When you think of Summer, what comes to mind? Family vacations? The beach? Cookouts? Baseball? Summer can sometimes feel like both the busiest and most relaxing time of year. This Summer at South Main we have exciting ways for you to Worship, Discover, and Share!
Worship
Throughout June, we'll continue our series on Acts and learn how we can live the good news in our own lives. In July and beginning of August, even as some of us take off to far-flung locales on vacation during these more relaxing days in the middle of the year, we will be visiting some compelling locales from the Bible each Sunday morning in worship. We will have a chance to open our Bibles, turn to the back, and take a look at that map section we sometimes overlook in order to discover some of the spots that make both the Old Testament and the New Testament so interesting.
Fellowship Lunch
We will continue to gather around the tables in Turner Fellowship Hall each Sunday, except Father's Day June 16, for a delicious home cooked meal and space for you to catch up with you church community.
Pray for our Family Ministry
During the month of June, the Family Ministry exercises our muscles of independence, empathy, justice, kindness, and fun as we explore and serve in the culturally rich and economically poor communities of Lake Providence, Louisiana, and Middlesboro, Kentucky. Please pray for safety, health, and growth for each person as they process the challenges these communities face, while practicing asset-based community development through physical service and thoughtful learning experiences.
From June 8-14, 24 members of The 527 Tribe and seven leaders serve as the hands and feet of Christ in Lake Providence, partnering with the local elementary school through CBF’s Together For Hope Louisiana. At the school, Tribers will prepare the library for renovation, participate in a summer reading program, and work on small beautification projects. In the evenings they will prepare the CBF mission house for future summer groups by washing and organizing the linens and deep cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms. And throughout the trip, Tribers play with local kids as we discover how much we have in common.
From June 22–28, 33 Youth and seven leaders fly to the Appalachian mountains of Middlesboro, Kentucky, where they will partner with local CBF personnel to serve each day at the school and throughout the community. Youth will have several opportunities to learn more about the culture with a visit to the coal mining museum, hikes in the beautiful surroundings, and a day trip to Dollywood, forging 2:00 AM friends.
Summer Seminars
Summer Seminars begin on Sunday, June 30! All Adult Bible Communities are invited to take a break from their regular gatherings and participate in any of our Seminar options. Summer Seminars will run on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM from June 30 through August 11. We have an exciting line up of Discipleship Opportunities on Sunday mornings!
Life Stories and Bible Study
Gallery Rooms
Life Stories runs from June 30 through July 14 and will meet in the Gallery Rooms in the Loessner Building. South Main Members will share the stories of their lives, including how moments of joy and struggle have shaped their faith and helped them learn about God, themselves, and the church. Caleb Rosenblad will share on June 30, George Moore will share on July 7, and Liza Lane will share on July 14. (More information about each Life Story presenter forthcoming.)
Bible Study runs from July 21 through August 4 and will meet in the Gallery Rooms in the Loessner Building. For this Bible Study, George Gaston, PhD, will teach a three-week series on Galatians. George is a South Main member and the current Interim Director of George W. Truett Theological Seminary in Houston. George’s series will explore Paul’s message about faith, freedom in Christ, and becoming family for one another.
Book Club
Loessner 204
Book Club runs from June 30 through August 4. Book Club will meet in Loessner 204 (The Bride’s Room) and read Beth Allison Barr’s The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth. Barr’s book argues, “Biblical womanhood--the belief that God designed women to be submissive wives, virtuous mothers, and joyful homemakers--pervades North American Christianity. From choices about careers to roles in local churches to relationship dynamics, this belief shapes the everyday lives of evangelical women. Yet biblical womanhood isn't biblical, says Baylor University historian Beth Allison Barr. It arose from a series of clearly definable historical moments. Barr's historical insights provide context for contemporary teachings about women's roles in the church and help move the conversation forward.”
The After Party
Turner Fellowship Hall
The After Party runs from June 30 through August 4 and will meet in Turner Fellowship Hall. The After Party is a six-part video course designed to provide churches, small groups, and individuals with an on-the-ground, biblically-based approach to navigating today’s challenging political environment. It’s no secret that the church has been challenged by extreme polarization, entrenched tribal affiliations, and the broken relationships that often result. This course is both inspiring and practical and will help you reorient your heart and mind towards a Christ-centered political identity for 2024 and beyond. The After Party is designed for learning, reflection, and dialogue with other South Mainers. This series will be facilitated by Mary Stedham, Chair of the Discipleship Committee, Dave Shattuck, Steve Rader, and Spencer Gardner.
Special Presentation by Beth Allison Barr
Beth Allison Barr, author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth. Beth Allison Baar, PhD. is James Vardaman Endowed Professor of History at Baylor University. Dr. Barr specializes in Medieval History, Women’s History, and Church History. Barr traces the historical development of the church’s interaction with women in leadership while also sharing her own experience of joy and heartache as she sensed and sought God’s calling for her life through the church. In many ways Dr. Barr’s story is our Baptist story and will resonate with our congregation’s Biblical belief that God calls women and men alike to Gospel ministry.
