Southport UMC Newsletter

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

We are signing up for fall Journey Groups in September.   Journey Groups are an excellent way to grow in your faith, help others on their journey, as well as providing a place to practice sharing your faith story with others. Sign up and join one of these Journey Groups today!   For more information, pick up a catalog or visit the Journey Group table in the Gathering Place. ·   SUMC Leadership Class – starts Tuesday 9/23/14, 7:00 p.m., 5 sessions ·   Being a Disciple:   Counting the Cost – starts Tuesday 10/13/14, 7:00 p.m., 6 sessions ·   The Holy Spirit (discussion from the sermon series) – starts Wednesday 10/1/14,          10:00 a.m., 5 sessions ·   Hearing God:   Developing a Conversational Relationship with God – starts Tuesday 9/30/14, 6:00 p.m. (bring your “sack” supper), 6 sessions, meets every other Tuesday ·   Jesus Among Other Gods – starts Wednesday 10/29/14, 7:00 p.m., 4 sessions ·   The Family of Jesus – Monday Women’s Bible Study – starts Monday 9/22/

Did you know that there is a “school” called Lay Servant School?   A Lay Servant is defined as follows:   God calls every one of us to proclaim the presence and power of God through all that we say and do. How is God calling you to serve? With so many avenues of training, Lay Servant Ministries (previously called Lay Speaking Ministries) offers you a valuable education in multiple ministry areas. Previously called Lay Speaking, in recent years, it was recognized that we needed broader teaching about simply being a lay servant which includes the possibility of preaching as just one area of service.   Teaching, serving, training, leading, participating, caring, loving, and communicating are now integral parts of Lay Servant Ministries. The Lay Servant School for the Central District (that’s us) is being held at Southport United Methodist Church on Saturday 11/1/14.   What a good time to attend when it is being held at our own church. If you are interested in more informati

Thank you for contributing to the wonderful food collections during the last two months.  In July many of you brought in several Pancake/Syrup combinations and in August we delivered 60 pounds of Cereal.  New to our Hunger, Inc. donations is the addition of fresh produce from Sunday's Harvest Table.  Recently the many tomatoes we delivered were received with a wide-eyed surprised look and offered families the opportunity to take home fresh produce.      ++ We welcome additional help in delivering the produce or other food items.   Please contact the Church Office and join us in the joy of serving.  Our next food collections are:                                  September--Soups of all kinds--canned or dry packages. Collection dates are September 4 and 7.  Please place your donations in the bin marked Hunger, Inc. October---Donations for the CROP WALK---any canned and packaged food items.  Collection dates are October 2, 5, 9, and 12.  Food items will be collected at

You can be part of an outreach that helps feed people locally and around the world. The CROP WALK is an annual event and locally sponsored . Enjoy a lovely walk, approximately 3 miles long in the Butler University neighborhood.   This is a great family activity as well as an individual one. Invite your friends and neighbors to come along. On October 2, 5, 9, and 12 the NEXT STEPS table will highlight more information about the CROP WALK. We will be collecting food items to be donated to local food pantries, registering walkers, and offering opportunities to be involved . On October 19 we will have a luncheon at church after the 11:15 worship. Then we will carpool to Christian Theological Seminary to register and walk. Some walkers from SUMC will be wearing d ark blue shirts which is optional and your choice. If you are not available or able to walk this year and would like to help, stop at the table and see how you can be involved.

You are cordially invited to join a music ministry group.  Here are ways one can participate: Chancel Choir-Rehearsals begin Thursday, September 4, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. in the Music Room.  We sing for the 8:15 a.m. service each Sunday morning as well as participate in additional services for Christmas and Easter.  The choir season is from September to May.  There are no auditions.  All are welcome! Handbells - Rehearsals are held Wednesday evenings beginning September 3, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. We play every 4-6 weeks during the 8:15 a.m. Sunday service from September to May.  There are no auditions.  All are welcome. Jr. Praise Choir - Ages 1st through 5th grade.  We rehearse Sunday mornings from 10:50 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. in the Music Room beginning September 7.  All are welcome! Other groups such as Godspeak and Dayspring are our contemporary bands and are by audition only.   If you are interested in joining the choirs or auditioning for the contemporary bands, pleas

Thank you to all who helped make the August blood drive a huge success! We collected 25 units! SAVE THE DATE: Our final blood drive for 2014 will be November 30.