Gordon Memorial UMC New Year's Eve Service, 10:30 p.m., December 31, 2008

For the fifth year, First United Methodist Church in Tullahoma will host an exhibit of over 300 nativity scenes & Christmas angels, December 6-9, 2008

IMAGINE:
“ In my mind’s eye, I am standing at the door of the stable, quiet
and reverent, careful not to disturb the sublimely beautiful scene within.
Silently, I enter and find a dark corner from which to observe without
being observed. I am aware that I am kneeling on freshly cut hay, the
fragrance of which contrasts with the scent of cattle, sheep and one very
tired donkey. The images before me are bathed in an incredible
light: brilliant, not blinding, but rather warm and comforting. My
attention is drawn to the faces of those surrounding the manger. Never
have I seen such expressions of adoration and reverence. Only dear little
Mary’s face bears any trace of foreshadowing. And then my gaze comes
to rest on the Babe in the manger, and I behold the face of love.The hope
of the ages lies before me on a bed of hay, and the peace that passeth all
understanding that floods my soul.”

For hundreds of years, Christians have tried to imagine shepherds on bended knee, animals bowing in reverence, the brilliance of an incomparable star and the tender vision of a Babe lying in a manger. The mystery of the nativity has inspired artists for centuries and today renderings of the crèche grace many homes and hold a special place in the heart of the believer.

For the fifth year, First United Methodist Church in Tullahoma will host an exhibit of over 300 nativity scenes and Christmas angels. Diversity of depiction is at the heart of this exhibit. Some of the nativity sets are simple, while others are elaborate. Some were discovered in far away lands; others were purchased at the local discount store. From mud figures to fine porcelains the crèches represented are as diverse as the homes from which they come. Regardless of their origin, style or composition, all serve a single purpose---to remind the Christian of a miraculous birth over 2000 years ago. It is the universality of the story that renders significance and value.

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

Our exhibit dates this year are as follows:
Saturday, December 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 7th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday, December 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

On Monday, December 8th at 12:00 noon, our United Methodist Women will be a hosting a holiday luncheon to celebrate our fifth anniversary. All are cordially invited. Reservations for the $10.00 meal should be made by December 3rd by calling our church office at 931-455-5434. As always, admission to the nativity exhibit is free.

As you journey through the exhibit, May you experience a personal pilgrimage to the stable in Bethlehem. Please join us and reverently take your place among shepherds, Wise Men and heavenly hosts, realizing anew the peace that comes from kneeling before a manger which cradles the Christ.

Oktoberfest 2008 Offers Something for Everyone – Historic Germantown to Host the City’s Original and Largest Cultural Festival, Saturday, October 11

Nashville, TN – Nashville’s historic Germantown is gearing up for the 29th Annual Oktoberfest Celebration to take place on Saturday, October 11. The city’s original and longest running cultural festival will again entertain, regale, and delight thousands from around the region with its unique brand of traditional German revelry. This colorful, family friendly, autumn festival attracts over 25,000 guests.

The day will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the opening ceremony and at 9:30 a.m. with services at the two historic sponsoring churches, Assumption Catholic Church and Monroe Street United Methodist Church, The rest of the day is full of fun, food, fellowship, and entertainment. Oktoberfest ends at 6:00 p.m.

For over a quarter century, this original, city wide celebration has been offering authentic German food, crafts, tours, dance, and entertainment. Founded in 1980 by notable Nashvillians such as Davidson County Historian John Connelly and Father Bernard Niedergeses, former pastor of Assumption Church, Oktoberfest began as a way of bringing members of the neighborhood’s Assumption Catholic and Monroe Street United Methodist Churches together for a homecoming of sorts. Today, this festival is one of the few nationwide that can claim an authentic German neighborhood as a venue. Oktoberfest showcases the best of Germantown – it’s past history, present revitalization, and expanding future growth and diversity.

“Oktoberfest will be bigger, better and more exciting than ever,” said Rev. Rosemary Brown, chairperson of the Oktoberfest steering committee and minister of the Monroe Street United Methodist Church, which celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2006. “I’m thrilled that Oktoberfest offers something for everyone, especially the children. With the kids’ Funland area – along with music, crafts, food, dancing, of historic churches – Oktoberfest is truly a family oriented, family friendly, family fun festival. Plus the Funland area is FREE for all of our little friends.

“And I want to encourage everyone to come at 9:00 a.m. for our joint prayer service and opening ceremony. Then at 9:30 a.m. you’re invited to worship at the Monroe Street United Methodist Church or Assumption Catholic Church, whichever you desire. These services are so meaningful with wonderful music, much of it in German. The worship services set such a positive tone for the entire day.

“Oktoberfest is an exciting and historic time for us,” said Father Michael D’Souza, pastor of Assumption Catholic Church. “It’s exciting because so many diverse people can spend the day enjoying delicious food, fun and friendship. And it’s historic because this celebration allows our former parishioners, neighbors, and young friends a wonderful opportunity to visit the site of their roots, heritage and traditions.”

Oktoberfest is a nonprofit organization. Proceeds go to the continuing historic restoration of Assumption Catholic Church and Monroe United Methodist Church and neighborhood outreach programs.

Liberty United Methodist Church & Liberty Hill/Liberty Downs Historical Event, October 5, 2008

2008 marks the 200th anniversary of the Liberty Hill Conference and of Liberty United Methodist Church

200+ Year Liberty Church Memorial Service
11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m., October 5, 2008
Liberty United Methodist Church
9587 Liberty Church Road,
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 373-4117
http://www.libertymethodist.com/

Liberty Hill Shrine 200 Year Ceremony
12:30 p.m. -3:30 p.m., October 5, 2008
Liberty Hill Vineyard-Liberty Hill Shrine
http://www.libertyhillvineyard.com/
the residence of Fred and Carol Mindermann in Liberty Downs Subdivision http://www.libertydowns.com/
9401 Glen Ridge Drive
Brentwood, TN 37027

And here is the history being celebrated:

Liberty United Methodist Church Congregation planting Oak Tree Spring 2008

In 1786, Mr. Green Hill acquired land which is the current Liberty Downs Subdivision in Brentwood, TN through Revolutionary War land grants he was awarded and that he purchased from another soldier (Randolph Humphries). The Revolutionary Veterans were paid land grants versus cash after their service in the American Revolutionary War. He moved his family from Louisburg, North Carolina in 1799 and named his new home “Liberty Hill” after his home in North Carolina. His family had to stay in the safety of Fort Nashboro (Nashville) until his home was completed.

Easter Sunrise Service at Liberty Hill

Early in his life, he dedicated himself to two causes: Colonial independence and Methodism. He served in the North Carolina Militia as a Major then later as an Army chaplain. He is credited while serving as the State Treasurer of the Halifax District in NC for saving the state treasury from the advancing British Army led by Cornwallis. As a lay preacher, Green Hill was instrumental in the spread of Methodism in North Carolina and Tennessee. His home Liberty Hill in Louisburg, NC was the scene of the first Annual Conference of the Methodist Church in America in 1785.

Green Hill brought the Methodist Church to Middle Tennessee and held the first services in his Liberty Hill log home in 1799. At that time the Methodist-Episcopal Church was an American Revolutionary version of John Wesley’s English church but since the Americans wanted little to nothing to do with England it was based on American ideals of liberty and spirit for freedom resting on the foundation of the Holy Bible. That's why it’s also called Liberty Hill.

In 1807 the Liberty Methodist-Episcopal Church was officially created and most services were held on Liberty Hill. According to the property deed on record, August 18, 1837, one acre was donated by Mr. John Hamer to the church trustees (Primm, Fly, Hamer, Brown) by the waters of Millcreek (the current Bonbrook neighborhood on Liberty Church Road off Concord Road) for the sole purpose of erecting a place of worship.

Liberty Hill Log Home made from local logs dating back to 1829

After 200 years Liberty Church is still holding weekly Sunday services at 11 a.m., performing community outreach programs like the Scouting Teen Venture Crew (Liberty Crew 9 http://www.crew9.com/ ) and children’s ministry. There is live music and worship every week with pot luck once a month following service and communion the first Sunday of each month. Visitors are always welcome to this historic living worship site that is filled with the Holy Spirit every day. Recently an outdoor meditation area was created by a member Boy Scout for his Eagle Project and is open anytime for anyone to find a peaceful place to reflect. Another Liberty Crew 9 Scout is currently doing a historical video documentary on the Liberty which should be completed fall 2008.

One of the brightest hours of the Liberty Church was in October 1808 when Green Hill and the Liberty Church entertained the ninth session of the Western Conference of the Methodist Church right in Liberty Downs. A week long Camp Vigil was held with prayer meetings, revivals and people accepting Jesus Christ. It was called "The Awakening." People were said to be filled with the Holy Spirit dancing and singing in joy. This conference was presided over by Bishops McKendree and Asbury and was the first annual conference held west of the Alleghenies.

Early Methodist Itinerant preacher Lorenzo Dow mentioned in his journal attending the Liberty Church in 1804 on his way from Ohio to Natchez, Mississippi. He said:

“Camp meeting commenced at Liberty Hill; here I saw people filled with the Holy Spirit. Some danced and jerked; a strange exercise indeed; however, it is involuntary, yet requires consent of the will, i.e. the people are taken jerking irresistibly, and if they strive to resist it, it worries them much, yet is attended with no bodily pain, and those who are exercised to dance, (which in the pious seems an antidote to the jerks) if they resist, it brings sadness and baroness over the mind; but when they yield to it they feel happy. Although it is a great cross; there is a heavenly smile and solemnity on the countenance, which carries a great conviction to the minds of beholders; their eyes when dancing seem to be fixed upwards as if upon an invisible object, and they are lost to all below."

Green Hill, his family and others are buried in a family cemetery on Liberty Hill and on June 25, 1960, it was given by Green Hill’s 58 descendents to the Tennessee Conference of the Methodist Church and was accepted as a Methodist Shrine. The Mindermann Family, currently living on the property, maintains the shrine-cemetery. Their log home made from local logs dating back to 1829 rests next to the shrine. The Mindermann family and Liberty Church hold annual Easter Sunrise Services with worship and music including a bag pipe player & ministry.

To honor this 200 Year Event, Liberty United Methodist Church, Liberty Downs Subdivision and the Mindermann Family will host a day of celebration starting with a one hour service at Liberty United Methodist Church -- 9587 Liberty Church Road, Brentwood, TN 37027; phone (615) 373-4117; web-site http://www.libertymethodist.com/. The service will be held at 11:00 a.m. October 5th.

Then a memorial ceremony will start at 12:30 on Liberty Hill Vineyard-Shrine Cemetery http://www.libertyhillvineyard.com/ the residence of Fred and Carol Mindermann in Liberty Downs, 9401 Glen Ridge Drive, Brentwood, TN 37027.

Food, speakers, cemetery tours, music and activities will be done. Dignitaries from the military, scouts, churches, local government and others will be invited. We have and are looking for donations for food, tents, tables, music, logistics etc so if you want to help please contact Fred Mindermann, fred@mindermann.org for more information or his cell 615-300-7723. All are welcome.

Bishop James E. Swanson, Sr. and Rev. Deborah S. Owens Preach at Gordon Memorial’s 132nd Homecoming Celebration Sunday, September 14, 2008

Bishop James E. Swanson, Sr.

Bishop James E. Swanson, Sr. and the Reverend Deborah S. Owens will be the preachers for the 132nd Homecoming celebration of Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church, Sun., Sept. 14, 2008.

Bishop James E. Swanson, Sr., Resident Bishop of the Holston Annual Conference, was elected to the episcopacy in July 2004. At the time of his election, he was Superintendent of the Savannah District of the South Georgia Annual Conference. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Bible College and Master of Divinity degree from C. H. Mason Seminary, ITC, Atlanta, GA. He is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Evangelism at Perkins School of Theology, SMU.

His most recent pastoral appointment was St. Mary's Road UMC, a congregation that grew from sixteen active members to a membership of 950 with an average attendance of over 525. He has served as Chair of the Board of Commissioners, Housing Authority of Columbus, GA. He received a Hope VI Grant to revitalize a depressed community in Columbus and headed the Mayor's Task Force on Gangs. He is a popular preacher, teacher, and leader within our connection.

Bishop Swanson and his wife, the former Delphine Yvonne Ramsey, have six children and ten grandchildren. They reside in Knoxville with their two teenage children. His hobbies include golf and hiking.

The Rev. Deborah S. Owens

The Reverend Deborah S. Owens is the Pastor of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Spring Hill, Tenn. She is a native Nashvillian, received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Middle Tennessee State University, a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from the George Washington University School of Business and Public Management in Washington, D.C., and the Master of Divinity Degree from Vanderbilt University Divinity School. While at Vanderbilt, Rev. Owens was a Brandenburg Scholar, a member of the United Methodist Student Association, and nominated as the Divinity School representative for the Cal Turner Program for Moral Leadership.

Currently she serves God through her appointment at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, Spring hill, Tenn. Rev. Owens also serves The United Methodist Church as a Member of the Tennessee Conference Board of Trustees, a member of the Columbia District Executive Committee, and the Columbia District Clergy representative on the Tennessee Conference Commission on Religion and Race.

Rev. Owens was baptized at the age of sixteen and accepted her call to pastoral ministry under the leadership of Rev. Daniel M. Hayes, Sr., Senior Pastor, Gordon Memorial Church. In addition to her pastoral duties, Rev. Owens is employed by AT&T as a Manager in Network Planning and Engineering. She is the mother of two sons, Corey, a veteran of the United States Army and presently a customer care specialist in Telecommunications, and James III, an Aerospace Engineer.

Bishop Swanson is the preacher for the 10:45 a.m. service and Rev. Owens preaches at the 8:00 a.m. service. You are invited to attend both services with the Gordon Memorial Church family.

Gordon Memorial is located at 2334 Herman St., Nashville, Tenn. For directions and additional information, call (615) 329-2779 or (651) 321-9224, or send e-mail requests to gordonumc@bellsouth.net.

You can participate -- “The ‘We Believe’ Radio/TV Show at Belmont UMC” – Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. through August 14th

James Walsh’s award winning radio and television show, “WE BELIEVE,” has come to Belmont United Methodist Church to be the program for “Summer Nights at Belmont” in its 27th year, on Thursday nights this year, beginning June 5 and continuing through the summer until August 14. For several years, the television show has won awards as “Best Religious Programming” and “Best Talk Show” in both regional and national competition among Community Access TV programs. Since 1986, Jim Walsh has hosted his Roman Catholic sponsored show with his permanent guest partner, Belmont’s Richard Shriver.

General Walsh (Assistant District Attorney General for Metro, Retired – and Roman Catholic Deacon and theologian) will show DVDs of the television show, and will actually tape new radio programs at the Thursday night sessions, followed each night with question and answer and discussion time with the class members.

The topic for the summer will be “Ecumenism, Catholic and Protestant” and will explore the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church and the corresponding beliefs of Protestantism in general and Methodism in specific.

All are welcome and, of course, no fees.

The Thursday evening schedule will be, June 5 – August 14:

7:00 P.M. – Open with singing (as usual)
7:20 P.M. – Viewing the TV Show and taping the Radio Show “We Believe” and discussion
8:40 P.M. – English tea and refreshments (as usual)
9:00 P.M. - Close

"We Believe" appears on Nashville Cable TV Channel 19, 7:00 P.M. each Wednesday, and on WNQM AM Radio, 9:30 A.M. each Saturday, plus many other TV and Radio stations across the country. The radio version also goes all over the world weekly on WWCR Short Wave. Recorded programs are available in DVD and CD.

Tennessee Conference Church makes tax filing less taxing for people needing help

Julian Suggs, a retired pastor who volunteers with Tax-Aide, helps retiree Thelma Mulloy, 76, and her disabled son, Paul, file their income tax forms. UMNS photos by Ronny Perry.

By Eve Annunziato*

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)--Tax season can be one of the most dreaded times of the year, but one United Methodist congregation is approaching it as an outreach opportunity - an outreach that includes hot coffee and fresh donuts.

West Nashville United Methodist Church is offering a free Tax-Aide clinic every Saturday for three months. The Tax-Aide program, created by AARP, has assisted more than 30 million seniors and low-income people over the past 40 years.

"The doors of this church are always open because we have a real open-door policy," says Sherry Cothran Woolsey, director of missions at West Nashville United Methodist Church. She sees being a part of the Tax-Aide program as in line with the church's purpose.

"Anything that we can do that expresses the mission of the church - love of God and love of neighbor - that's what we're all about," Woolsey says.

Tax-Aide provides tax preparation help to low- and middle-income taxpayers free of charge. The program depends on 32,000 volunteers working at more than 7,800 sites around the United States.

One such volunteer is Julian Suggs, a former pastor who serves as the Tax-Aide district coordinator for the Middle Tennessee area. Suggs and a dozen other certified trained experts work at the West Nashville Church site, giving up 11 consecutive Saturdays to give others a special tax break.

"My wife and I, shall I say, have a healthy discussion this time of year," Suggs says. "She says, 'You know you're working a full-time job as a volunteer.' And, I answer, 'Yes, but I believe in it!'"

Tax picture can change
Suggs, with his upbeat demeanor and friendly smile, walks around the clinic assisting clients, answering questions and speaking with people as they await their turn to see an agent.

The tax picture for retirees can change dramatically in a short period of time, Suggs says. For instance, if the spouse who usually prepares the household taxes becomes sick or dies, filing can become a difficult issue. In addition, he says, paying an accountant or broker can be a budget buster.

"There are very few seniors that understand these complicated affairs," Suggs says. "The elderly, widows and poor income families need help, and I feel fortunate that I've been trained to provide that help. And this is very rewarding. After their forms are all accepted, I have the most wonderful calm and peace that I was able to help people and save them a lot of money."

'A great help'
After filing her taxes at the West Nashville Church, retired factory worker Thelma Mulloy, 76, is no longer fretting and fussing over the process. She is getting her taxes completed electronically and claims she couldn't do this without the help of the experts.

"This would take a chunk out of my Social Security check, which I need for house payments, light bills and water bills," she says. "And I need all the money I can get for my medication, so this is just a great help for me."

"When you don't have a lot of funds coming in every month after you retire, you don't have a job and you live on Social Security, you just don't have the money you would like to have. This just means a whole lot," says client Nira Gamble, 74, of the church's Tax-Aide program. "I think this is wonderful. … I appreciate all of these people."

Tax-Aide client Lillian Richmond, 52, also has a trained financial counselor advising her at no cost.

"I'm all finished with my taxes," she says. "And it was for free - and they serve coffee and donuts, too. You can't beat that. I'm relieved and appreciate it now that it's over with and filed electronically. I don't even have to put a stamp on it!"

More information on Tax-Aide is available by calling (888) 227-7669 or going to http://www.aarp.org/ online.

*Annunziato is a freelance producer for United Methodist Communications in Nashville, Tenn.

Nashville to Observe 10-Year Anniversary of Tornado with World Premiere of New Choral/Orchestral Work

On April 16, ten years to the day that a powerful tornado created a path of destruction through Nashville, singers from East Nashville and the Vanderbilt community, accompanied by chamber orchestra, will present the world premiere of a new work commissioned to observe the storm’s 10-year anniversary and the community revitalization that has occurred in that decade.

The four-movement piece, “The Gardener,” was composed by David Childs, Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music. The performance will be directed by Joseph Lee, Music Director at East End United Methodist Church. The premiere performance will be Wednesday, April 16 at 7:00 PM in the historic sanctuary of & lt; u1:place u2:st="on">East End United Methodist Church, 1212 Holly Street. The concert is free and open to the public and child care will be provided. A community photo and video exhibit will also be on display at the event.

On April 16, 1998, Nashville became the first major U.S. city in nearly 20 years to be struck by an F2 (or larger) tornado in the downtown area. The tornado, which tore through neighborhoods in East Nashville, claimed the life of Vanderbilt senior Kevin Longinotti and caused approximately $100 million in damages. At the center of Nashville’s historic neighborhoods east of downtown, East End United Methodist Church served as the staging area for countless relief crews providing aide and assistance to storm victims.

“The Gardener” was commissioned by East End United Methodist Church and is sponsored by Rediscover East! and East Nashville neighborhood associations, businesses, and individuals.

Note by Jama Bowen: The East Nashville congregation is no stranger to providing assistance to disaster victims.

The church buildings remained virtually untouched by three major disasters which struck the neighborhood over the last century. In 1916, more than 700 homes were destroyed or damaged by a fire which left 3,000 neighbors homeless. Then in 1933, a tornado ripped through the neighborhood killing 37 persons and causing mass destruction. East End Methodist welcomed Eastland Christian Church to hold services in the sanctuary until Eastland’s own tornado damage could be repaired. Sixty-five years later in 1998, another tornado followed a nearly identical path through East Nashville. The only physical change to the main building occurred when the huge wooden doors of the sanctuary were pulled open by the tornado, despite being dead-bolt locked. East End once again shared the sanctuary with another congregation, the Power of Deliverance, whose own church building was destroyed. Through all three of these disasters, East End United Methodist Church played a pivotal role in providing aide and assistance to thousands of victims.

Bethlehem United Methodist Church hosts Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Blessing of the Animals, Saturday, March 22nd, 10:00 a.m.

Nothing rings in springtime quite like Easter. That means two long-standing Bethlehem United Methodist Church traditions are just around the corner and the community is invited. On Saturday, March 22, the Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on the church grounds at 2419 Bethlehem Loop Road in the Grassland area.

Children will be divided into three age groups to hunt in different areas. At 10:00 sharp the children will burst from their starting gates like Derby race horses - so you won't want to be a second late! Just like the Derby, bonnets are always in style for the ladies! To knock off the early springtime chill, hot coffee and cocoa will be served. If the chill is too intense, the hunt will
move inside the church gym, so plan to come - rain, snow or shine! With a little luck, the children's Sunday School caterpillars will be butterflies by then and ready for release!

Immediately following the egg hunt, all attention will turn to our favorite four legged friends. The Blessing of the Animals is a wonderful Easter tradition at Bethlehem. Held next to the children's playground behind the main building, this outdoor service recognizes all God's creatures and the important place they each hold in our world, as well as our lives. Dogs, cats, horses, birds, gerbils, reptiles and even fish have been blessed in the past. It's a short,
but meaningful, service that will absolutely make your day!

Both of these events are wonderful opportunities to reach out to our community.

The church will provide plenty of eggs, candy and atmosphere to make this a fun Saturday morning Easter event. You are also invited to come back to Bethlehem for Easter Sunday morning services at 6:30 a.m. (Sunrise Service) or 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.. For more information on either event or other Easter opportunities, contact the church office at 794-6721 or visit www.bethlehemumc.com.

Antioch Church Remembers “The Passion” Through The Seven Last Words

Back in 2004, “The Passion of the Christ” was the hot topic of conversation, as Mel Gibson’s movie made its way through the movie theaters. Four years later, the movie has faded into history, but the subject of Jesus’ arrest, death, and resurrection continues to be on the mind of those persons who call themselves Christian. This is especially true for the people of the Antioch United Methodist Church as they offer a special opportunity to think about Jesus’ death in a special art/prayer exhibit called “The Seven Last Words.”

Throughout the ages, from the earliest days of the church, Christian people have used the week before Easter Sunday as a time of special reflection and prayer on the story of Christ’s passion. This week, called “Holy Week” in some traditions, begins with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and then follows the subsequent events, including the Last Supper, Jesus’ praying in Gethsemane, his arrest, trial, and crucifixion. Many Christian churches host special worship service during this week.

The Antioch United Methodist Church is likewise hosting special worship services on Thursday and Friday of Holy Week, but they are going a bit farther in trying to help all think about the implications of Jesus’ death. The Seven Last Words is both an art exhibit and a prayer space designed to help persons connect with the story of Christ’s death through artistic interpretations of the last seven phrases that Jesus is reported to say in the hours and moments leading up to his crucifixion. The goal of the event is to help persons think in new ways about the meaning of Jesus for our world today, and participants are invited to come and interactively engage in reflecting on the person of Jesus.

The Seven Last Words will open in conjunction with the Antioch UMC Spring Fling on Saturday, March 15 at 9 a.m. and be open from 8:00 until 6:00 p.m. on March 16, 5:00 until 9:00 p.m. on March 19-21, and by appointment (by calling 832-6248).

The Antioch United Methodist Church is located on Tusculum Rd, just off Blue Hole Rd., in Antioch.

Father of the Bride Heads Down The Aisle April 4-13 Bethlehem UMC Community Theatre

(l to r): Father of the Bride is being staged at Bethlehem UMC April 4 – 13 and stars, Anne Meriwether, Johnny Peppers and Scott Meriwether.

FRANKLIN---The beloved comedy “Father Of The Bride” heads down the aisle into Franklin area community theatre April 4 – 13 at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 2419 Bethlehem Loop, just off Hillsboro Road.

Long before “Father of the Bride” was a hit movie, Caroline Francke's adaptation of Edward Streeter's popular novel was a successful stage play. Theatre veteran Dietz Osborne returns to the Bethlehem Players as director of this timeless comedy which revolves around the father, Stanley Banks, learning his daughter is announcing her engagement out of nowhere. He is thrown into a dither as the guest list grows larger each day and the household falls into hilarious turmoil.

“We have a talented and terrific cast who bring this family-friendly production to life. Area actor Johnny Peppers adds depth and humor to the character of beloved curmudgeon Stanley Banks and is ably joined by comedic actress Deborah Robinson. A charming twist to our production is the bride and groom are being played by an adorable, married couple, Scott and Anne Meriwether,” Osborne said. “Anne had previously been on the Bethlehem stage as a teenager in “Meet Me In St. Louis.”

Each year the Bethlehem Players selects a benefiting charity for their productions. This year, donations will be accepted to help underwrite a BUMC Mission Team traveling in July to Cuba to assist the Methodist church in the renovation of an Old Havana building being converted into a seminary to train pastors and other church leaders.

“Father Of The Bride” will be held April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13 at 7 p.m. with general admission tickets $15.00 Dinner shows are April 8 and 10 beginning at 4:45 p.m. and tickets are $20.00. For reservations, contact the Bethlehem Players at (615) 791-6456, ext. 2 or drama@bethlehemumc.com. Group reservations are available for parties of ten or more.

The Bethlehem Players are celebrating their 11th year of exceptional family entertainment. The Players were started in 1997 by BUMC Music and Arts Director Harry Robinson as a community outreach and a unique version of “church softball.” Since its inception, the Bethlehem Players have successfully staged for packed audiences “Music Man,” “Fiddler On The Roof,” “Musical Comedy Murders of 1940,” “Steel Magnolias,” “Arsenic and Old Lace”, “Meet Me in St. Louis,” “Neil Simon's Rumors,” and “Bad Year for Tomatoes.” For more information, visit http://www.bethlehemumc.com/.

Father of the Bride Heads Down The Aisle April 4-13 Bethlehem UMC Community Theatre

Father of the Bride is being staged at Bethlehem UMC April 4 – 13 and stars, Anne Meriwether, Johnny Peppers and Scott Meriwether.

FRANKLIN---The beloved comedy “Father Of The Bride” heads down the aisle into Franklin area community theatre April 4 – 13 at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 2419 Bethlehem Loop, just off Hillsboro Road.

Long before “Father of the Bride” was a hit movie, Caroline Francke's adaptation of Edward Streeter's popular novel was a successful stage play. Theatre veteran Dietz Osborne returns to the Bethlehem Players as director of this timeless comedy which revolves around the father, Stanley Banks, learning his daughter is announcing her engagement out of nowhere. He is thrown into a dither as the guest list grows larger each day and the household falls into hilarious turmoil.

“We have a talented and terrific cast who bring this family-friendly production to life. Area actor Johnny Peppers adds depth and humor to the character of beloved curmudgeon Stanley Banks and is ably joined by comedic actress Deborah Robinson. A charming twist to our production is the bride and groom are being played by an adorable, married couple, Scott and Anne Meriwether,” Osborne said. “Anne had previously been on the Bethlehem stage as a teenager in “Meet Me In St. Louis.”

Each year the Bethlehem Players selects a benefiting charity for their productions. This year, donations will be accepted to help underwrite a BUMC Mission Team traveling in July to Cuba to assist the Methodist church in the renovation of an Old Havana building being converted into a seminary to train pastors and other church leaders.

“Father Of The Bride” will be held April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13 at 7 p.m. with general admission tickets $15.00 Dinner shows are April 8 and 10 beginning at 4:45 p.m. and tickets are $20.00. For reservations, contact the Bethlehem Players at (615) 791-6456, ext. 2 or drama@bethlehemumc.com. Group reservations are available for parties of ten or more.

The Bethlehem Players are celebrating their 11th year of exceptional family entertainment. The Players were started in 1997 by BUMC Music and Arts Director Harry Robinson as a community outreach and a unique version of “church softball.” Since its inception, the Bethlehem Players have successfully staged for packed audiences “Music Man,” “Fiddler On The Roof,” “Musical Comedy Murders of 1940,” “Steel Magnolias,” “Arsenic and Old Lace”, “Meet Me in St. Louis,” “Neil Simon's Rumors,” and “Bad Year for Tomatoes.” For more information, visit http://www.bethlehemumc.com/.

Directions to Bethlehem United Methodist Church:
Located off Hillsboro Road in the Franklin’s Grassland Community. From Nashville, travel Hillsboro Road south toward Franklin. Turn at traffic light onto Old Hillsboro Road. First left onto Bethlehem Loop. BUMC is located on the right at 2419 Bethlehem Loop. Event night number: 615/582-0554.

Singer/Songwriter Sarah Hart Host "Daughters Day of Reflection"; Women's Retreat to Benefit Jacob's Ladder Preschool, April 19, 2008

(NASHVILLE, TN)—Though her career as a singer, songwriter and speaker leads her to travel all over the globe, it is Sarah Hart’s role as mom that has led her to Nolensville, Tennessee. On Saturday, April 19, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., this noted artist and speaker will lead women in a one-day retreat dubbed ‘Daughters Day of Reflection,’ held at Nolensville First United Methodist Church.

‘Daughters Day of Reflection’ will allow women the opportunity to see what makes them unique and yet connected to one another, through reflection on the women of scripture. The day includes extensive study of prominent women of the Bible, snack, lunch and music by Sarah Hart.

Tickets for the event are $25 and are available by contacting Jacob’s Ladder Preschool at 776-7362. All proceeds go to benefit Jacob’s Ladder Preschool at Nolensville First United Methodist Church. The preschool is a non-denominational Bible-based early childhood development center in the community for children ages three to five.

“This is my daughter’s third, and sadly, last year at Jacob’s Ladder,” says Hart. “We have been so blessed to be a part of this program. What Terri and her staff have accomplished with the children and families at Jacob’s Ladder is a gift to our community; this day is just a little ‘thank you’ from my own family!”

“There will be lots of singing, storytelling, and sharing during the Day of Reflection,” she continues. “And every woman who attends should feel refreshed and re-energized after our time together!”

Sarah is currently at work on her latest project, Road to Ohio, slated for a spring release on Centricity Records. A folk recording, described by Hart as “sparse and acoustic”, it is co-produced by Sarah and friend Mitch Dane, known for his work with Grammy Award-winning band Jars of Clay. She also begins a new recording in March of 2008 entitled SaintSong, which will feature the writings of some of the greatest religious thinkers of history set to contemporary music.

Sarah has toured with such contemporary Christian artists as Wes King and Kathy Troccoli, and has performed with numerous other artists such as Newsboys and Randy Stonehill. Her music has appeared on radio everywhere and has been featured on such television shows as Joan of Arcadia and Strong Medicine. Sarah has received six Unity Awards from the United Catholic Music and Video Association for her work, including the 2005 awards for Producer of the Year, Album of the Year and Songwriter of the Year for her third solo project, Into These Rooms.

Hart is the mother of two girls, and makes her home in Nolensville with husband Kevin. In addition to recording three solo albums and numerous compilation projects, she is an award-winning record producer, a founder of the popular all-women singing group Daughters of God, and has been a staff songwriter for major Christian music publishers. She also works with the Tom Tichener Children’s Theater at the Nashville Public Library as a songwriter and performer. To learn more about Sarah Hart, go to www.SarahHartmusic.com.

Jacob’s Ladder Preschool is headed by Terri Anderson, and is a ministry of Nolensville United Methodist Church. The Church is pastored by Rev. Sandy Shawhan, and is located at 7316 Nolensville Road in Nolensville, Tenn. To find out more about Jacob’s Ladder Preschool or Nolensville United Methodist Church, go to www.nolensvilleumc.org or call 615/776-2815.