Lectures 41

    One of the COVID casualties of 2020 that I felt the most was The Southside Lectures.  Understandably, they were canceled in the midst of the pandemic.  It would not have been expedient for us to meet twice a day for four days nor ask the speakers to travel when there was so much uncertainty about the coronavirus.  Still, it was a sad and odd summer without them.

    That’s why I am looking forward with such great anticipation for the return of the lectures this June.  When Brother Bowman and I asked the elders about how to proceed with planning for this year’s event, they gave us two words: “All in!”  So we will not depart from the same format that has been successful with the previous 40 lectureships.  We understand that we may not have the number of visitors from other places as we have enjoyed in times past.  But the Southside Lectures are first and foremost for the Southside members, right?

    The dates are June 21-24.  Due to some unique circumstances brought on by lingering effects of the pandemic, these were announced to the congregation later than we traditionally like.  All we ask is that our people do the best they can.  Not everyone can be present for the morning services.  Some have already made travel plans that cannot be changed.  Just do your best to be here as much as possible. 

    The theme for the lectures is “Living for Jesus.”  Paul wrote, “For me, to live is Christ” (Phil. 1:21).  When someone says, “I live for (this), they may fill in the blank with a sport, a hobby, or some experience.  What do disciples of the Lord live for?  We live for Him.  In response to the life He gave for me, “My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.” 

    For the ninth year, Tim Stevens will be here to lead the congregational singing.  Tim is devoted to song worship.  He wants each participant in the pew to give their very best in every song to praising God and teaching and admonishing their fellow worshipers.  The Southside church is proud to help support Tim and his work of preaching meetings and conducting song worship training.  We look forward to having him and Vicki back with us.

    The speakers compliment the theme as well as one another: Colly Caldwell, Roger Shouse, David Thomley, and Ralph Walker  They are men who have a heart for God’s word and for God’s people.  And they are able to communicate the responsibility to live for the Lord in a way that honors and glorifies Him.

    Colly Caldwell has been a frequent lecture participant through the years.  In fact, he first appeared on the program in 1983.  Brother Caldwell preaches for the Citrus Park congregation in Tampa, Florida.  He and Lynda have often attended as listeners.  We look forward to their return this year and for Colly’s Biblical and thorough preaching.  His lectures will answer the question: who is this Jesus we are living for?  They will include subjects like the “Divine Word” and the “Promised Messiah.”

    Roger Shouse was most recently on the lectures in 2015.  His enthusiasm and passion come through in his presentation of the gospel message.   Roger and Debbie are members of the Charlestown Road church in New Albany, Indiana.  To tell you how much they love the people at Southside, they are coming even though they leave for Israel the week after lectures!  We feel confident that Roger will be a help to us in our desire to live for Jesus.

    Though it has been 14 years since he preached on our lectureship, David Thomley is no stranger to the Southside congregation.  He and Jeannie were frequent visitors when their daughter, Kristy Cawthon, and her family were with us.  David preaches for the Rolling Hills church in Spring Hill, Tennessee.  His heart is also with the brethren and work in Italy.  David’s preaching is both dynamic and heartfelt.  He makes living for Jesus a desirable goal.

    Ralph Walker has preached at Southside in meetings and lectureships for many years.  He and Paula are well-loved here.  Ralph does an effective work as a preacher and elder for the Henderson Boulevard congregation in Tampa, Florida.  His lectures will be about individual disciples who lived for Jesus: John the Baptist, Thomas, and Justus.  He will bring these Bible characters to life.

    “Living for Jesus,” the 41st Southside Lectures.  What else is there to live for?

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