Dear Harpeth Hills,

We wanted to let you know that two of our shepherds, Mike Green and Parker Panovec, have made the decision to step down from their roles as elders at Harpeth Hills. Please read their notes below.

Teresa and I have been richly blessed with the opportunity to be fellow Christian servants with all of you at Harpeth Hills. This church is a flagship to Christian living and walking together to expand the Kingdom of God. Since the first time we visited, we felt such a supportive spirit from everyone. Knowing my retirement from Lipscomb University was drawing close, Teresa and I have struggled emotionally with the balance of being closer to kids and grandkids and love for the HH church family. With the addition of our new shepherds, we are more than confident that our decision to move back to Houston is the right one. We will miss our roles in shepherding this great family. We will miss all of you, and we wish you blessings as you become more like Jesus each day. We will be watching from Texas with a sad but full heart.

—Mike and Teresa Green

Debbie and I have spent the last few months praying, evaluating, and monitoring our current commitments, especially as it relates to our families. Many of you have prayed for us and our parents. Many of you also know how difficult it is to watch those people who were always so strong for you, become weak, both physically and mentally. They need more from us right now. We have felt torn with this decision for some time, because we desired to help with the good work here at Harpeth Hills. We will continue to do so, just in a different role. With the recent installment of new elders, we feel that Harpeth Hills is positioned well. Thank you again for your faith in us over the past four years.

—Parker and Debbie Panovec

Stan Ezell, current Elder Chair, says, “It has been a pleasure to serve with Mike and Parker. They lead by example and have been caring, compassionate shepherds for God’s church at Harpeth Hills. We pray for Mike and Teresa as they move to Texas and Parker and Debbie as they continue to be a part of our church family.”

We are thankful for Parker’s and Mike’s service to Harpeth Hills. They have blessed this congregation in numerous ways, and both were a joy to work with. Please join us in prayer for Debbie and Parker and Teresa and Mike in this time of transition.

—Your Shepherds