the wesley mes

The Wesley mes Volume XII, Issue 7 December 2020

HE IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN

If you read my last lead article or attend the Oasis service,

you know I love to talk about how a song has impacted my

life, how I relate to it, and how it connects with us and the

Holy Spirit. One of my new favorite songs that I’ve been

listening to a lot lately is Graves Into Gardens by

Elevation Worship. Not only is it a great song musically

speaking but the lyrics are just as powerful. From the very

first verse they say, “I searched the world, but it couldn’t

fill me. Man’s empty praise and treasures that fade, are never enough.” I love the start of that.

The verse talks about how no matter how far and wide you search this planet, you can find

plenty of great things, but nothing that can compare to our God. Which leads perfectly into the

chorus which repeats that idea with “Oh there’s nothing better than You.” And finally in the

bridge, it talks about all the incredible things that our life can be through Christ. “You turn

mourning to dancing. You give beauty for ashes. You turn shame into glory. You’re the only

One who can. You turn graves into gardens. You turn bones into armies. You turn seas into

highways. You’re the only One who can.” All of those great sounding things and they’re all only

achievable through Him.

It reminds me of a few years ago when I was a struggling college student that had no idea what

to do with my life and severely lacked motivation. I searched for what could bring me joy and

excitement, but it all came up short. But when I found this job, everything seemed to start

making sense. Once everything started making sense, I began to realize there is no better life

than a life lived through Christ. I get to see how my life is changed through the Holy Spirit as

well as getting to lead worship and help all that come through our doors to grow in Christ. But

like that bridge says “He’s the only one who can.” He’s the only one who can show us the way to

a life lived through him.

Dillon

DEADLINE FOR THE DECEMBER NEWSLETTER IS DECEMBER 23.

December 6: Rev. Duane Partin



December 27: Rev. Kwan Kim

THE WESLEY TIMES VOLUME XII ISSUE 7 PAGE 2

THE WESLEY TIMES VOLUME XII ISSUE 4 PAGE 7 THE WESLEY TIMES VOLUME XII ISSUE 7 PAGE 6

RETURN FILLED BOXES NO LATER THAN SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20

Wesley’s Fight Against Covid

From Zoom church gatherings and bible studies to Pumpkin Patch meetings to

limited indoor services, Wesley has found ways to meet and worship. There are

and have been many people who have worked to minimize the risk so that we

can be a community during this trying time. From the staff to the technical

folks that brought us the Word and music to the committee to open the church

to in person services, it has been a tremendous effort by all. For those that felt

comfortable attending in person services, you noticed changes in our gym and

sanctuary to ensure social distancing, and the availability of hand sanitizer and

masks should you need them. Thanks to the hard work of many this does not detract from our worship or the music.

The Staff has continued to find ways to improve safety with the latest effort by Eston, our Facilities’ Manager, who

recently researched air purification methods for our gym and sanctuary, and presented his findings to the Trustees.

Eston found that the air quality would be improved by the installation of the Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization System

which enhances the removal of particulates, odors and pathogens including viruses in the air. The Trustees unanimously

approved the upgrade for the gym and sanctuary and financed it through a gift from the Ferger Endowment, which is

received annually for use in the Wesley facilities. As a result, our worship facilities will be even better at helping us

combat Covid.

Although our church life is not what we would consider to be normal, thanks to the staff, volunteers both past and

present, we are still able to maintain our connections. As the Holy Spirit works among us, Wesley will continue to be a

place where we can worship and be the community we are led to be.

OUR

STAFF

STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION

910-791-4092 Extension Email Address

Rev. Duane Partin, Senior Pastor 101 [email protected]

Rev. Kwan Kim, Associate Pastor 104 [email protected]

Miss. Elizabeth Lemaster, Youth & Children’s Director 105 [email protected]

Dr. Bettsy Curtis, Music Ministries Director 112 [email protected]

Mr. Dillon Frazier, Contemporary Worship Leader 103 [email protected]

Mrs. Loria Frazier, Office and Financial Manager 107 [email protected]

Mr. Eston Brinkley, Facilities Manager 116 [email protected]

Church Secretary 106 [email protected]


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