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September, 2003 Here's My Heart... We will soon see "YOUR PLACE TO CALL HOME" everywhere we see the name Dixie Lee Baptist Church. And, while our new logo will reflect that new theme, I want it to be much more. I want it to become the very "beat of our heart". I want it to say to the people of Lenoir City and west Knoxville, "This is what we want to be!" Over four years ago, upon being called as your pastor, I spoke with my dear friend, Dr. Walter Taylor, Director of Missions in Knox County. Knowing where I was coming, he said, "Congratulations, Jim! What a great church, and it's 'THE BEST KEPT SECRET' in the whole area!" What a statement that made. What did he mean? Not long ago I decided to move my personal banking from Knox County, where I lived for nine years, to a bank in Lenoir City. I walked into my former bank that day, and the teller recognized me as the pastor at Dixie Lee. Pointing to the tellers next to her, she said, "Both of them are members at '___________ Church', and that's all they talk about!" One of the ladies remarked, "Please understand, we know we are not THE ONLY church in west Knoxville. We just believe we are THE BEST!" I walked out saying, "Wow! Is that what our people are saying about their church?" Well, is it? Is that how we feel? It is proven that almost 80% of people who visit a church on any given Sunday, are there because a friend, fellow-worker, of fellow-student invited them to THEIR church, or THEIR Bible Study class. Who do you know who needs "A Place To Call Home"? Have you invited them to YOUR church, or YOUR class? It might just be the difference they've been looking for. God bless you. Welcome Home! Jim Clayton |