We’re getting close. In spite of the recent cold front that took our minds back to winter, summertime is not too far ahead. And that can only mean that the 28th annual Southside Lectures are just over the horizon.

It is amazing how each lectureship has its own set of special memories that make it unique. Every year is the same, but every year is different. You come to expect the excitement and the energy and the warmth year to year. That never changes. But the people and personalties and combination of speakers make each lectures the highlight of every summer. I look forward to what the 28th edition will bring, both new and old.

The dates are June 18-21. Be sure and mark them down in your calendar before your summer starts filling up. Every year, we have people who plan their family vacations around the lectures. Sometimes, folks even take that week off of work so they can come to the morning sessions. Not everyone is able to do that, but you can begin planning to be here as much as possible. Trust me. You’ll look forward to it.

This year’s theme is a timely one: God’s Home and Family. Driving around town, you see quite a few houses being built. Oh, that we would give such time and attention to creating a home. The 28th edition of the lectures will take us back to the beginning when God said, “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife” (Gen. 2:24). It will take us back to the gospels when Jesus said, “What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matt. 19:9). It will take us back to the inspired instructions given to husbands, wives, and children (Eph. 5:22-ff). It will take us back to the Bible, the foundation of the family.

We have assembled an exciting cast of speakers in whom we have confidence to bring the messages home. Russ Bowman is no stranger to Southside or the Southside Lectures. He is the son of Dee & Norma Bowman and preaches for the Northwest church in Beaumont. Pray for him and for his wife, Tracy, and their three daughters as they make their preparations to come home for this special week.

Kenny Moorer is the Roger Shouse of this year’s program. Many of our people have not heard him preach, but none of our number will be disappointed. Kenny works with the University church in Tampa, Florida and serves as the Athletic Director at Florida College. We look forward to having him and his wife, Beth, with us.

You will recognize David Thomley’s name. Not just because he has held meetings around the area, but because he is the brother of Mike Thomley who worked in the preacher-training program at Southside several years ago. David and Jeannie labor in Brentwood, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville.

Jim Ward preaches and serves as an elder for the Lost River congregation in Bowling Green, Kentucky. But he is from east Texas and preached at West Avenue in San Antonio for many years. We welcome Jim and Janie back to Texas for what is sure to be a memorable time.

And what would the Southside Lectures be without R.J. & Pauline Stevens? Each year, the congregational singing captures our hearts and stirs us to greater worship. It is still a thrill to anticipate the first song.

The lectures will be here sooner than you think. Don’t be caught with your house out of order. Look forward to them.