Southport UMC Newsletter

No, no, that’s not a capitulation to a supposedly politically correct version of the war on Christmas.   First of all, I don’t believe in such a thing.   It is a conspiracy theory invented by certain news outlets designed to make people angry even during the season of Christmas.      So, please join me in ignoring the false media claim that there is such a thing as a war on Christmas.   And frankly, even if there was, Christmas would win.   No, I chose that title so that I could remind us all that this is an intense season of the year.     It’s not just one holiday that we celebrate, but many.   I’m writing this on the brink of Halloween, which is another event we sometimes get too excited about, I think.   It is simply the night before All Saints Day, which is an important celebration in the life of the Church.      It was also one of the founder of Methodism, John Wesley’s favorite celebrations.   It is the reminder that the church is bigger than we can see with our eyes.   It

We are preparing Bibles for our 3rd Graders.   With guidance from parents and what they   learn at church, the Bible will help them grow in their relationship with Jesus. If your 3rd Grader has not received a letter in regards to the presentation, please contact Allyson at 317-780-4624 or email Allyson@sumc.org.

WOW!!!  We delivered 249 lbs. of food the first of October to the Hunger, Inc. Food Pantry.  What a joy it is to see the smiles you make with your donations.  You are making a difference to those who need it most.  Thank you so much for your action at being servants   of God.    We also have had several new servants wanting to volunteer at the Hunger, Inc.   food pantry.  The need is great and you are answering the call.   Again thanks for God opening your hearts toward this ministry. In November, the food pantry has asked for the following things: ·   All kinds of canned beans...lima beans, pinto beans, etc. (Just not green beans). ·   Fresh bags of potatoes ·   Jelly (to go with the many peanut butter jars they already have)             ·   Dish Soap The collection dates are Thursday, November 2 and Sunday, November 5.  Thought for the month:  The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us. Thanks to God for his Power behind eac

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN NEWS The United Methodist Women of Southport United Methodist Church invite all women to our General Meeting Sunday, November 5.  We will get-together at 9:30 a.m. in the Music Room off the Gathering Place.  This gathering will give new ladies an opportunity to meet other UM Women.  We will also be voting on our by-laws and   the new 2018 budget.   It will be a very short gathering (about 15 minutes), so bring your coffee, tea and treats with you and come meet new friends. Also, Saturday, November 11, from 9:30-11:30 a.m.  Church Women United will hold World Community Day.  This will be held at Vida Nueva  on the SW corner of Washington and Worman Streets.   The topic of discussion will be "Kindling the Fire of Peace".    Let the church know if you are interested in attending and wish to carpool with others. UMW Circle Meetings Rebekah Circle meets Tuesday, November 14 at the church at 1:00 p.m.   They meet in the Gathering Place and col

Dear Church family, I am so incredibly thankful that we are part of our Southport United Methodist Church.   As you know, our church desires to offer services where God is glorified.   We also desire to honor Him in our worship each week. We are in a new season as we build a team to lead our congregation into worship.   Because of your unique talents in music, singing and worship, I would like to ask you to prayerfully consider participating in our upcoming Christmas celebrations. Every one of us was created to worship our Everlasting God.   Through the songs that we sing, the actions of our hands, the sacrifice we make as we turn our lives over to Him, our very lives become an offering to our King.   Worship is how we connect with our Creator and give Him back all of the honor that is due to Him.   What an honor and privilege it is to be able to facilitate part of that worship for people! Send me an email if you are interested and let’s talk. John Skaggs Dir

INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK (IHN) Sunday, November 12 families arrive for a two week period and our church becomes their home: a place to rest after a long day, have a warm meal with new friends, sleep in a family bedroom (each family has a classroom in the east wing they use as their bedroom), and the next morning return to the IHN Day Center.   During the day the children are in school, the adults go to jobs or job hunt, and move through the process of finding a place in which to live. Our presence during their arrival and throughout their stay is one way to share Jesus’ grace and love with our guests. Talk with IHN ministry leaders in the Gathering Place November 2/5 for information on how we can serve our guests. BLOOD DRIVE Our last Blood Drive for 2017 is Sunday, November 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Gathering Place.   Give the gift of life and invite neighbors and co-workers to join you in saving lives. EXTRAVAGANT GRATITUDE We have a multitude of

                                                                      Advent and CHRISTMAS Eve WORSHIP TIMES 4th Sunday of Advent December 24, 9:30 a.m. Special Worship for all ages Christmas Eve Services 5:30 Family Service for all ages 7:30 Contemporary Candlelight Service 11:00 Traditional Candlelight Service