The Victory Sunday School Class presented a special plaque to one of their own this past Sunday morning.  It read:  "Howard Spruill is honored on this day as Teacher Emeritus.  Recognition and appreciation are given for his faithfulness, teaching excellence and for his encouragement to each class member."
 

What a privilege to have Missionary Eric Paul ​back this last weekend at NFCN!  From the Kona Coast of the "Big Island" of Hawaii.  We got a brief update on Sunday morning and then he preached a masterful message Sunday evening.  If you missed it, you can hear his message by clicking here   and then go to  November 2, 2014 PM Service.   A love offering of well over $1000 was given to Eric.  Keep them in your prayers!

 
LAST WEDNESDAY was a HUGE DAY for NFCN and our ministry!  Around 1000 people jammed our facility and parking lot for FALL FEST 2014!  Dozens of committed volunteers made this happen!  And as I moved around the crowd, so many people complimented NFCN on this event and, more importantly, on our other ministries and the influence we're having on our community.  Many told me personally "Thank You Pastor for all your church does for us!"  It was a great night.


Volleyball kicked off this past Monday night at Nashville First Church of the Nazarene.  There are 2 teams from NFCN competing in this ministry league.  Please click here for schedules.  We would love for our church to come and support these 2 teams when they are playing.  This is a great ministry with teams from all around the Mid-State.  See you on the court!
 
Our men's basketball league for the fall is coming to an end.  The team that is representing NFCN is in the final four and plays this Thursday, November 6 at 6:30pm.  We would LOVE to have you come out and support this group of men.

CHANGING COURSE
 
​In a politically-driven nation like ours, there are occasional times in history when political winds dramatically shift across the landscape.  Some refer to it as "the pendulum factor" - what swings one way for many years will eventually swing the other way, and each time it happens it's rather stunning.
We experienced one of those times in this election of 2014 just passed.  
 
I was reminded late Tuesday night of the eminent columnist George Will's words the morning after Ronald Reagan's election in 1980. He used phrases like "the Republic shuddered" and the "ship of state changed course."  People rise up and usher in sweeping change because they believe they have no choice: things have gotten to a place they must shift.  And shift dramatically.
 
It is rather easy to discuss course changes when it's our nation or the economy or other large-scale entities.  It is much more difficult when it's personal - as in our life, our family or our church.
 
This much is clear when it comes to our church:

• Since 1998, we have lost approximately 500 persons per week in average Worship attendance
• We have a 125,000 square foot ministry facility to maintain that needs many improvements
• The cultural changes during those same years have been rapid and unprecedented around us
• The only year in the past 16 years with significant growth was when we offered two viable Worship services on Sunday morning.

 
Could it be time for a change of course?  For this much is also clear when it comes to our church:

• There are thousands of people without Christ and/or a home church around us
• We have a large facility brimming with spaces and options for ministry in a prime location
• Many are seeking to know God, hungry for spiritual authenticity and a foundation to build their lives on
• We need to look at our services and ministries carefully and consider options to be more effective

All of this is happening in the swirling reality that the Millennial generation among us is the least professing of Christian faith and the most unchurched in American history, statistics-wise.  
 
Does any of this signal an intense need for a change of course?  A major shift?  Can we both effectively minister to churched people, deepening their discipleship and maintaining some of the familiar while also connecting with the unchurched and unbelieving and leading them into a pursuit of holiness?  Do we have any option but to try?  
 
Those are some of the questions your staff and leadership is considering in these days.  Pray with us for the Spirit's leading, so we can join God in what He already is up to among and around us.  I am far from defeated  - indeed I'm energized with the possibilities.  God just might want do do something new - yet again!  Lord, let it be...
 
Pastor Ulmet
 
     

LIGHT-UP ADVENT in our Emmaus Fellowship!  
We have an inviting fireplace in our lobby through November 9 with 100 flames.  Each flame has items needed by members of our Emmaus Fellowship and their families, and we are asking you --- individuals, families, and/or Sunday School classes ---  to participate in providing the items on one of the flames and share a meaningful Christmas gift to those who are in need.  Look for the beautiful fireplace located in front of the Information Center in the Reed lobby outside the Sanctuary, and plan to give as you are able.

NFCN GOLF SCRAMBLE AND WORK DAY RESCHEDULED
Due to scheduling conflicts our annual CHURCH WORK DAY was rescheduled for Saturday, November 15, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.. To sign up or go get information on projects and skills needed, email David Wigart. 

Due to inclement weather our annual fall GOLF SCRAMBLE was rescheduled for Saturday, November 22.  A shotgun start will take place at 8:00am. This rescheduling means there is still time to sign up if you did not already. Please contact Matthew Dunlap if you are interested in participating.

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