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 7, 2001 |
I was thinking about the past six months and some of the saints of the Church who have gone on before us. Laura Poole, Mae Anderson, Harold Wiginton, and Malcolm Yelvington are just some of those who have gone on to their rewards. We have lost some wonderful people these past few months that added much to our lives. Each one of them lived a full life and certainly one that surpassed the national life expectancy. But they still weren't with us long enough. Then I remember the disciple James who writes in the 4th chapter: "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow, we shall go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.' Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." James is right that we are just a vapor of smoke-here for a little while and then vanishes away. But some of those vapors seem to carry with them a fragrance that smells a little sweeter and lasts a little longer. Such were those saints who have left our earthly realm this year.
Each one of these saints left behind a memory that I shall not forget. Service to others was a trademark each of them had. That service came in many packages. There was bringing cooked dishes to the church pot-lucks and to families who were experiencing death or prolonged illnesses. It was in teaching classes and giving someone a ride to church and then taking them home. It was in sharing a beautiful baritone voice with the congregation about their love of Jesus. Or it may have been in driving the church van for 25 years picking up people and taking them home from church. The ways these saints served their Lord were many and though their lives were like a "vapor of smoke" they did leave quite an impact on those who knew and loved them.
I guess what brought this all about was the news we received about another "pillar" of Decatur Trinity Christian Church, Mr. A.D. Poole. He had surgery this past Sunday and he is not doing well. His health has deteriorated drastically in the past four years. And with the loss of his wife, life has become very difficult. Please put A.D. on your prayer list. He needs to know that though he is not with us physically, we have not forgotten this man of the Church.
There are many more "saints" of Decatur Trinity Christian Church. Maybe you will stop and think about some of those men and women who have gone on and how much they meant to this congregation.
Your pastor
MEET OUR NEW MEMBERS
Several weeks ago Amber Kight, 8, came forward to make her confession of faith. Amber, the daughter of Christie and Sean Paris, was baptized the next Sunday – the same day her new baby sister, Julia Rose, was dedicated. Amber, a third grader at Macon-Hall Elementary School, loves math. She also likes to read and has spent he summer playing and swimming with her friends and cousins. Amber also enjoys music and is learning to play the keyboard. Please welcome young Amber when you see her. She lives with her parents.
Among those attending Amber’s baptism were her grandparents, Gerald and Sharron Paris. Since that time, Jerry and Sharron have visited almost every Sunday. Last Sunday, they placed their membership at DTCC. Although the couple has lived in Bartlett since their marriage twelve years ago, they were not affiliated with any church. Jerry said he’d never found a church that made him feel welcome and comfortable, until DTCC.
The Paris’ met when Jerry’s daughter, Dawn, was planning her marriage to Sharron’s son, Brian. Jerry says he and Sharron never dated until after they were married. Instead, they talked long distance, for long hours on the phone. Jerry was in Delaware, Sharron in Virginia. Six months later, the son and daughter were married. Eight months later, Jerry and Sharron were wed. Now, Jerry says, his son-in-law is also his step-son! (Are you confused yet?)
Jerry, retired from the Air Force, is a therapist. With a Masters in Psychology, he enjoys counseling and has worked in a number of different areas, including geriatric counseling and child abuse therapy. He is presently employed by the Western Tennessee Regional Office as a Psychologist, counseling those transitioning from Arlington Developmental Center into the community.
Sharron has worked as a sales manager for a conveyor manufacturing firm for 12 years. Before marrying Jerry and moving to Memphis, Sharron was a single mom living in Virginia with her sons, Brian and Chris. Jerry and Sharron have four granddaughters, Amber and Julia Rose in Bartlett and two in Delaware. Please welcome Sharron and Jerry.
OUR PRAYER CONCERNS
had hip surgery Sunday.A. D. Poole
Danielle Warhurst – kicked in the ribs by a horse – at The Med.
Don Morris is having additional tests.
Ben & Mary Anderson.
Jerry Cumberland.
Ann McAlister.
Flip Palmer.
Gene Hadley.
Laurine Hoard.
HONORARIUM
In honor of Kim Vaughan for all the hours she has worked with the children and youth. She has been a real asset to our church. Carrie Calvin
NEW MEMBERS
Sunday we welcomed Gerald and Sharron Paris into the fellowship of DTCC. They have been visiting for some time and we are happy to have them join us. Welcome!
BIRTH
Congratulations to Cory and Amanda Cumberland on the birth of their daughter, Stephanie Elizabeth. She was born Sunday night in Jackson TN – weight
6 lbs. 9 ozs. Proud grandparents are Jerry and Mary Cumberland.
DEATH
We extend our sympathy to the family of Bill Stubbs who died in Nashville last Thursday. Services were Saturday.
VISITORS – SUNDAY, August 5
We welcomed the following visitors: William, Mazie & Victoria Manuel, Joe Magee, Jerry Conerly, Norris & Carol Smith, Steven Gorden, Lemuel & Josie Gorden, Carole Jones, Marti Boyett, Ruby & Verlan Parks,Robert & Karen Hayes
STATISTICS – SUN. August 5
Church School 153
Worship Service 241
SALT Service 59
Received August 5 $12,620
Rec’d to date in August $12,620
August Budget Needs $33,784
Debt/Touch the Dream $732
Total Debt/Touch Rec’d $164,509
Speaker for SALT this week will be Scott Pricer.
NOTES OF APPRECIATION
My grandmother, Reitha J. Wesdell, was a member of your church before she moved to St. Louis so that we could care for her in our home. I know she made many friends in the church. I would like to thank the congregation for all of the prayers for my family during this time of sorrow following her death. Your prayers and memorials are much appreciated. Your support has meant so much to us.
Scott & Tracy King and Angela Kunz
It takes a lot of folks to make the MIHN week a success and the people of Decatur-Trinity really stepped up to the "plate" and ministered to our guests in a special and wonderful way. Mable and I wish to thank all who served and witnessed for Christ in this ministry.
Bill Parks
NEW DTCC STAFF
We would like to welcome two new members to our church staff.
Trina Luechauer has accepted the position of Early Learning Center Director. Trina has a degree in Elementary Education and has many years of experience teaching and working with children. Trina has been a tremendous volunteer for our denomination, our church and our community. Her love of God and His children are paramount in her life and we are blessed to have someone of her devotion and experience to run our program.
Debbie Dole has accepted a position in Nursery Care. Debbie is married to Mike and they have two children – Amber, who is a current member of our church, and Libby. Debbie enjoys being with children and we feel that she is an excellent addition to our staff.
We are truly blessed to have Trina and Debbie become part of our church staff. Please take time to introduce yourself to Debbie and to welcome both of them to our staff.
Ron Srygley, Personnel Chair
CALLING ALL TEACHERS
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.
RECREATION DEPT. TO MEET
The Recreation Dept. will meet immediately after church in the Disciples classroom this Sunday. It should not last more than 15 minutes. Department members who cannot attend should call Dave Luechauer.
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 in the next three weeks or come to our department meeting this Sunday right after church.
LOVE PANTRY
We need to start stocking up on staples in anticipation of our Thanksgiving and Christmas food basket needs. Staples needed are: flour, sugar, corn meal, dried beans, pasta, cake & frosting mixes.
Lynda Ford
CWF LYDIA GROUP
The Lydia Group will meet on Monday, August 13, at 7 p.m. at the home of Carol Starr. We will begin our new study – "Many Gifts – One Body." Hope to see everyone there!
Trina Luechauer, Group Leader
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)
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.
ELDERS MEETING
There will be a very important meeting of the Elders on Thursday, August 16, at 7 p.m. in the Disciples classroom.
CHI RHO NEWS
Thank you, Chi Rho, for showing your support for our first meeting and a new start for our journey to raise the bar for Chi Rho. Hope to see you this Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Thanks!
Michael Posey & Joey Weir
A STUDY OF REVELATION
Ever try to read or study the book of Revelation and find it too confusing? 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. You don’t want to be "left behind"!! 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.
CHOIR APPRECIATION
On August 19 the CWF will host a Choir Appreciation Party following church service. Punch, cookies and finger sandwiches. Please come and join us. Please call Carol Rogers to add your name to the list of donors for cookies and sandwiches!
SURPRISE! SURPRISE!
A surprise birthday party is planned for this Saturday night, August 11, in the Agape classroom for Brenda Bailey and Trina Luechauer. Both are turning the grand mature age of Fifty – on the same day even! Time of the party is set for 7 p.m. (when Trina and Brenda will be "conned" by their husbands in making an unscheduled stop by the church for some fictitious meeting. Light hors d’oeuvres are requested. No gifts required, just your presence and fellowship. Please share your most memorable time that you have encountered with Brenda and/or Trina. For a head count – please call Patsy Keith at your earliest opportunity so that we can set up enough chairs and tables.
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