Update February 8th, 2024

This coming Sunday, we will be celebrating the last Sunday of Epiphany. We will be entering the season of Lent on February 14th.

Since we didn’t have any takers, we won’t have the renewal of vows on Sunday.

Thank you office volunteers. Thank you to Marie Syverson, Gwen Brown, Judy Harbison Slowey, Anne Tupper, Marge Dean, Loretta Croft, Colleen Karsner, Henry Brown, and Helen Guy who so willing staffed the church office during the transitional period. I also want to thank the many volunteers that offered to be on the substitute list. John Wesley has many friendly and willing volunteers that are filled with lots of positive energy. What a blessing!!

All are welcome to a Super Sunday Tailgate Party! Our youth will be having a Super Bowl tailgate party on February 11 from 2-4pm, and we would like the rest of the church to join us!

Feel free to bring your tailgate tents, team apparel, favorite tailgate snacks, tailgate games, and team spirit. We will have some organized games and activities as well as some casual time to hang out, eat, play, and share in the fun. The party will take place in the parking lot and fellowship hall.

Our Youth Sub fundraiser is here! You can order your subs online through our student ministry website. There is a tab specifically for the Sub Sale and your orders will be recorded automatically. Go to pier270.com and click on the Sub Sale tab. Ham, Turkey, or a combination of Ham & Turkey subs are available along with custom fixings. Subs are $8 each, or $9 if you choose the Ham & Turkey option. Fundraisers help defray the cost of mission trips, retreats and youth events. DEADLINE MIDNIGHT TONIGHT, Thursday, Feb. 8. On Sunday (02/11) subs can be picked up any time after 10:30AM.

Reception of New Members. We will be receiving new members into John Wesley Next Sunday, February 18th at the 9:30 am service. Come and celebrate and join us as we welcome them. We will have cake afterwards.

We would also like wish Jan Dahl (02/21) and Andy Dahl (02/19) happy birthdays.

The Wandering Heart Lent Series will begin with Ash Wednesday, February 14. We will have two Services: Noon in Chapel and 7:00pm in Sanctuary. Both services included music, a message and the imposition of ashes. The Wandering Heart Lent Series also includes a booklet of weekly reflections, poetry and art. Free copies are available in the lobby/narthex.

Lenten Study - Join us during our 2024 Lent Season as we experience Lent through the eyes of one of Jesus’ disciples, Peter. In Peter we see a person who is both steadfast and unsteady, a beloved friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. In him, we will enter a journey through the eyes of someone who is trying to figure it all out.

A 6-week church-wide study of the book Simon Peter (by Adam Hamilton) will be offered, with meetings at several different times each week. Cost of the book is $14.00. Sign up for the study and purchase the book in the Narthex/Lobby after Worship services. Contact [email protected] with questions

Bible Studies Times: Betty Smith on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM / Pastor René on Thursdays at 3 PM / Karen Camp on Mondays at 6PM

Changing Our World for February- The “Changing the World" donations for February are for the food pantry at the Service Center. This is to purchase certain food items that are in shortage and are the most requested. Please use the “change the world” envelopes or place your change in the offering plate.

Bishop's Day in the District. Bishop Peggy Johnson will be in the District on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 1:00pm-3:00pm at the Hazardville UMC (330 Hazard Ave., Enfield, CT 06082). Bishop Johnson is also looking forward to meeting with any one who is discerning a call to lay, licensed and/or ordained ministry at 11:00am on Feb. 10th. The only portion that will be hybrid is the afternoon session. You can register here. Pastor René will be attending.

Pre-Lenten Gathering: Bishop Peggy Johnson is inviting the laity and clergy in our conference to join her in this year's Pre-Lenten Gathering on Monday, February 12, 2024 at 7:00pm on Zoom. No registration is required.

Virtual Meeting Link: https://zoom.us/j/99126438890

If prompted for a passcode, please use 660793. The evening will begin with a short devotional during which Bishop Johnson will preach, followed by a presentation by Rev. Justin and Dr. Lisa Hancock. The Hancocks are co-founders of The Julian Way, an organization focused on empowerment and discipleship with, for, and by persons with disabilities.

The children's music group have been singing, ringing and using ASL for signing some songs! The kid's seem to enjoy expressing music through movement.

Practices are on Sundays 15 minutes after the start of Fellowship. We meet in the Chapel. All children are welcome to join us!

The Bell Choir has been learning some new pieces and are getting ready for Palm Sunday and Easter to perform them!

The Chancel Choir is participating in a "Hymn Sing" sponsored by the Cape Cod and Islands Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. I have been a key player in the planning of this event! All are welcome to come a listen to the voices of choirs from multiple Cape Cod churches for this extravaganza of sound this Sunday, Feb. 11th.

Paula King would like to extend a big "Thank You" to the John Wesley community for the generous staff appreciation gift. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated.