Southport UMC Newsletter

Dear Friends, Nearly two years ago we reorganized staff and the ministries of the church around our mission and our discipleship path.   The mission of the church is “To make new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of our community and the world.”   For those who are already following Jesus and for those who are coming into the faith, we grow in our discipleship by: Connecting to God through Jesus Christ Growing deeper in the faith Serving in the church and in the community in the name of Jesus Christ Giving of ourselves and our resources significantly because of our love for Christ This reorganization has been an exercise in faith.   In many areas the reorganization has helped make us more efficient as we do ministry for the cause of Christ.   However, many times the first time we try something we don’t get it completely right.   Whenever we are engaging in change, we have to be willing to tweak and change things as we go ...

In the 20+ years Imagination Station has been in existence, I.S. has always had an outstanding reputation in the community as a quality preschool and childcare ministry. We have numerous parents tell stories about how they love to bring their kids here. But, we are going to take it up another notch.   In the state of Indiana, we have a preschool/childcare quality improvement and rating system called Paths to Quality.   Paths to Quality has four levels, from level 1 that deals with health and safety issues to level 4 that involves national     accreditation.   In between, the issues of curriculum and staff professional development are also covered. A preschool/childcare needs to meet certain requirements at each level in order to continue moving up through the levels of Paths to Quality. The United Way of Indiana is partnering with preschool/childcare ministries, helping them begin the process of Paths to Quality.   Imagination Station is p...

Recently, we received a letter from the Principal of Homecroft Elementary, thanking our congregation for how we have partnered with them.

People matter to God!   What does that mean to us?   That means that people should matter to us as well. When anyone comes through the doors of Southport United Methodist Church, they need to know that they matter to us.   Then, once they know that, we might have the opportunity to share with them that they matter to God. How do people know that they matter to us?   We meet them where they are.   We can’t assume that they are where we are or where we want them to be.   When you go to a mall, sometimes there is a map of all of the stores, showing where the stores are in relationship to where you are.   You are on the map, and where you are is marked with a big “ X .”   You are here !   Everyone is at an “ X ” in their life.   Most likely, none of us are at the same “ X .”   So, we need to meet people where they are, at their “ X .”   We need to authentically and sincerely care about them where they are.   W...

Are you interested in a group where you can freely investigate the Christian faith, grow spiritually, offer mutual encouragement and connect socially?   A new women’s grow group is forming at Southport United Methodist Church — WINGS (Women IN God’s Spirit). The meetings will be on the first and third Tuesdays of each months from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and we will be reading Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver.   The format of the meetings will include discussion of the book, sharing God’s presence in our lives and    supporting each other through prayer.   After a two-week trial period, a one-year commitment to the group is being requested to allow us to build supporting relationships with each other as we grow in our faith.   The first meeting of WINGS will be Tuesday, January 7, 2014 , at Southport United Methodist Church.   For more information or to express your interest in joining this group, please contact the church office...

All are invited and welcome to come as Southport UMC hosts the Church Women United Fall Forum/Project Fair on Monday, October 21, 2013.   Church Women United is a racially, culturally, theologically inclusive Christian women’s movement celebrating unity in diversity and working for a world of peace and justice.   Refreshments and registration at 9:30 a.m. with Pat Wachtel, President and CEO, of Girls INC making a presentation at 10:00 a.m.   The project fair will provide an opportunity to see a display and hear information about projects supported by CWU. The Indiana Women’s Prison will be a recipient of the hands-on-offering.   The following items are suggested: 3-ring binders (used ones are fine), notebooks (no spiral binders), writing pens and pencils, glue, scotch or masking tape; notebook paper, yarn, leftover fabric; toiletry items such as shampoo, rinse, hand and face cream, bobby pins, hair clips, plain straw wreaths; writing paper and envelopes;...

One of the challenges from Jesus in Matthew 25 said, “I was in prison and you visited me.” One of the many programs designed to minister to those who are incarcerated is Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc., which began in 1976. The ministry conducts a structured ecumenical, lay-led program in medium-to-maximum security correctional institutions.   Kairos is “God’s Special Time.”   The mission of Kairos is to “bring Christ’s love and forgiveness to incarcerated individuals, their families, those who work with them and to assist the incarcerated in the transition to becoming a productive citizen.” Our next Kairos weekend in which SUMC members will be involved will occur at the Rockville Correctional Facility, a women’s prison in Rockville, Indiana, October 31-November 3. Anyone who would like to know more about serving in prison ministry, both inside and outside the facilities, can visit the “next steps” table in the Gathering Place October 17 and 20.   Ther...

Christmas is coming soon…   Planning is underway for Jubilee Christmas 2013.   DO you know of a family that will find it difficult to provide Christmas for their children this year? To refer a family, please contact the SUMC office at 317-784-9508. We’d also REALLY appreciate your willingness to host the family you refer!   All referrals are needed by Sunday, October 13.