Game Night Tournament
If you are competitive, like to play Scrabble, Dominoes, Hand/Foot or Spades and eat, then bring a snack and join the fun this Saturday, March 13, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  A dinner of chili dogs, salad & snacks will begin at 5:00 p.m.  Play will start at 5:30 p.m.  Kids will have Uno & Checkers to keep them entertained and they will be guided by a member of the Fellowship Team.  Please sign up for your game of choice on the poster in the fellowship hall.

 
Our Newest Wesley Member
The Wesley Church family was honored to receive Sheryl Jennings into full membership on Sunday, February 28.  She comes to us with a long history of involvement in the United Methodist Church.  Her friendly smile and grace filled personality are a joy to experience.  [Enlarge picture]

Other New Members
Christ extended Himself to Doug and Derek Crawford through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism on February 21.  Later in the same worship service they were joined by their grandparents, Bob & Arla Qualls, as the four were received into full membership of Wesley UMC.  We give thanks to the Lord for the bond of fellowship these four wonderful people have formed with our church.  [Enlarge picture]

Adult Mission Trip
Our mission group has returned from their trip to the Susanna Wesley Family Learning Center in East Prairie, MO (March 4-7).  They did a great job!  Find out all they accomplished by reading their report or view some trip pictures.

U.M. Summer Camps
Registration has begun for the United Methodist summer camps in Missouri.  Go online to www.mocamps.org to see a listing of camping opportunities.  You may also download a catalog of camp events and register online. Register by April 16 and receive an early bird discount of $25.  There is also a discount for the second and third child going to camp from the same family.

Lenten Devotions
Would you share your journey with God with members of our congregation?  What a great witness that would be!  The Worship Team would like to compile a book of devotions that will be available for those participating in the prayer vigil following the Maundy Thursday service on April 1.  Contributions may be any length, anonymous if you wish, and can be e-mailed to Sandy Murray or placed in the offering plate on Sunday mornings.  We hope to use the devotions received during this Lenten season in a 40-day Lenten devotion booklet to be available to the congregation next year.

Call for Prayer “Shawls” and Baby Blankets
Across the United States, United Methodist Women members are knitting, crocheting or sewing prayer shawls to give to people in their communities in need of compassion and caring, warmth and love.  When shawls are completed, they are blessed during brief services in local churches, and then distributed nearby.
Find out how you can help.

Amazing Grace?
The Standing Stones Class will start a new series by Philip Yancey entitled “What's so Amazing About Grace?” We will start on Sunday, March 7.  On Palm Sunday, March 28, the Standing Stones Class will see a one session video by Ray VanderLaan entitled “The True Story of Easter.”  Joe Weaver is the facilitator for the class which meets on Sundays at 9:45 a.m. in room 108.  Newcomers are warmly welcomed.

Church Clean-Up Day
On Saturday, March 20, you are encouraged to help us spruce up the church for the Easter season.  With many helping hands the work will go quickly and easily.  There are several projects which need to be done. If you know of a little project that could also be tackled that day, please contact trustee chairperson, Bob Warren

Wesley Cares!
It's time to start bringing your donations for College and Military Care Packages which will be packed on Wednesday, March 17, at 5:30 p.m.  If you have not signed up to donate, check the list by the info bulletin board in the fellowship hall. Bring your donations in soon.  Also, look for the opportunity to help pack on March 17.  The Nurture Team appreciates your time and help with this project.

2010 Vacation Bible School
We are already making plans for this year's Vacation Bible School.  The dates have been set for the evenings of June 6-10 (Sunday-Thursday).  If you have children, mark your calendar. If you want to help in some way, mark your calendar and then call Sarah Jones or Traci Mobley to see how you can plug in.

Postcard History
Wesley church member Dr. Arnold Parks has just published a book dealing with the history of Jefferson City as revealed through old picture postcards.  Dr. Parks, who pastors the St. Paul UMC in New Bloomfield, recently gave a program at our United Methodist Men's group using images from his book. Anselm & Susan Williams have donated a copy of Arnold's book to the church library.  You may also find it in any local bookstore.

Lenten Coffee Study Groups
This has been a much appreciate experience for many of our Wesley folk in years past. During the season of Lent small groups of folks meet in the homes of Wesley members for a Lenten Study.  Not only is this a meaningful time of spiritual growth but it is a great way to get to know other members of our church family.  Once again Sherry Ripperger will be coordinating this Lenten opportunity for study.  If you are interested in hosting one of the groups in your home, or if you are interested in attending one of the several groups that will be participating, please sign up on the Blue Card on Sunday morning or contact Sherry.

Learn about Personal Finances
There will be a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University simulcast at First United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 13, from noon to 5:00 p.m. You may register by calling First UMC ((635-6886).  There is some interest in starting a class right here at Wesley U.M.C. using information from the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University.  There would be a cost for this class.  If you would be interested in such a class, please mark the Blue Card

Our Confirmands get High Marks
All three of this year's confirmands, Charlie Winborn, Shelby Newberry, and Michelle Boyer, all made the honor roll at school this past term.  While their school work is clearly important to them, they have also made confirmation class a priority, each having perfect attendance.  This coming Sunday they will attend the fifth of their ten Sunday afternoon sessions with Rev. Williams.  Cheer them on by dropping a note in the "Confirmand Mailbox" in the fellowship hall.

United Methodist Women - March Meeting
On Saturday,March 27 Wesley's unit of United Methodist Women will meet at 9:00 a.m. for brunch and an excellent program entitled “Piecing Earth Together”.  Guest speaker Louise Schreiber will emphasize seeking new ways to contribute to environmental conservation to honor God's great creation.  In other words, we'll be looking at how we can go out into God's creation and discover ways to piece our earth back together.  All women are invited to attend and bring a favorite brunch dish to share; please feel free to bring a guest as well.

Outstanding Woman in Mission Selected by UMW
Attendees of the UMW meeting on Saturday, March 27, at 9:00 a.m., will be asked to select the 2010 Outstanding Woman in Mission of the Year.  The nominees should be women in our church who best contribute to our UMW unit by such things as recruiting new members, organizing new circles or subgroups, leadership development, the UMW reading program, social justice ministries, the campaign for children, creative programming, and interpretation and use of Women's Division resources.  The woman selected will represent Wesley UMW at the District level.  Please call Linda Sullivan with any questions about the March 27 meeting or this award.

Blanket Sunday Report
With the collection $1,880.50 on Sunday, February 21, and more coming in the mail from those who could not be at the service, Wesley will be able to provide about 400 blankets to Church World Services.

Wesley Wilderness Need Your Help
Every Sunday morning in Wesley Wilderness we have a wonderful group of children (Kindergarten - 5th grade), that are eager to hear the stories of Jesus and experience the love and acceptance that is found within the pages of the Bible.  By using the rotation model for teaching, the stories come alive through art, drama, computer lessons, storytelling, games, and cooking.  We need loving and caring adults to share those stories.  Teaching is a commitment – but, it can be on a one-week, two-week, three-week or ongoing basis.  Prayerfully consider if God is calling YOU to this rewarding ministry.  To learn more about Wesley Wilderness or to volunteer, contact Barb Gier or sign-up on the Blue Card the next time you are in worship.

February in Wesley Wilderness
Find out what is going on for the children on Sunday mornings this month in Wesley Wilderness.

An Invitation from the Bible 101 Class to study The Lord's Prayer
The Bible 101 Adult Sunday School class is starting the journey of deepening their prayer life and their relationship with Jesus through the Lord's Prayer.  They will study the model prayer in depth and expect this study to last at least 12 weeks.  The Bible 101 class enjoys and encourages lively discussion, fun stories, and moving personal experiences which often has leads them to take a little more time than expected.  As always, they plan to let the Holy Spirit guide them on their journey.  Everyone is welcome to join the fun and be a part of a supportive group.  Come share and learn as we delve into this interesting study.  The class meets Sundays at 9:45 a.m. in room 110.  Sue Stumbaugh will lead the study.

2009 Apportionments Paid in Full
Once again we paid both our conference and district apportionments in full last year. Many churches were unable to do so during these hard economic times.  We thank God that we were able to reach our goal.  [What are apportionments?]

Earthquake in Haiti
On Sunday, January 24, Wesleyens generousley gave $2,868.00 to help the survivors of the devistating earthquake in Haiti. These funds will be sent to UMCOR to help feed, clothe, shelter and provide medical and spiritual care for the many needing help.  Thanks everyone!

2010 Youth Work Camp
Plans are already being made for this year's Senior High Work Camp trip.  This year we're going to Munster, Indiana, from Saturday, June 26 to July 3.  Interested in going?  Click here to find out more details.

Is Your Kitchen Pampered?
Jean Treese is currently having a Pampered Chef Book Party.  27% of every order will go to help support the Youth Work Camp Program.  If you are interested see Jean Treese or call at 301-3506 or 796-4716.

Proceeds from U.M.W. Nut Sale
Proceeds from the holiday nuts will go to Wesley Youth Work Camp and to UMCOR for Haiti relief.  Thank you to everyone who supported this fund-raiser.  Our total net profit was $488.

Confirmation Classes
Rev. Anselm Williams will be leading a series of Confirmation Classes for youth in 7th & 8th grade and older who are interested in joining the church.  Classes will be held on Sunday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. beginning Sunday, January 31.  Find out more.

U.M.W. Assembly 2010
A broad and diverse gathering of women will convene U.M.W. Assembly 2010, a three-day conference hosted by United Methodist Women on April 30-May 2.  This historic event is designed for women from all walks of life.  Its theme will be Faith • Hope • Love in Action.  Because this event is in St. Louis, this is rare opportunity for the women of our church to participate.  [More Information]

Snack Volunteers Needed for Youth meetings
If any families or groups would like to provide a snack meal for our students, we would really appreciate the treats.  The Food Schedule is posted on the youth bulletin board in the Sunday School hallway.  Thanks in advance for your help.

Nursery Needs
Our Nursery is getting low on supplies. Can you help? The greatest needs right now are: Goldfish Crackers, Animal Crackers, Lysol spray and disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, and tissues. If you can help provide these items for the nursery, please bring what you can with you the next time you come to Wesley.
Thank you,
Anna Vellios, Lead Nursery Attendant

Venturing Crew for Youth
The Wesley United Methodist Men's Group is sponsoring a Venturing Crew through the Boy Scouts of America, which is for young adults ages 14-20.  Venturing is one of the basic programs of the Boy Scouts of America to help build character, values, and leadership.  It provides ideals to last a lifetime, sets a solid course for the future, and lets young adults plan their own activities for positive recognition today.  High school age young adults can find themselves at a crossroads in life.  As they are confronted by an increasing number of challenges, the Venturing program helps youth at that crossroads to find direction for their lives.  For more information about, or to help, Wesley's Venturing Crew, please contact Jeff Korman or Kirk Boyer.

An Unexpected Beautiful Gift
On September 19, Rev. Williams was presented a surprise. It was a gift to Wesley U.M.C.
"I just wanted to say thanks and let you know how much you and the church mean to us," said Molly McGlone.  Standing next to her was Gloria Metzger.  The two began attending Wesley last spring.  Molly made this gift herself.  It is a circular stained glass piece designed to be an outdoor decoration in the rock garden at the entrance of the church.  The red and black "Cross & Flame" logo of the United Methodist Church appears on a white background with red and black letters "JC" and "WUMC" flanking the cross.  This beautiful gift can be seen resting in the garden just before you enter the church.  Thank you, Molly.  What a wonder expression of Christian love.

Pop Your Top!
The Wesley Junior High Youth are still collecting pop can tabs for the Ronald McDonald House and they want to thank everyone who has brought in pop tabs to church.  As of May 1, Wesley U.M.C. has donated a little over 54,000 tabs or 22 pounds to the Ronald McDonald House in Columbia.  Please continue to collect and bring them to church.  Don't forget the tabs on soup cans also count. Let's see how many we can collect.  Every little bit helps!  The collection container is a cardboard house located on the counter next to the pop machine.  Please deposit your can tabs there.

Have a new Neighbor?
Have you seen someone moving into your neighborhood?  If so, let us know in the church office. We will give you a packet of information about our church that you can share with your new neighbor.  It's a great excuse to stop by and say "hello" to your new neighbor.  If you see someone moving into a home beyond your neighborhood, write down the address and we'll send them a note from the church inviting them to worship.

Divine Lights
Our United Methodist Men have a brand new fund raiser to help support the good work they do.  They will soon begin selling accent candles by Divine Lights.  There are twenty different candles to choose from, each with its own scent.  Every candle has a little tag with a verse from the Bible.  These make great gifts for Mother's Day, graduation, birthdays, anniversaries, and secret pals.  Naturally, you'll want to get one or more for your own home.  More Information.

Wesley Travel Mugs
Stylish and very useful travel mugs bearing the church's name and logo will now be given to first time visitors to our church.  Our Inviting Team is also offering these versatile and dishwasher safe mugs to our own church members at a cost of $7.00. The mugs are silver so they go with just about any decor.  Supplies are limited, so look for the Wesley Inviting Team "vendors" at upcoming gatherings for your chance to pick up a piece of Wesley history.  Your purchase of a mug helps to underwrite the cost of providing these gifts to our first time visitor.  So keep your hot drinks hot and your cold drinks cold and help support the outreach ministry of our church.  Contact Tammy Nilges if you would like a mug.

Web space for our church's website was kindly donated by