We wish to officially share with you the good news that Dr. Trisha L. Senterfitt will become our new Executive Director in October. Unlike the search to replace The Price Is Right’s Bob Barker, our search was pretty short. We received many resumes (the volume surprised us!), but Trisha was a clear standout. Of course you will want to meet Trisha, and in next month’s Milk & Honey you will get to do so. For now, take my word for it: we are quite fortunate to be receiving such a brilliant leader. -TRS
 

DIRECTOR EMERITUS

I also thought you would want to know something about our former Director, Dr. Fred Craddock. Ask him, and he’ll tell you: everything he now does is followed by “emeritus”. He is Minister Emeritus of Cherry Log Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He is Bandy Distinguished Professor of Preaching and New Testament, Emeritus, at the Candler School of Theology. And now, in gratitude for his work at The Craddock Center, the Board of Directors has named him Director Emeritus. What’s next? I’m not sure, but am confident it will be followed by “emeritus”. -TRS



O.K., YOU LOST YOUR LAST MILK AND HONEY

So this is what I said about the Fall Preaching Workshop:

Do we still need to pre-register for the Fall Preaching Workshop, now that we will be meeting in a larger room? Yes. Let me explain.

While it is true that our new meeting place, the fellowship hall of the new Cherry Log Christian Church on Cherry Log Street, will accommodate many more attendees, knowing how many will be present is important for planning the continental breakfast, the deli lunch, and for setting up the room with tables and chairs (not too few, not too many).

Mon., Oct. 1, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Theme: “Preaching the Same Sermon to the Same People on the Same Day Every Year”. For you, everything is free.
As of this writing, 99 have pre-registered—FBC

DRIVERS WANTED

We need more good drivers to assist with our Story Express program. I am of no help; I’m afraid the Story Express will crash if I so much as look at the steering wheel. I am the person they had in mind when they invented the car that parallel parks for you. Alas, each of us has different gifts.

The Story Express can be intimidating to drive – it’s the size of a standard UPS truck, has no rear view mirror, and shifts with the wind when you’re driving it down the highway in October. But it is truly a fabulous vehicle. Tammy is a great driver and has a few other folks that will help her, but could always use more. A fairly clean driving record is needed to keep the insurance company happy, but no special driver’s license is required.

Please call Tammy if you can assist in this capacity. It’s important to have a good list of folks we can call on to deliver happiness to the local children. We thank you.-TRS


MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Appalachian Weekend will be held a month later than normal this year… in 2007, we will host the event the last weekend in October (October 26-27). Cottage Industries will be the theme. Specifics will follow, but now you have the date. -TRS


I UNDERSTAND THE HESITATION

Of some denominations to provide training for lay ministers; standards for ministers must remain high. But those who make such provision realize that many small churches will close unless leadership is provided. Some of them, in desperation, become vulnerable to strangers with even stranger religion, and no references at all. One answer: provide basic training in Bible, theology, administration, worship, and preaching, maintain oversight and offer mentoring. Quite a few farmers, mail carriers, home makers, carpenters, shop keepers, and early retirees from a host of positions would welcome such preparation.

The Craddock Center is host to such endeavors. I teach the preaching component. My own denomination (Disciples of Christ) is bringing to the Center a group of about 15 for two overnighters, one in August and one in September. We will have about 20 hours of study time together. They will all leave as excellent preachers; you already guessed that. I look forward to it.

If you know of such a group, regardless of denomination, call or email Tammy in our office and inquire about logistics. She can answer your questions. I don’t have a clue. — FBC

WE NEED (MORE) FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES

Do you know any? We are constantly seeking funding to keep our operations going. We understand that private foundations often comb through copious grant applications, looking for charitable projects to fund. See, these foundations have to donate a certain amount of money every year to worthwhile charities to prevent having to pay excise taxes to the IRS. Giving away money might sound like fun (especially to those of us without much!), but it can’t be easy work. There are so many good organizations doing so many good things, and it must be hard to choose one over another. I wouldn’t want that job.

Well, we can try to help make the process a bit less painful. If you are on the Board of a foundation, or know someone who is, we would love to share with you more details about the work we do. We hope the process will lessen the amount of stress and deliberation inherent in choosing one grant proposal over another. Several foundations have partnered with us already, but our hearts always have room for more. Want to join us? -TRS
 

WHAT’S THE BUZZ?

Before coming here, I quipped among my other friends living in corporate America of my intention to compile a dictionary of corporate-speak. Inspired by the movie Office Space, I knew this would be a work appreciated by those who laughed to themselves (or rolled their eyes) every time they heard such euphemisms uttered on a conference call, or found themselves having to stand and shout “good to great” during a large corporate meeting. Unfortunately, another missed opportunity on my part… perhaps had I acted on my intentions I wouldn’t have to ask for connections with private foundations!

Here, at the Center, we talk straight. We do have a few phrases, though, that we say time and again, such as: “Our community needs this.” “How can we help?” “No, there is no charge.”

I know many of you also put these words to work. They don’t bear a copyright, so you don’t owe us royalties. In fact, you’re welcome to use them as often as you like.-TRS
 

HOW FAR CAN YOU REMEMBER?

I know the question is strange. It is possible I misunderstood what was said; the question was not put to me. I overheard it at the Cherry Log Community Center at one of the regular Thursday evening at 6:00 gatherings of pickers, fiddlers, and assorted other musicians (come on down!). During a break in the music I moved into a small group already in conversation. The topic was fading memory in old age.

There were sad stories of Alzheimers, funny stories of parking lot confusion, misplaced keys, and going to church the wrong day. Then one in the group asked another, “How far can you remember?” There was no immediate reply; perhaps because the question was strange. At least it was to me; I had never before heard anyone associate memory and distance. How far can you remember?

The one who asked began to answer his own questions. “When I was younger, I could remember as far as China, but now I can barely remember as far as Little Rock.” I was puzzled. “Have you ever been to China?” “Lord no; I’ve never even been to Little Rock.” “When I was hauling, I made regular trips to Little Rock,” volunteered another, and immediately the conversation moved to favorite and least favorite places.

I am still puzzled. Were they pulling my leg? Did the group know the one who asked the question was a bit weird and knew how to let his questions hang in mid air, unanswered? I don’t know.

I took the question home with me. How far can I remember? I remember the Poor.

How far is that? — FBC
 

FABULOUS FURNISHINGS

Previously at the Center… Old Mother Hubbard looked for her cupboard, and found that it wasn’t there!  

We were nearly out of furniture. We told you of our need, and then we received many donations. And not a moment too soon… families have already called seeking the items that were freshly donated. Thank you for helping us serve them. If you missed out on the first round, you can still get in on this ground-floor opportunity. Please help our storage room overflow. -TRS