Wesley United Methodist Church March 2025 Newsletter What’s Inside: Pastor’s Note Ministry Highlights UMM & UWF Missions Christmas Calendar & More!
Note from Pastor Jana As we enter the season of Lent, many of us find ourselves in a time of reflection, marked by both joy and sorrow, victories and failures. Lent is a season unlike any other, offering a sacred invitation to pause, to breathe, and to acknowledge the world’s fragility. It is a time to stop pretending that things will suddenly get better and, instead, to meet God right where we are—in the messiness of life. This year, our Lenten journey is guided by Kate Bowler’s powerful series, *The Hardest Part*. Bowler, known for her honest and tender approach to life’s complexities, invites us to lean into the uncomfortable truth that life is not always tidy or predictable. She encourages us to hold space for both the heavy and the hopeful, allowing us to see God’s presence not just in the mountaintop moments but also in the valleys. Lent teaches us that transformation doesn’t always come in grand gestures or miraculous turnarounds. More often, it comes in the quiet persistence of faith, in the steady work of showing up even when things feel hard. It is in staying with the difficult parts of life—whether grief, disappointment, or uncertainty—that we often find the deepest sense of grace. In this season, we are reminded that when we stay with the hard part, the good part begins to unfold. It may not happen quickly, and it may not look the way we imagined, but hope has a way of breaking through. Bit by bit, we are invited to look for what might still be possible, to trust that God is at work even in the shadows. As we walk through these forty days, let us hold space for both our burdens and our blessings. Let us embrace the full spectrum of our human experience, knowing that God meets us in every part of it. And as we do, may we find comfort, healing, and the quiet promise of new life. May this Lenten season be one of deep reflection, gentle hope, and profound renewal for each of us. In Christ, Pastor Jana
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.
Lent
Fellowship
Scout Sunday Script for Scout Sunday by Walt Swearingen Historically, Scouting program became a community outreach of Wesley by the desire of its Methodist Men’s group to make a change to help youth hereabouts. You at Wesley had wanted to make a difference in its surrounding neighborhood back in 1978 and selected (“volun-told”) two of its members, Ed Brody & Walt Swearingen, to take on a seven-day BSA National Wood Badge training at Camp Orr in the Buffalo River wilderness. Neither of us knew what was being asked, how difficult, life-changing this assignment would be. My “ticket” (my goal) to complete this training was forming a new Scout troop and provide for it’s program development for one year. As a result, Wesley received from National BSA a charter for Troop 19 in Aug. 1978. Furthermore, by your faithful support to help grow its Scouting program, Wesley expanded its Scouting program by receiving a charter for Cub Scout Pack on Aug. 1983. “Your vision in this community outreach, thru all these years, has resulted in something remarkable. You’ve given us access to your facilities and supported us in many ways, which has resulted in many young lives & families changed, where some grew to become community leaders, some successful in many businesses and professions. Some had families and have brought their children into Wesley’s Scouting program. “Currently Scouting at Wesley includes a Family Pack 19 with 27 youth participants, from Kindergarten Lion den thru Arrow of Light den for 5th graders. Also meeting on Tuesdays for Scouting at Wesley are Troop 19B (serving boys 11-18 yrs old) and Troop 19G (serving girls 11-18). The Scouting program remains volunteer led, including parents, grandparents, & other adult leaders who share their time & talents, complete required leader-specific & youth protection training; their keen interest becoming mentors to the youth and guides for activities which build upon the methods of Scouting (like camping, hiking, learning a whole host of different vocational or hobby skills). These volunteers have jobs and family obligations to juggle with time to plan, meet and track the varied Scouting adventures. It’s not an easy gig being a Scouting volunteer, so why do it? The answer may vary, but most would be centered on “change”, where youth become resilient, develop good character habits, instill certain values for life. Scouting builds upon enduring relationships. Scouting America’s mission statement is “to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.” Scouting America’s vision statement is “…prepare every eligible youth in America to become responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath & Law.” “From all of us participants in Scouting, both youth & adult volunteers (its Scouters), to YOU of Wesley UMC, we do give THANKS for your faithful, prayerful support to those of Pack 19, Troop 19B & Troop 19G! We are grateful for the changes you made by this community outreach, in sharing the Love of Christ Jesus!”
Bible Study, Worship Scriptures, Birthdays Dates for Breaks: No Class Lenten Online Study Wraps up April 14th March 26 April 16 April 30 Wrap up May 14th for summer Break Lenten Discussion with our series. Mar. 2 Worship Scriptures Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a) Mar. 5 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10 Mar. 9 Luke 4:1-13 Mar. 16 Luke 13:31-35 Mar. 23 Isaiah 55:1-9 Let us know if we missed your birthday or you have corrections.
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 Feb. 2 Feb. 9 Sanctuary Online Total 39 28 28 Feb. 16 23 Feb. 23 32 Gifts: Date 78 108 68 96 66 101 Feb. 2 $1,980 General Missions $220 Feb. 9 $2,565 Feb. 16 $5,510 Feb. 23 $3425 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.
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