Wesley United Methodist Church January 2025 Newsletter What’s Inside: Pastor’s Note Ministry Highlights UMM & UWF Missions Christmas Calendar & More!
Note from Pastor Jana As we step into a new year, we are reminded that the journey of faith is one of continual discovery. In this season of Epiphany, we have a unique opportunity to deepen our spiritual reflection through the tradition of Star Words, a meaningful prayer practice that connects us to the guiding light of God. What Are Star Words? Rooted in the story of the Magi who followed a star to find Jesus, Star Words—or "star gifts"—are intention words chosen to guide individuals throughout the year. These words are meant to serve as a focal point for prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth. The process is simple but profound. Each participant draws a word, trusting that it is the word God intends for them. The practice is one of receiving rather than choosing, reminding us to release our desire for control and embrace the presence of God in our lives. We invite you to join us for our Epiphany service on Sunday, January 5th, where we will explore the story of the Magi and the light of Christ in our lives. During the service, you will have the chance to receive your Star Word and begin this journey of intention for 2025. If you are not able to make and would like a star word, reach out, and I will get on to you. Let this practice be a reminder that, like the Magi, we are called to follow the light wherever it leads us. May your Star Word guide you in discovering God’s presence in new and transformative ways this year. Blessings for a year filled with reflection, growth, and the joy of following the Light of the World! In Christ, Pastor Jana
December Highlights
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.
Missions Mission Recap from the Year Written By: Carrie Miller 2024 was another great year for missions at Wesley. With our main focus yet again, on combating food insecurity in our community. We continued working in tandem with Cavanaugh UMC to supply weekend backpack bags throughout the school year for Carnall, Cavanaugh, Beard, and Ballman Elementary Schools. We are currently supplying 244 bags a month between the 4 schools. This summer we wrapped up our 7th year of our Farmer's Market Ministry delivering donated, fresh produce to 13 blessing boxes around Fort Smith. The people in our community who utilize the blessing boxes for food are incredibly grateful for this ministry and love that they are provided fresh produce. In November we completed our 4th year of supplying Thanksgiving Meal Kits to families who receive weekend backpack bags. Over the 4 years we have given 73 meal kits to food insecure families. This year each family was given 4 cans of corn, 3 cans of green beans, 2 cans of cranberry sauce, 2 packages of mashed potatoes, 2 boxes of stuffing, 2 packages of gravy, a loaf of bread or rolls, a dessert, and a Walmart gift card worth $15 to help purchase the meat or food items of their choice. What a wonderful gift for each of those families. Each month we also gathered change jars, with the money donated going to a different organization or mission need, each month. We gathered over $1700 this past year in change jars. We are truly making change in our community. Wesley also gathered supplies for UMCOR emergency kits for our Ingathering mission. We gathered enough supplies to provide 65 kits! Thank you to everyone who donated their time to bagging backpack bags, sort and deliver produce, donated food, donated emergency kit supplies, and/or monetary donations to support these wonderful missions. None of this would have been possible without your help. Way to go Wesley!!
Dynamite Prayer - Sermon Series and Congregation Spiritual Formation
Christmas Eve Pictures, Birthdays, and Worship Scriptures Worship Scriptures Matthew 2:1-12 Jan. 5 Jan. 12 Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 Jan. 19 John 2:1-11 Jan. 26 Matthew 25:14-30
December Calendar and Living Out our Membership 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 Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 22 Dec. 24 Dec. 29 Gifts: Date Dec. 1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29 Sanctuary Online Total 28 30 28 35 25 78 68 66 70 General Missions $2,641 $1,735 $5,025 $8,160 $763 $112 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. 28 108 96 101 95
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