Decatur-Trinity Christian Church      2449 Altruria, Bartlett TN 38134

www.decaturtrinity.org 

901/388-4511 FAX 901/388-1049

 

December 11, 2001

Last Sunday was a special day in the life of Decatur Trinity Christian Church.  Among other things we celebrated White Gifts for Christmas.  What a sight to see men, women, and children come forward with their gifts wrapped in white and placed under the Christmas tree.  It appeared to me that there was more food collected this year than in the past four years that I have witnessed this same celebration.  What I noticed more than anything was the happiness on the faces of those giving.  There were smiles on the faces of almost everyone who gave their package to Mr. Bill Parks and Mr. Doward Benefield to put under the tree.  Children were visibly happy about being a part of this program and they delighted in giving their gifts.  I am reminded of the words of Jesus when he reminded his disciples that "It is more blessed to give than to receive."  Jesus knew the hearts of his followers.  He knew that they had very little in worldly possessions, but he also knew that happiness came from giving rather than receiving.  The Church teaches us that principle and although we often forget, times like this past Sunday once again affirms that it is more blessed to give than to receive. 

Thank all of you who participated in the giving of food that will be used to feed the hungry.  A special thanks goes to Bill Parks and Doward Benefield for placing the packages around the tree. 

Another thing that we as a congregation do that shows a giving spirit is when we host MIHN.  As you are aware, we are doing that this week.  Many of you have signed up to help with the dinners, cleaning, and staying overnight with our guests.  What a wonderful way to show that we care about those who are in need of help.  It reminds me of Jesus' story about the Good Samaritan.  When asked who their neighbor was, Jesus told the story meaning that anyone who needs our help is our neighbor.  Thanks for you generosity in giving of your time and efforts.  As you know Bill and Mable Parks are in charge of the MIHN program for Decatur Trinity Christian Church.  A big thanks goes to them for the effort they put into this program year around.

Don't forget this Sunday as we celebrate our Christmas program with lots of music from the choir and several brass instruments accompanying the choir.  Look forward to worshipping with you Sunday.

Your Pastor

OUR PRAYER CONCERNS

Rick Bailey – Methodist Central.

Bessie James.

Mildred Parker.

Vashti Slate.

Mamie Waldrip.

Walter Younger.

SYMPATHY

We express our condolences to the family of Tommy Cordell who died Saturday night.  He was the husband of Jo Cordell.  Services are scheduled for Tuesday at Memphis Funeral Home on Germantown.

HONORARIUM

In honor of Bobby Lamberth’s induction into the Memphis Amateur Sports Hall of  Fame from Maurice and Betty Ingram (debt).

MEMORIALS

In memory of Ricky Barnett’s sister, Evelyn Davenport from

      Elizabeth Parks

      Ruth Simpson (debt)

 

In memory of Earl Cunningham from

      Don and Sandi Morris

      Ruth Simpson (debt)

VISITORS – SUNDAY, December 9

We welcomed the following visitors: Gene Gipson, Steve & Judy Hooks, Eric & Ginny Pritchett

NEW MEMBER

      Sunday Jim Sitton, who has been active here at DTCC for sometime now, came forward to transfer his membership.  Be sure to introduce yourself to him.

STATISTICS – SUN. Dec 9

Church School      137                                         

Worship Service   255

SALT                     56

Received Dec 9                        $10,366

Rec’d to date in December       $19,803

December Budget Needs         $46,503

Debt/Touch the Dream                  $375

Total Debt/Touch Rec’d       $173,755

Speaker for SALT is Jim Sitton

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.

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. 

Also, mark your calendar for the Christmas Eve services – one at 6 p.m. and one at 11 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 382-2804.

Agape Class will celebrate Christmas in the Agape classroom immediately following SALT on Sunday, Dec. 16 (6:15 p.m.).  Bring a covered dish, either vegetable, fruit or dessert (ham provided).  Bring a wrapped Christmas ornament to exchange.  Choose an ornament that reminds you of yourself and be prepared to tell us why!  If you are not presently attending a Sunday School class, we would love to have you visit, both for the party and on Sunday mornings.  CLASS 

MEMBERS: RSVP TO PATSY IF YOU ARE NOT COMING 377-9641.  THANKS.

To wish for you always 

the gift of Faith

the blessings of Hope

and the peace of His Love

Bill Poole and Family

Freddie McGee

Bob and Jane Williams

Margaret Ward

Maurice and Betty Ingram

Bruce, Fayelyn, Anna, Addison,

Jackson & Sam Ingram

Margaret Fann

Jack and Carol Rogers

Kathy Abbott

John and Louise Cianciolo

Martin Rawls

Arnett and Ruth Winn

Bob, Patsy & Emily Keith

OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE

      In the coming weeks we will have the opportunity to share God’s love in a tangible way.  Sunday and Dec. 23^rd 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.

Announcement:

      The Graduating Class of The University of Memphis announces that Angela Marie Boyles is a candidate for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education Human Development and Learning at the Commencement Exercises Saturday morning, December fifteenth, Two thousand one – nine o’clock – The Pyramid

Chi Rho Lock-In - Our Christmas lock-in is scheduled for Dec. 21 & 22 from 7 p.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday.  Bring a friend but let us know how many are coming so we will have enough to eat.  Several adults will help supervise the kids over night.  We hope you will join us!

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.  Refreshments will be served.

                        Joyce Mariencheck

Sunday during our regular morning worship our music department will present “Start At the Manger: A Christmas Musical”.  Music will be presented by the Chancel Choir, the Handbell Ringers, the Children’s Choir and the DTCC orchestra along with Laura Huff and several other performers from the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.  We encourage you to attend – and to spread the word – in support of this wonderful musical event.  You will be blessed!

This website ©2001 Decatur Trinity Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), all rights reserved. Contact David Dowling, webmaster,  for updates.

[Home] [What's New at DTCC] [Contact DTCC ] [Ministries ] [Calendar ] [E-Mail Directory ]  [Archives page 1, page 2 ]