Weekly Visitor Online Edition

Decatur-Trinity Christian Church 2449 Altruria, Bartlett TN 38134

R. Scott Pricer, Sr. Minister

901/388-4511 FAX 901/388-1049

November 27, 2001

One of those little things in ministry that I'm going to miss is what happened this past Sunday. Sarah and David Parnell brought their new born to be dedicated. That is a very special time when the parents bring their young children to be dedicated because it signifies that the family is willing to do all they can to raise that child up to know the Lord. It is a momentous time because it says that the parents are serious about their faith and they will raise that child up in the Church. This past Sunday there were many from the Parnell and Pilon families present. They wanted to witness this event and they were included in the vows to help bring this child up to know the Lord.

But they were not the only ones that were asked to help in the instruction and modeling of the Christian life to this young infant. The congregation was also included because it is essential for our young children to have as many positive influences around them as is possible. We know what they will get as they go to school and make friendships with other children who have not been brought up to know the Lord. It is going to take all of us to train this child up so that they will serve Him when he gets older. I think that Caleb Joshua Parnell will have a good chance at growing up in the nurture and understanding of the Lord and that when he becomes of age, he will acknowledge that before witnesses. Thank God for young parents who still count their Christian faith as something to be prized.

This Sunday we will begin the four Sundays of Advent. It is a most holy time in the life of the Church and I hope that you will be present to share in the many activities that will be going on.

Special thanks goes to the Worship Committee who put up the Christmas tree and all the decorations in the sanctuary. They stayed after the SALT service this past Sunday evening and with a joyous heart they worked until everything was in its place. So often we forget those people behind the scenes who do so much to make our church a place where we worship and feel the presence of God. Be sure to read your Visitor to see all the activities that pertain to you. You will want to be a part of the Christmas spirit and your presence will help others.

See you all this Sunday as we celebrate the first Advent.

START AT THE MANGER: A Christmas Musical – DECEMBER 16th, 10:30 a.m.

Sometimes, the most powerful way to tell the story is with elegant simplicity. The simplicity is appropriate, as God became a human child, humbly born in a small village stable.

The birth of Christ still rivets our attention after 2,000 years of telling and hearing the story. And now the music of the Celebration Chancel Choir, the Celebration Handbell Ringers, the DTCC Children's choir, and the DTCC Orchestra will help us to take the journey back to Bethlehem’s manger with beauty and life. But the manger is only the start; we’ll keep going five miles north to Calvary – where we will meet Him at the cross.

Our Handbell Choir will start the morning off with an arrangement of “Carol of the Bells”.

Soon after, led by Rick Pilon’s narration, we will hear the glorious choral arrangements of songs like “Little Town”, once made known by Sandi Patty, and “Not That Far from Bethlehem”, sung by Point of Grace. Ginger Moore will be a featured vocalist on the title tune, “Start At the Manger”. Each of these songs will dot the Holy Landscape where Jesus once walked. The musical then concludes with a majestic sing-along medley of familiar Christmas hymns.

Laura Huff and other string performers from the Memphis Symphony Orchestra will join DTCC’s own talented wind players to complete the fine accompanying ensemble. We encourage you to attend – and to spread the word – in support of this wonderful musical event in the life of our church. This will surely be one of the highlights of the Advent season, and we are truly grateful for everyone’s support as we celebrate the birth of our King.

Bill Huff

OUR PRAYER CONCERNS

Inez Helsley

Bessis James – Methodist North

Gene Hadley

Arnett Winn

Ben Anderson

Alma Yarbrough – Memphis Jewish Home

Michelle Robinson in Humboldt, a friend of Karen Dameron and Todd Hardin.

BIRTH

Congratulations to Leslie and Fumi Koga on the birth of their daughter Ayaka Louise. She was born Monday Nov. 26 – weight 10 lb. 21 ½ inches. Ada Person is the proud grandmother.

MEMORIALS

In memory of Russell Parks from

Mr & Mrs. James W. Tugwell

Annette Gray Sharp

The Diamond Agency

Tommy & Judye Trout (MIHN)

Mary Jean Morris (debt)

In Memory of Grady Burks:

Mary Jean Morris (debt)

Congratulations! Bobby Lamberth will be inducted into the Memphis Amateur

Sports Hall of Fame Monday Dec 3^rd at the Adam’s Mark Hotel!

HONORARIUM

The family of Russell Parks express their gratitude and appreciation to Scott Pricer, Bob Williams, Chuck Fitzgerald, the Mary Group, and the Edna Burk Class for their words of comfort, their acts of love and expressions of sympathy. The “Church” was truly present at our time of sorrow.

VISITORS – SUNDAY, November 18

We welcomed the following visitors: Karla Berry, Bob & Dot Weakley, Paul Keith, Elva Pilon, Jason Miles, Lisa Pilon, Wanda & Dave Marable, Gene Gipson and Robert Jones.

STATISTICS – SUN. Nov. 25

Church School        123

Worship Service     226

SALT                       51

Received Nov. 18                         $4471

Rec’d to date in November        $33,172

November Budget Needs          $34,473

Debt/Touch the Dream              $320

Total Debt/Touch Rec’d     $172,982

Speaker for SALT is Rick Pilon

Potluck Dinner- There will be a special potluck dinner Wed. Dec 5 6 p.m. to meet a prospective Interim Minister, Rev John Moore and his wife. Please come and bring your favorite dish.

Dear Friends,

I would like to thank you for all the cards and calls, but mostly for your prayers for

me and my family during the loss of my brother. Love, Sue Acred

DTCC Cookbooks – Cookbooks will be on sale Sunday immediately following worship service in the CFC. These will make great Christmas gifts. Cost is $12 each.

MIHN Week will be Dec. 9-16 – The sign up sheets are in the narthex. Please do yourself a favor and sign up for one of these worthwhile tasks – Blessings guaranteed!

Poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary – Our poinsettias will be in the sanctuary on December 16 for the holiday season. If you would like to provide one or more, please get your order in. This form may be placed in the offering plate along with your check or turned in to the office. Cost is $8 each.

Name ___________________________

In Memory or Honor of: _____________

_________________________________

ATTENTION DIACONATE: There will be an important meeting of all Diaconate serving in the year 2002 immediately after Worship, Dec 2. In the Christian Builders

Class.

CWF SILENT AUCTION- Have you seen the variety of items in our Silent Auction? If not, you still have time. Come this Sunday, Dec 2, (before or after Sunday School, or after church) and place your “bid” on your favorite items. We are also selling “chances” for $1 for a beautiful Holiday basket with “real-live” poinsettias and greenery. Thank you! Trina Luechauer, CWF Service Director

MIFA- As our December Service Project, we will be collecting toys for the MIFA Christmas Store. A box will be in the Education Bldg., please bring them by Dec 9. There is a Christmas Store Wish List that will be posted on the box.

WHITE GIFTS – Please remember to bring your white gifts of canned goods on Dec 9 to be placed under the Chrismon Tree.

Breakfast With Santa – don’t forget the Breakfast with Santa is this Saturday Dec 1, 9:00-11:00 in the Activity Bldg.

Christmas Card – If you would like to join in wishing your church family a joyous season, place your donation in the offering plate (marked Christmas Card) and your names will be added to our church card.

December Birthdays

2                Mimi Dowling

4           Paul Holt

Kalie Pilon

5        Mary Mitchell

            Jack Pannell

7                Gary Swinger

8                Hunter Sandlin

David Williams

10        Elaine Cavallo

            Gerry Wilson

            Christy Utterback

11        Mary Jean Morris

            Joey Weir

14                Martha Guilliams

Marie Neal

15                Caralyn Brown

Chris Murley

17        Thom Eckles

18        Wesley Sparr

20        Freddie McGee

22                Frank Stevens

23                Ada Person

26                DeeDee McKimm

Nathan Luechauer

Tierney Lowery

27                Bernie Schingle

28                Greg Pleasants

29                Celia Yarbrough

Emily Wright

31        Conner Murley

SUNDAY SCHEDULE

9:15 a.m. – Church School

10:00 -10:30 a.m. – Transition time

10:30 a.m. – Church Worship

4:00 p.m. - SWAT

5:00 p.m. – SALT (contemporary worship service)

6:00 p.m. – Café Praise

6:30 p.m. – CYF & Chi Rho

SERVING IN DECEMBER

ELDERS

12/2 – Bob Williams, Mack Bennett and Harry Davies

12/9 – Mack Bennett, Thom and Brenda Eckles

12/16 - Judy Coley, Chuck Fitzgerald and Phil Gardner

12/23 – Paula Coss, Patsy Keith and Trina Luechauer

12/30 – Harry Davies, Richard Martin and Bill Parks

SALT

12/2 – Bill and Mable Parks

12/9 – Ruth Simpson and Cortez Smith

12/16 – Mack Bennett and Bob Williams

12/23 – Bob Doty and Ron Ramsey

12/30 – Judy Coley and Cortez Smith

COMMUNION TO SHUT-INS

Mack Bennett, Harry Davies, Chuck Fitzgerald, Phil Gardner and Bob Williams

CC COMMUNION

Cortez Smith, Joyce Mariencheck, Paula Coss, Cortez Smith and Joyce Mariencheck

DIACONATE

12/2 – Lee Lewter, Carol Rogers, Jack Rogers, B. J. Wilson, Janie Benefield, Kerry Forsythe, Linda Hoard, Wanda Martin

12/9 – Jack Rogers, B. J. Wilson, Janie Benefield, Kerry Forsythe, Linda Hoard, Wanda Martin, Dennis Payne

12/16 – Janie Benefield, Kerry Forsythe, Linda Hoard, Wanda Martin, Dennis Payne, Lee Lewter, Carol Rogers, Jack Rogers

12/23 – Kerry Forsythe, Linda Hoard, Wanda Martin, Dennis Payne, Lee Lewter, Carol Rogers, Jack Rogers, B. J. Wilson

12/30 – Lee Lewter, Carol Rogers, Jack Rogers, B. J. Wilson, Janie Benefield, Kerry Forsythe, Linda Hoard, Wanda Martin

ACOLYTES

12/2 - Mairi Stockton

12/9 – Bryce Western

12/16 – Brittany Duke

12/23 – Brandon Knaebel

12/30 – Tierney Lowery

STEWARDSHIP TEAMS

12/2 – Carol Key, Sue Smith, Vic Carpenter

12/9 – Cortez & Jo Smith, Kerry Forsythe

12/16 – Cortez & Jo Smith, Kerry Forsythe

12/23 – Glenn Laster, Jo Cordell, Gene Hadley

12/30 – Glenn Laster, Jo Cordell, Gene Hadley

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