Decatur-Trinity Christian Church      2449 Altruria, Bartlett TN 38134

www.decaturtrinity.org 

901/388-4511 FAX 901/388-1049

 

October 16, 2001

I was thinking about the problems that Americans are facing because of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centers.  It truly has made us think differently about the world we live in.  Americans have been accused by people of the world as being snobbish and unconcerned about the plight of the poor nations.  We certainly have been unaware of the stark poverty that men, women and children of the third world countries are forced to live with their entire lives.  Recently, because of the terrorist attacks and Osama Bin Laden, Afghanistan has come under scrutiny by the American people.  There are many things that I did not know about Afghanistan. For example, they are one of the poorest countries in the world. One out of four children die before they reach the age of five. There are numerous ethnic factions that have been vying for power for centuries. They have one of the most mountainous and uninhabitable places on earth.  These are just a few of the statistics that helps me to understand why there is so much poverty and ignorance in that country.  Is it any wonder the people in Afghanistan look at the rich Americans and are envious?  I saw a picture of an Afghan woman in Sunday's Commercial Appeal carrying a basket on her head filled with food packages that were dropped by American planes to help feed the masses.  Each packet was worth approximately $4.50 that equals three weeks wages.  Can you imagine earning $1.50 a week?  No wonder they are devastated as a people with little or no hope for a better tomorrow.  And on top of this they are ruled by a group of Taliban clerics who have more interest in ruling than they do in a social justice system.

I am hurt when I see radical people from Afghanistan and Pakistan protesting against the United States.  I would like to be able to tell them that we are a peaceful people and all we want from them is the same.  We don't like nor approve of terrorism and that is why we are over there now.  Not to hurt the citizens, but to get rid of fanatics that don't care about anything except their own cause.  I hope that some day soon, these people will realize that and be thankful that we can bring peace to their country instead of the fear they now feel.

All of this points to one thing - when Jesus is not the rule for our liver we end up in battles of hatred and killing.  My heart cries out for these people who do not know the savior of the world and will probably live untold generations in fear and poverty and war.  If only we could get the message of eternal life to them I know their lives would improve greatly and they would not tolerate the abuse they now endure from those who claim to be leading them.  As for our part, we need to be asking God to help show them the way to real peace.

See you all in worship this Sunday as we renew our walk with our God.

OUR PRAYER CONCERNS

Bessie James, ICU Methodist North.

Inez Helsley – Appling Health Care.

Clint Warren, Mary Cumberland’s father.

Carrie Mitchell, Don Mitchell’s mother.

Arnett  Winn

Myrtle Sylvester, Nora Carter’s mother.

Guthrie Anderson.

Mannette Foster – Ronald McDonald House. She is there with her 6 yr old child.

MEMORIALS

In memory of Jean Luzier from:

      Mary Jean Morris (debt)

      Dennis & Ray Payne

      Pat Henley

      Maurice & Betty Ingram (debt)

 

In memory of Frances Epperson from:

      Mary Jean Morris (debt)

      Mary Mitchell

      Maurice & Betty Ingram (debt)

      Mon. Senior Bowling League (CYF)

      Fri. Senior Lunch & Bowl League (CYF)

 

In memory of Dorotha Gordon from:

      Ella Kemp

      Maurice & Betty Ingram (debt)

 

In memory of M. L. Parks from Ed and Carroll Poole.

HONORARIUM

In honor of Dub and Nora Carter’s 50^th wedding anniversary from Maurice & Betty Ingram (debt)

VISITORS – SUNDAY, October 14

We welcomed the following visitors: Emily Vick, Crystal Vernon, Janet White, Jessica Yelvington, Robert Jones, Richard McMillian

NOTE OF APPRECIATION

The Archibald family would like to thank all for their prayers, flowers and cards during our recent loss.  Parting with a loved one is never easy, but the experience is always made somewhat easier by the support that a loving extended family like we share with Decatur-Trinity brings.  Even though we are some distance from the doors of DTCC we still feel the love and prayers that have also been a part of this congregation.  Mother always cherished her time at Decatur and Decatur-Trinity and we cherish your love and support at this time.  We thank those who share our sorrow and your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated.

BIRTH - Congratulations to David and Sarah Parnell on the birth of their son, Caleb Joshua.  Caleb was born Wednesday night, Oct. 10 – weighed 9 lbs. 1 oz. – 22” long.  He was at church Sunday with Mom and Dad.  Home address is 3611 Mayflower, 38122.  Proud grandparents are Rick and Karen Pilon.

STATISTICS – SUN. October 14

Church School         121

Worship Service      208

SALT                       60                                         

Corr. Oct. 7         $11,590

Received October 14           $5,965

Rec’d to date in October         $17,555

October Budget Needs          $34,660

Debt/Touch the Dream – 10/7 & 10/14      $1440

Total Debt/Touch Rec’d             $169,704

Speaker for SALT is Jim Sitton

Refill Your Cup Dinner - Reservations are necessary in order to have enough food for every one.  Please make yours Sunday or call the church office by noon Monday! We will be having family type menus.

Don’t forget--- the All Church Retreat at Camp Cordova Baptist Center, Oct 19-21^st! Rev. Joe Bryan will be leading us and you don’t want to miss it!

Elder’s Meeting—Thursday Oct 18^th at 7:00 p.m.

Worship Dept. Meeting – Thursday, October 25 at 7 p.m.

Love Wagon—will be coming around Sunday Oct 21^st. Let’s get ready for our Thanksgiving baskets - a good way to share your blessings!

Outreach Dept. to meet – The Outreach Department will meet on Tuesday, October 23 at 7 p.m. in the Conference Room.  All members are urged to be present.

Christian Men’s Fellowship Breakfast – The CMF will meet on Saturday, October 27, at 8 a.m. in the Christian Family Center.  The regular meeting date was changed due to the church retreat.  All men are urged to attend as a good program is being planned.  Also, there will be good food and good fellowship.  Call Ed Poole at 388-3086 and give him your reservation.

CWF Silent Auction – The CWF is having a “Holiday Silent Auction” again beginning 

Sunday, Nov. 25-Dec 9. We need your DONATIONS!! Items are needed by Nov. 18. Call Trina or bring your items to Trina at church. Thank You!

Fabulous Fall Event – Wilma Bean,  Tennessee Delegate from Crossville TN will be speaking on the Woman to Woman, Trip to Vietnam in 2000. Saturday, Oct. 27^th, at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Be sure and make plans to be there.

CYF selling Domino’s Pizza Cards -  The CYF have Domino’s Pizza cards available for $10.  You can use these cards up to 18 times for one free pizza when another is ordered.  If you would like to purchase a pizza card, please ask one of the CYF’ers for one.  Thank you for your support.           

Chi Rho Retreat – November 3-4 – for grades 6-8 – deadline is October 22 – cost $40 – forms in the office.

Disciples Men’s Retreat – November 9 & 10 at Bethany Hills – Theme: Does Jesus Still Change Lives?  Keynote Speakers: Mark Miller McLemore, Vanderbilt Divinity School & Tyrone Hunt, Walker Memorial Christian Church – Registration is $55 – forms in the church office.

DTCC Basketball – Teams are forming right now!  Please contact Dave Luechauer to see what day and time your age group practices.  MEN – we are having a men’s team this year.  Contact Dave this week to sign up!   Rosters for all teams have to be turned in to Bartlett Parks & Rec. by next week.

Outdoor Worship Center Update – Nathan’s Eagle Scout portion of the project was finished this past weekend – both sides of the benches have been constructed, complete with a bed of rock.  Still to go is the planting of the cypress trees, the building of the altar/fire-pit, and the construction of a fence for security.  Any church member interested in assisting in the rest of the work, please contact Nathan or Dave Luechauer.  (No experience necessary)

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

      Recently, Norris and Frances Carol Smith moved their membership from Faith Fellowship Church back to DTCC.  Norris, the brother of Buddy Smith, grew up at the old Decatur St. Church.  Most of his adult life, he lived away from Memphis.  When he moved back 7 yrs. ago, Norris lived at Wesley Highland Towers where he met Frances Carol.  They were married 6 years ago.  Norris enjoys watching TV and visiting family and friends.  Frances Carol, who has been legally blind for 19 years, was able to receive a successful right eye cornea transplant two years ago.  She is scheduled to have a transplant on her left eye on Oct. 23.  Frances Carol says being able to see again is a real miracle.  She enjoys just looking at colors.  She now can read and watch TV, and is thankful she can walk without a white cane.  Frances Carol also loves to fish (Norris cleans and cooks them).  She has joined the Sarah CWF group.  Please welcome the Smiths.

           Debra Clifton says she was a special birthday gift to her mother, Ann Morehead.  Debra and Ann share the same birthday, April 7.  Debra, who has been visiting DTCC with her mom for almost a year, joined the church Oct. 7.  She is transferring her membership from a Baptist church in Texas.  Debra, married to Terry for 22 years, also has a son Korey, 21.  Debra has been a teacher for 20 years.  Sixteen of those years have been with first graders.  Presently, she teaches at Balmoral Elementary.  In her free time, Debra enjoys painting T-shirts.  Her entry in the recent Mid-South Fair won both First Place and “Best of Show”.  Debra says she wore that T-shirt to school with the award ribbons still attached!  She also enjoys camping, gardening, and just being outdoors.  Debra is the newest member of DTCC’s bell choir.  Please welcome her.  

DTCC 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat

Sunday, October 28th from 6:00 - 8:00pm

CYF Moms will provide dinner

Hot dog OR Chili dog w/chips and drink

OR

bowl of chili, crackers and drink

Scheduled Events:

6:00 - 6:30pm   Dinner served in the Christian Family Center

6:30 - 6:45pm  Costume Contest - Adult and Children's divisions

                        Carved Jack-o-Lantern Contest* - Adult and Children's divisions

                       (*Bring your pre-carved pumpkin to enter in the contest!)

6:45 - 7:00pm  Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt**

                        (**Bring a flashlight and join in the fun!)

                         Hay rides around the church

7:00 - 8:00pm  Trunk or Treating

                         Hay rides around the church

If you'd like to be a part of the "Parking Lot Pack", please see Ron or Kathy Srygley for details!

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