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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August 14, 2001 |
For the next two or three weeks I would like to introduce a subject that is near and dear to my heart and I hope will be to your heart as well. I want you to think about what I am writing and then be prepared to discuss your thoughts with others when the time comes. In order for all of us to be on the same page I am going to assume that we will agree that our mission as a church is to "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age"(Matthew 28:19-20).
I think that we all agree with this mission statement. We are to win people to Christ. But how we do Church is something else. With the 385 separate denominations in this country there are a wide range of avenues whereby people can be reached. As Disciples we have never proclaimed that our way is the only way. In fact Alexander Campbell often said "We are Disciples only, not the only Disciples." Based on the statistics of recent years one could argue that even Disciples of Christ have forgotten how to win souls for Christ. Many of my remarks over the next few weeks are being stimulated by Dr. Richard Hamm's new book, 2020 Vision. As he looks to where the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) need to be in 20 years he makes many observations that Disciples need to look at.
One of his first points is that "Many of our congregations and related institutions remain firmly rooted in the 1950's" (page 2). He talks about the social, cultural, and financial changes that have occurred these past 40 years, but we as part of the Church have largely ignored them. He continues with the comment that "It seems many of us have come to believe that our mission is merely to keep the church doors open so that anyone who wishes can meet us there. But these days, very few people wish to meet us there!"(page 2).
I would like for you all to think about this. Begin to ask yourself "How are we
reaching the people of Bartlett, Cordova, Lakeland, Raleigh, Frayser, Germantown, and Memphis and all the other communities that surround us?" Do we need to do things differently? It is my hope that down the road we will gather to discuss Decatur Trinity Christian Church and what our hopes and vision are for the future. Please think on these things.
Look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday.
Your Pastor
OUR PRAYER CONCERNS
– Methodist North – had a stint put in on Monday.Floyd Johnson
Lem Gorden
A. D. Poole.
Danielle Warhurst.
Don Morris.
Ben & Mary Anderson.
SYMPATHY
We extend our Christian love and sympathy to the family of Howard Lipsey. Mr. Lipsey, Mary Reasor’s brother, died Friday and his funeral was Monday at Forest Hill Midtown.
We also extend our sympathy to the family of Robert Butterly who had a heart attack and died in San Antonio Friday. His service is scheduled for Wednesday.
NEW MEMBERS
Sunday Norris and Carol Smith came forward to place their membership at DTCC. Welcome!
VISITORS – SUNDAY, August 12
We welcomed the following visitors: Randy West, Jack Ford, the Winns, Sandy Jarvis, Janet White, Jamie Noerper, Crystal Vernon
STATISTICS – SUN. August 12
Church School 131
Worship Service 247
SALT Service 46
Received August 12 $5,563
Rec’d to date in August $18,183
August Budget Needs $33,784
Debt/Touch the Dream $492
Total Debt/Touch Rec’d $165,001
Speaker for SALT this week will be Rick Pilon.
NOTES OF APPRECIATION
Thanks to all of you good people – Thanks so much to each and every one of you. Your kindness meant so much and I thank all of you for your thoughts, cards and prayers. May God bless each and every one of you. Christian love, Laurine Hoard
Dear Friends,
Thanks for your prayers, calls and cards while I recuperate from cataract surgery. Being allergic to medication complicated and delayed the healing process.
My vision is improving daily and I plan to be back in Sunday School and church soon.
Much love, Quindel Keith
A big vote of thanks to Walter Patzsch for repairing the broken door frame in the narthex.
Frank Fly, Property Chairman
WOW! It’s great to be 100! Thank you for a delightful celebration surprise. It’s wonderful to share milestones with church family. The food, fellowship, and well wishes were appreciated. We love you!
Brenda Bailey & Trina Luechauer
CHRISTIAN MEN’S BREAKFAST
The CMF will meet on Saturday, August 18, at 8 a.m. for its regular monthly breakfast. We will have good food, good fellowship and good entertainment. The entertainment will be a duo who sing and play gospel, jazz and blues. Call Ed Poole and give him your reservation.
CHOIR APPRECIATION TEA
Join us after worship this Sunday, August 19, in the Christian Family Center to honor the choir. Punch, cookies and finger sandwiches.
ROLLERSKATING REMINDER
Roller-skating will resume in the Christian Family Center on Fridays starting September 6 – Same time 7 – 9:30 p.m. – Same cost $2 – but more fun! Any adults who are interested in working the concession stand or on the floor as a referee or disc jockey, please contact Dave Luechauer.
EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Curriculum based program for 3 & 4 yr. olds.
Classes for ages 1-4 (Pre-K)
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
(Wed. for 4 yr. olds only)
9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Fall classes for our mother’s day out program will begin on Tuesday, September 4. If you would like to enroll your child, please call Trina Luechauer, Director, in the ELC office at 388-2136.
TCWF FALL RETREAT 2001
Calling all Disciples Women in Tennessee! You are invited to attend what is bound to be one of the best Fall Retreats ever. Mark your calendars for Sept. 22-23 as Resource Leader, Rev. Jane Lawrence, leads us in an exciting time of personal reflection and spiritual renewal at Bethany Hills. She is the Vice President for Education and Mission of the Christian Church (DOC).
For persons who do not want to spend the night at Bethany Hills, there is a $25 day-only charge. Those wishing to stay overnight Saturday/Sunday must pay $40. See Carol Rogers or any group leader for registration forms – deadline is Sept. 12.
A STUDY OF REVELATION
The Serendipity Sunday School Class with Rick Pilon as leader will begin a study of Revelation beginning Sunday morning Sept. 9. Come join us and learn what this book is all about and why it is being so talked about these days. Call Rick if you are interested so we can have enough materials for everyone.
BIBLE STUDY TO BEGIN
Disciple Women’s Ministries is gearing up for another exciting and life-changing Bible study. We will be using Beth Moore’s Breaking Free for the 11-week study, from September 7 - November 16. There will again be two opportunities for women to participate. Thursday evening classes, led by Ginger Moore (no relation to Beth), will be from 7 – 9 p.m. Friday morning classes led by Patsy Keith and Jo Ann Rimer will run from 9 – 11 a.m
If you’ve never participated in one of Beth Moore’s Bible studies, come join us in a wonderful opportunity to grow in your relationship with God. Breaking Free is designed to help us identify spiritual strongholds in our lives – things that block us from living an abundant, joy-filled life in Christ.
The weekly study requires about 45 minutes of daily preparation time. We gather for small group discussion the first hour and then enjoy Beth’s teaching, via video, the second hour. Introduction session will begin Sept. 6 (Thurs. night) and Sept. 7 (Fri. morning). You are welcome to attend the intro and then make your decision. The study will run until November 15 & 16.
Sign up sheet will be on the office window in the narthex. Cost is $13. Babysitting is available if needed. Call Patsy for more information.
WEST AREA ASSEMBLY
The West Area Assembly will be held at Kingsway Christian Church, Saturday, August 25, from 1 – 6:30 p.m. The theme is "Let Your Light Shine." There will be workshops designed to enhance your congregation’s ability to let God’s light shine through them. Dan Moseley, professor at Christian Theological Seminary will be the Keynote speaker. Music will be provided by "The Eleventh Chapter" of DTCC, the children’s choir of Walker Memorial and the handbell choir of Central. There will be books, displays and great food provided by Corky’s.
Workshops and leaders will be: Using Media in Worship – Jay Hutchens & Mike Redfearn; Spiritual Leadership of the Elders – Dan Moseley; Leading a Congregation through Conflict – Dan Moseley; Seven Marks of Healthy Congregations – Rebecca Ball Hale; Team Building – Denise Bell; Haiti – Glen Stewart; Youth – Rob Smith and TCYF Cabinet; Children – Tommy Henegar. Information on the workshops is on the bulletin board in the narthex. Deadline for registration is August 22 – registration forms are on the table in the narthex.
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