South Street’s back-to-school programs are about to get under way, and we’re grateful to be welcoming students back with the love and compassion of Jesus!

Here are a few updates from our leaders:

Riley Alchier says …

After a summer filled with fun-in-the-sun days, RICH Kids EnRICHment Program is excited to ring in the back-to-school season with a fun, fresh iteration of programming.

We wouldn’t have been able to provide the wonderful opportunities this summer without the support of friends who donated not just monetary and in-kind supplies, but those who donated their time as well. We appreciate those who have supported our vision this summer and invite you to join us this fall.

Our students love meeting new volunteers to learn from and play with. In the weeks to come, RICH Kids students will learn about nature, improve their literacy skills, and continue to develop their spiritual understanding. Please fill out a volunteer application to join us for a fun fall filled with learning and opportunities!

Bob Irwin says …

“Be still and know that I am God.” That is the first line of a verse many of us are familiar with — Psalm 46:10. We are told to rest and slow down in a number of other places as well. But if you are like me in any way, this is very hard to do.

I have been on staff with South Street for close to 15 years now, and a part of the ministry for about 20 years. In that time, I never experienced what it was like to rest and truly be still. I love working with the kids and families even through the challenges — children can be a handful at times … but who isn’t?!

And yet this past summer I was able to take a 12-week sabbatical! In leading up to the time, I really did not know what to expect. But I definitely saw God in a new way. I was able to have time to think, pray, and renew my delight in who He is and where He has me and wants me to be.

Psalm 37:4 says that when you delight yourself in the Lord, He will give you the desires of your heart. This is exactly how I can sum up the last 12 weeks! I was able to step back and find my delight in Him again!

I am back now … and we are planning and preparing for the fall season of RICH Kids. I am excited to see God’s hand move in a powerful way through and in the lives of these kids, their families, and all the staff and volunteers who come alongside each other!

God bless you for your support of South Street’s efforts among our neighbors. You are making an impact for the Kingdom … enriching kids in our community and pointing them toward Christ’s love!

We are thrilled to have begun Year 2 of the Discipleship House Fellowship!

Year 1 flew by … and we are so excited to begin this work of discipleship in such an intentional, communal way with a new group of people who are all in on investing this next nine months to learn, serve, and grow in Christ.

It is with great joy that I get to introduce our three Discipleship House Fellows for this 2023-2024 season: Chloe, Courtney, and Zoe!

I asked each of our DHF Fellows to answer a few questions so you can get to know them! So without further ado …

• “Tell us a fun fact about yourself.”
  • Chloe — I love to dance!
  • Courtney — I can blow up a balloon with my nose.
  • Zoe — I’ve dyed my hair in almost every color of the rainbow.

• “What brings you joy?”
  • Chloe — My friends and family.
  • Courtney — Any form of art; being around my friends and family.
  • Zoe — Cats and children. 

• “Why did you choose to participate in the DHF?”
  • Chloe — I chose to participate because I knew it would be a safe space for me to be challenged, learn, and grow in my relationship with the Lord. I knew it would challenge my opinions and perspectives on how to live out a Christ-centered life.
  • Courtney — I wanted to learn more about God’s character and what a Christian community looks like.
  • Zoe — I wanted to find somewhere to serve in my community and make a positive impact in society. 

• “What is a hope of yours for this coming year?”
  • Chloe — To hold a deeper and more intimate relationship with the Lord.
  • Courtney — That I’ll become more connected in the Summit Lake community and grow in my faith and understanding.
  • Zoe — To grow a more personal connection with God. 

• “The DHF is designed to be a space where we worship, live, serve, and do community all in the same place. How has it been stepping toward such a lifestyle at the DHF?”
  • Chloe — Personally, it has been a bit of a challenge for me and also quite refreshing. I both appreciate and am challenged by the intention within the house as well as the closeknit Christian community that I have just jumped into. I have had immense gratitude toward the DHF and the community for welcoming me in.
  • Courtney — I’ve really enjoyed the lifestyle of the DHF, I think it’s a little bit of a culture shock. But with a group this easy to love, I’ve acclimated quickly.
  • Zoe — It’s been a little challenging at times, but the people in the house are really supportive, and through rough times they’ve shown that they’ll be there to support me. 

• “Being a few weeks in, how would you describe the DHF?”
  • Chloe — An intentional and loving environment.
  • Courtney — I would describe the DHF as community-oriented, intentional, and immersive.
  • Zoe — A family environment. We all take care of each other as a family would. 

• “What is one thing you’ve learned or that stands out to you so far in your experience at the DHF?”
  • Chloe — One thing I’ve learned is that I don’t have to act or do things a certain “Christian” way. I just need to be who Jesus authentically made me to be, to serve and love His people in community.
  • Courtney — So far, one thing I’ve learned is how to be confident in the way the Holy Spirit is working in me and not to be self-conscious of the ways I’m still in process.
  • Zoe — I’ve learned that through hard times, praying and talking to God helps calm the storm. 

• “How has Jesus met you within your time in the House thus far?”
  • Chloe — Jesus has met me with an immense amount of grace and patience. He has been so kind in reminding me of who I am and how loved I am, time and time again (Psalm 139).
  • Courtney — One way Jesus has met me here is just by providing me peace and guidance as I’ve gotten used to the House.
  • Zoe — I feel Jesus has met me through throwing challenges my way and helping me work through them.

Thank you so much for your gracious support that makes life-on-life discipleship like this a reality here at South Street Ministries.

Please keep our DHF Fellows in prayer as they keep learning to joyfully lay their lives down as our Savior has so beautifully taught us to do.

Mark 10:29-31: “Jesus said, ‘Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.’”