Wesley United Methodist Church November 2020 Newsletter 2200 Phoenix Ave. | 479-646-9702 What’s inside: A note from Pastor Zeke Alive! Sunday School Class 2021 Info Pan Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon ______ Orange Dreamsicle Salad
From Pastor Zeke Page 1 From the Desk of Pastor Zeke Thankful “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave THANKS, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.” - Luke 24:30-31 I can’t believe it is November. Thanksgiving is right around the corner. In this weird and crazy 2020 year, I think it would do us all good to take a gratitude inventory. There are always things we can be thankful for but often we lose sight of those things. Likewise, there are always people in our lives that we should be thankful for. I invite you to do 2 things surrounding thankfulness: 1) make an inventory of the top ten things you are thankful for and 2) write 2 thank you letters to someone with whom you are thankful for. I know this is a simple exercise but I think it can be a powerful one. I love the story in Luke 24 known as the Walk to Emmaus. It is one of those Bible passages that is full of irony, humor, suspense, and revelation. In verses 30-31, Jesus’ true identity is finally revealed in the breaking of the bread. It is important to note, especially when thinking about thankfulness, that Jesus offered thanks to God before he broke the bread. Jesus modeled again and again a life of gratitude as he offered time and time again giving thanks to God. As people of faith, we are called to model a Christ-like life. I believe thankfulness is an essential part of a life of faith. We must assume an attitude of gratitude. As we do this, we are transformed into a life that sees the glass of life half-full- hopeful and joy-filled. In 2020, I think this is more important than ever. Life can be so incredibly overwhelming. Remembering the things and people we are thankful for can help us keep a healthy perspective to life and to faith. It can create balance and a healthy life. So in this month of thanks, may we all engage in an attitude of gratitude for in doing so we will have our lives transformed. -Keep the Faith Strong, Zeke Wesley UMC Newsletter November 2020
Alive! 2021 Info, Facility Info Page 2 Alive! 2021 Information As year 2020 races to a close, The Alive! Sunday School Class is making preparations and anticipating a welcome to the New Year of 2021 with a study called "RESET," based on teachings from the book of Nehemiah, by Dr. David Jeremiah. Just in time for the beginning of a new year, ten principles of Christian living will be presented, comprising 10 weekly topics plus a closing lesson, for a total of the first 11 weeks of 2021. Plans include in-person classes meeting in the Fellowship Hall so we can practice safe-distancing. Classes will immediately follow 9:30a.m. worship services. Participants will need a book and a study guide in order to gain the most benefit from the class. All are welcome to be a part of this effort. Look for an e-mail flier with more in-depth details and then contact Blanche West to get registered for this e x c i t i n g a d v e n t u r e i n B i b l e study. Deadline for registration will be Friday, November 27. Blanche: phone or text 479-651-0179; email <blanche.west@cox.net> Facility Information Occasionally we need to be reminded to be good stewards of our property. Friday morning October 2nd. some of the sanctuary lights had been left on and the South double door to the sanctuary was unlocked and open probably from Thursday night. When leaving the building the double glass doors to the sanctuary has to be physically pushed until they click closed, then you pull on them to make sure they are closed and locked. As a reminder the person in charge of a meeting or an event is responsible to see that the thermostat is set, lights turned out and doors locked. If an individual enters the building for any reason when the office is closed and the custodian is not there, then they are responsible for the same. Thanks, Harley UMW is collecting hats, gloves, & scarves for local children in our community. Drop by the church and hang your donations on the lattice located outside the sanctuary. Wesley UMC Newsletter November 2020
Recipes Page 3 Thanksgiving is just a few short weeks away so you know what that means - family, football, giving thanks and of course, FOOD! Pan Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon You might not like Brussel sprouts but you will after eating them this way. Serves 4-6 Ingredients 4 strips of thick cut bacon 2 tablespoons butter 1 pound of Brussel sprouts, halved 1/2 large onion, chopped Salt and pepper Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate, then roughly chop. In same pan with bacon fat, melt butter over high heat. Add onions and Brussels Sprouts and cook, stirring occasionally, until sprouts are golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and toss bacon back into pan. Serve immediately. Orange Dreamsicle Salad Ingredients 1 box orange Jell-O 1 box instant vanilla pudding 1 cup boiling water 1/2 cup cold water 1 Cool Whip 8 oz. 1 can mandarin oranges 14 oz. , drained 1 cup mini marshmallows In a large bowl combine orange Jell-O and boiling water. Whisk until Jell-o is dissolved. Add cold water and allow to chill for 15 minutes in refrigerator. Slowly whisk in vanilla pudding mix until smooth and chill for another 15-20 minutes or until it becomes slightly thickened. Fold in Cool Whip, mandarin oranges and marshmallows Wesley UMC Newsletter November 2020
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