Because its pages are filled with prostitutes and princes, dragons and beasts, creatures with multiple heads, eyes and wings, plagues and a lake of fire, it’s easy to understand why the book of Revelation is the most misunderstood book in the Bible, if not the most misunderstood book in the entire world. With interpretations and opinions abounding, could it be that a simple and beautiful picture has been lost, even taken hostage in our pursuit to master its cryptic language? The title itself infers that something or someone is going to be “revealed.” What and/or who did God want us to see? And why did the message need to be written in coded and veiled language? Beginning Sept. 5/6 join us as we embark on an epic journey into the visual heart of an ancient book; an ancient book with a story that needs to be dusted off for a new generation of readers longing for more than what this present world can offer; an ancient book with a story that will take us back in time to help us think about our future. You won’t want to miss this series as God pulls back the curtain and gives us a preview of coming attractions!

Did you know Southland helps reached hundreds of marginalized, uninsured residents of Jessamine and Fayette counties through the Refuge Medical Clinics? We are seeing more patients, and that means we need more medical volunteers. We are looking for help from doctors, dentists, and dental specialists. For more information, email Rachel.

On Aug. 29-30, Southland Christian Church welcomes Lee Strobel, atheist-turned-Christian author and national speaker. Lee will be our guest speaker for the last message in the IT series. Lee is the former award-winning legal editor of The Chicago Tribune, is a New York Times best-selling author of nearly 20 books, including The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith, The Case for a Creator, and Inside the Mind of Unchurched Harry and Mary. For more information on Lee Strobel, visit www.leestrobel.com.

If you’ve ever read through the book of Revelation, chances are you were scared to death or totally confused---maybe both. This fall at Southland we'll get an inside look of what God revealed to John in our message series, Now Showing… An Apocalypse of John. We’re also offering morning and evening classes on the same topic. Classes start in September.

• AM Class
• PM Class

If you are enrolled in a Christian school or college, you may be eligible for an educational scholarship through the Slone Scholarship Fund. Applicants must be members of Southland for at least one year. For more information, visit the following links for the respective application:

• Elementary Slone Scholarship
• Middle School Slone Scholarship
• High School Slone Scholarship
• College Slone Scholarship

Celebrate with us as we wrap up the “IT” message series with a big baptism service at the pond on Southland’s property. Our last Baptism in the Pond celebration on Easter weekend had a huge turnout with hundreds of decisions to follow Jesus Christ! Our next Baptism in the Pond is at 3pm, Sunday, August 30. (The water may even be a little warmer this time.) If you’d like to get baptized, contact Sarah.

If you’re planning a wedding, you probably already know that you need all the help you can get. We’re not offering to pay for the tuxes, but we are offering a four-week Pre-marriage Class that helps couples prepare for the lifelong commitment of marriage through biblical foundations. You will be guided and encouraged to build on your strengths as a couple and recognize areas where you can grow together in your marriage. The four-week class begins at 6:30pm, Wednesday, September 9, but you must register by September 2. To register, call Mary Helen at 859.224.1638.

Have you ever tried to read the books of the Old testament and closed the Bible with a pained, confused expression on your face? The Old Testament can be exciting to read and it’s very important in understanding parts of the New Testament. If you need help making sense of the Old Testament, join us for “Walk Thru the Bible – Old Testament,” a five-week class that will help you discover the major themes of this fascinating collection of books. 10–11am, Sundays, August 30--September 27. Register online here.

Southland’s Danville Campus launches September 6, and we are looking for people to help us in our Children’s Ministry until our volunteer base is established. If you would like to help during the first few weeks, contact Laura at 859.224.1662 or lmcintyre@southlandchristian.org

Middle School programs will see some changes this fall. Parents are asked to attend one of these meetings to get the details: * 11:30am--12:30pm, Sunday, Aug 9, Building C * 4:30--5:30pm, Saturday, Aug 22, Building C For more information, contact Mallory at 859.977.2755 or mrohach@southlandchristian.org.

Through Southland’s Circles of Influence School Partnerships, you can make a big difference with a small contribution. With just a little time, you can help tutor or mentor a student or encourage a teacher. With just a few extra groceries, you can help feed children on the weekends. More information is available on MySouthland.

Have you ever wanted to help people find a more intimate and life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ? Join us for our Spiritual Friendship class 6:30-8:30 pm, Wednesdays, July 8-22. Register on MySouthland.

Do you feel called to pray with, listen to, and connect people to Christ? If so, you might consider being a Decision Counselor during and after weekend services. Training is provided. More information is available on MySouthland.

Did you pick up a baby bottle to benefit the ministry of Assurance? Don't forget to bring back your bottle with your contribution to this ministry (checks made payable to Assurance) on June 20/21. Bring back your empty bottles too! For more information on Assurance, visit www.assurancecare.org.

Everyone has some issues to deal with in life. Everyone has hang-ups, habits and hurts -- but when these things get really difficult, there's help at Celebrate Recovery. Southland's Celebrate Recovery group meets every Thursday evening. More information is available on MySouthland.