In Our Community
Since its relocation to Brentwood, Brenthaven has striven to be a church that has ministered and been available to the community. We do so by serving as a polling place for elections and allowing various 12-Step groups utilize our facility when available. But there are other ways we serve our community.
Blood Drives
Brenthaven partners with both Red Cross and Blood Assurance to help in getting the blood needed to support the hospitals around the Nashville area and beyond. While our membership may not be large, we can offer them space for their drives and do so whenever feasible. We know that the blood they get will help save lives around the area.
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
Each summer, Brenthaven dedicates a week of fun and learning to the children. Thanks to the creativity of many in the congregation, the church is transformed into a world for children\n. Whether it becomes a frozen tundra, the wilderness, an underwater world, or an Olympic stadium, we make VBS an opportunity to learn of God’s grace in a special way. It takes many volunteers to make it happen, everything from teachers to music to working in the kitchen, Brenthaven wants this to be an unforgettable week!
Pet Blessing
We love our pets! And remember the great saint, Frances of Assissi, Brenthaven holds a Pet Blessing for the community. Traditionally, this has been held on the first Sunday of October, the date set aside to remember St. Francis, the patron saint of animals. Though not held every year, the service is special each time it is held. Over the years, the variety of pets has spanned from dogs and cats to Guinea pigs and geckos.
Trunk or Treat
Do you like to dress up? Do you like candy? Do you like fun and fellowship? Come decorate your trunk, wear your costume, play games, win prizes, or just come to see the fun. We provide popcorn, drinks and of course, lots and lots of candy! It is held the Sunday before October 31.
Bring your family and join us from 4:00-6:00 pm for an evening full of games, candy, and fun. The event is free, and you can arrive anytime during the two-hour window. Everyone is welcome—just come ready to enjoy some spooky fun! ?
Want to help make Trunk or Treat even more special? Sign up to host a trunk! You can decorate your car however you like and even provide a simple or creative game for the kids to play as they collect their treats. We ask that trunks are set up by 3:45pm. Hosting a trunk is a great way to connect with families and serve the community.
Whether you’re attending or volunteering, we can’t wait to see you at Trunk or Treat!
On the Sunday evening before Christmas, Brenthaven comes alive with sheep, goats, zebus and maybe even a camel or a llama pretending to be camel, as we have our annual Live Nativity. This has become community favorite as families brings their children and friends and walk thru the story of our Lord’s birth. Members of the church portray the key characters, Mary, Joseph, the magi and shepherds, and even the innkeeper, as groups travel around the parking lot visiting various scenes of the story. Inside the church, soups are offered to warm the bodies and relax as they listen to Christmas music. It is Brenthaven’s gift to the community as Christmas arrives.
Special Services
Worship is not limited to just Sunday mornings. Throughout the year, special services are planned.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter. This service reminds that “from dust we came, and to dust we shall return”. It is a somber service that includes the marking of our forehead with the cross, made from the ashes of the palms from the previous year.
Maundy Thursday
The Thursday before Easter, this is a service that remembers the new commandment that Jesus gave to his disciples and to us – to love as he has loved us. This service includes communion and ends with the stripping of the church, preparing for Good Friday.
Good Friday
The Good Friday service is called Tenebrae. This is a service that ends in darkness. It begins as thirteen candles are extinguished after a portion of the Passion story is read. At the end, only one light shines in the darkness – the Christ candle.
Christmas Eve
This service is held every Christmas Eve and brings together families as we sing carols, hear the story of the nativity, take communion, and end in a big circle around the sanctuary singing Silent Night. This special service is sure to set the mood for Christmas Day.
And while these are yearly, there may be others that are planned. One never knows when God will us to worship.
Volunteer Opportunities
Many of these events cannot happen without the kindness of folks sharing their time. We pray that you will be moved to share your time to be a blessing to the community.