What'sHappening
Bishop Johnson Announces Pastoral Appointment
Bishop Peggy Johnson announces the appointment to Wesley Church of the Rev. Thomas Fries effective July 1. Pastor Fries currently serves Pocono Lake UMC. We welcome him and look forward to his first Celebration Service here on July 4. To read the entire text of the Bishop's announcement and to view a photo of Pastor Fries and his wife, Pam click here.
The Season of Lent
The Season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday, February 17.
During the 40 days of Lent you can be a part of our church-wide study of Adam Hamilton's ENOUGH: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity. Study groups will meet in homes across the area.
Click here to read more
Haiti Relief
Since the devastating earthquake hit Haiti on January 12 United Methodists have responded to the plight of the people. Here are ways to help:
Donate through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
One hundred percent of your donation reaches those in need. click here to donate to UMCOR
Package health kits
UMCOR indicates that hundreds of thousands of kits are needed in the coming weeks. The list of supplies is very specific and should be followed exactly. Click here for health kit information
Pray
The United Methodist Church’s Haiti response effort offers a “Prayer Wall” on the 10thousanddoors.org Facebook group page. View the denomination's Rethink Church campaign at 10thousanddoors.org
Adult Faith Formation
Celebrate the Risen Christ
Sunday Mornings at 9:15 and 10:45: This seven-session Lenten study by Andy Langford and Sally Langford will help adults understand, appreciate, and participate in meaningful and joyous celebrations of God’s salvation and gift of life as they remember the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.The study offers the opportunity and challenge to journey toward Jerusalem and the cross by exploring the Revised Common Lectionary readings designated for this Lenten season.
It is tempting to bypass the somber notes of the Lenten season and rush straight from Ash Wednesday to Easter morning. “Alleluias” sing easier than “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” Yet the impact of an empty tomb is most fully experienced when we witness again the passion of Jesus and when we keep vigil at the cross.
Invitation to the Old Testament: A Short-term DISCIPLE Bible Study
Tuesday mornings at 10:30 starting February 23:
How was the Bible first put together, and how should we understand it now? What sort of unity may there be in the Old Testament, with its creation stories, histories, prophetic oracles, hymns, proverbial wisdom and visions of origins and of end times? For nine weeks we will explore these ancient writings and how they offer guidance for us even today. Bring your own Bible or use one in the Library.
Pastor's Bible Study
Tuesday Evenings at 7:00: Pastor Bill Lentz offers a detailed study of the Letter to the Hebrews. During the study, we will explore the role God plays in Christianity, investigate its portrait of a very human Jesus, and ponder the letter's lack of any reference to the Holy Trinity. Bring your favorite Bible and a nimble mind to ask questions.
Wesley Church in the Community
Resettling a refugee family
For two years we have worked with a family of 12 (now 13!) who had spent more than three decades in African refugee camps in Congo and Tanzania. We recently celebrated their achievements and independence.
Click here to read how the experience has affected us.
Unwanted household items? They can find a new life at Restoration House of New Bethany Ministries. Each new family living in these transitional housing units need items such as lamps, end table, kitchen chairs and general useful everyday kitchen wares. When the family moves to a permanent place, their household items move out with them, and then a new family begins life in an empty transitional unit. If you have items to donate, click here to connect with Carol.
Newsletter
DailyDevotional
Faithful in Prayer
One of [Jesus'] disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray."
-Luke 11:1 (NRSV)
AS a pastor, I conduct weekly prayer meetings and pray for the sick and others in need. Prayer comes naturally to me and has been an important part of my pastoral ministry. Recently, in leading a devotional time on prayer, I discovered that I had made several typographical errors in the prayer quotations I had given to the participants. Although I was upset with the mistakes, I continued with the devotion.
How often are we as careless with our prayer life as I was with my typing? At times we pray not because we enjoy praying but because we were asked to pray or because we had to lead the prayer meeting. Sometimes we can be so caught up in what words to use in prayer (especially in public) that our prayer becomes merely an outward form.
Read more of this passage at UpperRoom.org
ThisSunday
Baptism Sunday
WesleyMedia
Weekly Sermons from Pastor Bill Lentz, Wesley United Methodist Church, Bethlehem, Pa.
Pastor'sPerspective
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