Southland Vine The

January 6, 2016 1630 W. Republic Road * Springfield, MO 65807

We will publish the next edition of The Southland Vine on January 27.

Upcoming Leadership Meetings:

Jan. 21 @ 6 PM Elders

What’s Inside …

2-3 General Reminders & Info

4 What MATTers to Me

5 Erik’s Endeavors

6-7 children-youth

7 Les’ Latest (HS spotlight)

8-9 southlandwomen

10-11 Encounter

12 Connect

13 Grow Deep

14 Build Up

15 December serving schedule

16 Live Out

Southland Christian Church ...

equipping you to LIVE OUT your faith

as you ENCOUNTER God, CONNECT with others,

GROW DEEP and BUILD UP one another.

Session #3 begins Wednesday, January 20.

See the “GROW DEEP” section (page 13) for

all the CULTIVATE details.

CONNECT Groups

The start of a new year represents a great time to join a CONNECT Group. Check out page 13 for more information.

During this next

Cultivate session,

we will launch a

new ministry for

kids (3 year-olds

thru 5th graders). It

will be a great time

for kids to learn &

be equipped to

LIVE OUT faith!

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On January 17, we will be recognizing “Sanctity of

Human Life Sunday.” It is a day when we affirm our

commitment to God as the Creator of ALL human

life. As such, we acknowledge that all people –

regardless of the stage of life they are in or any

other factor – all people have value as those created

in His image. Because we are His children, we want

to see life as He sees life.

General Reminders and Information ...

“THANK YOU” Notes

2016 “Souper Bowl” luncheon

Sunday, January 31

after 2nd service

A fundraiser with proceeds

supporting the Middle School

youth group’s annual trip to

the CIY “Believe” Conference.

Each year, our middle school students take a trip to the CIY “Believe” Conference (a Friday and Saturday event). This year, it’s March 11-12 in Kansas City. It’s a great opportunity for them, one we encourage you to support through this luncheon. Stick around after 2nd service and join us for a delicious meal while we help support our young people.

NOTE: If you are willing and able to help provide chili/soups, desserts, etc., there are sign-up sheets available. They’re located in the hallway around the corner from the foyer.

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As noted in the two previous editions of the Vine, the “WE DO!”

section will return at a later time. It’s not that we are moving away

from the covenant commitments in any way here at SCC, just that

we are not including this section in the Vine for the time being.

To share any prayer requests with the Southland church family, you can send an e-mail to us at prayer@gosouthland.org or call the church office.

PRAYER Got Questions? While we work hard to communicate information, there may be additional questions you have about Southland. If so, please contact the office and someone on staff will help you. To e-mail: gotquestions@gosouthland.org.

We encourage you to take advantage of Southland's online presence ... check out our

website to listen to sermons, check out upcoming events, etc. Don't forget: you can also

get updates and information by "liking" our "Southland Christian Church" Facebook page.

From time-to-time, we want to make sure we bring attention to RightNow Media, an exciting

ministry tool that we have available here at Southland.

RightNow Media gives us digital access to a vast library of Biblical content

through online video streaming. It’s kind of like NETFLIX … Jesus-style!

In addition to our use as a church, through our church subscription, everyone connected to Southland can have his

or her own log-in with FREE access to all the content wherever and whenever there is an online connection (via

smart phone, computer or another connected electronic device). If you haven’t yet, please send a request via e-mail

to the church office (info@gosouthland.org) and we will help you get set-up.

IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER ...

It’s that time of year again when wintry weather is becoming a possibility. Unfortunately, there are times when we have to either cancel or adjust our regular schedule because of snow or ice. These changes will be made as soon as reasonably possible (we try to have a decision made at least 2 hours prior to start time) and communicated in these main ways:

On the front page of our website: www.gosouthland.org.

Via an e-mail we send out to our "Vine distribution list.”

We also make an attempt to call those who may not have such “electronic access.” Please do let the office know if you wish to be contacted in this way so we can make sure you are called in the event of such a schedule change.

We encourage you to check in these places for an official word from SCC if you’re wondering about our plans on a particular day. Of course, if you are in doubt at all about conditions or circumstances make travel unsafe, we certainly encourage you to use appropriate discretion.

A note about receipts for 2015 giving ... Receipts are being sent out so be looking for those in the mail. Please let us know if you have any questions. As a

reminder, this is done solely for your own tax-deduction purposes.

We do want to make sure we celebrate this - our general tithe for 2015 finished at $508,537.93 (we run our budget from September to August, but a calendar-year snapshot is still helpful). That’s up $14,000 compared to 2014.

Thank you for your faithful participation in this privilege of giving!

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What MATTers to me … “Theology.” On one level, it refers specifically to what you believe about God (from roots of “Theos” = God and “-ology” = the study of, as in biology or zoology). More broadly, it’s about anything related to God and things of faith: how we answer questions about the world, human nature, sin, salvation, eternity, etc. Unfortunately, there are definite periods throughout church history where theology has been something purely academic, what happened in the so-called “ivory tower.” Over the years, theology has become distracted with questions like “Can God make a rock so big that even He cannot move it?” or “How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?” - they may make for great speculative exercises, but nothing much more than that. All of that has made “theology” a 4-letter word among some who want to be true followers of Jesus - in the midst of living a life for Christ “who needs such meaningless speculation?!” they might ask. Without a doubt, over the centuries of the church, there have been many times where such theological questions become consuming and even detrimental to a real life of faith.

And yet, at its most basic form, any real theology should be practical theology - beliefs not considered for mere intellectual stimulation, but for helping us navigate the realities of everyday life. As we come to know God through His Word, as we strive to understand the One who has revealed Himself to us, as we’re trying to make sense of this life, we’re not trying to speculate, but to apply His life-giving truth to whatever it is we face. I’m reminded of a book I read years ago at Ozark Christian College for a class. It’s titled Who Needs Theology?. After acknowledging the objections and the valid reason for them, the author’s basic premise is this: we all do! In the end, it’s not about whether we will have theological beliefs or not - we all will. It’s about whether or not those beliefs accurately reflect God’s truth revealed in Christ … even more, about whether or not those beliefs become the foundation upon which our lives are built, the organizing center around which our view of the world revolves.

Speaking of practicality, here’s why I mention this. Many times, especially in a culture filled with all kinds of various ideas about God and life, we are faced with situations in which we need something true to hold onto, a foundation that we know can be secure. It’s certainly true that as long as we live in this fallen world, we will see and understand only a part of it all. We must pursue it all with humility and a recognition that our finite brains are so limited in comprehending the infinite God and His ways. And yet, it’s also true that we do belong to the God who has not left us totally in the dark. Through His written Word and, even more, through Jesus, the Word, God has made Himself known to us - we have what we need.

It’s probably not surprising to anyone who knows me much at all that in the midst of recent events, I have found myself processing things in a very “theological” way. How does Scripture’s perspective on human nature and the evil one apply? How does the truth of God’s Word about the temporal nature of possessions enter in? How does Biblical teaching about our response to those who do evil guide us? Perhaps at the root of it all, how does what God has revealed to us lead us to a greater faith and confidence in Him, even in the midst of feelings of being violated, insecure and frustrated? Thanks be to God that He has made Himself known, that He has provided that secure foundation of truth upon which we can confidently stand! It doesn’t mean the answers are always obvious or easy. However, it certainly means that even then, we can stand firm not because everything is as we would choose, but because God Himself makes Himself known to us for even such times! And THAT is why we need theology. That is why I am grateful for a faith that helps us stand in confidence because we stand on His truth.

One more quick note … on behalf of the Martins, THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for your recent generosity (some given anonymously) both during the Christmas season and in response to what we experienced. The goodness of God shown through your love has been wonderfully overwhelming!

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Erik’s Endeavors Do you see history as linear or circular? You may be curious why I mention history when we just entered the new year. Those who learn from the past make a greater difference than those who just move forward with making new year’s resolutions. No one goes into the new year wanting a brief habit change before going right back to their old habits. Unfortunately, most will burn out of the gym by week 3. I go back to the idea of my last article: doing December different. I want to stick to that idea and not just write another watered down article that is a near-culture copy offering the 10-step process on how you can be totally transformed in 6 weeks. There are floods we can talk about, but I want to circle to what’s coming at Southland and build on becoming better.

Noah’s Park, our newest addition to Cultivate, is under construction and is designed to br ing kids deeper in Jesus (see below for more information). It will continue throughout these next few months as part of Cultivate. As I was visualizing on how Noah’s Park will be similar to VBS, I looked into the sanctuary and was reminded of how great the students were in Charlotte Brown’s Christmas. I am getting to see how the Lord is putting it all together. I am studying Noah and seeing so many connections Noah has with Christ. My hope is that this whole Noah’s Park experience will likewise be a bridge that connects students with Christ even deeper.

Speaking of Cultivate, middle school students will continue serving others on Wednesday, but with more focus and processing. Some favorites from the fall are back, but we have also added new projects for the Spring. For Group Huddle, middle school students will still meet alongside the high school group, but our teaching will be on how a devoted prayer life can lead to a powerful legacy for God. For middle school Sunday School and children’s ministries, we are transitioning into new curriculum that offers more creativity and fresh ways to grow in God.

As I strive to become better daily in my life, I carry that principle in working to make these ministries better. I recently found a helpful app I’m excited about! “Strides” tracks unlimited amounts of goals and habits. With the term “resolutions” being overused in my opinion, I have shifted to more of an emphasis on setting goals. It sounds more action-oriented than resolutions. Setting goals also brings to mind James telling us that faith without action is dead. We can make all of the resolutions we want, but without allowing Christ to make heart changes that leads to life changes, those resolutions will likely circle back on the list next year.

Let 2016 be a year of action through strides in being closer to Christ. Take strides to awaken in His Presence. Take strides to be unashamed of the Gospel. Take strides to be a believer that lives different than the rest of the world. My hope for us at Southland is that we take strides to be more like Christ in how we love each other as He loves us and how we serve one another as He came to serve us. May we live out faith in His Story as a circle in encountering Him, connecting with others, growing deep, and building up.

ATTENTION KIDS ... COME JOIN US FOR NOAH’S PARK!

Wednesday evenings during Cultivate for kids age 3 through 5th Grade (flyers will be distributed with more

information). Come and experience the fun while learning to be more like Jesus. You don’t want to miss out!

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2016 Middle School Believe Conference Departing Friday, March 11 @ 1:00pm

Returning Saturday, March 12 @ 9:00pm

The conference will be held at the Kansas City Convention Center (we will stay in a nearby hotel).

“Believe” is a high-energy weekend event specifically designed for middle school student. It’s a short-time that is packed with powerful worship and teaching from God's Word. Featured will be speaker Jeff Walling, worship from the Bryce Osbourne Band and illusionist Brock Gill. For more information and to sign-up, look for the Believe table located in the south foyer.

ATTENTION middle school students and parents … don’t forget the “Souper Bowl” fundraiser luncheon on Sunday, January 31 after 2nd service. We specifically need your help in providing for this meal and actually serving. Many others in the church family will be helping as well, but want to make sure you are involved!

Summer camp Dates:

Beginner Camp (K-1st grade): June 11

Kids’ Camp (grades 2-4): June 16-18

Junior Camp (grades 5-6): June 12-15

Middle School Camp (grades 6-8): June 26 - July 1

Each year, GROUP HUDDLE students put on this event for younger kids. We encourage all to come enjoy a night of games and cheer on our children as they compete in featured events include Ernie’s Luge, the Olympic Bounce, the 2-Man Bobsled and many more. Children will participate on different teams, representing countries from around the world. They will be given a jersey at the start of the games, so be sure to have them wear a light t-shirt for the night. Be looking for sign-up sheets in the weeks to come.

At the conclusion of the games, there will be a delicious dinner from the “International Café of Flavor.” Nursery and child care will be provided for younger children. It’s a great evening of fun for all!

2016 Kids’ Olympiad

Sunday, February 21 from 6-8pm

ChildreN and youth MINISTRIES’ NEWS

On the third Sunday of each month, a group of parents with children has been going to “The

Neighborhoods at Quail Creek” (the care facility across the street from Southland) and hosting a brief

worship service for the residents of the facility. It had been happening at 11am, during 2nd service.

Starting in 2016, that will now happen at 1pm on the 3rd Sunday of each month (January 17 will be

the first one). It’s a great opportunity for families to join in on this service and bless others together.

Anyone wishing to participate can meet us at the front entrance to Quail Creek shortly before 1pm.

2016 VBS

July 25-28

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MOVE is a 5-day event designed to amplify the Christ’s call, encouraging students to become “Kingdom workers.” The conference is open to incoming freshman through graduating seniors.

The cost for this year’s conference will be $339 (that includes travel, meals, housing and registration). A $50 pre-registration will be due on Sunday, February 28.

SAVE the DATES! The annual youth yard sale will be held Friday & Saturday, May 13-14. This fundraiser helps reduce the balance for those attending the MOVE conference.

It’s a party with the best seats in the house. Enjoy an evening of laughter, snacks and the big game. Girls are encouraged to bring a dessert and guys are asked to bring a bag of chips.

The Cobb’s address Is 4711 S. April Ave. (Springfield - 65810). Contact Les for specific directions. Hope to see you there!

Thumbs UP!

After the lock-in on January 8-9, GROUP HUDDLE will resume Sunday, January 10.

Jon Carmichael & crew will be leading worship on the 10th. Of course we will enjoy great food and lessons from God’s Word each week.

Middle school students will focus on the theme of “END UP!” … they will look at the importance of prayer in developing a life-long legacy of faithfulness.

For the first part of this semester, senior high students will concentrate on what it means to “BUILD UP” one another in Christ.

Super Bowl Party Sunday, February 7 from 5:00-8:00pm

Hosted by the Cobb Family (directions below)

2016 Summer MOVE Conference University of Nebraska (Lincoln) July 10-16

Les’ latest + grOUP HUDDLE News

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southlandwomen I sat in my living room very early on Monday morning contemplating and processing all the events of the previous couple of weeks, coming to grips with some of the harder moments and relishing the precious ones. The house was once again quiet after a week of full on family activities and visits. Remnants of our Christmas celebration were still visible: a ribbon necklace Mya carefully crafted for me, a hand-painted canvas from Madeline and the “Grandparents’ Certificate” thoughtfully filled-out by Caleb. Sweet grandchildren’s faces smiled out at me from new pictures that remind me that they are growing up much faster than I want. It is really is true that time seems to go by much more quickly the older you get!

As I was sitting there surrounded by the treasures of family, my mind went to the treasures of life in Christ and one of my favorite passages in the New Testament:

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

- Hebrews 4:14-16

Life can be really, really hard sometimes. It can be hard to process trials in a Christian environment when everything is not rosy. Especially when the going trend of even that Christian culture is that God is supposed to be the “Great Giver of All I Want.” It can be hard to put our struggles and trials into perspective when every negative emotion that comes with struggle (e.g. hurt, anger, doubt, fear, etc.) is seen as somehow unfaithful. Add to that the fact that the enemy wants us to succumb to frustration and discouragement – he is ready and willing to help us follow the path that leads us to the “Where is God?” destination. It is easy to profess faith when everything is right in our world, and yet, some of the greatest treasures of life as a follower of Christ are found in the midst of the trials when we find ourselves at the end of ourselves. We cry out for peace and comfort, but for the most part, only when we struggle. And yet, it is not until we quit striving for our own solutions that we can truly receive what He alone can truly provide – when our minds quit racing for answers and we simply lay down at the feet of God and ask Him to intervene. Even in that, we must be ready to accept that His intervention may not follow the course that we think is most logical.

These verses in Hebrews are a great treasure to my heart for a couple of reasons. First of all, they assure us that Christ has been where we are – that our struggles are not new to Him. That in itself is a great treasure! We don’t have to go to Him with an explanation of the circumstances because He knows not only the what of our struggle, but also the very depths of the why and how of it all. As our High Priest, Jesus lives to be ever-interceding for us. Even when the struggle or trial is not removed from our life, He is interceding to make sure that we are not overcome. Secondly, we are told to approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we can receive mercy and grace. Our confidence comes in knowing whose we are, not in the situation we find ourselves in. It can be hard to know even how to pray sometimes, but nonetheless, we are told to approach Him with confidence - not because we have figured out the right words to pray, but because we know the One to whom we pray ... and we know that we are His!

Sitting in my living room, surrounded by those mementos of family, I thought through the last year and pondered some of its lessons. After all, trial always brings with it an opportunity to learn and grow. I can honestly say that on January 1, 2015 I could never have imagined some of the struggles that were

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headed our way. Nor could I have imagined that 3 days after the start of 2016, I would be able to look back and see how already God had moved time and time again at just the right moment so that we could experience His mercy and grace. This I do know: without Him, our year and our lives would have looked very different as 2015 turned into 2016! I am grateful for so very many blessings in my life – most of them undeserved. I have a husband who loves me and a wonderful grandson whose smile, teasing and fun can bring so much happiness to our home. I have close friends who know what lies behind the smile even when I don’t say a word. I have a great church family who pray and care. Oddly enough, as this new year begins, I would even count the struggle that we are even now in the midst of as one of my greatest blessings. Why? Because it is only when we quit striving – only when we give up control and come to the end of ourselves – that we can truly take in the comfort and peace that He alone can truly provide.

Box Top Girls BTG is for young ladies (as well as their moms and/

or grandmothers) age 8 through 8th grade.

The next BTG meeting will be Friday, January 29.

Moms Set Apart M. S. A. Mornings – January 7 and 21 (9:30-11:30am)

Contact Debbie Jennings … msamornings@gosouthland.org

M. S. A. Nights – January 5 and 19 (7:00-8:30pm) Contact Kristie Martin… msanights@gosouthland.org

For this session, MSA Mornings is using a curriculum called Let. It. Go. by Karen Ehman.

MSA nights is using a curriculum called Unglued by Lysa Terkeurst.

The cost for each meeting is $5 - among other ways, that helps with the cost of childcare

which is provided each meeting time (morning and evening sessions).

Ladies’ bible study 2016 WINTER session

Curriculum: a video series by Priscilla shirer called “The Armor of God.”

9:30 TUESDAY MORNING, starting January 12, 2016

As always, childcare is provided.

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Weekly ENCOUNTER ... a time to gather in God's presence together.

Revisited | Clear the Stage by Jon

It’s a new year and several of us are beginning to fulfill our resolutions for 2016. So I thought it was

appropriate to share this post from a few years back. It’s something I constantly need to remind myself

about, especially at a time so close to the cluttered Christmas season.

There’s a link that a friend of mine posted on my Facebook timeline a few years ago for no given reason.

She simply posted the link titled “Clear the Stage” with no explanation as to why. Because I trust this

friend, I followed the link. The video turned out to be a music video by a Christian recording artist named

Jimmy Needham.

“Clear the Stage” is actually the title of the song. After roughly one and half minutes into the song, I

could not help but feel a heavy conviction provoked by the lyrics. At first, I thought to myself, “Is this

friend of mine trying to tell me that there’s something in my life or ministry that I need to fix?” I mean,

the song obviously has some “this song is for the messed-up worship leader” undertones written all over

it. I am kidding, of course. I know that was not her intentions. However, I am honestly convinced that the

Holy Spirit indeed told her that I needed to hear the lyrics of this particular song … because, to put it

simply, I did. I want to share with you the lyrics to the song. (You can access the full video itself by

visiting YouTube.com and search for “Clear the Stage” by Jimmy Needham.)

Verse 1:

Clear the stage and set the sound and lights ablaze if that's the measure you must take to crush the idols. Jerk the pews and all the decorations, too, until the congregations few, then have revival.

Tell your friends that this is where the party ends until you're broken for your sins, you can't be social. Then seek the Lord & wait for what He has in store And know that great is your reward so just be hopeful. Chorus:

'Cause you can sing all you want to. Yes, you can sing all you want to. You can sing all you want to and still get it wrong. Worship is more than a song

Verse 2:

Take a break from all the plans that you have made and sit at home alone and wait for God to whisper. Beg Him please to open up His mouth and speak And pray for real upon your knees until they blister.

Shine the light on every corner of your life until the pride and lust and lies are in the open. Then read the Word and put to test the things you've heard until your heart and soul are stirred and rocked and broken. Bridge: ‘ We must not worship something that's not even worth it. Clear the stage, make some space for the One who deserves it. Anything I put before my God is an idol. Anything I want with all my heart is an idol. Anything I can't stop thinking of is an idol. Anything that I give all my love is an idol.

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January-February SERMON SERIES After stand-alone messages for the first 2 weeks of January, we will launch into a new sermon series on January 17 that will run through the end of February. Overall, it’s a good time to turn our focus specifically to the Gospel stories about Jesus’ life. After all, the season of celebrating Jesus’ death and resurrection isn’t really that far away (Resurrection Sunday is March 27).

This specific series will be looking at scenes from Luke’s Gospel. We’re calling this series “Close ENCOUNTERS of the DIVINE Kind.” This title and logo plays off of a late 1970’s movie about an interaction with UFO’s and alien life forms (what is referred to as an encounter of the third kind, as in the movie title itself). For our purposes in this series, it’s about observing scenes Luke records about those who had a face-to-face interactions with Jesus - ordinary people who met the fully human and fully divine One. As we observe 7 different scenes, we will consider the significance of those encounters for our lives today as followers of Jesus. On many occasions, we will place ourselves in the sandals of those Jesus met to see how He would respond to us in similar life situations. As other times, we will strive to see Jesus as our example for how we ourselves should respond as we go through life and encounter those in similar situations to those He encountered. Whichever approach we take, it will be an opportunity to use these interactions recorded by Luke to reflect on God’s message to us through them.

NOTE: During this series, we want to encourage you to be reading the book of Luke. While we will only be looking specifically at 7 scenes, it will be good to get such a broader perspective from reading it all.

If you miss a sermon, you can catch it online! Go to the "Sermons & Media" tab on the home page of our website. Once there, click "Launch

Sermon Player" to find the one you want to hear.

As a worship leader, it is extremely easy to get lost in the midst of song sets, rehearsals, the stage, the

lighting, the sound and, yes, even the people. I often forget what this concept we call “worship” really

means. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6 that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” In

worship, God desires our hearts to be in His possession, not in the possession of our jobs, our homes, our

entertainment, our friends or even our families.

But if we treasure any of these things (meaning we put the majority of our time, energy and passion into

them instead of Him), they become where our hearts truly rest. They become our idols. In that case, I

personally have many idols in my life I need to crush and set ablaze before my God, and this song

reminded me of that fact. My life can be so busy and focused on pointless and finite things – things that

can cause my relationship with my heavenly Father to take a back seat.

So what are some of your idols? Where is your treasure? Where is your heart? Where will it be in 2016

and beyond? The word pictures the author uses to describe distractions and idols in our life can really

relate to anyone. In the case of the song, sound, lights, pews, decorations and any form of church

“staples” had become idols — it may be the same in your case, as well. But the songs message is clear;

whatever keeps your heart from fully belonging to God needs to be crushed. “Clear the stage and set

the sound and lights ablaze, if that's the measure you must take to crush the idols …”

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CONNECT Ministries ... a place to discover Christian community.

We have designed our CONNECT Ministries to help people discover Christian community. They provide the right kind of place to

build relationships with other believers, pray with and for one another as we strive to follow Jesus faithfully and consider how

God’s Word applies to our lives. See the flyers available by the CONNECT banner in the foyer for additional information.

The start of the new year is obviously a great time for fresh starts and even starting new habits. One of the ways we would encourage you in your involvement at Southland at this time of year is to make this the time when you find a way where you can CONNECT with other believers. For the past few years, these groups have helped us experience community in Christ. It’s been a great way for us to grow together as we’re equipped to live out faith in Christ!

Part of it is about a place where we can learn together - with and from one another. During weekly meetings, each group uses various curriculum to reflect on how God’s Word applies to the life situations of those in the group. Below, we have highlighted the current materials being used (along with the details about when and where they meet). If you’re not a part of a group, please find one that fits you.

CONNECT Groups that meet at 9 AM on Sunday mornings:

LAUNCH (Room #5) … taking a break from video curriculum, Les will be developing his own curriculum for this group’s use over the next several weeks.

Free at Last (Fellowship Hall) … this group continues on in a video series by Ray Vanderlaan, founder of “That They May Know Ministries.” The series (by the same basic title as the ministry) covers a wide variety of themes throughout Scripture. Overall, it strives to help communicate the message of God’s Word from within its original historical and cultural context.

The Refuge (in the Gathering Room - off the Great Room) … for the rest of January and even beyond, this group is using a RightNow Media series from Francis Chan on the book of James. It’s a series that reflects on what it means to live a life of real faith in Christ.

The Morning Branch (the Great Room) … they will be finishing a RightNow Media series called “Work as Worship” in early January before moving on to the next series.

CONNECT Groups that meet at 10:30 AM on Sunday mornings:

Free at Last (Room #6) … they are currently in the midst of the same “James” series mentioned above.

Empty Nesters (in the Fellowship Hall) … for the months of January and February, this group is doing a video series through the book of Ecclesiastes by Tommy Nelson. The series is called “A Life Well Lived.”

CONNECT Groups that meet outside of Sunday mornings:

The Evening Branch … Sundays at 6 PM @ Ben & Debbie Jennings’ house (see the CONNECT Group flyers for an address) - in January, this group is starting a 5-week video series on the book of Daniel called “Thriving in Babylon.” It will help us how can not only survive, but thrive in the midst of ungodliness.

The revamped 242 … Sundays at 7 PM @ Jon and Katy Carmichael’s house (again, see the CONNECT Group flyers for an address). They are doing a series called “The Time of Your Life” by Andy Stanley.

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G ROW DEEP Ministries ... an opportunity to plant deep roots in Jesus and God's Word.

At Southland, a significant part of what we do is designed to help people GROW DEEP. This happens through our Deeper Life

Groups (a.k.a. "D-Groups") as well as other opportunities like Ladies Bible Study. Beginning in September 2015, it has also included

our new Wednesday evening ministry called “CULTIVATE” (see below). Though each one is somewhat unique in its format, they all

have the same basic purpose: to help us plant deep roots down into Christ and God’s Word (see Colossians 2:6-7).

We have already provided information via posters around the building as well as flyers. But,

we wanted to go ahead and make sure we re-emphasize those details here.

Like the 2 others before, this CULTIVATE session will run 6 weeks - from January 20 through

February 27 (it gives us an extra week before Spring Break, a good buffer for weather-related

purposes this time of year).

For this third session, we will be all together for a study

called “VANTAGE POINTS … Understanding and

Responding to Those with Different Perspectives.”

Essentially, this is a study on worldviews and religions.

Dave Embree from Christian Campus House at MSU will

be leading this session. It is very clear that there are

many people in the world who do not think like us or see

the world like we do. So, how do we handle this reality? Not only will this session help us learn

more about the ideas embraced by others, on an even greater level, it will help us be better

equipped to respond in love to people holding those perspectives with the truth of Christ.

OTHER DETAILS:

To help us with meal preparation, we would appreciate your RSVP (this can be done

either in the foyer at the CULTIVATE table or in your CONNECT Group). You have the

option of signing-up for the whole 6-week session or by specific week. Meals will again

be $2/individual with a maximum of $10/family.

See the children and youth pages for details about specific programming for ages 3

through middle school (high school students will be in the session with Dave). Of

course, childcare will also be available for ages 2 and younger.

NOTE: Ultimately, CULTIVATE is not intended to replace another GROW DEEP opportunity, but to offer another option. For example, if you are a part of a Deeper Life Group (D-Group), we encourage you to continue on in that! In fact, to become a part of such a group, you can still submit a neon card (available at the Welcome Center) to let us know you are interested.

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As we come out of the Christmas season, there are a

few people/groups we need to make sure we thank for

the ways they have served.

THANK YOU to those who worked with our kids throughout the Fall for the 2015 Children of

Praise performance. Jon Carmichael led the team with assistance from April Carmichael,

Katy Carmichael, Terra Gegg, Amelia Latimer and Brenda Moreau. David Carmichael

(lights) and Karl Simpson (sound) also offered help with the performance. Thanks for the

work you did in working with the kids and helping to put on such a great production!

THANK YOU to those who served as part of the worship team for 1st service during December

(as well as Christmas Eve). Susan Gouge led the team. Tami Barrett and Amelia Latimer

served as lead singers. Instrumental help was provided by Alex Cobb, Jill Cobb and Jeff

Gouge. In addition to those on stage, Bart Barrett (computer) and Marty Hamm (sound)

provided some “behind-the-scenes” (but essential!) service. Thanks to each one of you for

using your giftedness to lead in this capacity!

THANK YOU to Carolyn Burros and her family who served by decorating the building for

the Christmas season. The simple-yet-significant décor certainly helped to provide the right

kind of atmosphere as we celebrated the remarkable story of the birth of Jesus the Messiah!

This section of the Vine provides a central place for you to be informed about how to become active in service at Southland. One of our major priorities is to be a place where God's people BUILD UP one another. In fact, according to Ephesians 4:16, the overall health of the church (the Body) depends upon each part doing its "own special work." Through our acts of service, God uses us to help others grow. At the same time, here’s what is beautiful about God's design: what we do for the benefit of others even has benefits for our own growth as followers of Jesus. That's why we share this section with you. While we cannot include every potential opportunity to serve, we want to (1) highlight some specific areas where we need help, (2) make you aware of special opportunities to serve and (3) provide a place to thank some of our volunteers.

To volunteer to serve in any area of ministry, please fill out one of the BLUE "Build Up" response cards at the Welcome Center. We will pass your name along to the appropriate leader.

Opportunities to BUILD UP ... a way to serve others and even help ourselves grow.

Specific OPPORTUNITIES to SERVE & “BUILD UP” the BODY

At the Welcome Center, we have provided flyers with specific ways people can serve and

BUILD UP one another here at Southland. If you’re looking for a specific way to get involved,

we encourage you to take a look at these materials and find the right place for you. It matters what

we’re doing as followers of Jesus beyond the church walls as we LIVE OUT faith. And yet, it also

matters what happens when we’re here together as a church family! That’s why each one of us

needs to participate in serving and BUILDING UP one another within the Body.

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SERVING SCHEDULE – January 2016

Communion Prep: Amy Ritz (weeks 1-2), then Warren & Carolyn Burros (weeks 3-5)

Greeters Welcome Center Foyer Hosts

1/3/16 - 1st

1/3/16 - 2nd

Empty Nesters (8:45-9:10)

The Refuge (10:15-10:40)

Wilber Kaylor/Sue Malina (8:45-9:10)

Scott & Judy Schiller (10:15-10:40)

AJ & Terra Gegg

Warren & Carolyn Burros

1/10/16 - 1st

1/10/16 - 2nd

10:30 Free at Last (8:45-9:10)

The Branch (10:15-10:40)

Catherine Correll (8:45-9:10)

Tony & Kim Flatt (10:15-10:40)

Bob & Liz Wood

Ernie & Charlotte Emmerton

1/17/16 - 1st

1/17/16 - 2nd

Empty Nesters (8:45-9:10)

Launch (10:15-10:40)

Jerry & Brenda Doty (8:45-9:10)

Joe & Suzi Bryant (10:15-10:40)

Terry & Brenda Ochs

Jay & Kim Tyler

1/24/16 - 1st

1/24/16 - 2nd

10:30 Free at Last (8:45-9:10)

9:00 Free at Last (10:15-10:40)

Pat Burge/Dorothy Marti (8:45-9:10)

Ken & Debbie Nelson (10:15-10:40)

Mike & Carolyn Owen

Bill & Pam Foster

1/31/16 - 1st

1/31/16 - 2nd

Empty Nesters (8:45-9:10)

The Refuge (10:15-10:40)

Keith & Christy Wall (8:45-9:10)

Dennis & Kay McCann (10:15-10:40)

Pat & Debbie Little

Steve & LeeAnn Marsh

Servers 1st Service 2nd Service

1/3/16 Various People Mark Miller team

1/10/16 Various People Doug Graves family

1/17/16 Various People Ben Jennings team

1/24/16 Various People Les Londeen & Youth Group

1/31/16 Various People Les Londeen & Youth Group

Nursery check-in 1st Service 2nd Service

1/3/16 Linda Jones Jill Cobb

1/10/16 Jill Sims Debbie Gray

1/17/16 Lacey York Susan Graves

1/24/16 Stacy Gambill Amanda Miller

1/31/16 Debbie Nelson Amanda Butler

Nursery 1st Service 2nd Service

1/3/16 Linda Jones/Donna Lillard Jill Cobb/Kris & Natalie Wuerch

1/10/16 Jill Sims/Cheryl McAnally Debbie Gray/Kayla Gray/Jenelle Smith/Ezri Smith

1/17/16 Lacey York/Carissa Virtue Graves family

1/24/16 Stacy Gambill/Joy Shearin Amanda Miller/Abbi Miller/Emily Owen/Ciara Romero

1/31/16 Debbie Nelson/Pam Sewell Amanda Butler/Rick & Anna Lamar

CPU (in service) 1st Service 2nd Service

1/3/16 Alexis Simpson Sonya Simpson

1/10/16 Dan Gray Dan Gray

1/17/16 Simeon Martin Jay Butler

1/24/16 Cameron Flatt Sonya Simpson

1/31/16 Sonya Simpson Alexis Simpson

Wee Cruisers’ Leaders Li’l Crusiers’ Leaders Cruisers’ Helpers

1/3/16 Kristin Londeen/Emily Weber Sara Emmerton/Shelby Ritz Amber N./Javan L.

1/10/16 Andrea Conboy/Cindy McMillian Sara Emmerton/Lizzie Kilgo Andy & Donna L./Noah W.

1/17/16 Judy Schiller/Aimee Garrett Sara Emmerton/Jessica McAnally Brad & Ashley W./Luke B.

1/24/16 Brad & Marsha Foster Sara Emmerton/Katie Kilgo Andy & Donna L./Kayla B.

1/31/16 Ceci Drake/(helper) Sara Emmerton/Ezri Smith Les L./Wes H.

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LIVE OUT Ministries

... a path for putting faith into action.

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,

especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

- Galatians 6:10

OPPORTUNITIES TO “LIVE OUT” YOUR FAITH

One of the key purposes of the G6:10 Ministry is to offer opportunities for us to LIVE OUT faith (see the theme

verse of Galatians 6:10). That is not so much about creating new events, but helping to keep the SCC family aware

of events that are already happening, especially with our local ministry partners. The goal is not for everyone to

participate in every single event. Rather, we want to lay these opportunities before you so you can decide how/

where/when to participate. We want to provide you with some very specific ways you can participate in Kingdom

work as you LIVE OUT your faith!

The next G6:10 Ministry meeting will be Thursday, January 14 at 6pm.

To keep you informed about Southland’s foreign missions partners, we strive to provide updates when available in the alcove of the auditorium (by the map). This is really the only way one of our partners can communicate with us. Their location makes any online presence too risky from a security standpoint. We do make their newsletters

available as they come in.

There is a website for the “Central India Christian Mission.” Check out www.indiamission.org for more information about some of the global Kingdom work we get to partner in here at

Southland. You can also “like” their Facebook page for ongoing updates.

Our newest “foreign partner” is an organization called “Life of Hope Ministries” (you can check out their website at www.lifeofhope.org). This group has ministry partners on the ground in Guatemala. In essence, we are partnering with them in supporting the work that

is being done. It’s another way we can participate in furthering God’s mission globally.

“THANK YOU!!” … to all who participated in bringing pajamas for young people at

the Show-Me Christian youth home. While it was originally going to be opened to everyone,

in the end, it was covered primarily through the Empty Nesters + 2 Free at Last CONNECT

Groups. Thanks for LIVING OUT faith in this way!

As part of “Sanctity of Human Life Sunday” (January 17), we will be highlighting the

Pregnancy Care Center - one of our local ministry partners. This is one more great

place where you can LIVE OUT your faith!

We were recently given a gift from the PCC celebrating their 15 years of ministry - a picture book

showing some of the lives God has used them to bless. It’s available for you to see in the alcove.