For Spring Break in March, a group of volunteers from SWKids and SWStudents were able to coordinate with RiverLive for a day of service. Two local families were served; gutters were cleaned, leaves were raked, and hearts were loved for Jesus!
RiverLife partners with nonprofits and other organizations in our community to identify people in need of yard cleanup, exterior home repair and wheelchair ramp access.
During Winter Break in February, a group of volunteers from the SWKids Team got together for a “Secret Serve” day, getting a jump start on a few spring cleaning projects (and a few fresh coats of paint). We were able to surprise a local friend by serving and meeting their needs. Thanks to Deanna Peacock for leading this event!
We are very grateful that our group of 32 folks recently returned safely from Guatemala. Two families now have a new house, and all who went were blessed by the families we built for, and for the meaningful week experienced. Thank you to Luke Stavely and the staff at Casas por Cristo, Mike Harbin for leading us, to all those who went on the trip, and for those who generously gave so that these families could experience the love of Jesus in a very practical way.
December 3 was a fun and special time at Southwest! Huge thanks Deanna Peacock and the SWKidsTeam and volunteers for putting together this year’s Gingerbread Bash. Kids and families built gingerbread manger scenes and did other crafts together along with eating some treats! This was another opportunity this Advent/Christmas season to remember and reflect on Jesus arrival into the world.
On October 30 we met for pizza, and celebrated the receipt of over 150 boxes for Operation Christmas Child with Christmas Karaoke! Thanks to Lisa Nixon and her team who have been organizing all that goes into getting these boxes filled and transported so that they can be shipped to kids around the world. Our kids had a blast on stage singing Christmas songs too!
Fifteen couples from the Southwest family were recently able to attend a marriage retreat at Shocco Springs Retreat Center in Alabama. It was a great weekend of fellowship and fun along with encouraging and challenging messages from Dr. Greg Moffat from Point University, who encouraged us in our marriages. We plan to make this an annual event the first weekend in October.
Our FS2 (Fifth Sunday Fun and Serve) event on July 31 went really well! We had a great time of building community playing games together, eating together, making cards for teachers together, and just sitting around and talking together. But even before Sunday night – so many of you generously purchased “wish-list” items for our teachers. The response was amazing and our teachers will be honored, and hopefully reminded how much we value them and their gifts and passions for teaching kids! Thanks to all who participated in making our FS2 an encouragement!
Our Seniors had a great time in July on their annual Peach trip which also included lunch at Buckner’s and a stop at Buc-ee’s.
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On July 9 a group of 20 met at Southwest and journeyed to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to see Atlanta United take on Austin FC. It was the first time taking in a soccer game for many. Although it wasn’t much of an exciting effort put forth from our home team, it was a great outing nonetheless, spending time in fellowship with each other.
In June we sent a missions team to Guatemala to build a house with Casas for Cristo. It was an inspiring week, and your prayers, thoughts, and generous gifts are much appreciated. A much deserving family got a house because of you. To hear and see the gratitude through the husband and father, Rufino, as he spoke through tears at the house dedication was very humbling. It was also a reminder of why our partnership with Casas por Cristo is so impactful.
The theme for VBS 2022 was Uncharted Territory: Into the Unknown with God. We had an amazing opportunity to share with over 170 registered kids, thanks to numerous amazing adult volunteers, God’s love and God’s courage, provision, calling, and work for all of us in this world.
On May 25 the Brush Fire Bluegrass Band provided great entertainment for our Adult Lunch & Learn! Lunch & Learn meets on Wednesdays at noon from August thru May – with great food, fellowship, and a variety of programs.
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On April 24 we held a Potluck/Bible Trivia event. It was enjoyed by all! We had 9 teams, including teams from our SWKids and Student Ministry. Taking home the trophy (and bragging rights) was an all-adult team however, with the Pontificators emerging victorious. Congratulations!
On Sunday, March 27th, Miss Pattycake joined us for a fun-loving and engaging event using music to teach little ones about God, Jesus and the Bible. Kids sang and danced as they learned about God’s creation, His Love for them and how special they are.
On March 13, SW Students and the College and Career group joined forces to assemble 150 3 ft wooden crosses in about 40 minutes. For their hard work and amazing efficiency, all participants were rewarded with ice cream!
February 13 was “Football Sunday” at Southwest where we were invited to participate by wearing our favorite football team gear. We were encouraged and challenged by the two video interviews with Dan Orlovsky and Buddy Curry.Both men made it clear that it is possible to be a follower of Jesus and a passionate athletic competitor.
