Southport UMC Newsletter

Schools are back in session!   And our partnership with Homecroft Elementary is going strong.   Thanks to the Jubilee Christmas team and their Christmas in July ministry, Homecroft administrators were given gift cards, school supplies and clothing items to be used for Homecroft children in need.   Truly this is the love of Christ in action! There are also ways to be the hands and feet and voice of Jesus by helping the school and the children in a hands-on way.   Here are a few opportunities: ·   We are starting our fourth year of being involved in the After School Achiever’s Club.   Children stay after school and get help with homework.   But more importantly, the adults that help the children are building relationships, relationships that the children will            remember for years to come.   This year, the After School Achiever’s Club will meet on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:45 – 4:30 p.m., starting Tuesday, September 15. ·   Perry Township has a mento

Dear Friends, Last month I talked about the church becoming a missional movement.   Remember a church becomes a missional movement when the good news of Jesus goes viral.   When every disciple who is a part of the church becomes so in love with Jesus that they live his message in everything they do, then Christ’s message goes viral and is passed on from person to person. Last month I shared that for a church to become a missional movement then the church must have missional DNA as its lifeblood.   We will refer to missional DNA as mDNA.   The six elements of mDNA are as follows: ·   Jesus is Lord ·   Disciple-making ·   Missional-incarnational impulse ·   Apostolic Environment ·   Organic systems ·   Communitas Those terms might seem strange and mysterious but over the next several months I will be explaining and defining what they are so that we will be able to know if Southport UMC has the necessary ingredients to become a missional movement. The first e

Another Journey Group will soon start. SIMPLE STUDENT MINISTRY Journey Group will start Wednesday, September 9, at 6:30 p.m. (during iGod).  Simple Student   Ministry   fine tunes the proven methods of the #1 best seller book Simple Church   (that we have studied at our church) for the unique field of youth discipleship.  Co-author Eric Geiger, who contributed to the latter, takes a step forward here, neatly unpacking the key ideas of Simple Church (Clarity, Movement, Alignment, and Focus) that will transform any over-stimulated youth program into a simpler, more results-oriented spiritual development process. Fun is still allowed, by all means, but the ultimate emphasis on maturing faith is simply essential and primary.  We would encourage all adult leaders in Student Ministry as well as parents of students to participate.  Led by Kelcey Snyder.   Cost of the book:  $13. Sign up by contacting the church office or online by going to the following: http://goo.gl/forms/AJN

“Christmas in July” and your generous donations have helped Perry Township children experience a great start to the school year at Homecroft Elementary. In addition the school staff has needed items and gift cards to use in emergencies throughout the semester. A true example of the spirit of Christmas working at all times. What’s Next? Plans are underway for Jubilee Christmas 2015. We will celebrate Jubilee on Saturday,    December 12, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Parents from Perry Township Schools will be our guests so that they can experience the love Jesus has for them and their children. Our time together includes fellowship, delicious refreshments, wrapping clothes, toys and gifts for the children, and a few other surprises.   Be a Co-Host! Each Jubilee family relates to a host or co-hosts from Southport. Together they choose what gifts and clothes the children need, shop for the clothes (with our Faith Promise fund covering the cost), and enjoy Jubilee Day wrapping

The waiting room at Hunger, Inc. on Epler Ave. is packed and the shelves are empty. How is that going to work??? I am not sure, but they seem to get it done. The food we collect Communion Thursday and Sunday is always needed. What a privilege it is to drop the donated food off at Hunger, Inc. and know that SUMC has helped those needing help. The collection for the month of September is on September 3 and 6 . We are looking for Soups. They can be canned or powdered. Thank you for signing your name as you donate. Your name helps with celebrating the number of servants who have helped with our collection. Also, if anyone is looking for a way to SERVE at SUMC and want to help with taking the food to Hunger, Inc., let the church know your desire and we will contact you.   It is neither a hard job nor time consuming.   But it is very rewarding. In October , we will again participate in the CROP Walk held on the Bulter Campus.   More information will come later, but know that