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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.
Once per week HAPPENINGS will be emailed to everyone on our email list.
email us at shcrc1@gmail.com if you want to be on the email list.

Holiday Trivia

How long did the first Thanksgiving meal last?

Look below for the answer.

PASTOR TODD’S WEEKLY WORD

Lately I have taken to watching videos of a YouTuber that goes by the name BeardMeatsFood.  This guy does (and usually “smashes”) huge food challenges at restaurants all around the world and posts weekly videos of his exploits.  The guy’s real name is Adam.  Adam has developed a real skill for consuming thousands of calories at mind-blowing speed, and he’s extremely entertaining and personable even while he’s doing it.  Also, he has a glorious beard (hence his internet name) which makes the whole thing all the more dramatic.

Adam’s pre-meal prep for these gigantic challenges is probably much like the preparations many of us will go through at some point in the next week as we prepare for our own hugest meal of the year:
-eat nothing the morning of…maybe for a day or so beforehand!
-perhaps work out, or at least stretch those muscles in preparation for what’s to come.
-and no matter what, always save room for dessert!

I share this because I have a suggestion regarding the first item on that list.  A week or so ago, I turned off the faucet of media that I had been consuming on a daily basis.  At first I did it because of a challenge someone presented to me to try it.  But it has occurred to me that “fasting” from food going into my Thanksgiving meal prepares me for the nutrients and flavors of the MEAL…but that fasting from all of the news media I ordinarily fill myself with might similarly help to prepare me for the nutrients and flavors of being with a bunch of others…who probably don’t all consume the same media diet I do all the time.

We all come together at one dining experience, in the amazing and glorious Name of Jesus!  This would be an appropriate time to come together in one experience of a lot of other things too.  We’ll be better at both if we show up less “full” and more hungry.  Join me this week in turning off the news, X, bluesky, truthsocial, etc.  Come to your tables next week praising God and connecting with each other over dogs and family vacations and how God is working in your life and generational storytelling and the Lions.

And until then, come “hungry” for The Lord and for fellowship with others who are hungry for Him this Sunday at 1030am at 4141 East Hillandale, just like every Sunday.  And then come back again on Wednesday evening at 630pm for a shorter Thanksgiving worship time to help all of us get our hearts and minds in the right place for Thanksgiving Day.  Until then, God’s blessings and peace to all of you!

His…Pastor todd <><

Upcoming Events at Southern Heights

These are highlights only.  CLICK HERE to see the calendar for a full listing.

THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE

We will give thanks to God for all He has done for us on Thanksgiving Eve – Wednesday, November 23 from 6:30 to 7:15pm.

Thanksgiving Food Drive

It’s that time of year when we can share with people who can use a little help. Shopping lists are on the table in the lobby.  Grab a list – go shopping – bring the food back and place on the table and know that you are sharing joy with other families.

Please return your items to the lobby no later than our Thanksgiving worship gathering on Wednesday, November 26. Thank you.

Shipshewana Christmas Lights Caravan

The Shipshewana Christmas Lights Caravan is now set for Monday December 1.
We will meet at the Centre Street/131 Park&Ride lot at 3:30pm and get into a caravan of vehicles.  We will ride to Shipshewana for dinner at the “Blue Gate” restaurant.  Then we will tour the Christmas Lights at the fairgrounds.  Cost is $15 per person.
The deadline to secure your seat in the caravan is Sunday, November 23.
Sign up on the information table.

(PS – because we have to arrange for vehicles and drivers, we cannot accept new people after November 23)

CHURCH FAMILY MEETING

On December 7, immediately after the worship gathering, we will meet to discuss and vote on the 2026 budget.  If you have any questions before the meeting, feel free to contact an elder (Bob Mulder, Eric VanHamersveld, Sandy Vroegop, Bill O’Brien, Tom Scheffers).

A Good Scripture to Memorize

Education Hour – Sundays 9-10am

Ed Hour takes place on Sundays from 9-10am.
High school and Middle school begin Ed Hour in the Student Room and then have separate classes.

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 November 16, 2025

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.

Budget 2026

If you are a regular at Southern Heights, you will know that this is the time we come up with the church family budget for next year.  The Council has put together a budget for 2026 and it will be in your lobby mailbox on Sunday.  Look it over and on Sunday, December 7 after worship we will have a short congregational meeting to discuss and vote on the budget for next year.  Thanks to everyone for their generous giving making all this possible.

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 Holiday Trivia

3 days.