Southport UMC Newsletter

Dear Friends, Recently, I made the announcement that we will not be opening the church office during Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings when we gather for worship.   I want to take the opportunity to share the rationale behind this decision for those who might not have heard the announcement and to explain it in more detail for everyone. First of all, the outer reception area of the office will still be unlocked on Sunday mornings so that the copy machine can be accessible for children’s church and iConnect workers and leaders.   For all other purposes the office will be closed when we gather for worship.   Those who call the church office on Sunday morning will receive a message that will include the worship times, and there will be instructions on how to leave a message.   We have checked with other churches in the area, and almost all of them have the practice of not opening their offices and not doing official church business during the times set aside for worship

Only Children ask who made God… Be part of a ministry that plants seeds in children's lives.

The U.S. Department of Labor reported that 33% of all volunteers worked the majority of their hours in 2013 serving with religious institutions. People are more inclined to volunteer within the church rather than with secular organizations. However, do they see their volunteering as acts of discipleship? Do we help them see the difference between being in ministry versus performing a task or doing a job? We can help by making the following changes: Change our language. By definition, something a volunteer does is voluntary. Something a disciple does is the expected result of loving obedience to the one he or she follows. Language drives the culture in helping people see this difference. Change our focus. Instead of focusing on the people we need to staff our ministries, we would focus on the people God has sent us, and on the God-given gifts they've received to do ministry. Change our emphasis. Instead of telling people how easy serving will be or how little of

Thanks to all who helped with our monthly Hunger, Inc. Food Pantry donation of 75 pounds of peanut butter for January.  Your giving to feed those in need is a true act of discipleship. Our February item is CANNED FRUIT and can be brought to church January 29 -- February 1.  The purple Hunger, Inc. tote will be located on the floor between the coat room and the hall to the worship center.   The SUMC web site has a Food Drive Ministry page giving information on upcoming collections and ways to serve. Many families are being fed because you choose to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our world.

Join us February 28 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. in the Gathering Place to ready our soil AND our soul for growth.  We will serve breakfast snacks while we connect with each other through a small study to help us grow in our faith.  We will also learn about many opportunities to serve in the world through Christ.  Please come and learn how you can grow with the ministries of SUMC.  Groups featured will include: Sumner's Garden SUMC Community Garden Homecroft Elementary Partnership Health Ministry- Daniel Plan United Methodist Women Please bring a handful of soil from your garden or yard. Child Care Provided

In a world that has many concerns such as justice and equality for women and children,      HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, immigration, refugees and migrant workers, Eco-justice, ISIS and far too many homicides in our community, what can we do?    PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.  On Friday, March 6, people all around the world will come together to pray for justice and equality for all. We have the privilege to host a World Day of Prayer gathering at 1:00 p.m. on March 6 and all are welcome. Invite friends and neighbors to join you to experience the freedom we have to pray for our community, country, and world. Child care and refreshments will be provided. 

Our first Blood Drive for 2015 was January 25. Thanks to all who gave! We will offer three additional opportunities during the year. Please note your calendar and when giving time comes, invite neighbors, co-workers, and family to join you at church to worship and share the gift of life. These dates are also listed on the SUMC web site. April 12 August 2 November 29

The MOPS meeting for February will be Wednesday, February 25. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Tara Walters at tara@sumc.org or 784-9508.