Children’s Church is offered for ages three through Kindergarten immediately following the Children’s Moments during the worship services at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. At the conclusion of Children’s Moments, the children are taken to the gym for a time of large group instruction. They are then broken into smaller groups for more direct instruction time.
Three Simple Rules -What then is the mark? Who is a Methodist, according to your own account?” I answer: A Methodist is one who has “the love of God shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Ghost given unto him;” one who “loves the Lord his God with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his mind, and with all his strength. God is the joy of his heart, and the desire of his soul; which is constantly crying out, “Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee! My God and my all! Thou art the strength of my heart, and my portion forever!
Job, Rueben A. “Three Simple Rules”, Ebingdon Publishing, Printed in: Mexico
The sporting events at HUMC are led by Coach Jim Turner. Coach Jim holds camps during the summer for basketball and soccer. This is offered for half and full day interims depending on the age of the child. There is no charge to participate in this ministry.
The gym offers various times throughout the week for adults and children. Following is an outline of what is currently being offered:
Mondays – Ladies Night on for Women and girls in seventh grade and older from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesdays -
Open Gym for 4 – 6 Grades from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Open Gym for 9 – 12 Grades from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Thursdays – Open Gym for 1 – 3 Grades from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
For more information, please contact Coach Jim at 883-3918, ext. 119.
Please note, sporting events may be canceled due to other activities in the gym. To check for closure, please contact the church at 883-3918.
Please join Susan McGee, personal trainer and long-time HUMC member, for this stretch and tone class. This class concentrates exclusively on stretching for improved posture, muscular balance, core strengthening and flexibility. We’ll be adding a “new dynamic” to the stretching class. Our church has purchased medicine balls for us, and we will be incorporating the use of those into our existing class. They’re a lot of fun and provide a resistance component which I think everyone will both enjoy and I know from which you will physically benefit.
The class is designed to accommodate all levels of fitness. Please plan to dress comfortably and bring some type of floor mat on which to exercise. A mat is not required but will work very well.
The class is a ministry and is offered free of charge. For more information, please contact Susan McGee or at 330-5609.
We meet on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 5:45 p.m., and at 8:30 a.m. on Saturdays!
Paul Henrie
Outreach Coordinator
Paul and his wife, Terrie, joined HUMC in September of 2002. They had moved back to the Nashville area from Bridgewater, Virginia. Paul’s professional background is in retail, having worked with J.C. Penney, Service Merchandise and TGX Corporation. He graduated from Harris Stowe State College in St. Louis.
Paul and Terrie immediately became involved in HUMC activities, and participated in the Walk to Emmaus. Shortly after their Walk in 2003, Paul was asked to join the Emmaus Board, and in 2008 he was the Lay Director for the Nashville Emmaus Community. He and Terrie continue to be very active in this ministry. Paul has also served on the board of Operations Stand Down, a program that helps homeless veterans.
Terrie and Paul have been married for 25 years, and have six children, who live in California, and the Chicago and Nashville areas. They are blessed with six grandchildren. When asked about hobbies, Paul’s first response was, “Watching the granddaughters play soccer.” He also enjoys playing golf and woodworking. He has made a toy box for each grandchild when they turned two years old.
He was born in St. Louis, and is a die-hard Cardinals baseball fan, an area of “friendly” rivalry between him and Terrie because she is supports their competitors, the Chicago Cubs.
Paul began working for HUMC in 2005. He supports Evangelism, Missions, Love & Justice.
Rita Byrd
Director of Children’s Ministries
If you attend the 8:30 or 11:00 services, you know that Rita Byrd has a way with children. It is very obvious that she loves her little ones. She definitely has experience working with children. Rita began her teaching career in her hometown of Clarksville, where she taught 5th grade. When Terry, Rita’s husband of 32 years, was transferred to Austin, Texas by his employer, IBM, Rita began teaching 2nd grade. When the Byrd’s returned to Tennessee, Rita again taught 2nd grade at Donelson Christian Academy, where she remained for 20 years.
Rita had been involved with children’s activities as a volunteer at HUMC since becoming a member in 1993, but she felt God calling her to work full-time with our children. In 2007 Rita joined the HUMC staff. Linda Locke, Director of Christian Education said, “Rita Byrd is a beautiful blend of head, heart and hand. She is trained both professionally and in life experience. Rita has a heart for the Lord, and her hands are busy night and day, creating wonderful opportunities for our children.”
Rita and Terry have one son, Chad, who is an Electrical Engineer at Square D in Murfreesboro, of whom they are extremely proud. Rita said with a twinkle in her eye, “You know, Chad was Valedictorian of his class at DCA.” Family is very important to Rita. She gets to Clarksville often to visit her dad, James Alsobrooks, who is 89, and reportedly grows the best sweet silver queen corn around. Rita said, “Daddy just knows when the corn is at its peak and ready to be picked.”
Joey Parker
Business Administrator
Joey began working with HUMC in 2002. His primary responsibilities are to manage the support staff on a daily basis and oversee personnel, financial and facility areas of the church. He works closely with the HUMC Board of Trustees, Finance, YY’s (Yesterday’s Youth) and Scholarship Committees. Prior to accepting this position, he worked as Vice President of Customer Relations at Neodyme Technologies, a company that provides Asset Management Programs for hospitals.
He was born in Nashville, but moved to Jackson, Tennessee when his dad was promoted with the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Both of his parents, Billy and Mary, are active HUMC members. Joey graduated from University School of Jackson in 1984, and then from Rhodes College in Memphis, with a degree in accounting and marketing.
Joey is married to Ann. They met when they both worked for the U.S. Treasury Department. They joined HUMC in 1992, and were the first couple married in the new HUMC sanctuary in 1993. They have two very active sons, Stevenson (12) and Will (8). Joey is a very “hands on” dad, and helps with coaching basketball and baseball. He also serves on the Donelson Rotary Board of Directors.
The Parker family loves to spend time at the beach and visiting Joey’s aunt and uncle at their Tennessee River home in the western part of the state, where all three boys are spoiled with every toy imaginable. The entire family enjoys playing tennis. He also dabbles in coin collecting. His favorite coin is an 1833 half dollar.
Tonya Malzone
Communications Coordinator
Tonya is a native Texan, but moved to Tennessee with her husband, Mike, in July of 1988. They were married on June 18, and moved here within three weeks. They both love living in Middle Tennessee, and spend a lot of time at Center Hill Lake.
Her primary responsibilities at HUMC are to oversee, coordinate and produce The Good News, the church website, and other areas of communication. She also works closely with staff members in promoting their particular areas of ministry.
They joined HUMC in April of 1991. She has completed all four Disciple study courses, Companions in Christ, and is a member of the Journeys Sunday school class. She served as communications chair and on both capital campaigns.
Tonya is a trained court reporter, but never practiced. She began working for the Tennessee Medical Association (TMA) Alliance in 1996, which is a non-profit organization of physician spouses that work to promote better health care. She worked within many areas and organizations of the TMA, lastly at the foundation that oversees physicians with drug and alcohol addiction. Tonya served as their fund development coordinator until her resignation in November of 2007. In January of 2008, Tonya joined the HUMC staff.
Tonya said, “I really never thought about working at HUMC. In serving on committees and getting to know them, I realized that our church staff was exceptional. Until working here, I had no idea how much of themselves they give to our church. I continue to be amazed at their tireless efforts and beautiful spirits. We are truly blessed by the staff at HUMC. They are wonderful examples of Christ’s love. I am honored to serve and work with each of them.”