Celebrating God’s Welcoming Love
Scripture: Psalm 121:1–2
“I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.”
A Word from Pastor Michelle
What a joyful and meaningful day we had! Last Sunday, Wesley Church celebrated Family & Friends Invitation Sunday with a beautiful gathering of worship, music, fellowship, food, and friendship. We are grateful to God for the many people who came through our doors and joined us around the table.
Our theme, “Celebrating Wesley’s Community Connections,” came to life in such a wonderful way. Our Wesley family welcomed friends, family members, neighbors, and guests from our community partnerships. We were blessed by music from different cultures, the children’s program, our worship service, and the picnic fellowship that followed.
We are especially grateful for all the people who worked faithfully behind the scenes—preparing food, decorating, setting up tables, welcoming guests, helping with the children’s program, sharing music, serving lunch, and cleaning up afterward. Every contribution helped create a warm and joyful atmosphere.
And God even gave us a beautiful sunny day! It was certainly humid, but we were thankful that the rain held off and allowed us to enjoy our time together outdoors.
A Welcome That Touched Hearts
One of the most meaningful parts of the day was hearing from our guests afterward. Darlene from Rising Hope sent this heartfelt message:
“I just wanted to tell you that we had such a good time at the picnic yesterday. Some of our guests are still talking about it and how much fun they had. Thank you so much for including our community in your celebration. So many of them had not been to a picnic in a long, long time. Your kindness and the grace of Wesley UMC was so touching.”
These words remind us that hospitality is more than preparing a meal or welcoming someone through a door. Hospitality is a way of sharing God’s grace.
Continuing the Journey Together
Family & Friends Invitation Sunday was not simply about having a larger crowd for worship. It was about building relationships and celebrating the many community connections God is helping Wesley develop.
As we look ahead, may we continue to be a church that welcomes people with compassion, listens with open hearts, serves our neighbors faithfully, and builds bridges across our diverse community. May the joy we experienced last Sunday continue to shape our ministry in the days ahead.
Thanks be to God for a church family that opens its hearts, its tables, and its doors to others!
With prayers and love,
Pastor Michelle
Prayer Focus
We give thanks to God for answered prayers and good news this week.
Charlie’s surgery went well, and he is now recuperating in the hospital. Becky’s procedure also went well, and we are grateful for God’s presence and care throughout both of their procedures.
Please continue to keep Charlie and Becky in your prayers as they recover, asking God to give them renewed strength, healing, patience, and peace.
We also continue to hold all those in our Wesley family and community who are facing illness, loss, or other challenges. May they feel surrounded by God’s loving presence and by the prayers and care of their church family.
This Week at Wesley
Spiritual Nourishment Room
Trough Zoom
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
7:15 P.M.
Adult Sunday School
Every Sundays
9:00 AM
Come grow deeper in God's Word through Bible study, discussion, and fellowship.
Upcoming Events
Church Council Meeting
Sunday, September 27, 2026
After Worship
Fellowship Hall
Dale Swartz Trinity Circle
Monday, September 28, 2026
3:30 P.M.
Charge Conference
Sunday, October 11, 2026
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