“In the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God, and the Word was God”

Dear Church Family,

Back in November last year, I met Sean Strubbe, who is the Pastor of Gateway Community Church. Presently, the church has been renting space for worship at a store front on Poindexter Street.

He approached me about the possibility of renting space at Southside for their worship, educational, and outreach ministries. I shared the request with our deacons, and church council, and they both felt this would be a good partnership to pursue.

On Sunday nights, I have been sharing from Thom Rainer’s Book Titled: I Will. We have been reminded of the importance of being a worshiping, growing, serving and giving Church member.

As we look at most of the churches today we realize that something is wrong. I know of four churches in Portsmouth that are on the verge of closing their doors. Experts tell us that 80% of all churches in American are either plateaued or declining. The question then is how do we effectively reach our world for Christ today, and build His Church? How do we get serious about reaching our Jerusalem, the family, friends and neighbors in our circle of influence?

Dear Church Family,

This winter, we have had our fair share of rain. I don’t know about you, but I am glad that spring is just around the corner. The signs of spring are already showing up around my house. We have Daffodils in full bloom, and the grass is already starting to turn green. May the signs of spring be a reminder, a call for each of us to spring forward in service and devotion to the Lord and His church? Now is time for each of us to renew our commitment to cooperative worship, to Sunday school, and service in God’s kingdom./p>

Dear Church Family,

What an exciting time to be a part of the Southside family. Last Sunday, we were blessed to have Rev. Burt Reed to come and share with us about the ministry of International Christian Ministry. ICM has helped to build and plant over 8,000 churches around the world. As most of us left worship on Sunday, we came away realizing how fortunate we are to have the freedom of worship in America. So many people around the world put their lives and that of their families in danger, when they give their hearts to Christ, and gather to worship the Lord. Anya reminds us each week how fragile the situation is with her own family in Belarus, and that with short notice, they could lose the freedom of worship. We need to pray for our Christian brothers and sisters around the world.

Dear Church Family,

I hope that each of you had a Merry Christmas, and are looking forward to an exciting New Year. Thank you so much for all the Christmas cards, gifts, and goodies. You truly are a blessing in our lives and we pray that as we move into the New Year opportunities will abound for us to also bless you. Martha and I count it a joy and privilege to serve in such a gracious, loving congregation. May the Lord richly bless each of you, as we move forward doing ministry in 2019.