Update for May 31, 2010

The good news about the arrival of hurricane season is that summer is here, too! Enjoy some time off from classes, and get lots of rest!

Announcements:

KidQuest is June 14-18, and we need your help to make it succeed! We will be sharing the Gospel with 180 children from diverse backgrounds and homes across Houston. We have iplanned a safe environment to minister to children, youth, and adults as they experience Christ’s love firsthand through the words and actions of our congregation members. We are mindful that in order for KidQuest to successfully meet our ministry goals, we need our entire church family to give of their gifts and resources. To that end, this is the help we need from you:

We need lunch monitors to help kids open juice boxes and take lids off of pudding cups. This short but crucial commitment allows teachers, leaders, and youth who work all day long take a much needed break to eat and fellowship with other adults or teens as they refuel both physically and spiritually over Bible study and lunch. Please show up between 11:45 and 1:20 -- even one day helps! Lunch will take place in the gym on Monday and in the Fellowship Hall from Tuesday through Friday.

We need folks to bring in candy, nuts, and chips to the preschool hall in the Loessner building on Sunday, June 13 to help sustain the adults and youth as they take short breaks to get a bite and catch a minute of quiet or share how they see God throughout the week.

If you want to serve as a crew leader or in any of these other capacities, contact Dolores Rader or Mel Musgrove ASAP.


SMBC choirs will sing the National Anthem at the Astros game on Tuesday, June 22 at 7:05pm. Go to smbc.org to purchase $15 tickets in the big block of South Main seats!

Manna, South Main's mission to the homeless right on our doorstep, takes place at 8:00am every Sunday morning. If you would like to volunteer to set up and/or help lead the Manna worship service, please contact Erin Conaway.

The Discipleship Committee is looking for volunteers to pray for worship services. If you are interested, please contact Ruth Campos or Lu Alcazar.


Prayer Requests and Praises:

Sarah Villasenor has a (or maybe two!) summer job(s)!

Sarrean White's grandmother is having medication issues.

Pray for the success of KidQuest, and that it touches many children's and family's lives.

Update for May 9, 2010

It was great seeing several of you back in Houston this week. We're praying for you as you take your finals and embark on summer jobs and travels!

Announcements:

There will be a blood drive in the Fellowship Hall this Sunday the 16th from 8:00am-1:00pm.

Manna, South Main's mission to the homeless right on our doorstep, takes place at 8:00am every Sunday morning. If you would like to volunteer to set up and/or help lead the Manna worship service, please contact Erin Conaway.

Prayer Requests and Praises:

Please pray for the flood victims in Nashville, TN.

Virginia's father, a landman, was just laid off.

Keep each other in your thoughts and prayers as you wrap up the school year.

Marie's neighbor has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Joey has found a place to live in Iowa.

Emily and Kyle are both moving within a day or two of each other --pray for their safe move and their family's sanity!

Update for April 25, 2010

Thanks to John Cate for coming out for Missions Day! Together, the College Community, Young Adults, and various other members of the church--as well as some visitors!--created a massive 6'x70' community garden behind the Education Building. Next time you're at Sunday School, check out the garden view from our windows. I will be posting pictures on Facebook this weekend.

Announcements:

The Youth are presenting Beauty and the Beast TODAY, April 30 at 7:30pm and TOMORROW, May 1 at 2:00pm. Student tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. The show is going to be wonderful, and the youth have worked super hard, so be sure to come out and support them!

This Sunday, May 2, is your chance to audition for Bach to Broadway: South Pacific. Come to the choir suite after church on Sunday to sign up for an audition time (slots are from 12:15 to 5:00pm). NO PRIOR ACTING OR SINGING SKILL REQUIRED! I would recommend YouTubing some of the songs, though, if you're not familiar with the show. You'll feel better prepared. :-) Break a leg!

Singer and songwriter David Wilcox will be in concert at SMBC, May 7. The doors of the Youth Center will open at 7pm, and the concert starts at 8pm. Admission is $15 and can be purchased online at smbc.org; under 20 remain, so hop on it if you want to attend!

The deadline to sign up for the Mission Trip to Guatamala from July 2-6 is TODAY! The group will lead a Disciple Now Weekend, complete a local service project, and fellowship with students in transitional homes. The land cost ($915) includes meals, lodging, in-country transportation, insurance, interpreters, bottled water, and sightseeing. Airfare will be arranged separately.

Manna, South Main's mission to the homeless right on our doorstep, takes place at 8:00am every Sunday morning. If you would like to volunteer to set up and/or help lead the Manna worship service, please contact Erin Conaway.


Prayer Requests and Praises:

Scott Bock (Virginia's friend) is going into the Army or Coast Guard this week!

Robyn Watson's back procedure did not work; she is still in pain.

Praise: Bryan Brooks' tumors were benign!

CORRECTION: The mother of Rachel Rentz's friend Aleeza had a miscarriage. Please pray for her and her family.

Update for April 11, 2010

Oh boy, finals aren't far away! Good luck to all of you! We're praying for your well-restedness and clarity of mind while you take exams, give presentations, and write essays -- and that you have a little fun too! :D

Please email Marie or Jennifer if you are coming to Missions Day this Saturday morning! More details are below.

Also, please mark your calendars: College Tour will be April 29-30.

The Share Campaign kicked off this past Sunday. This campaign is designed to engage the members of South Main in reaching out to the people they know and meet to share their faith and church community. During this campaign, we will discuss what it means to open ourselves up for God to work through us in the lives of those around us. Each week, we'll be studying what it means to live, learn, listen, and share as a Christian in today's world. Check out the South Main blog for encouraging articles and stories about your fellow church-goers.


Announcements:

This Saturday (April 17) is Missions Day. Bagels will be served from 8am-8:30am, and then the college class will troop to the South Main Community Garden to set up beds and planters & plant some veggies until around noon. Bring your own supplies (trowel, gloves, knee pads, etc). Last year, we had NO college students attend Missions Day, so please come out this year if you're in town! I know it's early in the morning, but we'll be making a huge difference for our community with this project, which will provide food and nourishment to our neighbors. Again, please RSVP by emailing Marie or Jennifer if you are coming!

Bring your used clothes to the Youth Building any time before Saturday; the Youth are sorting clothes for a clothing drive as their Missions Day project.

There will be no 8:30 worship service on April 25.

Susan's Rally, which supports the fight against cancer and is organized by SMBC's own Bruce Roberson, will be held April 25 at noon. The starting line is the Momentum VW/Audi dealership at 2405 Richmond, and the finish line is at the Post Oak Grill. To register, visit www.susansrally.org.

There will be a church business meeting April 25 at 12:30 in the Fellowship Hall.

College Tour is coming to a town near (most of) you, April 29-30!

The Youth are presenting Beauty and the Beast Friday, April 30 at 7:30pm and Saturday, May 1 at 2:00pm. Student tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the church or at smbc.org.

David Wilcox Concert at SMBC, May 7

Manna, South Main's mission to the homeless right on our doorstep, takes place at 8:00am every Sunday morning. If you would like to volunteer to set up and/or help lead the Manna worship service, please contact Erin Conaway.

College Mission to Collique, Peru, May 22-29, 2010, organized by Tallowood Baptist Church. The cost is $1,500 per person. We will be ministering through worship, VBS, sports camps, construction, and painting. We'll also get to sight see in Lima. Contact Chuck Westbrook if you are interested in going.


Prayer Requests and Praises:

Jennifer Gribble's sister was recently diagnosed with MS. Please pray for her as they explore treatment options and look at how life will now be different.

Sean and Amy's wedding was beautiful. Pray they have a safe and restful -- and fun! -- honeymoon!

Bryan Brooks is having surgery tomorrow, Friday April 16th. He needs blood donations through MD Anderson, so please donate if possible.

Marie Parks' mother had successful heart ablation on Monday, so she's out of atrial fibrillation and back in rhythm!

The mother of Rachel Rentz's friend Aleeza had a miscarriage. Please pray for her and her family.

Virginia Busby has an apartment in Nashville!

John Cate has a job!

Claire Hein has an apartment, but is looking for a job.

Update for March 14, 2010

Happy Spring Break past, present, and future to all of you! There are a LOT of announcements and prayer requests this week; sorry I have missed the past few weeks!

Announcements:

Blood Drive in Activities Building March 21st from 8am to 1pm.

Learn about the spiritual gifts God has given you and how to apply them at Discovery Weekend, March 26-27. I have taken this course and, trust me, it's fanTAStic! The retreat is from 6:30-9:30 on the 26th and from 8:45-3:00 on the 27th. The retreat is NO COST. To register, contact Martha Dethrow by March 23.

The Youth Auction will be held on March 28 at noon in the gym. If you have a good or service to donate to the auction (such as hair cuts, gift cards, photography services, baked goods, tickets, etc), contact Angie Durand, Sally Reed, or Missy Wells. All proceeds will go to the youth mission trip fund.

Missions Day is April 17, 8:30am - noon. Let us know if you have any ideas of projects we could take on, but we'll be sure to have some great assignment for our class!

Prayer during Worship Service: The Discipleship Committee is looking for volunteers to pray during worship services. To sign up, please contact Ruth Campos or Lu Alcazar.

David Wilcox Concert at SMBC, May 7

Manna, South Main's mission to the homeless right on our doorstep, takes place at 8:00am every Sunday morning. If you would like to volunteer to set up and/or help lead the Manna worship service, please contact Erin Conaway.

College Mission to Collique, Peru, May 22-29, 2010, organized by Tallowood Baptist Church. The cost is $1,500 per person. We will be ministering through worship, VBS, sports camps, construction, and painting. We'll also get to sight see in Lima. Contact Chuck Westbrook if you are interested in going.

SMBC is participating in a Buckner mission trip to Guatemala July 2-6. The group will lead a Disciple Now Weekend, complete a service project, and fellowship with students in transitional homes. The land cost ($915) includes meals, lodging, in-country transportation, insurance, interpreters, bottled water, and sightseeing. Airfare ($500-$550) can be arranged by the Buckner on-site Travel Consultant. Contact Chelsea Wade with questions or if you're interested in going.


Prayer Requests and Praises:

Sarrean's cousin as she grieves for her husband

Elizabeth as she decides which nursing school to attend

Elizabeth will be living in Peru this summer; pray for her safety and quick assimilation

Church-wide mission trip in Eagle Pass this week

Safe travel during spring break

Praise: Bill arrived safely in Australia (for those of you who don't know, he has taken a 20-month position in Australia; the rest of his family still in Houston)


Here are some additional prayers and praises from the past few weeks:

Praise: Peter and Sara's church has a permanent pastor

Virginia got a scholarship to Vanderbilt and will be heading to Nashville in August

As of Feb 28, Jessica's dad (Emily & Kyle's uncle) is having coronary problems

As of Feb 28, Zach's uncle was at MD Anderson

Update for January 17, 2010

Announcements:

• Manna, South Main's mission to the homeless right on our doorstep, takes place at 8:00am every Sunday morning. If you would like to volunteer to set up and/or help lead the Manna worship service, please contact Erin Conaway.
  
• This month, we're taking up a special missions offering that will be distributed among several organizations, including the CBF Global Missions Offering, Texas State Missions Offering, and several local endeavors. You can make your contribution at smbc.org or in the offering plate; just designate "missions." To give specifically to the Haitian relief efforts, please designate "Haiti."
  
• January Bible Study is January 31. Dr. Todd Still of Truett Seminary will be leading four sessions about James at 8:30am (Sanctuary), 11:00am (Sanctuary), 12:45 (Fellowship Hall), and 1:45 (Fellowship Hall).
• An Interest Meeting for the All-Church Mission Trip to Eagle Pass will be held February 3, 5:30-6:30 in the Parlor (behind the Sanctuary). There is a missions activity for anyone and everyone on this trip, so be sure to check it out!
  
• Join us in the Fellowship Hall on Feb 7th at 5:00pm for our annual Chili Bowl. The Super Bowl will be playing on the big projector screen, and crockpots full of steaming chili will abound!
• The Youth Auction will be held on March 28 at noon in the gym. If you have a good or service to donate to the auction (such as hair cuts, gift cards, photography services, baked goods, tickets, etc), contact Angie Durand, Sally Reed, or Missy Wells. All proceeds will go to the youth mission trip fund.
  
• College Mission to Collique, Peru, May 22-29, 2010, organized by Tallowood Baptist Church. The cost is $1,500 per person. We will be ministering through worship, VBS, sports camps, construction, and painting. We'll also get to sight see in Lima. Contact Chuck Westbrook if you are interested in going.

Prayer Requests and Praises:

• Bryan (former college community student) has had a recent medical scare. Please keep him in your prayers.
  
• Keep Jim's mom in your prayers as she continues to recover.
  

Update for January 17, 2010

I hope you enjoyed the little break Monday (for those of you who had the day off) and took the opportunity to give thanks for our nation's diversity and its earnest efforts -- past and present -- to end discrimination. We have a lot going on at the church, so be sure to check out the announcements and prayer requests.

Announcements:

• Manna, South Main's mission to the homeless right on our doorstep, takes place at 8:00am every Sunday morning. If you would like to volunteer to set up and/or help lead the Manna worship service, please contact Erin Conaway.
  
• You know you want to come to the quarterly business meeting this Sunday, Jan 24th in the Fellowship Hall at noon! Lunch will be served for $7. Seriously, though, it's good to know the ins and outs of the church and to be involved in our decision-making process. So come on down!
  
• This month, we're taking up a special missions offering that will be distributed among several organizations, including the CBF Global Missions Offering, Texas State Missions Offering, and several local endeavors. You can make your contribution at smbc.org or in the offering plate; just designate "missions."
  
• January Bible Study is January 31. Dr. Todd Still of Truett Seminary will be leading four sessions about James at 8:30am (Sanctuary), 11:00am (Sanctuary), 12:45 (Fellowship Hall), and 1:45 (Fellowship Hall).
  
• College Mission to Collique, Peru, May 22-29, 2010, organized by Tallowood Baptist Church. The cost is $1,500 per person. We will be ministering through worship, VBS, sports camps, construction, and painting. We'll also get to sight see in Lima. Contact Chuck Westbrook if you are interested in going.

Prayer Requests and Praises:

• Bryan (former college community student) has had a recent medical scare. Please keep him in your prayers.
  
• Virginia had an excellent visit at UTD! Looks like we have a winner, folks!
  
• Jennifer's 98-year-old grandmother, Iva Bell Enos, had successful partial hip surgery & already has been walking without assistance -- praise!
  
• Jim's mom has been transferred to a rehabilitation facility! Hooray!
  

Update for January 10, 2010

Hi everyone! I hope your semester is getting off to a great start!

Announcements:

• The ministry that we provided to the homeless at Peggy's Point has begun again, now with a new name: Manna. We will host a service on the north end of our campus at 8:00 a.m. each Sunday morning. If you would like to volunteer to set up and/or help lead the service, please contact Erin Conaway.
  
• Stewardship Sunday is January 17. If you would like to commit to give to the church this year, please fill out a card.
• There will be a Blood Drive in the Fellowship Hall this Sunday, January 17 from 8am-1pm.
  
• January Bible Study is January 31. Dr. Todd Still of Truett Seminary will be leading four sessions about James at 8:30am (Sanctuary), 11:00am (Sanctuary), 12:45 (Fellowship Hall), and 1:45 (Fellowship Hall).
  
• College Mission to Collique, Peru, May 22-29, 2010, organized by Tallowood Baptist Church. The cost is $1,500 per person. We will be ministering through worship, VBS, sports camps, construction, and painting. We'll also get to sight see in Lima. Contact Chuck.Westbrook@interfaceflor.com if you are interested in going.

Prayer Requests and Praises:

• Remember our homeless, who struggle even more than usual during the winter with cold weather.
  
• Praise: Molly got engaged after Christmas
  
• We pray that Duffy's job and home searches are successful!
  
• Please continue to pray for Anna Barkley's recovery
• The surgery Marie's mom had on the 12th was aborted; she's doing well & they'll try again next month
  

Update for January 3, 2010

Hi everyone! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year, and that 2010 is treating you well so far!

Announcements:

• The ministry that we provided to the homeless at Peggy's Point has begun again, now with a new name: Manna. We will host a service on the north end of our campus at 8:00 a.m. each Sunday morning. If you would like to volunteer to set up and/or help lead the service, please contact Erin Conaway.
  
• If you would like to commit to give to the church this year, please fill out a card. Stewardship Sunday is January 18.
• January Bible Study is January 31. Dr. Todd Still of Truett Seminary will be leading four sessions about James at 8:30am (Sanctuary), 11:00am (Sanctuary), 12:45 (Fellowship Hall), and 1:45 (Fellowship Hall).
  
• College Mission to Collique, Peru, May 22-29, 2010, organized by Tallowood Baptist Church. The cost is $1,500 per person. We will be ministering through worship, VBS, sports camps, construction, and painting. We'll also get to sight see in Lima. Contact Chuck.Westbrook@interfaceflor.com if you are interested in going.

Prayer Requests and Praises:

• Please continue to pray for Anna Barkley (Jim's mom) and her family; she has had some additional complications.
  
• Robyn is moving back to Houston -- we are grateful that her medical complications have stopped, and we pray that her move is safe and uneventful.
  
• Please pray for Sarrean's grandmother's health and for Sarrean's cousin, whose spouse recently passed away.
  
• Keep each other in your thoughts and prayers as you travel back to school.