THE WINDOW. A publication of First Presbyterian Church Hendersonville, TN. April Dear Friends,

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Damian Thompson
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We see examples in the news every week of someone who is supposed to lead society in a certain way, but ends up abusing their position or office. Contradictions in life.

1 THE WINDOW A publication of First Presbyterian Church Hendersonville, TN April 2017 Dear Friends, Have you noticed any contradictions in life? You know, something that is supposed to be one way but ends up another, like a medicine advertised to help you but has several possible side effects that sound even worse than the original concern. We see examples in the news every week of someone who is supposed to lead society in a certain way, but ends up abusing their position or office. Contradictions in life. I have noticed a few contradictions in my neighborhood. I have a neighbor down the street who does not seem to be very friendly. However, his pressure cleaning company is titled Divinity. Contradiction. On my jogging route, I run past a house with the word Believe on one side of the mailbox. On the other is Beware of Dog. They also have a large wooden cross in their front yard. Contradiction. Maybe you have heard the story of the man who kept shouting during the pastor s sermon, Fill me, Lord! He let out one more, Fill me, Lord and a woman shouted in response, Don t fill him Lord, he leaks! We have all heard the words, Sunday Christian, describing a person who lives a Christian life on Sunday, but not during the week. Contradictions. Jesus has a conversation with a lawyer in Luke 10. He asks Jesus a question about inheriting eternal life. Jesus points him to the law. The law expert summarizes correctly, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind; and your neighbor as yourself (v.27). The lawyer wants to justify himself, so he asks Who is my neighbor? Jesus tells him a story of the Good Samaritan. A Jewish man is robbed and left on the side of the road. Two religious people ignore him, one of them was a lawyer. A Samaritan helps the wounded man even though he is a Jew. Samaritans and Jews hated each other. Jesus ends the story time with a question, Who acted like a neighbor? Jesus changes the focus of the conversation from who is my neighbor to how do I live as a neighbor. It is not about who is out there as much as what is happening inside the hearts of Christians. Being neighborly begins inside. I imagine we all leak. The question is do we notice our leaking and do something about it? It is easy to point out other people s contradictions and mistakes. We are naturally critical of other people s errors and laziness. The neighbor who does not regularly mow his yard, leaves the trash can at the street several days after pick up, or allows their dog to make deposits in your yard. We can also keep a list of church members who are not walking the appropriate line. I wonder what contradiction Jesus would point out in a conversation with us. Lent is a time we look inside identifying and recognizing our own contradictions. It is about self-reflection. I hope you take advantage of Holy Week. We will begin with celebrating Palm Sunday and in the same worship service end pondering the cross. We will sit at the communion table with Jesus and his disciples and then we will rejoice at the empty tomb where we find God s amazing grace and never-ending forgiveness. Love and Prayers,

Our final adult Sunday School study before summer will begin on April 23 rd. Half Truths: Things the Bible Doesn t Say by Adam Hamilton, Sr.

Scripture. We have probably all heard them; some of us have said them; many of us believe them. They sound Christian, but each of them misses a point in some important ways.

Using Scripture and practical applications, he will show us how these well-worn clichés can lead us down unfaithful (and sometimes) dangerous paths.

Participants are encouraged to bring their Bibles to each session.

2 Our final adult Sunday School study before summer will begin on April 23 rd. Half Truths: Things the Bible Doesn t Say by Adam Hamilton, Sr. Pastor of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in the Kansas City area, will help us to take a deeper look at some familiar and simple phrases that many of us believe are taken from Scripture. We have probably all heard them; some of us have said them; many of us believe them. They sound Christian, but each of them misses a point in some important ways. In five video presentations, Pastor Hamilton will take an in-depth look at each of these sayings. Using Scripture and practical applications, he will show us how these well-worn clichés can lead us down unfaithful (and sometimes) dangerous paths. He will show us what Scripture really says and how that truth can set us free. This class will meet in Room 205 at 9:00 a.m. from April 23 rd through June 26 th. Participants are encouraged to bring their Bibles to each session. While these weekly lessons are part of a cohesive unit, each is valuable as an individual study and will accommodate the schedules of those with vacation and other family events that occur in the early Spring. This class will be facilitated by Gloria Deaner and questions may be directed to her. ********************************************************************************************************* I wish to thank each and every one of you who were so thoughtful to me while I was recovering from my recent knee surgery. The meals, cards and visits meant so much and made the time go by surprisingly fast. Thank you again. Love in Christ Mitzi Head ********************************************************************************************************* How is your Lenten Journey? We are over half way to Easter. This year our church offered a devotional for Lent. Forty of you are using this resource. Michael also suggested/challenged you to prioritize helping someone on your to-do list each day. Are you praying for the Lord to send someone your way for you to encourage? Is there something else you are intentionally doing to enrich your journey to Easter? If you would like to share something special that has happened to you during Lent, please your story to Michael (Michael@hendersonvillefpc.org). It is good for us to share our stories of God s blessings in our lives. ************************************************ The Hendersonville Community Singers will perform their Annual Spring Concert on Tuesday, April 25th at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Featured pieces this year will be Broadway musicals including selections from West Side Story, Les Miserables, Singing in the Rain and Chicago. Plus, we will perform some original arrangements of Beatles favorites. William White is our Director again this year and we have a surprise Accompanist, our own Allison Williams. Becca Pendergrast and Andrew Getter will have solos. Other church members performing are: Missie Colson, Nancy Hunt, Sprigg Ebbert, and Tom Williams. This will be their 38th Annual Spring Concert! ********************************************************************************************************* Weekly Donuts Can you imagine the donuts keep getting better? It is amazing! Donuts each week with no calories but filled with spiritual energy. Yes folks, these are Presbyterian donuts, predestined for your pleasure and ordained to enrich your spiritual life. Or maybe it is the fellowship that keeps getting better, with no calories, and are providing spiritual energy. You will have to come and see at 8:45 a.m. every Sunday morning.

3 Annual All Church Easter Potluck Brunch & Egg Hunt He is alive! Let us renew our ties as brothers and sisters in Christ and join in celebration the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through worship and fellowship. When: Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017 Where: Brunch Martin Hall Egg Hunt Outside Grounds Time: Brunch 9:45 a.m. (Between 8:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Services) Egg Hunt: 10:30 a.m. Potluck / Brunch Details: The Church will provide Spiral Honey Ham, Biscuits, Country Gravy and Drinks. We are asking able members with their last name beginning with: A-H to please bring a side-dish I-Z to please bring dessert or fruit Please label your dish with your full name, have it ready to serve, and collect your dish and/or pan *********************************************************************************************** The Annual Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled on Easter Sunday, April 16 th at 10:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. If you would like to join the fun, there are several ways to participate! Filled Easter Eggs: You can provide plastic eggs filled with candy or small prizes. Please deposit filled eggs on the table outside of the church office. also We are on the hunt for the following! Egg Hunt Coordinator: To coordinate the volunteers and egg hunt! Volunteers: To hide eggs and monitor the hunters If you would like to volunteer, please contact Darlene Duke, or at ndlbna@comcast.net

Casey Thompson (Elizabeth) Thanks to all

of the drama Remember the Women, Remember

Hopefully our ladies are up for an encore

4 Becca Young Pendergrast (Miriam) Kelly Estepp (Sarah) Remember the Women, Remember God s Great Love (Cast) Elizabeth Ball (Deborah the Judge) Karen Baylor (Mrs. Noah) Tonya Elkins and Amy Bish (Rebecca and her sister, Leah) Kelly Horton (Narrator) Eva Dye (Children s Sermoon Casey Thompson (Elizabeth) Thanks to all the ladies who sang in the choir, led worship with liturgy, or played a character in the drama for the Sunday, March 5th Gifts of Women service. We ve already had a request for a repeat of the drama Remember the Women, Remember God s Great Love. Hopefully our ladies are up for an encore performance over the summer. Also, all you folks who enjoy taking part in dramas or have suggestions for future dramas please contact Pam or Michael.

Welcome to The Shepherd s Staff. For the next several issues of The Window, Terry Harris will be writing articles on the church staff. You will surely learn some new things about the church s staff.

5 Welcome to The Shepherd s Staff. For the next several issues of The Window, Terry Harris will be writing articles on the church staff. You will surely learn some new things about the church s staff. Meet Linda Agee Church Administrator Linda was born and raised in Madison, TN and attended Madison High School. She and her husband Keith have just celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary on March 10 th of this year. They have a daughter, Ashleigh (29), and a son, Tyler (23). Tyler lives at home. Ashleigh and her husband, Andrew, live in Gallatin along with their 13-month-old twins, Levi and Lexi. At the time Linda s son was born she was employed by the state. After she had been at home for a period of time she decided to look for a more flexible work schedule so she could spend more time with her children. Fate stepped in when Linda saw an ad in the paper advertising a part-time position at our church. Linda began working with our church in the area of finance and book keeping and the situation seemed a perfect fit from the very beginning. Linda s qualifications met our church s needs perfectly, plus the position allowed her to have the flexible hours she was seeking. Linda's favorite part about working at our church is simply interacting with the individual people in the congregation. Linda notes: It is very fulfilling to share different aspects of our lives with these people that come in and out of my door. Any observer who has been in the church office while Linda is there will tell you that she is quite the organizer. When asked to comment about her daily activities, she comments, I always have plans and certain goals I would like to accomplish, but, as you might guess, things pop up from time to time and I have to change directions and complete another project. Believe me, there is routinely a lot of multi-tasking taking place on any given day. Her ongoing duties include maintaining our personnel files and membership information, posting weekly contributions, maintaining accounts payable, preparing our weekly bulletins, inserts, monthly newsletters, and mail-outs to the congregation. She also prepares special session informational packets, our annual report, and information for special team meetings. Couple these activities with answering the phone and s, opening and sorting mail, greeting visitors, maintaining the church calendar, ordering supplies well, you get the idea. So what does our church administrator do when she is not at the church office? She enjoys reading and generally spending time with her family. For a number of years, Tyler has been involved in motocross racing. Attending these events with him has become one of the entire family s favorite past times. The family also likes to work in a vacation at the beach whenever possible. Let s not forget the grand children Linda spends treasured time with them at every opportunity. Linda adds with a smile, When I arrived at the church I found everyone so welcoming. I was tremendously blessed twenty two years ago when I was offered a position at FPC. I truly love working here. This church is filled with wonderful individuals who I feel fortunate enough to call my friends.

6 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday April :45 am Churchwide 10:00 am Women s 11:00 am Staff 7:00 am Men s 6:30 pm 7:30 pm NA Fellowship - MH Book Group Meeting Bible Study Disciple 1 Class 9:00 am Sunday School 10:00 am Worship- Communion 11:00 am Handbell 10:00 am Crochet Group 6:00 pm Local Missions 7:00 pm Community Singers 7:00 pm Adult 6:30 pm Disciple 2 Class 1 8:00 am Habitat for Humanity- Apostle s Build :00 am Room in the 10:00 am Crochet 7:00 am Men s 5:00 pm Women s 7:30 pm NA 10:00 am Inn Group Bible Study Bible Study Practice 8:45 am Churchwide Fellowship - MH 9:00 am Sunday School 10:00 am Worship Palm Sunday 11:00 am Handbell 11:00 am Cong. Care Meeting 6:30 pm Book Club 7:00 pm Community Singers 6:15 pm Worship Meeting 7:00 pm Budget & Finance Meeting 7:00 pm Adult 7:00 pm Maundy Thursday Service :45 am Worship- 10:00 am Crochet 10:30 am Sunshine 7:00 am Men s 6:30 pm 7:30 pm NA Easter Group Ministry Bible Study Disciple 1 Class 10:00 am Easter Brunch/Egg Hunt 11:00 am Worship- Easter 11:00 am Handbell Connection Groups Begin One Great Hour of Sharing Offering 7:00 pm Community Singers 7:00 pm Adult Window Deadline 6:30 pm Disciple 2 Class

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 8:45 am Churchwide 10:00 am Crochet 7:00 am Men s 6:30 pm Fellowship - MH Group Bible Study Disciple 1 Class 9:00 am Sunday School 9:00 am Serving from the Heart Class 10:00 am

a Meal Offering 5:30 pm Membership Meeting 7:00 pm Session Meeting 7:00 pm Community Singers 7:00 pm Adult 6:30 pm Disciple 2 Class April 2017 5:00 pm Wedding Rehearsal 7:30 pm NA 2:00 pm Wedding

(, Easter) What Do You Believe about Easter?

7 :45 am Churchwide 10:00 am Crochet 7:00 am Men s 6:30 pm Fellowship - MH Group Bible Study Disciple 1 Class 9:00 am Sunday School 9:00 am Serving from the Heart Class 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am Handbell 30 8:45 am Churchwide Fellowship - MH 9:00 am Sunday School 9:00 am Serving from the Heart Class 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am Handbell 11:00 am New Member Reception Four Cents a Meal Offering 5:30 pm Membership Meeting 7:00 pm Session Meeting 7:00 pm Community Singers 7:00 pm Adult 6:30 pm Disciple 2 Class April :00 pm Wedding Rehearsal 7:30 pm NA 2:00 pm Wedding Roche/Tress SERMON SCHEDULE April 2 (Communion; choir) Living Resurrected Lives, John 11:1-45 April 9 (Bells, Palm Sunday/Passion) From Celebration to Devastation, Matthew 21:1-11 & 27:11-54 April 16 (, Easter) What Do You Believe about Easter? John 21:1-18 April 23 (Study ) guest preacher Linda Diguette April 30 (Praise Band) Christ Living in You, Galatians 2:15-21 SESSION HIGHLIGHTS Financial Update February 2017 Revenue $ 40, Expenses $ 51, Shortfall $-10, Approved minutes from February 20th Approved minutes from Ministry Units Continued the discussion on a vision for membership Once again, Lent is here and Easter is just around the corner. I personally enjoy the Advent and Christmas seasons as well as the Lent and Easter seasons because it is a time to do a lot of special music that we don t get to do during the year. As always, our Adult has been busy preparing music for Lent and Easter. A few years ago, we began a tradition of a Maundy Thursday service that tells the story of Jesus final hours from the last supper to the cross through scripture and music. The choir sings several anthems for this service. The service will be Thursday, April 13 th at 7:00 p.m. Many have said they find this service very moving and thought provoking. Then, we move on to Easter Sunday, where we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord with the hymns and choir anthems accompanied by brass instruments and organ. This is always a joyous service and celebration. Please do come out to these special events. The choir will appreciate your support. One other thing, if you have been thinking about singing in the choir and want to try it out for a short period of time, it s not too late. We still have a few rehearsals left before Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday. Rehearsals are Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. And of course, if you find you like it, you are always welcome to stay. - Tony Williams

CHURCH STAFF Michael Davis, Pastor michael@hendersonvillefpc.org Dr. Anthony Williams, Organist/ Director tony@hendersonvillefpc.org Linda Agee, Church Administrator linda@hendersonvillefpc.

Main St. Hendersonville, TN (615) 824-8604 ; Fax (615) 824-3631 Website: www.hendersonvillefpc.org Email: linda@hendersonvillefpc.org Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 10:00 a.m. Homebound Meals is in need of volunteers.

8 CHURCH STAFF Michael Davis, Pastor Dr. Anthony Williams, Organist/ Director Linda Agee, Church Administrator Chuck Adamson, Building Maintenance Amy Bleich, Nursery Attendant Laura Kowalski, P.D.S. Director First Presbyterian Church 172 W. Main St. Hendersonville, TN (615) ; Fax (615) Website: linda@hendersonvillefpc.org Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 10:00 a.m. Homebound Meals is in need of volunteers. Drivers are needed to deliver meals 10:30 12:30 p.m. and kitchen help to prep the meals 8:30 10:30 a.m. Days volunteers most needed are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday but they could use you on Monday or Thursday, too. If you or someone you know would like to volunteer, contact Richard Dennis at Craig Walker 4 - Abigail Anderson 8 - Mia Hales 9 - Paulette Farnham Lance Dary 10 - Bob Andrews 14 - Cathy Young 18 - Patti Williams Hossman 21 - Charles Batey Dick Brooks 23 - Lee Carrier 25 - Linda Agee 26 - Logan Huddleston 27 - Alida Williams Scott Ball 30 - Sheryl Trickel

THE WINDOW. A publication of First Presbyterian Church Hendersonville, TN. March Dear Friends,

THE WINDOW. A publication of First Presbyterian Church Hendersonville, TN. March Dear Friends, THE WINDOW A publication of First Presbyterian Church Hendersonville, TN March 2016 Dear Friends, I am sure you have heard of Jacob s Ladder. Did you know it was a ladder of grace? It all started with