Update for August 22, 2010

College students (particularly freshmen), read this! It's an excellent blog entry written by Joey Brinkley, a former College Community intern. It gives AWESOME advice that you don't want to miss!

You have likely heard some excitement around the church about Sole Chain and breaking Guinness world records? Well, folks, we did it! We collected over 10,000 pairs of brand new shoes to donate to orphans around the world. This was the 10th year of Shoes for Orphan Soles, and South Main is currently the world record holder for longest chain of shoes (the exact number is 20,110 shoes in the chain). Check out this aerial shot of the completed product, which 150 South Mainers and visitors helped assemble on Saturday, August 21st!
2wcl07s.jpg

Announcements

Sanctuary Choir has kicked off for the school year. If you'd like to join us, we meet every Wednesday from 7:30-9:00. Right now, we're meeting in the sanctuary, but once construction is completed behind the sanctuary we'll be in the choir suite (if you're in the sanctuary and go out the piano side door, just keep going straight until you find a set of stairs going up; that's where the choir suite is located). No singing experience necessary!

Praying together is important. In addition to praying individually, praying together as a church family can be a powerful experience. To help us experience and remember this, the SMBC Discipleship Committee has put together a Monthly Prayer Calendar, which you can find here: http://www.smbc.org/smbcprayers.

There will be a South Main Garden interest meeting on September 2 from 6:00-7:30. To join, contact Erin Conaway at econaway@smbc.org.

There will only be an 11:00 worship service on September 5th.

Save the date: the next Discovery Weekend is November 19-20. What makes you uniquely you? How can you use your gifts, talents, and personality to serve the God who created you in love? Think you already know? What you learn this weekend may surprise you! Consider learning more about your spiritual gifts and how you can use them to further God's kingdom by attending Discovery Weekend. The session on the 19th will be from 6:30pm-9:30pm, and the session on the 20th will be from 8:45am-3:00pm. There is no cost for materials, Friday dinner, or Saturday lunch.


Praises and Prayer Requests

Safe travel and wonderful start of school year

Jennifer's sister, Lee, has had her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) confirmed. Pray for the management of her symptoms as she begins her second year at the University of North Texas.

Update for August 8, 2010

If you are available tomorrow between 9am and 12pm, please come to the Welcome Center and pack shoes for Shoes for Orphan Souls.

We still need donations to reach our goal of 10,000 pairs, so please bring a pair of new shoes or write a check with "Shoes for Orphan Souls" on the memo line if you are able.


Announcements

South Main's 2010 Bach to Broadway cast (including many of your fellow college students!) presents South Pacific THIS WEEK! Show dates are August 12-14 at 7:30pm and August 15 at 2:00pm. Tickets are available at the door.

Ever wanted to be a part of the Guinness Book of World Records? Your chance is coming on Saturday, August 21 from 9:00am to 2:00pm (plus free dumplings for lunch!). Volunteer to come to the church to create the world's longest chain of shoes, all of which will be donated to orphaned and at-risk children through the Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls program by signing up here. We also need donations of shoes or money to make sure we actually have enough shoes to break the record, so please give if you are able. South Main is currently celebrating it's 10th year of participating in this wonderful project, which has provided over 1.8 million shoes for orphans as far away as Guatemala, Kenya, and Peru. Follow this exciting event on Facebook and Twitter.

There will be no supper or Bible study in the Fellowship Hall until August 25.


Prayer Requests and Praises

Praise: Robyn's father has been released from the hospital after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis

Please continue to pray for Sarrean's mother, who is searching for a job.

Robyn's back treatment is relieving her chronic back pain.

Update for August 1, 2010

Do you want to be on TV? Well look no further! We need 15 to 25 people to support Sole Chain: Shoes for Orphan Soles, which will be featured on KHOU's Great Day Houston's Plug Program! The live taping will take place at the KHOU studio on Monday, August 9 from 8-10am. Sign up ASAP at solechain@smbc.org or contact Jennifer Gribble at jgribble@smbc.org. Only four people have signed up so far, so we really need your help! If you have one, wear your Inner Loop Church shirt to the plug.


Announcements

South Main's 2010 Bach to Broadway cast (including many of your fellow college students!) presents South Pacific on August 12-14 at 7:30pm and August 15 at 2:00pm. Tickets are available at smbc.org. Get yours now -- they're going to be going quick!

Ever wanted to be a part of the Guinness Book of World Records? Your chance is coming on Saturday, August 21 from 9:00am to 2:00pm (plus free dumplings for lunch!). Volunteer to come to the church to create the world's longest chain of shoes, all of which will be donated to orphaned and at-risk children through the Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls program by signing up here. We also need donations of shoes or money to make sure we actually have enough shoes to break the record, so please give if you are able. South Main is currently celebrating it's 10th year of participating in this wonderful project, which has provided over 1.8 million shoes for orphans as far away as Guatemala, Kenya, and Peru. Follow this exciting event on Facebook and Twitter.

There will be no supper or Bible study in the Fellowship Hall until August 25.


Prayer Requests and Praises

Praise: Charles Williams was baptized on Sunday!

Please continue to pray for Sarrean's mother, who is searching for a job.

Update for July 25, 2010

I have two homework assignments for you! That's right: homework in July!

1. Our one-time intern, Joey Brinkley, taught a fantastic lesson one year ago that gives wonderful advice to college students--particularly freshmen. Read it here. Seriously. It's funny, and you'll get a lot out of it. Besides, there might even be a quiz on Sunday. ;-)

2. Follow the SMBC College Community on Facebook, Twitter, and our blog. You can keep up with prayer requests, events, and photos -- but, more importantly, we can keep up with you! We love you and want to know what's going on in your lives, so please connect with us so that we can stay connected with you, too.


Announcements

South Main's 2010 Bach to Broadway cast presents South Pacific on August 12-14 at 7:30pm and August 15 at 2:00pm. Tickets are available at smbc.org.

Ever wanted to be a part of the Guinness Book of World Records? Your chance is coming on Saturday, August 21 from 9:00am to 2:00pm (plus free dumplings for lunch!). Volunteer to come to the church to create the world's longest chain of shoes, all of which will be donated to orphaned and at-risk children through the Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls program by signing up here. South Main is currently celebrating it's 10th year of participating in this wonderful project, which has provided over 1.8 million shoes for orphans as far away as Guatemala, Kenya, and Peru. Also, if you have any ideas of what we should spell out with the shoe chain in the parking lot, send it to solechain@smbc.org by TOMORROW July 29. Follow this exciting event on Facebook and Twitter.

If you're looking for another opportunity to participate in a thought-provoking Bible study, head to the Fellowship Hall every Wednesday at 6:30 to hear Steve give a great lesson. Dinner is served between 5:00 and 6:00pm.


Prayer Requests and Praises

This past Sunday was the last in Houston for both Virginia and Adeola. Good luck at Vanderbilt and in Mississippi, ladies! Know that we love you, are praying for you, and hope to see you again! Please keep in touch!

Pray for Rachel's friend Andy; he is going through a difficult time and is under much stress.

Robyn's father has a clot in his left thigh and is in the hospital for treatment. Pray for a good outcome.

Update for July 18, 2010

Thanks to everyone who came to the college class party last Thursday! Everyone had a great time, and the food was amazing!


Announcements

Donate blood during the Blood Drive in the mobile unit in the Colquitt St parking lot this Sunday, June 25, from 8am-1pm.

Plan to attend the Church Business Meeting in the Fellowship Hall following the 11:00 service this week. Lunch will be served for $7.

South Main's 2010 Bach to Broadway cast presents South Pacific on August 12-14 at 7:30pm and August 15 at 2:00pm. Tickets are available at smbc.org.

Ever wanted to be a part of the Guinness Book of World Records? Your chance is coming on Saturday, August 21 from 9:00am to 2:00pm (plus free dumplings for lunch!). Volunteer to come to the church to create the world's longest chain of shoes, all of which will be donated to orphaned and at-risk children through the Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls program by signing up here. South Main is currently celebrating it's 10th year of participating in this wonderful project, which has provided over 1.8 million shoes for orphans as far away as Guatemala, Kenya, and Peru. Also, if you have any ideas of what we should spell out with the shoe chain in the parking lot, send it to solechain@smbc.org by July 29. Follow this exciting event on Facebook and Twitter.

If you're looking for another opportunity to participate in a thought-provoking Bible study, head to the Fellowship Hall every Wednesday at 6:30 to hear Steve give a great lesson. Dinner is served as early as 5:00pm.


Prayer Requests and Praises

Jim was diagnosed last week with shingles in his throat. Please keep him in your prayers.

Pray for safe travels for those traveling performing mission work in Peru, including many of our freshmen.

Update for July 11, 2010

Tomorrow's college class party at the Barkley house is going to be SO AWESOME! Please come at 7pm -- bring a bathing suit if you want to hop in the pool, but bringing your appetite is mandatory! :-)


Announcements

In celebration of the season and, even more excitingly, of the new freshmen in our midst, we're having a COLLEGE CLASS PARTY at the Barkley house tomorrow at 7:00pm! Woo! We'll feed you, but please RSVP (by responding to this email or contacting a member of the College Class leadership) so we know how much to serve. Also, bring your bathing suit and towel if you feel like hopping in the pool! The Barkleys live at 5602 Wigton, Houston 770096, and their number is (713) 728-2768.

The South Main Garden, located between the Westmoreland Chapel and the Chafin Building, is in need of some trimming, so if you would like to take home some fresh herbs or veggies, please feel free.

South Main's 2010 Bach to Broadway cast presents South Pacific on August 12-14 at 7:30pm and August 15 at 2:00pm. Tickets are available at smbc.org.

Ever wanted to be a part of the Guinness Book of World Records? Your chance is coming on Saturday, August 21 from 9:00am to 2:00pm (plus free dumplings for lunch!). Come to the church to create the world's longest chain of shoes, all of which will be donated to orphaned and at-risk children through the Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls program. South Main is currently celebrating it's 10th year of participating in this wonderful project.

If you're looking for another opportunity to participate in a thought-provoking Bible study, head to the Fellowship Hall every Wednesday at 6:30 to hear Steve give a great lesson. Dinner is served as early as 5:00pm. I've often heard, "Steve gives fantastic sermons, but he is astoundingly good at leading Bible study." I hope you'll join us!


Prayer Requests and Praises

Sarrean's cousin's son is recovering from a dog attack.

Duffy's sister is in Kenya on a mission trip.

Christopher has esophagus cancer.

Safe travels for those traveling to Peru

Rachel's family is traveling.

Update for July 4, 2010

Hey guys and gals! Just in case the heat and tropical storminess didn't tip you off, it's summer! Hope you're all having a wonderful time!


Announcements

In celebration of the season and, even more excitingly, of the new freshmen in our midst (yes, former high school seniors, it's that time! Congrats on your accomplishments and welcome to the College Class!), we're going to have a COLLEGE CLASS PARTY at the Barkley house on Thursday, July 15th at 7:00pm! Woo! We'll feed you, but please RSVP (by responding to this email, contacting a member of the College Class leadership, or talking to us in Sunday School) by July 12th so we know how much to serve.

The South Main Garden, located between the Westmoreland Chapel and the Chafin Building, is in need of some trimming, so if you would like to take home some fresh herbs or beans, please feel free.

South Main's 2010 Bach to Broadway cast presents South Pacific on August 12-14 at 7:30pm and August 15 at 2:00pm. Tickets are available at smbc.org.

Ever wanted to be a part of the Guinness Book of World Records? Your chance is coming on Saturday, August 21 from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Come to the church to create the world's longest chain of shoes, all of which will be donated to orphaned and at-risk children through the Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls program. South Main is currently celebrating it's 10th year of participating in this wonderful project.

If you're looking for another opportunity to participate in a thought-provoking Bible study, head to the Fellowship Hall every Wednesday at 6:30 to hear Steve give a great lesson. Dinner is served as early as 5:00pm. I've often heard, "Steve gives fantastic sermons, but he is astoundingly good at leading Bible study." I hope you'll join us!


Prayer Requests and Praises

Jennifer's sister, Lee, has been diagnosed with MS; she went to see a specialist this week.

Sarrean's grandmother is having troubles with her medication, and her mother is looking for a job. Please keep them in your prayers.

Adeola's mom is experiencing severe back pain.

Scott is in the officer corps of the Coast Guard!

Safe travel and vacations during the summer.

Update for August 30, 2009

By now, school has started up for most of you. Know that we're praying for you to have a fun and successful year!

Stay connected to the College Community during the week by joining our Facebook page! Coming soon... Twitter!

Praises and Prayer Requests:

• Virginia's job is going great!
• Jennifer's cousin had healthy, happy baby Brenden last week!
• Grant is job hunting right now
• Sara's mother is not doing well
• Peter's family is going through a rough time right now, and, on top of that, his grandmother is not doing well

Announcements:

• Please stay after the 11:00 service this coming Sunday, September 6, to help pack shoes for the Shoes for Orphan Souls program
• We want to let you know about some weekly campus ministry opportunities:

• Free lunch at UH BSM, every Tuesday at noon at the BSM on Calhoun
• Free lunch at Rice BSM, every Wednesday at noon in Farnsworth Pavilion
• Free lunch at Rice Progressive Christian Fellowship, every Wednesday at noon at the RMC

Update for August 23, 2009

We had a great class this week: we welcomed some lovely new visitors, said temporary goodbyes to dear friends off to school for the first time, and saw the return of some wonderful, familiar faces who had been out of town for the summer.

As you may or may not know, the SMBC Sanctuary Choir had the privilege of singing the National Anthem at the Astros game yesterday. Little did we know that Carlos Lee would jump in to sing with us! Check it out: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200908236253739&c_id=hou

Prayer Requests and Praises:

• Ty Gribble's first day of kindergarten is today. Pray for a fabulous start of his big-boy education, and pray that his mommy can let him out of the car this morning! ;) And, if we were honest, we could all use some prayers for our school year!
• Virginia (Rice) had interviewed for a job she really wanted -- and she got it!
• John and Avery's (Rice) friend is in MD Anderson with a brain tumor
• Please pray for the family of Ward Hill, who passed away on Saturday

Announcements:

• Calling All Artists! SMBC will be using artistic interpretations of Psalm 23 for an upcoming worship service where we will be guided by that text. We are asking for you to read Psalm 23 and let that guide your painting or drawing or sculpture and then bring it up to the church office on the 3rd floor on or before August 31st. We will display the artwork around the campus as we listen to God's word. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Erin Conaway (econaway@smbc.org or 713.305.9797). We look forward to sharing what God is saying to you and us through your art.
• Shoes for Orphan Souls. We are deep into the collection process of new shoes that will be delivered to orphans around the world. Shoe preparation and packing will occur following the 11:00am worship service on Sunday, September 6.
• Buckner School Supply Drive - Our Buckner students could use the following items: binders, notebook paper, protractors, pens, pencils, folders, composition notebooks, poster board, index cards, highlighters and reusable water bottles. Donations can be dropped off in the church office. Please contact Chelsea Wade at cwade@buckner.org for more details.
• Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University at SMBC

  Starts August 26th and will be each Wednesday from 6-8pm. Contact Mark at gribbles@mac.com for more details and/or to enroll.

Update for August 16, 2009

Prayers and Praises

• Traveling mercies for all of you leaving for college this month. Please keep in touch! Send your new college mailing address and email to us at gribbles@mac.com!
• Rachel (HBU) asked for prayers for her friend Elisa who is a freshman orientation leader at HBU.
• Sarrean (Tech) is thankful for her dental stuff being over this week.
• Virginia (Rice GRAD!) is job searching right now and has interviewed for a job she REALLY wants.
• Sandra has requested prayers for family friend Jeff Klein who had multiple major surgeries last week to remedy his brain slipping into his spinal column.
• Jennifer's mom had emergency surgery to remove her gall bladder. Praise that all went well and that she is home recovering.

Calling All Artists! We would like to use artistic interpretations of Psalm 23 for an upcoming worship service where we will be guided by that text. We are asking for you to read the 23rd Psalm and let that guide your painting or drawing or sculpture and then bring it up to the church office ON or BEFORE AUGUST 31ST. We will display the artwork around the campus as we listen to God's word. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Erin Conaway (econaway@smbc.org) or (713) 305-9797 (cell).

Buckner School Supply Drive - Our Buckner students could use the following items: binders, notebook paper, protractors, pens, pencils, folders, composition notebooks, poster board, index cards, highlighters and reusable water bottles. Donations can be dropped off in the church office. Please contact Chelsea Wade at cwade@buckner.org for more details.

Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University at SMBC

Starts August 26th and will be each Wednesday from 6-8pm. Contact Mark at gribbles@mac.com for more details and/or to enroll.

Shoes for Orphan Souls We have begun collecting new shoes for delivery to orphans around the world. You can purchase new shoes and bring them to the Welcome Center or take time to help pack shoes.

Have a great week!

August 10, 2009 Update

Announcements:

• Astros Game with College Community. August 19th 7 p.m. $1 Hot dog night, woo-hoo! Let us know if you want a ticket by 8/17, please.
  
• Shoes for Orphans Souls needs help unpacking shoes. Wednesday, August 12th, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Welcome Center.

Prayers/Praises:

• Shelby (Tech) friend David was in the hospital.
  
• Robyn (USC) is currently driving to California with several cars caravaning. Praying for their safety.
• Sarah (Austin College) dad, Johnny, dislocated his shoulder. Lots of good stories as to how it happend. :) Praise that he is better.
• Kevin Sinclair's aunt passed away suddenly. Prayers for his family.
  
• Kudos to all cast, crew, musicians and those helping with Into the Woods. Great show!
• Jennifer's mom is supposed to have emergency surgery to remove her gall bladder tonight.
  
• Marie is in Montana on vacation. Praying for safe travels.
• Claire is moving to Waco this week to attend seminary at Baylor.
• Sandra's family friend, Jeff Klein. He is 16 years old son and has been diagnosed with 3 skull-based deformities. The worst of which is his brain is slipping into his spinal column. He will undergo 12 hours of surgery on Thursday in Iowa City, IA. Please pray for Jeff, his parents, and the 17 year old sister left in Katy to experience her senior year without her family.

Have a good week! Just a few more weeks before classes start...enjoy!

--Jennifer