Decatur-Trinity Christian Church 2449 Altruria, Bartlett TN 38134

www.decaturtrinity.org 

901/388-4511 FAX 901/388-1049

 

May 1, 2001

Ministers are like the people they preach to; sometimes they like the message and other times they felt it was lacking in what they wanted to say. This happens to me all the time. I am surprised at times when someone comes by and says, "That was a very good message. It was something I needed to hear." All I can do is give God the credit because I may have thought it fell flat. On the other hand there are times that I felt that what I wanted to say was communicated. This past Sunday was such a day. It had to do with the "empty calories" of the world. Nutritionists tell us that carbohydrates are empty calories because they provide a 'quick fix' but have no lasting effect. You eat some carbohydrates such as cookies, candy, cake, pasta, etc. and you feel good for the moment, but soon are hungry again. As I mentioned in my sermon I like carbohydrates and I eat too many. They will add pounds to your body in all the wrong places.

The analogy I was making was to spiritual food. There are too many of us who eat empty spiritual calories. We are feeling down and are looking for a quick fix that will make us feel good. We complain that the music needs to be more upbeat. Those hymns that we sing are outdated and we prefer the songs we might hear at another church. The message doesn't grab us and we aren't quite sure why but it just needs something more. The people aren't friendly enough because only two or three said 'hello' to me. The list can go on, but you understand. We want something that gives us a quick fix to the hollowness of our lives.

I suspect that Jesus had the same problem in His day. The Bible tells us that there were many that turned away from following Him because he refused to entertain them with more miracles. That's all they wanted- a bigger show and Jesus knew that those things would not keep them going when life got tough. St. Paul understood the empty calorie effect when he advised Timothy to "study to show yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth"(2 Timothy 2:16). The real meat to our faith comes from studying the Word of God. And it is there that too many of us fail the test. Is it any wonder that we are looking for the empty calories of the world that excite us for the moment but leaves us hungry again and again?

See you in worship where we can build on faith that will carry us through the valleys of life.

Your Pastor

Jerry Cumberland had surgery last week.

Gene Hadley.

Patsy Keith.

Fayelyn Ingram, daughter-in-law of Maurice and Betty, gall bladder surgery Monday in East TN.

Mary Catherine Grigg.

 

 

 

 

We extend our love and sympathy to the family of A. V. (Toar) McMillan. Toar died last Monday and services were held Thursday. He is survived by his brother Tom and sister Eleanor Palmer of this congregation. 

We also extend our sympathy to Dorothy Weakley in the recent death of her mother.

In memory of Toar McMillan from

Chuck & Mary Fitzgerald

Dub & Nora Carter

Christian Builders Class

Doris Masserano

Mr. & Mrs. Fred Clinard

Mr. & Mrs. Roger Richardson

Cortez & Jo Smith (debt)

Buck & Daisy Avery (debt)

Doris Walters (debt)

Frances Hoback (debt)

Inez Helsley (debt)

Paul & Bessie James (debt)

Helen & Frank Fly (debt)

Maurice & Betty Ingram (debt)

 

 

 

Church School 137

Worship Service 233

SALT Service 60

Received April 29 $5971

Rec’d to date in April $39,278

April Budget Needs $43,163

Debt/Touch the Dream $265

Total Debt/Touch Rec’d $151,769

Easter Offering $1,675

 

 

 

 

Speaker for SALT this week will be Rick Pilon.

We welcomed the following visitors: Hazel Lee, Billy Jones, Jennifer Rieben, Jack Ford, Jason Peternell, Mary-Kate & Meggie Sellers, John Paul Pannell, Sean Paris & Amber, Joseph Loscky, Phil Taylor, Emily Norman, Turner Gipson, Jamie Neney, Amanda Halford, Sandy Jarvis, Ann McAlister, Mark & Melanie Doberenz

Have you made your reservations for Wednesday, May 9? We want to be sure to include you in the count for the meal preparations. Our entertainment will be "The Carpenter’s Crew" – you don’t want to miss this night of fellowship and music!

Cost for the dinners is as follows: $5 per adult, $3 per child ages 5-12 and children 4 and under free.

The date of our May Board Meeting is being changed to May 6^th because of Mother’s Day. All deacons, elders, department chairs, and auxiliary group leaders are expected to be in attendance. The meeting and luncheon will be immediately after worship service.

The Christian Women’s Fellowship will have their new cookbook for sale on Sundays between Sunday School and worship and after services. You may also purchase them at the Wednesday night dinners.

The young adults will be selling chances for house cleaning or a roast beef dinner on May 6, 9 & 13. These chances are $1 each or 6 for $5. The drawing will be held on May 13. All proceeds go the the young adult summer programming. If you have any questions, you may call Debbie Sisk. Thank you for your support!

Have you checked out our web site? If not, you might want to look at it – it’s pretty neat!

The World Outreach Dept. will meet in the Conference Room on Tuesday, May 8, at 7 p.m. All members are urged to be present. 

Jean Goforth, Chairperson

 

 

 

 

The Keenagers will meet Wednesday, May 9, at 11:15 a.m. in the Christian Family Center. This will be a pot-luck with entertainment. Hope to see you!

The Education Department will honor our graduates this year by having a Graduate Recognition Dinner on Friday, May 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the Agape classroom. It will be for all high school and college graduates and their families. Please RSVP to Trina Luechauer by Wed. May 9.

This year’s DTCC rollerskating season will come to a close Friday night May 18. The new season will begin on Friday, September 7. Reserve your time now for your Skating Birthday Parties next year. Contact Dave Luechauer.

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.

Bob Williams has resigned his position of Associate Minister effective the end of May. On June 3 we will honor him with Bob Williams Day. We will have a reception following the worship service with finger foods, cake, etc.

Bob will continue to teach his Sunday School class and he and Jane will still be active in the life of Decatur-Trinity.

Sarah – Carol Rogers, leader, will meet in the Christian Builders classroom on Tuesday, May 8, at 1 p.m.

Tabitha – Theresa Utley, leader, will meet on Tuesday, May 8, at 7 p.m. in the Agape classroom.

The Worship Department will meet on Thursday, May 10, at 7 p.m. in the Disciples classroom.

If you have something you would like to sell or looking for something to purchase or maybe you have a service to offer, you need to check out the "Swap Board" in the narthex of the Education Building. Each square is available for $5 a month to advertise – proceeds will go to the Youth Ministries Programs.

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

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