John Wesley Adult Ministries

There is no triumph without suffering, no crown without a cross.

Holy Week. A time of remembrance, reflection, and preparation for Easter when we focus on the Passion and death of Jesus that culminates in the jubilant celebration of His resurrection. Experience the full gospel, beginning with the joy of Jesus entry into Jerusalem and continuing through the passion to the cross. We hope you will plan your week to participate in the worship services at John Wesley UMC where you will experience the journey that Christ made to the cross out of His love for us. Then, join us on Easter when we celebrate our risen Lord!

Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

This worship service on Sunday morning embodies the sharp contrasts of Holy Week. As the children enter worship on Sunday morning waving their palm branches, we experience the joyous demonstration of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem amid shouts of "Hosanna!"-- a declaration of their hope for salvation as they recognized Jesus as the Messiah.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another:

just as I have loved you, you are to love one another.

The Maundy Thursday Service occurs on the Thursday of Holy Week as a remembrance of the day on which Jesus celebrated His final Passover with the disciples. During this time with His disciples, Jesus breaks bread and passes a glass of wine, signifying His sacrifice. He also washes the feet of His disciples, displaying humility and love, and commands them to do the same for one another. Later, the disciples go with Jesus to the Garden of Gethsemane so that He can pray. In Gethsemane, Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus, ultimately leading to the execution of Jesus.

These hours of friendship, love, loneliness, and betrayal are experienced in the Maundy Thursday worship service as we join together to remember Christ's last supper with His disciples and His greatest commandment for us...to love one another.

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming

obedient to death--even death on the cross!

A requiem, at its core, is a prayer for rest--traditionally, for the deceased. The name comes from the first line of the first movement: "Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine." This line translates as, "Grant them eternal rest, Lord." The seven musical sections of Requiem form an arch-like meditation that consists of the theme of life and death, prayers on behalf of all humanity, personal prayers to Christ, and the affirmation of divine glory with Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.

Join the John Wesley Chancel Choir and instrumentalists at 7:00 pm on Good Friday for a worship service that includes Sir John Rutter's Requiem.

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.

Come to worship next Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, His victory over sin and death. As a congregation, we participate in the Easter celebration signifying the fulfillment of God's plan for redemption and His promise of eternal life. A new day of joy and hope, we celebrate the victory of light over darkness, life over death...the triumph of God's love for all of humanity. Easter reminds us of the transformative power of faith and the enduring message of hope that Christ has brought to the world.

Hope is asking for adults and youth to help set up, hide eggs, decorate the gym, and serve as hosts during the Easter Egg Hunt on April 12th. Please contact Hope or use the button below to find out how you can volunteer for this annual event.

Children and grandchildren, friends and neighbors enjoy the Annual Easter Egg Hunt at John Wesley every spring. Hope to see you and your "littles" on the lawn at John Wesley for a day of Easter fun!

The UWF's Celebration of Women Retreat on May 10th will provide an opportunity to hear from author and speaker Sherry Bradshaw from Back9 Ministries while engaging in fellowship with other women. You can read more about Back9's mission below:

We hope you will join John Wesley UMC's United Women of Faith for a Saturday of faith, fun, and fellowship with Sherry Bradshaw! Reserve your spot by registering now.

Let's welcome local college students with a hot meal and warm fellowship during WNO! Contact Missy to learn how you can support local college students in the Charleston community.

Contact Missy Cario, missycario451@gmail.com, to share information with other adults in the John Wesley community.