Newsletter No. 6-19 The Wesley Witness June 2019

Our purpose is to make new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Holy week

Palm Sunday, April 14 - Worship

at 10:30 am followed by brunch

Maundy Thursday, April 18 -

Soup supper at 5:30 pm, Medi-

tative Stations with Communion

at 6:00 pm

Good Friday, April 19 - Our

friends from Zion UMC will join

us in our sanctuary at 7:00 pm

for the Good Friday worship

service

Wesley Wednesdays this summer

Join us for fellowship, games, food, and fun

on the following Wednesday evenings:

June 12@ 6:00pm — Hotdogs & Games

June 26 @ 7:00pm — Movie Night

July 10 @ 7:00pm — Outdoor Games

July 24 @ 7:00pm — Movie Night

August 14 @ 7:00pm — Outdoor Games

Bring lawn chairs or blankets, especially for June 12 and for movie nights. Mov-

ies will be rated G or PG, so bring your family and friends. Snacks will be served

each night (not guaranteed to be allergy-free). If it rains, activities will go on as

planned, but we’ll meet indoors.

If there is interest, kickball is a possibility.

A few volunteers are needed to help. Contact the church office or sign up on

Sunday morning at the Welcome Table to help.

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1 Pam Cote 2 Carolyn Strand James Johnson II Nicholas Hudson 3 Cleo Rowe 4 Jane Brown 6 Benjamin Batstone-Cunningham Andrew Burgess 10 Emily Hudson Eliese Baird 11 James Johnson III 12 Anthony Blake 13 Dawn Boyd Emily Rash 16 Mark Potratz 17 Joyce Kramer Joyce Wicklund Beverly Hopman Greg Bryson Stephen Murphy 19 Bev Ford Tamara Rutherford 20 Jeanette Lindquist Taylor Tingwald 22 Iris Root 23 Markus Van Camp 25 Janice Tollefson 27 Snookie Register 28 James Kramer Carla Hudson Alex Martin 29 Jennifer Antes Gene Davis 30 Lew Schaper

1 Lew & Nancy Schaper

Brian & Nancy Holm

Alex & Brittany Peterson

2 Lonnie & Carol Lamberson

6 James & Frances McConnell

Neil & Cleo Rowe

Jerry & Marlene Nolte

8 Art & Maggie Hillman

David & Susan Guseman

Rick & Coleen Asche

Ben & Katie Holien

12 Steve & Betsy Schlasner

13 Rev. Jerry & Gail Bass

16 Jake & RachealAnn Johnson

Jared & Lindsey Christie

17 Daryell & Mary Ferguson

Heath & Kristina Schafer

18 Bob & Dawn Boyd

19 Tyler & April Grinde

20 Edward & Marian VanDuyn

Duane & Aileen Sandwick

Mark & Kim Potratz

Jonny & Emily Heidbrink

23 Gordon & Pat Henry

25 Anthony & Kari Olson

27 James & Joyce Johnson II

Bill & Dyana Beaton

David & Diane Daucsavage

28 Jim & Mary Antes

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“…the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the

story of a man going on a long trip. He called to-

gether his servants and entrusted his money to them

while he was gone.” -Matthew 25:14

It would feel as though we have sprung right into

summer! We didn’t get much in the way of a season of spring with the

cooler weather that hung around, but we did get some warmth and I

think it’s here to stay. Did you know that the first day of summer is

June 21st? Regardless, we already know that summer plans have been

on our minds since January 2019 started. Summer is an important time

for families…and believe it or not, summer is an important time within

the life of the church too.

In some circles folks refer to summer as the “leanest” time of the year

in the life of the church because summer plans usually involve the

weekend. That folks don’t give when they’re not around and they

don’t make it up whenever they come back. Instead of lamenting the

summer months we should enjoy it knowing that the church is cared

for whenever we’re gone. Even if there’s a lull in attendance that

doesn’t mean there has to be a lull in the finances. Church operations

should continue smoothly, without worry, throughout the summer,

fall, winter, and spring-even if we don’t think we felt all four seasons.

So if you’re planning to be gone this summer or anytime throughout

the year know that we have you covered and that you can set up re-

curring payments today.

As part of our electronic giving program, we offer a variety of ways to

be generous all year-round! We welcome your generosity through any

method you choose to give and for those who already give electroni-

cally, I want to offer a special word of thanks. eGiving is fast, secure,

and provides much in the way of consistency and strengthens our min-

istries here at Wesley United Methodist. In less time than it takes to

write a check, you can make your weekly contribution via text. Simply

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text the amount you wish to give to 701.401.5690. Or you can download

the “Give Plus Church” app for your mobile phone. You can even go onto

our website, click “Donate to Wesley” and start using Vanco’s secure

online services at www.gfwesley.org.

So go ahead! Enjoy your summer without worry. Enjoy your time apart

with family and friends. And if you have any questions know that we’re

happy to help. Until then, take care and have a blessed summer!

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Jeff Lathrop

Contacting Pastor Jeff e-mail: jeff.lathrop@midconetwork.com

cell phone: 605-682-9447 Office hours: 9:00 - 12:00 & 1:15 - 2:45, Monday – Thursday

Sunday schedule (through Sept. 1)

9:30 Coffee Fellowship

10:30 Worship Service

Church Office Hours Mon. — Thurs.

9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. The church office will be closed June 5-7 so that Pastor Jeff and others

may attend the Dakotas Annual Conference.

The 2019 Dakotas Annual Conference

will be meeting in Bismarck on June 6-8.

Please keep all of the clergy and lay del-

egates and the entire Conference in

your prayers during this time. Those

from Wesley that will be attending in-

clude Pastor Jeff, Jessica Zerr, Judy

Christy, and Steve Schlasner (as North-

east District Lay Leader). They will take

our Miracle Offering with them as well

as 20 purple scarves made by a couple

of our members to be used at General

Conference 2020 in Minneapolis.

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Meet our new members —

Be sure to greet Alex and Beth and welcome them to our Wesley church family.

Alex Peterson is from Iowa. He has a Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management Degree. He is currently working on his own bakery business called Baking Up A Storm. His favorite sport is snow skiing, where he has been skiing for over 25yrs.

Beth Valentine is a native of Knoxville, Tennessee and moved to Grand Forks this January from Lexington, VA. She teaches Philosophy at UND, loves a good book, and is always up for a fun game night.

Congratulations and best wishes to the following graduates:

Alex Martin, Red River High School Chloe Whiteside, Central High School

Grace Jackson, Central High School If you would like to add to a laundry gift basket for high school grads, please drop off donations by June 9.

Mark Schlasner. Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN Pam Whaley, RN Degree , Northland Community & Technical College

Sarah Christianson, Masters in Music Performance, DePaul Univ., Chicago, IL

If we missed anyone, we apologize. Please let us know and we can in-clude them in next month’s newsletter.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

Again this year we would like to honor special men on Father’s Day,

June 16, with a special insert in the bulletin. If you would like to add

a name or names in honor or in memory of a special person, please

complete a form (found at the Welcome Table) and include $1.00 for

each. These funds will be directed for ministries with children and

youth. You may also stop by or call the church office or mail in your

form and donation. Forms must be in the church office by June 11.

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United Methodist Camps for 2019

There’s still time to attend a United Methodist camp!

To find out more, pick up one of the

camp brochures at the Welcome Cen-

ter in the church lobby and/or go

online at www.dakcamps.org.

Wesley has scholarships available for 50% of the cost of

camps. When you register online, use the church code

240161CA to get the discount rate. If camps are not full, you

can still register For more information, check with Pastor Jeff or

the church office.

Take some time to read this summer and plan to join us for Wesley Book Club starting again in

September!

For more information contact: Pat Henry at pathenry@gra.midco.net

From the Signage Team:

We are awaiting the installation of a new outdoor sign that will be placed above the office and education wing door. It will look like the picture to the right. The Signage Team is part of an effort to become a more welcom-ing environment for members and guests. Please contact Signage Team members John Martin, Brittany Peterson, Berniece Holm, or Judy Christy if you have questions or comments.

The last day for Sunday School (until fall) was May 19. We have had a great year with all the children and look forward to getting together again in September.

Thank you to the music leaders and classroom helpers!

Judy Christy and Danielle Holm,

Children’s Sunday School Teachers

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Wesley UMW Sunday was observed on May 19 as part of our celebra-

tion of 150 years of United Methodist Women and its predecessors.

Thank you to Fern Bailey, retired licensed local pastor from Wahpeton

for providing the message, as well as all who helped with the worship

service and reception.

A Special Mission Recognition honor was given to Dave Christy for his

dedication and work in the church and community. This year’s Jewel of

a Woman honoree was Joyce Kramer for her continued work within

UMW, the church, and community.

Join us at Mission u!

United Methodist Women's "Mission u" for 2019 will be held on

July 11-14 in Mitchell, SD (Southern site) and July 18-21 in Jame-

stown, ND (Northern site). Pick up a registration form at the Wel-

come Table or at the church office.

Each year there are three studies presented. This year they are:

1) Practicing Resurrection:

The Gospel of Mark and Radical Discipleship;

2) Women United for Change: 150 Years in Mission;

3) What About Our Money? A Faith Response.

There are scholarship funds available. If you are interested in go-

ing, please contact Wesley UMW President Pat Henry or the

church office.

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Quilting

Wednesdays at 9:30 am for the summer,

in Room 305 Please not the time change.

Everyone is Welcome!

For questions, call Helen DeMaster

701.772.3584

Remember—we are still collecting

the following items:

Pop tabs for Ronald McDonald

House (kitchenette)

Our Family soup labels

(kitchenette)

General Mills Box Tops for Education (kitchenette)

Toiletries for Shelter House

(Fellowship room)

Empty ink cartridges (box by the

office)

Supplies For Winship Elementary School

Summer may just be starting, but we are looking ahead to fall! In our continued support of Winship Elementary School in our neighborhood, we will be collecting school supplies and snacks for their upcoming school year. Please see the sign in the Fel-lowship Room for a full list of items needed or check out the list below for items they frequently run out of. At the end of August we will be bringing these items to Winship and helping at their open house. We appreciate all your support and thank you in advance for your donations. UMW’s New Generation Group

School Supplies Snacks (no nuts)

Markers Pretzels

Erasers Cheez Its

Dry Erase Markers Nutrigrain Bars

Scissors Cheese N Crackers

Pencil Boxes

Glue/Glue Sticks

Watch for information about pos-

sible Youth Group activities for

summer and when we will resume

meeting in the fall.

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Summer Lunch Program Please consider volunteering with the Free Summer Lunch pro-gram offered at several city parks and other locations in June and July. Call the number on the flyer above to find out how you can help. We are considering offering a similar program in our church yard next summer, or possibly for the month of August when this pro-gram is not provided. Any feedback or input on this new project is welcome.

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A note from Wesley Leadership Team/SPRC:

Wesley United Methodist Church is happy to announce that we have hired Marty Dornheim as our new custodian. He began working at Wes-

ley at the beginning of April. Marty is originally from Mandan ND and comes to us with a background

in a variety of maintenance, janitorial, and construction work over the last several years. Marty has been doing an excellent job of keeping

the building and grounds clean and well maintained. We can already tell he likes his job!

So if you see Marty at Wesley please stop and say hello to our friendly "new kid on the block"... he's

always willing to chat!

We have a new church giving app!

We are excited to share with you a new way to give to the

church. GivePlus Church is a mobile giving app that enables you

to make one-time or recurring gifts from your smartphone. Visit

the App Store or Google Play and search for “GivePlus Church”

to download the app for free and start donating today! Thank

you for supporting our mission.

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The Wesley Leadership Team needs you. We have open

seats and work to do. Should you serve?

You should consider serving if you are good at any of the follow-

ing:

listening, asking questions, problem solving, cutting to the heart

of an issue, seeing both sides, imagining a future, adapting,

budgeting, planning, nurturing, mentoring, being mentored, man-

aging projects, helping, organizing, following through, exhorting,

teaching, caring, encouraging, welcoming others, advocating, or

learning.

We need behind-the-scenes people and out-in-front people; jovi-

al people and serious people; quiet and loud people; and experi-

enced people and novices. Above all, we need people who be-

lieve transforming our community and world is possible because

of amazing grace and God-sized love.

The Leadership Team needs you. What are you waiting for?

Talk with Pastor Jeff, Jessica Zerr (chairperson), or any current

member of the Leadership Team about how you can serve or to

nominate someone to serve.

June 16 is Peace with Justice

Sunday in the United Method-

ist Church, one of the six

Churchwide Special Sundays.

Gifts on Peace with Justice

Sunday fund programs that

advocate for peace and justice

in the united States and around the world. These programs empower

United Methodists to speak out for removing structures and systems

that harm God’s children globally.

A special offering envelope will be available on June 16 for your gift or

donate online at www.umcgiving.org/givePWJS.

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Servant Leadership Meeting minutes, Wednesday, April 17 2019, 7:00 pm (approved at May 22 meeting) Present: Pastor Jeff Lathrop, John Galegher, Berniece Holm, Judy Christy, Jessica

Zerr (chair), John Martin, Rick Asche, Brittany Peterson

Absent: Kyle Whitcomb, Kelsey Tretter

Agenda:

Opening study/devotions – Pastor Jeff led devotional/learning time based on the

book, Canoeing the Mountains; questions discussed in small groups - What is lead-

ership? And What it is not? It is not authority, not a title or position that a person

holds; it is focused on what can be and what must be; is about an organization ful-

filling its mission and realizing its reason for being;

There were 3 leadership principles highlighted: 1 – leadership is essential 2- leader-

ship is expressed in behaviors 3-leadership is developed; the group was encouraged

to think about what we’ve learned about leadership and what steps we can do better.

Pastor Jeff then opened in prayer.

Read part 2 of “Canoeing the Mountains” for next month’s meeting: On the Map.

Review of minutes: motion to accept by John G., second by Brittany; approved.

check correct spelling of Nepalese?

Finance report: John G. – passed out treasurer’s report and balance sheet; good

news to share on Treasurer’s Report – month of March there was $5300 more in-

come than in operating expenses; also about $3400 in income over last year for the

same period; Balance Sheet – finances are looking good as of now. Giving state-

ments will be sent out at the end of April. There was a suggestion to contact Capital

Campaign donors to remind them of their pledge long with a thank you for gifts

given; John commented that such information will also show on statements; he will

give update on Capital Campaign totals next month.

Old business & reports

Trustees report

Tech project update by John Martin – he has talked to HB Sound and they now

have all the hardware needed and will do installation on Tuesday, April 23; will take

one day; still need to buy TV’s for nursery and dining room; will include audio &

video feed; will need to have an electrician install outlets for TV’s. Jeff will follow

up on TV purchase.

Weedex contract – John M. will get a bid for parsonage lawn spraying;

Sidewalk mudjacking possibility – still trying to contact a company to get a bid;

List of repair/cleaning projects to complete within the church– will revisit in

May to see what we could do; John G. asked if we could collect all the smaller tasks

as a laundry list to be compiled in one place; could we have a spring work day?

Question about how to dispose of empty paint cans?

Staff-Parish Relations report –

Custodian has been hired, started a couple weeks ago (April 8); there will be a wel-

come article in the May newsletter; maybe have him be introduced in church;

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New office manager position offered to Judy Christy and accepted; will be re-

viewed in six months; three months for custodian; clarification of vacation/

holidays in office manager position to be reviewed next month; still need to do

Carol’ s annual review.

Leadership class for Pastor Jeff - Jessica has submitted our recommendation

for Pastor Jeff to attend nonprofit leadership class for a certificate program.

Conference Form to be sent into conference; Rick & Jessica will take care of

that.

Program ministry report was handed out.

Signage –outside signs for the streets are ready to be picked up; are paid for by

us but the city will install; directory signs are re-done and hung back up by the

three main entrances; the next project is a new sign outside by front door en-

trance by the office/education wing – some design options were looked at; some

input given from leadership team members;

Summer activities – would like to plan for 2 Wednesdays evenings each month;

purpose is to get to know people in the neighborhood; a suggestion was made for

a movie night. This group will continue to make plans but will need help from

volunteers.

Student study time – still working on better internet connection; to provide a

way to connect with UND students;

Winship school – UMW/New Generation Circle has met with the Social Work-

er at Winship; there are several ways we can help; one way is through an app

called Purposity where teachers or school social workers can list needs and peo-

ple can buy through Amazon to donate items; still looking at a way to help with

summer lunches.

Summer visitors – Berniece suggested that we have small gift for them to take

home - like when St. James reunion group toured the building last summer; could

we have coffee ready, etc.; there was a comment about having information cards

in pews – 5 things about our church and how to donate;

Coffee area set up in lobby is still being worked on; may also include décor?

Solar Oven Project -volunteers to go help assemble oven kits? Will find out

more about what is involved. Maybe ask solar oven director to come and speak;

Ongoing & new business:

Pastor’s report: -Jeff handed out a list of dates that he will be off and when we

will need pulpit supply;

General comments - Palm Sunday was good; good fellowship; new custodian

Marty doing well so far, being intentional about doing some cleaning; discussed

possibility of him doing some of the snow plowing next winter; knows someone

who may be able to plow the parking lot.

Pews in sanctuary & tiles in dining room- replace some tiles in the dining

room or whole floor? pews – keep doing repairs or look into chairs?

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New member Sunday/ Graduate Sunday on May 26; Nepalese will join as

associate members; have meal and cake; High school grads known so far include

Alex Martin, Chloe Whiteside, Grace Jackson. We will ask about other grads –

college other programs, in newsletter, maybe include Nepalese graduates?

Jeff will attend a Clergy session on April 29 in Aberdeen with Bishop Ough

which will include discussion about General Conference and Judicial Council

review of Traditional Plan which was passed at the Special General Conference in

Feb.; Jeff will report back to us after this meeting.

Recruiting/nominations Is it time to be deliberate about asking people to take

on other roles and do a little more? How can we do this? Is there a list of people

who have served in those roles - maybe they could be asked to serve again. Send

ideas to Jeff & Jessica for next month; maybe have a master list of jobs, tasks,

ways that people can serve. We need to also find ways to show appreciation to

those who are participating/volunteering.

Annual conference – need 3 delegates to attend on June 5-9, in Bismarck, ND –

Jeff will be commissioned this year at a worship service on that Friday evening at

Legacy UMC. It is a good opportunity for worship and learning and to see the

connectionalism; please let Jessica know if you are interested and able to attend.

Eagle scout project – John reported that he had nothing new. Thoughts about

an outdoor serving station for summer lunch?? Keep John informed.

Adjourned at 9:17 pm

Minutes submitted by Judy Christy

Your 2019 Wesley UMC

Servant Leadership Team is:

Jeff Lathrop………...Pastor

Jessica Zerr ………..Chair

John Galegher……..Treasurer

John Martin ………..Trustees

Kyle Whitcomb …….Trustees

Open………………...Trustees

Rick Asche………….Staff-Parish Relations

Mark Guy…………...Staff-Parish Relations

Judy Christy………..Program Ministry

Berniece Holm……..Program Ministry

Brittany Peterson ….Program Ministry

Open………………...Program Ministry

Kelsey Tretter………Program Ministry

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OFFERING RECEIVED

2018 2019 Prepaid Pledges $3,000.00

January $21,211.31 $20,027.00

February $17,843.01 $14,153.50

March $15,372.00 $23,416.60

April $20,381.05 $19,536.00

May $14,186.11 $14,807.42

June $16,351.03

July $18,221.00

August $13,981.25

September $19.301.00

October $14,642.01

November $14,974.00

December $21,447.50

________________________________

Total $207,911.26 $94,939.92

SUNDAY WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

May 5 90

May 12 72

May 19 76

May 26 67

Want to receive your

Wesley Witness newsletter by

email?

If you would prefer to receive your

monthly Wesley Witness newsletter

by email rather than printed,

please let us know by emailing

Judy at the church office at

gfwesley@midconetwork.com

If you already receive the newslet-

ter by email, no need to let us know

again unless your email address

has changed.

You can now make a contribution with text! Simply send a text message to 701-401-5690 with the

amount you would like to contribute (example: 25).

Within a few minutes, you’ll be sent a text with a link to

register. Click on the link and enter your cardholder

name and debit or card information. Once your registra-

tion is complete, you will receive a text verification and

a receipt of your donation via email. For future giving,

send a text with the amount you wish to give, and it will

process automatically! You can even text “repeat” to

make it a recurring donation. Text giving is one of the

fastest, easiest ways to give. We hope you enjoy this

new way to share your generosity, and we thank you

for supporting the church.

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Phone: 701-772-1869

Fax: 701-772-1940

E-mail: gfwesley@midconetwork.com Check out the Newsletter online at: www.gfwesley.org Worship Schedule: See Calendar for worship times Office hours: Mon. thru Thurs.. 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Church Staff: Pastor: ....................................................... Jeff Lathrop Choir Director/Organist: .................... Marjorie Myrold Choir Accompanist:........................... Carol Lamberson Office Manager: ……...…………………………… Judy Christy Custodian: ..……………………………….…..Marty Dornheim

For our Prayers ---

With Sympathy—for the family of George Wogaman who passed away

on May 4; and for Carol Lamberson whose mother

passed away on May 6 in Minnesota.

Those in Care or Assisted Living Facilities:

At Valley 4000: Vivianne and Ole Dahlen,

Kyle Whitcomb’s mother

At Valley Eldercare: Joan Bristol

At Good Samaritan, East Grand Forks: Velma Fruetel

At Mapleview Memory Care: Del Kindem

At Parkwood Place: Helen Teske

At Edgewood, East Grand Forks: Daryell Ferguson

At Elim Care Center, Fargo: Alice Darling

At Valley 4000, Hearthstone: Norma Dugas

Those in Their Own Homes:

Marlo Gade, Shirley Hoff, Iris Root, Carolyn Strand, & others.

If there are people, joys, or concerns that you would like to have included

in this monthly prayer list, please email details to

gfwesley@midconetwork.com. Please obtain permission to share.

www.gfwesley.org