at_wesley

July 15, 2024 - July 21 ,2024

Dear Friends,

It has come to my attention that there is an individual or group impersonating me and sending out emails and text messages asking for money. I want to assure you that I would never make such requests. These messages are fraudulent, and they are a part of a scam designed to deceive you. Please be vigilant and cautious. Do not click on any links or provide any personal information if you receive such messages.

This Sunday will conclude our reading from the Gospel of Mark. In the next few verses from chapter 6, we see Jesus exemplifying compassion in a profound way. After a period of intense ministry, Jesus and His disciples sought a place of rest. Yet, as soon as they arrived at their destination, they were met by a large crowd. Instead of expressing frustration or retreating in weariness, Jesus responded with compassion, seeing them as "sheep without a shepherd."

As we reflect on this passage, we are invited to consider our own responses to the "crowds" in our lives. In today's world, we encounter various gatherings—some protesting, some seeking justice, and others simply crying out for help. These crowds can stir a range of emotions in us, from empathy to discomfort, and even frustration. However, Jesus’ response offers us a different path—one of compassion.

Compassion calls us to see beyond our differences and reach out to those who are hurting. It is responding with kindness to a child who has just lost her father, offering support to a mother grieving her son, and providing comfort to a family torn apart by the lack of human dignity in our society. In these moments, our faith calls us to reflect the heart of Christ—a heart moved by compassion.

Reflection:
How can we cultivate a heart of compassion in our daily lives, especially when faced with situations that challenge our patience and empathy?

Let us pray:
Lord, grant us hearts of compassion, eyes that see the hurting, and hands ready to serve. Teach us to respond with Your love in all situations, reflecting Your grace to everyone we meet. Help us to embody the compassion You showed, becoming instruments of Your peace and justice in our world. Amen.

SUNDAY, July 21, 2024

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LIVESTREAM IS TEMPORARILY PAUSED

WHILE WE WORK TO RESOLVE TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES.

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prayer-wall

Please make visiting the prayer wall a daily practice!

Ministry Highlights

HONORING RICH COCKBURN FRIDAY AUGUST 9TH!

The church is putting together a reception for the Cockburn family from 11:00pm to 12:00pm following Rich's 10:00am Going Home Service on Friday August 9th. If you are able to help by bringing a food dish, please contact Shaun Black at (813)399-0220 or email [email protected]

Acolytes have long been a tradition in Methodist liturgical practice. We are in need of alcolytes ages 9 -14 to replace those that are older now and near graduating high school.

The Wesley Memorial UMC Acolyte program is simple but meaningful and helps your child grow in his or her faith. It takes only one session, about 10 minutes, to show them what an an Acolyte does and why. This is a great way to teach our children about the Christian life, our worship services, and the importance of serving!

Please contact Jean Rowe at (813)767-5264 or email [email protected]
Or you may call the church office.

2025 Budgets for Ministries is due August 16.

Please submit to finance chair, Steve Olson, at [email protected]

Wesley Church supported the efforts of the Agape Ministry to send supplies to Ukraine at the beginning of the war and then to bring families over to America. Many of the families had an handicapped child needing medical attention not available in Ukraine. Agape Ministries provided temporary housing and helped families transition into life in America. Wesley raised money to help Agape make necessary repairs and renovations to their living quarters.

We are happy to let you know the Prin family has been approved for their first apartment in Lutz, FL! They will need pretty much anything and everything, including beds and mattresses. If you or someone you know has gently used or good condition items they wish to donate, please contact Tracey Shadday at (813)404-2478 or email [email protected].

Want to learn more about the history of the Methodist Cuban Ministry?
Methodism took root in “fertile though troubled soil” in Cuba during the last years of the Spanish/American war in the late 1800’s. when the Florida Conference of the Methodist Church South commissioned 2 Cuban pastors living in Key West to open a mission in a Havana hotel. Read more ....



CHRISTMAS SHOEBOXES: Collecting school supplies, crayons, pencil sharpeners (no pencils), pens, erasers during the month of July. Drop off boxes at sanctuary entries.
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.


Please join us for Friday NIght & Prayer this Friday, July 19th 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!

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].

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.

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.

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!

We always have fun spending time with the residents of Habana!
You will be blessed by blessing others!
Reply to this email if you are able to join us this Saturday!

Our Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church will be hosting a Life Line Screening event on Friday, August 16, 2024.

To schedule your appointment, click here or call 888-814-0466 to schedule your appointment! A simple screening can be worth a lifetime.

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.

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.

Registration is $35. Contact Celia Petters [email protected] 813-263-6521.

Click here for monthly calendar!

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/
2. Mobile: Text donation amount to 833-505-2066
3. In-Person - Drop off donation to church office
4. Mail- Mail donation to 6100 Memorial Highway Tampa, FL 33615

Office hours are Monday - Thursday 9am-3pm.
We are here to help you with any of your needs.
Church Contact Information:
email: [email protected]
phone: 813-769-9157

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