A Letter from Pastor Mark - May



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 continue to be developed over the coming months.
On Wednesday, May 6 and Wednesday, May 13 at 7 p.m. identical Town Hall meetings will be held to share information on some new “out of the box” staffing and ministry directions.  Both meetings will be held in the Gathering Place.  There are two meetings so that there will be more than one opportunity to hear the presentation and have questions and answers.  The meeting will be conducted by myself and members of the Leadership Team.
I encourage each of you to come and learn about these new staffing and ministry directions.
In Christ’s Abundant Love,
Pastor Mark

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