Southeast Christian NEXT Magazine | November 2017 by Southeast Christian Church

TRUTH SET TO SONG

CARRY THE STORY

BEHIND THE SPOTLIGHT

V I S UA L P R O C L A M AT I O N

SOUTHE A STCHRISTIAN.ORG

November 2017 ISSUE 15

W E C R E AT E TO D I S P L AY O U R MAKERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MAJESTY

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GLOBAL MISSIONS HEALTH CONFERENCE The Largest Medical Missions Conference in America

NOVEMBER 9-11 • SOUTHEAST CHRISTIAN CHURCH • BLANKENBAKER CAMPUS Listen to three keynote speakers, choose from a variety of breakout sessions, and meet exhibitors and missionaries from around the world. This year’s topics include disaster relief, the Bible’s role in medical missions, and much more.

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920 BLANKENBAKER PARKWAY • LOUISVILLE, KY 40243 • 502.253.8000 • southeastchristian.org

CONTENTS

A RT S F O R T H E G L O RY O F G O D • N OV E M B E R 2 017 • I S S U E 15

page

Carry the Story

FEATURES

8 |

Truth Set to Song

Our worship pastors use their creative talents to place words of praise in the mouths of our congregation.

10 |

Carry the Story

14 |

Behind the Spotlight

Visual Proclamation

As Christians, we have the greatest story to tell. How will you use your gifts to pass on the Good News?

The Production Arts team engineers the sights and sounds of church events to make Jesus’ name famous.

Through his imaginative paintings, Barry draws our eyes to the unchanging truth of God’s Word.

Our Campuses

First Things First

Life @ Southeast

Love Where You Are

18 Missions in Mind 22 Your Turn 24 Trending 26 What’s Happening

WE ALL HAVE A NEXT STEP TO TAKE IN OUR WALK WITH JESUS. WHAT’S YOURS? In this magazine, hear the heart of Southeast Christian Church through articles and stories, stay informed about upcoming groups and events, and find where you belong in our mission of connecting people to Jesus and one another. SOUTHEASTCHRISTIAN.ORG

OUR CAMPUSES B L A N K E N B A K E R C A MP U S 920 Blankenbaker Parkway • Louisville, KY 40243 • 502.253.8000

I N D I A N A C A MP U S 1309 Charlestown New Albany Road • Jeffersonville, IN 47130 • 812.704.1951

C R E S T WO O D C A MP U S 6201 Crestwood Station • Crestwood, KY 40014 • 502.873.1100

S O U T H W E S T C A MP U S 8301 Saint Andrews Church Road • Louisville, KY 40258 • 502.614.1500

L A G R A N G E C A MP U S 410 South 1st Street • La Grange, KY 40031 • 502.614.1200

E L IZ A B E T H T OW N C A MP U S 600 North Dixie Avenue • Elizabethtown, KY 47201 • 270.506.4630

Visit southeastchristian.org for more information.

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F I RST TH I NG S F I RST

YO U W E R E M A D E TO

MARVEL ne of the most potent forces in creation is the power of awe. You get a taste of it when your favorite song sends goosebumps down your arm or a striking photograph leaves you speechless. It hits you when a poem’s lyrical expression moves you to tears or you walk out of the movie theater feeling ready to change the world. We love to be amazed. We were made for it. Because joy-filled, marveling amazement rests at the heart of worship. Behind every experience of awe is the hand of our awesome God. The Lord is an Artist; He draws our eyes to Him through the wonders He has made. And He passes on that God-glorifying ability to His creatures, lighting us with a spark of His creative fire so we can display His beauty in living color. Our creativity is a gift from God Himself—one we can give back to Him in praise. It’s been this way from the very beginning. God is the Architect of the universe who taught Bezalel to construct the tabernacle and showed David how to design Jerusalem’s temple. He is the sublime Musician who rejoices over His people with singing and inspires endless psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. He is the Poet who gave Solomon his rich proverbial wisdom, the Author of history from whose mind streams forth every language and dialect of this world. Isaiah and Jeremiah remind us that God is the Potter and we are the

clay, indelibly marked with the fingerprints of our Maker. We are, as Paul says, vessels of His glory, and all the work of our hands is established to acclaim the greatness of our God. Throughout the ages, the church of Jesus Christ has carried a rich artistic history. In our own church, we recognize that all of our gifts have Kingdom potential, and people throughout our Southeast family are using their creative and artistic talents to lift up our Savior’s name and give expression to His redeeming love. Running the technical side of church events and services, our Production Arts team goes behind the scenes to put the spotlight on Jesus. A graphic designer uses her gifts to raise support as she transitions into full-time missions serving refugee communities in Greece. Southeast’s worship pastors set sermons to music as they lead our congregation in singing Scripture back to God. As he reimagines Bible stories with a contemporary flair, a painter shares his faith and points others to the Word. The Communications & Creative Arts ministry takes the talents of videographers, designers, writers, and others to share the Gospel story across mediums. All this and more, and all in Jesus’ name. Marvel with us at the majesty of our Maker, Savior, and King. Your talents are the texture and your life is His canvas of grace. Lay it all into His hands and watch His masterpiece unfold.

“One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” Psalm 27:4 NIV®

SOUTHEASTCHRISTIAN.ORG

“You do what you can do, and have faith that God can and will do the rest.” @DaveStone920

Blankenbaker Campus

We want to connect with you—it’s what we’re all about! One way you can share in day-to-day life at Southeast is by following our social media channels. And be sure to check out our website to watch sermons, register for events, and connect with our ministries—all at southeastchristian.org.

/southeastchrist 4

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@southeastchrist

Weekend Worship

Hurricane Relief Donations

“Grace is not a license to do what is wrong—it’s a liberty to do what is right.” @KyleIdleman Guest Singer, Victory Boyd

Traffic Volunteer, La Grange Campus

Crestwood Campus High School Group

Senior Pastor Dave Stone

The Gathering | 50th Church Plant Launch | Harlem, New York

SOUTHEASTCHRISTIAN.ORG

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LOV E W H E R E YOU A R E A N D G O W H E N YOU ’ R E AS K E D By Cl aire Van D er E ems

hrough a series of events still unbelievable to me, I am moving to Greece. As a coastal gateway to Europe, Greece is a global hub for trafficking and migration. As these crises worsen, Greece faces the growing epidemic of exploitation and prostitution plaguing refugee communities. Frankly, this has kept me up at night. In the words of Christine Cain, Christian activist and author, “It is one thing to be awakened to injustice and quite another to be willing to be inconvenienced and interrupted to do something about it.” Through only the work of Christ and the grace of our God, I’ve become willing to the point of interruption. My mind often wanders back to one evening in February. During my drive home from work, I was deep in conversation with myself, per usual, wrestling with this burden God had put in my heart—moving to Athens, Greece. The mere thought of this actually happening was absolutely terrifying and illogical, if not completely impossible. In January, the same month God put this in my heart, I moved to Louisville to start working as a graphic designer here at Southeast. Wonderful timing. So, given the circumstances, talking to myself in the car naturally escalated into a messy, emotional dialogue with the Lord. I reached a point when the tears, fear, and confusion from this burden funneled into a vulnerable moment of submission. “God— whatever this burden is and whatever you want to use it for, I’m all in. I’m all in if it means stay, and I’m all in if it means go. Just please show me.”

TH R E AD S O F HI S S TO RY You see, this burden is the product of a narrative that began long before January. It goes back to the orphanage in Russia where I met my adopted brother and sister for the first time. It goes back to the high school in Vermont where I learned about the global epidemic of human trafficking for the first time. It also goes back to the street corner in Costa Rica where I shared a cup of coffee, cookies, and prayer with

“Perhaps what we need most is a shift in posture to be ready, willing, and able to obey what the Lord is asking of us.”

a transvestite prostitute for the first time. And, most recently, it goes back to the refugee camp in Greece where I stood faceto-face with the largest humanitarian crisis of our day. This burden came from a heart awakened, solely by the Father, to the profound injustice of men, women, and children being trafficked and prostituted in our city and all around the world. And—after my blinders to the current refugee crisis were removed last December—the burden came from a heart absolutely shattered for the individuals and families displaced by war and terror. I resonated with the words of Habakkuk as he complained to the Lord about injustices of his day. Yet, I sensed a reply similar of that given to the prophet. “Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” (Habakkuk 1:5 NIV®) With a new apartment lease, new job, local ministry commitments, and not an ounce of Greek language skills, moving to Europe seemed incredibly illogical. It was something I could not believe, even if I was told. But the burden was deep and there was just enough of my soul willing to truly believe that the same God who authored Esther’s story, Ruth’s story, and the Samaritan woman’s story also held the pen to write mine. I asked God to show me, and over the past few months I have had the privilege to watch Him completely

take over: moving mountains, opening doors I tried to shut, answering prayer in profound ways, and displaying faithfulness in moments of complete uncertainty.

MOVEMEN T TO TH E MARGI N S In November, I will walk into this chapter written by the Lord and work alongside Community House Damaris, a safe house in Athens providing long-term recovery programs to victims of sex trafficking. Additionally, I just opened South Brook Studio, my remote graphic design business strategically launched as the platform for my long-term visa to Europe with the goal of soon becoming a self-sustained missionary. Truly, the Lord has left no detail unwritten. At Southeast, we often overhear the phrase, Love where you are. It may be ironic for me to even bring up because, clearly, I’m leaving. However, I’m learning that loving where you are is much less a matter of location than it is a matter of obedience. Not all can or will be called to hop on a plane; Church, we have much work to do right here! But, I will say, obeying the call to love where we are will require movement. It will require movement to the margins and trenches—whether it’s the next driveway over, the streets of your city, or even another country. Perhaps what we need most is a shift in posture to be ready, willing, and able to obey what the Lord is asking of us. From that car ride in February to booking my flights, I would be dishonest to say my own portion of this narrative has been perfect. It has often been interspersed with mistakes and hindered by brokenness. But it is God's redemption in my story that makes it beautiful, that sings His glory. The best part is, when I get off that plane in Greece, I am going to be able to say “God, only you did this.”

CLAIRE VAN DER EEMS Designer, Communications

SOUTHEASTCHRISTIAN.ORG

â&#x201E;¢

By BT Pickett

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ack in August, Awaken Worship held a Night of Worship and a live album recording at our Blankenbaker Campus. This project contains 12 original songs written by the Awaken Worship team. Our hope and prayer is that we can continue to awaken all generations to the glory of God through authentic worship, creative environments, and excellence in production—on and off the stage. You might be asking, “With all the other great worship songs and albums out there, why write another album?” Our worship pastors see themselves as singing preachers. Our sermons are set to a melody. We take very seriously the responsibility of teaching Biblical doctrine and theology through music. When we preach our melodic sermons, we are placing words into the mouths of our congregation. So we make certain that what we are singing is Biblical truth. What better a lyric to sing than Scripture itself! “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” (Psalm 40:3 NIV ®) God already put a new song into our mouths. We don’t have to conjure up something. We just have to get it out.

Unashamed Proclamation In Matthew 16, Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do people say I am?” They reply with what they’ve heard others say about Him. “…Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” (Matthew 16:14 NIV®) Then, with pinpoint accuracy, Jesus goes straight for their hearts and asks, “But what about you? ...Who do you say I am?” (16:15) We believe God has asked us that same thing as a church and as a Worship Ministry. We’ve sensed Jesus coming to us, as singing preachers and worship pastors, with the same pinpoint accuracy with which He approached His disciples. “It’s great to sing what others have said about Me—but what about you? Who do you say I am?” This is why we write songs. We don’t write with an album in mind. We don’t write songs with a concert or a tour in mind. We write songs with people in mind: our church. We write songs with a great God and mighty Savior Jesus Christ in mind. We want to celebrate His excellencies. For us, a worship song is not complete until it is sung through the mouths of our church family. “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:16 NIV®)

Unhindered Praise As a church, we celebrate that Christ has set us free. But we were never set free for freedom’s sake. We were set free to worship. In the Old Testament, the Lord spoke through Moses to boldly tell Pharaoh, “…Let my people go, so that they may worship me.” (Exodus 8:1 NIV®) God wasn’t just after their freedom—He wanted the praise of His redeemed people.

We see this even more fully in the New Testament when Christ’s death on the cross caused the veil in the Temple to be torn from top to bottom. (Matthew 27:50-51) The curtain that separated sinners from God’s holy presence was obliterated. In Christ, we are set free—free to worship our Savior God, now and forever. This unhindered, unrestrained worship is what Chris Jackson (Worship Leader at the La Grange Campus) and I had in mind when we were writing the Awaken song, Christ Has Won. When we finally reach Heaven, we will stand totally unhindered and free before the King of Kings. Free from sin, guilt, and shame. Free from physical pain, limitations, and inadequacies. Free from emotion, strife, and insecurities. “His grace and peace rush over me,” the third verse goes. Finally, we are free!

Unending Glory The Apostle John paints a picture of what Heavenly worship is going to look and sound like. In Revelation 19:4-7 (NIV®), he writes this: “The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: ‘Amen, Hallelujah!’ Then a voice came from the throne, saying: ‘Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both great and small!’ Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: ‘Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!...’”

“ …W E W E R E N E V E R S E T FREE FOR FREEDOM’S SAKE. WE WERE SET F R E E T O W O R S H I P. ”

John has an extremely difficult time even putting to words what he is witnessing. It’s almost as if he says, “It’s like the sound of a great multitude! Wait, that’s not quite it. It’s like the roar of rushing waters! Wait, that’s still not quite it. It’s like the loud peals of thunder!” I picture John struggling to adequately describe the amazing worship he is experiencing and do it justice. Why? Because it’s unhindered. It’s finally free. We have zero limitations. Our voices are louder than they’ve ever been. Our hearts are fuller than they’ve ever been. We are in utter and complete awe, standing in the presence of a holy God. Our only response is unhindered, unending worship. “I hear the church and angels sing, Our God has won the victory!”

BT PICKETT Worship Leader, Southwest Campus

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CARRY

THE

STORY

C OMMUNIC AT ION S & CR E AT I V E A R T S By L AURA COULTER

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STORY WORTH TELLING “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’” Luke 2:10-11 (NIV®) The very day Jesus entered the world—swaddled in rags and human skin—a story was passed from heaven to earth. The angel called it “good news.” And since that night, when a group of shepherds found a young mother, her husband, and a newborn baby in a stable among the Judean hills, this same story has been proclaimed all over the earth: God came to be with us. A few decades later, He would die for us. And then He’d rise back to life, bringing eternal life to all those who place their full trust in Him.

It’s important for us to tell how God is at work in us and around us. With awe, we witness the stories God writes in people’s lives as they encounter His story. The Good News brings redemption, restoration, abundant life, freedom, reconciliation, and so much more to those who hear it and believe. We love sharing these stories and celebrating what God is doing in the lives of individuals, families, communities, and in our church. We also have an invitation to extend—to invite others into the family of God. At Southeast, we are blessed to have so many avenues by which individuals who don’t know God might find themselves at home among the people of God. We have ministries that serve all kinds of people, services and events that bring all kinds of people through our doors, and members of our Southeast family who go out and love all kinds of people right where they are. We’re constantly communicating. And we’re always creating new ways to share the stories that truly matter— the greatest story ever told and all those that spring from it. Continued on page 12 >>

This is a story worth telling. It’s not just “good news.” It’s the Good News. We recognize that the very core of our faith is Good News from the Bible we heard through someone else—Good News passed down from generation to generation, century by century. It’s a message we, too, are called to tell those around us and those who come after us. Here at Southeast, we’re part of the great relay of the Gospel, as are people in countless churches in our region and across the world. The most essential part of our mission of connecting people to Jesus and one another is the Good News about Jesus. That’s exactly what connects us to Him. As Christians, we have the greatest story to tell. In light of this story, we have other stories to share with one another and the world—great truths and wisdom for life, joy, and gratefulness in all circumstances, bound up in the unmatched character of God.

“

AS CHRISTIANS, WE HAVE THE GREATEST STORY TO TELL.

“

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CARRY THE STORY // continued from page 11

PLAYING OUR PART If you’ve attended Southeast on a regular basis—or even once—you’ve experienced several of the ways we intentionally communicate with our congregation. The content of a worship service—the message, music, and prayer—is the most obvious way we’re communicating, but there are other means of communication at work, too—on the weekend and throughout the week. When someone hands you a bulletin or a NEXT magazine as you walk through the doors of our campuses, do you ever wonder where it comes from? When you watch a video in a worship service, or you click Like on a post from Southeast’s Facebook account, do you ever wonder how it was made?

gifts in awesome ways that express their worship and devotion to God. Others might be holding back with their gifts or are just developing a new talent—or don’t even know they have it yet. We were all made to create and communicate. We were made to share the story of Jesus in the unique ways God has gifted us. It’s a calling in the heartbeat of every believer. Even if you don’t think of yourself as creative or a storyteller—you are! The epic relay of the greatest story ever told began with a handful of shepherds. Wherever you are, whoever you are—if you heard the same story they did, find your way to tell it!

You might not realize it, but Southeast has a Communications & Creative Arts Ministry that plays a large role in the many ways our church works to share stories with our congregation and the community. The Communications & Creative Arts team is made up of videographers, graphic designers, writers, and more. These staff members use their creative gifts to design, plan, and produce most of the communication materials you see from Southeast. They are on the front lines of connecting the messages and stories of Southeast with those in our community and beyond. It’s a privilege and a responsibility these creatives engage in each day—to be able to use gifts from our Creator to point people to His Good News and His glory; to arrange pieces of His creation into works of art, meaningful stories, and effective resources that help build up His church and share the hope He brings. It’s both humbling and gratifying to be part of this work. As talented as the members of our Communications & Creative Arts Ministry are, we know we don’t have the market cornered on creativity or artistic ability. Southeast is full of people God has blessed with gifts like these. Some people are already using their

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LAURA COULTER Web Content Manager, Communications

YOUR

STORY

We want to hear how the story of your life fits into God’s great story of redemption through Jesus Christ. Have you had any “God sightings” lately—those powerful or challenging moments when the Lord met you right where you are? Are you willing to share your testimony to encourage others in their walk with Christ? Has God seen you through a hard time, taught you a valuable lesson, or called you to serve others in an unexpected way?

TELL US ALL ABOUT IT!

If you have a story you’d like to share with our church family, if you have any Southeast-related photos to submit for public use, or if you are interested in appearing in one of our upcoming videos, please contact us at YourStory@secc.org.

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B E H I N D T H E S P O T L I G H T: P RODUC T ION A RT S B y B r ian C l ar k & Jenn a B r e am

T HE Y â&#x20AC;&#x2122; R E C O V E R T S UP E R S TA R S , B A C KGR OUND C H A MP ION S , A ND UN S UNG HE R OE S W HO S E TA L E N T S A ND DE DIC AT ION HE L P OUR C HUR C H FA MILY F O C U S ON T HE MOME N T S T H AT M AT T E R . T HE Y B L E ND IN T O T HE B A C K DR OP S O JE S U S GE T S C E N T E R S TA GE . T HE Y A R E PRODUC T ION A R T S . A N Y QUE S T ION S ?

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SO…WHAT EX ACTLY DOES PRODUCTION ARTS MEAN? The name Production Arts might sound a bit fancy, but in reality, it’s just what it sounds like. Our team runs the technical production side of every service and event that takes place at each of Southeast’s campuses. Basically, we deal with anything that has to do with cameras, screens, lighting, and sound.

W E WA N T T O

While that takes a lot of technical knowledge and planning, we also believe that production is just as much an expression of creativity as writing a song, editing a video, or designing a logo, and we treat our work as such. We strive to treat everything we do as an opportunity to partner with God in what He’s already doing in and through Southeast, and do our best to make every experience a reflection of our Creator.

REMAIN FOCUSED O N T H E F A C T T H AT

WHAT IS IT THAT YOU GUYS ACTUALLY DO? Truthfully, we’d rather tell you about the why before we tell you about the what. At Production Arts, our team’s vision is to “Humbly work together to create environments that connect people to Jesus and one another.” Though a lot of that is accomplished through the technical details, that isn’t the whole picture.

WE’RE HERE TO MAKE JESUS’

We want to remain focused on the fact that we’re here to make Jesus’ name famous. That means reflecting Him in the best way possible—in how we work as professionals; in how we treat our team, volunteers, and the congregation as the family of Christ; and in having an attitude of discipleship in all things. This is how we work together to create a cohesive, seamless worship experience for each person that walks through the church doors, and by developing volunteers who help us do so. While we work on some of the most visible elements of a worship service, we are often seen the least during an event. And that’s just the way we want it to be. We’re here to create environments that are distraction- and worry-free so that our church family can focus fully on loving Jesus and loving others. That attitude starts in our team’s office. We have the unique privilege of collaborating with almost every ministry at each of Southeast’s campuses. Whether that means working with the Children’s Ministry to make Kidway happen, or partnering with the Preaching Team to bring Scripture to life, we constantly get to work together to push one another toward excellence in our ministries and in our relationships with Christ. Our daily goal is to empower and develop one another professionally and spiritually, and this reminds us that the technical and logistical details ultimately come second. Now obviously, the technical part of our work is important. So, here’s a quick rundown of what a typical day entails for our team. Production Arts is part of almost every event that happens at Southeast in one way or another. Whether it’s a Women’s Ministry conference at the Southwest Campus, a Student Ministry seminar at Crestwood, or a Sports & Fitness event at Blankenbaker, our team is involved in the preparation, setup, running, and teardown of events—and we love it!

NAME FAMOUS

charge of making sure everything goes to plan. Typically, our Directors work with staff and volunteers throughout the week to make sure their respective venues are ready to go, and during those events they all work as a team to make it happen.

SOUNDS LIKE THE MOST AMAZING THING EVER! HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED? Great question! Volunteers are a huge part of what makes our team successful. Without a team of people serving together behind the scenes, Southeast wouldn’t be able to hold its weekend services and events where Jesus’ name is lifted up, where people encounter the love of God, and where communities begin to be transformed by His amazing grace! Sometimes those who serve with us come with tons of past technical experience and sometimes they have none at all. Having a heart for serving where there’s a need is ultimately what’s most important. If hands-on work in a technical environment sounds like something you’d like to do, you can go to southeastchristian.org/SERVE and click on Worship and Production Arts. We would love to have you join our family!

Most of our work tends to happen behind the scenes. You might have seen someone (usually in all black) running on stage to fix a mic, sitting behind a camera, or working in that booth with all the screens and buttons in it during a weekend worship service. Yep, those are our people! Each campus has a Technical Director, and they’re the guys in BRIAN CLARK

JENNA BREAM

Lead Tech Director, Production Arts

Administrative Assistant, Production Arts

SOUTHEASTCHRISTIAN.ORG

VISUAL PROCLAMATION By TIM GIOVANETTO

od is beautiful, and the works of His hands bear the signature of His splendor. From the heavens in all their vast, immeasurable greatness to the unmistakable presence of His image in the face of a newborn, we encounter the brilliance of God’s grandeur all around us. “One of the most inspiring things about God,” says Barry Motes, a Southeast member at the Crestwood Campus, “is how God reveals Himself to us in different ways. We can seek Him out and find Him because He shows Himself in many avenues: through His Word, His creation, and the lives of believers.” Barry is an art professor at Jefferson Community and Technical College in Louisville. His passion for the visual arts goes back as far as he can remember, at least to his days in elementary school. Today, he loves to share his passion with others, helping students to develop their skills in painting, drawing, and design. Inside the classroom and out, Barry sees his own art as a form of worship, drawing him into a closer communion with Christ. “It’s in God’s nature to love beauty,” he says. “As the Grand Designer, God

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created everything in a beautiful, harmonious, complex way. In our own art, we often look to that design when we create, using His work as inspiration for ours.”

SACRED STORIES When he isn’t teaching students how to cultivate their God-given talents, Barry uses his craft to bear witness to the grace, truth, and beauty of the Gospel. “I see my creative capability as a gift from God,” he says, “so I want to use it to serve Him, to illuminate His Word for others, and to use my images to point people to Christ.” One of Barry’s latest series is called Sacred Stories. These oil paintings take well-known Biblical stories and visually reinterpret them with a contemporary and surrealistic twist. In one painting, Cain and Abel are depicted as young brothers in a playground. In another, Jesus’ conversation with His followers on the road to Emmaus takes place at a table in a fast food joint. “One of my favorites from that series is called Annunciation,” Barry says. “For that painting, I had one of my students sit on a bench outside a local abortion clinic. She posed as Mary, the mother

IN SERVICE TO CHRIST, THE ARTS BRING THE BEAUTY OF THE TRUTH TO A CONFUSED AND DISENCHANTED WORLD.

of Jesus, facing the decision of whether or not to carry God’s Son.”

historical events and pose them in a modern setting, making them accessible and approachable to people today.”

Like the other images in the series, Annunciation is rich with subtle symbolism and otherworldly elements that arrest our attention, drawing us into a reality that extends far deeper than a moment’s glance would allow. On the sidewalk next to Mary, the shadow of a dove—a common Biblical image of the Holy Spirit—is faintly visible. Hebrew writing adorns a nearby signpost. A famous 15th-century painting of the same scene is plastered as an advertisement under the canopy of the bus stop booth.

As well as showing his art to churches and ministries, Barry often shows his works in commercial galleries, colleges, and universities, which allows him to reach people who otherwise might not encounter the Gospel.

“I use these subtle elements to get people’s attention so they’ll look longer,” says Barry. “Even astute observers can overlook certain things, and that allows me to explain the deeper meaning—What is this story about? What is God really saying in this Bible passage?”

PAINT TO PROCLAIM Beyond mere recreation and amusement, the arts can be a form of ministry much like preaching in the assembly, teaching a Bible study, and offering counsel to hurting souls. Our artistic expression bridges the gap between our heads and our hearts, helping us ground our emotions in “…the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3 ESV) In service to Christ, the arts bring the beauty of the truth to a confused and disenchanted world. “This is one reason I particularly enjoy using Bible stories in my paintings,” Barry says. “I can take the timeless truths from these

“Exhibitions open up the possibility to begin conversations about what these stories mean and how the Bible is applicable today, even though it was written thousands of years ago,” Barry says. “God doesn’t change. Christ is still true. I hope that my work can meaningfully point others to Him.” Speaking from his experience as a professor, Barry encourages other Christian creatives to use their skills to share the hope we have in Christ. “Don’t allow yourself to feel marginalized or embarrassed about your talent,” he says. “Your unique gifts are an avenue to deepen your own relationship with God and to express your faith to those around you.” Now more than ever, the church needs artists who can draw our eyes to the beauty of God and invite us deeper into the wonders of His Word. The creative arts allow us to engage the hearts of our neighbors in a way few other mediums are capable of achieving. Beneath the world’s universal hunger for beauty and truth lies the built-in human desire to see God face to face. By the redeeming blood of Christ, we will not only look our God in the eye one day, but we will bask forever in His smile. And that is a truth worth proclaiming.

TIM GIOVANETTO Copywriter, Communications

ANNUNCIATION

SOUTHEASTCHRISTIAN.ORG

Missions IN MIND

50 CHURCH PLANTS. 20 STATES. 3 CONTINENTS. 40

21 2 39

ROM THE VERY BEGINNING,

God has been on a mission to bless the world with His redeeming love. One of the most powerful ways He reaches communities is by planting new churches. Southeast Christian Church began as a church plant in Louisville’s East End. Since we first launched, God has given us a dream to keep that mission of multiplication going, planting new churches all over the country and throughout the world. And for the past 15 years, God has proven His faithfulness in making that dream a reality. As we celebrate Southeast’s first 50 church plants, let’s give glory to the God who multiplies our efforts to open doors and transform lives with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

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by TIM GIOVANETTO

12 25 16

34 36

18 33 50 27 6 42

26 17

13 41 24 19 29 32

30 28 15 20 49 23

Paris FRANCE

11 22

Nairobi

KENYA 43

8 5

SOUTH AFRICA

AFRICA

Cape To wn 46

NIGERIA

Lagos 47

14 38

TURN TO pages 20 & 21 FOR MORE EXPLANATION AND A FULL LISTING OF OUR CHURCH PLANTS.

SOUTHEASTCHRISTIAN.ORG

MISSIONS IN MIND // continued from page 19

Why do we plant new churches?

ACROSS THE UNITED STATES, 3,000 CHURCHES CLOSE THEIR DOORS EVERY YEAR. Fewer and fewer Americans have a working knowledge of the Gospel, the good news that God lovingly sent His Son into the world to die for sinners and reconcile them to Himself. Today, there are areas of our nation that have no church presence at all. And throughout the world, there are millions of people who don’t even know what a church is. Where there’s no community of Christ followers, there’s no one sharing the love of Jesus with those who need it most.

The Apostle Paul puts it this way: “…‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” (Romans 10:13-15 NIV®) We’re committed to bringing the Good News of Jesus wherever He grants us the opportunity, forming new communities of grace that are dedicated to reaching their neighbors with the love of Christ. As we partner with other churches and ministries, God has entrusted us with the resources to plant, build, and support fledgling churches in our country and beyond. As long as there’s one person in this world who has not heard the name of Jesus or encountered the living God, we will continue to plant churches in a world in need of His redemption.

How Can I Help? PRAY One practical and significant way you can support our church plants is by praying for them. Jesus is the One who builds His church, and our planters and support teams want every decision, every effort, and every sacrifice to be made in a way that brings honor to His name. You can learn more about our church plants online and commit to praying for an individual congregation, or pray for a different church plant every week for the next year.

NEXT NEXT /// /// NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2017 2017

Planting churches is a group effort. Our plants need a lot of support to grow and thrive into self-sustaining missional communities.

SEND Another way you can help us send and support our church planters is by giving financially. Not only does church planting require a lot of planning, networking, and strategy, it’s expensive work—especially in the midst of larger cities where churches are needed most. Thanks to your faithful giving on the weekends and online, Southeast can dedicate 20 cents of every dollar received to local, national, and international missions initiatives, including our church plants. If you’re interested in financially supporting a church plant directly, we have links to our supported church plants available at southeastchristian.org/connect/MISSIONS.

GO Every new church needs a strong congregational foundation in order to thrive: men and women devoted to serving the church body as core members and volunteers. Recently, a few of our Southeast members have gone the extra mile and moved their families and careers to a new city in order to invest their time and passion into one of our church plants. What a beautiful image of unity in Christ! That might not be a calling for everyone, but some of us may know friends and family in cities where one of our church plants is located. We have the opportunity to point our loved ones to a new church family where they can grow in faith and love where they are, actively following Jesus’ command to make disciples wherever they may be found.

OUR CHURCH PLANTS 11. REHOBOTH VICTORY CHURCH

18 CHURCH OF THE INCARNATION

CHURCH OF THE CITY 35

22. DISCOVERY CHURCH

NORTHPOINTE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 19

COMMUNITY LINCOLN SQUARE 36

33. LIFEPOINT CHRISTIAN CHURCH

RESTORE COMMUNITY CHURCH 20

RESTORATION CHURCH 37

VERVE 21

MIAMI CHURCH 38

55. LIVE OAK CHRISTIAN CHURCH

THE AVENUE 22

COLLECTIVE CHURCH 39

66. FOREFRONT CHURCH

REVOLUTION CHRISTIAN CHURCH 23

INTREPID CHURCH 40

77. KINETIC CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Charlotte, NC Launched February 2005

SOUTHPOINTE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 24

RESTORE CHURCH 41

WATERMARKE CHURCH Canton, GA Launched September 2005

CITYEDGE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 25

EPIPHANY CHURCH 42

PARKSIDE CHURCH Kansas City, KS Launched October 2005

Winston Salem, NC Launched 2002

Simi Valley, CA Launched February 2003

Raleigh, NC Launched February 2004 44. EASTPOINTE CHRISTIAN CHURCH Portland, ME Launched March 7, 2004

Bluffton, SC Launched September 1, 2004

Manhattan, NY Launched September 18, 2005

Manhattan, NY Launched September 27, 2009 Providence, RI Launched October 25, 2009 Sterling, VA October 25, 2009

Las Vegas, NV Launched January 1, 2010 Louisville, KY Launched October 10, 2010 Annapolis, MD Launched October 24, 2010 Providence, RI Launched October 30, 2011

Cleveland, OH Launched September 11, 2011

VILLAGE CHRISTIAN CHURCH Buffalo, NY Launched October 2, 2011

Portland, OR Launched January 25, 2015 Chicago, IL Launched March 1, 2015

Philadelphia, PA Launched March 22, 2015 Miami, FL Launched September 20, 2015 Los Angeles, CA Launched September 20, 2015 Seattle, WA Launched October 4, 2015 Boston, MA Launched October 18, 2015 Brooklyn, NY Launched March 20, 2015

MAVUNO CHURCH 43

Nairobi, Kenya Launched September 1, 2016

10 RIDGE COMMUNITY CHURCH

EVERYDAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH 27

THRIVE CHURCH 44

11 VELOCITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

RESTORE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 28

VINTAGE CHURCH 45

12 MOMENTUM CHRISTIAN CHURCH

BRIDGEPOINTE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 29

PRO DEO CHURCH 46

13 REUNION CHRISTIAN CHURCH

FOUNDRY CHRISTIAN CHURCH 30

CITY CHURCH 47

14 COMMON GROUND

31 REDEMPTION CHURCH

EGLISE SAINT LAZARE 48

15 MOSAIC CHRISTIAN CHURCH

OCEANPOINTE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 32

ENCOUNTER CHURCH 49

16 VELOCITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

RENAISSANCE CHURCH 33

THE GATHERING 50

17 LEGACY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

RENEWAL CHURCH 34

New Berlin, WI Launched January 1, 2006 Richmond, VA Launched March 19, 2006

Cleveland, OH Launched October 1, 2006

Boston, MA Launched February 18, 2007

Tampa, FL Launched September 9, 2007 Baltimore, MD Launched September 14, 2008 Cleveland, OH Launched April 5, 2009

Allentown, PA Launched September 20, 2009

Manhattan, NY Launched Fall 2011

Silver Springs, MD Launched October 1, 2012 Providence, RI Launched March 17, 2013

Baltimore, MD Launched September 22, 2013 San Francisco, CA Launched February 1, 2014 Newport, RI Launched March 17, 2013

Harlem, NY Launched October 1, 2014

Lake Nona, FL Launched December 4, 2016 St. Augustine, FL Launched January 8, 2017 Cape Town, South Africa Launched February 4, 2017 Lagos, Nigeria Launched March 1, 2017 Paris, France Launched September 3, 2017 Washington, DC Launched September 10, 2017 Harlem, NY Launched September 17, 2017

Chicago, IL Launched September 7, 2014 TIM GIOVANETTO

Copywriter, Communications

SOUTHEASTCHRISTIAN.ORG SOUTHEASTCHRISTIAN.ORG

21 21

YOUR TURN

By STEPHEN PURICELLI

It’s better to give than to receive. We all know this statement. We hear it and say it all the time. But, do we really believe it? Is it really better?

The relationship between physical health and gratitude can’t be missed. Could it be that we are our most healthy selves—physically, spiritually, and emotionally—when we have a

You don’t have to do something extraordinary in order to live a meaningful life. Meaning comes from doing the ordinary and mundane things in an extraordinary way—with a heart

keen sense of gratitude?

of gratitude and joy in God. Hidden inside our regular, daily tasks are simple blessings that come from our Heavenly Father. But if we move too quickly or have our eyes fixated only on ourselves, we’ll miss them.

A study performed at the University of California at Davis reached an interesting conclusion: when people wrote down five things they were grateful for each day, their overall health improved. In just 10 weeks, this group of individuals had fewer physical health complaints and were more willing to exercise regularly. Quite literally, gratitude improved their physical wellbeing. Another study was made on adults with neuromuscular disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and Lou Gehrig’s disease. This study found that the group of adults who practiced writing down their blessings each night reported more hours of sleep than the adults who did not, and they also felt more refreshed upon waking up. Additionally, this group felt generally more optimistic, satisfied, and connected to others.

NEXT /// NOVEMBER 2017

Don’t let our fast and loud world keep you from noticing what God is doing all around you. When you pause long enough to see His blessings in everyday moments, it can shift your entire mindset to a better, healthier place. May we start noticing the movements of God in our life and pause to express our gratitude.

Really, this shouldn’t be all that surprising. Even long before the development of modern science, there was a Creator God who made us with a deep need to be thankful. Giving away gratitude actually fills us up as human beings. God made us this way.

This passage gives us three commands: rejoice, pray, and give thanks. But when our lives feel out of control, we often avoid rejoicing, coming to God in prayer, and expressing gratitude. The Thessalonians were anxious about when Christ will return, and Paul wrote to reassure and remind them of God’s steadfast commitment to His promises.

Is there a part of your life where you feel out of control? Ask God’s help to have joy amidst your circumstances, bring your anxiety before Him in prayer, and dwell on how thankful you are for His many blessings and promises.

God is the supreme, wise, and good King of all creation. When we recognize that He has the throne and we put the ordinary things of this world in their proper place, it’s amazing how much more clearly we begin to see. So much of our stress and anxiety is based in things that will soon pass away. Whatever you do and whatever you’re facing today, think of ways that you can give it to God in gratitude.

What are some unexciting things you do on a consistent basis (changing diapers, exercising, laundry, cooking, commuting, carpool lines, etc.)? How can you reclaim those for Christ today?

The essence of gratitude is found in verse 1 of this Psalm, “…with all my heart...” If we’re honest, we often allow our hearts to settle on self-absorption. We look at the world through the lens of our own personal success, personal failures, and personal dreams. But to lift our eyes and see like God, we must learn to give thanks to Him with our whole hearts. In claiming nothing for ourselves and offering it all to Him, we place our hearts in His hands where they belong.

Is there a part of your heart that you’re withholding from God? What success do you keep all to yourself? What personal failure are you not entrusting to God’s forgiveness? What future hopes and dreams do you hold onto in order to serve yourself and not Him?

In order to be saved (in any situation, not just spiritually), we first must recognize the danger. If everything looks to be in order, there’s nothing we need to be saved from. Our deepest thankfulness toward God comes from realizing that we were totally hopeless until Christ came to save us. Even when we are at our worst, God’s love for us remains at His best!

What would you consider the spiritual low point in your life? Have you ever been completely desperate before the Lord? Take some time to remind yourself of how God has moved in your life and thank Him for all the ways He has saved you.

As Jesus ate His final meal, he knew death awaited Him the next day. Christ’s time was short. The weight of the sins of the world was about to be laid upon Him. But in the midst of crushing anxiety, Jesus stopped to give thanks to His Heavenly Father. He knew this was the reason He had come into the world: to bear His Father’s wrath in our place, reconciling sinners to a holy God—the One who loved us enough to send His precious Son to die.

Where are you facing opposition in your life? How can you give thanks to God in the midst of hostility, bearing it in a way that points others to your joy in Jesus?

STEPHEN PURICELLI Connections Pastor Southwest Campus

SOUTHEASTCHRISTIAN.ORG

TRE N D I N G

LOOK AND SEE s people made in the image of God, we were designed to create and to communicate. And as modern-day Americans, we love to consume. We have an insatiable desire for content—words, images, sounds—both to take it in and give it out. We go to the movies and play in a band; we read stories and write on our blogs; we take pictures and admire masterful designs. Never before in history has this exchange been so easy, and few things better illustrate the power of this creative ebb and flow than how we spend our time.

conveys a message. And these messages are powerful—they can so captivate us that they drown out all reality, or they can draw us near to the God from whom all reality beautifully flows. How do you consume and create the messages all around you? If you’re one of the trigger-happy smartphone users taking an average of 12 photos per day, are you selfie-obsessed or do you use your lens to capture and share the unfiltered glory of God? Of the 500 million tweets rushing over the Twittersphere today, will you use your 140 characters to gripe and complain or to encourage and build others up in Christ-like love? Will people around you encounter the Gospel of grace in the messages you save and share?

Take It All In It might frighten us, but it can’t surprise us: the average adult in the United States spends 11 hours a day staring at a screen. For many of us, 5 of those hours are spent watching video content on TV, DVR, and streaming services. Another hour or so goes to social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The rest is typically taken up by work, emails, and surfing the web. When we’re looking at screens and when we’re not, we also listen to about 4 hours of music each day. And, most of us give 20 minutes or less to daily off-screen reading, whether it’s a book, newspaper, or magazine. In a media-saturated world, nearly all of our waking moments are spent absorbing content that someone, somewhere, has created. And when we’re not drinking it in, chances are we’re churning it out, whether we’re directing Hollywood’s next blockbuster or we’re leaving a comment on a YouTube video.

NOW AVAILABLE at The Living Word 24

NEXT /// NOVEMBER 2017

Let the Truth Out It’s easy to get cynical when we look at the numbers. And the truth is, we should check our hearts and unplug for a while. But there’s more to the story than how much screen-time we’ve logged. It isn’t that we prefer staring at pixels on a display or warming our ears with a pair of headphones rather than experiencing the living, breathing world in all of its splendor. (For some of us, that might actually be the case!) The more fundamental point is that we have a built-in longing to create and consume, to behold true beauty and tell beautiful truth. Every texture, every sight, and every sound we experience

READ Let the Nations Be Glad! by John Piper

Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church, says John Piper—worship is. Missions exists because there are places where worship doesn’t, and that should drive us to carry the Gospel to every tongue, tribe, and nation.

It’s never been easier to run out the clock and fill our brains with mindless mush. More creative content is generated each day than any one of us can consume in a lifetime, so we must be prudent. God shows us the way, calling us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2), taking every thought captive in order to look and to see increasingly like Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Our creativity and our love for created things can either build a wall around our hearts or open a window to the wonders of God. So, whether you watch or listen, whether you read or record, as you create, consume, and communicate, do it all for the glory of His name.

Sources: Internet Live Stats, LifeWay Research, The New York Times, Pew Research Center, TIME

LISTEN

Christ Has Won Awaken Worship™ Available November 5 See back cover for more details.

RECOMMENDED ON RightNow Media

MARK YOUR

CALENDAR! Gospel-Centered Hip Hop God calls many Christians to the creative arts—painting, music, film. What does it mean to focus on God as we create? Pastor Eric Mason interviews Christian rappers Trip Lee and Lecrae about their music and their desire to use rap for God’s glory.

JUNE 24-29, 2018 Jumpstart Your Creativity In this session from The Nines Conference by Leadership Network, Stephen Brewster, Creative Arts Pastor at Cross Point Church in Nashville, Tennessee, offers nine practical ideas for jumpstarting your creativity today.

It’s the can’t-miss experience for high school students: an unforgettable week of worship, games, and small groups on the beach! Bible & Beach will be here before you know it, so start planning today. Registration opens February 11, 2018 at bibleandbeach.com

A Place at the Table In a culture built on consumption— especially of food—it is easy to forget the poor that Jesus cares so much about. Chris Seay invites us on a journey of self-examination, discipline, and renewed focus on Christ that can change our lives forever.

SOUTHEASTCHRISTIAN.ORG

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G

BLANKENBAKER CAMPUS CARE

COLLEGE AGE

continued

Encountering the Holidays

The Gathering

Special Olympics Young Athletes

Thursday, November 2 6:30-8:30 p.m. • FH 1 The holidays are coming, and they carry a lot of weight for some of us. This night is designed to help you prepare your heart for the holiday season and everything that comes with it. Breakout groups focus on grief, divorce, anxiety, depression, and addictions. Childcare available. No registration required.

Sunday, November 19 • 6:30 p.m. The Ice House • 226 E. Washington Street The Gathering is a monthly celebration for the college-age community with worship, a message, and time to hang out together. Each night is packed with fun and surprises. You won’t want to miss it! No registration required.

Mondays • 6:30-7:45 p.m. • Preschool Chapel A time of exercise and fun for young athletes with special needs (ages 2-7) and their families. No registration required. No registration required.

CHILDREN

Kidway Saturday, November 4 • 6:30 p.m. • FH 2 Sunday, November 5 • 10:30 a.m. or 12:45 p.m. • FH 2 This wildly fun, amazingly energetic, and wonderfully wholesome family worship service starts right after church. You are absolutely guaranteed to love it—and your kids will have fun too! No registration required.

Forever Treasure Saturday, November 11 • 6:30 p.m. • ED 212 Sunday, November 12 • 9:00 a.m. • ED 212 A class for upper elementary students who are considering their commitment to follow Jesus through baptism and beyond. Parents are expected to attend with their child. Please contact sekids@secc.org for pre-class homework. Register online.

Flannel & Chili Night Friday, November 10 Grab your flannels and join us for a night of community, great food, and fun. Look for more details on Instagram @southeastcam.

Saturdays • November 11 or 25 6:30 p.m. • ED 150 Sundays • November 12 or 26 10:45 a.m. • ED 150 Is God calling you to serve children birth through 5th grade? Join us on one of the dates listed for a 1-hour training session that will introduce you to the Children’s Ministry and equip you to serve. No registration required.

Volunteer Equipping Sessions Saturday, November 18 • 5:15 or 6:30 p.m. ED 150 Sunday, November 19 • 9:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m., or 12:30 p.m. • ED 150 We want to invest in our current SE!Kids volunteers by adding value to your life. We’ll equip you with tips and techniques to help you better lead, whether it’s in a small group, the nursery, our preschool classrooms, or another area. No registration required.

SE!Kids Children’s Choir Performance Sunday, November 19 6:30-7:30 p.m. • Sanctuary You’re invited to enjoy our 2017 musical, Back to the Cross. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. No registration required.

NEXT /// NOVEMBER 2017

Miracles Saturdays • 5:00 p.m. • WC 246 Sundays • 10:45 a.m. • WC 246 Older teens and young adults with special needs are invited to gather with us for worship, fellowship, crafts, and a lesson. No registration required.

The Backporch

HOPE Bible Study

Monday, November 27 & Sunday, December 3 Come hang and worship with us under the stars at The Backporch! Keep an eye open for more information on Instagram @southeastcam.

Sundays • 10:45 a.m. • ATLR 202 A Bible study for adults with special needs who are able to attend the group independently. No registration required.

MEN

Navigate Sundays • 10:00-11:00 a.m. • WC 370 Navigate is a weekly, interactive study that challenges college-age men and women to follow Jesus in the everyday stuff of life. We gather every Sunday morning for coffee, donuts, and community. No registration required.

CONNECTION

SE!Kids Volunteer Basics

DEAF & DISABILITIES

Love Where You Are @ School Sunday, October 29 • 5:30-8:00 p.m. • FH 2 All teachers are invited to grow in community with like-minded Christian educators from across Kentuckiana. No registration required.

Starting Point Wednesdays • Beginning November 1 6:30-8:00 p.m.• Fireside Room If you’re new to Southeast or you’ve been here for years, Starting Point is where we all begin. Come to this 3-week class to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and who we are as a church. Childcare available. Register online.

DEAF & DISABILITIES

Disabilities Holiday Party Friday, November 17 • 6:30-8:30 p.m. • FH 1 All families, guests, and volunteers in the Disabilities Ministry are invited to celebrate the holidays together with some food, fun, and fellowship. Remember to wear your Christmas clothes! No registration required. DEAF & DISABILITIES continued next column

Man Challenge Thursdays • 6:00-7:30 a.m. The Block Auditorium Mondays • 6:00-7:30 p.m. The Block Auditorium We want to equip every man with two sets of skillful hands—confidence and competence of knowing who Jesus is and developing intentional, authentic, male relationships. Questions? Email Mason at mbramer@secc.org. No registration required.

Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study Saturdays • 7:00-8:30 a.m. • FH 1 This large gathering of men meets each week to study the Bible in community. This is a great place to get started in Bible study, and you’re welcome to join us anytime! No registration required.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Believe Conference February 2-3, 2018 • Louisville, KY Believe is the can’t-miss event for middle schoolers! At this high-energy, jam-packed conference, students will have an incredible opportunity for their hearts to be opened to Jesus in a whole new way. Register at southeastmsm.com before November 28.

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G

BLANKENBAKER CAMPUS MISSIONS

SENIORS

WOMEN

continued

Global Missions Health Conference

Significance | Senior Lunch Series

REAL Women | Essentials

November 9-11 • Blankenbaker Campus Come be a part of the nation’s largest medical missions conference. Learn from a variety of plenary speakers, breakout sessions, and exhibitors from around the world! If you are able to house students or missionaries during the conference, please contact gmhchousing@gmail.com to help! Register onlineat medicalmissions.com.

Wednesdays • Beginning January 17, 2018 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. • FH 2 This luncheon is for active seniors who want to make a difference in their community. Come together with other thriving seniors for a time of fellowship and encouragement from a rotating schedule of guest speakers. Registration opens on November 29. Register online.

Tuesdays • Beginning January 16 9:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. • FH 1 Our spiritual growth is a journey. It doesn’t just happen. If you are a new believer or seeking answers, this class is designed for you. Come explore the essentials of our faith so you can gain a firm foundation. Limited childcare available. Register online.

REAL Women | Thrive

SINGLE LIFE

SENIORS

Wednesdays • Through November 8 9:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. • FH 1 Looking for a place to become rooted and established in your faith? If you’re comfortable with the essentials of your faith but you want to grow in your understanding of God’s Word, this class is for you! Limited childcare available. Register online.

Fall Single Life Gathering

Onward

Tuesdays • November 14-December 5 7:00-9:00 p.m. • The Block, Room 21 Be part of our brand new Single Life Gathering, a time for single adults to come together for relevant and insightful messages that are sure to inspire. Our Fall series includes breakout sessions called Commission Groups—opportunities for you to connect with likeminded people who are considering how we as Christians can impact the world around us. Register online.

Tuesdays • 6:30-7:30 p.m. • AT 109 This weekly class offers teaching and support for widows and widowers seeking a time of study, teaching, and fellowship after a loss. No registration required.

Classic Worship Thursdays • 10:00-11:00 a.m. ATCR 200/202 This weekly gathering enjoys a rotating schedule of teachers, traditional hymns, and the opportunity for regular fellowship. No registration required.

WORSHIP

Night of Worship Awaken Worship™ Album Release Sunday, November 5 • 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Block Auditorium We’re lifting up the name of our great God together and celebrating the release of Christ Has Won, the live worship album we recorded back in August. Don’t miss it! Tickets are free, but limited, and are available online.

WOMEN

Single Moms’ Community Group

Pickle Ball Fridays • 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Sports & Fitness Center Gym Games for experienced players begin at 9:30 a.m. Beginners’ games start at 12:30 p.m. No registration required.

Next Chapter First Fridays • 10:00-11:30 a.m. • AT 106 This monthly class is specifically designed for senior adult women and features a new guest speaker each month. No registration required.

Women’s Fellowship and Service Groups

Groups meet monthly to support local and global missions. Contact seniors@secc.org for more information on how you can be involved. No registration required.

Sundays • 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. • AT 109 This group fosters real community as we seek to glorify God through difficult circumstances and parenting challenges. Connect with us as we study God’s Word, pray intentionally, and build relationships together. Children’s programming available. No registration required.

Welcoming Hearts Tuesdays • Beginning January 16 9:30-11:30 a.m. • ATLR 201 Whether you’ve just moved to Louisville or you’ve been here for a while, this class will help you connect to community and discover how faith provides hope in a time of transition. Limited childcare available. Register online.

WOMEN continued next column

SENIORS continued next column

BL ANKENBAKER

SERVICE TIME S SATURDAY 5:00 p.m.

SUNDAY 9:00 & 11:15

a.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL

SATURDAY 5:00 p.m. SUNDAY 9:00 & 11:1 5 a.m. THE BLOCK

SUNDAY 9:00 & 11:1 5 a.m. THE BLOCK

920 BLANKENBAKER PARKWAY LOUISVILLE, KY 40243 | 502.253.8000 Children’s programming available during all services.

S COT T GOR DON Connections Pastor sgordon@secc.org 502.253.8476

SOUTHEASTCHRISTIAN.ORG

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G

SOUTHWEST CAMPUS CARE

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Overcoming Adversity

Mondays • 7:00-8:30 p.m. • Living Room 2 This group is for individuals who are dealing with major struggles and difficulties in life. No registration required.

Alzheimer’s Support Group Last Wednesday of the Month 2:00-3:30 p.m. • Living Room 5 A monthly time of support and encouragement for those who care for Alzheimer’s patients. No registration required.

MISSIONS

Global Missions Health Conference November 9-11 • Blankenbaker Campus Come be a part of the nation’s largest medical missions conference. Learn from a variety of plenary speakers, breakout sessions, and exhibitors from around the world! If you are able to house students or missionaries during the conference, please contact gmhchousing@gmail.com to help! Register online at medicalmissions.com.

Post-Abortion Support Group

A safe place for women who have undergone an abortion. No one has to walk alone— find support in community. Additional information is available online.

CONNECTION

Love Where You Are @ School Sunday, October 29 • 5:30-8:00 p.m. Blankenbaker Campus • FH 2 All teachers are invited to grow in community with like-minded Christian educators from across Kentuckiana. No registration required.

Starting Point Sunday, November 19 • 6:00-8:00 p.m. Café If you’re new to Southeast or have been here for years, Starting Point is where we all begin. Get connected with Southwest Campus staff members, hear our heart for ministry, and learn about ways to get involved. Childcare available. Register online.

MEN

Men’s Small Group Launch Thursday, November 2 • 6:00-7:00 p.m. • Café In this meeting, we’ll separate into groups of men that will meet weekly throughout Southwest Louisville during November and December. Come get connected with other men as we learn together how to follow Jesus completely. No registration required.

Men’s Breakfast with Dave Stone Saturday, November 11 • 8:00-9:30 a.m. Café Share a free breakfast with the guys from the Southwest Campus as we hear an encouraging message from our Senior Pastor. Register online.

WOMEN

REFIT Wednesdays • November 15-December 20 6:30 p.m. • CAL Gymnasium REFIT is a community-centered approach to fitness that impacts your body, mind, and soul. Join us for a fun hour of easy-to-learn exercises and inspiring music in a familyfriendly environment! Childcare available. Register online.

Ladies’ Crazy Christmas Friday, December 1 7:00-9:00 p.m. • Sanctuary Don your ugly Christmas sweater, bring a wrapped ornament to exchange, and get into the Christmas spirit for a night of crazy fun! We’ve got your back, ladies—this is the perfect way for you to kick off the holiday season. Don’t miss it! No registration required.

SOUTHWEST

SERVICE TIME S

MIDDLE SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL

SUNDAY 11:1 5 a.m. THE LOF T

SUNDAY 6:30 p.m. THE LOF T

SUNDAY

STEPHEN PURICELLI

9:30 & 11:15 a.m. 8301 SAINT ANDREWS CHURCH ROAD LOUISVILLE, KY 40258 | 502.614.1500 Children’s programming available during all services.

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Connections Pastor spuricelli@secc.org 502.614.1507

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G

ELIZABETHTOWN CAMPUS CONNECTION

MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL

Love Where You Are @ School

Next Gen Ministries

Sunday, October 29 • 5:30-8:00 p.m. Blankenbaker Campus • FH 2 All teachers are invited to grow in community with like-minded Christian educators from across Kentuckiana. No registration required.

Starting Point Sunday, November 12 • 5:00-7:00 p.m. Fireside Room If you’re new to Southeast or you’ve been here for years, Starting Point is where we all begin. Come to this class to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and who we are as a church. Register online.

Where Do You SERVE?

We invite you to discover how God has uniquely shaped you to serve, to get connected in your unique ministry area, and to be the church to those around you. Please contact Justin Fluhr at jfluhr@secc.org to get connected in your service area.

Get in a Group!

Groups can be a lifeline in your walk with Jesus. When you join a group, you gain new opportunities to grow in your faith, develop Christ-centered friendships, and become equipped to live on mission in your neighborhood. Find Connections Pastor Justin Fluhr after worship services or reach out to him at jfluhr@secc.org.

Connect with the Elizabethtown Campus community by liking our Facebook page @SECCelizabethtowncampus.

Our Middle School and High School Ministry meet together every Wednesday from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Elizabethtown Campus. During this time we’ll focus on three things: growing together as a family, studying the life of Jesus, and learning how to live on mission at school. Follow us @et.students on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with current events. If you have any questions, please contact Next Gen Pastor Reid Milliken at rmilliken@secc.org.

MISSIONS

Global Missions Health Conference November 9-11 • Blankenbaker Campus Come be a part of the nation’s largest medical missions conference. Learn from a variety of plenary speakers, breakout sessions, and exhibitors from around the world! If you are able to house students or missionaries during the conference, please contact gmhchousing@ gmail.com to help! Register online at medicalmissions.com.

ELIZABETHTOWN

SERVICE TIME S

MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL WEDNESDAY 6:30–8:30 p.m.

SUNDAY 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.

JUSTIN FLUHR 600 NORTH DIXIE AVENUE ELIZABETHTOWN, KY 42701 | 270.506.4630 Children’s programming available during all services.

Connections Pastor jfluhr@secc.org 502.614.1408

SOUTHEASTCHRISTIAN.ORG

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G

CRESTWOOD CAMPUS CHILDREN

HIGH SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

continued

SE!Kids Volunteer Basics

Student Starting Point

How to Study the Bible

Sundays • November 5 or 12 12:00 p.m. • Room 184 Is God calling you to serve children birth through 5th grade? Join us on either of the dates listed for a 1-hour training session that will introduce you to the Children’s Ministry and equip you to serve. No registration required.

Sunday, November 5 • 6:00-8:00 p.m. Room 190 C This class is for students who have recently made the decision to follow Christ and are interested in becoming a member at Southeast! Together, we’ll talk about what we believe at Southeast and why it’s important to be a member of a church community. Register online.

Sundays • November 5 & 12 12:00-1:00 p.m. • Room 190 A This 2-week class will equip your student with a deeper understanding of the Bible and empower them to read the Word on their own. Register online.

CONNECTION

HSM Getaway November 10-12 • Camp Cedarmore in Bagdad, Kentucky Escape the noise and distractions of everyday life and engage with other students as we grow in faith together. Mark your calendar—this is a weekend you won’t want to miss! $110 to sign up. Register online.

FAMILY

OCA Connect Tuesday, November 7 • 6:30 p.m. • Room 261 A support group for families in all stages of the adoption and foster care journey. Childcare available. No registration required.

HIGH SCHOOL

Hoodie Chili Night Sunday, October 29 • 6:00-8:00 p.m. Crestwood Campus Parking Lot High schoolers—bring your friends and make some new ones at this annual HSM event! We’ve got chili, fireside marshmallow roasting, and awesome giveaways! No registration required. HIGH SCHOOL continued next column

February 2-3, 2018 • Louisville, KY At this high-energy, jam-packed conference, students will have an incredible opportunity for their hearts to be opened to Jesus in a whole new way. Register at southeastmsm.com before November 28.

MISSIONS

Global Missions Health Conference

Starting Point Sunday, November 19 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. • Room 190 A Whether you’re new to Southeast or you’ve been here for years, Starting Point is where we all begin. Come learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and who we are as a church. Children’s programming available. Register online.

Believe Conference

MEN

Man Challenge Saturdays • Through November 18 7:00-8:00 a.m. • The 514 Man Challenge is designed to get men connected around a table with a Bible and a cup of coffee. This Fall, we’re focusing on chapters 4-6 of the Gospel of Luke to see how Jesus handled the stresses of life. Register online.

SENIORS

Senior Potluck Luncheon

Mondays • 7:30-8:30 p.m. Sexual sin can be spiritually dangerous. Join this group to get accountability, Biblical counsel, and brothers to walk with. Childcare available. Register online.

Second Tuesdays • 12:00-1:30 p.m. Room 190 C Join with other seniors for a time of fellowship as we share a potluck-style meal. Each month’s gathering features a guest speaker or special event. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. No registration required.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

WOMEN

MSM Bonfire

Open House, Open Hearts

Men’s Sexual Addiction Group

Friday, November 3 • 6:00-8:00 p.m. Get outside, enjoy the Fall weather, and share some s’mores around the fire with friends! Speaking of friends, try inviting a few! For details, please contact Nickie at ntimmins@secc.org. MIDDLE SCHOOL continued next column

Wednesday, November 1 • 6:30-8:00 p.m. Room 190 C If you are new to Southeast, new to Kentucky, or you’d simply like to build friendships and find community here at the Crestwood Campus, please join us for this time of conversation, information, and coffee or tea. Childcare available. Register online.

CRESTWOOD

SERVICE TIME S SATURDAY

MIDDLE SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL

SUNDAY 10:30 a.m. THE 51 4

SUNDAY 1 2:00 p.m. THE 51 4

5:15 p.m.

SUNDAY 9:00, 10:30 a.m., & 12:00 p.m. 30

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MARK BERGGREN 6201 CRESTWOOD STATION CRESTWOOD, KY 40014 | 502.873.1100 Children’s programming available during all services.

Connections Pastor mberggren@secc.org 502.873.1096

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G

LA GRANGE CAMPUS CONNECTION

MEN

WOMEN

Love Where You Are @ School

Man Challenge

Real Women’s Groups

Tuesdays • 6:30 p.m. • La Grange Campus Man Challenge is an opportunity for men to be equipped and encouraged as we study God’s Word together. Join us on Tuesday nights! No registration required.

Tuesdays • 6:30-8:00 p.m. • Worship Center Wednesdays • 9:30-11:30 a.m. Worship Center We want you to be part of our encouraging culture of women as we grow together in our love for God and one another. We’re currently going through the Bible in chronological order, and we would really like to get to know you! For childcare contact Cherie Erskine at cerskine@secc.org. For other questions, contact Karissa Sites at ksites@secc.org.

Starting Point Sunday, November 19 • 6:00-8:00 p.m. Next Step Room If you’re new to Southeast or you’ve been here for years, Starting Point is where we all begin. This is your opportunity to learn what our church believes, meet our staff, and get connected at the La Grange Campus. For childcare, please contact Cherie Erskine at cerskine@secc.org. Register online.

Get in a Group!

Groups can be a lifeline in your walk with Jesus. When you join a group, you gain new opportunities to grow in your faith, develop Christ-centered friendships, and become equipped to live on mission in your neighborhood. Find Connections Pastor Brent Dennison after worship services or reach out to him at bdennison@secc.org, or contact Community Pastor Mike Berry at mberry@secc.org.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

MSM After Hours Wednesdays • Through December 6 3:45-5:30 p.m. • K5 Room All middle schoolers are invited to come hang out with us after school to play games, meet new friends, and even get some help with your homework. We’ve got indoor soccer, gaga ball, video games, board games, and more! Be sure to bring your friends! No registration required.

Believe Conference February 2-3, 2018 • Louisville, KY At this high-energy, jam-packed conference, students will have an incredible opportunity for their hearts to be opened to Jesus in a whole new way. Register at southeastmsm.com before November 28.

MISSIONS HIGH SCHOOL

HSM Groups Wednesdays • 6:30-8:00 p.m. • Student Room High school students: we want to help you find your place in a small group where you can dive into the Bible, form lasting relationships, go deep in prayer, and get involved in the community. This is what HSM Groups are all about—to help you grow and challenge you to live like Jesus in the here and now. Come find the right group for you! No registration required.

Global Missions Health Conference November 9-11 •. Blankenbaker Campus Come be a part of the nation’s largest medical missions conference. Learn from a variety of plenary speakers, breakout sessions, and exhibitors from around the world! If you are able to house students or missionaries during the conference, please contact gmhchousing@gmail.com to help! Register online at medicalmissions.com.

LA GRANGE

SERVICE TIME S SUNDAY 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL

SUNDAY 11:1 5 a.m. STUDENT MINISTRY ROOM

SUNDAY 1:00-2:00 p.m. STUDENT MINISTRY ROOM

410 SOUTHE 1ST STREET LA GRANGE, KY 40031 | 502.614.1200 Children’s programming available during all services.

BRENT DENNISON Connections Pastor bdennison@secc.org 502.614.1209

SOUTHEASTCHRISTIAN.ORG

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G

INDIANA CAMPUS CARE

SENIORS

MEN

Care Groups

Man Challenge: Question Box

Classic Worship

THRIVE Men’s Recovery Groups Tuesdays • 1:00-2:30 p.m. or 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Thursdays • 1:00-2:30 p.m. The Filling Station This weekly gathering enjoys a rotating schedule of teachers, traditional hymns, and the opportunity for regular fellowship. No registration required.

Empower Women’s Group 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Thursdays • Through November 16 5:30-7:30 p.m. • The Hub God can handle your questions. Each week, we want to give you the opportunity to submit questions and hear real answers about God, life, and being a man of faith. Dinner is $5 and begins at 5:30 p.m. Discussion begins at 6:00 p.m. Register online.

Women’s Friends and Family of Addicts 6:30-8:00 p.m.

IN Cross Country Riders

Women’s Recovery Support Groups Tuesdays • 6:30-8:00 p.m.

We have several groups available for those seeking encouragement amidst life’s trials. Group locations online. No registration required.

CONNECTION

Starting Point Sunday, November 12 • 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. The Attic (Room 214) Whether you’re new to Southeast or you’ve been here for years, Starting Point is where we all begin. Come learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and who we are as a church. Children’s programming available. Register online.

Saturdays • As Scheduled Various Times and Locations Ride the backroads, share lunch, and connect with fellow riders (weather permitting). Register online. For more information, contact Zach Stotts at zstotts55@twc.com.

HSM Fall Retreat

Third Tuesdays • Various Times and Locations This group is an opportunity for widows and other single women to meet on a regular basis to build each other up in their walk with Christ. For more information, please contact Nancy Johnson at 812.786.3138. No registration required.

WOMEN

Men’s Mentoring

Whether you’re struggling through a particular life issue or you need help in your relationship with God, we have a team of men who are willing and ready to walk beside you. For more information, contact indiana@secc.org.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL November 17-19 • Red River Gorge Our annual Fall Retreat is a great weekend for high school guys and girls to deepen their relationships with Jesus and with our HSM family. Space is limited, so register soon! $85 to sign up. Register online.

Daughters Like Ruth

MISSIONS

Global Missions Health Conference November 9-11 • Blankenbaker Campus Come be a part of the nation’s largest medical missions conference. Learn from a variety of plenary speakers, breakout sessions, and exhibitors from around the world! If you are able to house students or missionaries during the conference, please contact gmhchousing@ gmail.com to help! Register online at medicalmissions.com.

Women of the Bible Thursdays • Through November 30 7:00-8:30 a.m. • Café Each timeless Biblical story mirrors the challenges and changes women face today. By understanding the lives of the women around you, your time together will help you discover the God behind their stories and yours. Register online.

The Gospel of Mark Wednesdays • Through December 6 9:30-11:30 a.m. or 6:30-8:30 p.m. • The Hub Lisa Harper leads us through a study of the Gospel of Mark. Follow Jesus from His days of early ministry to the cross, and discover what it means to be a recipient of His overflowing compassion. Childcare available. Register online.

Single Mom’s Support Group

There are many unique joys and challenges to being a single mom. Why not come together with others like you for encouragement and support? For additional information, please email indiana@secc.org.

INDIANA

SERVICE TIME S

MIDDLE SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL

SUNDAY 9:30 & 11:1 5 a.m. THE HUB

SUNDAY 1 2:30 p.m. THE HUB

SATURDAY

EDDIE JOHNSON

5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY

1309 CHARLESTOWN NEW ALBANY ROAD JEFFERSONVILLE, IN 47130 | 812.704.1951

9:30 & 11:15 a.m.

Children’s programming available during all services.

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Campus Pastor ejohnson@secc.org 812.704.1967

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND NEIGHBORS TO A FESTIVE WEEK OF FREE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES, RIDES, TREATS, AND ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES!

DECEMBER 8 & 10-15 • BLANKENBAKER CAMPUS

Meet our Mission Partners in the Christmas village, where you can support their ministry efforts by purchasing baked goods, coffee, and assorted gifts. SCARLET HOPE • REFUGE LOUISVILLE • PIONEER BIBLE TRANSLATORS • LIFE IN ABUNDANCE • S & C IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

EVENT TIMES Friday, December 8 & 15 • 5:00-10:00 p.m. Christmas program in the Sanctuary at 6:00, 8:00, & 10:00 p.m.

December 10-14 • 5:00-9:00 p.m.

Christmas program in the Sanctuary at 6:00 & 8:00 p.m.

VISIT SOUTHEASTCHRISTIAN.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.

SOUTHEASTCHRISTIAN.ORG

CHRIST HAS WON

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A V A I L A B L E S U N D AY

NOVE MB E R 5 on iTunes and Spotify and at The Living Word

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