TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW July 09, 2010
Articles in the July 9th Edition of THE REVIEW
1. God Bless America, article with no graphics or photos
2. Three persons receive Denman Evangelism Award at 2010 Annual Conferenc
a. Rose Newman
b. Rick Sears
c. Ronald Lowery
3. Learning valuable lessons from the young,
4. Forest Hills UMC Farmer’s Market Draws Warm Response,
5. A VERY funny Fathers’ Day gift presented by Brentwood UMC,
6. Three receive Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Tennessee Alliance for Progress,.
a. Gordon Bonnyman
b. Don Beisswenger
c. Bonnie Spear
7. Refugees Share Experiences at Scarritt-Bennett Center,
8. Reflections Over the Past Month, article with one captioned photo
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God Bless America
By Lucy Neeley Adams*
On July 4th we saw bright fireworks, and beautiful flags waving in the wind. As we once again joyfully celebrated our freedom and asked God to continue to bless us, the prayer-song God Bless America was heard throughout the nation.
During these happy times, we may remember some dark times, when we have sung this song through voices of sadness. In tears, we have prayed that God would “stand beside us and guide us through the night with His light from above.”
It took the writings of Booker T. Washington (1865-1915), who founded the Tuskegee Institute, to guide my thinking toward America’s dark days of slavery. Many prayers were prayed and sung about the dreams of freedom the black slaves longed for. It all began in 1619 in Jamestown, Virginia. Twenty Africans were brought to America on a Dutch ship and were forced to live and work for white people. Africans were slaves for over two hundred years.
In the book, GOD HAS SOUL - CELEBRATING THE INDOMITABLE SPIRIT OF AFRICAN AMERICANS I have read and re-read the words of Booker T. Washington who became a powerful political leader and great educator:
“As fireworks light up the sky in celebration of our country’s independence this Fourth of July 1881, I feel my own sense of independence and freedom. It is a reflective day for me, as I think back to the days of my childhood.” Washington never forgot that his mother’s prayers sometime awakened him at night as she knelt by his pallet praying for their freedom. He was nine years old when that day of liberation finally came because President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan.1, 1863.
Many other tragedies have dotted the history of America since the first Independence Day in 1791. Some church congregations were split in anger and divided because of slavery. In 1861 the Civil War threatened to devour our beloved land. In the early 1900’s Women’s Suffrage Movement was a horrible blight on our nation.
However, one of the greatest tragedies to come to American soil was on September 11, 2001. The day began bright and beautiful. But telephone calls, computers and television sets soon spread the word that our country had been attacked. Nothing went as planned that day. Our family sat frozen in horror before our television set as we watched destruction like we had never seen in our beloved land.
Throughout the days we saw and heard people drawn together by a common goal of suffering. Praying and singing were beautiful expressions of unity. One of those songs was a prayer, God Bless America, which is a plea for God to bless and care for and heal America.
The interesting fact about this song is that it was written to be included in a Broadway play in New York City in 1918. It was composed by Irving Berlin who was annoyed that his song was not chosen as a part of the stage production. But he filed it away and said, “there may be some other time when that song will be needed.”
Sure enough, twenty years later, he retrieved that old song. He rearranged the lyrics, wrote this beautiful melody and God Bless America was born in 1938. It is truly a “golden oldie.”
Irving Berlin was a gift to America. He was born in 1888 in Russia and his family came to this country in the early 1900’s. He became an American citizen and wrote hundreds of unforgettable songs. Evidence of his devotion for his adopted homeland can be found in this song of prayer. Millions of Americans continue to sing about the “land that I love.”
The popular vocalist of that day, Kate Smith, introduced it to America on Nov.11, 1938 as her dynamic voice carried it with great enthusiasm. The rest of the story is well known to the people who saw her on stage or heard her on radio. She never ended a performance without singing her trademark song, God Bless America.
We will always be aware of the growing pains of America. And we also give thanks for the happy times of triumph. Let us rejoice in God’s promises in the Bible. One in particular is Psalm 33:12: “Blessed be the nation whose God is the Lord.”
*Lucy Neeley Adams is author of 52 HYMN STORY DEVOTIONS (http://www.52hymns.com)
Three persons receive Denman Evangelism Award at 2010 Annual Conference
For Harry Denman, “there were always more prayers to be prayed, more letters to be written, more people to be encouraged, more churches to be started, more witnessing to be done,” wrote Harold Rogers in Harry Denman: A Biography. Now, 60 years after Dr. Denman envisioned and established The Foundation for Evangelism, we continue to celebrate those persons – both lay and clergy - whose personal ministry in evangelism continues the work of this amazing United Methodist leader with The Harry Denman Evangelism Award. The 2010 Harry Denman Evangelism Awards were presented to Ron Lowery(Clergy) and Rick Sears (Laity) at the 2010 session of the Tennessee Annual Conference. This year, for the first time, the Denman Award was being given not only to both Laity and Clergy, it is also being given to one of our Conference Youth, Rose Newman.
Rose Newman, Youth Denman Winner 2010
Rose Newman stands with her mother after receiving the Tennessee Conference’s first Denman Award for Youth.
Rose Newman is a member of Gainesboro First United Methodist Church. She serves as the UMYF president, is an active member of the bell choir, and is passionate about her faith. Rose has been instrumental in forming family centered church by fostering Bible study and worship services that are geared toward the younger generation.
Not only does Rose participate in the worship and activities of her local church, she reaches out to her school mates with the love of God. She will frequently invite friends over for a “sleep over” and then bring them to the Sunday morning worship services. Rose also has organized a Christmas in July project that supplies the less fortunate in her community with school supplies. Over all, Rose genuinely displays the love of God in a real and compassionate way. She stands as an example, not just as a youth, but to us all to take our faith beyond the walls of the church and shine God’s light for all to see.
Rick Sears, Laity Denman Award Winner 2010
Family and friends gather to honor Rick Sears, winner of the Laity Denman Award.
What happens when you take an ex-drug addict and alcoholic and fill Him with the Love of God? Rick Sears is what happens! Rick is a Member of the Fellowship United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, TN. From the first day of His walk with Jesus, Rick became an instrument that God has used to touch hundreds, if not thousands of lives. Whether Rick is leading the Wednesday night youth service or helping rebuild homes destroyed by tornadoes, Rick is always sharing the Gospel with people. Because of his own battle with addictions, Rick began a Friday night Celebrations Recovery Service so that he could help other experience true deliverance from their addictions.
Probably one of his greatest evangelism mission trips was when he went back to his hometown to preach at one of the churches there. He spent a week going to the highways and byways, talking with old friends. Upon entering one of his old hang outs, one of his old drinking buddies recognized Rick and offered to buy him a drink. Rick drank a coke and shared what God had done in his life with those present. Before the night was over, Rick had led several of them to know Jesus. By the time the Sunday services rolled around, there was standing room only in the church, as the town’s people gathered to see what had happened in Rick’s life. Before returning to his home church in Murfreesboro, Rick started a Bible study with several of his old friends and they are still participating and attending today.
At present Rick is faithfully sharing the love of God at home, at church and even in his trucking business which he named Trinity Trucking. He is a reflection of Jesus to all who know him and light to those in darkness.
The Rev. Dr. Ronald D. Lowery, Clergy Denman Award Winner 2010
Ronald Lowery, winner of the Clergy Denman Award stands with wife Connie and family
Ron Lowery has the spiritual gift of visioning. He sees not only the reality of a situation, but sees how to move that situation into compliance with kingdom living.
Through his strong leadership and timely guidance, he was instrumental in the birth of a new church at Providence. He called the Cumberland district churches to a forty day time of prayer around the start of this new church. He navigated the usual questions and concerns and generated an excitement while keeping focus on the goal of reaching people for Jesus Christ. He arranged for Grace to be the mother church of Providence which led to the healthy birth of Providence. This was a truly evangelistic effort. In fact, a very successful one. In less than two years Providence now worships around 450 people each Sunday and has had over 100 professions of faith.
Ron was the first speaker for a pilot evangelism event entitled “Let’s Talk: Effective Faith Sharing,” The focus was on how to help local churches be evangelists using scripture to demonstrate the foundation for sharing our faith. One tool Ron Lowery used was developed from churches in the Cumberland District based on answers to the question about how they shared their faith. In this way he acted as the conduit for churches to teach other churches how to evangelize.
Beverly Dycus, Director of Clarksville District United Methodist Urban Ministries, has witnessed Ron’s faith sharing first hand whether during worship in a local congregation or sharing with the unchurched in a local diner. She noted his passion about sharing his faith in Jesus Christ. She stated it was a blessing to have him stop by to Urban Ministries to visit and encourage our volunteers. His words of hope and his personal witness to clients has been an inspiration.
Whether on a plane, in a coffee shop, at a District event or in a quiet moment of a parishioner’s home, Ron is willing and able to share the good news of Jesus Christ. For many years he has given away bibles as he witnesses to the faith and hope he has in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He has given away bibles to persons when visiting door to door. He has given bibles to our military, he has given bibles to persons he has met on the street or in the marketplace.
One wonders how many bibles has he given away after individuals “caught” him reading and interrupted his reading to ask a question. There are no records for this but in heaven we will no doubt hear the stories of how his sharing made a difference in the lives of many whose hands he held in prayer and who carried with them not only scripture after an encounter with this man, but a living hope.
When Ron was named District Superintendent for the Clarksville District with Clarksville itself being the location of Fort Campbell, a huge military complex and home to the 101st Airborne military unit, he had a vision. His vision for the Clarksville District involved bringing the United Methodist Women into covenant relationship with military families. Working with the Clarksville District UMW President Kaye Martin and military chaplains at Fort Campbell, the UMW has begun meeting with and ministering to these families.
Throughout his ministry Ron has demonstrated an ability to move persons and situations in conflict toward reconciliation and peace. He has worked alongside pastors to allow the joy and peace and unity to propel people forward into ministry. Realizing meeting this need is essential to effective evangelistic efforts; he initiated a Conflict Resolution Seminar to help train pastors in these skills.
Under Ron’s leadership and love for Shalom (peace), the Clarksville community began exploration for a new Shalom Zone around First UMC, Clarksville. The program is ecumenical, multi-racial, and interdisciplinary. The Communities of Shalom initiative began as a response to the conditions that impelled, and the aftermath of the Los Angeles rioting in 1992. An original Community of Shalom was created in Los Angeles. The model has been replicated throughout the United States and around the world. Through the power of God, Communities of Shalom works for spiritual renewal, community economic development, and healthy communities.
As a military chaplain, Ron has faithfully worked with persons from not only around our nation, but around the globe. Ten days each quarter he leaves the states to fulfill his requirement – his mission, as the Air National Guard Liaison Chaplain to the United States Air Forces – Europe. While still being available to his pastors at home, he was able to be physically present to the wounded and the chaplains who care for the wounded in Germany. His ministry among them and his ministry among us was part of the call of God on his life. Earlier in 2010 he was promoted in a special ceremony to Colonel in the Air National Guard. His passion for the Gospel and his overseas experiences have made him a true proponent of Global Evangelism.
Learning valuable lessons from the young
Samantha Kelley, going into 4th grade this fall, sits with Bishop Richard Wills at the front of assembled delegates at the 2010 Annual Conference
Often times adults can learn a great deal from children and young people—at the 2010 session of the Tennessee Annual Conference delegates learned a great deal about sacrificial giving from a nine-year-old.
Samantha Kelley had gone with her dad, the Rev. Steve Kelley, to a Cumberland District Minister’s meeting. It was not long after the major flooding in early May, and a report was given on the tremendous amount of damage done to one of the District churches, Dodson Chapel . . . and the difficulty there would be in raising funds to cover the damage. There were a number of thoughts on how to best help Dodson Chapel United Methodist Church to recover, but nine-year-old Samantha was wondering how she personally could best help the struggling congregation. When she had a chance to talk to her father she asked if she could make and sell Friendship Bracelets at $1.00 per bracelet and give all the money to Dobson Chapel. Samantha, a member of Walnut Grove United Methodist Church, had done it before to raise funds for a worthy cause. That time a family had lost a loved one and was faced with the heavy costs of funeral and burial. Samantha was concerned for the family and raised funds for funeral/burial costs by creating and selling Friendship Bracelets.
At the 2010 Annual Conference Bishop Wills learned that Samantha was at Conference selling bracelets for Dodson Chapel. He purchased $20.00 worth of Friendship Bracelets on Monday to help Samantha on her faith journey. At the time Samantha only had 16 bracelets left and went home that night to prepare additional bracelets for the Bishop. In the morning she was quite anxious to get back to Annual Conference so she could give the Bishop the remainder of his order. He invited her to sit at the front table with him on Tuesday and introduced her to the assembled delegates. So, thank you, Samantha Kelley, for teaching us all how to show love and concern when human need manifests itself.
Forest Hills UMC Farmers Market Draws Warm Response
Editor’s note: The Forest Hills Farmers Market will continue on Saturday mornings through mid-September, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.
Leigh Ann Pettus and husband Jeff. Leigh Ann provided major leadership in organizing the event.
In establishing a weekly (Saturday morning) summertime Farmers Market, Forest Hills United Methodist Church felt it was creating a valuable new ministry—one that would be of help to the cities of Forest Hills and Brentwood, as well as assist local farmers in a substantial way. The Forest Hills location was great—right along heavily traveled Old Hickory Blvd—and with plenty of outdoor space to accommodate a number of vendors.
Organizers probably did not envision that the first hour of the “grand opening” of the Farmers Market would be accompanied by a heavy downpour – and certainly weren’t prepared for the fact that the downpour didn’t seem to make any difference at all. There were still a large number of shoppers—most with umbrellas holding out the rain but more than a few without protective cover except for nearby trees.
Even heavy rain couldn’t keep appreciative customers away on opening day.
There were a rich variety of products available: fresh fruit and vegetables, berries, honey, jelly, meat, pastry, a variety of cheeses, vegetable juice—and that wasn’t all.
Pastor Jim Hughes was enthused with the way the day went. “We couldn’t have been more pleased about our first attempt. We had a really good crowd, the rain didn’t “dampen” anyone’s enthusiasm, and our growers were happy and impressed with our organization. We expect only bigger and better things. Clearly, we feel we have touched on a need in our community and the market will allow a lot of community residents to know who we are at Forest Hills UMC.”
Leigh Ann Pettus, who did much of the organization and promotion for the event, reflected on the success of the opening day, and indicated some future expansion of the Farmers Market experience:
"The grand opening of The Forest Hills UMC Farmers Market was a wonderful success. Even the morning storm that blew through around 8:45 did not stop our volunteers, farmers and customers from enjoying a beautiful summer Saturday morning with fellow members of the community. Some have estimated market attendance between 400-500 people.
The church’s tree shaded lawn is the perfect place for a Farmer’s Market.
“Many of our neighbors expressed appreciation to the church for giving the area such a much-needed place to support our local farmers and our community. One of our farmers commented that he had attended several markets in the past, but had never seen people having such a good time.
“But, perhaps, one of the best quotes, one from local farmer Freddie Haddox, was printed in an article on the Brentwood Home Page.
“‘That’s a sanctuary,’ Haddox said pointing to the steepled building where church members worship on Sunday mornings. ‘But this place feels like a sanctuary too,’ sweeping his hand in the direction of the yard and the big tree that provided shade to the entire market area.’ ‘And the people have a great spirit here.’
The tremendous feat was due to all of our Forest Hills UMC members, who not only volunteered at the market, but bought many of the fruits, vegetables, meats and baked goods from our farmers.
Now the challenge will be to keep the momentum going. For our future markets, we have added a local coffee vendor, Roast, Inc., whose product will compliment those delicious signature muffins from Anne's Cakes. The market is a work in progress. For example, we saw that several customers brought their dogs, so we have added a new vendor, Daisy Delicacies, a local vendor who creates gourmet treats for pets. We also hope to have some of our members or people from the community to provide musical entertainment."
“The market is already accomplishing one other very important benefit,” notes Pastor Hughes after the second Saturday’s Farmers Market, “we are having really good conversations with people about our church. I’ve already had numerous encounters with folks who are interested in knowing about who we are. We had hoped this would happen and it gives us a chance to really connect with people looking for a church home”.
Event raises $22,500 for Flood Relief
A VERY funny Fathers’ Day gift presented by Brentwood UMC
Al McCree started the “Laugh Fest” off with some funny songs.
The Fathers’ Day for Flood Relief Benefit Concert sponsored by Brentwood United Methodist Church not only provided substantial help for Middle Tennessee Flood Relief efforts, but shared a comic gem in Jeanne Robertson.
The last figure obtained before press time for THE REVIEW showed that $22,500 was raised for Flood Relief ( to be administered via the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee). Jeanne Robertson, a comic storyteller and noted motivational speaker, managed the impossible – getting such vibrant audience laughter that personal problems including flood damage were forgotten for the moment.
The concert was free . . . but a free will offering raised $22,500 for flood relief in hard-hit middle Tennessee
Getting people in the mood to enjoy Robertson was musician and Brentwood UMC member Al McCree with his own comic style as he sang several well-known numbers with new and funny lyrics. To make certain that everyone understood that although we were being treated to a comic masterpiece—and laughter was the order of the day--there remains great need in Middle Tennessee, McCree introduced Ellen Lehman, president of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Lehman has been president since the Foundation began in 1991
Ellen Lehman, president of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. The Foundation will administer all funds raised at the Comedy Concert
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee responds in times of disaster to connect generosity with need and has activated the Tennessee Emergency Response Fund to support relief efforts throughout Middle Tennessee necessitated by the May 2010 floods. To find out more about the agency go online to http://www.cfmt.org/floodrelief/terf/
Jeanne Robertson, a former Miss North Carolina, is a VERY funny lady.
And for those of you who haven’t had a chance to see Jeanne Robertson in action – or those of you that were at the June 20th performance but would like to relive Jeanne’s humorous moments—you can go to the following website:
http://jeannerobertson.com/
Included in the material about Jeanne are links to several of her comic stories.
Three receive Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Tennessee Alliance for Progress
Three persons well-known in the Tennessee Conference receive Lifetime Achievement awards from the Tennessee Alliance for Progress
Two persons, both associated with Nashville’s Edgehill United Methodist Church, were awarded a 2010 Lifetime Achievement Long-Haul Award by the Tennessee Alliance for Progress in a late spring ceremony. Peace activtivist Don Beisswenger, and Tennessee Justice Center’s Gordon Bonnyman were both recognized for their lifetime labors. TAP’s annual Long Haul awards salute the achievements of outstanding people who work for social, economic and environmental justice in Tennessee. In addition, Bonnie Spear, Director of the Blakemore United Methodist Children’s Center, was presented a Lifetime Achievement Long-Haul Award.
Gordon Bonnyman is a Knoxville native who received his law degree from the
University of Tennessee in 1972. He is the executive director of the Tennessee Justice
Center, a non-profit public interest law firm that serves the poor. Before co-founding
the Center in 1996, he worked as a staff attorney for the Legal Aid Society in Nashville
for 23 years, representing thousands of low income clients. Gordon has testified before
Congress, argued before the Supreme Court and has served as lead counsel in class actions involving health care, prison conditions, foster care, nursing homes, housing
and Civil Rights. During sabbaticals, Gordon and his wife, Claudia, who is a Davidson
County Chancery Court judge, worked for human rights organizations in the Middle
East (1978-1979) and Eastern Europe (1994).
Don Beisswenger receives his award from Mark Burnett, Chair of TAP. Beisswenger also accepted an award on behalf of Gordon Bonnyman who was unable to attend the ceremony.
Don Beisswenger has lived out a commitment to social justice. He was ordained to the ministry in the Presbyterian Church in 1956, the year he married Joyce Horton. Don
and Joyce served congregations in the Ozark Mountains, Cincinnati and Iowa before moving to Chicago in 1962 where he was active in the Chicago Industrial Ministry and part of the campaign for racial equality in the Sixties. Once, when black friends were prevented from buying a house, he and Joyce bought the house and then resold it to them, despite threats and harassment. In 1968, Don joined the Vanderbilt Divinity School as a professor and director of field education. This work brought national recognition to the divinity school for the excellence of the field studies program. In 1983 Don and Joyce founded the Penuel Ridge Contemplative Retreat Center. Out of his concern for Central America he was a founder of Witness for Peace in 1983. He engaged in civil disobedience at the School of the Americas in 2003 and was sentenced and served six months in federal prison. Joyce died in 2002. In 2005, Don married Judith Freund Pilgrim. Together they have ten children and thirteen grandchildren. He continues his advocacy, especially on housing and the homeless.
Bonnie Spear receives her Lifetime Achievement Award from Mark Burnett.
Bonnie Spear is the director of Blakemore Children’s Center and currently serve on
the board of the Tennessee Association for the Education of Young Children, Temple Playschool Advisory Board and Stand for Children, She was born in Chattanooga but lived in Kentucky, Illinois and then back in Tennessee while growing up. From preschool until she graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, she attended twelve different schools. Of those, Francis W. Parker School, in Chicago, had the greatest impact on her life. The school’s motto is “Everything to help and nothing to hinder.”
Students were encouraged and helped to volunteer and make a difference in their community from an early age. She began volunteering at Jane Addams Hull House at the
age of thirteen. She has been married to her husband Danny for thirty-seven years. She
has a son, daughter and foster granddaughter.
Persons can go to the TAP website for more information and to make donations to
TAP. It is http://www.taptn.org/
Nashville is Now Our HomeRefugees Share Experiences at Scarritt-Bennett Center
Five refugees, who have made Nashville their home during the past decade, recently shared their experiences during a forum presented by Catholic Charities’ Tennessee Office for Refugees at Scarritt-Bennett Center in observance of World Refugee Day. Pictured (left to right) are Fatuma Masazi and her daughter, Aziza Abdiaziz, from Somalia, who have lived here since 2005; Abdikadir Ali from Somalia, who has lived in Nashville since 2004 and now works at Catholic Charities; Jamal Alwan, a surgeon from Iraq, who has lived here since 2009; Fadil Dervishi from Kosovo, who arrived in Nashville in 1999 and owns Sevala’s Cafe; and program moderator Carol Etherington, associate director of the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health. In 2009, more than 1,500 refugees fleeing persecution, found a new home in Tennessee. Last year, families and individuals from 15 different countries -- escaping war, persecution and often a continuous threat of death -- were welcomed to the Nashville community with the assistance of Catholic Charities of Tennessee.
Reflections Over the Past Month
By The Rev. Wm. Russell Cain. Elder, Retired
William Russell Cain
It doesn’t seem as if a month and more have gone by since we heard of all the flooding and flood damage covering a larger part of Middle Tennessee. It has been called the “Nashville Flood,” and yes, Nashville did receive a lot of damage, but other parts of the state were affected. The numbers were not as great as Nashville, but the pain and individual losses were the same. I worked the disaster in Smith, Jackson, DeKalb, Macon, and Clay counties.
There were close to nine-hundred families affected by the flooding in those five counties. From reports of road damage, to water in the basement, all the way to total loss of the home. Fences were lost, animals were lost, businesses under water, jobs ended and income stopped. It was heart breaking to see the loss and despair of people. Twenty-five people had to move to a shelter for safety. Some of the people in the shelter were rescued by boat. The American Red Cross and the Carthage United Methodist Church provided a shelter for almost a week, as people sorted out their lives.
Even in this dark hour, God stood in the disaster with his light shining. People and help began to respond immediately. Soon, people were coming to the aid of their friends and neighbors, strangers put forth a helping hand, and hope rose in the hearts and minds of people. The United Methodist Committee on Relief sent Early Response Teams from the Holston Conference arriving three days after the flood. Because of connections made earlier, that team received help from the Jewish Disaster Relief in the form of an AmerCor team. This coupled with local help from other faith groups, and a District Early Response Team got the mud washed away, wet walls and floors were taken out, and God’s grace was given.
Just short of forty homes were deconstructed by these Early Response Teams. New friends were made, hopes were lifted, a future seen. All this because people, called of God, answered with love, grace, hard work, and lots of sweat. They were the hands and feet of Jesus in the communities they worked in. A special thanks goes out to the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church for their help, to the Jewish Disaster response with the Amercor team, and to the Monterey Baptist Church for help and supplies, as well as our own District Early Response Team. Two-thousand and two hundred hours were spent in work time by these teams. This does not include their travel time just to show up.
I must say great things about the people of the Carthage United Methodist Church. They opened their church and their hearts to provide housing, showers, and food for the teams. I have no real idea of how many work hours were given by the members of the church, but there were many. The only complaint I heard form a team member was, “I’m going to leave here ten pounds heavier than when I came.” The church also fed the community response teams during the first week as it housed the shelter. The vision this church had when they built the new part of their church was fulfilled in this mission outreach.
No, the work is not done, it only changes from deconstruction to reconstruction. A Long Term Committee is being worked on which will set the stage for more work teams to respond. Instead of ERT teams, they will be VIM teams. Carthage United Methodist Church stands ready to receive them as they come in the name of Jesus to show love for their neighbor.
It has been a great and heartwarming experience to be a part of this mission work. When God’s people can work together, with God’s help, nothing is impossible. Love was truly made visible.
1. God Bless America, article with no graphics or photos
2. Three persons receive Denman Evangelism Award at 2010 Annual Conferenc
a. Rose Newman
b. Rick Sears
c. Ronald Lowery
3. Learning valuable lessons from the young,
4. Forest Hills UMC Farmer’s Market Draws Warm Response,
5. A VERY funny Fathers’ Day gift presented by Brentwood UMC,
6. Three receive Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Tennessee Alliance for Progress,.
a. Gordon Bonnyman
b. Don Beisswenger
c. Bonnie Spear
7. Refugees Share Experiences at Scarritt-Bennett Center,
8. Reflections Over the Past Month, article with one captioned photo
_________________________
God Bless America
By Lucy Neeley Adams*
On July 4th we saw bright fireworks, and beautiful flags waving in the wind. As we once again joyfully celebrated our freedom and asked God to continue to bless us, the prayer-song God Bless America was heard throughout the nation.
During these happy times, we may remember some dark times, when we have sung this song through voices of sadness. In tears, we have prayed that God would “stand beside us and guide us through the night with His light from above.”
It took the writings of Booker T. Washington (1865-1915), who founded the Tuskegee Institute, to guide my thinking toward America’s dark days of slavery. Many prayers were prayed and sung about the dreams of freedom the black slaves longed for. It all began in 1619 in Jamestown, Virginia. Twenty Africans were brought to America on a Dutch ship and were forced to live and work for white people. Africans were slaves for over two hundred years.
In the book, GOD HAS SOUL - CELEBRATING THE INDOMITABLE SPIRIT OF AFRICAN AMERICANS I have read and re-read the words of Booker T. Washington who became a powerful political leader and great educator:
“As fireworks light up the sky in celebration of our country’s independence this Fourth of July 1881, I feel my own sense of independence and freedom. It is a reflective day for me, as I think back to the days of my childhood.” Washington never forgot that his mother’s prayers sometime awakened him at night as she knelt by his pallet praying for their freedom. He was nine years old when that day of liberation finally came because President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan.1, 1863.
Many other tragedies have dotted the history of America since the first Independence Day in 1791. Some church congregations were split in anger and divided because of slavery. In 1861 the Civil War threatened to devour our beloved land. In the early 1900’s Women’s Suffrage Movement was a horrible blight on our nation.
However, one of the greatest tragedies to come to American soil was on September 11, 2001. The day began bright and beautiful. But telephone calls, computers and television sets soon spread the word that our country had been attacked. Nothing went as planned that day. Our family sat frozen in horror before our television set as we watched destruction like we had never seen in our beloved land.
Throughout the days we saw and heard people drawn together by a common goal of suffering. Praying and singing were beautiful expressions of unity. One of those songs was a prayer, God Bless America, which is a plea for God to bless and care for and heal America.
The interesting fact about this song is that it was written to be included in a Broadway play in New York City in 1918. It was composed by Irving Berlin who was annoyed that his song was not chosen as a part of the stage production. But he filed it away and said, “there may be some other time when that song will be needed.”
Sure enough, twenty years later, he retrieved that old song. He rearranged the lyrics, wrote this beautiful melody and God Bless America was born in 1938. It is truly a “golden oldie.”
Irving Berlin was a gift to America. He was born in 1888 in Russia and his family came to this country in the early 1900’s. He became an American citizen and wrote hundreds of unforgettable songs. Evidence of his devotion for his adopted homeland can be found in this song of prayer. Millions of Americans continue to sing about the “land that I love.”
The popular vocalist of that day, Kate Smith, introduced it to America on Nov.11, 1938 as her dynamic voice carried it with great enthusiasm. The rest of the story is well known to the people who saw her on stage or heard her on radio. She never ended a performance without singing her trademark song, God Bless America.
We will always be aware of the growing pains of America. And we also give thanks for the happy times of triumph. Let us rejoice in God’s promises in the Bible. One in particular is Psalm 33:12: “Blessed be the nation whose God is the Lord.”
*Lucy Neeley Adams is author of 52 HYMN STORY DEVOTIONS (http://www.52hymns.com)
Three persons receive Denman Evangelism Award at 2010 Annual Conference
For Harry Denman, “there were always more prayers to be prayed, more letters to be written, more people to be encouraged, more churches to be started, more witnessing to be done,” wrote Harold Rogers in Harry Denman: A Biography. Now, 60 years after Dr. Denman envisioned and established The Foundation for Evangelism, we continue to celebrate those persons – both lay and clergy - whose personal ministry in evangelism continues the work of this amazing United Methodist leader with The Harry Denman Evangelism Award. The 2010 Harry Denman Evangelism Awards were presented to Ron Lowery(Clergy) and Rick Sears (Laity) at the 2010 session of the Tennessee Annual Conference. This year, for the first time, the Denman Award was being given not only to both Laity and Clergy, it is also being given to one of our Conference Youth, Rose Newman.
Rose Newman, Youth Denman Winner 2010
Rose Newman is a member of Gainesboro First United Methodist Church. She serves as the UMYF president, is an active member of the bell choir, and is passionate about her faith. Rose has been instrumental in forming family centered church by fostering Bible study and worship services that are geared toward the younger generation.
Not only does Rose participate in the worship and activities of her local church, she reaches out to her school mates with the love of God. She will frequently invite friends over for a “sleep over” and then bring them to the Sunday morning worship services. Rose also has organized a Christmas in July project that supplies the less fortunate in her community with school supplies. Over all, Rose genuinely displays the love of God in a real and compassionate way. She stands as an example, not just as a youth, but to us all to take our faith beyond the walls of the church and shine God’s light for all to see.
Rick Sears, Laity Denman Award Winner 2010
Family and friends gather to honor Rick Sears, winner of the Laity Denman Award.
What happens when you take an ex-drug addict and alcoholic and fill Him with the Love of God? Rick Sears is what happens! Rick is a Member of the Fellowship United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, TN. From the first day of His walk with Jesus, Rick became an instrument that God has used to touch hundreds, if not thousands of lives. Whether Rick is leading the Wednesday night youth service or helping rebuild homes destroyed by tornadoes, Rick is always sharing the Gospel with people. Because of his own battle with addictions, Rick began a Friday night Celebrations Recovery Service so that he could help other experience true deliverance from their addictions.
Probably one of his greatest evangelism mission trips was when he went back to his hometown to preach at one of the churches there. He spent a week going to the highways and byways, talking with old friends. Upon entering one of his old hang outs, one of his old drinking buddies recognized Rick and offered to buy him a drink. Rick drank a coke and shared what God had done in his life with those present. Before the night was over, Rick had led several of them to know Jesus. By the time the Sunday services rolled around, there was standing room only in the church, as the town’s people gathered to see what had happened in Rick’s life. Before returning to his home church in Murfreesboro, Rick started a Bible study with several of his old friends and they are still participating and attending today.
At present Rick is faithfully sharing the love of God at home, at church and even in his trucking business which he named Trinity Trucking. He is a reflection of Jesus to all who know him and light to those in darkness.
The Rev. Dr. Ronald D. Lowery, Clergy Denman Award Winner 2010
Ronald Lowery, winner of the Clergy Denman Award stands with wife Connie and family
Ron Lowery has the spiritual gift of visioning. He sees not only the reality of a situation, but sees how to move that situation into compliance with kingdom living.
Through his strong leadership and timely guidance, he was instrumental in the birth of a new church at Providence. He called the Cumberland district churches to a forty day time of prayer around the start of this new church. He navigated the usual questions and concerns and generated an excitement while keeping focus on the goal of reaching people for Jesus Christ. He arranged for Grace to be the mother church of Providence which led to the healthy birth of Providence. This was a truly evangelistic effort. In fact, a very successful one. In less than two years Providence now worships around 450 people each Sunday and has had over 100 professions of faith.
Ron was the first speaker for a pilot evangelism event entitled “Let’s Talk: Effective Faith Sharing,” The focus was on how to help local churches be evangelists using scripture to demonstrate the foundation for sharing our faith. One tool Ron Lowery used was developed from churches in the Cumberland District based on answers to the question about how they shared their faith. In this way he acted as the conduit for churches to teach other churches how to evangelize.
Beverly Dycus, Director of Clarksville District United Methodist Urban Ministries, has witnessed Ron’s faith sharing first hand whether during worship in a local congregation or sharing with the unchurched in a local diner. She noted his passion about sharing his faith in Jesus Christ. She stated it was a blessing to have him stop by to Urban Ministries to visit and encourage our volunteers. His words of hope and his personal witness to clients has been an inspiration.
Whether on a plane, in a coffee shop, at a District event or in a quiet moment of a parishioner’s home, Ron is willing and able to share the good news of Jesus Christ. For many years he has given away bibles as he witnesses to the faith and hope he has in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He has given away bibles to persons when visiting door to door. He has given bibles to our military, he has given bibles to persons he has met on the street or in the marketplace.
One wonders how many bibles has he given away after individuals “caught” him reading and interrupted his reading to ask a question. There are no records for this but in heaven we will no doubt hear the stories of how his sharing made a difference in the lives of many whose hands he held in prayer and who carried with them not only scripture after an encounter with this man, but a living hope.
When Ron was named District Superintendent for the Clarksville District with Clarksville itself being the location of Fort Campbell, a huge military complex and home to the 101st Airborne military unit, he had a vision. His vision for the Clarksville District involved bringing the United Methodist Women into covenant relationship with military families. Working with the Clarksville District UMW President Kaye Martin and military chaplains at Fort Campbell, the UMW has begun meeting with and ministering to these families.
Throughout his ministry Ron has demonstrated an ability to move persons and situations in conflict toward reconciliation and peace. He has worked alongside pastors to allow the joy and peace and unity to propel people forward into ministry. Realizing meeting this need is essential to effective evangelistic efforts; he initiated a Conflict Resolution Seminar to help train pastors in these skills.
Under Ron’s leadership and love for Shalom (peace), the Clarksville community began exploration for a new Shalom Zone around First UMC, Clarksville. The program is ecumenical, multi-racial, and interdisciplinary. The Communities of Shalom initiative began as a response to the conditions that impelled, and the aftermath of the Los Angeles rioting in 1992. An original Community of Shalom was created in Los Angeles. The model has been replicated throughout the United States and around the world. Through the power of God, Communities of Shalom works for spiritual renewal, community economic development, and healthy communities.
As a military chaplain, Ron has faithfully worked with persons from not only around our nation, but around the globe. Ten days each quarter he leaves the states to fulfill his requirement – his mission, as the Air National Guard Liaison Chaplain to the United States Air Forces – Europe. While still being available to his pastors at home, he was able to be physically present to the wounded and the chaplains who care for the wounded in Germany. His ministry among them and his ministry among us was part of the call of God on his life. Earlier in 2010 he was promoted in a special ceremony to Colonel in the Air National Guard. His passion for the Gospel and his overseas experiences have made him a true proponent of Global Evangelism.
Learning valuable lessons from the young
Often times adults can learn a great deal from children and young people—at the 2010 session of the Tennessee Annual Conference delegates learned a great deal about sacrificial giving from a nine-year-old.
Samantha Kelley had gone with her dad, the Rev. Steve Kelley, to a Cumberland District Minister’s meeting. It was not long after the major flooding in early May, and a report was given on the tremendous amount of damage done to one of the District churches, Dodson Chapel . . . and the difficulty there would be in raising funds to cover the damage. There were a number of thoughts on how to best help Dodson Chapel United Methodist Church to recover, but nine-year-old Samantha was wondering how she personally could best help the struggling congregation. When she had a chance to talk to her father she asked if she could make and sell Friendship Bracelets at $1.00 per bracelet and give all the money to Dobson Chapel. Samantha, a member of Walnut Grove United Methodist Church, had done it before to raise funds for a worthy cause. That time a family had lost a loved one and was faced with the heavy costs of funeral and burial. Samantha was concerned for the family and raised funds for funeral/burial costs by creating and selling Friendship Bracelets.
At the 2010 Annual Conference Bishop Wills learned that Samantha was at Conference selling bracelets for Dodson Chapel. He purchased $20.00 worth of Friendship Bracelets on Monday to help Samantha on her faith journey. At the time Samantha only had 16 bracelets left and went home that night to prepare additional bracelets for the Bishop. In the morning she was quite anxious to get back to Annual Conference so she could give the Bishop the remainder of his order. He invited her to sit at the front table with him on Tuesday and introduced her to the assembled delegates. So, thank you, Samantha Kelley, for teaching us all how to show love and concern when human need manifests itself.
Forest Hills UMC Farmers Market Draws Warm Response
Editor’s note: The Forest Hills Farmers Market will continue on Saturday mornings through mid-September, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.
In establishing a weekly (Saturday morning) summertime Farmers Market, Forest Hills United Methodist Church felt it was creating a valuable new ministry—one that would be of help to the cities of Forest Hills and Brentwood, as well as assist local farmers in a substantial way. The Forest Hills location was great—right along heavily traveled Old Hickory Blvd—and with plenty of outdoor space to accommodate a number of vendors.
Organizers probably did not envision that the first hour of the “grand opening” of the Farmers Market would be accompanied by a heavy downpour – and certainly weren’t prepared for the fact that the downpour didn’t seem to make any difference at all. There were still a large number of shoppers—most with umbrellas holding out the rain but more than a few without protective cover except for nearby trees.
There were a rich variety of products available: fresh fruit and vegetables, berries, honey, jelly, meat, pastry, a variety of cheeses, vegetable juice—and that wasn’t all.
Pastor Jim Hughes was enthused with the way the day went. “We couldn’t have been more pleased about our first attempt. We had a really good crowd, the rain didn’t “dampen” anyone’s enthusiasm, and our growers were happy and impressed with our organization. We expect only bigger and better things. Clearly, we feel we have touched on a need in our community and the market will allow a lot of community residents to know who we are at Forest Hills UMC.”
Leigh Ann Pettus, who did much of the organization and promotion for the event, reflected on the success of the opening day, and indicated some future expansion of the Farmers Market experience:
"The grand opening of The Forest Hills UMC Farmers Market was a wonderful success. Even the morning storm that blew through around 8:45 did not stop our volunteers, farmers and customers from enjoying a beautiful summer Saturday morning with fellow members of the community. Some have estimated market attendance between 400-500 people.
“Many of our neighbors expressed appreciation to the church for giving the area such a much-needed place to support our local farmers and our community. One of our farmers commented that he had attended several markets in the past, but had never seen people having such a good time.
“But, perhaps, one of the best quotes, one from local farmer Freddie Haddox, was printed in an article on the Brentwood Home Page.
“‘That’s a sanctuary,’ Haddox said pointing to the steepled building where church members worship on Sunday mornings. ‘But this place feels like a sanctuary too,’ sweeping his hand in the direction of the yard and the big tree that provided shade to the entire market area.’ ‘And the people have a great spirit here.’
The tremendous feat was due to all of our Forest Hills UMC members, who not only volunteered at the market, but bought many of the fruits, vegetables, meats and baked goods from our farmers.
Now the challenge will be to keep the momentum going. For our future markets, we have added a local coffee vendor, Roast, Inc., whose product will compliment those delicious signature muffins from Anne's Cakes. The market is a work in progress. For example, we saw that several customers brought their dogs, so we have added a new vendor, Daisy Delicacies, a local vendor who creates gourmet treats for pets. We also hope to have some of our members or people from the community to provide musical entertainment."
“The market is already accomplishing one other very important benefit,” notes Pastor Hughes after the second Saturday’s Farmers Market, “we are having really good conversations with people about our church. I’ve already had numerous encounters with folks who are interested in knowing about who we are. We had hoped this would happen and it gives us a chance to really connect with people looking for a church home”.
Event raises $22,500 for Flood Relief
A VERY funny Fathers’ Day gift presented by Brentwood UMC
The Fathers’ Day for Flood Relief Benefit Concert sponsored by Brentwood United Methodist Church not only provided substantial help for Middle Tennessee Flood Relief efforts, but shared a comic gem in Jeanne Robertson.
The last figure obtained before press time for THE REVIEW showed that $22,500 was raised for Flood Relief ( to be administered via the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee). Jeanne Robertson, a comic storyteller and noted motivational speaker, managed the impossible – getting such vibrant audience laughter that personal problems including flood damage were forgotten for the moment.
Getting people in the mood to enjoy Robertson was musician and Brentwood UMC member Al McCree with his own comic style as he sang several well-known numbers with new and funny lyrics. To make certain that everyone understood that although we were being treated to a comic masterpiece—and laughter was the order of the day--there remains great need in Middle Tennessee, McCree introduced Ellen Lehman, president of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Lehman has been president since the Foundation began in 1991
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee responds in times of disaster to connect generosity with need and has activated the Tennessee Emergency Response Fund to support relief efforts throughout Middle Tennessee necessitated by the May 2010 floods. To find out more about the agency go online to http://www.cfmt.org/floodrelief/terf/
And for those of you who haven’t had a chance to see Jeanne Robertson in action – or those of you that were at the June 20th performance but would like to relive Jeanne’s humorous moments—you can go to the following website:
http://jeannerobertson.com/
Included in the material about Jeanne are links to several of her comic stories.
Three receive Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Tennessee Alliance for Progress
Three persons well-known in the Tennessee Conference receive Lifetime Achievement awards from the Tennessee Alliance for Progress
Two persons, both associated with Nashville’s Edgehill United Methodist Church, were awarded a 2010 Lifetime Achievement Long-Haul Award by the Tennessee Alliance for Progress in a late spring ceremony. Peace activtivist Don Beisswenger, and Tennessee Justice Center’s Gordon Bonnyman were both recognized for their lifetime labors. TAP’s annual Long Haul awards salute the achievements of outstanding people who work for social, economic and environmental justice in Tennessee. In addition, Bonnie Spear, Director of the Blakemore United Methodist Children’s Center, was presented a Lifetime Achievement Long-Haul Award.
Gordon Bonnyman is a Knoxville native who received his law degree from the
University of Tennessee in 1972. He is the executive director of the Tennessee Justice
Center, a non-profit public interest law firm that serves the poor. Before co-founding
the Center in 1996, he worked as a staff attorney for the Legal Aid Society in Nashville
for 23 years, representing thousands of low income clients. Gordon has testified before
Congress, argued before the Supreme Court and has served as lead counsel in class actions involving health care, prison conditions, foster care, nursing homes, housing
and Civil Rights. During sabbaticals, Gordon and his wife, Claudia, who is a Davidson
County Chancery Court judge, worked for human rights organizations in the Middle
East (1978-1979) and Eastern Europe (1994).
Don Beisswenger has lived out a commitment to social justice. He was ordained to the ministry in the Presbyterian Church in 1956, the year he married Joyce Horton. Don
and Joyce served congregations in the Ozark Mountains, Cincinnati and Iowa before moving to Chicago in 1962 where he was active in the Chicago Industrial Ministry and part of the campaign for racial equality in the Sixties. Once, when black friends were prevented from buying a house, he and Joyce bought the house and then resold it to them, despite threats and harassment. In 1968, Don joined the Vanderbilt Divinity School as a professor and director of field education. This work brought national recognition to the divinity school for the excellence of the field studies program. In 1983 Don and Joyce founded the Penuel Ridge Contemplative Retreat Center. Out of his concern for Central America he was a founder of Witness for Peace in 1983. He engaged in civil disobedience at the School of the Americas in 2003 and was sentenced and served six months in federal prison. Joyce died in 2002. In 2005, Don married Judith Freund Pilgrim. Together they have ten children and thirteen grandchildren. He continues his advocacy, especially on housing and the homeless.
Bonnie Spear is the director of Blakemore Children’s Center and currently serve on
the board of the Tennessee Association for the Education of Young Children, Temple Playschool Advisory Board and Stand for Children, She was born in Chattanooga but lived in Kentucky, Illinois and then back in Tennessee while growing up. From preschool until she graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, she attended twelve different schools. Of those, Francis W. Parker School, in Chicago, had the greatest impact on her life. The school’s motto is “Everything to help and nothing to hinder.”
Students were encouraged and helped to volunteer and make a difference in their community from an early age. She began volunteering at Jane Addams Hull House at the
age of thirteen. She has been married to her husband Danny for thirty-seven years. She
has a son, daughter and foster granddaughter.
Persons can go to the TAP website for more information and to make donations to
TAP. It is http://www.taptn.org/
Nashville is Now Our HomeRefugees Share Experiences at Scarritt-Bennett Center
Reflections Over the Past Month
By The Rev. Wm. Russell Cain. Elder, Retired
It doesn’t seem as if a month and more have gone by since we heard of all the flooding and flood damage covering a larger part of Middle Tennessee. It has been called the “Nashville Flood,” and yes, Nashville did receive a lot of damage, but other parts of the state were affected. The numbers were not as great as Nashville, but the pain and individual losses were the same. I worked the disaster in Smith, Jackson, DeKalb, Macon, and Clay counties.
There were close to nine-hundred families affected by the flooding in those five counties. From reports of road damage, to water in the basement, all the way to total loss of the home. Fences were lost, animals were lost, businesses under water, jobs ended and income stopped. It was heart breaking to see the loss and despair of people. Twenty-five people had to move to a shelter for safety. Some of the people in the shelter were rescued by boat. The American Red Cross and the Carthage United Methodist Church provided a shelter for almost a week, as people sorted out their lives.
Even in this dark hour, God stood in the disaster with his light shining. People and help began to respond immediately. Soon, people were coming to the aid of their friends and neighbors, strangers put forth a helping hand, and hope rose in the hearts and minds of people. The United Methodist Committee on Relief sent Early Response Teams from the Holston Conference arriving three days after the flood. Because of connections made earlier, that team received help from the Jewish Disaster Relief in the form of an AmerCor team. This coupled with local help from other faith groups, and a District Early Response Team got the mud washed away, wet walls and floors were taken out, and God’s grace was given.
Just short of forty homes were deconstructed by these Early Response Teams. New friends were made, hopes were lifted, a future seen. All this because people, called of God, answered with love, grace, hard work, and lots of sweat. They were the hands and feet of Jesus in the communities they worked in. A special thanks goes out to the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church for their help, to the Jewish Disaster response with the Amercor team, and to the Monterey Baptist Church for help and supplies, as well as our own District Early Response Team. Two-thousand and two hundred hours were spent in work time by these teams. This does not include their travel time just to show up.
I must say great things about the people of the Carthage United Methodist Church. They opened their church and their hearts to provide housing, showers, and food for the teams. I have no real idea of how many work hours were given by the members of the church, but there were many. The only complaint I heard form a team member was, “I’m going to leave here ten pounds heavier than when I came.” The church also fed the community response teams during the first week as it housed the shelter. The vision this church had when they built the new part of their church was fulfilled in this mission outreach.
No, the work is not done, it only changes from deconstruction to reconstruction. A Long Term Committee is being worked on which will set the stage for more work teams to respond. Instead of ERT teams, they will be VIM teams. Carthage United Methodist Church stands ready to receive them as they come in the name of Jesus to show love for their neighbor.
It has been a great and heartwarming experience to be a part of this mission work. When God’s people can work together, with God’s help, nothing is impossible. Love was truly made visible.
posted by TN Conference UMC @ 6:10 AM
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