Southport UMC Newsletter

Dear Friends, Wow!   It is hard to believe that we have already moved into the Christmas season.    I have been seeing signs of Christmas in stores for weeks, but I try to ignore all that until after   Thanksgiving. With Christmas right around the corner, I want to lift up some of the ways we will be       celebrating the birth of Christ at Southport United Methodist Church: ·   Operation Christmas Transformation:   This is an opportunity to spend less on our celebrations of Christmas and give a birthday present to Jesus using the money we saved by cutting back.   You can make a contribution to this fund or you can buy picture poinsettias for $10 each in honor or memory of a loved one, and the money will go to the Operation Christmas Fund.   All proceeds will be divided equally between the Pastor’s Benevolent Fund to help those in financial need and to the Pastor’s Ministry Fund to help with outreach ministr...

We are all on a journey.   Our journey as followers of Jesus Christ is related to transformation.   We are on a journey as we are transformed into Christlikeness.           (As Paul said, we won’t ever reach the goal in this life, but nonetheless, we press on.) So, to help us on our journey, starting in 2014, we will be starting the Journey Groups program.   Journey Groups are: Short-term studies, lasting from 6 – 12 weeks. Journey Groups will occur in three semesters throughout the year. Journey Groups are studies that will help us grow in our faith in Christ, grow our relationship with Christ, and help us learn to be disciples who can make more disciples. Participation in Journey Groups will help us all grow toward Christlikeness. There will be several different Journey Groups to choose from each semester. Journey Groups are for EVERYONE. You will hear more about Journey Groups in December and January...

The December Food Collection is coming soon.   In fact, the dates for collection are Wednesday, November 27, and Sunday, December 1.   We are requesting donations of canned pasta meals , spaghetti and meatballs, Mac and cheese, etc.   However all food items are welcome.   For November we delivered 180 pounds of food. I recently was in a Bible Study that mentioned, “If we could see what breaks the heart of God, how would we respond?”   I have to tell you every time I deliver the food we collect for      Hunger, Inc., my heart breaks to see those empty shelves.   Call the church office to share your desire to help deliver food.   You also will see what God sees! This is a list of the food items we will be collecting for 2014. January —Jelly/Peanut Butter                  July—Peanut Butter/Jelly February—Canned Fruit               ...

Make a CHOICE to have a plan for using your money, using God's way. Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University: ·   Isn’t your typical “money class.” FPU is practical, entertaining and fun! ·   Has been taken by more than 1.5 million families and individuals. ·   Helps the average family that completes the course to pay off $5,300 in debt and save $2,700 in just 90 days. ·   Has something for you whether you are struggling to make ends meet or you are a millionaire. ·   Is based on more than 800 verses of Scripture and is a proven plan that will work for you.  ·   Class is for nine weeks and starts Tuesday, January 21 at 7p.m.  Cost is around $100 for a lifetime membership. To register for the class and to order your materials, go to   http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/locations/org/31571/class/243648 For more information, please contact the church office or fpu@sumc.org

The volunteers in the City of Southport are grateful for the generosity of the Southport United Methodist Church.   We had an enjoyable evening   November 8 during our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.   Thank you for allowing us to use the SUMC Gathering Place. Be sure to join us in 2014 on our “Second Saturday in Southport” series.   Our events in the park are free, family friendly, and open to all. Thank You Marylynne Winslow City of Southport Park Board President