Southport UMC Newsletter

Dear Friends, This is the last month to investigate how the church can become a missional movement.   For the seventh time let’s look at the definition of a missional movement.   A missional movement is when the people of the church are so excited about Jesus that they live his ways and his   message goes viral, passed on from person to person. A missional movement must have missional DNA or mDNA.   The six elements of mDNA are the following: ·   Jesus is Lord ·   Disciple-making ·   Missional-incarnational impulse ·   Apostolic Environment ·   Organic Systems ·   Communitas The final element of mDNA is Communitas.   This doesn’t mean that we have a nice friendly community in the church.   It means that we develop strong bonds of connection that are rooted in our common discipleship in Jesus Christ.   As we pray for one another for the strength to live the Spirit of Jesus in the world so that ...

SEAMLESS - Understanding the Bible as One Complete Story. This study is for those who are seeking or new believers who want to see how the scripture of both the Old and New Testaments weave together and connect. It is also for all who want to see the big picture of Scripture. It covers the people, places, and promises of the Bible, tying them together into the greater   story of scripture. Participants will gain an overarching understanding of the fundamental layout and meaning of God's Word. Each week of study features key information that ties all of scripture together into the seamless truth of the gospel message and is accompanied by maps, general Bible facts, and word studies. The study will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings beginning February 7, 2016. The last session will be May 22, 2016.   There is no cost for the needed resource. DISCIPLES PATH Are you a disciple of Jesus?   Before you answer that, you might ask, “What does it mean ...

United Methodist Women's Circles will "MAKE IT HAPPEN" this year.  We are women's groups that are focused on the following areas of educating women:  climate justice, maternal and child health, criminalization of people of color, and wealth inequality.   There will be many opportunities to join the circles throughout the year and be better informed women.  We will be starting our quest for information in our February meetings.  At these meetings we will open our hearts for a "Call to Prayer and Self-Denial" program helping to support our theme.  Then we will have an opportunity to be more informed by attending a Legislative Day on February 11.  We will meet with several speakers to learn about what is happening in our state to improve conditions for all people. There will be so much more to come as the year goes on.  Won't you come and join us to help make this a better world as we become Jesus' hands and feet in the world? ...

Thank you to all who participated in the Meijer's Drive for the Hunger, Inc. Food Pantry.  I know that they appreciate the help for all the families in need.   In the next newsletter, I will have information on how much was donated. Thank you for your contributions for January.  We donated 85 pounds of peanut butter and    jelly.   I know one family from our Jubilee Christmas group was very glad to get food at the pantry after Christmas.   One of our young members helped me deliver the food to the Pantry.  This was great since it helped her to get time for her Service badge.  The collection for February is canned fruit.  The March collection is cans of tuna.       Then in April we do our big food drive for Fletcher Place.  Watch for all the information to come out in March for this food drive.      If you need more  information about our SUMC food collect...

On February 7 we are grateful to have the young men and boys of Troop 39 and Pack 39 as we celebrate Scout Sunday. The scouts and their families will attend worship services and the boys will serve as part of our Hospitality Team that morning. You will easily recognize them since they will be in uniform.   Troop 39 and Pack 39 are ministries of Southport United Methodist Church and make themselves available to serve as needed in the church and in the community. Please extend a warm welcome to the scouts and their families.

On Saturday, March 5, 2016, ladies of Roof Crashers Bible Study and United Methodist Women are sponsoring a Women's Day Out. Guest speakers are from          "Hearts in Service."  Experience a day filled with God's presence focused on women of the Bible, music, and prayer.  We begin at 9:00 a.m. with light snacks, tea and coffee in the Gathering Place at Southport United Methodist Church.  Later we will enjoy a lunch/brunch with all activities concluding by 3:00 p.m.  Please call the church office, 784-9508, to RSVP and schedule child care.  All women need and deserve a day out; so please invite friends, neighbors, and co-workers for this special day.

Because of your giving to our Faith Promise fund, a second mile giving opportunity, we are able to express God’s love to families who have critically ill children at Riley Hospital.   Never doubt that your participation in this way isn’t making a difference.   If you would enjoy more hands on involvement, please contact the church office, 784-9508 or   sherry@sumc.org to be connected with a RMH ministry leader. Recently the leader shared these words: “Tonight we served 44 people that came to eat. We offered to pray with families (which we always do), but tonight several people did ask us to pray with them.   It is always surprising how after just a couple of questions, the families will share their whole Riley story. The human spirit never ceases to amaze me.   I can’t say enough how this touched my heart.   Thanks again to SUMC for supporting this ministry and letting me be part of it.”

Dear SOUTHPORT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, The Kroger Family of Stores is committed to bringing hope and help to local communities. We do this through a variety of activities, including charitable giving, sponsorships and the unique Community Rewards Program of Kroger. We are also committed to carefully protecting our customers' personal information. In order to meet their expectation of privacy, we have adopted a simple policy to never share a customer's personal information. Our privacy policy applies to Community Rewards participation as well. As your neighborhood food retailer, we deeply value our ability to support local organizations like yours. Your supporters (17 households) who shopped at Kroger between 2015-10-01 and 2015-12-31 have contributed to your $173.55 total donation. Your organization will be receiving a Kroger check in this amount within 30 days from 2016-01-21. If you have any questions, please email mia.carter@kroger.com or visit our website at ww...

There’s still time to sign up for the JOY Travelers’ Trip to Louisville April 23. For full details, see last month’s newsletter.   The trip includes the Louisville Slugger Museum and factory tour and lunch at Huber Farms, north of New Albany. The cost is $58 per person.   Payment is due by March 15.   For more information, and where to send your payment please contact Herberta at herbertajb@gmail.com or Billie at hunteman55@comcast.net or contact the church office 784-9508.