This Week @ SSUMC

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TODAY IS SSUMC GRADUATE

RECOGNITION SUNDAY

We recognize and celebrate the Class of 2026 and look with joy to where your journey now leads you. You are in our hearts and in our prayers as you begin this next season! Well done and congratulations!!

 

JOIN US FOR PENTECOST SUNDAY FESTIVITIES NEXT SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2026

 

1 – we invite you to wear RED in celebration of the Holy Spirit’s presence among us!

 

2 – we invite you to be externally focused in service by giving the gift of life!

Register for an appointment to give blood on May 24 between 9am and 12:30pm by navigating to

Oneblood.org/donate-now using the sponsor code 15129.  This drive is open to South Shore members, friends, and community members. Spread the word!

 

3 – we invite you to bring a dish to share for our potluck following worship!

We will worship around tables and share a meal together.  These mornings are always a joy; please plan 8 servings for your potluck contribution.

 

SHORE FAMILY KICK OFF NEXT SUNDAY WITH

SHORE FAMILY SUNSET

@ Ft. DeSoto State Park – 4pm to 9:30pm

– Sunday, May 24

Meet up at 4pm to Carpool from SSUMC to Ft. DeSoto or join us in the Snack Bar Parking Lot at 5pm. Bring a picnic dinner, water bottle, towel, sunscreen and anything you need to make your beach trip complete. We will return to SSUMC by 9:30pm.

 

Shore Youth have the option to carpool from SSUMC with a completed Medical Release Form.

Shore Kids must ride with the parents or guardians.

 

Information about our June Shore Family Gatherings and Picture It Bible Scavenger Hunt are available in the Welcome Center, by visiting our website,

and/or contacting the Church Office to receive a copy. Thank you!

 

UPCOMING SUNDAY MORNING SMALL GROUP

Join Rebecca Crotwell and Friends for an 8wk study of

Epic of Eden: Deborah

beginning Sunday, May 31 @ 10:40hr in Rm 115/116.

Register to participate in the Welcome Center or by contacting the Church Office.

 

SHORE BOOK CLUB

Join Pastor Sarah and Friends on

Second Tuesdays @ 7pm via Zoom

and Wednesdays @ Noon

in Rm 106 for Shore Book Club.

This year, we will be reading through the faith classic, Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis.  

 

June Reading Assignment: Mere Christianity – Book 1

Join us Tuesday, June 9 @ 7pm via Zoom or Wednesday, June 10 @ Noon in Rm 106

 

Book Club Participants are encouraged to obtain a personal copy of Mere Christianity, to read the assigned sections ahead of our gatherings, and to come ready for a rich discussion.

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Let Pastor Sarah know to expect you by registering in the Welcome Center or by emailing

sarah@southshoreumc.com.

 

2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE OFFERING

This year’s Annual Conference Offering will be collected during our May 31st worship service and will support two important ministries: Florida Diversity Fund and Affordability Grants.  

 

Florida Diversity Fund

The Florida Diversity Fund (FDF), conceived in 2023, aims to strengthen ethnic clergy and churches by addressing historical inequities within The Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church. Building on the 2022 resolution requiring 40% of annual Cabinet Development Fund spending to support ethnic churches, the FDF seeks an initial $3 million investment to provide salary support, education, debt relief, technology upgrades, coaching, and facility improvements for churches in under-resourced communities. A task force of clergy leaders proposes establishing a long‑term strategic plan, oversight committee, and funding streams—including a portion of the Bishop’s Offering and a special advance—while emphasizing measurable impacts, prioritizing clergy support over property projects, and addressing disparities that have led to a “brain drain” of Black clergy from historically Black congregations.

 

Affordability Grants

At this year’s Florida Annual Conference, we have a powerful opportunity to live out our faith in tangible ways through a special offering that will fund grants for local churches and ministries serving people in need across our state. These grants will help congregations respond to the real challenges facing their communities. From the housing crisis and rising food insecurity to the needs of immigrant families seeking safety and stability. In Florida, more than 3.2 million people, about 1 in 7 residents, face hunger, including over 800,000 children, and nearly 2.8 million people live in poverty. At the same time, over 2.4 million low-income households struggle with the cost of housing, often paying more than they can afford just to keep a roof over their heads. This offering will empower churches to respond with compassion and creativity, providing resources that allow local ministries to feed the hungry, support families in crisis, walk alongside immigrant neighbors, and bring hope to people who are hurting. When we give to this offering, we are investing in the mission of the church and equipping communities across Florida to be the hands and feet of Christ where they are needed most.

 

Please be in prayer about supporting this additional offering to be received May 31.

Our Backpacks on a Mission and New View Ministries intend to apply for the Affordability Grants.  

 

JUNE SHORE FAMILY EVENT CALENDAR and

PICTURE-IT BIBLE SCAVENGER HUNT AVAILABLE

Pick up a calendar and scavenger hunt in the Welcome Center today.

Let us know you will join us for Shore Family Events by contacting the Church Office.

Complete and return the scavenger hunt by June 30 for entry into a prize drawing.

Additional entries into the prize drawing will be given to folks that create a digital picture display of their solved clues! Connect with Pastor Sarah for more information.

 

SAVE THE DATE: STATE OF THE CHURCH REPORT – MAY 31 FOLLOWING WORSHIP

The SLT will host a 30-minute meeting to update the congregation on church finances, capital projects, and cost-share relationships. Please plan to attend.