Southminster Presbyterian Church



3842-13655700228269729946August Soundings 00August Soundings The Excitement is Building! What kind? All around: School will soon be back in session for our children, their families and teachers. Did someone mention football? Rally Day will announce new thrust for our outstanding Sunday School offerings. Did someone mention football? The combined Youth Group will begin with rising youth. Did someone mention football? Plans are coming together for our Homecoming Celebration of 60 years for the church and 50 years for the Day School (the last weekend in October when neither Alabama nor Auburn are playing). Did someone mention football? And, as an outreach for our Homecoming, we will be joining with other churches in our Presbytery to build a Habitat for Humanity Home with a family. In fact, we have already laid claim to Saturday, September 23rd, when our church will be the building team. It just happens to be the only weekend when Alabama and Auburn are both playing away games! Did someone mention football?Yes, the excitement is building … not always in the finished home with a key in the door, but the process of working side by side in the church and in the community to make Jesus Christ known to the world. It is the laughing and loving, the cheering and crying together.The Apostle Paul said our task is edification. “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. (I Thessalonians 5:11) This is more than creating and edifice. It is the “building up” of the body of Christ through our words and actions of love, support, and compassion. Then there are our words as the Apostle writes: “But, speaking the truth in love, may you grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ – from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does it share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”Yes, here is the true excitement – the words and the ways Jesus calls us to work together for his kingdom and glory. And football? Some say it is just a game …Charlie Durham00002743200153670Faith Seeking Understanding …00Faith Seeking Understanding … "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." --Jesus in Luke 10:27When I was in college and seminary, I had the great pleasure of reading many classic Christian theologians and authors. One that stood out then and continues to stand out, especially in these “back to school days,” is Anselm, a Benedictine monk who lived in the later 10th century and once held the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury.Anselm stands out because, building on the work and thought of St. Augustine (another theological heavyweight!), Anselm coined the Latin phrase, Credo, ut intelligium, or, “I believe so that I might understand.” Today, we might interpret Anselm’s thought with the phrase: “faith seeking understanding.”This idea and approach to faith has long been an emphasis of our Presbyterian way of being. Our tradition has long affirmed with Anselm that God gave us the gift of our minds, and that such a gift ought to be used. Faith in Christ, we therefore maintain, is deepened and strengthened as we ask questions, hear opinions, wrestle with doubts and acknowledge mysteries.What a vital message as we look to August 20 – Rally Day! – when once again we start a new Sunday School year. The various offerings we have, the wonderfully dedicated teachers, the spaces for adults, youth, and children to belong and to grow in faith all reflect this approach of Anselm, not to mention the words of Jesus that we are to love God with all of ourselves – including our mind.My prayer, hope, and dare I say change, to Southminster is for every member to find a class you can be part of this year. You can find a listing of all class offerings elsewhere in “The Sounds.” If you have been a member of one class, but your participation has waned – jump back in! You’ll no doubt be astonished at the ways God shows up when we engage our whole selves into seeking after a greater understanding of Christ’s love and grace.And make plans to join us for Rally Day as well – to open your heart and mind to a new year of learning and deepening our faith together!The Lord Bless and Keep You,Ben0000 (In) Forming FaithCELEBRATING“A MISING PEACE”! Our joint youth group with Edgewood, First Birmingham, Oakmont, Mountain Brook and Shades Valley had a life-changing week at Montreat, July 8th – 15th. Also, deep thanks for all the support you gave to help us go! A face-to-face report from the youth will come to you in September! Participants connected to Southminster included: Hopper Coley, George and William Curry (godsons of Marilyn Seier), Sam Kirkpatrick (youth); Ben Acton, Mark Hopkins, and Betsy Murphy (adults).VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL was a heroic triumph! We had over 90 registered for the week, with an average daily attendance around 80. With the help of over 35 youth and adult volunteers each day, we were able to be a welcoming place for many in our community. At Hero Central we learned what it means to have heart, courage, wisdom, hope, and power through God, who calls us to do good, seek peace, and go after it! Thanks to all who helped lead, setup, volunteer, and a special thanks to Laura Bannon and Sara Brown for directing the entire endeavor! Special thanks also to our cooks – Nancy Deerman and Mark Hopkins – and helpers from Fellowship Ministry Unit during our celebratory luncheon on July 30th. Make sure to check out pictures from the week elsewhere in the Sounds!EXPERIENCINGRALLY DAY IS AUGUST 20TH – Join us for an “Open House” as we enjoy a potluck brunch and hear about what God will be doing in our Sunday School “homes” this year. This ritual is a great way to begin a new fall season! (See a brief description of classes for all ages elsewhere in this newsletter!) New second graders will also receive Bibles in worship that day!YOUTH GROUP is kicking off in August! Presby BYG meetings begin August 6th and through September we will meet at Southminster! See the schedule elsewhere in this issue. All people in grades 6-12 (church members, Day School alumni, and friends!) are invited to be a part of this group. Call Ben Acton with any questions, suggestions, or concerns!ANTICIPATINGSunday School will be in full swing in September! (Check out the classes on the opposite page to find the right fit for you.)Youth Group Schedule!514350033782000Southminster joins again in Youth Group with several other churches in the area to form Presby BYG!Here is the schedule for August and SeptemberAugust 13: Group Building and Covenant Making at Southminster, 5pm-7pm August 20: Group Building and Identity at Southminster, 5pm-7pm August 27: Parents' Night Potluck and Informational Meeting, 5 pm-7 pmSeptember 3: No meeting due to Labor Day September 10: Bowling at Vestavia Bowl, 5 pm-7 pmSeptember 17: Alaquest Kick-off Event at Southminster 2:30 pm-7pm September 23-24: Presbytery Youth Overnight Retreat @Living River1409700294640Pastor Nominating Committee Report00Pastor Nominating Committee ReportThe Pastor Nominating Committee (or PNC) continues to meet to read resumes sent from the CLC (Church Leadership Connection). We have had many people apply for the job at Southminster, and have heard of many more whose form we haven't received yet. Of course, we know rather quickly that some of these people are not the right match for us, but many sound quite wonderful. Then we must dig deeper, listening to sermons online, reading Facebook and other information, and checking to make sure that the applicants are still available. We all are eager to meet our new pastor, but much work has yet to be done. Please continue to pray for us and know that we are working hard and with enthusiasm!1704975120015Thank You Note Received00Thank You Note ReceivedDear Southminster Family,Thank you! Your prayers and phone calls have given us strength and peace.My mom, Julia Truelove, has returned to the nursing home in Sylacauga. At this time, her health is stable. Unfortunately, the days are good and bad with her memory. I cherish the days we can have a meaningful conversation. One thing my mom says all the time is "God is Good."Gary and I miss all of you. We love and pray for you. Our home is on the lake, but our heart is with all of you. Southminster is a church filled with love. I often tell people that Southminster is a wonderful accepting church. All of you are responsible for the outpouring of love and kindness. God bless. We love you.Gary and Judy Jones60261560960Southminster Presbyterian Church Foundation for Ministry00Southminster Presbyterian Church Foundation for MinistryThe Southminster Presbyterian Church Foundation for Ministry seeks to bring Christ and His love to our local and global communities by supporting selected charitable ministries consistent with the principles of Christian stewardship. Applications for grants to be awarded in the fourth quarter of 2017 should be submitted no later than September 1, 2017. For details, see Opportunities!!00Fellowship Opportunities!!Please join us Wednesday, August 9th, at 6:30 PM in Grace Hall for a meal following our monthly ministry units. **Note the difference in time** Then make plans to be with us again on Wednesday, August 23rd, at 6:00 PM as we have our last Potluck Supper of the summer!! Bring a dish for your family … and a little extra to share. This will be a night to take a break in the middle of the back-to-school month! There was lots of delicious food last month … so put this night on your calendar! 18180055139Cents-Ability Gifts00Cents-Ability GiftsAs you make preparation for Holy Communion on Sunday, August 6th, remember that this day is designated for our Cents-Ability Offering (formerly known as Two Cents a Meal). Each month we remember the hungry of our community and the world with an offering that represents two cents for each meal of plenty we have partaken in the previous month.2005199195145Finance Report fromAdministrative Ministry Unit00Finance Report fromAdministrative Ministry UnitYTD Revenue$247,413YTD Expense$261,195TOTAL ($13,781) Deficit 202386833248Ministry Units Meet00Ministry Units MeetCongregational Care Ministry Unit will meet Monday morning, August 7th at 10:30 AM. The remaining ministry units - Administrative, Faith Formation, Fellowship, Generosity, Outreach, Property, and Worship - will meet Wednesday evening, August 9th, at 5:30 P.M. All are encouraged to stay for dinner at 6:30. Make reservations by calling the Church Office, 822-1124 or sign the attendance pad on Sundays. 18224501270Attention Session Members 00Attention Session Members Moderators are to submit Ministry Unit reports by Sunday, August 13th. All Session members are asked to pick up minutes, agenda, and reports following worship on the 13th in preparation for the Stated Meeting on Monday, June 14`th, at 5:30 PM in Grace Hall.526732516827500522595-16473Congregational Prayer Chain 00Congregational Prayer Chain Many people are being remembered on the Southminster Prayer Chain. Those who have been added or for whom there are updates since the last newsletter are:our PNC (Pastor Nominating Committee) for wisdom as they do God's workJim Clark, undergoing a new cancer treatmentPlease pray for favorable test results for Chris ColeyThomas Creekmore, in his diagnosis with liver and lung cancer as he now awaits a new treatment planDot Daughtry, at Aspire at Cahaba River, for her increased strength and health improvement deNay Kirkpatrick as she continues radiation treatment through the 8th Tommy and Ann Tillman, as Tommy's cancer has returnedCharles Edwards' friend, Darrin Abbott, for strength and resolve to endure the treatment for the recurrence of throat cancerJim Clark's daughter, Susan Clark, awaiting biopsy results on her liver to determine cancer treatment planAnna Glover's friends, Chuck Collums and family, in his diagnosis with stomach cancer and with blood clots in his lungsGene and Jan McElroy's brother-in-law, Michael Gross, as he begins tests for cardiac insufficiencyShirley Martin's daughter-in-law, Kimberly Martin, for recovery from Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever due to a tick biteAl and Belinda Dickinson's nephew, Michael Meeks, who is a musician and choir director who waited too late to have Carpal Tunnel surgery and now has no feeling in the fingers on his right hand. Gene and Dot Daughtry's nephew, Richard Pierson, with hospice careBetty Smith's newborn great grandson, Sam Sartain, in his diagnosis with a genetic disorderNancy McIntosh's son, Phil Thrasher, as he is evaluated for a new pain treatmentNancy McIntosh's friend, Lavelle Wright, who has a heart condition, as she awaits possible treatmentBelinda Dickinson's friend, Dollie Young, for improved health and strength following cardiac surgery1998000138855New Address 00New Address 521017513462000Beverly Brasell & Joe Slane3301 Crossings CourtHoover, AL 35242Beverly - (205) 335-9114 Email: brasellbj@Joe - (205) 612-8707Email: joeslane@-571500002190751905000190500000-666753810000-85725-57151005257185158265Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. PostagePAIDPERMIT NO. 2358BIRMINGHAM, ALA.00Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. PostagePAIDPERMIT NO. 2358BIRMINGHAM, ALA.ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTEDSouthminster Presbyterian Church1124 Montgomery HighwayVestavia Hills, AL 35216Church:205/822-1124Church Fax:205/822-6739Website Address: Address:southmin@-7837765496Staff MembersCharlie Durham, Transitional PastorBen Acton, Associate Pastor for Education and Youth Ministries Larry Hardin, Dir. Of Music MinistriesDavid Renaker, OrganistJeanie Covin, Dir. Of Day SchoolBetsy Murphy, Church AdministratorBetty Smith, Financial AssistantGerald Colbert, SextonDereck Stewart, Sexton00Staff MembersCharlie Durham, Transitional PastorBen Acton, Associate Pastor for Education and Youth Ministries Larry Hardin, Dir. Of Music MinistriesDavid Renaker, OrganistJeanie Covin, Dir. Of Day SchoolBetsy Murphy, Church AdministratorBetty Smith, Financial AssistantGerald Colbert, SextonDereck Stewart, Sexton528074959130028822652918760SOUNDS OF SOUTHMINSTER-3302014287560007541719500 ................
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