Wesley United Methodist Church

Wesley United Methodist Church is a church family that seeks to live into John Wesley's three simple rules- to do good, to do no harm, and to stay in love with God. http://www.wumcsf.org

We meet every Sunday at 10am.

We often forget that Christmas eve is the start of the 12 Days of Christmas- a time in Christian tradition that marks the time between the birth of Jesus Christ and the arrival of the three wise men, also known as the Magi. The 12 days begin on Christmas Day, December 25, and end on January 6, also known as the Epiphany or Three Kings' Day. So, even though the trees have been taken down, the ornaments have been put away, and the gifts have been received, we still have a baby’s birth to celebrate. Lest we forget what the message of Christmas means, I invite us to remember what Mary may have pondered in her heart.

The Creator of the World- the One who brought this all into being, who calls us Beloved, chose to be born in these dirty, dank, dark, and dusty circumstances. The Savior of all of us- who was the Beginning- opted for these conditions just to build a relationship with us. God did not need to manifest in such a manner- - AND YET.

Love- love coming down to meet us where we are, not matter the circumstances, was more important than anything else. Love gazing at us each with such a sense of wonder and awe at who we are- time and again.

In the wee hours- of the morning or late at night- Mary engaged in what is arguably one of the, if not the most painful physical endeavors possible. Mary pushes, strains, labors under the physical agony of childbirth. She does so almost on her own- with no prior knowledge- having had no prenatal care- and no idea what to do afterward to care for this child.

And yet, into this moment a Light- THE Light burst forth in triumph. Word made Flesh- with the single goal of dwelling among us so that we might know in person how beloved and sacred a creation we are. The Savior CHOSE to come into this cold, harsh, often unforgiving world, to offer us eternal grace and love- a peace that defies odds. He is born to his mother Mary, whose eyes are the first eyes upon which the Messiah gazes. Imagine that- as His eyes begin to focus- and the blurriness clears- the first eyes- the first face He sees is of a teenage girl turned Mother and for the first time see her. In that stable, infant lowly’s cry pierced the stillness and being passed to His mother- was swaddled immediately- held close- receiving the nourishment that only she could provide. And she, counting his 10 fingers and toes, fell in love with the baby boy who was sent to bridge God to humankind. - with a contented sigh from both, I imagine Mary closing her eyes in silent wonder, thanking God- her own child, for in this barn, away from the crowds, she and Joseph just became mom and dad. He came to what was his own, to love, to cherish, to hold and be held tenderly as a Mother nestles her child. Word made Flesh to dwell forever with and in us. Come, let us adore Him.

Pastor CC

In case you missed the worship services and messages in December, go to http://wumcsf.org and click on the “Video Archive” tab to view.

To watch services “live” each Sunday at 10 AM, go to http://wumcsf.org and click on the “Livestream” tab.

We are also grateful for the opportunities we have to “host” these additional congregations within our Wesley UMC building:

• Pentecostal Slavic Congregation of Sioux Falls-Meets in our Sanctuary on Sundays 12:00-2:00, and on Fridays 7:00-9:00
• Lirio de los Valles-Meets in our former nursery room on Sundays 12:00-2:00 and Thursdays 7:00-8:30

Income 11 months 2024----- --------------------------------- -$96,770.49

Expense 11 months 2024 ------------------------------------- ($89,399.19)

Income exceeds expense @ 11.30.2024 ----------------------- $7,371.30

Don Armstrong, Treasurer

Balance 10/31/2024----------------------------------------------------------------$22,653.18

Donations November 2024 --------------------------------------------------------------$240.00

Interest earned November 2024 -----------------------------------------------------------$7.21

Balance 11/30/2024 ---------------------------------------------------------------$22,900.39

Don Armstrong, Treasurer

Prayers:

Steve Polzin - Comfort care

Ernie Griner & family - prayers for Ernie to safely drive his new vehicle

Aleene WIlliams - cancer treatments

Zelda Kirkvold - cancer

Sandy - Bernie McCabe's daughter, ongoing illness

Kolby Bohmbach – Continued prayers for good test results

Karen Renken- continued prayers for healing

Nila & Karen’s sister-in-law Karen - continued prayers

And all who are named in hearts

And all affected by violence

Good Sam/ Canton: Joyce Patterson

Tuff Home in Hills, MN: Jackie Dreyer

Avantara: Guy Varud

Rushmore Mn: Marian Hoek

Stoney Brooke: Maxine Ingalls

Prairie Crossing: Bernie McCabe

Dow Rummel: Nila Hendriks

Luther Manor: Donna Hoh

Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion, SD: Margeann Dewes

Prince of Peace: Audrey Hullinger

Wesley Neighborhood Outreach (WNO) looks forward to 2025 with Great Expectations!

We would like to thank everyone who supported our team throughout 2024. Many good things happened, and we are confident God will bless our efforts in 2025.

• We are committed to continue with Nightwatch Canteen and look forward to our new partnership with our friends from the Slavic Pentecostal Congregation. Wesley served Nightwatch canteen on Sunday December 22nd and Monday December 23rd. On Sunday 12-22 we served 153 people.
• We continued our partnership with the King of Glory Church working at the Terry Redlin Pantry. The King of Glory congregation provides the workers at the pantry every other month and has committed to pay for half the milk that is given away each week.
• Wesley will provide a meeting space for the Whittier neighborhood Association. The group plans to meet at every last Saturday of the month. The group has appointed the necessary officers to form an association and has met with the city as they move forward.
• There are always additional needs, and WNO continues to ask for your donations. The two boxes will remain in the Narthex for both the Pantry and the Canteen. Warm outerwear is still needed and should be on clearance soon. Toothpaste continues to be a need.
• These few sentences don't do justice to the amount of work our volunteers put into these projects. "THANK YOU" to all who commit to cooking, cleaning, setting up, donating supplies and whatever you do to help. We are looking forward to new adventures, new partners and new blessings. Anyone is welcome to become involved in these projects. Please check out the signup sheets in the narthex or call Mary P. If you want to help or have any questions.

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!

I’m not a caregiver, you say…. I just call mom daily to check on her. I drop in weekly to assist her in paying bills, and I check the fridge while I am there. We attend her medical appointments together and I am seeking a new “lawn service” for her yard. Guess what? You are a Caregiver!

There are approximately 100 million family caregivers in the U.S. today. They care for their spouse, parent, special-needs child or other relatives, making sure they are safe and healthy. Typically, caregivers begin their caregiver journey because they naturally love the care recipient and want the best for them, but it can quickly become a highly demanding and stressful role. Many caregivers are already caring for their children, spouse, household and quite often working a full-time job. At this time, the baby boomer generation is aging well into their 60’s and beyond. Professional caregivers are at an all-time shortage. This means taking on the role of family caregiver has also increased. In fact, since 2020, the number of hours devoted to caregiving for a family member each week has nearly tripled.

Caregiving can be a beautiful active love, but it can also take a negative toll on your relationships, work-life, finances and your own personal health. Please know you are not alone! The first step is realizing you are a Caregiver and then understanding and utilizing the resources and supports available to help you through this season in life.

Below are the Top Ten Tips for Family Caregivers from the Caregiver Action Network.

1. Seek support from other caregivers

2. Take care of your own health

3. Accept offers of help from others

4. Communicate effectively with healthcare professionals

5. Take respite breaks

6. Watch for signs of depression (in yourself)

7. Be open to new technologies

8. Organize medical information

9. Ensure legal documents are in order

10. Give yourself credit - you are doing the best you can! For more on each of these tips: https://www.caregiveraction.org/10-tips-family-caregivers/

Dawn Armstrong, Health Ministries Coordinator

Isaiah 26:12 “Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.”

God of wonders beyond our galaxy You are holy, holy

The universe declares Your majesty You are holy, holy

Lord of all creation Lord of water, earth and sky

The heavens are your Tabernacle Glory to the Lord on high

Speak gently in my silence. When the loud outer noises of my surroundings and the loud inner noises of my fears keep pulling me away from you, help me to trust that you are still there even when I am unable to hear you. Give me ears to listen to your small, soft voice saying: “Come to me, you who are overburdened, and I will give you rest . . . for I am gentle and humble of heart.” Let that loving voice be my guide.

Amen. ( Henri Nouwen)

"Others see the problems of the world and wring their hands. We see the problems of the world and bend our knees". Max Lucado - Anxious for Nothing currently being read and discussed in the Monday morning Bible Study

The word “amen” has ancient Semitic roots and is used in many languages and religions in the greater Middle East. The spread of Christianity and Islam, which both started in that region, expanded the use of the term worldwide.

“Amen” is spoken as a response to a prayer or blessing as a sign of affirmation, agreement and hope for fulfillment. The Hebrew words for “true,” “trustworthy” and “faithful” share ancient-Semitic roots with “amen.” Those praying respond “amen,” adding their affirmation and, in effect, saying, “Let this be true,” “We believe this is a trustworthy/truthful assertion or request” or “So be it.”

“Amen” is used this way throughout the Bible. “Amen and Amen” marks the end of several collections of Psalms within the Book of Psalms (Psalm 41:14, 72:19, 89:52). Paul often ends his epistles with “amen.” In Revelation, Jesus is called "the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation" (Revelation 3:14). And throughout history, Christians have responded to statements in sermons or testimonies, or upon receiving the elements of communion, with “amen.” Read more at:

https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-is-the-meaning-of-the-word-amen