Weekly Visitor Online Edition
Decatur-Trinity Christian Church 2449 Altruria, Bartlett TN
38134R. Scott Pricer, Sr. Minister
www.decaturtrinity.org901/388-4511 FAX 901/388-1049
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April 23, 2001 |
I listened to a tape last week from the Senior Minister of Willow Creek Association, a mega-church in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Bill Hybels is the minister's name and he has been with that church since their beginning. Last year they added 1400 members by baptism. Rev. Hybels was speaking to guest ministers from all over the country that had been invited by Willow Creek for a three-day workshop that was paid by the church. At one point toward the end of the three-day conference Rev. Hybels has a question and answer time in which he addresses problems that all churches have and all ministers have to deal with in some form or fashion.
Two points that Rev. Hybels made were very simple and yet profound. I have thought about them and how they apply to our congregation. First, churches need to provide value. If they are not providing value then they might as well close up their doors and do something else. He goes further by suggesting that many churches are not providing value to its community and membership. They are simply maintaining the status quo which doesn't accomplish much except keep the doors open. I frequently see what Rev. Hybels is talking about. There appear to be those of our own membership that don't see the value of what we are doing because they are quick to trade what is being offered at DTCC for other things. My experience in life is that most people appreciate those things they value and it doesn’t take long to understand where a person's values lie.
Another point Rev. Hybels made was that it takes staff to keep a church operating. And more than this, some staff pay for themselves while others are essential for the operation of the programs, but will not bring in new members. He listed some that pay for themselves such as ministers and youth workers. If they are doing their job they will bring in new faces that will in turn begin supporting the work of the church. Office help and counselors are examples of people who are essential to the ongoing work of the church but do not bring in new faces which in turn allows for new programming.
Now, why did I bring all this up? Point one is something that you need to ask yourself. What is the value of DTCC to you and are there ways that church can be done to make it more valuable to you? Only if it is valuable to you will you feel a need to support it. The second point is where do we go from here? I'd like to hear from you. I'm sure that you have opinions that need to be heard and will benefit DTCC. Please let me know through calls, notes, or dropping by the office. Meanwhile, let us gather ourselves together this next Sunday for worship in the house of the Lord.
Your pastor
CORRECTION ON "REFILL YOUR CUP DINNER"
On May 2 our Refill Your Cup Dinner will be a Pot-Luck Dinner. This is a night you will not want to miss. Our Early Learning Center children will present our program. Don’t miss this opportunity to support these children, teachers and parents!
At our last dinner of the season, May 9, our entertainment will be provided by our own "Carpenter’s Crew." Mark this date on your calendar and make plans to attend.
OUR PRAYER CONCERNS
is at Baptist East.Mable Parks
LouElla Yelvington is in the hospital in Georgia following a mild heart attack.
Patsy Keith.
Sandra Finley, daughter of Don and Shirley Moore, will have surgery Thursday in Tulsa OK.
Fayelyn Ingram, daughter-in-law of Maurice and Betty, will have gall bladder surgery next Monday in East TN.
Luther Coley.
Mae Anderson.
Helen Fly.
Thelma Brown.
Kay Williams.
Toar McMillan
MEMORIALS
In memory of Laura Poole from Mary Mitchell.
In memory of Malcolm Yelvington from Mary Mitchell.
SYMPATHY
We recently learned of the death of Mary Netterville, wife of Bronson Netterville. Mary died April 17 and services were held at Vine Street Christian Church in Nashville.
STATISTICS – SUN. April 22
Church School 134
Worship Service 234
SALT Service 61
Received April 22 $5,684
Rec’d to date in April $33,307
April Budget Needs $43,163
Debt/Touch the Dream 135
Total Debt/Touch Rec’d $151,504
Speaker for SALT this week will be Richard Jones.
VISITORS – SUNDAY, April 15
We welcomed the following visitors: Sandy Jarvis, Ann McAlister, Janet White, Anna Belle Horner, Heather Haumesser, Briley & Ellis Family, Aimee & Seth McAlister, Susan Abernathy, Amanda Halford
NOTES OF APPRECIATION
God is good and He was certainly good to me and Frank for bringing me through successful surgery.
We owe a deep thanks to our church for the prayers, calls and the many cards that I received. Our Sunday School class furnished meals for a week along with others from the church.
Thanks to Scott and Bob for coming to the hospital to see me. Thanks a million for your love.
In Christian love,
Helen and Frank Fly
REFILL YOUR CUP DINNERS
Have you made your reservations for Wednesday, May 2? If not, be sure to do
so Sunday – we need a fairly accurate count to prepare the meal.
Cost for the dinners are as follows: $5 per adult, $3 per child ages 5-12 and children 4 and under free.
INVITATION
A Bridal Shower honoring Melanie Lewter Doberenz will be held in the Activity Building on April 29 immediately after church. Lunch type food will be served. If you would like to help with the shower, please call Judy or Courtney Sandlin (after 8 p.m.). Melanie and Mark are registered at Bed, Bath and Beyond, Target and Dillards.
ATTENTION BOARD MEMBERS
The date of our May Board Meeting is being changed to May 6th because of Mother’s Day. All deacons, elders, department chairs, and auxiliary group leaders are expected to be in attendance.
ATTENTION: GRADUATES
If you are graduating from high school or college this spring, please let the office know so you can be included in the Graduate recognition planned by the Education Dept.
OPPORTUNITY FOR SERVICE
Our regular Sunday School teachers in the children’s division need a break. If you would be willing to teach from June 3 – Aug. 5, please contact Theresa Utley. We are planning a fun day of training to help you.
CWF GROUP MEETINGS
Lydia Group – Carol Starr, leader, will meet at her home on Tuesday, May 1, at 7 p.m.
Ruth Group – Louise Cianciolo, co-leader, will meet at the church on Thursday, May 3, at 11:30 a.m. Please bring a sandwich.
Mary Group – Ruth Simpson, leader, will meet with Kathy Holt on Thursday, May 3, at 7 p.m.
Little Women will meet Sunday, May 6, at 4 p.m. in the Agape room.
BARTLETT RELAY FOR LIFE
May 19th - W. J. Freeman Park – 6 p.m.
For cancer survivors, each day, month and year is a victory. The American Cancer Society invites all cancer survivors to join our survivors’ celebration and first lap at this year’s Bartlett Relay for Life. We applaud your courage and strength and want you to join in our community’s effort to take up the fight against cancer. Please contact Mary Ann Moats for more info at 373-4497.
The upcoming summer will provide youth with many, many choices of how to spend their time. When you think about all the opportunities available to your youth, we invite you to consider one as a major investment in your youth’s future: church camp. The investment is spiritual, the benefits are eternal.
May Birthdays
2 Deborah King
3 Jo Anderson
4 Cathy Garrett
6 Kelly Scranton
11 Ralph Smith
Eric King
13 Randy King
David Parnell
Amber Trimpler
16 Pat Bussey
Karen Dameron
18 Tenia Hardcastl
Zach Vaughan
19 Kelly McAlister
20 Karen Pilon
21 Virginia Hummel
23 Karlee Barcafer
24 Carrie Calvin
26 Felicia Morgan
Megan Srygley
27 Johnny Brown
Addison Ingram
28 Sera Wooten
29 Bob Doty
30 Bob Williams
Jack Turner
Cheryl Woodall
Patrick Adkins
31 Nick Bussey
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