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Worship Forecast
This Sunday, August 11th at 10 am, Pastor Cheryl’s sermon titled, "Control is Good, Trust is Better" is based on scripture in Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, to be read by Erik Forsten. This passage speaks of the meaning of faith and the way it was lived out by our ancestors. We will explore together what it means to have faith in the unseen, especially trusting our precious church and our own lives to God’s care as we seek a “heavenly homeland.” We’ll think about the times when we anxiously struggle for control and power contrasted with the peaceful yearning of God that we trustfully melt into our divine parent’s arms. Spirited praise music will begin at 9:50 provided by Electric Praise, directed by Alan Schulte and our organist Ken Gallager will share beautiful music on the organ and piano. Rachel Venator will play Chopin’s Prelude, Op. 28, No. 4 for our offertory. The Children’s Time will focus on “Treasures in Heaven” as we talk about the differences between what we put in our piggy banks and what God puts in our hearts based on Luke 12:33-34, after which the children will be led to a one room Sunday School for all ages directed by Ben Venator. Emma Champlin and Taylor Barnes will provide child-care in the nursery for ages 0-4. We are a Reconciling Congregation located at 79 Clinton Street and our facilities are handicap accessible. Pastor Cheryl also leads a casual service Saturdays at 4 p.m. in the air-conditioned chapel and a conversational Breakfast Church Sundays at 8:30 a.m., both on the same topic. All are welcome and encouraged to invite others!
HEBREWS 11: 1-3, 8-16
11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 Indeed, by faith [a] our ancestors received approval. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. [b]
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised.[a] 12 Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.”
13 All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, 14 for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.
Monday Morning Quarterbackwith weekly devotion
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 Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
- This scripture lists several saints, faithful people who have sacrificed and dreamed for the future. Who are the saints in your life? Who are the saints of Wesley UMC?
- Abraham, Sarah, Isaac and Jacob all placed their faith in God and the promise of a heavenly homeland. In the midst of financial, health or relationship challenges, it is sometimes difficult to trust that God will provide and we are sometimes tempted to rely on ourselves. How have you tried to cultivate trust in God?
- There is a Greek Proverb that says, "A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in." Can you imagine yourself living into this proverb in your personal life? How would it look if we all sacrificially dedicated ourselves to the future of this church?
Devotion: Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
IN THE AFTERMATH OF GUN VIOLENCE
Holy God, You came to us in a promise — as Prince of Peace — breathing upon us the gift of your peace that passes all understanding. We long for your peace this day as we receive again the news of gun violence bringing about devastating injury and loss of life. We pray mightily for family and friends who knew and loved the people killed in El Paso and Dayton. We pray mightily for family and friends of those who were injured physically and emotionally who even now sit by the hurting in hospital rooms and homes. We pray mightily for the victims of gun violence we see and hear about, and the many, many others we do not who live in places we will never visit, and who live in our own cities, towns, and neighborhoods. We recall your ancient words of blessing for us — blessed are the peacemakers — and we humbly, boldly cry out for you to show us how to be this blessing today. We humbly, boldly pray for wisdom and courage for those in our government who dare to lead at such a time as this — that they would fulfill the calling you have placed upon their lives. Empower us all to be about your life-giving work for your kin-dom even and especially as we wrestle with that which inspires, permits, and elevates violence and as we mourn all that steals life from us. You came to us in a promise — as Prince of Peace. Come to us now again in our hour of need in ways that we can easily discern and set us free. Amen.
By Rev. Jill Colley Robinson, August 2019
Wesley will be hosting Family Promise beginning this Sunday. We still have some slots that need to be filled. Please sign up in narthex to volunteer for this very important ministry in the life of Wesley church. Thank you so much!
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 9:50 a.m. and the prelude will play at 10:00 am.
LOOKING AHEAD TO FALL!
WORSHIP TIMES
On September 8th, we will begin our fall schedule! We will continue to have three services. There will be services at 4 PM on Saturdays, 8:30 AM Sunday morning, and 10:30 AM Sunday morning, with Praise Music beginning at 10:20 AM. Note, this a change for the sanctuary service of one half hour later. Sunday School for children and youth will also move to the 10:30 time. Adult Sunday School with Byron Champlin will begin Sept. 8 at 9:00 AM in the parlor.
FALL KICK OFF
September 15th will bring our annual Fall Kick Off! Stay tuned for more information about this wonderful celebration of our family of faith and our new Pastor, Rev. Cheryl Meachen.
Wesley United Methodist Church in Concord, NH announces a job opening for a visionary Director of Children and Youth Ministries. This position will be part-time (20 hours/week, 10 months a year: mid-August to mid-June) at an annual rate of $15,000-$17,000 and the preferred starting date is mid-August, 2019. Qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree in Children/Youth Ministry or in Education AND 3 years or more of experience in a church environment.
Personal qualifications include:
Strengths in communication and interpersonal skills;
A desire to serve and empower others in Christian love along with your own active, growing relationship with God;
Welcoming, safe and nurturing to all: we are a reconciling congregation;
A joy and passion for others as you partner with our pastor, parents, staff and volunteers to actively equip our children and youth in their walk of faith as disciples of a loving God.
Please send your resume to Wesley UMC at concordwumc@gmail.com or 79 Clinton Street, Concord NH 03301.
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.
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, August 5, our softball team will be playing at 6 p.m. at the State Hospital field. The field is located on the grounds of the old State Hospital in Concord. It is between the State Office Complex and Fruit St. Access is from Pleasant St. and the field is visible from the road.
CAN YOU HELP WITH SUMMER MUSIC?
Do you play an instrument or sing? If you do please sign up in the narthex to provide music during the offertory at one of our summer services. Accompaniment will be provided as needed! We look forward to having your musical gifts shared.
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.
General Conference 2020 accepting petitions
Petitions for consideration by the 2020 General Conference may be submitted to the Petitions Secretary now through Sept. 18, 2019. According to church law, "Any organization, clergy member, or lay member of The United Methodist Church may petition the General Conference ... ." Detailed instructions for submitting a petition are available on the General Conference website at umc.org/gcpetition.
Read the press release
Runners, hikers, walkers, and Wanakee enthusiasts! Mark your calendars for the Wanakee Wilderness 5K trail race August 17, 2019! This is Wanakee's largest fundraiser of the year with proceeds benefiting our campership scholarships and facility improvement projects. Don't want to run? How about sponsoring a runner/runners, volunteer that day, donate to our silent auction or attend our Homecoming BBQ.
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
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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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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
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:
- August 20
- September 3 & 17
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