Bible Studies at South
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Our studies have resumed with options to study in person at the church or online via zoom. Class sizes may be limited due to distancing restrictions. If a class you have registered for has reached capacity you will be contacted and put on a waitlist or given the option to join another study.
Zoom Studies: These groups will connect through a zoom app where groups will discuss the lessons together. This option is great for those who are at risk, are unable to wear a mask or those who have a schedule that works better with a study they can do from home.
Church Studies: In-person studies allow groups to connect and encourage one another. As of now, it is likely that all in-person studies at the church will be structured to ensure social distancing and the wearing of a face covering. We will strive to make our time together safe and as comfortable as possible during this difficult time. If you have health concerns or are unable to wear a face-covering we encourage you to choose one of our zoom studies. ***By registering for a study whose location is at church you agree to follow the guidelines which have set in place by the South Church medical team.
Register Here for Bible Studies by January 4 to reserve a workbook. Late registrations are welcome however there may be a delay in ordering a book for your use.
*** Books will be available for no contact pick-up at the Women’s Ministry Gazebo beginning January 3 for Pre-Registered students. A book will be labeled with your name, use a payment envelope available on the table.
 | REGISTRATION CLOSED FOR THIS CLASS |
 | REGISTRATION CLOSED FOR THIS CLASS |
 | Tuesdays at 6:30 pm, via Zoom. Beginning January 12 “Matthew pt. 1” (Jen Wilkin), Tuesdays at 6:30 pm via Zoom – What was God’s purpose in sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth? The first 13 chapters of the Gospel of Matthew cover the birth of the long-awaited Messiah to the sending out of the Twelve Disciples. You’ll learn about how Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people and how He came to establish God’s kingdom on earth. Facilitated by Judy Peterson. Printed workbooks $10.00, are available to those who pre-register by January 4th. Late registrations are accepted but there may be a delay in receiving a workbook. Register Here |
  | Tuesday Evenings: Begins January 12 Sometimes we ask What is God’s will for my life? when we should really be asking Who should I be? The Bible has an answer: Be like the very image of God. By exploring ten characteristics of who God is―holy, loving, just, good, merciful, gracious, faithful, patient, truthful, and wise―this book helps us understand who God intends for us to be. Through Christ, the perfect reflection of the image of God, we will discover how God’s own attributes impact how we live, leading to freedom and purpose as we follow his will and are conformed to his image. Facilitated by Tami Harrison at 7:30 pm in the Student Ministry Center (childcare is not available). Workbook $10.00, are available to those who pre-register by January 4th. Late registrations are accepted but there may be a delay in receiving a workbook. Register Here |
 | Wednesday Evenings: Begins January 13 |
 | Thursday Evenings: Begins in January 14 Jesus & Women (Kristi McLelland). Understand Jesus More Deeply by Studying First-Century History and Culture. “Take heart, daughter.” Matthew 9:22. Imagine walking the dusty roads of Galilee with Jesus of Nazareth—braving jostling crowds just to touch the edge of His cloak and hear Him say, “Take heart, daughter, your faith has healed you.” Those words, once meant to comfort a hurting woman’s soul thousands of years ago, were also meant for you. Join biblical culturalist Kristi McLelland on those dusty roads as she transports you back to Jesus’ world, stepping into the footsteps of the women who came face to face with the living God. Over 7 sessions, examine the historical and cultural climate of first-century Middle Eastern society to not only understand Jesus more deeply but to fuel your worship of Him today. Facilitated by Ellen Smith, Rm. 201 at 6:30 pm. Workbooks $16.00 are available to those who pre-register by January 4th. Late registrations are accepted but there may be a delay in receiving a workbook. Register Here |
| Saturday Mornings, Begins January 16 None Like Him (Jen Wilkin). Human beings were created to reflect the image of God–but only to a limited extent. Although we share important attributes with God (love, mercy, compassion, etc.), there are other qualities that only God possesses, such as unlimited power, knowledge, and authority. At the root of all sin is our rebellious desire to be like God in such ways–a desire that first manifested itself in the garden of Eden. In None Like Him, Jen Wilkin leads us on a journey to discover ten ways God is different from us–and why that’s a good thing. In the process, she highlights the joy of seeing our limited selves in relation to a limitless God, and how such a realization frees us from striving to be more than we were created to be. Please contact Joy directly to register at: joykshantz@gmail.com |
Visions of Christmas 2020
Due to the unusual circumstances of the current pandemic, we are not planning on having our annual Christmas Dinner this year. We look forward to having this event in 2021. We encourage you to participate in Visions of Christmas Re-Imagined (below).
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CHRISTMAS OUTREACH
This year we are unable to hold our annual ‘Visions of Christmas’ outreach dinner for women. But we want to challenge you, especially in these uncertain times, to be diligent in reaching out to the lost.
We are asking you to pray that God would put on your heart the name of a person(s) to pray for, serve and tell about Jesus this Christmas season.
Together we want to be praying for hundreds of unbelieving people that we love, serving them with the love of Jesus, and telling them the best News. We want to step out of our comfort zones and be like Christ to our neighbors.
SHARE THE JOY OF KNOWING JESUS
The apostle Paul’s heart for the lost people in his life was that they may be saved (Romans 10:1). May God give us this same heart for the lost in our lives! We don’t simply want to spread Christmas cheer or celebrate the holiday … we want to spread the joy of knowing Jesus!
In Mark 12, when Jesus answered the question “What is the greatest commandment?” he said two things: “Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself.” Taking part in this Advent Outreach strategy could be a great way for you to live out these commands this Christmas season.
CLICK HERE for an outreach guide
CREATE a PLATE Night Watch for a rescheduled date this fall
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'I Will Survive' is a support group for women with cancer and cancer survivors where you can openly share your cancer journey in a warm, confidential, and loving atmosphere.
Women in various stages of cancer attend; some recently diagnosed, those who are undergoing treatment, as well as cancer survivors. This is a community-wide outreach.
Women are encouraged and supported through God’s word, articles of interest, current cancer information, sharing and prayer. It is an environment in which laughter, love and tears abound. The group typically meets on the first Monday of each month, in the Fireside Room at 12 noon - 1:30 p.m. and is facilitated by Sheila Rynbrandt. For questions and/or confirmation of meetings, call 517 646-0380.
Philippians 4.13—I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
We have joined together to support widowed women as they struggle to handle the grief, pain, and loneliness of their loss. We offer fellowship, sharing, and hope with those who have walked this path in earlier days and have experienced God's healing grace.
Every third Thursday of each month, widows meet for lunch at various restaurants throughout the city. We meet to get to know one another, support one another and to just enjoy being with people who understand the journey we are on. We would love to have anyone who is on this journey join us. If you would like to know more about the Never Alone ministry, please call Carol Senard at 517/256-1122. If you would like to join us for a monthly lunch please contact Carol by Wednesday to RSVP as we need to reserve enough tables to accommodate everyone who will be attending.
In the midst of being a busy mom (or mom-to-be), you need time to sit back and be refreshed.
Refresh is a place where you can kick back, take off your shoes, and just be your genuine self! Grab your coffee cup and join other mothers of infants and/or preschoolers every Tuesday morning at South Church for some amazing conversation, digging into God’s word, helpful discussions on parenting, and fun activities! This is a refreshing opportunity for young mothers to network and refuel for the rest of their busy week.
Refresh meets Tuesday mornings from 9:00-11:00 am at South Church in the Commons during the school year. The Winter Session begins on Tuesday, January 16 - March 27. Childcare is available for infants through preschool age children. There is a small fee ($25) which covers the cost of your study materials, activities, and childcare for the winter session.
*Please note: Do you remember what it was like to be a young mom who longed for a morning out with other moms? You can help us continue this great ministry for our moms by helping look after their little ones while they are at Refresh. There is a great need for additional childcare helpers on Tuesday mornings! For more information please contact Ruth Hultquist at (517) 819-7751.
Contact Tami Harrison for more information at (517) 803-7452
Coming Soon
'Human Trafficking' is an epidemic around the world and in our backyard. Join us as we learn more about this problem and how we can become actively involved in fighting against it both locally and with our partners in India.
'Shake it up, baby' - ever feel like you could use a session with a training coach? Katie Hubbard will help get you started with some great ways you can get in shape. (Be sure to wear comfortable workout clothing).
'Meet Monet' - whether you have any artistic talent or not it's worth a fun night to give painting a try. Join us for an interesting twist on this art form and come away with a piece of canvas art created from watercolor paints and markers.
Join us the 2nd Saturday of every month from (NEW TIME) 8:30-9:30 am in the Board Room as we come together to pray for the ministries of our church, our community, and our families. Coordinator: Kim Dalman
3rd Friday of every month – Join the “Knit Wits”
Sister2Sister has a monthly knitting and crochet group throughout the school year. This group meets the 3rd Friday of each month in the Fireside Room at 6:30 pm. Whether you want to learn the basics, get help on an existing project, see some new ideas, or share your own knitting and crochet skills with others – please join us! For more information contact Marlene Osborn
There are two possible ways that married couples may be connected with a mentor couple. The best way is through one of the pastors. They are most concerned for the needs of the congregation and equipped to help. They will determine the best mentor for each situation. It is also possible to connect through the Marriage Mentor Ministry coordinator. He will carefully refer you to a mentor couple who will lovingly share their wisdom and experience. Communication with the pastors and the mentors will be kept in strict confidence.
Mentor couples are committed to keeping all conversations and information within their relationship. The mentor process is first and foremost warm, godly, and informal. The mentor married couple has struggled with many of the same issues the mentee couple is experiencing. The mentors are willing to share their experience and how they dealt with the issue. There is also an important dimension at work and that is the spiritual approach to the issue. Mentor couples bathe the couple’s needs in prayer and are deeply concerned for their success and happiness.
Built into the enrich side of the Marriage Mentor Ministry is a Prepare/Enrich Assessment. The assessment consists of the couple responding online to a series of statements indicating how they agree or disagree with a number of statements. A Couples Report is generated and reviewed by the mentor couple. This is designed to give the mentor couple insight regarding areas of agreement and disagreement. More importantly, it provides good insight on the couple’s strengths and growth areas. Usually, after a couple has met with their marriage mentor, they realize what a powerful and significant impact a mentor couple can have on their marriage. Below are some of the many potential benefits from this ministry.
• Increase chances of having a healthy, satisfying marriage together
• Learn vital skills in communication and conflict resolution
• Ask questions and share successes and struggles with another caring couple
• Build on relationship strengths and address problematic areas
• Strengthen support network
• Form a valuable bond with a couple who are modeling what a healthy marriage looks like
Contact the church office for more information, by e-mail or phone at 517-322-2000.
The women of South have a passion to serve women cross-culturally. Each year we send a group of 8-12 women to encourage and facilitate biblical training of other women in Asia. Our next group will be traveling in the fall of 2019. If you would like more information on being a part of women serving women cross-culturally please contact us.