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.

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 a word, slowly! The constant rain and cool temps for the past several weeks have meant little planting. What we do have planted, however, is up out of the ground and off to the races!

What's Sprouting?

1. Onions
2. Radishes
3. Lettuce
4. Peas
5. Beets
6. Carrots

What's Next?

1. Potatoes
2. Broccoli
3. Cauliflower
4. Cabbage

And after Mother's Day?

EVERYTHING! Tomatoes, Peppers, Beans, Melons,...Oh, my!