The year of 2020 has challenged all of us. We have been fighting against a virus we cannot see. Social distancing has forced us apart. Societal and political issues continue to turn us against one another. Yet, into all of this uncertainty Southwood has been a source of faith, hope and love.
In the sections of this report you will read how Southwood, you and me together, have continued to be the church in these challenging times. Through online worship, Zoom studies, socially distanced ways of serving, giving sacrificially to the needs of those suffering, we have continued to live out our purpose to love God and love our neighbor. I give thanks for your ongoing commitment to the work of our church. May God be glorified.
—Pastor Greg Olson, Senior Pastor
Annual Meeting: Sunday, February 21, 2021, 12PM in the Sanctuary
All confirmed, communing, and contributing members of the congregation are urged to join together for a celebration of God’s blessings upon Southwood, and to conduct the annual congregational meeting. At this meeting, we’ll be making decisions about Southwood’s future, including our 2021 budget, election of our Church Council members, and the sale of a portion of our land.
through the Food Bank (Saratoga Backpacks, Lincoln Northeast Food Market and COVID-19 Food Distributions)
468 patients
at Clinic with a Heart
2,448 meals
at the Gathering Place
500 lunches
at F Street Rec Center
7,630 lbs
of produce donated from the Southwood Garden
Global Mission
Visits
Southwood Staff and Teams visited Sister Churches in Honduras & Tanzania prior to the onset of the pandemic
June Honduras Team made trip virtually, praying each day for the village and people served
Sister Churches
Funds provided to Sister Churches extended beyond initial plans due to pandemic and natural disasters
(Sister church pastors used funds to provide sanitation supplies & food)
Pronino Children’s Home
was damaged by hurricanes in November 2020
(Emergency funds were shared with Director Haley Janssen to help with immediate needs and eventual recovery projects)
Piecemakers
303 quilts made and distributed locally or globally
Tanzania Scholarship Program
80 sponsors and 27 donors supported 104 secondary and college students
• 9 students added to the program
• 14 students earned college degree/diploma
Care
Connections
• Phone calls and cards/notes shared with those in vulnerable groups by Care staff and Care Team volunteers
• Prayer requests shared daily with our Prayer Team
• Members matched with pastors and/or counselors, as requested
Southwood’s campus introduced composting campus-wide in March 2020
Online Worship Services
were offered in addition to in-person worship
Communion Delivery
Communion offered as part of online Christmas and Easter worship services
Drive-thru communion offered on All Saints Day and during the Be the Light event
Be the Light
In place of traditional Christmas Eve/Day services, a Be the Light drive-thru event was held featuring lighted displays, an opportunity for prayer and communion
344 vehicles participated with approximately 800 individuals communing
