Prayers of the People

Some prayer matters from yesterday’s Sunday worship—

Some of our friends are heading to Damoh, India this week for the 19th global gathering of World Convention, a collection of folks from the Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christ and Christian Churches. Among those attending are Julia Keith, Gary Holloway and Eva Evans. The event runs Jan. 12-15 and is centered on the theme, "God breaks down walls to build bridges."

Disappointingly, Rev. Hope Hodnett has had to postpone her scheduled vacation. She is out of the office this week on medical leave, receiving care to help her feel more like herself again. In her absence, please contact Greg Rumburg or Thomas Kleinert for assistance.

And we give thanks as Greg Rumburg’s aunt, Anne Riggenbach, has improved greatly and is now receiving rehab care.

Anne Riggenbach

Greg Rumburg asks that we keep his aunt, Anne Riggenbach, in our prayers. She has been in ICU for several days with respiratory issues.

Roy DeHart

Family and friends will gather for Roy's funeral on Friday, December 30th, at Vine Street Christian Church. Visitation will be in the sanctuary from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m.

Roy's sudden death has shocked his loved ones and all of us who had the privilege of knowing him; we are grateful for the opportunity to come together in our grief and give thanks to God for his life.

To read the obituary, please follow this link.

Roy DeHart

Roy DeHart has died. He became ill unexpectedly Friday, was rushed to Vanderbilt and died last night. We pray for God’s comfort for all who mourn, being especially mindful of Julia and all those who love Roy. Arrangements will be announced at a later time.

Susan Doyle Leap

We’ve learned Susan Doyle Leap died Friday. Susan grew up in this church and was especially active in the Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF) program. Please keep this family in your prayers.

Lillian McKenzie

Julia & Roy DeHart ask for prayers for Lillian McKenzie. Lillian is a dear friend of the family who has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

Update: Sylvia von Dohlen

We’ve learned David von Dohlen’s mother Sylvia died Saturday evening, Dec. 17. Arrangements are pending. Please keep David and all who care for Sylvia in your prayers. And may God be with all who watch or weep or mourn this day.

Norman Hall

Longtime Vine Street member Norman Hall died on Dec. 15. A celebration of life will be held at Richland Country Club on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017 from 4-6 p.m. We pray for comfort and peace for Margaret and for all who love Norman. Read the obituary here.

Laura Ashby

Laura Ashby's father, Kenneth Ashby of Hopkinsville, KY is under hospice care and in his last hours of life. She ask that we pray for a peaceful transition as the Lord calls him home.

Arrangements Announced for Elizabeth Lawrence

The community will gather to give thanks to God and to celebrate the life of Elizabeth Lawrence on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017. The memorial service will take place at Vine Street Christian Church at 3 p.m. Visitation will be at the church prior to the service from 2-2:45 p.m. Elizabeth died in her home Dec. 16. Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens, Funeral Home and Cremation Center is handling the arrangements.

Update: Fourth Sunday of Advent

We remembered several folks in our prayers during worship today, including Richard & Shannon Fairchild, who are friends of Lester McNatt. Richard is undergoing cancer treatment.

Jackie Halstead’s father, Walter, is in the hospital today undergoing tests.

We’ve learned, too, that longtime church member Normal Hall died on Thursday; let us keep his family and friends in prayer.

Drawn near to us, Emmanuel....

Update: Elizabeth Lawrence

We’ve learned Elizabeth Lawrence died earlier this morning. Arrangements through Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens, Funeral Home & Cremation Center for a memorial service at a later date are pending. We give thanks to God for Elizabeth’s life, and we offer prayers of comfort for Risley and all who love Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Lawrence

Please keep in your prayers Elizabeth & Risley Lawrence, along with their family and friends. Elizabeth became quite weak recently. Her health has taken a turn and she may be nearing the end of her life. We’re grateful she is receiving hospice care in the assisted-living apartment she shares with Risley. May we pray for Elizabeth’s comfort; for strength and courage for Risley and all the family; and may we offer gratitude to God for all that Elizabeth & Risley mean to Vine Street Christian Church.

Sue Trueman

Marjorie Taggart asks us to pray for her friend Sue who just had surgery. She is in pain, which we all hope will soon subside, but she must also learn to live with the side effects of the surgery. We pray for strength of body and soul.

Tom Shinness

Jan Volk asks that we pray for her friend Tom Shinness. He was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. Folks may remember Tom as he plays harp guitar and has accompanied Jan at Vine Street.

Sylvia von Dohlen

Betsy & David von Dohlen ask for prayers for David’s mother, Sylvia. She appears to be approaching the end of her life, and we are grateful she is receiving hospice care now. Let us offer prayers for Sylvia’s comfort and hope; and prayers for strength and courage for her family and friends. You may recall that it was nearly two years ago, Dec. 23, when Priscilla Hutton, Betsy’s mother, died, so this, of course, stirs complex emotions, especially at the holiday season.

Ed Cole

Cheers to Ed Cole! The Council on Aging of Middle Tennessee presented Tuesday its annual Community Catalyst Award to Ed and the Senior Transportation Leadership Coalition. The award recognizes that group’s work to create Senior Ride Nashville, slated to launch in 2017.

Michael Lee

Sondra and Ted Lee ask for prayers for their son, Michael, who grew up in our church, and his family. Michael was diagnosed recently with leukemia and is in an Atlanta-area medical center receiving treatment.

Mark and Erica Pilkinton

Shelton Pilkinton asks for prayers for his family. Mark Pilkinton, Shelton’s grandson, and his wife, Erica, experienced a miscarriage last week. Margaret Ann will be buried Dec. 9 at Harpeth Hills on Highway 100.

Prayers and Support for East Tennessee

Earlier this week you became aware of the campaign by Tennessee Disciples and friends to provide emergency assistance items for folks affected by the wildfires in East Tennessee. Thanks to a generous response, relief items are being transported across I-40 east now—thank you!

The struggle there goes on, so please continue to keep those communities in your prayers. And if you haven’t had a chance yet to pitch in on the relief efforts, you may still do so by making a financial donation. Week of Compassion stands ready to receive your contributions by clicking here.