Rev. Linda Parker will have surgery Thursday, Feb. 16, in Evansville, Indiana, where she resides. Linda is the mother of Kennedy Shuler and a former minister of this congregation. Recovery from the surgery will take several weeks, and Kennedy will be traveling to be with her mom for part of the time. Whenever surgery is involved, we pray God will be with the medical team, that their minds will be sharp and their hands will be full of skill and compassion. This time is no different as we pray, too, for Linda’s comfort and healing. If you would like to send a note of encouragement, please call or email the church office for information.
Julia Keith & Family
We hold in prayer Julia Keith and her family. Julia’s aunt Lou Bethay died Saturday morning unexpectedly. She was 91. Saturday night, Julia’s stepmother Mary Cathryn Bethay died. She had been ill recently. May God’s comforting presence be felt like never before.
Helping Neighbors
Our prayers continue for our homeless neighbors in Nashville. We ask for God’s blessing on our Room in the Inn partnership this week at the church. Thank you to all the volunteers who offer time, food and support. And we offer gratitude for the leadership of our youth who collected donations today after worship for the Society of St. Andrew, part of our annual participation in Souper Bowl of Caring.
Mary Cathryn Bethay
We offer prayers for Mary Cathryn Bethay, Julia Keith’s stepmother. Mary Cathryn’s heath is declining; she appears to be approaching the end of her life. We’re grateful to know she is being cared for in Memphis by a hospice team.
Leyla Harding
Leyla Harding died on Thursday. She had been active at Vine Street in a variety of ways. Arrangements are being handled through Spring Hill Funeral Home in Madison. You can read the obituary here. May God be with all of us who mourn Leyla's death.
John Baxter
We received an update from John Baxter. The cast has been removed following his recent hand surgery. He will begin rehab in a couple weeks, hoping to be healed fully by spring. Thank you for keeping John and Melba in your prayers.
Our prayers
Angie Wilson had knee surgery on Thursday, and all went well. Thank you for your prayers and the meals!
Hope Hodnett is continuing to heal and regain her strength. Thank you for your prayers!
Greg Rumburg and his family are mourning the death of his aunt, Anne Riggenbach. Greg will be traveling to Ohio on Sunday evening to be with his family; he expects to be back in Nashville on Wednesday evening. Thank you for surrounding this family with your prayers!
Julia Keith, Eva Evans, and Gary Halloway have safely returned from their trip to India, where they attended the global gathering of World Convention in Damoh. They are still dealing with serious jet lag, but are already processing the many experiences they had and weaving them into stories to share!
Angie Wilson
Angie Wilson will have knee surgery this week. She welcomes our prayers.
Duke Chenault
Congratulations to Duke Chenault! He graduated last month from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing with a doctorate in nursing practice. Well done!
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....