Wesley United Methodist Church

Thanks to all who came out to the Annual Pasta Dinner last week and helped the Wesley UMC Youth Group meet its goal of raising the funds to sponsor Godwin, a child in Africa they have been supporting since 2007.  We are proud beyond words that the youth have always raised enough money on their own – through the Pasta Dinner and their tips from the Holiday Bazaar – to sponsor Godwin each year.  The youth of this church are a strong determined group with huge hearts.

Special thanks to Steve and Roberta Pandolfi for all their support on the Pasta Dinner, and Nancy Andrews for helping out in the kitchen.

The kids are not stopping either.  Over the next few weeks they will be raising money for our 30 Hour Famine.  On March 9^th-10^th the youth group will be going without food for 30 hours to raise money and awareness about hunger around the world.  The 30 Hour Famine, developed by World Vision, is a time to learn about hunger through fellowship, worship and community service.  It is amazing how powerful 30 hours together on an empty belly can be.  We ask for your prayers and support during this time of growth.

With Gratitude and Blessings,
Chris & Dan Genannt,  Mike and Tracy Maziarz
Youth Group Leaders

Wesley UMC will hold its annual Ash Wednesday worship service at the church on February 22 at 7 p.m.  This will be a service of scripture, communion, hymns and offerings of ashes and prayers.  Join us in entering the Lenten season.

On behalf of your Staff Parish Relations Committee I am delighted to announce that Wesley United Methodist Church has a permanent minister appointment effective February 1, 2012.

Rev. William “Bill” Flug (Fl-oo-g) comes to us from the Westford, MA United Methodist Church. Pastor, or Rev., Bill is married almost 34 years to Irene Peloquin (a native of Cumberland, RI) together they raised two children, Jacob and Emily, both of whom reside in Rhode Island. He enjoys reading (history, current events and fiction – especially Charles Dickens. Bill also enjoys travel to Maine and New Orleans and sports events with Jake. Bill has been a runner for the past 13 years, and has run the Boston Marathon several times.

He earned B.A. degrees in Sociology and Religion from Tufts College of Tufts University in 1972, graduating magna cum laude. He earned his Masters in Theology from Boston University in 1975, graduating cum laude and continued course work toward a Ph. D. in theology at Boston University.

Pastor Bill served Shepherd of the Valley United Methodist Church, in Rhode Island for 13 years, prior to that serving 12 years at the United Methodist Church of Woburn and 6 years at the Mansfield United Methodist Church, both in Massachusetts. His current pastorate at the United Methodist Church of Westford began in 2007.

He is delighted to be returning to Rhode Island to begin a new phase of ministry here at Wesley. A huge bonus will be the close proximity to their children and “warmer” climate of Rhode Island.

Thank you,
David Philhower
Chairperson
Staff Parish Relations Committee

Join us for the 2012 Annual Auction

Saturday, March 24th at 7 p.m.
Bravo Brasserie Restaurant (upstairs)
123 Empire St, Providence (corner of Empire & Washington)

Tickets are $40 per person and include appetizers, pastry, coffee, live music and free valet parking

Donations for items to include in the auction are being accepted. If you have items or talents to auction, please contact Linda Andrews or Valerie Valentine. For ticket reservations please contact Linda Andrews or the church office. Last day for ticket purchase is March 4.

Thank you!

Wesley UMC is happy to host two fun events to chase away the cold this January.

On Sunday, January 15 at 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall is Ladies Craft Night.  This will be the first of a monthly opportunity to gather and make simple, fun crafts for the annual holiday bazaar.  Talk with Sharon Petrarca for more details.

Friday, January 27 at 6:49 p.m. is the 2nd Annual Pampered Chef Fundraiser party in the church kitchen.  Come sample some new recipes and see Pampered Chef products in action.  The recipes demonstrated are always easy and delicious!  Catalogs and order forms will be available each Sunday after church prior to the party.  Feel free to get one and ask your family, friends and co-workers if they need anything if they are unable to attend.  Free products from all orders will be given to the church auction committee to create fantastic Pampered Chef packages to bid on in March.  See Lynne Lamarre or Nancy Andrews for more information.

Join us for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Saturday, December 24 at 5:30 p.m.

The service is appropriate for all ages and features the traditional reading of the Christmas story, singing of carols and lighting of candles.

Thanks to Wesley Sunday School Superintendent Steve Pandolfi and all of Wesley’s Sunday School children for presenting an entertaining re-telling of the Christmas story at last week’s service.  From shepherds and angels to wise people and King Herrod, and of course the sheep, the youth of Wesley did a fantastic job dramatizing the story of our Savior’s birth.  Thank you all!