Southport UMC Newsletter

Dear Friends, This past October and November Core Discipleship groups were held all through the life of the church.   Some groups met in homes and other groups met at the church.   On Tuesday and Thursday evenings large groups met that broke down into smaller groups around round tables.   The information that was shared in these classes, in my opinion, was not the most important thing that went on in the classes. I believe that the interaction between people, the developing of relationships and the birth of spiritual friendships were the most important things that happened in those classes. Many people mentioned to me how much they enjoyed getting to know other people in the church and to share with one another responses to the question, “How is it with your soul?” The next question is “How can we continue to participate in small group experiences?” Doug Shinkle, the Director of Connect at Southport United Methodist Church, has been working hard to develop a wide v

I n 2014 consider scheduling a recurring contribution today.   It is very convenient. You will no longer need to write out checks and prepare envelopes every week. Even when travel, illness or other circumstances prevent you from attending services, your electronic contributions will continue to be received on an uninterrupted basis.   You can go to www.sumc.org and click on SUMC Member/Attender login.   After you sign in to your account you can choose the Giving tab and click Give Now.   A one-time gift or a recurring payment can be set-up.   You choose the funds to which your contributions are allocated.   If you have any questions, please contact Joy Eder at 784-9508.

Journey Groups are here!   We have Journey Groups to help us on our journey toward   Christlikeness.   Through study and sharing together, we have an opportunity to grow in our faith.   (The Holy Spirit is the power behind the growth – we don’t grow by ourselves.   But, we have to put ourselves in the right position to make ourselves available so that we make room for the Holy Spirit to lead us in growth.   Joining a JOURNEY GROUP will put you in such a position and will make you available for the Holy Spirit to cause growth.) Visit the Next Steps table all during the month of January to sign up for the Journey Group that most interests you and is most applicable to you at this stage in your spiritual growth. See you on the journey!

Do you have a question that you have wanted to ask the pastor?   Do you want to know something about Christianity, the United Methodist Church, our church or something else faith-related?   You have a chance each month to ASK THE PASTOR those kinds of questions.   Each month, on the last Thursday of the month (after the 6:00 p.m. service is over) and on the last Sunday of the month (after the 11:15 a.m. service is over), Pastor Mark will answer those questions in the Gathering Place for anyone who wants to hear.   For those who are not able to attend one of these times, the questions will be addressed in the next newsletter as well. Please submit your questions ahead of time through the office (office@sumc.org) or by asking the question on the back of the Next Steps card (indicating that the question is for ASK THE PASTOR).

Thank you to everyone who participated in SUMC’s prayer shawl ministry, Blessed Creations, in 2013!   What a wonderful way to show love and compassion to others during difficult times!! A prayer shawl can communicate the gift of prayer to others, reach beyond our walls and into the community and be a tangible reminder of God’s love and comfort during a time of need. Honestly, is there ever a time when prayer is not needed?   Prayer shawls have been provided to friends and loved ones for a variety of reasons: preparation for or recovery from surgery, illness, death of a loved one.. just to name a few.   The possibilities are endless! DO you know someone who could be blessed with a reminder of God’s love during a difficult time?   These shawls are kept in the church office and even come with a beautiful poem that    explains the intent of the shawl (so helpful when our words fail us!). Of course, the supply of shawls is heavily dependent on the number of servants contributi

Make a CHOICE to have a plan for using your money, using God's way. Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University: ·   Isn’t your typical “money class.”   FPU is practical, entertaining and fun! ·   Has been taken by more than 1.5 million families and individuals. ·   Helps the average family that completes the course to pay off $5,300 in debt and save $2,700 in just 90 days. ·   Has something for you whether you are struggling to make ends meet or you are a millionaire. ·   Is based on more than 800 verses of Scripture and is a proven plan that will work for you. Class is for nine weeks and starts Tuesday, January 21, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. Cost is less than $100 and it is a lifetime membership. To register for the class and to order your materials, go to http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/locations/org/3571/class243648 For more information contact the church office 317-784-9508 or fpu@sumc.org

The jubilee Planning Crew would like to say a HUGE thank you to our SUMC family for all of the hundreds of ways you pitched in to help make Jubilee Christmas a success this year! Thanks to your generosity, we were able to serve 66 children from 23 families. But beyond the numbers, it was clear that many warm and meaningful relationships were established between hosts and our guests.   Please pray that many of our guests will come to a closer relationship with Jesus over the coming months, and pray that their hosts will be equipped with the wisdom and love of Jesus as they continue to reach out and minister to them, even after Christmas is over. Thank you!

  WOW!!! Hunger, Inc. food donations for December were outstanding. Not only were many pounds of pasta delivered, but we also helped raise $41,930 worth of gift cards for Meijer. SO thank you again for helping to feed those in need. You are awesome!!!  Next Month (January) is Jelly and Peanut Butter.