SUMMIT NEWS

The Start of the School Year
For most families and churches in Athens, August represents the start of a new year. At Summit Limestone, we’re really excited about all that we are doing as we head out of summer and into the fall. This month is designed to give you a chance to get back and get settled into your new fall routine. We’ll be sharing a lot of details over the coming weeks about more events, classes, and other plans we have in store for the fall.

But in the meantime, August will feature the restart of Summit Students, the start of a Perspectives class, the restart of our Momco Meetups, and a sermon series reaffirming our commitment to our mission to see the kingdom of Christ advance from our neighborhoods to the nations by making disciples for the glory of God. 

So as you transition back into a new school year, we hope you’ll join us in our excitement about the months ahead together as a church.


COMING IN AUGUST

SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER
On Sunday mornings, whoever is interested is invited to join us to pray prior to each of our services. We’ll meet in the lobby at 8:20a and 10:40a and then spend time praying in the auditorium before finishing in the Green Room praying with the Teaching and Worship Arts Team before the beginning of the service. No need to sign up. Just show up and help us pray!

SUMMIT KIDS
In August, Summit Kids will continue in the Gospel Project for Kids in Unit 35: Paul's Mission to Rome.  After three missionary journeys on which God used Paul to plant many churches and see many people trust in Christ, Paul returned to Jerusalem where he was arrested. Paul would eventually be sent to Rome as a prisoner, but this did not stop him from doing everything he could to preach the gospel and make much of Jesus. 

The big picture question/answer for Unit 35 is:  Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for what He has done to provide our salvation and because He will one day make all things right.

The key passage for Unit 35 is Isaiah 25:1 "O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure."

Summit Kids meets each Sunday during the 9a and 11a service for babies - 5th graders. See summitlimestone.org/kids for more information on events, at home resources, and volunteer opportunities.  Please also visit the Summit Kids table located outside the check-in station to find Sermon Notes for Kids, Sermon Notes for Middle Schoolers, family worship resources, and more.

SUMMIT STUDENTS
This month Summit Students is back! We are looking forward to what will be an awesome semester as we continue our rhythm of gathering weekly on Wednesday nights to play games, worship as family, and dive into God’s Word with one another. We will be in the book of Philippians. Our focus will be geared towards two main ideas: “Joy in Christ” and “Love for one another”.  

Our Summit Students Fall Kickoff will be Wednesday, August 11 from 6:15-8:15p. Click or tap here for more information or visit www.summitlimestone.org/events.

Starting Sunday, August 11 | 3-6p
PERSPECTIVES CLASS
@ Lindsay Lane East Campus
Perspectives is a fifteen-lesson discipleship course exploring different aspects of God’s global purpose in a multi-faceted learning experience. The course examines the story of God fulfilling His promises from four vantage points or “perspectives” — Biblical, Historical, Cultural, and Strategic.
 
Perspectives will meet Sunday afternoons 3-6 pm starting August 11th. The first two classes are FREE! The course can be $0-250 depending on your financial need. 

If you have questions or want more information, contact Ashley Whaley at ashleygracewhaley@gmail.com.


Thursday, August 22 | 9-11a
MOMCO MEET-UP
Join us for our  Momco meet-ups. The Momco By MOPS International is a group designed to meet mothers where they are. Its purpose is to build community with fellow mothers. At our Momco meet-ups we will walk through and support mothers in the hard parts of life and celebrate those beautiful moments in motherhood! For more info, please email Casey Walters at caw21637@gmail.com.

Sunday, August 25 | 6:30-7:30p
NEIGHBORHOODS TO NATIONS PRAYER NIGHT
Join us for a family night of prayer as we seek God’s presence together as a church and pray for God’s Kingdom to advance from our neighborhoods to the nations. 

Starting Sunday, September 8 | 5-6:30p
DEEPER DIVE AT FIVE CLASS
Our Deeper Dive at Five Bible study will return on Sunday, September 8. More details coming soon!

A complete list of all our events can be found at www.summitlimestone.org/events.

To read the recent letter that the Elders at Summit Crossing Community Church - Madison released, click or tap here.

Camping Season!
As we head into the middle of the summer, I always get excited for my teenage sons. Next week, they’ll have a chance to go to our Summit Student camp, and every year I’m blown away by how much God does in so many of our students’ lives during that week.

It reminds me of how many times God has moved in my life through unique shared experiences like camp. I can remember one of my first camp experiences when I was in high school. On the final night, during a time where we were singing together and worshiping God, my friends and I were so overwhelmed by God’s presence, and His grace and love towards us through the Gospel of Jesus, that we broke down weeping and rejoicing like we never had before. Decades later, we still look back at that week of camp as a pivotal moment that the Holy Spirit used to solidify our faith.

I honestly can’t be more excited to see what God does this year in so many of our students’ hearts, and in the lives of our camp mentors. 

PLEASE take time to pray for them. Pray for camp (July 8-12). Pray for the logistics. Pray for the weather to cooperate. But most of all, pray that God would move powerfully in their lives in the same way He has moved in so many others’ lives through camp over the past several years. 

It’s going to be an awesome month!

Much love and grace,

Pastor Bill

COMING IN JULY

NEW PRAYER TEAM
This month, we will be creating a weekly prayer team with 4 different opportunities to participate:

Prior to the 9:00 service, the prayer team will gather at 8:20 to pray over each chair ahead of the service and then again at 8:45 in the green room with the preacher and worship team right before the beginning of our gathering. The same slots will repeat ahead of the 11:00 service (10:20 - chairs and 10:45 - worship team). Over time, we will roll out additional opportunities and formats to participate in.

SUMMIT KIDS
Summit Kids will continue in the Gospel Project for Kids in Unit 33.

Paul had been one of the leaders persecuting the church, but when he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, all of that changed. Paul became a follower of Jesus and would spend the rest of his life on mission, telling others about the One he used to persecute. Jesus can truly save anyone. 

The big picture question/answer for Unit 33 is:  Who can be saved? Anyone who trusts in Jesus can be forgiven of their sins and be right with God.

The key passage for Unit 33 is: 

“God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” - John 3:17

Summit Kids meets each Sunday during the 9a and 11a service for babies - 5th graders. See summitlimestone.org/kids for more information on events, at home resources, and volunteer opportunities.  Please also visit the Summit Kids table located outside the check-in station to find Sermon Notes for Kids, Sermon Notes for Middle Schoolers, family worship resources, and more.

Sundays | 5-6:30p
EQUIPPING CLASS: 1 Samuel Deeper Dive
Our Deeper Dive Bible study will continue on Sunday nights throughout the summer (with occasional breaks). We’ll spend time in the different Psalms that are being covered on Sunday mornings. Everyone is welcomed, and this is a great place to invite a new person to connect to our church.

Sunday, July 7 | 7:00-8:30p
SUMMIT PICKLEBALL NIGHT
Join us for a family friendly night of pickleball up at Swan Creek Park. Whether you’re a seasoned pro like Bill M who is undefeated and can never be beat, or a young rookie like Chris B who doesn’t even know how to hold a paddle, this night is for you! Bring a friend and let’s play!

Thursdays, July 11 & 25 | 9-11a
MOMCO MEET-UP
Join us for our  Momco meet-ups. The Momco By MOPS International is a group designed to meet mothers where they are. Its purpose is to build community with fellow mothers. At our Momco meet-ups we will walk through and support mothers in the hard parts of life and celebrate those beautiful moments in motherhood! For more info, please email Casey Walters at caw21637@gmail.com.

Sunday, July 21 | 2:00-5:00p
SUMMIT FAMILY SWIM PARTY!
Nothing says July like a good old fashioned swim party! We reserved the Athens Sportsplex pool for a few hours on the afternoon of July 21. Everyone is invited, so bring your family, some friends, some sunscreen, and get ready for an afternoon of family fun!
 
Sunday, July 28 | 9a & 11a
SUMMIT KIDS & STUDENTS PROMOTION SUNDAY
This year we will be promoting our kids to their next grades on Sunday, July 28. We’ll spend time during the service praying for them, their parents, and for our Summit Kids & Students Teams. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s promotion contact Brooke at brooke@summitlimestone.org (birth-5th grade) or Luke at luke@summitlimestone.org (6th-12th).

Sunday, July 28 | 6:30-7:30p
NEIGHBORHOODS TO NATIONS PRAYER NIGHT
Join us for a family night of prayer as we seek God’s presence together as a church and pray for God’s Kingdom to advance from our neighborhoods to the nations. In July we’ll spend time specifically praying for our Summit kids, students, and teachers as they get ready to start a new school year. 

A complete list of all our events can be found at www.summitlimestone.org/events

Dear Summit Crossing Limestone Members and Attenders,

We wanted to reach out about a serious situation involving our sister church, Summit Crossing Community Church - Madison. One of their former staff members, Mark Sellers - who until today was the Director of Missional Communities - was arrested earlier today on one count of solicitation of a child under 16.

The Madison Elders released a lengthy email with more details surrounding this situation including details about how they are caring for the families involved while cooperating with police in the ongoing investigation.

We want to encourage you to read the Summit Madison email BELOW.

Please know that even though Mark was not on our staff, and hasn’t had any regular contact or involvement in our Summit Kids or Students programs, we felt it was important to loop you into what was going on since many of you know the Sellers and care deeply about our sister church in Madison.

In addition, even though we are closely connected to Summit Madison, we want to be clear that we are our own, independent church and therefore have limited access to the details of what’s going on beyond the information in the email that was sent out. If there is any more information that directly relates to our church in Limestone, then we will keep you informed.

With that said, we share more than just a name with Summit Madison. We love them deeply, we have partnered with them throughout the life of our church, and we are deeply committed to them. Please join us in praying for them and for everyone involved in this situation.

If you have further questions, please direct them to the Summit Limestone Elders by emailing elders@summitlimestone.org.

Finally, we know news like this can be very difficult for you. It’s natural to have questions or to need to talk about it. If this situation stirs up emotions or personal memories, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our elders, staff, and leaders are here to support you in any way we can. We are ready to listen, spend time with you, and offer prayer and other appropriate support.

The first step to connect is to email us at elders@summitlimestone.org. If you are not ready to talk to a church leader, there are several other resources that are available for you right now.

Click or tap here for a list of resources that are available to help you.

Much love,

The Summit Limestone Elders

Bill Magsig
Joey Thompson
Greg Clay

BELOW IS THE LETTER FROM THE SUMMIT MADISON ELDERS:

Summit Crossing Members & Attenders

In the spirit of full transparency and a desire to care well for our membership and community, we need to inform you about a serious situation involving Mark Sellers, who until today was our Director for Missional Communities.

On the evening of May 13, the leadership of Summit Crossing met with the mother of a minor and became aware that Mark Sellers had been sending sexually inappropriate and explicit text messages to her teenager, who is not a member or attender of Summit Crossing. Elders and leaders reviewed evidence provided by the mom between Mark Sellers and the teenager. We viewed these communications as showing a pattern of predatory behavior and sexual exploitation -- commonly referred to as grooming.

Our Elders and leaders believed the mother, encouraged her to file a police report and shared that we would be reporting the matter to appropriate authorities as well. The following morning, at 9:30 AM, Matthew Wilson, our Executive Director, filed a report with the Alabama Department of Human Resources, which houses the state’s Child Protective Services. Later that same day, Patrick Johnson (Elder), David Ballinger (Elder) and Matthew Wilson met with investigators of the Special Victims Unit to file a police report, and consulted with outside experts, including the National Children’s Advocacy Center, for advice on how to proceed.

Law enforcement officials asked Summit Crossing not to take steps that would alert Mark Sellers to the existence of the report or investigation as other leads included minor(s) under the age of 16. While we honored their request to continue “business as usual” regarding Mark Sellers access to the church, we also took steps to ensure the safety of our members and staff while investigators worked to gather information. Those steps included ensuring Mark Sellers was not alone with children or staff on church property.

Earlier today (May 22), law enforcement officials arrested Mark Sellers on one count of solicitation of a child under 16. Effective the moment of arrest, Mark Sellers’ employment with the church was terminated and he was indefinitely suspended from returning to church property or events. We know the criminal and court process will take some time and we continue to cooperate with investigators, who have indicated that they will follow all leads in this case.

It is important to note that we currently have no evidence that Mark Sellers engaged in similar behavior toward any members of Summit Crossing. In his role as Director for Missional Communities, Mark Sellers did not have regular involvement in our children’s or students’ ministries. However, investigators assured us that they will follow any lead regarding other potential victims. Additionally, Summit Crossing in 2021 adopted a robust Child & Student Protection Policy developed in collaboration with national leaders in preventing and responding to allegations of abuse in churches and ministries. That policy guided our response in this matter, and we are committed to responding well if our current understanding of the extent of Mark Sellers’ behavior changes with new information. Our policy is available for members and attenders upon request at shepherding@summitcrossing.org.

We understand how heartbreaking this news can be, and it's completely natural to have questions or need to talk it through. If this situation has stirred up emotions or personal memories, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team, including elders, staff, and leaders, are here to support you. They are ready to listen, spend time with you, and offer prayer and other appropriate support. The first step to connect is emailing us at shepherding@summitcrossing.org.

If you have any information to report to law enforcement, please reach out to Detective Teresa Taylor-Duncan at teresa.taylor-duncan@madisonal.gov. If you are hesitant to reach out to the police, you may contact the National Children’s Advocacy Center (https://www.nationalcac.org/), the National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-422-4453), the Madison County Child Support Hotline (256-427-6099), or church leaders (shepherding@summitcrossing.org).

We are deeply grieved for those who have experienced this sinful behavior by one of our employees. The brave family that came forward – and any others impacted – are made in the same image of God as our church members and attenders. We remain in contact with the family and are following their wishes regarding how we can support them moving forward.

We are also saddened by the impact this will have on the Sellers family. We are committed to supporting and caring for Mark’s family in the days ahead.

Finally, we know this story will likely be shared and analyzed. What concerns us the most is how this might change someone's understanding or heart towards Jesus. We have so much sorrow over that. We remain committed to the truth, doing the right thing and glorifying God. Despite the sorrow we feel, we are reassured that even in the darkest times, we are not alone. Jesus remains our King and Shepherd, guiding us and promising good even in hardship. In our grief, we hold onto every thread of hope the gospel offers.

TIMELINE OVERVIEW
Given the severity of these incidents, we believe it is important to summarize the timeline, though further details may emerge.

May 13, 5:00 PM
Patrick Johnson (Elder), David Balinger (Elder), Paul Whaley (Elder), Jamey Nettles, and a church member (friend of the mother) meet to hear a story from a mother who is not connected to Summit Crossing about inappropriate text messages by Mark Sellers to her teenager.

May 14, 9:30 AM
Matthew Wilson (Executive Director) & Patrick Johnson report the story to the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

May 14, 9:50 AM
Matthew Wilson & Patrick Johnson call the National Children’s Advocacy Center to report the story (no answer, leaves message).

May 14, 10:50 AM
National Children’s Advocacy Center returns call, receives Matthew’s & Patrick’s report and shares best practices/next steps on navigating the situation.

May 14, 12:00 PM
Patrick Johnson receives evidence from the family related to communication between Mark Sellers and their teenager.

May 14, 1:30 PM
Patrick Johnson, David Ballinger & Matthew Wilson meet with police detectives/investigators at the National Children’s Advocacy Center to file a report.

MAY 14 - MAY 22, 10:30 AM
At the request of the investigator, Mark Sellers remained employed while the police were investigating the reports. Summit Crossing was advised not to fire or tip off Mark Sellers by terminating him. Doing so could be considered obstructing the investigation. Having Mark Sellers on church property during the investigation put our church in a very difficult situation. Matthew Wilson was in daily communication with Detective Taylor-Duncan on the status of the investigation. During this time, either our Executive Director and Elder(s) were near and/or observed Mark Sellers at all times while on church property.

MAY 22, 10:30 AM
Mark Sellers is arrested by Madison City Police. Effective the moment of arrest Mark Sellers employment was terminated with our church.

We will hold regular services at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM this Sunday. While we will not be disclosing more information at this service, we will be gathering to grieve, lament and worship together. Once again we will find our hope in Christ alone.

 Adam Aberle, Elder
David Ballinger, Elder
David Conrad, Elder
Patrick Johnson, Elder
David Thew, Elder
Paul Whaley, Elder
Matthew Wilson, Executive Director

Isolation…
We all hate it, but too often, especially as we approach this time of the year, many of us struggle with it. Whatever the reasons for it - fear, insecurity, past hurts, disappointments or frustrations - it seems way too easy for us to slip into seasons that are missing deep connections with others. It’s common as we approach the summer months for us to say things like, “We’re all about to scatter, so we’ll see you again in August!” And while it’s true that many people (especially those with kids) have busy schedules during the summer months, too often what ends up happening is we just slip into deeper and deeper isolation.

So I want to challenge you to not waste the next three months from May-July. Go on vacation. Spend a lot of time outside, or at your kids or grandkids sports. But don’t neglect to gather with your Missional Communities and with us on Sundays.

We are not a perfect church. We are not a perfect community. But the Gospel promises us that when we gather, we gather with the presence of a perfect God in our midst. He created us for communion with Himself and with others. I know community is hard, and we often get frustrated or underwhelmed by our time in our MC’s, but that doesn’t change the fact that we need one another.

I continue to be so grateful for our MC leaders who are faithfully and tirelessly working to initiate and facilitate time together in our groups. Let’s make their jobs easy in the days ahead! Continue to gather whenever you can! Fight isolation! Embrace the community God has given you!

Much love and grace,

Pastor Bill

COMING IN MAY

NEW WAYS TO STAY IN THE LOOP
This month, we are moving to texting as our primary means of communicating with the church. This will allow us to communicate more often and more quickly with more people. Specifically, links to our future newsletters, along with other forms, follow-ups, and special announcements will all be sent via text. Emails will continue to go out as well for any major communication that needs to happen.

If you are a member of Summit Limestone, you will automatically be added to our new text based newsletter list.

SUMMIT KIDS
Summit Kids will continue in the Gospel Project for Kids in Unit 32 - The Church Grows. As opposition to the church grew, the church grew along with it. Just as Jesus had said it would, the church began in Jerusalem, had grown into Judea, and was about to expand into Samaria and toward the ends of the earth. First, God needed to help believers understand that as the church grew, they were one church united in Jesus.

The big picture question/answer for Unit 32 is:  What is the church? The church is all Christians everywhere, who gather together in their communities to worship and serve God.

The key passage for Unit 32 is:

“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 12:12

Summit Kids meets each Sunday during the 9a and 11a service for babies - 5th graders. See summitlimestone.org/kids for more information on events, at home resources, and volunteer opportunities.  Please also visit the Summit Kids table located outside the check-in station to find Sermon Notes for Kids, Sermon Notes for Middle Schoolers, family worship resources, and more.

SUMMIT STUDENTS
May is a pivotal month for Summit Students. It represents the closing of our school semester, as well as the launch into our Summer rhythms! May 1st and 8th will be our final two regular weekly gatherings for the school year. On the 8th we will have our end of the year celebration. Its going to be an awesome time you do not want to miss. Our summer schedule will be releasing soon but it will be jammed packed with many different ways our students can connect through the months of June and July! Any questions you have in regards to our Student ministry, please email luke@summitlimestone.org!

Sundays | 5-6:30p
EQUIPPING CLASS: 1 Samuel Deeper Dive
After taking a break for the church picnic, we're back this week, May 5. Chris Brister will be building on Bill's sermon on the classic text - David vs. Goliath. Hope you can join us as we discuss topics and themes too broad to fully cover in a single sermon.

Note - we will not gather the following week (May 12) for Mother's Day.

Thursdays, May 9 & 23 | 9-11a
MOMCO MEET-UP
Join us for our  Momco meet-ups. The Momco By MOPS International is a group designed to meet mothers where they are. Its purpose is to build community with fellow mothers. At our Momco meet-ups we walk through and support mothers in the hard parts of life and celebrate those beautiful moments in motherhood! For more info, please email Casey Walters at caw21637@gmail.com.


Sunday, May 19 | 6:30-7:30p
NEIGHBORHOODS TO NATIONS PRAYER NIGHT
Join us for a family night of prayer as we seek God’s presence together as a church and pray for God’s Kingdom to advance from our neighborhoods to the nations. In May, we will be spending extended time praying for the Heinkels who are working in Nashville among the unreached Somali families who have been displaced due to the ongoing civil war in their nation (we had to pivot to praying for them in May instead of last month). Childcare is available for babies through 5-year-olds not yet in kindergarten, but all kids are welcome to attend.