A Letter from Pastor Mark - August



Dear Friends,
Recently we heard the news that the exciting opportunity of having our community festival in conjunction with the Homecroft Elementary school community would need to be postponed.  The operative word is postponed.  We are not cancelling the event.  We are planning to have this festival at a later date in order for it to be more effective.
Allow me to share the details on why this decision was made.  You may have heard this  information prior to this time, however, more information is always better than less.  The school officials at Homecroft called our Director of Connections and Grow, Doug Shinkle and shared with him that they didn’t think that having the festival as a back-to-school event would be possible.  The school is involved in a construction project and with the rainy weather this summer the project is running behind.  Therefore, the condition of the grounds is not suitable for a large event.  In addition to that, the construction is taking up a large part of the available parking space, and so it would be very difficult to have the event and have adequate parking for all of the people in the community that we would expect to take part in the festivities.  With the situation as it is, Doug and those involved in the planning of the festival agreed with the   Homecroft officials that it would be best to wait and have the festival at a more opportune time.
The truth is that we could have moved the festival back to our location at Southport United Methodist Church.  However, we came to the conclusion that this would not be effective in our attempt to move the ministry of the festival into the community so that it could reach and touch the lives of many more people in our community.  We also have hoped that the festival would give people from SUMC the opportunity to connect and begin to develop relationships with people and families who are a part of our community but not a part of any faith community.

In order to continue to be focused on our goals of true community outreach and partnership with Homecroft and the community in ministry, the decision was made to wait.  Some times when circumstances beyond our control intervene in our plans, it is an opportunity for God to enter the picture and guide us toward a solution that will be even more effective and successful than we had ever dreamed. 
Let’s continue to pray and look forward to when we will be able to present this vital ministry to the community.
In Christ’s Abundant Love,
Pastor Mark




Popular posts from this blog

A Letter from Pastor Chris

Dear Friends,            I am excited about the many things that are happening at Southport UMC this month.   There are many things going on at Southport UMC as we continue in ministry to the Southside of Indianapolis, but I would like to highlight a few opportunities, as well as share some information about changes that are coming this month. First of all, because of storm damage we are getting a new roof. This work will begin after September 8 and will take around a week to complete (weather permitting). Secondly, we will begin signups for Journey Groups this month, and I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to grow in your faith through a small group. Finally, at the end of this month we have a great opportunity to share with our neighbors through the Community Fall Festival.   Over the last couple of months we have been learning in worship that we need to share our faith story, and we can only do this through building relationships. Community Fall Festival is an
Read more

ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

You may or may not know that in the past, Southport United Methodist Church has been able to offer a small scholarship to assist with college expenses.   The scholarship was made possible by some past members of SUMC:   Mary & Riley Lynch. We haven’t been able to offer the scholarship for a few years but are able to do so again. If you are interested or want more information, please contact Pastor Doug in the church office. Application deadline is July 15th, 2019.   A decision will be made at that time so there can be no applications accepted after that date.
Read more

SOUTHPORT UNITED METHODIST YOUTH GROUP

SCHEDULE ·   7/7/19-4 th of July Weekend-NO Meeting ·   7/14/19-‘Ice Cream Matters’-Picnic style supper, Ice Cream Treats at Dairy Queen-Bring Money for treats-Permission Slips REQUIRED, Frisbee Relay, Devotional ·   7/20/19-SERVICE PROJECT-Mayor’s Veteran Appreciation Picnic, Meet at SUMC at 9AM, Sign Up by 7/14/19-LIME GREEN T-SHIRT DAY, wear if you have-please, open to entire church and RHUMC Youth Group invited ·   7/21/19-‘WATER BLAST’-Grilled Skewers and Pie, Devotional and Water Birthday Party games ·   7/28/19- ‘LARNIN MATTERS’-Corn dogs and tater tots, Devotional and Relay Races ·   8/2/19-EVENT-Lock-In at SUMC, FAITH, FELLOWSHIP AND FUN—START TIME, TO BE DETERMINED-YOUTH WILL SERVE AT HOMECROFT EVENT, WILL MEET AT CHURCH FIRST,   Family Breakfast in the Underground at 9am on 8/3/19, Sign Up Due by 7/21/19, RHUMC Youth Group invited ·   8/4/19-Parent Meeting at 11AM in the Underground ·   8/4/19-‘Faith and Friends’-Casserole Night, Devotional and Board Game
Read more