Pastoral Notes—Nate Shurden“The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.”—Matthew 20:28One of the reasons I was originally attracted to the life of a pastor was how intensely personal it is. The work of pastoring is different from the individual duties of a pastor. It is bigger than preaching, worship planning, counseling, etc. Pastoring as a way of life is really the practice of person caring. It’s about involving oneself purposefully with persons in the gospel in such a way that our lives are woven together in Christ. I enjoy having a front row seat at the “Christ Plays” in our community—seeing the gospel acted out in our parish. And as I write this note, I simply want to say “thank you” to all those who have manifested the life and love of Christ in our midst. And to be sure I embarrass you, I actually want to name a few names! As most of you know, our English as a Second Language (ESL) Ministry and Parish Life Teams are filled with men and women who have served sacrificially this year and in years past. Karen Grant is the team leader for the ESL team. Here are the names of our ESL team members who have manifested Christ to so many in our community through English language training: Gwen Smith, Joanna Reategui, Heather Easterday, Emil Posavac, Tammy Graffam, Laurie Robinson, Jim Robinson, Kathy Hutcheson, Spencer Kawamoto, Stacey Grooms, Kathryn Marshall, Kim Goff. At the end of our ESL term this year, Karen Grant will be stepping down from her position to focus her attention on the McKay’s Mill community. Karen has served our congregation faithfully as our team leader the last two years, and we are so blessed for her love for our community, vision for outreach, and leading in service. We thank God for you, Karen! The ESL Director position is a vitally important role to our local outreach to Franklin as a church. Please pray that someone within our midst will feel led to step into this role and lead us into a new season of ministry. Charlotte Robinson is the team leader for the Parish Life Teams. She has faithfully served our congregation for years. We are so thankful for her servant’s heart and dedication in the carrying out this vital ministry of our church. What a blessing you are to our church, Charlotte. Thank you! Mentoring Team – Gwen Smith Retreats – Barbara CheneyPrayer – Kim Goff and Linda Scherrer Mission Support – Kay DokkestulMeals – Kristin Lee Hospitality – Susan Comer, Maresa HensleyWelcoming – Brenda Campbell Emmaus – Kyla EasterdayHope, Faith and Encouragement – J. Edward CampbellCaregiver Support – Sharon HaneyI’m fully aware that many more names should be added to this great list. (We haven’t even begun to talk about nursery, Sunday School, or Home Fellowship Groups!) But alas, I’m out of writing space. More names and stories in the near future. I promise!

Parish Life Newsletter Volume V, No. 18

Parish Presbyterian ChurchPO Box 1593Franklin, TN 37065(615) 574-1029www.parishpres.org

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A Meeting of the Congregation: April 10 during Sunday SchoolThe leadership of the downtown church plant of Parish Pres. would like to invite you to a Meeting of the Congregation. The purpose of this meeting will be to present the name of the Downtown church plant, to walk through the process the leadership went through in choosing the name, and to give God the glory for His faithfulness in answering the prayer to give us a name.

Focus on Church MinistryMen’s Bible Study Meets at the church at 6:30am Tuesdays. All men are invited to join us!

Women’s Bible StudyNate Shurden will begin teaching a three week series on the book of Ruth on March 29. This study will meet at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the downtown Parish site with childcare available for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers during the morning session.

Church Picnic at East ParishOn Sunday, April 3 there is church-wide picnic at East Parish, a sort of “dinner on the grounds.” The picnis begins after Sunday morning worship. Everyone from East Parish and Downtown is invited. Please bring enough main and side dishes to share and we will have a glorious afternoon together!

Bucer Group Bonfire for Students and FamiliesApril 2, 5:00-10:00pmCome to The McGuire’s home for bonfire, dinner & fellowship. The McGuire’s will provide hotdogs & burgers. Please bring chips, cookies, or other snacks and a drink. Address: 3040 Old Hillsboro Rd, Leipers Fork; Home: 591-9462 or Stacy’s cell: 339-3900.

Monthly Literature DiscussionThe Literature Discussion group is open to anyone of any age at any time. Please contact Greg Wilbur (greg@parishpres.org) if you have any questions. All meetings are at the Chapel from 7:00-8:30 p.m. April 4: The Dancing Floor by John Buchan

New Men’s Bible Study: Praying for Your FamilyStarting on March 31 at the Chapel from 6:30-7:30amEvery other Thursday morning for 12 weeks (6 meetings)Using John Yate’s book, How a Man Prays for His Family as a starting point, this men’s group is designed to encourage one another in our calling as husbands and fathers (and grandfathers), to learn how to pray for our families, and to pray with and for one another in that calling. Led by Nate Shurden and Greg Wilbur. Please let Greg know if you are going to attend so that we can plan on how many books are needed (greg@parishpres.org).

First Time Mother’s Baby ShowerSaturday, April 2, we are welcoming the newest covenant members into our family! There will be a baby shower for "first time" mothers, Joanna Reategui and Kristin Lee. Kristin & Chris are expecting a girl on July 4. They are registered at Target and Babies R Us (off Nolensville Road). Joanna & Nolan are expecting a boy on May 29. They are registered at Target and USA Baby (off Murfreesboro Road/Hwy 96). Many of the gifts Joanna and Kristin have registered for can be found online. The shower will be at Maresa Hensley's home (1113 Gardner Drive, Franklin) from 2:30-4:30pm.

Japan Missions and Relief Opportunity We are taking up a special offering to provide water purification units to Japan through Dan Iverson, our MTW missionary in Japan. Please put “Mission Project” in the memo line of your check.

Weekly Schedule for March 28-April 3Monday: ESL (6:30-8:30pm)Tuesday: Men’s Bible Study (6:30am) Women’s Bible Study (9:30am & 6:30pm)Weds: Soup and Supplication (5:00-6:00pm) Vespers Prayer Service (6:00-6:30pm) Choir Rehearsal (6:30-8:00pm)

Thurs: Praying for Your Family Men’s Study (6:30 am)Saturday: Baby Shower (2:30-4:30) Bantu Mission (2:00-4:00) Bucer Bonfire (5:00-10:00pm)Sunday: Worship (8:15am) Sunday School (9:45am) Worship (10:45am) Potluck Picnic at East Parish

Soup & Supplication: Upstairs from 5:00-6:00pmFor six Wednesdays during the season of Lent (March 9-April 13), we’ll have a potluck dinner prior to the Vespers Prayer service. Bring a crockpot of soup, a bowl of salad, and/or a plate of sandwiches for dinner and fellowship prior to prayer.

Lenten Vespers ServicesDuring the season of Lent, we have Vespers prayer services every Wednesday evening from 6:00-6:30pm. This is a simple time of Scripture reading, singing, and prayer that is suitable for the whole family and a peaceful season of calm in our busy lives.