Southland Vine The

December 19, 2012

1630 W. Republic Road * Springfield, MO 65807

417.881.7405 * gosouthland.org

Leadership Meetings: > Ministry Council: Thursday, Jan. 3 @ 6 PM > Elders' Meeting: Thursday, Jan. 17

@ 6 PM

Southland Christian Church ...

equipping you to LIVE OUT your faith

as you ENCOUNTER God, CONNECT with others,

GROW DEEP and BUILD UP one another.

The next edition of The Vine - Jan. 23

2013 SCRIP order dates: Jan. 7 & 21 - Feb. 4 & 18 - Mar. 4 & 18 Apr. 1 & 22 - May 6 & 20 - June 3 & 17 July 8 & 22 - Aug 5 & 19 - Sept. 9 & 23 Oct. 7 & 21 - Nov. 4 & 18 - Dec. 2 & 16

(Orders need to be placed by 8 AM.)

Southland's Enrollment Code:

7B6FE6772LL91

What’s Inside…

2-3 General Reminders (for all)

3 "Thank you" notes to Southland

4 What MATTers to Me

5 Les’ Latest

6-7 southlandwomen

8 Encounter

9 Connect

10 Grow Deep

11-12 Build Up

13 January 2013 Serving Schedule

14 Live Out

Southland’s

Christmas Eve Service December 24th at 6 PM

The Elders & Staff of Southland Christian Church

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GGeenneerraall RReemmiinnddeerrss ffoorr AALLLL ......

PRAYER …To share requests with Southland, please submit them via e-mail to prayer@gosouthland.org or call the office.

As hard as we work to communicate all the right information, we are know there may be additional questions you have about Southland ... especially if you are new around here! If you do, please contact the office and someone on staff will help you out. We also have an e-mail address (gotquestions@gosouthland.org) where you can submit any questions you might have.

OFFERING ENVELOPES ... For 2013, instead of giving our families a box of offering envelopes for each Sunday of the entire year, we are going to bundle them in sets of 20. These new envelopes will not be "coded" with a number, but are generic - blank except for a spot to write in a name. This will still allow us to keep records for purposes of tax deductible giving. We will have these available as soon as they come in.

IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER...

There are times when we may have to either cancel or adjust our schedule due to winter weather. These changes will be made as soon as reasonably possible and communicated in these two main ways:

* On the front page of the website: gosouthland.org * Via e-mail to our "Vine" distribution list (to have your e-mail address added to this list, contact the office)

The “SOUPER” BOWL Luncheon

Featuring Chili, Soups & Sweets

Sunday, January 27th at 11:30 AM

Proceeds benefit our Youth attending BELIEVE Conference

The “SOUPER” BOWL Luncheon

Featuring Chili, Soups & Sweets

Sunday, January 27th at 11:30 AM

Proceeds benefit our Youth attending BELIEVE Conference

COMING SOON ... Ozark Christian College's "Preaching and Teaching Convention" - February 25-27, 2013.

An opportunity to take a quick trip over to Joplin for a time of refreshment and encouragement. Maybe it's just for a day. Maybe it's just for an evening. It will be worth whatever time you can give to make it happen.

For more information, contact the office or check out the OCC website (http://occ.edu/PT).

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2 SPECIAL MEETINGS coming in JANUARY

January 6 Appreciation dinner/meeting for all youth Sunday School teachers after 2nd service.

January 13 Lunch meeting for all Connect Ministry leaders after 2nd service. Please make sure we have at least 1 representative from each group (as many leaders as possible would be appreciated).

From Amy Ritz and Lori Hembree (Children of Praise Leaders): “How amazing it is to see God bring to

completion the efforts and talents of His children. That’s exactly what we got to be a part of and witness the last four

months. Thanks parents, church family, and staff for supporting us and the children so we can minister together

through Children of Praise. Thank you for the beautiful flowers and the gift cards.”

From Michelle Meakins (Recipient of Thanksgiving basket): “Thank you so much for the food basket. It meant

the world to me. My family really appreciated the thought and effort from your church. We are truly blessed.”

From Pam Foster (following her surgery): “Thank you so much for the flowers, the food, the cards and prayers.

Thank you for all the calls as well. What a wonderful church to be a part of. I love you all.”

From Liz Wood: “Thanks to each of you for the beautiful flowers. They were definitely the bright spot in my day –

and continue to give me a smile! I appreciate your prayers.”

Betty Hein sent a card of thanks signed by many of her family members thanking us for the dinner we served them

following the death of her sister.

From Brad and Alysia Gregg (former members whose 2 year old is fighting cancer at St. Jude’s): “We are

overwhelmed by your generous gift. Thanks for standing in faith and prayer with us. We [love] and miss our Southland

Family very much. Continue to keep us in your prayers. We stand amazed at God and expect to be in more

amazement in the future.”

From Norma McConnell: “What a lovely surprise to have flowers delivered…They are still beautiful and I am

enjoying them thoroughly! I thank God for leading me to Southland & the wonderful Christian Sisters & friends there.”

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What MATTers to me …

At Christmas, we celebrate the story that reminds us God chose to “flip on the switch” in a world of darkness. Through the Baby born in Bethlehem, He has sent His Son, the Light of the world to shine and overcome the darkness. What a needed encouragement for our ears weary with the news of darkness all around us. It seems particularly poignant in light of recent events grabbing the headlines. A school shooting in Connecticut on the heels of other acts violence across the country. Or we could think about the evil that seems to be thriving around the world: trafficking of children, civil wars tearing apart nations, governments taking advantage of their own people, etc. That’s not to mention the far more “acceptable” forms of evil that linger all around us. In the midst of all that, it can seem as if the darkness is prevailing. I wonder if there isn’t a lesson for us in the everyday act of walking into a dark room … we don’t have to somehow remove the darkness so that light can shine. No, we get rid of darkness simply by turning on the light! When it shines in the midst of darkness, the darkness simply disappears – overcome by the light.

This Christmas season, we celebrate the LIGHT that has come into the world – the light that can never be extinguished by darkness, but instead overcomes the darkness. It’s also a time to remember that Christ has taught us as His people to be LIGHT of the world shining for His glory in the midst of darkness. As we celebrate the season, as we are confronted by the darkness around us, may our response be to confront the darkness the best way we know how. Wherever we are and whatever we’re doing, may we shine His light through our lives!

1 Some translations read like the NIV “has not understood it.” The word can mean both grasp in an intellectual way (as in “understand”) or in a forceful way (as in “seizing” on to something and overpowering it). Both meanings are possible here. In fact, John could have intended it both ways.

As we read John’s words about the light Jesus brought into this world, we see not only the contrast, but hints of the struggle between the two. Light comes and shines in the midst of the darkness. At the same time, darkness tries to overcome the light. And yet, listen again to the words John writes: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never EXTINGUISH it” (NLT). When you really think about it, there’s only one way for darkness to prevail: if the light doesn’t shine! As long as the light continues to shine, the darkness is overcome.

I love the opening words to John’s story about Jesus. Unlike Matthew and Luke, he doesn’t tell the traditional Christmas story. Instead, he writes words packed with significance about Jesus’ coming to the earth … he even stretches back to the beginning of time. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning (vv. 1-2). “He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him … His own did not receive Him” (vv. 10-11). “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (v. 14). They are powerful words capturing the divine mystery we call the Incarnation – in Jesus, God became human.

As I’ve reflected on the meaning of Christmas in the midst of our world, verses 4-5 particularly catch my eye: “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.”1 Throughout Scripture, we see this contrast between light and darkness. It’s especially prevalent in John’s writing.

Light symbolizes life, darkness death.

Light stands for truth and revelation, darkness for uncertainty and even deceived thinking.

Behavior characterized by goodness and righteousness shows one “lives in the light,” while “deeds of darkness” come from those whose conduct is evil and ungodly.

Light represents hope, darkness despair.

Not surprisingly, then, we even connect light with Jesus, “the Light of the world.” Satan, on the other hand, is the “prince of darkness.”

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Up ALL Night! – Friday, January 4th

For Middle School and High School Students. $20.00 per person. Spend a late winter evening with some of your closest friends! Test

your aim in a game of LAZER TAG. Then, tie on some stylish shoes and your white shirt, ‘cuz we are going GLOW BOWLING! Then, there are great snacks and a late night movie. Sign-Up today!

Brand New Lazer Tag Maze Glow in the Dark Bowling Popcorn & Hot Chocolate

Movies on the Big Screen Hilarious Games in the Gym

GROUP HUDDLE Bible Study Resumes Sunday, January 6th: Come worship with the LOL (Love Out Loud) Band, and join us for the new “Be Wise” series. You’ll also enjoy the antics of Chicky Bean and George the Goat! 6-8pm

MIDDLE SCHOOL BELIEVE CONFERENCE – Friday & Saturday (Feb 8th-9th) at the Family Arena in St. Louis Imagine a building full of middle school students jumping up and down, shouting praises to their Savior. Imagine speakers, musicians and artists sharing life-changing stories from God’s Word. Imagine the practical application of these messages being reinforced by artists, illusionists and powerful video. Imagine ALL of this wrapped up in an adrenaline-filled weekend, and you will see this year’s BELIEVE Conference for middle school students. The total cost for the BELIEVE Conference is $ 75.00. This includes housing at a hotel and conference fees. Those attending must submit a $40.00 deposit by Sunday, January 20th. This deposit is applied to the total cost. Adult sponsors are needed and attend at a reduced rate. “Souper” Bowl Luncheon – January 27th Following Each Sunday Service: Come enjoy great tasting soups, chili and desserts with us! This fundraiser benefits our young people attending the BELIEVE Conference by covering the cost of fuel for our trip. Thanks for your support!

Youth Group Mission: GIVE A GOAT – Yes… You heard right, GIVE A GOAT! That is the mission our teens are supporting this semester. The gift of a dairy goat represents a lasting, meaningful way for us to help a family on the other side of the world. In the Philippines, goats can survive the extreme climates by eating grass and leaves. The gift of a dairy goat can provide several quarts of nutritious milk per day – a ton of milk in a year! Goats give birth to two or three offspring per year, allowing an increase in dairy production that can be sold to provide other necessities. We want to provide goats to needy families in the Philippines ($75/goat)! To participate, pick-up a “tin can” bank at the Youth display. Let’s see how many goats we can send!

LLeess'' LLaatteesstt UUppddaatteess ffrroomm tthhee YYoouutthh MMiinniissttrryy

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“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law.” - Galatians 4:4

On the day of Jesus’ birth, the inhabitants of Bethlehem were going about their lives as usual ... The women chatted and gossiped as they gathered water at the village well. Boys played games with sticks and rocks. Young girls went about learning the skills they would need as homemakers. Old men sat at the city gate. Innkeepers bustled about to serve their guests. The market was flooded with travelers and residents alike in search of food and wares.

Nothing, not one thing, gave any indication that before dawn of the next day, one of the most significant events in history would have occurred. People went about their lives planning, working, playing, worrying … even sinning. They had been told about the coming Messiah. In fact, many years before, the prophet Micah had specifically said that out of Bethlehem would come ...

“One who will be ruler over Israel … He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace.” - Micah 5:2,4-5

I would like to think, given that specific information, I would have been watching for something unusual. Maybe something like angels appearing in the countryside to shepherds or an unusual star settling in the sky over the town.

I was at lunch with friends last week and part of our conversation was about something called the “Normalcy Bias” which is simply that we never think something bad is really going to happen or that it will not be as bad as predicted. It’s why people living in houses yards away from the ocean will choose NOT to evacuate when they know a hurricane is coming. Or why the people won’t prepare to be without electricity when an ice storm is coming. Often people just don’t think that something momentous is going to happen … until it does.

“That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth.” - Ephesians 1:10

As we read the Christmas story from the perspective of having the whole of Scripture as context, we can look back and wonder how they could have missed the signs. How could all of Jerusalem be abuzz about this Child the wise men were searching out and yet, within a very short period of time, all return to normal? How could the residents of Bethlehem not have watched that Child like a hawk?

Well, jump back to our time and we could ask the same sort of questions. It seems the world around us is becoming more and more evil – lifestyles and sins that 50 years ago would have been hidden in shame are now openly flaunted. Even as Christians, we live lives of compromise and rationalization even though we know that the return of our Savior could be imminent. After all, who knows when in the heavenly calendar, the day God has marked as the “fullness of times?”

May we not be ensnared by a spiritual “Normalcy Bias” and complacency. We do not have the exact date or any way of knowing God’s pre-determined gathering together of His people. All the more reason we should live each day expecting His return. All the more reason we should live our days like they could be our last. All the more reason that this phrase should be in the forefront of our minds:

“In the fullness of times ...”

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Sign-up online at www.gosouthland.org or pick-up a registration form from the nursery counter.

CHILDCARE WILL BE PROVIDED. E-mail questions to msanights@gosouthland.org

Hey Moms! Guess what is coming

January 15?

MSA Nights!

That’s right – all those great things about our MSA mornings …

at night!

Save the Date(s) to attend the Ozark Christian College Women’s Conference. More info to follow.

New Tuesday morning Bible study session starts

January 8! Time: 9:30 - 11:30. As always, childcare will be provided.

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

... about the1st Service Worship Team

For the past several months, Susan Gouge has guided a team of dedicated volunteers to lead the music

portion of our 1st service ENCOUNTER. With beautifully blended voices and instruments, they have helped us

express our praise and adoration to our Father. That's what music is designed to do: as we draw near to God at

His invitation, it helps us approach Him together in celebration and awe, using such language of the heart.

Due to factors like job re-locations and increased family responsibilities, this team currently of 6 is losing 3

members, including 2 singers. The end result is that this team will be unable to continue serving as the week-in,

week-out lead team for 1st service worship. Among the leadership, we have been working to develop an

appropriate plan moving forward. Here's the plan ... For at least the months of January and February, Jon will be

leading 1st service worship. He will do so until we can determine whether or not Susan and her "remnant" will be

able to re-establish a team. Even with such a team in place, it is likely that we will need to use a hybrid

approach: such a team led by Susan alternating with a team led by Jon.

The 3 basic pre-requisites for being a part of such a 1st service team led by Susan are these (#'s 1 and 2 are

specific to singers, #3 applies to both singers and instrumentalists):

1. Able to sing as "shared leads" (as opposed to being a back-up singer).

2. Able to sing harmony parts either through the ability to read music or through spending your own

time identifying the parts - we know we will need someone to sing melody and alto.

3. Able to commit to consistent participation (regularly scheduled rehearsals and Sunday mornings).

We are asking for anyone interested to contact Susan either

by phone (417-988-9509) or by e-mail (quiltsmithy@sbcglobal.net).

This is not just for those who currently attend 1st service!

Susan will be spending some time working with those who are interested. These beginning rehearsals will help

determine how effectively a group would be able to blend into a team that fits the musical style. Please note:

because of the special blend this requires, having a desire will not automatically mean participation on such a

team as these rehearsals will be somewhat of an audition time.

Here are our main priorities moving forward (these are true regardless of who is actually leading the music):

Our primary target for 1st service will remain the same. We will continue to strive for a blend of music

(both traditional and newer) that is piano-driven. This will help us have a balance between our two

services, helping us to offer music and worship that appeals to a broader range of tastes.

Even if we cannot form such a team to lead on an alternating basis, we will still work to develop a group

that will be able to do specials emphasizing the same types of harmonies. Such a team would do

occasional specials and lead during certain seasons of the year (e.g. Christmas time) during 1st service.

Above all, our desire will be to provide an opportunity where we can gather to ENCOUNTER God

together in a meaningful way. In the end, while the music is an important tool, far more important is the

actual heart we bring as we come before Him!

We ask for your patience as we sort through this process. Please know that we will be working diligently to move

forward in a way that helps us accomplish God's purposes for our time together. Above all, regardless of who is

up front leading, may He be our focus. More than what we take away from each and every week, may He find

our worship pleasing and may He receive the glory and honor He so richly deserves from us!

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Please see the "CONNECT Counter" in the foyer for information about when/where these groups meet on a weekly basis. That's also the place to find details about upcoming events. GET CONNECTEED!

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

CONNECT Ministry leaders ... Mark Your Calendars for a special lunch meeting after 2nd service January 13.

To Save a Life One night recently, Carolyn and I watched a movie entitled, “To Save a Life.” Perhaps you’ve seen it. It’s the story of the day in the life of a group of high school teens in California. In the movie, one particular teen is exposed to the suicide of a once close friend who later became an outcast. He begins to question his relationships and why he only seems to hang around his friends and the “cool” crowd while purposefully ignoring those that are different. Through a series of struggles involving Christian teens both in the church and out, he begins to see the benefits of building relationships with those who are seen as outcasts, unknowns or somehow “different”. These once quiet individuals have a name, a story and a need for acceptance.

For me and Carolyn, the movie left us conducting a self-evaluation. Like many Christians, we find it easy to talk to those with whom we are very familiar. But do we reach out and befriend people who we don’t know or see only on occasion? Our conclusion - not like we should.

In the familiar passage from Hebrews 10, we read: 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. What some may not realize is that this is not a command to come to church on Sunday morning, sing songs, listen to a great sermon and then go out to lunch. It’s about the body of Christ coming together and forming relationships that strengthen one another and the Church.

The Connect groups at Southland are one very important way in which we can all reach out to others, especially those who may be new to our church and seeking to build relationships. Is it as dramatic as “saving a life”? Maybe not physically, but how about spiritually? Is every person who walks through our doors going to spend eternity in heaven? Hardly. And since a relational God has called those who He created in His image to be a relational people, it behooves us to seek out others and develop those relationships. After all, we hope to be spending eternity with them anyway; we might as well get to know them now.

Without question, the movie's producers can sum it up much better than I. They describe it this way:

To Save a Life is more than a movie. It's the difference you can make when you use your influence and time for others—whether in your family, neighborhood, campus, community or world. Some people are just dying to be heard and accepted. Don't let 'em have to. Be the person who takes the time to show people they have value. Listen. Reach out. Engage. Imagine if we took the time to show other people we care. To Save A Life dares—no, inspires—you to.

Let us resolve to become involved in a Connect group next year and do our part at inviting others to join us as we grow together in Christ.

Mike Owen

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

A D-Group Testimony by Pam Sewell:

“The D Group that I was a part of consisted of five women who met on Sunday morning during second service. We

each had different church backgrounds which gave us different opinions during our discussion times. The lessons

are well written by Matt and are so very easy to understand and a great tool. The lessons usually take about 30

minutes to finish at home each week but there are resources to help you “Go Deeper” if you choose. I especially

loved getting to know these other women and becoming connected to them. We shared many parts of our lives.

We were able to be very honest and knew that we could trust each other. I would definitely encourage those that

have not been in a group already to join one.”

At Southland, a significant way we help people grow is through our Deeper Life Groups (a.k.a. "D-Groups"). While we occasionally offer other teaching opportunities, this is our primary way of helping people plant DEEP roots into Christ and God's Word (see Colossians 2:6-7).

These are the building blocks of our Deeper Life Groups:

BUILDING BLOCK #1 = the context of RELATIONSHIPS.

These groups are small groups made even smaller – 4-6 people of the same gender for better openness and accountability to one another. This context provides a safe environment where we can share our joys and struggles as followers of Jesus. It’s also where others can encourage one another to greater faithfulness as we study God’s Word together. Just as redwood trees grow strong and mighty in groves where individual trees’ roots are intertwined, so Deeper Life Groups establish a place where we can mature by GROWING DEEP together.

BUILDING BLOCK #2 = the content is GOD’S WORD.

We have produced a curriculum designed to help us plant roots deeply into God’s Word. This material helps us consider not only the story of salvation, but also how we can be transformed to be more like Christ and how we can participate in God’s work in our world. Group members do their own individual study and then come together to sharpen one another as we strive to live out God’s Word.

BUILDING BLOCK #3 = the desired goal is TRANSFORMATION.

Through Deeper Life Groups, we want followers of Jesus to be in the best environment (the context of relationships) where they can receive the right nutrients (the content of God’s Word). We believe that is where the Holy Spirit best does His work of shaping and molding us to become like Christ. His grace does not only save us from our sins, it should also make us new!

BUILDING BLOCK #4 = an emphasis on MULTIPLICATION.

From the beginning of a Deeper Life Group, we want members to be growing in their own individual journeys. However, we also want them to begin preparing themselves to further the discipleship process by leading others once this time together is complete. In fact, we already have several people who have been through one cycle of the Deeper Life Group ready to help new people experience this journey as well.

To be a part of one of these groups, please fill out one of the GREEN CARDS found at the Welcome Center.

NOTE: If you have already signed-up to be a part of a D-Group, we will be forming new groups here in the next few weeks.

CHILDCARE IS AVAILABLE FOR D-GROUPS MEETING ON WEDNESDAY EVENINGS BEGINNING AT 6 PM.

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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 have a need for help, (2) make you aware of special opportunities to serve and (3) provide a place to thank some of our volunteers.

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

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.

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO

AMY RITZ, LORI HEMBREE

AND ALLISON RITZ FOR LEADING CHILDREN OF PRAISE AGAIN THIS YEAR.

We so enjoyed their performance.

GREAT JOB LADIES!

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IMAGINE 2 OR 3 YEAR OLD CHILDREN (ACTUALLY IMAGINE A ROOM FULL OF THEM!)

If you have ever tried to…

…get them to sit and focus on something for more than a few moments at a time, you know what a challenge

that can be.

…get them to be content with the toy they have and not try to take their neighbor’s toy; you know that it is

nearly impossible. At that age, the best toy is always the toy in the hands of someone else.

…to comfort them when the parent leaves the room, you know that tears can be contagious – what started with

one child in ill humor can quickly become a room filled with unhappy children.

If you have ever watched the joy in their faces when they can sing a song “all by themselves,” you know the

effort is all worthwhile.

If you have ever watched their faces light up when you enter the room or gleefully run to give your legs a hug,

you know the wonderful feeling of unconditional love.

If you have ever prayed, “God, help me to teach them about You and Your Word. Help me to help them

understand that you love them and care for them,” then you know the significance of what you’re doing.

If you have done any of those things, then you have something in common with Kathy Grover.

A few years ago Kathy came to us and asked if she could start a class for the 2 and 3 year olds. God had given her

a burden for that age because, as she put it, “they are like little sponges” and it is a critical time to begin training

them in the ways of the Lord. Kathy has faithfully poured herself into these smallest of students, helping them

lay a foundation of faith in their hearts. She made up songs and had worship time, taught them Bible stories and

prayed with them. Even though the room was never without some sort of disruption (we are talking sometimes

as many as 15 or 16 kids!) Kathy would read, sing, or give instructions as if nothing was bothering her. The truly

wonderful thing is this: even in the midst of the disruptions of shoes or a new Spiderman shirt or a new baby

sister at home, Kathy taught and the children learned. It takes a very special person to make that happen!

Kathy’s last day of teaching the Wee Cruisers class was December 16. She is stepping down for a time for take

care of some health issues. There are truly no words to express how much her ministry to those children (and

therefore to their parents and the church as a whole) has meant to us.

Thank you Kathy for following God’s prompting to teach some of the youngest among us. We are going to miss

your heartfelt devotion to this ministry.

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SERVING SCHEDULE - January 2013

Communion Prep: Warren and Carolyn Burros

GREETERS WELCOME CENTER 1/6/13 - 1ST SVC 1/6/13 - 2ND SVC

10:30 Free at Last Connect Group 9:30 Free at Last Connect Group

Brandon Joines/Jay Butler Kay and Dennis McCann

1/13/13 - 1ST SVC 1/13/13 - 2ND SVC

Senior High Youth The Refuge Connect Group

Joe and Pam Sewell Ernie and Charlotte Emmerton

1/20/13 - 1ST SVC 1/20/13 - 2ND SVC

Empty Nesters Connect Group 9:30 Branch Connect Group

Jay and Kim Tyler Edith Phipps/Dorothy Marti

1/27/13 - 1ST SVC 1/27/13- 2ND SVC

Junior High Youth 242 Connect Group

Dustin and Lacey Shumaker Sue Malina and Shirley Bloss

SERVERS 1ST SERVICE 2ND SERVICE 1/6/13

Joe Sewell, Karen McDonald,

Ernie Emmerton, Warren Burros Austin Presko, Mike & Carolyn Owen, Josh Owen,

Steve Marsh, Amanda Presko, Craig Carroll

1/13/13

Chuck Weaver, Brady Burge, Jay Tyler, Dennis McCann

Doug Graves Family

1/20/13

Karen McDonald, Don Mills, Warren Burros, Wilber Kaylor

Ben Jennings, Jay Butler, Brandon Joines, Brad Worthy, Mark Miller, Dan Gray, Bob Wood

1/27/13 Dennis McCann, Warren Burros Jerry & Daisy McLaughlin,

Les Londeen & Youth Ministry

NURSERY CHECK-IN 1ST SERVICE 2ND SERVICE

1/6/13 Dorothy Marti Gabrielle Carroll

1/13/13 Marian Smith Jill Sims

1/20/13 Pam Sewell Gabrielle Carroll

1/27/13 Edna Houser Jill Sims

NURSERY 1ST SERVICE 2ND SERVICE 1/6/13 Sammie & Jared Wilson/Cortney Joines Stewarts and Millers

1/13/13 Lori Hembree/Cindy Benefield/Katy Carmichael Debbie & Kayla Gray/Megan Rosell

1/20/13 Tammy Worthy/Mara Ray/Janet Kubistchek Graves Family

1/27/13 Mike & Laura Lippert/Sheila Seal AJ & Terra Gegg/Jessica Worthy

Cruisers Pit Stop Check-in (9am - 9:20am)

Wee Cruisers Helpers 10:30am - 11:45am

Li'l Cruisers 10:30 - 11:45am

Cruiser's LEADER

1/6/13 Andy and Donna Lillard Allison Ritz Debbie Jennings Shelby Ritz

Andy and Donna Lillard

1/13/13 Les Allison Ritz

Kelly Loftis Shelby Ritz

Stacey Smith

1/20/13 Brad and Ashley Worthy Linsey Drake

Emily Sampson Alexis Simpson

Brad and Ashley Worthy

1/27/13 Austin and Amanda Presko Anna Martin

Amber Neil Britney Shearin

Austin and Amanda Presko

COMPUTER 1ST SERVICE 2ND SERVICE 1/6/13 Jordan Marsh Emily Courtney

1/13/13 Dan Gray Dan Gray

1/20/13 Christy Wall Jay Butler

1/27/13 Carl Simpson Sonya Simpson

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We have also been meeting with a couple of other potential foreign missions

partners. We hope to be able to announce those partnerships soon!

Be looking for more information to follow.

"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

LIVE OUT Ministries

... a path for putting faith into action.

We are living in a time when too many people do not know God’s true love and desires for their lives. The effect of this ignorance is quite frankly, terrifying. The Church around the world needs to address this epidemic and reach out to the lost in more ways than it ever has. We have the message of hope the lost world so desperately needs to hear!

The G6:10 Ministry will be hosting a dinner meeting on January 24th at 6 pm to discuss community

outreach plans and events for 2013. This dinner meeting is open to ALL of the Southland family. We will brainstorm how we, as a church, can most effectively reach out to those in our area who need assistance, and more importantly, to know of God’s love.

This meeting has the potential to spark something special within the walls of our church. However, we will not let the walls restrain the enthusiasm and eagerness of our outreach efforts! Let this be the beginning of something great. Let’s shake up the community of Springfield by spreading God’s love in a way that will be contagious to even those outside of the Southland family.

It is noble to have such grandiose ideas, but Southland Christian Church can do it – not for our glory, but for the glory of God! We urge you to pray and think about ways the church can carry out this goal. Then, we ask that you come to the meeting on the 24th to share your ideas. It will be an amazing evening!

As part of our effort to keep you informed about Southland's missions partners, we have listed the organizations and their websites (where applicable) below.

Central India Christian Mission ... www.indiamission.org

Ozark Christian College ... www.occ.edu

Maranatha Bible Camp ... www.maranathabiblecamp.org

Christian Campus House at MSU ... www.cchonthe.net

Pregnancy Care Center ... www.pccchoices.org

Salvation Army ... www.usc.salvationarmy.org/springfield-mo