Southport UMC Newsletter

Dear Friends, I know that this might seem like jumping the gun but I want to give the church a heads up on the upcoming Advent and Christmas season calendar.   Since Christmas day falls on Sunday I want to let the congregation and the community know what the plans are as soon as possible. First of all, the schedule for the Advent sermon series is as follows: November 17 & 20: Sent: Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas/Jesus Reconciles November 23 & 27: Sent: Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas/Jesus Sets Us Free December 1 & 4: Sent: Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas/Jesus Is God with Us December 8 & 11: Sent: Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas/Jesus Brings New Life December 15 & 18: Sent: Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas/Jesus Changes Everything I am starting the series a bit early because it is five weeks long.   So we will start the week      before Thanksgiving. The Christmas Eve and Christmas worship sc

CLOTHING DRIVE TO BENEFIT THE HOMELESS Now is a great time to clean out our closets and pass on to others clothes that no longer fit and yet are in good condition. Collect gently used clothing (all sizes), place these items in white kitchen trash bags and bring them to church October 2 through October 9.   Your donations (no shoes or household items please) will be delivered to the INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK Day Center. Based on the number of bags received, Goodwill will donate clothing vouchers so that IHN guests may choose the clothing sizes their families need. Please place your donations in the closet hallway under the coat racks. INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK (IHN) GUESTS ARRIVE OCTOBER 30! Through Family Promise’s Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN), homeless families find safe places to stay while they recover from their current living situation. Congregations throughout the city open their doors to serve families offering a warm, safe environment. Begi

Jubilee Christmas Day is December 10… Thanks to the Homecroft social workers we have 20 families from our community who will be invited to experience Jubilee Day with us. We are grateful for the individuals and families from church who are hosting a Homecroft   family and working together to provide a “Jubilee Christmas.” On October 23 the hosts and families will meet for the first time at church for a social    gathering.   This event will provide an opportunity to get to know one another, enjoy refreshments, and discuss the Jubilee process.   HOW CAN YOU EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF JUBILEE CHRISTMAS? We share the joys of the season because we share the experience.   Gifts, toys, personal care items, clothing, and a holiday dinner are made possible because of your generosity. When you give to the Faith Promise Fund, expenses for much of the above needs are covered. When you take a tag from the Jubilee boards starting November 10 and return the specified item, you have fulf

FLU SHOTS – Tuesday, October 11 Flu shots will be given in the Gathering Place at church from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, October 11 by the Marion County Health Department.   For cost please contact the church office, 784-9508. UNITING WITH THE CHURCH – Monday, October 17 Would you like to make Southport your church home? Pastor Mark shares the mission and     vision of Southport United Methodist Church and how Jesus calls us to be His disciples. Please plan to attend the next “UNITING WITH THE CHURCH” session on Monday, October 17 at 7:00 p.m.   Child care will be provided by calling the church office, 784-9508, or when noted on your worship registration card.   INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK - October 30 through November 13 Families who are in a homeless circumstance will be our guests starting Sunday, October 30 for a two week period ending November 13.   We will minister with them in a variety of ways with opportunities for individuals and families to serve.

The UMW Circles are meeting this month for our special World Thank Offering Program.  The meeting for this program is on Tuesday, October 11 at 7:00 p.m.   The Program will include a discussion on the book, The Bible and Human Sexuality, Claiming God's Good Gift.  Rebekah Circle will host the program and provide yummy desserts and drinks.  Come join us for this program and get to know all the ministries the UMW serves. Regular Meeting dates are:     Rebekah Circle---the 2nd Tuesday, November 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the church     Leah Circle---the 3rd Tuesday, November 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the church in room W103     Anna Circle--  October 18 at 1:00 p.m. at Rosegate Many things have changed since the first UMW circles were formed in 1859, but the      PURPOSE is still the same:      To Know God      To Experience Freedom as Whole Persons through Jesus Christ      To Develop a Creative, Supportive Fellowship      To Expand Concepts of Mission through Participation in the Gl