Wesley United Methodist Church July 2025 Newsletter What’s Inside: Pastor’s Note Ministry Highlights UMM & UWF Missions FM Ministry Upcoming Events
Note from Pastor Jana As July brings long days and warm evenings, it also carries a deeper invitation—one that goes beyond backyard barbecues and family vacations. In a world that often feels uncertain, fastpaced, and heavy with anxiety, this season beckons us to pause and seek peace, not just in nature’s beauty but within ourselves and with God. The headlines are rarely quiet. War, division, climate fears, political unrest, economic pressures—these swirl around us like a storm we cannot stop. Even in our own communities and homes, anxiety takes root: Will our children be safe? Can we make ends meet? What will tomorrow bring? In moments like these, faith becomes not just a belief but an anchor. Jesus’ words in John 14:27 come gently but firmly: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” This peace is not escape from reality—it is God’s presence within it. It is the assurance that we are not alone, that our fears are seen, and that grace still flows through the cracks of every broken thing. Anxiety is real. It is not a weakness of faith but a signal that we are overwhelmed by things we were never meant to carry alone. As the Church, and as people shaped by the love of Christ, we are called to hold one another in these burdens. In prayer, in conversation, in silence, and in song, we find small practices that slowly steady the soul. This July, consider taking time to: • • • • Breathe deeply and pray simply. Even five minutes in the quiet can open space for God’s peace. Unplug for a while. The constant stream of information fuels anxiety. Choose moments of digital Sabbath. Check in with others. A phone call or a coffee shared can be a lifeline. Remember your baptism. You are claimed, known, and loved—nothing can separate you from that truth. The world may not calm anytime soon, but we can find peace in the One who walks with us through every storm. And in doing so, we become bearers of that peace to others. May July be more than a month of heat and activity. May it be a time of grounding, of trusting, and of noticing where God’s light still shines—even in the shadows. Grace and peace to you all. Pastor Jana
Farmer’s Market Ministry
UWF & UMM Volunteer Opportunities This is for all of the women at our church. We hope you will join. This is for all of any man who would like to participate. We hope you will join.
Trustee Update; Office Help
Annual Conference Report - Written by Carrie Miller I, along with Pastor Jana, had the pleasure of attending the 2025 Annual Conference in Hot Springs, June 18-20 on behalf of Wesley & Cavanaugh. It was a wonderful time being in fellowship and worship, while doing the work of the Arkansas Conference with our fellow Arkansas United Methodist laity and clergy. Seeing the work that the churches within the conference are doing gives me so much hope for the future. Thursday morning’s worship service was an absolutely beautiful worship and Juneteenth celebration. The holy spirit was truly moving through that space. At General Conference last year, there were 4 amendments proposed to ratify the United Methodist constitution. The ballot measures are currently being voted on at annual conferences throughout the UMC. Amendment #1 concerns Worldwide Regionalization. This amendment would create equity across the Church. It prevents one region from having more privileges and say over another. Amendment #2 concerns inclusion of the church. The amendment, if passed, would then add the words ‘gender’ and ‘ability’ to the paragraph on inclusion. It would read as follows: “All persons without regard to race, gender, ability, color, national origin, status, or economic condition, shall be eligible to attend its worship services, participate in its programs, receive the sacraments, upon baptism be admitted as baptized members, and upon taking vows declaring the Christian faith, become professing members in any local church in the connection.” Amendment #3 concerns racial justice. The purpose of this amendment is to affirm that we as United Methodist stand with our brothers and sisters in Christ of color and that we as United Methodist speak against and do not support the groups, organizations, and systems that keep racism alive. Amendment #4 requires that Licensed Local Lay Pastors receive their education from a UMC approved school in order to have voting rights for General Conference. If these amendments are approved with majority vote by the annual conferences, we will see these changes to the constitution in the spring of 2026. Annual Conference was a whirlwind of information and business but it was wonderful being able to reconnect with friends and former pastors, make new connections and witness all the amazing things the United Methodist Church in Arkansas is doing. You can watch each day of conference as well as the Ordination Ceremony by visiting Annual Conference 2025 - Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church. If you would prefer to read about each day’s events, there are links to Daily Digests as well.
Worship Scriptures & Praise Songs, Birthdays July Praise Songs 7/7 - Living Water Grace Flows Down 7/14 - Battle Belongs Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) 7/21 - In Christ Alone I Will Rise 7/28 - The Proof of Your Love How He Loves Us 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. July 6 Worship Scriptures Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16 July 13 Matthew 25:35–40; Isaiah 58:6–7 July 20 July 27 Hebrews 11:1; James 2:14–17 Isaiah 43:19; Romans 8:28 Let us know if we missed your birthday or you have corrections.
July 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 June 1 37 June 8 24 June 15 27 June 22 31 June 29 40 Gifts: Date Sanctuary Online Total 72 83 71 83 56 June 1 $1,736 General Missions $115 June 8 $ 992 June 15 $2,580 June 22 $1,247 June 29 $2,061 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. 109 107 98 114 96
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