Cumberland Presbyterian Magazine

12/18/2024

New Hope Puppeteers Christmas Performance

For over a decade, the New Hope Puppeteers of the New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Madisonville, Tennessee, part of the Presbytery of East Tennessee, have delighted audiences with their heartwarming and entertaining puppet shows. Featuring original programs for Easter and Christmas, these performances celebrate the mighty acts of God in joyful and creative ways.

This year’s Christmas performance, Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 7:00 PM, promises to be another unforgettable evening, showcasing the incredible talents of the Puppeteers under the inspired leadership of Sarah Pat Leming. As the visionary behind the productions, Pat wears many hats—creator, designer, writer, director, producer, recruiter, and publicity coordinator. She has personally crafted all 17 puppets and designed the set, ensuring every detail is perfect. Her passion and enthusiasm have brought together a dedicated team, including teenagers like Lilly, who has been a puppeteer since age five, retired teachers Carolyn and Mary Ann, and faithful church members like Sue, a grandmother, and volunteer.

The New Hope Puppeteers embody the spirit of community and creativity, offering performances that bring joy and inspiration to all who attend. Don’t miss this special evening as they share the story of Christmas in a way that will warm your heart and lift your spirit.

Admission is free, and all are welcome. Invite your friends and family, and join us for an evening filled with holiday cheer!

New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 904 Acord Gap Road (just off Oak Grove Road), Madisonville, Tennessee, 37354

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12/17/2024

“Find a Church” Back Online

When initially launched, the Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church website included a feature called “Find a Church” which made use of free services from Google to allow users to search for Cumberland Presbyterian congregations near them. Initially drawn from the Yearbook of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the feature was flawed in that sometime the app returned mailing addresses rather than physical addresses but, over time, these errors were corrected and the database of churches fine-tuned. Then Google pulled the plug. That is, they started to charge for the service and, to us, the cost was prohibitive. Now, with the aid of Churchill Studios, we have an alternate app. The database of churches is the same as the last update prior to the pandemic but we are correcting error when they are reported. Give it a test drive and tell us what you think.

https://cpcmc.org/find-a-church/

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12/16/2024

I love this from the Tennessee Tinkerer!

The Tennessee Tinkerer (Andy Kettle) is a longtime member of the Clarksville Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Nashville Presbytery) and was profiled on Cumberland Road (March 30, 2021).

https://cumberlandroad.transistor.fm/episodes/andy-kettle

C P News: https://cpcmc.org/category/cmt/cp-news/

As always, comments on this post will be taken as communications with the Cumberland Presbyterian Magazine and with Cumberland Road.

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

12/16/2024

Waynesboro Community Christmas Dinner Celebrates 25th Anniversary

The annual Community Christmas Dinner, hosted by Waynesboro Cumberland Presbyterian Church, will celebrate its 25th year on December 25, 2024, at the Waynesboro Middle School Cafeteria. The event, held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., will feature eat-in meals, carryout plates, and delivery services for homebound residents.

This year, the dinner has been renamed in honor of Ray Pulley, who has served as the event's chef since its inception in 1999. Pulley's dedication and leadership have been pivotal in the dinner’s success, which began after a sermon by visiting preacher the Reverend Joe Matlock in early 1999. Matlock’s remark on that potluck Sunday, “Jesus said feed the poor, and what are we doing today? Feeding ourselves,” inspired the Waynesboro Cumberland Presbyterian Church Session to start the tradition of offering a free Christmas meal to those in need or spending the holiday alone.

Over the years, the dinner has grown significantly, moving from the Waynesboro Senior Citizen Center to Bradley's Restaurant and now Waynesboro Middle School. It has weathered challenges, including adapting to delivery-only service during the COVID-19 pandemic, but continues to be a cornerstone of the community.

Last year, volunteers served 730 meals, including dine-in, carryout, and deliveries. Supported by local churches, businesses, and individuals, the event not only provides a traditional holiday meal but also fosters a sense of togetherness in the community.

C P News: https://cpcmc.org/category/cmt/cp-news/

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12/16/2024

Madison Hart Joins 1,000-Point Club

The 15th-ranked Bethel Lady Wildcats extended their undefeated season to 10-0 with a dominant 115-73 victory over Simmons College of Kentucky on Tuesday night, December 10, 2024. The game marked Bethel's first home appearance since November 2 and showcased a season-high scoring performance for the Lady Wildcats.

Junior standout Madison Hart highlighted the evening by surpassing 1,000 career points, becoming the 19th player in program history to reach the milestone. Hart scored 22 points, while her sister, Micah Hart, led the team with 28 points. Kalynn Howard added 13 points, and Kylee Alexander contributed 10.

Bethel led by just two points at halftime, 45-43, before erupting with a 70-30 second-half surge. The Lady Wildcats' bench played a key role, contributing 48 points. The team shot 45% from the field and hit 10 three-pointers.

Simmons College's Morgan Defoor led all scorers with 36 points, though the game counted as an exhibition for the visiting Lady Falcons, now 7-5 on the season.

“It was great to be back home and to see the support from our crowd,” said head coach Chris Nelson. “We’re proud of Madison’s achievement, but we have areas to improve defensively as we move forward.”

C P News: https://cpcmc.org/category/cmt/cp-news/

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12/13/2024

Dr. Shannon Godwin Retires After 17 Years at Bethel University

Dr. Shannon Godwin, Director of Graduate Education and professor of education at Bethel University, has retired after seventeen years of dedicated service to the institution.

Dr. Godwin has been a cornerstone of Bethel’s Division of Education since joining the university in 2007. Her career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to advancing educational excellence and mentoring future educators. In recognition of her service, Dr. Godwin was presented with a framed resolution from the Bethel University Board of Trustees.

C P news: https://cpcmc.org/category/cmt/cp-news/

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12/13/2024

Bethel University Gazebo Gets a Fresh Look

Bethel University's iconic Laughlin Gazebo recently received a fresh makeover, thanks to the efforts of the Student Government Association (SGA) and Phi Delta Sigma. Student body president Kelly Krack announced the project’s completion on December 1, 2024, highlighting the power washing and repainting of the beloved campus landmark.

C P News: https://cpcmc.org/category/cmt/cp-news/

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12/12/2024

Publications from cppubarc on Calaméo. Leading publishing platform for digital magazines, interactive publications and online catalogs.

12/12/2024

Greeneville CPC Hosts an Evening of Christmas Music

Greeneville Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Presbytery of East Tennessee) will host an evening of Christmas music on December 15, 2024, beginning at 6:00 pm Eastern Time in the historic sanctuary at 201 North Main Street in Greeneville, Tennessee. Music will be provided by the Chancel Choir and Children’s Choir directed by Jeff Farr, and the Cumberland Bellringers Hand Bell Choir directed by Bobbie Christiansen. Whitney Ball will be on the piano and organ along with Brighton Prescott who will be on cello. There will be various mini-musicals.

For more information call 423-638-4119

C P News: https://cpcmc.org/category/cmt/cp-news/

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12/12/2024

Due to scheduling conflicts, we will not be having our Christmas at the Bell event this year. We look forward to celebrating the holiday season as usual in 2025.

Since we usually collect canned food items during this event, please consider donating to the The Dickson County Help Center & Thrift Store. They do so many wonderful things for our community, especially this time of year.

12/11/2024

The years around the partial union with the Presbyterian Church (USA) are undeniably some of the most contentious in Cumberland Presbyterian history. For historians and the curious, we are pleased to offer complete scans of the Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church from 1903 through 1907.

1903: https://www.calameo.com/cppubarc/read/00772966754f288aa47d6
1904: https://www.calameo.com/cppubarc/read/0077296675e331a79191b
1905: https://www.calameo.com/cppubarc/read/007729667bfd4967609dd
1906: https://www.calameo.com/cppubarc/read/007729667fd7196f5c300
1907: https://www.calameo.com/cppubarc/read/0077296678b6e533440d7

12/10/2024

Covenant CPC Invites You to Walk through Bethlehem

ENGAGING COMMUNITY | SHARING THE GOOD NEWS @ CHRISTMAS

On December 13-14 and 20-21, the Covenant Cumberland Presbyterian Church will present its first-ever “WALK THROUGH BETHLEHEM” on the church property in Latta.

This experience is a free, walk-through play presented in a replica of ancient Bethlehem. Participants will journey through the city on the night of Jesus’ birth, encountering Roman Soldiers, seeing merchants selling goods in the marketplace, and hearing stories of hope amid oppression and pain. And each visitor will become a part of the story.

The 25-minute walk-through experience will be open to guests from 6-9 PM. You and your church are invited to join Covenant Church and to witness a recreation of the night that changed the world forever.

C P News: https://cpcmc.org/category/cmt/cp-news/

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12/09/2024

Miscellaneous Documents by cppubarc on Calameo

12/09/2024

You can always read the Missionary Messenger Online!

2024 Gift to the King Missionary Messenger Haiti Building Project Vo l u m e 13 | W i n t e r 2 0 2 4

12/09/2024

Geyer Commons Development Includes CPC

The City of Mansfield, Texas, recently began work on Geyer Commons, a $5.6 million redevelopment blending historic charm and modern amenities on the site of the city’s first ballfield. Set to open in fall 2025, the project will serve as the eastern gateway to Historic Downtown Mansfield, offering a dynamic shopping and lifestyle destination. The project transforms 605 E. Broad St. into a vibrant hub featuring relocated and reconstructed historic buildings, including Mansfield Cumberland Presbyterian Church, once a congregation of Dallas Presbytery in Texas Synod. Diverse shops, restaurants, and an artisan market will operate within these structures, while public spaces will include a splash pad, concert areas, and play zones.

C P News: https://cpcmc.org/category/cmt/cp-news/

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12/09/2024

Madison, Tennessee, a Year Later

December 9, 2024, marks a year since a devastating tornado struck Madison, Tennessee, damaging, among many structure the St. Luke Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Nashville Presbytery).

https://cpcmc.org/madison-community-marks-one-year-since-deadly-tornadoes-with-recovery-event/

https://cpcmc.org/tornadoes-strike-middle-tennessee-damaging-st-luke-cpc/

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12/09/2024

Oldest Church in Rusk County Hosts Christmas Celebration to Fund Restoration

Pine Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church, believed to be the oldest church building still standing in Rusk County, hosted an Old Time Christmas Celebration on Saturday, December 7, 2024, to raise funds for its ongoing restoration.

The Pine Grove church joined the Texas Presbytery in 1849 and originally met in a log building constructed in 1850. The current structure, completed in 1870, was dedicated during the December 1870 meeting of the presbytery. Though the congregation disbanded in 1906, partly due to declining membership, the church has remained a focal point for Sacred Harp singing events, cemetery homecomings, and other community gatherings.

The East Texas Shapenote Music Association, a nonprofit leading the restoration efforts, organized the event to help cover the $17,000 needed for repairs. As of Saturday, December 7, 2024, the group had raised nearly $8,500 and aimed to secure an additional $3,000 to meet its goal before inflation drives costs higher.

“This church is worth saving,” said Robert Vaughn of the East Texas Shapenote Music Association. “It represents a vital piece of our history, and these events bring the community together to preserve it for future generations.”

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12/09/2024

Bethel University Awarded $196,000 Grant for Historic Church Rehabilitation

Bethel University has been awarded a $196,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to rehabilitate the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church building, a historic structure in McKenzie, Tennessee.

“This grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development is an incredible opportunity for Bethel University and the McKenzie community,” said Bethel President Dr. Perry Moulds. “Preserving and revitalizing historic spaces aligns with our mission to honor the past while building a bright future. We are grateful for the state’s investment in our vision and look forward to the economic and cultural impact this project will have for generations to come.”

The funding is part of the Tennessee Historic Development Grant program, which was approved by the General Assembly in April 2021. The initiative allocates $6.1 million to projects aimed at renovating and preserving historic buildings statewide, encouraging communities and private developers to invest in properties with significant historical value that have fallen into disuse. These buildings are expected to contribute to local economies through job creation and commercial opportunities.

C P News: https://cpcmc.org/category/cmt/cp-news/

Comments on this post will be considered communications with the Cumberland Presbyterian Magazine.