The Wesley Connector - Wesley UMC Greenville

The Wesley Connector FEBRUARY 13, 2020

The past two weeks haven’t out a month before we knew I and to release any worry about if
exactly gone according to my would need to have that Sunday things were done right or wrong
plans. It has been over 20 off. We must not forget, if we because I am surrounded with
years since I have experienced walk in the will of God, we will people who love and serve Christ
something in my life which see God’s hand providentially too… and I trust Christ’s work in
rendered me physically unable at work in our lives. A far piece them.
to go about my daily life. I woke from predestination, Providence Third, PRAYER. I can testify as I
up Monday two weeks ago and is when God’s decisive action watched the service on YouTube
knew something was not right is interwoven in our lives and Sunday and heard you all were
in my body. Luckily I have been coincidence seems all the more praying for me, the sharpness of
married just long enough to planned for by God. God saw my pain was measurably less by
know, when my spouse says, over the next hill for us and midday Sunday than it was even
“go get that checked out, now” worked to provide for our needs. upon waking up that morning. I
I actually know to listen to her. I Second, TRUST. The morning of never know how prayer works, I
ended up having two abdominal the procedure I was not worried am just here to bear witness, it
hernias repaired. Before I say about the surgery, it is very does work.
anything else, I am very aware routine and I am in good health.
my outpatient surgery is a walk in Finally, PATIENCE. I am not
 I was worried about, “are people
the park compared to what many the most patient person. I
 were going to handle (at home,
of us go through. My experience walk fast, I value efficiency of
 church, kids/school) the things I
has re-acquainted me with what words in conversation and I
 am responsible for?” As strange
it is like to have to depend on rarely diddle around unless I am
 as it may sound, I was suddenly
others. I thought I would share a accomplishing something. Right
 faced with a referendum on
few lessons from my experience. now, even as I write this, if I am
 leadership: a good leader should not slow about standing up, I
 never be indispensible to the will be sat down immediately by
 The Yost Post system they lead. If things fall
 in your absence then you are
 knifing pain in my abdomen. I
 am physically being forced to
 a failed leader. So that was be patient just getting into and
First, GRATITUDE. I am grateful weighing on me… I have a lot out of bed. Slow is fast, and
for medical professionals of irons in the fire. Then my fast is slow. So, I’m not ready to
who dance on the edge of two devotional that morning was all say I have learned this lesson,
extremes: awe of God’s design about Trust: Trust in the Lord, (Melissa giggles as I coach
in the human body and the trust in God’s work in other myself out loud to stand up and
responsibility of playing God’s people, trust their calling and sit down slowly), but I am picking
instrument of healing in people’s faithfulness. I’m going to try to it up.
lives. I pray for them regularly convey nuance here: My trust in
as you all receive their care, and God’s work in others is not SO I have a renewed empathy for
now I too am a beneficiary. I that what I want still gets done, what you all go through in your
am grateful for our staff team rather I am to trust that whatever medical journeys and I continue
who stepped up and handled they get done-because God is to consider it a privilege to be
everything necessary for me to working in them too- will be the your pastor and walk through
have the time off for recovery. right thing even if it is not what I them with you.
The Sunday worship videos, wanted to get done. I learned a
believe it or not were planned whole new form of trust that day

2019 GIVING STATEMENTS WESLEY UMC PICTORIAL DIRECTORY UPDATE
 The 2019 Giving Statements have The photography dates for
 been mailed. If you have not received the updated Wesley UMC
 yours, please contact the office Pictorial Directory are quickly
 (903.455.1594). approaching: February 20,
 21, 22 and February 27, 28, and 29. All photography
WELCOME TO WESLEY sessions will be in the Covenant Classroom (South
Learn more about Wesley and how to make us your entry by the offices). Please allow one hour for
church home with Pastor Chris. Engage in open your complete photo session (including check-
discussion about your faith journey and how Wesley in 15 minutes before photo appointment, actual
can equip you to continue your spiritual growth. photography, selecting photograph for the directory
This Sunday, February 16th, at 4pm in the Covenant and purchasing any additional photographs if
Classroom. Childcare available. desired).
METHODISM 101 If you wish to be included in the directory and have
Learn about the history, beliefs, and mission of being not been able to make an appointment, please
a Methodist. Hosted by Pastor Chris. Three week contact the church office for a referral to one of the
course, beginning this Sunday, February 16th from Pictorial Directory work group.
6-7pm. Childcare available.
 FEED THE NEED – Lifetouch is partnering with
ALZHEIMER’S, THE KNOWN & UNKNOWN Wesley United Methodist in feeding the hungry in the
Learn more about the disease, diagnosis, caregiving, Greenville area in two ways:
and more of Alzheimer’s. Hosted by Julie Horn and 1. For every family unit photographed,
Remember For Me. The final session of this three Lifetouch will give back $2 for
part series is Tuesday, February 18th at 6pm. This Wesley’s missional outreach
last session will cover the Stages of Alzheimer’s, (example: 160 family units
Alzheimer’s Research and Palliative Care. All are photographed X $2 = $320).
welcome to attend this educational, supportive and
community event. 2. Bring a food item the day of
 photography and receive $5 discount
YOUTH CONNECTIONS YOUTH & FAMILY MEETING on any photography purchase. Food
Sunday, February 23rd, 5-6pm to discuss the donations will benefit FISH Ministries.
upcoming ski trip.
FAT TUESDAY CAJUN SUPPER
Wesley Youth Connections invites you to their
annual Fat Tuesday supper. Come and enjoy the
deliciousness they are cooking up. On the menu this
year is Sausage & Chicken Gumbo, Shrimp Etouffe,
Rice and desserts. Tuesday, February 25th. Supper
starts at 5:30pm until the pot is empty or 7:30pm. No
charge, love offerings are joyously received in support
of our Youth Ministry.

BISHOP’S RALLY
 The Confirmation class will be attending the 2020 Bishop’s Rally on Sunday, February
 23rd, at Creekwood United Methodist Church in Fairview. The Bishop’s Rally is the
 largest gathering of youth in the Conference. Confirmands from all over the North Texas
 conference will come to meet one another and spend the afternoon together.
The theme for the 2020 session is Vision For the Future. The fun afternoon is packed with games, interactive
mission outreach activities, prayer stations, food, a question and answer time with Bishop McKee, and ends
with worship and communion. We can’t wait to be a part of this special day with the Bishop!

MEL & DOROTHY LEW SCHOLARSHIP
The Wesley UMC Board of Trustees in taking applications for 2020/2021
School Year Mel & Dorothy Lew Scholarship. Applications are available in
the church office. Applications will be accepted through March 31st.
This scholarship was created and funded in 2012 by an anonymous
member of Wesley UMC, in loving memory of Mel and Dorothy Lew who
were devoted members at Wesley UMC for many years.
The purpose of the scholarship is to strengthen the local church by
providing financial support for college to eligible recipients who are called
to Christian ministry. Eligible recipients must meet one or more of the following criteria:
 • Graduating seniors who are members of Wesley United Methodist Church
 • Staff members of Wesley United Methodist Church who wish to pursue
 further education in their field of ministry.
 • Members of Wesley United Methodist Church who desire full/part time
 study in a field of Christian ministry.
 • Members of Wesley United Methodist Church who are currently enrolled in
 an educational program of Christian ministry.
Areas of Christian ministry allowable for this scholarship include, but are not limited to, the prioritized
list below:
 1. Youth Ministry 5. Music Ministry
 2. Children’s Ministry 6. Church Leadership Development
 3. Ordained Ministry 7. Other areas of Christian Ministry
 4. Education Ministry defined at a future date by the
 committee

AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENT
The JOY Group celebrated their annual Valentines Unforgettable guests enjoyed a Greek lunch,
luncheon with an Unforgettable lunch and catered by Opa Greek Restaurant Rowlett,
entertainment. Natalie Pegg shared her thoughts followed by Mentalist Grant Price who still has
on how Unforgettable was named with those who the crowd in wonder. How LIKELY was it that
attended. Everyone has unforgettable moments Forrest had a word typed on his arm? Are Dave
in their lives. A wedding, a birth, a job interview & Toni that synced with each other? Does John
or tripping on the sidewalk. Many members Bishop really love grapefruit that much? Such a
of Wesley have unforgettable moments that gift Grant has and we truly enjoyed every minute.
happened here at Wesley. The first Valentines Thank you for the love offerings received in
luncheon (attended by Charles & Patsy Sivley support of the luncheon. With your generosity,
who havn’t missed one yet), a mission trip, the fellowship events such as Unforgettable are
pumpkin patch, and even a flame performer. made possible. Love offerings are always
Let’s continue to make unforgettable moments appreciated and are accepted at any time.
together as a church family. Please note the ministry being gifted to.

BIBLE 101
An introduction to the Bible. Hosted by Pastor Chris. Three week course, beginning Sunday, March 8th
from 6-7pm. Childcare available.

JOY LUNCH BUNCH
Lunch Bunch will not be held this month. In place of the monthly outing, please support our Youth
Connections Ministry and their Fat Tuesday Supper on February 25th.

LAY LEADERSHIP
The 2020 Committee on Lay Leadership:
ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD CHAIR: Beverly White
 FINANCE TRUSTEES STAFF PARISH MINISTRY
Vicki Ward John Wright George Kroncke Trey Johnson
Penni Perkins Katie Martin Kate Amali James Horan
Brandon Dierschke Adrian Munoz Mary Wilson John Armstrong
BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIR: Jake Jacobs; FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR: Vicki Ward; SPRC CHAIR:
Jim Milton; LAY LEADER: Becky Bishop; LAY MEMBER TO CONFERENCE: Dan Perkins

PRAYER MARCH SUPREMES
Looking for ways to access more in your prayer life? Save the date! Wesley member and Law
Maybe you’ve never prayed before and want to start, Enforcement Officer Wade Sheets will be
or you would like to get better at it. here to educate us on scams. From internet
 and phone to getting scammed in person, learn to
Pastor Chris and Jordan Cramer will lead Prayer, a
 recognize the warning signs and how to protect
workshop to explore a basic ideas and principles
 yourself.
towards what prayer is, how to pray, and who can
we pray for. Three week course, begninning March Tuesday, March 10th. Potluck lunch at 12pm
3rd. Register online or find registration forms at followed by program. Bring a side dish or dessert,
welcome centers. entree provided. $2 per person to cover expenses.
STEWARDSHIP 2020: MY CHURCH. MY VISION. Our Pre-K and Kindergarteners
We do mission and ministry best when we do it learned about David being
together. Join members and friends by pledging to
 anointed by Samuel to become
financially support our church. Set up your 2020
commitment on the pledge cards handed out during the King during Sunday School
all worship services February 16th and 23rd. on February 9th. I Samuel 16:7

Enchanting
 Adventure 2020 JOY GROUP TRIP

Natalie Pegg and Kevin Banks invite you to join them for
an Enchanting Adventure, the 2020 Wesley JOY Group trip.
 November 10-14, 2020
Destination: Asheville and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Our first stop, the Biltmore. This 250-room chateau,
completed in 1895 by George Vanderbilt, is a true wonder of Includes
architecture and hospitality. Enjoy historical exhibits and the
 Personal Tour Guide
 Nine Tours
beautiful grounds, as well as an evening candlelight tour with
the home decorated for Christmas. A sure way to get in the

 Four Nights Lodging
Christmas spirit.
The trip also includes a tour of Asheville with stops at the
Thomas Wolfe Memorial, the Basilica of Saint Lawrence and
 Four Full Breakfasts
 Three Dinners
a stop in Black Mountain NC. And before the trip concludes,
time at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte.
Won’t you join us? It’s going to be Unforgettable!
 One Lunch
SINGLE: $1,767 TRIPLE: $1,457
 Deluxe Motorcoach
DOUBLE: $1,534
 PRICING PER PERSON OCCUPANCY.
 QUAD:
DEPOSIT OF $200 PER PERSON DUE BY MARCH 19, 2020.
 $1,327
 All Taxes & Gratuities
 THE FINE PRINT. Pricing per person. Lodging accomodations Comfort Suites Asheville and Holiday Inn
 Charlotte. Air travel cost to & from Charlotte, NC is NOT included in price above. We are working with
 Southwest Airlines and group pricing is not yet available. For more information, travel insurance, and itinerary,
 contact Natalie by phone or email at 402.578.8671 or joy@wesleyumcgreenville.org.

Wesley United Methodist Church
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1200 EAST JOE RAMSEY BLVD
PO BOX 864
GREENVILLE, TX 75403

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