THE

405 West Seventh Street

Columbia, TN 38401

931-388-6514 • FAX: 931-388-0315

Information Line: 931-388-4165

Email: office@west7thcofc.org

Website: www.west7thcofc.org

Messenger

The Messenger is published monthly byWest Seventh Street Church of Christ405 West Seventh StreetColumbia, TN 38401Return Service Requested

Non-Profit Org.US Postage

PAIDColumbia, TNPermit No. 63

Assemblies:Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Bible Classes: 10:15 a.m.Sunday Evening Worship: 6:00 p.m.Wednesday Bible Classes: 7:00 p.m.

Hispanic Assemblies:Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Bible Classes: 10:15 a.m.Wednesday Bible Classes: 7:00 p.m.

Sunday Broadcasts: 9:30 a.m. & 8:00 p.m.

Charter Ch 6 & CPWS Ch 13

6:00 p.m. WKRM 1340 AM

Tom Anderson 380-3935 Kerry Couch 840-0445 Wade Denney 619-0544Jerry Duggin 731-613-1876 Tommy Hemphill 698-2689

Mike Kesler 388-6125 John Law 698-2236 Sonny Lee 380-2666John Simmons 381-8869John M. Smith 388-5841

MinistersRandy Owens 490-4429Barry England 388-6514Alex Quintero 388-6514Bo Pugh 770-355-9533Michael Bowen 817-675-8390

Elders

David BellBilly BrooksEric BryantSteve CoferPat ColemanMike ForsthoffPaul GibsonMike GreeneCarter Hill

Allen HudgensBrian JacksonCalvin JacksonKen JacksonPorter KingDavid KirkDuane LeachTommy McEwenMickey McKeel

Robin MillerJerry OakleyKent PardonChris ShraderChuck SimpsonDavid ThomasGeorge UmsteadJoe WestmorelandJeff White

Deacons

StaffRamona Ward Office Coord.Glenda Kesler SecretaryRachel Basham SecretaryCarolyn Turnmyre Custodian

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Brad BeasleyD

avis CoferM

r/Mrs G

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rs Jody Reed

Janet Martin

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Sandra JohnsonD

ana SaltersChristian Shrader

Melissa Bryant

Josh Hardin

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rs Lyndell Fox

Jean Outland

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alker JonesRenee Leach

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John CaryBecky JacksonZach Kittrell

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r/Mrs Kenneth Croslin

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ynn RiceTroy Rubert

Diane Porter

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Tina Smith

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Teach us to number our days aright, that w

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Psalm 90:12

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James Ervin

Brian KingSpring Q

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Special SundayContribution/lunch/sing

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City of Children

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Spring Break March 24- A

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Get to know Jonathan Davis

Hometown: Huntsville, AL

Where did you go to school? David Lipscomb University – BA Political Science, University of Wyoming – juris doctorate

Where do you work and what do you do? Assistant District Attorney in Columbia and Pulaski

Where all have you lived and, perhaps, what prompted your moves? Nashville, TN (School), Laramie, WY (School), Great Falls, Montana (Air Force), Cody, Wyoming (Assistant DA following military)

What are some of your hobbies/interests? Golf, outdoors, reading, camping / hiking

When did you become a Christian? I committed my life to Christ in middle school. Mike Cope was very influential in helping me realize the importance of actually following Christ and living by His example.

How would you describe your spiritual journey? I was very fortunate to grow up in a Christian home with loving parents. I have to strive to remain focused on God’s word and His will for Laurie and me. We need spiritual fellowship and encouragement from our new church family and hope to become closer to God through His love.

What’s one of your favorite scriptures? Philippians 1:21

What’s one of your favorite books? anything by David Baldacci

What’s one of your favorite movies? Open Range (It’s a western)

What’s one of your favorite songs? “Happy” by Pharrell Williams

What is your favorite vacation spot? Nassau, Bahamas

Who has influenced you significantly? My parents

Get to know Laurie Davis

Hometown: Breckenridge, TX

Where did you go to school? Hardin Simmons University – BA Biology, University of North Texas Health Science Center – masters in Physician Assistant Studies

Where do you work and what do you do? Physician’s Assistant at Comprehensive Pain Specialists in Columbia

Where all have you lived and, perhaps, what prompted your moves? Abilene, TX (School) and

Cody, Wyoming (family and work following graduation)

What are some of your hobbies/interests? Horseback riding, painting, reading, camping / hiking

When did you become a Christian? My father is a preacher and I made the decision to follow Christ after realizing that I needed to commit my life to God’s word in middle school. My parents were very influential in beginning my walk in the Lord.

How would you describe your spiritual journey? Step by step and intentionally focusing on Christ’s love for my family. I have to be very purposeful in my relationship with God. It is a daily walk.

What’s one of your favorite scriptures? Micah 6:8

What’s one of your favorite books? anything by Agatha Christie

What’s one of your favorite movies? Pride and Prejudice (A&E version)

What’s one of your favorite songs? “Happy” by Pharrell Williams

What is your favorite vacation spot? Nassau, Bahamas

Who has influenced you significantly? My parents

Name something you’ve done that is unique. I’ve toured the Holy Land with my sister and mother.

Get to know Jonathan and Laurie Davis

On February 11, 2014, Clarice Gail Norman Lee peacefully departed this life; she was 69 years old. Knowing only a life filled with love, laughter, giving, encouragement and friendships, Gail was born July 23, 1944, in Columbia, TN. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Virginia Medkiff Norman of Columbia.

A resident of Columbia and Old Hickory, TN, Gail graduated from Columbia Central High School and was Salutatorian in 1962. She spent 30 years in the funeral home business in Hermitage, TN and Nashville, TN where she received several accolades for her years of service. Upon her return to Columbia, after retirement, she began service with Maury Regional Hospital’s Volunteer Auxiliary. She served as President of the Auxiliary from 2003-2005.

Gail married her high school sweetheart, Murry (Sonny) Lee, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 14 of last year. She was a devoted member of West Seventh Church of Christ where she served as a Bible class teacher, mentor and elder’s wife.

Gail was an adored and respected wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend and will be missed greatly. She was devoted to her family and always loved spending time with her nine grandchildren

which brought her so much joy.

Gail is survived by her husband, Murry (Sonny) Lee, who cared for her lovingly through her five year battle with vascular dementia. She leaves behind one daughter, Sherri Lee Groves, of Marietta, GA; and two sons, Scotty (Tammy) Lee, of Lebanon, TN; Gregg (Amy) Lee, of Waynesboro, TN. She was affectionately called “Gammers” by nine beautiful grandchildren, Dallas,

Dakota and Dayton Groves, of Marietta, GA; Morgan, Murry, and Macy Lee, of Lebanon, TN; Sadie, Annie and Maggie Lee, of Waynesboro, TN. Gail was blessed to have one sister, Carolyn Norman Turnmyre, of Columbia, TN; and one brother, Ronnie (Martha) Norman, of Sugar Land, TX. She also leaves behind two nieces, Robin Turnmyre of Gainesville, GA, Mary Beth (Ryan) Davis of Sugar Land, TX; one nephew, Ryan (Kathryn) Norman of Sugar Land, TX; and one great niece, Regan Darnell of Columbia, TN. Gail also leaves behind a host of friends from Old Hickory and Columbia.

Funeral services were conducted Friday, February 14, at 12:00 p.m. at West Seventh Church of Christ with Randy Owens and Don Loftis officiating. Burial followed at Polk Memorial Gardens in Columbia.

In Memory - Gail Norman Lee

Hello dear friends,

Another year has come to a close and it just seems normal to look back and see all that God has done for us. We will be starting our ninth year here in Cherokee in April! Where has the time gone? In so many ways, things have not changed and seem to be the same; but then again, are they?

Cherokee remains a lovely place with the Tribe continuing to make cosmetic improvements to what we see around us. But more important than the physical aspects are the changes that we are seeing within those who are involved with the church here.

Early spring 2013 brought Jack Hilliard and Ben Flatt to hold a gospel meeting for us. It was so good to have them share their years of experience, learning, and service to God. Those who came certainly benefitted from the experience. Jack has been a long-time supporter of the work in Cherokee, and we value the love and prayers he always sends this way.

In the spring, we rejoiced as Sam Swayney and his 11 year-old son, Hunter, became family when they put their Lord on in baptism. We became friends with Sam not long after arriving in Cherokee. It was overwhelming to know that we had a part in helping him to see his need for a Savior. We pray that he and Hunter continue to grow in the love and knowledge of God.

In 2013 we welcomed David and Brooke Ratcliff along with their children Brianna, Austin, and new

baby, Ceran. David and Brooke manage the Smokey Mountain Cabins about a quarter mile from the church building. They moved from Valdosta, Georgia, two summers ago. Along with Logan (another young man who was baptized a year ago) and Ian (our song leader), we now have a small group of men who can help in leading worship. David and Ian have stepped in a couple of times to lead on Sunday nights when Jim was unable. It has been a growing experience for them and we are grateful they are willing. David is a fairly young Christian man, and it is a testament to his faith that he overcomes his fears and speaks from his heart to our people. We know that you all have experienced that same sense of pride that we have as our young men assist during communion.

Other signs of growth in our members are hard to see from the outside, but they are definitely there and we are thankful. It is difficult to put into words, but our ladies seem to be developing a more caring attitude for each other and themselves. The activities that have happened this past year really seem to be drawing our friends closer together. In June 2013, ladies from West Seventh, led by Faye Kinzer, came to help with our seventh annual Ladies’ Day. These women have been devoted to coming every year to lead our program with speakers, song leaders and activities. We only had to provide supplies, attendees and food. Faye said the ladies from West Seventh felt more of a connection than ever with the ladies from Cherokee. It is something to which both groups look forward each year, as personal relationships slowly grow. Having

Cherokee Church of Christ

this group of women come back year after year has really been a lesson to our ladies about the caring and sisterhood that is shared within the church.

Another wonderful happening for our ladies was when Sue Fox brought friends from her personal spa business and West Seventh and also a few friends from Louisville, Kentucky, to bless us with a spa day. This group spent the entire day providing haircuts, manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, food, crafts, and spiritual fellowship to our community. They worked consistently from eight in the morning until eight at night providing services to our women, men, and children, as well as to several visitors from the community. It was an unbelievable work of service and one that was so unique in that it provided such a personal experience to each individual. It wasn’t until afterwards that we realized what this meant to some of our folks. For some, being touched has not always been a loving experience, and to allow someone to be so personal was such an act of faith on their part. We so easily forget, or just don’t understand, that to accept a hug or touch on the arm can dredge up very unpleasant memories for many of these people. Debbie discovered this as she watched one of the ladies getting her hair trimmed. The stylist brushed her hand down this woman’s hair, telling her how pretty it was. Debbie realized that this woman had lived with a lot of abuse over her lifetime and stiffened when given a hug and flinched when her arm was touched. Yet she allowed someone to touch her so intimately with love instead of anger. What a revelation that was! And what

an unknown blessing was given by these folks from Columbia. Praise God for all his wisdom and surprises.

Personally, our family continues to grow and stay healthy. We were able to spend a few days around New Year’s in Tennessee with our children and are looking forward to the arrival of two grandchildren this spring. Debbie was able to visit her family in Rochester, New York, in summer 2013 and hopes to go again this year. Jim’s mother is doing well and lives in Green River, Wyoming, near his sister, Donna. We miss our friends and family, but continue to believe that God has a plan for us in Cherokee and that that this is where we need to be. Progress is slow, but God is patient and so must we be. Thank you all for being patient as well. As Paul said, we must continue to run the race knowing the value of the prize before us. We pray that day comes soon, but until then we will continue to do the best we can in His name.

Jim and Debbie SextonMark Hilliard

In memory of Bob Martin Hernando & Marine Ortega Susan Sappington Naomi Pinley Henry & Charlie Ann Dugger Robert Sweeney West Seventh Fellowship Hall Class Ann Phoenix John & Lynne Hope Joyce Herring Hayes & Sharon Morrison West Seventh Church of Christ

In memory of Martha Anderson West Seventh Fellowship Hall Class

In memory of Gail Lee Roy & Edna Vick Pat Johnston James Morton Keith Baker Roger & Reda Witherow Duane & Kay Allen West Seventh Church of Christ

In memory of Judy Miller Wade & Jeanine Denney

Building Memorial & Honor Gifts

Hispanic Class Alex QuinteroFireside Room

Improving Our Praise- A singing class meeting in the ChapelThis class, led by John Law, Wade Denney and David Bell, is intended to give us:

1. A midweek stress-relieving enjoyable period of singing

2. A look at what scripture has to say about the joy and importance of worship through song

3. An appreciation of the ageless hymns that we love so much

4. An opportunity to learn new praise songs with the help of our teens

Twelve QuestionsLed by Joel OswaltMeets in the Auditorium

The gospel of Mark is the story of Jesus - who he is and what he demands of us. There are other stories of Jesus, but none are as fast moving and as personal as Mark’s Gospel. This study will analyze twelve key questions Jesus asked and apply the answers to our own busy lives.

A Man After God’s Own HeartManly Lessons from the Life of DavidLed by Terry Northcutt. Meets in the T.V. Studio

March 5: God’s criteria for real men (I Sam. 13:13-14)March 12: Standing against evil even when seemingly impossible (I Sam. 17:1-54)March 19: Respectful even when unjustly treated (I Sam. 17:55-18: 9)March 26: Trusting even when stripped of life’s crutches (I Sam. 18-21)April 2: Resisting the desire to get even (I Sam. 24)April 9: Learning from our anger (I Sam. 25)April 16: Rising above discouragement and despair (I Sam. 27)April 23: Accepting God’s answer to our prayers (II Sam. 7)April 30: Fifth Wednesday SingingMay 7: Submitting to God’s will when we sin (II Sam. 11)May 14: Dealing with family heartaches (II Sam. 13-18)May 21: Resisting our pride (II Sam. 24)May 28: Leaving a spiritual legacy to our children (I Kings 2:1-12)

Spring Classes for AdultsMarch 5 - May 28Wednesdays 7:00 p.m.

West Seventh Ministries

To learn more about: Contact:Announcements Porter King, Garth PinkstonAttendance Allen HudgensAudio System Chuck SimpsonBaby Showers Helen JonesBaptism Preparation Mickey McKeelBenevolence Tom Anderson Members Joe Westmoreland Hispanic Alex Quintero Non-members David ThomasBridal Showers Wanda SmithCommunion Preparation John & Barbara McDavidCommunion Cleaning Janet MartinCounseling Barry EnglandDisaster Relief Tommy HemphillEducation Kent Pardon Newborn - Kindergarten TBA Grades 1-3 Kim Mann Grades 4-6 TBA Grades 7-12 See Youth Ministry Children’s Bible Hour James & Jennifer Thomas, Zach & Abby Whitworth Lads to Leaders Beverly Simmons, Trent Hill Resource Room Kim Mann Vacation Bible School Lisa Couch Adult Education Kent PardonFacility David KirkFamily Ministry Barry EnglandFellowships Jerry & Shirley OakleyFinance/Contribution Count Duane Leach, Zach WhitworthFood Pantry Steve Cofer, Carter Hill, Ken JacksonGrounds Maintenance Jerry OakleyHispanic Ministry Alex QuinteroInvolvement Pat Coleman Landmark Joe WestmorelandLibrary Allen HudgensMen’s Ministry Tommy HemphillMissions Josh HardinNursing Home Communion John SimmonsNursing Home/Assisted Living Brian JacksonOpen/Close Bldg HVAC Billy Brooks, Steve McEwenPowerPoint Mike Forsthoff Senior Adult Ministry Barry EnglandTV/Radio Calvin Jackson, Paul GibsonTraffic/Parking Billy BrooksVehicle Maintenance Billy BrooksVan Drivers/Scheduling Steve CoferVisitation Program Mike Greene, John LawWebsite Rachel BashamWomen’s Ministry Jeanine Denney, Sharon Greene, Beverly SimmonsWorship Assignments Sunday Jeff White Wednesday Tommy McEwen Nursery Jennifer WinchesterTween Ministry Grades 3-6 Jamie Hubbell, Elliotte Kinzer Greg YokleyYouth Ministry Grades 7-12 Bo Pugh, Marty DeJarnette, Paul Gibson

Bible Classes

Sunday 10:15 a.m.

Children’s ClassesSee the Information Center for a complete list of children’s classes, teachers, topics and a map of our facilities.

Adult Classes

College Age & Acts Room 1110 Young Professionals Joel Oswalt & Phillip Young

Young Marrieds Boundaries TV StudioJosh Hardin, Jim Robinson & James Thomas Homebuilders Tough Questions ChapelWade Denney

The Story Fellowship Hall Randy Owens

1 & 2 Corinthians Auditorium Porter King

Romans Room 1109 Mike Kesler

Hispanic Class Fireside RoomAlex Quintero

Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

Twelve Questions AuditoriumJoel Oswalt

Improving Our Praise ChapelJohn Law, Wade Denney & David Bell

MEN - A Man after God’s Own Heart TV Studio Manly Lessons from the Life of DavidTerry Northcutt

Hispanic Class Fireside RoomAlex Quintero