Wesley United Methodist Church 2200 Phoenix, Fort Smith, AR 72901 www.Wesleyumcfs.org June 2019 Newsletter
From Pastor Zeke Page 1 From the Desk of Pastor Zeke Pummeled But Not Demolished “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed but not driven to despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed…so we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed each day” 2 Corinthians 4: 8-9, 16 Where do you go and what do you do when everything falls apart? When you’re stressed? When you feel despair, hopelessness, sadness, anger? We all have our places, those places that serve as our own personal bunkers to wait out the storm, to regroup, to re-evaluate life and direction. As I type this, folks continue to recover from the tornadoes that struck not far from Wesley. Likewise, the river continues to rise and more roads continue to be closed. Literally, there are people who are living this verse from 2 Corinthians. For me, it is one for those that I have committed to memory. I did this because it holds special meaning for me and has been a protection in times of despair. As I prepare to attend Annual Conference, these verses will be a place I can abide if things get difficult. I hope and pray for each one of you- for your lives, that God’s presence in your lives will be clear, that each of you might know the love of God, and that our church might be one where love abides with power. As people of faith, let us abide in the truth that God is with us every step of the way. As people of faith, let us not allow of circumstance to determine the arc of our lives and faith. As people of faith, may we be tenaciously loving, exceedingly gracious, perplexingly holy, abidingly steadfast, and peacefully followers of Jesus. -Keep the Faith Strong, Zeke Wesley UMC Newsletter June 2019
UMW News, Acolytes Page 2 United Methodist Women FAITH · HOPE · LOVE IN ACTION NEWS & ACTIVITIES The Morning Glories group of Wesley UMW will meet on Tuesday, June 18, at 10:00 a.m. at the Rock House. Ellen Brown will give the Devotional, Wanda Clark will present the Program and Etta Jensen and Wanda Karnes will be the hostesses for the Salad Pot Luck Luncheon which will be served following the Program and Business Meeting. You are welcome to join us at this informative and friendly meeting. God Bless You. Evening Stars will not meet in June, July, and August. Regular monthly gatherings will return in September. The acolytes had a mini training session in May to talk about the importance of acolytes and what their role is in the church service. They have also agreed to take on more responsibility during the service by helping with the offering. These kids are awesome and it is such a joy watching them take part in worship. Wesley UMC Newsletter June 2019
Music Ministry Page 3 Greetings!!! Greetings Wesley UMC Family!!! I want to begin by saying what an absolute joy it has been to have the very talented Mary Beth Oliver as our pianist for the past year. Mary Beth brought with her a great spirit, a wonderful work ethic, and beautiful musicianship. Some of my favorite moments this year were being able to sing with her and Zeke. It has been a great joy being able to collaborate and work together to create impactful musical moments in our worship services. I actually knew Mary Beth from my time at Greenwood and already considered her a friend when she came to Wesley. Now, I can't explain how much I and we are going to miss her. Mary Beth, it was truly wonderful to get to work with you, and I hope the best for you and your husband in your new position with First Christian Church!!! Summer is here! Soon, the choir will be taking time off roe a rest, and we need people who will share their talent throughout the month of July. If you would like to sing or play an instrument, please contact me by text at 479-459-7199 or by e-mail at shane.sanderson@arumc.org. We have been blessed with a lot of talent in our church, and I know that everyone would enjoy seeing that talent used in our services! With Mary Beth's departure, we have need of one or two people who might like to ring bells in our bell choir. You don't necessarily have to read music. If you can tell your right hand from your left and can count, you can be a part of a great and fun group of people who love to ring together!!! Yours in Christ, Shane June 16th after worship we will have a small reception to say “farewell and thank you” to Mary Beth Oliver for all the wonderful music she gave us in her time at Wesley. Unfortunately she will be leaving us to take a position at First Christian. June 16th is her last Sunday at Wesley. Wesley UMC Newsletter Lenten Service on March 25 @ Vietnamese UMC June 2019
A.R.K. News Page 4 A.R.K. News Farmer’s Market pickup started in May. As expected its been a slow start due to all the rain and it’s still early in the season but we are filling as many Blessing Boxes around town as we can with fresh produce every Saturday. For many this is the only time they are able to get fresh produce. The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance started the dirt work on the Community Garden at Carnall Elementary, Wesley is partnering with the Alliance on. Next, they will come lay plastic and plant the watermelon seed. We are moving right a long. Thanks to the weather we are not moving as quickly as we originally intended but none-the-less we are getting there. June Sorting Schedule: June 1st: Pickup/Haul - Carrie Miller Harley Strang Sort/Deliver - Carrie Miller Jackie Nichols Amy Cates Gloria Cates June 8th: Sort at Cavanaugh June 15th: Pickup/Haul - Carrie Miller Harley Strang Sort/Deliver - Carrie Miller Steve & Trefana Christian Mike & Suzanne Gibson June 22nd: Sort at Cavanaugh June 29th: Sort at Cavanaugh If you want to help with sorting and delivering please be at the sorting location at noon. Wesley UMC Newsletter Keep checking back for updates and information for harvesting events. June 2019
Accompanist Ad, Youth Page 5 Accompanist Position Wesley United Methodist Church is currently seeking a part-time piano/organ accompanist. This position involves playing for the Sunday morning service and for choir rehearsals, currently scheduled for Wednesday evenings, playing for special services such as Christmas Eve and Maundy Thursday/Good Friday. The accompanist works alongside the choir director and pastor to plan and lead worship. The salary will be $750 per month with two paid Sundays off per year. The accompanist works with the Choir Director and Pastor to assure coverage during any absence. Participation in High Holy Days including Easter and Christmas Eve is required. Submit your resumé by Monday, June 17 Rev. Zeke Allen 2200 Phoenix Ave. Fort smith, AR 72901 Zeke.allen@arumc.org YOUTH Denver & Shyla Dunn, along with Rev. Zeke took the youth from Wesley & Cavanaugh on a camping/canoeing trip on the Ouachita River. A good time was had by all. Be on the look out for more trips in the near future. Special Service On June 30th we will have a combined service and a potluck following the service. We will worship at Wesley at 11:00 with special music and celebration. More information will follow as we get closer. Please begin making plans to join us. This is going to be a fun event and a great time to invite a neighbor to church. Wesley UMC Newsletter June 2019
Cub Scouts Page 5 Pack 19 held their annual Cross Over Ceremony at beautiful Bell Park in Greenwood this month. This ceremony is were Scouts advance to the next rank and receive awards and recognition for all their hard work throughout the year. The following week we had our annual Potluck to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of summer activities. May 17-19 many of our families went camping at Shoal Bay and thankfully avoided much of the severe weather we had here at home. Coming up June 3 -7 is District Twilight Camp at Columbus Acres. This is a five night day camp where scouts get to do shoot BB guns, learn archery, do craft projects, have special guest speakers and other adventures. As always we would like to invite any interested child and parent to come and visit our activities and see what Scouting is all about. Yours in Scoutings Best, Justin Cates On May 11 at the Butterfield Trail District Banquet our own Walter Swearingen was awarded The Silver Beaver Award. This prestigious award is given to only a select few people who have dedicated their time, talents and service over many years to Scouting. A huge congratulations to Walt and many thanks for all that he and Gail do for Scouting, here at Wesley and in our District. Wesley UMC Newsletter June 2019
June June 1 Sat. Sat. Farmer’s Market @ Wesley, 12:00 June 6 Thurs. One Council, 6:30, Gleaner’s Room June 8 June 15 Sat. June 16 Sun. Farewell Reception for Mary Beth, 10:30, Fellowship June 18 Tues. Morning Glories, 10:00, Rock House June 22 Sat. June 29 Sat. June 30 Sun. Combined Service & Potluck, 11:00, Wesley Farmer’s Market @ Cavanaugh, 12:00 Farmer’s Market @ Cavanaugh, 12:00 Farmer’s Market @ Cavanaugh, 12:00 Farmer’s Market @ Wesley, 12:00 Birthdays 2 - Dean Pendergrass 2 - Linda Pendergrass 3 - Joanne Peterson 3 - Amanda Stark 5 - Craig Plant 5 - Jerry Wade 6 - David Sides 13 - Chester Bean 17 - Mattie Barton 20 - Ellen Brown 20 - Zeb Allen 21 - Rylee Tuck 22 - Olivia Arnold 25 - Betty Reather 29 - Carol Bateman ONE COUNCIL MEETING, JUNE 6, 6:30, GLEANER’S ROOM Wesley’s One Council Members Lay Leader/Lay Delegate: *Donna Moreton Blanche West (Chair)* Ellen Brown George Jensen Harley Strang Patrice Hulsey Gloria Cates Sydney Fulbright* * member of SPRC subcommittee Wesley UMC Newsletter June 2019 Rich Schmitz (Co-Chair) Amy Cates Jackie Nichols* Carrie Miller* Suzanne Gibson Frances Hunt Anniversaries 2 - Clyde & Chris Bates 21 - Doug & Teresa Pendergrass 22 - Gene & JoAn McMullin 22 - Austin & Tracy Olcott 25 - Dale & Edith Dunn
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