The Wesley Connector. The Yost Post

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The Wesley Connector DECEMBER 7, 2018 The Yost Post The first section of this may be a little deep, so heads up and put on some hip waders stick with me though.

1 The Wesley Connector DECEMBER 7, 2018 The Yost Post The first section of this may be a little deep, so heads up and put on some hip waders stick with me though. I hope to help us see the Advent and Christmas story from a fresh perspective. Enjoy! The hymn O Little Town of Bethlehem presents a contrast of common life imagined for the town and Holy Family at the time of Jesus birth, with the divine drama unfolding in the midst of it. This back water town plays host to the opening act of reconciliation between the created Universe and the God who made it. The Word of God is born into the most humble of circumstances, to a young mother engaged to a man who is not her baby s father. The contrast could not be broader. It is a smash up of the very real everyday life we may imagine and the incomprehensible existence of God. Use your imagination for a moment: Still simplicity, an evening chill made warm in a basic shelter, the rugged warmth from cloth covered straw relieved parents, shocked shepherds and an angelic host who had prepared for this night since the dawn of Grace. When we think about the past it is easy to see God at work. When we read the Nativity story our imaginations can fire off and see it in a way which makes sense to us. What if God wanted to be at work now, in your life today? What would that look like? Could we see past the familiarity of our own lives to see God at work? One way we miss God working in our lives is we dismiss the divine in the midst of the common. Sometimes we miss God with objections like my life is too messy, I m not good enough, or I m just. That makes the miracle of Jesus birth that much more impactful for us to realize it was precisely into lives, towns and families just like ours he came into. The final verse of O Little Town of Bethlehem says, O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray; cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today. The miracle of Christmas is that today is the presence of God continues to take up residence in us, in our hearts. When we hear how Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger, please realize he was wrapped not in fine linen nor placed in a crib. He was wrapped in common bands of cloth and laid in a feed trough. We proclaim the presence of God is in/among us. It is precisely lives like ours Jesus seeks to inhabit.

Class is held in the Covenant Classroom at 4pm. Childcare provided. THE GLORY OF CHRISTMAS Celebrate the fourth Sunday of Advent with The Glory of Christmas, our Christmas Cantata.

2 WELCOME TO WESLEY Welcome to Wesley, second Sunday of each month, is time to learn more about Wesley United Methodist Church. Engage in open discussion about your faith journey and how Wesley can equip you to continue your spiritual growth. The December Welcome to Wesley is Sunday, December 9 th. Class is held in the Covenant Classroom at 4pm. Childcare provided. THE GLORY OF CHRISTMAS Celebrate the fourth Sunday of Advent with The Glory of Christmas, our Christmas Cantata. Sunday, December 23 rd during 10:30am worship. ONE WESLEY ONE Mark your calendar for our final worship of 2018 and blessings for 2019 at One Wesley Wesley. Sunday, December 30 th at 10am. Children are welcome to wear pajamas and adults are invited to wear comfortable attireand bring their favorite toy for Blessing of the Toys. KNIT & CROCHET GROUP Join the group to work on your yarn project in the company of other crafters. Susan Wilson is available for instructions. Mondays 1-3pm, Tuesdays 6-8pm and Fridays 10am-3pm. Group meets in the conference room. YOUR TITHE TO WESLEY UMC Did you know that in addition to dropping a tithe in the collection plate, you can also give by texting, online, or through the giving kiosk? Tithe by text: Text the amount to Within a few minutes, you ll be sent a text with a link to register. Click on the link and enter your cardholder name and credit or debit card information. Once your registration is complete, you will receive a text verification and a receipt via . To give online, simply select DONATE on our home page (wesleyumcgreenville.org). You will find our Giving Kiosk located in the Narthex near the right entrance to the sanctuary. WESLEY WORKOUT Keep the heart feeling good over the holidays. Wesley Workout will meet the week of December 10 th. This will be the final classes for The 2019 session will begin Monday, January 7 th. Classes are Monday/Wednesday/Friday at 9:30am in mtg rooms 1 & 2. Stretch and Tone on Mondays and Wednesdays, Chair Yoga on Fridays. $1 per class. FINANCIALS Income as of 12/2/18 - $58, ($66,090.78) Attendance: 11/18:335, 11/25:316, 12/2:314 Capital Campaign: Received $732, (87%) Year end giving, and all giving, is greatly appreciated. For financial gifts to reflect your 2018 giving statement, please submit by January 6 th with check date of December 31 st. ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD The Wesley UMC Administrative Board will meet Sunday, December 9th from 11:45am - 3pm. MEN S DISCIPLESHIP Bible Study and Breakfast. Wednesdays at 8am in the conference room. Participants provide breakfast on rotation. GAME DAY Who knows what the weather will bring outside so come on up for game day! Bridge group meets in meeting rooms 1 & 2. Mexican Train Dominoes and Mahjong groups meet in meeting room 4. Upcoming Game Days: Thursday, Dec 13 th : 12:30pm Tuesday, Dec 18 th : 12:30pm Tuesday, Dec 18 th : 1pm Wednesday, Dec 19 th : 12:30pm CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS Christmas Poinsettias can be ordered in memory of or in honor of a loved one to be placed in the sanctuary for our Christmas worship services. Order envelopes are available at the welcome desks. Poinsettia cost is $8.50 each. Please order by December 18 th. Poinsettias can be picked up after the 7pm Candlelight service on Christmas Eve. All remaining flowers will be donated to local nursing homes and assisted living centers. CHRISTMAS CAROLING Join us as caroling we go. Thursday, December 13 th. Meet at church office lobby at 6pm to load bus. We will stop at area assisted living and nursing homes with a stop at Braums before heading home.

CHILDREN & YOUTH DECEMBER HAPPENINGS UNWRAPPING ADVENT A kids celebration for the reason of 9 TH Christmas, the birth

GOD S MOB Wesley Youth Connections GOD S MOB 14 TH (Mission In Our Backyard) will be held over the weekend of December

Saturday, December 15 th. Cherub choir will rehearse from 9-10am, followed by the JAM choir 10-11:30am.

11am. Parents can pickup their children at the office entrance at 1:30pm.

birth in Follow The Star. Sunday, December 16 th at 10:30am.

Jeff and the past youth who are coming home for Christmas will catch-up on their time apart with dinner and stories of

3 CHILDREN & YOUTH DECEMBER HAPPENINGS UNWRAPPING ADVENT A kids celebration for the reason of 9 TH Christmas, the birth of Jesus! Games, crafts, stories and snacks. Sunday, December 9 th. Age 4-1 st grade: 3-4pm, 2 nd - 6 th grade: 4-5pm. GOD S MOB Wesley Youth Connections GOD S MOB 14 TH (Mission In Our Backyard) will be held over the weekend of December 14 th - 16 th. This year s mission is community outreach with Carver Elementary families. Want to know more? Contact Jeff CHILDREN S MUSICAL REHEARSAL & PARTY The final rehearsal before the children s 15 TH musical worship will be held Saturday, December 15 th. Cherub choir will rehearse from 9-10am, followed by the JAM choir 10-11:30am. To celebrate the dedication and hard work of the children, a pizza party celebration for both choirs will start at 11am. Parents can pickup their children at the office entrance at 1:30pm. FOLLOW THE STAR CHILDREN S MUSICAL Join us for worship lead by the children as 16 TH they sing the glory of Jesus birth in Follow The Star. Sunday, December 16 th at 10:30am. COLLEGE CATCH-UP Anxious parents and a very anxious youth 18 TH pastor are super excited to see the Wesley collegers. Jeff and the past youth who are coming home for Christmas will catch-up on their time apart with dinner and stories of their first year of ramen noodle adventures. THE STAR FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT Movie Night! December 20 TH 20 th, 6pm in the Fellowship Hall. Wear your pajamas and bring your blankets/pillows for family movie night with The Star movie. Free admission, canned food donations appreciated for FISH. Complimentary popcorn and candy. Bring your own covered beverage.

Gifted to the Nurture Fund In memory of Jay Tom Holley by Bud & Carol Clayton Gifted to the Good Samaritan Fund In memory of Jay Tom Holley by Charlie & Mary Patterson In memory of Jay Tom Holley by

4 Gifted to the Nurture Fund In memory of Jay Tom Holley by Bud & Carol Clayton Gifted to the Good Samaritan Fund In memory of Jay Tom Holley by Charlie & Mary Patterson In memory of Jay Tom Holley by Don & Linda Bolin In memory of Will J & Mary Weideman by Bill & Chiquita Weideman In memory of Rev. Ed S & Merlee Mace by Bill & Chiquita Weideman Gifted to the JOY Group Fund In memory of June Picken by Charlie & Mary Patterson In memory of June Picken by Forrest & Pat Kennedy In honor of Natalie Pegg by Bill & Chiquita Weideman In memory of Jay Tom Holley by Forrest & Pat Kennedy We honor and remember... Gifted to the Youth Fund In memory of Jay Tom Holley by Bill & Chiquita Weideman In memory of Harvey Sims by Chris & Jan Moses In memory of Harvey Sims by Jim & Liz Wilson Gifted to the What If Building Fund In memory of Jay Tom Holley by Mary Lynn Patterson Gifted to the General Budget Fund In memory of Jay Tom Holley by JB McNatt In memory of Jay Tom Holley by Peggy Perser In memory of Jay Tom Holley by Fred Groves In memory of Jay Tom Holley by Barbara Joyce In memory of Jay Tom Holley by Joyce Weeks In memory of Jay Tom Holley by John Armstrong In memory of Jay Tom Holley by Leahmon Bryant In memory of Jay Tom Holley by Caude Bennett In memory of Jay Tom Holley by Jesse Price Gifted to the Choir Fund In memory of Wendall Crom by Ann Pippin In memory of Peggy Rucker by Ann Pippin In memory of Jay Tom Holley by Kathy Kissell In memory of Wendall Crom by Kathy Kissell Gifted to the Youth Mission Fund In memory of Jay Tom Holley by Charles & Sharon Smith Gifted to the Children s Choir Fund In honor of John Curtis by Forrest & Pat Kennedy

5 Give Back tis the season to give back in our community

Is it almost Christmas already? Wow, this school year hasn t slowed down.

Thank you Greenville Fire & Rescue for teaching us about bike safety.

Fieldtrip Fun has been enjoyed by all classes with an outing to Yesterland Farm.

6 Is it almost Christmas already? Wow, this school year hasn t slowed down. Our Bike Rodeo in November was super informative and tons of fun. Thank you Greenville Fire & Rescue for teaching us about bike safety. After our lesson, we strapped on our bike helmets and rode our bikes around. So much fun! Fieldtrip Fun has been enjoyed by all classes with an outing to Yesterland Farm. Picked out a Christmas tree, rode rides, picnic lunches and more. The kids highly recommend this place! For the remainder of December, we are learning about the birth of Jesus and getting ready for our Christmas programs. Mom and Dads will be so proud! Merry Christmas everyone!

7 12/01 Jennifer Corley 12/01 Jean Jacobs 12/02 Russell Brooks 12/02 Glover George 12/02 Trey Johnson 12/02 Theresa Moore 12/04 Jensen Winans 12/05 Dr. Harris Hollingsworth 12/07 Keith Bohlman 12/07 Chanin Jordan 12/07 Brenda Yancey 12/08 Lavern Adams 12/08 David Dreiling 12/08 Matthew Fox 12/08 Lindsay Thompson 12/09 Shalane Ward 12/09 Peyton Webb 12/10 Janice Bohlman 12/10 Phyllis Lytle 12/10 Haley Teurman 12/10 JoAnn Williams 12/12 Carroll Wilson 12/13 Eli Moore 12/14 Jane Goulding 12/14 Hannah Lara 12/15 Steve Shipp 12/17 Mary Lynn Patterson 12/18 Kate Amali 12/18 Meredith Williams 12/18 Leahmon Bryant 12/19 Madelyn Anderson 12/19 Craig Smith 12/19 Hayden Willeford 12/20 Lou King 12/20 Mike McFarland 12/21 Robert Barney 12/21 Sherrill Brooks 12/22 Allison Chitwood 12/22 Carole Kuykendall 12/24 Natalie Molkentine 12/28 Steve Knox 12/28 Savannah Middleton 12/29 James Horan 12/30 Alvin Estep 12/30 Pierce Thurmond 12/31 Justin Koger 12/31 Tiffany Willeford Wesley United Methodist Church 1200 East Joe Ramsey Blvd. Greenville, TX Chris Yost - Lead Pastor Jeff Cullen - Minister to Students & Families Leslie Dick - Minister to Children Dr. Brock Johnson - Minister of Music Living Room Worship Leader Judy London - Media Director Jenifer Hines - Church office Kevin Banks - Homebound JOY and Life Groups Natalie Pegg - Communications and JOY The Living Room Young Family Sunday School General Information Prayer Request Wesley UMC Greenville pastor@wesleyumcgreenville.org youth@wesleyumcgreenville.org children@wesleyumcgreenville.org music@wesleyumgreenville.org worship@wesleyumcgreenville.org media@wesleyumcgreenville.org admin@wesleyumcgreenville.org lifegroups@wesleyumcgreenville.org communications@wesleyumcgreenville.org thelivingroom@wesleyumcgreenville.org youngfamily@wesleyumcgreenville.org info@wesleyumcgreenville.org prayer@wesleyumcgreenville.org

Wesley 1200 East Joe Ramsey Blvd. PO Box 864 Greenville, TX 75402 United Methodist Church CONNECT. LEARN. LEAD. SERVE.

8 Wesley 1200 East Joe Ramsey Blvd. PO Box 864 Greenville, TX United Methodist Church CONNECT. LEARN. LEAD. SERVE. ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Greenville, Texas Permit No. 126 wesleyumcgreenville.org

The Wesley Connector. january 31, 2019

The Wesley Connector. january 31, 2019 The Wesley Connector january 31, 2019 When was the last time you started something new? I m not talking about a new Netflix series, I m talking really entered into something new: a new town, perhaps joined