BRANCHES June 2008

RANCHES
early june 2008
Powering Powerlab
EXPOSING THE HEARTS OF OUR
VBS DIRECTORS
Meet the Pattons
HOW HIGH-LIFE BROUGHT THEM BACK
P R E S B Y T E R I A N
C H U R C H

P R E S B Y T E R I A N
C H U R C H
pastor’s note
Mike Honeycutt | Senior Pastor
Bob Bradshaw | Executive Director
Nanette Respess | Assistant to the Senior Pastor
Ken Stuart | Director, Children’s and Family Ministry
Nancy McCreight | Assistant Director, Children’s Ministry
Dee Petcher | Director, Nursery
Pam Mayes | Administrative Assistant to Children’s Ministry
Ken Leggett | Associate Pastor, Youth Ministry
Jake Patton | Director, Senior High Ministry
Bill Harritt | Director, Junior High Ministry
Kim Delchamps | Administrative Assistant to Youth Ministry
Kayla Kimmons | Senior High Intern
Winnie Winford | Junior High Intern
Adam Steverson | Senior High Intern
Bill Nash | Associate Pastor, College and Singles Ministry
Karen Parks | Director, Women’s Ministry
Bob Boerner | Young Business Leaders (YBL)
James Parker | Chief Musician
Mark Stearns | Mercy Ministry
Alex Shipman | The Village Church
Amy Gandy | Administrator, Lincoln Village Ministry
Dale Bowen | Lincoln Village Preservation Corporation
Jonathan Barnette | Director, Communications
Phillip Barrett | Graphic Designer
Jonathan Forsythe | Graphic Designer
Len Forsythe | Director, Facilities and Grounds
Dave Wood | Facilities
Sharon Dutcher | Receptionist
Caroline Hess | Receptionist
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I
in him, he will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5
“…seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I
have carried you…. Pray to the LORD for it….”
Jeremiah 29:7
One of my favorite seminary professors and a dear friend,
Jerram Barrs, told us something in class one day that was
remarkably sad but at the same time a valid critique of
much of today’s Church. One of Jerram’s sons had a good friend who
was an atheist. When this friend discovered that Jerram was a pastor,
he asked Jerram’s son not to tell Jerram that he was an atheist. This
was why: “Christians,” he said, “hate non-Christians.”
Sadly Christians often give that impression because we isolate ourselves from the unbelieving
world as much as possible. I think of a pastor who once told his congregation, “We are
going to build for ourselves a gym; then our church will become entirely self-contained, and
we won’t have to have any contact with the world.” In other words, they would have enough
to do at church to keep them so busy that they wouldn’t have to interact with the unbelieving
culture around them.
Nothing could be more at cross-purposes with God’s intent for his Church. “You are the
light of the world,” Jesus said; “…let your light shine before men that they may see your
good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, 16). According to Jeremiah
29:7, the people of God are called to make a difference in their city, a difference that begins
with prayer. As Tim Keller notes, the only way to do that is to be on the city’s side—there’s
no room for hostility towards the city or even indifference; instead there must be positive
engagement with the city for the sake of the city.
BRANCHES
Editor-in-Chief: Jonathan Barnette
Editor: Nanette Respess
Designer: Jonathan Forsythe
CONTRIBUTORS
Amy Gandy
Nanette Respess
Adam Steverson
Ken Stuart
PHOTOS
Jonathan Forsythe
Stephanie Newberry
Eugene Worley
Cover: Denise Scripp
Please submit articles for future publications to
branches@southwood.org.
POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to
That means that we as a congregation want to be in this community for the sake of this community.
Individual members of the congregation are to involve themselves in the Huntsville-
Madison community in a way that brings the Gospel to bear on all of life, introducing
people to Christ and impacting the practices of our businesses and schools, the character
of our arts and entertainment, and even the laws and social norms that govern our culture.
And it must be done through humble involvement (as opposed to “lording it over others”)
as we seek to serve others after the sacrificial example of our Lord. Our heartfelt desire is to
extend to our world the olive branch of peace or “shalom” (spiritual, social, psychological,
and physical wellbeing). It’s a tall order, but one worth giving our lives to for the rest of our
lives.
In BRANCHES, our twice-monthly newsletter, you’ll see examples of the olive branch being
extended to the community; you’ll also see what’s going on inside the Southwood community
and find many places to plug in. Enjoy!
Mike Honeycutt
Senior Pastor
feedback!
Please send your suggestions,
comments, and annoucements to
branches@southwood.org
1000 Carl T. Jones Drive | Huntsville, Alabama 35802
(256) 882-3085 | www.southwood.org

from the
search
committee
Lincoln Village Update
Lincoln Village. We have become familiar with ment to “work until you throw us out or we can’t
the term. Many know the places of the village; work anymore”. It is the youth groups, college
some know the faces of Lincoln Village. A myriad kids, individuals and more who have come for a
of things are always happening in the village. A week, a day, a few hours to help paint, landscape
laundry list comes to mind of work completed, and move that mom into her new home. It is the
work ongoing and work to be done in the future. dedicated group of women who make lunch every
Kids are going to camp. Ballet camp is happening
this summer. Fantasy Playhouse is doing a that house and others.
week for the 20 men and women who worked on
workshop for kids from Lincoln School. Work is
being done on The Village Church so that an ‘after The body of Christ at work is a glorious sight
school’ program can begin this fall. We have a to behold and even more amazing to experience.
There are neighbors helping neighbors
new Assistant Pastor, a mental health worker in
the neighborhood, and a summer intern on board. and friends being made not only among those
Demolition, painting, planting. Food pantry once who labor, but also among those who labor and
a month. And the laundry list continues.
the residents. The laundry list continues, but the
truth is bigger, fuller and brighter than just that
Yet, the reality of a Lincoln Village update is so “update”. By God’s provision, life in the Village is
much more. It is the story of a single mom caring changing. Come share your gifts and talents and
for her disabled, bedridden son who recently be a part of the change.
moved into a brand-new refurbished house, which
she will eventually purchase. It is the story of the For more information regarding Lincoln Village and
group of men who worked every week to make its ministry opportunities, please contact Amy Gandy
that house possible and their on-going commit-
(amy@lincolnvillageministry.com).
{
Many have asked, “What is happening to
fill the position vacated by Ralph Keel?” We
have a search committee working diligently
through resumes and interviewing men to
fill two positions: Pastor of Discipleship and
Men’s Ministry and Pastor of Assimilation
and Crisis Pastoral Care. The Session tasked
this committee to work on their behalf to
locate qualified and interested individuals
for each of these positions. The committee
meets on a regular basis and is reviewing a
large number of submissions.
We are grateful to this committee for their
service to the church. The committee consists
of Bob Greenman (chairman), Todd
Gandy (co-chairman), Kenda Johnson,
Susan Lynch, Robert Mayes, Kirby Parks,
Michael Webber and Stephnie Blackwell
(clerk); Mike Honeycutt attends regularly
to provide his insights.
Please pray for the committee that God
would reveal His perfect will for Southwood
in these important positions. Also,
if any in the congregation have an input
for the committee, please provide it by
e-mail to Bob Greenman (rpgreenman1@
bellsouth.net).
COMING UP
Family Builders Cookout
The Family Builders are gathering on Saturday, June
21 from 2:-6:00pm on Lake Guntersville at the Oaks/
Promenade clubhouse and boat docks on Goose
Pond Island near Scottsboro. Burgers and dogs will
be grilled; drinks are provided. Bring a side dish for
8-10 folks to go with the meat. Boat rides, visiting and
swimming are part of the fare. Bring you lawn chair.
Cost per person is $5 (covers expenses). RSVP by
Sunday, June 15 to Jack Loose (881-8953 or
jackloose@knology.net). Maps available in the Family
Builders classroom.
Young Business Leaders Luncheon
Join other business professionals on Friday, June 27 at 11:30am at the Huntsville
Marriott for lunch and hear from Captain Scott Smiley, the 2007 Army Times Soldier
of the Year. Capt. Smiley is a West Point graduate who found himself face to face
with a car bomber in Mosul, Iraq on April 6, 2005. Though he didn’t shoot when
given the opportunity to do so, the car bomber detonated his payload and Capt.
Smiley’s eyes were destroyed. He is now finishing his MBA at Duke University and has
intentions of teaching at West Point. His topic will be about leadership from a biblical
perspective. Come, bring a guest and hear Capt. Smiley share life lessons he has
learned from his career and his faith.
Cost is $15/individual or $120/table of 8. Register through the YBL office (882-6003 or
ybl@arilion.com). Deadline is Monday, June 23.
early late june 2008

POWERLAB:
The Untold
True Story
POWER
the
behind
POWERLAB
Why would two women who have children (and one on the way), husbands,
and home projects volunteer to commit several months of time to
plan Vacation Bible School (VBS)? Many people will remember the long,
humorous emails from Leah Treen or the detailed opportunities to serve
from Michelle Sullins during last fall’s Southwood 300. Leah Treen (LT) and
Michelle Sullins (MS) responded to questions about their calling to serve
the church in this large endeavor June 9-12. Their answers reflect humor
and hearts that are tender to serving the church by using the gifts they
have been given.

Why would moms with very busy
lives volunteer to chair VBS?
MS: My daughter Emma’s 9th birthday is the first day of VBS. I am
hoping to convince her that this is all just a really big birthday party
for her. Seriously, I firmly believe that when we were kids, someone
served us through VBS. Back then, to work in VBS, you had to do
it all. You had to teach the lesson, lead the singing, and glue pine
cones into the shape of some Bible character all while trying to be
Jesus to your group of 45 kids. Today, things are so different, so
much easier for us to serve. The one thing that has not changed is
that we are setting the example for the next generation. I want my
children to see me serving and enjoying it because I want there to
be people to serve my grandchildren and great-grandchildren as
they go to VBS.
LT: I can trace my volunteering this year and last year directly
to sermons from Mike. Last year I noticed that the “ad” for the
much needed VBS director had been in the bulletin for weeks and
thought that I might be able to do it but always just assumed that
someone else would step up and take the
job. Then Mike preached a sermon on using
your gifts and I was convicted. Also, I’ve
stood up during every infant baptism and
said that I would help raise those children.
When this opportunity came up and I
saw that it fit my gift, I decided to do as I
promised during those baptisms. This year,
I had been wavering about whether or not I
was going to sign up as I had committed to
it last fall not expecting to be in this stage
of pregnancy at the time. I was tempted to
quit, but Mike preached a sermon about
service requiring sacrifice and how it may not always be comfortable.
The fulfillment of knowing that what we accomplish (through
the Holy Spirit) at the end of VBS will be worth the hours of labor,
prayer, frantic phone calls and endless emails.
What do you love about VBS?
MS: I love that VBS is all about Jesus, kids and having fun. What
could be better than that? I love those cheesy picture frames and
the loud songs. I love getting to act crazy with these kids in a setting
that is totally different from Sunday.
LT: The thing that I love the most is that I feel like I am fighting for
the souls of children.
What do you remember about VBS
as a child?
MS: I remember the lemonade and those little cookies they always
served with the hole in the middle that you stuck your finger
through. We always had these really great songs that we never
sang any other time. I also remember lots of crafts made out of
toilet paper and paper towel rolls. Mostly I remember watching
my dear aunt who had no children work at VBS every year, not
because she had to, but because she enjoyed it. That is really a
picture of Jesus. Serving out of a love for others, not just serving
your own little circle. In fact that precious woman will be here this
year and serving at our VBS. She will be serving little cookies with
holes in the middle in the volunteer snack room.
I pray frequently that
there will be lots of godly
adults in my children’s
lives–people who tell
them about Jesus in ways
different than we would
as their parents.
LT: I have not one single memory of VBS as a child. I want my
children (and their friends) to have a completely different experience.
I have told people that I am currently carrying my future VBS
Director replacement in my womb and she is in training from utero.
I love the fact that before this baby ever breathes air or sees my
face, she will hear the Lord’s ministry taking place all around her
and be a part of something bigger than any one person - part of
something eternal! Our children are the future of our faith.
What is the best part about being a
co-chair?
MS: There is someone to share the blame.
If we blow the church up with our experiments then I will have
someone to talk to in jail. Being a co-chair with Leah is great because
we have become good friends. This time last year I did not
have a clue who Leah was. I met her because she directed VBS last
year. She came at the last minute, took on this huge project and
did it with humor. I love funny people and she has a heart for kids
learning about Jesus so she had me with her tie-dyed pants.
LT: The thing I love the most is that
my co-chair is Michelle! She is strong
where I am weak, she has a heart for
children’s ministry and she’s hard core.
What is unique
about the teachers
or people who help?
MS: We apparently have several
church members who like the thought
of explosions on church property. Seriously,
the people who serve in children’s ministry amaze me. We
have these wonderful people who don’t even have children in VBS
anymore but they come and serve. They sit in the floor and listen
to the story about a child’s puppy for the 8th time and care. They
give hugs, they wipe noses, they hold hands. We have people who
serve who have never been married or had children of their own.
Wow! We have people with teenagers that still will sit on the floor
and hear these Bible stories for the hundredth time. One teenager
requested to be with a group of 1st grade girls because she has
had them every year they have been at VBS. We have a surgeon
who is rearranging his schedule that week just so he can help with
VBS in the mornings. That is making a difference where you are.
What kind of testimony will that be for the people he works with
when they find out what he is doing that week? I have had lots
of people come up and tell me they will serve wherever we need
them.
LT: Their heart of sacrifice is amazing to me. I have lists of people
including dads who have rearranged their schedules or taken
vacation so they can come and serve. That’s the body of Christ at
its best.
What role did you work in past
years of VBS?
MS: Last year I was a crew leader because that is obviously where
we need the most people. Therefore, they tend to get desperate
and not be so picky…so there I am.
late june 2008

seth lewis: home-grown
missionary
Ever wonder what our Southwood kids will be when they grow up? We
stand for baptisms and say we will help our parents raise these infants
in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Seth Lewis is one of those
children we have helped raise since 1987. Southwood was only a Sunday
night Bible study then. Fast forward to 2008. Seth is married to Jessica
and dad to Daniel. The Lewis family is moving to Ireland as missionaries
to plant churches with a mission called CrossWorld. Ireland, like the rest of
Europe, is only approx 1% evangelical Christian. They plan to begin their
ministry in Ireland by summer’s end.
LT: Last year I came on as the VBS Director in April. I hadn’t worked a
Southwood VBS or even been involved in Children’s ministry at Southwood
prior to that. So this is my plug to say, if you see an area that your
gifts can help fulfill then answer the call! Jump in there and do it!! We
all have a gift from the Spirit to use to glorify Christ…it doesn’t matter if
you have never served before. Every gift is important and needed. It is
for Christ that we serve!
What were you thinking when you
signed on to do this?
MS: I was thinking…Why not me? Why shouldn’t I step up to the plate?
I thought Leah might do it with me and Bill Harritt had said he would
help. I want our Southwood kids to enjoy coming to our church. I want
them to want to bring their friends. I want to get to know the kids at our
church. These are the people that will have an influence on my children,
who will be their friends, the people they date one day. I want to know
them and I want them to know me. I pray frequently that there will be
lots of godly adults in my children’s lives-people who tell them about
Jesus in ways different than we would as their parents. I think the more
they hear it, the more they believe it. I want them to see what it means
to live out your faith in a real way, not just pay lip-service to it but really
get out there and do something. And enjoy doing it…laugh a little…or
a lot.
LT: I was thinking of the glitz and glamour. The prestige that would come
with this title.
How does God teach you or stretch
you through this place of service?
MS: Well, I have heard some of the songs we are using and seen the
moves so I will definitely be stretched. The past 6 months have been
really crazy. Lots of things have happened that I never anticipated. Not
just with me but with dear friends and family members. God has had to
show me that he is in control, not me. What better way to learn that lesson
than to take on an impossible task? We are just watching God work
out the details with people I would have never expected in ways I would
have never thought of.
LT: By showing me my sin nature. I can so easily get overwhelmed or
frustrated and it’s in those times when I can feel the Holy Spirit remind
me that my focus is for eternity’s sake.
Serving alongside other people develops friendship and camaraderie
and reminds you of how the Body of Christ is supposed to function...for
Christ and His Kingdom!
Seth is a child of Southwood. Many of you walked alongside Seth in his
early years shaping and teaching him about what it means to follow Jesus.
Seth was learning and delighting in God’s word whether it was falling
off his chair in laughter (being followed by the whole class) in Ken and
Stephanie Newberry’s Sunday school class, hearing stories in their Pioneer
Club class, or swinging and doing flips on the bench press bars in Don’s
Gym during Nanette Respess’ 1st grade Sunday school. Bruce Railey was
a youth leader who influenced him. Scott Lynam lead a Bible study for
Seth and a few boys in high school. Before the age of 16, Seth was helping
lead 5 Day Clubs with CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship). As a teen,
Seth, joined others like Matt Hinshaw in acting out missionary stories for
children about Hudson Taylor and Jonathan Goforth. In 2000, Seth graduated
from high school but returned to us during the summers of 2002 and
2003 to intern with Nancy McCreight in our Children’s Ministry. Before
finishing college, God had made it clear to Seth that foreign missions is
what he was being called to. That calling was further defined in seminary
and confirmed shortly after graduation by being extended an invitation to
work with CrossWorld. Southwood is supporting her covenant child, Seth,
on this missions endeavor.
God used our Southwood family to help raise a young Christ follower to
a man following Christ’s call to Ireland. Look around you. The children
and youth you bump into in the pew or hallway, teach in Sunday school
or work with in High-Life are being shaped by you to carry the Gospel to
the lost in Huntsville and to the ends of the earth. Invest in the lives of our
children and youth and see God’s kingdom continue to be advanced for
generations to come. Your return will be rich - in stories of people who
come to know Jesus and in lives changed by the One they know.
You may meet Seth and Jessica on Sunday, June 8. They will have a display in the
Tower area. Their mission is the emphasis of Vacation Bible School and they will
be sharing about missions with our children.

narnia: prince caspian
by Adam Steverson
“The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian”
is the highly anticipated follow-up to the C.S.
Lewis classic, The Lion, The Witch, and the
Wardrobe. In “Prince Caspian,” the Pevensie
children once again find themselves magically
transported from 1940s England to the mystical
land of Narnia. The children are soon shocked
to learn that although it’s been only a year
since leaving Narnia, 1300 years have passed
in the land itself, and the state of affairs in their
beloved land has taken a turn for the worse. The
Telmarines, an evil group of Spanish conquerors
(or are they Italian? or British?), have oppressed
and marginalized the Narnians, and now this diverse
group of creatures have been relegated to
the woods of the land. The Narnians only hope
for their land is the Telmarine prince himself,
Caspian, who has recently been exiled from his
own land because of a power hungry uncle.
Director Andrew Adamson picks up where he
left off with the first movie, presenting a vivid
tale, which for the most part, is true to beloved
series by C.S. Lewis. In the Chronicles of Narnia,
the land itself is one of the most important
characters, and Adamson presents scene after
scene of lush landscape that makes any son of
Adam and daughter of Eve long for a true place
called Narnia.
Despite the beautiful landscape, this is without
a doubt a violent film, and yet somehow the
filmmakers managed to keep the bloodshed to
a minimum. The battle scenes are engaging and
dramatic, and the CGI in the film continues to
show a remarkable improvement in the realism
of computer-generated imagery. Many of the
talking animals of Narnia actually look real, and
not like misplaced animated creatures in a liveaction
film.
The actors in Prince Caspian turn in strong
performances, with the notable exception of
Prince Caspian himself, whose performance is
reminiscent of a petulant, scared boy (not unlike
Hayden Christenson’s Anakin Skywalker), instead
of a confident monarch that could rally men
and Narnians alike to follow him in battle. The
Pevensie children, however, all relative newcomers
to major motion pictures, once again strike
the perfect balance between childlike brashness,
faith, and confidence.
The Senior
High-Life ministry
went to
see the Lewis
classic as part
of our Film
Club, a time
for leaders
and students
to gather together,
watch
a film, and
then discuss
the redemptive
themes of that film. Film Club allows us to
search for truth in a film, and it helps us develop
skills of meditation and reflection, not just consumption.
It also allows us to enjoy one of God’s
amazing gifts, great art. Film is powerful and
persuasive, and Senior High-Life is excited about
using this influential medium for the advancement
of God’s Kingdom.
If you would like to participate in Senior High Life’s
Film Club, contact Adam or Jake (adam.steverson@
southwood.org / jake.patton@southwood.org).
meet the pattons.
JAKE PROFILE>
We have a new face leading worship. He is familiar to some, not to others. When asking Jake
what he has been doing with his time this spring, he will answer, “ivy.” The Pattons returned
to Huntsville after four years in St. Louis, MO where Jake studied for his Masters of Divinity
(MDiv) at Covenant Seminary. They have settled into a home that needs much yard love which
Paige and Jake have embraced. The Pattons’ love of outdoor activities finds them pulling ivy,
mowing, trimming shrubs, putting in a vegetable garden or just playing with Laci (2 ½) and Luke
(10 months). While life in Huntsville looks different from their first time here, it feels like home.
Jake came to Southwood as a single fellow just out of Covenant College in May 2000 to be
the intern for the youth, but after a summer here, committed to staying on as staff and ran the
youth program with volunteers until Ken Leggett arrived in May 2001. Feeling called to a formal
education in the ministry, Jake and his bride Paige moved to Covenant and quickly found community
through the seminary. Living by Paige’s brother and wife who were finishing seminary
helped them feel at home in St. Louis. When interviewing at a church last fall and being concerned
about the leadership model and staff he met with, Paige said to Jake, “stop looking for
Southwood somewhere else because you won’t find it (leadership, collegial staff, community).”
Now that they are back in Huntsville, the Pattons are adjusting to life with two little ones and
a new home. Jake has jumped into youth ministry full-force with a winter retreat, mission trips,
youth interns and summer planning on his docket. Paige is enjoying time with other moms and
creating a home that welcomes those who stop by as well as getting to know her neighbors. So
when you see the Pattons, let them know how glad you are to have them back in the Southwood
community...ivy and all.
early
late june
june
2008
2008

z
z
Southwood at a Glance
1 12:15p Church Lawn 9
3
5
6
7
VBS LAUNCH PARTY VBS BEGINS
HIGH LIFE to MEXICO
COLLEGE NIGHT
6-9:00p TBD
SUMMER SPLASHDOWN
12-2:30p TBD
CLIMB BEGINS
JUNE
VBS ENDS
HIGH LIFE RETURN FROM MEXICO
10
12
13
9-12p Fellowship Hall
9-12p
SR. HIGH at the POOL
10-1:00p Blossomwood
CLIMB ENDS
COLLEGE NIGHT
6-9:00p TBD
SUMMER SPLASHDOWN
12-2:30p TBD
8 HIGH LIFE RETURN FROM PERU (two week team)
(one week team)
HIGH LIFE RETURN FROM PERU
17
18
19
20
21
SR. HIGH at the POOL
10-1:00p Piedmont
GIRLS SELF-DEFENSE WORKSHOP
6-9:00p TBD
COLLEGE NIGHT
6-9:00p TBD
SUMMER SPLASHDOWN
12-2:30p TBD
FAMILY BUILDERS COOKOUT
2:00p Lake Guntersville
PAGE TURNERS
9:00a Books-a-Million
23
24
26
27
THE EDGE
Covenant College
PUMP IT UP!
12:15-2:30p
WATER PLAY DAY
10-11:30a Church Lawn
COLLEGE NIGHT
6-9:00p TBD
RETURN FROM THE EDGE
YBL LUNCHEON
12:00p Huntsville Marriot
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT
7:00p The Lodge
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
HIGH LIFE
ken.leggett@southwood.org
jake.patton@southwood.org
bill.harrit@southwood.org
winnie.winford@southwood.org
SOUTHWOOD KIDS
ken.stuart@southwood.org
nancy.mccreight@southwood.org
pam.mayes@southwood.org
WOMEN’S MINISTRY
SINGLES & COLLEGE
GENERAL / OTHER
karen.parks@southwood.org worship@southwood.org
JUNE
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
bill.nash@southwood.org