FEBRUARY 2015 Our Lenten Series for this year is going to focus on "adding" things to our lives instead of taking things away for Lent. A booklet with reflections on the lent theme and scripture readings will be given out at worship services on Sunday, February 15th. We encourage that these booklets are brought to church every Sunday in Lent as they are incorporated into the sermon theme: "Just Do Something" Sunday, February 22: Witness Sunday, March 1: Share Giftedness Sunday, March 8: Pray Sunday, March 15: Serve (Mission/Outreach) Sunday, March 22: Give Sunday, March 29:29 Palm Sunday ----- Choir Cantata Sunday, April 5: Easter Sunday Dear Friends, I am writing to share with you that it is the intention of the Bishop to appoint me as Pastor of St. John United Methodist Church in Scott Depot, WV at Annual Conference this June. This new appointment will begin July 1, 2015. The decision to accept this appointment has come with much prayer and discernment. Although it is difficult to close this chapter of our journey together and start new chapters apart, we know that God is faithful and will provide us all strength and courage to embrace the future. And, we trust that God’s goodness and faithfulness will guide the Bishop and her Cabinet in the discernment process as they seek to determine the pastor that will lead Wesley United Methodist Church for years to come. So what’s next??? First, let me be clear. Our time is not finished. As Paul reminded the church at Philippi – “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” (3:14) God is not finished with us nor are we finished working together for the Kingdom of God. We have mission and ministry to complete together. I trust that you will agree and join me as we allow God to complete the work He has started in us! Secondly, I ask you to PRAY. Pray for: the Bishop and her Cabinet as they discern the best possible pastoral leadership for Wesley, Wesley’s Staff Parish Relations Committee as they share their thoughts and desires for pastoral leadership, Candy and Me and our children as we make adjustments and prepare for this transition, and pray for St. John UMC as they prepare for their transition in ministry. In closing, I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for the journey we have shared over the last seven years. In many ways, I am not the same person I was when I walked into WUMC as your pastor. You all have given me the freedom to lead you, try new ministries together, and allowed me to lead you in the renovation our facility to better serve our congregation and community. But most of all, you have extended grace for me to make mistakes along the way. I am forever grateful to you for the role you have played in my life and ministry. Thank You! Grace and Peace, Pastor Mike Page 2 The Wesley Journal February, 2015 NURTURING MINISTRIES PRAYER MINISTRY AT WESLEY as practiced and experienced by the members of + Men's Prayer Breakfast ++The Prayer Team +++ Women's Prayer Fellowship Let's spend a few minutes unwrapping the wonderful gift called HOPE. "HOPE is some extraordinary spiritual grace that God gives us to control our fears." "The word which God has written on the brow of every person is HOPE." Vincent McNabb Victor Hugo "What oxygen is to the lungs, such is HOPE to the meaning of life." Emil Brunner "HOPE” What does it look like? Have you seen the 'face' of hope? What does it feel like? Have you felt hope? Hope can be seen on the face of one who gets the news, “There is no cancer.” Hope is real to the person who has been jobless for months when told, “We are hiring you.” Hope comes alive when the paycheck covers all the bills. Hope is displayed on the face of a child that receives a shoe box of gifts in a war torn country who never had a reason to hope. (OCC) Hope is escalated when the food is gone and a friend or neighbor comes to the door and gives that person a box of groceries. There is hope in the eyes of a hurting person when someone says, “I care about you” and shows kindness to demonstrate that. A hug, a kind word, a smile or just listening will bring hope to a face. Yes, hope can be seen and definitely felt in the heart of people, young and older alike. When you see it on a face, it will be felt within the heart!." Joetta Stephen - faithful member of Wesley, prayer partner, BIBLE student, published writer, wife of Gene. Prayer Ministry at Wesley is all about offering HOPE, through the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the many people who request our prayer support. Because of the faithfulness of God, prayers are answered. We can say, without a doubt, Prayer Works!! When those in need know that prayers are being offered for them, anxiety and hopelessness are replaced by the blessings of peace and hope, straight from the mighty resources of God. As pray-ers, we have answered the call to pray about many kinds of needs: physical, spiritual, emotional, financial, relational, etc. God understands our needs and is willing and able to share His boundless love and power in response. Please consider joining one, or two, of Wesley's prayer groups: +Men's Prayer Breakfast group meets with Pastor Mike once a month on the third Thursday at Panera (Evansdale) beginning at 6:30 a.m. All Wesley Men are welcome to join Pastor Mike for prayer and fellowship on Thursday, February 19th. ++Prayer Team Members receive prayer requests via email and pray about each for 3 weeks unless more or less time seems to be indicated. One has the freedom to choose when, where and how to be a faithful pray -er. Come, join the many other men and women and make a difference. For any questions please contact: Mickey Baker at 304.599.8370 or Edith Vehse at [email protected]. +++Women's Prayer Fellowship meets, traditionally, on the 2nd & 4th Mondays, at 7:45 am in the home of Mickey Baker - 655 Lashley Street for a light breakfast, discussion, prayer and fellowship. All women are welcome to "come and see." In the winter, we do not meet if public school is canceled because of bad weather. In February, meetings are scheduled for the Mondays of February 9 and 23. February, 2015 The Wesley Journal Page 3 NURTURING MINISTRIES ALTAR GUILD NEWS: 2015 OPEN DATES FOR ALTAR FLOWERS The flowers on the altar are given to the Glory of God and in Loving Memory or in Honor of someone special in our lives. Listed below are the available dates for 2015 to dedicate altar flowers. March 8 ~ May 3 ~ June 21 ~ June 28 ~ July 19 ~ August 2 ~ August 30 ~ September 13 Anyone that is interested can contact Carolyn Ryan at 304-2921982. A flower chart is posted on the bulletin board in the Lecture Room, but we kindly ask that requests not be written on the chart. POINSETTIA & MISSIONAL DONATIONS generated $500 in donations that were given to our local neighboring Community Kitchen at Trinity Episcopal Church located just across Wesley’s parking lot. Lunch is served during the week to those in need. UNITED METHODIST WOMEN NEWS All UMW are invited to the next meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 19th at Eat-n-Park beginning at Noon. Please contact Caryol Longenecker at 304-376-1556 or Margie Collins at 304291-2780 if you are attending. Snack Pack Project for Scott’s Run Settlement House needs helping hands on Wednesday, February 25th starting at 12:30 p.m. at Scott’s Run House. 2015 is the year for the biennial UMW Flea Market! Mark your calendar for the week of August 10th to be a part of this great event. This is an early reminder to save your items for our sale. We sell just about everything--from household goods, jewelry, sports equipment, baby clothes and essentials--anything in good condition will be welcome at our sale, so when you do spring cleaning, please remember that we will be happy to relieve you of things you don't want! It will take many helping hands to organize all donations, donate baked goods and work the sale. Any help will be greatly appreciated! Future announcements will be made to outline when items may be brought in to the church and any help needed to organize sale. Prayer shawls offer comfort and support. The Wesley Prayer Shawl Ministry regularly meets the first Tuesday of each month at 10:00 AM. For the next couple of months, due to construction and parking, the Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet at Panera (Evansdale location). There will not be a February meeting, but we hope to continue with our regular schedule in March. (We do not meet if the schools are cancelled or delayed - We want all to be safe.) What - you want to become a part of the team but you don’t know how to knit or crochet? We can help you with that. Already know how to knit or crochet but don’t want to come to meetings? You can still be involved - contact us and we can get you started! Doris Pitman, Sandy Anderson or Helen Ashenfelter. POCKET PRAYER SHAWLS Pocket Prayer Shawls are available in the lecture room. They are a smaller version of the large prayer shawls. They are meant to offer comfort in times of need. They are small and can be fit in a pocket or purse. Please feel free to take one for yourself or someone who you would like to offer comfort and prayers to. THANK YOU FOR HELPING Wesley’s Advent Brunch and Hat & Mitten Tree brought in the following donations delivered to Scott’s Run Settlement House: ADVENT BRUNCH canned good donations reached over 200 cans/boxes that filled the Scot’s Run entire shopping cart! HAT & MITTEN TREE was filled with 20 Hats/Toboggans ~ 40 Pairs of Gloves ~ 2 Pair Men’s Thermal Socks ~ 2 Scarves ~ 2 Pair Ladies Fuzzy Socks ~ 1 Hat & Mitten Set ~ 1 Jacket/Hat/Mitten Set. News from the Bumpe Chiefdom Sierra Leone, West Africa Page 4 Women Clean-up February 2015 Hindo Meeting Ebola in West Africa As the West African Ebola outbreak wanes enough to be ignored by the nightly news, Sierra Leone continues to have significant spread. As of Jan. 13th the CDC reported a total of 8,483 West African deaths from 21,408 cases (13,510 confirmed cases). Nearly half of those afflicted were in Sierra Leone; they had 3,083 deaths at this last report and are presently the hardest hit country . Ebola in Bumpe Chiefdom In Bumpe chiefdom, 55 cases have resulted in 37 deaths; there have been no infections or deaths in Bumpe village. The educational and preventive work that Wesley has been supporting through the Kposowa Foundation has helped prevent infection in 237 villages; of the 10 villages that have had cases, only four still have quarantines in effect. Containment of Ebola, Education, and Cooperation are a Focus As education and resupply of buckets and antiseptics continue, the crisis has stimulated unprecedented cooperation across the chiefdom as people are looking ahead and making plans to resume their lives. Meetings (and a recent work day with 600 volunteers) have addressed sanitation and clean-up of public areas. A textbook loan program is encouraging students to begin working and studying at home in preparation for reopening of school, and as Ebola statistics are posted and shared, the public affirms support for the by-laws that restrict movement of persons with possible disease. Thanks and appreciation from the Bumpe Chiefdom The M. L. King quote was sent by Hindo on King’s birthday; Hindo and his team certainly have been standing in a lot of the right places during this challenge. They join all of the people of Bumpe chiefdom in thanks to you for your continuing support of their efforts to end Ebola and return to normalcy. Peace, Jim, Judy, and Sarah Culberson BUMPE BUCKET “A little goes a long way”, the saying goes. Wesley UMC has an opportunity to contribute pocket change each Sunday to send to the school in Bumpe. After worship look for the poster “Wesley Change for Bumpe Change” in the Lecture Room. Bring your pocket change for the Bumpe Bucket! February 2015 The Wesley Journal Page 5 CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP “Wesley 5:35” is designed to provide a comfortable and spirit filled environment for everyone to share in an abundance of fellowship and worship. Centered around an informal setting, enjoy fellowship and refreshments with friends … new friends … family, and neighbors. Pastor Valerie Burgess & Wesley’s Praise Team February 7th: "The Beat of a Different Drummer" February 14th: "Love Will Keep Us Together" A WORD FROM PASTOR VAL... Happy New Year! We are one month into 2015 and I hope that your New Year is already being abundantly blessed with God’s hope, peace, and much joy! So did you make any New Year’s resolutions? I have to say that I gave up on resolutions a number of years ago, silly things. But I still like to mark the beginning of a new year with something that helps me focus on the potential of the coming year. So instead of making resolutions, I select a theme for the year: “Live _____________.” In the past, my years’ themes have included things like “Live Courageously,” “Live Flexibly,” “Live Joyfully.” Each theme represents a way I want to nurture growth in my whole life, physically, spiritually, emotionally, relationally and mentally. For example, the year my theme was to “Live flexibly,” I really worked on being less of a control-freak and more open to unexpected possibilities. That was the year I met Andy – the best of unexpected possibilities! You see, I think God calls each of us to something, and that calling develops, even changes, over time. But too often we fall into our familiar faith practices – the way we worship, the pattern of our prayers, the ways we are comfortable reaching out into the community. Those ways are fine, but sometimes being open to a new faith practice makes it possible to grow in our relationship with God in a way we would not have otherwise. Will I go on a mission trip to a foreign land? Will I become part of a community outreach that is completely out of my comfort zone? God knows – and I will try to live adventurously trusting God to make all things possible. What about you? Is there a new faith practice you can claim as a new way to grow in your relationship with God? You might try taking on a Bible reading plan, join the prayer ministry, volunteer with Circle of Friends or something else. Why not try a new way to worship? If you haven’t yet taken the opportunity to worship at our Saturday worship service, Wesley 5:35, I invite you to join us and see how God might use worship to help you grow closer to Him as we grow closer to each other. Hope to see you Saturdays at 5:35pm! For 2015, my theme is “Live Adventurously.” I want to try some new things – like zip-lining and white water rafting. Mostly I want to resist being hesitant to try something new just because it seems scary. So, how will I live adventurously in my faith? Well, I want to be open to discovering and responding to God’s Here’s to 2015 – the year of living adventurously! current calling on my life. Pastor Val BEREAN SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS: Sundays at 9:30 Have you ever wondered how the 66 books of the Bible fit together? The Berean Sunday School class will survey the entire Bible during the six Sundays in Lent. Sunday, February 22: Genesis-Deuteronomy Sunday, March 1: Joshua-Esther Sunday, March 8: Job-Song of Solomon Sunday, March 15: Isaiah-Malachi Sunday, March 22: Matthew-John Sunday, March 29: Acts-Revelation Each class session is stand-alone, so feel free to attend as many or as few as you are able. Contact Frances Van Scoy via email at [email protected] with questions or check the February 15 church bulletin for the location of the class. February 2015 The Wesley Journal Page 6 CHILDREN’S MINISTRY & YOUTH NEWS CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NEEDS ASSISTANCE WITH COMPLETING RENOVATIONS The church is extremely close to finishing the renovations. The children's area is almost structurally complete; however, the "finishing touches" need to be put on it before our dedication. Will YOU please consider helping the children update their rooms? The rooms are nice and big and updated; however, our shelves and tables are old! We are in need of white boards, shelving, tables, chairs, bean bag chairs, projector and many other supplies to make the children's space welcoming. On two Sundays in February (8th and 15th), the children will be having a bake sale after both services and will be accepting donations (cash or check) to help our cause. If you are willing to donate before or after those dates, please mark your check or envelope to "Children's Ministry." Thank you for helping make the children's space a place that our future will want to come and learn about Jesus and bring others! For more information, please contact Lya Stroupe at [email protected]. CHILDREN’S MINISTRY TO ATTEND WOMEN’S BASKETBALL GAME Mark your calendars and plan to cheer on the Mountaineers and the Women's Basketball Team takes on Iowa State on Saturday, February 21st at noon. Watch the bulletin for more information concerning meeting place and time. Anybody can join us to go!!! For more information, please contact Lya Stroupe at [email protected]. G-Force....coming to Wesley!!! Wesley's Vacation Bible School (VBS), the G-Force, is coming your way in early June 2015. During VBS children will discover that they can use God's power in their lives to help them Move! Act! Care! Follow! and Share! This fun, interactive Bible-based program equips children to use their talents, skills, and momentum in a Christ-centered direction. Watch for more information in upcoming newsletters and bulletins. SPRING LOCK-IN PLANNED FOR CHILDREN’S MINISTRY Parents and children, mark your calendars for March 20th-21st. The Children's Ministry will have a lock-in. During this time we will have time for fellowship, time to explore and learn about the events of Holy Week and then put the finishing touches on our new space above the gym. Mark you calendars and plan to spend time with other families growing closer with each other and with God! Watch the bulletin and future newsletters for more information! WESLEY YOUTH GROUP All Wesley youth from middle school to high school are welcome to be a part of youth group. We meet Sundays at 1:15 p.m. on the second floor balcony. This is a great way to share fellowship with each other. Friends are welcome! For more information please contact Youth Coordinator, Jean Ann McGuigan by phone 304-2911990 or email [email protected]. SOUPer BOWL SUNDAY - February 1st Wesley Youth were at the church exits collecting donations of loose change/bills/checks for local soup kitchens. This youth-led nationwide event is a great outreach mission! Many thanks to those who donated. Total amount collected will be announced Sunday, February 15th. What Valentine Can I Give Him? What can I give to Jesus On this special Valentine's Day? How can I tell Him I'll love Him, And follow Him, come what may? How can I show I need Him? Should I send a red heart, with lace? How can I thank Him enough For his sacrifice, love and grace? What Valentine can I give Him, My adoration to impart? I'll give to Him what He wants most; I'll yield to Him my heart. By Joanna Fuchs February 2015 The Wesley Journal Page 7 WESLEY NEWS AND UPDATES FEBRUARY 28 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Hazel & JW Ruby Community Center Tickets are available for a minimum donation of $15 per person. Children 10 and under eat free but do not receive a ceramic bowl. Purchasing a ticket in advance reserves a bowl on the day of the event. Tickets will be sold to walk in patrons as available. Stop by the Lecture Room after worship services today to purchase your tickets or to volunteer to bake cookies! 2015 CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Feb. 14-15 Faithseekers Paul Ragland March 14-15 Team Christine Wang Apr. 11-12 Younglife Ben Tuel May 9-10 Circles Caryol Longenecker June 13-14 Music Ministries Lya Stroupe July 11-12 Praise Team Gabriele Votta-Suite Aug. 8-9 Faithseekers Paul Ragland Sept. 12-13 Basketball Team Christine Wang Oct. 10-11 Chapel Karen King Nov. 14-15 Younglife Ben Tuel Dec. 12-13 Circles Caryol Longenecker Winter Farmer’s Market Saturdays: February 7th & 21st 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Wesley UMC - Davis Gym FEATURED MENU: Jambalaya Red Beans & Rice Potato Salad Jalapeno Cornbread Dessert *Vegetarian dishes offered Meal served in the Davis Gym 376-7526 376-1842 610-8175 376-1556 290-5436 319-2490 376-7526 376-1842 282-8478 610-8175 376-1556 MEALS ARE SERVED SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. EACH DAY FROM WESLEY’S GYM. Any questions about Circle of Friends please contact Joann King 304-599-0206. Thank you! MEAL BENEFITS OUTREACH MINISTRY: STOP HUNGER NOW Stop Hunger Now Day (April 18 this year) is a nice example of how a church works in this world. Several years ago we opened our gym to a group of Rotarians who were interested in the Stop Hunger Now international feeding program. Stop Hunger Now is a church-based initiative that has supplied more than 138 MILLION meals around the globe since it began this food-packaging and distribution program in 2005! About 200 people will converge on the gymnasium to prepare (both pack and ship) over 45,000 nutritious meals to feed kids at schools in food-poor countries in places like Uganda and Guatemala and Sierra Leone. That sounds like ministry! More information will be announced about this great event in upcoming newsletters. The Wesley Journal February 2015 Page 8 Join us for services: Contemporary: Saturdays at 5:35 p.m. Traditional: 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. (nursery available at both services and Sunday School) 9:30 a.m. Sunday School Wesley Church Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday) Phone: 304.292.9485 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.wesleymorgantown.org DEADLINE FOR NEWSLETTER INFORMATION : BY NOON ON THE 15TH OF EVERY MONTH SUBMIT ARTICLES TO: [email protected] Dear Friends, We wish to thank you so much for the generosity and kindness you expressed to us during Christmas. Your love and care for us does not go unnoticed and is felt in so many ways! We love you!!! Michael and Candy Dear Church Family, I would like to thank all of you for the reception held this past Sunday for me. I will miss Wesley Church and all the great people that have been part of my church life. I am very excited to move to Virginia and be a full-time grandfather and give support to my son and his family. My new address is: Lou Angotti 12330 Constitution Highway Orange, VA 22960 Email: [email protected] Again thanks and hope to hear from you all: Sincerely, Lou Wesley United Methodist Church 503 N. High Street Morgantown, WV 26505 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Morgantown, WV Permit No. 178 Mailed from Zip Code 26505
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