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Worship this Week
This Sunday, July 21st at 10 a.m., Pastor Cheryl’s sermon titled, "One Thing" is based on scripture Luke 10:38-42, to be read by Kelly Fullerton. It is the story of Martha and Mary welcoming Jesus into their home. Martha points out that she is doing all the work while Mary listens at Jesus’ feet. We will explore together Jesus’ statement that Mary has chosen the better part and think deeply about what that better part is and how we can choose it over the distractions in our lives. Praise music will begin at 9:45 provided by Electric Praise, directed by Alan Schulte and Lindley Kinerk will be our guest musician. The Children’s Time will be a VBS recap of “To Mars and Beyond!” and we’ll hear a little of what our friends learned during the week. Ben Venator will lead a one room Sunday School. We are a Reconciling Congregation located at 79 Clinton Street and our facilities are handicap accessible. All are welcome!
Luke 10:38-42
Jesus Visits Martha and Mary
38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42 there is need of only one thing.[a] Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Monday Morning Quarterback
Bible Study Questions to continue studying the scripture from this week’s service at home. If you need a Bible, Pastor Cheryl will be pleased to provide one to you.
Read Luke 10:38-42
1. Martha welcomed Jesus into her home and did many tasks. Mary sat at Jesus feet and chose to listen. Do you consider yourself to be more of a Mary or a Martha?
2. Even if you consider yourself to be more of a Mary, do you find yourself distracted from Jesus, from worship, from God? What are those distractions?
3. Jesus says, “Mary has chosen the better part.” What do you think that is? How would you describe that to a sixth grader?
Blessings,
Pastor Cheryl
On Sunday, August 4th, our worship time will be dedicated to a healing service. There are too many times in life when we don't face our pain and anguish--when we don't share it with others and it festers and turns into anger or guarding. God yearns for us to be whole--for us to be lavished in love. Through the incarnation of Jesus Christ, God demonstrates presence with us, even during our darkest times. Through the working of the Holy Spirit, God demonstrates comfort for our aching hearts.
Have you experienced loss? The five stages of grief delineated by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance provide a helpful framework to know that we are not alone. It is important to realize that we all experience these stages differently: in different orders, to different degrees, and perhaps repeating some.
Major life changes, even good ones, can sometimes generate a sense of loss. Things like moving, getting married or divorced, having a child, starting a new job or losing a loved one all mean that something has changed--that certain aspects of our life have been lost and some new paradigm is beginning. The pastoral change that this church has experienced is one such change. The loss of our beloved Program Director, Misty Griffith and her family is another. The discovery of a significant budget deficit and steps taken to address it are another.
So many of us are experiencing intense feelings around these things that it feels like a good time for a healing service. On August 4th, we'll talk about God's role in our healing, about the biblical promise of healing, about some of Jesus' most wonderful healings and about our own healing as individuals and as a church body. This service will include a time for us to share our own experiences of healing and an opportunity for apologies and forgiveness. We will also offer healing prayer at the rail and anointing with oil during Communion.
In preparation for this service, please give some thought to what you might be grieving and what stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression or acceptance you are currently experiencing or have already experienced. If this introspection brings up intense feelings for you, please feel free to contact me to pray with you and help work through them.
Blessings,
Pastor Cheryl
MISSIONAL STATEMENT
These are the missional challenges that the Bishop and DS have given Pastor Cheryl as she begins her ministry with Wesley UMC. We share these challenges and are compelled to work with her faithfully to meet each one.
New England Conference
United Methodist Church
Appointment to Wesley United Methodist Church 2019-2020
Pastor Cheryl Meachen
While maintaining good pastoral care and spirit-led worship life for the present congregation, your missional challenges are to:
- Work with the Transition Team to make the change of pastoral leadership as smooth as possible.
- Visit with all members within the first six months in small groups or individually in their homes.
- Continue to work for financial stability and a solid organizational structure for growth and development.
- Challenge and inspire the congregation for the ministry of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Concord, the United States and around the world, through preaching, teaching and worship.
- Help the church develop a strong stewardship program to support a balanced budget and maintain payment of 100% of Mission Shares.
Cheryl Meachen
Is appointed to serve this congregation and its community.
with the Pastor
A small informal gathering to chat with Pastor Cheryl and get better acquainted.
Sign on the bulletin board in the Narthex for a date that will be convenient for you.
Saturday, July 20 10:00 am at 285 South ST, Concord
Sunday, July 21 4:00 pm at 285 South ST, Concord
Tuesday, July 23 7:00 pm at 285 South ST, Concord
Thursday, July 25 2:00 pm at Havenwood Happenings
Friday, July 26 2:00pm at Heritage Heights Dining Extension
More dates will be available later in the summer.
With the link below you can take a survey that can help you to discern your spiritual gifts. Give it a try!
Exploring Your Spiritual Gifts – The United Methodist Church
WESLEY'S SUMMER SCHEDULE
4 p.m. Casual Service, Saturday
8:30 a.m. Breakfast Church, Sunday
10:00 a.m. Sanctuary Service, Sunday
Praise singing will begin at 9:45 a.m. and the prelude will play at 10:00 am.
SUMMER SUNDAY VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDTeachers and helpers are needed for the children's one room Sunday School. Volunteers are also needed for passing the clipboards during the service. If you can help with either of these jobs, please contact Ben Venator benvenator@yahoo.com.
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.
VBS 2019
RECAP!
50 years ago this week, the crew of Apollo 11 landed on the moon, and here at Wesley, kids from all over the Concord region discovered the wonders of God’s universe as part of a To Mars and Beyond themed VBS. They became Voyagers on a journey through space, exploring where God's power could take them. Each morning they started off at the Mars outpost before heading off to distant planets on special missions to collect power sources. Along the way, they learned how God walked with heroes of the Bible. They learned that God is always with them, too. The bible verse for the week or "Vector Verse" was Ephesians 3:20, “Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us!" Together, we went beyond with Faith, Boldness, Kindness, Thankfulness and Hope!
SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR ABBOT-DOWNING
Our A-D Team will once again have an AUGUST INGATHERING to collect school supplies and paper goods for the students and teachers at Abbot-Downing School. For those who like to get more for their dollar, watch for the pre-school sales at Staples, CVS, Rite Aid Walgreen, Walmart & Dollar Stores which have already started. Some of these needs include for: Children: Crayons (8 pack & 24 pack); Washable colored markers; Pencils (#2 with erasers); Glue Sticks; and Lined Paper. And Teachers: Liquid Hand Sanitizer; Disinfectant Wipes; Baby Wipes; Tissues; Post-It Notes; Dry Eraser Markers; Scotch Tape Refills.
Abbot-Downing teachers and the principal really do appreciate Wesley's generosity.
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.
PLAY BALL!
Monday, July 22, our softball team will be playing at 6 p.m. at “Bug” Field located on Rt. 3 in Boscawen just before the split with Rt. 4. The field is in a park on the left across from the Town Library. There is a fenced parking area near road with a path through woods to the field.
PRAYER MESSENGERSThe Prayer Messengers gather in the Chapel each Sunday at 9:40 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.
2019 Bishop's Day on the NH District
Saturday, September 21, 2019 - 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Bow Mills UMC , Bow, NH
District Resource Day
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Featuring Steve Cordle, author of The Church in Many Houses: Reaching Your Community Through Cell-based Ministry.
St. Paul's MC - Manchester, NH
You Are Invited
Please join us for a performance by a Korean Ballet Troup.
Where: The Contoocook United Methodist Church
24 Maple Street, Contoocook, NH
When: 7 P.M. on August 9, 2019
Who: This is a Ballet Mission Team dancing as a cultural performance to share the message of the Gospel. The members of this Korean Ballet Troup are committed to sharing their Faith through dance. They have several performances in the greater Boston area and have graciously extended their tour to Contoocook.
Other: There will be a Love Offering taken to benefit UMCOR
(United Methodist Committee on Relief). UMCOR is often one of the first relief teams to arrive when there is a disaster, anywhere around the world. 100% of the funds donated to UMCOR go to relief efforts.
Light Refreshments will be served following the performance.
Please mark your calendars and join us on August 9 th for a night of dance.
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SAVE THE DATE
NH District Summer Outing
Saturday, August 31st - 4:00 pm
Wesley UMC - 79 Clinton St., Concord, NH 03301
Potluck BBQ, Fun, Games, Music and More
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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 July monthly support group meeting will be held in the Parlor on Sunday, July 21, 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
2nd Annual Mindfulness in Society Conference
Friday, September 13, 1-7 pm
Saturday, September 14, 8 am - 4 pm
NHTI Campus, Concord, NH
NHTI, Concord’s Community College, is a leader in integrating mindfulness into higher education, and our work has attracted the attention of some of the biggest names in the field of mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness helps people succeed academically and professionally, thrive at a personal level, live satisfying lives, and connect with themselves and others. During this conference, we will explore how mindfulness can be used in business, health care, education, and personal relationships to benefit our lives and our society.
Anyone with an interest in mindfulness is invited to attend our 2nd annual Mindfulness in Society Conference whether this is your first time hearing about mindfulness, you want to deepen your practice, or you are hoping to connect with others in this community to share ideas and experiences. This conference will sell out, so do not wait to secure your spot.
Featuring Nationally-Known Speakers
 Congressman Tim Ryan
Before being elected to Congress in 2002, Tim served in the Ohio State Senate and began his career in politics as a congressional aide in 1995. Tim has a law degree from the University of New Hampshire School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. He is the author of Healing America: How a Simple Practice Can Help Us Recapture the American Spirit and The Real Food Revolution: Healthy Eating, Green Groceries, and the Return of the American Family Farm.
 Judson Brewer
As the Director of Research and Innovation at Brown University's Mindfulness Center, Judson Brewer, MD, PhD, is an internationally known thought leader in the field of habit change and the “science of self-mastery” with over 20 years of experience in the mindfulness field. He has developed novel mindfulness programs for behavior change, including both in-person and app-based treatments for smoking, emotional eating, and anxiety. His work has been featured on 60 Minutes, at TED.com (4th most viewed talk of 2016), and in documentaries, books, and news outlets across the world. He is the author of The Craving Mind: From Cigarettes to Smartphones to Love, Why We Get Hooked and How We Can Break Bad Habits.
 Rhonda Magee
As a Professor of Law at the University of San Francisco, Rhonda V. Magee (M.A. Sociology, J.D.) is an internationally-recognized thought and practice leader focused on integrating mindfulness into higher education, law and social justice. A student of a wide variety of Buddhist and other wisdom teachers, including Norman Fischer and Jon Kabat Zinn, she trained as a mindfulness teacher through the Oasis Teacher Training Institute of the University of Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness. She teaches mindfulness-based interventions, as well as awareness and compassion practices from a range of traditions. A former President of the Board of the Center for Contemplative Mind in Society, Professor Magee is a Fellow of the Mind and Life Institute. She recently completed a 2-year term on its steering council.
Join us to hear from these nationally-known speakers on Friday night and return on Saturday to learn from New England-based health-care professionals, local business owners, NH educators, and mindfulness practitioners. This event will likely sell out so do not wait to register.
https://www.nhti.edu/mindfulness_conference
We are very excited to announce that one of our families just found an apartment and will be moving out within the next few days. There are a few essential items the family needs for the new apartment including:
- Queen mattress with boxspring, bed bug cover, bedding/pillows
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Twin mattress with boxspring, bed bug cover, bedding/pillows
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Twin XL box spring, bed bug cover, bedding/pillows
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Three dressers
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Three bedside tables
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Silverware - forks, knives, spoons
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Kitchen dish towels
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Microwave
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Toilet paper, tissues, soap
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Shower curtain
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Laundry hamper
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TV stand
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Gift Cards to Walmart/Amazon/Big Lots
Any additional household items are also encouraged and very helpful. Donations can be dropped off today, July 17th until 4:30pm, Thursday, July 18th 9am-5pm, Friday, July 19th 9am-12pm, and next week July 22nd-26th 9am-5pm. The address for Family Promise is 176 Loudon Road, Suite 2, Concord, NH.
Our program is fueled by the generosity of those in our community and the contributions of caring individuals like you. Your kindness helps families get back on their feet when life has been difficult to move forward. Our hope for the future is that a ripple effect is created and the compassion that you have shown to our families will, one day, allow them to give back in their own way.
Again, the sincerest of thanks.
Catherine O'Keeffe
Family Promise of Greater Concord
Intern
Phone: (603)-856-8490
Email: internfp1@gmail.com
Solidarity Walk for Immigrant Justice 2019:
Concord to Dover
Wednesday, August 21 through Saturday, August 24, 2019
Signup here to walk, volunteer OR DONATE! See below for information about donations.
Participants will walk the 36 miles from Concord to Dover over the course of these days and you are welcome to join us! The walk begins in Concord at the US District Courthouse. The walk will end at the Strafford County Jail in Dover, where ICE jails people slated for their deportation. Can you join us?
Each day participants will walk 8-10 miles and stop in towns along the way. In the evenings we will hold educational, prayerful or discussion-focused events open to the public.
DONATION LINK IS NOW LIVE! Walkers may ask for sponsorships for donations to New Hampshire bond funds. These funds provide bond money so that people being held by ICE for alleged immigration violations can get out of the Strafford County House of Corrections and continue life in the community while awaiting their day in court.
Prayer Vigils for Immigrant Justice
All vigils are 9:00am to 10:00am at the Norris Cotton Federal Building, 275 Chestnut Street, Manchester. Upcoming dates are:
- July 16
- August 6 & 20
- September 3 & 17
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Choose your study...
Mission Study 2019 Special Publication
Women United for Change: 150 Years in Mission Led by Rev. Elizabeth Batchelder Smith
United for Change by Ellen Blue is the first in a two-year study commemorating United Methodist Women’s 150th anniversary in 2019. It will provide a historical survey of United Methodist Women and its predecessor organizations and amplify the voices that shaped the work through an overarching story of United Methodist Women changing the fact of mission. This study is about women who established vibrant societies to support mission. First organized in the United States, those societies sent missionaries overseas and later engaged in mission at home. Each was a heroine who was willing to stand over and against what her culture—and sometimes even her church—expected of her. Learning about the early female leaders who created what would become today’s United Methodist Women can help us understand who they truly were beyond who we expected them to have been.
Spiritual Growth Mission Study: 2019
Practicing Resurrection: The Gospel of Mark and Radical Discipleship Led by Marie MacDougall (English) and Jeongseung Lee (Korean)
In Mark and Radical Discipleship, author Janet Wolf explores what it means to live a life of radical discipleship today using the Gospel of Mark as the foundation. Wolf explores the timeless issues of poverty, gender, justice, liberation, equality, and others using Mark as a guide. The stories of the women in Mark are a particular focus in this study and how, although often unnamed, they are prominent among Jesus’ followers and in Mark’s recounting of the gospel story.
Children's Mission Study: 2019
MARKED: A Mission Journey with Jesus in the Gospel of Mark Led by Tammy Verity and Aileen Stumpf
In MARKED: A Mission Journey with Jesus in the Gospel of Mark, Rita Hays invites children to join Jesus on an exciting lifelong pilgrimage of discipleship and mission.
Throughout the Gospel of Mark, Jesus engages with all types of people, especially individuals who find themselves on the margins of society. Jesus appears as an inclusive Savior, inviting children to practice discipleship by sharing compassion, love, and kindness toward others. Jesus also beckons to children to practice their faith through positive decision-making.
Youth Mission Study: 2019 Who Do You Say That I Am? Meeting Jesus through the Eyes of Mark Led by Sherry Culver
In Who do you say that I am? Meeting Jesus Through the Eyes of Mark, Carolyn Poling guides youth through the Gospel of Mark, helping them to define who Jesus is to them, who he says he is in scripture, and how this impacts how we live our lives.
The goal of this study is to help youth explore scripture in new ways so they can develop their own faith and put it into action. This is the mark of a true disciple.
In Mark, Jesus models for us how to live our lives as Christians, reaching out to those who are left out, offering compassion and healing. The author of Mark not only describes God’s kin-dom through Jesus’ teachings, but also models it for us. Through his actions, Jesus shows us that he has come for everyone. Therefore, God’s kin-dom is for everyone. The author’s message offers a chance to those who feel left out, cast aside, and forgotten. It offers belief to those who need physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
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Order your study guide and start reading now!
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