| June 13, 2010 5:30 pm | to | June 17, 2010 8:00 pm |
Come to VBS! We will have a light supper every night followed by music, games, crafts, stories, and discovering our place in God’s universe! Join us!
The wide-spread flooding in the first days of May 2010 will be a part of the history of Middle Tennessee. But history will not be able to communicate the personal impact of changed neighborhoods and lives or the tremendous response of the people. There are as many stories as there are affected homes. We only have to stand on our corner, look up our street to know that each house has a different story, each pile of debris that once represented the elements of a family’ s lives is unique to that particular household and that our quiet, peaceful neighborhood has been forever changed. Our story and the loss we experienced is unique. Our road to recovery is unique.
Your response to our flood disaster has left us speechless and without the proper words to tell you how much it has meant to us. Family and close friends had started the arduous task of removing the muddy, soggy contents of our downstairs when this capable, hard-working, energetic group arrived at our house, waded into the murky mess without hesitation or complaint and immediately made a difference. The youth group of Hickory Bend brought a much-needed aliveness of spirit, and hard work for five days. We would never have accomplished so much without them.
Other folks came, worked hard, brought supplies and food, (we are reluctant to name names for fear of leaving someone out), others called to check on us, organized efforts and kept us in their thoughts and prayers. It seems that the person with the right skill and knowledge or the right supply, tool or vehicle always showed up at just the right time. We never had to ask.
The response for a work day at our home was phenomenal. The day’s efforts allowed us to step back and assess our next steps. When you left, debris had been bagged and moved to the street for pick up, we had power working in all parts of the house, we had a water heater installed and working, our grass had been mowed, some of our collectibles had been cleaned and packed, general demolition and cleanup had been accomplished, the upstairs of our house had been cleaned, and we had meals for several days. Our youngest volunteer (Trinity) worked as hard as anyone.
We are grateful for every form of support and encouragement we have received.
Our losses were significant and we still have much to do, but we also know we are more fortunate than many. We also know how fortunate we are that, if this disaster had to happen, it happened while we were in the love and care of the Hickory Bend family.
Our love and gratitude to you,
Gary and Darla
Bea Goggins
Monday after the flood, the dam opened up, and water rushed into the Stewarts Ferry Apartments behind our church property. The girls and I were checking on the church building when several cars started streaming into the parking lot. At the same time, I received a phone call from a young man who found my phone number from our website. He wanted to make sure it was going to be permissible to park in our parking lot. I checked with David and Jim, and we agreed to open the gravel parking lot as well.
I was glad to be in the parking lot to talk to people who were being evacuated from their apartments or from their parking lots. They were so relieved to find a safe place to park their cars, and they seemed so glad to find someone to talk to, as well.
That night, the girls and I placed bottles of water, energy bars, and a note on their windshields. Click the “more” button if you want to read the note and the rest of the story. more…
Mrs. Bobbie is cooking for Engine 28, the Donelson Fire Station crew. She is taking food over there this evening. Call her if you want to pitch in. So far, I know she has ribs, baked beans, cornbread, cole slaw, and dessert.
Monday a young man called from the Stewarts Ferry apartments. The water was rising, and they had to move their cars. Some people were evacuated. He was calling to ask permission to park in our parking lot. I checked with David and Jim B. to make sure it wouldn’t be a problem. They agreed that I should open the gravel parking lot. I spoke with several people who were parking their cars. They were very frazzelled, but very grateful for a safe place to park their cars above the flood. Later that night, the girls and I put notes of encouragement (attached), bottles of water and energy bars on their windshields.
Meanwhile, Jeannie learned of a need to help the residents of Heartland who were evacuated Monday night to Donelson Church of Christ. She discovered that they needed help making beds at Heartland. A small contingent of the youth group met her there to make beds. We helped her wash beds and nightstands and make beds for one floor when we found out Brother Gary was ready to empty his garage. We hated to leave Heartland with so much still to do there, but we thought we were needed even more at Brother Gary and Darla’s house. We were so glad to see Sissy arriving at Heartland as we were leaving.
Brother Gary’s house took a terrible toll. Their garage and three more rooms downstairs were completely flooded almost up to the ceiling. David and the youth group met there yesterday to clean out the garage and to start clearing out the first of the three rooms. We may have saved a few books, but hundreds of books, keepsakes, musical instruments, and the collections of a lifetime are heaped on a pile of garbage. It is truly heartbreaking. We made good progress, but there is still a lot to do.
Brother Gary is very concerned about Janet, Rose’s family, the Walls, Tillman, Judy, Gale, and so many others. There is very little cell phone service in Bellevue, so he is not able to keep in touch with us as he wants to do. I think he is planning to be at church tonight, but that may not be realistic.
Due to flooding, all activities at H.B.U.M.C. were canceled for Sunday, May 2nd.
Brother Gary’s phone is not working consistently. If you need assistance, call Emalie. 403-8455
Hickory Bend United Methodist Church has canceled services for Sunday May 2nd, due to flooding. Brother Gary home is flooded and streets are not passable in his neighborhood. Many members are also dealing with standing water in their homes and roads unable to pass to get to church. Please take the time today to call your friends and neighbors to make sure all are taken care of. And keep the families displaced from these storms in your prayers.
Download the May 2010 Newsletter
| May 5, 2010 | ||
| 5:00 am | to | 5:30 am |
Holy Communion, Mother’s Day, Graduation Sunday, Pentecost, and Memorial Day. Almost every Sunday in May is an extra special Sunday! Come join us at Hickory Bend on Sunday morning to worship and celebrate. Rumor has it that the Men are cooking something special up for Mother’s Day. Also, we are so proud of our Graduates, from preschool through college, and we will be honoring them on May 16. Watch the Hickory Leaf Newsletter for the list of our graduates and a short biography for several of them.
Check back to this web page for more information for Pentecost and Memorial Day schedules for worship here at HBUMC.
Just a note: Worship meeting May 5, 5:00 pm.
See you in Church!
Cathy
| April 20, 2010 | ||
| 4:00 am | ||
| April 25, 2010 | ||
| 5:30 pm | ||
| May 2, 2010 | ||
| 5:30 pm | ||
| May 23, 2010 | ||
| 5:30 pm |
Sunday nights
5:30-7:00
• Fellowship • Food • Ridiculous activities •
• Bible lessons •
• worship • music •
If you play an instrument, bring it!
(Don’t bring your piano. You can play ours.)
Please join us!
Call Emalie for more information.
615-403-8455
