It’s been one of those difficult stretches for us as a church family. As I said in my note in last week’s newsletter, I know that this congregation has been very active in prayer, especially for the two beloved members of our church – Phil Hereford and Bonnie Shapbell – who were receiving hospice care, and have now left this life for their eternal life with their Savior, Jesus Christ. I know you have been active in prayer and in loving support for their family members as well. Thank you for your many expressions of love and faith during this important stretch.
From my unique position as your pastor, I see such remarkable faith in the risen Jesus Christ here. In so many seemingly small, often hidden, thoughtful and generous acts – visiting the hospital or hospice, delivering a meal, making a phone call, sending a text, praying a prayer – y’all are being witnesses to the unending love of Jesus. In very personal and touching ways, y’all are showing your faith and trust that “in life and in death, we belong to God”. And that “nothing can ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Y’all are being the church, shining the light, opening pathways for God to bring the peace that passes all understanding. In so many ways, I see this church answering prayers that are being prayed. Thank you for being who God has called you to be.
From my unique position as your pastor, I see such remarkable faith in the risen Jesus Christ here. In so many seemingly small, often hidden, thoughtful and generous acts – visiting the hospital or hospice, delivering a meal, making a phone call, sending a text, praying a prayer – y’all are being witnesses to the unending love of Jesus. In very personal and touching ways, y’all are showing your faith and trust that “in life and in death, we belong to God”. And that “nothing can ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Y’all are being the church, shining the light, opening pathways for God to bring the peace that passes all understanding. In so many ways, I see this church answering prayers that are being prayed. Thank you for being who God has called you to be.
Memorial Service for Phil Hereford
We will gather to celebrate the life of our dear friend and charter member, Phil Hereford, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, here at Priest Lake Presbyterian Church. A visitation and luncheon will follow in Fellowship Hall.
To read the full obituary click here. Phil Hereford's Obit.
To read the full obituary click here. Phil Hereford's Obit.
Bonnie Shapbell Obituary
June 24, 1949 – May 18, 2026
Bonnie Miller Shapbell was born in Woodbury, New Jersey, at Underwood Memorial Hospital and grew up in Westville, NJ. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Juniata College in 1972 and, for her 50th birthday, treated herself to a master’s degree from Mississippi College — a reflection of her lifelong love of learning. She was also a proud member of Mensa, a testament to her remarkable intellect and curiosity.
Bonnie married Jan Hart Shapbell, becoming an instant grandmother to three stepchildren and nine step‑grandchildren. After Jan’s passing in 2004, Bonnie moved from Mississippi to Nashville, where she found new purpose and community. She became an active member and elder of Priest Lake Presbyterian Church, where her warmth, faith, and steady presence touched many lives.
Professionally, Bonnie worked as a computer programmer for 42 years. Among her many accomplishments was helping develop the program that allows utility meters to send readings via satellite — a remarkable contribution to modern technology.
Bonnie loved to travel and embraced new experiences, challenges, and adventures. She was also a writer; her book “Hiking the Pack Line: Moving from Grief to a Joyful Life” offered comfort and inspiration to many navigating loss.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles John Miller and Serena Cathrine Miller, and her husband, Jan Hart Shapbell. She is survived by her brother Charles Miller (Michael Gibson) of Marana, Arizona, and her beloved companion Dante.
Bonnie was a member and past president of Friends of Long Hunter State Park and was active in Fifty Forward, where she shared her energy and love of community.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 20 at Priest Lake Presbyterian Church, 2787 Smith Springs Road, Nashville, TN 37217, with visitation and reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Priest Lake Presbyterian Church in Bonnie’s memory.
Bonnie Miller Shapbell was born in Woodbury, New Jersey, at Underwood Memorial Hospital and grew up in Westville, NJ. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Juniata College in 1972 and, for her 50th birthday, treated herself to a master’s degree from Mississippi College — a reflection of her lifelong love of learning. She was also a proud member of Mensa, a testament to her remarkable intellect and curiosity.
Bonnie married Jan Hart Shapbell, becoming an instant grandmother to three stepchildren and nine step‑grandchildren. After Jan’s passing in 2004, Bonnie moved from Mississippi to Nashville, where she found new purpose and community. She became an active member and elder of Priest Lake Presbyterian Church, where her warmth, faith, and steady presence touched many lives.
Professionally, Bonnie worked as a computer programmer for 42 years. Among her many accomplishments was helping develop the program that allows utility meters to send readings via satellite — a remarkable contribution to modern technology.
Bonnie loved to travel and embraced new experiences, challenges, and adventures. She was also a writer; her book “Hiking the Pack Line: Moving from Grief to a Joyful Life” offered comfort and inspiration to many navigating loss.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles John Miller and Serena Cathrine Miller, and her husband, Jan Hart Shapbell. She is survived by her brother Charles Miller (Michael Gibson) of Marana, Arizona, and her beloved companion Dante.
Bonnie was a member and past president of Friends of Long Hunter State Park and was active in Fifty Forward, where she shared her energy and love of community.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 20 at Priest Lake Presbyterian Church, 2787 Smith Springs Road, Nashville, TN 37217, with visitation and reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Priest Lake Presbyterian Church in Bonnie’s memory.
Being One
by Dave Nock
This past Sunday Pastor Ray, in his sermon, mentioned Being One. (Yes, Ray, I was listening). This started me thinking. A few years ago, the Army had a marketing phrase, Army of One. This was not one person; it was an organization working together as one to achieve an overall goal.
For Priest Lake Presbyterian we are one congregation that works together for the greater good of all and to achieve Gods desires. For emergency management, the focus is coordination and collaboration. Emergency management, working with all agencies and organizations, has to be one. Coordination and collaboration with all partners is vital for overall success. Emergency management has very little in the way of resources. But working with other agencies and organizations, as one, a lot can be achieved.
Priest Lake Presbyterian is much the same way. As an organization, we have limited resources. However, with all the congregation members we have a lot of capabilities. That capability represents being one working together to achieve greater good.
I also want to offer a prayer for Phil Hereford and Bonnie Shapbell. Both have been long term pillars in this church. They are now in God’s hands.
For Priest Lake Presbyterian we are one congregation that works together for the greater good of all and to achieve Gods desires. For emergency management, the focus is coordination and collaboration. Emergency management, working with all agencies and organizations, has to be one. Coordination and collaboration with all partners is vital for overall success. Emergency management has very little in the way of resources. But working with other agencies and organizations, as one, a lot can be achieved.
Priest Lake Presbyterian is much the same way. As an organization, we have limited resources. However, with all the congregation members we have a lot of capabilities. That capability represents being one working together to achieve greater good.
I also want to offer a prayer for Phil Hereford and Bonnie Shapbell. Both have been long term pillars in this church. They are now in God’s hands.
Momma Mia!
June 9th
Is the Last Come to the Table for the Season
Menu
Lasagna
Green salad
Garlic bread
dessert
Memorial Day reflections from Percy
I know I’m usually the one reporting on office snacks, bulletin adventures, and who left crumbs in the copy room, but this week I’ve been thinking about something a little bigger — Memorial Day. Even a small mouse can feel the weight of a day like this.
Memorial Day began after the Civil War, when communities across the country started placing flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers. They called it Decoration Day back then. I imagine tiny blossoms laid gently on quiet hillsides, each one a promise that someone’s sacrifice would not be forgotten. Over time, the observance grew to honor all U.S. military personnel who died in service. And in 1971, it officially became a national holiday, set aside on the last Monday in May as a time for remembrance and gratitude.
Even today, the tradition continues. Families visit cemeteries, volunteers place flags at veterans’ graves, and communities gather to remember. I heard that national cemeteries will be especially busy this weekend, with people coming from near and far to pay their respects. It warms my little mouse heart to know that even in a world that moves so fast, people still pause to honor those who served.
Here at PLPC, I see that same spirit — kindness, gratitude, and a community that remembers well. As you enjoy the long weekend, I hope you’ll take a quiet moment to reflect, to give thanks, and maybe to whisper a prayer for peace. That’s what I’ll be doing… probably curled up on the sofa in the Take 5 classroom, where it’s quiet enough for a mouse to think big thoughts.
Wishing you a thoughtful and peaceful Memorial Day.
Memorial Day began after the Civil War, when communities across the country started placing flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers. They called it Decoration Day back then. I imagine tiny blossoms laid gently on quiet hillsides, each one a promise that someone’s sacrifice would not be forgotten. Over time, the observance grew to honor all U.S. military personnel who died in service. And in 1971, it officially became a national holiday, set aside on the last Monday in May as a time for remembrance and gratitude.
Even today, the tradition continues. Families visit cemeteries, volunteers place flags at veterans’ graves, and communities gather to remember. I heard that national cemeteries will be especially busy this weekend, with people coming from near and far to pay their respects. It warms my little mouse heart to know that even in a world that moves so fast, people still pause to honor those who served.
Here at PLPC, I see that same spirit — kindness, gratitude, and a community that remembers well. As you enjoy the long weekend, I hope you’ll take a quiet moment to reflect, to give thanks, and maybe to whisper a prayer for peace. That’s what I’ll be doing… probably curled up on the sofa in the Take 5 classroom, where it’s quiet enough for a mouse to think big thoughts.
Wishing you a thoughtful and peaceful Memorial Day.
Ecumenical Pride Worship
June 3rd - 6:30pm
Sponsored by New Covenant Christian Church, West End United Methodist Church, and Vine Street Christian Church.
West End United Methodist Church is hosting the event this year on Wednesday, June 3rd at 6:30 pm. WEUMC has a beautiful space for worship and fellowship, and plenty of parking! We are also excited to welcome Rev. RJ Robles to the pulpit for this service. Rev. Robles (they/he) is a queer and trans Afro-Puerto Rican Disciples of Christ minister, devoted to co-creating healing practices and rituals for trans people. They seek to continue the strong legacy of trans people of color organizing and mobilizing mutual aid and collective care that supports trans liberation in our lifetime.
There are many way in which you can participate. Contact Rev. Wesley King for more information at 205-344-2834 or wesley@vinestreet.org
West End United Methodist Church is hosting the event this year on Wednesday, June 3rd at 6:30 pm. WEUMC has a beautiful space for worship and fellowship, and plenty of parking! We are also excited to welcome Rev. RJ Robles to the pulpit for this service. Rev. Robles (they/he) is a queer and trans Afro-Puerto Rican Disciples of Christ minister, devoted to co-creating healing practices and rituals for trans people. They seek to continue the strong legacy of trans people of color organizing and mobilizing mutual aid and collective care that supports trans liberation in our lifetime.
There are many way in which you can participate. Contact Rev. Wesley King for more information at 205-344-2834 or wesley@vinestreet.org