Hello, beloved of God!
I became a Christian through a hamburger and a warm, welcoming community at a Wesley Foundation, a United Methodist campus ministry. I was a broke college student who had been hurt by the church as a kid. I’m grateful for the friend who kept inviting me, reassuring me that I wouldn’t find condemnation or judgment at the Wesley.
As United Methodists, we know we can do more together than we ever could alone. Our connection is a strength! One of those things is supporting campus ministries. Just recently I received a message from Julia Puac-Romero, the Campus Ministry Director of the Wesley of Wichita Falls, the only campus ministry in our Northwest District. This Wesley helps create community for students at Midwestern State University and Vernon College.
Julia shared, “After nearly 16 years the Wesley Foundation of Wichita Falls officially has a home located inside of University United Methodist Church! We recently completed the renovations on the second floor of the main church building and are ready to open our doors to students starting THIS FALL!”
I appreciate this collaboration between a campus ministry and local church. I got to serve as an intern at the Denton Wesley Foundation, so I know that they are like a new church start every year. I also know that they have a unique opportunity to be in relationship with students during a transformational time in their lives. We get to support their work through our prayers and apportionments. We can do more together.
Another way United Methodists work together to the glory of God is through UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Many of us watched in horror as wind-driven wildfires swept across Maui last week. UMCOR is coordinating with the California-Pacific Annual Conference to process an initial grant for emergency supplies such as shelf-stable food, water, hygiene items and tools to help survivors recover belongings. While we may never travel to Maui for a mission trip, our presence, our love, our care prompted by God’s great love and care for us is being felt in Hawaii. If you would like to give to this effort, more details are available at https://umcmission.org/umcor-us-latest-responses/.
I’m praying for you. I hope you are praying for me. I am grateful to be in ministry with all of you! And I hope to see you Sunday – we’ll continue our VBS for all of us as we hear about Jesus walking on water!
grace & peace,
Pastor Jessica.