That’s how Greg Byers closes every E-mail he sends. Not have a great week, but make one. The first time I saw it, I remember thinking, “I like that.” Because it puts the emphasis not on what’s happening around you, but what you’re doing about it.

A week that has long been anticipated is upon us: The Southside Lectures. Much planning and preparation has gone into what will unfold over the next four days. As we stand right on the verge of this 27th annual event, may I make a few suggestions about how you can have, uh, I mean make, a great week?

Be here somehow. There’s a reason they’re called the Southside Lectures; they’re intended for the Southside church. We want to do things that will make a good impression on our visitors, but this week is primarily intended for “the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12 LBX). This local body, that is. In fact, when the lectures cease to benefit the Southside church, we will cease having them.

So, be a part of it. Be here as often as you possibly can. Rickie Jenkins, Lawrence Kelley, John Kilgore, Roger Shouse, and R.J. Stevens have come a long away to participate in the lectures this week. Let’s all show the same determination to be a part instead of apart. Otherwise, it will be a week to forget.

Bring someone. The theme for this year is “The Bible For Every Age: Stories That Never Grow Old.” We can all benefit from hearing the great Bible stories like David and Goliath, Jonah and the Big Fish, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and The Good Samaritan. These narratives were not meant for entertainment or commercial purposes but to produce and increase faith in God’s people. They remind men of every generation of his storied past.

But they also help introduce people to God. They show who He is, what He does, and how He loves. Can you think of someone who might profit from hearing the greatest story ever told this week? It could make a difference for ages to come.

Serve somewhere. Volunteers are never in short supply during lecture time. Phillip Stover came by the building last week to pressure-wash the sidewalks. Bunny Balmer has painstakingly assembled lesson booklets for the little kids to use to keep up with the preaching. Ken Moore has been making preparations in anticipation of the media requests, which are already pouring in. Fifteen hundred packets were assembled and distributed to our neighbors in record time because our people believe in the lectures and want to assist in them.

Everyone can find somewhere to serve this week. Don’t underestimate the value of one warm greeting, one handshake, one invitation to come again. Sing louder. Listen better. Pray harder. Tell one of the speakers, “I needed that.” It will make his day. It will make your week.

None of the other 51 weeks of the year will be like this one. Make it special. Make it memorable. Make it count. Make a great week.