Recently, I went to an area hospital in Memphis to visit someone who had voluntarily checked into a Christian-based psychiatric center.  I went into the main lobby and asked how to get to the center.  The receptionist’s question took me by surprise when she asked if I was checking in or checking on someone.  I almost laughed out loud, but then regained my composure and with a very sane voice indicated that I was visiting someone.   As I rode the elevator up, I chuckled again with the realization that I am checking on someone today, but could be checking in this place tomorrow.  Life is uncertain.  When I arrived at my destination, I related the “lobby incident” to the patient and we both had a much- needed laugh.   The fact is, the receptionist was only doing her job and has no doubt learned not to judge a book by its cover.  We all have preconceived notions of what we think people who have problems, mental or otherwise look like, when in fact, they look like us.

Summer provides many opportunities for people to “breakout” of the ordinary.  It is a time when children are out of school, afternoons are longer, vacations are plentiful, and normal schedules are thrown out of the window.  At DeSoto Hills, we want to be sensitive to all that families have planned for the summer, which is why we are offering “BREAKOUT” on Wednesday nights during the summer.  While we believe the small groups are important discipleship times, we recognize that small groups are hard to commit to with crazy summer schedules.  We want to offer a time for families to come and be a part, but have a shorter time commitment and a larger group of which to be a part.

BREAKOUT will consist of an hour-long worship, prayer, and Bible study service.  We will all gather in the Multi-Purpose Center.  Royal Ambassadors and Girls in Action will still be meeting for the children and H2O will continue for the youth.  All services will begin at 6:30 and last until 7:30. Discovering DeSoto Hills will continue to meet in the Prayer Tower with a new start time of 6:45.  This schedule will begin on June 4 and continue through July 30.

The Bible study will be a look at Spiritual Gifts and how our gifts should be affecting our church.  We want to encourage you to come and learn about gifts and find your place of service in the church.  This study will begin this Wednesday, June 18.  Come and BREAKOUT with us this summer at DeSoto Hills.

VBS is just around the corner. We have been praying, planning, pleading, and promoting, but it is here.  Pray for GOOD WEATHER.  We anticipate large crowds and we have limited space inside.  We need to be able to spill out into the great outdoors.  Pray for GOOD HEALTH.  As I remind you almost every year, VBS is a bone weary experience for the workers.  It is a high energy, fun packed, close quarters, big responsibility kind of week that can take its toll on you.  However, most of all we need you to pray for GOOD PLANTING.  In all we do, we pray that seeds are being planted in all who attend that will bear much fruit.  Our theme this year revolves around the fruit of the Spirit.  What an opportunity we have!  

DEACON ELECTION is just around the corner. It is time for you to nominate men to serve in this critical role.  Ballots and requirements are located throughout the church.  Nominations will be accepted through June 29.  If you have any questions, just contact the church office at 662-890-2452.  

SUMMER is just around the corner. Although the official start of summer does not come until the middle of June, for all practical purposes, we are already there.  The biggest schedule change for us is our Wednesday activities.  You will find that we have made a time change, a format change and a name change.  Our start up time will be 6:30 and we have combined all our different classes into one.  Bro. Grant will be leading a study on spiritual gifts after we share our prayer requests each week.   The only exception to this will be “Discovering DeSoto Hills” which will continue to meet in the Prayer Tower at 6:45 and the mid week prayer group which will continue to meet in M 215.  So I hope you will join us as we “break out” and do something a little different on Wednesdays this summer at DeSoto Hills.