Wesley United Methodist Church August 2025 Newsletter What’s Inside: Pastor’s Note Ministry Highlights UMM & UWF Missions FM Ministry Upcoming Events
Note from Pastor Jana As summer begins to wane and back to school shopping for crayons, scissors, headphones, and all the things, our congregations are reminded that this season is not just for students—it's a time of renewal for all of us. The back-to-school season invites each of us, regardless of age, to embrace learning, growth, and community. I find myself preparing for a very different kind of educational journey. Next month, I will be traveling to England to participate in the Wesley Pilgrimage Tour with about 70 clergy led by Rev. Adam Hamilton and Rev. Matt Miofsky. This will be a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement. This pilgrimage is not simply a trip through history—it is an invitation to deeper learning, spiritual renewal, and a reminder of the vital connection between faith and education. It is fitting that this journey coincides with the beginning of the school year, for John Wesley’s own ministry began in a place of learning: Oxford University. Wesley was shaped by rigorous academic study, regular patterns of prayer and worship, and deep Christian fellowship. It was at Oxford that he, along with his brother Charles and a small group of friends, formed what others mockingly called the “Holy Club.” Their methodical approach to devotion, service to the poor, and spiritual discipline gave rise to the name “Methodist”—a name that has come to represent a powerful movement of grace in action. As I prepare to visit sites like Oxford, Epworth, and Aldersgate Street, I will be reflecting on how our spiritual forebears balanced intellect with devotion and how we, too, might embrace learning as a sacred calling. In a time when our world is increasingly divided and information is abundant but not always wise, I am reminded that true learning happens in community, grounded in love and guided by the Spirit. As our children and youth return to their classrooms, as our church continues to grow in discipleship and mission, and as I embark on this pilgrimage, may we all seek to be students of grace— continually learning, growing, and being transformed by God’s love. I ask for your prayers as I travel—prayers for safety, for spiritual renewal, and for fresh insight into how the legacy of the Wesleys might inform our ministry today. I look forward to returning with stories, inspiration, and a reminder of our methods. Pastor Jana
Farmer’s Market Ministry
UWF, UMM , and Trustees
Dinner Church
Annual Conference Report - Written by Carrie Miller What’s happening in your church that deserves to be seen? Laura Heikes highlights a simple yet powerful way to expand your church’s reach— through pictures and videos. Every ministry is already doing meaningful work, but too often, only the direct participants see it. By capturing and sharing these moments, churches can increase engagement, inspire generosity, and change how the community perceives their mission. Here’s how to start sharing your story. You can multiply your impact by connecting with more people in your congregation and community with one simple change—take and share pictures and videos. Every church is doing something amazing—but often, only the participants know about it. You can change that! Pictures and videos let the whole community see the story unfold. Taking and sharing pictures and videos can increase participation, inspire generosity, and change community perceptions. You don’t even need to create a new ministry or program! Take pictures of what you’re already doing and share that. You’ll be amazed at how this simple practice multiplies the impact and connection to ministry. Here’s how to get started: Ask the question. What’s happening this week? And who will take a few pictures? Ideas include: • A children’s Sunday School lesson • Tuesday night Bible study • • • Food pantry packing or distribution Prayer shawl knitting Office volunteers counting offering or folding bulletins Each week, talk about which ministries are happening and who will take pictures. No need to recruit or hire a professional. Phones make it possible for almost anyone to be a photographer. Share, share, share. People love to see themselves in pictures! Social media is the place to start. Shoot for 1-2 posts a week about events, outreach, studies, and programs. These aren’t announcements or cries for help. They are celebrations of the ministry that’s being done (these posts will be invitation enough, promise!). Start to notice which pictures and methods (video, reel, interview, photos) receive the most positive interaction (likes, shares, comments, tags). Learn and lean into what connects and engages. When you see posts from volunteers or staff in your church, comment, like, and share to encourage others to keep up the good work! You don’t need a new program—just start capturing the ministry that’s already happening. This week, ask yourself: What’s happening in our church that deserves to be seen? Then, grab your phone and start sharing the story. You’ll be amazed at how it multiplies impact and connection.
Worship Scriptures & Praise Songs, Birthdays July Praise Songs 8/3 - I Surrender (Hillsong version) 8/10 - I Will Follow Bigger Table 8/17 - Living Water The Stand 8/24 - Battle Belongs Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Go 8/31 - Soul On Fire How Great is Our God Listen Along with Our Worship Playlist Stay connected to the songs we're singing in worship all month long! Use the Spotify code below to access our curated playlist anytime on your phone or tablet. Aug. 3 Worship Scriptures Romans 12:1–2 Aug. 10 Ruth 1:16–17; Proverbs 17:17 Aug. 17 UWIF Sunday Aug. 24 UMM Aug. 31 Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16zå Let us know if we missed your birthday or you have corrections.
August 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 July 6 July 13 July 20 Gifts: Date July 6 Sanctuary Online Total 32 32 35 June 27 32 83 77 78 General Missions $1,915 $203 July 13 $ 1,070 July 20 $697 July 27 $2,207 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. 32 115 112 110
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