Wesley United Methodist Church April 2026 Newsletter What’s Inside: Pastor’s Note Dinner Church UMM & UWF Missions Trustees Upcoming Events
Note from Pastor Jana There is something a little surprising about laughter in church. We are used to quiet prayers, sacred songs, and solemn moments—especially as we walk through Lent and arrive at the cross. But then comes Easter morning… and everything shifts. The stone is rolled away. The tomb is empty. Death does not get the final word. And sometimes, the only faithful response left is joy… even laughter. There is an old Easter tradition called “Holy Humor Sunday.” In the early church, the week after Easter was known as a time of celebration and laughter. Theologians would say that in the resurrection, God played the greatest “practical joke” on death. Sin and darkness thought they had won—but God had the last word. Laughter, in this sense, isn’t about telling jokes for the sake of it. It is about recognizing that hope has broken through where we least expected it. It is about the deep, surprising joy that comes when we realize that God is still at work—even in places that once felt lost. If we’re honest, life can feel heavy. We carry worries, grief, uncertainty, and stress. We walk through seasons that feel more like Good Friday than Easter morning. And yet, the resurrection reminds us that those are not the end of the story. God is always doing something new. Sometimes that new thing looks like healing, looks like courage, looks like a quiet sense of peace. And sometimes… it looks like laughter bubbling up when we didn’t think it could. This April, I invite you to make space for holy joy: • Notice moments of unexpected delight • Share a meal and laughter with others • • Let yourself smile—even in the midst of a hard week Remember that joy is not a distraction from faith—it is a reflection of it Frederick Buechner once said, “Laughter is the closest thing to the grace of God.” What a gift that grace shows up not only in silence and stillness—but also in smiles, giggles, and shared joy. So as we live into this Easter season, may we be people who carry resurrection not just in what we believe—but in how we live. May our lives bear witness to a God who brings life out of death, hope out of despair, and joy where we least expect it. Pastor Jana
Easter
UWiF & UMM Northwest District United Women in Faith Meeting All women are invited to attend. It is here in Fort Smith. The cost is $15. You need to register by April 11th. Contact Patrice for any questions
Dinner Church and Thank you! Join us in April for Dinner church!
Missions Dinner Church
Worship Scriptures & Praise Songs, Birthdays April Praise Songs 4/12 - House of the Lord 4/19 - Living Hope Because He Lives (Amen) 4/26 - I Will Follow I Will Rise Bible Study is paused Listen Along with Our Worship Playlist Stay connected to the songs we're singing in worship all month long! Use the Spotify code above to access our curated playlist anytime on your phone or tablet. for April. We will resume in May. April 5 Worship Scriptures John 20:1-18 April 12 Psalm 126 April 19 Luke 24:13-35 Apr 26 Matthew 4:18–20
March 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. 1 Mar. 8 Mar. 15 Mar. 22 Mar. 29 Gifts: Date Mar. 1 Mar. 8 Mar. 15 Mar. 22 Sanctuary Online Total 36 36 38 37 38 200 256 207 238 236 292 245 275 251 289 General Missions $1,042 $3,015 $2,195 $1,270 $263 $45 $293 Mar 29 $1,738 Service: Worship: 9:30 Sunday school 10:30 Mission: Farmer’s Market Ministry, 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.
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