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Our Online Bulletin
Join us for worship on Sundays at 10:30am
HAPPENINGS is found any time on our website at www.s-heights.org/happenings.
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email us at shcrc1@gmail.com if you want to be on the email list.
Bible Humor
What size lumber did Noah use to build the ark?
Scroll to the very bottom for the answer.
PASTOR TODD’S WEEKLY WORD
Dear Friends,
The saying, “You can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube,” refers to the reality that once you’ve said or done something, you can’t undo or unsay it. Does this happen to you sometimes in your parenting? In your neighbor-ing? In your conversing with friends or family? In your preaching? Oh wait, that last one was me…
I preach from an outline (ie: not a full written manuscript) purposely to leave room for God’s Holy Spirit to move. This certainly keeps things exciting…sometimes in the form of me saying something unrehearsed and unrefined that comes out a bit awkward, backward, or just goofy. We all say things we wish we could un-say. But most of us are not wearing microphones and livestreaming to the world when we do it. But even in a private conversation or in a small group or at the dinner table…that toothpaste…once it’s out…wowzers…it is OUT!
I am hyper-aware of the toothpaste thing this week. Last Sunday, I made a reference to Abraham intending to express how big a deal he was among the people of God. Even as that toothpaste was coming out the tube, I admitted it might not be a wholesome reference. After worship, a friend (and the internet) helped verify that to be correct! FYI, I did adjust the reference and the second one worked fine too…but there was still toothpaste on the floor.
Incidents like this certainly help me appreciate all of the others in the public eye whose words and actions are being heard, analyzed, and scrutinized endlessly in our world of 24-7 media. Yikes! There is a LOT of toothpaste in the world, friends! Knowing I’m a contributor helps me have some grace toward the missteps of others, amen?
Anyway…We’re not talking about toothpaste in church this Sunday. But we ARE going to talk about how we speak and what we say…and the need for restraint in the process. This is going to sting a bit. But this is a message we all need to hear. Come to 4141 East Hillandale at 10:30am this Sunday and approach the Living God with us! See you there!
His…Pastor todd <><
Upcoming Events at Southern Heights
These are highlights only. CLICK HERE to see the calendar for a full listing.
October 13
– 9-10am – Education Hour – Middle School, High School and Adults
– 10:30 – Worship Gathering – Welcome Lemmers
– 6pm – FACT or FICTION: Synod Recap Meeting
– 6pm – Middle School (2nd Sunday)
October 16 – 1st & 3rd Wednesday Ministry
– 10:00am – Women’s Ministry morning edition
– 5:15pm – Pizza
– 6-8pm – Gems, Cadets, Men’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry
October 20
– 9-10am – Education Hour – Middle School, High School and Adults
– 10:30 – Worship Gathering
– Baptism-Logan Pennings, Profession of Faith-Leena Pennings
– Missionary Visit – Scherings
– Noon – District 2 Potluck – (Last name Du-H) – Fellowship Hall
– 6pm – High School (3rd Sunday)
October 27
– NO Ed Hour – Fall Break
– Missionary Visit – VanZoests
District 2 Potluck
Does your last name start with “Du” up until “H”? Do you like yummy food? Well on October 20 we have a solution. Join your fellow District 2 at a potluck. You will be contacted by your Elder and Deacon with instructions on what food to bring. Then on October 20, bring your dish and enjoy a nice meal in the Fellowship Hall.
FACT or FICTION (Synod 2024 Recap)
October 13, 6pm
This past summer, our denominational leadership group called SYNOD met and discussed some important issues that have an impact on our church and our denomination. Since then, there has been a lot of information given about what was decided and what it means. Pastor Todd has been involved and has been following closely all of the actual meetings and votes and would like to hold a meeting on October 13 at 6pm to discuss exactly what was decided and how it actually affects each of us. If you want to be more informed, please join us at this informational meeting.
EDUCATION HOUR
Education Hour is from 9-10am. This is for Middle School, High School and Adults. Come and participate in an in-depth Bible Study lesson for your specific group and learn and grow together in your faith.
High School and Middle School – Start in the Student Room…
Middle School will go to another room for class.
Gregg Jones will be leading the Middle Schoolers. They will continue the Sparkhouse curriculum.
Doug & Tami will host the High Schoolers…taking a look at the book of Esther.
DONUTS
Adult Bible Study
“Healing the Racial Divide”. Join the group at 9am in the Conference Room.
REMINDER NOTE – October 27 there will be NO Education Hour
this will be a fall break and we will resume the next Sunday.
Student Ministries
Sunday evenings will be dedicated to our Students in High School and Middle School. They will alternate Sundays with each other.
HIGH SCHOOL GROUP GATHERING [1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays]
6:00 – 8:00 PM. Food/Fellowship/Lesson
Leaders: Katrina [teaching lead]; Pastor Todd; Thom; Chad; Diane; Doug; Tami; Andy
MIDDLE SCHOOL GROUP GATHERING [2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays]
6:00 – 8:00 PM. Food/Fellowship/Lesson
Middle School will follow the format of food/games or activities/lessons
Leaders: Meghan VanLente; Kevin Grand
Then on the 5th Sundays they will both do something special, what will it be?… They’ll find out and it will be good. Bring friends and check out the newly remodeled Student Room.
1st & 3rd Wednesday Ministries
There is so much activity on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays. It starts in the morning at 10:00am when the Women’s ministry meets in the conference room. Later in the day at 5:15pm there will be a light supper of pizza and chips and cookies. Then at 6pm we will have GEMS (1st -5th grade girls) and Cadets (1st to 5th grade boys), and Women’s Ministry (Same lesson as 10am) and Men’s Ministry. Bring your friends!
A Good Scripture to Memorize
Have a Praise or Prayer Request?
Click on this prayer prompter image or email deborahbos2@gmail.com and your prayer or praise will be included in our weekly Prayer Prompter, which is received and prayed over by many in our Southern Heights family. Tell us if your request is confidential and it will only be shared with elders and staff, who will confidentially pray for you.
Your Offerings to God
as of October 6, 2024
If you have questions about your giving, want a copy of your statement, or for a reminder of what your First Fruits estimate is, please email our Treasurer, Jeff Baas at jmbaas1@gmail.com. He is happy to help you.
LOVE OFFERING FOR STAFF
It’s that wonderful time of the year in which we get to show our love to our staff in a tangible way. October is Clergy Appreciation Month and time for our annual Love Offering – an opportunity to show love and appreciation to our hard-working staff here at Southern Heights.
“Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work”
1 Thessalonians 5:13
The Deacons are arranging the love offering during this month. If you wish to give, please give your gift on or before October 27 and mark it for the Love Offering.
Want to Learn CPR?
Doug Lenning (one of our Deacons) would like to become certified in CPR. He is wondering if there are others who would like to join him. Have you ever wanted to learn, but didn’t want to do it alone? Now is your chance. Give Doug a text at 269-254-0660.
Interested in Learning More about Kalamazoo Christian School?
On December 3 there will be a special Open House at Kalamazoo Christian School for anyone who wants to learn more about what is offered. Contact the office shcrc1@gmail.com if you want more details.
Free & Confidential Counseling is Available
If you feel the need to talk to a professional counselor, we have a confidential Church Assistance Program (CAP) with Pine Rest Mental Health Services. To get started – or for more info – call 616.455.6210 or 800.442.0809 and mention our Southern Heights CAP membership when you do.
Answer to Bible Humor
2 by 2
NORTHERN LIGHTS OVER SOUTHERN HEIGHTS
Photo credit: Laurel Burrows
