Why South Main?

The following are excerpts of feedback we have received from church members about South Main…

I think one of the things that makes South Main so unique is the different paths we each took to get to not only this church, but also to where we are in our faith, and learning about those paths can help each of us learn and grow.

–Melissa Pasche

Chances are, [when getting to know others here] you discover something about someone else that you did not know, that you wish you knew already, that you have in common either from personal interest or life-changing events or similar faith stories or experiences. A librarian for almost twenty years that dabbled in motorcycle riding as a hobby. A graduate that was pointed to the seminary but found their real calling in social work and discovered questioning faith was OK and valuable in discerning God’s plan. A veterinarian by trade, civil war historian who served on an independent school district board for many years. A lover of all things French, with a degree in hospitality management, who married these interests to work in a hotel in Southern France, also who wrestled with death of school-aged child some twenty-five years ago, but found grace and meaning as surviving family members’ lives were enriched by the experience. A physician working with women suffering from breast cancer, with a passion for water-skiing.

–Brian Fowler

smbc.org/share

 

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“God, use me.”

By Steve Rader, Outreach Committee Chair

I’ve been pretty busy over the last few weeks working on this upcoming Share Campaign. During that time, I’ve been researching and writing the bible study lessons that will be using during the campaign. In it, I’ve really been learning and reflecting on what it means to share our faith and open ourselves up for God to use. As I have begun to pray “Lord, use me,” I have to tell you that some remarkable things have started to happen. Everywhere I turn, a new opportunity to talk about my faith or my church pops up.

Last week, I was walking down the hall at work and ran into a co-worker that I don’t regularly talk to a whole lot. She asked me what I had done over my Spring Break. I simply answered that I had helped to build a small house in Eagle Pass, TX as part of my church mission trip. She said, “Oh really. What church to you attend?” When I answered South Main Baptist, she quickly responded, “Oh yes, I visited South Main a few years ago. You know, I attended another church for 7 years and they did not do any missions or homeless work and I got frustrated because I really feel that is what being a Christian is all about. Two years ago I stopped attending and haven’t been back to church since. I really miss church. I’m going to come back and visit South Main.”

All I said was “I went on a mission trip,” and the next thing I knew, someone I work with had decided to come and check out South Main. When I add this to the 2-3 other incidents that I’ve had that are quite similar over the past few days, it is not hard to figure out who is really at work. God is not very subtle. I shouldn’t be surprised. I asked for Him to use me and He is doing just that.

We’ll be starting the 4 week “Share Campaign” on April 11th and running through May 2nd. Please pray for our church, that God will use us.

smbc.org

God’s Hand Revealed – By Chelsea Wade

By Chelsea Wade, Buckner Ministries Coordinator

Some of the best things about walking on this Earth are the extraordinary moments that result from ordinary events. I have the opportunity to work with a great group of high school students three days a week. My duties each day include: mediator, snack-server, listening ear, and even proofreader.

Each day brings a new challenge and a new breakthrough so I always look forward to the next one. When the students are content they exude immense amounts of excitement. The consistency provided contributes to their comfort as well. Classes might be difficult and dynamics with friends may change but the After School Program has smiling faces and activities.

I feel particularly connected to the students because I can understand what high school was like. I am proud that they could be anywhere else but they look forward to “the church”. This moniker captures all that South Main is for these students. We are “the church” where students race to arrive. This is “the church” that students tell their friends about.

When I think about my vision for the program I hope to create a strong support system with resources and activities that students look forward to. I also hope that students can reflect on their time at the After School Program with fond memories. I also plan to reflect on the reminders of God’s presence.

Around 6:45 p.m. on a Thursday the last few students were headed out the door. I heard a combination of the phrases “Have a good weekend!” and “Bye, Miss Chelsea!” before one student said “God bless you, Chelsea.” I must have paused for at least ten seconds. He and I have never had a single discussion about God but I do not doubt his sincerity. The words seemed to linger in the air after everyone left. I smiled because the progress made is undeniable. This program exists for a reason and the students are grasping our mission of love. That day I received a blessing that I never expected: assurance.  Every student may not have a strong understanding of what faith is but they certainly know that we care.

Holey house shoes

By Amy Grizzle, Minister to Adults

My college friend Katie grew up Episcopalian. She and her husband now attend a Baptist church, joined a Sunday School class, and make sure their children are in Sunday School and worship every Sunday.  They are enjoying a good church with good folks.  She calls me from time to time to ask me “Baptist questions” since I’m the homegrown Baptist she knows best.

Katie called recently to let me know she’s on bed rest late in her pregnancy with their second child and to ask a “Baptist question.”  I was expecting a doctrinal question, but Katie’s question concerned casseroles.  Members of her church surprised Katie with a meal saying they knew bed rest makes it hard on a family.  She was truly touched by their thoughtfulness, but also truly shocked.  “In our church growing up, you came to worship, you were seen, you went home, and you told people you go to church there.  Here, people showed up at my door with a casserole and I thought they were at the wrong house.  You’re a minister now, what’s up with that, Amy?”  I laughed and simply said, “we’re Baptists—food says you care.  And it means they know you.” Katie laughingly responded, “yeah, now they know I have holes in my slippers.”

Sometimes being cared for means being known.  It’s what happens when you’re invested in a community. It has nothing to do with denomination and everything to do with the heart and soul of a community of faith.  Being a Christian means we are both willing to give and willing to receive.  And sometimes that means people see the holes in your slippers…I’m just glad I’m not the only one with holey house shoes.