TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW September 4, 2009

Articles in the September 4, 2009, issue of THE REVIEW

1. Responding to the Crisis of At Risk Children and Youth
2. Data Base established for listing of VIM teams, large or small, Youth and Adults,
3. Native Moccasins Rock: Festival, Workshop, Spiritual Retreat, and History Lesson
4. Calling all Miriam’s Promise Friends and Supporters!!
5. Teens reach out in mission -- Jeans from Teens
6. Children of Grace UMC go hands-on to end hunger for local kids
7. Kansas pastor laments presence of phantom fathers
8. City Kids visit to farm offers first-time contact with horses, sheep, and chickens—Oh my
9. Six awarded Ingram Scholarships, article with one captioned photo
10. Death of former pastor compels sharing of article about hospital ministry
11. Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries (PAUMCS) 2009 Institute, article with no graphics or photos.



Responding to the Crisis of At Risk Children and Youth
By Patty Smith*

Today’s children face a world that is filled with violence, drugs, abuse, war, and a multitude of other challenges. A quick search on the Internet reveals the recent top ten most terrible issues that threaten kids worldwide. They include poverty, neglect, lack of access to education, child labor and child pornography.

These startling lists have prompted educators, politicians and government agencies to label up to 90% of our children as “at-risk” and in need of help. The “at-risk” label carries many connotations. An Online Dictionary defines at-risk as “being endangered, due to exposure to disease or from a lack of parental or familial guidance and proper health care.” Other resources categorize at-risk children as those kids who face nearly insurmountable challenges due homelessness, poverty and other environmental factors. What does at-risk mean to the church?

Jesus defined “at-risk” in Matthew 25:35-36. His words, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me,” clearly reference situations that modern-day at-risk children face today.

We could sadly replace the word “I” with names of children in our midst. For Sarah was hungry. Tommy needed clothes. Teresa was sick. Alex was in prison.

The harsh reality of this verse is more visible every day in our local churches. With a national unemployment rate of 9.4%, a global economic crisis, skyrocketing food costs, and lack of health care, the number of at-risk children is increasing exponentially. How can the church respond to this crisis? Where do we start? Start with Jesus and his words in Matthew 25. Jesus gives the church a detailed blueprint for reaching at-risk children. We need to meet their immediate physiological needs of food, clothing, shelter, education, and support utilizing a systematic approach—all centered in the life-changing, abundant love of Jesus Christ.

Many churches in the Tennessee Conference are meeting the immediate needs of at-risk kids. We are blessed to have churches that feed the homeless, house the poor, provide after school care, donate school supplies, offer grocery coupons, and so much more.

For example, Epworth United Methodist Church in Franklin offers Fuel Bags for the students at Bethesda Elementary. These sacks are filled with nutritional treats such as protein bars and juice to provide sustenance for kids over the weekend. The Lamplighters women’s group assembles approximately 22 bags each week. Church member and local pediatrician Dr. Michelle Fiscus sees the impact these bags have on families firsthand. She states, “We know that children who don’t have ready access to nutritious foods will reach for high-calorie, nutrient-poor convenience foods that contribute to poor nutrition in general and our rising rate of childhood obesity in particular. Programs such as this one offer healthy, easily accessible food items to meet these children’s needs.”

Other churches reach out to at-risk children by providing educational opportunities. Hillcrest UMC in Nashville offers ESL (English as a Second Language) classes to Hispanic adults each week. While parents attend these English classes, their children enjoy ministry experiences that focus on creative expression and Bible study. Educating at-risk kids is also a priority for Springfield First United Methodist in the Clarksville District. On Wednesday nights Springfield First offers the Heart program. Members of the Heart team work with local elementary teachers to identify first and second graders who face academic challenges. Each Wednesday night these kids travel to the church, enjoy a hearty meal and then dive into their schoolwork with passionate tutors by their side.

At-risk teens are also a focus of churches’ efforts. Franklin First United Methodist Church reaches out to at-risk teens annually. Each winter the youth ministry partners with 61st Avenue United Methodist in Nashville to sponsor at-risk teens to attend Warmth in Winter. Director of Youth Ministries at Franklin First, Jacob Fasig, notes, “It’s important for these teens to experience fellowship with other youth around the Conference as they grow in their faith.” He adds, “It’s amazing to see youth from different walks of life come together as the body of Christ.”

Churches like these embrace whole-heartedly that “Faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” (James 2:17) Ministry to children at-risk is certainly a worthy deed that meets a growing need. In fact, given the staggering increase of at-risk children in our communities, new opportunities exist for people to live out their faith in service to these children. Is God calling your church to do something new or something different to reach at-risk children? Has God given the lay people in your church a heart for these very special kids?

If the answer is yes, you’ll need a place to begin.

Here’s a modified version of a simple strategic plan from The Annie E. Casey Foundation to follow as you determine what you’ll do:
1. Identify community needs.
Work with your Children’s Ministry team or group of passionate lay people to identify an immediate need in your community. Interview key individuals such as school principals, guidance counselors, and other stakeholders including parents of at-risk children to determine what ministry opportunities exist.
2. Explore solutions.
Create your ministry’s vision by brainstorming what the positive results would be for your at-risk audience. Your vision will identify an immediate need and tangible ways to meet that need utilizing both secular and faith-based avenues. For example, your vision might be to create an after school program for elementary-aged children to develop strong relationships with adults in a faith-based community to reduce the growing number of latch-key children in your neighborhood. Be sure to include key influencers and stakeholders in these sessions. They’ll provide key empirical and anecdotal information that can shape your vision.

3. Build a strategy.
Identify the goals and outcomes for your ministry to provide a clear blueprint and measure success. Define your program’s expectations, how you’ll meet these expectations through programs and activities, and what resources are necessary to execute the programs and activities.

4. Put your strategy into action.
Follow your blueprint. Remember to keep Jesus central to everything you do. Make adjustments to your strategy as needed. Be flexible and expect that some aspects of your plan will be modified.

5. Measure the outcomes.
Prepare a written evaluation based on your goals. Gather empirical and anecdotal information. Have ministry participants, servants, parents and other stakeholders complete these evaluations. Conduct personal and family interviews to document the strengths and weaknesses of your ministry. Collecting the right data will enable you to clearly determine the success of your ministry.

6. Publish your results and recommendations.
Compile a comprehensive report of your ministry to at-risk children. Distribute it to your key stakeholders and seek their input. Share your report with other churches serving children and other at-risk populations so they can learn from your efforts.

We must remember the critical role that faith development and a growing relationship with Jesus can have in making a positive impact on the lives of children at-risk. Each ministry and moment spent serving children at-risk should be an intentional God connection. Without placing emphasis on Jesus for what, why and how we meet the needs of at-risk children, our efforts are the same as any social service program minus the life-changing, eternal promise a relationship with Jesus provides. As followers of Jesus, we have the blessed opportunity to shape the future of the world’s next authors, teachers, speakers, preachers, scientists, etc. in the name of Jesus. With God’s help we can reduce the at-risk circumstances and challenges too many children face. At-risk may become at-hope, in-Christ, at-heart---something new, something relevant, something hope and faith-filled. It’s possible in your community, the Tennessee Conference and around the world.

*Patty Smith is the Conference Director of Children and Family Ministries





Data Base established for listing of VIM teams, large or small, Youth and Adults
By Jason Brock and Brad Fiscus

The Tennessee Conference is creating a strong data base of local church, district, and conference Volunteers in Mission teams scheduled for the remainder of 2009 and into 2010 and 2011. Teams that have already completed their mission are also listed and there is a strong request that both youth and adult teams be listed in the data base.

“Why,” some have asked, “should we list every local VIM experience large and small?” What’s the reason for creating such a data base?” Glad you asked!

Here are the top eight reasons why such a listing of teams and dates is absolutely essential:

1. It becomes a witness to the living out of our faith in Christ together. Our conference in 2008 sent out a minimum of 2,702 adults, children, and youth on 201 mission trips with an estimated 108,000 volunteer hours (hours valued at a little over $2,000,000).

2. It provides an opportunity for local church groups to know if other churches are willing to partner with them on a given mission trip – there are some churches who want to be involved in a youth-related trip but don’t feel they can because they only have a couple of youth, or not enough available adults for an adult VIM experience.

3. It allows the Conference to create a mission database of the projects in which churches are participating, and will let us know what they did and what they experienced. It also gives us an opportunity to know how the sponsoring agency (i.e. Mountain TOP, UMCOR, REACH, Team Effort) sets up programs—and this information can be utilized by others.

4. Starting to plan a mission trip to a designated location. It might help you to make contact with the team leader of a group that has already served in that location.

5. We live in an electronic age. A team that might wish to partner with a Tennessee Conference VIM team on a mission trip could very well be outside the Tennessee Conference, i.e., in Oklahoma, or Maine.

6. A local team trying to determine a destination for its mission can check out several opportunities with previous mission teams—and from those conversations KNOW if they have the equipment and skills needed for a specific situation?

7. Local churches exploring Volunteers in Mission may wish to arrange an informational meeting for the congregation featuring several experienced group leaders from other congregations.

8. Planning a first VIM trip out of the country? Previous teams can teach you a great deal about the history and culture of the people you will be serving.

To view the master listing of Youth and Adult teams we KNOW about so far for 2009-2010 go to the Volunteers in Mission website. Start by going to the Annual Conference website http://www.tnumc.org, visually scan the listing on the left side of the page and click on “VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION.” On the VIM page you will see a number of options in the left hand column under “Volunteers in Mission.” Click on the option “2009 TN TEAMS”

http://www.tnumc.org/VOLUNTEERS_IN_MISSION/2009_TN_TEAMS/

If your past or planned trip does not appear, PLEASE share your information through one of the following QUICK online surveys.

For Youth Groups under VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION click the option “Youth In Mission Survey.” http://www.tnumc.org/VOLUNTEERS_IN_MISSION/Youth_in_Mission_Survey/

Adult (if mostly adults) Groups click on the option “Volunteers in Mission Survey.” http://www.tnumc.org/VOLUNTEERS_IN_MISSION/Volunteers_in_Mission_Survey/

You will also note the Volunteers in Mission Home page provides ways for teams to share their experience through pictures and stories.

Contact information for Jason Brock and Brad Fiscus: 304 South Perimeter Park Drive, Suite 1, Nashville, TN 37211, 615-329-1177, 615-329-0884 (fax). jbrock@tnumc.org; bfiscus@tnumc.org


Native Moccasins Rock: Festival, Workshop, Spiritual Retreat, and History Lesson

Powwow drummer, Emerson Begay, and Boe Harris perform for the crowd on Saturday evening. Photo by Pat Bryan.

The Tennessee Annul Conference Native American Ministries has regularly presented a training event and retreat for local church leaders. Now called Native Moccasins Rock the event has emerged into a nationally recognized festival and workshop held annually in August (projected August 13 to 15, 2010) at Camp Lake Benson in Bon Aqua, Tennessee.

Dance Shawl class displays the shawls created in a class taught by Boe Harris (Boe, front row, second from left). Photo by Pat Bryan.

Not only is Native Moccasins Rock attracting top leadership from different Native American tribes around the country, but a growing number of Tennesseans, children and youth as well as adults. Native American traditions and history are explored over three days and participants have opportunity to learn pow wow drumming, Native dance traditions, storytelling, and various Native crafts from flintknaping to basket weaving to soapstone carving, beading, and the creation of dance shawls.

Jamie Russell instructs retired Tennessee Conference clergyman Fred Harper on the best way to play the native flute.

Performances are stunning whether they come from storyteller Ragghi Rain, flutist Jamie Russell, Warriors Path drummers, or the Choctaw Social Dancers, But, the event is also a spiritual retreat—a time of prayer, meditation and exploration, a moment in time when spiritual healing can take place.

Nothing kept participants from learning Native American dance steps, even a sleeping child.

When the event was completed, Mary T Newman, coordinator for Native Moccasins Rock, received a note from Susan Parker King. The note sums up the total three-day experience: “How can I thank you for the gift of providing this past weekend? I came with dark, roiling clouds in my soul. Life felt gray and hollow; discord jumbled my thoughts; I carried a lot of grief and mourned great losses in my heart. I believe it was God's plan and timing that brought me to this weekend just when I so needed it. I came thinking it would be a diversion from my sadness and a learning experience, but it proved to be SO much more.

Nationally known speaker and artisan, Freeman Owle, teaches stone carving to adults, and VERY interested children

“Increment by increment, God brought healing through Jamie's songs, Ragghi's stories, Boe's dancing, John and Emerson's singing and drumming, and Freeman's incredibly insightful words. Layer by layer the clouds in my soul began to dissipate. I came to rest in that balance of which Freeman spoke. Each of these people--as well as all the others--gave generously of not only their gifts, but of themselves. I think that is what makes Native Moccasins Rock so great--it is a weekend of utter acceptance and selfless giving. And THAT is a genuine healing balm. Where before I felt trapped, now I see a path before me--perhaps only the first few steps, but a path that I will follow one step at a time--and it WILL lead somewhere! Finally peace rests within me again. And I think I discovered that while my blood is not Native, my heart is.

“Please share this along with my love and thanks to all who were a part of this weekend. Will be back next year!!!”

The art of basket weaving

A variety of ages were interested in learning storytelling from Ragghi Rain.

Calling all Miriam’s Promise

Friends and Supporters!!

The 2009 Golf/Walk Challenge is quickly approaching and the Miriam’s Promise Staff and Board wanted to make a special plea for your support during this very important fundraising event. We are acutely aware that raising funds for any non-profit is challenging this year. While economic conditions seem to be making some improvement, corporate giving, private foundation support and church giving are still extremely below normal levels. According to experts at the Center for Non-Profit Management, the only area of giving still remaining strong is individual giving. They report that when individuals are given the opportunity to give to a cause they feel is important, they are still willing to donate!

The current economic situation presents unique challenges to agencies like Miriam’s Promise and requires that we become more creative in the areas of fundraising and development. With this in mind, we ask that you consider active participation in the 2009 Golf/Walk Challenge on October 12, 2009 at Nashville Golf & Athletic Club! Here’s how you can help:


1. Put together a foursome golf team to enter the CHALLENGE and seek sponsorship
2. Sponsor a single golfer for participation in the Golf CHALLENGE
3. Sponsor a foursome golf team to meet the Golf CHALLENGE
4. Gather a team of your friends to participate as a group in the Walk CHALLENGE
5. Sponsor a Walker in the Walk CHALLENGE
6. Underwrite, your choice, of several overhead cost items involved in making the Golf/Walk CHALLENGE happen (these costs cut into the overall realized funding of the event)
We want to continue providing a safe “oasis” for women experiencing crisis pregnancies and for children who need “forever” families. For these women, the upcoming birth of a child brings anxiety and despair. They struggle with the reality that the love they feel may not be enough to provide for all their baby’s needs. Some of women assisted by Miriam’s Promise are pregnant inmates in jail; many are already parents. We are providing more services every year to families adopting older children who need attachment coaching and therapeutic services to help those children heal.

Your support during this time of CHALLENGE will allow Miriam’s Promise to continue to meet the needs of the precious populations we serve. Visit our website at http://www.miriamspromise.org/ for more details and to find out how you can participate in this awesome fundraising event!

Many thanks for your support!

Debbie Robinson, Executive Director, Miriam’s Promise

Teens reach out in mission -- Jeans from Teens

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.” Romans 12:13

Carly Hobbs (left) and jean recipient Destiny Moore.

A couple of years ago, Carly Hobbs, a youth at Lewisburg First UMC, had a vision for teens to share their excess jeans with others. She realized that not all teens have the privilege of shopping for jeans. She wanted to collect jeans that had only been slightly worn to donate to teens that needed them. Carly and her friends have collected over 75 pairs of jeans this summer. She also incorporated the collection of jeans as part of the summer Vacation Bible School mission project. In mid-August, Carly gave out 50 pairs of jeans to children, youth and adults at the Care Kitchen, a weekly meal provided for the community. She is continuing to collect jeans with plans to offer “Jeans from Teens” on a regular basis.





Children of Grace UMC go hands-on to end hunger for local kids

Every day, all over this country, school kids lug home backpacks stuffed with books and papers and gym clothes and pencils. But on any given Friday in Mt. Juliet, TN, a startling number of those backpacks contain something else. Food to get that child through the weekend.

Right here in the Mt. Juliet area a significant number of children eat no dinner at night or breakfast in the morning, living off the food from their schools’ free lunch program. And when they trudge home Friday afternoon, many are unsure where their next meal will come from because school lunch is two days away.

Children line up to begin placing food into bags

Determined to help wipe out hunger for area kids, the children of Grace United Methodist Church in Mt. Juliet have partnered with W.A. Wright Elementary and Nashville’s Second Harvest Food Bank in a “BackPack” program that provides each participating child in need with a pack of food on Fridays. BackPacks include small pop top entrees, such as beans and franks and chili, cereal, applesauce, a fruit cup, 100% fruit juice, shelf stable milk, and snacks like peanut butter crackers.

The Grace BackPack initiative serves 45 elementary school children at W.A. Wright every weekend throughout the school year. Participants are identified by teachers and guidance counselors. Through its partnership with the Second Harvest Food Bank, Grace UMC can help feed that many children for $5,400. This partnership also ensures the quality of the food because Second Harvest has stringent requirements for its BackPack partners.

The experience of helping to feed the hungry is truly “hands-on”

Helping the BackPack program takes place in many ways at Grace. During the summer’s Vacation Bible School, daily offerings were committed to the BackPack program and a total of $4,300 was raised. Additional contributions from the congregation have brought that amount up to the necessary $5,400. Wednesday programming begins with Pizza with a Purpose where, after pizza, children stuff the bags of food to be distributed the following Friday.

“This program has really touched the hearts of the children of Grace,” explains Amy Buttrey, Director of Children’s Ministries. “They were shocked to learn that children they know, children they sit next to and play with, might not have enough to eat. It has brought home the issue of hunger in a way they can understand and they want to do whatever they can to help. And it has allowed them to have a “hands on” role in doing God’s work.”

To learn more about the Grace UMC initiative and what you can do to help, contact Amy Buttrey at amy@graceumc.net. To learn more about the BackPack program in general check out http://www.secondharvestnashville.org/.

Kansas pastor laments presence of phantom fathers

Making a baby does not make a man a father says the Rev. Kevass Harding

NASHVILLE, Tenn.––The pastor of a Wichita, Kans., congregation that increased from 25 members in 1998 to 800 members today, addressed the July 11th session of the Tenth National Gathering of United Methodist Men.

Following an exegesis of Paul’s second letter to Timothy, the Rev. Kevass Harding stated that although Timothy’s father was in his house he was a “phantom father.”

“Although he was in the house, Eunice, the mother, was doing what he, the father, was supposed to be doing,” said the pastor of Dellrose United Methodist Church. “Publicly he did all the things that would bring great status to his name, but privately he couldn’t even lead his family to Christ.”

“And even today, 2009, we still have phantom fathers,” said Harding. “Making a baby does not make a man a father––mentoring, leading, guiding, and passing on our faith, makes us father figures as God called us to be.”

Noting the devastating effects of phantom fathers, Harding said that a decade ago the number of murders committed by teens was approximately 1,000 a year; today it is over 4,000 a year.

“In the past 30 years there has been a 550 percent increase in violent crimes; 400 percent increase in unmarried births; 200 percent increase in teen pregnancies, and a 300 percent increase in teen suicide.”

Harding believes that Timothy became a church leader because Paul passed the faith on to him, and he recalled how Cliff Fanning, his big brother under the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, passed the faith on to him. “I was 10 years old when I met Cliff,” said Harding. “I was trying to liberate a candy bar from a candy machine.”

Harding said Fanning gave him three gifts as a mentor: spiritual kinship, prayer and encouragement. “I was ready to bite into my quarter pounder with cheese, when Cliff said, ‘Let us pray – you don’t know what they were doing with that cheeseburger.’

“Cliff Fanning encouraged me to be the man I am today,” said Harding. “I was about to throw in the towel, but Cliff said, ‘You can’t stop what God is trying to do with you.’ That got hold of me and I realized I had come too far to turn around now.”

Harding encouraged the men at the national gathering to mentor boys. “There is a boy who needs you as I needed Cliff Fanning.”

Harding is the author of Can These Bones Live? a book that traces the growth of Dellrose United Methodist Church from a 25-member congregation to over 800 members in six years. He attributes the growth to the fact that Dellrose is a place where everyone will feel the love of God, find the joy of Christ, and experience the power of the Holy Spirit. The church sponsors a youth center that includes a tutoring and mentoring program; a counseling center; and sermons and studies that address the needs of a multi-ethnic, blue-collar working community.


City Kids visit to farm offers first-time contact with horses, sheep, and chickens—Oh my

On Thursday, July 30th a group of 13 children, youth, and advisors from the Nancy Webb Kelly United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN, arrived at the Pelham United Methodist Church ready for an adventure, and they were not disappointed.

As the “City Cousins” arrived, they were greeted by their “Country Cousins” from the congregation and everyone had a snack. After being warned of the everyday hazards that one finds in the county – poison ivy, snakes, and possibly unfriendly farm animals – the group was reluctantly ready to embark on their trip to 4 local farms.

Its Farm-City Day and Children from the city and children from the country become one family
The first stop was the Ralph & Helen Meeks farm, which offered a look at calves, a vegetable garden in full production, blackberry vines loaded with luscious, ripe berries and a large cantaloupe and watermelon patch with basketball sized melons. At the Larry & Reeda Shelton Farm, the group was able to see cows and hold the little yellow puffs of chickens freshly hatched. Then, the David & Melda Jacobs Farm held yet another first for most of the participants as they came into close contact with curly, fluffy, white sheep.

However, the majority of the day was spent at the farm of Jerry and Judy Walling where first-time opportunities abounded. These included a beekeeping exhibition, horseback riding, horseshoes, croquet, and catching fish from the farm pond. Most caught fish, but few dared remove the hook. That worked out well enough because volunteers from Pelham UMC were there to lend a helping hand. Then there was the favorite part of any Methodist gathering, the food. Lunch was a covered dish extravaganza with the church members supplying much of the food from their farms and gardens, and dinner was held in front of an open campfire where everyone cooked their own hot dogs and “real” smores to the delight of one and all.

The day brought smiles, laughter, and blessings to the children, youth, and advisors who came to “farm-city day” as well as to those who served as their hosts.


Six awarded Ingram Scholarships

Left to right: Rev. Jerry Mayo, T.J. Noel, Laura Swallows, Kaitlyn Lake, Carmen Taylor (accepting for Jessica Wilson), Heather Tackett, Brandon Cooper, and Shirley Ingram.

Pomona United Methodist Church in Cumberland County presented 6 scholarships on Sunday, July 12, during the worship service. These scholarships are made possible though the generosity of the late Rev. Clifford Ingram and Shirley Ingram. They are administered through the Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation office.

The committee members who selected these recipients were Teresa Graham, Julia Dixon, Judy Green, Harvey Green, Jill Hall and Randy Smith. They received over 70 applications.

Shirley Ingram spoke during the worship service of why her husband decided to set up the scholarship program for needy students and challenged the students and the congregation to make the most of their lives. Teresa Graham introduced each of the recipients who were all able to attend the service. Rev. Jerry Mayo presided during the service.

The recipients were Brandon Cooper, Kaitlyn Seiber Lake, Heather Tackett, T. J. Noel, Jessica Wilson, and Laura G. Swallows.

A bountiful luncheon honoring these students and their families was served following the service.


Death of former pastor compels sharing of article about hospital ministry

The Rev. Perry Parker

Jeannie Gleaves, and Hickory Bend United Methodist Church’s holiday ministry to families in the waiting room of a hospital ICU, was featured in an article reprinted in the August 21st issue of REVIEW, “Gleaves brings home cooking and love to ICU.” But the article would never have been submitted except for a promise made to Gleaves’ former pastor, the late Rev. Perry Parker. Gleaves explains Parker’s role in a letter to the Rev. John Collette, District Superintendent of the Nashville District.


April 14, 2009
Dear Mr. Collett:

When the enclosed article ran in the paper, Perry Parker called me. He strongly urged me to send it to the Conference for inclusion in “The Review.” I told him I thought it would be considered “tooting my own horn,” and that I’d be embarrassed to do that.

And now, our dear Perry is gone, and I remembered his call that day. Typical of his droll wit, he said that the next time he got sick, he was going to arrange his hospitalization tocoincide with our taking meals to the hospital so that he could have some of our good Methodist cooking!

And so, it is with a heavy heart that I finally fulfill one of his wishes. He thought the whole Conference should know about it, and that perhaps other churches would adopt this ministry. We have learned that two other churches are doing the same thing for other hospitals, and we are so happy to hear that.

Grace and Peace,
Jeannie Gleaves
Hickory Bend UMC

*Perry Parker died April 6, 2009. He was a chaplain in the Air Force, served several TN Conference Churches, and was for three years Wesley Foundation Director at Vanderbilt. One of the churches he served was Hickory Bend UMC.







Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries (PAUMCS) 2009 Institute

By Lora L. O’Steen*

What is more precious than a cool day in July in Atlanta? Why, the fellowship of kindred spirits of the PAUMCS, of course! For a rare and special week, July 19-27, thirty-one participants experienced both, on the Emory campus, during the PAUMCS Institute.

The Institute provided outstanding advanced professional training and enrichment for United Methodist church secretaries from across the denomination. Rebecca Setliff, Ph.D., facilitated our interaction. Becky brought a wealth of team building experience from her background as director of the Office of Executive Programs in the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. As a professional consultant and coach, she invited us to explore better communication through introspection and reflection. She challenged us to work more effectively in groups as we confronted our weaknesses and leveraged our strengths in a “Desert Survival” workshop.

Dan Gary, Associate Council of the General Council on Finance and Administration, led us in a lively discussion of “Taxes and the Church”. Dan’s animated presentation actually made taxes fun, and funny; with his use of humor and storytelling skills. Jacqueline Gill, Assistant Controller, also from GCFA, led a timely module on “Dollars and Cents of Office and Management and Connectional Giving”. Dr. Robert W. Winstead, Assistant Professor in the Practice of Church Leadership and Director of the Office of Lifelong Learning, Emory University, gave us an overview of “Church Polity”. Bob was particularly tuned in to the divergent needs of the group, as many PAUMCS members are not UMC members. We all felt he made a valuable contribution to our experience, and we enjoyed his ability to weave history into our workplace. Rev. Dr. Ken Sloane, Director Communications Ministry, United Methodist Communications, shared the exciting work he is involved with and explained “The Connectional Thing”. We were all grateful for the web links and gifts (new calendars!) he brought.

Our PAUMCS President, Karen Albro, offered encouragement and insight, leadership and understanding. She made sure we all felt comfortable and with Director of Records and Statistics GCFA Staff Representative to PAUMCS, Cynthia Haralson’s support, we all felt free to be candid and receptive to new ideas and experiences. Cecile McGinniss, Administrative Assistant, worked behind the scenes, and her endeavors contributed to the success of our group.

The five-day PAUMCS Institute is designed to stimulate professional growth and development of the individual. In my experience, the goals were reached and surpassed. I came home renewed and eager to share new practices. I invite you to the PAUMCS Institute; come see how all members of the church body are in ministry together. It is a rare and precious opportunity.

*Lora L. O’Steen is Ministry Assistant, Hendersonville First United Methodist Church

TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW August 21, 2009

Articles in the August 21, 2009 issue of THE REVIEW

1. September Nashville Area Campaign Focused on Supporting Africa University.
2. 2009 Evangelism Retreat: SAME MESSAGE; Different World
3. Summer Sizzler attracts 320 youth and adults
4. Pastor gives churches ideas for supporting troops
5. Gleaves brings home cooking and love to ICU, reprinted article
6. Keeping Covenant with the Oriental Conference of Eastern Mexico!
7. Deacons and Elders Accepted in Full Conference Membership 2009
8. McKendree Village, Inc. Honored with Safety Award for significant reductions in Worker’s Comp claims
9. Tired and Weary??? Commentary by Joy Lewter, Conf. President, United Methodist Women
10. Nashville Missionary’s Bequest Creates Africa University Scholarship
11. 2009 Family Fellowship Retreat




September Nashville Area Campaign Focused on Supporting Africa University
By Stephen Drachler

NASHVILLE – The top official of United Methodist-related Africa University is coming to Nashville to lead an early September campaign urging Middle Tennesseans to support the Zimbabwe-based institution.

Associate Chancellor Dr. Fanuel Tagwira is heading a delegation of university-related officials who will be visiting United Methodist congregations Sept. 6-13 to build continuing support for the 1,300 student university. Students at the university represent 22 countries across Africa.

As Dr. Tagwira preaches at Forest Hills United Methodist Church on Sunday, Sept. 13, other representatives of the university and its Nashville-based development office will be speaking at 11 other congregations in Davidson, Williamson, and Sumner counties.

“Africa University is a jewel of hope for Zimbabwe and the rest of Africa,” said Bishop Dick Wills of Nashville, leader of United Methodists in middle and western Tennessee. “When other universities were closed due to Zimbabwe’s severe economic and political crisis, Africa University remained open. It is producing key economic, scientific, and religious leaders for countries all across Africa.”

Bishop Ernest Lyght of Charleston, W.Va., president of the university’s development group, said this visitation is particularly focused on showing the benefits of long-term planned giving to help sustain the university.

“It is a great thing to share God’s blessings in this way,” Bishop Lyght said. To me, there is no better feeling than to know I’ve planted seeds of hope for Africa’s bright future.

“The United Methodist Church is committed to Africa, and Africa University is a key focus of our ministry. As it prepares a new generation of leaders, it needs the support of United Methodists in the United States,” Bishop Lyght said. “The best way for many to help is to look at the long term, both for their lives, and for the continuation of the university.”

Lyght said there are many options for planned giving, such as bequests, designating proceeds from insurance policies, and other income generating instruments.

With its main campus located in Old Mutare, in central Zimbabwe, Africa University opened its doors in 1992. The university currently offers bachelors and masters degree programs in six faculties - Agriculture and Natural Resources, Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Management and Administration and Theology. The Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance offers postgraduate diploma and masters Programs.

For more information on how you can support Africa University, contact Ms. Elaine Jenkins, director of planned giving, at 615 340-7428, or email her at ejenkins@gbhem.org

Here is the schedule of speakers at Nashville area churches:
• Sunday, Sept. 6, Ms. Elaine Jenkins will address the combined Sunday School classes at Belmont UMC, Nashville.

• Wednesday, Sept. 9, Bishop Ernest Lyght will speak at Christ United Methodist Church, Franklin during its Wednesday evening programming.

• Sunday, Sept 13 speaker include:

+ Calvary UMC, Nashville, Dr. William McFadden during Church School and worship.

+ Blakemore UMC, Nashville, Rev. Heinrich Meinhardt, during worship.

+ Connell Memorial, Goodlettsville, Dr. Maggie Jackson at 8 and 11 a.m. worship services.

+ Clark Memorial UMC, Nashville, Ms. Amelia Tucker Shaw during a Sunday School forum.

+ Donelson Heights UMC, Kevin G. Goodwin during worship and Sunday School.

+ First UMC, Gallatin, Martha Mutisi during church school and worship.

+ First UMC, Franklin, Mr. James Salley, during worship at 9 and 10:30 a.m.

+ First UMC, Hendersonville, Rev. Yollande S. Mavund, during church school and worship.

+ First UMC, Murfreesboro, Bishop J. L. McCleskey, during 8:30 and 11 a.m. worship.

+ Forest Hills UMC, Dr. Fanuel Tagwira, during worship at 8:30 and 11 a.m.







Sept 14-16, 2009 Beersheba Springs Camp and Retreat Center
2009 Evangelism Retreat: SAME MESSAGE; Different World
By Cinde Lucas*

Even though the Message of the Gospel is the same, today’s world is much different than that of just a few years ago. We need new tools to reach today’s generation. This year’s Evangelism Conference, SAME MESSAGE, DIFFERENT WORLD, will focus on the current cultural trends and give us tools that will enable us to better communicate the Gospel with those outside the walls of our church buildings.

Several workshops are planned for this year’s retreat. Clint Thomas, nationally known speaker on youth and the “media” world, will be sharing the culture trends and challenges that we face in today’s world. We will then look at individual groups (children, youth, young adults, and adults) and explore creative ways of communicating the Good News with them. Kevin Sparkman & Jordan Calloway, leaders of New Wine Fellowship at McKendree UMC in Nashville, will lead sessions focused on young adults; Jason Brock, Director of Mission & Mercy for the Tennessee Conference UMC, will be sharing ways to break current cultural barriers; Patty Smith, TN Conference Children & Family Ministries, and Brad Fiscus, TN Conference Youth & Young Adults, and several others, will also be sharing with us.

Along with these workshops there will also be several worship services. Safiya Fosua, Director of Invitational Preaching Ministries with the GBOD will be preaching at each of the worship services. Mark Barrow, who is an outstanding Praise & Worship leader from White House First UMC, will be leading music at these services.

The 2009 Conference On Evangelism Retreat will be held this year at Beersheba Springs Retreat Center September 14-16. We are encouraging ministry “teams” to come to this event; Pastors, Children & Youth Coordinators, Young Adult Coordinators; or anyone involved in these ministries at your church. For more information and/or to register contact TN Conference at 615-329-1177 or visit www.tnumc.org/-_M_I_N_I_S_T_R_I_E_S_-/Evangelism/.

Hope to see you there.

*Cinde Lucas is chairperson of the Annual Conference Evangelism Committee


Summer Sizzler attracts 320 youth and adults

Beersheba Springs Assembly came alive during the last weekend of July as 320 youth and adults from across the Tennessee Conference gathered for Summer Sizzler. Jack Radcliffe, professor of Youth Ministry and Christian Education at Martin Methodist College, served as the keynote speaker for the weekend. The thought-provoking sessions focused on the theme One God, One Life, One World and Ephesians 4:6 (The Message) “Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.” The youth and adults pondered about how their life serves as a witness of Christ to those they interact with in the world. They celebrated their commonalities instead of differences. They prayerfully focused on how God can use them individually as well as collectively in their homes, their schools, their communities and their churches.

Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church Youth at Sizzler– Raegan Bowen, Gloria Jordan, Tashaundra Bailey, Epiphany Fields, Danesha Jones:

Our worship leader for the weekend was Josh Vegors. Josh’s focused all of our hearts on worshipping God. He energized the group with uplifting music, singing and dancing. On Sunday the youth who participated in the worship arts camp, Celebration, created an altar space, prayer walls, and performed a liturgical dance during the service.

Each year at Summer Sizzler we take time to honor graduating high school seniors. Many of these youth have been coming to Sizzler since sixth grade. When asked about why she attends each year, nine year veteran Janie Crick of Grace United Methodist in Mt. Juliet replied, “I feel the community and love that is in Beersheba and Summer Sizzler is so great and so powerful that not coming back wasn’t an option for me. This place is one of my faith homes.” When asked the same question, Brick Howse of Greenbrier United Methodist Church in the Clarksville district replied, “If I’m ever questioning anything, I come here and am reminded why I believe. Because having fellowship out here is just one of the most amazing things I’ve ever experienced.” Asher Thompson a graduate from Grace United Methodist in the Cumberland district added, “The reason I kept coming back to Summer Sizzler was because it is a place to relax and center myself on God.”

 The group of 2009 high school graduates lead morning vespers at Summer Sizzler.

Alex Odum of Grace United Methodist is excited that she will be back next year, “This is my 7th year here at Summer Sizzler and I am happy to say it will not be my last. This event seems to get better and better every year. I love, love, love the worship!” Also sharing Alex’s excitement were the youth from Gordon Memorial United Methodist in Nashville. This was the first time that youth from Gordon had attended Sizzler. “The experience this weekend was moving because it made us feel as we were one body in Christ. It was cool to meet other youth from all across Tennessee. It showed us a different way to worship and how to have a closer relationship with God. This was an all around fun and learning experience.”

We thank God for each of the youth and adults who came to Sizzler this year. Our hope is that they will continue to strive for their lives to be permeated with Oneness and this will overflow into their communities.

Pastor gives churches ideas for supporting troops
By Vicki Brown*

July 30, 2009, NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)

Madison Street UMC pastor LeNoir Culbertson (r) and Associate Pastor Brian Marcoulier (l) with Bishop Hope Morgan Ward at an April 2009 National Training event, “Trauma Healing—Preparing Churches to Receive Returning Military Personnel.”

When the Rev. LeNoir Culbertson was appointed pastor of Madison Street United Methodist Church, just a few miles from Fort Campbell, Ky., she thought churches probably needed to have special programs for military families.

Up to one third of the 600 active members of her Clarksville, Tenn., congregation, near the home to the 101st Airborne Division, are related to the military.

But, Culbertson said, “I was told repeatedly, ‘We don’t want to be treated like military.’”

What she discovered was that many needs of a military family with a deployed member are similar to the needs of single parents. Providing child care for church programs, such as a Bible study or prayer groups, was important.

Kerry Mays, whose husband, Bryce, is deployed to Iraq with a medic unit, said that unlike single parents, military families often don’t have time to arrange for child care or other help. “My husband deployed in May, and we found out in April that he was leaving,” she said.

Irene Dowden cares for children in her Fort Campbell, Ky., home. Child care is a primary need for military families with a deployed spouse. A UMNS photo by Spc. Mary L. Gonzalez.

While the Army offers respite child care, Mays said it’s not Christian-based, and many parents feel there are too many children to be supervised well.

For parents with young children, child care is one of the most helpful services that a church could offer. “With your church family, you don’t have to worry that someone will use profanity, or say something you don’t want one of your children to hear,” Mays explained.

“Support groups are a wonderful idea, too,” she added. “You have a spouse you don’t know if you’ll see again, and you need someone to talk to, some type of system for moral support.”

Support to returning soldiers
Chaplain Lt. Col. Scott Weichl, behavioral health program manager at the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., said he worries about the Reserve and National Guard soldiers who return to their communities after deployment and do not necessarily have support services available to active duty military.

“I think the churches could make a tremendous impact on Army Guard and Reserve soldiers,” Weichl added. “There is a wonderful opportunity for churches to partner with other organizations or the military to be able to do good.”

Churches need to find out what needs military families have, said the Rev. Ron Lowery, the new superintendent for the Clarksville district. He hopes to set up zones based on the episcopal structure of the church so that there is a church to serve as a resource center about every 20 miles.

At Madison Street, many military families don’t want to be on prayer lists because they don’t want to advertise that a woman and children are living alone, Culbertson said.

But other types of lists come in handy. “We keep current a referral list of reliable … electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and mechanics, since people come into town and don’t know anyone,” she said.

On the spiritual side, “We try to offer programs and liturgy that are supportive of the military, but not flag waving, not saying that everything you do is the will of God.”

*Brown is an associate editor and writer, Office of Interpretation, United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.



Gleaves brings home cooking and love to ICU
After spending years in waiting room, Donelson woman wanted to help others
By Andy Humbles
From P. 4 & 5 of Davidson am (Donelson, Hermitage, Lakewood and Old Hickory), a supplement to The Tennessean, Friday, April 13, 2007. Copyright 2009 and used here by permission.

Donelson-Hermitage – Jeannie Gleaves of Donelson spent plenty of time in an intensive care unit waiting room at Summit Medical Center during the last seven years or so of her husband’s life.

“A lonely, frightening place to be any time of year, and most especially on holidays,” Gleaves said.

Gleaves, 67, saw from those hours in a waiting room that plenty of others were just as alone as she. Her husband, Joe Gleaves, died just over a year and a half ago.

At least Gleaves, by her reasoning, was fortunate in that she could at least go home each day. She saw many family members of patients who were from out of town and had to sleep for days on end in the waiting room.

So five years ago this Thanksgiving, Gleaves and Joan Williams, a friend from Hickory Bend United Methodist Church in Donelson, cooked a holiday dinner big enough for a full waiting room of patients’ families.

“We mentioned it to the church, and so many wanted to help,” Gleaves said. “It’s something that has meant a lot to people we don’t even know. We’re small, but we’re mighty.

‘Whole congregation helps’
So, ever since, Hickory Bend – a church that typically runs 85-90 in attendance on Sunday mornings – has brought full Thanksgiving, Easter and Christmas dinners to the Summit ICU waiting room. There is enough food for 40-50 people, with family members, patients, nurses and doctors who are working those days all welcome.

Hickory Bend United Methodist Church members delivered food to Summit Hospital ICU. Nurses are Gail McNally, left, Courtney Pirtle, Ashley Biggs, Melissa Simpson and Becky Norris. Courtesy of Hickory Bend UMC.

“The whole congregation helps, whether making food or giving money,” said Debbie Keith of Hickory Bend. “I wouldn’t miss not doing it.”

Turkey on Thanksgiving, Honey Baked hams, vegetables, desserts, rolls, drinks and all the trimmings – you name it, the church brings it. Utensils, too.

Tammy Golden remembers being served with her two daughters as regulars in the intnsive care waiting room at Summit when Hickory Bend provided a dinner on Christmas 2005.

Golden’s husband was in ICU at Summit nearly two months before he died in January 2006, when she and two daughters were at the hospital daily.

Now, Golden and her daughters help with the Hickory Bend project, though they attend another church.

“We had brought gifts to make it as normal a Christmas as we could, and when we were done we went to the waiting room and dozed off,” Golden said. “We woke up and there was this amazing spread. Not leftovers, but like going to Grandma’s house. . . . It’s amazing to think there are people like that.”
About the buffet and ministry
Every Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, members of Hickory Bend United Methodist Church set up a buffet of homemade food for patients, family and staff at Summit Medical Center’s intensive care unit.

The church members don’t eat with those at the hospital. They leave and come back later to clean up.

Hickory Bend United Methodist Church members deliver food to Summit Hospital ICU. Nurses Ashley Biggs, left, and Courtney Pirtle, second from right, help church members, Joan Williams (back to camera), and Debbie Keith, right. Courtesy of Hickory Bend UMC.

“We want them to feel at ease,” said Jeannie Gleaves, who began the ministry at Hickory Bend with Joan Williams. “We take prayer requests if they like, and we’ll pray with them if they request that, but we don’t’ push ourselves on them.”

Sometimes Hickory Bend will bring toiletries and clothing, if the members are aware of a need.

Tammy Golden remembers eating at the Christmas spread provided by Hickory Bend while her husband, who has since died, was in Summit’s ICU department. She also remembers Gleaves call the hospital three weeks later and asking if Golden and her two daughters needed a home-cooked dinner.

“By providing food we try and provide encouragement and comfort,” said Hickory Bend United Methodist pastor Hyeon Hong.

Keeping Covenant with the Oriental Conference of Eastern Mexico!

Dr. Fred Hembree and Dr. Debbie Church recently traveled to Monterrey, Mexico to bring greetings from Bishop Dick Wills and the Tennessee Annual Conference to the 19th Session of the CAO (The Conferencia Anual Oriental). The purpose of this official visit was to strengthen the covenant between the Tennessee Annual Conference and the Oriental Annual Conference of The Methodist Church of Mexico.

Rev. Felipa Medina & Dr. Fred Hembree in Monterrey, Mexico. The Medina’s were hosts for Fred Hembree & his wife Debbie Church during the Annual Conference(Oriental) in Eastern Mexico.
The conference was held at El Mesias (The Messiah) Methodist Church in Monterrey, Mexico, July 8-12, 2009. The theme of the conference was based upon Colossians 3:2, “Poned la mira en las cosas de arriba, no en las de la tierra.” (Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.)

Following words of greeting given by Fred and Debbie on behalf of the Tennessee Conference, Bishop Raul Garcia De Ochoa asked all the members of the annual conference to stand as he led the conference in prayer asking God to help strengthen the covenant relationship our conferences share.

The covenant voted on and approved by our Annual Conferences just over a year ago remains strong! Mission teams from Mexico have been involved here in evangelistic efforts in cooperation with Hispanic ministers of the Tennessee Conference. Mission teams from the Tennessee Conference have been involved in church construction projects, evangelism, food distribution and medical mission efforts in Mexico. In the midst of these activities, Christ’s presence has been made known in tangible ways and the love and unity between our conferences has grown even stronger.

 Dr. Debbie Church, Cessia Media and husband Rev. Felipe Medina in Monterrey, Mexico.

If you would like to learn more about the covenant between our Annual Conferences or would like to be more involved in mission outreach among Hispanics here in Tennessee or among persons in Mexico, please contact Dr. Jim Clardy, Chair of the Task Force on the Pacto at (615) 893-3455.





Lawrenceburg First youth travel to Louisiana for missions
By the Rev. Alecia Fischer

Serving God while roofing in Louisiana

First United Methodist church in Lawrenceburg sent eight youth and four adults to Houma, Louisiana, about 70 miles southwest of New Orleans. They spent a week repairing roofs on homes damaged by last year’s hurricanes; Gustav and Ike. They participated in a ministry called T.A.R.P sponsored by the First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and the Louisiana Conference Disaster Response. T.A.R.P. stands for Terrebonne Area Restoration Project. T.A.R.P. provides opportunity for teens and adults to come and restore hope to people whose lives have been affected by the hurricanes. First UMC worked on three roofs while they were in the Houma area including part of the roof of the Dulac Community center, a United Methodist Mission Agency which provides social, recreational and emergency services to the people of Terrebonne Parish with emphasis on the needs of the Native American population.

Ryan Egly, Lawrence county high school senior and member of First UMC youth, said, “It was very hot up on the roofs, but it was worth it because we were able to bring a little hope to the people we met in the Houma area.” While participating in T.A.R.P., the group experienced local Cajun food, took a swamp tour and learned about the ecological issues surrounding southern Louisiana.

Participating in the mission trip were Adults: Rev. Alecia Fischer, Jerry Gibbs, Ken Nelson, Liz Hartmann; Youth: Ben Egly, Ryan Egly, Rusty Cummings, Drake Newton, Dara Smith, Laine Philpot, Caroline Thomas, and Allie Stockwell.

Deacons and Elders Accepted in Full Conference Membership 2009

Left to right: Trey Carey, Tom Gibson, Lea Thornton, Matt Trussell, Becky Peeler, Ted Hill, Brian Gilbert, Tamara Lewis, David Hesson, Jared Wilson



McKendree Village, Inc. Honored with Safety Award for significant reductions in Worker’s Comp claims

Safety Committee Picture. Front Row: Stacey Vail, Ronica DeBow, Letroy Davis, LaQuioneese Jordan, Bobbie Douglas, Dewayne Harvell, Nicky Balbach , Clarence Bentley, Renee Morris. Back Row: Todd Moore, Monica Dimmett, Marcia White, Sapoa Ulloa, Robert Duncan, Lamont Buchanan, Judy Jones, Bobby Mathis.

HERMITAGE, TN, JULY 27, 2009: McKendree Village, Inc. has seen significant reductions in worker’s comp claims over the last couple of years but especially since the formation of the Safety Committee in early 2009. This committee is comprised of a variety of team members across multiple disciplines including nursing staff, and environmental services staff. “There is a team approach and staff has become a cohesive unit to prevent injury on the job,” Bill Hoover, PMA Group agent states. Mr. Hoover says that there is a new way of thinking about safety. “Compassion has been the underlying factor in the improvements in safety. When someone needs help, they ask for it and co-workers are more likely to notice when a fellow employee needs help with a task such as transferring a resident.”

The Safety Committee meets regularly to discuss issues concerning day to day safe operation. They work to find creative solutions to potential hazards and members are assigned to address any known concerns and report their findings and solutions at the next meeting. This accountability factor is proving beneficial in making the work environment safe. Other factors contributing to the improvements are shift change safety reminders, clear and better signage and sharing of ideas. Employees are empowered to come up with creative solutions to challenges and rewarded for their efforts.

The number of Worker’s Comp claims at McKendree have fallen more than 70% since 2005 with a 98% reduction in payouts on claims so far for 2009. This has resulted in a significant reduction in premiums paid for Worker’s Comp by McKendree.

The efforts of the Safety Committee are making a measurable impact on the well being of team members and the organization itself. The combination of a caring atmosphere and a proactive approach to preventing and correcting issues has resulted in the honor of receiving this Safety Achievement Award.

Todd Moore, Executive Director at McKendree Village, Inc. praises the efforts of all staff in reducing the number of Worker’s Comp claims and particularly the efforts of the Safety Committee to implement positive change and safety awareness. Moore states, “The Safety Committee has taken the lead to create an environment and culture for safety that goes beyond the care of the residents to the care of oneself in the workplace.”

McKendree Village, Inc. is currently the only organization in the Nashville area to be honored with the Safety Achievement Award by PMA Group.


Tired and Weary???
By Joy Lewter, President Tennessee Conference United Methodist Women

Joy Lewter
Verses from Isaiah 40:28-29 have taken on special meaning for me. “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” June and the first part of July have about worn me out. I have gone and gone, some time for UMW work, for church work, and for pleasure. My friends all say, “My second name is GO.” And there is a lot of truth in that, but I realize I am beginning to get tired quicker. I think my mind and my heart are young but my body is not cooperating. Can any of you relate?

The Tennessee UMW executive team traveled to Owenboro, Ky., to Kentucky Wesleyan for Regional School and several of us came back to Brentwood for Tennessee Annual Conference without going home. I took the Food and Faith study at Regional School and was excited to have the author of the book for my teacher. We studied hard, fellowshipped much, laughed a lot, and I tried to climb the three flights of stairs only one time a day. This meant that my bag was pretty heavy by the end of the day.

Tennessee Annual Conference is always a highlight for me. I love the United Methodist Church and Conference is a time we worship and praise God as a denomination. This was the first year for me to address that group. I had brought a new top to wear for my speech on Tuesday. I was representing you and I wanted to look fine. Monday morning, Bishop Wills sent word that he would like for me to address the body before 1:00 that day. I wasn’t wearing my new top. But you don’t turn the Bishop down, and I proudly talked about our UMW mission work and about our passion for Bethlehem Center. When I sat down I took a deep breath, then almost laughed out loud. I realized God was teaching me a lesson, that presentation was not about me, it was about you and God, and it didn’t matter what I had on.

I came home, washed clothes, and left with my 12 year old grandson for a bus trip to Washington DC. We had fun and saw a lot. It is always fun to see the world through the eyes of children. I didn’t realize we were seeing so many memorials and monuments until Tommy ask one day, “Do you have to see more places where people are buried today?” Those 6 days were the longest Tommy had been away from his Daddy. Even though we had had a large time, we where both ready to be home.

And yesterday I got home from our Christian Mission Event at Martin Methodist College. We had a good school, a good group of women, and I was so proud for Martin Methodist to host this event. I love MMC because it is where I went to college for my first two years and where I work part-time now. But I did come home tired. I hit the sofa for a nap, only to be awaken an hour later with Tommy’s new puppy, Sammy, licking my face. While I played with the dog, my son Wayne cooked supper. The food was good, but then I did what Moms do, I washed the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen. Some things never change, even if they are 33 and have children of their own.

Life goes on. We get tired but we get rested and move on to the next adventure God has planned for us. The Bible verses I started this article with gave me new strength this past week. We get tired but God doesn’t. We only have to call on him, and take a moment or two of Sabbath rest in his arms to regain our strength. Then we move on to the next challenge and the next opportunity to serve him.

My prayer for you is to receive God’s blessing and grace. Work in his name and rest in his strength along the way. I will miss seeing you all at the Spiritual Life Retreat. I plan to have my other knee replaced on September 1 and I will be recuperating that weekend. My prayers will be with you at that event. I know it will be a time of study and a time of Sabbath rest for each of you. I always find God on that mountain. But let us remember God is good all the time. All the time God is good. Blessing to you!!


Nashville Missionary’s Bequest Creates Africa University Scholarship
By Stephen Drachler

NASHVILLE – When the Rev. Marshall Lovell was planning his estate, he wanted to leave something to benefit Africa, where he and his wife, Eloise had served as United Methodist missionaries.

The Rev. Marshall Lovell

After consulting with his son, the Rev. William Lovell, Marshall Lovell decided to endow a scholarship at United Methodist-related Africa University. William Lovell died at age 88 in 1995.

“My father and mother were missionaries in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They loved Africa, and wanted to do something to help,” said William Lovell, who is now retired and a member of Africa University’s Advisory Development Committee. “I told him about Africa University. He decided to leave a bequest to fund the scholarship.”

Eloise Lovell

William Lovell and his wife have since made their own contribution to his father’s bequest to ensure it funds a full scholarship every year at the Zimbabwe-based university.

Elaine Jenkins, director of planned giving for the university, said the Lovell family’s gift is an ideal way to leave a lasting legacy to help the university.

“There are many ways to help Africa through the university,” she said. “Planning a gift as part of your estate will have a lasting, permanent impact on the lives of persons who are in great need.”

Planned gifts are critical to Africa University's ability to continue to fulfill its mission, and help to solidify the university's financial underpinnings through its endowment.

Here are some examples of planned giving:
• A gift included in one's last will and testament.
• Beneficiary designation of a remainder trust, lead trust, or living trust.
• Beneficiary designation of a life insurance policy. Beneficiary designation of retirement assets.
• Charitable gift annuity.
• A current gift of cash, securities, real estate or other assets designated for the endowment.

For more information on giving to Africa University, contact Ms. Jenkins at the Africa University Development Office in Nashville. Her telephone number is 615 340-7428, or email her at ejenkins@gbhem.org.

2009 Family Fellowship Retreat

47 people from around the Tennessee Conference gathered together at Beersheba Springs Assembly this past weekend to enjoy the Family Fellowship Retreat. This is an annual event sponsored by the Tennessee Conference. The ages of those attending ranged from 6 years to 90 years old. Rev. Bob Jared from Hillsboro UMC in the Murfreesboro District led the adults in a study on our Covenant Relationship with God. The Sunday morning worship service included a Wesley Covenant Service.

Next year’s retreat is scheduled for July 23-25, 2010. Mark the date on your calendars so you can enjoy spending time with friends from across the conference for Bible study, delicious food, and a time to retreat.

TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW August 7, 2009

Articles in the August 7, 2009 issue of THE REVIEW
1. Quadrennial Men’s Gathering features Sheltered Reality Percusssion Team

2. Sheltered Reality sponsors mission work in West Nashville
3. Over 1,200 United Methodist men meet in Nashville

4. Fire Destroys Historic Bethlehem United Methodist Church Building but not the spirit of the people

5. Bethlehem United Methodist Church --Serving Clarksville since 1836
6. One of America’s Great Festivals—“Native Moccasins Rock”—Camp Lake Benson, Bon Aqua, August 14-15-16
7. Warmth in Winter Youth Ministries Event for 2010 to make exciting move to Murfreesboro, article with one captioned photo, Photo #14

8. Jordan-Lake's Novel “Blue Hole Back Home” wins 2009 Christy Award, article with one uncaptioned photo, Photo #15

9. LaVergne First UMC Celebrates First Sunday In New Sanctuary July 19th, article with two uncaptioned photos, Photo #18 and Photo #19

10. Angels: Commentary by the Rev. Dr. Ted Hill, M.D., article with one captioned photo, Photo #20.

Quadrennial Men’s Gathering features Sheltered Reality Percussion Team
The United Methodist Men’s Quadrennial Gathering in Nashville, Tennessee, July 10th to 12th, 2009, attracted some of the greatest visionaries in developing ministries with men, several Bishops of the United Methodist Church, and notable performing artist including Paul Saik, Steve Hornbeak and Vince Gill. Yet conversations with the Gathering participants constantly involved mention of the Sheltered Reality percussion performance featuring youngsters from Nashville’s 61st Avenue UMC and from across the United States.

Steve Schlosser, founder of Sheltered Reality, stands with Austin Pruitt, Angel Graham, William Graham as Austin, Angel, and William prepare to share their feelings about Sheltered Reality with the UMMen’s assembly.

Saturday morning was the worst of times for the Gathering, an outside transformer had blown, and the main building housing the event was without light and air conditioning. The auditorium sound system, computer controls, stage lights, and video screens were all non-functioning, and an emergency generator could only bring a few of the lights and a make-shift sound system back on line.

Dustin Kleba (age 15) from Sioux Falls, SD. The Kleba family; Ken, Robin, Kim, and Dustin, all traveled from their home town outside Sioux Falls, South Dakota to participate in this year's 61st Ave. UMC mission project. Ken and Robin's two children are performers with Sheltered Reality. The family decided to make their family vacation one of service to others this year! They came to make a difference in a little community in west Nashville...they left with lasting memories.

Onto the main performance area came the group Sheltered Reality which has affiliated percussion groups across North America—the nearest in west Nashville at 61st Avenue United Methodist Church. The Sheltered Reality program teaches basic music skill and rhythm, but beyond that it takes children and young people who could be at risk and focuses on the primary message that we can all succeed if we:

• Take a chance
• Never give up
• Believe in ourselves
• Are willing to do whatever it takes
• Are willing to be a Friend (and empower others to succeed)

Along with this, Sheltered Reality performers are urged to believe in God, and develop a strong religious faith.

The Sheltered Reality Program at 61st Avenue started when Brentwood United Methodist Church member Scott Frech arranged for two percussionists from Iowa to return to middle Tennessee after first seeing them perform at Brentwood United Methodist church. Brentwood supports the ministry of 61st Avenue with resources and volunteers.

The two percussionists—Steve Schlosser and Jordan Fratt—were so inspired by the neighborhood programs at 61st Avenue they felt this would be an ideal spot to begin a Nashville section of a National Program, Sheltered Reality.

(L to R): Kristy Shyloski, Austin Pruitt (age 11), Joyce Shyloski...all from Nashville

The impact of the Program has been profound for the young people that started drumming at 61st Avenue. Kristy Shyloski, mother of 11-year-old Austin Pruitt, feels strongly about Sheltered Reality. She says, “The program at 61st Avenue changed his (her son’s) attitude and helped him believe in himself—and it has certainly brought us closer together, mother and son.”

Grandmother Joyce Shyloski adds, “It teaches kids responsibility and not just how to play a drum. They learn to believe in themselves and attempt things which are big steps. At the same time they are learning about God. When all the drummers from around the country get together it is like family.” With a smile she added, “And you’ll certainly want to see them perform their number ‘Greased Lightning.”

(L to R): Scott Frech (Nashville), Sharon Frech (Nashville), and Dakota Frech (Nashville)

Scott Frech can share stories about all the 61st Avenue drummers. “William Graham is the ‘Poster Child’ for Sheltered Reality. He epitomizes the four or five goals we have for each participant. He really lives them out.”

“William was born with several medical challenges and faces obstacles in life that most youths will never encounter. When he started in Sheltered Reality William was extremely introverted. It was difficult for him to talk to others. In three years there have been tremendous improvements in self esteem, motor skills, and hand/eye coordination. At the end of practice he genuinely looks forward to the next practice, and it doesn’t make a difference if our national leadership Steve Schlosser or Jordan Fratt are going to be present.”

A while back William asked Steve Schlosser if he could do a Sheltered Reality number in a school talent show – something he would never have asked three years ago. Permission was given and the feedback was that his class came alive when he performed. “This, among other things, gives us reason to believe that all things can be accomplished,” notes Frech.

(L to R): Adrianne Ralston (Topeka, KS), Steve Schlosser (Executive Director of Sheltered Reality), Ryder Eakin (Inman, KS), and Dustin Kleba (Sioux Falls, SD)
Scott Frech and wife Sharon are coordinators for the Nashville-based site of Sheltered Reality which has found strong emotional and financial support from Brentwood UMC. Scott Frech has his own personal testimony to power of the Sheltered Reality program: “It’s funny how God’s plan unfolds before you. Several years ago, our Sunday school class began to get more involved in a little church in west Nashville…one that sat very much in an urban setting. About the same time, a motivational percussion group passed through the area. From a selfish standpoint, I saw a perfect opportunity to ramp up a new site of Sheltered Reality that my family could participate in. God’s plan had nothing to do with participation and everything to do with service.”

“I struggle each day with whether my actions are making a difference in the life of another person… Am I making the life of a child better in some way or have I done something to make a difference in a community or neighborhood? I understand that entrance into the Kingdom isn’t done on a merit system, entrance is only because of God’s grace; but it sure would be nice to know that my purpose on earth has been more than to convert oxygen to carbon dioxide. Just like the Bible says in the early parts of Genesis, ‘when God created the heavens and earth…He was well pleased.’ I want my Father to have some level of gratification of my purpose on earth. Sure He loves me unconditionally, just as I love my children. But have I made Him proud? Are my actions pleasing to God? Do my actions reflect the life of a disciple of Christ?”

The church and Sheltered Reality have given me a chance to have purpose in life that is Christian focused. Together, they allow my family to do wonderful things that benefit others. They have strengthen my faith and given my spiritual journey direction and momentum. It’s funny how God’s plan unfolds? I would have thought we were supposed to just play the drums….God’s plan was to touch hearts and transform lives!

Sheltered Reality sponsors mission work in West Nashville

Lexie Peters (Inman, KS). A college student who originally envisioned Sheltered Reality engaging in a mission project in west Nashville. Lexie is a three-year participant in Sheltered Reality's Nashville Mission Projects!
For the past three years, Sheltered Reality has sponsored a week of mission work at 61st Ave UMC in west Nashville. This year all sixteen (+/-) participants stayed in the Frech's home in Murfreesboro for a week...what a fantastic time of Christian fellowship! The purpose of each years mission project was to support the summer youth program at 61st Ave UMC as well as complete a variety of tasks/improvements that were geared toward the skill set of the project team. This year, the church's "teen" room got a face lift. The floor was replaced with industrial grade Vinyl Composite Tile, walls were painted, ceiling fan/light were installed, and a 32 LCD TV and DVD player were installed. Along with this teen room makeover, picnic tables were stained/sealed, church vestibule was painted, and various cleaning projects were completed. Most importantly, the project team invested time in the lives of those youth - - some prepared lunches, while others facilitated activities.

Over 1,200 United Methodist men meet in Nashville
Electrical storm leaves men in dark, but not without power

NASHVILLE, Tenn.––Over 1,200 men met at Belmont University, site of the 2008 Presidential Debate, for the July 10-12 event that included lectures, workshops, seminars, work projects, entertainment and a blown transformer.

A late-night July 11 lighting strike destroyed a city transformer leaving the Tenth National Gathering of United Methodist Men with no air conditioning and only emergency lighting for Saturday morning sessions.

A mobile transformer later restored the electrical power and men from nearly every state were provided with powerful new ways to reach men within and beyond their local congregations.

David Adams, staff executive of the Commission of United Methodist Men, visits with four men from Waverly First United Methodist Church

David Adams, top staff executive of the General Commission on United Methodist Men, concluded the three-day event by saying men might have been impacted by the loss of a transformer, but their lives had been “transformed” by the gathering.
A first for Nashville
The Tenth National Gathering marked the first time the quadrennial event had met at a site other than Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. Fewer men attended the Nashville event than preceding Purdue events, but meeting organizers attributed that to the economy and not to the change in venue.

The gathering focused on three relationships, God to man, man to man, and man to boy. Chicago Area Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, Dr. Patrick Morley, chief executive officer of Man in the Mirror ministries, and the Rev. Kevass Harding, pastor of Dellrose United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kan., addressed these relationships under the conference theme of “Focus on the Cross.” Retired Bishop William Morris served as preacher for the concluding Sunday morning worship service.

Vince Gill, talented performer is also involved in urging men to become mentors
The event included a Saturday evening concert by Vince Gill, a two-time winner of Country Music Association’s “Entertainer of the Year Award.” Other guest artists included Paul Saik and Steve Hornbeak, Nashville recording artists; Richard Alegria, an organist from Texas; Sheltered reality, a 19-member group of young choreographed drummers, the Mighty Male Chorus from New Jersey, and Brad Stine, a comedian who served as emcee of the event.


Fire Destroys Historic Bethlehem United Methodist Church Building but not the spirit of the people

On Wednesday evening, July15th, into the morning of Thursday, July 16th, historic Bethlehem United Methodist Church burned to the ground after a bolt of lightning hit the church’s steeple and the steeple exploded into flame. Pastor Matt Kelley, who was in Costa Rica on a Volunteer in Mission trip when the incident happened, was notified almost immediately and arranged to fly back quickly to be with his congregation.

Lightning strike causes historic Bethlehem Church to burn. Photo by Matt Kelley.

For some families the church had been part of the family for generations, and it was fitting that in an outdoor worship service on Sunday, July 19th, the event was treated as the burial of a family member or funeral service for a close friend. “The church is the people,” noted Kelley, “but the building was a beloved family member.” Kelley adapted part of the funeral liturgy from the Book of Worship and combined it with part of the liturgy for taking leave of a building.

Over 150 worshippers participated in the service—a service which reflected grief, spurred historic memories, brought forth the recollection of many sacred and personal events, but primarily resulted in the sharing of hope for a strong future.

Pastor Matt Kelley prayers before the “Wailing Wall.” Photo by Beth Liggett Cogbill/The Leaf-Chronicle. Used by permission.

Among the worshippers were Dr. Ron Lowery, District Superintendent for the Clarksville District, Rev. Roger Hobson, Executive Assistant to Bishop Richard Wills, and Rev. Jason Brock, representing the Conference Council on Ministries.

A special visual and emotional focus was a “Wailing Wall” created from bricks that had been part of a collapsed chimney. During prayer time persons were urged to write down prayers and these were placed in the cracks of the wall—reminiscent of the use of Jerusalem’s historic “Wailing Wall.”

The serving of Holy Communion focused everyone on Christ’s presence at the church-- as present as he had been for the church’s 110 years, and as present as he would be as the congregation faces the future with hope.

Pastor Kelley reflected on the fire. “There were so many irreplaceable things we lost in the fire that I can't even begin to list them. One small grace is that I didn't have an office in the church, so the only things I personally lost were my vestments. They were nice, but were all replaceable.”

Melted plastic hangers provided shield for pectoral cross. Photo by Matt Kelley.

“All of them, that is, except the pectoral cross my wife Jessica purchased for me in England a few years ago. It was of tremendous sentimental value to me and I was heartbroken that I lost it.”

“Even though we technically weren't supposed to, some of us started combing through the rubble. I went over to the area where the closet with my vestments had been located. Digging around I discovered a half burned pile of cloths that I realized had been my robes and stoles. With the burned cloth there was a large hunk of plastic that had been the hangers on which the vestments hung.

“And in the middle of that hunk of melted plastic was the cross. It turned out that the plastic formed a protective casing around the cross, so the damage to it was minimal. I wore it Sunday during the service, stains and all, and then I'll take it to a jewelry shop to get it cleaned up.”

Friends, neighbors, former members of the church may want to contribute to the church’s building fund. Contributions can be sent to the Bethlehem United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 3155, Clarksville, TN 37043, or online through PayPal account on the Bethlehem UMC website www.historicbethlehemumc.org


Bethlehem United Methodist Church --Serving Clarksville since 1836
composed by Charles Waters- Church Historian. Photo by Matt Kelley.

Bethlehem United Methodist Church is built on one of the oldest church sites in Montgomery County. However, the exact date of its organization and construction is not recorded. The Methodist Church in America was organized in Baltimore in 1784, the same year Clarksville was settled, and it is believed the first settlers came into this region where Bethlehem is located in 1796.

On September 2, 1836, William Dunlap deeded to the trustees "land on which Bethlehem Church is located," making it obvious that the church was here before that date.

The first date recorded in the Tennessee Conference archives is 1842. That year the church was listed on the Asbury Circuit, one of twelve churches supplied by the same circuit rider. The first building was a log structure approximately 20 x 24 feet located just to the left of the present sanctuary.

By 1897 T.W. Noland was pastor of Bethlehem and Forest Street churches, a two-point charge. In 1897 Forest Street was built, and the original sanctuary is still being used. Two years later, in 1899, under Noland's leadership, Bethlehem was built. The likeness of the two sanctuaries attests to the fact that the same plans were used in the buildings, except that Bethlehem has two spires.

Bethlehem survived the Civil War and in the years since its construction has been kept up-to-date, with the addition of Sunday School rooms, a kitchen and bathrooms, electricity, Central heating and cooling, insulation, memorial stained glass windows, and cathedral Lanterns, making it one of the most beautiful small churches in the area.

Bethlehem has grown from a circuit of twelve churches to one of five points in 1906, two points in 1948, to its present designation as a “station.”


One of America’s Great Festivals—“Native Moccasins Rock”—Camp Lake Benson, Bon Aqua, August 14-15-16

And they say there are no "Indians" alive! Featured is the cast of a play from the Tullahoma Powwow in 2004.

Native Moccasins Rock is sponsored by the Committee on Native American Ministries of the Tennessee Annual Conference and is an acclaimed annual gathering which explores Native American culture and spirituality. It is held at Camp Lake Benson, Bon Aqua, Tennessee (just west of Nashville). Registrations are still open. To register or obtain further information contact Mary T Newman at 329-1177 or email mtnewman@tnumc.org

Adults, youth, children are all welcome to participate in this retreat/festival and learn from Native American artists, speakers, performers and leaders.


Warmth in Winter Youth Ministries Event for 2010 to make exciting move to Murfreesboro

Embassy Suites Hotel, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Mark your calendars now for January 29-31, 2010. Warmth in Winter 2010 will be kicking off its 28th year in a new location, the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Murfreesboro. This beautiful and modern facility was completed in September 2008 and provides opportunity for Warmth in Winter to grow while providing an environment of comfort at affordable prices. The hotel is conveniently connected to its 80,000-square-foot conference center, easily accommodating the largest events and most intimate meetings.

Check out this Embassy Suites facility at www.embassysuitemurfreesboro.com or stop by and see it in person. Coming from Nashville on Interstate 24 take exit 76 for Medical Center Parkway/Manson Pike. Turn left at Manson Pike/Medical Center Parkway. You’ll go about a half mile and make a right at Old Gresham Lane. You’ll be heading directly to the Hotel and Conference Center, 1200 Conference Center Blvd., Murfreesboro, TN 37129.

Warmth and Winter has booked a block of 250 room that you and your group can utilize for the weekend. Youth leaders will want to call as soon as possible and reserve their block. The Embassy rooms are arranged with two queen size beds and a queen sleeper sofa which will allow you to sleep as many as six people per room. Call Kimberly McDaniel at 615-890-4464, ext. 2014, and let her know that you are calling to reserve your block of rooms for Warmth in Winter. At $139 per room per night and a full breakfast for each of your guests, you will want to be sure to stay at the Embassy.

The design team is excited to announce the speaker and the worship band for the weekend. We are blessed to have as our speaker this year Rev. Brenda Salter-McNeil of Chicago, Illinois. The worship band for the weekend is Pocket Full of Rocks. You can find them on the web at www.pocketfullofrocks.com. They were nominated for a Dove Award as a candidate for Praise and Worship Album of the Year. We are excited to have both of these nationally renowned presenters joining us for Warmth In Winter 2010.

The design team will continue to work to prepare for this wonderful worship event but they need your help. Come and join them on Saturday, September 26th at 9 am at the Tennessee Conference office. The youth chairs for the event will be Elizabeth Williams of Hendersonville First and Kyle Guth of Sparta First. Call Brad Fiscus for further information at 615-327-1533.

Brad Fiscus, Conference Director of Young People’s Ministries, is excited about Warmth In Winter 2010. He says, “ Warmth 2010 is going to an exciting time for many reasons. A new venue, a great theme, an exciting speaker, a passionate praise and worship band, and a few thousand youth and adults together worshipping God. We have already begun planning for the event and can’t wait for it to get here. Please join us, you won’t want to miss it!”


Jordan-Lake's Novel “Blue Hole Back Home” wins 2009 Christy Award
By Audra Jennings
(Editor’s note: Author Joy Jordan-Lake is a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Franklin)

Publisher David C Cook is pleased to announce that author Joy Jordan-Lake has received 2009 Christy Award for excellence in Christian Fiction. The award was presented on July 11, 2009 at the tenth annual Christy Awards presentation preceding this year's International Christian Retailers Show in Denver, Colorado. Jordan-Lake's Blue Hole Back Home took home honors in the First Novel category.

Every year, The Christy Award invites publishers to submit novels written from a Christian worldview and copyrighted in the year preceding the awards. Each novel is entered in one of several genre categories and/or the first novel category. The novels are then read and evaluated against a ten-point criteria by a panel of seven judges composed of librarians, reviewers, academicians, literary critics, and other qualified readers, none of whom have a direct affiliation with a publishing company. David C Cook received three nominations this year across two categories.

Blue Hole Back Home tells the story of the summer of 1979 when 15-year-old Turtle hung in a mangy pack with her brother, his friends, a couple of dogs, and the New Girl-the one with the deeply colored skin whose father prayed on a rug facing East. That was the summer hearts and minds-and lives-changed forever in a small Appalachian mountain town. The novel is a burning story of racial hatred, cowardice, faith and redemption. Jordan-Lake explores the innocence of a young friendship and the prejudice that will tear it apart.

Blue Hole Back Home, according to author Joy Jordan-Lake, is based loosely on some actual incidents of racial violence, most of which took place in TN: a cross-burning and threatening of a Sri Lankan family on Signal Mountain outside Chattanooga; the brutal shooting critically injuring five African-American women in downtown Chattanooga in 1980, after which two of the young men involved were completely acquitted by an all-white jury and the third was sentenced to only nine months; the turmoil in Chattanooga that followed; the slaying in Mississippi of Civil Rights activist Medgar Evers by Byron DeLaBeckwith. DeLaBeckwith, in fact, was acquitted in the 1960s by an all-white jury and spent the next three decades living in my own Tennessee hometown, Signal Mountain, until the assassination was brought again to trial.”

“The novel is being picked up by universities, high schools and middle schools as a Common Book, as a classroom text and as summer reading,” notes Jordan-Lake. “Baylor Univ., for instance, is using it as the Common Book for all incoming freshmen this fall, and hopes the book will assist in students being willing to speak openly about diversity issues in our post-Civil Rights era.”

Author Joy Jordan-Lake is also the author of Grit & Grace: Portraits of a Woman's Life (Harold Shaw); Whitewashing Uncle Tom's Cabin (Vanderbilt University Press); Working Families (WaterBrook Press), and Why Jesus Makes Me Nervous (Paraclete Press).


LaVergne First UMC Celebrates First Sunday In New Sanctuary July 19th
By Galen Medlin*

Excitement was high as the congregation of LaVergne First marched in procession from their old sanctuary into a newly constructed sanctuary with seating for over 325. Both early and late services were combined for the celebration with a total 285 people in attendance. Before the carpet had been installed in the new sanctuary the congregation had written their favorite scriptures on the subfloor. A special piece of music entitled “On God’s Word We Stand”, was written by Patrice Villines and Tim Hayden, Music director for LaVergne First, and presented by the church choir to commemorate the event. Under the leadership of Pastor Buddy Royston the LaVergne First continues to experience rapid growth. Five new members chose to join the church on first Sunday in the new sanctuary.

A formal consecration service for the new sanctuary is planned for early fall.

*Galen Medlin is Lay Leader, LaVergne First United Methodist Church

Angels: Commentary by the Dr. Ted Hill, M.D.

I chose this title because I thought it would get your attention. I am really not sure about angels. I mean, I really don't consider or think much about the existence of these heavenly or hellish beings for that matter. I know the scriptures mentions them and I certainly believe the scriptures and I need to make it perfectly clear, I do believe in God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I literally confess this each Sunday of my life with the liturgy of my church service. I guess that my personal experience is that I have not encountered these other "beings" in my lifetime enough to recognize their role in the greater scheme of things.

Recently, however, I did have an experience that I hesitate to share because of the risk of seeming irrational or overcome by the emotion of the moment but it certainly was a realistic experience for me at the time and reflecting on it serves a purpose for me to affirm it and perhaps it can inform so maybe the sharing will be worthwhile.

It was the occasion of my ordination as a clergy member of the Tennessee Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.

A stole, officially indicating his status as Deacon, is placed across Dr. Ted Hill’s shoulder

I have been involved in the process leading toward this final step for 14 years. It started with a search for a deeper relationship for me with God during the midst of the most trying time of my life. It began with a 2 year journey in the Academy for Spiritual Formation that led to my Certification in Spiritual Formation in the UMC. I was not finished. I began to explore the role of being a Deacon in the UMC which is a clergy position that is ordained to preach and teach and serve in special roles according to the calling of the individual. This led to Seminary and through the process of commissioning, a three year process of study and mentoring, small group experience and meeting standards required by the UMC. I had come to the final step of the process. Ordination, the time when the episcopacy of the church affirms you and your calling from God and lays hands on you in a time honored liturgical ceremony. There are many parts of this final liturgy but I will mention only those pertinent to this story. I was at the kneeling bench with the hands of 3 Bishops and others who had supported me on the way on my head. Some were not just touching; some were tightly gripping my head as if to say, "We really mean this, do you?" The first sentences were said. The next section to be said was a few more sentences and my eyes were closed in respect for what was happening and in prayer but for some reason, I opened my eyes to see an old Bible under my hands. I automatically placed my hands on the Bible but then had an "epiphany,” an enlightening experience.

The Bible now under my hands was my Dad's Bible! Or so I thought at the moment. It was old; it had a cloth cover that had long ago hardened with time. It was almost brittle. The pages were of that old paper type in old Bibles and yellowed from age. It looked JUST LIKE MY DAD'S OLD BIBLE I HAD AT HOME! I could not believe it!

My head (with all the heavy hands) began to turn as I nodded, "No, this can't be true! Someone pulled a fast one on me and brought my Dad's Bible from my study to bring to this most important moment a token of his 60 years of ministry as a minister in the church and to 'launch' my similar ministry as I followed his footsteps. What a great happening!" I was truly touched and overwhelmed. I could not stop saying to the Bishops "Thank You!" for what I thought just happened. What a blessed moment! It was only later as I saw the assistants to the Bishop using the same Bible for all the other candidates that I realized it had not been my Dad's Bible but one that resembled it and belonged to one of the assistants. Regardless of that, it had been an epiphany. I "felt" my Dad's and God's special presence and that does not require a logical explanation for me to report it as a reality.

In contrast to the good above, just yesterday I learned of the tragic death of a former patient of the Salvus Center. She had been referred to us by a local ER. She was sent there after passing out at work. Her blood count was dangerously low and was in part the reason she passed out. She was also extremely hypothyroid. That is, her body was not making enough thyroid hormone, an absolutely necessity that has profound effects on one's metabolism. Later, we were to find out she had a brain tumor that was responsible for the abnormal performance of her thyroid gland which is regulated by the part of the brain involved with the tumor. We worked for months to get her in "shape" for brain surgery to make all the necessary arrangements for a extremely expensive operation.

She came to the office time and again for orders for tests and referrals and we encouraged her to follow through with all the tedious details. She continued to work though she suffered with severe anemia, hypothyroidism, and a brain tumor. All the while she was a single mom trying to provide for a three year old. Finally, the day came and she had her surgery and it was a complete success, thanks be to God! She was better. Meanwhile, she had been qualified for TennCare, and we would no longer see her as a patient but she did not keep in touch. Then we heard the tragic news: her "boyfriend" had literally beaten her to death. There certainly can be no logic to this heinous event. There is evil, individual and systemic. Individual: how could anyone do this to her? Systemic, how can we live in a country of immense resource and not provide for the health needs of someone like her who tried so hard?

Angels perhaps. Evil undeniable.

If there can be any grace in this story is that there were angels in the flesh who were at work in her life, at least for a time. Angels at and associated with Salvus. Thanks be to you who provide for this ministry and God who someday will set all wrongs right and evil will be no more. So be it.

*Dr. Ted Hill, M.D., was ordained a Deacon in the United Methodist Church at the 2009 Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church