The Gate Post is a structure that supports SouthGate - a way for us to stay in touch and communicate what God is doing and saying among us.  Please Note:  Scripture references in The Gate Post and attachments are hyper-linked for easy lookup.
 
Living with Passion and Vision:  Love People
Last Sunday, January 22, Pastor Kevin shared about reaching out.  To review this message and to consider some questions related to it, open the attached .pdf.  Spend some time on this and consider how God may be stirring a response in you - and what the action of doing so looks like in your life.   Let's consider how we can really get His heart for those in our harvest fields, and how we can spur one another on toward love and action (Hebrews 10:24).
 
Words of Encouragement

• Rob Sheldon reminded us that it is normal to let go of something that hurts us, like what we would do if we grabbed a hot skillet.  However, he encouraged us to not pull back from what hurts or breaks our hearts.  We have to be willing to have our hearts broken with what breaks God’s heart, even though it hurts.  He encouraged us to pray for God’s heart and press into that when you see it.
• Mark Silvers quoted from Colossians 3:12-15 and reminded us that we are chosen people and dearly loved, and that our identity is determined in the way we live, talk, and treat each other.  Mark encouraged us to dress up each morning with this scripture, but pointed out that we cannot if we are focused on ourselves and our hurt.  We are to forgive as God forgave us.  Mark also prayed for us, that God would heal the hurting and broken parts and help us to clothe ourselves in Christ, forgive, and love – and then send us out as a holy people.

 
SouthGate Asia Journey 2012 - January 17 - February 5
Andy Jones and Gabe Chartier are currently traveling to India, Cambodia, and China to visit some of our missionaries, observe their work first hand, and build connections.  Andy is updating blog posts almost daily.  If you read them, you will be able to stay current with what God is doing in Andy’s and Gabe’s hearts, and understand more of what He wants for SouthGate.  This is BIG!  To access the blog, go to the SouthGate website (www.southgatefc.com) click on “Happenings” and click on “Pastor’s Blog” on the right.  The most current blogs are on the top, so read from the bottom!
 
"Hebrews 300"
Starting this Sunday, January 29, we will be digging into the book of Hebrews.  To prepare for the study, Pastor Kevin is inviting others to join him in memorizing the book of Hebrews - which has 300 verses.  Anyone completing the challenge will receive a copy of Richard Stearn's book, "The Hole in Our Gospel."  Just let PK know you are joining him, recite Hebrews one chapter at a time to a family member or friend, and let him know when you are finished.
 
Prayer Opportunities for SouthGate

• Consider how you may fast and pray for the church and our mission and ministries.  In Acts 13, the church at Antioch heard from the Holy Spirit while worshiping and fasting, and sent Barnabas and Paul out with prayer and fasting.  See also Isaiah 58 for the purpose and power of fasting.
• Join us for Intergenerational Prayer Sunday morning from 9:15 - 9:45.   All are invited.
• Join us Thursday mornings from 6:30 - 7:30 as we pray for individuals, the church body, our missionaries, and the nations.  All are encouraged to come and participate.

 
Upcoming Events

• Romans Bible Study – Sunday mornings at 9:00 in the Fellowship Hall.  This Sunday, we’ll be studying Romans 5.  The study is led by Mark Silvers and Andy Jones.
• Tapestry – Women’s Ministry – 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.  Join us this Thursday, January 26.
• Under His Wings Prayer Ministry – Team meeting this Saturday, January 28 at SouthGate; 9:30 a.m. – noon.
• The Father’s Heart Orphan Ministry Team – Team meeting this Sunday, January 29 after the service.  Please contact Kelly Blackwell for details if you are interested.
• Iasis Christ Fellowship is sponsoring a Valentine's Day dance Sat Feb 11th and is inviting a number of churches including SouthGate.  We have 20 spots available to us.  The cost is $30/couple and includes food and the dance.  People who want to attend can let the office know and provide more details.