Southport UMC Newsletter

Dear Friends, I have often   heard people say things like this: “We have a mission-centered church,” or “Our church is all about missions.”    Then people begin to think that the church (remember the church is the people, not an organization, institution or building) is missional because of involvement with missions. That brings up an interesting question: What makes the church truly missional?   Contrary to what most people might think, a church that does missions isn’t necessarily missional. A body of believers who are truly missional will embody and carry the message of Jesus to all people deep within their hearts.   A truly missional church will not make any decisions or decide to do anything without first determining that what they are doing helps the church to fulfill Christ’s     command to make disciples of all the nations. So a missional church is not a church that is occasionally involved in mission activities; it is a church that lives, embodies and is driven by

There are two more Journey Groups that are being offered as part of our summer offerings. ·          REVIVAL (FAITH AS WESLEY LIVED IT) will start Monday August 10 at 7:00 pm.  Revival is a 6 week study by Adam Hamilton, senior pastor of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Kansas.  In each session, Hamilton (through a short video segment) presents key events and places in the life of John Wesley and the movement he led and describes the convictions and essential practices of Wesley and the early Methodists.  Hamilton believes that by reclaiming the faith, heart, and practices of John Wesley and the early Methodists, we can rediscover the best parts of our own hearts and churches and that in doing so we might help spark a revival of Christianity in our time.  Led by Doug Shinkle.   Cost of the book:  $13.25. ·          SIMPLE STUDENT MINISTRY Journey Group will start Wednesday September 9 at 6:30 pm (during iGod).  Simple Student   Ministry   fine tunes

You may have noticed a new logo (or branding) at the top of this newsletter and on other church related communications.   If you didn’t notice it, take a quick look and then come back to this article. This new logo/brand is being used because it represents what we are about here at Southport United Methodist Church.   Let me explain some key parts to the new brand.   This explanation will help reinforce our mission and vision and will allow each of you to explain the brand to others as you have an opportunity. First, you’ll notice that the “S” in Southport appears as a road, or more accurately, a “path.”   This represents the path of discipleship that each disciple of Jesus is on for their entire life. Second, you’ll notice that at the beginning of the path is a cross.   This represents that the start of each of our journeys occurs when we accept Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection from the grave as the payment for our sins, the repairing of our relationsh

Southport UMC is an EQUIPPING CHURCH.    What does that mean?   Our ultimate goal through Equipping is to help individuals grow spiritually by using their God-given gifts to serve each other and the community, so that We (the church) can attain the maturity God intended.   The Bible provides many scriptural references to guide us.   As your read through each scripture reference, consider how it relates to the statement below it. Romans 12:1-6a, Matthew 25:35-40      A ministry of serving others is an act of love for and devotion to Christ. Ephesians 2:10, 1 Peter 2:5, 9-10, Jeremiah 1:4-5      God has a unique purpose or calling for each of our lives. 1 Peter 4:10-11, Psalm 139:13-16      We all have been given gifts to fulfill our calling. Romans 12:4-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-12, 18, 1 Peter 4:10-11      Gifts are given not to be left idle, but to be used in community, to serve God and others.     John 15:12-17, John 21:15-17, Ephesians 4:16, Hebrews 10:24-25