| Southwood Lutheran Church

Vitality Initiative Introduction

Posted by on Dec 06, 2023

Southwood is excited to be a part of the ELCA's Vitality Initiative, an opportunity we share with nine other Nebraska Synod congregations. As a vital congregation, we are committed to God’s presence and purpose through relationships that encourage seeking out faith and using one's gifts to meet the community's spiritual and physical needs as God’s people. As we focus on what’s vital in the life of a congregation and community, we experience God’s kingdom becoming a reality on earth as it is in heaven. We encourage you to be part of this journey by learning more and sharing your time and energy with us as Southwood continues to grow and see change throughout Lincoln and its neighborhoods.

The Vitality Initiative pushes us to ask ourselves faithful questions like:

• Who are our neighbors? Discerning context and the surrounding community(s) to which the congregation is a part.

• What is God inviting? Discerning the next most faithful step and lean into God’s invitation to come and see, follow, experiment, and serve.

Vitality Initiative Phases

Meet the Team!

Pastor Michael Ryan

It's exciting to ponder the future of our church and to position it to be as effective as possible in serving others, to be a place of community with a God focus and support. The vitality initiative seeks to learn about both the needs and our strengths to meet the challenges ahead.

I see God working through all the ups and downs in people's lives. It's an honor to be with others in their most vulnerable times. I love my faith community. I want this community of faith to be there for many others as well.

Brenda Semin

I committed to serving on the Vitality Initiative because I think it is a great chance for us as a congregation to explore and share what we feel Southwood's identity/purpose is including how we are vital to our community. We have amazing opportunities ahead of us as a church and I feel like this process can play a part in our future steps.

Southwood first became vital as we joined a small group as part of the Purpose Driven Life. Being part of a small group has changed our faith growth in so many ways as it changed our hearts as we studied God's word together. It made us so open to the invitations that have followed to join in learning classes at Southwood, serving both in our community and in Honduras, and encouraging others to be involved.

Grace Johnson

Why I'm on the team: During my internship at the ELCA Churchwide Office a few years ago, I had the opportunity to collaborate with the Congregational Vitality Team. I was impressed with the way this model emphasizes the uniqueness of every congregation and the way that plays a role in how each church reaches out to our neighborhood, and in so doing, become vital members of our community.

Southwood became vital to me: I started attending Southwood as a high school student after being invited by a friend. I got an immediate sense of the deep community and focus on service. Later on as a college student and young adult, pastors and members provided stability that formed much of my support system.

Sheri Paden

I committed to this team because I believe in the purpose and direction of our church. Our mission is ever changing and serves all people in our congregation, our city, and globally.

Southwood has provided many experiences that have enriched my faith and interaction with fellow Christians. Through my experiences in choir, VBS, Sunday School, council, and fellowship committee, I have felt the love of Southwood during many tough times; especially through two cancer journeys. My faith has been strengthened so much from my relationships in the church and the many good times in the church.

Bob Kacvinsky

Diane and I have been members of Southwood since 1989. I was a "participating" member, being on usher teams, helping sometimes with projects, periodically attending a Bible study. In 2003-4 SWL decided to participate in the 40 Days of Purpose that energized my faith and to serve. Following the Hallam tornado, I joined a group that helped to rebuild 3 farm buildings. As we completed the fun projects, several of us heard and joined up to build a church in Honduras. These events changed my outlook on the church, service, missions, and growing my faith. The Vitality Team is tasked to identify Southwood's "heart and soul", what are our passions both internally and externally so everyone can experience what I did 20 years ago.

Jason Pauling

Southwood is a significant part of my, and my family's, story. I want to help in any way possible to make sure Southwood remains strong and a place where more people can grow in their love for God and others.

Southwood became vital to me after deciding to "get more involved in church". Southwood provided opportunities for our kids to learn about Jesus, for our family to serve in the local community and internationally, and for me to get involved with Men's Groups. All of these opportunities are helping me learn to be a better Christ-follower and ultimately a better Husband, Dad, Friend, Co-worker, etc.

Colbi Schuster

I'm looking forward to being part of discovering Southwood's strengths at this time and place...and how God will use these gifts for His purposes in the years to come.

Three impactful experiences at Southwood for me were The Purpose Driven Life, Alpha and Divorce Care/Singles Group. Each resulted in deep connections and fellowship with others, a deeper connection with God and personal growth.

Dennis Headrick

We can see that the affect of COVID on our congregation has reduced the number of people attending worship. Plus the growth in this area of Lincoln says there is a great opportunity for Southwood to reach out and grow, so serving on this committee is important.

In 2009 we were looking for a new church and most churches were not traditional. In attending Southwood and getting a bulletin, hearing a great message, and listening to wonderful music made the decision for us to be a part of Southwood Lutheran Church.

John Montag

The Vitality team offers the opportunity to make an important contribution to Southwood and give back to the people who make it a great place to belong. It enables us to help Southwood thrive and serve members and partners here in Lincoln and in Honduras and Tanzania.

Adult classes with Pastor Karl-John led to discussions with Pastor Michael, more adult classes, small-group book discussions, and expanding involvement in other aspects of Southwood--writing Daily Devotionals, teaching in J-Term, and participating in spiritual retreats. It is the relationships that have grown out of that involvement that make Southwood vital.

Jennifer McHargue

I had been praying about where I should serve next and the Vitality Initiative felt like the right choice. I am really looking forward to see where this process leads our team and the congregation.

I joined Southwood because it felt like home. I love the amazing relationships I have formed through participating in a Small Group, Bible Studies, MOPS, teaching Sunday School, thought-provoking classes, different serving opportunities and so many other wonderful interactions.