Update October 2010

Just wanted to take time to send out this quick update. Life at SCC is amazing! We are growing and experiencing a glorious move of God in our community. Several men and women have yielded their lives to Christ and were baptized. Others are waiting for baptism before the end of the year. We've seen the Lord answer prayer and heal two of our members from illness that was critical. Praise the Lord!

We are preparing for a huge outreach event on October 31st. Everyone is invited to come out for the Fall Festival. 4 to 6 p.m. at the church, 1400 College Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76104.

We've been blessed to have three churches come along in hands on partnership. Greenbriar in Alvarado, Connell and Birdville. What an encouragement to have the support. You'll find them all participating in the Fall Festival with us. Refreshing!

Thanksgiving and Christmas is coming up. SCC will host a huge Thanksgiving Feast on the Monday before Thanksgiving. Come join us for a night of testimonies and praise, giving thanks to God for all He's done. 6:30 p.m. at the church

Thanksgiving night and Christmas night, we will be at Samaritan House providing dinner and the biggest Christmas party EVER! If you are interested in adopting a resident for Christmas, contact me for more information.

The BIG picture! I've been praying with some other leaders of SCC about the possiblity of starting a school for our community. There's more....we are also praying about opening up apartment complexes for the purpose of moving families out of the homeless shelters into more long term supportive housing. Please join us in praying for God's wisdom and timing. If you have an interest in either of these projects, please contact me.

the church

I woke up this morning at 1:45 a.m. following a very vivid dream concerning the church. For those of you who don't know, Southside City Church ministers to many people who are living with HIV/AIDS and those who are dealing with addictions of all kinds. We are a very "real" church, meaning that we share openly our struggles with one another, believing that honesty before God and others is one of the steps needed in order to truly recover from the devastation sin has heaped upon us.

The dream was so wonderful. We were having dinner as a church as usual, the difference is there was a huge celebration. Some of the men from Union Gospel Mission were standing, sharing their testimonies of how God had transformed their lives. Others were sharing how God had restored their minds. One of the ladies who is HIV+ stood and with tears shared that God had healed her. Everyone stood to their feet and began to clap and shout praises to God.

I woke with tears. It was the most glorious dream. I immediately sensed the Holy Spirit saying, this is what I can do, Darrel. What you have asked for, I can do. BELIEVE ME!

If you pray, I want to ask you to pray with me for our church. Southside City Church of Fort Worth. I do believe. If you've come to the point in your own struggle where you want to give up, please come join us and pray with us for transformation and healing. Believe with us.

If you are part of Southside City Church, I love you with all of my heart.

Darrel

Southside 2010

We're off to a great start as a church and looking forward to an amazing year of growth and service. Kyle and myself joined two other local pastors in traveling to Burkina Faso West Africa this month in preparation for the Summer 2010 mission efforts there.

The student ministry of Southside City Church is growing quickly.

We continue outreach among HIV/AIDS community of Fort Worth and launched Celebrate Recovery this month. CR will meet each Monday evening at 7:00 at College Ave.

Join us this year on Sunday evenings at 6:00 for worship and 7:00 for dinner.

Fall Update

If you've been around southside city church lately then you have experienced the great momentum we are seeing in the "near" Southside district of Fort Worth. Lives are truly being transformed as we grow in consistent, compassionate care and community.

The Fall Block Party was a huge PARTY...with over 200 of our neighbors coming out for a night of fun.....everyone took a place of service and made the night a great success.

The student ministry AFTERSHOCK is growing quickly with many upcoming events schedule through the holidays. AFTERSHOCK meets every Sunday night at 5:00 p.m.

Celebrate Recovery is coming to SCC in January. Currently our leaders are meeting to prepare for a great launch. Already there are around 10 folks signed up to participate in our first CR.

Our team returned from Burkina Faso West Africa in October with our own lives changed and a great report of the work happening in Ougadougou.

New Life Groups will begin in the next several weeks. One of our new Life Groups will be for young couples, led by Noah and Natalie Weatherly.

Christmas at Samaritan House is in the making...Michele is planning and organizing for a great celebration. Watch for details on how you and your family can become involved in reaching out to the residents at Sam. House this Christmas.

Sunday, September 6, Pastor Aime Millogo Speaking

Pastor Aime Millogo, a pastor from Burkina Faso who has been studying in Dallas at Christ For the Nations will be preaching at Southside. We want to invite everyone to join us for a great time of worship and hearing the heart of God for Burkina Faso, through Pastor Aime.

We will share a wonderful meal after worship, as always.

the joy of serving in the "near" Southside Community

Well there are actually countless joys, but having just completed our first ever VBS as a new church, I want to express some of what's on my heart with you.

1. We didn't have super star activites planned, but the children of Southside had a blast playing ball, simple crafts and especially the SPRAY BOTTLES provided by the Hankes.

2. My family. OMG, I have the most wonderful mom, sisters, brother-n-law 2 nieces, nephew and his fiance' that anyone could dream of. They are so faithful to serve the Lord alongside me....thank you....

3. Our Southside Team is amazing. So gifted and so willing to be available to be used by God in the small things as well as the great things......the Lord is most glorified in your heart of love and serving.

4. The stories....Bible Stories....WoW. Thanks to Ray and Tina and Catrina for teaching the children the love of God.......

5. Names that I cannot pronounce correctly. "near" Southside is a diverse community. I love that our church reflects the diversity of our community. The nations are at our doorstep.

6. Sponsor Churches. Southside is sponsored by Alsbury, Birdville and College Ave. Each of these churches played a significant role in helping us succeed this weekend. Birdville team is our newest partnership...we believe God has knit our hearts together in ministry. Alsbury - we could never thank you enough for the continuous support you offer every week..and this week was no different.

7. People find hope while eating hotdogs on tortillas, chicken on a stick and sausage on a stick.....language barriers were overcome, while sharing the simple meal...and let me say our guys are the best EVER cooks.....come see for yourself.

8. Everyone is welcome and everyone has a part in serving at Southside City Church....thanks to Dan who dropped by each evening and provided hats for our gals...and some of the guys....Dan, you totally rock and we love you.....we love to see you driving up on your scooter....keep coming.

9. Prayers are answered. We asked the Lord for at least 45 children to be impacted through VBS, as the last 30 minutes of the weekend rolled around, the last family showed up with 3 extra children, putting our numbers right on what we prayed for......

10. Come Sunday July 6 at 6:00 p.m. to see for yourself.....bring a heart to receive and a heart to give something away.....you'll be blessed....

Southside City Church Summer Splash

Great and exciting things are happening here at Southside. Friday through Sunday, June 26-28, from 6 to 8 we will be having our Summer Splash for children which will include, food, games, crafts and music. We'll meet in the Fairmount Park on Friday and Saturday nights and then at the church on Sunday night for a huge cookout and festival.

Friday, July 3rd, plans are underway for a Summer Swim Party for our Southside City Church youth. Food and swimming for all to enjoy. Watch for more details on the way.

Darrel

Celebrating Burkina Faso - Sunday, June 7th

Sunday, June 7th at 6:00 p.m. Southside invites you to join us for special evening of worship and passion, focusing on what God is doing in the nation of Burkina Faso, West Africa. SCC partners with Heal the World Charity, Inc. in providing support for the SHALOM Primary School, located in the captital city of Ougadougou. Crystal Wilson will be spending two months in Burkina this summer, helping establish Heal the World's English Language Institute.

The evening will include a passionate report on our partnership in Burkina as well as a fabulous meal, prepared by our very own SCC. There will be a silent auction for those who want to purchase items as well as a love offering. All monies received will be used to help build the fourth classroom for Shalom. Our goal is to raise $7500.00.

If you are unable to attend but would like to make a contribution, please contact me at darre@southsidecitychurch.com

Zach D. to share testimony

Southside City Church is a transformational congregation sharing the message of Jesus Christ through consistent, compassionate care and community. On Sunday night, May 17th you will have the opportunity to hear the testimony of Zach D. Let me just say, what God has done in Zach's life this past year is like shining a huge spot light on the banner of Jesus Christ. You will hear the message of hope and life for all.
Let me encourage you to invite a friend to come worship with us that evening. We will have many guest from our parent church, Alsbury Baptist as well, since Zach has received much of his support and healing through the ministry of Alsbury.
And as always we will have a feast to celebrate together afterward. Zach has requested chili dogs....WE can do that!
If you've never been to Southside City Church, we welcome you any Sunday, but especially the 17th. 6:00 p.m.

Mother's Day - May 10 MAMA'S PIZZA

In honor of our Mom's and all the women who are part of Southside City Church, the men will be providing dinner Sunday night, May 10th. On the menu: MAMA'S Pizza. The best in town. Only the best will do.

Join us as we celebrate - and bring a friend with you.

Southside Easter

Southside City Church gathered tonight for an evening with the Risen Christ Jesus. What a night! Our key passage was Luke 24 - focusing on the intimate friendship offered to us by God through Christ. "He loves me". He really does love me. Thanks to Julie for sharing so passionately the love she has received from Jesus and how He has transformed her life. Question being, "have you seen (experienced by faith) the Risen Savior? We pray that you have.
The food and decorations were AMAZING! Thanks to everyone who served so selflessly to make this evening a special occasion for everyone. I'm so blessed by each of you and so thankful for the genuine friendship we all share.

Love,

Darrel

Friendship - Go Deep

Sometimes close friendships can be viewed as exclusive. We've all been in a room where everyone else seemed to be on the "inside" while we were uncomfortably standing on the "outside" of a coversation or joke or just in general. As believers, we must be diligent to be inclusive. Meaning that everyone should feel important and valued by Christ followers.

I have a friend, John who is amazingly gifted at making whoever he is with feel as though they are the most important person in the room. He truly understands the value of every soul. I've been on the receiving end of this Christ-like friendship and I can only say, "wow". Without knowing it, he has been used by God to open my eyes to be more purposeful in acknowledging others and highlighting their immeasureable worth to God and others.

I also have a friend, Steven. Our friendship is deep and could be viewed as exclusive by some. However, depth in friendship does not necessarily mean exclusivity. Our friendship is deep for a reason. We've weathered disagreement, been very present for one another in times of need and have laughed thousands of laughs at the joys of life, together. I always go back to a point in my life that is by far the most painful. The day that we put my Dad in hospice care, I had to inform my dad that he would not be able to go home to our house for the hospice care, but would have to remain in the hospital. I was so, so grieved, because the thing dad wanted most was to just go home for his last days. I called Steven on the way to the hospital and shared with him the news I had to pass on to dad. I arrived at the hospital, confirmed the details, dad needed 100% oxygen and could only receive that care in the hospital. I walked up to the bed and began to weep, deep, deep sorrow and told dad the news. The last thing dad wanted on earth and I had no power to give it to him....I felt helpless and alone. Dad was so precious, he assured me, "Son, it will be o.k.". I turned to take a chair and there standing behind me was my friend Steven. He left work and came to be with me in my time of deep need. This kind of friendship cannot be quickly gained or manufactured or "put on". It comes with time and sincerity.

What I'm wanting to communicate is that we treasure close friendship, while at the same time placing great value and realizing the potential friendship that awaits us with each person we encounter in life.

Go Deep.

Darrel

Finally an Update

Sorry for the delay, but we have been wonderfully busy here at Southside City Church throughout the month of March. Along with our Sponsor Church, Alsbury Baptist in Burleson, we hosted a wonderful group of friends from Andernach Germany and also a group of our friends from Dripping Springs, Texas. Two weekends of exciting outreach in the community followed with evenings of worship and celebration was the focus of our time. Southsiders were amazing with our monthly supper club at Samaritan House, also participating in the Joe's Run 5K which benefited our friends at Samaritan House on March 28th. We hosted a Free clothing give away and a Soccer Camp, led by our team from Germany. Steve and Bubba served up some great hot dogs on tortillas and well, a team of painters (if you can call us that) painted exterior windows on the College Avenue Baptist Church building, where we meet on Sunday nights for worship.

We've met many new friends in the community through the month and are looking forward to another great month of serving and celebrating the Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus.

Join us on April 10th for a Joint Worship Service, Good Friday. 1400 College Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76104. 7:00 p.m.

And on Easter Sunday, 6:00 p.m. Resurrection Celebration with dinner following. Same location.

Tuesday nights we will be meeting in the Fairmount Park for fun with the kids and Bible Study, 7:00 p.m. beginning April 7th.

Guess that's all for now.

Darrel

Baptism this Sunday at 6:00 p.m.

Southside City Church will worship together in a special way this Sunday evening. We will observe the baptism of our brother and sister in Christ, Joe and Julia. Following the service, we will enjoy a tremendous feast of Fried Chicken and all the good stuff that goes with that. Make plans to join us this weekend and bring a friend.

Darrel

from my heart

Lately I’ve been more and more aware of the reality that we do not know the appointed time given to us by God. Over and over again I find myself thinking of the speed with which life seems to be happening these days. For instance, we just moved into 2009, but we’re already more than half way through the month. What was for a moment seen as time for considering a fresh start, has already snow balled into the events of the year, some of which are already behind us. I’m overwhelmed.
38 years old and looking back I see how many days have been wasted pursuing my own desires, goals, dreams and personal pleasures. Seems I’m learning though that God will use even the wasted days for His glory to be revealed as I surrender today to Him. What matters is today. Does my life today cause others to see Jesus as the supreme Giver of Life? Does my life today radiate Christ?
I’m sensing God’s calling me to be used up – wasted for Him. I recently heard a reference to two young women who were called into the mission field of a muslim nation. Two weeks into the mission, their lives were taken by force. Some believers stated how sad that these two precious lives were wasted. Really? Is that what we would consider wasted? Used up – but how their sacrifice speaks of the unlimited worth and value of King Jesus – that nothing was more valuable to these young ladies than knowing Christ – not even their lives.
I’m sensing a deeper, greater call to the nations. Even more specifically to the lost. To the lost. Those who are living in darkness and without knowledge of the amazing love God has bestowed upon them in the person of Christ Jesus. My spirit is rejoicing in something that I cannot yet see with my eyes, but what I already know by faith in my heart and mind. God is softening the hardened ground of the souls of men who have been so turned off to the truth of the gospel, but are now coming near the time of crying out for a Savior – Jesus.
So boldly I sense that I must go. Be used up in this manner of living my life in a way that points others to Christ. An end to the focus on programs and making people feel better. The pure message of the gospel. As a friend of mine who is in highschool stated this week in an email, raw, base, real, fresh ministry. Simple. Truth. Genuine. Love. Transformation.
If there’s ever been a time in my life when I sense God’s prophetic word being stirred in me, it is now. Send the Light! There are souls to rescue…there are souls to save…Send the Light!

First Supper Club of 2009

Southside City Church will host Supper Club for Samaritan House on Wednesday, January 14th. The menu is smoked Brisket, potato salad, beans, bread and all kinds of desserts. Let's plan a great night of fun and give aways for the residents. Also, don't forget No meeting at Southside on Sunday, January 11th. We will all meet at Alsbury for the New Year conference starting at 6:00 p.m. Dinner following at 7:00 p.m.

Me Too

I just finished reading Jesus Wants to Save Christians by Robb Bell and Don Colden.   On page 151 in the chapter "blood on the doorsteps of the universe" they quote writer Anne Lamott, "the most powerful sermon in the world is two words:  'me too'."

Me too.  When you're struggling, when you are hurting, wounded, limping, doubting, questioning, barely hanging on, moments away from another relapse, and somebody can identify with you - someone knows the temptations that are at your door, somebody has felt the pain that you are feeling, when someone can look at you in the eyes and say, 'me too', and they actually mean it - it can save you.  When you aren't judged, or lectured or looked down upon, but somebody demonstrates that they get it, that they know what it's like, that you aren't alone, that's 'me too'.

Love you guys so much.

Darrel

Christmas Party Sunday 21st

Sunday Night December 21st Southside City Church will share dinner together at Mexican Inn on 8th Ave. Just South of Magnolia.  We want everyone to join us.  So make your plans to be there at 6:00 p.m., or call us if you need a ride.

EGG Rolls from Heaven?

Last night about 50 or so folks gathered for worship and dinner - a wonderful time of worship. Catrina's tranformation story meant so much to everyone. It was great to have Jay back with us for a Sunday, along with his parents. AND THE EGG ROLLS! TUNG out did himself making home made egg rolls and spring rolls....the best i've ever tasted. AND WOW to the chicken spagetti from mom and belinda....all the great desserts and oh my goodness, the laughter....

you won't want to miss next Sunday, Dec. 14th. Join us at 6:00 for worship and dinner following.

on the 21st, we will have our Southside City Church Christmas party at Mexican Inn on 8th Ave. Everyone plan on attending....6:00 p.m.

Love,

Darrel

An Amazing First Sunday

Sunday, November 23rd, Southside City Church held our first weekly worship gathering, meeting at College Avenue Baptist Church building in the "near" Southside district of Fort Worth. We enjoyed a great meal prepared by Steve and Carolyn, desserts and salads from the crew that were amazing! Hearing testimonies from Bobby and Linda, prayer for Burkina Faso with Jennifer and Catrina....it was all so, so wonderful. Zack led us in worship that was powerful and intimate.

Look for pictures to come and plan on joining us this coming Sunday, November 30th for worship at 6:00 p.m. and dinner to follow.