Southport UMC Newsletter

Dear Friends, As most of you know, Southport United Methodist’s associate pastor, Chris Stephens, has been appointed to be the lead pastor at Kendallville United Methodist Church.   Chris’ last Sunday here at SUMC will be June 14.    Although this in some respects is sad, it is also a time of celebration for Chris, Michelle and Robert.   Congratulations are in order to them all. The next question naturally is: “Where do we go from here regarding the staffing of Southport UMC?”   I believe that question should not be answered just by assuming that we do the same thing and approach the staffing needs of the church the way things have always been done.   I believe it is time to look at some creative and new ways to provide staff for the church that can help us minister more effectively to our changing culture and community. The Leadership Team has heard and discussed some of these new ideas.   Directions are being formulated; however, they are in the infancy stages and will co

The March/April Food Drive was a success!!!  Thank you to all who donated food and transported the food to Fletcher Place Food Pantry.   Boy Scout Troop 39 and Pack 134 are such a joy to work beside for this food drive.  We have made a difference in the lives of many people with your service and donations. Also thank you for all who shopped at Meijer and helped donate to Hunger, Inc.  We are supporting our community with needed food. The “Spring Simply Give” campaign benefitting Hunger, Inc. continues through May 11. Shop at the Meijer on Southport Road and make a $10 donation and Meijer will match it in full. Remember that we will continue to collect food items for Hunger, Inc. each month, on Communion Thursday and Sunday   "We come to be fed and we feed others."  Our next collection is canned vegetables on Thursday, April 30, and Sunday, May 3.  Something New: We are starting this collection with a notebook for you to record your name when you donate.  T

Family Promise of Greater Indianapolis and Interfaith Hospitality Network partner with congregations and community organizations in responding to the crisis of children and their families who are homeless. April was our first opportunity this year to welcome IHN Families for a two-week stay. We also participated in the Spring Clothing Drive sponsored by IHN and Goodwill Industries and benefitting the families. Thanks to all who supported the IHN Families and Ministry in April.

Join the Walking for Dreams fundraising event at the Indianapolis Downtown Canal.  This 5K family and pet walk benefits community, non-profit organizations. To register as a walker and/or to make a donation, go to www.walkingfordreams.org. Family Promise of Greater Indianapolis – IHN appreciates your support. We welcome IHN Families next from August 23 to September 6.

Boy Scout Troop 39, a ministry of SUMC, is collecting flags again this year to be honorably retired in the flag retirement ceremony on Flag Day, Saturday, June 14, at 7:30 p.m.  The event will be at the Southport Park off Derbyshire Road. If you have an American Flag that is worn, torn, tattered, soiled or in need of being honorably retired, we will be happy to take care of your flag.  You can place them in the black plastic container in the coat room area, contact Bill Holzer for pick up, or bring with you to share in the retirement.   All flags collected will be folded and retired with the respect they deserve. If you plan to attend the ceremony, as you enter the park off Derbyshire Road, you will be directed where to park.  Bring your family, folding chairs and blankets to the event.  Respect for our American Flag will show appreciation for those who have sacrificed for our freedom.

Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) is recruiting host families for high school exchange students who would arrive just before school starts. Open your heart and home to an international high school student.   If you would like to host a student or learn more about this program, please contact Janet Shaffer through the church office 784-9508 or www.ciee.org/host

Wednesday, May 6 and Wednesday, May 13, will be the dates of the Town Hall meetings to present the staff plan for Southport UMC after Pastor Chris’ departure.   A presentation will be made and then there will be a questions and answer period. The meetings will be held in the Gathering Place at 7:00 p.m.