Vine Street's Contribution to the Needy of Nashville

Here at the height of what many are now calling The Great Recession, Vine Street responded in an unprecedented way, making four $10,000 grants to organizations dedicated to alleviating financial burdens for many, created by this continuing economic downturn. People like J. B. and Dorothy McCroskey made it possible by remembering the church in their wills.

And the church well remembers J. B. and Dorothy.  Not wealthy, by any stretch of the imagination in the way wealth is typically defined by our culture, these two possessed riches untold as measured by Jesus' teachings.  Any member, prospective or otherwise, of Vine Street was welcomed into their home numerous times for countless occasions. And whenever a job needed to be done at the church, both were always there.  J. B., following his retirement, even worked as a paid staffer at the church, demanding a $1 annual salary and making a production of donating it back.  J. B.'s folksy demeanor, his cool, reasoned judgement, and wisdom are perhaps his most distinguishing marks.  All were put to use when he chaired the General Board during the move from downtown to our West End location.  (Can you even imagine the emotion-driven issues of those years?) When they moved home to Nixa, MO following retirement, they didn't forget Vine Street, returning for visits every year or two.  And we never missed his famous Christmas post cards, reminders of his wisdom, generous spirit and humility.  And J. B. and Dorothy remembered Vine Street in their will, perpetuating the circle of giving Jesus taught with a generous $57,000 undesignated bequest.

Thanks be to God for people like J. B. and Dorothy, and for all people who, like them, give generously during their life and then return gifts back to their source at the end of their lives here on earth.

Bill Tallent

We honor all Vine Street graduates!

Johanna Keith, daughter of Joe and Julia Keith, graduates from Nashville School of the Arts with a high school diploma.  Her focus has been music, including Concert Choir, Early Music Consort, Madrigal Singers and Swing Band.  Johanna has been an active member of Vine Street as part of the youth group, music department, Junior Deacons and Bethany Hills. She has been all across the country representing VSCC on mission trips as well as regional and general assemblies. In the fall, she will attend Cumberland University with a Choral Music Major and potential Psychology or Education Major.  Her mailing address is 6656 Clearbrook Drive Nashville, TN 37205.

Grant Shuler, member of Vine Street, graduates from Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design.  He achieved the Deans List Sophomore–Senior years, graduated with academic honors: Magna Cum Laude, cumulative GPA 3.65.  He is very involved in graphic design in projects ranging in print, interactive, and Web design. Loves music and photography and being outdoors. Enjoys playing disc golf on the weekends with friends, girlfriend Brittany Bishop,  and dog "Aida."  Grant’s address is 2504 East Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23223.

Diane Faires, Ministerial Intern at Vine Street, graduates from Vanderbilt Divinity School (Nashville), with a Master of Divinity.  She earned the Student Government Association Service Award and the Chalice Press Book Award.  Her interests are Disciples Divinity House, Vine Street Christian Church (especially Room 8), economic justice/community organizing, dancing, cooking spicy Indian curries, dressing up like a pirate nun, finding good bargains at Goodwill… After graduation, Diane will be serving a church somewhere.  Her mailing address is 308 Longwood Court, Clarksville, TN 37043.

Mark Pilkinton, grandson of Betty and Shelton Pilkinton, son of Jim and Connie Pilkinton graduates from College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago with an MD/PhD.  Mark received an Award in Internal Medicine, Excellence in Basic Sciences.  After graduation he will begin a residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.

Sarah Spencer, member of Vine Street, graduates from International Academy of Design and Technology with an Associates Degree in Graphic Design.  She was on the Dean's List every quarter for two years.   Sarah  is very involved with Room 8 and she led the VSCC trip to NOLA this past winter. Her mailing address is 213 Lynnwood Terrace, Nashville, TN 37205.

Elizabeth Enberg, granddaughter of Betty and Shelton Pilkinton and daughter of John and Claudia Enberg, graduates from Truman State University, Kirksville, MO with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.  After graduation, Elizabeth will be returning to St. Louis where she will continue taking art classes.

Christina Bentrup, daughter of Pat Bentrup, graduates from the University of Arizona, Flagstaff with a Master's in Biology. 

Chris Kopetz, Ministerial Intern at Vine Street, graduates from Vanderbilt Divinity School (Nashville), with a Master of Divinity. Chris is very active with the youth group, TNT and Bethany Hills.  He is staying in the Nashville area and is currently employed with AT&T.