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Wesley United Methodist Church
January 2024
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Wesley is rich in tradition and always looking towards the future. We welcome you to worship with us on Sunday mornings at 10am. Everyone is welcome. http://www.wumcsf.org
From the Desk of Pastor Eric
Hello, friends, and Merry Christmas! We are, after all, still in the Christmas season until Epiphany on January 6, so I’m going to make the most of that holiday spirit until then.
I long ago gave up on New Year’s resolutions, but the completion of one more circle around the sun does make one stop and ponder. For many of us at Wesley, 2023 was a difficult year—one that started with conflict and moved through uncertainty. While we are a long way from being able to rest easy, I think we need to pause long enough to be grateful for where we are now. Our essential committees are staffed, our community outreach has restarted with some encouraging partnerships, and we have a stability we’ve lacked over the past several months.
I know there are still challenges. There always are. But we’ve made a lot of progress, and I want to say without qualification: Good job, church!
As for me and my family, we’ve got some big changes coming up in 2024. In late December, I accepted an offer to be the director at Camp Loucon in Leitchfield, KY. I’m working remotely for now but will move on site later this spring. I’m very excited for this opportunity to work in a camping and retreat setting, which has been one of my goals for several years.
But I’m not saying goodbye. Not just yet. I’ve offered to serve Wesley for the next few weeks while the transition takes shape. I don’t have an official end date yet, but that will be set in the near future.
When they appointed me as interim pastor here at Wesley, the Dakotas Annual Conference knew I would be here no later than next summer. The timeline has shifted up a bit, but I know they’ve been working on ideas for transition and leadership that would come once my term was up. District Superintendent Rebecca Trefz will be following up with the church soon to let you know their plan going forward.
Like I said, no goodbyes yet. But I will say thank you. I can’t tell you how good Wesley has been for me these past six months. It’s been a place of welcome and healing that really has meant the world to me. Whatever I’ve given you, rest assured that you’ve given me more in return.
You’ve come a long way, this trip around the sun. I trust that you’ll keep that going in the new year, and I’m privileged to help get you started on the way.
Blessings, friends! Onward.
--Eric
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
With the spike in RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) this year, especially in older adults, I thought it would be a good idea to speak to that topic this month. It is easy to confuse RSV with a common cold. With a cold, you’ll usually feel better after a week or so of drinking extra fluids and getting plenty of rest. But, RSV can worsen quickly and become a greater health risk to certain groups of people—infants and adults age 65 and older.
People 65 and older are more affected by RSV due to the body’s diminishing ability to fight off illness. As you get older, your immune system weakens making it harder to protect yourself from foreign invaders, including bacteria, parasites, and viruses. And, if you’re dealing with a chronic health issue—whether you are older or not—your body may have a harder time resisting RSV.
Conditions that can contribute to RSV complications: asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, asbestosis, pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs), congestive heart failure, angina, irregular heart rhythms, heart valve disease, and immunocompromising conditions (lupus, HIV, smoking, transplant recipient, chemotherapy).
Signs of RSV:
• Gasping for breath
• Wheezing
• Worsening cough
• Fever
• Bluish skin (a sign of lack of oxygen
If you experience these symptoms, it is important to seek emergency care to receive appropriate care.
Treating RSV:
There is no exact treatment for the virus. Like many other respiratory illnesses, prevention is the best medicine. After years of research, in May 2023 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first RSV vaccine for adults 60 and older to prevent the infection.
I would encourage those over 65 to go to your doctor or your pharmacy to receive the RSV vaccination if you haven’t done so already. And, while you’re at it, make sure you have had your flu vaccination as well.
Dawn Armstrong
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Exciting News! More Community Revitalization Forums! January 13th & 27th
Come have a cup of coffee and a treat and meet your Church's neighbors. "Let's work together to make our Whittier neighborhood an even better place to live one forum at a time." For more information visit civicbiodesign.org/join-the-crc. If you have any questions or would like to provide treats for this meeting, please call Mary Poppenga.
Santa made a surprise Visit to the Nightwatch Canteen
Nightwatch Canteen
It won't be long before winter begins to wane and warm outerwear will be going on sale. Please consider helping us build our stock of winter hats, gloves and mittens. We are always in need of these items, especially for men.
Thank You!!!!!
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35
Thank you to Wesley's Prayer Shawl group
Wesley's Wednesday morning Prayer Shawl group contributed 45 hats and 18 scarves and 7 pairs of mittens to the children attending the Terry Redlin afterschool program. THANK YOU!
Prayers for Ernie
Ronald McDonald House 818 Fulton St SE Minneapolis MN 55414. You can keep up with Ernie's progress at his Caring Bridge.
General Budget update @ November 30, 2023
Income 11 months 2023------ --------------------$ 103,974.50
Expense 11 months 2023 ----------------------- ($128,708.47)
Expense exceed Income @ 11/30/2023----------($28,771.47)
Don Armstrong, Treasurer
Building and Grounds
Balance 10/31/2023----------------------------$19,643.97
Donations November 2023-----------------------$350.00
Interest earned November 2023--------------------$6.46
Balance 11/30/2023 -----------------------------$20,000.43
Don Armstrong, Treasurer
Our Members and Friends in Care Facilities or Under Home Care
Tuff Home in Hills, MN: Jackie Dreyer
Good Sam / Hill: Linda Varud,
Southridge: Guy Varud; Cleova Frahm
VA in Luverne: Bob Morrison
Friends to hold up and remember:
Sympathy -Julie Hansen and family on the death of Julie's mother, Donna Mortimore
Ernie Griner - now in rehab
Zelma Dean - Rehab after hospitalization
Carole Anderson -doing rehab
Trish Garcia - back home!
Erlene's cousin Jeff there have been small improvements after a stroke
Aggie Borman - recovering from a heart transplant and doing great
Sandy - Bernie McCabe's daughter, ongoing illness
Carmen Britt - Sister Kim and Brother-in-law, Dave - prayers needed
Kolby Bohmbach – Continued prayers for good test results
Felsheim Family – working to keep Bennett safe
Karen Renken- continued prayers for healing
Bob Whiting’s daughter Robyn –doing well after a kidney transplant
Nila & Karen’s sister-in-law Karen - continued prayers
José Garcia’s mom, Maria Herrera - breast cancer