Last weekend was Homecoming at Trevecca Nazarene University. For many of us who graduated from Trevecca, it's a special weekend every year and NFCN is always WELL represented. Friday evening was the second annual presentation of the "Town and Country Revue," which was emceed this year by our own Pastor Jimmy Blackman, and included a Grand Ole Opry-style song sung by Pastor Jack Galloway.  
 
Saturday evening was a "30-ish" Year Reunion (give or take a few years each way) of some 150 Trevecca alums. It was an awesome evening on the campus, with many who in college years and/or present day have been part of our congregation. Our own Herb and Tammy Modesitt and a team of people helped organize and lead this event.
 
Sunday evening was a moving service led by our teens, sharing what they have prepared for this year's District Extravaganza talent festival.  Included in the talent presented were brief sermons by Grantham Stieber and Erica Wigart.  There was also an incredible musical presentation by our Teen Choir led by Matt Wade.  We are so proud of our teens and the great ministry they are having among us. Pray for them as they participate in the district event this weekend.

GREAT THANKS to Gerald Quick and Randy Moore (among others) who made possible the new lighting in Heritage Chapel! This was volunteer work and we deeply appreciate it.  David Wigart oversaw this project.
 
Congratulations to Ken and Karen Bryant as they wrap up an assignment with Ken as the interim pastor of our Glencliff Nazarene Church in Nashville.  They have averaged nearly 150 in attendance each Sunday in this very effective Hispanic work.  Ken's fluent Spanish has been used for the kingdom! The Glencliff church loves them and hates to see them go, but we're glad to have the Bryant's back among us. They are active members of the Koinonia Sunday School class.

DON'T POSTURE - JUST BE!
 
​There is a great statement that the late Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, Archbishop of Chicago in the Roman Catholic Church and President of the U.S. Conference of Bishops once said to my friend Matt Lamb, as the Cardinal was dying of pancreatic cancer.  "Matt, the time for posturing is done."  In other words, I will soon be gone from this earth.  What does all of that positioning and posturing matter now?  Quite a moving statement from one of the great religious leaders of recent history.  
 
We are living in a time when authenticity and vulnerability have never been more desired by people, and more demanded of the Church.  Deception, cover-ups, image-building without reality to back it up, produced and processed presentations devoid of genuineness and any other kind of posturing won't win anyone to Jesus today.

People are no longer content to let us play our games in church politics or smiling to one's face while stabbing them in the back later any more.  Denying we are hurting when we are, stating all is well when it's not and saying we are holy while we are living anything but just won't suffice any more.  No, we are being called today by both scripture and society to be real.  To get over ourselves and be courageous enough to create relationships and churches that are safe because they are honest and open, inviting people to come and struggle with us as we admit we haven't got it all together either.
 
Dare we dream in these days NFCN could become that kind of people and place?  That we would take our heritage and theology seriously enough to live it?  That we would be far more concerned about integrity and honesty than what people would think or the image we project?  God is up to something among us.  Some veneers are coming off.  Some phisods are coming down.  It's time to get real.  We have so many loving people we could be this kind of church fairly quickly. 
 
People all around our neighborhoods, workplaces, places of commerce and yes, our church neighborhood are longing for such a church.  Dying inside for people like that, and a safe place to learn about God, themselves and the Bible.  Wanting to know they are loved yet needing to be challenged to grow and be better.  Finding people they can journey with towards becoming what they know deep inside they were made to be.  
 
It's time.  It's time for us to become that kind of worshiping, connecting and serving people.  It's past time.  Pray with me and aim with me for that goal.  That God would lead us not only into our greatest days, but our most honest and real days.  This way is not always easy or comfortable, and sometimes is painful, but it is so cleansing and fulfilling it's worth it!  God is with us.  The future is bright.  Let's journey together.
 
Pastor Ulmet
 

     

MOMS@510
This Friday, November 14, at 10:00am, Moms@510 will be gathering to hear Kay Quick provide tips on "How to Make Your House a Home."  Childcare is provided.  Contact Jane Storie, with questions. 

CHURCH WORK DAY IS THIS SATURDAY!
COME JOIN US FOR our annual CHURCH WORK DAY Saturday, November 15, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.. To sign up or go get information on projects and skills needed, email David Wigart.

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL BOOKS – Join us as we study together “In the Manger” by Max Lucado in celebration of Advent 2014 beginning November 30. Copies are available at the Information Desk in Reed Lobby for only $8; cash, check, or credit card accepted.

MOMS@510 BAKE SALE
The Moms@510 annual bake sale is Sunday, November 16 beginning at 11:30 am in the missionary mall.  We will have pies, cakes, cookies and more.  Please stop by and support our Moms group.  If you would like more information or you would like to donate any baked goods, contact Sarah Johnson by clicking here.

TNU TAKES ON LOCAL NCAA DIVISION I TEAMS
Trevecca's men's basketball will play two big games this coming week:
Sunday, November 16, 2 pm at Vanderbilt. Tickets are $15.00.
Wednesday, November 19, 7 pm at Belmont. Tickets are $12.00/$6.00 children under 18
Pastor Matthew Dunlap will be leaving the church 45 minutes before tipoff for both games.  If you want to carpool over with Pastor Matthew, shoot him an email or a text.

KING'S MEN
King’s Men Missionary chapter will be meeting Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 8:00am in the Fellowship Hall.  This month’s guest speakers are James (Jim) and Katherine (Kathy) Radcliffe missionaries from Papua New Guinea.   All are welcome!

NFCN GOLF SCRAMBLE
Due to inclement weather our annual fall GOLF SCRAMBLE was rescheduled for Saturday, November 22.  A shotgun start will take place at 8:00am. Don't worry; we will have plenty of hot coffee and donuts! Please contact Matthew Dunlap if you are interested in participating; it should be a great day of fun and fellowship..

THANKSGIVING OFFERING FOR WORLD EVANGELISM NOVEMBER 23 & 30
Churches of the Nazarene worldwide give a special offering for world evangelism each Thanksgiving, and our congregation has a rich history of generosity at this time of year. This offering is critical to extending the mission of the church of making Christ-like disciples in the nations. Your Thanksgiving offering counts toward Faith Promise and can be given in the envelope provided those two Sundays or designated within your regular offering. God bless His church as we give this season!

THANKSGIVING BREAKFAST 2014
The 80th Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast will be November 27 at 7:30am in the Fellowship Hall.  Nominations for "Honoree of the Year" may be placed in the Nomination Box at the Connection Center.  In lieu of tickets, an offering will be collected to cover the costs of the meal. 

URBAN MINISTRIES DONATIONS
Colder weather is coming.  Donations of winter coats, hats, gloves, and blankets can be left in the Emmaus barrels located in the foyer.

NAZREC COMING SOON!
The NAZREC basketball & cheer season is just around the corner! Click here for more information.  If you are interested in being a coach or volunteer please let Matthew Dunlap know by sending him an email (click here).  We would LOVE to have you get connected to this awesome ministry and possibly change a life through your involvement.

GIVE TO OUR YOUTH WHEN YOU SHOP AT KROGER!
If you live in Tennessee and shop at Kroger, you can donate to the NFCN Youth Group every time you shop, simply by scanning your Kroger Plus Card at check out! It doesn't cost you anything, and it won't take away from your fuel points, either. All you have to do is register your Kroger Plus Card and choose First Church of the Nazarene (NPO #35793) as your charity of choice! 

CHERYL'S LIST - TURNING EMPTY ROOMS INTO HOMES
Cheryl's List is growing! Referrals from social agencies, NFCN, and word of mouth have caused our donations to double each month.  Because the 510 Foundation allocated a significant monetary gift to purchase mattresses and many people from NFCN and other interested individuals have donated used furniture in good condition, Cheryl's List has been able to "turn empty rooms into homes" for  families in difficult circumstances who are transitioning into housing, including honorably discharged veterans, single mothers with children, individuals with serious health problems, etc.  To serve effectively, Cheryl's List needs your prayers that God will continue to provide for the missional needs.These needs include: 1.  Donation of a  large, dry space (warehouse) to store and prepare items for delivery. (We've outgrown Eddie's 2-car garage!)2.  Donations of furniture in good condition and funds to purchase mattresses and other household items.  (PayPal or in church offering)3.  Volunteers with strong backs to help with furniture pickup and deliveries, usually in the evening. Leave a message at 838-2197 to donate or volunteer.  Thank you for your continued support!

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED
We are in need of volunteers to drive our small bus on Sunday mornings to pick up our senior adults who live at Trevecca Towers. You do not need a CDL license to drive.  Contact Pastor Jack Galloway for details.  

COUNSELING REFERRAL MINISTRY
Everyone struggles.  Sometimes it helps to talk about it.  Did you know that Nashville First Church of the Nazarene offers resources to connect you to caring Christian counselors?  All of the counselors are part of our church and ministry.  Did you know that the cost may be reduced or fully covered by our Life Ministries?  To request the list of counselors and how to contact them or for more information, click here.

"THE REAL LIFE" - NFCN's televised service on Cable Channel 19 in Davidson County (Public Access television - NECAT), times are:
Monday - 12:00pm
Tuesday - 6:30pm
Wednesday - 7:00pm
Friday - 10:30am
Saturday - 10:00am
Sunday - 4:30pm