Charred!

If Wednesday was a Roast then last night was a Charring. What a wild night at First Broad Street! It started with Master of Ceremonies Jim Welch's comment that he was "Amazed that this many people turned out to see you leave." And it went down hill from there. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. I don't know how many Trustee rules were broken, but I'm glad I'm going to miss that meeting!

The theme -- Luau Tribute for John Brewster-- to the food and the decorations -- orchids!!! Everything was spectacular! Four "roastings" by Rev. John Bardsley, Rev. Jack Weikel, Rev. Jack Edwards, and my current D.S., Rev. Fred Dearing were only the warm up for the entertainment for the evening. I then became the theatrical prop for the "Billows of Smoke" Men's Ensemble presentation of "Man of La Manche" and "There Is Nothin' Like a Dame". Again, I don't remember horses in "South Pacific"! There was another Ode by the "Five Blondes!" (I knew we were in trouble when there were only 3). Yes, this one was put to music (if you can call it that). I will not share it in this blog -- way to much information for my Farragut readers too soon!

The Mission Intern Music Video was out of this world. I still have the song playing in my head. FANTASTIC! The video greetings from those who were not able to be present was priceless. And then there was the "First Farragut Fudge" -- there are not words to accurately describe this. How Retta, Janet and Mike pulled this one off I'll never know. I can only say that Julia is jealous and wants the recipe.

BIT: I have not run across any pictures that I would share, but I will share the closing song with my blog readers. Again, it was by the "Five (really 3) Blondes!" and is set to the tune of "Danny Boy"

Oh John-ny Boy, the Bishop, He's a callin'

from down the road on Knoxville's Western side,

First Fair-gut needs a new Senior Pastor

It's you, it's you must go and we must 'bide,

but come ye back when Forty's done thru Knoxville

or when Jul-ia gets you run out of town

For we'll be here with Clark and his short sermons,

Oh John-ny Boy, Oh John-ny Boy, we'll miss you so.

And, First Broad Street, I will miss you so.

Roast

2 Days and Counting. Yesterday was my last Staff Meeting and, as was tradition, the staff roasted the outgoing person. It really wasn't too bad. Except for Nancy Tate coming unglued about 30 seconds into a story from my first year and having to sit down, and Karen Baker telling the "Bite Me" story, it was not too weepy or embarrassing (and I got an electric guitar that plays "It's a Small World", muscle rub?, and a 12 pack of Diet Coke!!!)

This morning was my last time in Contemplative Prayer. This has been such a surprising connection for me. I would have never believed I would have lasted for a year and half in a group that sits around in silence. But it has been refreshing spiritually. What a great support group these people have been. I will miss them and hope to continue this spiritual discipline into my ministry at Farragut. Who knows, maybe there's some budding mystics in West Knoxville?

BIT: Joy Eastridge shared an Ode (I guess that is what it is called, even though she didn't sing it) at my roast:

John Brewster

May 27, 2008

My favorite thing about John is his laugh,

He helps to make working here at First Broad Street such a blast!

If "laughter is the best medicine" indeed

Then he's the only Parish Nurse we truly need.

Three years ago he welcomed me to the Nurture Team

And made it all easy it seemed,

Keeping up with the needs and wants and sometimes demands

Of such a varied, and really enormous holy clan he understands.

An admitted "Type A"

He's learned to cope with lots of delays

Going with the flow

In contemporary God is always in charge of the show.

Preaching, teaching, leading by example, taking a stand

He's much more than a one man band.

He's kept all those balls up in the air in a beautiful juggle

[Helping me through many a computer muddle.]

Allowing God to work through him

His Grace lending a hand.

A creative powerhouse and humble spirit,

Through humor and the Gospel he helps us really feel it.

A gentle dad, to Max the Mighty and Kile the Kind

A loving husband to Gincy the Jovial.

Visiting, calling, comforting, showing true friendship

To anyone in need this man guides the membership.

Thank you, John, here you will be truly missed.

Your presence amongst us has been a blessed gift.

Thank You Staff of First Broad Street -- I will truly miss you and your ministry with me has been a blessed gift. Thanks for Five Fantastic Years!

Clark

Rev. A. Clark Jenkins has been our Senior Pastor since June of last year. This means I've not had a whole lot of time to really get to know him. Clark brings a contagious personality with a great sense of humor. It has been fun talking with him about First Broad Street and ministry in general.

BIT: I will miss Clark's passion for mission and justice ministries. May First Broad Street continue to live into their new motto: "A Church at the Heart of the City with the City at Heart." Clark is the one facing forward. Danny Howe, Director of Missions, is the backward one!

Just Jack

There are two people to thank (or roll their yards) for bringing me to First Broad Street and Kingsport. The first is Rev. Grady Winegar, who was the Kingsport D.S. and will retire this year at Annual Conference. He was my first Senior Pastor when I was appointed as the Associate Pastor at Wesley Memorial in Cleveland, TN. The other is Rev. Jack Edwards. Jack retired last year as the Senior Pastor of First Broad Street and then took a full time job at Carter-Trent Funeral Home. He is working on becoming a licensed funeral director.

Jack had planned on coming to my last services yesterday. I met him outside Carter-Trent on my way to my jeep after worship. They had gotten several calls and he had not been able to come. He and his wife Judy are wonderful people. Even though Jack is no longer on staff at First Broad Street, I will miss him. We've gone out to lunch and had several phone conversations even after his retirement-- especially centered around my decision to move this year. His wisdom and prayer support have helped to get me through these crazy days. I also know that he and Judy will be taking more trips to Knoxville ... so, I'm sure I'll get to see them (I don't think you'll have to pry the reason out of Judy!)

BIT: You may have noticed that I have a talent at selecting very artistic pictures.

Nancy

Today was my last Sunday -- 5 days and counting! We had two fantastic worship services in Contemporary! Yes, despite my strict instructions prohibiting anything that might illicit a weepy moment, there they were. In 8:30 Contemporary, Stephanie Wood (the worship leader) was doing a great job (as always) until she started praying for Gincy and me and the kids during the morning prayer ... she's fired! Next, at 10:45 Contemporary everything was great until the band decided to end the service with "Friends are Friends Forever". What part of "no weep" did we miss!

As I think about things I will miss, the list is enormous. I've been spending time reflecting on my Nurture Staff. Nancy Tate is Director of Congregational Care and had hoped to make it to at least one of my last services. But Nancy wears many hats at First Broad Street. Some have compared our worship schedule on Sunday mornings to a Worship Mall -- 6 different services in a 3 1/2 hour period! Nancy's other hat is coordinating these. So, she was so busy this Sunday, she couldn't make it to Contemporary.

BIT: I will miss Nancy because she is phenomenal! She is a wonderful woman with such a compassionate Spirit. She knows so much about First Broad Street and our members. She's the one I ask when I have a question or a concern about someone. She is indeed my right hand (and has been known to keep me out of trouble!). Nancy also has a deep love for the church and all of our people ... especially those who are in crisis or hurting. She is a natural part of our Nurture Team!

BIT II: Nancy is the one on the right in the picture. The other person is the ever-dedicated Mary Jane Alley who works with the very talented Sue Ann Greene and Dr. Mike McIntire (who loves a good spreadsheet) . My motto is: It's always good to keep those who sign your paycheck happy!

Jack, The Supreme

I remember one of my first experiences at First Broad Street. It was teaching a Wednesday Night Bible Study. I looked up from my notes and there amongst the 40 or so participants were Rev. Spurgeon McCartt (former Senior Pastor of FBS and a former District Superintendent), Rev. Jack Edwards (Senior Pastor of FBS and a former District Superintendent), and Rev. Jack Weikel (former Senior Pastor of Broad Street in Cleveland and a former District Superintendent). I thought to myself (edited version), "What am I doing here!"

When Jack Edwards and Jack Weikel and myself would meet to discuss Pastoral Care issues, we would joke that if the title for Jack Edwards was Senior Pastor then Jack Weikel (who is older) should be Supreme Pastor. My self-designated title was Ass. Pastor, but it never really took off -- they stuck with Minister of Nurture.

The picture that I've included is of the new and improved Nurture Staff at First Broad Street. This particular picture will not be used in the upcoming Church Directory because Jack has a candle sconce coming out of his head.

BIT: I am going to miss Jack Weikel and his fantastic wife Nancy (who worked with our Bereavement Ministry and now works with Retta and Forever Young). They are truly a "power couple" of First Broad Street. They share their love and care and leadership with the Church. I'm going to especially miss Jack's mentoring (he's been there and done that, usually more than once), his wise thoughts (I'll be calling him up to get some of these even if it is long distance), and his wise cracks.

Pub Table

I've been using it for several months now. I saw it done when I went to an Emerging Church Conference in Dallas last Fall. Those of you who attend Contemporary Worship know that we did away with the "pulpit" several years ago (except when one of the other pastors is preaching and then it emerges from the closet). I've experimented with several different preaching techniques over the years, from preaching without anything, to preaching from the Communion Table, to preaching sitting in a chair (most people seemed to like this one the best because it tended to slow me down). But most recently I've become comfortable with the pub table.

So, as we have reached "11 more days" on our countdown ... I realized yesterday as I preached my next to the last sermon, that I'm going to miss my pub table. I can put my notes, the slide remote, and my giant coffee mug on it and nothing falls off. It's high enough that I can read what I've typed (yes it is in 16 point but I refuse to wear glasses until I'm 40, which is ... on down the road).

BIT: I had hoped to be at the church when the pub table arrived. As it turned out, it arrived on a Friday when I was off. Tammy, our Baptist Receptionist [she is a great person and I only mention that she is Baptist because it makes this story more humorous], was the one who signed for the pub table when it arrived. She called me at home to find out where I wanted the building staff to put it. I could tell she was a bit confused (what on earth does a church need a pub table for?). When I told her that it was for Contemporary Worship, I believe she said something about us being "crazy Methodists". That's better than what most would have said, "Those crazy Contemporary Folk!"

The Joy!

Yesterday I ran into my doctor (not an actual collision!). I was running on the Green Belt and he was running the in other direction and we met. I didn't recognize him at first because he had his shirt off and he didn't look doctoral (he's also a church member and he didn't look churchy, either). It was somewhat weird because usually I'm the one who has to be in some state of undress when I meet him in a professional manner). But it was great for him to see me running because he is the one who keeps ordering all those blood tests and is working so hard to get my numbers down. I always tell him I'm exercising ... and now he actually caught me in the act!!!

I'm going to miss my doctor. He's an incredible person and a great part of our Contemporary Worship Team. He's one of the ones who ministers through sound (and other ways, too) -- running the sound board. He's also the husband of one of my Nurture Team Staff.

This leads me to my countdown -- 15 Days! Joy Eastridge is our newest addition to our Nurture Staff (I'm the 2nd newest, so that tells you about the dedication, experience, and wisdom of our team). Joy is our Parish Nurse. She is the one who really got me inspired to be more active -- yes the "not so wonderful" numbers from my doctor's blood tests were motivational, but our Parish Nurse is the one who rallied me on -- she is inspirational! Her "Walking with Jesus" and "Walking Well" and other programs have connected my physical activity with my spiritual well being and my missionary outreach. She is also active in planning a number of programs and activities that emphasis that our bodies are God's temple and we need to take care of them. Everywhere I go and visit someone has a good word about the ministry of Joy Eastridge. With her incredible team of nurses, who check my blood pressure on Sundays (NOT a good day to take my blood pressure!), she has rallied the entire congregation into better health and wholeness.

BIT: I'm going to miss Joy Eastridge, her incredible husband Dr. Wes (my doctor) her 3 fantastic children -- one of whom is a mission intern this summer. Thank You Joy for your ministry to First Broad Street, your dedication to your Savior Jesus Christ, and for making my ministry so much more fulfilling! As of Monday I've lost 25 pounds (since January 1) and at least two people noticed tonight at Wednesday Nighter!

Pentecostal Power Outage

This evening it happened! For only the second time since we have lived in Kingsport, our family went down stairs into the basement because of weather conditions. The wind had been blowing all afternoon, but this was not out of the ordinary for Pentecost. But it was really blowing!!! I started trying to get the weather channel kind of blowing. With my luck, it wasn't "on the eights" so Kile and I went down stairs, followed by Gincy and Max. As we looked out the storm door, the hail started to bang against the glass and then the power went out.


Soon it was over. The wind was still blowing and the rain was coming down like you wouldn't believe, but I felt it safe to come up. I found that a tree limb had fallen on a power line across the street. But it wasn't until I decided to scrap the special Mother's Day Chimichangas and opt for Pizza! Pizza! from Little Caesars. As I walked out to the car, I looked into our back yard to find the big pine tree had broken off and fallen across our neighbors yard. It was a big Pentecostal storm!


The power went off at around 5:00 p.m. and when I called the recorded voice told me that the plan was to have the power on by 12:00 a.m. WOW! How dependant on electricity are we! As it ended up, the power came back on around 10:00 p.m.



BIT: Every once in a while it might not be such a bad idea to pretend that the power is out. Yes, the children and the wife go crazy (and I must admit it was a bit nerve racking), but it did open us up to new things. Maybe that's what Pentecost is all about. I don't think this big tree will be fixed by our OPEN HOUSE on Sunday. Is it Trinity Sunday? Is there any way I can make this into something Theological? Maybe someone will like the Pine Tree across the backyard look! It's very sheik!

X Box 360

I'm not big into video games. My wife, Gincy, is the expert. I think the last video game I was really good at was Centipede. That should date me!

Today, Kile (my 8-year-old) "needed" to stay home. Yes, he did have a slight fever and was complaining of a sore throat, headache, and upset stomach, but something told me this was not a "huge" as it sounded. But what father sends their son with a temperature to school. So ... Kile stayed home. It was my day off and I had huge plans -- cleaning and packing and painting and caulking and grocery shopping. It was going to be fabulous day of productivity.

I did get the wall I wanted to paint done and cleaned up the area in the basement I wanted to clean. I even caulked the shower for the third time in 30 days (I'm sure my wife has made a call to the people who help crazy people. I'm just waiting for them to show up in their white coats with the special white blazer.) What I wasn't prepared for was Kile asking me to play "Spiderman" on the X-Box. I may be a whiz at PowerPoint and the "go to guy" at First Broad Street for all things technological ... but there is one thing I've never really excelled in ... video games.

But since he wasn't feeling well, I decided to give it a try. And, I must admit, I was spectacular! Kile was Doc Ock and I was Spiderman. Soon I was slinging the bad guys with my web and smacking them with my awesome punching ability. It didn't take me long to learn how to jump across the great lava pits! I was huge!

When Gincy got home today and we were gathered around the table for supper, Gincy asked Kile how I did with the video game (She knows!). I was ready for Kile to surprise her with a report of my incredible Spiderman ability. But, instead, he reported that I was "about as good as Max". Max is 3!

BIT: I was crushed and Gincy didn't stop laughing for 30 minutes. I know I'm better than a three-year-old. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Tunnel

Each morning after I drop Kile off at Jackson Elementary, Max and I go to "his school". Max attends First Broad Street Child Care Center and I work at First Broad Street United Methodist Church. While they both have "First Broad Street" in them, they are two separate buildings. The Child Care Center is in the Woodyard Center (aka the First Church Building) and my office is in the Main Building (aka the Broad Street Church Building). After I drop off Max in his room, I walk through the tunnel that runs underneath Watauga Street and magically appear in the Main Building. First Broad Street is two of the church-like buildings on Church Circle.

As I made that trip today, I realized how much I'm going to miss the tunnel. What other church has a tunnel that connects their buildings? I stopped to read the plaque on the wall of the tunnel (aka The Toombs H. Kay, Jr. Interlink). [Yes, I realize there are a lot of AKA's in this one!] The inscription on the plaque reads, "May this structure symbolize the completed reunion of First Methodist and Broad Street Methodist Churches.

For me, the tunnel is more than a symbol. It is indeed an interlink between where I work and where both of my sons have been taught and nurtured and disciplined (especially Max!) and loved. I have always felt a special connection. Kile & I went to work/school together. Max & I go to work/school together.

BIT: On Tuesday I sent the email ending Max's stay at First Broad Street Child Care. I can remember sending the email when Kile was ready to move to Kindergarten. Gincy and I have been blessed with marvelously dedicated and loving people to help raise our children -- it takes a church! They have invested so much time and energy. I wish I could list all of the names of those who have worked with Kile and Max all of these five years. To Karen Baker (the director) and her phenomenal staff ... We Will Miss You ALL! THANK YOU!!! -- 21 Days --

Last Communion

I know our Catholic brothers and sisters have a very special time in their faith journey where they celebrate their first communion -- when they are able to receive Holy Communion. [We won't get into our sacramental differences - I save that for Confirmation Class.]

As we continue "The Countdown" of my time at First Broad Street (today we're at 25 days), I reached another last yesterday. It was my last time to celebrate Holy Communion as a staff member. It happened that I was in our two Contemporary Services and I didn't mention that it was our last during the services (I know some of you are going to be ticked that I didn't give you warning). I don't believe I would have been able to make it through the Communion Prayer had I declared that this was my last time. And you know that would have led to me having to sing (chant I guess it is in church) the Country Hymn "There's a Tear in my Communion Wine." You know ...

Lord, I've tried and I've tried

But my tears I can't hide

You are on my lonely mind.

All these blues that I've found

Have really got me down

You are on my lonely mind

--Williams (the Jr.)

It just would not have been good!

I great big thank you to Martha Wilkerson, who with superhuman dedication, has prepared our Communion Table for all these years. You are fantastic!

BIT: My last point in the sermon yesterday was about Glorifying God through our Joy in Christ. I can't think of too many occasions where I have experienced or shared more Joy in Christ than gathered around the Communion Table with the people of First Broad Street -- traditional & contemporary. Keep it Up: Glorifying God through knowing Christ and making Him known!

May Day!

Yes it's the 1st of May! It's Ascension Day! It's National Day of Prayer! It's my last meeting with the Stephen Ministry Leaders. So, on this 29th countdown day, I celebrate the Stephen Ministry of First Broad Street! (Yes, I know I've already used 4 exclamation points! [oops, there's 5!])

Stephen Ministry was a dream of my predecessor, Rev. Caryl Griffin. She got it started and I got to bask in all of its glory. With the fantastic leadership of Cindy Haskins and Bill Crawford it grew and thrived. With the continuing leadership of Nick Grabar and Rev. Jim Harless (and Cindy is still sticking with it) this will be a powerful ministry of First Broad Street long into the future. (Bill moved to Florida and is very active in the Stephen Ministry of his new church -- Go Bill!) Today we have over 20 persons who are trained Stephen Ministers -- those who have survived over 50 hours of training -- those who now minister to care receivers who need someone to walk beside them through a difficult time. We also have expanded this ministry to hospital visitation. There are 3 Stephen Ministers who help with our daily hospital visits. In a congregation where there are over 300 persons hospitalized in a given year, this is a valuable resource. In a congregation where over 180 persons will lose a significant loved one, this is a valuable resource. I love Stephen Ministers! I Love Stephen Leaders! I will miss you all -- all that you do, and all that you have done. (I think my popularity has been founded in a large part upon your ministry) You are incredible people, called by God, and dedicated to caring. Thank YOU!

BIT: Today, the First of May, is also ... take the top off of the Jeep Day. Now, when there is a 20% chance of rain or less, you will see me in this incredible machine! Yes, it's over 10 years old with cracking seats. But she's still incredible. I love SPRING! Pray that I will stay dry ... and that our house will sell so that the Jeep can move to Farragut!