If you have been at Southminster very long, you know that I like trees!

Here are just a few of the sermons over the past few years that have highlighted what the Scriptures say about trees:

• May 2009, "Planted on the Source"
• June 2009, "Holy Propagation: Scatter, Layer, Cut"
• July 2010, "Supernatural Growth"

Mark Your Calendars!

In February and March 2011, the Southminster congregation will begin a study of the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations.

(Read the Circuit Rider review.)


February 6 | Radical Hospitality
February 13 | Passionate Worship
February 20 | Intentional Faith Development
February 27 | Risk-Taking Mission and Service
March 6 | Extravagant Generosity

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has been working closely with partners in Haiti since the earthquake on January 12. Recently one of our partner networks has identified a need and asked for our assistance.

On Sunday, March 21st, join us for a pizza lunch followed by a presentation by Chris Coons and Rachel Rockey. Chris and Rachel have spent the past two summers with the Orlando Project, a program of Campus Outreach, and will talk about their past training and learning and will fill us in or their exciting plans for this coming Summer. Chris is a junior at IUPUI and Rachel is a junior at the University of Indianapolis. Please join us immediately after worship service. Child care will be provided.

The artist about whom I spoke in last week's sermon is Joey Velasco. His art, especially the "Table of Hope" and the subsequent paintings about Jesus' last hours, are especially appropriate for consideration as "commentary" on the gospel witness about Jesus that we find in Scripture. They serve as visual sermons for the season of Lent. The Joey Velasco web site may be found at: http://www.joeyvelasco.net/.

Let us pray...

We thank you, Lord God, for brave and believing people who brought your message to this place. Let us not forget them, especially Rev. Dr. R. H. (“Bill”) Duke and the founding members of Southminster Presbyterian Church. By their energies this church was gathered, given order, and continued. Remembering all those Christians who have gone before us, may we follow as they followed, in the way, truth, and life of Jesus Christ, the head of the church.

Mark Hare's visit to Southminster was featured as a story on the Presbyterian News Service on October 15 in a story by reporter Bethany Furkin entitled ‘Life in Haiti abounds’. The story provides a great summary of the presentation Mark made to the Southminster youth groups and congregation. If you were not able to attend, catch up with this mission event online at http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2009/09887.htm.

Pitch-In, Missionary Visit

Mark Hare, PCUSA Missionary to Haiti, October 11, 2009

4:00-5:00 pm, Youth Groups

5:00-7:00 pm, Church-wide Dinner and Missions Presentation

Dinner of spaghetti or pizza, salad & desserts.

In April of this year, the Christian Education Committee sponsored a 13 week class titled "Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University", led by Joel and Miranda Rockey. The class was designed to help us all make wise decisions about how to budget our money and get out of debt. Those who attended were unanimous in their praise for the class and felt that they learned some valuable principals on money management. On October 1st, at the Pepsi Coliseum, from 6 - 9:30 PM "Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover", will be presented.

Have you ever wondered what you would do if you learned that you had exactly 30 days to live? Would you change your schedule? Would you do something you always wanted to do but were afraid to act on? Would you have any relationships to mend? Would you need to forgive or be forgiven? Would you treat those you love differently? Would you spend all your money or give it away, travel the world, buy a Mercedes? It is an intriguing question isn't it?