Wesley United Methodist Church October 2021 Newsletter What’s inside: A note from Pastor Zeke Deborah’s Baby Shower Missions
From Pastor Zeke Page 1 From the Desk of Pastor Zeke “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 As United Methodists, we are to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” How good are we doing with this mission? I believe, when it comes to making disciples, we do an excellent job within the church of forming faith of the disciples we have. We have a rich heritage of education and faith development. We also do an excellent job at engaging in mission within our communities and world. These are all things that we can be incredibly proud of. They are certainly things I am proud of as your pastor. Matthew 28:19 -20 are the last instructions Jesus gives his followers. You have probably heard it called the “Great Commission.” In Christendom, these final words of Jesus are the impetus for Christian evangelism. How are we, as Methodists, doing when it comes to inviting folks into the Faith and into the church? As a whole, pretty tragically. Consider this statistic: “the average United Methodist member invites only one person to church every 38 years.” That is a LOW bar for living out the Great Commission! So what are we to do with this reality? I know that you each love your church. I know you have experienced blessing upon blessing because you are part of this faith community. The confronting question must become, “Is my church and my faith good enough to share?” I believe in the power of faith in Christ. I also believe in the power of being part of a faith community. In addition, I believe that the Methodist message of a God of grace and a faith that becomes action in ministry to the world, is exactly what people want and need. We just need the courage to invite. We don’t have to have all the answers, just offer the invitation. So may this be our prayer today and in the days to come: “Lord, give me the courage and the words to invite someone to church. Help me share the bountiful blessing that faith has brought me.” Keep the Faith Strong, Zeke Wesley UMC Newsletter October 2021
Christmas Cantata, Baby Shower Info Page 2 Since we are still unable to have a full choir but want to put on a joyful Christmas Cantata we are planning one with solos and small ensembles rather than a full choir. If you are interested in being a part of the cantata please contact Jessica for more information. We have some amazing talents at Wesley and are so excited for this. REMINDER—1 Council has a meeting October 21 at 6:30 in the Win-One classroom across from the kitchen. Baby Shower for Deborah Ellis Date: Sunday, November 21 Time: 2:30pm Where: Wesley Fellowship Hall Registered at: Walmart & Amazon Wesley UMC Newsletter October 2021
Missions Page 3 Missions Community Garden - Unfortunately the garden at Carnall Elementary did not produce as many sweet potatoes this year as we had hoped or planned. A sweet potato farmer in Wynne has generously donated 2,000lbs of sweet potatoes. The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance will deliver those on Friday so on Saturday we will have a Sweet Potato Round-Up. Everyone is welcome to come out Saturday morning at 9:00am to bag and handout sweet potatoes. There are sweet potatoes in the garden to pick so if you wish, you can still pick those as well. Change Jars - July: Blessing Box $224.83 August & September: Children’s Shelter $263.94 October: Ingathering $135.65 Thank you to everyone who has saved their change and brought it in each month. We are truly helping to Make CHANGE in our community. Our next collection date will be November 7th. Thanksgiving Meal Donations Wesley will be providing Thanksgiving meal boxes to all the kids at Carnall Elementary who receive weekend backpack snack bags every week. We are requesting certain items each month to help fill those boxes. In October we are asking for Boxed Stuffing, Instant Mashed Potatoes, & Gravy. All donations can be left in the box outside the sanctuary or in the office. Wesley UMC Newsletter October 2021
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