News Bytes

Today, February 5th , 140 million Americans will tune in to the Super Bowl football game. There will be parties with abundant food, friendship and fellowship. At the same time, there will be people worrying about staying warm, finding shelter and a warm meal. Please join our youth group along with other young people around the country as they demonstrate God’s love by loving their neighbors through the Souper Bowl of Caring. It’s a simple, yet significant act of caring for others. Drop $1 (or more) in the soup pot as you leave worship today. All proceeds will go to the Samaritan Center here in Jefferson City. Our young people are developing hearts for giving that can last a lifetime. Please support their efforts. Thank you!

The youth are excited! It’s that time of the year for Young Christian’s Weekend at Silver Dollar City. This year the bands are The Museum, Sidewalk Prophets, along with Caleb Rowden and Chris August. We will leave early Saturday morning, March 31, and return home late evening on Sunday, April 1. So you can get your homework all done on Friday evening and then have lots of fun, hang out with some great friends and hear great speakers and music,! Reservations must be received by February 12. Cost will be $35.00. Contact Penny Mueller for more information.

Calling all cowboys and cowgirls at heart. Join us for the youth’s annual sweetheart dinner on Saturday, February 11 beginning at 6:00. Tickets are available for $25 per couple or $12.50 per cowpoke. Promises to be a heel kickin’ good time!

Calling all 3rd through 5th graders: On February 12, 2012, the M&M's (Mini Methodists) will meet again to spread God's love at Adam's Street Place. After a light lunch directly following the 11:00 am service, the M&M's will visit residents at Adams Street Place and pass out Valentine's Day cards. We will return to Wesley at 2:30 pm. Hope to see you there!

Lenten Study Soon Wesley UMC will embark on a six-week Lenten Bible study that will allow the voice of its members to be heard. “Does Your Church Have a Prayer? In Mission Toward the Promised Land”, is an intentional process of spiritual engagement that will empower our community of Christian disciples to make decisions about our present and future ministries based on certain biblical principles.

OFFICE CLOSED Due to the Holidays being on a weekend, t he Offices will be closed on Friday, December 23, while the staff frantically does last minute shopping and wrapping, and Monday, December 26, while staff crashes. Christmas blessing to all Wesleyans as we shop, wrap and crash.

Begins at 8:00 p.m. on December 31
Bring a friend and your favorite snacks to share. We will attend the 8:30 worship service together on New Year’s Day. No Sunday School for youth that day. Lots of adult help will be needed throughout the night (in shifts!) Let Penny know if you can help!

Thank you to all who purchased Poinsettias this year. They are a beautiful addition to the sanctuary and the spirit of Christmas. Please drop a check into the offering basket today if you have not yet paid for yours, and remember to take yours home on Christmas Day..

Any questions you may have regarding Healthy Church Initiative will be answered at this time. Please plan to attend.

On Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at 9:00 a.m., a special Prayer Service to recognize and pray for our Missouri State Officials and the 97 th General Assembly – First Regular Session will be held in the sanctuary of Concord Baptist Church, 3724 W. Truman Blvd. Everyone is invited to attend.

PARTY TIME
Everyone is invited to join Paul White and Emma Walters as they celebrate their birthdays on Saturday, December 3, 2011, from 2:00 – 4:00 pm. at The Masonic Lodge building, 3211 Masonic Court, Jefferson City, MO.

MnM’s: On Sunday,December 4th, the MnM’s will be having a bake sale. The proceeds will be used to buy gifts for the children on the Angel Tree. All bake sale items should be at the church by 9am. Directly after the 11am service we will go to KMart & purchase the gifts. All extra donations of baked goods are welcome. We will wrap up our December meeting at church by wrapping the gifts and eating some pizza. The fun will conclude at 3:00pm.

We have been invited to St. Joseph’s Home to sing carols with the residents on Friday, December 9, 2-3 p.m. It would be very special for the residents if we had some of our group dress in a Christmas costume such as an angel, Victorian caroler, Wiseman, etc... If you have Christmas bells, Santa hats, etc., please bring them with you.

We will car pool from the church parking lot at 1:45 p.m. or, you may meet the group at St. Joseph’s. Contact Joanne Newcomer at 893-5866 if you have questions.

ADVENT FESTIVAL Once again the Education Team is organizing the annual Advent Festival for the children of Wesley UMC. This event has been scheduled for Sunday, December 4, 2011 from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend!! If you are interested in helping with this event – either with advance preparations or on the day of our Festival, please contact Pam Kormann (893-6100) or Barb Gier (782-3367

OPUS HAS CHOSEN
The Jay Closet has been chosen as the OPUS class mission project during this "giving season". The two greatest needs are underwear and shoes. They will be collecting the following items until Sunday, December 11.

The collection box will be in the corner of fellowship hall in the O.P.U.S. classroom space. Cash should be given to Marcia or Barb.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
The children have already begun practicing for their Annual Christmas Program, scheduled this year for December 11 at 4:00 p.m. The children hope you will attend and see this wonderful, fun presentation. "Silent Mice, Holy Mice"

CHRISTMAS CARDS AT WESLEY UMC
Save on postage and bring your cards to the Wesley Post Office. The youth of Wesley will sort the Cards from Wesleyans for Wesleyans. Just put your cards in the box on the information table. Please be sure the cards you bring in are for people who currently attend.

LIBRARY EXTRAVAGANZA

Please join us for a LibraryOpen House on Sunday, Nov. 6, between 9:30 and 11:00 am. Let us show you how to find a book, video or DVD and even give you a treat for visiting us. You can be so proud of the Wesley Church library which now has over 2600 books - both fiction and non-fiction. We have a book or books for you!
Eve Jett and Barbara Weaver, librarians.

Wesley UMW will co-host a book fair with Downtown Book and Toy on two Sundays in November—6th and 20th. It will begin after the first service (9:30) and conclude shortly after the end of the second service (noon). There will be a variety of books. All buyers will receive a 15% discount. UMW will receive 10 percent of all proceeds for mission projects. The timing of the book fair is perfect…start your Christmas shopping early! Stop by the fellowship hall to browse and buy a book!

Please join us in celebrating Bea’s 90 th birthday immediately following the 11:00 a.m. Sunday service. A deli style lunch as well as cake and beverages will be served. No gifts are necessary. Your presence will be greatly appreciated. No R.S.V.P. necessary. Given By:Bea’s sons and families

ITEMS NEEDED FOR CARE PACKAGES

Sign up to help supply needed items for our care packages in the fellowship hall across from the announcement center as the packages will packed on November 16. See Tammy or Lola Wekenborg with questions.

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING COLLECTION FOR HAITI
The Mission Team is sponsoring a used clothing drive for the Gift of God Orphanage in Haiti. The collection will begin October 30th and end November 20th. Warm weather clothing for newborns up through age 18 years is needed - especially boy’s khaki pants and polo shirts for school uniforms. Please make sure the clothing is laundered and in good condition. Our friend, Stuart Pederson, will be taking our donation to Haiti the beginning of December. For questions, contact Kathy Boyer or a member of the Mission Team.

CHURCH CONFERENCE ANNUAL MEETING SET
Our new District Superintendent, Lynn Dyke, has set our Annual Church Conference date for Sunday afternoon, November 20, at 2:00 p.m. Wesley will once again be pairing up with St. Paul UMC. It is St. Paul UMC’s year to host this annual event and Wesley leaders will be traveling to New Bloomfield to present our annual reports. All church team leaders are asked to be in attendance. This meeting is open to any and all Wesley members who would like to attend. Your participation is appreciated to show your support for Wesley UMC!

***Don’t forget the Faith Sharing meal presented by Pastor Vansant and his family directly following the second service on this same day. Join us for the meal and then we go out to St. Paul UMC for our meeting! Sign up on the blue card for Faith Sharing meal, Nov. 20.

OLDER NEWS------------------------------------------
BACK ON TRACK – NEW Upper Rooms Are Here!
Thanks for your patience while we have had to deal with a billing issue with the company who supplies our Upper Rooms. GREAT NEWS! The Nov/Dec issue of Upper Room has arrived and is available for $1.50 per copy on the announcement table in the fellowship hall! Get Your Copy TODAY!

THIRD QUARTER STATEMENTS ARE… Ready for pick-up on the announcement table.

RUMMAGE SALE SUCCESS
The October Rummage Sale last year brought in $1814.36. So far this year, our October sale has netted $1,940.18, bringing us very close to our $2,000 goal. There may be some outstanding funds yet to come in. We may make it yet!!

LOOKING FOR A NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS?
Lanie Vansant and Bonnie Ricks would like to invite you to join them on Sunday mornings for a new musical Sunday School class. They will meet in the Music Room (last room on the left in education wing) at 9:50a.m., for a devotion/lesson time. Then the class will move to the Sanctuary for some music. It is their hope to worship, and learn about God in a new way.
Come join us. Questions? Contact Lanie Vansant or Bonnie Ricks.

SHOE BOXES NEEDED FOR CARE PACKAGES
If you should have an extra shoe box or two laying around the house, please bring it to the fellowship hall and find the area where the Nurture team is collecting these. Food item collections for this project will begin shortly with the packages being prepared for mailing on November 19. Look for more information in the November newsletter. Questions or turning in college/military addresses? See Tammy or Lola Wekenborg .

October 8--Pumpkin Patch Kick-Off Extravaganza - 11am -4pm Games, pony rides, bounce house, special entertainment, FREE FOOD! and more...Come Visit Us!

October 15/16--UMW & Piecemakers Quilt Show
Quilts from some of our own best crafters! And a paper doll collection...You won't want to miss this event!

October 23--Country Ham & Bean Dinner- 11am -2pm
Enjoy some of the best cooking in town! Adults: $5, Kids $3

October 29 Trunk or Treat - 5pm - 7 pm Decorate your trunk and pass out candy to the costumed kids!
Kids and parents...COME FOR THE CANDY and don't forget, hayrides will also be given!

Find a treasure at the fall Wesley UMC Rummage Sale on Friday, Oct 7 & Saturday, Oct 8. Take a look at the hundreds of fashion items for the entire family in our Fellowship Hall on the main level then go down to our lower level to explore for more treasures for your home. See the Blue Card for opportunities to help.

The money we make goes for things not in the budget that are needed for wanted by different committees. We have made over $40,000 since we started these garage sales. The money is managed by the trustees. Recent purchases are: $2000 on floor repair, a new dishwasher for the parsonage, a new server for the church office and a new vacuum for the custodian.

The UMW is having a Bake Sale in conjunction with the Rummage Sale. Help is needed to bake treats such as cookies, pies, breads, etc. You may bring them to the church on Thursday evening, Oct. 6, Friday, Oct. 7, or Saturday morning, Oct 8.

All Wesley women are invited to participate in a Spiritual Growth Event at Wesley UMC on Monday, October 10, 7-8:30 p.m. The event evolved from a district level spiritual growth retreat held last spring. The two speakers will present on topics of “Finding Peace Within” and a book review of “nu-Christian—Finding Faith in A New Generation.” The United Methodist Women of the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City will be our guests. Make plans to attend this special event to help you grow in your Christian walk of faith—a vital role in building your relationship with the Lord. There will be singing, discussion, and refreshments for all to enjoy!

Mission Team is planning an adult mission trip to Joplin November 9-13. This trip is being arranged through Volunteers in Mission. We will plan to leave Wednesday evening after work and return on Sunday afternoon. We will be staying at a local church and cooking our own meals. Work projects are unknown at this time and may depend on the skills of those who sign up. The cost will be $150 per person and will include transportation, meals and work supplies. If you are interested in going, please sign up on the Blue Card. An organizational meeting will be planned for late September. If you have questions, contact Kathy Boyer.

Festival of Sharing QUILT SHOW
On Wednesday, September 21st from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM . The Wesley Piece-Makers class and other local churches are displaying their quilts at the First Presbyterian Church at 324 Madison Street. These quilts are auctioned off at the Festival of Sharing in October to raise monies for world-wide assistance programs. The Piece-Makers meet Sunday mornings during Sunday school, Thursday mornings at 9:30 AM., and this fall we will also meet Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM. If you have questions, please contact Phyllis Burton or Sally Yovich.

Wesley 5K Fun Run/Walk
Sign up for the Second Anuual Wesley 5K Fun Run/Walk being held on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 8:30 a.m. (check-in 7-8 a.m.). Proceeds benefit the Samaritan Center. The race starts at First Financial Credit Union Parking Lot, 3124 West Edgewood Drive. The race will be run/walked on the Greenway along Edgewood Drive. For more information and sign-up form visit www.wesley5K.com, or contact Jerry Ballard or Matt Turner. There is a $20 entry fee, and a race t-shirt is provided. Last year we raised $1,000 for the Samaritan Center with 50 participants. Our goal is to double those numbers this year!

The Standing Stones Class will be starting a six week video series on Sunday, September 25, by Timothy Keller titled "The Reason for God." Please join us in Room 108 at 10:00 am. Joe Weaver is the facilitator.

Walk to Emmaus
The next Walk to Emmaus weekends will be September 29 to October 2nd for men; and October 20-23 for women.
You will learn more on God’s grace, Christian discipleship and what it means to be part of God’s church. If you would be interested in this personal time of spiritual renewal, please contact Chris or Bonnie Ricks.

The Mini-Methodists need a caring adult to direct them down the path that leads them closer to God through classes, missions and Christ-centered activities. You could be the one. Please prayerfully consider becoming the next MnM’s leader. Call Traci Mobley for more information.

Blood Pressure Clinic
Be sure to stop by the Library during the Sunday School hour on Sunday, August 28, to have your pressure checked. It’s free, so why not take a few minutes to do something that will be good for your health. If you have your “Blood Pressure Record” card from previous visits to our clinic, be sure to bring it with you.

Sunday Evening Praise
The next Sunday Evening Praise time is on August 21st. Greeting time is at 5:15 and praise time is at 5:30. Please come join us as we give God praise in music and fellowship.

August 18 Stress Workshop
Everyone is invited to a workshop on stress on Thursday, August 18, at 7:00 p.m. Annette Clark, director of Clinical Development at Pathways, will share her expertise as a licensed clinical social worker and therapist about stress and ways we can cope with it in our daily lives. Be sure to indicate your attendance on the blue card.

The next sermon series is titled " Rethink Church" and will take us up to the Serve 2011 Work Day September 10th:

Aug 14 - Transformation (not evacuation) – Mat 24:36-46
Aug 21 - A Suicidal System - Luke 6:27-36
Aug 28 - Reframing Jesus - Luke 16:1-16
Sep 4 - Reintroducing Jesus - Rev 19:11-16
Sat, Sept 10 - Our Serve 2011 Service Day
Sep 11 - A Revolution of Hope - Mat 17:14-23 - Safety Sunday

A Chance to Serve
Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 10th, as we move outside the walls of our church and offer ourselves to our community for mission and service. We plan to use our hands and feet in a variety of ways to show several organizations within our community that we are active and caring people. We will meet at the church at 7:30am that day to organize,work from 8am to 12 noon and then meet back at the church for lunch. The Mission Team has several projects for this day that will allow for a variety of skills and abilities and ages (youth are welcome also!). More information and the chance to sign up to help at a particular work site and order a t-shirt will be available in August. SEE THE LINK ON OUR HOME PAGE FOR MORE INFO...

Disaster Response

The Missouri Conference has established a fund to receive monies into the Disaster Response account #7465. You may make a donation to this fund through our church or directly to the Conference. Wesley is also collecting cleaning supplies to be used in areas that have fallen victim to floods and tornadoes. Find out more about how you can help.

Our New Sunday School Superintendent
Kari Grawe is our new Sunday School Superintendent. She will be recording weekly attendance, forwarding Sunday School offering to the counters, and ordering Sunday School curriculum at the direction of the Sunday School teachers. As School Superintendent, Kari will also be a member of the Education Team.

Our New Acolyte Coordinator
Stacy Hardwick has accepted the role of Acolyte Coordinator. She will schedule the acolytes for both Sunday morning worship services, work with the pastor to see that the acolytes are properly trained, and make sure the acolytes have everything they need to fulfill their ministry, such as robes, candlelighting wicks and such. As Acolyte Coordinator, Stacy ill also be a member of the Worship Team.

Evening of Praise Summer Schedule
The Sunday night "Evening of Praise" meets only on the third Sunday of June, July and August. So mark your calendars for June 19, July 17 and August 21 at 5:15 and join us for fellowship, music and prayer.

Parsonage has been Paid Off
Great news! The final payment has just been made on the parsonage loan!

New Adult Sunday School Study
O.P.U.S. Sunday School class will soon be starting a study of Paul's letter to the Romans. This 13-week study started May 15 but you can still join us this Sunday as we take a look at Paul, the greatest Christian missionary of all time, and what his message was to the people of the church at Rome and for us today. O.P.U.S. meets in the library. For questions, contact class facilitator, Tim Ripperger.

Bible 101 Sunday School Class
As we study Samuel 2, we are finding that David's struggles often mimic our struggles. Yet, David is a man after God's own heart; so we strive to seek God's heart and purpose in our lives using the Bible as our guide. Please join us in Room 110 as we search, seek, study and sample God's word.

Thank you to the United Methodist Women from Wesley Youth
The Wesley youth would like to thank the U.M.W. for their generous donation of $224.66 to be used for their summer Mission Monday projects. It's exciting to see the possibilities when we work together for the good of the Lord! Thank you!

Soup Label Collection
Wesley has been supporting the Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Kentucky for a number of years with our collection of Labels for Education. Their goal for some time has been to get enough labels to get a minivan. What an asset it will be to the various ministries they provide in the Appalachian area. View current list of participating products. Several new items have been added since last year. . Please remember, for most products, all that needs to be saved is the bar code and Labels for Education logo. Please put your bar codes and caps in the envelope on the Mission Team bulletin board outside the Library. Thanks to all who faithfully save those bar codes! For more information about this United Methodist mission agency in one of the poorest areas of our country, go to the Henderson Settlement website.

Fire Safety for Kids
Winter entails some particular fire hazards for children. Space heaters alone can be a danger in our homes. To learn more about the fire dangers children face and what you can do to minimize their risk, visit the FEMA web site: www.ready.gov/kidsfiresafety

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.

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.