at_wesley

August 12, 2024 - August 18,2024

Dear Friends,

This week has been one of profound transitions, as we drop Zahara off at college.
It’s hard to explain the mix of emotions that come with this new chapter— there’s pride in seeing her take this significant step, gratitude for the journey that brought us to this point, and, YES, a deep ache for the shift of our home dynamics.

Our family is officially in a new season of letting go and trusting God. It's a time of holding on to the memories and embracing the new experiences that lie ahead.
Navigating this newness means there will be moments of doubt, fear, and overwhelming emotions. But through it all, I find comfort in knowing that God walks with us in every season. I’m learning to release what I cannot control and to lean into His promises. I am also reminded that as a church family, we are here to support one another through all the seasons of life. Whether you’re in a season of joy or a season of sorrow, please know that you are not alone.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “To everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” This verse reminds me that though this time is emotionally difficult, each season comes with its purpose and beauty.

May we all find strength, comfort, and hope in the God who never leaves our side.
With love and gratitude,
Rev. Ontonio

SUNDAY, August 18, 2024

Click here to preview Order of Worship.

Ministry Highlights

BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS

What a great Sunday it was with kids, young and old, bringing their backpacks to the altar for a special blessing during the Worship Service last week! Parents, teachers and school administrators joined them as Rev. Ontonio, along with the congregation, prayed for a great send off to the new school year. Click here to see more photos.
After the blessing, the kids regrouped in Promiseland for a special session.
It was great seeing many from Bridges Preschool participate in the event!
A special thank you to Makenna Bayyat for leading in this effort!
Please consider becoming a Communion Steward, by serving communion to those unable to attend our worship services and bringing them Christ's love. A prepackaged communion box is provided to deliver the first Sunday of the month after the Worship Service to a member who is unable to attend in person.

If you are able to help, please contact
Jean Rowe, 813-767-5264; [email protected] OR
Carol Dittmar, 813-499-7169; [email protected]

BRIDGES PRESCHOOL: Please visit the Wish List for needs of our preschool ministry. Donations can be shipped directly to Bridges Preschool at 6100 Memorial Hwy., Tampa, FL 33615 or dropped off at the church.
CHRISTMAS SHOEBOXES: For August, please bring in spiral notebooks. Drop off boxes at sanctuary entries.
CUBA MINISTRY: Collecting OTC medicines to be shipped to our sister churches. Drop off on marked shelf in copy room (across from church office).
HOMELESS MINISTRY: Collecting T-shirts for men and women as well as bath towels. Drop off bins in copy room.
PACK-A-SACK: Please consider sponsoring a child for the upcoming school year who receive a bag of food to take home on the weekend. Details to follow.
RUTH CIRCLE : Collecting diapers, wipes, toiletries and educational supplies for Children's Home Network. Drop off bin in copy room.

To learn more about all the ministry opportunities at Wesley UMC, click here!

CUBA MINISTRY UPDATE

A tropical depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Debby went through Cuba last week. The storm brought heavy wind, drenching floods and thunderstorms that have spread over a broad area of the Island.. Click here to read more about the damage caused at our sister church in Duranona.
Are you interested in learning more about our church? Do you want to know the next steps for joining and serving? Join Rev. Ontonio for coffee every third Sunday at 9:00am. This is a great opportunity to connect, ask questions, and get involved.

COUNCIL OF MINISTRIES

There is a meeting of the Council of Ministries this Sunday,

Aug. 18 at 11:15am immediately after the Worship Service

in the multi-purpose room.

The Council of Ministries meets the third Sunday of each month.
For more info on Wesley ministries, click here.
Please join us for an organizational meeting for our Wesley Network for HOPE ministry on Monday, August 26. This is a meeting to build relationships and prepare for our Fall listening process and convention. All are invited to come out and get involved in this ministry! Questions? Contact Carol Dittmar (813)499-7167 or [email protected].

To learn more about the HOPE ministry, click here!

SAVE THE DATE! SEPTEMBER 21 @ 5:30PM

Let's all support the youth group's effort to raise funds for youth camp!
For more info on Ruah Youth Group, contact Kristine Johnson (813)476-5351
or [email protected]

Click here for the 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.
Now open on Fridays 9am - noon
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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