Pastor’s Ponderings: Caring After Christmas
Dear Southport Family,
This week in worship, we’ll step into the waters of Baptism of the Lord Sunday, reading Luke 3:15-17, 21-22. Together, we’ll celebrate the gift of baptism and rediscover what it means to be God’s beloved—marked by grace and sent into the world to make a difference.
That theme of being sent into the world connects beautifully to an exciting opportunity coming up on Saturday, January 18th: our “Caring After Christmas” event. This is Southport UMC’s way of joining the Indiana Conference’s Day of Service initiative, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by putting our faith into action. The conference has set an inspiring goal to mobilize over 1,000 United Methodists in acts of service across the state, and we’re thrilled to be part of this movement.
Why “Caring After Christmas”? Because the needs of our neighbors don’t stop when the Christmas lights come down. For many, the post-holiday season can feel overwhelming—scraping together funds for a festive meal or a few gifts might leave families struggling to recover. Through this event, we’re saying, “We still see you. We still care.”
From 3 to 6 PM on January 18th, we’ll gather to assemble and deliver care packets filled with food and household necessities to those in our community who could use a little boost. We’re partnering with groups like Southport Senior Services, the Southport Police Department, and local schools to identify those in need. We may also reconnect with the families we hosted through Jubilee this past Christmas season.
This event is about more than what’s in the packets—it’s about the message behind them: that we are a community rooted in love, ready to serve, and committed to sharing Christ’s light. If you feel a tug on your heart to be part of this effort—whether by serving on the team or helping on the day of the event—I encourage you to reach out to Margaret Trammell, Pastor Brandon, or the church office.
Friends, this is who we are as God’s beloved: a people sent into the world to share love in tangible ways. Let’s step into the water together and make a difference.
Grace and peace,
Rev. William G. Nickrand
