We're grateful for the regional Chi Rho retreat this weekend at Bethany Hills. Sarah Matthews, Grant Gao, Audrey Gao and Molly Lyons attended. Julia Matthews and Rob McRight served as counselors.
Interim Regional Minister
Rev. Dr. Beth Dobyns has been called to begin serving as the Interim Regional Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Tennessee. She brings extensive experience in specialized interim ministry as well as congregational, area, and regional ministry. Beth will be joining us from Florence Christian Church, Florence, Kentucky.
Educated at Texas Christian University and Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas, and St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Beth believes that everything in life has the possibility of teaching us more about how we acknowledge and act upon God's call in our lives. She brings a great love for the church and for the clarifying work that is possible during transitions and transformations.
Beth is married to Bruce Dobyns, senior minister at First Christian Church in Mayfield, Kentucky. Their permanent home is in Mayfield. They are the parents of two fine young adult women, Leslie Forrester and Nicole Dobyns. They also claim their fine son-in-law, Philip Forrester, as a son.
Some of the passions that help define Beth's ministry include taking the time for lively conversations, working toward clarity, recognizing joy and hopefulness when we see it in the stories of our lives and our ministries, and developing connections among ministers and congregations. She is looking forward to getting acquainted with Disciples in Tennessee.
Beth enjoys quilting and tries to start a new project with each new location. She also has a lifelong love of reading-ask her about her book list sometime. Cooking and exploring new locations are also sources of enjoyment.
Beth begins her ministry with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Tennessee on January 1, 2015.
A note from Rachel
To the dear people of Vine Street Christian Church,
My family and I are so grateful for all of your prayers, hugs, cards, and caring words. At my father’s memorial service, many people talked about what a beautiful church Vine Street is. I am so thankful that some of my extended family and old family friends were able to experience what we all could take for granted—the sweet spirit of worship at Vine Street. Thanks to all the caring staff, elders and friends who have blessed us with your kindness during our time of grief.
Love,
Rachel Dixon and the family of Bob Register
Barbara McKinney
We offer prayers for the family and friends of Barbara McKinney. Barb died on Friday, following a recent stroke. She is the grandmother of T.J. McLaughlin and the great-grandmother of Jack and Ellen. Services will be this week in Illinois.
Cheers for Leadership
We celebrate the leadership of two individuals who are part of Vine Street Christian Church. Julia Keith just completed a term as president of the Tennessee Disciples Women's Ministries. Meanwhile, Martha Bishop now begins her term as director of study and service. We celebrate these leaders, and all their colleagues, who provide direction to the region and to the church.
Milly Bles and her family
Milly Bles is the newborn child of Jordan and Robyn Fickes Bles. Robin was part of the Vine Street community a few years ago as she completed Divinity School at Vanderbilt. Milly was born in September and within a few days doctors realized she was experiencing some dire complications. But most recently she’s had what appears to be a successful surgery to correct intestinal blockage. We pray for Milly in the spirit of a Facebook posting by a family friend: “Let’s keep praying for her recovery and for positive steps of progress. And let's thank our creator God, who has walked with the Bles family every step of this journey.” Jordan and Robyn are Disciples ministers in Kentucky.
Ellen Rose McLaughlin
With great joy we announce the arrival of Ellen Rose McLaughlin! She was born late this morning, checking in at 8 lbs. 15oz., 20 1/2 inches. Congratulations to Ellen's parents, Katie & T.J. McLaughlin, and to her brother, Jack.
Phoebe Binkley
Carolyn Binkley stopped by the church yesterday to share her best wishes with the congregation. She noted, too, that her mom, Phoebe Binkley, has been ill lately and is having tests this week to clarify what's happening. We are keeping this family in our prayers.
CYF Retreat
We are grateful several of our teenagers were able to exprience the regional Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF) retreat this weekend, including Thompson Berhow, Will Carson, Lucas Cauthen, Clare Crenshaw and Julia Matthews. Rev. Hope Hodnett served as an adult leader.
Update: Barbara McKinney
Our prayers continue for Barbara McKinney, T.J. McLaughlin's grandmother. Katie shares that Barb suffered extensive brain damage following a stroke on Sunday and is now receiving hospice care near her Illinois home. Prayers of comfort continue, too, for T.J., Katie, Jack and for all who love Barb.
A Note from the Tarpleys
We received a note from Sara Tarpley sharing, "David and I would like to thank our Vine Street family for all the emails, calls and cards expressing concern and offering help after David's recent fall. I am happy to report that he is feeling much better." Following a doctor's appointment yesterday, David is taking steps to return to work, plus they will be able to visit out-of-town family soon. "We are so blessed to be part of such a caring community," Sara says.
Glenn Hewston
Former Vine Street Christian Church member Glenn Hewston died Sunday. He is the father of former member Fran Hewston Gregory. Glenn and his late-wife Doris moved from the neighborhood years ago, but Fran says Vine Street maintained a special place in her father's heart. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Harpeth Hills Funeral Home. Visitation is set for Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 4-7 p.m. On Thursday, Oct. 16, visitation will be from noon until the funeral begins at 1 p.m. Both occasions happen at the funeral home. Rev. Greg Rumburg will officiate.
Barbara McKinney
Please keep in your prayers Barbara McKinney, T.J. McLaughlin’s grandmother. She had a massive stroke after church Sunday. Doctors are continuing to monitor her. A frequent visitor to Vine Street, Barb has blessed us by making costumes for many of our children’s musicals. Her illness is especially difficult since T.J. and Katie must remain at home as they wait for the birth of their second child.
Jan Volk
Jan Volk asks for our prayers as she anticipates a medical proceedure this week.
Welcome Lester McNatt
We are grateful Lester McNatt reaffirmed his faith in Christ and became a member of Vine Street Christian Church today. A longtime friend of the church, Lester is an accomplished musician and sings in our Chancel Choir.
Kelly Baltz Fiala
Donna Woods asks that we pray for her friend Kelly Baltz Fiala. Kelly recently suffered an aneurysm and is seriously ill. She is the mother of a five-year-old son.
David Tarpley
After the elders meeting on Monday, David Tarpley fell and hurt his back. He thought it was just a bad bruise, but a trip to the ER today revealed that he has two cracked ribs. The bad news is that he won't be able to work until he feels more comfortable; he also won't be able play the horn in an upcoming concert with the Trevecca orchestra. The good news is that there was no injury to the lung, so all he needs is pain medication and rest. Thank you for your prayers. We'll see if we can help with some of David and Sara's transportation needs over the next couple of weeks.
A note from Eli Rolón
Greetings Vine Street!
I wanted to share with you the news of my upcoming ordination. My time at Vine Street was definitely one of the most formative times of my continuing growth and development into ministry.
Of course, everyone is welcome to join me for this occasion in Denver. But, I do request that you join me in prayer as I prepare for this step in my ministry.
Grace and Peace,
Eli
Julie Ward
Julie Ward is a long-time friend of Larry Adams. She is seriously ill, and he asks that we remember her in our prayers.
Doris Snow
A note from Micah:
My sweet grandmother, Doris Snow, "Granny," passed away peacefully Monday afternoon. I'll miss her soft-spoken voice and her sweet demeanor. Heaven has indeed gained a gentle spirit today! Though I didn't get to see her as often as I would've liked, Granny was always keeping track of what my brother and I were up to. My family and I thank you for your thoughts and prayers during these past few weeks!