The Christian Church in Tennessee is engaged in a number of ministries, but the best known is probably our Camp and Conference ministry at Bethany Hills, just thirty minutes from Nashville, near Kingston Springs.
Hope Hodnett is a key leader of that ministry, both in the Tennessee region, and at Vine Street.
At Bethany Hills, children and youth grow in their faith, discover life in community, and have a lot of fun. What we don’t see so easily is the work that goes into recruiting and training counselors, preparing the curriculum, and, of course, maintaining Bethany Hills as one of our most valuable ministry resources.
Many of the children and youth that attend Bethany Hills, become strong leaders in the church. I remember Clay Stauffer, the Senior Minister at Woodmont, singing James Taylor songs on the porch at CYF Conference in 1994. Diane Faires was at the same camp; she now serves a Disciples church in North Carolina. Tallu Schuyler was there as well, and I could go on and on. What I’m saying is, some of our best leaders grow up around Bethany Hills. Some of that is just the spirit of that place; a lot of it is our commitment to that ministry.
Every gift to the annual Christmas Offering supports the summer camp and conference ministry of the Christian Church in Tennessee. Every gift assures that the children of Vine Street will continue to have a place and the resources to practice life in Christian community, to deepen their faith, and to have fun. Our gifts also assure that congregations in Tennessee and beyond will continue to have strong leaders who know each other and share a passion for our common ministry.
Your gift to the Christmas Offering supports the Christian Church in Tennessee. We will collect and dedicate this special offering on December 13 and 20. Thank you!