Wesley United Methodist Church December 2025 Newsletter What’s Inside: Pastor’s Note Dinner Church UMM & UWF Missions Trustees Upcoming Events
Note from Pastor Jana This Advent, our congregation is entering the season with Sanctified Art’s theme “What Do You Fear?” It’s not a question we usually associate with Christmas lights, familiar carols, or the cozy glow of the manger. And yet, the world Christ entered was full of real fear and uncertainty—and so is ours. The Sanctified Art team reflected on the way hope and fear so often live side by side in our lives, a vivid image came to their mind: hands gently cupped around candles at a vigil. At a vigil, fear is often present—settling over us like a heavy fog. The candle we hold can feel small and fragile, its flame easily blown out. And yet, something holy happens when we turn to our neighbor and share the light. The glow multiplies. Warmth gathers. The darkness doesn’t disappear, but the light becomes even more visible against it. In these vigil moments, fear and grief mingle with gratitude and hope. In these spaces, courage grows. Unity takes shape. And we remember that God is near. This is my prayer for our Advent journey this year: that the season will help us name our fears honestly, hold our hopes tenderly, and trust that the God who comes to us in Christ is already illuminating the way forward. Another image used for this series is the image of a lantern. Lanterns help us take the next step when the path ahead is dim. They steady our hands as we walk into the unknown. In the series logo, the lantern’s swirling flame feels alive—like the Holy Spirit at work, like a hope that refuses to stay contained. The light spills outward into the guiding question for the season: “What do you fear?” So this Advent, we light candles. We lift lanterns. We ask brave questions. We lean toward the light—trusting that even in seasons of fear, God draws near. May this be a time when we see both the shadows we carry and the hope that flickers within us. May we discover together that the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. In Christ, Pastor Jana
Children and Youth, Evening Stars, UMM Children’s/Youth Sunday School Class The Children’s/Youth class have special ornaments on their tree. Please stop and read the ornaments. The children/youth did an awesome job of the tree.
Advent & Christmas Eve There’s :Good News From Home” A Christmas Cantata Sunday, Dec. 14th at 2:30 Wesley Sanctuary Presented by Wesley and Cavanaugh UMC Choirs At Christmas time, our hearts and minds long for home. Some journey together with family and friends. Some reflect on the memories of years gone by and joyfully await their eternal home. But for all, Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ. Good News from Home combines festive original songs and beloved Christmas carols. Refreshments will be served following the performance. Mark your calendars you don’t want to miss it.
Dinner Church Join us in December for Dinner church! Thank you for moving the items over from the old storage unit into the new unit! Thank you! Thank you to all of our volunteers!
Missions Dinner Church Thanksgiving Baskets Delivered We delivered Thanksgiving Meal Kits to Carnall Elementary before Thanksgiving break. Each bag included 3 cans of corn, 3 cans of green beans, 2 cans of cranberry sauce, 2 boxes of stuffing, 2 packages of mashed potatoes, 2 gravy mixes, 1 package of corn muffin mix, 1 package of cookie mix, 1 package of bread, and a $20 gift card to purchase the meat of their choice or any other food items they need. We included a Thanksgiving card and signed it on the back. Thank you to everyone who donated. You have given a true blessing to these families. Change Jar Thank You We donated to ATU Wesley with our change jar collection and they sent us a word of thanks. Good job church!
Worship Scriptures & Praise Songs, Birthdays December Praise Songs 12/7 - Emmanuel, God with Us 12/14 - Greater Messiah 12/21 - Angels (Glory to God) Make Room 12/28 - No praise music. 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. Worship Scriptures Dec. 7 Matthew 11:1-11 Dec. 14 Luke 1:26-39 Dec. 21 Matthew 1:18-25 Dec. 24 Luke 2:1-20 Dec. 28 Carrie Preaching Let us know if we missed your birthday or you have corrections.
December 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 Nov. 2 34 Nov. 9 43 Nov. 16 38 Nov. 23 31 Nov. 30 37 Gifts: Date Sanctuary Online Total 34 224 267 167 205 215 246 235 272 Nov. 2 $2,680 General Missions $194 Nov. 9 $2,300 Nov. 16 $1,041 $75 Nov. 23 $545 Nov. 30 $2,000 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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