Category: From the Pastor’s Desk

Dear Southmoore Church Family,

It is my prayer that you are staying safe and that you are experiencing God’s faithfulness in your lives. I know it is difficult not to grow weary. But I also know that we are going to get through these challenging days.

I want to encourage you to be prayerful in the upcoming elections. I believe voting is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. Yes, the country is divided politically. There are many concerns that we are facing and how we vote will and can make a difference.

Let me encourage you to be an informed voter. Do your homework. When you are deciding who to vote for, you need to know where the candidates stand on abortion, gun laws, right to assemble, funding our police, and keeping America free. In other words, vote for the candidate who follows the teachings of The Bible and Jesus Christ.

Thank you for your continual support of our Sunday 10 AM services. This past Sunday, we had about 75 in attendance/. And there are many who join us on our website. I hope you are enjoying our sermon series, “Finding God in Times Like These.”

I am excited to announce that we will start children’s church on September 6, 2020. If you would like to serve in this much-needed ministry, contact Heather Swift. She would welcome your help.

The East Wing project continues to make progress. There was a slow down this month, but things have picked up and things are moving forward. PTL!

I want to close by reminding you to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have (1 Peter 3:15).

To Live Is Christ,

Bro. Danny

PS. A few weeks ago, I preached a message “A Gift Called Today,” Psalm 118:24. I shared three things that we should do as we start each day. If you missed them, here they are:

#1 Acknowledge your dependence on God.

#2 Tell God your concerns of the day.

#3 Invite Jesus to spend the day with you.

Dear Southmoore Church Family,

The Apostle Paul tells us not to be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6). In times like these, it is next to impossible not to be anxious. Of course, we know that we would not be told to do something that with God’s help we could not do. It is my prayer that you are daily putting on The Armor of God and fighting the good fight. Don’t’ forget you are more than a conqueror!

August the 2^nd was our first Sunday to go back to one worship service. There were 68 in attendance on the 2^nd and 62 on August 9^th. We will continue to have one service on Sundays at 10:00 am. If our attendance consistently stays at 80 or more, we will consider going back to two services. In the meantime, we will take it one Sunday at a time.

I’m excited to let you know that I am starting a new sermon series this coming Sunday (August 16^th). The title of the series is “Finding God in Times Like These.” You will not want to miss a Sunday, whether you are t church or joining us on our website. I believe these messages will be an encouragement to all and remind us that God is still on His throne. He wants our relationship with Him to grow stronger in these days of uncertainty. God is on our side and is not about to abandon us.

The East Wing project is moving slowly. As soon as the hood-vent over the cookstove is completed, I believe things will pick back up. I’m confident in just a few days we will see things moving forward. Pray for the East Wing project Committee as they make decisions in completing the project.

Last of all, Southmoore, you are amazing. You continue to support your church with your prayers, your tithes, and your great faith. I am so blessed to be not only your pastor but also be a member of Southmoore. I’m proud to be a part of a family of believers like you!

To Live Is Christ,

Bro. Danny

Dear Southmoore Baptist Church,

We all pray that we can get back to the good old days.

How long will this pandemic hold us hostage? I’m convinced only God knows. I’m not going to be guilty of minimizing our current condition. And I don’t have a clue of when we begin to live the life of old.

But I do know this, God doesn’t want us to be passive. God doesn’t want us to sit, sulk, or be sad. There is still much that we can do. You ask, “What can we do?”

We can pray. Yes, pray! The Bible teaches us that prayer changes things. Let me suggest you start praying the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13.

We can be busy serving others. Start in the home. Then branch out to your neighbor or any one in need. You can make a difference. You can change someone’s life. A phone call, a text, a card, or any act of kindness will change lives.

My encouragement to you is to do something. Don’t crawl in a hole and hide. Don’t hide your candle under a bushel. Don’t forget you are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-15). You have the ability and opportunity to bring light into dark places.

Before I close, I want to share a change in our Sunday morning services. We will begin having only one service on Sunday morning. Starting at 10:00 am August 2, 2020. So, help us get the word out that people will know. Especially, to those who do not read our website.

I’m praying for you. I miss you so much. Can’t wait to see you soon!

Before I close this update, I want to thank you for your continual financial support. We can continue to move forward on the East Wing Project, pay the bills, and support missions.

Southmoore, I’m blessed to be your pastor!

To Live is Christ,
Bro. Danny

Dear Southmoore Family and Friends,

A lot of unanswered question remain: When will we get back to normal? When will they find a vaccine for Covid-19? When will the church be the church the way it used to be?

During a pastor’s associational meeting, one pastor said, “Being a pastor of a Baptist church today is like being in a pitch-black room trying to find a light switch.”

I am reminded of the words in Hebrew 10:25, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Did the Hebrew’s write ever go through a pandemic? Not sure. I don’t recall in the New Testament that the entire country of Israel was on lock down.

The good news is that today we have the technology to keep the church connected through our website. We still can have services! We can come into your house! We can be encouraged, challenged, and blessed through music, prayer, and preaching.

I’ll be the first to admit that the one thing I miss is the fellowship. Your pastor misses you. I miss seeing you. I miss getting to talk to you. Yes, I miss the hugs and handshakes.

Last Sunday, July 12, we were without power. The storm that rolled through Saturday night made sure of that. So, we quickly decided to have services in the foyer. There were about 20 people in attendance, and we recorded the services on YouTube so people at home wouldn’t be left out.

What next?

The church attendance has been declining the last couple of weeks. Understandable: Fourth of July weekend, storms, rise in Covid-19 cases. The Corona Virus is not slowing down. In fact, as you know, it is ramping up.

We will watch, pray, and seek counsel as to what we will do in the coming weeks. If the attendance continues to decline, we may go back to one service and continue to record the service for those at home.

If you have any suggestions, I am more than willing to hear from you.

In the meantime, we will continue to praise and pray our way through these challenging times.

The East Wing project is still making progress. It’s looking great. The heat and air are being installed; cabinets are being installed; electric and plumbing are moving forward.

To Live Is Christ,

Bro. Danny

Dear Southmoore Church Family and Friends,

Last Sunday, June 7^th, was our first church service since we started online services March 22^nd. We had approximately 40 people in both the 9:30 am and 10:45 am services. Boy, was it great to see people back in church.

I know many of you are praying about when to return to our services. I am praying with and for you as you seek God’s will for yourself. God promises to answer our prayers and He will direct your decision. We will continue to make our services online so you won’t miss a service.

I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for our audio-visual team. Because of them, we are able to record our services for not only our church family, but also many others who have joined us through this ministry.

I also want to thank Bro. Doug Snook and his music ministry team in leading us in worship each Sunday. They do a great job and always lead us to the Throne!

The East Wing Children and Fellowship Hall project is making progress. The sheetrock is up, and the mud and tape should begin in a few days. The project is taking shape. Just a reminder, the East Wing will be Sunday School for all children starting at birth through the sixth grade. It also will include Children’s Church, a Fellowship Hall, and Kitchen. This project will truly be a blessing for our church and to all who come.

Last of all, I want to thank you for your continued financial support to Southmoore. Our tithes and offerings have stayed consistent during the last three months. The contributions have been approximately 20,000.00 each month. Thank you for not only doing your part to reach our budget, but also going above and beyond.

I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!

To Live Is Christ,

Bro. Danny

Dear Southmoore,

I wanted to take this opportunity to not only say hello, but also give you some information as we go forward during this coronavirus.

Damon Swift, Hayden Young, Doug Snook, and I met Sunday afternoon to talk about what needs to be done as we prepare to open the doors of the church.

First of all, we were all in agreement that we should not start having church May 3, 2020. I know that’s not what any of us want to hear. But, with so many unknowns about the virus, we felt this was the best decision at this time.

We believe it is best to pray, wait, and observe to see what happens as other businesses and churches open. We also believe that people’s safety and health is our top priority.

So, when will the church be open again? I don’t know. Please pray with us as we go forward. You don’t know how my heart breaks writing these words. Hopefully, we will “gather together” soon.

When we do open the doors, it will not be “business as usual.” We will have to implement many changes in order to ensure meeting together will be safe as possible.

1. Southmoore will have 2 worship services on Sundays:
   • 9:30 am and 10:45 am
   • Services will be limited to 100 people.
   • We are encouraging the older adults to come to the 9:30 am service. We will let you decide if you are in this category.
2. Guidelines for when you arrive:
   • Everyone will come through the front doors.
   • You will enter the sanctuary immediately.
   • We will practice social distancing (even in the sanctuary).
   • Chairs will be marked for you to sit in.
   • Families can sit together.
3. Guidelines for when you exit:
   • The 9:30 am worship service will exit out the north doors in the gym/fellowship hall. This will allow us to maintain social distance as people arrive for the 10:45 am service.
   • The 10:45 am worship services can exit out the front doors or the gym/fellowship doors.
4. This that will not happen:
   • No Sunday School
   • No Childcare
   • No Children’s Church
   • No Coffee and Donuts
   • No Sunday pm Services
   • No Wednesday night meal and services
   • No Choir or Choir Practice
   • No Associational Children’s Camp at Falls Creek

(This reminds me when I was a little boy; my nickname was “No-No.”)

As you can see, things will be different. These guidelines are not implemented to take away from our traditional way of doing church, they are there to keep us as safe as possible.

Finally, I want to thank you for your continual prayers, support, and your tithes and offerings. Our contributions continue to be consistent over the last couple of months. Progress continues to be made on the Children’s Fellowship Hall, East Wing Project. PTL!

I miss you very, very much!

I love you very, very much!

Hello Southmoore Church Family,

I hope this letter finds you doing well in these uncertain days. All of our lives have changed. We are “doing life” differently because of the coronavirus. I know you are doing your part during the battle. I miss you and pray for you always. I can’t wait for the day we will be able to worship together.

This week, President Trump said that the country will slowly reopen. Which means our churches also will reopen.

Before that happens, we will need to prayerfully consider what we need to do to keep our church as safe as possible.

Ken Brady, an Oklahoma pastor, has compiled over 20 questions churches need to ask before we open our doors.

Here are some of those questions:

• What adjustments will you make to the Lord’s Supper, baptisms, and choir ministry?
• What about camps and VBS?
• What about Sunday School?
• Should we “pass the plate” for offerings?
• Will we continue Children’s Church?
• Will we provide coffee and donuts?
• Will we have greeters and bulletins?
• What about Sunday night and Wednesday night services?

The list goes on and on. As we can see, we will need to make many decisions before we open the doors of the church again. If you have any thoughts, opinions, or recommendations, please let me know. And above all, pray!

I also want to take this opportunity to give you an update on the East Wing Project at church. Progress is being made. The interior walls are up and now the electricians, plumbers, and heat and air can be installed. Of course, this will take some time depending on the coordination of all the sub-contractors.

Just a reminder to let you know that the church voted to begin this project in our last business meeting. Also, it was discussed to use $200,000 out of our general checking to begin this project. This will leave approximately $100,000 in our checking balance. By the way, our offering and tithes have been consistent over the last two months. Thank you for faithfully supporting the church with your tithes. You’re the best!

The stewardship committee voted to take action so we could start the project. We will have a better idea in a few weeks of the total cost of the project. We will consider some options for financing the balance.

I hope you are enjoying our church services on our website. I have talked to some of our members who didn’t know we have services on our website. Please help me pass this information on to the rest of the church.

I’m looking forward to the day we can assemble again together.

Oh what a day that will be!