A Letter from Pastor Mark- August



Dear Friends,
In my last letter I shared that we were moving toward transforming the church library into a digital library and lending out Kindles that are loaded with various Christian literature offerings.  I am glad to let you know that the Kindle lending library is now available for use.  You can call the church office to inquire about the books that are available or to request a book to be purchased and downloaded to one of the devices.  When you borrow a Kindle it will be for a prescribed length of time, and there will be a borrowing agreement that will need to be read and signed.  The agreement just lays out the guidelines for the use of the Kindle.  If the kindle you are wanting is already on loan, then we will put you on a waiting list and you will be contacted when the kindle is returned.
I am excited about this new possibility for sharing Christian resources.  I hope many of you take advantage of this opportunity.
I also want to inform you that I will be taking a rest and renewal leave starting on August 11 and running through September 21.  I will be back in the office on Monday, September 22.  The Discipline of the United Methodist Church provides for a rest and renewal leave for pastor’s who have served full-time at least six years.  The leave can be up to six months.  The leave that I have requested is for a duration of six weeks.
I have requested this leave so that I might have an extended period of time off to be physically and spiritually renewed for my remaining years in ministry.  My plan at this time is to remain in full-time ministry until my 66th birthday.  That gives me a full five years before I plan to retire.  This rest and renewal leave will help me to be prepared to finish well as I approach the last few years of active ministry.

This leave has been approved and granted by the Leadership Team and the District Superintendent, Bert Kite.  I will be returning periodically to officiate at weddings that were scheduled prior to my planning the leave.
During my absence Pastor Chris will be handling the preaching responsibilities and offering leadership.  The church staff will also continue to move forward in ministry while I am away.
I have been serving churches in the Indiana Conference for 35 years and this is the first time I have availed myself of the opportunity to take some extended time to rest and become spiritually rejuvenated.  I am looking forward to returning to ministry with new excitement and energy.
In Christ’s Abundant Love,
Pastor Mark

 



Popular posts from this blog

A Letter from Pastor Chris

Dear Friends,            I am excited about the many things that are happening at Southport UMC this month.   There are many things going on at Southport UMC as we continue in ministry to the Southside of Indianapolis, but I would like to highlight a few opportunities, as well as share some information about changes that are coming this month. First of all, because of storm damage we are getting a new roof. This work will begin after September 8 and will take around a week to complete (weather permitting). Secondly, we will begin signups for Journey Groups this month, and I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to grow in your faith through a small group. Finally, at the end of this month we have a great opportunity to share with our neighbors through the Community Fall Festival.   Over the last couple of months we have been learning in worship that we need to share our faith story, and we can only do this through building relationships. Community Fall Festival is an
Read more

ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

You may or may not know that in the past, Southport United Methodist Church has been able to offer a small scholarship to assist with college expenses.   The scholarship was made possible by some past members of SUMC:   Mary & Riley Lynch. We haven’t been able to offer the scholarship for a few years but are able to do so again. If you are interested or want more information, please contact Pastor Doug in the church office. Application deadline is July 15th, 2019.   A decision will be made at that time so there can be no applications accepted after that date.
Read more

SOUTHPORT UNITED METHODIST YOUTH GROUP

SCHEDULE ·   7/7/19-4 th of July Weekend-NO Meeting ·   7/14/19-‘Ice Cream Matters’-Picnic style supper, Ice Cream Treats at Dairy Queen-Bring Money for treats-Permission Slips REQUIRED, Frisbee Relay, Devotional ·   7/20/19-SERVICE PROJECT-Mayor’s Veteran Appreciation Picnic, Meet at SUMC at 9AM, Sign Up by 7/14/19-LIME GREEN T-SHIRT DAY, wear if you have-please, open to entire church and RHUMC Youth Group invited ·   7/21/19-‘WATER BLAST’-Grilled Skewers and Pie, Devotional and Water Birthday Party games ·   7/28/19- ‘LARNIN MATTERS’-Corn dogs and tater tots, Devotional and Relay Races ·   8/2/19-EVENT-Lock-In at SUMC, FAITH, FELLOWSHIP AND FUN—START TIME, TO BE DETERMINED-YOUTH WILL SERVE AT HOMECROFT EVENT, WILL MEET AT CHURCH FIRST,   Family Breakfast in the Underground at 9am on 8/3/19, Sign Up Due by 7/21/19, RHUMC Youth Group invited ·   8/4/19-Parent Meeting at 11AM in the Underground ·   8/4/19-‘Faith and Friends’-Casserole Night, Devotional and Board Game
Read more