Sundays at Southwood
Sundays at Southwood revolve around gathered corporate worship. During the week the church is often ‘scattered’ to the many places where God has called us to live, work & play, but on the Lord’s Day we ‘gather’ together for worship.
What time is worship? How many services do you have?
We have two services (8:00am and 11:00am) The doors of the church are open by 7:30am, and you are invited to join with us at that time in the conference room outside of the sanctuary for prayer.
Are the two services identical in worship style?
Yes, they are identical.
What is your worship style?
It would best be characterized as transitional. Our chosen style takes some of the best elements of 'traditional' worship and some of the best elements of 'modern' worship and utilizes both in our service. This means that we use an overhead screen to communicate the flow of service; but, we also have a bulletin which lists a few announcements and has room for sermon notes. Our pastor preaches from a pulpit, not a lectern, but we have a worship team which leads music, not a choir. The intentional merger of these elements results in a style that transitions from one preference category to the other in a complementary fashion.
Do we have to dress up?
No, you don’t ‘have to’ dress up. Some people will be in coat and tie and some will be in jeans and Birkenstocks. You can wear either to any service (our Senior Pastor often does). Our overall dress "code" tends to reflect diverse style choices in attire with a unified spirit of worship.
When do the services end?
Typically, each service lasts one hour, meaning that services are completed by 9:00am and noon. Communion Sundays (second Sunday of every month) may go a bit longer, and while these times are generally true, there are other weeks that go longer or finish earlier depending on baptisms, special programs and the leading of the Holy Spirit in worship.
What kind of music do you sing?
We sing a good blend of traditional hymns and other Scriptural songs (most reset to newer arrangements) as well as newer, modern (some might say ‘contemporary’) hymns. Our aim is always to sing songs that have substantive truth; are theologically accurate (not just ‘catchy’) and are culturally appropriate and pleasing in the arrangements.
Do you use instruments?
Yes, we use instruments. On any given Sunday you might hear a piano, a violin, a cello, a guitar or a drum. We try to make use of the best musicians and the most appropriate instruments to carry a melody and accompany the singing. We often have verses and stanzas sung a capella as well as songs sung without congregational singing during the offertory by our outstanding worship team.
Can we bring our kids to worship?
Absolutely! There are several options for parents: 1.) Worship as a family together for the entire service. 2.) Mothers may use the sound-insulated room (which has sanctuary audio sent to the room) in the back of the sanctuary to nurse infants. 3.) Worship together until midway in the service when Pre-K and Kindergarten children have the option of going to Kids Worship during the offertory.
Do you have Sunday School?
Yes. We have Christian education at 9:30am. We have options for all ages: Sunday School for children and our adult Christian Education classes are called Sunday Seminars. Your best resource for additional Christian Education information is to click here. Most of our classes for children and youth are age/stage segmented. Sunday Seminars are designated by topic and each class is open to anyone with interest. Classes begin at 9:30am.
Are there programs for Youth?
Are there? You bet! One of our passions at Southwood is student ministry. Click here to learn more about High-Life (our Senior High ministry) which meets on Sunday evenings and Junior High-Life (for Middle school students) which meets on Wednesday evenings at The Lodge.
For more information about Worship at Southwood please email worship@southwood.org or call 256-882-3085.
Please join us!
It would be our privilege to have you as our guest this week! We are located in Jones Valley at 1000 Carl T. Jones Dr. Check out our Guest Center (next to the patio with the fountain) where we can direct you to Worship or further information about anything!
8:00am Service
Corporate worship
9:30am Christian Education
Sunday School for Children and Sunday Seminars for Adults
11:00am Service
Corporate worship
20 minutes from Madison…
12 Minutes from Hampton Cove…
6 Minutes from Five Points…