<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><?xml-stylesheet href="/rss/styles.xsl" type="text/xsl"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"><channel><title>Southside UMC News and Info</title><description>Stay connected with the latest news, events, and updates from Southside Methodist Church</description><link>https://lighthousekidsclub.org/</link><language>en</language><lastBuildDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 15:00:32 GMT</lastBuildDate><generator>Astro</generator><docs>https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html</docs><item><title>Grand Opening: August 31st - A New Chapter Begins</title><link>https://lighthousekidsclub.org/blog/faith-in-the-everyday-2024/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://lighthousekidsclub.org/blog/faith-in-the-everyday-2024/</guid><description>Join us for the grand opening of Southside United Methodist Church on August 31st! Celebrate this historic milestone as we officially open our doors to the community.</description><pubDate>Fri, 15 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded># Grand Opening: August 31st - A New Chapter Begins

We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of Southside United Methodist Church on **August 31st**! This is a historic milestone for our church family and the entire Southside community. After months of preparation, planning, and prayer, we&apos;re ready to officially open our doors and welcome everyone to be part of this incredible journey.

## Join Us for the Grand Opening Celebration

**Date**: Saturday, August 31st
**Time**: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
**Location**: 1100 Gordon Ave. Southside, IA 50211

This day marks the beginning of a new chapter in our church&apos;s story, and we want you to be part of it!</content:encoded><category>grand opening</category><category>community</category><category>celebration</category><category>milestone</category><category>church opening</category><author>Pastor Mike</author></item><item><title>Kids Paint Party at Southside</title><link>https://lighthousekidsclub.org/blog/kids-paint-party-at-southside/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://lighthousekidsclub.org/blog/kids-paint-party-at-southside/</guid><description>A Night of Color, Creativity, and Community</description><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 15:00:32 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded>Southside Church recently came alive with color, laughter, and creativity during our Kids Paint Party. It was a joyful and memorable night for everyone involved.

Families gathered for an evening built around something simple but powerful. Creating together. Children filled the room with energy as they painted canvases, decorated wooden crafts, designed colorful rocks, and helped create a giant community art banner. Every table was covered in bright colors, big smiles, and proud young artists excited to show off their work.

The evening began with a shared pizza dinner which gave families time to connect, meet new friends, and enjoy a relaxed and welcoming space. After dinner, we gathered for a short and meaningful time of worship. Following worship, kids were invited downstairs for the paint party which quickly became the highlight of the night.

What made the evening especially meaningful was the sense of community. Parents connected with one another, kids created freely, and new relationships began to grow. Events like this reflect the heart of Southside. A place where families belong, kids are celebrated, and creativity is encouraged.

Southside Church is a new and growing community centered on connection, belonging, and real relationships. We believe church should be a place where families feel welcomed, supported, and known. Nights like the Kids Paint Party are one of the many ways we live that out.

If you and your family are looking for a place to connect, create, and grow in community, we would love to welcome you.</content:encoded><author>Southside UMC</author></item><item><title>Winter Coat Drive </title><link>https://lighthousekidsclub.org/blog/winter-coat-drive/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://lighthousekidsclub.org/blog/winter-coat-drive/</guid><description>Winter Warmth, Shared Together</description><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 15:00:32 GMT</pubDate><content:encoded>This winter, something beautiful happened through the power of community.

Thanks to the incredible generosity and leadership of our friends at Norwalk United Methodist Church, Southside was able to collect **over 100 winter coats** to help our neighbors stay warm during the coldest months of the year. What began as a simple idea became a powerful reminder that when we work together, we can make a real difference in people’s lives.

Each coat represents care, compassion, and the belief that no one in our community should have to face winter alone.

If you or someone you know is in need of a warm coat, we want you to know you are welcome here. Join us any Sunday evening at **5:00 PM** for dinner, connection, and community. Our **Winter Warmth Room** will be open, and coats will be available for anyone who needs one no questions asked.

Together, we are sharing warmth, hope, and love one coat at a time. 💙</content:encoded><author>Southside UMC</author></item></channel></rss>