Weekly Visitor Online Edition

The Rev. Dr. Lloyd John Ogilvie is the chaplain for the United States Senate. He is a Presbyterian minister and has written many books and articles over the years. A book that I have by him is entitled Let God Love You. It is about Paul's letter to the Philippians. Dr. Ogilvie takes passages of scripture and expounds on them and how they apply to our lives. In Phil. 3:3-7 Paul tells the church that just tying to be good enough doesn't get it done the Kingdom of God. He quotes the seventh verse, "But all those things that I might count as profit I now reckon as loss, for Christ's sake." Paul tells the church that if being good is what counts then he did everything he knew about God in an extraordinary way. Ogilvie says that Christians are spending too much time trying to keep church the way they have always known it. To change the way we do church is not acceptable. He remembers overhearing two ladies in one of his churches making comment about he as the pastor: "He's a presbyterian Presbyterian, like us." He goes on to say "The woman spoke with an air of confidence and smug security. She had been raised in one of the oldest churches in America, steeped in tradition. The order of worship had been the same for eighty-seven years. The ethos of the parish gave the comfortable feeling of practices and customs which had been dutifully repeated for years. Changes in anything from the order of worship to the color of the choir robes were unthinkable."

Ogilvie tells his audience that we need to be more like Paul and recognize that who we are and what we have accomplished has nothing to do with the growth of the Church. We need to desperately put ourselves aside and be open to new and different things that will reach the eyes and ears of those who do not know Christ. But that is probably the hardest thing for any of us to do in life. Try new things. Do things in a different way. Be accepting of different attitudes and opinions. We are comfortable with the way things have always been and change is difficult. But as Paul says, all those things that we count as important, let us put them aside for Christ's sake.

As Ogilvie closes his meditation he makes the point: "Let's consider the things we do and why we do them. Tradition, custom, habit? These may be fine. But do we think God will love us more for them? How much do we do as a free expression of love because of what he's done for us?"

Look forward to worshipping with you this week as we celebrate the second Sunday of Advent.

OUR PRAYER CONCERNS

MEMORIALS

NEW MEMBER

Sunday we welcomed Robert Jones into the fellowship of DTCC. Robert, who has been visiting for some time, is transferring his membership from Macon. Be sure to introduce yourself to him and welcome him!

VISITORS – SUNDAY, December 2

STATISTICS – SUN. Dec 2

I want to let Rev. Scott Pricer know that I will miss him. I loved having him as a pastor. I appreciate his friendship and the time that he was the pastor of our church. Mary Beth Esgro

The Decatur CWF Annual Breakfast with Santa was a great success Saturday. The beautiful holiday decorations were made by Ann McAlister and decorating was by Ann, Aimee McAlister and Sandy Jarvis. The delicious pancakes and sausage along with applesauce, raisins and choice of drinks were prepared by Judy Coley, Carol Key, Mary Catherine Blakely and Sue Acred. The gifts for the children were assembled by the Mary and Sarah Group ladies and as always were second only to the man in the red suit! Zachary Vaughan took pictures of each child with SANTA CLAUS! Many thanks to all of you who participated in any way!

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 name will be added to our church card.

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

MIHN Week will be Dec. 9-16 – Check with Bill or Mable Parks to see if you can help. 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.

CWF SILENT AUCTION – This Sunday, Dec. 9, is your last opportunity to come and place your “bid” on your favorite item at the CWF Silent Auction. You can come before or after Sunday School or after church. IMPORTANT – the “bidding” will close at 12:15 p.m. on Sunday. We are still selling “chances” for $1 for a beautiful holiday basket with “real live” poinsettias and greenery. The drawing for the basket will be held at 12:15 Sunday.

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. We ask that donated items have a $10-15 value.

Mark Your Calendars – On Dec. 30 following the morning worship service we will have a reception for Scott and Karen Pricer with Christmas cookies and punch in the Christian Family Center. They will be leaving that day for Arizona. The Christian Women’s Fellowship is sponsoring this event – if you are baking cookies, please bring them to the church during the week or before church that morning.

Opportunities to share – In the coming weeks we will have the opportunity to share God’s love in a tangible way. On Dec. 9 bring food pantry items wrapped in white paper to place under the Chrismon tree. These gifts will be used to fill Christmas baskets and stock our outreach pantry for the new year. On Dec. 16 (and Dec. 23) the Christmas Special Day Offering for Basic Mission Finance will be received. This is your chance to contribute to global ministries. Watch your mail for a letter and offering envelope. Giving transforms lives, yours and mine.

Cabinet Meeting this Sunday – All out-going and in-coming department chairpersons are encouraged to attend. We will meet at 6:15 p.m. in the Disciples classroom.

White Gifts – Particular items needed at this time include corn meal, oil or shortening, canned meats, macaroni & cheese. If you know someone who needs a food basket, please call the church office.

Keenagers – Our Christmas Potluck will be Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 11:15 a.m. in the Christian Family Center. The ham will be provided and entertainment is planned. Hope to see you then!

Chi Rho will meet this week – we will be discussing our lock-in – hope to see you Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

CYF Reminders – We will be having our Christmas party on Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Randy and Deborah’s. Please bring a finger food dish and a 2 liter drink. Also, don’t forget your $10 gift.

Young Adults – The Young Adults will have their Christmas dinner at the Sisk’s on Dec. 16 after SALT! Call Debbie for details.

Elders Meeting – All current elders and those coming on in January are urged to attend our next elders meeting Thursday, December 20, at 6:30 p.m.

OUR CHRISTMAS CANTATA WILL BE PRESENTED SUNDAY MORNING, DEC. 16, DURING THE WORSHIP SERVICE