Wesley United Methodist Church April 2025 Newsletter What’s Inside: Pastor’s Note Ministry Highlights UMM & UWF Missions Christmas Calendar & More!
Note from Pastor Jana As we journey through the final weeks of Lent and anticipate the joy of Easter morning, this season invites deep reflection on Christ’s sacrifice and the hope of resurrection. Lent has been a time of repentance, prayer, and preparation—a season of drawing closer to God as we remember Jesus’ path to the cross. Now, as Easter approaches, our hearts turn toward the promise of new life. One of the most beautiful symbols of this transformation is the Flowering Cross, a tradition that visually represents the movement from sorrow to joy. On Easter Sunday, a barren wooden cross, which has reminded us of Christ’s suffering, is transformed by fresh flowers, symbolizing the victory of life over death. Each bloom placed on the cross reflects the resurrection power of Christ and the renewal of our spirits. If you have never participated in this tradition, consider bringing fresh flowers (or we will have some on hand) to add to the cross on Easter morning as an act of worship and celebration. As we walk through Holy Week together, we will remember Jesus’ journey—his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the sorrow of the cross, and ultimately, the joy of the empty tomb. Easter morning will bring us together in celebration as we proclaim: Christ is risen! But the joy of Easter does not end there! The Sunday after Easter, we will continue the celebration with Holy Humor Sunday—a tradition dating back to the early church when Christians would gather to laugh and rejoice in God’s ultimate joke on the devil: the resurrection! On this day, we embrace the joy of our faith, sharing laughter, lighthearted worship, and reminders that the Good News is meant to bring us joy. May this season of Lent lead you into the fullness of Easter joy. Whether through quiet reflection, acts of kindness, or joyful laughter, may we all experience the deep and abiding love of God in fresh and life-giving ways. Pastor Jana
Lenten Service at Wesley hosted with Cavanaugh
UWF & UMM & Trustee Update This is for all of the women at our church. We hope you will join. This is for all of the men at our church. We hope you will join.
UMM Award, Bible Study, Worship Scriptures, Birthdays Honoring Dedication and Service: The George Jensen United Methodist Men Award We are delighted to announce that this year, the United Methodist Men have established a special award in honor and memory of George Jensen, recognizing his legacy of faith and service. The first recipient of the George Jensen United Methodist Men Award is Jack Sides, a faithful servant of Christ who has dedicated many years to his church, family, community, and country. This well-deserved honor celebrates Jack’s unwavering commitment to spiritual growth, mission outreach, and Christian fellowship. Please join us in congratulating Jack Sides on this well-earned recognition. May his example continue to inspire us all to serve with faith and love.We are delighted to announce that this year, the United Methodist Men have established a special award in honor and memory of George Jensen, recognizing his legacy of faith and service. Dates for Breaks: No Class April 16 & April 30 Wrap up May 14th for summer Break Lenten Online Study Wraps up April 14th April 6 Worship Scriptures John 12:1-8 April 13 Luke 19:28-40 April 20 John 20:11-18 April 27 John 20:11-18 Let us know if we missed your birthday or you have corrections.
Trustee Update We would like to introduce our new custodians, Mildred Jones and Kim Allen. They started with us February 1st. and their first order of business was deep cleaning our facility which hasn't been done in over 5 years. They not only deep cleaned, they organized and sanitized. They spent about 50 hours before doing the routine weekly cleaning. They will clean the church weekly on Thursday. Some services they have already performed and will do things weekly that haven't been done in the past. 1. All carpet will be vacuumed. 2. Tile floors will be dust mopped or wet mopped. 3. All tables will be wiped down with disinfecting wipes. 4. Piano, Organ and water coolers cleaned. 5. Glass entry doors to sanctuary cleaned. 6. Exterior entries and mats cleaned. Kim left, Mildred right All pew and choir chair cushions have been cleaned. The pew wood has been polished. A robot has been used to vacuum under and between and under the pews. This has never been done. These items will be done on a monthly or quarterly basis. Since one of the choir members fell one night after choir and Frances almost fell on the wet steps to the office they have been painted with non slip, non skid paint and a solar light has been installed for better lighting for safety reasons. A new child's commode has been installed in the old nursery Things observed recently: Grease in the small kitchen sink and left a mess. Dead bolt on kitchen door not locked. Thermostat not set correctly in Fellowship Hall [this has happened several times]. Read the sign attached to the thermostat. Missing Item: The microfiber cloths and glass cleaner that the custodians had in a bag in the storage room across from the kitchen are missing. They took them out of the bag and left the bag.
Holy Week and After Easter New Sermon Series
April Calendar and Living Out our Membership Vows Prayers: Let us know how we can be praying for you. We have a prayer list that is sent out and on the bulletin. Presence: Worship Date Mar. 2 Mar. 9 Mar. 16 Mar. 23 Mar. 30 Gifts: Date Mar. 2 Mar. 9 Mar. 16 Sanctuary Online Total 35 24 34 29 28 86 84 91 94 89 General Missions $2,955 $1,200 $1,340 $163 Service: Worship: 9:30 Sunday school 10:30 Mission: Farmer’s Market Ministry, Thanksgiving Meals, blessing box and more. Witness: We all have gifts to share and we are all ministers. May we go out into the world to share our love of Christ. Go forth as a witness serving Jesus and Loving Neighbors. 121 108 125 123 117
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