Southport UMC Newsletter

All are invited to Church Women United Spring Forum, Monday, April 14, 2014, from   9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 3000 N. High School Road,   Indianapolis, IN 46224.  Jo Locker, a quilt artist, will describe the process that went into her creation of the quilted panel reflecting the Biblical significance of trees in God's creation.  The panel resides at that church.  For information contact Elizabeth Harmon at 888-5442.

Coming soon are travel opportunities for southside senior citizens.  Local southside churches are joining forces to offer our senior citizens daytrips on a luxury motor coach, complete with Wifi, satellite TV and wheelchair accessibility.  Joining in this effort, among others, are members from Southport Church of the Nazarene, Southport United Methodist Church and Bethany Lutheran Church. The first trip is planned for May 1, 2014, to the Cincinnati area.  Destinations include a visit to the Underground Railroad Museum in downtown Cincinnati, lunch at Cracker Barrel and a chance to wander through Jungle Jim’s, a store featuring items from many nations.  The bus will leave the Southport Church of the Nazarene, 920 E. Southport Road, at 8:30 a.m. and return in time to have passengers home for dinner. The cost of the 50-passenger motor coach will be determined by the number who attend (the more passengers the less the cost per person).  Added to this fee ...

To the ladies of the church and community: Please plan to attend our annual Lenten Brunch and Communion Service sponsored by the women on Saturday, April 12, with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m.  We hope you will enjoy the program, "Music Moves Us Closer to God" and Dennis      Thompson, the director of Hunger, Inc. will present the Mission Moment. A free will offering will be taken, and we invite everyone to bring canned goods or packaged food items for the pantry. There is no cost for the brunch.  Please contact the church office, 784-9508, by April 4 to request child care. We look forward to sharing a meaningful and enjoyable morning together.

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                       ...