TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW February 19, 2010

Articles in the February 19, 2010 edition of The Tennessee Conference REVIEW
1. Tennessee Conference selected as pilot conference for new scouting ministry position
2. Older Adult Spring Retreat focuses on Staying Spiritually Fit and Active
3. Pilot program for Lay Minister Certification established in the Tennessee Conference
4. “Change the World” can re-invigorate the Tennessee Conference, by Nancy Neelley
5. Applications Being Accepted for Tom and Betty Cloyd Scholarship
6. National Scout Jamboree will celebrate centennial of scouting
7. Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation, October 17-22, Camp Garner Creek
8. Conference Youth Go the Distance at Warmth In Winter 2010
9. Crying Through the Crisis, by Lucy Neeley Adams
10. Hello Beautiful People!, by Bishop James King

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Tennessee Conference selected as pilot conference for new scouting ministry position

NASHVILLE, Tenn.––The United Methodist Office of Scouting Ministries has selected Tennessee Conference as a pilot area to test a volunteer position to help local churches establish and expand scouting ministry opportunities.

Montee Sneed, the scouting coordinator for Tennessee Conference, is the first to register as a “scouting ministry specialist,” a person who will encourage neighboring United Methodist Churches to launch Boy and Girl Scout troops, Venturing Crews, 4-H and Camp Fire clubs, and programs of Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Montee Sneed, second row, far right, with his local scout troop.

The specialist will also provide information about the Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (PRAY), training opportunities, and various awards for young people and adults.

“A family recently moved here from California,” said Sneed. “They asked someone on the way to Tennessee how to find a Scout troop. The gentleman answered, ‘It’s simple in the South. Just start at the courthouse and start circling the square in blocks. Very close by will be a United Methodist Church. You will find one there.’ They found us,” said Sneed who also serves as assistant scoutmaster for a troop related to First United Methodist Church of Columbia. “From the beginning, the Methodists taught civic virtues. So we still do. My prayer is that every United Methodist Church will be involved with at least one of the youth-serving agencies.”

Tennessee Conference has seven districts with varying numbers of churches. The Murfreesboro District is the largest with 67 churches and the Clarksville District has 65. The Columbia and Pulaski Districts each have 48 churches.

In an average district, 14 or fewer churches sponsor one or more Scout units. District scouting coordinators spend most of their time resourcing the churches that already have scouting units; they seldom have the time to help the other churches understand how scouting can enrich the lives of their youth and reach non-churched members.

“To say that our current model is flawed would be an understatement,” said Larry Coppock, director of scouting ministries and youth-serving agencies for the General Commission on UM Men. He noted that most general church programs effectively reach the 488 district superintendents, but the programs seldom reach the 26,000 pastoral charges.

For an annual registration of $30, each specialist will receive a laminated membership card, a free subscription to Scouting News, training opportunities, and access to a series of pamphlets and information sheets describing scouting awards and programs.

The Office of Scouting Ministry is an arm of the Nashville-based General Commission on UM Men.

For further information, contact LaNisha Sayles (lsayles@gcumm.org) or 866-297-4312. If you are interested in helping churches develop scouting ministries, please fill out the information, detach and mail to the address listed below. If you prefer, you may e-mail this information to LaNisha Sayles.

Name_____________________________________________________

Address____________________________________________________

City/State/Zip_______________________________________________

Phone______________________________________________________

E-mail______________________________________________________

Home Church________________________________________________

Mail to:
Director of Scouting Ministries, GCUMM
PO Box 340006
Nashville, TN 37203-0006
E-mail to: LSayles@gcumm.org



Older Adult Spring Retreat focuses on Staying Spiritually Fit and Active

Winter 2009-2010 has been extremely cold in Tennessee but spring with its beautiful foliage and stunning views will be in full swing at Beersheba Springs Assembly for the 2010 Older Adult Retreat, April 27th and 28th, 2010.

The Rev. Roger Hopson

Taking a cue from large television and newspaper campaigns related to physical fitness, the Retreat will help us determine how “spiritually fit” our faith is. Leader for the retreat is the Rev. Roger Hopson who presently serves as Assistant to the Bishop of the Nashville Area. Prior to joining the Bishop’s staff Roger was a local church pastor, a Superintendent of the Paris District (Memphis Conference), and then Director of the Program Ministries Team for five years (the PMT is known as the Conference Council on Ministries in the Tennessee Conference). Over the past several years he has become a well-known speaker and preacher throughout the Tennessee Conference.

There’s a lot more than pumping iron involved in being completely fit

This exciting, constantly invigorating event is sponsored by the Adult/Old Adult Ministries Committee of the Tennessee Conference, Helen Noffsinger, chairperson. As always there will be major opportunity to join old friends and new in an experience as joyful as it is spiritually enriching.

For further information or to receive direct mailing, contact Mary T Newman, Program Staff Assistant, Tennessee Conference Council on Ministry, 616-329-1177, 800-403-5795. Email mtnewman@tnumc.org



Pilot program for Lay Minister Certification established in the Tennessee Conference

Certified Lay Minister candidacy program for the TN Annual Conference is now open for interested persons with Lay Speaking background and a desire to serve.

Conference Lay Speaking Director, Gloria Watts-Jones, with Conference Lay Leader, Tim Moss.

The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2008, page 220, Paragraph 271 states: “In order to enhance the quality of ministry to small membership churches, expand team ministry in churches and in deference to an expression of gifts and evidence of God’s grace associated with the lay ministry of early Methodism, the certified lay minister is to be recognized and utilized.

“The certified lay minister shall preach the Word, provide a care ministry to the congregation, assist in program leadership, and be a witness in the community for the growth, missional and connectional thrust of the United Methodist Church as part of a ministry team with the supervision and support of a clergy person.”

In response to the Book of Discipline’s description of a Certified Lay Minister, the Tennessee Conference has established a pilot program for Certified Lay Speakers to use in obtaining Lay Minister certification. This process includes attendance at the Academy for Certified Lay Ministers. Gloria Watts-Jones will be the Conference Certified Lay Minister Coach/Facilitator for this process. The first Academy for Certified Lay Ministers will be May 21-23, 2010 at the Beersheba Methodist Assembly. Deadline for Registration is April 15, 2010. Cost of the Academy is $200, $250 for a single room.

There are guidelines in place for persons interested in this field of ministry. For more information contact your District Superintendent or Gloria Watts-Jones, 517 Tinsley Lane, Columbia, TN 37401 or call 931-388-1098.


“Change the World” can re-invigorate the Tennessee Conference
by Nancy Neelley*

Years ago after Aunt Louise died, I came across a poem from 1945 named “If I Can Help Somebody” that she had cut out of a magazine. The part I remember the most is “if I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.” Now and then, certain things bring that poem to mind – most recently, the event “Change the World” (April 24-25, 2010). Change the World is a connectional day…connectional because it involves United Methodists everywhere – over 11 million worldwide. And it’s connectional because it challenges all of us to connect with the people we often pass by in our own communities and abroad. I am directly involved with Change the World through my work at United Methodist Communications, and want to share my excitement about the event.

So far, the response has been terrific. When Change the World was listed as an event on Facebook’s United Methodist Church page, people immediately responded. One response was from my friend and colleague Priscilla Muzerangwa from East Zimbabwe Annual Conference who said her conference will raise awareness and funds for malaria prevention as part of World Malaria Day (April 25). They know the cost of this deadly disease firsthand as they witness children in their community die from it so often. Statistics tell us that every thirty seconds a child dies from this preventable, treatable disease.

Another inspiring response to Change the World is in my own backyard. I pass by Arlington United Methodist Church every day on my way to work. So after reading their outdoor sign which says, “Change Your World by Loving Your Neighbor” I got in touch with Rev. John Carpenter to talk with him about the event. What I learned was that this concept is something that Arlington UMC will embrace not only on April 24-25, but something they’re already been hard at work on.

In January 2008, John began a discernment process with a group of church leaders. Realizing that the congregation had been in a steady decline (in numbers) since the 1990’s, the team knew that change lay ahead and that it would not necessarily be easy. Committed to scriptural and traditional study of the church, they also accessed a demographics tool called Percept which helped them learn more about their community. What they found was eye opening. They learned that in their area, there are over forty languages spoken; that there are millionaires, homeless persons and every socio-economic class in between. With all that information and more, Arlington UMC began engaging community leaders and police officers to learn more about their community’s needs. Through a food pantry (open Monday-Friday 11-1), a community breakfast on Sunday mornings, and so much more, Arlington has seen members grow in faith as they serve those who have come to better understand a faith that calls us to actively love one another. On April 24-25, Arlington will continue reaching out to build community locally, and join the fight against malaria globally.

Change the World reminds me of World Communion Sunday because once again we feel the global connection of God’s love. On April 24-25, we’ll feel the strength of Christ’s heartbeat around the world as we actively love one another. Go to www.rethinkchurch.org/changetheworld to register your event to show up on Google Earth, and to download resources to help get the word out. Build community locally. Fight malaria globally. By God’s grace, we can make the world a better place.

*Nancy Neelley is a Deacon in the Tennessee Conference and works as a staff person with United Methodist Communications.



Applications Being Accepted for Tom and Betty Cloyd Scholarship

The Tom and Betty Cloyd Scholarship was established at Belle Meade United Methodist Church for United Methodist students from the Tennessee Conference attending United Methodist colleges or universities. The scholarship honors Rev. Dr. Thomas H. Cloyd and Betty Shannon Cloyd through gifts made by their family and friends. The Cloyds served faithfully for over forty-five years and now make their home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Tom Cloyd


Each year a student is awarded a scholarship through The Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation as a part of the Dollars for Scholars program at the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation. To qualify for this scholarship, an applicant must be a United Methodist in the Tennessee Conference (for a minimum of one year) and enrolled in or accepted by a United Methodist College or University.

Betty Cloyd

Pastors and others working with youth and young adults are asked to publicize this scholarship in the churches of the Tennessee Conference. To receive more information contact Rev. Dr. Vincent (Vin) Walkup at The Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation, 304 S. Perimeter Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37211 (615-259-2008 or vwalkup@nashaumf.org). To apply directly with the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation, go to this online site: http://www.umhef.org/pdf_library/2010_UMDFS_Application.pdf. The application deadline is March 1, 2010.




National Scout Jamboree will celebrate centennial of scouting
Reprinted from the winter 2010 issue of UMMen, the quarterly magazine of the General Commission on United Methodist Men. Used here by permission

FORT A.P. HILL, Va.––Some 43,000 Scouts and leaders will build a city on 3,000 acres of this 76,000 acre facility July 26-Aug. 4, 2010.

The jamboree will teach scouting skills including physical fitness, environmental conservation, our national heritage, and the true spirit of scouting.

Scouts may choose rappelling, scuba diving, kayaking, rafting, and sailing. They may also participate in trap shooting, archery, bikeathlons, buckskin games, confidence courses, and hikes on a conservation trail.

Scouts gather for the United Methodist Service during the 2005 National Jamboree at Fort AP Hill, Va.

Opening and closing arena shows of the jamboree will be unforgettable. The closing by a professional entertainment company will focus on the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.

Larry Coppock, director of scouting for the General Commission on UM Men, will be in attendance along with 20 UM chaplains he has recruited. The chaplains will be trained by the Rev. Greg Godwin and the Rev. Don Scandrol, who will serve as headquarter chaplains. Eleven of the 20 chaplains are Eagle Scouts, two are women, and one is African American. Four of the UM chaplains are in the military, and two recently served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Coppock will also lead an 11-member team manning a UM scouting ministry exhibit.

Scandrol is in charge of planning the Sunday, Aug. 1, UM worship service. Pittsburg Area Bishop Thomas Bickerton, national spokesman for the Nothing But Nets campaign, will preach at the service. The offering will go to that national campaign to provide treated mosquito bed nets to protect African families from malaria. .

Some 370,000 young people are involved in 12,000 Cub Scout Packs, Boy and Girl Scout troops and Venturing crews sponsored by 7,000 UM congregations making the UMC, the second largest sponsor of BSA units in the world.

West Virginia will be the new site
This will be the last time the national jamboree will be held at Fort A.P. Hill. Recently, the U.S. Department of Defense increased its use of the facility for extensive military training. That, coupled with the Boy Scout’s desire to invest in a permanent infrastructure, sparked the search for a long-term jamboree home.

In October, the BSA National Executive Board approved the purchase of more than 10,000 acres in the New River Gorge area of West Virginia. “This is an area that offers some of the best rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and mountain biking anywhere in the country,” said Scout Executive Robert Mazzuca. “It is a perfect site for the full complement of activities we intend to offer at our new facility: extreme sports, leadership training, camping, high adventure-anything you can imagine doing in the great outdoors, and, of course, the national jamboree.”

Following a $50 million grant from the Bechtel Foundation, the new site will be called the Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve. BSA plans to spend an additional $300 million on the project. At least 80 full-time jobs will be created and another 1,200 seasonal workers will be hired.



Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation, October 17-22, Camp Garner Creek

The 5-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation will be held October 17-22, 2010, at Camp Garner Creek near Dickson, Tennessee. The Theme of the Academy is “Journey into Joy: the Pathway & the Pilgrimage,” reflecting Jeremiah 6: 16a – “Thus says the Lord: Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.”

The purpose of the Five Day Academy is to provide a place to discover a longing for God. For some, this may be a kind of renewal. For others, it may be a new exploration into deeper aspects of Christian spirituality. There have always been four great ‘teachers’ of Christian faith: silence, worship, community, and individual guides. The Academy embodies this balance in the day’s overall rhythm.

The Academy is sponsored by the Memphis and Tennessee Annual Conferences, the Nashville Area Order of Elders and Deacon, the Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members, in partnership with The Upper Room Ministries. Persons from any denomination who are seeking spiritual balance in their lives are welcome to attend whether they be clergy or laity.

Rev. Marjorie Thompson


Presenting faculty are Rev. Marjorie Thompson and Dr. Loyd Allen. Rev. Marjorie Thompson is a nationally acclaimed leader in Christian spiritual formation. She is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church, and is author of the classic resource for spiritual formation, Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life. Marjorie helped create and author the Companions in Christ program.

Dr. Loyd Allen

Dr. Loyd Allen teaches Christian spirituality like a traveler telling stories about places to visit. He has ecumenical Christian roots, has experienced the Celtic heritage of Wales, and also leads an annual pilgrimage to Israel. Dr. Allen is a dynamic lecturer and is the Sylvan Hills Professor of Church History and Spiritual Formation at McAfee School of Theology, Atlanta, Georgia.

Cost, including lodging, meals, and program is $420 before August 1st, and $450 after August 1st. A non-refundable deposit of $75 reserves your space and is applied to your balance. Make checks payable to Memphis Conference of the United Methodist Church, and send to Jennifer Hays, Memphis Conf. Program Ministries, 24 Corporate Blvd., Jackson, TN 37305. For information updates go to www.memphis-umc.org and if you have questions contact Linda Douty lindadouty@aol.com, 901-725-7744.




Conference Youth Go the Distance at Warmth In Winter 2010

Flags at the ready the Columbia District prepares to be part of the procession of the Districts
Despite freezing rain, sleet, and snow covered roads over a thousand youth and youth workers made the trek to Warmth In Winter 2010. During the weekend retreat, youth experienced God’s presence through speakers, artists, worship bands and most importantly building relationships with each other. Nationally known speaker, Brenda Salter McNeil, called those present to action by making an impact for the kingdom in the world. Capitalizing on the energy of the youth, Crazy Dance Man, Don Washburn helped the group learn new ways to express themselves in a positive way.

Sand artist Joe Castillo, www.sandstory.com

Joe Castillo, a United Methodist Pastor from Kentucky, amazed the youth with his gift of storytelling with sand art. Words cannot describe the message that he presented but you can see for yourself at www.sandstory.com. Nationally known prayer and Sacred Space author, Lilly Lewin, designed a prayer room experience that focused on digging deeper into a spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. All of these experiences and messages were tied together by Dove nominated worship band, Pocket Full of Rocks, who led the youth in worship that rocked their hearts and souls.

Brenda Salter McNeil, teaching at its finest

Throughout the weekend, participants were charged to “Go the Distance” with their faith not just while they were together in Murfreesboro but daily in their lives. Using running a race as an example Brenda encouraged people to see their faith journey as a marathon instead of a sprint, inspiring them to know their pace and to pull others into the race in order to gain energy and support. D.J. Dixon, Director of Youth Ministry at Carthage UMC, said that his youth were hyper focused on the messages that Brenda presented and spent time each evening discussing how to apply them to their lives. Brenda emphatically challenged the youth with these words, “The highest act of worship of God any of us can do individually is to become who God created us to be.”

Youth worker briefing.


Our conference is blessed to have such dedicated youth and youth workers who inspite of life’s difficulties and challenges(including treacherous weather) are willing to Go the Distance to make an eternal difference in the lives of others.

Springfield First United Methodist Church

The winter weather hit with such ferocity that nearly half of those registered were not able to attend the event at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center in Murfreesboro. Through the use of the internet, those who didn’t make it were encouraged to go the distance with their faith by joining the festivities online. Shane Martin, youth chair of the communications design team, made the live stream possible through the use of the cameras provided by the production team. The sessions are archived at www.ustream.tv/channel/warmth-in-winter. Enjoy the pictures presented here and find more online at http://tnumcyouth.org.

And the award for the most vibrant shirts goes to . . .

 

Pocket Full of Sharpies, Warmth in Winter’s walking billboards.

Crazy Dances are the order of the day

Conference speaker Brenda Salter McNeil enjoys the Crazy Dancing

Pocket Full of Rocks

Rachael Junard as Warm Fuzzy

Kyle Guth and Lizzie Williams

 Experiencing worship

Crying Through the Crisis

by Lucy Neeley Adams*

From the Herald Citizen, Cookeville, Tennessee, Jan. 15, 2010

My training to be a volunteer at the Crisis Pregnancy Center was finished. I was prepared in my head but not my heart. As each person entered the door, I feared a new problem. So I asked Cliff, the director, if I could be at the front desk for the first weeks to answer the phone.

Lucy Neeley Adams

But, even the phone calls proved to be a new adventure of nerves. Each one spelled CRISIS to me and I finally said, "Cliff, when I say hello, that's all I know!" His compassionate heart was evident and he encouraged me. So it wasn't long before his confidence and my perseverance paid off. I began to appreciate the opportunity to work at this wonderful place.

However, I was not prepared for the phone call that came one afternoon. "Hi, Lucy, I am so glad you are at the phone. I can't come back as a counselor. Please tell Cliff that I must resign." My questions were answered with the sounds of crying. "Susan", I quietly said, "please calm down and tell me why you can't come in to talk with Cliff."

The story unfolded that she thought her own daughter was pregnant. How could she come and counsel others to abstain from having pre-marital sexual relations, when she could not counsel her own daughter? How could she even help others to find answers to life, when she had none of her own? But she finally agreed to come back just for a visit and to say goodbye.

Within a few weeks her daughter, Janie, came in for the pregnancy test and yes, it was positive. I now felt confident at my work and was glad that she was my client. I loved her whole family.

It did not take long to discover that she was making her plans to go to a maternity home. She would also keep her baby. "My boyfriend has said he will not marry me. I have also heard that he has gotten another girl pregnant. So I will not show my face at that high school again." That was understandable, but I told her this was usually a family decision to choose the maternity home she went to.

My next question was bedrock to her whole future. "Who will help you after the baby is born?" Janie said she never thought of that being a problem because her family was so close and full of love. And she responded ,"Oh, I'll come back home, of course."

I was struck with a tinge of doubt that it would be that simple. In fact, the whole situation was getting more complex. Within a few days I was at the Center again and my first client was a young girl whose name was familiar. But I couldn't quite remember where I had heard of her.

Yes, the test showed that she was pregnant. When she wrote down the name of the father, I recognized who she was. The same boy who was Janie's boyfriend had also gotten her pregnant. This crisis was turning into a disaster!

Therefore, when I talked with Susan and Janie that afternoon, I agreed that getting away from town would be a good idea. We made plans to visit several maternity homes in the area. That was not a part of my volunteer work but this family was close to my heart.

That day the conversation didn't go very far until Janie dropped the bombshell. "Mom does not want my baby. I will not be able to return home. Now we have to find me and my baby a place to live." Susan immediately cried out, "Janie, you know this is a bi-racial baby and it needs an African American home."

Janie replied, "Mother, I have not told you yet. I saw Dr. Sawyer last week." She patted her tummy and said, " this is not an ;it'. My baby is a girl. She will be precious and you will love her dearly if you will just take us back home when I leave the hospital." They bickered back and forth before getting up to leave. We had a closing prayer in a room full of tension.

I knew there would be many words between the two as they returned home to Susan's husband, Janie's father and the grandfather-to-be. He was an outstanding leader in our town and had a very quiet strength. I felt he would be a strong decision maker for this confusion.

Susan keep me posted on every new detail. Since they were a loving Christian family and they prayed about every move they needed to make, the maternity home was easily decided upon. The hospital was nearby which made it easier for them to visit when the baby came.

However, Susan continued with her own plans for adoption of the baby. She even chose an adoption center where a counselor would help with the choice of a family. She visited one day before Janie's baby was born to look through the pictures of parents who wanted to adopt.

Tears flowed from her eyes and a prayer immediately formed in her heart as she prayed: "Oh God, I see all of these beautiful people who long to be parents. Thank you for blessing us with our dear daughter, Janie. Now, do you want to bless us with her baby? Are we to be the grandparents who will welcome them into our home?"

Words from Psalm 37, that Susan had memorized during these difficult months, came to her heart and her mind. "Do not fret" seemed to flow directly from the voice of God. In fact, it is written three times in the first eight verses of that Psalm. She knew if she did not fret, God would show the way!

Peace flooded her heart and she left the adoption center with new determination not to fret as she prayed for God's will in her family. But these new thoughts were big news and the first person she must tell was her husband. She tearfully explained about her prayer as she opened her Bible to Psalm 37. Yes, there it was. In fact, the 8th verse states: "Do not fret, it only causes harm". Important decisions unfolded and Janie returned home carrying her sweet baby girl, Molly.

That big news came to us at the Crisis Pregnancy Center the day Susan came to announce that the baby was born. She and her husband had lovingly received their granddaughter into their home. The big event happened on a bright day in March and Susan said it was a symbol of new life and new love in their family.

Not all stories at our Crisis Pregnancy Center end in such glory but God's love and power are there. So we trust Him and rejoice - especially for Susan, Janie and precious little Molly with the soft brown skin.

*Writer Lucy Neeley Adams is author of 52 Hymn Story Devotions




Hello Beautiful People!
by Bishop James R. King, Jr.
From the Southeastern Jurisdiction News, SEJ 2010 Events and News, January 19, 2010

Bishop James R. King, Jr.

BEGIN AGAIN

Every moment in space and time comes with an opportunity to begin again. Woven into the year since early civilization, are the recognitions of seasons that permit us to start over...wiping out the old and embracing a clean slate open to new possibilities. Below are some basic points to consider as you begin again.

Begin with Grace
You are here today because God has sustained you. Something in addition to and beyond your effort has kept you. God continues to bless you to be here on earth. God's wonderful grace abounds. Hallelujah!

Begin with Thanksgiving and Celebration
If you begin with the acknowledgement of the gift of grace in your life, it should not be too difficult to move on to thankfulness. Praise God! God's goodness is all over your existence. Give God the praise. Celebrate God's goodness each day.

Begin with Purpose
Put God in the very center of your life. If life is going to make sense it is due to your theology. In other words, your belief in God and how God is at work in your life is essential for a meaningful life. The Bible tells us what God expects:

• "Be fruitful and multiply" Genesis 1:28
• " ...do justice...love kindness and walk humbly with your God" Micah 6:8
• "...love God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27
• There are two truths about what God places on your heart to do. One: it is not easy, and two: it is possible. A great year awaits you.

I believe you are here because God has more for you to be and do.

Begin with Forgiveness
We can learn from history but we cannot change it.
We must stop beating ourselves up because of the past.
The past may be filled with a basket of valuable lessons, but you cannot rewrite the past.
We must look forward now.
The player who is preoccupied with the last dropped ball is losing ground on catching the next one.

Begin with Focus
Distractions have one purpose and that is keeping you so busy that you do not have time to satisfy your deepest longings. You must concentrate! If you keep your hands filled with good tasks, you will not have any room for the most important things in your life. You cannot do everything that the world asks of you but you can do all that God has anointed you to do. If you do what God is calling you to do, there is one thing for sure...you will have the best year of your life. Do not be afraid; God promises you a wonderful future! Have a blessed and Spirit-filled New Year!

Remember, God's will for us is good. We must do the rest.

Bishop James R. King, Jr.
Resident Bishop, South Georgia Conference

TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW February 5, 2010

Articles in the February 5th issue of THE REVIEW

1. Grace United Methodist Church assembles 10,000 health kits for Haiti
2. Mount Juliet’s Providence UMC---A Congregation of Extravagant Generosity That Goes About Doing Good
3. On Saturday, April 17th, all Conference Youth are invited to BE THE CHANGE needed in their communities
4. Tennessee Lives Count – Tennessee’s Youth Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention Training for all youth workers
5. Dedication of Christian Fellowship Center, Smithville First United Methodist Church
6. The Gift of God—Threads of Hope Ministry, Ebenezer UMC
7. An Eye Witness Report: Bahamas Methodist Habitat Responds to Haitian Disaster—by Tennessee Conference minister David McIntyre.
8. 61st Avenue Toy Store sets record for number of Children served
9. Seventy-Five Nativity Scenes—A donation made to Findlay UMC
_____________________________



Grace United Methodist Church assembles 10,000 health kits for Haiti

Lukas Rodia carries the message that motivated 160 Grace United Methodist Church members as they assembled 10,000 health kits for distribution in Haiti.

On Sunday, January 24, Grace United Methodist Church, Cumberland District, reached out to the people of Haiti by assembling 10,000 much-needed health kits that will be distributed in the earthquake-ravaged country.

Grace United Methodist Church in Mt. Juliet, TN asked it’s congregation to “wear your Sunday work best” and show up at the church’s Family Life Center in blue jeans and t-shirts prepared to compile packages filled with necessary hygiene and medical supplies. Beginning at 9 o’clock Sunday morning, the congregation carried on an assembly process that began earlier in the week when members of their youth group met to fold thousands of hand towels that were included in the relief kits.

Jenna Bartow leads other children from Grace UMC in putting together band aids and nail clippers for inclusion in the health kits.

160 volunteers worked at assembling the health kits and while organizers estimated that the entire assembly process would take 6-8 hours, the work crews finished the task in about 4 hours.

The health kits, which will be distributed in Haiti through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) (www.umcor.org/haiti), are comprised of hand towels, washcloths, combs, nail files, bar soaps, toothbrushes, plastic strip sterile bandages and money to be used by UMCOR to purchase toothpaste.

Assembling Haiti health kits

UMCOR values the kits at $12, but organizers of the event collected enough in donations that the cost of the kit to Grace United Methodist was only 97 cents.

“Help from both individuals and local vendors have come out of the woodwork,” said event organizer Ricardo Rios. “We’ve received donations of everything from medical supplies and transportation to strapping and pallets.”



Event organizer Ric Rios celebrates the last case of 60 kits (of the 10,000 kit total) to go through the conveyer belt.

Rios indicated that the total assembled product was shipped in 168 cases of relief kits on10 pallets with a total shipping weight of 5,364 pounds. Kits were immediately transported to UMCOR’s distribution center in Baldwin, LA where they will be shipped to Haiti.




Mount Juliet’s Providence UMC---A Congregation of Extravagant Generosity That Goes About Doing Good
by Pam Pinkston Campbell

During our recent study of Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity, Pastor Jacob Armstrong asked rhetorically how the Providence United Methodist Church, a new congregation, is going to be defined. The enthusiastic response to recent projects made the definition simple: “Providence can be defined as a congregation of extravagant generosity that goes about doing good.” This congregation is passionate about answering needs in the community and the world.

Worshipers at Providence began meeting together in September of 2008, and now more than 400 people gather in two services at Stoner Creek Elementary School in Mount Juliet, Tennessee.

The Sunday following the earthquake in Haiti, we collected $5,000 for UMCOR to help with the relief efforts.

This followed an amazing Christmas season where the size of God’s plans was much greater than church leaders ever imagined. As part of our partnership at Stoner Creek, we chose to adopt eight children for whom the congregation would buy gifts. Early in December eight individual, miniature trees were set out in the foyer. Each tree included several gift tags. Each tag described one item. The congregation was invited to take the tags and purchase the items to be returned the next week. But there was a problem: All the tags were taken before everyone who wanted one could get to the trees. So, we called the school—and a neighboring school—and asked if we could help more children. We were given 20 more names.

Outreach coordinators thought that was a pretty bold plan but swallowed hard and set out more trees and more tags the next week. Again—all the tags were taken and people were asking for more. Providence was delighted to purchase gifts for 28 children in the two schools.

Local schools were not the only beneficiaries of Providence generosity, however. We also decided to raise money to support a school in the small village of Moj in Africa. The goal: $10,600. A recent article in the United Methodist Reporter about the charter Sunday of Providence UMC described Pastor Jacob's far-off vision for the church. He dreamed that possibly in the years to come, Providence could be a part of building schools in other places around the world. Some of the leadership of the church decided this vision couldn't wait.

Becky Yates, the church’s Respond Team director, said, “We raised $4,000 last year to dig a well, and we raised more than $5,000 in August for the Nothing but Nets campaign [to purchase malaria nets], but we had never done anything this big. This was definitely a God-sized goal, but we felt that God had laid this on our hearts to build a school and we just had to trust him.”

Some contingencies were in place—including using the Christmas Eve offering, which was anticipated to be significant—to make up any shortfall, but again, the God-size task touched the hearts of the people at Providence. More than $14,000 had been reached before Christmas, and a total of $15,088 was sent to the Moj project.

Because response to the Moj school had been so great, Pastor Jacob announced that the Christmas Eve offering would be designated to Brooks House, a local temporary shelter for women and children. That offering totaled $2,900.

“It has been a blessing to be able to help and to be a part of something so wonderful,” said church member Jerry Andrews. “Jacob leads us in how to be true disciples, and he has the vision to guide us and show us how to help generations to come. Whenever a need is presented, it gets fulfilled. It is all about helping others.”

On Saturday, April 17th, all Conference Youth are invited to BE THE CHANGE needed in their communities

As Christians we are called to make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ. We are called to serve each other out of that love. Mother Teresa once said “In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.” On Saturday, April 17th we encourage youth groups to lead all generations in “doing small things with great love” in your community.

This expression of service will be organized by youth groups in their own community. The questions needs to be asked: “What are you being called to do where you live? Who do you see that needs to be shown ‘great love’?” Youth leaders, both adult and among the youth themselves, are asked to inspire the youth group and the entire congregation to “BE THE CHANGE” that is needed in the community to connect all to the love of Jesus Christ.
Concluding celebration for the day – 6:00 p.m., Franklin First United Methodist Church
When the day of service is finished, youth groups . . . and adults motivated by the youth . . . are asked to celebrate together in Sanctuary East at Franklin First United Methodist Church. There will be a special worship celebration at 6:00 p.m. and worshippers will be inspired by the incredible music of the RE Worship Band. The guest speaker for the evening with be Shane Claiborne.

Shane Claiborne

During college, one of Shane’s professors remarked, “Being a Christian is about choosing Jesus and deciding to do something incredibly daring with your life.” Taking up that challenge, his faith led him to a life many describe as being an “Ordinary Radical.” Shane will share his call to serve the least, the last, and the lost.

BE THE CHANGE will serve as a fitting and dynamic introduction to the worldwide Change the World event, April 24th and 25th, when 11 million United Methodists are asked to come together to work with their local communities. There is one body in Christ and through the United Methodist connection; we can sense its heartbeat in a coordinated event such as Change the World. Go to www.rethinkchurch.org/changetheworld for more information.

When “BE THE CHANGERS” gathers in Franklin they are asked to bring some canned food to benefit those in need within the Tennessee Conference. Email Brad Fiscus, bfiscus@tnumc.org, is you have questions about this ministry opportunity. And – the answer to one of the main question Brad is presenting in advance: “ALL generations are invited to BE THE CHANGE on April 17th not just the youth.”



Tennessee Lives Count – Tennessee’s Youth Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention Training for all youth workers

During 2010, the Young People’s Ministry of the Tennessee Conference will offer quarterly Pastoral Care workshops for all youth workers. Ministering with young people is a challenging calling. While our focus is connecting them to Jesus Christ, the struggles they face in life become the biggest roadblock to receiving the grace they so desperately need. These workshops will help the youth worker develop skills and tools as well as connect them to resources that will equip them to discern the correct course necessary to help those in need.

More details will be given at http://tnumcyouth.org about the upcoming trainings and information will be sent out detailing these training opportunities.

Pastoral Care Workshop #1 can be summed up with the words, “Tennessee Lives Count.” This event will present Tennessee’s Youth Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention Training and will help youth workers recognize the warning signs of suicide in youth and young adults, and how to intervene and save a life.

The objective of this workshop is to provide participants with:

1. general knowledge of the societal view of suicide, by addressing myths, facts, attitudes and opinions.
2. adequate knowledge of the steps they can follow to prevent a suicidal person from completing suicide.
3. resources from which they can refer a suicidal person once they have intervened and prevented a suicidal attempt.

The workshop will be instructed to certified trainers from the Tennessee Lives Count Project in partnership with the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network. For more information see their website at www.tspn.org

There will be four training opportunities to choose from and all workshops will take place from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Space is limited to register early.

1. February 16, Fellowship United Methodist Church, 2201 Peachers Mill Road, Clarksville, TN
2. February 25, Paron United Methodist Church, 3812 West Paron Road, Cookeville, TN
3. March 23, Riverside United Methodist Church, 313 6th Avenue, Columbia, TN
4. March 25, Tennessee Conference Office, 304 South Perimeter Park Drive, Nashville, TN

Please R.S.V.P. to Brad Fiscus bfiscus@tnumc.org or call 615-327-1533. There is no
Charge for this training opportunity.


Dedication of Christian Fellowship Center, Smithville First United Methodist Church

Sunday, January 24th, was an exciting time for the membership of Smithville First United Methodist Church. After some hardships and many sacrifices, the 7 ½ year old debt from the construction of the congregation’s Christian Family Center was paid off, and the CFC was going to be dedicated after the 11:00 a.m. worship service and pot luck lunch. Finally the mortgage papers could be burned as a symbol of freedom from debt.

During the children’s sermon Shirley Ingram called Dr. John Purdue, former pastor Leland Carden, and the morning’s preacher, the Rev. Roger Hopson, to join the children. Children’s time closed with everyone linking arms and singing “I am the church! You are the church! We are the church together” (Richard K. Avery and Donald S. Marsh, United Methodist Hymn #558)

During the 11:00 service, Leland Carden , former pastor was liturgist. The theme of the day focused on the power of love as all of God’s people work together for good. Shirley Ingram in her children’s sermon helped the children understand that the church is NOT a building—it is persons tied together in love and concern. She used the old rhyme “Here is the church, and here is the steeple, Open the doors and here’s all the people.”

Preacher for the morning was the Rev. Hopson, Assistant to the Bishop of the Nashville Area of the United Methodist Church. His reflection focused on the unconditional love of God, and how we as the church must love people unconditionally. “It’s never ever about YOU, it’s about the Kingdom,” Hopson said, as he noted that we are all kin to 6 billion people in the world.

A time of fellowship in the debt free Christian Fellowship Center

In the 1999 Smithville First United Methodist Church purchased a two-section building catty-corner from the church—the building held doctor’s offices and a pharmacy. The building offered the only alternative for expanding the space available to the church and enriching its ministry. Robin Driver, acting as general contractor, found the original plans calling to remodel the building hard to bring together, and it was, of course, difficult to please everyone with the redesign. These difficulties became so pronounced at one meeting that Driver offered off-handedly “We should just tear down this building and start over.” A hush fell over those at the meeting, heads nodded in consent, and at the moment a surprising consensus developed to tear down the building, and to construct the Christian Fellowship Center as it stands today.

Head table at the noon meal participates in the liturgy of dedication: (l to r) Robin Driver, Glen Page, Wayne Hubbs, Lillie Vaughn, Leland Carden, John Purdue, Cynthia Hopson, and Roger Hopson

For almost a year, the Busy Bees Quilters had a thrift store to raise money for the new building. The construction started in the winter of 2000 and the building was consecrated in 2001. A loan was taken out in 2002. Everyone attending the Dedication of the CFC on January 24th noted that the 7 ½ years of paying off the mortgage note wasn’t easy, and various groups within the church including the United Methodist Women and the Busy Bees Quilters stepped up to help with payments and to pay for items to furnish the center including tables, chair, and table cloths. Glen Page, Chairman of Trustees, was called at home as construction was starting. Two 18 wheelers had pulled up loaded with steel for construction. They wouldn’t unload it without a check. Page had to go out arrange a very quick loan to pay the bill. He noted to his wife later, “I think I just mortgaged the farm.” Finally $333,500 was borrowed for construction at 6.4% interest. “We were paying $70.10 per day just for interest at that rate,” and over several years Page managed to refinance the loan, each time cutting the interest rate—finally knocking a total of 1.1% off the interest rate.

Leland Carden, who was pastor at the time of construction, reported that everything didn’t go easy during the process. When the two buildings were demolished a house was found under the building they tore down—and the house had to be dug out and there was a large hole that needed to be filled before any construction could begin.

 Outside the CFC on January 24th it was rainy and flooding. Rather than burning the mortgage papers outside, seven children were called forward and each child was asked to tear up one page of the mortgage document.

Pastor, the Rev. Dr. John Purdue, reported on the many ministries that were made possible by the new space—two Hispanic congregations got their start at Smithville First UMC, an ongoing food pantry and clothes closet were created, the scope of the preschool program at the church was greatly enlarged, First UMC launched the “Methodist Café,” a hugely successful and beneficial café providing hospitality during Smithville’s annual Fiddler’s Jamboree in July. Additionally, several Scout troops use the space, the church’s VBS has been strengthened through having a great building. The CFC has also allowed the church to host hundreds of class reunions, wedding receptions, civic dinners, job fairs, immunization clinics, and the like. However, perhaps the most profound thing has been the 2nd Harvest mobile food pantries, which gave out food to 1266 families in four events in 2009 and have become etched into the life not only of the church but of the community. After Purdue’s reflections, individuals from the congregation arose and testified to the hard work that had made the building possible and to its value in community outreach.



The Gift of God
By Grace Hyde

God moves in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform. Who knew that the cleaning of a closet, the finding of an old bag of yarn, and a phone call would turn into a ministry? In January 2008, two women, with time on their hands and a desire to help others, began a crochet project to benefit residents of various nursing homes. The goal was to crochet as many lapghans as possible by year’s end.

Caps made by Threads of Hope. Members of the group are Bessie Harris, Sarah Booker of Florida, Paulette Hurst and Grace Hyde.

The ministry team soon grew to four persons and they were well under way with their first project. One hundred eleven lapghans were distributed to various homes. The ministry was officially named The Threads of Hope Crochet Ministry in 2009 and the band of four began giving crochet lessons to anyone interested.

The Threads of hope, with the support and donations from the Ebenezer United Methodist Church family, was able to make 300 hats and scarves for the Nashville Rescue Mission and Mercy Ministry. When the call came from Community Care Fellowship, the Threads of Hope once again took on the project crocheting approximately 100 hats. The Threads of Hope Ministry is proof that God does indeed work in mysterious ways and that whatever you can do may well be a blessing to others.





An Eye Witness Report: Bahamas Methodist Habitat Responds to Haitian Disaster
A reflection by retired Tennessee Conference minister, the Rev. David McIntyre

The Rev. David McIntyre

"Merci. Merci." The beautiful, humble Haitian nurse in a 48 bed, one room hospital in Les Cayes, Haiti, sweetly spoke the sentiment of the poverty- stricken Haitian people. Abraham McIntyre, our son, and a "son" of the Tennessee Annual Conference of the UMC, and his team of volunteers from Bahamas Methodist Habitat (BMH) had just delivered two more plane loads of medical supplies donated by caring and generous US and Bahamian citizens. BMH, an outreach ministry of the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church, is making an immediate difference in the lives of these precious and hurting Haitian people, their Caribbean neighbors.

This effort has been swift and direct service! Multiple plane loads of needed supplies and short-term medical missionaries, flown by BMH volunteer pilots recruited and coordinated by BMH staff and board members, have been delivered day after day since the massive earthquake of January 12 dealt a devastating blow to the people of Haiti. Abraham saw the need immediately after he learned of the disaster and rapidly went into action. He used the Internet, email and face-book to reach volunteers.

His base of operations is normally on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera. We had just arrived there the day before the earthquake to spend a few weeks visiting with him. In order to "visit" with him, however, we had to literally "get on board" with this relief effort; so, off we went with him and his two aviation interns to set up a staging area in Nassau ... it was a natural launch pad. Nassau Methodist Churches assisted the BMH team with hospitality needs and are being very generous with donations.

Bahamas Methodist Habitat was one of the very first responders to this crisis and has emerged as a major resource for delivery of supplies and medical personal from the USA via the Bahamas. The first week each leg of each flight served a purpose ... taking supplies in and bringing US citizens out at no charge. Now the inbound flights are the prime focus ... lifting thousands of pounds of donated supplies and volunteer medical personnel into the country. US material donations to this particular effort have been gathered in a warehouse in Fort Lauderdale. Each volunteer pilot stops there to pick up a load before coming on to Nassau.

As Port au Prince is still very difficult to enter, BMH flights are forced to land in smaller outlying airports. As it turns out, many of the homeless and injured of Port au Prince are gravitating into the hinterlands overloading the hospitals and facilities of the smaller towns which, though undamaged by the earthquake, are already deep in poverty with only a dearth of resources for their own people. Consequently, a second crisis is building all across this poorest country in the western hemisphere ... this emergency air-lift effort will continue until commercial air service is fully restored in Haiti and the need for emergency flights has ceased.

Patty and I were most privileged to be invited to join Abraham and the General Secretary of the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church, Dr. Henry Knowles, on a one day visit into Haiti to gain oversight of the safe distribution and delivery of the resources and personnel. We flew into Haiti's third largest city, Les Cayes, with a population of around 70,000 on the southern coast of the beautiful country. Having never before traveled into a third world country, we were astounded at the pervasive poverty. We resonate with the statement of one of the pilots who said, "it was only a three and a half hour flight but it took us back a thousand years."Life there is very basic! The three medical centers we visited are indescribably under staffed and less-than-conducive to good health.

While visiting a mission clinic, we spoke with three volunteer US doctors who had flown down on BMH flights. There have been scores of volunteer medical personnel from California to Massachusetts going down to give of their services, and many have found their ride with BHM. While in Les Cayes we met with Dr. Robert Leger who for over 26 years has been the head of medical services there ... often one of the only trained doctors. He and his wife, Rosa, escorted us through the surgical center ... a small concrete block, open-air room with nearly 50 patients. In conversation we discovered that the Leger's have a daughter, Rosanne, who is about to graduate from Meharry Medical Center back home in our own Nashville, Tennessee. We subsequently have learned that Rosanne and her husband, Anthony, both doing residencies at Vanderbilt hospital, are heading up a medical response among the Nashville medical community. BMH will be flying their supplies and people down tomorrow (01/27/10).

To make the "six degrees of separation" even smaller, we have discovered that Dr. William Obremskey, one of the boys in the youth group of my first appointment after seminary, Centenary UMC in Lebanon, Indiana, is now a surgeon at Vanderbilt and participating with the Legers in putting the medical volunteer team together. Dr. Obremskey is a member of West End UMC in Nashville. His mother and my sister attend the same UMC in Indiana.

Bahamas Methodist Habitat, where Abraham has served as Director for over four years, is normally a hurricane relief and sub-standard housing relief effort for the Bahamian islands. Many volunteer teams go there to serve each year ... including several TN Conference congregations such as Fayetteville First, Hendersonville First, Belle Meade, Manchester First and Brentwood. However, BMH's current adapted role ... a role it somewhat "backed into" by virtue of its large network of private pilots who already supported the ministry of relief in the Bahamas ... is that of coordinating a constant flow of volunteer pilots, using their own planes, making daily deliveries to Haiti.

As of our latest count nearly 50 individual pilots from Florida to Canada, from Iowa to North Carolina have made over 125 round trips. All flights originate out of BMH's temporary base camp at the Odyssey Aviation Center, a private corporation at the Nassau International Airport, partnering with BMH. Flights go out daily down to several small airports in Haiti. Monetary gifts being donated to BMH's Haiti relief fund are assisting with the very expensive fuel costs for these relief-aid flights.

Donated materials and supplies ... bedding, food, baby formula, medicines, bandages and surgical supplies ... fill the planes of these faithful and dedicated volunteer pilots. One pilot is a farmer from Iowa; two brother pilots are insurance salesmen from Toronto; another is a contractor from Delaware and a couple are Sunday School buddies from Alabama ... all with hearts of gold! A surgeon from Virginia and a retired commercial pilot from Minnesota - old military buddies - teamed up to fly about 10 round trips. Two United Methodist engineers from Florida, each flying their own planes, have simultaneously raised $25,000 from their congregation for airplane fuel for this mission. It has been amazing to see the outpouring of support from all over the US, Canada and The Bahamas for this effort. (To learn more of how to volunteer as a pilot, medical staff or how to donate fuel funds, Google Bahamas Methodist Habitat.)

Having always been a strong supporter and advocate of contributions to UMCOR, I found myself a bit conflicted at first about BMH possibly drawing donations away from UMCOR's effort. However, in reviewing UMCOR news releases, their efforts are going to be more for the long-haul efforts of the future. BMH's effort is a short-term emergency, swift acting effort which will recede as soon as standard aviation is restored throughout Haiti.

In this effort, Bahamas Methodist Habitat has been an ecumenical catalyst supporting missionaries and volunteer medical personnel from multiple Christian traditions. BMH had the privilege of delivering the first representatives of UMCOR (United Methodist Committee On Relief), Jessica Crutchfield and Edgar Avitia, UMCOR Executives who went out on the second flight. BMH has also taken in leaders of the Nazarene and Assemblies of God Churches. Lutheran, Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Evangelical, Presbyterian, and Apostolic Christian Church doctors and leaders have had free seats on Haiti-bound BMH planes ... with bundles of supplies under their feet and in their laps! Each of these people are making a difference with our Haitian sisters and brothers. I've never been aware of so many, many mission agencies and non-profit services existing in our country!

Abraham, though fearless in his pursuit of mission goals and support, is essentially a very humble young man. He has taught me a lot about shunning turf battles and seeking recognition. As I have periodically and quietly offered "politically motivated" suggestions that might bring him or his agency a bit of support or recognition, he politely reminds me, "you know, Dad, you can get a whole lot more accomplished when you're not concerned about who gets the credit!" I give thanks that he's learned that lesson so much earlier in his journey than I am learning it in mine.

For years I have prayed for the forming and shaping of our children into people of God's purposes. Today, I'm celebrating my birthday here in the Bahamas and one of the greatest gifts is seeing my prayer answered. Abraham's sister, Ingrid, at staff member at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry is one of his biggest cheerleaders.

We are proud and humbled by the work the Lord is enabling Abraham to have in this unique time. So, on behalf of Abraham McIntyre, BMH Director, and his aviation interns, Cameron King, a Nashville young adult, and Matt Hansen, another UMC young adult from Peachtree City, Georgia, we say thank you ("Merci") for what so many have done and may choose to do again to support the bringing of hope and healing in a place crying out for both. We invite our colleagues in the Tennessee Conference to pray about the important missions going on in Haiti and to tell your congregations, friends and associates about UMCOR and this other opportunity to serve with the Body of Christ in Haiti.


61st Avenue Toy Store sets record for number of Children served

Pastor Paul Slentz welcomes volunteers

Some of the over 500 volunteers go through orientation


Planners involved in the December 2009 Last Minute Christmas Toy Store at Sixty-First Avenue United Methodist Church were somewhat worried about the state of the economy. Obviously, with the number of families going through very hard times, and a high jobless rate, the demands made on the Toy Store could increase. There was also the possibility that the economy could result in cutting the contribution of toys by individuals, churches, and organizations.

Doc Hooks and Nita Haywood compare notes.

The suspicion that the demand for help would be quite high this year was correct, but fortunately the number of contributors remained high. The Last Minute Toy Store ended up serving 500 more children than it ever had before. In the four days that the Toy Store was open, 4,500 children from approximately 1,400 families were served. Over 15,000 toys/gifts were distributed to go along with the books, oranges, and candy canes given to each child. Sixty-First Avenue UMC Pastor, Paul Slentz, summed it all up with the words, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”

Volunteer helps a parent shop for toys

Slentz was thankful for the local churches and organizations that had drives to collect gifts for toddlers and teens. Through these efforts the Toy Store was able to help 2,407 young ones in these often overlooked age groups. Slentz also acknowledged the big help once again received from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s “Toys for Tots” program. He expressed gratitude for help from Star Transportation which meant that all the Dec. 13th Titans game Toys for Tots collection was brought to the Last Minute Toy Store with special thanks to SSgts. David Carrier and Fabian Garcia. Slentz also wanted to give a “shout out” to all the bi-lingual volunteers. “We were able to serve a very large number of Hispanic brothers and sisters with their help. Special thanks to Anais Riggs and Judy Jones for their work on this. Also thank you to Mitch and Sarah Ballard for setting up our website: http://www.lastminutetoystore.com/.”

Highland Park Church Pastor David Friedli works in sports tent

Members of the steering committee for the 2009 Toy Store were: Nancy and Dan Armfield, Barbara Austin, Pat Barlow, Tommy Barnes, JoAnn Bellar, Sherry Benson, Carlene Biggs, David Friedli, Nita Haywood, Doc Hooks, Brenda Hix, Brandy Hutchison, Judy Jones, Vivian Martz, Mary Pratt, Terry Raney, Dale Robble, Wendy Roth, Joyce and April Shyloski, Calvin and Annette Ticey, and Rex Thigpen.

Donated books were also handed out to families

One of the hardest working volunteers at the Last Minute Toy Store is Brenda Hix, Lay Leader of 61st Avenue UMC. During the four days that the Toy Store is open Brenda is at the church around the clock. In particular, she is in charge of welcoming parents needing toys to come in out of the cold at 3:00 a.m. while they wait for free tickets to be passed out later in the morning. Brenda describes her experience this way: “I’m one of the small and usually unnamed people from the West Nashville neighborhood where the church is located. I grew up here and know just about everyone. It’s just so special for our little church in this sometimes looked down on neighborhood to be part of something so big. I can’t explain how it makes me feel. Something I didn’t think I could do, I’m actually helping to lead. It makes me feel so good to help others in need, because I know what it’s like to be going through a rough time. This is heaven on earth for me. I am grateful to God for letting me use my gifts to help others in this way.”

Mary Pratt, 61st Avenue volunteer explains procedure to a guest.


In a thank you note to volunteers Paul Slentz offered a closing challenge: “Let’s all commit to do whatever we can to help struggling families throughout the entire year in addition to what we do at Christmas!!!

Lateria Benson worked throughout the day making certain shelves were stocked.


The 2010 toy store will be Sat. Dec. 18 - Tues. Dec. 21, 2010. The greatest needs from contributors are the same as they always are - - toys/gifts for teens and very young children (0-4) and of course dollars to buy those.

Volunteers prepare to register guests.



Seventy-Five Nativity Scenes
Reprinted from The Sparta Magazine and used here with permission

Geneva Cotton stands with the collection of nativity scenes, Findlay UMC, Cookeville District

Geneva Cotton has been attending Findlay United Methodist Church since she was six years old. There have been five generations of her family that have worshiped there over the years.

Geneva has always loved Nativity scenes. She has been collecting them for years. Some she has bought, some have been given to her as gifts. Some are all white and some are colorfully painted. Some are clear glass. Some are complete with Mary, Joseph, Wise Men and Shepherds. Some are simply Baby Jesus with Mary and Joseph.

Because she had so many and because she loves her church family, Geneva decided to donate about half of her collection to her church. She had Ray Maples to build a special cabinet to house the collection. Within the cabinet, the congregation and visitors can view seventy-five Nativity scenes. She has about that same number still at home in her collection.