We approach the end of 2007 on a high note at DeSoto Hills. On Sunday, December 16, the church voted overwhelmingly to accept the recommendation of the Staff Search Team. We welcome Michael Bucy and his bride to be, Lindsay, to our staff as the new Minister of Students. They are getting married on December 29 in Christianburg, VA and will be here around the middle of January. It is an exciting new day at DeSoto Hills. All the staff wants to take this opportunity to thank you for your love and support throughout the year.

December 15, 2007
6:30 pm
at the home of
Roy and Judy Stone
3635 Monty’s Circle

Please sign up to bring your favorite dish.
Christmas Ornament Exchange $5.00 per person
R.S.V.P. to Terri

Click here for driving directions

I felt unprepared, unplugged, and even a little unnerved. What could cause such a sensation? I had left my cell phone at home. It was early Monday morning and our daughter, Jami, needed to be at the Marriot in downtown Memphis by 7:30. I am pretty comfortable driving in Memphis, but I am unfamiliar with that area of downtown. I was trying to help her load her things and had gotten down the road before realizing I had walked out the door without my beloved “mobile communication center”. What if I had a wreck? What if I had a flat? What if I got lost? What if I got mugged? How would I ever call for help or for back up? I tried not to panic or become paranoid, but I must confess I thought about the absence of my phone the entire trip. Needless to say, I made it back home unscathed, but that feeling of being disconnected was a sensation that lingered with me all morning. In a short period of time, cell phones have moved from being a luxury to a necessity. We have become dependent on them, but how much greater our dependency should be on the Lord. Being out of touch with Him is much more devastating than leaving or losing your cell phone. Prayer is essential for the health of the believer. Staying in touch with Him is more than a luxury or a privilege. It is an absolute necessity. The great thing about prayer is that you can stay in touch with Him and no special equipment is required.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things…” Jeremiah 33:3

Reunited with my cell phone,

Bro. James

Several weeks ago I attended the University of Memphis/SMU game, which by the way the Tigers won in overtime. I did not attend the game with the “normal” folks. I was snuggly, if not smugly watching the game from the warmth of a 4th floor Media box as a guest of the “Voice” of the Tigers. The floor was an array of activity with coaches, technicians, clock keepers, scoreboard controllers, sound mixers, producers, radio announcers and security personnel. The game was televised so there were two guys in suits giving commentary on camera. As far as I know, they were the only two, other than of course the players on the field, that the TV audience saw that afternoon. However, there was many, many more that made seeing that game on live TV possible. They were not seen and probably did not get much credit for their contribution, but without them the show would not have been possible. This is also true in the life of the church and the ministry the Lord has calls us to do. Some jobs are more visible and more popular than others, but each task is equally important. Paul reminds us that we are the body of Christ and each one of us has a part in it. Your contribution is critical. We just don’t have a game to play, but rather a world to reach with the life-changing message of the gospel.An Interested By-Stander,

Bro. James