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Worship Forecast
This week, Pastor Cheryl’s sermon titled, “Risk: Paul and Lydia's Legacy of Faith" is based on scripture in Acts 16:9-15 that describes Paul’s call to Macedonia to proclaim the good news and Lydia’s conversion to Christianity. We will explore the risks they both took in a time when it could have cost them their lives. We will imagine together what risks we are called to take as Christians in America in 2019 to help those in need, opening our hearts and being faithful. All are welcome and heartily encouraged to invite others!
ACTS 16: 9-15
9 During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.
The Conversion of Lydia
11 We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district[a] of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. 13 On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. 14 A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. 15 When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.” And she prevailed upon us.
Monday Morning Quarterback
Bible Study Questions to continue studying the scripture from this week’s service at home.
Read Acts 16:9-15
· Paul hears a call to come to Macedonia to help (v9) and he understands it as being a call to proclaim the good news (v10). Think of two instances where the good news would be an answer to a need for help. Seriously consider your own willingness to answer such a call.
· The fact that Paul and Timothy went to a place of prayer and spoke with women (v13) runs counter to what we sometimes believe about the way Paul felt about women. One of the greatest learnings from my trip has been that Paul respected and was supported by women. How do you feel about Paul’s writings about women? How do you reconcile the difficult parts with an understanding that both genders are equal?
· Lydia was the first person in Philippi to receive the gospel and be baptized (v15). She took a risk to honor Christ as Lord in a society that revered Caesar. What risks are you willing to take for your faith in a society where being Christian is the norm and not very risky?
Daily Devotion: Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can. ~ John Wesley
Annual Church Conference
Our annual church conference will be held this Tuesday,Oct. 22, at 7 pm in the Sanctuary. We hope to see everybody there for this important review of the past year in the life of the church.
Ladies, we hope you can register to attend the Annual New England Conference UMW
on Saturday October 26 at the First United Methodist Church in Gilford, NH.
The NH District UMW board members are reaching out to see if we can have
a winning number of NH attendees. Invite a guest. Enjoy the ride and program.
Pick up a registration form in Narthex on the Welcome Table.
Mail to designated person listed on form by deadline Oct. 19. Thank You.
Nancy Fransen, Vice President NH District UMW
Eclipsing Empire
I have just returned from an intense time of discovery in Greece and Italy retracing St. Paul’s footsteps and learning about the world in which he lived. Rev. Peter J. Miano of The Society of Biblical Studies led our trip and posited some provocative concepts:
1. All scripture was written to be understood.
2. No scripture was written to be understood by us in 21st century New England.
3. No scripture was written to be scripture.
4. All scripture comes to us in heavily modified form.
5. All translation is modification.
This means that Paul can be redeemed for those of us who have been taught to interpret him as misogynist (woman hater). In fact, women were strong supporters of Paul and often hosted him or sent him money. More importantly, he relied on them and respected them.
Paul’s mission and ministry was one of lifting up the divinity of Christ and the magnitude of his victory over death, sharing those facts with the churches established in the various communities to which he wrote. I look forward to sharing my learning with you, along with a wonderful resource prepared by Dominic Crossan and Living the Questions on Tuesday evenings. Sign up in the Narthex and touch base with Marybeth to get a syllabus and reading materials to join our study.
Pastor Cheryl
New Bible Study: Eclipsing Empire
Pastor Cheryl is offering a Study entitled, Eclipsing Empire: Paul, Rome and the Kingdom of God published by Living the Questions with a Participant Reader written by John Dominic Crossan on twelve Tuesday evenings from 7-8:30 beginning October 29, 2019. The cost of the study is $20 to cover the printed materials and DVDs. Please sign up in the Wesley UMC narthex and contact Marybeth in the office at concordwumc@gmail.com or 224-7413 to obtain a copy of the materials and the class schedule.
Pastor Cheryl
MARTHA CIRCLE
Martha Circle will meet Monday, October 21 in the Parlor for a fundraiser auction. Bring wrapped, gently used items for bidding. Refreshments will be served.
Attention UMC Bakers:
On Sunday, October 27, a bake sale will be set up in the Narthex.
We need your contribution for home-baked goodies to sell after
the United Methodist Women's worship service.
This is our annual fundraiser for Dr. Belinda Forbes ministry in Nicaragua.
Any questions, please contact Nancy Fransen 224-7635.
We Thank you for your "baking and buying" participation.
Youth Raking Fundraiser The Wesley youth will be raking leaves as a fundraiser for the upcoming 2020 mission trip. They will begin on Saturday, October 19th and continue as weather permits. There is no fee, but all donations are welcome! If you are interested in participating, please contact Paul Dustin or Kelly Fullerton to coordinate dates. Thank you for supporting the Wesley youth! Paul: pbdustin@gmail.com, Kelly: kelly.fullerton3@gmail.com
Join Wanakee representatives for an evening of fellowship at Wesley on Sunday, October 27, from 5 to 7 pm. An informal meal will be followed by a camp-style worship service open to all. R.S.V.P. at Wanakee.org.
SURVEY STILL AVAILABLE!
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
To celebrate our Kickoff/Homecoming we’ve prepared a survey that you can participate in online or using a paper copy, found in the Narthex, to help Pastor Cheryl get to know you and your gifts and to share in the delight that is our church family. Thanks to the six people who've responded to the survey so far. Please join them and take this short survey now. We can't wait to read everyone's responses. Please take a few moments to complete it! Here is the link: https://forms.gle/HA9AjdjBuveD7k8J7
FRIENDLY KITCHEN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Erle Huntington is looking for more Wesley UMC folks to help staff the Friendly Kitchen. Her team prepares the meals for 60-120 people each third Thursday with food that has been donated and store at their facility. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the office and we will put you in touch. We might even be able to form a team to serve a Wednesday lunch where they’re looking for monthly help.
CHOIR PRACTICE
Choir practice is held Thursday evening at 7:15 pm in the Sanctuary. There is also a practice Sunday morning at 9 am in the library whichever time works best for you. All are invited to lift your voice and sing to the Lord! No experience is necessary. Any questions? You can email our Choir Director, Ben Greene, at bengreene820@gmail.com.
SACRED DANCEPlease join the Household of Faith Dancers, led by Renee Doucette, in the parlor on Thursdays from 4-5 pm. No dance experience required!
Attention: Sunday Greeters
Nancy Fransen volunteered to manage our Sunday (second worship service) "Greeters."
Mary Ann Wolfe has passed the task on to Nancy effective August 12, 2019.
We are appreciative and grateful for Mary Ann's kind and personable way of asking for church greeters.
Nancy can be reached via cell phone # 603 224 7635. Text is acceptable, too.
New members are needed for the altar guild. If you can volunteer a few hours a month to keeping our sanctuary ready for worship, please contact Joan Beldin 715-8888.
Wesley’s Pictorial Directory
The Pictorial Directory is ready for distribution. To receive an emailed copy simply get in touch with Marybeth at the Church Office and she will send one out to you as an attachment. If you are unable to print it, Marybeth can print it for you for $3.00 to cover the cost of the printing.
PRAYER MESSENGERS
The Prayer Messengers gather in the Chapel each Sunday at 10:00 AM to pray together for Wesley Church, its pastor, its people and special concerns through INTERCESSORY PRAYER- a prayer to God on behalf of others. Jesus prayed for others and taught his disciples the Lord's Prayer. When we pray to God, we are not simply saying, "God, remove all these problems and make everything easy. Snap your cosmic fingers and make it all better." Following a short devotion, we pray to God, consciously thanking God for our blessings and inviting God into our struggles. You are welcome anytime during this prayer time. In this way we empower ourselves to fulfill our mission in the world. Paul instructed in Ephesians 6:18, "Pray in the spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." For more information contact Norma Kane, at momkane2002@yahoo.com.
ONLINE GIVING
Did you know you now have the option of online giving to Wesley?Through this secure webpage you may donate specifically to Wesley using debit card, credit card or PayPal.
Check Out Scouting!
Cub Scout Pack 86 meets in Hanna Hall on Monday nights from 6:30 to 7:30 pm and is for children ages 5 to 10.
Boy Scout Troop 86 meets in Hanna Hall on Thursday nights from 7:00 to 8:30 pm and is for boys ages 11 to 17.
We’d love to have you come and check out a meeting! Even bring a friend with you too! You don’t have to be a member of Wesley to be in the Pack or Troop.
For more information, contact the Cubmaster of the Pack: Dan Dupuis at nhpack86@gmail.com or the Scoutmaster of the Troop: Keith Hagemeyer at klhag03@gmail.com or the Chartered Org. Rep: Michelle Fransen-Conroy at mshellfc@comcast.net “
PFLAG NH Support Group Meeting
PFLAG is an organization of parents, families and allies united with LGBTQ+ people to move equality forward – providing support, education and advocacy. PFLAG envisions a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued and affirmed – regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
The October monthly support group meeting will be held in the Parlor on Sunday, October 20, 2019 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Monthly meetings are held every 3rd Sunday of the month from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
All are welcome to attend our monthly support group meetings. For more information about the organization please visit our website www.pflagnh.org
District Resource Day
A day of sharing information, knowledge, and ideas. All are
welcome to attend district resource days (clergy are required).
Saturday, October 26, 2019 - 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Featuring Steve Cordle, author of
The Church in Many Houses:
Reaching Your Community Through Cell-based Ministry.
St. Paul's UMC - 335 Smyth Rd., Manchester, NH 03104
Cost $10 ($12 day of event) - Lunch will be provided
Cell-based or small group ministry is focused on the basics; pare down the complex programs offered by your church and focus on bringing people into a life relationship with Jesus. Small groups, growing in discipleship to serve the mission of Christ through call, and gifts.
REGISTER HERE - DEADLINE 10/23/19
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UPCOMING EVENTS IN OUR DISTRICT
15th Annual Pumpkin Patch
October 4 - Oct 31 (times vary - see POSTER)
Snowman Craft Fair
November 2nd - 9:00 am - 2:00 pm - POSTER
Bow Mills UMC - 505 South St., Bow, NH 03304
Messy Church - Jesus is My Super Hero & Trunk or Treat
October 18th - 5:30 - 8:00 pm
First UMC - 961 Valley St., Manchester, NH
Bring a friend, wear a costume!
Roast Beef Supper
October 19th - 4:30 - 6:30 pm
St. Paul’s UMC - 335 Smyth Rd., Manchester, NH
$15 per perso; $12 Seniors; $5 children under 12
MORE INFORMATION
Annual Harvest Supper - Corned Beef
October 19th - 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm
First UMC - Rt. 11A Gilford, NH (18 Wesley Way)
MORE INFORMATION
Christian Women’s Conference - Presented by Groveton, Stark and Lancaster
October 19th - 10 am - 3 pm - This event is FREE
Christ UMC - 135 Main St., Lancaster, NH
All women are invited to join us for Bible based teaching, Christian music, fellowship and witness. Lunch will be provided. RSVP: Sue Peel (603)636-6292
MORE INFORMATION
Trunk or Treat
October 26, 2019 - 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
St. Paul’s UMC - 335 Smyth Rd., Manchester, NH
MORE INFORMATION
Roast Pork Supper
November 2, 2019 - 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Enfield UMC Fellowship Hall - Route 4, Enfield, NH
$12 adults, $6 ages 5-10, ages 4 and under free.
Rummage Sale
November 2nd - 8 am - Noon
Contoocook UMC - 28 Maple St., Contoocook, NH
MORE INFORMATION
Annual Church Bazaar
November 2nd - 10:00 - 2:00 pm
Groveton UMC - 46 Church St., Groveton, NH 03582
Fudge, baked goods, craft items, fabrics for sale, silver tea, jewelry, and more.
Fall Craft Fair
November 9, 2019 - 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
St. Paul’s UMC - 335 Smyth Rd., Manchester, NH 03104
MORE INFORMATION
United Methodist Foundation of New England Presents:
Clergy and Spouse - Pre-retirement Seminar
December 4, 2019 - 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
New England Conf Office - 411 Merrimack St., Methuen, MA 01844
MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION
Creative Angels Bazaar and Cookie Walk
December 7th from 9 am - 3 pm
Includes jewelry, Christmas revisited, and a variety of cookies.
Contoocook UMC - 28 Maple St., Contoocook, NH
Generations of Hope - Suicide Prevention Conference
November 7, 2019 - Concord, NH
for more information: https://neumc-email.brtapp.com/!FF7HPJEsUsKwct7TIH4xGztKQ1u5iAIxx6MA3ea3TX+qOgh9iQeYMw2PioVcmjB1M
Mission Trip to Costa Rica Jungle
January 4-20, 2020
January 4-13 / January 10-20
Cost is $1500 - Includes air fare, food, local transport.
Work includes repairing one church and building another working with an indigenous Indian tribe. Accommodations will be camp style. We will be staying in the existing church and preparing our own food. Age of participation is 14 and up, but please understand this is a physical project and walking to the site is involved for one of the projects.
REGISTRATION FORM
For more info and to participate please contact:
Timothy Hickey (603) 731-3517 Timberlandranch@aol.com
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