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Brothers and Sisters in Christ, HOPE! How many times do we ring in the New Year with Hope? We say that this year will be the best ever and look forward to the New Year with great anticipation. Sometimes we are just so excited to put the previous year behind us. Other times, we have big plans ahead of us. Should we not always cling to Hope for a better tomorrow? I get so tired of hearing about how bad things currently are. First, we are tremendously blessed in modern times with so many comforts and convenience. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly; what do we have to work for if we just latch on to this negativity? HOPE… 18 I believe that the present suffering is nothing compared to the coming glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 The whole creation waits breathless with anticipation for the revelation of God’s sons and daughters. 20 Creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice—it was the choice of the one who subjected it—but in the hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from slavery to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22 We know that the whole creation is groaning together and suffering labor pains up until now. 23 And it’s not only the creation. We ourselves who have the Spirit as the first crop of the harvest also groan inside as we wait to be adopted and for our bodies to be set free. 24 We were saved in hope. If we see what we hope for, that isn’t hope. Who hopes for what they already see? 25 But if we hope for what we don’t see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:18-25

The Apostle Paul hoped his church starts would flourish. Could he have ever expected the growth of Modern Christianity? I don’t claim to be a hopeful optimist. I claim to be a Christ following realist. Would Paul and/or Jesus be pleased with today’s church? With the ways Christians fight among one another, I doubt the answer is what we desire. I think our focus on negativity would also be problematic. Can there be such a thing as a hopeless church? I think that is the type of place which could not call itself a church. So let’s embrace HOPE together! I HOPE and pray that 2016 can be a year of powerful ministry. Let’s pledge to be proactive in brainstorming together different ways to make 2016 the best possible year we can. And let’s always HOPE that Southwood Memorial Christian Church is and will forever be a church Jesus would be proud of! With great love, Pastor Andrew

www.southwoodmemorial.com 1027 Hwy 58 South, Kinston, NC 28504 (252) 527-8780

Church Calendar

Each Sunday: 8:45 a.m. Gathering in Sanctuary 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Board Meeting Board Meeting January 4 at 7:00 p.m. in Music Room 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month: To Be Announced Each Wednesday: Hand Bell Practice: 6:30 p.m. Choir Practice: 7:00 p.m. CWF Groups for this Month: Ray of Hope: Tuesday January 12 Dorcas Circle: Monday January 18 Young at Heart: Tuesday January 26 CMF Group: To Be Announced

The Southwood

Chalice Sharing Christ’s Ministries & Missions

January 2016

2015

A monthly publication

Isaiah 40:31 But those who

hope in the LORD will renew

their strength. They will soar

on wings like eagles; they

will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be

faint

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Dear Church Family, It’s hard to believe that a new year is upon us. As we begin 2016, I encourage you to reflect on 2015 and set new goals. Our church has been so blessed and we must continue to determine how we can make MISSION FIRST not just a statement but also a mindset at SMCC. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19

I would like to take a moment and share an article I recently read entitled: Live Your Life’s Story by: Diane Markins

Beginning a new year is a great time to look at life as it is and consider some possibilities of how it could be. It’s easy to put this off and wait until later…but sometimes it seems that much of our life is spent waiting. In a small sense we wait in line for a vanilla latte, we wait for our car to fill up with gas, we wait for the cable guy to show up (between 8 and 12…ha! usually it’s 12:10).

In a bigger sense we wait to meet the man of our dreams, we wait nine months for our baby to be born, we wait for a job promotion or a pay increase. Waiting is fact of life on earth, and sometimes that’s best. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.”

But are you looking at your own life and weighing how much time you’ve spent waiting? Have you waited (maybe too long?) to make a change, chart a new course or accept an unchangeable situation.

The opposite is true as well. Sometimes we jump in and take action without spending much time or thought on the process or likely results. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m hoping some of you will relate to trying to “fix” a situation instead of allowing God or others to take care of it. Acting too quickly can lead to comedic and sometimes tragic results.

In either case there is an antidote and a way to prevent a repeat. Check in with the Lord. A LOT! Talk to Him, read His word and get confirming wisdom from a spiritually mature friend. It would look something like this:

“Father, I really hate my job but am grateful to have it. Thank you for provision. Please bring me clarity about when/if I should take any action to change my circumstance.”

Then consider why God may have you there and the possibilities of making a change. Find a Believing buddy and ask for her prayers, insight and encouragement.

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Read in your Bible about people who’ve waited on the Lord and others who’ve taken obedient action. (Jesus has done both.)

When we wait on God’s timing, then take deliberate action, the outcome is likely to be refreshment and contentment. “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; your love O Lord, endures forever” says Psalm 138:8. Hopefully your life is filled with intentional waiting while God strengthens you, then fruit-bearing action when the time is right. Your life story is legendary to the author of our faith. I pray all of you have a blessed 2016!

God Bless,

David S. Moody

SMCC Board Chair

January

1st Robin Hodges 5th Alease Rouse 6th Rose Wetherington 9th Renee Grady 11th Will Twigg 12th Amy Taylor 16th Michelle M. Smith 16th David Moody 16th Yvonne Daughety 19th David Grimes 24th Roger Grimes 24th Louise Lima 24th Fred Simpson 25th Angie Eubanks 26th Jessica Jones 28th Jim Cullen 29th Erin Whaley

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CHURCH DUTIES FOR JANUARY

Jan 3 Jan 10 Jan 17 Jan 24 Jan 31

Hostess

Communion Tammy Fordham Connie Kennedy

Jessica Jones

Flowers

Children’s Moment

Deacons Stephanie White F. David Moody

Darcie Bumgarner Ryan Taylor

Wayne Barwick Sue Moody

Nikki Carlyle Nic Smith

Heather Kennedy Mike Carlyle Bryan Casad Betty Potter

Zelma Davenport Diane Early

Wendy Robinson Jay Robinson Linda Sutton

George Fordham

Dixie Whaley Neal Price

Debbie Grimes David Grimes Jessica Jones

April Modlin

Neal Price Jay Robinson

Wendy Robinson Diane Early

Bryan Casad F. David Moody

Elders Faye Grady Kirby Hardy

Wallace Johnson David S. Moody

Yvonne Daughety Harper Grant

Peggy Boone Tommy Boone

Claude Stroud Maidred Stroud

Church Closing

Schedule

Kirby Hardy Faye Grady

Bryan Casad Heather Kennedy

Jay Robinson Wendy Robinson

Jessica Jones April Modlin

Claude Stroud Maidred Stroud

Acolytes Gracie Howard Nathan Carlyle Jacob Howard Avery Taylor Briley Taylor

Nursery Debbie Grimes Austin Jernigan

Ginny Moody Colby Modlin

Wendy Robinson Parker White

Nic Smith Avery Taylor

Bryan Taylor Katelynn Daughety

Church Happenings…………….

Puppets: I have been asked to have more puppet shows. If you are a teenager and would like to learn to work with the puppets or if you are an adult and want to help with the puppets, let's form a puppet team and have some work and fun for the Lord. Contact Mary Evans if you are interested in being a puppeteer. Thanks...Mary Evans January 3: There will be a called meeting of the CWF immediately after the 10 o’clock service. We will meet on the side closest to the organ and the meeting will be brief. January 3: The Convention Choir Ensemble will sing at SMCC at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

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Don't forget to check your church mail boxes.

January 4: Board Meeting at 7:00 p.m. in music room. January 6: The Southeastern District Meeting will be held at Lanie's Chapel Christian Church at 7:00 p.m. January 9: SHINE will meet on Saturday, January 9th at 10 a.m. in the FLC. January 10: We will be taking down decorations from 1-3 p.m. If you can assist the Worship Committee, please come join us. January 11: The General CWF meeting will be held on Monday, at 7 p.m. in the music room.

January 12: Ray of Hope meets January 14: The Southeastern District Men's Meeting will be held on Thursday at Lanie's Chapel Christian Church at 7:00 p.m. January 18: Dorcas Circle meets January 24: Laity Sunday will be on January 24, 2016. Regular deacons will serve and the service parts will be assigned to the various circle members. Please plan to attend as our speaker will be Mary Evans who has served several CWF positions throughout our region and state. Let’s support her with our presence. January 26: Young at Heart meets

With the highest level of appreciation, I want to thank you for your generosity towards Camp Caroline in helping with Lee Building Family Life Center and the pier. Camp Caroline is a special place to many people and thank you for sharing with Camp Caroline. We are in ministry together to build Christ's disciples and Christ-centered leaders for the world.

Sincerely, Casey Perry, Camp Manager

FROM

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Every year, you absolutely amaze me. The love and kindness you bring to children at Southwood and to the Staff is so amazing. We thank you for continuing to provide our struggling families with Christmas gifts. Your kindness is very much appreciated by us all.

God Bless you! Southwood Elementary School

I am deeply grateful for the generous gift you sent to Samaritan's Purse. Merry Christmas and May God bless you! Franklin Graham

Merry Christmas from Marilyn Patrick, ICOR Staff & Volunteers

Thank you our faithful friends. Because of your continued support this

baby is able to celebrate life!

EPIC (Eastern Pregnancy Information Clinic.

May the wonder of the season follow you into the New Year? Warren Jackson, Sandy Fisher at Wells Fargo

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CHURCH FAMILY Alice Johnson Clifton Morris Clyde Dunham Elwood Daughety Julia Rivenbark Kermit Hill Michelle Basden Muriel Osborne Myrtle Rose Morris Peggy Stroud Ricky Moye Susan Baker Tyler Basden (NURSING HOME, ASSISTED LIVING OR HOME-BOUND) MEMBERS

Grace Rouse (Golden Living, 53A) Judy Howard (Signature) Mary Griffith (homebound) Murray Rouse (Ayden Court Room 501-A) Rose Wetherington (LMH) Vernon Kennedy (homebound) Warren Tyndall (Lenoir Asst Living) MILITARY FAMILY AND FRIENDS All Military Lee Watkins (Navy) SYMPATHY - FAMILY OF Edie Griggs Jimmy Jenkins FAMILY AND FRIENDS Alley McClosey Alex Lockhart Amy Norris Ashley Brown B.Jones Barbara Sykes Bert Saville Billy Hedgepeth Bobby Heath Bobby Hill Bobby Hunter Brenda Barwick Carleton James Christine Parker Cindy Smith Clyde Dunham III

Prayer Concerns for January 2016

FAMILY AND FRIENDS continued

Clyde Dunham III Coleman Taylor Charles Wetherington Colby Tucker David Miller Dawn Evans Dawn Roberson Dickie Lane Colby Tucker Connie Norris David Miller Don Parker Don Whaley Dustin Willets Elfridge Hines Frances H. Edmundson Francis Sutton Glenda Clark Glenda McClosey Glyn Clark Gordon Giles Hazel Rivenbark Jane Byrd Haywood Smith Helen Fordham Jake West & Family James Hall Janie Holloman Jerry Fitzgerald Joanne Hill Johnnie Smith Joseph & Nathan Rivenbark Juanita Wingate Kitty Holcomb Kyle Koonce Kim Goff Lisa Smith Lynwood Turner Lynwood Tucker Lyndsie Askew Margaret Jones Michelle Spence Novella Bland Pat Worley Paulette Grant Ray and Dorothy Barbee Rebekah Burke Riley Sasser Ronald Nethkin (LMH) Ruth Hedgepeth Rhylee Fielding Terry Lipscomb Unspoken Request Virginia Person

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Southwood Memorial Christian Church

1027 Highway 58 South Kinston, NC 28504

www.southwoodmemorial.com