TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW April 3, 2009
Articles in the April 3, 2009, edition of The Tennessee Conference REVIEW
1. Naomi Tutu, daughter of Desmond Tutu, to speak at Nashville District United Methodist Women’s Meeting.
2. Annual Conference Offering to Benefit at Risk Children of Matamoros, Mexico, and within the Tennessee Conference.
3. Important workshop, JUMP START Your Ministry with Children and Youth, will be held in each district.
4. Molly Claire Day – Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, Lawrenceburg
5. The Least of these, commentary by Dr. Ted Hill
6. Hillcrest United Methodist Church youth turn Christian Life Center into Sacred Space for Lenten reflection and meditation
7. At Risk: Success Stories from our neighborhoods, Part I,
8. The Mary Farley Care Center, Lewisburg First United Methodist Church
9. Teddy Bear Sunday, Smithville First United Methodist Church
10. Lebanon First United Methodist Church works with Red Cross & Wilson County on their Disaster Team.
11. Thirteen years of theater at Bethlehem United Methodist Church
12. Old-time religion: Kelley's Chapel serves through the centuries, reprinted article
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Naomi Tutu, daughter of Desmond Tutu, to speak at Nashville District United Methodist Women’s Meeting
Naomi Tutu
Speaker at the Spring meeting of the Nashville District United Methodist Women is Naomi Tutu. She is the daughter of Desmond Tutu, and the founder of the Tutu Foundation for Development and Relief in Southern Africa, based in Hartford, Connecticut. Having taught at numerous universities in the United States and abroad, she is now program coordinator for the Race Relations Institute at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. For the UMW meeting she will speak on the topic Striving for Justice: Searching for Common Ground.
The April 18th meeting will be held at Belmont United Methodist Church and begins at 9:00 a.m. with refreshments and time to meet and greet. The program itself will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a devotion followed by Naomi Tutu’s speech. Joyce Searcy, Director of Bethlehem Centers of Nashville, will introduce the speaker. United Methodist Women from across the conference are welcome to attend the event as are any United Methodist Men.
More about Naomi Tutu
The challenges of growing up black and female in apartheid South Africa has led Nontombi Naomi Tutu to her present as an activist for human rights. Those experiences taught how much we all lose when any of us is judged purely on physical attributes. In her speeches she blends the passion for human dignity with humor and personal stories.
Ms. Tutu is the third child Archbishop Desmond and Nomalizo Leah Tutu. She was born in South Africa and has also lived in Lesotho, the United Kingdom and the United States. She was educated in Swaziland, the US and England, and has divide her adult life between South Africa and the US. Growing up the ‘daughter of …’ has offered Naomi Tutu many opportunities and challenges in her life. Most important of these has been the challenge to find her own place in the world. She has taken up the challenge and channeled the opportunities that she has been given to raise her voice as a champion for the dignity of all.
Naomi Tutu’s professional experience ranges from being a development consultant in West Africa, to being program coordinator for programs on Race and Gender and Gender-based Violence in Education at the African Gender Institute at the University of Cape Town. In addition she has taught at the Universities of Hartford and Connecticut and Brevard College in North Carolina.
Annual Conference Offering to Benefit at Risk Children of Matamoros, Mexico, and within the Tennessee Conference
By Patty Smith*
Jesus said, “Let all the children come to me.” Not some. Not most. All the children. That can happen, by the way. And you’re the key!
Children from Matamoros, Mexico, a very poor town across the border from Brownsville, Texas
Your church can help at-risk children in Matamoros, Mexico, and within the bounds of the Tennessee Annual Conference know, love, and follow Jesus. How? Participate in the 2009 Annual Conference Offering this year! Here’s how to get ready:
Encourage children and families to use the Make-a-Difference Monthly Calendar to learn about the needs of these children. Activities on the calendar include prayer and conversation starters. Download the calendar at http://2009tnumc.wikispaces.com/ then by clicking on “Special Offering Info for AT RISK Children,” and finally by clicking on “Make a Difference Calendar”
Children from within the Tennessee Annual Conference
.Create multicolored maracas banks to collect and present your church’s offering. Use tissue paper and glue to decorate quart-size plastic containers with lids. Cut a small slit in the top of the lid to make an opening for coins. These musical banks will be used during the offering.
.Participate in the Offertory Procession during Annual Conference, and sing “Yo Tengo Un Amigo.” Call the Conference Office for free access to the song. Teach it to your children in the upcoming months. Come ready to worship with other groups from the conference!
.Decorate worship ribbons for the Offertory Procession. Each attendee at Annual Conference will be given a 3-foot x 2-inch ribbon to use during this special worship time. Picture being part of 1,000 colorful ribbons waving in worship!
.Pray each day for the children of Matamoros and within the Tennessee Annual Conference. Pray as a group or individually.
*Patty Smith is the Annual Conference Director of Children’s and Family Ministries.
Important workshop, JUMP START Your Ministry with Children and Youth, will be held in each district
Dramatizing the difficulties churches face in planning ministry with/for children and youth proves to be an eye-opener. Photos from the Columbia District JUMP START.
Join Bishop Wills, your District Superintendent, and the two new Tennessee Conference team members -- Patty Smith and Brad Fiscus -- to discover innovative ways to reach children and youth in your community.
Clarksville, April 5, 2009, 3:00 p.m., Madison Street UMC
Columbia, March 24, 2009, 6:30 p.m., Franklin First UMC
Cookeville, May 9, 2009, 8:30 a.m., Friendship United Methodist Church
Cumberland, April 21, 2009, 6:30 p.m., Good Shepherd UMC
Murfreesboro, May 9, 2009, 2:00 p.m., Manchester First UMC
Nashville, May 14, 2009, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Hillcrest UMC (register ahead of time with the District Office for sandwich lunch)
Pulaski, April 20, 2009, 6:30 p.m., Lawrenceburg First UMC
Beyond the workshop content JUMP START encourages the exchange of ideas and information between participants.
Who should be there from your local church?
Pastors, paid staff in children, youth, and family ministry; Christian Educators; local church Committee Coordinators for Children, Youth, and Family Ministries; Evangelism chairpersons; Mission Coordinator; Chairperson, Administrative Council; President United Methodist Women and United Methodist Men; Youth Counselors; Sunday School teachers.
Molly Claire Day, Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, Lawrence County
Children’s Time, Molly Claire Day
Pleasant Grove UMC in Lawrenceburg recently celebrated “Molly Claire Day” at a fundraiser chili/soup luncheon held at the church. Whereas in years past, the chili/soup luncheon donations had been used for the missions that our local UMW chose to support, this year the UMW voted to give the donations received at this luncheon to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Our contribution will help toward research for this disease.
In our church we have an adorable child, Molly Claire, who was born in June 2007. She spent her first four months in Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Molly Claire is really a “miracle child.” She is now a toddler, with a special place in the heart of every member of our congregation. Molly’s parents, maternal grandparents, and maternal great-grandparents are members at Pleasant Grove UMC. Molly Claire will likely be as musically talented as her mother’s side of the family because she claps to the beat of some of our songs sung in church.
Workers at the Molly Claire Day luncheon pose with Molly Claire and her parents
After the decision was made about giving the funds to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, UMW members set to work----one member designed a flyer to be placed in the church bulletin as an advertisement, another member wrote a skit which involved the UMW members in order to enlighten the church congregation as to how much progress has been made over the years to lengthen the lives of children born with cystic fibrosis. The UMW members contributed to the luncheon menu-- chili, vegetable soup, potato soup, corn chowder, along with assorted sandwiches, crackers, chips, and, of course, homemade desserts.
The children’s sermon on this particular Sunday was to explain the reason for “Molly Claire Day.” To look at her, one would not realize Molly Claire had any disease. The disease is not contagious, but we just don’t want to think of Molly Claire, or any other child with cystic fibrosis, as not being able to live a long and happy life.
The members of our congregation opened their hearts and their pocketbooks to help the UMW ladies make “Molly Claire Day” a great success.
The Least of these
By Dr. Ted Hill, M.D.
I am sure Jesus was not a microbiologist by trade, but he did know something about littleness. In the well known scripture where he says, “If you have done it to the least of these, you have done it to me”, or something akin to that, the base for the prefix “micro” was used. You know, the prefix we recognize in the word “microscope” and micron, microcosm; and microbe. You get the picture? Did Jesus mean bugs too small to see? Yes and no.
I recently made my umpteenth trip to Mexico to Tezoyuca in the state of Morelos. It is a town south of Mexico City and their claim to fame is a concrete plant. Some of the people also make a living, (about $65 per week on average), working in the rice fields. While there in association with a small Methodist congregation, my friend and colleague, a pediatrician, bless his soul, and I saw about 740 people in 5 short days. The range of illness was broad, as is usually the case, but there are common problems that we see each year no matter what part of Mexico we go to, particularly in the outlying more rural regions. I see the older folks, and he sees the little ones. (He and I have an unspoken pact-we are grateful for the other-I don’t have to see screaming, sick kids, and he doesn’t have to see old, complaining adults.)
The older ones are ravaged by the life styles they are required to live in the poor and strenuous rural setting of hard, manual labor. 70 and 80 year olds still work in the fields. (They don’t have social security or pensions or bail outs either). They complain of knee and leg and feet pain from the poor footwear, or lack thereof, required to be on your feet 12 hours per day on hard, rocky, dry and dusty ground. I am continually reminded of the harsh life style as I look at their feet. Often their feet are indistinguishable from the thin, homemade strips of leather they wear on their soles with a strap of leather around their toes to keep their “sandals” on. You often cannot tell the skin of the foot from the sandal from the ground.
Their knees are knobby from degenerative wear and tear of their hard living. The aching shoulders of the women who wash clothes by hand on the rocks in the contaminated water of streams or who pat tortillas together to feed their families. The old ones, who are still working in the fields, have spinal stenosis (a degenerative arthritis of the back) which squeezes the spinal cord and nerves running from the back to the legs to give feeling and movement to the limbs. The spinal cord and nerves,-now compressed by the progression of arthritic change, cause their backs to be in constant pain and their legs numb and weak if they stand too long or work without sitting or lying down. In the States, surgery or at least anti-inflammatory drugs would be of some help. Not here. No access. These people are not seen. They are microscopic. They are the least.
Some of the older ones have cataracts and impaired vision; some are even “blind.” That would not happen in the States. A 15 minute operation restores sight. Not here. They are the invisible; microscope size; unseen. What about the diabetics who don’t have meters to check their sugars? who don’t have access to medical care or affordable medicines or to affordable, healthy food choices needed by diabetics? We keep a running tally to see what the worst sugar is: a sad exercise to sooth the pain of being helpless in the wake of such disease. Our meters often don’t register a number. They only go to 600, you know.
Pregnancies-“little” in the way of vitamins, folic acid to prevent neurological birth defects, screening for high risk conditions that could be treated and preserve a problematic course. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, eye irritation from the dust and dryness. Pterygia-growths from the corners of the eye that result from the constant irritation of dust and dryness slowly but relentlessly covering the eyeball until it shades the pupil and impairs vision. These growths could easily “peeled” back by a skillful eye surgeon in the States to restore full sight. Not here. They are too small to see-micro you know. A girl with kidney failure who needs dialysis but who is afraid and unable to understand the technical demands of home dialysis--all that is available to her in her microcosm of the world.
Well, Jesus knew they existed and even told us He was one of them. Jesus? The one everyone has heard about throughout the past 2000 years of history? Jesus microscopic? Unseen? He said if you do anything for the least of these, you have done it for Him. How many of these did you not see today? Oh, they were there; you just didn’t see them. Too small. No power or prestige or poor or uneducated or challenged in some way. Socially, economically, politically insignificant. That was Jesus my friend and you can do something for Him. If you see Him.
Look.
Ted Hill
March 5, 2009
Hillcrest United Methodist Church youth turn Christian Life Center into Sacred Space for Lenten reflection and meditation
In this busy world we find ourselves in, we rarely take the time to stop and listen to the small quiet voice of God. The Hillcrest Youth will be changing our Christian Life Center into a place during Holy Week that you can take a moment to stop and reflect on who's you are and rejoice in the stillness of his presence in our life. The young people have set up stations that will be self guided, which will help you to reflect on different aspects of His creation. One of the stations will change daily to reflect each unique day of Holy Week. There will also have a 40' labyrinth in the center that you can walk as well. This is a wonderful opportunity for your youth group, Disciple Group, Bible Study Group, Sunday School Class, along with your coworkers, neighbors, family and friends to come and relax in the tranquility of this faith community. If you have any questions please contact Mike Worden at mikeworden@comcast.net or Karan Simpson at info@karansimpson.com. The church phone number is 615-832-0157.
Plans call for the Sacred Space to be open daily and in the evenings from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday.
At Risk: Success Stories from our neighborhoods, Part I
Part I of a series on United Methodist Churches in Middle Tennessee reaching out to enrich the lives of At-Risk children.
By Nate Sawyer*
Mentors and youth involved in a service project feeding the homeless.
Until they reach adulthood, youth are searching for meaningful relationships to help them grow mentally, physically, and spiritually. These vital relationships usually come through parents, teachers, family, and the community. But sometimes, in those crucial years, these relationships are missing, as in the case many times with at-risk youth in East Nashville. As a response we have developed the youth ministry partnership of the YMCA, the Salvation Army, and Trinity, West Nashville, and Blakemore United Methodist Churches.
Through this program we are able to involve about 30 youth from East Nashville with positive mentors, offer tutoring, give college preparation help, and do service projects. Also along with positive after-school and summer program activities like basketball leagues, tennis class, music, art, and games, we are able to take youth on trips, retreats and mission. All while connecting these youth with other peers from around the community from various social, economic, and racial backgrounds. We do all of this with an over-arching goal of Christ-like, holistic spiritual formation through building relationships.
There have been many positive relationships to come out of this partnership. Senior at Maplewood H.S. Reginald Johnson is one whose life has been greatly impacted by this program. Reginald is the oldest of six kids and was raised by his mother and has been involved with the program since he was a little boy. From a recent article in the City Paper as he was signing a football scholarship to Lane College: “Johnson brought tears to the eyes of many at the news conference when he thanked numerous people involved with the Maplewood HS Panther program and the East Nashville neighborhood for helping him reach his college goal, saying he was glad he “didn’t end up a statistic.” Reginald thanked the East Nashville neighborhood because he has been mentored and encouraged in the youth program most of his life. One of the many mentors in his life included Rena Knight who has committed to working with youth and leading this program since she was a youth herself. Thanks to the support of mentors like Rena from the community, this program was able to help Reginald achieve his goal. There are many more youth like him, whose lives can and will be impacted by this partnership.
*Nate Sawyer is director of Youth Ministries for a blended youth program involving two congregations, West Nashville UMC and Blakemore UMC.
The Mary Farley Care Center, Lewisburg First United Methodist Church
From the church’s newsletter First Impressions, February 19, 2009
The Mary Farley Care Center is located across from the church’s sanctuary building on 4th Avenue in Lewisburg. It is located in a brick house just north of the congregations new ministry centers.
Persons from the area come to the Care Center hoping to receive financial assistance with a utility or rent payment, a doctor bill, a gasoline voucher, or any such help when their financial situation is distressed.
The Care Center is resourced by a devoted group of volunteers from the church who receive and interview clients, make determinations about each particular case, and distribute funds in the form of direct payments to utility companies, landlords, etc. Cash is not distributed to individuals seeking assistance.
In 2008, due to the amazing generosity of the people of Lewisburg First United Methodist Church, $44,785 was contributed to the Care Center and distributed to needy people.
Monthly communion offerings fund the Care Center as do designated gifts. The need during this time of economic downturn is great, and individuals are asked, along with regular and faithful giving to the church’s General Ministry Fund, to make additional gifts to the Mary Farley Care Center.
Waverley M. Duning, a long-time volunteer with the Care Center sums up the problems faced by the volunteer workers: “Volunteering in the Mary Farley Care Center makes me realize how much need we have in our community. So many jobs have been lost; utility bills, rents and groceries are so high that it is impossible for many to survive without help. The needs are great and it is heartbreaking to see the tears in peoples eyes who have never had to ask for help before. With limited funds and so many requests we can barely touch the surface. It's a helpless feeling.
The Care Center is open on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Teddy Bear Sunday, Smithville First United Methodist Church
Shirley Ingram and pastor John Purdue with the children . . .and Teddy Bears
Teddy Bear Sunday was observed on Feb. 15 at the Smithville First United Methodist Church. Adults, as well as children, were invited to bring their teddy bears and place them on the altar. Shirley Ingram presented the children's message and told the children that the Teddy Bear was a symbol of love and comfort.
They are sometimes used by policemen when they pick up children from an abusive situation or an accident. They are given to the children.
Shirley also told of the origin of the teddy bear. It got its name from President Theodore Roosevelt protecting a baby bear on a hunting trip.
The Teddy Bear Parade
Dr. John Purdue told the children about his first teddy bear. A church member, Betty Jo Hardiman, brought her son's 57 year old teddy bear which was love-worn. Then a Teddy Bear parade was led by Dr. Purdue and Shirley up and down the aisles of the church. Everyone loves a teddy bear!
Lebanon First United Methodist Church works with Red Cross & Wilson County on their Disaster Team
Lebanon First has volunteered their Family Life Center as a designated shelter in emergencies and local disasters. Saturday, Feb. 28, Red Cross conducted a “Host Training” event in the Family Life Center. Over 30 participants from area churches were in attendance. It is very helpful for the Red Cross to have a trained “host team” in a shelter to prepare the site before Red Cross arrives. Another local church was designated a shelter after Katrina and quickly learned how unprepared they were without prior training. Lebanon 1st is committed to further training and working with Wilson Co. Emergency Management.
Thirteen years of theater at Bethlehem United Methodist Church
What does “Arsenic and Old Lace” have in common with “The Father of the Bride?” They are two of the popular productions staged by the Bethlehem Players, a drama outreach program of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Franklin, Tennessee.
The drama program was begun in 1997 by Bethlehem UMC Music and Arts Director Harry Robinson who originally conceived the program as his version of “church softball” and another way in which to get more people involved in the ministry of the church.
Bethlehem’s talented staff accompanist, Bryan Ward, performed songs from Billy Joel’s Broadway production to the packed audience which included his parents via computer in Baltimore.
“Cottonpatch Gospel” was the group’s first effort. Today, this program has grown leaps and bounds as it stages world renowned musicals and plays to packed houses. The audiences are appreciative and there is important support within all-age groups attending the Bethlehem church. This April, the Bethlehem Players take on the ambitious task of producing the most beloved musical of all time, “The Sound of Music.” Robinson said there are several keys to this production’s anticipated success.
Always a good sport, Bethlehem Music and Arts Director Harry Robinson, reunited with his former Music Man co-star Olivia Dean for a rousing rendition of “South Pacific’s Honey Bun.”
“We are a community theatre outreach program by definition so we held two auditions. One in which nineteen, talented young women showed up for a shot as “Maria.” The second two-day audition was held with over 78 children and adults vying for the remaining roles,” Robinson said. “It was our goal to treat each person with respect and kindness in a nurturing church environment during this nerve wracking audition experience, even giving the kids a note of encouragement and a sucker after their audition.” The end result is one of the most talented group of von Trapp kids Bethlehem Players Director Dietz Osborne says he has seen in quite a while. (Ten of the cast of 27 are church members.)
Eight productions ago, Osborne was hired as the once a year professional director bringing continuity, vision and a tremendous amount of acting and directing experience which has greatly benefited the program. In addition, a volunteer public relations professional, Nancy McNulty, has established a five-month community and media awareness campaign which also includes travel groups and, of course, other Methodist churches from across the Middle Tennessee area.
At the Broadway at Bethlehem show, Harry Robinson and Dietz Osborne were presented a compilation painting reflecting the past 13 years of shows produced by the Bethlehem Players.
The Bethlehem Players have been operating in the black since “Fiddler On The Roof” in 2005. Three years ago, a musical review “Broadway at Bethlehem” was begun by Osborne, McNulty and Robinson as an annual benefit to help underwrite the group’s spring production. Singers from throughout the area, including WTVF’s Meryll Rose last year, perform at the musical revue which has been sold out since its inception and was recently held March 20.
The Bethlehem Players alternate a non-musical production and a musical each year. Musicals are much more expensive due to the cost of theatrical rights and the need for quality musicians – an area of personal pride for Robinson. He concludes it is all worth the effort because so many people have been given the gift of an extraordinary night of entertainment, exposure to the modern day church and, as a result, several folks have joined the Bethlehem church family.
“The Sound of Music” will be held April 24, 25, 26, May 1 and 2 at 7 p.m. in the Bethlehem Performing Arts Center, Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 2419 Bethlehem Loop, Franklin. Special dinner shows, with delicious meals from Barbara’s Home Cooking, are being held April 28, 29 and 30 beginning at 4:45 p.m. Saturday matinees with a box lunch are April 25 and May 2 beginning at 12:30 p.m. Regular show-only tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students high school age or younger.
Dinner shows and Saturday matinee lunch tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students. Group sales with a 10% discount are available for parties of ten or more by placing your reservation today at drama@bethlehemplayers.com or (615) 791-6456, ext. 2. For directions or additional information, visit http://www.bethlehemumc.com/.
Old-time religion: Kelley's Chapel serves through the centuries
By Doug Davis
Reprinted from the Friday, March 13, 2009, edition of The Daily News Journal, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and used here by permission. Copyrighted 2009 The Daily News Journal.
Kelley's Chapel United Methodist Church on East Jefferson Pike has a rich history, including a church sanctuary that dates back to the 1800s, just after the Civil War ended.
Inez Bugg, now 81, has been a member of the church since the mid-1950s.
"It was close (to where we live) and we had small children," she said, explaining why she and her husband joined the church.
Bugg, the church historian, said the church had its beginnings at a revival in the middle 1800s at the Shady Grove campground, located about two miles west of the current church. As a result of that revival, the Shady Grove Church was organized.
"During the War Between the States, the Shady Grove building was used as a hospital," she said. "It was abused and poorly cared for. It was decided a new building was needed."
The land around the crossroads of U.S. 231 and Jefferson Pike was a thriving community, she said. Joseph Neilson, a Walter Hill merchant and landowner, offered a building site if the church would relocate in the Walter Hill area.
The church sanctuary was erected around 1869. The name of the church was changed from Shady Grove to Kelley's Chapel in honor of the district superintendent, D.C. Kelley.
The sanctuary was once heated by a pot-belly stove. That gave way to butane heaters before central heat and air was finally installed. In the early 1900s, three rooms were added across the front. In the early 1950s, two rooms were built out back of the church. A new educational/fellowship hall was constructed in 1993.
The church once had clapboard siding, but in 1979, aluminum siding was added.
In 1984, the church paid for a water tap. Indoor plumbing and a single bathroom was added a year later. Plans are in the works to add a second bathroom.
"Fifty-two pastors have served at the church since 1879," said Bugg.
Kelley’s Chapel United Methodist Church historian, Inez Bugg along with the pastor of the church, John Eades.
John Eades is the current pastor of the 70-member flock. Since November 2002, he has pastored both Kelley's Chapel and Dunaway's Chapel, about 4.5 miles away (toward Lascassas). He preaches Sunday morning services at both churches. One service is at 10 a.m. and the other at 11 a.m.
"I have to drive pretty fast sometimes (to get from one church to other)," said Eades.
Kelley's Chapel is a special place, made so by the people who have been there so long, he said.
"They have known each other for a long time and the fellowship is real strong," said Eades. "One thing about people; as they get older, they are very supportive of each other, check on each other and offer people rides to take then to the doctor."
An old building requires maintenance and repairs.
In 2008, new siding and windows had to be installed in two Sunday School rooms, located behind where the pulpit is in the sanctuary.
Currently one Sunday School class meets in the sanctuary, one in a classroom behind the pulpit and one in the fellowship hall. Classes for children-youth, young marrieds and older adults are currently offered.
Eventually, we want to come out from the fellowship hall and build more classrooms," said Karen Eades, the pastor's wife and unpaid church secretary. "But that will be down the road, paying as you go. The church adamantly doesn't want to go in debt."
Bill Shaw, the music minister owned a construction company. A long-time member of the church, he helps Kelley's with building repairs and construction projects as well as ministering to others in the county who have needs. His wife plays the keyboard and organ for the church.
The church historian explains why she loves Kelley's.
"It is home," said Bugg. "I have been at the church for 55 years."
1. Naomi Tutu, daughter of Desmond Tutu, to speak at Nashville District United Methodist Women’s Meeting.
2. Annual Conference Offering to Benefit at Risk Children of Matamoros, Mexico, and within the Tennessee Conference.
3. Important workshop, JUMP START Your Ministry with Children and Youth, will be held in each district.
4. Molly Claire Day – Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, Lawrenceburg
5. The Least of these, commentary by Dr. Ted Hill
6. Hillcrest United Methodist Church youth turn Christian Life Center into Sacred Space for Lenten reflection and meditation
7. At Risk: Success Stories from our neighborhoods, Part I,
8. The Mary Farley Care Center, Lewisburg First United Methodist Church
9. Teddy Bear Sunday, Smithville First United Methodist Church
10. Lebanon First United Methodist Church works with Red Cross & Wilson County on their Disaster Team.
11. Thirteen years of theater at Bethlehem United Methodist Church
12. Old-time religion: Kelley's Chapel serves through the centuries, reprinted article
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Naomi Tutu, daughter of Desmond Tutu, to speak at Nashville District United Methodist Women’s Meeting
Naomi TutuSpeaker at the Spring meeting of the Nashville District United Methodist Women is Naomi Tutu. She is the daughter of Desmond Tutu, and the founder of the Tutu Foundation for Development and Relief in Southern Africa, based in Hartford, Connecticut. Having taught at numerous universities in the United States and abroad, she is now program coordinator for the Race Relations Institute at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. For the UMW meeting she will speak on the topic Striving for Justice: Searching for Common Ground.
The April 18th meeting will be held at Belmont United Methodist Church and begins at 9:00 a.m. with refreshments and time to meet and greet. The program itself will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a devotion followed by Naomi Tutu’s speech. Joyce Searcy, Director of Bethlehem Centers of Nashville, will introduce the speaker. United Methodist Women from across the conference are welcome to attend the event as are any United Methodist Men.
More about Naomi Tutu
The challenges of growing up black and female in apartheid South Africa has led Nontombi Naomi Tutu to her present as an activist for human rights. Those experiences taught how much we all lose when any of us is judged purely on physical attributes. In her speeches she blends the passion for human dignity with humor and personal stories.
Ms. Tutu is the third child Archbishop Desmond and Nomalizo Leah Tutu. She was born in South Africa and has also lived in Lesotho, the United Kingdom and the United States. She was educated in Swaziland, the US and England, and has divide her adult life between South Africa and the US. Growing up the ‘daughter of …’ has offered Naomi Tutu many opportunities and challenges in her life. Most important of these has been the challenge to find her own place in the world. She has taken up the challenge and channeled the opportunities that she has been given to raise her voice as a champion for the dignity of all.
Naomi Tutu’s professional experience ranges from being a development consultant in West Africa, to being program coordinator for programs on Race and Gender and Gender-based Violence in Education at the African Gender Institute at the University of Cape Town. In addition she has taught at the Universities of Hartford and Connecticut and Brevard College in North Carolina.
Annual Conference Offering to Benefit at Risk Children of Matamoros, Mexico, and within the Tennessee Conference
By Patty Smith*
Jesus said, “Let all the children come to me.” Not some. Not most. All the children. That can happen, by the way. And you’re the key!
Children from Matamoros, Mexico, a very poor town across the border from Brownsville, TexasYour church can help at-risk children in Matamoros, Mexico, and within the bounds of the Tennessee Annual Conference know, love, and follow Jesus. How? Participate in the 2009 Annual Conference Offering this year! Here’s how to get ready:
Encourage children and families to use the Make-a-Difference Monthly Calendar to learn about the needs of these children. Activities on the calendar include prayer and conversation starters. Download the calendar at http://2009tnumc.wikispaces.com/ then by clicking on “Special Offering Info for AT RISK Children,” and finally by clicking on “Make a Difference Calendar”
Children from within the Tennessee Annual Conference.Create multicolored maracas banks to collect and present your church’s offering. Use tissue paper and glue to decorate quart-size plastic containers with lids. Cut a small slit in the top of the lid to make an opening for coins. These musical banks will be used during the offering.
.Participate in the Offertory Procession during Annual Conference, and sing “Yo Tengo Un Amigo.” Call the Conference Office for free access to the song. Teach it to your children in the upcoming months. Come ready to worship with other groups from the conference!
.Decorate worship ribbons for the Offertory Procession. Each attendee at Annual Conference will be given a 3-foot x 2-inch ribbon to use during this special worship time. Picture being part of 1,000 colorful ribbons waving in worship!
.Pray each day for the children of Matamoros and within the Tennessee Annual Conference. Pray as a group or individually.
*Patty Smith is the Annual Conference Director of Children’s and Family Ministries.
Important workshop, JUMP START Your Ministry with Children and Youth, will be held in each district
Dramatizing the difficulties churches face in planning ministry with/for children and youth proves to be an eye-opener. Photos from the Columbia District JUMP START.Join Bishop Wills, your District Superintendent, and the two new Tennessee Conference team members -- Patty Smith and Brad Fiscus -- to discover innovative ways to reach children and youth in your community.
Clarksville, April 5, 2009, 3:00 p.m., Madison Street UMC
Columbia, March 24, 2009, 6:30 p.m., Franklin First UMC
Cookeville, May 9, 2009, 8:30 a.m., Friendship United Methodist Church
Cumberland, April 21, 2009, 6:30 p.m., Good Shepherd UMC
Murfreesboro, May 9, 2009, 2:00 p.m., Manchester First UMC
Nashville, May 14, 2009, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Hillcrest UMC (register ahead of time with the District Office for sandwich lunch)
Pulaski, April 20, 2009, 6:30 p.m., Lawrenceburg First UMC
Beyond the workshop content JUMP START encourages the exchange of ideas and information between participants.Who should be there from your local church?
Pastors, paid staff in children, youth, and family ministry; Christian Educators; local church Committee Coordinators for Children, Youth, and Family Ministries; Evangelism chairpersons; Mission Coordinator; Chairperson, Administrative Council; President United Methodist Women and United Methodist Men; Youth Counselors; Sunday School teachers.
Molly Claire Day, Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, Lawrence County
Children’s Time, Molly Claire DayPleasant Grove UMC in Lawrenceburg recently celebrated “Molly Claire Day” at a fundraiser chili/soup luncheon held at the church. Whereas in years past, the chili/soup luncheon donations had been used for the missions that our local UMW chose to support, this year the UMW voted to give the donations received at this luncheon to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Our contribution will help toward research for this disease.
In our church we have an adorable child, Molly Claire, who was born in June 2007. She spent her first four months in Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Molly Claire is really a “miracle child.” She is now a toddler, with a special place in the heart of every member of our congregation. Molly’s parents, maternal grandparents, and maternal great-grandparents are members at Pleasant Grove UMC. Molly Claire will likely be as musically talented as her mother’s side of the family because she claps to the beat of some of our songs sung in church.
Workers at the Molly Claire Day luncheon pose with Molly Claire and her parentsAfter the decision was made about giving the funds to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, UMW members set to work----one member designed a flyer to be placed in the church bulletin as an advertisement, another member wrote a skit which involved the UMW members in order to enlighten the church congregation as to how much progress has been made over the years to lengthen the lives of children born with cystic fibrosis. The UMW members contributed to the luncheon menu-- chili, vegetable soup, potato soup, corn chowder, along with assorted sandwiches, crackers, chips, and, of course, homemade desserts.
The children’s sermon on this particular Sunday was to explain the reason for “Molly Claire Day.” To look at her, one would not realize Molly Claire had any disease. The disease is not contagious, but we just don’t want to think of Molly Claire, or any other child with cystic fibrosis, as not being able to live a long and happy life.
The members of our congregation opened their hearts and their pocketbooks to help the UMW ladies make “Molly Claire Day” a great success.
The Least of these
By Dr. Ted Hill, M.D.
I am sure Jesus was not a microbiologist by trade, but he did know something about littleness. In the well known scripture where he says, “If you have done it to the least of these, you have done it to me”, or something akin to that, the base for the prefix “micro” was used. You know, the prefix we recognize in the word “microscope” and micron, microcosm; and microbe. You get the picture? Did Jesus mean bugs too small to see? Yes and no.
I recently made my umpteenth trip to Mexico to Tezoyuca in the state of Morelos. It is a town south of Mexico City and their claim to fame is a concrete plant. Some of the people also make a living, (about $65 per week on average), working in the rice fields. While there in association with a small Methodist congregation, my friend and colleague, a pediatrician, bless his soul, and I saw about 740 people in 5 short days. The range of illness was broad, as is usually the case, but there are common problems that we see each year no matter what part of Mexico we go to, particularly in the outlying more rural regions. I see the older folks, and he sees the little ones. (He and I have an unspoken pact-we are grateful for the other-I don’t have to see screaming, sick kids, and he doesn’t have to see old, complaining adults.)
The older ones are ravaged by the life styles they are required to live in the poor and strenuous rural setting of hard, manual labor. 70 and 80 year olds still work in the fields. (They don’t have social security or pensions or bail outs either). They complain of knee and leg and feet pain from the poor footwear, or lack thereof, required to be on your feet 12 hours per day on hard, rocky, dry and dusty ground. I am continually reminded of the harsh life style as I look at their feet. Often their feet are indistinguishable from the thin, homemade strips of leather they wear on their soles with a strap of leather around their toes to keep their “sandals” on. You often cannot tell the skin of the foot from the sandal from the ground.
Their knees are knobby from degenerative wear and tear of their hard living. The aching shoulders of the women who wash clothes by hand on the rocks in the contaminated water of streams or who pat tortillas together to feed their families. The old ones, who are still working in the fields, have spinal stenosis (a degenerative arthritis of the back) which squeezes the spinal cord and nerves running from the back to the legs to give feeling and movement to the limbs. The spinal cord and nerves,-now compressed by the progression of arthritic change, cause their backs to be in constant pain and their legs numb and weak if they stand too long or work without sitting or lying down. In the States, surgery or at least anti-inflammatory drugs would be of some help. Not here. No access. These people are not seen. They are microscopic. They are the least.
Some of the older ones have cataracts and impaired vision; some are even “blind.” That would not happen in the States. A 15 minute operation restores sight. Not here. They are the invisible; microscope size; unseen. What about the diabetics who don’t have meters to check their sugars? who don’t have access to medical care or affordable medicines or to affordable, healthy food choices needed by diabetics? We keep a running tally to see what the worst sugar is: a sad exercise to sooth the pain of being helpless in the wake of such disease. Our meters often don’t register a number. They only go to 600, you know.
Pregnancies-“little” in the way of vitamins, folic acid to prevent neurological birth defects, screening for high risk conditions that could be treated and preserve a problematic course. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, eye irritation from the dust and dryness. Pterygia-growths from the corners of the eye that result from the constant irritation of dust and dryness slowly but relentlessly covering the eyeball until it shades the pupil and impairs vision. These growths could easily “peeled” back by a skillful eye surgeon in the States to restore full sight. Not here. They are too small to see-micro you know. A girl with kidney failure who needs dialysis but who is afraid and unable to understand the technical demands of home dialysis--all that is available to her in her microcosm of the world.
Well, Jesus knew they existed and even told us He was one of them. Jesus? The one everyone has heard about throughout the past 2000 years of history? Jesus microscopic? Unseen? He said if you do anything for the least of these, you have done it for Him. How many of these did you not see today? Oh, they were there; you just didn’t see them. Too small. No power or prestige or poor or uneducated or challenged in some way. Socially, economically, politically insignificant. That was Jesus my friend and you can do something for Him. If you see Him.
Look.
Ted Hill
March 5, 2009
Hillcrest United Methodist Church youth turn Christian Life Center into Sacred Space for Lenten reflection and meditation
In this busy world we find ourselves in, we rarely take the time to stop and listen to the small quiet voice of God. The Hillcrest Youth will be changing our Christian Life Center into a place during Holy Week that you can take a moment to stop and reflect on who's you are and rejoice in the stillness of his presence in our life. The young people have set up stations that will be self guided, which will help you to reflect on different aspects of His creation. One of the stations will change daily to reflect each unique day of Holy Week. There will also have a 40' labyrinth in the center that you can walk as well. This is a wonderful opportunity for your youth group, Disciple Group, Bible Study Group, Sunday School Class, along with your coworkers, neighbors, family and friends to come and relax in the tranquility of this faith community. If you have any questions please contact Mike Worden at mikeworden@comcast.net or Karan Simpson at info@karansimpson.com. The church phone number is 615-832-0157.Plans call for the Sacred Space to be open daily and in the evenings from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday.
At Risk: Success Stories from our neighborhoods, Part I
Part I of a series on United Methodist Churches in Middle Tennessee reaching out to enrich the lives of At-Risk children.
By Nate Sawyer*
Mentors and youth involved in a service project feeding the homeless.Until they reach adulthood, youth are searching for meaningful relationships to help them grow mentally, physically, and spiritually. These vital relationships usually come through parents, teachers, family, and the community. But sometimes, in those crucial years, these relationships are missing, as in the case many times with at-risk youth in East Nashville. As a response we have developed the youth ministry partnership of the YMCA, the Salvation Army, and Trinity, West Nashville, and Blakemore United Methodist Churches.
Through this program we are able to involve about 30 youth from East Nashville with positive mentors, offer tutoring, give college preparation help, and do service projects. Also along with positive after-school and summer program activities like basketball leagues, tennis class, music, art, and games, we are able to take youth on trips, retreats and mission. All while connecting these youth with other peers from around the community from various social, economic, and racial backgrounds. We do all of this with an over-arching goal of Christ-like, holistic spiritual formation through building relationships.
There have been many positive relationships to come out of this partnership. Senior at Maplewood H.S. Reginald Johnson is one whose life has been greatly impacted by this program. Reginald is the oldest of six kids and was raised by his mother and has been involved with the program since he was a little boy. From a recent article in the City Paper as he was signing a football scholarship to Lane College: “Johnson brought tears to the eyes of many at the news conference when he thanked numerous people involved with the Maplewood HS Panther program and the East Nashville neighborhood for helping him reach his college goal, saying he was glad he “didn’t end up a statistic.” Reginald thanked the East Nashville neighborhood because he has been mentored and encouraged in the youth program most of his life. One of the many mentors in his life included Rena Knight who has committed to working with youth and leading this program since she was a youth herself. Thanks to the support of mentors like Rena from the community, this program was able to help Reginald achieve his goal. There are many more youth like him, whose lives can and will be impacted by this partnership.
*Nate Sawyer is director of Youth Ministries for a blended youth program involving two congregations, West Nashville UMC and Blakemore UMC.
The Mary Farley Care Center, Lewisburg First United Methodist Church
From the church’s newsletter First Impressions, February 19, 2009
The Mary Farley Care Center is located across from the church’s sanctuary building on 4th Avenue in Lewisburg. It is located in a brick house just north of the congregations new ministry centers.
Persons from the area come to the Care Center hoping to receive financial assistance with a utility or rent payment, a doctor bill, a gasoline voucher, or any such help when their financial situation is distressed.
The Care Center is resourced by a devoted group of volunteers from the church who receive and interview clients, make determinations about each particular case, and distribute funds in the form of direct payments to utility companies, landlords, etc. Cash is not distributed to individuals seeking assistance.
In 2008, due to the amazing generosity of the people of Lewisburg First United Methodist Church, $44,785 was contributed to the Care Center and distributed to needy people.
Monthly communion offerings fund the Care Center as do designated gifts. The need during this time of economic downturn is great, and individuals are asked, along with regular and faithful giving to the church’s General Ministry Fund, to make additional gifts to the Mary Farley Care Center.
Waverley M. Duning, a long-time volunteer with the Care Center sums up the problems faced by the volunteer workers: “Volunteering in the Mary Farley Care Center makes me realize how much need we have in our community. So many jobs have been lost; utility bills, rents and groceries are so high that it is impossible for many to survive without help. The needs are great and it is heartbreaking to see the tears in peoples eyes who have never had to ask for help before. With limited funds and so many requests we can barely touch the surface. It's a helpless feeling.
The Care Center is open on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Teddy Bear Sunday, Smithville First United Methodist Church
Shirley Ingram and pastor John Purdue with the children . . .and Teddy BearsTeddy Bear Sunday was observed on Feb. 15 at the Smithville First United Methodist Church. Adults, as well as children, were invited to bring their teddy bears and place them on the altar. Shirley Ingram presented the children's message and told the children that the Teddy Bear was a symbol of love and comfort.
They are sometimes used by policemen when they pick up children from an abusive situation or an accident. They are given to the children.
Shirley also told of the origin of the teddy bear. It got its name from President Theodore Roosevelt protecting a baby bear on a hunting trip.
The Teddy Bear ParadeDr. John Purdue told the children about his first teddy bear. A church member, Betty Jo Hardiman, brought her son's 57 year old teddy bear which was love-worn. Then a Teddy Bear parade was led by Dr. Purdue and Shirley up and down the aisles of the church. Everyone loves a teddy bear!
Lebanon First United Methodist Church works with Red Cross & Wilson County on their Disaster Team
Lebanon First has volunteered their Family Life Center as a designated shelter in emergencies and local disasters. Saturday, Feb. 28, Red Cross conducted a “Host Training” event in the Family Life Center. Over 30 participants from area churches were in attendance. It is very helpful for the Red Cross to have a trained “host team” in a shelter to prepare the site before Red Cross arrives. Another local church was designated a shelter after Katrina and quickly learned how unprepared they were without prior training. Lebanon 1st is committed to further training and working with Wilson Co. Emergency Management.Thirteen years of theater at Bethlehem United Methodist Church
What does “Arsenic and Old Lace” have in common with “The Father of the Bride?” They are two of the popular productions staged by the Bethlehem Players, a drama outreach program of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Franklin, Tennessee.
The drama program was begun in 1997 by Bethlehem UMC Music and Arts Director Harry Robinson who originally conceived the program as his version of “church softball” and another way in which to get more people involved in the ministry of the church.
Bethlehem’s talented staff accompanist, Bryan Ward, performed songs from Billy Joel’s Broadway production to the packed audience which included his parents via computer in Baltimore.“Cottonpatch Gospel” was the group’s first effort. Today, this program has grown leaps and bounds as it stages world renowned musicals and plays to packed houses. The audiences are appreciative and there is important support within all-age groups attending the Bethlehem church. This April, the Bethlehem Players take on the ambitious task of producing the most beloved musical of all time, “The Sound of Music.” Robinson said there are several keys to this production’s anticipated success.
Always a good sport, Bethlehem Music and Arts Director Harry Robinson, reunited with his former Music Man co-star Olivia Dean for a rousing rendition of “South Pacific’s Honey Bun.”“We are a community theatre outreach program by definition so we held two auditions. One in which nineteen, talented young women showed up for a shot as “Maria.” The second two-day audition was held with over 78 children and adults vying for the remaining roles,” Robinson said. “It was our goal to treat each person with respect and kindness in a nurturing church environment during this nerve wracking audition experience, even giving the kids a note of encouragement and a sucker after their audition.” The end result is one of the most talented group of von Trapp kids Bethlehem Players Director Dietz Osborne says he has seen in quite a while. (Ten of the cast of 27 are church members.)
Eight productions ago, Osborne was hired as the once a year professional director bringing continuity, vision and a tremendous amount of acting and directing experience which has greatly benefited the program. In addition, a volunteer public relations professional, Nancy McNulty, has established a five-month community and media awareness campaign which also includes travel groups and, of course, other Methodist churches from across the Middle Tennessee area.
At the Broadway at Bethlehem show, Harry Robinson and Dietz Osborne were presented a compilation painting reflecting the past 13 years of shows produced by the Bethlehem Players.The Bethlehem Players have been operating in the black since “Fiddler On The Roof” in 2005. Three years ago, a musical review “Broadway at Bethlehem” was begun by Osborne, McNulty and Robinson as an annual benefit to help underwrite the group’s spring production. Singers from throughout the area, including WTVF’s Meryll Rose last year, perform at the musical revue which has been sold out since its inception and was recently held March 20.
The Bethlehem Players alternate a non-musical production and a musical each year. Musicals are much more expensive due to the cost of theatrical rights and the need for quality musicians – an area of personal pride for Robinson. He concludes it is all worth the effort because so many people have been given the gift of an extraordinary night of entertainment, exposure to the modern day church and, as a result, several folks have joined the Bethlehem church family.
“The Sound of Music” will be held April 24, 25, 26, May 1 and 2 at 7 p.m. in the Bethlehem Performing Arts Center, Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 2419 Bethlehem Loop, Franklin. Special dinner shows, with delicious meals from Barbara’s Home Cooking, are being held April 28, 29 and 30 beginning at 4:45 p.m. Saturday matinees with a box lunch are April 25 and May 2 beginning at 12:30 p.m. Regular show-only tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students high school age or younger.
Dinner shows and Saturday matinee lunch tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students. Group sales with a 10% discount are available for parties of ten or more by placing your reservation today at drama@bethlehemplayers.com or (615) 791-6456, ext. 2. For directions or additional information, visit http://www.bethlehemumc.com/.
Old-time religion: Kelley's Chapel serves through the centuries
By Doug Davis
Reprinted from the Friday, March 13, 2009, edition of The Daily News Journal, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and used here by permission. Copyrighted 2009 The Daily News Journal.
Kelley's Chapel United Methodist Church on East Jefferson Pike has a rich history, including a church sanctuary that dates back to the 1800s, just after the Civil War ended.
Inez Bugg, now 81, has been a member of the church since the mid-1950s.
"It was close (to where we live) and we had small children," she said, explaining why she and her husband joined the church.
Bugg, the church historian, said the church had its beginnings at a revival in the middle 1800s at the Shady Grove campground, located about two miles west of the current church. As a result of that revival, the Shady Grove Church was organized.
"During the War Between the States, the Shady Grove building was used as a hospital," she said. "It was abused and poorly cared for. It was decided a new building was needed."
The land around the crossroads of U.S. 231 and Jefferson Pike was a thriving community, she said. Joseph Neilson, a Walter Hill merchant and landowner, offered a building site if the church would relocate in the Walter Hill area.
The church sanctuary was erected around 1869. The name of the church was changed from Shady Grove to Kelley's Chapel in honor of the district superintendent, D.C. Kelley.
The sanctuary was once heated by a pot-belly stove. That gave way to butane heaters before central heat and air was finally installed. In the early 1900s, three rooms were added across the front. In the early 1950s, two rooms were built out back of the church. A new educational/fellowship hall was constructed in 1993.
The church once had clapboard siding, but in 1979, aluminum siding was added.
In 1984, the church paid for a water tap. Indoor plumbing and a single bathroom was added a year later. Plans are in the works to add a second bathroom.
"Fifty-two pastors have served at the church since 1879," said Bugg.
Kelley’s Chapel United Methodist Church historian, Inez Bugg along with the pastor of the church, John Eades.John Eades is the current pastor of the 70-member flock. Since November 2002, he has pastored both Kelley's Chapel and Dunaway's Chapel, about 4.5 miles away (toward Lascassas). He preaches Sunday morning services at both churches. One service is at 10 a.m. and the other at 11 a.m.
"I have to drive pretty fast sometimes (to get from one church to other)," said Eades.
Kelley's Chapel is a special place, made so by the people who have been there so long, he said.
"They have known each other for a long time and the fellowship is real strong," said Eades. "One thing about people; as they get older, they are very supportive of each other, check on each other and offer people rides to take then to the doctor."
An old building requires maintenance and repairs.
In 2008, new siding and windows had to be installed in two Sunday School rooms, located behind where the pulpit is in the sanctuary.
Currently one Sunday School class meets in the sanctuary, one in a classroom behind the pulpit and one in the fellowship hall. Classes for children-youth, young marrieds and older adults are currently offered.
Eventually, we want to come out from the fellowship hall and build more classrooms," said Karen Eades, the pastor's wife and unpaid church secretary. "But that will be down the road, paying as you go. The church adamantly doesn't want to go in debt."
Bill Shaw, the music minister owned a construction company. A long-time member of the church, he helps Kelley's with building repairs and construction projects as well as ministering to others in the county who have needs. His wife plays the keyboard and organ for the church.
The church historian explains why she loves Kelley's.
"It is home," said Bugg. "I have been at the church for 55 years."
posted by TN Conference UMC @ 4:49 AM
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