TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW October 30, 2009

Articles in this issue of THE REVIEW

1. Lois Banks Nunley Conference Center dedicated at Beersheba Springs United Methodist Assembly, Sunday, October 18, 2009


2. The David Bain Hawkins Memorial Golf Tournament, November 2-3, 2009


3. Palmyra United Methodist October Revival provided new ways to Re-Think Church,


4. Happy 25 th Anniversary Community Care Fellowship


5. Brief History of the Community Care Fellowship


6. Remembering by the Rev. Jerry Hilton


7. Thanks to those who plant by the Rev. Pat Freudenthal


8. Health Plan Committee Selects new Third Party Administrator (TPA) by Jim Allen


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Lois Banks Nunley Conference Center dedicated at Beersheba Springs United Methodist Assembly, Sunday, October 18, 2009

Mrs. Lois Banks Nunley




Brick Row at the Beersheba Springs Assembly has been an aging collection of guest rooms with sagging floors and walls as well as some serious structural problems. Thanks to a gift from the will of Lois Banks Nunley, Brick Row has been gutted and transformed into a Conference Room and three updated guest rooms. The Conference Center has been named in honor of Lois Banks Nunley. Three remodeled guest rooms and the Conference Room were named after Bishops who have been elected from the Tennessee Annual Conference.

Interior of the new conference room

The newly rebuilt Brick Row also contains a nursery with a bathroom and kitchen, as well as a kitchen attached to the Conference Room. The Conference Room has been designed so it can be divided to serve as two Conference Rooms. Each conference room will have conference tables with desk chairs and will seat 10 or 12 persons, or when used as a single meeting space, will be able to seat 20. The new layout will be great for cabinet, church staff, and other executive type meetings.

Five bishops who were elected to the episcopacy from the Tennessee Conference. From left to right: Joe Pennel, Roy C. Clark, Robert H. Spain, James R. King, and William W. Morris.

Lois Banks Nunley, before her death, was an active layperson in Ivy Bluff United Methodist Church, and because of her great love for the church her gift was presented to Beersheba Springs Assembly.

The Bishops rooms are available Sunday through Thursday nights for clergy and other professional church workers to use as personal retreat space for a nominal charge. The kitchen is available for their use as well.

Mrs. Evelyn Casey (right), niece of Lois Banks Nunley, was present for the dedication along with family.

The Service of Dedication of the Lois Banks Nunley Conference Center, was held on Sunday afternoon, October 18, 2:00 p.m. The remodeled guest rooms were dedicated in honor of Bishop Roy C. Clark, Bishop Robert H. Spain, and Bishop Joe Pennel. A forth guest room at the front of the old hotel has been dedicated to Bishop William W. Morris. The Conference room was dedicated in honor of Bishop James R. King. All five bishops were ministers within the Tennessee Annual Conference when they were elected to the episcopacy, and all five were present on the mountain for the dedication.

Camping director the Rev. Dickie Hinton shared that he was a young person at Beersheba when he received his call to ministry.

The immense value of the Beersheba Springs Assembly was quite obvious as visitors came for the dedication of the Conference Center. Arriving guests witnessed the ending moments of Belmont United Methodist Church’s 31st annual family retreat at Beersheba with over 214 participants (50 children, 21 youth, 143 adults). The temperature was below freezing for much of the weekend but the Belmont families obviously had a rich and enjoyable time.

Leading the Service of Dedication were the Reverend Bud Alexander, chairperson of the Tennessee Conference Committee on Camp and Retreat Ministers; The Rev. Loyd Mabry, Director of Conference Connectional Ministries; The Rev. Dickie Hinton, Director of Tennessee Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries; and the Rev. Bob Case. Bishop William Morris officiated in the Act of Dedication, substituting for Bishop Richard J. Wills who is recovering from rather recent back surgery.

Part of the crowd at the Conference Center dedication.

Each Bishop reflected on early visits to Beersheba Springs Assembly. Bishop Joe Pennel was called to Beersheba for a meeting that would require staying overnight. Pennel phoned the Assembly to book a room and was informed, “Oh, you have a room with a chamber pot” – as if he would be spending the night in a high tech facility.

Bishop Clark was the preacher for a summer Bible Conference with Bishop Roy Short as the Bible teacher. Bishop King recalled an early morning experience at Beersheba as he faced a group of campers at the edge of the quadrangle. It looked like everyone had rushed to get there and most had hair that was unruly and wet—the result of VERY recent showers. King looked over the crowd and greeted them with the words, “Good morning beautiful people.” This was the first time he used what has since become a James King signature greeting.

Removing, preserving, and re-installing the bricks on “Brick Row” was essential. The bricks were made by slaves and go back well before the Civil war—part of the amazing history of Beersheba Springs Assembly.

Dickie Hinton pointed out that the new facilities were designed for spiritual retreats of individual clergy or small groups of clergy, as well as for staff retreats for local church leadership. It is a place where all can find rest and renewal. Special thanks were also offered to four congregations for providing funding to the remodeling of individual rooms: Belle Meade, Belmont, Brentwood, and West End United Methodist Churches.

The David Bain Hawkins Memorial Golf Tournament, November 2-3, 2009

This great event sponsored by the Nashville Area Foundation and Beersheba Springs Assembly not only provides an opportunity for clergy and laity to enjoy great golf, and spend a night of renewal at beautiful Beersheba Springs Assembly, but it honors the late David Hawkins and his passion for the church’s mission outreach.

The golf tournament will be held at Willowbrook Golf Course in Morrison and at Collins River Golf Course in McMinnville. The first day, Monday, November 2nd, golfers will gather at Willowbrook with tee time at 12:00 noon for an afternoon of golf. At 6:00 p.m. there will be a relaxing supper at Beersheba Springs Assembly with plenty of fellowship. The overnight will be spent at the Assembly.

On Tuesday, November 3rd, there will be breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and the golfing begins at 9:00 a.m. at Collins River. The tournament concludes with lunch at Collins River at 1:30 p.m. with departure for home set for 2:15 p.m.

Cost for the golfers “dream” will be $125.00 per person for both days with a double room, and $155.00 per person for both days with a single room. Special pricing on partial plans is also available by contacting Beersheba Springs Assembly at 931-692-3669.

To register for the golf tournament you can call Beersheba Assembly or e-mail the Assembly at tnumcamps@tnumc.org

All participants are asked to bring a donation for the David Bain Hawkins Mission Scholarship Fund which is administered through Charlotte-Fagan United Methodist Church. Checks should be made out to the Tennessee Conference.

On mission in Mexico: David Hawkins (left) with Nashville District Superintendent John Collett, and Miriam’s Promise Director Deborah Robinson


David Hawkins participated in numerous Volunteer in Mission trips as a pastor, and continued with his interest in missions after he was named Director of Administrative Services for the Tennessee Conference. In a final sermon delivered at Charlotte-Fagan UMC shortly before his unexpected death Hawkins preached about his own experience of transformation through the Holy Spirit when one goes on a mission trip. He gave examples from his own life and at the end of the service, as persons exited from the church, a member of the congregation indicated a strong desire to go on a mission trip. She followed through with her intention by organizing a mission trip to Slidell, Louisiana, to do Katrina Recovery work in March, 2008.

On Sunday evening, October 4, 2009, David Hawkins’ wife, the Rev. Melisa Derseweh, met Pastor Juan and his wife Maria from Amatitan, Nicaragua, where David went on more than one mission trip while serving Lawrenceburg First UMC. Through an interpreter Pastor Juan told her that he loved her because he had loved David and David had loved him. He told her about David working construction during the day and preaching, teaching, singing and being with the adults and children of the village at night during his mission trips among them. Pastor Juan reminded us all in his sermon that our true citizenship is in heaven.

So far the David Bain Hawkins scholarships have been awarded for mission projects involving Katrina Recovery, Mexico, and Nicaragua. Applications are available by contacting the Charlotte-Fagan United Methodist Church, 3158 Vanleer Highway Charlotte, TN 37036. 615-789-5194.


Palmyra United Methodist October Revival provided new ways to Re-Think Church

 

 Palmyra United Methodist Church

Storytellers and historians within Palmyra United Methodist Church enjoy sharing the dramatic history of the Palmyra community. At a time, particularly before the American Civil War, Palmyra was both a rail hub and river port. It was also in an area where iron ore was discovered and mined—and the landscape still shows holes where iron ore was removed from the earth. Not all the holes are from iron mining, however, the storytellers will say with a smile. The creation of moonshine forced some entrepreneurs to hide their work with holes dug in the earth and made to look like mine holes.

The first night crowd begins to assemble in the sanctuary.

Palmyra’s prominence at the time of the Civil War meant that the obvious was likely to happen. The community hosted retreating Confederate Forces and provided such assistance as they could with food and medical help. The advancing Union Army not only knew of the support for Confederate Forces but knew that destroying Palmyra would destroy a crucial southern supply route—and they burned the community to the ground.

In October of 2009 it was obvious that Palmyra had recovered, and the Palmyra United Methodist Church was looking for ways to reach out more strongly to the community. In a four-night Revival built on the theme “Re-think” church it was obvious that church growth was on the hearts and minds of Revival participants.

The offering for the first night, laundry and cleaning supplies for the Community Care Fellowship

On the first night, October 11th,. Rev. Pat Freudenthal, Executive Director of the Community Care Fellowship in Nashville, taught us that we tend to ignore the presence of our nearest neighbors... not those over the back fence so much, but those who have no clothes, no home, no bed, and wonder where their next meal is coming from. Jesus taught us to care for the 'least of these', and taught us such with no caveat of entitlement or statements like "they should just go and get a job...". Re:Think church - who are our neighbors?

The first night of the revival included the Rayson family singers, the first time the Revs. Amy and Mike Rayson have performed publicly with their children.

The second night. Rev. Joel Nulty took the story of the church meeting together in Acts, and had us think through the possibilities of sharing all we have with each other. The church itself should have no walls. If we were missing a physical wall of the church, it might cause us to look outside. Re:Think church - what is our calling? Special music was provided by Tammy Mathews of Pleasant View UMC.

The Rev Donna Parramore, on the third night, went fishing with the congregation (metaphorically). When Jesus invites us to be fishers of men and women, we need to know what bait to put on the hook, where to fish, and when to cut the line. But if we sit on the bank and wave at the fish swimming by, then we are not fishing. Re:Think church - who has God called, through us? The Palmyra singers of Palmyra UMC provided special music for the service.

On the fourth and final night. Rev Mike Rayson took the great commission and called us to be part of its great completion. The only thing that stops us all accepting the call of Jesus to be 'missionaries' in the world is our excuses. There is no place for "retirement", and no "baby sitting service" within the church - we are all called to be about the mission and ministry of God's kingdom. Re:Think church - where do we go from here? Special music by Randy Burnett (Loretta Lynn's guitarist)

District Superintendent Ron Lowery helped kick-off the revival: “Size doesn’t excuse us from making disciples!” . . . “My heart is with small churches because I come from a small church.”

Palmyra UMC experienced great attendance at our fall revival - with numbers exceeding normal church attendance each Sunday. In the words of Pat Freudenthal "God is getting ready to bust loose at Palmyra". Though a small country community church, the congregation has an enormous vision to reach out as a community of faith, in the name of Jesus, into the town and county. With hard work, and God's help, the sky is the limit!



Happy 25th Anniversary Community Care Fellowship


Jerry Hilton, retired UMC minister serving as CCF Administrative Coordinator, and Pat Freudenthal, CCF Executive Director, go through the schedule for the 25th Anniversary program with Mike Terry. Terry, radio station 650AM WSM, served as master of ceremonies for the evening.

Since 1984 Community Care Fellowship has been dedicated to serving those persons in Nashville Tennessee, who find themselves without the means to provide the basic needs of life --- a place to live, food to eat, a place to take a bath, a place to wash the one or two changes of clothes typically owned by a homeless person, a place to rest from the elements and pressures of living on the street.

In the following three articles plus photos from the 25th Anniversary banquet, aptly called “25 and Counting,” Brentwood United Methodist Church, Thursday, September 24, 2009, we will try to share the history and philosophy of an agency dedicated to reaching out beyond the walls of the church to persons in desperate need. Because of the recent downturn in the economy Community Care Fellowship is also faced with expanded demands on its services and a large increase in the number of women and children requiring those services. Located in a zip code with a high crime rate, and across the street from the James A. Cayce homes, the Community Care Fellowship ministry has never been more important. If you or your church would like to explore opportunities to provide service as volunteers, you can contact Community Care Fellowship, 511 South 8th Street, P.O. Box 60068, Nashville, Tn 37206. Phone: 615-227-1953; emai,l Ccf511@bellsouth.net; website, www.ccf-ministry.org

25 and Counting. LtoR Student Intern Katie Pearce, Dare to Dream teachers Jessica Pantino and LaTara Holt.

Volunteers help CCF communicate the love of Jesus Christ by greeting, signing in, and providing much needed services to those who enter its doors each morning. The days and hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Reception and Hygiene Volunteers are Needed: Morning Hours: 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Afternoon Hours: 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. For information about volunteering in reception and hygiene area call: Vaughn Horner, 615-297-3142.

Kitchen Volunteers minister love through the preparation and service of food. Lunch is served four days each week: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Volunteers help the regular kitchen staff prepare and serve food. Kitchen Volunteers are Needed Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 Noon until 2:00 p.m. For information about kitchen volunteers call: Rev. Pat Freudenthal, 615-227-1953 or E-mail: ccf511@bellsouth.net



Brief History of the Community Care Fellowship
From the Community Care Website

The Seeds of what became Community Care Fellowship were planted at McKendree United Methodist Church under the leadership of Rock Hardaway and Ken Powers early in the 1980s

Community Care Fellowship opened in 1984 as a program unit of United Methodist Urban Ministries under the guidance of Jerry Hilton, Executive Director. Ken and Carol Powers were its first staff members....thus it became quickly know as Ken and Carol's Place. Now twenty-four years later it is still known on the street that way.

The youth group from Hermitage United Methodist Church helped with food service during the 25th Anniversary Banquet

 In the mid-eighties the redevelopment of Lower Broadway and the Riverfront began to put pressure on the homeless to leave downtown. The migration east across the Shelby St. Bridge was beginning. The building lease on the property at 114 Fourth Ave., which was two doors north of the present day Schemerhorn Concert Hall, was due to expire in 1987. A search for a new home began.

The search for a location near downtown found no buildings available. A donor offered a dollar for dollar match grant to begin the fund raising effort to build our own building. Fund raising began but no property was available. Nancy Webb Kelly UMC, under the leadership of pastor Shug McBay and lay leaders Bill and Jeanette Underwood. offered a lot on their property for building. The plans for the new building were completed by Chris McGill Associates at an estimated cost of $250,000.00. The fund raising stalled at $30,000.00 short of the goal. Tom Ritter, a friend of the ministry, made an interest free loan for the remainder of the cost and the building began. It was completed and opened in the Spring of 1989.

What’s a 25th Anniversary celebration without great food?

The first ten years in the new building saw a number of changes in the way services were provided to the homeless population and to the neighborhood. One thing that remained a constant was trying to serve the hunger needs of the area. By 1999 it was apparent that the small original kitchen could not provide for the increase in number of people being fed. The Cal Turner Family Foundation provided a generous gift of $100,000.00 which was used to renovate the kitchen area and install a commercial kitchen. Not long after the kitchen renovation a careful look at the future needs of the ministry of CCF and Nancy Webb Kelly UMC was undertaken . The result was a decision to enter into a capital campaign under the leadership of Don Williams that would raise funds to add space to both buildings and renovate most of the area. The result is a building that will enable more services for the foreseeable future.

Remembering
By Jerry Hilton
From the Community Care Fellowship Journal, Vo. 25, Issue 3, July-Sept. 2009

Toi King, Assistant Director, began with CCF in October 2007.

As we have reached the twenty-fifth celebration of Community Care Fellowship, I have a difficult time accepting the fact that it was one quarter of a century ago that the doors opened for the first time. To me it still seems like only a short time ago that the decade of the 80’s dawned and we began to recognize the growing number of “street people” as a real concern for Nashville. I remember very clearly participating in the first meeting where Rusty Lawrence, Director of the Council of Community Services, Bill Monnyhan, Director of Metro Social Services, Bob Horton from the Mayor’s Office and others began to discuss this growing issue. These meetings continued over the coming months and eventually became the Nashville Committee on the Homeless.

Bruce Long, Hermitage UMC, a member of the CCF Board of Directors, shares information about financial giving.

It was during this time that McKendree UMC along with other down-town churches tried to meet the growing number of homeless people at their doors. Billy Craighead and Rock Hardaway were appointed as the clergy staff in 1981 and soon after began to invite the homeless in to share in the Thursday Noon meal. It was there that Ken Powers fell under the influence of Rock’s compassionate spirit for the “down and out.” Rock knew that the resources of one church could not begin to meet the needs he saw and that the beginning commitment he saw in Ken for those he met with each Thursday needed a broader arena to grow. It was at that point that Rock called me and Ken to come to meet with him. Rock was gallantly fighting his losing battle with cancer. He was still trying to carry on some of his staff responsibilities from home. He contended that as Director of United Methodist Urban Ministries I should bring Ken on staff as an advocate for the homeless.

As had become my custom over the years, I quickly recognized the wisdom of Rock’s suggestions. Ken became a member of our staff and soon relieved me of some of the responsibilities of keeping up with all the activities which were going on with the Committee on the Homeless. It was not long after trying the ministry to the homeless on the street that Ken came to the conclusion that we would have to have a place where we could meet some of the basic needs of those who lived on the streets. Twenty-five years later we are still trying to live out that conclusion.

I count it as a very special grace from God to have shared in the struggles, joys and blessings of these two special friends. I also count it as a special blessing, and in some ways a sacred responsibility to still be around to participate in their dreams.

Thanks for those who plant
By Pat Freudenthal
From the Community Care Fellowship Journal, Vo. 25, Issue 3, July-Sept. 2009

25 and Counting, Let the banquet begin. Theme of the

evening could easily be stated “ALL are welcome at God’s Table.”

“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” ——Nelson Henderson

The above quote was shared with me recently by a close friend. After reading it several times I began to wonder what kind of trees I tend to plant. Do I plant trees that provide shade and rest for people or are my trees so full of judgment that not even the smallest of creatures can find comfort? Do the trees I plant with people last or do they wither away after only one season? And the one question that really causes me to stop in my tracks is – why do I plant trees? Do I plant trees so that people will say something nice about me or do I plant trees to give honor to the Creator of all trees?

At Community Care Fellowship we plant trees. Our ministry is one giant tree under which we offer dignity and personhood to our guests. The meals, showers, laundry and other services are just means to that end. Our goal is to offer to each man, woman, and child shade from the arduous journey caused by poverty. Our mission is to make sure that our guests know that Jesus the Christ loves them and wants them more than they can imagine. Our prayer is that each person will leave CCF with an acorn of hope that someday will grow into a mighty oak that offers shade to other pilgrims on the journey.

Recounting history can be boring. The history of Community Care Fellowship is ANYthing but boring.

The work of CCF is not always easy and does not always offer reward. It is not easy to plant trees in soil that is not cultivated. It is not easy to be in community with people whose values we do not share. It is difficult to be peaceful when lives are invaded by the violence of the streets. Yet, we continue to plant trees. We trust that our Lord can use our imperfect efforts to provide shade for others long after we are gone. We may not get to enjoy the shade today, but we are grateful for those who planted trees before us and rejoice that God always provides for us.

The evening concluded with prayer, and the start of the next 25 years.

So, the next time you see a tree please send up a silent prayer for us. Say a prayer of thanksgiving for those who planted the tree we call Community Care Fellow-ship twenty-five years ago. May God give us the strength to continue planting trees in the name and honor of our loving Lord.




Health Plan Committee Selects new Third Party Administrator (TPA)
By James R. Allen*

Mercer, who has served as our TPA for a number of years, is getting out of the TPA business effective January 1, 2010. For a number of months, we have been moving toward a decision on who will be our TPA beginning in January.

UMR was selected at the recent meeting of the conference’s Health Plan Committee. UMR is a wholly-owned subsidiary of insurance company United Healthcare, and will perform the claim and administrative services currently provided by Mercer. This will also allow us to utilize United Healthcare’s national medical provider network (PPO), replacing Signature and Tennessee Healthcare, the 2 local networks we now use in our 42 counties. A detailed study of our Participants’ doctor and hospital relationships shows that there should be very little disruption within the UMR network, as it contains most of the same providers as our current networks.

We will continue to use Caremark as our prescription drug provider. This means there will be no changes in the drugs covered by our plan. However, it may be necessary for some of our participants who are ordering on-line and receiving their prescriptions through the mail to re-register with Caremark in December so UMR and Caremark will have all necessary information for the transition effective January 1. Those affected will receive more information about that.

The regular deductible for medical services will begin January 1 as usual, and will not change. As a reminder, the Plan postponed the annual prescription deductible from July 1, 2009 to January 1, 2010. This $50 annual deductible, which will be applied to drug purchases after January 1, is unrelated to the change in TPA.

Our priorities in selecting providers and planning for this transition were (1) costs, (2) minimal disruption and confusion to our pastors, our participants, and our conference office. There will be a small increase in the Plan’s administrative costs (which are funded by apportionment contributions) which should be more than offset by the savings from being in a larger network. All participants will receive a replacement insurance card in December to use beginning January 1, but most will see no other substantive change.

*James R. Allen is Plan Administrator and Treasurer/Director, Administrative Services, Tennessee Conference of The United Methodist Church

TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW October 16, 2009

Articles in the October 16th edition of the REVIEW


1. The Rev. Tom Gildemeister appointed Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Candler School of Theology.
2. Trinity Church welcomes 64 New Members!, article with two captioned photos
3. Clark Memorial United Methodist Church Youth Mission Trip June 3-7, 2009
4. Time to Rethink Church—Grace UMC offers new worship experience, article with one uncaptioned graphic
5. I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it any longer!
6. Marshall County Laity Club awards scholarships
7. Lambuth Memorial UMC Initiates special arts ministry
8. And It Came To Pass” – time to schedule group visits to a special Exhibit of Nativity Scenes and Christmas Angels
9. Mission partnership to serve 500 young people
10. Transforming the Conference on Evangelism
11. Jenny Serves Double Anniversaries of Long Standing on 9-11-2009


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The Rev. Tom Gildemeister appointed Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Candler School of Theology

Thomas R. Gildemeister

On September 8, 2009, the Rev. Tom Gildemeister began a new chapter in his ministry as Director of Development and Alumni Relations for the Candler School of Theology. Gildemeister graduated magna cum laude from Candler in 1994 as a Woodruff Fellow. He is an ordained Elder in the Tennessee Annual Conference. Prior to his appointment to Candler Gildemeister served Christ United Methodist Church in Franklin, a congregation that nearly doubled in size from 500 to 950 members since he became Senior Pastor in 2001. He served as Chairperson of the Tennessee Conference Board of Higher Education and Ministry which provides campus ministries at seven university locations. He has also chaired the Continuing Education Committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry and is currently a member of the Nashville District Committee of Ordained Ministry.

As the new Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Gildemeister is responsible for building and nurturing relationships with graduates of the Candler School of Theology and its related programs. This includes the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of alumni for volunteer leadership and annual contributions intended for restricted and unrestricted use for operating capital, and endowed purposes. In addition, the Alumni Officer seeks to enhance and promote the school’s image and mission among its constituents and to provide resources and support for these relations.

Gildemeister, who is an honors graduate of the University of Virginia, is presently pursuing a D. Min. degree in pastoral psychotherapy from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Prior to beginning his student days at Candler and fulfilling his call to ministry, Tom Gildemeister worked as a political consultant and in real estate development.

Gildemeister has high hopes and expectations for his new appointment. “The most significant dimension of this ministry will be interfacing with other Elders and their congregations across our United Methodist Connection. Further with Candler’s singular commitment to developing future leaders for our United Methodist Church, I cannot think of a way that I could better contribute to the order of the church.”



Trinity Church welcomes 64 New Members!

New members, Sunday, October 4th

Trinity Church, the south campus of Brentwood United Methodist Church located in Spring Hill, welcomed 62 new members on Sunday, October 4th. When children are added, 109 people became part of the BUMC family. Trinity Church had its first public service on January 28, 2009 and averages over 200 people each Sunday.

A time of greeting

“We are so excited about this commitment of so many people. This is an affirmation of our ministry here and the desire to make a difference in the community,” said Campus Pastor Mack Strange. “These new members and the beginning of our small group time at 8:45 a.m. in mid-September, are all part of the evolution and the maturation of our campus here.” Trinity Church’s motivational focus for all its activities, outreach events, and worship services is *Christ *Compassion *Community *Hope *Fun! Trinity Church meets in the Longview Elementary School. Worship begins at 10am. Everyone is invited to attend.



Clark Memorial United Methodist Church Youth Mission Trip June 3-7, 2009

The Clark Memorial Mission team.

On Wednesday, June 3, 2009, 17 youth and 22 adults of Clark Memorial United Methodist Church departed Nashville, TN bound for a mission trip never to be forgotten.

Upon arrival in New Orleans, we were guided on a bus tour of the lower Ninth Ward. We witnessed first-hand the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. There were signs of rebuilding, including the area where Brad Pit is building homes. Four and a half years later, there is still a lot of damage, some of which may never be repaired.

After an emotional tour, we arrived at First Street, Peck, Wesley United Methodist Church. This church, originally known as First Street United Methodist Church, merged with Peck United Methodist and Wesley United Methodist Churches after the storm. Peck and Wesley United Methodist were badly damaged during Hurricane Katrina.

We were welcomed to New Orleans by Sabrina Short, Executive Director of The Fountain of Youth Foundation (FYF). FYF and the members of First Street , Peck, Wesley UMC, provided a welcome meal of jambalaya, chicken, salad, corn, and drink. After dinner we participated in the Wednesday bible study. Once our stomachs and spirits were fed, we were shown to our living quarters for the remainder of our visit to New Orleans.

The evening was topped off with an evening devotion and meal assignments for the week. Lights out at 11:00 pm.

Volunteers with Food Pantry Project

Thursday, June 4, 2009, we ate breakfast and received work assignments for the day. Long-term volunteers from United Saints of America and Ameri-Corps assisted in job assignments for the mission trip. There were jobs posted on the board and we were allowed to sign up to help at a particular job site. The assignments for the day were Peck United Methodist Church, Wesley United Methodist Church, The Angel Food Pantry, The New Orleans Animal Shelter, and painting a mural.

After all assignments were made, we loaded the vans and traveled to our respective work sites. At Peck UMC, Clark volunteers partnered with United Saints and Ameri-Corps to clear two lots. The grass was at least six feet tall and very thick. Many of us had our first experiences with machetes, rakes, lawn mowers, and weed eaters. At Wesley UMC, volunteers worked to clear one lot similar to the two lots at Peck UMC.

A group of volunteers assisted at the animal shelter, walking, feeding, and cleaning the animals and their cages. The volunteers at The Angel Food Pantry assisted workers of the Second Harvest Food Bank with preparing boxes of food for residents of New Orleans.

After five hours of working in the a very hot sun, we returned to First Street, Peck, Wesley UMC to shower and rest, and share time with the youth of FYF before a trip to the skating rink.

Friday, June 5, 2009, we awoke early, but not as energized as the day before. After a hearty breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and bacon, we received our job assignments and loaded the vans. The temperature on this day was a little more forgiving than the day before.

The Green Project, a recycling center for paint and building materials

Friday’s work assignments included, Peck UMC, mural painting, and The Green Project, a recycling center for paint and building materials.

After work and a shower, we all loaded the bus for a tour of Dillard University. We also toured other parts of New Orleans. Upon return to the church, we enjoyed a crawfish boil. For some, this was a first time experience.

Saturday, June 6, 2009, the last day of work. After breakfast, we load the vans to complete our job assignments for the week. The day’s assignments included Peck UMC, painting the mural, painting the apartments owned by First Street as well as painting at First Street UMC. This was a short work day which allowed for a ride on the Natchez, a tour of the French Quarter market, and a scavenger hunt for the youth to learn more about the French Quarter.

The Mural Project

Sunday, June 7, 2009, was the final day of our mission trip. After breakfast, morning devotion, clean up, and church service, we loaded the bus back to Nashville. This trip was very spiritual and inspiring to all who attended. The youth worked very hard each day, and enjoyed themselves so much that they want to return for another visit. Through our experiences on this trip we all witnessed God at work in and through us.


Time to Rethink Church—Grace UMC offers new worship experience

Grace UMC has started a new monthly lay-led Saturday night service. The service was initiated on September 19, 2009, by Grace lay leader Trey McCampbell, and if comments from worshippers are any indication, it was a very exciting service indeed.

Ablaze is a passionate, high-energy, interactive worship service. Worshippers experience God in a way that is real, personal, and exciting through music, scripture, testimony and personal messages! The Abaze service is held at Grace United Methodist Church, Mt. Juliet, 5:00 p.m. on the 3rd Saturday of each month.

The first ABLAZE service has come and gone, but we hope to feel the effects of it for some time.

Approximately 170 people came through those doors from all over the community and they left with a bright red “Welcome to the Real Joyful Noise / Ablaze at Grace” T-shirt, so the word is on the street!

It was a joy to hear people walking out saying, “I’ve never had so much fun at church,” and “I wish MY church had a service like this...”

Make no mistake, it was a lot of fun and the music was loud, but the HOLY SPIRIT was also clearly in the room. Jen Mulford delivered a message that sent people out with a renewed view of God, the God who answers by fire.

For more information about Ablaze visit:www.graceumc.net/ablaze



I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it any longer!
A reflection by Ted Hill, M.D.

“I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it any longer!” Anyone who is not in a coma can appreciate this saying in light of the health care debate that raged this past summer. There were those saying and acting this out all across the country and the media covered it with great glee – it sells news. Actually, the saying came about a number of years ago; so long ago I really don’t remember the context in which it was given but I do know there were people who identified with it and it became a watchword for anybody who was being taken advantage of and was fed up with the situation. A lot of people are apparently feeling that way these days about any number of issues and they have been speaking out about it in sometimes loud, vehement and even scary ways.

I’m not usually mad about much of anything these days. The bumps of life have taught me I do not do well with mad because I usually do more harm in the situation than help. I often have to go back, eat humble pie and apologize. But I do care. I do try to do something about the particular situation. I am emotionally invested. I have learned I do not know all there is to know about any one situation. I have learned it is better to listen and keep people guessing what you are thinking than to open your mouth and show yourself to be a fool.

I read a news blip recently from the American Society of Clinical Oncologists, an impressive sounding group, huh? It said, “there continues to be a profound divide in our nation between those with access to the improved results of our research efforts and those without access.” Part of what that means is that uninsured Americans are less likely to undergo cancer screenings, making them more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer and leading to increased mortality. A recent study reported that a 99% increase in cancer rates is expected for the minority population (a higher proportion of which are uninsured) by the year 200. These numbers are in contrast to the expected increase of only 31% non-Hispanic whites over the same time period. Just this past week, a Harvard study said there were not 18,000 but now it has been shown there are 45,000 people who die in the U.S. because of their lack of health care access.

This brings to mind a patient at Salvus. An African American male in his mid 50’s recently was seen at Salvus with what was suspected to be cancer. Through pain-staking efforts to get tests done, he was found to have a b-cell lymphoma which is treatable. His wife works nights at a local nursing home and earns little. He has been too ill to work at driving truck. We had to arrange for him to get a bone marrow biopsy and a lot of sophisticated blood tests in order to confirm the diagnosis and get his treatment underway. Thank God, his church people helped pay for some of the testing. He needed a PET scan ($1000) and did not have the money. Somebody at Salvus donated the down payment so he could get the scan and start his treatment. He had to get a port placed for the delivery of his drugs and payment had to be made for that too. I am proud to say that after weeks and months of tedious work, he is finally being treated. There is no doubt the statement from the cancer society is true.

At church, I recently taught a class on the return of the exiles from Babylon to the Promised Land of the Hebrews. One of the returning groups was led by a priest named Ezra. On his return, he could not get out of his mind the suffering his people endured because of the apostasy of their faith. He prayed a famous prayer of confession on their behalf in order to set them on a straight path for restoration. Ezra did not commit the sin he referred to. Yet he claimed it because it was a sin of the community, a communal sin if you will, and it needed confessing and forgiving just as much as anyone’s individual sin. I think we are in a similar situation these days—the days of “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it any longer?” Much of why we say this is because we think we are being denied our rights and privileges. When the God of history looks down on us who are so privileged crying about our “rights” I hope God does not say about us and our selfishness when so many who are suffering and have no voice to cry out, “God is as mad as hell and God will do something about it.” I hope we confess our communal sin of neglect of those in need. I hope God answers us as God did the woman caught in the act of adultery, “I don’t condemn you; BUT, go and sin no more.”
So be it.
Ted Hill, September 2009

*Dr. Ted Hill, M.D., is an ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church, and is founder and executive director of SALVAS, a medical service for the working poor.


Marshall County Laity Club awards scholarships.

The Marshall County Laity Club awarded three $1400 dollar scholarships at their bi-monthly meeting on September 28th.

To raise funds for those awards each of the six host churches was encouraged to donate the fellowship meal and the members of the club would donate the normal cost of the meal to their general fund.

At the September meeting at Chapel Hill UMC for the second year in a row there was a huge basket auction to top off the Scholarship fund. Over $1600 was raised at that one event. The largest basket was a Lil' Red Wagon full of Christmas items already wrapped for holiday gift giving. One of our own Marshall County pastors, Kimi Brown, had the winning bid for that treasure trove. Thanks to President Bruce Kimball and Treasurer Carol Williams this was another exciting night to see God move in a powerful way.

Rev Ray Hartman reporting


Lambuth Memorial UMC Initiates special arts ministry

Gene Martino, Jo Bell Livingston, and Dianne Boles respond to the audience’s standing ovation

Lambuth Memorial United Methodist Church, Gallatin, presented the first of a series of musical concerts as the congregation moves more heavily into arts ministry. The church is still the place where believers can experience the love of God through music and other art forms. People are enjoying music and the arts in their everyday lives now, more than ever. It is Lambuth’s goal that The Arts at Lambuth will accomplish the following: 1. Entertainment; 2. Outreach; and 3. Edification through varied styles of music, art, drama and lectures that will nurture the varied interest of the audience.
“An Evening of Music and Dining” was presented on Sunday evening, September 20th, featuring performances by former club/cabaret singer Jo Bell Livingson, and Lambuth Memorials opera-trained minister, the Rev. Eugene L. Martino, Jr. Vickie Pike performed a duet with Jo Bell Livingston on one number. Solo instrumental pieces and accompaniment for the singers was provided by professional organist and piano teacher Albert Dittes. The Lambuth Chancel Choir under the direction of Gary Stewart concluded the evening with a rousing version of One Voice with Livingston, Martino, and Dianne Boles singing as a trio.

The music for the evening was a rich and varied collection of opera classics, show tunes, and selections from major motion pictures.

Accompanist Albert Dittes

Livingston formed the popular 4-woman singing group “Eclipse” while she lived in Atlanta (named Musical Group of the Year for Two consecutive years by Atlanta Magazine) before moving to Gallatin with husband Heath Livingston. She has worked in numerous clubs and cabarets, as well as recording and touring nationally with several country singers. Just prior to coming to Tennessee she was producing and starring in “Red, Hot, and Cole,” a musical about the life of Cole Porter.

Martino is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church and has served in a variety of positions and churches in Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, Mississippi, Texas, and Germany. Gene has performed with a number of theatre and opera groups, both amateur and professional, in a wide variety of roles both in Europe and the U.S. Besides enjoying work as a pastor and singer, Gene also rides with the Freelancers Jousting Troop and is the reigning U.S. National Jousting Champion.

Albert Dittes started taking piano lessons during early grade school and added organ to his musical studies when he became a teenager. Besides being a professional musician he has also worked in journalism and public relations. He also teaches private piano lessons and has written three historical books.


“And It Came To Pass” – time to schedule group visits to a special Exhibit of Nativity Scenes and Christmas Angels

While Christmas has become a vastly secular holiday, Christians the world over rejoice at the birth of a child, over 2000 years ago, whom they believe to be the Christ. In an effort to capture the mystery of that holy night, the nativity scene or crèche has become an integral part of the Christians’ Christmas tradition.

One of the many nativity scenes to be exhibited at Tullahoma First UMC. Photo by Stephen Kohl

For the past five years First United Methodist Church in Tullahoma, Tennessee, has hosted an exhibit of nativity scenes and a multitude of Christmas angels. Over 500 of these keepsakes have rendered a display which has been enjoyed by hundreds of visitors from the community and surrounding areas.

Bathed in candlelight, fragranced by fresh evergreens, and reverberating with the echoes of harp strings, the event is more than a mere display-it is a sensory celebration of the Christmas season.

2009 Exhibit hours will be:

Saturday, December 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 6th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.,
Monday, December 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and
Tuesday, December 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m..

Tullahoma First United Methodist Church is located at 208 West Lauderdale Street, Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388

Mission partnership to serve 500 young people
By Tim Ghianni*
Sept. 8, 2009
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)

More than 500 young people are expected to converge on the city next summer to perform mission work, learn leadership skills and discover more about what it means to be United Methodists.

And they will be doing it all with the help of a multidenominational mission planning group looking to expand into Music City.

The seven-week Denominational Mission Experience to be held June 20 to Aug. 6 is the result of a partnership linking the Minneapolis-based YouthWorks with Young People’s Ministries, a division of the United Methodist Board of Discipleship.

“YouthWorks approached me about it,” Hank Hilliard, director of Young People’s Ministries, said of the organization that this summer helped send 35,000 junior high and high school students on mission trips in the United States Canada and Puerto Rico.

“They’ve never had a site in Nashville before,” Hilliard said. “Nashville offers a lot of opportunities for mission projects.”
Great opportunity
The youth and their leaders will come to Nashville throughout the summer – camp sessions will last from Sunday evening to Friday. In addition to performing mission tasks established by YouthWorks, participants will spend time with denominational staff, touring church facilities and worshipping together at the Upper Room.

Volunteers Karen Yokota (left) and Kenton Kuwada from Wesley United Methodist Church in San Jose, Calif., paint baseboards that will go in a new home in Abbeville, La., in this 2005 file photo. The volunteers were part of a group helping rebuild homes following Hurricane Rita. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose.

“I think it will be a great opportunity. One of the things we want this camp to accomplish is to have the groups have a sense that you are United Methodists; and you are a part of a movement that’s a lot bigger than ourselves,” Hilliard said.

If all goes as planned, from 70 to 80 United Methodist youth from different church groups will gather in Nashville weekly to be involved in projects throughout the area.

Teamwork as United Methodists will be stressed, as the young people will be put into a pool during the day “so youth will be working with other youth who are not in their (individual church) groups,” Hilliard said.

Bright future
“We’re in the process of lining that up now,” Hilliard said. “We are partnering with places who are already doing ministry and offering the opportunity for us to help strengthen what they are doing.”

If it is successful, the partnership could set the stage for a long-running summer missions program in Nashville, officials said.

“We are excited for this opportunity to really be an extension of what The United Methodist Church is striving to do, to get back to its roots, in serving itself and serving among its community,” said Louise Ward, YouthWorks vice president of marketing.

Early indications are positive, Hilliard said. Two youth groups signed up on Aug. 20, the first day of registration.

*Ghianni is a Nashville-based freelance writer for the Board of Discipleship.



Transforming the Conference on Evangelism

 Plenary sessions featured the Rev. Clint Thomas, pastor of Slowburn Church in Spring Hill.

Nearly 60 persons attended the 2009 Conference on Evangelism at Hillcrest United Methodist Church. Built on the theme “Same Message, Different World” the event explored the media rich world, and how it impacts sharing the Gospel. It also presented proven, practical methods for connecting people to the life-changing message of grace and love give to us through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

District Superintendent Ron Lowery shares his thoughts with one of the workshop groups.
Promotional material indicated that this year’s Conference on Evangelism was being transformed into a one-day event, and participants in the September 15, 2009 would likely agree that the experience was transformational.

Conversations continued during lunch

Plenary speaker for the Conference was the Rev. Clint Thomas, pastor of Slowburn Church in Spring Hill who shared his approach to evangelism.

The Conference on Evangelism focused on helping people see the world in new ways

Workshops opened a wide variety of Evangelism possibilities:
• God Sighting: Helping Kids Share Their Faith
• Keeping It Real: Youth Sharing with Youth
• By Line: Adults Sharing with Adult
• Good News: Sharing the Gospel with Children
• Going Deep and Reaching Wide: Sharing the Gospel with Youth
• Word and Deed: Missions and Evangelism


Jenny Serves Double Anniversaries of Long Standing on 9-11-2009
By Patty Sue Harper

L to r: Raymond and Lillian Motley, Patty Sue Harper, Jenny, Fred Harper
Jenny’s Restaurant at Mason’s Motel on Dickerson Road had as their guests a very unique “series of doubles” on September 11th. Motivated by the 9-11 theme of “Lest We Forget,” Fred and Patty Sue Harper of White House, along with Raymond and Lillian Motley of Donelson, were again having anniversary dinner for the 44th consecutive year together – this time with Jenny and that excited Friday evening crowd.

But 44 was not their only double figure. The time together began on the Harper’s 11th anniversary and the Motleys 22nd, forming a 33. (Fred’s marriage age was 22.) The two couples learned in 1965 that they shared the same anniversary when Fred became the Motley’s pastor at Donelson Heights UMC.

But the “doubles” continued higher and higher. After 44 years, the Harpers were now having number 55, while Raymond and Lillian were experiencing number 66. Fred’s present age is 77 and Raymond’s is 88.

A close neighboring table repeatedly echoed “What a blessing! What a blessing!” to the hearty applause of the surprised “party” group, all of whom had endured the collapse of the Twin Towers in 2001, 8 years ago.