Church

First Baptist Church, Dresden Tennessee

The Dresden First Baptist Church was the scene of a Halloween party October 31, 1971, for grades 1-6

Dresden First Baptist Church Halloween party October 31, 1971, Grades 1-6 Training Union. Each child in their favorite “ghostly” costume. Pam Norman won first price for the best. Many games were enjoyed. Those attending were: Melesa Burch, Teresa Burch, Scott Burch, Danta Butts, Mary Beth Parker, Lisa Beard, Amy Beard, Jennifer Roberts, Jhonna Truitt, Tony Dyer, Patricia Sellers, Bill Sellers, Dianne Watkins, Patricia Permenter, Gregory Permente, Pam Norman, Lisa Finney, Sherry Teague.

CHURCH AND SPIRITUAL LIFE

I was raised as a Southern Baptist and have attended church regularly. My father, Reverand Billy Ray Burch, went to the seminary at Union University in Jackson and studied Biblical Theology. This is where he met my mother, Wanda Faye McCarty, who used to play the piano and organ at a church where he became a pastor. In 2018, my father prepared and gave the Eulogy at her funeral in Fayette County followed by a sermon at the cemetery.

In 1971, we moved to Dresden where he was the full-time Unit Administrator at the National Guard Armory for twenty years. He first joined in high school at 17. When he retired at the rank of 1SG/E-8, he had 40 years of service. He started teaching me military regulations when I was in the seventh grade. He routinely preached the sermons on drill weekends and a jail minister for 20 years. Up until the pandemic, my father tithed more than faithfully and gives and supports several non-profit organizations - there was a list. He lives by the Bible, and I've been blessed to have one of the greatest fathers in the world.

My family first joined First Baptist Church in Dresden in 1971 when it was at the old building downtown where Simmons Bank now sits. I remember it well. Back then, I was in the first grade, and Marshall Anderson was leading the singing at a Sunday Night Service, and he asked who would like to pick a song. So, not knowing anything about music, but I wanted to participate, I nudged my father's arm and asked him to pick me a song and he showed me one, so I raised my hand, and Marshall picked me and asked what song I would like the congregation to sing and I gave him the hymn number and he said, "Well, we just sang that song, but I guess we can sing another stanza. Thank God, there was more than one. I was embarrassed and I crawled under the seats." I told Marshall this a few days ago, and he laughed, and said that was alright. Nothing to worry.

From 1973 - 1976, while living on a 12-Acre farm in the country, we attended Gearin's Chapel Baptist in Greenfield. During a revival by Rev Jamie Summers, in the fourth grade, I asked Jesus into my heart, and I was saved. I was baptized by my father at Gearin's Chapel in Greenfield in 1975.

In 1976, in the middle of my 6th Grade, we moved back to Dresden. Ms Pentecost was my new teacher. In 1979, Jack Is Back held a large week crusade at the high school football stadium. Marshall Anderson was my Sunday School teacher. I remembered and learned a lot from attending those classes. Also attending was Paul and Phil Hutcherson, Terry Powell and a few more. This church has been very blessed to have our Judge playing that piano - capable of reading and hitting every and any note there is - and teaming up with a song leader having a magnificent, perfect voice for over fifty years. And let's also not forget the quartet. I always wanted to "meet" and get to know Roger, a very successful businessman - at least to be somewhat acquainted. I had then switched to a business major with a concentration in Management of Human Resources I wasn't sure if he knew. I existed. That didn't work out since he sends out helpers/employees instead. We bought some of the last bit of carpet he had - enough for two houses.

For several years, we moved our membership to Sandhill Baptist in Gleason to attend church services at Sarah's home church followed by a delightful home cooked meal by Ms. Hargrove every Sunday. I enjoyed my time at Sandhill with Bro. Paul (see video on this site) being my favorite (Footnote here: See also video on this site of Bro. Castleman) and responsible for much of my spiritual growth at that time, help during a crushing, personal crisis, and supporting me in my early career choice - neither of us knowing at the time that I would only attend UTM (A link provided below) full-time as a declared math major before entering the AGR Program.

I am a member of Highland Park Baptist Church in Austin Texas, of which my father visited several times. If I have a driver, I attend Unity Church of Practical Christianity in Cordova and on occasion, Bellevue Baptist. Since 2004, I have gone to various meditation centers, mostly Shambhala and Zen and have studied extensively under several teachers including Robina Courtin and Judith Ragir,

Currently, when able, I attend church and functions at First Baptist as a guest of my father, but much less so since COVID-19, the turn of events, and progression of my chronic neuropathic condition which I'll mention later on this page. I'm one of the very few and only remaining member/visitor going back to 1970. When Dad and I go to church these days, as we've been able, the people are brand new. We don't know or recognize hardly anyone.

Since the majority of church members are unaware of my 20-Year Active-Duty military career - as a way to get to know me - and so I don't feel so awkward standing up on Veterans' Day - I have taken the time to briefly describe some of my military experience and training here with visual content on my "Military" page on this website.

PIANO LESSONS

In high school, I took piano lessons from Mrs. Pritchett. While taking college classes in Dyersburg, I took concert technique piano lessons from a teacher who used to play for Bellevue Baptist. He could hit every key on the piano, missing none, in under three and a half seconds and then taught me to do the same. Although I can, I find it difficult in concentration reading music - there has to be a better way of plotting it. It's too squinched up together - how am I supposed to see that?

MILITARY TRAINING EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND

For fourteen years, retiring after twenty, while on active duty in Alabama, Georgia, Indiania, Mississippi, and Texas

Knowledge and ability to interpret military regulations at all levels has been quite an asset, allowing me to work at almost every military echelon there is, i.e. Detachment, Company, Battalion, Brigade, Division, State, and Joint Commands - to work in capacities much higher than my own rank, that is to include: PV1,PV2, PFC,SPC, SGT, 2LT, SGT, SPC, CPL, SGT, SSG, (in that order), selected twice for WO1, and selected five times for SFC/E-7 positions. I've had the privilege to know and work for and/or assist several generals and be selected for many positions way ahead of my peers. You may view training certificates and military awards by visiting my "Military" page on this website.

I had the privilege to work alongside Fort Hood's 1st Cavalry Division's Assistant Commanding General during multiple training exercises while assigned to the Rear Tactical Operations Cell (RTOC), a small high priority unit, mostly officers, having the best and mostly new equipment of any unit I've seen. With such a few enlisted members, when setting up tents and equipment captains and majors had to pitch in.

I was a Recruiter for two years and won the Victory Challenge contest having ranked in the top 15% of recruiters nationwide and awarded an Army Commendation Medal by a Three-Star General, Lieutenant General (LTG) Roger Shultz. After that I was selected and served as a MEPS Guidance Counselor at the Dallas Military Entrance Processing Station. From there, I was transferred to the Joint Forces Headquarters whereby my career and assignments was managed through the Office of the Adjutant General's Joint Chief of Staff until my retirement on December 31, 2006. On occasion I was the driver for Adjutant General Wayne Marty, a Three-Star General, and attended a couple of his private social functions. I was presented. a coin, along with others, for assisting him in a couple of projects. I served as a Team Leader at the Enlisted Records Branch in maintaining thousands of military personnel records, served on several mobilization teams, assisted in reducing the backlog of discharge records and filled in at the ID Card Section issuing active duty and dependent ID Cards.

It may sound or appear as if I were a garrison soldier, but although never deployed overseas, the majority of my 20 years was in combat units. I'm trained and qualified as a Supply Specialist, Unit Armorer, and Armor Crewman with quite a bit of experiences on tank ranges and field exercises. I can tote a radio on my back through the woods for hours which came as a blessing to other squad members who did better carrying M60 machine guns. I'm a certified Army Master Fitness Trainer and completed Jungle Warfare Training in Panama. Just so you know.

I have quite a few military stories, many on audio and video, if interested. Some may be found on YouTube. Vicky, my Lady Bug, likes listening to them so some has been recorded. She has a dedicated page on this website with a link below. Her page will soon be updated, so check back frequently.

CIVILIAN EDUCATION

I only intended to do one 3-Year tour to help pay for school - but I really loved my job and naturally good at it. I could tell the staff really appreciated me as can be shown in numerous documents on this site. Rather, I completed two tours and spent ten years getting my associate degree and another ten years getting my bachelors. My thanks to my unit, and the Montgomery GI-Bill and state tuition assistance that paid for it (Footnote here: Want these same benefits? YOU CAN! Goto the "Recruiting" page on this website) who allowed me to attend day-time classes here and there as a part-time student.

In the last year and a half of my career, while on Active Duty, I finished my bachelor's degree, completed the academic portion of the LCDC, and received certification as a CART. For these and other personal accomplishments, visit the "Achievements" page on this website.

LEGAL EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND

Go to the "Legal" page on this website to learn more.

VOLUNTEER WORK

My volunteer work is extensive with most organizations featured on this website. They include The Mankind Project USA in five states, Kairos Prison Ministry as kitchen help and counselor, AMVET's, and sheriff's department. Currently, I'm putting together a volunteer and paid team for DoD Volunteer Services, LLC providing a host of services to augment and assist various local, state, and federal agencies. My progress is 'bit-by-bit' and slow going since I am significantly disabled while in major, severe, persistent, chronic pain - having been diagnosed with what is commonly known among the medical community as the most painful affliction known to mankind. It's a progressive illness that "grows" and just gets worse. It's been nick-named "the suicide disease". If you are a person who struggles with chronic pain and need more ideas and ways to manage it, across the board, specifically neuropathic and migraine sufferers, feel free to contact me. A link is provided below.

CONTACT ME

ABOUT THE WEBSITE

ABOUT THE WEBSITE:

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, when viewing videos on this site, be sure to turn on closed captioning. If you are blind, please check back frequently as detailed descriptions of photos and links are constantly being added - slowly as it is much time-consuming. Lastly, ASL (American Sign Langage) will be added to all government related videos - even the DoD's website doesn't have this. Soon, all text will be available in audio, so stay tuned.
This website and services offered has not been evaluated or approved by the U.S. Department of Defense. The use of official logos, though not in accordance with established DoD policy, has been very limited and minimal. It's only purpose is to establish a continued personal affiliation with the DoD. One way of doing that is by acquiring a new generation DoD ID Card having a DoD Number. A second way is by volunteering as encouraged by the Secretary in a video found on this site's webpage. These services are performed at no cost to the government or the public at large, for which it serves. Funding is primarily through donations - a way to "give back", Contracts, and Grants. For a more detailed required disclosure, there is a link to the home page. The limited use of logos, visuals, media, documents, and videos, which are in the public domain, and used with permission, does not insinuate endorsement or acknowledgement by the DoD. Outside the scope of religion, the agency does not endorse persons, activites, or businesses. You will find this disclaimer throughout this webesite. For any additional concerns or questions beyond this site or its LLC members, call 1-800-613-3819 Ext 9.

Contact Me

UNITY AND JASON HALL

UNITY CHURCH OF PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY

UNITY CHURCH OF PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY

I have attended Unity Church of Practical Christianity in Memphis at 9228 Walnut Grove, Cordova, TN 38018, I love this church. They have a lot of extracurricular activities during the week plus some interesting classes. The music is always awesome and inspirational. If you are ever in the Memphis area, you will have to visit. Their site has live stream. www.unitymemphis.org

This link will take you to an audio of one of Stormie's best sermons, "You're Doing too Much" and an audio by Mooji, "Doing Too Much".

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/0cyj7pdq8ch8s9d000gua/h?rlkey=y76eyj9p9c8gh3ynjn7zh0u96&dl=0

Also, Unity Headquarters has a 24/7 free prayer line at 1-800-NOW PRAY or 1-800-669-7729. Even if not needing a prayer, call the number anyway and just listen to the recording. It is refreshing. Be sure to visit the main website: www.unity.org. It's rich and full of resources.

Stormie Steele, PhD, on occasion preaches at Unity. She is one of my favorites. A very strong and spiritually gifted lady. She is the author of "Life Through the Storm - The Journey of Forgiveness."

Life Through the Storm: ~The Journey of Forgiveness: Steele Ph. D, Stormie G.: 9780991616428: Amazon.com: Books

And her and her husband, co-wrote "Life Through the Storm - The Healing Journey - A 21 Day Collection of Insightful Principles."

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Through-Storm-Healing-Journey/dp/0991616413

JASON HALL

JASON HALL

901-498-1625

www.unlimitedblessingsnow.com

An insightful person for advanced topics of spirituality, who also goes to Unity, is Jason Hall. For deep questions and insight, give him a call at 901-498-1625. He is aware that I have posted his number. Engage him into a conversation and ask good questions. Also ask him to say a prayer for you. Expect is to powerful and different than you've ever heard before. He has his own format. it works and it's deep.

His email is majezt1k1@gmail.com.

His website is www.unlimitedblessingsnow.com

He teaches basic meditation skills having completed one of the most intense and strict 7-Day silent meditation retreats there is in the Buddhist Tradition at the Southwest Vipassana Meditation Center in Kaufman, Texas.

Here is a link to a few conversations we've had in 2016-2019 and 2023. I have not listened to them. This is a time when he may have been less pronounced. Notice that the length of phone calls gradually increased and then doubled. I worked with him several years to lengthen his sentences and to expand his spiritual expressions. Not to take all the credit - his expose to other people and taking on a new job at Bargain Hunt helped as well.

The link for audio, photos, and videos:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/n7eclle4f7s7vlpardjfn/h?rlkey=61xo8spo0tpskvkwkldkkj83b&dl=0

PUT SOMETHING HERE

meditation & classes

PU-LIN BUDDHIST TEMPLE

I also attend spiritually related classes at Pu-Lin Buddhist Temple at 3004 S. Mendenhall Rd in Memphis. These are advanced - graduate level classes - much like college. I take notes. They speak Dharma, Karma, transcendence, and The Tao - which means "The Way" This is a very friendly staff, and everyone is so nice. They have three treasures ceremony available for those who wish to take vows of higher moral standards of behavior. There is no meditation practice here. There are a few videos and some photos on their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/PuLinBuddhistTemple/?__xts__=-

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PEMA KARPO MEDITATION CENTER

For Meditation and simple classes, I go to the Pema Karpo Meditation Center at 3921 Frayser-Raleigh Rd, Memphis TN 38128

www.pemakarpo.org

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THE MEMPHIS MANKIND PROJECT

i was a resident at the The Mankind Project Lodge in Memphis for three months.. This is where I became familiar with Unity, Pu-Lin, and Pema Karpo.

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B. Scott Burch, SSG, USA, Retired, B.S., ORDM, CART

Rev. Billy Ray Burch, B.S., Theology, Returns to Church on April 21, 2013, after a life altering accident.

First Baptist Church, Dresden Tennessee

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS CHRISTMAS EVENT

Video