Southport UMC Newsletter

Dear Friends, Recently, Doug Shinkle conducted an usher training session.   He asked me to come and teach some principles around the concept of Radical Hospitality.   One of the key components of Radical Hospitality is that we are so open to the newcomer and guest that we are always willing to adapt and change our behaviors and practices to accommodate the needs of the newcomer and guest.   I find it striking and rather compelling that a part of Radical Hospitality occurs when those who are part of a church are willing to change and adapt their practices and behaviors to accommodate those who are new to the church.   As I contemplate the meaning of that for me, I have to wonder which practices and behaviors I have been willing to change or even give up in order to be more fully receptive to and accepting of the guests that come into our midst.   I am glad for that opportunity to take an inward look and assess what more I can do personally to make...

Jesus gave us a challenge in Matthew 25 when he 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    Indianapolis Women’s Prison (IWP) in June.   However planning and training is happening now.   Anyone who would like to know more about serving in prison ministry, both inside and outside the facilities, may contact our Prison Ministry leaders, Connie Klipsch or...

We are revamping God’s Workers this year.   We work the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.   Beginning this year, on the second Saturday our focus will be around the younger    generation serving.   We will meet at the church at 9:30 a.m. and work for 2 hours from 10:00 a.m. to noon.   This is open to 2 years old and up with children 2 years old to fourth grade requiring at least one parent or guardian to attend with them.   A parent or guardian is not required to attend with children over fifth grade.   Every child (fifth grade to adult) will need to fill out a permission form for the whole year in order to serve on the team. There will be an informational meeting Saturday, March 8, 2014, at 8:00 a.m., lasting 60-90 minutes. This is also sign-up day.   Bring your child, complete the permission slip, and he or she will be ready to serve in the community in whatever tasks are needed. We will start out small with pr...

Matthew 25:35 (NLT)   “For I was hungry, and you fed me…” MARCH is the time for us to all step up to feed the hungry in Indianapolis area.   The food will be donated to the local food pantry at Fletcher Place Community Center.    The need is huge and we can all get involved to help.    Please bring your donated items to the Gathering Place. The dates are March 15-April 15 .   The Boy Scouts from Troop 39 will be joining us in our   effort to feed the hungry again this year.   They have a “Scouting for Food” campaign that will start at the same time.   The church community will be collecting food for the entire month.   So start saving your cans and boxes of food.   Remember this is SUMC bringing disciples to Christ by feeding the hungry.   Food List    Beans and Rice                       ...

The food item for the March Collection is cans of tuna.  They will be collected February 27 and March 2.  We will then skip the April donations because of the Food Drive for Fletcher Place. ***************************************************************************  If anyone is interested in helping buy food for Hunger, Inc, call the church office; and we can get you in touch with someone to give you the shopping details. Also we are looking for members to help deliver food items collected.  Please call to help.  ************************************************************************** The food items for May are canned vegetables. 

All are invited to the Bethany Lutheran Shrove Tuesday Tea, March 4, 2014. The program is the a Women’s Trio. Bethany Lutheran Church is at 4702 S. East St. (US 31). Join us at 12:30 p.m. for a very inspirational service followed by a scrumptious tea with finger sandwiches, pastries, tea and fellowship. World Day of Prayer is Friday, March 7, 2014, with the message written by the women of Egypt. There are several locations and times: Chapel Hill UMC, 963 N. Girls School Rd. 46214           10:00 a.m. Old Bethel UMC 7995 E. 21 St. 46219                           9:30 a.m. St. Joseph Catholic 1375 S. Mickley 46241                    7:00 p.m. Do you have question or concerns about the Regional Mass Transit Plan?   Church Wome...