Bible Humor

Why wouldn’t Pharaoh let Israel go?

Look below for the answer.

PASTOR TODD’S WEEKLY WORD

Last summer and fall, it seemed like the whole Midwest was experiencing some level of drought.  Despite a few record-breaking storms in spots, winter was drier than usual too.  But alas, it seems spring has SPRUNG!  This morning, for the second time in 10 days, I had to drive through standing water to get to church.  The rain was coming down hard, and there’s just no place for it to go at this point!  The ground is saturated, and all of the streams, creeks, rivers, puddles, and ponds are overflowing!

As I reflect a moment on all this water imagery, I’m reminded of all the Scripture passages that talk about “the river of the water of life” or of “living water” (Revelation 22 and John 4, among others).  In God’s Word, the “river of living water” is a reference to The Holy Spirit.  Comparing God’s Holy Spirit to water is so appropriate and helpful, isn’t it?

For any Christian to live into what God has called us to do and be, we NEED the guidance/assurance/presence of His Holy Spirit in our lives every second!

And yet, if you will welcome God to do WHATEVER He wants to do with your life, sometimes the power of His Holy Spirit sweeping in and around and through your life can be almost unnerving!

AND, the more you strive to be attentive and responsive to the leading of God’s Holy Spirit in your life – the more “saturated” YOU become – the more you’ll find The Holy Spirit leaking OUT of your life and into the surrounding territory…like your friends, coworkers, workout buddies, classmates, neighbors, family members, etc…

THAT is life worth living, friends!  A thoroughly soaked and saturated life!  If you’d like to be soaked and saturated in God’s Holy Spirit alongside others who desire the same, I recommend joining us for worship this Sunday morning at 10:30am at 4141 East Hillandale (just like every Sunday).  Our roof will keep the weather out, but The Spirit always fills the room anyway.  I hope you can join us!  See you Sunday!

His…Pastor todd <><

Upcoming Events at Southern Heights

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

Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser

Do you like pancakes?  Do you want to support our mission trip to Honduras?
Then join us at 9am on April 19 and enjoy a nice pancake breakfast before church and if you are able to donate to the mission trip it would be appreciated.  This is open for all.  See you April 19.

Outreach Emphasis Sunday

April 26 will be a special day as we highlight our missions and missionaries that we support around the world.  We will have a celebration service and we will welcome Pastor John Peter Hakizimana to bring the message.  After worship we will go downstairs for “Appetizers Around the World”… a fun way to remind our tastebuds about all the places where the Gospel is being preached.

Note about Kalamazoo Marathon – April 26

On April 26, the Kalamazoo Marathon will be held.  It is also our Outreach Emphasis Sunday service.
The Kalamazoo Marathon path goes through our church neighborhood and some of the streets are blocked or partially blocked for the runners.  Please note this and give a little extra time as you drive to church on April 26 as it may take a little longer to navigate the streets around church.

Pizza with the Pastor

Sunday, May 3

If you are new around Southern Heights, Pastor Todd wants to meet with you and share lunch – on us.  Join him for some pizza immediately after worship on May 3.  You can ask questions if you want, or just chat and have a nice lunch.  Contact the office (shcrc1@gmail.com) if you are interested so we can order the right amount of pizza.  (Also let us know if you have any food restrictions.)

Spring into Summer – Block Party

Sunday, May 17

We have a very special block party coming up on Sunday, May 17.  There will be three bounce houses, cold snacks, grilled hot dogs and all the fixin’s. We’ll have yard games and kids games and music and fun.  We are inviting you and all of our neighbors.  You can invite anyone you wish.  Let’s fill our lower parking lot with people having fun and connecting with each other.

Student Ministry and Graduation Sunday

Sunday, May 17

May 17 we will honor our Students in Middle School and High School and we will take a special time to celebrate with our graduates – high school and beyond.  It will be a wonderful time to support our students and tell them how much we value them.

We Are Searching for Graduates

Are you graduating?  Do you know someone who is graduating?
High School, College, Trade School, Masters, PhD, any other graduation?
We want to recognize and honor our graduates on May 17 during the worship gathering.
Please let us know your graduates – contact Tami Koning  tamikoning@yahoo.com

Congratulations Graduates!

A Good Scripture to Memorize

Honduras Mission Trip Update

When are you going?
We will be there June 11-19.

What are you going to do in Honduras?
We will offer a Vacation Bible School experience for students.
We will share our faith at the sports park owned by Gathering Hearts where many young people come to play soccer.
We will participate in church services at TEE on Sunday and Wednesday.
We will participate in village ministry activities with Pastor Nelson Osorto and TEE.

How is the fundraising going?
Contributions can be made to Southern Heights and marked for the Mission Trip. Thank you for your support!

Who is going?
Boersema – Denny
Deubner – Luke and Erica
Earles – Diane, Chad, Casey, Nate, Haley, and Kathryn
Eckstein – Pastor Todd, Joy, and Liam
Macias – Tara and Antonio

1st & 3rd Wednesday Ministries

10:00am – Women’s ministry meets in the conference room.
5:15pm – light supper of pizza and chips and cookies.
6pm we will have Women’s Ministry (Same lesson as 10am) and Men’s Ministry.
(Gems and Cadets are finished for the season)

New Air Conditioner for the Sanctuary

Thursday we had a crane in our parking lot installing a new Air Conditioning Unit for our sanctuary.  The old one stopped working at the end of last summer.  Now when the summer heat really hits, we will be cool and comfortable.  Special thanks to our Building and Grounds Team Leader, Tom Bos, for managing this project.

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 April 5, 2026

If you have questions about your giving, want a copy of your statement, please email our Treasurer, Jeff Baas at jmbaas1@gmail.com.

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

He was in De-Nile.