This month, Windows is featuring one of our younger staff members, Aaron Bryant, who is the current Minister to Young Adults. Some weeks back he brought us two very thought-provoking messages and many of our senior adults have expressed an interest in learning more about him and his family. Meanwhile, before graduation, Aaron was recruited by the NFL and he had the opportunity to play with the Tennessee Titans for one season. However, he felt that was not his calling and he returned to Samford to complete his degree. This time, Riverside was looking for a part-time youth minister and Aaron was hired for that position. A aron Bryant joined our church staff as Middle School Minister in 2002. Yet he has been associated with Brentwood Baptist since 1981, when he and his family first moved to Brentwood. I remember meeting his parents for the first time when they joined our church family. You might say I had the privilege of watching him grow up. His sister, Carrie, was one of my daughter’s favorite babysitters. We lived in the same subdivision and he and my daughter rode the same school bus. I watched him play varsity football at Brentwood High School. He was active in the youth group at Brentwood Baptist. It’s obvious that God had His hand on Aaron Bryant from the very beginning. During high school, Aaron was recruited by a number of schools to play football. Aaron chose to play at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. He majored in public administration. His plan was to work in city planning. God had other plans for him, however. During his junior year, he had to do an internship for one of his classes. Aaron chose to work in the student ministry at Riverside Baptist Church in Birmingham. He volunteered in that capacity for two years. During this time, Aaron began to feel the stirring that eventually led him to make a commitment to the ministry. While he was working at Riverside, Aaron began to take extension courses at New Orleans Baptist Seminary, which were offered there in Birmingham. He had several classes with Jay Strother and they became good friends. One day, Jay told Aaron that he had been contacted by Brentwood Baptist Church to interview for a staff position. Jay asked Aaron to tell him a little something about the church so that he could prepare for his interview. In 2001, Jay was hired as our Middle School Minister. Jay and Aaron kept in touch, and a year later when Jay became the High School Minister and our church was searching for a replacement, Jay immediately thought of Aaron. He called Aaron and asked him to meet him for coffee. During that time, Jay suggested that he submit a resume to our personnel committee. When Aaron came to Brentwood for his interview he felt like he was in a bit of a twilight zone. The experience, he describes, was almost “surreal.” He knew most of the committee members from his days in the youth group. Some of the members were parents of his good friends from high school, and, of course, he remembered Gayle Haywood as the Children’s Minister when he was in elementary school. Bill Wilson was also a strong presence in our congregation. Nonetheless, he felt at home here, and in 2002 he became a staff member. August 2010 Brentwood Baptist Church Brentwood, Tennessee 37027 The Andy Griffith Show (TAGS) In 2005, after three years as Middle School Minister, he became our Minister to Young Adults. He now works with young people in their 20s and 30s. Since he is a part of that age group it is a good fit for him. He works with Kairos on Thursday nights. Did you know that one of the most beloved television shows of all time is based on a lot of scriptural influence? The down-home humor of Andy Griffith’s 249 episodes demonstrated the value of family love, the importance of doing what’s right, the value of a friendship, and the love of nature. It’sBAPTIST said The Andy Griffith Show (TAGS) is available, somewhere in the BRENTWOOD CHURCH world, every hour of every day, all year long. That’s not bad for a simple theme that’s unique in its innovative presentation of character and atmosphere. Aaron believes he is fortunate to have been mentored by two outstanding preachers. The first by Bill Wilson, who was pastor here when he was growing up and gave him immeasurable encouragement when he returned as a staff member. Secondly, he has profited greatly from the guidance and leadership of our Senior Pastor Mike Glenn. How much do you know about TAGS? We’ll review classic episodes with deep meaning of family love and parental responsibility. We’ll test your trivia knowledge of TAGS, your ability to whistle its theme song, and see if you can sing the Mayberry Union High Alma Mater. Then, we’ll look at scriptural applications to its themes. One can tell by the depth of his sermons that Aaron strongly believes in what he is doing and considers himself fortunate to serve God in this church. I was recently told by a friend that Aaron has an uncanny ability to quote Scripture. It is obvious that he has been a serious student of the Bible for much of his young life. I think Aaron’s description of his service here sums it up well. He is pleased to be part of a church where lost people come to know Christ and part of a church that continues to disciple the believers. Aaron has been married to the former Amy Ousley since December of 2002 and they have two small sons: Silas, who is five, and Isaiah, two. Aaron enjoys spending time with his family, reading, and doing carpentry. He also loves biking and has been known to occasionally pedal the fourteen miles round trip to work. Amy loves tennis, reading, and mentoring young women. She also loves to read and is quite good at writing short stories. His parents, Stan and Shay, and his sister, Carrie, are all active members of our church as well. ADULT MINISTRY ON THE CALENDAR Brentwood Breakfast Club Thursday, August 5 | 8:45 AM Shoney’s on Old Hickory Blvd. Reservations not required. Franklin Breakfast Club Thursday, August 5 | 8:45 AM Shoney’s on Hwy 96 Reservations not required 55+ Leadership Meeting Monday, August 9 | 9:00 AM Mayberry Bible Study Special Mayberry Bible Study Wednesday, August 18 | 4:00–6:30 PM Wednesday, August 18 | 4:00–6:30 PM The study will be led by Don Caldwell with a 20-minute break for dinner. Sign up online at BrentwoodBaptist.com. For more details, e-mail Tom McMinn at [email protected]. Childcare is not provided. 55+ Monthly Dinner Thursday, August 19 Wilson Hall | Cost: $8 | RSVP by Aug. 15 Congregate: 5:30 PM | Dinner: 6:00 PM Contact Joan Wright at 371.1299 October’s “Mayberry USA” October 14–15 | Mount Airy, NC Cost: $150* Join us for a great time of fun and fellowship as we travel to Andy Griffith’s hometown— the inspiration for Mayberry on the TV series The Andy Griffith Show. You’ll find things the show captured, great entertainment, small town shopping and arts district, dining, and a scenic setting. The total cost includes round-trip bus transportaion, bus driver expenses and tip, guided tour of city and one-night lodging at Holiday Inn Express (a new facility). The cost does not include any meals except the motel breakfast on Friday morning. *Full amount is due at registration. Deadline to register is September 16. Itinerary Thursday, October 14: Leave front parking lot at 6:30 a.m. Stop for lunch/breaks, arrive for 3:00 p.m. check-in, and enjoy a steak dinner. Friday, October 15: Breakfast is at the motel. Leave at 9:00 a.m. for a guided tour of city. Shopping and lunch in downtown. Depart Mount Airy at 2:00 p.m. Arrive late at BBC. Luggage One roll-on bag, which you can handle. Baggage tips are not included in registration. You’re responsible for your own luggage. Guided Bus Tour of Andy’s home • Wally’s Service/Mayberry courthouse and jail • Floyd’s City Barber Shop • Snappy Lunch • Rockford Grammar School • Andy’s high school (class of 1944) • Haymore Memorial Baptist Church • Andy Griffith homeplace • And more! August Program By Pat Mitchamore We have a real treat in store for August when Channel 4 Weather Woman Lisa Spencer will be our guest entertainer. Lisa has charmed many audiences not only with her appearances on television, but also as a soloist. Her rating is superlative among presenters. You wouldn’t want to miss this delightful event. Did You Know? Over $1,800 had been sent to the Lighthouse Christian Camp from the sale of Helen Coker’s paintings. The rest of her pictures will be sent to the camp to decorate their walls. Quotes IN REVIEW The 50th wedding anniversary celebration began on Mother’s Day this year with all seven couples present at the 9:30 a.m. service. They received beautiful corsages, had their pictures taken, and were showcased on the big screen. The celebration continued on June 17 at the 55+ Dinner. The theme was “Captured Moments,” i.e., pictures. As the couples arrived, they were escorted to the beautifully decorated stage for a “photo shoot.” The decorations included an antique camera, several candelabras, greenery, and oversize prints of their wedding photos along with a current picture. The individual camera used for each “shoot” was then given to the couple to use to document the evening. As guests arrived, they could watch the photo shoots, view the five TV sets that were playing DVDs of the lives of the honorees, and peruse and sign the beautiful books Betty Stewart made for each couple. As everyone was enjoying a delicious dinner at tables adorned with beautiful hydrangeas from Judy Campbell’s garden and additional photos, more videos of the honorees’ lives were shown with “their song” playing as we watched their 50 years unfold. Following the dinner, the evening’s special guest, Dennis “The Swan” Swanberg, was introduced. He regaled the crowd for over an hour with his wonderful impersonations of Barney Fife, John Wayne, and Billy Graham, all the while weaving in, as he says, “the funny side of church.” Many thanks to the committee, the Communications Ministry, the technicians, the Leadership Team and all those who helped make this year’s celebration a success. May God continue to bless the honorees as they look forward to many more happy and productive years together. The formal festivities began with Master of Ceremonies, Glenn Stophel, introducing the honorees. Annette Pryce entertained the 300+ people in attendance with stories and anecdotes about how the couples met each other, how they became engaged, and other interesting facts about their 50 years together. These stories were then retold in a parody to the tune of “You Oughta Be In Pictures,” sung by Loni and Tami Pryce and accompanied on the piano by Jim Hammerly. Pastor Mike Glenn addressed the crowd, acknowledging the extraordinary example these honorees are setting, especially for today’s young people. They may very well be the “first glimpse of God’s love acted out,” he said. We salute a lady who is creative, skilled, devoted, determined, untiring, hard working— a real leader. Thank you for making the 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration a huge success. We love you, Betty. — From your committee members Missions Minute by Sue Raley Just for the fun of it “As we age we tend to major on memories rather than dreams.” —Tony Campolo Sometimes our mission field is our own family, or church family. We find ourselves in the company of children of all ages, serving as guides, care-givers, and role models. “The point is for all of us ‘seniors’ to never quit dreaming good things for our families, ourselves, our friends, our country, etc.” —Our own Bill Graham (on Tony Campolo) Many of us recently spent a week with children in Vacation Bible School, while others of us are enjoying grandchildren’s visits during the summer. Maybe you’ll enjoy some of these exchanges between children and grandparents: From the desk of Jim & Gail Owens SENIOR WEDDING Jacob (age 82) and Rececca (age 79), living in Miami, are excited about their decision to get married. They go for a stroll to discuss wedding plans, and on the way they pass a drugstore, so Jacob suggests they go in and he addresses the man behind the counter: Jacob: Are you the owner? Pharmacist: Yes. Jacob: We’re getting married. Can we ask you some questions? Pharmacist: Go ahead. Jacob: Do you sell heart medication? Pharmacist: Of course we do. Jacob: How about medicine for circulation? Pharmacist: All kinds. Jacob: Medicine for rheumatism? Pharmacist: Definitely. Jacob: How about suppositories and medicine for memory problems, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s? Pharmacist: Yes, a large variety. The works. Jacob: What about vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, antidotes for Parkinson’s disease? Pharmacist: Absolutely. Jacob: You sell remedies for heartburn and indigestion? Pharmacist: We sure do. Jacob: Wheelchairs and walkers? Pharmacist: All speeds and sizes. Jacob: Adult diapers? Pharmacist: Sure. Jacob: Can we use your pharmacy as our Bridal Registry? Seeing a peacock in the zoo, Patrick blurted out “Look, Grandpa, one of the chickens is in bloom!” “Who won the booby prize?” asked Gran’ma. “We didn’t play booby,” answered Isabella, rather disgustedly. “Granddaddy, when school starts I don’t want a tutor. I want a drum.” Curious about Jon’s constant reference to Audrey, Granny asked, “Who’s Audrey?” Jon answered, “She’s Audrey’s mother’s little girl.” “Shelly, do you want butter on your toast?” asked Grandmother. “Of course,” Shelly answered. “Butter makes bread taste bad when it isn’t on it.” Michael spent a week with his grandparents. He was overheard telling his mother on the phone: “Granddaddy sleeps out loud.” Sarah complained, “When I sit on Nana’s piano bench I can’t reach the brakes.” “I want a tiny diamond ring for my birthday,” Macy told her grandmother. “Then we can grow up together.” “Jesus’ last name is Christ,” explained Jenny, with all the wisdom of six years, “and God’s last name is Blessus.” Michael’s military family on leave spent a few weeks with grandparents and visited their church. One Sunday, Papa asked “What was your Bible story about?” Michael (age 8) said, “Moses and the Red Sea.” “Oh, what happened?” Papa asked. “Well, the Artillery stood guard while Transportation took everybody across the Red Sea on pontoon boats.” “Is that what your teacher said?” Papa asked. Michael explained, “No, but if I told you what she really said, you’d never believe it.” Happy Grandparenting! DRIVING TIPS FOR SENIORS 1 of 4 tips from June AARP Driver Safety Class By Shelley Jamieson As seniors, we are often told that we should keep ourselves physically fit. This is especially true when operating a motor vehicle. We need to evaluate certain physical conditions that are common to those of us who are advancing in age. Vision, hearing, decrease in reaction time, and medication are some specific areas that affect driving safety. Some vision tips: • • • • • • • Have regular eye exams. Ask questions to learn if there are certain conditions that could affect your driving such as a loss of peripheral vision. Don’t use eyeglass frames with wide, heavy temples that may restrict side vision. Reduce driving at night, dusk, or dawn, when visibility is more difficult. Use extra caution when turning left and trying to judge the speed/distance of oncoming vehicles. Choose roads that are well lit; avoid poorly lit areas. Drive more slowly at night and avoid looking directly into headlights of approaching vehicles; look slightly to the right. Cataracts, Glaucoma, and Macular Degeneration have serious implications for our driving. Maintaining fit bodies and improving driving skills can help us in being safe drivers. VOLUNTEERS This month’s volunteer opportunities Shopping with a purpose with Marsha Miller. Join us on Monday, August 16 at 9:30 a.m. in the Parlor to learn how to support missions through purchasing items from Living Hope Crafts and others. 55+ Dinner Program Planning Team Member – We’re looking for individuals to join the Senior Adult Leadership Team and to assist our current Team Leader in planning and executing our monthly programs for 2011 and beyond. Would you be a Respite Caregiver? These volunteers will donate time to just “sit” and talk with friends, who need constant supervision, while their caregivers run errands or take a short reprieve from care giving responsibilities. Gal or Guy Fridays – We’re looking for volunteers with versatility and flexibility who would will be willing to do such tasks as run errands, light grocery shopping, pick up medications, and/or transport individuals to/from various appointments. Bake lada nchi eans E B n k e Blac n Rice Chick a Mexic Salad reen G d Chips Mixe rts esse of D , e e d c i a Cho emon Chef’sCoffee, L r Tea o Telephoner: Phone a Friend – Do you like to talk on the phone? Then volunteer for the Phone a Friend Ministry. Volunteers will be assigned a homebound member to call on regular basis just to chat and be sure they’re okay. Contact Gayle Haywood [email protected] | 324.6133