Join us for worship on Sunday at 10 AM!
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Worship This Week:
"Mission Impact Day"
John 15:9-17
This week, we'll hear how God is making an impact
through Wesley Church's participation
in missions & outreach ministries, including:
Bethlehem Emergency Shelter
Plarning Ministry
TEACH Rwanda
This month, the Power of One offering will benefit
camperships & summer camp ministries.
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What's happening this week...
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Wesley Youth Group
Join us for our upcoming Youth Group events:
Youth Winter Blast Overnight Retreat
Friday February 17 through Sunday February 19
(Pocono Plateau)
Come join us for a time of fun, fellowship, building our faith... and of course, food! Please email Brian (Wesley's Minister to Youth) with any questions, and to let us know you will be there!
 Wesley's Youth Group is open to all youth from 6th through 12th grade. |
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Helpers Needed for Labyrinth Setup
Each Ash Wednesday, our church labyrinth offers our congregation and community a powerful opportunity to enter the season of Lent through prayer. But setting up our labyrinth is a big job, one that requires many hands! If you would like to help with labyrinth setup on Sunday February 19 after worship, please contact Pastor Candy.
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Meals for BES
Help those who are experiencing homelessness by supporting the work of the Bethlehem Emergency Shelter (BES)! Once each month, we provide hot meals, monitor the shower schedule, and offer a loving presence to the guests of the shelter. We will be serving our next meal on Monday February 20. We'll be at the shelter from 4 PM to 9 PM, but shorter shifts are available to fit your schedule. To get involved, please contact our coordinator Becky Hess. |
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Lent Madness is Back!
There's still the time to join in the meaningful fun of Lent Madness! This program is a way to deepen your faith but also have some fun, as Lent Madness is for Christians who want to take their faith -- but not themselves -- too seriously. Visit the Lent Madness website to learn more about the program and to sign up for regular emails throughout the Lenten season. To participate in Wesley Church's edition of Lent Madness, please fill out your bracket with your predictions and return it to Pastor Candy by Tuesday February 21. The individual with the winning bracket will receive a special prize!
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Ash Wednesday
On Wednesday February 22, join us for our annual observance of Ash Wednesday, the first day of the holy season of Lent.
- 12:30 PM: Service of Palm Burning (outside front doors) - If you have palms from last year, please feel free to bring them to this midday service.
- 7:30 PM: Ash Wednesday Blended Service (sanctuary)
The church labyrinth will also be available for prayerful walking on Ash Wednesday from 1:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Want a better understanding of the meaning of Ash Wednesday in our Christian faith? Click here to learn more.
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What's new in this edition of the Weekly E-news...
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Learn to "Plarn"
Plarn is plastic upcycled yarn made from plastic shopping bags. Members of Wesley's Plarning Team use this plarn to create lightweight waterproof sleeping mats for individuals in our community who may sleep outdoors and be exposed to the elements. If you'd like to learn how to make plarn or weave sleeping mats, bring a pair of scissors or a large crochet hook (preferably size S) and join us in the atrium after worship this Sunday, February 19.
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Backpack Chili Cookoff
Support our backpack program and enjoy some delicious chili! On Sunday March 5 after worship, our Backpack Team will host a Chili Cookoff Fundraiser. Chili cooks and hungry tasters are needed! Donation jars will be placed by each chili entry. The winner will be determined by the chili that raises the most money! For more information, please contact Sarah Campbell.
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Spring Fling Vendor & Yard Sale
On Saturday March 11 from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM, stop by the Wesley Fellowship Hall for the Spring Fling! This event includes a variety of vendor tables as well as yard sale items. At 1:00 PM, there will be an egg hunt for children ages 1-13 (no registration required). We'll also be collecting Easter basket items (baskets, candy, grass, fillers, small toys, stuffed animals) and Easter dinner items (canned vegetables, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy) for local families. For more information, please contact Debbie Ace.
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Thanks from our Bishop!
Bishop John Schol thanks the people of the Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater New Jersey Conferences for their incredible generosity on Super Bowl Sunday. Together, we collected nearly 75,000 pounds of food for area food banks!
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From the Church Library:
New and timely!
In Rough Sleepers, author Tracy Kidder tells the story of Dr. Jim O’Connell’s work with the homeless community in Boston. Rather than seeing them as a social problem to be solved or eliminated, he sought to see patients as individuals with individual needs. In doing so, he has brought them medical care, food, clothing, and a network of friends and support. Eye-opening and inspiring.
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Candlelight Vigil for Ukraine
On Saturday February 25, join members of the Bethlehem Interfaith Group and representatives of local Ukrainian churches for a candlelight vigil marking the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine. The vigil will take place at Payrow Plaza at 7:30 PM. All are welcome! Please continue to pray for the people of Ukraine during this time.
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Winter Book Club - Start our February Selection!
This winter, cozy up by the fire with some selections from our Winter Book Club! Grab a book, start reading, and join us for our remaining book discussions:
- Tuesday February 28 at 6:30 PM:
Kindred by Octavia Butler
- Tuesday March 28 at 6:30 PM:
Threading My Prayer Rug by Sabeeha Rehman
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Tools for Ministry
Join the North District of the Eastern PA Conference for the annual Tools for Ministry program! This half-day training is designed to equip and empower volunteers in local churches to carry out powerful ministries in their church and communities. Tools for Ministry will take place on Saturday March 11 at Asbury UMC in Allentown. Check in begins at 8:30 AM, and workshops conclude by 12:00 PM.
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"The Chosen" Study: Mark Your Calendars
Several people have asked whether there will be a discussion group for Season 3 of The Chosen. Well, the answer is Yes! Sessions will start on Monday April 17 and will run through June 5. The time is 7:00-8:30, and it will be held in the parlor. If you have questions or are interested in signing up, contact Barbara Reimers (610-694-0767) or Wendy Arbushites (570-807-9428). You need not have participated in previous sessions as long as you have viewed Seasons 1 and 2. Study guides are already available for $15.
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Backpack Save-the-Date
This year, our annual "We Got Your Back" backpack festival will take place on Saturday July 29. Please mark the date in your calendars and watch your e-news for ways to support the backpack program through fundraisers, donation drives, volunteer opportunities, and more. For more information, please reach out via email.
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Our Preschool is hiring!
Our Wesley's Circle of Friends Preschool is now hiring for the positions of:
Preschool teachers
Teacher aids
Work two, three, or five days per week, with a 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM schedule. Optional extended care shifts (as early as 8:00 AM and as late as 4:00 PM) are also available. Regular school year and summer school positions are now open! Early childhood education is preferred, but not required. Compensation commensurate with education and experience, starting at a minimum of $11.25 per hour.
Please send email of interest to: susan@wesleychurch.com
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Register for Summer Camp
It may be chilly or dreary outside right now, but in just a few months summer sun will be here! This summer, consider registering your child(ren) or grandchild(ren) for a life-changing, faith-forming week of summer camp at Pocono Plateau. Summer camp registration is now open! Visit the Plateau website to browse this year's camp offerings (including the GRAM & Me camp, directed by Pastor Candy!). Register by April 1 for a $25 discount.
If you would like to volunteer as a camp counselor, nurse, or facilities/property volunteer, please contact Pastor Candy for more information.
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Have something to add to e-news?
To include your ministry update or appeal in an upcoming edition of the Wesley Church e-news, please send the announcement to Pastor Candy. |
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Our Wesley Church Staff
Candy LaBar, Lead Pastor
Susan Matacavage, Church Administrator
Becky Graybeal, Director of Music
Deb Silliman, Director of Christian Education
Brian Graybeal, Minister to Youth
Keranie Whipple, Childcare Coordinator
Chris Perfetti, Director of Bell Choirs
Sharon Schultz, Financial Administrator
Debbie Ace, Housekeeper
Betty Killo, Housekeeper / Data Entry
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