the wesley perspective season of...
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Volume 16, No 3 Wesley United Methodist Church 544 Government Street Baton Rouge, LA. 70802 Phone: (225) 343-8421 March 1, 2015
Pastor: Rev. Dr. Joe Connelly Associate Pastor: Rev. Bernadine Johnson
Newsletter Editors: Anita H. Hansberry, Bridget McGee, Jacquelyn Watts and Carolyn Branch
“Wesley, a Church in the Heart of the City, with the City at Heart”
Pastor’s Corner
What Does God Require?
Genesis 22:1-14, has significant meaning to the followers of God. This is the story, where God is about to require something unusual of Abraham. It will be a defining moment that will forever impact his life, his family, and believe it or not us as well. He already has lost Ishmael. Now he faces the greater challenge of sacrificing his son, Isaac. I want to suggest, God’s purpose was to perhaps prove Abraham’s devotion. Not to God, per se, but to Abraham himself. God instructs Abraham to take the son of his love, Isaac, and offer him as a sacrifice. But this flies in the face of all common sense, parental affection, and earthly ambition. Will the son of God’s promise to Abraham now die at the hands of Abraham in obedience to God? Wow, what a place to be; having to make such a decision. However, Abraham does not delay responding. He gets up early to prepare. For three days he, Isaac, and two servants hike to a mountain named Moriah. Upon arriving, he tells the servants that he and Isaac are going up to worship, and assures them that they will return. Isaac carries the wood; Abraham carries the tools. Along the way, Isaac asks about the sacrifice. Abraham has not yet told him about God’s request but reassures him that God will provide the need. As they reach the spot for worship, Abraham builds the altar and lays out the wood. The serious nature of this crisis becomes evident. The offering will not be a lamb but a lad. Abraham binds Isaac (who does not resist) and lays him on the wood that will feed the fire. The crisis climaxes. What will Abraham do? Will Abraham follow God
without the motivation of a future and at the expense of this unique son? Clasping the knife, the father prepares to slay his son, withholding nothing from God. Then at the most opportune time, God steps in. God wants Abraham’s obedience, actually, not Isaac as a sacrifice, (Jer. 7:31; 19:4-5). God stops Abraham from harming the child and confirms that his actions match his trust in God. Abraham’s loyalty is to the Promise Giver, not the promise itself. He understands that the covenant depends on God, and his devotion to God, not on Isaac as the fulfillment of the promise. Dennis L. Phelps believes, as we trust and obey, we, too, can discover that what God requires, God provides. Even God’s own son of promise takes wood on his back and offers himself as the sacrifice on the altar for our sin. God has not changed how he views the covenant, or what he requires from us. Wesley, I encourage you to seek out from God, what he has and is still requiring of you. The covenant is still alive, and made real to us through Jesus. I pray that we as a Church live out the calling as the body of Christ, devoted to God, and be a place of wholeness and Holiness. I will see you at the place of sacrificing……. Blessings,
Pastor Joe
March 1, 2015
Communion Sunday “All are welcome at the Lord’s Table”
THE WESLEY PERSPECTIVE
Season of
Lent
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Welcome Visitors & Friends
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors ~ Welcome to Wesley United Methodist Church... May the peace and Spirit of the Lord inspire you to answer the call to Christian discipleship in 2015.
PRONOUNCEMENTS
Please visit us on the Internet: Our web address
is: www.wesleybr.org
The office e-mail address is: [email protected]
Twitter: @wesleyumcbr
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/wesleybatonrouge
THE LOUISIANA NOW, currently a quarterly
magazine that highlights opportunities, witness and
the various ministries for the Louisiana Annual
Conference is now available online at
www.la-umc.org/lanow/current
On the conference homepage, there is a link to
subscribe to the weekly Louisiana Now E-Letter
Note: The UMW Conference President’s newsletter
is published monthly and can be located on the
UMW link under Laity. To access, go to the main
page of the LA Conference. Click on Ministries, and
then click on Laity to access United Methodist
Women, United Methodist Men, or Youth Ministries.
Other web resources:
www.umc-gbcs.org
www.gbgm-umc.org (Mission)
www.tenthousanddoors.org
www.gbhem.org (Scholarships)
www.gbod.org (Discipleship)
www.umns.umc.org (News)
The Church Office must be notified of ALL
Meetings to be held at the church. Cards will be
sent out one week prior to the meeting date, if the
office knows of the meeting and the persons who
are to attend.
SAFETY REMINDER: Young children (under the
age of 12) leaving the Sanctuary during worship
services to visit restrooms, water fountain, the
nursery, narthex or any part of the building should
be accompanied by a parent or another responsible
adult. Thank you for your cooperation.
Reminder!!
The Church van is available if you need a ride to
Sunday School and Worship; please call the
church office at 225-343-8421 by Thursday of
each week to put your name on the list.
Sunday School theme for the 2015
Spring Quarter:
“The Spirit Comes”
Unit 1 Title: The Pledge of God’s Presence
March 8 Lesson Title: Another Advocate ~ Scripture: John 14:15-26
March 15 Lesson Title: The Spirit of Truth ~ Scripture: John 16:4b-15
March 22 Lesson Title: The Spirit of Peace ~ Scripture: John 20:19-23
March 29 Lesson Title: The Son of David ~ Scripture: Mark 11:1-11
Sunday school is for life. Discover the spiritual
enrichment and joy that learning can bring. During the spring quarter reflect on your priorities and with an attitude of gratefulness celebrate the “Pledge of God’s Presence” the Gift of God’s Love; make
Sunday school attendance a priority! Classes are available for all ages.
Weslell's Van
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Bible Study Options
Attention all men of Wesley The Wesley United Methodist Men are offering a Bible Study class starting March 7th. The Bible study will be held on the 1st and 3nd Saturdays of each month starting at 8:30 AM. Please be prepared to study and fellowship with the men of the church. Also bring your sons, grandsons and a friend. We are looking forward to seeing you on March 7th. Ronald Smith President, Wesley United Methodist Men Cell # (225) 939-5301 E-mail [email protected]
Cub Scout Pack 426
& Boy Scout Troop
426
26th Anniversary
Religious Service April 26, 2015 - 10:00 a.m.
12 POINTS AWARD RECIPIENT:
Mayor President Melvin “Kip” Holden
GUEST SPEAKER:
Judge Freddie Pitcher, Jr.
Chancellor Southern University Law
Center
An Evening In Paris IS THE THEME OF OUR 2015 FASHION
SHOW
Come and experience the transformation of the
Holiday Inn South Ballroom into a Paris Fashion
Show
Holiday Inn South 9940 Airline Highway Baton
Rouge, LA
March 28, 2015 – 4:00 p.m.
Tickets $15 In Advance - $20 At The Door
“MARCH 22ND
LAST DAY TO PURCHASE ADVANCE
TICKETS”
Recognize a love one or support your business or
organization by purchasing an ad in our
program book. With the purchase of a $100 Full
Page ad, you will receive two free front row
“Reserved VIP Seats”. You may also purchase a
Half Page ad for only $50.
READY TO PRINT ADS “MUST” BE
RECEIVED
IN THE CHURH OFFICE BY MARCH 8, 2015
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The Wesley Awards to be featured at the 2015 Louisiana Annual
Conference
At the 2014 Louisiana Annual Conference United
Methodist churches across the conference, were
recognized for implementing creative ministries that
embody the Conference Core Values and Preferred
Vision. The winners of the award (a.k.a John
Wesley bobbleheads!) submitted their ministries for
review prior to the 2014 Louisiana Annual
Conference.
The Wesley Awards were such a hit that the
second annual event will be held at this year’s
Annual Conference, AC 2015: Come and See on
Tuesday, June 9 in the evening at the Gold Dome
on Centenary’s Campus. All United Methodist
churches in the conference are encouraged to
enter this year’s event by filling out an application.
For more information regarding the application
process contact the Conference Office at 225-346-
1646
The United Methodist Women will meet on
Monday, Mar ch 2 , 2015 at 5:30 p.m.
The program focus is “A Call to Prayer and Self
Denial 2015: A Gesture of Gratitude”.
Church Women United will celebrate “World Day of Prayer” on Friday March 6th at First United Methodist Church located at 930 North Blvd. Baton, Rouge, LA.
8:30 a.m. Registration & Breakfast 9:00 a.m. Program Aldrich Chapel
Please join the ladies of CWU for breakfast and the
program.
NOTE; SAVE THE DATE!!!
May 1, 2015
Wesley United Methodist Church located at 544 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA will host
May Friendship Day The program starts at 9:30 a.m. with a Salad
Potluck luncheon after the program.
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MID-WEEK LENTEN SERVICES
On Wednesdays you are invited to come out and
receive a word of hope and nourishment during
your desert journey through Lent. The services
begin at 11:30 am and will be followed by a light
lunch at 12 noon.
The Way of Jesus
Lent 2015
March 4: Expectations for Disciples Evelyn Baker
Mark 8:31 - 38
March 11: Cleansing the Temple Bennie Davis
John 2:13 - 22
March 18: Believe into Jesus Ron Smith
John 3:14 - 21
March 25: Called to Die Kenneth O’Rourke
John 12:20 - 33
April 1: Prayer Bonnie Jackson
Mark 14:32 - 42
Wesley served the noon meal at the Holy Grill
Volunteering at the Holy Grill is a
part of Wesley’s Outreach program.
Thanks to the following members
who helped us fulfill our service for
the month of February.
Evelyn Baker Bennis Davis
Rose Beal Rose Mason
Elmira Beal Leo Washington
Barbara Chinn
The next week of service will be in September.
Let's Get Excited
Vacation Bible School is coming in June
Theme: "The Shining Star See the Jesus In Me"
Jesus told his disciples "You are the light of the
world" Matthew 5:14a
OUR CHURCH FAMILY
Remember the following persons
in your thoughts and prayers Elouise Bailey
Byron Davis
Kendra Ennis
Sherwood Gaines Virginia Gaines
Joyce Gauthier
Janice Hall
Lillian Hill Betty Johnson
Evelyn Johnson
Calvin Jordan
Bertha Morgan
Don Pelichet
Betty Smith
Anna Turner
Charlie Wetherspoon
Anissa Williams
Mack Willis
Wilhelmenia Woods
Special prayers are asked for the families
experiencing the loss of loved ones:
Rose Hudson and Family for the loss of her
father Rev. Curtis Johnson
Carlette Powell and family for the loss of
her step-mom
Save the Datefor VBS!
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MARCH BIRTHDAYS
Mrs. Faye B. Barnes March 2nd
Mrs. Willie M. Alexis March 3rd
Mr. Henry Stamper March 3rd
Mr. James Stewart March 6th
Mrs. Lillian E. Robinson March 8th
La’Roy Turnipseed March 8th
Dashion Clark March 10th
Ms. Janice Johnson March 12th
Ms. Tammy Scott Hill March 12th
Mr. Ronald Smith March 12th
Mrs. Brittany B. George March 15th
Ms. Lisha Winston March 16th
Austin Ennis March 17th
Mrs. Melanie S. Johnson March 18th
Mr. Norris Hughes March 19th
Mrs. Deborah C. Jefferson March 19th
Mrs. Carolyn Branch March 21st
Ms. Keidra Ennis March 27th
Mrs. Betty H. Smith March 29th
Mr. Ervin Wells March 29th
Dr. Laurabeth Hicks March 31st
IN MEMORY OF
Mrs. Alfreda Raymond March 3rd
Ms. Muriel Thompson March 3rd
Mr. Edgar Duvall March 4th
Mrs. Annie Billoups March 7th
Mrs. Marguerite H. Williams March 8th
Mrs. Catherine Hopkins March 10th
Mrs. Rose Nell Hawkins March 13th
Mrs. Gladys B. McFadden March 19th
Mrs. Lillian Irvine March 21st
Mrs. Lucille Golden March 25th
Mrs. Marguerite Thomas March 26th
Mrs. Carol S. Adams March 28th
Welcome Karson Xavier Pitcher
Congratulations to the proud parents of Karson
Xavier Pitcher, Byron & Lakeshia Pitcher. Karson
is the first grandchild to our very own Janis and
Larry Pitcher and the nephew to Julian Pitcher.
The new born weighed 7.9 lbs. and measured 20.5
inches in length. Karson was born Wednesday,
February 18, 2015 at 4:30 pm. Your prayers are
requested to keep this new born a Christian in faith,
a God fearing and loving person throughout his life.
Congratulations to Lauren Smith
Lauren recently has the opportunity to travel with
the Spanish Classes for Episcopal High School to
Costa Rica for an Educational Tour that offered not
only the language experience, fun and challenging
activities but the exposure to the culture in an
exchange manner. Lauren was accompanied by
her mother Dr. Yolanda O’Rourke Smith, her
grandmother Dr. Joyce O’Rourke and her aunt Dr.
Sancerie O’Rourke Allen.
Food for Thought: Obedience or sacrifice
What does the Lord require of you? To act
justly and love mercy and to walk humbly
with your God. Micah 6:8b NIV
Women’s Day 2015 The Women of Wesley celebrated Women’s Day on Sunday, February 15th with the theme “Walking in Faith:
Make it Happen. It was an inspiring intergenerational worship service that highlighted the theme thought:
The songs and scripture
Various mission efforts of the congregation both past and present. and
The sharing of some very personal and moving “Faith Journeys by four Wesley Women~ Mrs. Marleen
Alexander,Mrs. April Baham, Ms. Brandi Beal and Mrs. Lana P. Lathan. Each woman’s testamoney
was preceded by a scriputre read by Chloe Higginbothan (1 Peter 1:8-9), Laela Baham (Hebrews
11:1), Carla Madison (Mark 11:24 and Tanya Mencer (Ephesians 3:16-17)
Two mission projects
o “Solzs for Souls” the collection of shoes for all ages that were taken to the Volunteers of
American “One-stop” Shelter
o Prayer Shawls for two women who previously served on the Usher Board Mrs. Elouise Bailey
and Mrs. Virginia Gaines
o The $25.00 assessment that was earmarked for Wesley’s Scholarship Fund. This was a
successful venture that yeilded over $1,000.00. and
Two special recognitions:
o “An Outstanding Woman of Service” awarded to Mrs. Keidra E. Ruffin
o “Special UMW Mission Recognition pin awarded to Mrs. Celestine Davis who has faithfully
represented Wesley at the Open Air Ministry on the 4th Sunday of each month.
The following photos provide a glimpse of the day’s activities. Thanks you Wesley for making this day a
success!
Messages of Faith:
Marleen Alexander April Baham Megan Beal for Brandi Beal Lana P. Lathan
The Mission Projects: Shoes and Prayer Shawls Honorees for the day: Mrs. Keidra Ruffin and Mrs. Celestine Davis
MARCH 2015
Color: Purple Season: Women’s’ History Month
Mtg ~ Meeting
Reh. ~ Rehearsal
Sun. ~ Sunday
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1(Purple)
Holy Communion
Baptism
Birthday Sunday
2nd
Sun. in Lent
8:30 am Sun. School
10:00 am Worship
2
5:30 pm
UMW Mtg.
5:30 pm
Music Ministry Mtg.
6:00 pm
Boy & Cub Scout Mtg.
4
11:30 am
Lenten Service/Lunch
6:00 pm
Inspirations Reh.
5
5:30 pm
Male Chorus
6
World Day of
Prayer
6:00pm
We Shall Overcome
7
8:30 am
UMM Mtg.
12:00 pm
Girl Scout Mtg.
8 (Purple)
3rd
Sun. in Lent
8:30 am Sun. School
10:00 am Worship
Daylight Savings Time
9
10
11
11:30 am
Lenten Service/Lunch
6:00 pm
Inspirations Reh.
6:45 pm
New Vision Reh.
12
13
6:00pm
We Shall Overcome
14
15 (Purple)
One Great Hour of
Sharing
4th
Sun. in Lent
8:30am Sun. School
10:00am Worship 11:30 am
Usher Mtg/Training
16
6:00 pm
Boy & Cub Scout Mtg.
17
6:30 pm
Worship Mtg.
18
11:30 am
Lenten Service/Lunch
6:45 pm
New Vision Mtg.
19
20
6:00 pm
We Shall Overcome
21
8:30 am
Umm Mtg./Study
10:00 am
Media Ministry
12:00 pm Girl Scout Mtg.
22(Purple)
5th
Sun. in Lent
8:30 am Sun. School
10:00am Worship
23
24
25
11:30 am
Lenten Service/Lunch
26
6:00 pm
Sanctuary Reh.
27
6:00 pm
We Shall Overcome
28
10:00 am
Nurture Ministry
Mtg.
29 (Purple)
Palm Sunday
8:30 am Sun. School
10:00am Worship
30
Holy Week
31
Holy Week
April 1
11:30 am
Lenten Service/Lunch
Holy Week
April 2
6:30 pm
Holy Thursday
April 3
10:00 am
Good Friday Service
(Jordan UMC)
April 4
8:30 am
UMM
3
6:30 pm
Trustees Mtg.