to step up and speak out the Good News of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 61:1 says “Arise and shine for the Glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Deep darkness covers the earth, but the Lord will shine upon you.” That, my friends is Good News! That is the message that we need to proclaiming (preaching) because that is the message that Jesus Himself was anointed to preach. He came that we might have life more abundantly (John 10:10) in order that we could share that life and light with others.

Arise and shine for the Glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Deep darkness covers the earth, but the Lord will shine upon you.” Photo from Living the United Methodist Way: Turning Worlds Upside Down, Jacksonville, Florida, Jan. 29-Feb. 1, 2009.

Jesus told His disciples (by the way, that included women) to go to Jerusalem and wait for the Promise of the Spirit that would empower (anoint) them to BE WITNESSES. Jesus did not say to DO Witnessing; He said that we were to BE WITNESSES. There is a huge difference in being and doing.

Being refers to something that you are all the time; doing is something you may only do part of the time. Going door to door, sending cards, block parties, even worship services might fall into the doing category ( not that these are bad, they’re just not all that we need to do). Jesus wants us to know that because we are empowered by God, everything we do is part of sharing the good news of Christ.

Consider Romans 12:2 in the Message Bible; Take your everyday, ordinary life, your eating, sleeping, working, getting up, going to bed and walking around, and offer it to God as a living sacrifice. That tells me that everything I do from grocery shopping and cooking supper to going to work and putting gas in my car should be a lifestyle of witnessing the power of Jesus in my life. That’s an awesome responsibility and one that Christians should not take lightly. There is no such thing as a private faith!

We live in a time where people are not interested in programs that they haven’t yet seen produce good results in others. They are in need of real people that have lives that show that Jesus has and is making a difference in their daily lives. They need to see people who are in the middle of trials that are full of joy and peace. They need to see people that have faith and confidence that no matter what comes, God is good and He is on our side. People are hungry for the Gospel of Good News that Jesus wants us to preach by living a life wholly devoted to God. You may not have a seminary degree, teach a Sunday school class, or sing in the choir, but you do have a ministry and a mission field. You have an opportunity everyday to be a witness for Jesus and someone somewhere needs your message “preached” to them.

Deep darkness is trying to cover the earth, but God’s Light through His people will overcome the darkness. As the song Pass It On says, “It only takes a spark to get a fire going.” I pray that you will allow the Lord to use you as a spark of Good News in a dry and thirsty land. The fire of God is rising in His People. Preach Good News so that they will hear, repent, and begin their journey of shining for God. Go into all the world (that includes Wal-Mart, Kroger, your work place, your school and your home) and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and Lo I am with you always!

*Cinde Lucas is chairperson of the Conference Evangelism Committee and director of Cinde Lucas Overflow Ministries, 273 Henryville Rd., Ethridge, TN 38456. www.CindeLucas.com



What might a Spiritual Director Offer a Church?
By Kasey Hitt*

Working on or with a church staff once seemed a thing of the past for me. In 2003, when my burn-out as a youth pastor became unbearable, I escaped from being in ministry by going to…seminary! A much-needed taste of spiritual direction had come a year before during a week-long contemplative retreat. Burn-out seemed the perfect time to get a Certificate of Spiritual Direction along with a Masters in Divinity and hopefully my soul could “recover” from the church.

Russ and Kasey Hitt with daughter Alaina

My husband and I loaded our belongings and began the trek from southeast Missouri to Washington. Five break-downs and three U-Hauls later, we arrived in the Seattle-area where I immediately began seminary with burn-out induced anger toward the church! By my last year, however, I was amazed how in the throes of school God had offered me needed soul care while also restoring my love for the church and those in ministry.

I wondered how spiritual direction could be integrated into the life of a church and picked that as my thesis topic. Surprisingly, the first church I talked to embraced my proposal and offered me a paid position as their Spiritual Direction Consultant. At Cedar Cross United Methodist Church in Mill Creek, WA, over the course of a year, I
.offered direction to a dozen staff and lay leaders
.led a “listening” staff retreat
.facilitated a discussion on discernment for Church Council
.taught a prayer seminar for the congregation followed by a contemplative prayer day-retreat
.began a spiritual direction group, and
.gave the pastor a break by preaching a few times

To see this church’s desire to intentionally create space to hear God’s voice was thrilling and strengthened my desire to continue bringing spiritual direction to churches.

A communal journey toward listening, caring and wholeness begins with the leadership of the church. Photo from the national leadership conference “Living the United Methodist Way: Turning Worlds Upside Down,” Jacksonville, FL, Jan. 29 – Feb 1, 2009.

Since moving to the Nashville-area in June 2008, I have met several spiritual directors and people participating in contemplative-type ministries, many within the United Methodist Church. Yet spiritual direction still remains largely unknown, so I want to give a glimpse of what it is and what a spiritual director could offer a church.

Spiritual direction is the ancient art of accompanying people along their spiritual journeys. Like the story of Eli and Samuel found in I Samuel 3, a spiritual director creates a safe place so people can recognize and respond to God’s “voice” in their ordinary lives. Individual direction is usually held for one hour once a month. It offers a quiet space in which to be silent, be guided in prayer, reflect on a Scripture passage, and/or have a “soul-shaping conversation.” The silent part can be challenging! When the external voices stop, internal voices can clamor for our attention and some come “spiritually” clothed like, “I know I’m working long hours, but I’m doing God’s work.” Spiritual directors can provide soul care for pastors and staffs by offering a place to discern whether or not such sentences are from God.

When I was a youth pastor, I worked long hours (many times ministry workaholism is seen as a spiritual gift). I read the Bible in order to write youth talks and did not know how to read it without thinking of them! I also found it difficult to confide in anyone else on staff, for they, too, were ministry workaholics. Spiritual direction offered me a different environment where I felt invited to “be” with God rather than constantly “do” for God. When I returned to ministry as a spiritual director, I was a healthier person. Spiritual direction can help pastors, church staffs and lay leaders, especially, care for their own souls and this will always help the people they are ministering to.

Besides a referral for individual direction, spiritual directors can help churches become “listening congregations,” which is a lifestyle of intentionally listening to each other and to the Holy Spirit. How this looks varies, but many directors offer seminars, retreats and group spiritual direction to assist congregations. For instance, what might the impact be if Finance Committee or the Youth Ministry focused on ways of discernment in regard to their particular ministry? If staff members attended to how they are listening to each other, would the temptation to co-exist or see the other as competition over budget money decrease? A communal journey toward listening, caring and wholeness begins with the leadership of the church.

After ten years in youth ministry as a volunteer, intern and full-time Youth Pastor, followed by a season of burn-out, I cannot help but offer those in ministry that which has so deeply impacted me. I hope pastors might consider how a spiritual director could be a part of their own and even their church’s spiritual journey.

*Kasey Hitt lives in Mount Juliet, is a member of Providence United Methodist Church, and has been a spiritual director for 5 1/2 years. She is married to Russ Hitt and the couple has one daughter, 2 ½ year-old, Alaina.



Spiritual Formation Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Celebrating 200 Years of Methodism in Smith County Part of the Cookeville District
by Jamie Shelby Wallace

How do we define spiritual formation? Some would say that spiritual formation is to know Christ, encounter Christ, worship Christ, grow in Christ, and make Christ known in the world around us. In 2008, Smith County celebrated 200 years of Methodism. A committee from the Carthage United Methodist Church made plans to include all the United Methodist Churches of Smith County, Cookeville District Superintendent Jay Archer, and Bishop William Morris in a county wide celebration. Lead by dedicated CUMC member James Bass, the committee worked with Pastor Jerry Wallace to celebrate the deep and rich history of Methodism in the spiritual formation of the region.

Carthage-Cedar Point pastor Jerry K. Wallace

An old fashioned dinner on the ground potluck was held during the summer at the Smith County Agriculture Center to accommodate all the attending United Methodist congregations. Each church was encouraged to join in offering praise and worship through song and prayer. The event raised a total of $800. Four hundred dollars went to benefit the Smith County Help Center. The Center gives support to families experiencing financial difficulty providing life necessities such as food and clothing. The other four hundred dollars raised went to Emmanuel House, a shelter in Smith County for women and children starting over after leaving domestic violence situations.

Pastor Wallace encouraged all who where available to attend a six week study which included the history of the Methodist Church in Smith County, John Wesley, the structure, beliefs, and the emphasis of grace in the United Methodist Church. The study began in September and was completed in early October at the Carthage United Methodist Church. On October 12, 2008, former pastors, families, District Superintendent Jay Archer, and Bishop William Morris were invited to attend the last event of the 200 year celebration to honor their dedication to the spiritual formation of the congregations of Smith County.

Bishop William Morris, “What the World Needs Now is the church of Jesus Christ.”

Bishop William Morris provided an energizing message titled “What the World Needs Now is the church of Jesus Christ.” The Bishop eloquently tied together the spiritual formation of yesterday, today, and tomorrow of the United Methodist Church and its members. In his message, Bishop Morris explained the church helps people to know Christ, encounter Christ, worship Christ, grow in Christ, and make Christ known in the world around us. Bishop Morris related the need to be an active part of church practices such as weekly worship, Sunday school, Bible Study, and the all important prayers which are essentials in our spiritual formation.

Founders of the Methodist churches in Smith County and the Cookeville District knew that spiritual formation was an important part of abundant living as God intended. Today the Cookeville District has a vital Lay Speaking Ministry lead by devoted Crossville FUMC member Holly Neal. The Upper Cumberland Emmaus (Spiritual Director Craig Green) and Chrysalis(Spiritual Director Keith Long) Communities provide spiritual renewal weekends for those seeking to go deeper in their relationship with Christ our Lord and encourages seekers to become servant leaders in their local church and community. Cookeville District Superintendent Jay Archer sends a monthly devotional titled “Thoughts on Holiness” to church leaders which provides much needed encouragement and support in leading our congregations in spiritual formation. Churches across the district provide those essentials of prayer, study, worship, and service to their congregation and communities. The hope of spiritual formation for tomorrow is found in the one we seek to know, encounter, worship, grow in love, and make known in the world around us “Jesus Christ our Savior”!!


Glendale United Methodist Church retreat house ministry offers spiritual renewal
“Enter in Peace, Stay in Love, Leave with Hope.” These words welcome visitors to Glendale United Methodist Church’s Retreat House Ministry.

Jesus said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” (Mark 6:31)

“Enter in Peace, Stay in Love, Leave with Hope”

The Glendale United Methodist family invites guests from across the Tennessee Conference to experience retreat. The Retreat House is located next to the church at 902 Glendale Lane in Nashville. It is fully equipped and offers quiet space for individuals or small groups to spend some time apart with God. No phone, no internet, no TV—just a quiet space in a quiet Nashville neighborhood. You can dig in the soil of our community garden, sit in the benches around the labyrinth, or rock in the rocking chairs on the church’s porch. Glendale is located minutes from Green Hills, Melrose or Brentwood in the David Lipscomb neighborhood.

The first guests for day retreat and ministry planning came in November 2006. Since that time Glendale has offered hospitality to students participating in local mission work, church staff retreats, Christian Education Incubator, Clergy Sabbath Groups, Christian Educator Fellowship, chaplains, clergywomen on retreat, pastors having early hospital visits in Nashville, writers working on devotional materials, students writing for the Board of Ministry, leadership training, clergy family retreats, personal spiritual retreats, mission groups traveling through Nashville, and a small Sunday School class on retreat.

The retreat experience is a journey into the heart of God where one is strengthened for the work of God in the world. A time apart on retreat renews our energy so that we may return to our friends, our family our work in God’s world. Is God calling you away to a quiet place to renew your hope? The Glendale Retreat House may be just what God has planned for you . . . “Enter in Peace, Stay in Love, Leave with Hope.” If you would like more information or wish to schedule some retreat time contact Rev. Sandra Griggs, 615-297-6233, email: pastorgriggs@comcast.net

Monday, February 09, 2009

TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW February 6, 2009


Articles in this edition of THE REVIEW


1. Bellevue United Methodist Church Celebrates Bicentennial in 2009
2. Belmont United Methodist Church: The Christmas Miracle
3. Harris Chapel United Methodist Church provides help for wounded military
4. “This must be what heaven is like,” Human Relations Sunday worship service, January 18, 2009
5. Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall at LaVergne First United Methodist Church
6. Cancer-stricken Pastor feels love and support of United Methodist congregation far from home
7. Tennessee Conference Pastor has once in a lifetime experience – attendance at the presidential inauguration ceremony
8. Hillcrest United Methodist Church experiences four infant baptisms on the same Sunday
9. Clergy Renewal at Beersheba Springs Assembly
10. Bishop Names New Superintendents to Cumberland and Clarksville Districts
11. Friends of Cedar Crest & Friends of Beersheba
________________________________


Bellevue United Methodist Church Celebrates Bicentennial in 2009
Bellevue United Methodist Church will began a year-long celebration in 2009 to mark the congregation’s 200th year of ministry in the Bellevue area. The church’s bicentennial committee, co-chaired by Margaret Cornell and Jo and Pepper Bruce, has been at work for more than a year to plan exciting events for the congregation and the community at large.

“Our bicentennial committee of more than 30 people has put together a wonderful variety of events that our members can enjoy as we celebrate all year long,” says Cornell. “We feel 200 years is quite an achievement for our church and we want to share our excitement.”

Retired minister Ed Crump displays a Bible printed in 1806.

The first bicentennial event was held on January 4, 2009, with a special worship and communion service. Preacher for the day was retired minister Ed Crump who also did the children’s sermon featuring a huge pulpit bible that was printed in the year 1806, three years before the Bellevue congregation was deeded land to build its first building. At the conclusion of the service the congregation had an opportunity to greet the church’s first pastor, the Rev. Levin Edney, and his wife, Polly, who had arrived by horseback from Edney’s Meetinghouse while the Hillcrest service was finishing. Banners both inside the church and outside proclaimed the congregation’s 200 year old history. Banners in the sanctuary reflect the theme of the bicentennial—“O God our help, in ages past. Our hope for years to come.”

A sampling of bicentennial events to come this year includes:
+Special worship services
+Unveiling of the bicentennial quilt
+Hymn sing and old fashioned ice cream social
+A new, written history of the church
+Homecoming gathering
+Celebrations through music and drama
+Mementoes to purchase
+Recognition of longest members

The church’s beginnings extend back to 1803 when Bishop Francis Asbury appointed Levin Edney to the Nashville Circuit near Pasquo and the infant Belleview area (the spelling was changed to Bellevue in 1969). In 1809, Levin Edney’s brother, Newton, deeded land to his brother and the tiny congregation to build “Edney’s Meeting House”, (currently the site of Pasquo Church of Christ). In 1813, the building burned but was replaced the same year at a nearby location as Edney’s Chapel where the congregation remained for 97 years. The congregation relocated to 7544 Old Harding Road in 1910 as the Belleview Methodist Episcopal Church and again in 1969 to 7501 Old Harding Road where it remains today. Since Levin Edney, the church has been led by 123 pastors, including the Rev. David Rainey, who serves there today.

Original pastor Levin Edney and wife showed up to greet church members after the service. Edney was portrayed by Will Walden, and Polly Edney by June Walden. Circuit rider horse was played by “Diamond.”

Today, the church is still dedicated to building a strong community of faith with their neighbors in Bellevue and beyond. It offers a variety of outreach ministries, as well as Christian education opportunities for children, youth and adults. “Our heritage is important to us, but we also strive to continue to serve Christ by serving others,” says Rev. David Rainey. “We will continue to be diligent in shaping our history so that Bellevue United Methodist Church will be an active part of this community for another 200 years.”

Upcoming Bi-centennial events:
Friday, March 27: “The Man from Aldersgate.” Actor Roger Nelson portrays John Wesley in a one-man drama. The performance, open to the public, will be held in the sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. with a reception to follow in Greer Hall. There is no admission charge but a free-will offering will be accepted as people exit.
Sunday, July 26: Old fashioned Methodist Hymn Sing followed by Ice Cream Social. Dr. Matthew Kennedy will be special guest pianist.
Sunday, September 27: Homecoming with a potluck dinner under tent at Masonic Lodge. Meet old and new friends, enjoy special music and entertainment.
Sunday, November 1: All Saints Day. Roll out the Red Carpet! Recognition of Bellevue UMC 30, 40, 50+ year members.

Throughout the bicentennial year funds will be raised for the Nothing But Nets campaign to fight malaria in Africa.


Belmont United Methodist Church: The Christmas Miracle
Before the miracle—a geography lesson: The Republic of Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast Africa that was formerly known as Nyasaland. It is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast and Mozambique, which surrounds it on the east, south and west. The country is separated from Tanzania and Mozambique by Lake Malawi. . . .
Malawi is among the world's least developed and most densely populated countries. . . .
Malawi has a low
life expectancy and high infant mortality. There is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS (from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

And now the miracle --
The goal was $30,000 which would provide the materials to build churches in ten Malawi villages. As of January 19, $54,143 has been received. That will mean at least 16 villages will have a strong church building with a metal roof. Upon hearing that we had surpassed the goal, Rev. Daniel Mhone, the Mission Area Superintendent, wrote the following letter to Belmont,
“On behalf of the Malawi Church, I send our very tears of joy and gratitude at what God continues to do even in these days of our Christian journey. God moves among his people connecting us in prayer though separated by a very immense distance. [Belmont's Christmas Miracle offering] is a Christmas miracle at the very beginning of the century as the American economy is in turmoil. Yet in those very difficult circumstances, God moves his very people to give beyond what was targeted by over %50. This is no small achievement, neither of human doing BUT God's own way of doing things even in our very days of existence. WE will not resist tears of joy and gratitude at God's own miracle.

Those without shelter will have a shelter and the villages will have a place to teach children and women. These church buildings are the synagogues of our times. Synagogues were centers of education in the Jewish society and so the 16 new churches are forming a "synagogue theology" of Methodism in the newly legislated Missionary Conference.

All participating in this are a part of the history in the making. Please know this that our hearts have been challenged, warmed, encouraged and assured of God's own presence in all this. We are talking of Emmanuel "God with us", and we are all witnesses of this happening. God bless each one of us that is part of this doing of God.”

The Malawi United Methodist Church has over 90 organized congregations but less than 10 permanent church buildings. Most congregations meet under a tree or in a temporary arbor. The $3,000 per church from the Christmas Miracle offering provides cement, sand, mortar, wood for trusses, metal roofs, and doors for the church. Local church members will make bricks, fire them, and do the construction for their new buildings.

In February, Kara and Jeff Oliver and Sue and Herb Mather will be in Malawi for two weeks. Although it will be the rainy season that makes rural travel difficult, they hope to photograph some of the villages which are receiving help with a church. And later, when the churches are completed, we will have more pictures to share. The Outreach Committee is working on recommendations for people-to-people connections between the people in the villages and their friends in Christ at Belmont UMC.

The miracle is more than buildings. The miracle is the enriching of the faith for the people of Malawi and the people of Belmont UMC.


Harris Chapel United Methodist Church provides help for wounded military

Harris Chapel United Methodist Church Lay Leader Frank Nichols asked his grandson what he wanted for Christmas. The answer came quickly and in a single word.

“Blankets!”

Frank Nichols’ grandson is John Nichols, a front-line medic with the 101 Airborne in Afghanistan. John explained that when soldiers are wounded or injured, they are brought first to the aid station where he is on duty. He treats the wounds as best he can, then wraps the injured in blankets and sends them back to an Army field hospital. Although the Army provides blankets for the aid stations, the blankets that wrap the soldiers sent to the field hospitals often become heavily soiled and bloody and are seldom returned. Therefore the aid stations are chronically short of blankets in the cold mountainous climate of eastern Afghanistan.

The congregation of Harris Chapel United Methodist Church gathered around fifteen cases of blankets and linens bound for Afghanistan.

Frank Nichols’ response was instantaneous. “I’m going to tell the church, and we’ll get you blankets!”

Frank took John’s concern to Harris Chapel United Methodist Church where Frank serves as Lay Leader. The response of the small membership congregation was overwhelming. More than $1,000.00 was raised in a few weeks to purchase blankets and linens for Afghanistan. With the help of the staff at the local Wal-Mart, 73 blankets, 45 flat sheets, and 37 pillowcases were selected and packed for shipment in fifteen large cartons. Those blankets and linens are now on their way to meet the critical needs of forward aid stations on the front lines in Afghanistan.

“What do you want for Christmas, John?” John’s response was not a gift for himself but a gift of life for wounded and injured soldiers. The congregation of Harris Chapel United Methodist Church heard the request and more than rose to the challenge.


“This must be what heaven is like,” Human Relations Sunday worship service, January 18, 2009

Native American Committee members Debbie Fitzhugh (l) and Mary T Newman (r) stand with featured speaker Freeman Owle

It was an impossible sight to believe when speakers and liturgists looked over the crowd gathered at Monroe Street United Methodist Church on Sunday, January 18th, for the Annual Conference celebration of Human Relations Sunday as well as observing the national celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. “This must be what heaven is like,” noted one teary-eyed speaker, and those sentiments were repeated several times during the afternoon worship experience. It seemed like heaven because all of God’s children were worshipping together, persons from Myanmar and southeast Asia, a large group of persons from Hispanic/Latino cultures, African Americans, Native Americans, and European Americans—ONE people, all together joyfully worshipping the ONE God.

Music by the AquaVilla praise band was greatly appreciated

Main speaker for the day was Cherokee storyteller and artisan Freeman Owle – who shared family traditions of the “Trail of Tears” an historic epic from the early 1830s where Native Americans from throughout the southeast were forced to relocate from their homelands to Indian Territory (present day Oklahoma). This forced movement of an enslaved tribal people passed through Nashville heading for sanctuary in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The “Trail of Tears” resulted in many hundreds of deaths—mainly children, and the elderly. Owle’s ancestors managed to slip away from the march before its conclusion and return to North Carolina. And, noted, Owle . . . there were African Americans and Caucasians on the march as well – you became, in the culture of the time, the ethnic group of the parent with the darkest skin. If an African American and Native American had a child – that child was black; if a European American and a Native American had a child, that child was considered an “Indian.”

Belmont’s Golden Triangle group from southeast Asia was heavily involved in the service.

“When I look out at the people in front of me,” noted Freeman, “I don’t see Andrew Jackson, Junaluska, the people of the past. I see my brothers and sisters.” “We have the present and future here,” Freeman concluded, “a comfort zone created by the Spirit of a Loving God.”



Liturgical Dancers from several local churches combined their talents to share Martin Luther King’s message in new and exciting ways.

The service began with a blessing of the sanctuary. The burning of sweetgrass, sage, tobacco, and cedar is a Native American tradition. As the smoke drifts upward, the area is blessed and the fragrance settles us into a time of worship. AquaVilla, the praise band for the worship service was Hispanic/Latino, there were hymns in Spanish and English, the passing of the peace was done wordlessly in the style of Christians from southeast Asia, and everything was ultimately held together with the words of Martin Luther King narrated dramatically and with great passion by African American pastor Roland Scruggs.

Retired United Methodist minister Roland Scruggs brought Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech to life.

Probably nothing indicated the spiritual impact of the worship so much as the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., spoken by Scruggs: “Now it is time to open the door of opportunity to all of God’s children. . . injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” (I have a dream speech by Martin Luther King, Jr., August 8, 1963.

The Human Relations Day offering taken at the service went directly to support Community Developers, United Methodist Voluntary Service and the Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program. These efforts aim to heal injustice in the United States and Puerto Rico by encouraging social justice and work with at-risk youth.


Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall at LaVergne First United Methodist Church

Greg Holleran (Church Council Chairman) and Page Durham (President UMW) breaking ground.

On Sunday, January 11, 2009, the Congregation of LaVergne First United Methodist Church held a groundbreaking ceremony for an expansion of their facility. A new 8,000 sq ft. two story addition will include a new sanctuary that will seat approximately 350 people including a choir loft for 57 on the upper level and a new fellowship hall, kitchen and additional program space on the lower level. The church has experienced a 30% growth rate during 2008 and the new space is needed to accommodate the growing church family. The church was recently awarded the Ruthie Award for “Favorite Place to Worship in LaVergne” by the Daily News Journal.

The ceremony was led by Rev. Buddy Royston in the presence of a large number of persons from the church and the community. District Superintendent Cathie Leimenstoll and the Mayor of LaVergne Ronne Erwin were both present for the occasion. In addition to the groundbreaking, the ceremony recognized those Charter Members of the church who were present, and paid tribute to the congregation’s youngest generation, the children of the church.

Charter members of the church were recognized as well as the congregation’s children

The church expansion will be constructed by Dow Smith Contracting of Smyrna, TN and financed by Wilson Bank and Trust. The construction project is scheduled to be completed by mid-summer of 2009 at which time the date for a consecration service will be set.

LaVergne First United Methodist Church was founded in December 1975. Worship services times are 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. with Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. There is also a weekly bible study at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays. Additional information about the church can be found on the church website at http://www.lavergnefirstumc.org/ or by phoning the church office at (615) 793-6631.


Cancer-stricken Pastor feels love and support of United Methodist congregation far from home
The Rev. Emilio Hernandez, pastor of La Hermosa Hispanic Congregation, Smithville United Methodist Church, was diagnosed with stomach cancer in November of 2008. His cancer would require surgery, likely follow-up chemo or radiation treatment, and lengthy rehabilitation.
Affordable medical care was not available either in Nashville or within the Cookeville District. As a last resort Emilio was taken to Methodist Hospital in Memphis and accepted as a patient. On December 8, 2008, he underwent serious surgery to remove the cancerous tumor in his stomach. Surgery, ongoing treatment, and slow recuperation necessitated a long, extended stay in Memphis, away from home, family, friends, and members of Emilio’s congregation.

Maria, Claudet, and Emilio Hernandez

Enter pastor Mark Matheny and the membership of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, a congregation five miles from the Methodist Health Center, who reacted strongly and purposefully to meet the needs of Pastor Emilio and his wife Maria.

A couple from St. Luke’s, David and Glenda Turner, provided a house for Emilio, Maria, and visiting family members. The congregation’s loving concern extended to collecting special funds to cover utilities at the house as well as occasional Kroger gift cards for groceries.

When Emilio is physically able he and Maria attend St. Luke’s UMC for worship, and the congregation remembers fondly the Sunday before Christmas when Emilio, confined to a sitting position, delivered a stirring and emotional benediction. Pastor Mark Matheny and the congregation also remembers daughter Claudet’s abilities as a translator before she returned to her classes at Martin Methodist College. Claudet is the second oldest in a Hernandez family of four –Esther, then Claudet, Liliana, and Ricardo.

Recently Pastor Emilio wrote a note to the Tennessee Annual Conference: “We are so grateful to each one of the pastors and your congregations that have kept us in your prayers. We are pleased to let you know that, thanks to God, the surgery went well and there has been no difficulty during the recuperation. Nonetheless, during surgery the doctors realized that the cancer had spread, so now we are waiting to begin chemotherapy and radiation. I will return to the hospital on January 26 to begin the treatment and will write you then to give you more information. . . Again, please accept my deepest gratitude for your prayers, for the support that you have given us, and for the calls and notes than have sustained us during this process.”

Probably no Pastor and congregation has felt the gratitude of Emilio and Maria Hernandez so much as the Rev. Mark Matheny and St. Luke’s United Methodist. In the darkest and loneliest of days the Hernandez family found a community which reached out in love and compassion to a stranger. Joaquin Garcia has been overwhelmed by the generosity and love of the St. Luke’s UMC, Smithville United Methodist Church, the Cookeville District and the whole Tennessee Conference. Maria says, “I have received such beautiful cards saying that the sender is praying for us – I don’t know the persons, however I can feel connected in the spirit of God’s love.” “What can I say?” Joaquin asks. “This is such a marvelous example of the Church being the Church and I can’t help but marvel at the generosity of St. Luke’s and its genuine concern.”


Tennessee Conference Pastor has once in a lifetime experience – attendance at the presidential inauguration ceremony


It all started with high hopes and tremendous excitement – a charter bus trip from Memphis, Tennessee, to Washington for the inauguration of Barack Obama. Three busloads of people on a trip organized by St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church in Memphis. The church’s priest had a long tradition of working ecumenically through Shelby County Interfaith (Memphis equivalent to Nashville’s TNT—Tying Nashville Together) and so word of the trip passed quickly to United Methodist minister John Glaze who shared the information with former Memphis Conference minister Herbert Lester (Now Senior Pastor, Blakemore United Methodist Church, Nashville District).

Some things were a bit unsettling. The buses were to arrive at St. Augustine Church and head out on Friday evening. They didn’t show up until Saturday morning forcing some out-of-towners to quickly scrounge for hotel space. Lester, who served the same congregation in Memphis for 18 years, was fortunate. He had both friends and family nearby. When the buses finally hit the road to Washington at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, the adventure was just beginning—a major accident on the Interstate meant that three busloads of passengers had to sit on non-moving buses for 6 to 8 hours. The trip which was supposed to get them to an Embassy Suites Hotel in Williamsburg, Virginia, on Saturday night didn’t get there until Sunday—fortunately the hotel held the rooms, a kind gesture since hotel space anywhere close to Washington DC was at a premium. The hotel was crowded with persons going to the inauguration including one college band and one high school band.

Is this Herbert Lester standing next to a cut-out version of President Obama, or the President standing next to a cut-out of Herbert Lester?

After a day of shopping at a nearby mall on Monday, Lester, his friend John Glaze, and their busload of excited DC visitors headed from Williamsburg to Washington D.C. at 2:30 a.m. and arrived in a reserved parking space at K Street and New Jersey, behind the Capitol building, at about 5:30 a.m. No one minded the cold, a wind-chill temperature of 8 degrees, nor did they mind the 5 mile hike to where they would watch the inauguration from a section of the Capitol mall about halfway between the Capitol and the Washington monument. The section where Lester and his party stood did not require tickets and huge jumbotron screens meant they had a great view of the inauguration. “The government buildings were all open,” notes Lester, “and we stopped twice on the walk to warm up and get coffee. We went into both the Dept. of Transportation and Dept. of the Interior buildings . . . and there were crowds of people that spent all night in those buildings.”

Lester becomes very reflective when he speaks of the people gathered in his section. “There were people displaying Pakistani flags, and Palestinian flags. I saw a lot of people in wheel chairs which surprised me – and you could actually feel a sense of optimism and hope from everyone. Personally I felt a tremendous excitement, and joy . . . a sense of awe that an African American was actually being inaugurated as president. Until recently I definitely felt that a person of color could never be elected in my lifetime. The feeling of optimism and personal peace was so strong that it affected everyone’s behavior. As packed as the place was with people NO one got upset with neighbors for pushing and jostling. There was just a good feeling that people shared throughout the whole day. For all of us it was a once in a lifetime experience.

One of Lester’s daughters , a senior at MTSU who had worked on the Obama campaign, was also present SOMEplace on the mall, but was not part of the Memphis group. Lester and his daughter kept in touch by texting messages to each other, joined by another daughter who was still back in Tennessee. “My daughter actually attended one of the inaugural balls and was within an arms length of the president at one time.”

“I think what happened . . . the feeling of the crowd at the inauguration . . . President Obama’s confidence. Everything that happened might help people to have the confidence to get through some real difficult times. And this isn’t just an American thing. There is hope and excitement around the world about what the future will be.”


Hillcrest United Methodist Church experiences four infant baptisms on the same Sunday

Proud Parents from left to right: Craig Mulvey, Holly Mulvey with Jamie, Denise Crawford with Jocelyn, Brian Crawford with Zoe, Mandi Billings with Mackenzie, Mike Billings

It was fitting. The scripture, Acts 16: 13-15 and 22-34, recounts the transformation of two persons, business woman Lydia and a Roman jailer. Both stories end with the baptism—Lydia’s entire household and the jailer’s household. This means that the entire family and likely all servants were baptized by Paul and his associates.

Great grandfather Vernon Denny proudly shares Jamie Mulvey with the congregation.

On this Sunday, January 11th, at Hillcrest United Methodist Church four infants were to be baptized: Mackenzie Lynn Billings, daughter of Mike and Mandi Billings; twins Jocelyn Ruth and Zoe Catherine Crawford, daughters of Brian and Denise Crawford; and James Michael Mulvey, son of Craig and Holly Mulvey. The baptisms of Mackenzie, Jocelyn and Zoe were performed by senior pastor Paul Purdue while the baptism of James Michael Mulvey was performed by proud great grandfather and United Methodist elder Vernon Denny.

Barbara Garcia holding Zoe Crawford, and Joaquin Garcia holding Jocelyn Crawford as the newly baptized infants are introduced to the Hillcrest congregation.

After the baptisms had taken place and in keeping with Hillcrest baptism procedure, the babies were walked throughout the sanctuary – making certain that everyone – adult, youth, and even the children – were accepting responsibility for helping to raise the babies in an atmosphere of love and support. Vern Denny walked with grandson James; Pastor Paul Purdue carried MacKenzie Billings and made certain that children and youth KNEW they also were accepting responsibility for the raising of this infant girl; Jocelyn and Zoe were carried by United Methodist Deacons affiliated with Hillcrest church, Barbara and Joaquin Garcia.

As Pastor Paul Purdue introduces Mackenzie Billings to the congregation he makes certain children in the congregation feel that they will be important in the lives of the children baptized that morning.

During the carrying of the babies through the sanctuary facial expressions on the faces of church members, as they individually greeted the infants, reaffirmed the pledge everyone had just made: “We give thanks for all that God has already given you and we welcome you in Christian love.”

At the conclusion of the service pastor Purdue provided an opportunity for all church members to come forward and renew their baptismal vows, anointing each person with water and the sign of the cross.



Clergy Renewal at Beersheba Springs Assembly

Beersheba Springs Assembly is pleased to announce special rates for all Clergy who desire time away for renewal leaves. Beginning in February, 2009 we will have spaces available for extended renewal leaves. These new accommodations are located in The Lois B. Nunley Conference Center on Brick Row. They include a modern guest room with a private porch area and access to a kitchen for meal preparations. The camp has wireless internet access and plenty of sacred space for spiritual renewal. The cost for clergy, with or without spouse, and church staff members is $35 a night without meals. Meals may be purchased at regular price if the camp is serving a group at the time of stay.

Come and join us for a time apart and renew your ministry! We will do our very best to accommodate your needs while spending sacred time with us. Please contact our offices at 931.692.3669 for reservations or more information.


Bishop Names New Superintendents to Cumberland and Clarksville Districts

Dr. Ronald D. Lowery

Bishop Richard J. Wills, Jr., has announced the move of Dr. Ron Lowery, presently Superintendent of the Cumberland District, to the Clarksville District after the 2009 session of the Tennessee Annual Conference. He will be replacing the Rev. John Casey who has served the Clarksville District for eight full years.

Replacing Dr. Lowery, as Cumberland District Superintendent, according to a statement released by Bishop Wills, will be the Rev. Thomas Halliburton, who has been pastor of Nashville's historic McKendree United Methodist Church, an inner- city congregation located in a rapidly changing geographic area. Prior to his appointment to McKendree Halliburton had served one quadrennium as Superintendent of the Cookeville District.

Rev. Thomas E. Halliburton


Friends of Cedar Crest & Friends of Beersheba


Did you know that your conference camp and retreat facilities were both approved for Advance Special Giving? Each facility is approved so that individuals and churches may give to the ministries of both Cedar Crest and Beersheba Springs Assembly. Funds received are used in various ways around the camps for special unbudgeted projects.

Past projects have included new lifejackets at Cedar Crest along with new outdoor tarps and equipment. At Beersheba, projects have included preparation of annual hanging displays of ferns and flowers, planting new trees, purchase of a new LCD projector, construction of steps between Eastside and the Dining Hall and the renovation of Vesper Point. The future project wish list includes construction of a boat house at Cedar Crest and a new walk-way in the quad at Beersheba.

Braving two cold winter days with wind and fog, the members of Choates Creek United Methodist Church worked to give Vespers point at Beersheba Springs Assembly a much needed facelift—here they are after finishing their work.

The needs of our facilities far outweigh our available resources. As we continue to seek to improve our Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries, you are invited to help us fulfill our dreams of facilities that provide the very best for our churches and individuals as they seek those special places of sanctuary.

The Friends of Cedar Crest Advance number is Conference Advance Number 112.

The Friends of Beersheba Advance number is Conference Advance Number 111.

Individual Gifts may be made online by visiting http://www.tnumc.org/ and clicking on the Mercy and Mission tab on the left. For more information, please contact the Camping Office at 931.692.3669 or email at tnumcamps@tnumc.org. Gifts may be sent to the Camping Office at:

Tennessee Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries
P.O. Box 577
Beersheba Springs, Tennessee 37305

Please designate you gifts for either camp. Undesignated gifts will be shared equally with each facility.