2010 Annual Conference votes to reduce districts by two

   In a sign of continued belt-tightening, Virginia Annual Conference members voted to reduce the number of districts from 
18 to 16. That reduction will occur following 2011 annual conference.

   Before a small boat not unlike the size used on the Sea of Galilee in Jesus’ time, the 228th session of Annual Conference 
focused on “Leading by Following Jesus” in Norfolk this week. Bishop Charlene Kammerer presided over a meeting filled with 
uplifting messages and examples of United Methodists’ generosity.

   The most stirring moments came in response to the fiery preaching of the Rev. Dr. Vance Ross, deputy general secretary 
for the General Board of Discipleship, and the quiet testimony of the Rev. Jim Gulley, who survived the collapse of the 
Hotel Montana in Port-au-Prince during the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti.

   Surprisingly, the business item that drew the most prolonged discussion was the Site Selection Committee report. The 
committee recommended shortening the length of future conference gatherings, but the provision that drew debate was extending 
an upcoming stay in Hampton from two years (2013-2014) to four years. The body eventually approved a motion to go back to 
Roanoke for 2015-2016. The conference had already committed to meet in Roanoke for 2011-2012.

   The conference also voted to turn over control of its longtime retreat center in Blackstone to the center’s board of 
directors.

   The members approved all five resolutions presented. Denman Evangelism Awards winners were: for clergy, the Rev. Ron Mateer; 
laity, Sandra Walters; and youth, Tessa Diehl.

   Nineteen persons were ordained Elder, one had his orders recognized as Elder, three were ordained Deacon, 38 
licensed for Pastoral Ministry, and 23 commissioned as Provisional Members.

New song book coming in 2011: Production is under way of Worship & Song, which will include 188 new, traditional, 
contemporary, global and ethnic hymns and songs in a wide variety of styles. United Methodist Publishing House and the 
United Methodist Board of Discipleship are developing this new resource for worship and congregational singing. The 
resource is scheduled to be released next spring.

ADMINISTRATIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS

I Am Having an Affair—With Music!!!

I thought the first few words of my title might get your attention!   I will quickly clarify what I mean.   
I have fallen in love with music all over again, and I just can’t get enough of it.  The good news is that 
there is enough to go around for everybody.

I can remember back to the days of shopping for the hit song at Roses Dime Store for the hottest 45 record around.   
If I really liked the group of singer of the song, I would purchase the cassette tape.  I couldn’t get enough of 
music—even when I was a child.   I sang, I played two instruments and I sang some more.   From church music to pop 
music, I had it all and I loved it all.  Now I find myself doing the same thing, but this time I have my iPod touch 
attached to my waist and the earplugs glued to my head.
  
Well folks, things have not changed much for me.   I have recently devoted several hours over the past few days 
lining up music for the fall season and upcoming holidays.   I have to say that I am truly in love with what I 
have listened to and can’t wait to share it all with you in the near future.  I know that you are going to love 
it too.

If you want to have a great experience with music, regardless of the genre, turn the radio on, pull out some old 
records, cassettes, or CD’s or even sign on to the internet.  The listening possibilities are endless and waiting 
for you.

Chris Johnson, Music Director

Route One Community Kitchen– Thank You, in September 2010 we will begin our 12th year of preparing and serving lunch on the second Tuesday of each month for the homeless and less fortunate of Route One area.  That adds up to a lot of chicken casseroles, salads and desserts!!!!!  Through the years we have had the willing help of so many former and present members of Wesley Church.  At this  time the casseroles are prepared by Christina Swartz, Odell Wareham and me.  Those serving the lunch to our guests at the Elks Lodge are Rose Ball, Ben Robinson and Jody Taylor.  This is an outreach of Wesley to our community and we thank everyone who has contributed in any way to have this program continue over the years. THANK YOU - THANK YOU. Dale Swartz

If you would like to purchase flowers for the altar,    Wesley has an account with Plantation Florist.  
They do a beautiful arrangement for a very reasonable price.  When purchases are made please pass the 
information along to Kym so she can put it in the Sunday Bulletin.  

Member Care Ministry
Cheering Each Other On…..
Though we might feel we have nothing to give, we can give encouragement.

In keeping with Wesley Member Care Ministry vision we would like to gather joys from the 
congregation. Therefore we invite you to share your special joys and recognitions with the 
church office via email (wesleychurch@verizon.net) so that they may be shared with the 
congregation in the monthly newsletter.

Member Care Ministry Vision:
Assure that every member of the congregation feels cared for in times of illness, crisis and in times of joy.
The Member Care Ministry would like to have the names and addresses of your friends and family who are in 
the service of our country.  We do pray for the military in general but feel it is better to pray for them 
personally and send cards to let them know we care.

Creating God,
Remind us again that you do not only prune. You plant. Prune us and shape us to truly be your people. Plant in us your dreams and visions. Pour into us the strength and courage to see the visions through your eyes. Put into us the tenacity and desire to bring these, your dreams and visions to fruition such that the reign of God, your reign, might come here on earth. Amen

PLEASE..... Keep us updated with new or changed postal addresses, phone numbers and eMail address. Thank you to all who have sent in changes! Updated information may be eMailed to WesleyChurch@verizon.net, dropped in the offering plate at Church, mailed to Wesley United Methodist Church , 8412 Richmond Ave, Alexandria, Virginia 22309 or you may use the on-line Change of Address Form.
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