Decatur-Trinity Christian Church 2449 Altruria, Bartlett TN 38134

www.decaturtrinity.org 

901/388-4511 FAX 901/388-1049

 

July 31, 2001

I have been asked many times about Karen's and my trip to the Synod/General Assembly in Kansas City. People have asked me if we had a nice vacation. My response is that when you attend a General Assembly of The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) you don't get to rest a lot. Most nights we didn't get back to our motel room until 10:30 and we were at the assembly hall around 9:00 the next morning. The shuttle buses were a great asset to those of us who were four to six miles away from the convention center. They ran on time and were very reliable.

 

As I mentioned last week, I doubt that this type of cooperation between the United Church of Christ and the Disciples of Christ will ever happen again. There simply were too many differences. The biggest difference that I saw was in the way both denominations approached their understanding of mission. The Disciples have traditionally taught that if we can show people through the scriptures what they need to do to be followers of Jesus, they will come to understand that we need to show justice to all of God's creatures. The United Church of Christ appeared to me to focus their attention on doing justice, without the scriptural understandings.

 

You may feel that this is nit picking. But I think this is a fundamental understanding of what the scripture is all about. The teachings of Jesus changes lives. Social justice may change lives, but it doesn't have to. We have many organizations that are dedicated to helping the poor and downtrodden. I have belonged to some such as the Lions, the Optimist Club, and for several years, Rotary International. These are all good organizations that try to help the poor and downtrodden, but they have nothing to do with salvation. We need to remind ourselves that our purpose is to win souls to Christ and not simply to talk about justice issues.

 

It is my prayer that we will continue to work with the United Church of Christ as we have for several years with our mission boards. I suspect that we will do that and even exchange ministers on a limited basis. But as far as merging together, I don't see that happening because we do have many differences.

 

Don't let your attendance slip as we enter those "dog days of Summer." It is just hot outside but Fall is just around the corner. See you this Sunday as we worship together.

 

Your Pastor

Mary Anderson.

Jerry Cumberland will have outpatient surgery on Tuesday.

Ann McAlister will have surgery Tuesday at Methodist North.

Betty Holland, Chris Murley’s mother, is at the Med.

Don Morris is awaiting results of tests made last week.

Keith McAlpin, brother of Charles, had his leg amputated recently.

Helen Fly.

Laurine Hoard is in rehab in West Memphis.

A birthday (Aug. 6) memorial for Billie Turner from Jack (debt).

 

In memory of Joyce Bozer from Maurice and Betty Ingram (debt).

We welcomed the following visitors: Crystal Vernon, Verlan Parks, Ruby Parks, Ann McAlister, Sandy Jarvis, Christina Brown, Phil & Jennifer Saylor, Wilma Hoard

Dear DTCC family,

Your cards, phone calls and prayers have meant so much to me during my recent hospital stay.

It’s good to know your new church home extends their arms to embrace you into the family of God. A special thanks to Scott for his "uplifting visits" and to the Dotys for communion.

In God’s love, Ray Payne

Church School 137

Worship Service 228

SALT Service 55

Received July 29 $6,400

Rec’d to date in July $39,026

July Budget Needs $42,116

Debt/Touch the Dream $309

Total Debt/Touch Rec’d $163,777

Speaker for SALT this week will be Bill Parks.

For a few years, I have wanted to take the DISCIPLE I Bible Study, but it just wasn’t the right time. Last year, God’s timing was right, and I took one of the most exciting courses of Bible study I have ever taken. I learned so much about the Old and New Testament books and their relationship between each other. I gained new understanding of the scriptures. I am so glad that I took DISCIPLE I.

Trina Luechauer, DISCIPLE I graduate

Our August meeting will be Wednesday, August 8, at 11:30 a.m. in the Christian Family Center. This will be a potluck luncheon with entertainment. All seniors are encouraged to attend.

We will meet in the Chapel this Sunday because our MIHN program will be using our classroom. See you there!

Join together for lunch and training in tools you can use in teaching God’s word. Led by Dr. Dave Ratzlaff – Sunday, August 12 from noon to 4 p.m. in the Christian Family Center.

After much prayer and consideration, I have decided to resign from my position as Director or Children, Youth and Young Adults. As most of you know, my family and I have been through many changes over the past year. My ability to be productive in my position at the church is just one effect of these changes. But more important than that, my children need me right now. We need this time together. They come first in my life and I know that all of you understand that. I have been so blessed to work with you and your children over the past years – more than you will ever know. I am forever grateful for the love and support that I have always felt from my "family" here. I am tremendously thankful for the opportunities, support, friendships and "parenting" that I have had from Scott, Bob, and Ada. I have learned more from them than I could have ever learned in a classroom – I love each of you. Likewise, I would like to thank all the committees, chairmen and especially the dedicated volunteers who have worked with me to accomplish common goals. You may have only seen me, but it is the people around me that have made it all work – Thank you! Please keep us in your prayers. My faith is strong and I know that God will lead me in the direction that I am to go.

Thank you for everything, Kim Vaughan

1. Danny James

Sarah Parnell

2. Connie Delffs

3. LouElla Yelvington

5. Millie Causie

8. Mallory Taylor

9. Kim Vaughan

Brandon Barcafer

 10.    Lindy Parks

          Pleasant Hoard

 11.    Nell Gaulding

          Mariglyn Ellis

          Carol Starr

 12.    Brenda Bailey

          Trina Luechauer

          Karen Riley

 15.    Mack Bennett

          Wanda Martin

 16.    Bill Gaulding

          Walter Patzsch

19. Bill Coss

Dylan McDaniel

 20.    Sue Smith

Hillarie Reed

 22.    Paul James

 24.    Mac McAlister

25. Ricky Barnett

26. Betty Ingram

27. A. D. Poole

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