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July 8, 2024 - July 14 ,2024
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What a privilege it was to worship with all of you on Sunday. My family and I are grateful for the warm welcome you have given us. We already feel at home here at Wesley United Methodist Church, and I promise I'll get all the names right soon. Your kindness and hospitality have made our transition so much easier, and we look forward to many more uplifting and joyous Sundays together.
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This Sunday, I'll be receiving my family—Kadine, Zuri, Zahara, and Markolee—as members of Wesley United Methodist Church via transfer from another Methodist congregation. I hope you will join us for this special occasion. If you have been thinking about joining this congregation, I would also love to receive you this Sunday.
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We will continue reading through the Gospel of Mark, specifically Mark 6:14-29. We recently read about Jesus commissioning the disciples after experiencing rejection in His hometown. Sandwiched between this commissioning and the disciples' return is the gruesome story of John the Baptist's murder.
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Herod faced a choice—a moment of decision that would define him. On one side, there was the righteous path, the choice to honor God and uphold justice. On the other side, there was the temptation to prioritize ego, power, and public perception. Sadly, Herod chose the latter. He chose to save face rather than save a life, leading to the tragic death of John the Baptist.
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This narrative is a stark reminder of the consequences of our choices. It calls us to reflect on our own lives and the decisions we make. When we are confronted with choices, especially those that pit our integrity against the desire to please others, where do we stand?
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As people, we are constantly questioning who we are and how we should act as life pushes and pulls us in conflicting directions. And as in the story of Herod's struggle, lives are at stake as we decide which actions we will take.
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Have you ever been placed in a situation where you had to choose between making the right choice and making someone else happy? These moments are pivotal, testing our character and our commitment to our values.
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As we meditate on this passage, let us remember the words of Proverbs 29:25: "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe." Herod’s fear of losing face led him into a snare, but our trust in the Lord provides a secure foundation for making the right choices, even when they are difficult.
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May we seek God’s wisdom and strength to choose what is right, to stand firm in our faith, and to prioritize His will over our own desires and the expectations of others. Let us pray for courage and conviction, trusting that in every situation, God's way is the best way.
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I can't wait to see you on Sunday!
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Rev. Ontonio Christie
Senior Pastor
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PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LIVESTREAM IS TEMPORARILY PAUSED
WHILE WE WORK TO RESOLVE TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES.
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Click here to preview Order of Worship.
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Post your prayers and praise requests here and pray and comment for others!
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Please make visiting the prayer wall a daily practice!
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A Prayer to stand on God's Truth
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Father, You are worthy. In the face of opposition, give me Your strength to stand up for Truth. By your power, enable me to walk in your truth and to give no place to deception or the lies of the enemy. Give me wisdom to know what to say and when to say it, and comfort and protect me when I face the enemy.
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I pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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We express our gratitude to God through sharing our time and resources. Thank you for your commitment to God’s purposes through our faith community!
There are multiple ways that you can give:
1. Online - https://wesleymemorial.net/give/
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2. Mobile: Text donation amount to 833-505-2066
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3. In-Person - Drop off donation to church office
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4. Mail- Mail donation to 6100 Memorial Highway Tampa, FL 33615
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Office hours are Monday - Thursday 9am-3pm.
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We are here to help you with any of your needs.
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Church Contact Information:
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Please join us for Friday NIght & Prayer this Friday, July 12 from 7-8pm. We will be praying for our new pastor, Rev. Ontonio, our church, our leaders, our ministries, our community, and our nation. Personal congregational prayers are offered towards the end of the meeting. All are welcome! Let's be a church that prays together!
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All youth 6th-12th grade are invited to join Ruah Youth Ministry for a "Lock-in" starting at 3pm on Saturday, July 20th to 10am Sunday, July 21st. We will meet at the church and then head for a beach clean up. We will return to church for dinner than head out for some late night bowling. The event is free but completed permission slips are required. RSVP at [email protected].
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The third Sunday of each month, Rev. Ontonio will be available in the overflow area for coffee if you would like to sit down and chat. This is a great opportunity to connect with the pastor so you can get to know each other better and how you can serve.
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Everyone in the congregation is invited to join us for a Picnic in the Park on Sunday, July 21 following the worship service. This is another great opportunity to fellowship with the congregation as well as Rev. Ontonio and his family.
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Please RSVP so we know how much chicken to bring. Bring a side dish to share as well as folding chairs and picnic blankets. Picnic tables will be limited. You can RSVP Here!
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
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Our Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church will be hosting a Life Line Screening event on Friday, August 16, 2024. Life Line Screening has been the premier provider of stroke and cardiovascular disease risk screenings since 1993. As the host of the event, Life Line Screening is extending a special offer to all our Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church members for a screening package that enables you to get peace of mind or early detection.
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To schedule your appointment, click here or call 888-814-0466 to schedule your appointment! A simple screening can be worth a lifetime.
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Ladies, come join us for Community Bible Study starting August 28. This year we
will be studying the Gospel of Matthew. Together we will meet King Jesus and
discover how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecy, bringing rescue and
redemption.
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We meet in the Fellowship Hall on Wednesdays from 9:45 to 11:45 am and have
online classes at the same time. Or you can join us Wednesday evenings from
6:30 to 8:00 pm either in person or online. Our children’s program meets
Wednesday mornings.
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NEW PASTOR WELCOME RECEPTION
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It was a great Sunday last week as we welcomed Rev. Ontonio, our new pastor, and his family into the Wesley Family. We are excited about a new chapter here at Wesley!
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Click button below for a short video clip of the morning!
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WESLEY CRAFTY LADIES
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This week Rev. Ontonio dropped by the Wesley Crafty Ladies to learn more about what they do. They stay busy all year making crafts for Wesley's Craft Fairs in the fall and the spring. All proceeds go to ministries and missions that the Women of Wesley support. The Crafty Ladies meet every Tuesday from 2pm - 5pm in the Craft Room.
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CHRISTMAS SHOEBOXES: Collecting school supplies, crayons, pencil sharpeners (no pencils), pens, erasers during the month of July. Drop off boxes at sanctuary entries.
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RUTH CIRCLE : Collecting diapers, wipes, toiletries and educational supplies for Children's Home Network. Drop off bin in copy room.
CUBA MINISTRY: Collecting medicines to be shipped to our sister churches. Drop off on marked shelf in copy room.
HOMELESS MINISTRY: Collecting T-shirts for men and women. Drop off bins in copy room.
PACK-A-SACK: Collecting cash donations only through the summer. Please place in offering plate in marked envelop or bring by church office.
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We are in need of several active and back up volunteers in various ministries.
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Getting involved in ministries is a great way to get connected at Wesley while serving others. Contact the office if you would like to learn more about the ministries below.
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HOSPITALITY TEAM: Help coordinate and set up for special church events, including luncheons, receptions and other church events.
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COMMUNION STEWARDS: Prepare the Worship space for Communion the first Sunday of each month by setting up the altar, preparing the elements, assisting the pastor and cleaning up after the service.
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NURSERY VOLUNTEERS: Seeking volunteers one Sunday a month during the worship service to assist when needed.
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CHRISTMAS SHOEBOXES: Needs volunteers to help coordinate collections, packing parties, and loading trucks when needed.
PACK-A-SACK: Needs drivers Friday morning to help deliver food bags to schools during the school year.
HOMELESS MINISTRY: Help monitor showers and/or cook breakfast for homeless on Sunday mornings 6-8am.
CUBA MINISTRY: Help pack and send donated medicines to our sister churches in Cuba when needed and/or assist with Cuban Pastora communications.
HOPE MINISTRY: Represent the church in four major yearly events for a faith-based social organization involved in improving the lives of people in Hillsborough County.
CHURCH OFFICE VOLUNTEER: The pastor is seeking a volunteer to serve the church office on Fridays for a half day. Duties entail answering the phone and other light duties as needed.
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