Don Schlitz

The last time I saw Don was on Easter morning at Vine Street.  Don and Stacey came in with their beautiful smiles and warm greetings, adding to the joy of that glorious day.  

Don passed away yesterday at Vanderbilt Hospital.  

Don was a humble genius, who wrote many number one hit songs, including “The Gambler,” “Forever and Ever, Amen,” and “When You Say Nothing at All.” 

He won two Grammy Awards, four ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards.  He was inducted into the National Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Don was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, where he performed often.  He also performed regularly at Room in the Inn.

Don was a loving husband to Stacey, a wonderful Dad to Cory and Matt, a devoted Grandfather to Roman, Gia, and Isla.  Let us pray for them and for all their family and for all the dear friends who grieve the loss of this great man, Don Schlitz.

– Rachel Eva Dixon

Judi Sachs

Church,

Judi Sachs has recently experienced further tumor growth and is now in significant pain when she walks. After consideration and prayer, she has chosen to remain at home and not pursue additional treatment.

Many of you have walked alongside Judi through the many seasons of her cancer journey. She is deeply grateful for your continued prayers, as well as the cards, notes, and messages that have meant so much to her.

As Judi rests at home, we invite you to continue surrounding her with love. If you would like to send her a note, you may write to her at:

2312 Riverside Drive

Nashville, TN, 37216

Larry Adams

Church,

Please celebrate with me the birth of Larry Adam’s great niece, Garnet November, who was born yesteday afternoon! Garnet’s mom, Holly, and Garnet are doing well.

We pray for Larry’s family as they welcome baby Garnet into their world.

Melanie Gao

Melanie Gao lost her mom, Marie Parsons, on Wednesday, March 18th at the age of 86. Marie had been in hospice care in Alabama, and Melanie and her sisters are grieving this loss.

Please surround Melanie and her sisters in prayer. If you would like to write a card, her address is:

Melanie Gao 

501 East Oltorf St., Apt. 103

Austin, TX 78704 

She sends her love to everyone at Vine Street. We return that love and offer our prayers as we ask for God’s comfort and peace,

A New Baby!

Church,

Please join me in celebrating the birth of Payson Jennings Chumbley, son of Ellen Chumbley (formerly Ellen Matthews!) and Alex Chumbley. Payson was born on Tuesday, March 17th and everyone is doing well!

We celebrate with Ellen, Alex, and the entire Matthews family, including proud aunt Sarah!

Beth Marshall

Church,

Beth Marshall passed away peacefully yesterday morning. Beth grew up at Vine Street, and served in a variety of leadership roles during her time here. She also volunteered at the church’s reception desk, answering phones, sending notes, etc. Needless to say, she and her husband John, were a vital part of this community.

Please hold John and the rest of Beth’s family and friends in your prayers.

The visitation will be 9:30am to 11:00am on Friday, March 27 at Vine Street, followed by a service at 11:00am with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you contribute to Alive Hospice (1718 Patterson Street, Nashville 37203) or Vine Street Christian Church.

Reeta Parks

Church,

Please hold Reeta Parks and her family in prayer as she undergoes major surgery this coming Tuesday, March 10th.

Reeta’s daughter, Lesley, wrote that your support will give Reeta great comfort, as this community has been a grounding source for Reeta and the Parks family over the years.

We hold them in love and fervent prayer,

Hope Hodnett

Church,

Former Associate Minister and beloved community member, Hope Hodnett, lost her mother on Tuesday, March 3. Sabra Hodnett was a life-long Disciple and was the Program Manager for our denomination in Florida for decades.

Hope wants us to know that Sabra would be glad that our church family holds the Hodnetts in our hearts.

If you would like to send a card, her address is:

1001 Hickory Hollow Road
Nashville, TN 37221

In prayer for Hope and her family,

Beth Marshall

Church,

We ask for your prayers as Beth Marshall , who has ovarian cancer, entered hospice care last week. We surround her and her husband, John, with support and love.

Eric Hutton's Mother

Church,

We ask your prayers for Eric Hutton and his family. Eric found out on Sunday that his mother, who had been hospitalized for several days, was diagnosed with Stage 3 Congestive Heart Failure. She lives just on the other side of Knoxville. We hold them close during this time, and ask for God’s comforting presence as they navigate her diagnosis.

In Peace,

Larry Adams

Church,

Please be in prayer for Larry Adam’s brother, John. John has been diagnosed with lymphatic cancer. The tumor that presented itself is in a very touchy area--near the carotid artery, so John’s doctors are advising against surgery. They are suggesting a six week course of daily radiation followed by chemo to shrink the tumor.

Larry is grateful for the congregation as we hold John, his family and Larry in prayer.

Chris Leidhecker

Church,

Some of you may have met Chris and Corinne Leidhecker, who are very dear friends of Abi and Quentin Flowers, and have worshipped with us here at Vine Street on several occasions.

Back in October, Chris was diagnosed with metastatic high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma (small cell type) currently in his liver, colon, pancreas, and several lymph nodes in the area.

Chris has been sharing his treatment updates here

He just finished his third round of chemo. His blood labs have shown improvement in the last few weeks, and a recent CT scan showed continued shrinkage of the tumors in his liver. He will continue to pursue additional rounds of chemo.

Please hold him and Corinne in your prayers as he begins another round of chemo.

In Peace,

Prayer Request

Church,

Please hold in prayer Tina Stanley, the sister-in-law of Betsy Von Dohlen, who is experiencing another crisis in her cancer journey. May she feel held in God’s care as she navigates this hardship. We join her friends and family in our petitions for peace and healing,

Reverend Cherisna Jean-Marie

Church,

Please keep Reverend Cherisna Jean-Marie, Dean of the Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt, in your prayers.

Yesterday, she was involved in a serious car accident when a drunk driver struck her vehicle head-on. Her medical tests and x-rays came back normal, thank God. She is experiencing significant soreness but remains in stable condition.

We give thanks that her mother and brother were already present and are providing care and support during this time.

May she experience the healing presence of God as her recovery continues.

Pat Cole

Church,

Last weekend, Pat Cole took a fall and injured her left knee. Thankfully, there are no broken bones, but she is dealing with significant pain and swelling from a deep bruise. Please keep Pat in your prayers for healing and comfort—and for Ed as he supports her during recovery.

The Family of Larry Adams

Church,

Larry Adams asks for prayers for his niece, Holly and her husband Michael. Holly is expecting twins this April, but at her last appointment, learned that the doctor could only hear one heartbeat. Larry is praying fervently for them and asks that the Vine Street family join him. Please lift up prayers for Larry’s brother, John, as well as Holly and Michael.

With sighs too deep for words to express, we hold them close.

Judi Sachs

Church,

Please keep Judi Sachs in your prayers as she recently received some difficult news: her existing tumors have grown by 8mm, and a third tumor has now been identified. Thankfully, none of the tumors have spread to any major organs at this time.

Judi welcomes and deeply appreciates your continued prayers for strength, healing, and peace during this challenging season.

In prayer,

The Delk Family

Church,

Please hold in prayer Mary Jayne Jones and Fay Delk, as they grieve the loss of their brother, James Vernon Delk. James passed away on Monday and is also survived by his wife, Kathryn, their three children and six grandchildren. The funeral will be held tomorrow at Whitwell Memorial Funeral Home.

We hold Mary Jayne and Fay close this weekend as they celebrate their brother, James.

The Cole Family

Church,

Please hold in your prayers Ed, Pat and the entire Cole family as they grieve the loss of Ed’s sister-in-law, Susan Cole. She and her husband, Ed’s brother Dennis, lived in Vancouver, Washington. Ed and Pat were fortunate to be at her bedside during her passing. Although she had Parkinson’s, she was very much alive during their current visit in the Pacific Northwest, and her passing came as a shock to the family. We will keep their family close as they grieve such an expected loss.

Lester McNatt

Please pray for Lester McNatt as he will have outpatient surgery on Wednesday, July 2.  He anticipates being able to go home the same day.