Wesley United Methodist Church March 2023 Newsletter What’s Inside: Note from Pastor UMM Events UWIF Calendar & More
Note from Pastor Jana I was a Junior in high school and my youth group went on a mission trip. We stayed at Canyon Camp, but then did work at Wilderness Camp. It was in the same Red Rock Canyons, but the only way in was to park and walk down the side of a steep hill. There weren't any working toilets down in this canyon. It was called Wilderness camp for a reason. We did the work to have a mission retreat because they needed the work done but we also got a discount. I have always loved camp...I never did Wilderness camp, because, well, you heard the conditions. However, we would go down in the canyon and we were cut off from all outside. Cell phones did not work in the canyon. For most, this was troublesome. For me, I always welcomed the "silence". We were surrounded by nature. We had walls of red canyon surrounding us, open valleys, cabins filled with bunk beds. The camp was a majestic place. We were in the wilderness and it gave us an opportunity to explore our faith, deepen relationships with each other, and know God. We often think of Wilderness as a desolate place. We think of it as scary and not the place we want to be. We see it as lonely. Wilderness can be a lot of these things and more. On Epiphany Sunday, we drew stars that had words on them. They were words prayed over and the hope would be the word would be a gift from God for the new year. The word I received was GROW. I feel like being in ministry is all about that word. We want to grow closer to God. We want to grow into a better person. We want to grow the church. Aren’t I working on that already?! Truthfully, it’s about the grow(th) in our lives. The church I love is facing turmoil. I pray for us to grow as a denomination where our love and joy is known in the world. I know there is growth needed around letting go of certain things, but boy, does that threaten my security. Change is all around that threatens the stability we know and love. This can make us feel as though we are in a wilderness where nothing seems to grow. Lent has begun and our new sermon series is centered around the lectionary. The theme is Seeking: Honest Questions for Deeper Faith. Doesn’t that just tie in with growth? Asking questions and seeking answers helps us to grow. Be open to see how God will push you, comfort you, and grow you. Pastor Jana
March Highlights Sweetheart Banquet - Hosted by United Methodist Men It was a great crowd at the Sweetheart banquet on Feb. 19th. It was a joy to have this even after a pause with Covid. Congratulations to Mike Gibson who won the “Man of the Year” award. Thank you for all that you do. Lenten Community Services These services have returned after a break due to Covid. Thank you to all who provided food. It was a great success and a full house.
UWIF, UMM, & Game Night Game Night March 17th at 5:30 We’ll gather in the fellowship hall for a baked potato bar. Sign up to bring your favorite topping. After we eat, we will play some games and have a great time of fellowship. Invite your friends and neighbors.
Wednesdays In-Person Noon Zoom 6:30 Often we make a mess of our lives and wonder if there is any redemption. This study helps us to see our mess through the eyes of Christ to find redemption and restoration. Using Scripture, devotional tools, and the writings of Ignatius of Loyola, John of the Cross, St. Augustine, John Wesley, Evelyn Underhill, and others, Berlin encourages reflection and meditation through our own brokenness. Only then can we focus on the cross as the place where we truly surrender control, leave our mess, and find redemption. Community Lenten Services 5-Mar @ Faith UMC Bud Reeves 12-Mar @ Hackett UMC Donna Ward 19-Mar @ First UMC -FS Jana Green 26-Mar @ Mission UMC Steve Poarch 2-Apr @ St. Paul UMC - FS David Bassham Pictured is the palms from last year’s Palm Sunday being burned to make ashes for Ash Wednesday service. Ash Wednesday emphasizes two themes: our sinfulness before God and our human mortality. The service focuses on both themes, helping us realize that both have been triumphed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In March, we will collect for Clearinghouse. Remember to bring your change March 5th. School will start back this month and they will need extra support. In the fall semester, we made roughly 700 bags that were distributed to Bell, Beard, Carnall, and Cavanaugh Elementary schools. Trustees Update Carpet has been cleaned.. Windows cleaned inside and out. Re-keying products ordered, job will be completed soon. New flooring in FS Hall now being installed. Getting bids on replacing window with broken seals.
Wednesdays Worship Scriptures 3.5.23 3.12.23 3.19.23 3.26.23 John 3:1-17 John 4:5-42 John 9:1-7 Ezekiel 37:1-14 Finding and Celebrating God’s Joy
March Calendar March 1st March 4th March 5th March 7th March 8th March 12th March 14th March 15th March 16th March 17th March 19th March 21st March 22nd March 26th March 28th March 29th Bible Study In Person 12:00 (Cavanaugh UMC) Zoom at 6:30 United Methodist Men Breakfast at 8:00 Worship 9:30 Small Groups 10:30 Lenten Service Faith UMC 5:30 Boy Scouts 6:00 - 8:00 Handbells 5:30 Choir 6:30 Bible Study In Person 12:00 (Cavanaugh UMC) Zoom at 6:30 Worship 9:30 Small Groups 10:30 Lenten Service Hackett UMC 5:30 Boy Scouts 6:00 - 8:00 Handbells 5:30 Choir 6:30 Bible Study In Person 12:00 (Cavanaugh UMC) Zoom at 6:30 Let’s Do Lunch (Cavanaugh UMC) 10:30-1:00 Game Night at 5:30 Worship 9:30 Small Groups 10:30 Lenten Service First UMC 5:30 Boy Scouts 6:00 - 8:00 Handbells 5:30 Choir 6:30 Bible Study In Person 12:00 (Cavanaugh UMC) Zoom at 6:30 Worship 9:30 Small Groups 10:30 Lenten Service Mission UMC 5:30 Boy Scouts 6:00 - 8:00 Handbells 5:30 Choir 6:30 Bible Study In Person 12:00 (Cavanaugh UMC) Zoom at 6:30 Service: Worship: 9:30 Sunday school 10:30 Mission: Backpack 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. 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 Feb. 5 27 Feb. 12 28 Feb. 19 34 Feb. 26 19 Gifts: Date Feb. 5 Feb. 12 23 50 20 48 23 57 General Missions $8,305 $2,510 Feb. 19 $1,015
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