Wesley United Methodist Church July 2023 Newsletter What’s Inside: Note from Pastor UMM UWIF Homecoming Calendar & More
Note from Pastor Jana The theme of Annual Conference this year was Come to the Table. One of the pieces I took away from that theme is that we have to be willing to come to the table, not only to sit, but to share and grow. It is not enough to just come to the table, but we have to be willing to participate. As we have seen the hurt happening in the denomination, we have witnessed what can happen when people are not willing to come to the table. We forget how powerful the table truly is. We come to the table to feast - to be fed (spiritually and physically) - to share in community - to hear stories and get to know one another. Bishop Merrill shared an incredible and powerful episcopal address. She spoke about connection and the importance of building relationships. Bishop Merrill shared that people have spoken horrible things about the United Methodist Church. We have been told many things that are not true. She shared “that those are not the voices that we need to listen to. God Bless the people who use those voices and may God bless their Ministry. I say that sincerely but they do not speak the truth about the United Methodists of the state of Arkansas. Those words do not speak who we are. They will not give us life. No. We are standing on Holy Ground today. Many of you have heard me say that if you're still here, you are here for a reason.” There has been a lot of rough seasons for the church - pandemic, division, etc. You have stayed in the church. You have not given up on coming because you are here for a reason. So, let us gather around the table and share the body of Christ with all we encounter. In Christ, Pastor Jana
Annual Conference Highlights Bishop Laura Merrill giving Episcopal Address District Staff: Rev. Dr. Blake Bradford, Becky Neighbors, and Maggie Ramirez Annual Conference was smooth and peaceful this year. I think those who attended felt a real sense of hope. Hope for our conference as we move forward. Several times, throughout conference, we would split into different tables to share with one another. We shared around hope, serving others, and building connection. Each time, you could hear the pride as people shared what their church is doing in the world. As United Methodists, we should be quite proud. There is incredible ministry happening in Arkansas through the United Methodist people. There is a lot happening around food ministries and it is making an impact. Several years ago, our conference created 200,000 Reasons. It was an initiative to tackle childhood hunger. At that time 1 in 3 children were hungry. We have expanded that ministry, but the food portion has made an impact. It is 1 in 5 children are hungry. Even though we celebrate making change, we know there is still more work to be done. 3 people were ordained, one as a deacon and two as elders, we commissioned 7 people. It was a great joy. I would invite you to check out the conference website to learn more and to watch the videos. https://arumc.org/ac2023/
UWIF, UMM, Homecoming Evening Stars will be taking a summer break. They did a wonderful job leading worship in June 4th for United Women in Faith Sunday.
Mission Collected $85.27 in June for Children’s Emergency Shelter Good job, Church! In July, we will collect for Hope Campus. With all the summer heat, they will need a boost this summer. Remember to bring your change July 2nd! Farmer’s Market Ministry Pictures from Saturday, July 1st. We delivered to 10 blessing boxes! Next time July 15th. Home Visits Gloria Cates, Paula Cockburn, and Blanche West Huge thanks and appreciation to Gloria and Blanche for visiting those at home. What a blessing.
Cooking Matters Starts this month! We are excited to be offering this class. If you or someone you know is interested in joining this class, let us know. It will be a great time of fellowship, cooking, and learning together. Invite people to sign up while there are spots available.
Finding and Celebrating God’s Joy Spring Street - Save the Date Wesley Fellowship Hall Trustee Report All of our planned projects have now been completed. The biggie as reported before was new vinyl plank tile in the Fellowship Hall. Recently 13 window with the seals broken replaced Vinyl tile floors in the kitchen and two classrooms have been stripped, cleaned and waxed. New solar shades in Clydes classroom New blinds in the old nursery Worship Scriptures ESTHER 4:9-17 7.16.23 7.23.23 ESTHER 6:4-10 ESTHER 8:15-17 Esther 10 Old azaleas on the Eastside of sanctuary replaced with Encore azaleas 7.2.23 7.9.23 Dead dogwood South of sanctuary replaced with a Japanese Maple Security gate installed by Kitchen to discourage uninvited guest.
June Calendar July 1st July 4th Farmer’s Market Ministry 12:00ish July 2nd Worship 9:30 Small Groups 10:30 Happy Fourth of July! July 5th Worship Meeting 6:00 July 8th July 9th Worship 9:30 Small Groups 10:30 July 15th July 20th Farmer’s Market Ministry 12:00ish July 16th Worship 9:30 Small Groups 10:30 Let’s Do Lunch 10:30 - 1@Cavanaugh One Council 6:30 July 21st LAST DAY to RSVP for Homecoming Lunch July 22nd Cooking Matters Starts 10:00 - 12:00 July 23rd Worship 9:30 Small Groups 10:30 July 29th July 30th Cooking Matters Starts 10:00 - 12:00 Farmer’s Market Ministry 12:00ish 60th Anniversary Homecoming Worship 9:30 United Methodist Men Breakfast at Cavanaugh 8:00 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 Sanctuary Online Total June 4 32 June 11 32 June 18 31 June 25 33 Gifts: Date June 18 18 50 19 51 19 50 21 54 General Missions June 4 $3,800 $85.27 June 11 $1,647 $865 June 25 $1,607 Service: Worship: 9:30 Sunday school 10:30 Mission: Farmer’s Market Ministry, Cooking Matters, 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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