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Pastor’s Note

The real scandal at Southwood

As I sit down to type this Pastor’s note the landscape at Southwood is very political. There are many people hurting, many people confused and many people frustrated. There are officers and members on both sides of the issue. I get regular appeals to resign and regular appeals to remain. It is a difficult… [more] February 1, 2012 | Jean F. Larroux, III

pennies from heaven

As we approach the subject of church finances it is important that before we discuss any of the present needs we are very careful to thank God for His provisions and the bounty He has provided to our church over this past year:

“Praise be to you, O Lord, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O Lord,… [more] February 1, 2012 | Bob Bradshaw

Near

High-Life Winter Retreat

When have you felt most near to God? At what times in your life have you felt the Father dwelling closely with you? Consider just how sweet those times have been with the Lord, when he seemed so close that, as Donald Miller poetically describes, “You can see the lines on His face.” It happened for… [more] February 1, 2012 | Chad Townsley

session communication

God has regularly reminded your Session in recent days that godly leadership and shepherding will require difficult decisions, painful seasons, and deep repentance. As men God has called and ordained as elders in this church, we are committed to enduring all of those and continuing to lead in challenging circumstances. We are deeply thankful for… [more] February 1, 2012 | Will Spink

Pastor’s Note

Blessed New Year

If I could only own one book other than my Bible it would be a little book called, “Valley of Vision.” It is a collection of Puritan prayers and devotions. Reading its pages is like stepping backwards in time toward a religion that is not so 20th Century. There is something about the contemplative religion of the Puritans… [more] January 1, 2012 | Jean F. Larroux, III

Express Grace: Serving through community development

Jesus, in the great commission, told his apostles that “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matt. 28:18-20a) Southwood has the privilege,… [more] January 1, 2012 | Sarah Niemitz

Sunday Seminars

We are entering our second Trimester of Sunday Seminars. Our goal hasn’t changed: to teach seminary level class curricula in a relaxed, interactive environment. The winter Trimester of Seminars will begin Sunday morning, January 8th, 2012 at 9:30 a.m., with each Seminar teacher providing a ten-minute overview of his or her class curriculum. This… [more] January 1, 2012 | Various

need-to-know / need-to-grow: spiritual growth & small groups

My spiritual growth has almost never followed a linear path. Since beginning my walk with Jesus my growth in holiness resembles a meandering and wandering trail through the woods more than a steady step-by-step passage through an assembly line. Spiritual growth rarely happens by sitting through a training program or a set course of study. Pastor… [more] January 1, 2012 | Bill Nash

session update

The session has been meeting up to two times per week—often late into the night. This article is to provide you with an informal update including answers to recent questions and communication of recent session actions from my own notes. More formal and detailed Session Minutes are also available for your review.

As the session continues… [more] January 1, 2012 | Bob Frederick, Ruling Elder

Pastor’s Note

Of prayer requests and picnics…
“My aunt is having surgery in Dallas next week and I want to ask people to pray for her….” “I wanted to announce that I am having a picnic for families who live in the five points area….” “I am a prayer warrior and want to know all the prayer needs of the church….”… [more] December 1, 2011 | Jean F. Larroux, III

Rejoice, Rejoice

FIVE ADVENT MESSAGES BASED ON CHRISTMAS HYMNODY
In the month of December the Southwood Pulpit will focus on the Advent season and the coming of Christ. Each Sunday the scripture text will focus on the topic from one of these great hymns of Christendom.

O COME O COME EMMANUEL - December 4, 2011
… [more] December 1, 2011 | James Parker

Express Grace: Serving through community development

Sunday, January 15th, we will celebrate the expression of God’s grace through Community Development and missions. Paul Kooistra, Director for Mission to the World, will be preaching at all three services on grace as our motivation for missions.

From Genesis 3 forward, God has been about the work of restoring men and women to himself, and… [more] December 1, 2011 | Sarah Niemitz

Purpose of Congregational Meeting Revised

November 17, 2011

To the members & friends of Southwood Presbyterian Church,

Last evening the Session of Southwood Presbyterian Church met again to consider the matters before the church. After much prayer from both the members of the Session and members of the congregation the Lord provided a decision with no dissension or abstention.… [more] November 17, 2011 | Jean F. Larroux, III

Pastor’s Note

Large resource Church seeking Reformed, Evangelical men, no pet projects…

I was serving in Tuscumbia as the “youth guy” and we were in the midst of officer nominations. Our senior pastor said something I had never heard before, “Do NOT nominate men who you think would make good Deacons and Elders, nominate men who already are!”… [more] November 16, 2011 | Jean F. Larroux, III

Officer Nominations 2011

In his book Words to Winners of Souls, Horatius Bonar recounted that in the year 1651 the ministers of the Church of Scotland produced a public confession of their sins. Included in that document was an acknowledgement of the “sins of the ministry.” Of particular weight for us, as we consider the election of new Elders and Deacons, is the section… [more] November 16, 2011 | Jean F. Larroux, III

The Village

“Material poverty alleviation involves more than ensuring that people have sufficient material things: rather, it involves the much harder task of empowering people to earn sufficient material things through their own labor, for in so doing we move people closer to being what God created them to be. Second, work is an act of worship. When people… [more] November 16, 2011 | Bob Bradshaw

Pastor’s Note

Where are all the people?

When I was a child my mother taught me that cute little game you could play with your hands folded, “Here is the church. Here is the steeple. Open it up and see all the people…” We would do it over and over again. As a child I loved to laugh and watch the “church” open up and see all of the people.

… [more] October 5, 2011 | Jean F. Larroux, III

Hey Day

Once in a land to the South which was good
Sat a town on a hill, in the midst of a Wood
With grass and the sounds of “honk honk” and “moo moo”
And a loud loud alarm that would go “woo woo woo.”
Where through most of the year they’d sit still as if ice
Except for some jokes when they’d laugh once or twice.[more] October 1, 2011 | Josh and Leah Treen

give more than just toys

I walked into Hobby Lobby last weekend and wondered if I entered Santa’s workshop in the North Pole! I thought, “Wait! what happened to pumpkins, fall leaves, and Thanksgiving?” While it might feel a bit early to buy Christmas decorations and listen to Jingle Bells, it is just about the time Southwood needs to think about our gathered Christmas… [more] October 1, 2011 | Sarah Niemitz

high-life is back in swing

For the last few weeks, the community has been showing up at the lodge to drop off their seventh and eighth graders for Junior High-Life on Wednesday nights. We’re off to a huge start already with nearly 130 students in attendance each week so far! At every High-Life, we will provide dinner, games, worship from our very own worship team and a message… [more] October 1, 2011 | Various

Behind the Plywood

Many have expressed interest in seeing how Southwood’s remodel is going. Take a look “Behind the Plywood.” We’ll work to show you some behind-the-scenes shots over the next few weeks as construction wraps up. In the photostream you will find the Cafe, the Sunday Seminar rooms, and the Kids’ upstairs classrooms represented.

… [more] September 8, 2011 | Communications Department

Pastor’s Note

Unveiling the iPhone…

Steve Jobs, Chairman of Apple, has an annual press conference where the latest, greatest Apple gadget is revealed. It is prefaced by months of speculation and rumors. Apple fanatics wait anxiously for the day when the newest “iPhone” or “iHammer” or “iToaster” is unveiled. As an Apple aficionado, I… [more] September 1, 2011 | Jean F. Larroux, III

Sunday Seminars

Our goal is simple, but audacious: to teach seminary level class curricula in a relaxed, interactive environment through what we call Sunday Seminars. To realize this goal, we hope and pray that gifted teachers will hear God’s call and will prepare, sometimes years in advance, sometimes by personally taking seminary courses, to complement the pulpit… [more] September 1, 2011 | Bob Bradshaw

FAQ for Sundays

Here are some questions we are frequently asked about the September 18th transition. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it is representative of the types of questions people are asking:

What are the times of the worship services?
8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

How long will each service last?[more] September 1, 2011 | Various

Sundays in Student Ministries

Student Ministries believes experiencing and expressing grace is the best way of advancing Christ’s Kingdom in the lives of students. Sunday mornings are essential in expressing grace through Kingdom environments.

Southwood Kids! (PreK-6th grade)

With all that is changing, much stays the same. As Southwod partners with… [more] September 1, 2011 | Various

losing to a dodge ram

Have you ever been in a serious wreck? I have. I drive a Camry—apparently no match for a Dodge Ram pick up truck. My car was in the shop for 29 days. Every time I called, I spoke with a different mechanic, each one fixing something different. There were so many things wrong with my car that it took 6 mechanics 29 days to fix it. And guess what,… [more] September 1, 2011 | Sarah Niemitz

Pastor’s Note

What is your Worship Number?
Sleep Number beds recently had a marketing campaign that focused on this question, “What is your sleep number?” For a Sleep Number bed you choose a specific setting that fits your sleep pattern, amount of firmness you desire, etc. and the bed adjusts to that particular sleep number. Their marketing… [more] August 1, 2011 | Jean F. Larroux, III

small groups: what’s new?

What’s new with Small Groups at Southwood in this next season of small group formation we call Next Wave? To begin, this is the first season of small groups where the familiar small group gatherings that were associated with a separate women’s or men’s ministry are now under my leadership in the Small Group environment.

This means that… [more] August 1, 2011 | Bill Nash

Next Wave: Small Groups

Our main purpose for small groups is…
To provide a safe and predictable environment where people experience Spiritual Growth lived out in Authentic Community.

What types of small groups are there, and how long do they last?
Mixed Gender: These groups are a mix of men and women,… [more] August 1, 2011 | Bill Nash

Press the “Big Red Button”

The mission of Southwood is to “experience” and “express” grace. We gather in specific and strategic ways to experience God’s grace, and we have determined to express God’s grace in some specific and strategic ways as well. We call these our “gathered” ministries. They are the things that we do together the places where we serve together… [more] August 1, 2011 |

expressing grace in student ministries

I am on a ministry high. I just went to eat ice cream with a student and we talked about her summer, her fight with her boyfriend and how hard it is to trust God when life hurts. This is one of those moments when only these words seem to fit my mood: praise Jesus from whom all blessings flow. Every student I’ve spent time with is a massive sinner… [more] August 1, 2011 | Winnie Winford

music auditions

Last week, I was trying to remember my date of hire at Southwood Presbyterian. I couldn’t recall how many years I’d been working here. I was thinking 2 or 3. But it was 5!!! This brought a couple of things to my attention: 1. I’m glad (and you should be, too!) that I’m not in charge of the numbers around here because heaven only knows what… [more] August 1, 2011 | James Parker

leadership training in august

“A question echoes in every corner of the church—‘Who will lead?’ Throughout the Bible, God searches for leaders, too. Such leaders still have shortcomings and flaws, but despite those limitations, they serve God as spiritual leaders. If the world is to hear the church’s voice today, leaders are needed who are authoritative,… [more] August 1, 2011 | Bob Bradshaw

Pastor’s Note

“My Water Just Broke!”

This is a true story. It happened Monday, June 27, 2011. It was 1:45pm and I had a dental appointment scheduled for 2pm. I arrived early at the office of Southwood member, Dr. Ramsay Nuwayhid. I signed in and the receptionist asked me,
“Are you here for the 2 o’clock appointment?”

“I sure… [more] July 1, 2011 | Jean F. Larroux, III

vision 2020 update

The Long-range planning committee has been meeting, praying and wrestling through the many aspects of formulating a plan for the implementation of Vision 2020. One important facet of this work is communication. That’s what this article is all about! We are committed to giving you updates through Branches as we move forward.

We are on course.… [more] July 1, 2011 | Jean F. Larroux, III

project sweat: engaging our community

I saw it again just this morning at the Medical Mall. It wasn’t but a day or two ago that I saw it last. Its’ attractiveness is undeniable and its’ simplicity is just as striking. What is it that I saw? I’ll give you a hint—it’s white, round and contains the outline of a great looking tree and letters that spell “HIGH-LIFE.” I’m… [more] July 1, 2011 | Chad Townsley

Southwood Scattered

A “HIP” REPLACEMENT FOR AFFINITY GROUPS:
THE BEREANS ARE KICKING IT OLD SCHOOL

I was teaching the classic book “The Pilgrim’s Progress” in the Berean class during its’ final quarter as an affinity group. I hurt along with them as they learned of the new Sunday Seminar format and its’ impact on them. But I also watched with… [more] July 1, 2011 | Bill Nash

Pastor’s Note

Southwood Storm Recovery
After the tornados struck North Alabama people began to ask me, “What is the church doing to help?” After all, we DIDN’T house tornado refugees in the Lodge. We DIDN’T cook meals and take them to the Wal-Mart on Hwy. 72. We DIDN’T get a truck full of deacons and chainsaws and head out to Hartselle.… [more] June 1, 2011 |

required reading: for future officers

One of our strategic goals in Vision 2020 is to increase the ratio of Elders to members to a 50:1 ratio. As we work toward this goal, leadership development and training is integral to election and ordination of new officers. Our next leadership development classes will begin in August of 2011 (likely on Wednesday evenings).

The training classes… [more] June 1, 2011 | Jean F. Larroux, III

Community Development

When I tell people that I am the Community Development director for Southwood, they smile and ask, “so what community are you developing?” The correct answer to that is this one, the community of people called “Southwood.” My job is to help equip the members of Southwood to be agents of Biblical community development within our congregation,… [more] June 1, 2011 | Sarah Niemitz

In-Town Mission Trip

It is not glamourous. We do not get to stamp our passports. We will not travel to far off places. But from June 6th-10th a group of students in High-Life Ministries will drive down the road to spend five days serving our neighbors in Lincoln Village. These students and leaders will be building, demolishing, painting, mentoring, and becoming involved… [more] June 1, 2011 | Jeremy McNeill

Youth Peru Mission Trip

From June 2nd to the 12th a work team of youth and adult leaders will travel to the one of Scripture Union’s many “street boy” centers, Kusi, just outside Yungay, Peru in the Andean mountains. This center, in the shadow of Peru’s highest peak the Huascaran, is home to around 40 Peruvian “street boys” who have been rescued from a life… [more] June 1, 2011 | Dave Purinton

Kids Summer Events 2011

There are 2 registration forms: Family Events Registration and Kids Events Registration. Please sign up for all events you want your child to attend on the “Kids Events” form… [more] June 1, 2011 | Southwood Kids

Camp ToknowHim Cleanup

On May 7th, 2011, a team of Southwood students, parents, deacons, and elders went to Camp ToknowHim in Pisgah, AL to begin revitalizing the camp. Camp ToknowHim has served as the Winter Retreat destination for High-Life Ministry for the past 9 years, and our relationships with Roy and Ginny (camp owners) extending beyond 10 years. The team went with… [more] May 12, 2011 | Jeremy McNeill

Tornado Recovery

Thank you so much for your interest in serving. While there is obviously a great deal to be done, it may take some time for organizations to effectively utilize volunteers. We encourage you to be patient, and ALL VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED to register appropriately through VOAD or other organizations before simply arriving to help. Please… [more] May 4, 2011 | Sarah Niemitz and Cynthia Maurel

Pastor’s Note

Warm Beer…Lousy Food

How’s that for a slogan? Warm beer…lousy food. I spent a summer working at Fast Eddie’s Bar and Grill in Clearwater Beach Florida. I was a waiter, busboy and dishwasher. I lived through the sub-culture of the restaurant world firsthand. It was quite an eye-opening experience.

At our weekly meetings… [more] May 1, 2011 | Jean F. Larroux, III

VBS 2011

Spring is in the air: short-sleeve shirts and bright sunny skies, longer days as creation blooms. For many, it is a time to look forward to the hot break of Summer. For the few, it is a time to prepare for a different kind of school. Vacation Bible School. Just the thought of it makes my heart race a little faster and my adrenaline pump. If there… [more] May 1, 2011 | Leah Treen

Welcoming Our Guests

Can you imagine moving to a new area of the country, a new home, a new job, new friends, and a new church all in one week? Can you imagine going to one church for 50 years and then having God lead you to a new one? Finally, can you imagine wondering what life is all about, what your purpose in life is, and showing up at a church on a Sunday morning… [more] May 1, 2011 | Various

love wins not a winner

You can find Rob Bell’s new book, Love Wins, everywhere from the cover of Time magazine to the top of bestseller lists. You won’t be able to find it being sold in Southwood’s Guest Center or being taught in our Sunday Seminars this fall.

What? Who would write a critique of a book called Love Wins? Well, in this case,… [more] May 1, 2011 | Will Spink

meet Niña Banta

“Wait a minute … I thought Niña was already on Southwood’s staff.” Such a statement is certainly understandable given her extensive involvement in corporate worship and Children’s Ministry. But it wasn’t until April 18th of this year that Southwood member Niña Banta actually joined the staff as Director of Creative Arts. This newly… [more] May 1, 2011 | Various

Pastor’s Note

One Hit Wonder

Speaking about grace, my friend Jim Holland at St. Patrick’s Presbyterian in Memphis told me: “Jean, I’ve figured you out. You only have one sermon and you preach it from every passage of Scripture.” I asked him, “Jim, what else is there?” He replied, “I agree!”

There’s an old hymn called Grace Greater… [more] April 1, 2011 | Jean F. Larroux, III

Vision 2020

Looking to the future, the Session of Southwood has unanimously endorsed a bold vision for the next decade and beyond. What will be our focus? It will be to F-O-C-U-S. We will focus on who we are as a large resource church and focus on the core competencies with which God has blessed us.

As part of this focus, the Session has acknowledged… [more] April 1, 2011 | Various

Gathered and Scattered: with a side order of bacon…

Okay, maybe not the bacon, but definitely something you need to sink your teeth into.

The words “gathered” and “scattered” are used to refer to our categories of service at Southwood. As a large resource church there are areas of service that we will all work on together. We call those areas “gathered” areas of service and focus.… [more] April 1, 2011 | Jean F. Larroux, III

long range planning committee

Proverbs 29:18 says, “Without vision the people perish.” (KJV) That passage is instructive because we learn from its context that the vision is not, in fact, the strategic plans of man, but rather the prophetic utterances of God. The vision spoken of is God’s word, to be written upon our hearts and our lives, never to be cast off. Our… [more] April 1, 2011 | Various

who moved my church?

Who Moved My Cheese, written by famed author Kenneth Blanchard, is a story of two mice and two humans who live in a maze and one day are faced with change—someone moves their cheese. Reactions vary from concern, fret and quick adjustment to waiting for the situation to change by itself to suit their needs. This story is about adjusting… [more] April 1, 2011 | Bob Bradshaw

Parking Lot to Pew

Everyone who sets foot on this campus (particularly on Sundays) is a guest, and we want people to have grace-filled encounters with God and others from the parking lot to the pew and everywhere in between. Excellence in assimilation means welcoming people well and having them experience grace while in the parking lot, guest center, or hallway. It… [more] April 1, 2011 | Various

Vision 2020 Meeting Video

Sunday March 20, 2001 a Congregational Meeting was held to review financial data and hear about Vision 2020: Southwood’s bold vision for the next decade. Please watch this video (slides accompanying audio) to see what all the buzz is about. The audio includes a financial introduction by Executive Director Bob Bradshaw, the vision presentation… [more] March 22, 2011 |

Pastor’s Note

What I’m not saying…

I stood in front of the sanctuary last week and received a familiar look accompanied by a familiar question. The look was one of concern, confusion and suspicion. The question was very familiar. It began this way, “I’ve got to ask you a question, are you saying…” I interrupted them, “...am I saying… [more] March 1, 2011 | Jean F. Larroux, III

preparing for worship

Ephesians 6 reminds us of the spiritual warfare in which we are constantly engaged. It seems that in times when Jesus Christ is praised and the gospel of God’s grace to us in Christ goes forth with power, Satan is particularly determined not to lose ground in the fight. So, as part of preparation for this spiritual battle, Paul tells the Ephesians… [more] March 1, 2011 | Will Spink

Glimpses of Worship Among our Children

From the gummies to the grammies, God’s people are called forth to render the joyous praise due his name! Corporate worship is what we are talking about here in particular and it’s expression among our children on Sundays. God created us for worship and not only in the “here and now,” but for all eternity. As parents, we have the opportunity… [more] March 1, 2011 | Ken Stuart

opportunity for mutual ministry

If you have recently walked the halls of Southwood, you have seen many of the exciting changes taking place at our church. No doubt your eyes have been drawn to the new carpet in the halls and the construction of the new Guest Center. Perhaps what you haven’t noticed is something very special taking place just across the hall from the new Guest… [more] March 1, 2011 | Tim Schlichter

to the foot of the cross

We Would See Jesus is a book about reality; about what is true. It’s a book that invites the reader to drink deeply from the endless well found in the person and work of Jesus. This book first published in 1958 will disturb your neat little world, as it did mine, by showing you Jesus in a way you’ve always desired, but somehow missed.

Most… [more] March 1, 2011 | Bill Nash

Pastor’s Note

Bla, Bla, Blog…

We launched “Knots” last month. It’s the newest part of the Southwood website. It is my blog and it’s called “Knots” because some of the issues there will be “tied up” and neatly bundled together; some will be “untied” and messy, and at the conclusion of most they will be left “raveled” at the ends.… [more] February 2, 2011 | Jean F. Larroux, III

Love is Tough: Real Marriages You can relate to

It is hard to deny that Hollywood’s romantic comedies are the popular love stories of this generation. Every year about this time new ones show up with at least slightly original plot lines and twists. They all, however, seem to focus on life before the altar (if they even make it there), and since these are comedies, you can basically count on… [more] February 1, 2011 | Will Spink

in front of the red piano

In Front of the Red Piano. It’s where we stand when we sing at High-Life. And it’s also an album we released on bandcamp.com and iTunes full of songs we like to sing at High-Life, or that have an association with High-Life. I had been thinking about putting together another recording for Southwood, and when I thought about High-Life, it just… [more] February 1, 2011 | James Parker

You’ve been warned

WARNING: For those who are confident or comfortable with themselves the way they are, this book may be deeply disturbing, convicting, or unsettling.

I can give that warning because I was chosen to write this book review due to the fact that I am the Southwood staff member who best fits the not-so-flattering description in the title of this… [more] February 1, 2011 | Will Spink

the beauty

You can’t ask someone to write for Branches on the topic of “The Beauty” without being again attacked by my adversary with the question, “Who are you to write about the glory of a woman?” I ask myself this question an awful lot, especially given that I am a broken man but living in the midst of a home swimming in estrogen! That is the exact… [more] February 1, 2011 | Brock Warner

Pastor’s Note

Auld Lang Syne
Wikipedia says, “Auld Lang Syne is a Scots poem written by Robert Burns in 1788…It is well known in many English-speaking (and other) countries and is often sung to celebrate the start of the New Year at the stroke of midnight.” The words “Auld Lang Syne” essentially mean for “old time’s sake”—a song reminiscing… [more] January 1, 2011 | Jean F. Larroux, III

KNOTS: LARROUX’S NEW BLOG

One of the first books I purchased as a young Christian was written by J.C. Ryle. It was entitled, “Knots Untied.” It had a profound impact on me personally. It dealt head-on with difficult subjects like election, predestination and reprobation. What really struck me was how Ryle was willing to talk about ‘taboo’ subjects with candor, grace… [more] January 1, 2011 | Jean F. Larroux III

sense of belonging

The purpose of a Small Group is to provide a safe and predictable environment where people experience spiritual growth lived out in authentic community.

Part of our Small Groups purpose statement is for people to “experience spiritual growth lived out in authentic community.” We defined authentic community as ABC—Accountability,… [more] January 1, 2011 | Bill Nash

high-life winter sabbath

Wedged between more seemingly popular commandments, we have this funny word and frequently misinterpreted commandment to “Sabbath.” If you have a middle child, consider this the middle “commandment” syndrome. It can often be overlooked while the other “siblings” get most the attention.

If we’re following the Biblical story,… [more] January 1, 2011 | Jake Patton

When helping Hurts

As you make your New Year’s resolution reading list, one of the books that should be on the top of your list is When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert (both professors at Covenant College, PCA in Chattanooga, TN).

This book deserves this place in your top 10 list for 2011 on its own merit but as a Southwood member it… [more] January 1, 2011 | Jean F. Larroux, III

Pastor’s Note

I remember when I purchased my first “Keep Christ in Christmas” button. It was red and green with a holly leaf. I displayed it proudly on my winter coats and jackets. It was my “silent witness” to the world. It testified that I wouldn’t bow the proverbial knee to the commercialization of my Savior’s birthday. Ironically, I wore it most… [more] December 1, 2010 | Jean F. Larroux, III

Carols of Joy

Christmas carols…It is definitely that time of year again. Most of you probably remember singing carols as children. Some were sung at school, and some at church. And there might have also been those occasions when you took to the streets with friends and family, armed with chapped lips, a cup of hot chocolate, and a song in your heart, to… [more] December 1, 2010 | Niña Banta

Advent Season

My family and I recently happened upon the lighting of the Bridge Street Christmas tree with many holiday festivities to go with it. It was only mid-November, but it didn’t take much to get us excited about Christmas. A big Christmas tree, bright ornaments, live music, fake snowflakes, and iced cookies were more than enough to energize a 3-year-old… [more] December 1, 2010 | Will Spink

quiet anticipation

O God, take me in spirit to the watchful shepherds, and enlarge my mind;
Let me hear good tidings of great joy, and hearing, believe, rejoice, praise, adore,
my conscience bathed in an ocean of repose,
my eyes uplifted to a reconciled Father;
place me with ox, ass, camel, goat to look with them upon my Redeemer’s face,… [more] December 1, 2010 | Karen Parks

Numbers, Numbers, Numbers

If you received a quarterly giving statement last month, you’ll undoubtedly remember Jean’s pastoral update:
“This is your first annual ‘Ignore the giving statement’ letter! What? Huh? Keep reading… There are lots of numbers and statistics that are typically included in letters like this. They are usually paired with phrases… [more] December 1, 2010 | Bob Bradshaw

Larroux “Lifts Up” Bikes or Bust

Friday, November 19, from 9-11am, Jean F. Larroux, III went up high on a lift for WZYP’s efforts to collect bikes for children. Even amidst his self-proclaimed fear of heights, Larroux announced in a live radio broadcast, “We’ll take any kind of bike: Baptist bikes, Methodist bikes, Catholic, Church of Christ, we’re just trying… [more] November 19, 2010 | Jonathan Barnette

Pastor’s Note

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the door of the church at Wittenburg, Germany. The first of the 95 Theses said this, “When our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, said “Repent,” He called for the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.” It is vital that we not let this truth slip away from the church in the… [more] November 1, 2010 | Jean F. Larroux, III

more blessed to give

What is Operation Christmas Child? This ministry of Samaritan’s Purse (led by Franklin Graham) partners with churches all over the US to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. How is this done? —with shoe box… [more] November 1, 2010 | Ken Stuart

Behold the Lamb

Behold the madness! This year will be the 5th year Southwood has hosted Behold the Lamb of God by Andrew Peterson. For those of you who have seen the show, you know what to expect. But there are many, including our senior pastor, who have not seen Behold the Lamb. It is the largest scale event that we host at Southwood. Last year’s attendance… [more] November 1, 2010 | James Parker

Phase I breaks ground

There is an old saying, “when you start a building plan, you better start looking for a new Senior Pastor.” Southwood, being as unique as she is, did this backwards. As you heard on May 23rd, Southwood announced a Phase I construction plan even before you had finished looking for your new Senior pastor and even before I knew a Phase I construction… [more] November 1, 2010 | By: Jean F. Larroux, III with Bob Bradshaw

obedience precedes understanding

A professor once told me (quoting a church father) this adage about serving Jesus. He said, “Obedience should PRECEDE understanding…” I remember shifting uncomfortably in my seat. Was he serious…? It SOUNDS noble, but isn’t this a foolish and reckless way of approaching life? You see, I’ve dabbled long enough in business courses… [more] November 1, 2010 | Jake Patton

Pastor’s Note

Kickball Christianity

One of the interesting phenomena about growing up near New Orleans was that Halloween costumes never seemed odd or out of place even if it was a Tuesday night in August and even if there was no apparent reason to be dressed up. There never seemed to be any self-evident reason not to dress up! To this day most New Orleanians… [more] October 1, 2010 | Jean F. Larroux, III

the father’s table

One of the beautiful aspects of the family of God is that the Father is constantly inviting more people to have a seat at the dinner table for the feast. Some of the new family members look, talk, and act like the people they sit down next to, and others don’t. The Bible gives us many reasons to celebrate this reality, but that doesn’t mean it’s… [more] October 1, 2010 | Will Spink

listen and tell

Since beginning my job here at Southwood as the Jr. High Female Director, I have been deeply cared for by the church family I have become a part of. Part of being cared for by this family means that I am hearing many stories of God’s work in this community, which are comforting reminders to me of His power and love. Being in a new place and job,… [more] October 1, 2010 | Hayden Howell

being available to serve others

My name is Katie Wilson and I am humbly honored to say I am one of the newest staff members of Lincoln Village Ministry. When asked to write this article, I was overjoyed to share some of my story and how Christ leaned down, held me by the face and began to transform me by His loving gaze. Christ captured my heart at the age of 8 at a Billy Graham… [more] October 1, 2010 | Katie Wilson

Pastor’s Note

Behind the scenes at Southwood….

It’s 6 o’clock do you know where your church staff is? Well, that all depends… is it a.m. or p.m.? Is it youth staff or small groups? Is it Monday or is it Sunday?

If it’s 6 a.m. on Wednesday morning there is often already fresh coffee brewed at the church and someone on campus for a… [more] September 8, 2010 | Jean F. Larroux, III

meet our administrative assistants

All who work in the office at Southwood hesitate to use the word “assistant” or “secretary” to describe these wonderful ladies because they are so much more. Whether it is babysitting a staff member’s children, praying for the staff on an especially busy day or ministering to a hurting person who comes into the office, all of these ladies… [more] September 1, 2010 | Various

The Lost and Found of the Kingdom

8/29 - A Beachcombing God: How Lost Things Get Found

9/5 - The Younger Brother: The True Nature of Lostness

9/12 - The Far Country: It Is Closer Than You Think

9/19 - The Father: In a Word “Unforgettable”

9/26 - Amazing Grace How Sweet the Sound That Saved a Wretch Like Him?

10/3… [more] September 1, 2010 | Jean F. Larroux, III

authentic community

Next Wave is the Small Group sign-up event that happens 3 times a year during which we gather names of interested people and help them find their group.

Over 157 people during this season’s Next Wave let us know they were ready for a group and have been invited to attend an initial meeting. That brings our total of adults engaged in small… [more] September 1, 2010 | Bill Nash

Facilities: Behind the Scenes

This morning was a Sunday morning and like most other Sunday mornings, my family and I attended worship at Southwood. We pulled our car into a parking space and walked into the building. I dropped my youngest off in the “Creepers” nursery. The room looked neat and clean—the way I always expect it to look. I stopped to use the restroom. It was… [more] September 1, 2010 | Laura Burger

Huntsville Times Article featuring Jean Larroux

What do you call a liar, a thief, an adulterer and a murderer all rolled into one? “Southwood Presbyterian’s new senior pastor!” The Rev. Jean F. Larroux III throws back his head and laughs at his own joke.

Except he’s not kidding. Well, the “murderer” might be only true in a technical, in-his-heart kind… [more] August 27, 2010 | Kay Campbell

Jean Larroux on WAAY 31

Watch the video from WAAY 31 news after the story from WAAY!

On Sunday, there will be a new pastor in the pulpit at Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville. After a year and a half of searching, the church selected Jean F. Larroux, III to lead the congregation of about 1,700.… [more] August 12, 2010 | Melissa Riopka

Pastor’s Note

Where yat & Who Dat! I cannot tell you how excited I am to finally be at Southwood. Kim and the girls have arrived and are busy registering for school and trying to figure out the difference between the parkway, that other road and how not to accidently exit onto the arsenal.

We are semi-settling in, but there are still some loose… [more] August 1, 2010 | Jean Larroux

Moving Forward

There’s definitely a buzz in the church office these days, with the staff sharing the excitement of the rest of the congregation about the arrival of a new senior pastor. Adding to this excitement is the fact that by God’s grace Southwood has weathered a lengthy transition period and even moved forward in many areas for the sake of the… [more] August 1, 2010 | Will Spink

Snapshots through Peru

While working hard in Cusco for most of the week, the team had an opportunity to visit the site in Urubamba where a flood this past year washed away the home for street boys. Southwood youth teams have worked diligently making adobe bricks and playing with the boys at this site in years past. It was heartbreaking to see the pain on the faces of the… [more] August 1, 2010 | Jonathan Barnette

in-town mission field

Sitting in the Lodge at the In-Town Mission team meeting, I started to have doubts about going on this trip, thinking, “I could just stay home with Tommy and Thompson this week.” I recognized only one of the kids and marveled that our leader was the age of my own children! As I sat in the cool, familiar darkness of the Lodge, looking… [more] August 1, 2010 | Robin McMurtrie

jr. high summer

As I write these words, preparations for the final Junior High event of the summer are taking place. Messy games are being planned, devotionals are being written and key volunteers are gathering to serve the youth of the Junior High Ministry. As the summer draws to a close with this event, this is a great time to reflect on a few of the ways the… [more] August 1, 2010 | Chad Townsley

Lincoln Village Updates & Opportunities

As Summer draws to a close, things are still going hot in Lincoln Village. A quick review some of the items that we were able to accomplish this summer :
• Hosted a number of local groups of teens, as well as teams from TN & TX.
• Purchased another house in the Lincoln Village area.
• Completely gutted &… [more] August 1, 2010 | Dale Bowen

Pastor’s Note

“I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.
One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
On… [more] July 1, 2010 | Ken Leggett

Meet the Larroux Family

Jean III
Jean loves life, all of it. His ‘bucket list’ has many, many items, but he’s recently crossed off ‘meeting Jimmy Buffett’ and ‘watching the Saints win the SuperBowl.’ He is still planning to sail around the world, learn fluent Spanish, and move from a ‘before’ model in the… [more] July 1, 2010 | Various

Jean F. Larroux, III

Born: New Orleans, May 20, 1970
Family: Wife: Kimberly
Children: Jean IV – 17; Ann Elizabeth – 14; Hannah – 13
Education: Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, MS
1996, Master of Divinity

University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS
1992, Bachelor of Science in Journalism… [more] July 1, 2010 | Jean Larroux

comments from the search committee

Alan Judge
God in His grace and merciful providence led us to a man that everyone—including God’s man—completely agreed upon in a way that only God could have done.

Lindsey Wright
He boldly trusts and rests in The Lord, was born to lead and preach, is gospel and grace driven, passionate, empathetic,… [more] July 1, 2010 | Various

give, go, lead… learn

Years ago if you had told me I would go on a mission trip to Peru I would have laughed. If you had told me I would lead a youth mission trip to Peru I would have likely fallen over in disbelief. But often God has plans for us that are outside of our expectations. Years ago, before becoming a Christian, I saw mission trips as little more than adventurous… [more] July 1, 2010 | David Purinton

the view from over here

One Director’s highlights on this year’s VBS journey
Southwood’s VBS was June 14-17, 2010. It has been two weeks since the vast voyage ended….has Southwood recovered? Here are some highlights from this year:

•This was my fourth year to Direct and/or Co-direct VBS at Southwood. This year Mary Ivy Cost… [more] July 1, 2010 | Leah Treen

Dear Mythbusters

Myth #1: Was Jean Larroux a candidate when he came to preach Why Bad People Make Good Missionaries on April 18, 2010 at Southwood?

Findings: BUSTED!

Explanation: Jean Larroux was NOT a candidate when he came to preach [more] June 21, 2010 | Ken Leggett

Jean Larroux recommended by Pastoral Search Committee

And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no… [more] June 15, 2010 | Ken Leggett

Senior Pastor Search Committee Update

The following information was presented during worship on May 30, 2010.

We love this church. We love the leadership of the pastors and elders and deacons, staff and men and women who serve diligently.   We understand that some or many of you are frustrated with the  duration of the search. We understand and feel that more… [more] June 1, 2010 | Brock Warner

Pastor’s Note

“More and more, the desire grows in me to simply walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, throw water, and be known as someone who wants to live with them. It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence. Still, it is not as simple as it seems. My own desire to be useful,… [more] May 24, 2010 | Ken Leggett

strategic planning

In a congregational meeting in March 2008, Mike Honeycutt outlined,
“So now we have to look ahead to the next 20 years in order to move into the future that God has planned for us, a future that is in one sense not too difficult to discern. In some things we have no choice but to deal with facts that are before us. Our Sunday school… [more] May 24, 2010 | Strategic Planning Committee

resourcing environments

A strategic plan for Southwood’s next advance
God has indeed blessed Southwood, and we desire to continue extending that blessing throughout our city. In 1986, four families recognized the need for a PCA church in southeast Huntsville. As they grew, they envisioned becoming a multi-staff, multi-ministry church with potential growth… [more] May 24, 2010 | Various

how you can be a part of the plan

Being “Servant Saints” of Jesus Christ
As a body, Southwood is serious about “deaconing,” particularly in how we serve our community. We’ve learned that serving is one of the means of grace by which we learn to follow Jesus Christ and be transformed by Him in His mission. To find a place to serve and become… [more] May 24, 2010 | Ken Leggett

Key Resources for Your Consideration

We want to recommend to you several resources that have guided our Session, Staff, Diaconate, Pastoral Search Committee and Strategic Planning Committee throughout this past year. Each of these will give you better insight into the heart of our leadership for our congregation and community.

• John Stott, [more] May 24, 2010 | Various

shepherding: smaller groups, better care

As I trust is evident through all of this strategic planning discussion, Southwood has been and will continue to be about people. The heart of the church leadership is to see more and more devoted disciples of Jesus Christ reveling in His love and fighting to advance His Kingdom.

Part of this process involves equipping and caring for followers… [more] May 24, 2010 | Will Spink

tea for more than two

Recently, the rawhide and antlers of the Lodge were put aside and delicately replaced by china, roses, and Grissom High School senior girls and their mothers.

Serving tea and refreshments were Southwood members Jennifer and Abby Coleman. But what could easily be mistaken for a simple social gathering, turned into a opportunity to host women… [more] May 24, 2010 | Jake Patton

Summer Abroad

Members Investing in the Kingdom
Southwood is not only in Huntsville for Huntsville, we are also in the world for the world. While we have a short term team of youth going to Peru in June and a team of adults in July, we also have others investing their entire summer serving to advance God’s Kingdom in other countries. Below are… [more] May 24, 2010 | Ken Stuart

Pastor’s Note

A Visible Demonstration of the Gospel
“You have faith and I have works. Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” These words from James 2:18 are a shot between the eyes that help remind us all that faith, if it doesn’t have works, is dead (verse 17). Those are strong words… [more] April 2, 2010 | Ken Stuart

Service in the Church

(IT ISN’T JUST FOR DEACONS ANYMORE)
When you get to church on Sunday morning have you ever wondered who turned on the lights in the church and prepared the sanctuary for worship? Or what would happen if a door in the church was accidentally left open at the end of the day? Who fills the baptismal font? The short answer to these… [more] April 1, 2010 | Dave Purinton

Easter Lilies

The feeling of Spring was in the air and the scent of Easter lilies filled the Southwood Sanctuary. Thanks to the loving hands of the Flower Guild committee, led by Jane Bise, our church was filled with joy, spring blooms, sweet scents, and busy ladies bringing out the cross and draping it with cloth and flowers this past Easter Sunday. … [more] April 1, 2010 | Jenny Fleming and Jane Bise

Church planting in Mexico

In 1998, Southwood sent a team of 21 folks to Ciudad Victoria, Mexico to assist in construction projects as part of a church plant through Mission to the World (MTW) and the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico. The national church planter was Rafael Rodriguez and his wife Marta. “Wonderful trip” and “kindest people in the world”… [more] April 1, 2010 | Ken Stuart

Serving street boys in Peru

Looking back through my journals of the mission trips I have taken to Peru, I am reminded of many faces, many emotions and so many stories.

Undoubtedly, each of these things are a part of my heart in a way that I sometimes cannot fully explain. From the very first trip, I heard some of the stories of how these boys came to be abandoned.… [more] April 1, 2010 | Polly Ricks

Well done Dave Wood

“Well Done” to Dave Wood for his 14-plus years of faithful service to the membership of Southwood. Thursday, March 25th, the church staff and many who served alongside Dave had a lunch in his honor. Dave’s tenure on our facilities team began at Southwood when the sanctuary was a concrete slab and he has carefully cared for both… [more] April 1, 2010 | Jeff Townsley

Jr. High Edge

June 26-June 30
Come to the Edge, the greatest Jr High summer camp ever! Get ready for your minds to be blown at the best week of your summer. We will travel to Lookout Mountain on the campus of Covenant College in Chattanooga, TN. There will be great teaching from the word of God, worship music, fun skits and games, and great fellowship!… [more] March 18, 2010 | Kim Delchamps

Anna Ministry Valentine Luncheon

On Saturday, February 13th, the Anna Ministry Valentine’s luncheon was held at the home of Bob and Lynn Frederick. Fortunately, the weather cooperated, and fourteen ladies were able to attend. During the luncheon, some of the ladies were asked how they met their husbands. Ivy Barber reminisced about the courtship she had with her husband, saying,… [more] February 23, 2010 | Rebekah Frederick

Women and Chocolate

What woman doesn’t love chocolate? This is one of the questions Southwood Women’s Ministry considered as they brainstormed on ways to encourage the women serving our church. During the hours of 9:45 to 10:45 am each Sunday, there are about 50 women serving our kids in the Children’s Sunday School classes. These… [more] February 18, 2010 | Jenny Fleming

Leadership Forum

“...it is not good for man to be alone.”

If you were to ask me what God said at the end of each of the days of His creating the world, I could quickly answer, “He saw what He had made… and it was good.” Nailed it! Five points of Bible trivia awarded to me.
But if you… [more] February 11, 2010 | Winnie Winford

Haiti Relief Funding and Update

Since the January 12th earthquake in Haiti, Southwood has faithfully risen to serve through prayer and giving.

Our missionaries, Charles and Antonine Amicy were not injured in the quake and the PMH (Presbyterian Mission in Haiti) main campus in Messailler/Cabaret suffered only broken windows and minor damage. The Canadian Reformed Church’s… [more] February 1, 2010 | Ken Stuart

Pastor’s Note

I’ve enjoyed thinking with you over the past few weeks about the progress of the gospel, in fact the advance of Jesus Christ himself, as Ken has so helpfully reminded us from Philippians 1. In particular we have been talking about how our sufferings can serve to advance the gospel in our own hearts and in the lives of others. I want to share… [more] February 1, 2010 | Will Spink

Pastor’s Note

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And [Jesus] said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the… [more] January 1, 2010 | Bill Nash

You might be a Small Group Leader if…

Do you have what it takes to be a Small Group Leader? Well, do you like what happens when you consistently get together with a group of people who share your desire to connect with each other and to grow in intimacy with God? If so… you might be a Small Group Leader in need of a small group to lead!

The following is our Small Group… [more] January 1, 2010 | Bill Nash

Pastor Search Refined

Happy New Year from the Pastor Search Committee! I want to take this opportunity to provide you with an update on our progress and assure you that we are trying hard to work ourselves out of a job.

While we continue to search for God’s man to shepherd our church, we are encouraged and blessed by the magnificent work of our staff and… [more] January 1, 2010 | Tim Schlichter

The Village Church

When we first started working in Lincoln Village, we knew there would be a lot of areas that needed work. It was easy to look at the community and identify the physical needs including fixing the houses, tutoring the kids, meeting the medical needs, meeting legal needs, and much more. The spiritual development of the community was the challenge.… [more] January 1, 2010 | Mark Stearns

Practice Makes Perfect

Practice makes perfect, but nobody’s perfect, so why practice? This is an age old conundrum. It seems like such a catch-22 that to get really great at something, you have to practice, practice, practice…only to find that you’ll never be perfect. In fact, the more you practice, the more you see that perfection is impossible. For… [more] January 1, 2010 | James Parker

Pastor’s Note

What’s Under Your Tree?
I almost called the Advent sermon series: So This is Christmas…? It’s a line from a John Lennon song you’ll no doubt hear at some point this Christmas.
The opening stanza goes like this:

So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
… [more] December 1, 2009 | Bill Nash

Here We Come A Caroling…

Wednesday December 16th at 5:15
Come gather at the Lodge at 5:15pm for a fun night of caroling in our community. Groups will be formed to sing for our shut-ins, those who are in nursing homes and retirement villages, as well as our surrounding neighbors. Group leaders will have lyric cards so bring a flashlight. A beautiful voice is… [more] December 1, 2009 | Melissa Patterson

Just Like Scrooge

When I was a kid, Christmas was always exciting. I imagined all the things I would ask for and what I might get under the tree. It was almost too much for me to take. That whole “visions of sugarplums” thing can be overwhelming at times (what is a sugarplum anyway?) I’d get so filled with anticipation that… [more] December 1, 2009 | James Parker

Lincoln Village Updates

LINCOLN ELEMENTARY: Even though the school is one of many in the Huntsville City School system to be closed the school still continues to draw national attention. It has been asked to apply again for the Panasonic National School Change Award and the Blue Ribbon School Award. Volunteers from NASA have visited the school (including the new administrator,… [more] December 1, 2009 | Dale Bowen

Thanksgiving Turkey Visit

I thought I had seen how the poor lived and understood how I could help them. I thought I knew enough to make a difference in others lives who were less fortunate than me and my family. This all changed last week. I had an experience that opened my eyes to see the disadvantaged through the eyes of Christ.

Mark Stearns, director… [more] December 1, 2009 | Karen Crippen

The Blessing of Need

When I was sixteen my parents moved us from Chicago to Michigan. They said at the time it was for a job opportunity but I know it was to get me away from my boyfriend. It was the greatest gift they ever gave me. We ended up in an inner-city church plant of the Christian Reformed Church. We had a young white assistant pastor fresh out of seminary… [more] December 1, 2009 | Susan Ross

Pastor’s Note

BeHOLD the Date!
Behold the Lamb of God — December 13th, at 7pm
It’s about to get really crazy and you know it. We are entering the holiday season, and you know your life will be a blur until sometime after the first week in January. I have a love-hate relationship with this time of year. On the one hand, personal… [more] November 1, 2009 | Bill Nash

Serving: Advancing God’s Kingdom in the World

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” These are the words of Jesus to the apostles in Acts 1:8 just before His ascension. Southwood’s Vision is “To advance the Kingdom of God in our lives,… [more] November 1, 2009 | Ken Stuart

give a ticket

What first attracted you to Christianity? This is a very important question for us to answer. Think back to when you first realized that Jesus loves you, and gave his life as a ransom for yours. What was that process like for you? All of us would tell different stories I’m sure. But there would be a common theme running throughout all of our… [more] November 1, 2009 | James Parker

the birth of ‘behold the lamb’

It was an unforgettable evening in April 2000 when Andrew Peterson stood with his guitar on the Ryman Auditorium’s historic stage, a long velvet curtain behind him and a humble regard for this sacred ground. With the ghosts of yesteryears’s Grand Ole Opry dwelling among the rafters, Peterson performed what was then his top ten single,… [more] November 1, 2009 | James Parker

Operation Christmas Child

Take a box. Fill it. Bring it back. Deadline November 15th
Serving through giving and the power of a simple gift; that is what Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Project is all about. If you are not familiar with it, this is a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, a ministry organization led by Franklin Graham. Since 1993, Samaritan’s… [more] November 1, 2009 | Ken Stuart

guest preacher: dr. bryan chapell

Dr. Bryan Chapell will preach on November 22 in both services.
Dr. Bryan Chapell is president and professor of practical theology at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. His insightful Bible teaching can be heard daily via the Internet on Living Christ 360.

Raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Chapell was a pastor… [more] October 31, 2009 |

Pastor’s Note

How big is your world? No, I’m not talking about the global statistical markers of population (6,790,062,216 July 2009 est.) or space (510.072 million sq. km). I’m talking about how our engagement with the world lines up with the church’s marching orders from Jesus found in Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples… [more] October 1, 2009 | Ken Stuart

Harvest HeyDay

Sunday, October 25th from 3:00-5:30
Though Southwood is a relatively young church, several great traditions have already been established in our church’s short history. One of the greatest of these traditions is the annual fall festival, now known as Harvest HeyDay. What is Harvest HeyDay you ask? Take all of the good things that… [more] October 1, 2009 | Laura Burger

how i found my soul sister

“I have nothing in common with her” …was my first thought leaving our introductory lunch—a blind pairing for youth ministry by a church staff member. “The generation gap,” I thought, “is just the first barrier.”

The differences, at least to me, were significant. Her “covenant” childhood… [more] October 1, 2009 | Diane Brown

pastor search ‘small group’

The Pastor Search Committee continues to meet together for weekly prayer, discussion, and frequent networking and interaction with candidates. Since first convening in February, the Committee has grown in their faith in Christ and as a team, in love and respect for each other; we consider this Committee as our Southwood Small Group. We are expectantly… [more] October 1, 2009 | Bob Greenman

serving in the village

Serving in the Lincoln Village ministry encompasses a wide & diverse set of options. It can be undertaken as an individual, as a family, or as a small group. It can be a one-time service; or as part of a rotation of services provided; or as an on-going part of the work. Below are a few of the options that are available over the next few months.
… [more] October 1, 2009 | Dale Bowen

Women’s Roadtrip

Find your soul sister in the mountains of Mentone during the Women’s Roadtrip coming up October 23-25. Not only will you find your soul sister, but you’ll gain Biblical insight into a deeper relationship with Christ from our speaker, Lisa Peck. Lisa and her husband, Carl, are professional counselors in Huntsville and share… [more] September 22, 2009 | Suzi Bolton

Pastor’s Note

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!
It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the LORD has commanded the blessing,… [more] September 1, 2009 | Ken Leggett

This Fall at High-Life

I was a 9 year old boy in the Panhandle of Texas playing with G.I Joe’s when saints of Southwood were drawing a line in the sand for the youth of Huntsville. The Lodge was a dream no one had envisioned yet, the program was simple and hospitable, and on the other side of the country, I was in the woods with my make shift M-16, putting it all… [more] September 1, 2009 | Jake Patton

Ordination, Hardly Ordinary

Ken Stuart is almost as excited about his ordination as he is St. Patrick’s Day! September 6 will celebrate the culmination of long hours of study, tests, and oral examinations in preparation to be ordained into gospel ministry as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), our denomination. His ordination service will be… [more] September 1, 2009 | Nanette Respess

The Call of the Crayon

In the past few weeks at Southwood, we have heard and seen a lot about “growing small.” As a large church, one of our challenges is to make sure that we as members are engaged in our church in a significant way and that as we grow small together as a body of believers, we take what we have learned and are learning out into the world and… [more] September 1, 2009 | Amy Gandy

Putting Ourselves Out There

People have said to me, at one time or another, that they aren’t sure if they could ever stand up in front of a room full of people and sing. Usually they say how nervous they would feel. It’s easy to picture in your mind all of the American Idol contestants who get an ear full from Simon Cowell. NOT a fun situation to find yourself in!… [more] September 1, 2009 | James Parker

Meet Our New Youth Interns

Do you know the new people across the street? This fall we have two great new interns who will be working with the youth at the Lodge. Their names are Jeremy McNeill and Aaron Shaffer! As you see these two new additions to our Southwood family, introduce yourself and invite them to dinner! Youth interns love free food!

Jeremy came to us this… [more] September 1, 2009 | Amy Gandy

Pastor’s Note

Jesus tells us in John 15 that we are to abide in Him like branches that are connected to a vine. Apart from Him, He says, we will bear no fruit; we will not be able to do anything! Apparently, being connected to Jesus is absolutely crucial to our day-to-day lives, even though we have a tendency to forget this. Now there are many ways to strengthen… [more] August 2, 2009 | Will Spink

When life gives you lemons…

In today’s modern world, few parents have to face the bitter pain of losing a child they love. But Nancy Guthrie has faced such pain twice, burying two of her children who lived only six months. Those who have watched her and her husband, David, walk through such loss, as well as the millions who have read their story worldwide in TIME… [more] August 2, 2009 | Sally McFadden

Next Wave: Small Groups

Every vision is a solution to a problem. A problem we have at Southwood is that although people visit and worship with us, they struggle to relationally connect. And if they can’t connect to people, whether they are spiritually seeking or seasoned followers of Jesus, their spiritual growth is tragically limited at best, and nonexistent at worst.… [more] August 1, 2009 | Bill Nash

the many faces of bill harritt

Bill Harritt is widely known across the church as Director of Junior High Ministry. Bill began his tenure at Southwood in May 2005 and quickly found his place among our seventh and eighth graders. Bill is leaving Southwood and moving to St. Louis, MO mid-August to begin his studies towards a Masters of Divinity at Covenant Theological Seminary. Bill’s… [more] August 1, 2009 | Leah Treen

Pastor’s Note

My church history professor said, “The church, properly speaking, is a missionary community; serving its neighbor and proclaiming the gospel.” The church is not a Christian country club nor is it a holy huddle. The church is not the building, the vision statements nor the mission statements. The church is the people inside the building.… [more] July 1, 2009 | Alex Shipman

Laundry and Ministry

After working at Southwood for over four years, I have come to know something about myself. I like a finished product and I like doing my laundry. I enjoy doing labor that makes me look back at something that is unfinished and help bring it to completion. I, however, work with people and I think we all know and understand that as people we are all… [more] July 1, 2009 | Bill Harritt

Youth Missions Report

Mission trips are part of the summer landscape for our high school students. Two different groups boarded planes and flew south to live and work in Peru. A third group boarded SUVs and minivans and drove northeast to live and work in Lincoln Village for a week. The Junior High Project Sweat group will board a bus on July 16 and drive east to minister… [more] July 1, 2009 | Jake Patton and Jimmy Cook

Hope is All Around

In late 2008, Dale Bowen approached me about a friend of his who is a producer in Nashville. He said this friend grew up here in Huntsville and that the Lord had put on his heart a desire to contribute of his talents to help with the revitalization of Lincoln Village. This friend of his is Monroe Jones. Monroe is well known to many… [more] July 1, 2009 | James Parker

Lincoln Elementary, National Award Finalist

Lincoln Elementary is one of 24 finalists for the National Panasonic School Change Award. It is a one of a kind award given annually to only six schools across America that are recognized for having “significantly changed” for the better. Responding to 16 specific criteria such as: a measurable change of attitude, beliefs, and values;… [more] July 1, 2009 | Karen Taylor and Dale Bowen

Thor’s Story, from Iceland to Lincoln Village

Thor begins his story with his testimony of how he “gave his life to Christ on March 14th, 2002 at 11:35 p.m.” It’s a story that ultimately brings him from Iceland to live in Lincoln Village…

Bjarni Erlingsson, aka “Thor”, arrived in Huntsville in January 2002 to visit a longtime friend from Iceland who… [more] July 1, 2009 | Karen Taylor

A Week in the Life of the Village

Many of you hear about Lincoln Village and the physical needs that come along requiring your help. As we meet physical needs, we pray to be the people who carry the cup of Living Water to the thirsty. The stories included are real. They are stories of people whose lives have been changed as they have encountered volunteers and people who come to… [more] July 1, 2009 | Butch Taylor

On Track

The history of Lincoln Village begins by the railroad tracks. In 2002, I started walking the streets in Lincoln, taking in the sounds and sights—everything. What I saw and heard caused an indescribable hurt. Jeremiah said, “What is before my eyes brings pain to my soul.” After leaving Lincoln Village I could hear the whistle of… [more] July 1, 2009 | Mark Stearns

Sowing with Tears

Harvest Ministries, a program where we grow food for low-income families, started in 1992. I didn’t know anything about farming but that was okay because I liked being in a position where I had to rely on God to see him work. Zechariah 4:6 states, “’not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” … [more] July 1, 2009 | Perspectives from Mark Stearns, by Karen Taylor

Small Group leaders re:Group!

This past Sunday Southwood Small Groups took a big step as we continue the transition from a church with small groups to a church of small groups.
Leaders from five different types of small groups - children, youth, men’s, women’s and mixed – met together for a time of refreshment, laughter, and training. The highlight was… [more] June 16, 2009 | Bill Nash

Penn Jillette: A Gift of a Bible

The link for the video by magician Penn, of Penn and Teller, was used as a sermon illustration in worship this past Sunday. If you did not get to view it, please do. In light of Sunday’s sermon, I have included some quotes I used for discussion starters after watching the video with those who you work with, share a neighborhood with, travel… [more] June 8, 2009 | Ken Leggett

Changing Seasons

“So don’t get ahead of the Master and jump to conclusions with your judgments before all the evidence is in. When he comes, he will bring out in the open and place in evidence all kinds of things we never even dreamed of – inner motives and purposes and prayers. Only then will any one of us get to hear the “well done!”… [more] June 1, 2009 | Heather Morris

The Village in the Summer

Spring 2008 has been a blur of activity in Lincoln Village and summer has arrived. After completing a great school year which included Lincoln Elementary and The LINC, our after-school program, preparing our students for the April assessments, we look to see how our students improved on their already outstanding performances. Spring also brought… [more] June 1, 2009 | Karen Taylor

Pastor’s Note

I started leading a small group just over 9 weeks ago—good idea since I am the Small Groups Pastor! It was about that time that our personal life hit some extremely rough patches. We had to face the difficult challenge many parents with autistic children have to face of finding placement outside the home when our Billy turned violent. If that… [more] June 1, 2009 | Bill Nash

Deacons Demonstrate

Deacons. A layperson who assists the minister in various functions. Service given. Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan writes, “How does the Lord of glory set forth in a world of sin standards that utterly contradict its life-style, begun in Adam and continued to this day? He does it by demonstration. He ‘deacons.’… [more] May 1, 2009 | Amy Gandy

Jump on In! VBS Needs Your Help

Vacation Bible School is a collaboration of people and gifts that come together to create a glorious symphony of the spoken word, the read Word, the sung word, the acted word and the created word. VBS is a community of helping hands from snacks carried in the ‘bayou’ to recreation filled with energetic kids to the story tellers to the… [more] May 1, 2009 | Nanette Respess

The Harvest

For the last several weeks I’ve been attending the morning Harvest Service at the Village Church. I’ve become very fond of doing so. My Tuesday mornings have become very different. Every tuesday morning Jeff Komara and Mark Stearns have been holding this service as a time of worship for those involved with Harvest Ministries and many… [more] May 1, 2009 | James Parker

Work Weeks in the Village

March is always a wonderful month in Lincoln Village. For the last three years, we have had the privilege of hosting a group from Vanderbilt University as part of their Alternative Spring Break program. This year was no different. We were excited to have 12 students come & participate with us in the work. The students were involved in the school… [more] April 1, 2009 | Dale Bowen

Meet the Nashes

Many of you know Bill Nash from leading worship on Sundays, through his sermons, or in his new work as Associate Pastor of Small Groups. Over the past few months, Bill has transitioned out of singles and college ministry to working on creating and leading our flock into a vibrant small group ministry. His passion for small groups and how best they… [more] March 22, 2009 | Nanette Respess

The Lord’s Day: Sundays at Southwood

It is 5:30-6:00AM and the parking lot is empty as Mike Honeycutt arrives to begin his Sunday morning. In the quiet of these early hours, he prepares for worship through prayer and reviewing his sermon and the elements of worship. A truck pulls in around 7:00AM as James Parker arrives to put all the musical elements together. Bob and Viven Scrip come… [more] March 13, 2009 | Nanette Respess

Valentine’s Day With A Twist

The world sets our expectations that Valentine’s Day should be flowers, candy or a candlelit dinner for two with that special someone. For those who are alone, this yearly reminder of what you do not have—or what you have lost may leave one sad. Southwood’s twenty-somethings singles group teamed up with Jen and Tim Kauffman to host… [more] March 1, 2009 | Katherine Spearing and Emily Park

Pastor’s Note

We all recognize how difficult it can be to love someone well or work with them well when we don’t really know them. We have experienced this reality in our relationships with our family members, friends, co-workers, and even God. Sports teams, businesses, families, and many others have also seen the benefits of committed teamwork for growing individuals… [more] March 1, 2009 | Will Spink

Big Impact: Small Groups

Small groups, an adjective and a noun working together to define an assemblage of people in a limited number; people who are growing in the Word, digging into life together, belonging with others, and caring for each other, ultimately giving connection to the larger group called Southwood Presbyterian Church. Southwood, a big church family, grows… [more] March 1, 2009 | Bill Nash

Mission with a Vision of Care

Friday morning on January 9 came early for five of our members. At 6:30AM Ken Leggett, Jonathan Barnette, Max Caramanian, Karen Parks and Pam Mayes boarded a plane for Monterrey, Mexico. This groups was headed south to check out five church plants and a seminary supported by Mission to the World (MTW), our denomination’s foreign missions wing. … [more] February 28, 2009 | Pam Mayes

Patrick-His Life and Mission

As many of you know, St. Patrick’s Day is March 17th. If you are not Irish, this may not even hit your radar. But that’s OK. Anyone can be Irish for a day! It seems that most everyone “knows” St. Patrick, but not many of us really know much about his life or mission. On Sunday, March 15, our 1st… [more] February 18, 2009 | Ken Stuart

Painting a Legacy

The canvas of Mike Honeycutt’s ministry is filled with images painted by broad and narrow strokes from a palette that represents varied facets of life at Southwood and in Huntsville. When asking various people what they have appreciated or will correlate to Mike’s nine year presence in and among us, the answers reflect the pastor, the… [more] February 2, 2009 | Nanette Respess

Judy Honeycutt: More Than a Pastor’s Wife

The search committee which brought the Honeycutts to Southwood made it clear to Judy and Mike when they came to Huntsville that the church’s expectations for Judy were first and foremost to take care of her husband and family, knowing ministry and pastoring is exhausting. Judy’s main job was to be family. Whatever she chose to be involved… [more] February 1, 2009 | Nanette Respess

Lincoln Village Focus

In the last few weeks, we have heard a lot about FOCUS. What is and what should be the focus of our church as we move forward? To many the idea of ‘focus’ seems like a new idea. However, if you look back a few years, you will see that one of the great gifts Mike Honeycutt will be leaving Southwood and the Huntsville community is the focus… [more] February 1, 2009 | Amy Gandy

Pastor’s Note

Sometimes God brings us in contact with special people whom He uses in unforgettable ways to advance his kingdom in our lives. For many of us and for the Southwood family as a whole, the Honeycutts have been some of those special people.

In this issue of Branches, we want to take some time to celebrate what God has done and what God will… [more] February 1, 2009 | Will Spink

Service Worship

Here’s something I’ve always struggled with. I’ve been a Christian for many years, and I’ve been a part of many churches and para-church organizations. It goes without saying that I’ve often found myself engaged in a corporate worship experience that was encouraging and transformative. So what happens next? For many… [more] January 14, 2009 | James Parker

Pastor’s Note

WHY? WHAT? And WHERE? Those are the questions we want to focus on as a congregation as we seek to continue in the direction God has been moving us for some time.

I. WHY DOES THE CHURCH EXIST? To advance the kingdom of God in our lives, homes, community, and world.

This has been Southwood’s vision statement for several years.… [more] January 14, 2009 | Mike Honeycutt

Meet Southwood’s Graphic Designers

Did you know the average postcard you receive in the mail from a Southwood ministry requires 4-5 man hours of design, printing, and production. The average Branches takes 40-50 hours from the first written word on the page to delivery at the post office. The High-Life retreat books take 60-70 hours a week for two full weeks with youth staff writing… [more] January 11, 2009 | Nanette Respess

Our PreK & Kindergarteners Impacting Others Abroad

What can PreK and Kindergarteners do to impact those in other countries for Christ? Buy them baby chicks of course! And that is exactly what our Kids Worship PreK and K kids did this December. Through Samaritan’s Purse, our children were able to purchase baby chicks for a family in a poverty stricken country for egg production… [more] January 2, 2009 | Ken Stuart

Operation Christmas Child Hits New High With Southwood!

For years, Southwood has participated in Samaritan’s Purses’ Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Project but 2008 marked an all time high for Southwood’s involvement! It is an easy thing to fill a shoe box (or shoe box size plastic container) with goodies such as hard candy, a flash light, socks, coloring book, small toys,… [more] January 2, 2009 | Ken Stuart

Leading the Flock: The New and Renewed

We have ordained three men as teaching elders in the Presbyterian Church in America (our denomination) this past month. Southwood’s teaching elders, known as pastors to us, are busy. Mike Honeycutt continues to preach, oversee worship and love this large flock while Ken Leggett and Jake Patton pastor their flock of youth and families. Here… [more] December 1, 2008 | Nanette Respess

Pastor’s Note

It’s official…almost. Several Sundays ago, when I announced my transition, I was only able to tell you that I hoped to teach. Now I can tell you where—Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis. Covenant, the seminary of the Presbyterian Church in America, is where I trained for ministry and where, Lord willing, I will now help… [more] December 1, 2008 | Mike Honeycutt

Gather ‘Round Ye Children

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who love Christmas music, and those who can’t stand it. Those tendencies in us always present themselves when one of our favorite radio stations goes “all holiday music” from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. I am a fan of Christmas music and my enjoyment of it increases with… [more] December 1, 2008 | James Parker

They are Marshall

Verne and Alina Marshall serve with Mission to the World (MTW) in Santiago, Chile. They were in the U.S. for the wedding of their son, Naphtali, to a missionary kid from Ecuador, Alyssa Fowler. The wedding was held in Bangor, Maine where Alyssa’s father pastors a Community Church. Verne and Alina decided to extend their stay in the US to Jan.… [more] November 1, 2008 | Pam Mayes

Operation Christmas Child: Boxes of Hope

It was mid-November and the front of the sanctuary was filled with clear plastic shoe boxes brimming with small items. Last year, our families went beyond their usual generosity and filled shoe boxes with necessities and toys for a child they would never meet. This child may live in an area that we would be hard-pressed to find anything hopeful about… [more] November 1, 2008 | Nina Banta

Pastor’s Note

Less is more! Those three words are in the Bible — just not in that order. The concept is there for sure. For example, when Jesus summarizes the 10 Commandments with two in Matthew 22 (Love God, Love others) He was simplifying for clarity and power.

Another example of simplifying is found in John 13 when Jesus says here’s a summarizing… [more] November 1, 2008 | Bill Nash

Pray First

The book of Acts chronicles the history of the early church. It lives out Christ’s words to the apostles prior to his ascension into heaven when he says, “But you will receive power when the holy spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Now when… [more] November 1, 2008 | Amy Gandy

Charles Amicy: MTW Missionary

Southwood missionary, Charles Amicy is a national Haitian ministering with Mission to the World (MTW). He and his wife, Antonine, have four children ages 9-17. In 1997, Charles began Presbyterian Missions in Haiti, one of the most under-developed countries in the Western Hemisphere and one of the poorest in the world. Haiti is often called the “Black… [more] October 1, 2008 | Pam Mayes

A Heart for Student Athletes

Ralph Keel’s office changed from inside to outside when his ministry transitioned from Southwood to Fellowship of Christian Athletes in April. His love for sports and students has been met through his new place of ministry. Ralph’s ministry to students began through Young Life and continued while he ministered at Southwood. He continued… [more] October 1, 2008 | Nanette Respess

Meet the Petchers

Sunday mornings are Dee Petcher’s busiest hours. Her mornings run the gamut whether it is figuring out why a child is upset, scrambling to find a volunteer when someone failed to arrive for their duty, or working with a parent who has a concern. She oversees our nursery filled with infants and children through three years old.
Her passion… [more] October 1, 2008 | Nanette Respess

Fanaticism and the Kingdom of God

The crisp fall days have arrived, the leaves are turning and the skies are bluer after the lifting of summer’s haze. Football, soccer, and other sports abound. Auburn or Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina or Clemson football captures our attention in the ‘beaches’ of a stadium or family room. We check in for two and one-half… [more] October 1, 2008 | Nanette Respess

Kids Across America

Camp… going away from home for the first time, getting to know a counselor, swimming, hiking, playing capture the flag, sleeping in a cabin in your new sleeping bag. Do you remember your first camp experience? For 26 kids and 4 adults from Lincoln Village, this past June was the trip of a life-time. As one little girl told one of the chaperones… [more] October 1, 2008 | Amy Gandy

Pastor’s Note

What kind of sports fan are you? Are you the kind of person that doesn’t care at all about sports? That’s kind of hard to believe here in the heart of SEC football! Or maybe you’re the kind of person who lives and breathes their favorite sports team? It’s most likely that you are somewhere on the spectrum in between, and that… [more] October 1, 2008 | Bill Nash

Teaching the Wee Ones

Do you remember the first time you experienced the Word of God? Picture eight one or two year olds gathered around a table, legs trying to reach the floor but not making it, listening with rapt or divided attention, hearing about God. The Word is planted early in our little ones’ hearts on Sundays. From the time they enter the nursery, our… [more] September 1, 2008 | Nanette Respess

Churches Working Together

The dictionary defines cooperation as “an act or instance of working or acting together for a common purpose or benefit; joint action.” It’s defined as a noun, but really it is an action. If you’ve been watching the Olympics, you’ve seen a great example of cooperation in the swimming relays. Every member of the four… [more] September 1, 2008 | Amy Gandy

Steve and Rita WIlliams: New Zealand Missionaries

Steve and Rita Williams’ vision for taking care of missionaries and Christian workers through counseling and pastoral care has taken them from Europe to the South Pacific. They are missionaries in Tauranga, New Zealand with Mission to the World and consider Southwood one of their home churches. Steve is from Huntsville. The Williams, along with… [more] September 1, 2008 | Pam Mayes

Pastor’s Note

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” –Mark 2:27

These words of Christ have been taken in all kinds of ways. Some have abused them—taking the Sabbath (or “Lord’s Day” for us) “gift” and doing whatever they want, obliterating the fourth of the ten commandments: “Remember… [more] September 1, 2008 | Mike Honeycutt

God’s “Will” for Southwood

Will and Christy Spink arrived Saturday, August 23 with boxes, furniture and hearts ready to minister at Southwood. Will has already heard the puns that go with his name—“God’s ‘Will’ for Southwood” —and has taken them with a wry grin and great humor as he begins his ministry as Director of Pastoral Care… [more] September 1, 2008 | Nanette Respess

Pastor’s Note

I am pretty sure it’s not God’s will that I write the opening pastoral note to this issue of Branches devoted to God’s will. I mean, it’s too complicated a subject to cover in a short note. Besides, it’s topics like that which make me glad I’m not the senior pastor – I’m totally fine that Mike has to do all the heavy lifting and gets… [more] August 15, 2008 | Bill Nash

Where are We Going?

Being decisive has never been a strong suit of mine. I’ve always been worried about making a wrong choice and ending up in a sticky situation. At times it has been quite a crippling fear. In my youth I can remember stressing over even the simplest decisions. I never truly had a sense of direction. I just drifted aimlessly, waiting on the ‘cosmic… [more] August 15, 2008 | James Parker

Here to There: Discourse on Biblical Guidance

If you have been in worship for the past four weeks, you are well-aware of Mike Honeycutt’s sermon series on God’s will. “How do I discern God’s will?�? is often asked of pastors and church leaders. Mike has spent the past weeks explaining the views of guidance from God, defining the guardrails of God’s moral law, and how God speaks to… [more] August 15, 2008 | John White

Women’s Bible Study

For years, Debbie Jones has been accustomed to the preparation required weeks before her first graders entered her classroom for the first time. Though Debbie has been retired from teaching after a twenty-five year career, she continues to use her talents to administer our Morning and Evening Edition Bible studies.

Debbie’s new ‘class’… [more] August 15, 2008 | Teri McQuinn

Gary and Linda Johnson: MTW Missionaries

Gary and Linda Johnson, along with their 9 children, live in Tranas, Sweden where Gary serves with Mission to the World (MTW). Gary’s philosophy of ministry, “Find faithful men, who will be able to teach others also,�? comes from 2 Timothy 2:2. A good portion of his time goes toward locating, recruiting, training and sending young men into… [more] August 15, 2008 | Pam Mayes

Meet the Sneeds

If you have ever had the opportunity to visit in Bill and JoAnn Sneed’s home, you immediately feel a sense of welcome and belonging. Their Southern manners and delight in people put a stranger at ease immediately whether at home, church or Lincoln Village. The Sneeds can be found serving at the Information Desk many a Sunday morning and in the… [more] August 15, 2008 | Nanette Respess

But Where is the Lamb for the Burnt Offering?

So often I contend with God. There always seems to be something of which I refuse to relinquish control. I don’t fully trust Jesus with my whole heart and my whole life. And of late, I seem to be reminded of this fact quite often. How can God expect me to follow Him when I have no clue where He’s leading me? And how can I trust Him if… [more] July 15, 2008 | James Parker

Meet the Dentons

Keith Denton’s job takes him all over the world. He has traveled to twenty-six countries on five continents. He counts Russian and Kuala Lampur, Malaysia as his most unusual places to have visited. Traveling is part of his family’s life, too. Keith, Michele, and their boys Philip (15), Stephen (17) and Matthew (19) have covered fifteen… [more] July 15, 2008 | Nanette Respess

The Pervis Mission

Bulgaria has been home to Georgia natives David and Erin Pervis for almost ten years. They both developed a heart for foreign missions before marrying in 1996. David grew up in Georgia and placed his faith in Christ as a child. While working as a chemical engineer after graduating from Auburn University, he participated in evangelism teams in Eastern… [more] July 15, 2008 | Pam Mayes

Polly’s Peruvian Pilgramages

Many people ask me, “Why do you keep going back to Peru?” It is a great priviledge to have gone these 12 times to Peru. There are several reasons why I go, but first of all, I have to say it’s mainly because He sends me. For whatever reason He sees, He keeps me going back.
Next to that, the main reason I go is because I am… [more] July 15, 2008 | Polly Ricks

Pastor’s Note

You are the most traveling group of Believers that I’ve ever known. Considering any given week that Richard’s in Geneva, Mike’s in Africa, Blair’s in Spain, Brock’s in LA, Angie’s at the Lake, William’s working in South Carolina, Dave’s in Portland, and Polly’s somewhere in Peru, we know our people… [more] July 15, 2008 | Ken Leggett

Johnny Long, Pastor to Pastors

Some of you will remember Johnny and Becky Long’s time with us teaching Sonship at spring conference a few years ago. Johnny and Becky Long are serving pastors through a church revitalization ministry, World Harvest Mission. Johnny’s focus is to pastor pastors. He mentors pastors in the art of preaching and teaching the Gospel as the means of… [more] July 1, 2008 | Pam Mayes

Keeping Count: Meet the Sullins

Chip Sullins is not your ordinary church treasurer. When he assumed this role in April, he already had a full plate. What was on his plate? Home improvement. Specifically, kitchen renovation. While Chip usually has a home project going, he has also has been serving those in need of financial counsel through the Diaconate ministry for the past several… [more] July 1, 2008 | Nanette Respess

Making it Through Tough Times

Times seems to be tough and look to be getting tougher. Your SUV that has been a wonderful tool for transporting children is now a tool for making a significant dent in your debit/credit card account. Your trip to the grocery store has put a crater in your checking account and all those extra foods that were normal may now be a luxury. And then there… [more] July 1, 2008 | Nanette Respess

The Future of Lincoln School

In the last few weeks you may have read or heard much about potential school closings and/or consolidations in the Huntsville City School system. Lincoln Elementary has been featured prominently in several of these articles and many have asked questions about how this may affect the work being done at Lincoln. This spring, a committee made a recommendation… [more] July 1, 2008 | Amy Gandy

Pastor’s Note

Okay, so the economy stinks—at least when it comes to the gas pump, the grocery store, the stock market, and the retail value of our homes (unless you’re buying of course). Saying that the economy stinks, though, is a very, very relative statement. If we were in just about any other part of the world, we would be stunned at the material wealth… [more] July 1, 2008 | Mike Honeycutt

Special Directions

Wedding Directors are a necessity if you are getting married at Southwood. Our church family has been fortunate to have several gifted women volunteer their skills, talents, and time to brides and grooms over the past thirteen years. Carol Cox has been the coordinator of all the ladies but will quickly tell you that Carol Joiner and Cathy Mayer and… [more] June 15, 2008 | Nanette Respess

Indy, Revisited

The problem of success is that the more you produce of a successful formula, the greater the risk of becoming a parody of yourself. This is the precarious position Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and the rest of the gang find themselves in at the outset of the 4th Indy flick.

At the opening of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of… [more] June 15, 2008 | Adam Steverson

Peruvian Missions

Many of you are familiar with our mission trips to Peru and the street boys that our youth and adult have come to love. You also may associate Peru with the tables set up in the hallway each November where crafts and goods made in Peru are sold to help Scripture Union. The faces behind Scripture Union are Southwood supported missionaries, Paul and… [more] June 15, 2008 | Pam Mayes

Meet James and Rachel Parker

What does the guy who is leading music dislike the most? Spiders. When you meet James Parker, you quickly discover he is a spider expert, can tell you all about their living habits and will check behind things leaning against a wall. James and his wife Rachel came to Southwood almost two years ago. This time last year James joined the musicians who… [more] June 15, 2008 | Nanette Respess

One Woman’s Dress

Who doesn’t enjoy a wedding filled with flowers, colorful dresses, glorious bouquets of flowers, and a radiant, bedeckeed bride walking the aisle to meet her groom? Summer weddings draw us to churches to be part of the ceremony that creates a new family when a man is covenantally joined to a woman. We love the story of how they met, the proposal… [more] June 15, 2008 | Nanette Respess

Why Do We Sing?

Church has been a huge part of my life as far back as I can remember. When Jesus began to draw me to Himself, I began to understand why we go to church. Community made sense, as did preaching and corporate prayer. But there was always this lingering question that nagged me as I grew; Why DO we sing? Why couldn’t we just listen to the sermon, pray,… [more] June 15, 2008 | James Parker

Pastor’s Note

Recently I realized we were the “Old Couple” in our cul-de-sac. I knew that day would come, but it still freaked me out. I figured I had a few years yet to go before that happened. All our neighbors are younger than Sherrie and me – and of course their children are much younger than ours. Most nights when I come home a beehive of activity… [more] June 15, 2008 | Bill Nash

Meet the Pattons

We have a new face leading worship. He is familiar to some, not to others. When asking Jake what he has been doing with his time this spring, he will answer, “ivy.” The Pattons returned to Huntsville after four years in St. Louis, MO where Jake studied for his Masters of Divinity (MDiv) at Covenant Seminary. They have settled into a home that… [more] June 1, 2008 | Nanette Respess

A Look at Narnia: Prince Caspian

“The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” is the highly anticipated follow-up to the C.S. Lewis classic, The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. In “Prince Caspian,” the Pevensie children once again find themselves magically transported from 1940s England to the mystical land of Narnia. The children are soon shocked to learn that… [more] June 1, 2008 | Adam Steverson

Seth Lewis: Home-Grown Missionary

Ever wonder what our Southwood kids will be when they grow up? We stand for baptisms and say we will help our parents raise these infants in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Seth Lewis is one of those children we have helped raise since 1987. Southwood was only a Sunday night Bible study then. Fast forward to 2008. Seth is married to Jessica… [more] June 1, 2008 | Pam Mayes

The Power Behind Powerlab

Why would two women who have children (and one on the way), husbands, and home projects volunteer to commit several months of time to plan Vacation Bible School (VBS)? Many people will remember the long, humorous emails from Leah Treen or the detailed opportunities to serve from Michelle Sullins during last fall’s Southwood 300. Leah (LT) and Michelle… [more] June 1, 2008 | Nanette Respess

Lincoln Village Update

Lincoln Village. We have become familiar with the term. Many know the places of the village; some know the faces of Lincoln Village. A myriad of things are always happening in the village. A laundry list comes to mind of work completed, work ongoing and work to be done in the future. Kids are going to camp. Ballet camp is happening this… [more] June 1, 2008 | Amy Gandy

Pastor’s Note

One of my favorite seminary professors and a dear friend, Jerram Barrs, told us something in class one day that was remarkably sad but at the same time a valid critique of much of today’s Church. One of Jerram’s sons had a good friend who was an atheist. When this friend discovered that Jerram was a pastor, he asked Jerram’s son… [more] June 1, 2008 | Mike Honeycutt