THE WESLEY CRIER

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

The Origin of Wesley 1 The Origin of Wesley Methodist Church Methodism In Early From Churches of Delaware and other documents 2 America 240th Anniversary 3 Wesley Methodist Church (M.E.) of Dover Message from Wesley 3 was organized on Sept. 13, 1778. Free- Lay Leaders born Garrettson, the missionary, had 2017 Total Church 4/5 preached from the steps of the old Acad- Giving to Mission emy on the day before. He was subject- Happy Musical Birthday 5 ed to indignities as were so many of the Wesley UMC early Methodist preachers. Preaching UMW Officers/Women’s 6 was also held at Mr. Hilliard’s home Circles & Lollipop Sale above Dover, at Gum Swamp and at Lit- United Methodist tle Creek. Once many joined the Wesley 7 Women Society, they wanted a place of worship. The first church was built at North and Trustees Report 8 Queen Streets, Richard Bassett, after- Finance Update 8 wards Governor of Delaware, contrib- Children and Youth 9 uting one-half of the cost [$2,000] of the building. Vincent Ministries Loockerman had donated the land for that purpose to a board Search Class 9 of trustees on June 1, 1782. A 40-foot square brick building with galleries on three sides was constructed, named Wesley Church Scholarship 10 Chapel, and completed in 1784. Incorporated in 1799, the Family Life Committee 10 church started with about 20 families. Missions 11 Pecometh 12 Bishops Francis Asbury and Richard Whatcoat, pioneers of Easter Egg Hunt 13 Christmas Eve Service American Methodism, conducted services at the “rather nice 13 large brick chapel” on many occasions. Francis Asbury Times Survey preached in Wesley Chapel on Oct. 2, 1784. On May 25, VBS Workshop 14 1801, he preached in the Court House while Bishop Whatcoat La Caminante 15 preached in the chapel. Easter Giving Form 16 Birthday Calendar 17 Bishop Whatcoat died on July 5, 1806, at the home of Richard Anniversaries 17 Bassett in Dover. He was buried beneath the altar of the Church Calendar 18 church. When the old church was removed in 1855, a stone Spring Forward 18 monument was erected over Bishop Whatcoat’s grave, with Time Change the entire plot used as a cemetery. The marble slab from his Reoccurring Meetings 19 tombstone was removed and imbedded in the wall in the front hall of the present church. Wesley's Vision 20 Staff E-mail 20 Addresses

E-mail: [email protected] Webpage: www.wesleyumc-dover.com Bulletin/Crier Deadline 20

Volume 2018, Issue 2 MARCH 2018 Page 1

Methodism in Early America By Lillian Postles Miller (Mrs. George R. Miller) 1963 (Mother of Dr. Mary Emily Miller)

Between 1769-1774 at the call of John Wesley, eight English lay preachers came to America. Among them was Francis Asbury.

The American Revolution precipitated a major break along nationalistic lines. In the year of the battles of Lexington and Concord, all of the Methodist preachers, except Francis Asbury and Thomas Rankin, left America. For during the War, a Methodist was considered a Tory until he proved himself otherwise. Wesley himself, although repudiated by the Anglican Church, kept the movement within that church and always considered himself a loyal Anglican to the end of his life.

THE CHRISTMAS CONFERENCE AND ITS ACHIEVEMENTS

At the close of the Revolutionary War, Wesley, who had opposed the American cause, realized that he could no longer hold his American disciples under his control; that they must be given ecclesiastical independence and a ordained ministry. These pur- poses were achieved in 1784, at what is known as the Christmas Conference [in Lovely Lane Chapel in Baltimore] where under leadership of a delegation of three preachers sent by Wesley, the Methodist Episcopal Church was founded. Dr. Thomas Coke, who headed the delegation of three appointed by Wesley, and Francis Asbury were chosen the first bishops. A prayer book, prepared by Wesley and similar to that of the Church of England was adopted; a form of discipline was drawn up; thus a full- fledged church was born.

The early Methodists in America met together in the homes of devoted followers. These homes were called preaching stations. They were served by circuit, or itinerant, preachers who traveled great distances under many adverse conditions to reach all of these stations. Truly, these men must have been inspired by God to have been able to endure the many hard- ships they were called upon to meet. “The pioneer preachers were rugged individualists, char- acterized by strong convictions and noted for their beliefs.” Kent County, Delaware, protected these itinerant preachers by allowing them to take an oath of allegiance. This act gave them status as Americans. Francis Asbury is listed as a Delawarean because of this fact.

The preaching stations later were to be designated as societies, that is to say, an organized unit of Methodist converts.

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Proclaiming God’s Love Through the Years 240th Anniversary of Wesley United Methodist Church By: Connie Strickland

Throughout this year, Wesley Church will be celebrating its 240th birthday in a number of ways. We will celebrate with worship, concerts, drama, and fellowship. Each Sunday you may read a 240th ANNIVERSARY FUN FACT. Look for “DID YOU KNOW…” in the bulletins to learn about various events from our history. In 2018 we will celebrate the ministry which has evolved and grown from the faith and works of those who went before us. Now is the time to praise God for the efforts of the Methodists who joined the circuit-riding itinerant preacher, Freeborn Garrettson, who organized the “Wesley Society” on September 13, 1778, as well as those who have continued the ministry “Proclaiming God’s Love Through the Years” in downtown Dover, Delaware. March 11th Bishop Peggy Johnson preaches

April 15th Concert and Dinner-Theater

April 22nd Combined 10 a.m. Service and Ministry Fair: “Honor the Gift”

November 3rd 18th Century Market Day on the Green November 4th HOMECOMING SUNDAY

Message from Wesley Lay Readers By: Larry & Donna Josefowski

John Wesley himself set the tone for the church when he labeled what he felt was the need to tie together accountability and communications of a far-flung church when he called us a “connectional” church. Today, that network of groups is what ties us together to each other, the community, and to the wider church. We have many opportunities to connect within and outside of our church, and we strongly urge everyone to get involved in at least one small group during this year. It is part of our heritage, of course, to be involved in both spiritual and social concerns, but it is also part of our faith. “How is it with your soul” was Wesley’s question to all, and it was meant to ensure that people held each other accountable and helped each other in their faith journey. We can answer in many ways, but how we serve the Lord, and how we serve each other are questions we should ask ourselves….and each other. We can certainly attest that sharing your faith journey in this way not only allows you to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2)” but that journey will be joyous in the company of friends. What is holding you back? Are you able to answer that you do have the blessed assurance that it is well with your soul? Have you enriched your spirit by attending to more than Sunday wor- ship – perhaps through Bible studies, or one of our many small groups? Have you opened yourself to the service of others by helping in one of our many ministries? Our Church and our community is blessed with many opportunities, and there is something that takes your gifts and blesses them to service. There are many opportunities that are listed in the bulletin. If you don’t see a ministry that you feel is important, let us know, and maybe we can build that ministry. Likewise, we have many learning opportunities, but if your soul is seeking something else – let us know, and we can connect you with fellow seekers.

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2017 TOTAL CHURCH GIVING

TO MISSIONS

Source Description Amount General Fund Connectional and Healthy Church Ministries $39,299 (Apportion Payment) Clergy Support and Administrative Ministries $24,883 District Office Apportionment $3,466 Congregation Individual Giving to Specific Causes $5,794 UMCOR - Disaster Relief - $3,796, Global Migration - $60, Code Purple - $200, Chaplain's Fund - $212 Ramp, $280, Spanish Hymnals - $45, Emmaus - $1140, DIMH - $61 Congregation Angel Tree (50 Children @ $50) $2,500 Congregation Kent Ecumenical Food & Crisis Fund (KEFCF)(44 contributors) $2,415 Congregation Food donations to First Baptist Food Pantry (1st Sun/Month) $4,308 Collected/delivered 2,154 pounds @ $2.00/pound Congregation Meals for Dover Interfaith Missions Dinners $1,600 (8 nights) prepared/served 320 meals @ $5.00 (128 Volunteer hours) Search Class, Women’s Covenant Group, Bible Study Congregation Code Purple (30 nights) served 287 overnight guests - women/children & intact families. $2,272 Provided 60 breakfast & dinner meals, winter clothing, blankets, toiletries, etc. Utilities - $550 (982 volunteer hours) Congregation 2nd Saturday and Day After Thanksgiving Community Meals $1,536 Prepare/served Lunch - 470 people (502 volunteer hours) Congregation Christmas Miracle Offering - DIMH - 235, Mama Tola - $235 $470 Christian Education Mission Outreach $116 Vacation Bible School United Methodist Mission Related Projects $7,016 Women (UMW) Mission Pledge to Women's Division - $5,279, ARC - $210, Pecometh Camperships - $200 VBS - $121, Wesley Preschool Bibles - $500, Mama Tola School - $420 Days for Girls Shipment - $286 United Methodist Mission Related Projects $1,100 Men (UMM) Heifer Project - $100, Safe Water Project - $500, No More Malaria - $500 Youth Group (MYF) Mission Outreach $4,195 Operation Christmas Mug, Packed 75 lunches for DIHM Missions Committee General Advance Specials World Missions and UMCOR $9,285 (General Fund) Congo - $1,000, Mama Tola School - $2,000, UMCOR National - $800, UMCOR International - $800, UMVIM Northeast - $300, Rise Against Hunger - $4,385 Missions Committee Conference Advance Specials/District $5,000 (General Fund) Annual Conference Domestic - $800, Annual Conference International - $800, Pecometh -$3,400 Missions Committee Mission Projects $6,169 (General Fund) DIMH - $1,100, Central DE Habitat for Humanity - $100, Whatcoat Shelter - $1,000, The Shepherd Place - $1,200, KEFCF - $600, 1st Baptist Church - $100, Home of the Brave - $100, Home of the Brave II - $1,400, Mom's House $100, Lydia’s Way - $100, Salvation Army - $100, Community Meals - $139, Other - $130 Clothing Closet Local Benevolences $27,873 Habitat for Humanity - $3400, KEFCF - $4,900, DIMH - $5,004, Whatcoat Shelter - $2,500, The Shepherd Place - $3,000, 1st Baptist Church - $1,100, Home of the Brave - $1,500, Home of the Brave II - $1,300, Community Meals - $1,397

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Clothing Closet Free Clothing for 660 Adults and Children $19,800 Referrals from Salvation Army, DE Health & Social Services, Dover Interfaith Mission, Delaware Correctional Center, People's Place, Whatcoat/Dorsey Shelter, Serenity House, St. Vincent Paul Prison Ministries, Loving Care, Capital School, Code Purple (660 referrals valued @ $30.00 per individual) ( 3,416 volunteer hours) Pastor's Special Fund Financial Assistance $19,470 (Communion Plate, KEFCF - $2000, Housing - 5 people = $1,119, Utilities - 3 people = $816, Moving truck - 1 person Individual Donations, = $80, Preschool staff member house fire = $150, Adopt a Family= $1000, Holiday Food Baskets Clothing Closet) - 8 people = $458, Handicap Ramp - 1 person = $360, Alex DiDonato Mission support - $1000, Peace Week - $550, Bus Tickets - $692, Wawa Cards - $150, Education Assistance - $524, School Supplies - $114, District Staff Appreciation - $100, Grocery Cards - 3 people = $400, Other Discretionary- $357 SUB TOTAL $174,822 Deduction to offset double counting for $2,600 expensed -$1,536 from Clothing Closet to Pastors Special Fund GRAND TOTAL $173,288 Volunteer Hours Salvation Army Kettle Bell Ringing - 43 volunteers filled 38 hours Rise Against Hunger - 72 volunteers - 250 hours 2nd Saturday Community Meals - 12 volunteers - 36 hours For 12 months = 144 volunteers = 432 hours Food Collection at Redners - 1-Day = 10 volunteer hours

Happy Musical Birthday, Wesley UMC By: Becky Davis, Music Director

This year Wesley United Methodist Church of Dover celebrates 240 years of serving God and the people of Dover! It is an awesome reali- zation that our body of believers has existed and served the city of Dover so many years in so many ways.

The Wesley Church music department will join in the joyous celebration by presenting a concert on the afternoon of Sunday, April 15th. Each of the musical groups of our church will sing, ring and play offerings for the delight of our congre- gation. Immediately following the concert will be a Dinner Theater in Grace Fellowship Hall.

We have invited any past Wesley Chancel Choir members to come and join in the fun. There will be a rehearsal for all current and alumni choir members from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 14th. The participating music directors, past, and present, will conduct the piec- es they have chosen during this rehearsal. This will be a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends and fellow singers, while singing praises to our God in gratitude for His stead- fast grace and generosity to our church. Please pass the word about our Alumni Choir of Wes- ley UMC to anyone who might be interested. It will be a grand occasion.

Congratulations Wesley UMC!

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Wesley United Methodist Women Officers

President - Barbara Rafte, Vice President - Mary Ann Evans, Secretary - Connie Strickland, Treasurer - Denise Knox, Sec. Program Resources - Frances Johnson, Spiritual Growth - Helene Zeman, Membership Nurture and Outreach - Marilyn Cleeton, Education and Interpretation - Janet Flower, Social Action - Marylyn Schaeffler, Nominations Committee Chair - Vacant, Historian - Vacant.

Circle Leaders, Meeting Dates and Places for March 2018:

Barbara Circle - Vicki Stoops and Connie Strickland - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 13th @ Mary Ann Dashiell’s Home. Martha Circle - Mary Ann Evans - 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 15th @ Church Parlor. Mary Circle - Lou Baxter - 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 8th @ Dover Place, in the Bistro. Rosemary Circle - Frances Johnson - 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March14th @ Luther Towers #1, Conference Room. Sylvia Circle - Helene Zeman- 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 8th @ Helene Zeman’s Home.

Sweeten Your Easter With Lollipops! Each Bouquet of 6 is Only $5 (Assorted flavors)

Give a bouquet to grandchildren, children, spouse, partner, coworkers, friends and family or add them to an Easter Basket.

Bouquets will be sold at Coffee Hour on March 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th

You may also contact Wesley UMW for purchases. Barbara Rafte: 632-6308 or [email protected]

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Wesley United Methodist Women By: Barbara Rafte, President

Wesley UMW Celebrates!

Because of your support of our fundraising events in 2017 and because of our members' dedi- cation to our mission… Wesley UMW was able to donate $4500 to the following: Code Purple Wesley Women's Shelter, Red Bird Mission, Camp Pecometh facility renovations, Camp Pecometh scholarships, Days for Girls hygiene supplies, Home of the Brave II, atTAcK Addic- tion, Mama Tola School tuition for an 8th grade girl, and Wesley UMW Retreat in 2018. We are so grateful for the support we have received and cannot imagine doing it without you. Sugges- tions for places to donate come from our members and are decided on by our Executive Board. We try to include local, statewide, nationwide and worldwide in our selections.

The Dover District United Methodist Women will hold their Spring Event at Carey's UM Church in Millsboro on Saturday, March 24th. The theme will be spiritual health and wholeness and will include a light breakfast, speaker/program and lunch. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. and the program will start at 9:30 a.m. This historic church, around since 1884, includes Carey's Camp where families meet every summer, just like generations ago. The camp was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Please contact Barbara Rafte at 632-6308 or [email protected] to carpool.

In February, Wesley UMW members volunteered at the Arc of Delaware Dance on the 16th. The Arc is a non-profit organization dedicated to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Over 300 people were expected. Also, a Dine to Donate event was held at the Camden Texas Roadhouse on Sunday, February 25th. Thank you for attending - we hope you enjoyed your lunch.

Wesley UMW also asked for donations of hats, mittens, gloves and scarves and distributed them to Booker T. Washington Elementary School where they were gratefully received. Many thanks for everyone's donations; they were put to good use.

Openings on our Executive Board currently include the Nominating Committee and Historian. You can speak with Barbara Rafte (632-6308) concerning the duties/responsibilities of each position. We are always ready to welcome new members. If you need information on what becoming a UMW member entails, please contact Marilyn Cleeton, our Membership Chair.

Note: Wesley UMW is considering developing an E-Circle (electronic/Email). We know it's hard to get to daytime meetings for some and nighttime meetings for others. Connecting through email is a great option for those people. Meetings would be online each month and there would be opportunities to get together once or twice a year. You would be able to keep in touch with other members and contribute in your own way to UMW events. Please contact Barbara Rafte, 632.6308 or [email protected] to discuss this option.

Can Spring be far away? Let's hope not!

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February Trustees Report By: Don S. Knox, Chair

The two new heating and cooling units for the front church offices should be in- stalled and operating by the time this edition of the Crier is printed.

A number of lights on the Portico at the Pre-School entrance were repaired and/ or replaced in February.

The final bill for the purchase and installation of the new steam boiler for the Fel- lowship Hall and Pre-School area is $30,000. We have received one donation of $5,000 toward this and would gladly accept any other donations to help defray this unexpected expense to the church.

Water softener systems with GBE controllers have been installed on the water lines feeding the steam boilers in both parts of the church. This should greatly improve the quality of the water entering the boilers.

The heating and cooling units in the upstairs and downstairs elevator foyers were repaired in February when it was discovered that both units were leaking steam and water.

As most of you are aware, we have been without our Head Custodian Lester Jones since September 2017. Many of you may not be aware that there are issues that come up every day at the church that Lester used to address. In his absence, addressing these issues now falls on lay leadership. Jim Thistlewood who volun- teered in 2017 to become the Associate Lay Leader of Facilities spends countless hours, energy, and expertise each week serving the church by doing many of these jobs himself, locating, scheduling, and supervising con- tractors to do the work, and then following up with them. Dan Zeman has agreed to serve as a handy man to fix and repair items that he has experience with at a much reduced-rate of pay as a service to the church. He has also repaired many items around the church with donated labor. Last, but not least, Bernie Henry in addi- tion to having the annual contract for care of the grounds around the church complex, also spends many hours during the year lining up contractors to bid on necessary projects involving the church, grounds, and parsonage. He then follows up to make sure the work is completed as specified.

I salute these three gentlemen and thank them for all their dedicated service. I hope you will do the same when you see them in church.

─ Don Knox

Finance Committee Update By: Allison Bumgarner

The Finance Committee once again wants to take the time to thank everyone for their continued support and pledges until we formally run our planned giving campaign this spring. The com- mittee has been determined to try to cut costs when possible. We have also had to make sure the cuts do not affect the running of the day-to-day functions of the church. We have once again added a Faith Gift line into the 2018 budget, which will hopefully help us obtain the income needed to sustain our expenses. This year, we have budgeted to receive $15,000 in Faith Gifts. Last year, we were extremely grateful for the response we received through the Faith Gift line giving. We ended 2017 with $11,065.02 in Faith Gift giving. The generous extra contributions made it possible to continue to run all of Wesley UMC’s essential functions without in- terruption. We are hoping for everyone’s continued support through Faith Gifts once again in 2018. Again, thank you for your continued dedication and support! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask me anything. Blessings-- Allison Bumgarner, Finance Chair, and Jake Aucoin, Finance Co-Chair

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Youth and Children’s Ministries

Happy March, everyone! We’re only three months into the year, but I’m already overwhelmed by the youth and their enthusiasm for Christ and vivacity for life! This month we’ll be taking a closer look at the Parables of Jesus and how they relate to us as Christ Followers. Youth Group continues to be held from 3:00-5:00 in the Student Ministry Center every Sunday. We have some fun events coming up, including Bowling on the Air Base (March 24th) and Breakfast after helping set up for the Easter Egg Hunt (March 31st). For more infor- mation on our schedule, you can check our website OR download our app! (text wumc app to 77977) The Youth Group tab is under Connect! Check it out! We finished up the last of our Confirmation Classes! The Methodist Church doesn’t baptize or confirm during the season of Lent, so Confirmation Sunday will be on April 8th, the week after Easter. Please be there to show support to our Confirmands and to welcome them into our church family! They’ve worked so hard, and dedicated so much of their time! Thank you for all of your prayers throughout this process! And of course, I can’t thank the mentors enough! They showed up week after week and spent their Sunday afternoons listening to, guiding, and praying with our confirmands. We’ll be having a reception in the Fellowship Hall during Coffee Hour so you can get to welcome and say hi to the confirmands after the service! Keep an eye out for them during Lent…they’ll be the ones reading the Scripture! Blessings! Joy Gordy-Stith Director of Youth and Children’s Ministries

SEARCH CLASS By: Connie Strickland

Search Class is an adult Sunday School which meets in the back classroom in the Educational Center on Sunday mornings from 8:45 - 9:45 a.m. They are focusing on videos of Rev. Adam Hamilton, senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. The videos always lead to stimulating discussions. On the last two weeks of February, the class started a new series about Christianity and World Religions, with Hinduism studied first. The following is a list of the topics for the month of March: March 4th What Buddhists Believe and Why March 11th What Jews Believe and Why March 18th What Muslims Believe and Why March 25th What Christians Believe and Why Studying other faiths can make us even more sure of our own beliefs and can lead to better understanding of other cultures. Come join us for coffee, sweets, and great fellowship! Looking for a friendly group? Join us for refreshments and thought-provoking discussions!

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Wesley Church Scholarship Program

Wesley Church would like to award a college scholarship to an active Wesley Church member for the fall of 2018.

If you are an active member of Wesley Church and will be enrolled in an institution of higher learning this fall, please contact the church office at 678-9626 to apply for a scholarship form, or you can pick up one in the bin on the office door. Please give your name, e-mail address and telephone number to the office and we will e-mail you the application form which will outline the requirements.

If you have further questions about this Scholarship Fund, please contact the Board of Trus- tees, Wesley U. M. Church.

REQUIREMENTS: The applicant must be: 1) A regularly attending participant at Wesley UMC, and 2) Pursuing a career in full-time Christian service, or 3) Pursuing a career in a “helping” profession (nursing, teaching, social work, and child care are examples), or 4) Pursuing an undergraduate degree or a post high school education, or 5) Pursuing an advanced degree, or 6) First-time recipient of this scholarship (preferred) or 7) Repeat recipient (acceptable).

The applicant will be judged on the following, in order of importance: 1) An essay that explains how the applicant has been inspired to pursue major career or field of study, 2) Christian service at Wesley United Methodist Church, 3) School and/or community service and 4) Academic success.

If none of the applicants meet all requirements, the selection committee may elect to waive the career requirement and award a scholarship to the resulting superior compliant applicant.

The deadline for turn in applications is April 1st, 2018.

Family Life Committee By: Jim Thistlewood, Co-chair

Family Life Bowling Party - Dover AFB Bowling Lanes March 24, 2018 ─ 4-6 p.m. - Food Provided

See a Family Life committee member in Grace Fellowship Hall on Sunday or call the church office at 302-678-9626 to sign up. The following information is needed to gain access on to the base. Full name of driver, date of birth and driver’s license information. Come and join the fun!

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Wesley UMC Missions By: Ray Yarnall, Chair

The Missions Committee continues to coordinate our church's support to many local, domestic, and international missions. In 2018 our church will provide support to more than 30 organiza- tions (many of them right here in Dover) with our time, labor, and financial gifts. Here are a few of the ways that you can help.

Ongoing Opportunities To Serve:

Community Meal - Help with preparation, baking, serving, set up, or clean up on the Second Saturday of each month. This is an opportunity to reach out to our community and be in fel- lowship with them around a delicious meal. Contact [email protected].

Wesley Clothing Closet - Help with preparing and sorting donated items during the week or provide assistance "on the sales floor" on Saturday mornings. All proceeds go to help local or- ganizations. Donations of clothing, jewelry, shoes, coats and small household items can be dropped off at the church in the bins near the kitchen. To help serve in this ministry, please contact Mary Ann Dashiell at 302-222-5004.

Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing (DIMH) - Your family or small group is invited to provide a dinner meal to the grateful residents of our local Men's shelter located at 684 Forest St, Dover, DE. To volunteer check out their website www.doverinterfaith.org or call their office at (302) 736-3600.

Code Purple - The Winter Sanctuary in the Student Ministries Center is happening onWednes- day and Thursday evening starting at 5:30 p.m., when the temperature is below 35°. Volun- teers serve a hot meal for dinner, provide showers and laundry, and give a warm, safe place for our guests to sleep. In the morning volunteers provide a “to-go” breakfast and hot bever- ages before closing at approximately 7 a.m. Volunteers are needed - If you are able to volun- teer time or stay overnight (there are always two people staying overnight and couples are al- lowed), please reach out to Janet Krauss (302-423-2168). If you would like to sign up to pro- vide a Wednesday or Thursday meal, you may do so at the following link: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/4dv5d6.

Upcoming Opportunities To Serve:

Wesley House at Pecometh - Spring work day to help spruce up the Wesley house at Pecometh. We will be painting, re-screening a porch and refurbishing a cross and flame on the exterior of the building. Contact [email protected].

Habitat for Humanity - 2018 Faith Build is happening! We will assemble a team of people who are willing spend a Saturday (or two) helping to build a house for a family in need right here in our community. Contact [email protected].

2018 Mission Trip - A group of folks from Wesley UMC have begun meeting to plan our Sum- mer 2018 Mission Trip to Kingfield, Maine. We will be helping with various home improve- ments and other tasks in this community for a week in early August. Contact [email protected].

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CAMP PECOMETH By: Sally Verma Wesley UMC, Contact person

Attention all Youth (Grades 1st to 12th)

Branch Out!

Have you considered going to camp this summer? CAMPING IS REALLY FUN AT CAMP PECOMETH.

Find a camp that interests you. Is it Music, Sports, Water activities, Camping out-of-doors, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Backpacking, Canoe trips, or Rock Climbing, and many others?

Check out the 2018 brochure online at www.pecometh.org/camps/registration. If you attended camp last year you should receive your 2018 Summer Camp information in the mail, via email, or you can also go online at www.pecometh.org and read all about the camps and print a reg- istration form.

PARTIAL or FULL SCHOLARSHIPS will be given to active members of Wesley Church Sunday School. Take advantage of early registration. Camps fill up quickly. The DEADLINE FOR REQUESTING FULL OR PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS WILL BE May 15th.

Camp Pecometh also has scholarships available for those in need. Please call Sally Verma 674- 0508 or email me at [email protected] with the child’s name and camp date if you are go- ing to camp.

SCHOLARSHIP INSTRUCTIONS 1. Mail your registration form and deposit to Camp Pecometh. 2. When you receive a confirmation of your camp date, please notify Sally Verma. (Even if you do not plan to use the scholarship, please call Sally, so we may know all the children who will be attending camp.) 3. Each camper will deduct the amount of the scholarship from the balance due on his or her confirmation card and send that amount to Camp Pecometh by the due date. (Sally will call you after May 30th and tell you the amount of the scholarship.)

Camp Pecometh, 136 Bookers Wharf Road, Centreville, Md. 216117, Tel: 410- 556-6900 E-Mail [email protected], WEB PAGE: www.pecometh.org.

It's been said that a week at Pecometh has a greater impact on a camper than a whole year of Sunday School. A week of camp is filled with faith, fun and fellowship for children and youth to grow in their spiritual journey. Regardless of the age, campers make memories for a lifetime and come back year after year.

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Save the date!! Wesley United Methodist Church’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt March 31st, 9:30 a.m. Grace Fellowship Hall Egg Hunt & Entertainment

Name______

Number adults ______Children______

I will provide 1 dozen cookies yes no

SURVEY -- CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE TIMES

The worship committee would like for the congregation to fill out the following survey to better equip ourselves for Christmas Eve 2018.

Please choose from the following options.

Option 1 Family Service at 4 p.m. Traditional Services at 7 and 9 p.m.

Option 2 Family Service at 4 p.m. Traditional Services at 8 & 10 p.m.

Option 3 Family Service at 4 p.m. Traditional Combined Service at 8 p.m.

I would attend Service at the following time ______.

Have a preference for the family service time? Answer this bonus question.

I would prefer the family service be at this time: ______

Please return to the church office. Thank you!

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Vacation Bible School FunShop is coming to Wesley Church! Date: March 17th Time: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Location: Wesley UMC Dover, DE

Group's VBS FunShop events offer hands-on training that gives practical pointers on everything from fundraising and recruiting to decorating and cleanup. Learn how to cre- ate amazing decorations and get step-by-step instructions, experience a “Day at VBS,” network, and win prizes! Discover time-saving and budget-stretching tips from Group's VBS veterans. You'll learn to plan, coordinate, do effective family follow-up, and pull off an amazing VBS event. Bring all your key leaders!

Plus, these networking sessions help you share ideas and coordinate sharing props and decorating resources with other churches in your area. You’ll get an exclusive FunShop gift and jumpstart your VBS season!

Cost: $20/early-bird (at least two weeks prior to the event) $15/more than 5 people from same church (at least two weeks prior to the event) $40/person (registering less than two weeks prior to the event or at the door)

For information or to register go to: https://www.regonline.com/registration/checkin.aspx?EventId=1919026

Volume 2018, Issue 2 MARCH 2018 Page 14

La Caminante & its Five Months By: Carlos S. Reyes Rodríguez

La Caminante, a community that walks to follow Jesus’ steps, contin- ues in a process of formation. It started to be a prayer service. Now, we consider it to be a space of prayer, study and action. It started to be mainly in Spanish. Now, it is bilingual. We started it on Wednes- day night in the Chapel, where six to eleven sisters and brothers at- tend. Now, we meet in the Parlor.

In addition to Wednesdays, La Caminante also hosts once a month forty to seventy-eight Dreamers, students from Delaware State University, for a Dinner Night. We are able to share our struggles and joys. We thank God for the meal prepared by the same students, and lastly, we all participate in a short message of liberation, community building, and hope.

Throughout the five months, La Caminante is witnessing the support of Wesley family who has provided strength and guidance by praying and providing dinner weekly, as well as the lovely company and environment for all to feel like home.

Besides strengthening a bond with Delaware State University and non-profit organizations like Methodist Action Program and Delaware Association for Community Advance, La Caminante has helped to organize and sponsor trips to Washington DC (December 6th 2017, January 19th, Feb- ruary 10th-11th) to protest, advocate, and lobby in behalf of the migrant and refugee communi- ties. Both young students and adults are practicing what Jesus does in Matthew 9:35: calling us to go to all cities to teach in the synagogues, proclaiming the good news and curing every disease of injustice.

Coming up: 1) La Caminante looks for ways in which DSU Dreamers can create fundraising opportu- nities to sustain their trips to D.C. 2) La Caminante will co-sponsor a documentary called Dolores on March 20th at Wesley College. This documentary shows the intersectionality of minority group struggles present in the 60’s. Dolores Huertas was the pillar in the construction of Farmer Workers Union (FWU) that led to farmers’ labor improvement after the national grape strike. 3) In April 13th-15th, La Caminante hopes to be present with students at the Young Adults Summit in Ocean City. 4) On April 28th, Grace Fellowship Hall will host last Dinner Night for the Spring semes- ter. 5) We will continue connecting students and members of La Caminante with volunteer opportunities offered at Wesley UMC like Clothing Closet, Community Meal, and Story Sharing, reminding us about the beautiful and diverse community that God wants us all to be part of.

If you want to learn more about La Caminante or desire to help, feel free to contact me at [email protected]. Be blessed by the One and continue being a blessing with others here on earth.

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2018 EASTER GIVING ORDER FORM

NAME: ______

PHONE: ______CELL: ______

PASTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND______Please make check payable to Wesley UMC. Please note “Discretionary Fund” on memo line and mail or bring to the church office. Kent Ecumenical Food and Crisis Fund______Please make check payable to KEFCF and mail or bring to the church office. Lilies are $10.00 per plant. Please make check payable to Wesley UMC for the total amount. Please note “Lily” on memo line and mail or bring to the church office. Please print below the wording you would like in the bulletin. (Example: Joseph Carpen- ter in loving memory of his parents, Mary and Joseph Carpenter, Sr.) ______

______

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______

DEADLINE FOR ALL ORDERS: Sunday, March 18, 2018. Please pick up your Lily after the last Easter service on April 1st or on Tuesday, April 3rd. Otherwise we will use them in ministry. Thank you!

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Robert Edgell 1 Eleanore Wall 9 Raymond Montsch 17 Shanon Knight 25 Doris Saunders 1 Margaret Adkins 10 William Berry 18 Shannon Easton 26 Briana Tobin 1 Patricia Angstadt 10 Cynthia Yeomans 18 Elizabeth Luhrman 26 Lynn Edgell 2 Austin Auen 10 Jane Campbell 19 Jake Aucoin 27 Scott O’Connor 2 Margaret Beish 10 L.V. Wactor 19 Cheryl Bundek 27 Jill Street 2 Douglas Boyce 10 Tabatha Detwiler 20 Scott Cole 27 Cynthia Yenchick 2 Nelda Evans 10 Sharon Fowler 20 Alexa Billick 27 Joyce Denman 3 Vi Glanden 10 Rebecca Leary 21 Robert Warren 27 Pam Nichols 3 Jessica Lacklen 10 Michael Petit de Mange 21 Erina Miller 28 Merle Cleeton 4 Raymond Morris, Jr. 10 Candace Tillinghast 21 Doris Coffee 29

Jacob Nichols 4 Richard Taylor 10 Deborah Yingling 21 Charles Vickers 29 Angela Tilley 4 Lisa Fox 12 Marjorie Evans 22 Richard Stoops, Jr. 30 Alex Vaughan 4 Alexandra DiDonato 13 J.D. Hogsten 22 John Wicks, Jr. 30

Joan Reed 5 Jane Leverage O’Hara 13 Jesse Mayan 22 Dan Cahall 31

Patricia Shamyer 8 Peggy Pickering 13 Alice Mills 22 David Teel, Sr. 31

Elena Mason 9 Kenny Allison 15 Alberta Aryee 23 Bill Torbert (son) 31

Stephen Montsch 9 Tara Windley 15 Charles Levecque 23

Kelly Tiedemann 9 David Edgell 16 Sally Iracane 25

Couples celebrating Wedding Anniversaries this month.

Tom and Carissa Weekes 3/23 William and Mary Hill 3/28

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2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 SPRC Mtg. 7 pm - P Salvation Army - Souper Bowl - 11 a.m. - GFH

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 UMW Board Mtg. - DCS - Dance Practice Clothing Closet Mtg. Church and Society Community Meal - 1 p.m. - P - 5:30 p.m. - GFH 1 p.m. - P Committee Mtg. - Noon - GFH Nominations 6 p.m. - P Committee Mtg. Parenting Class - - 7 pm - L 5:30-7 p.m. - P

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Guest Preacher, Girl Scouts - J. Kirk DCS - Dance Practice Parenting Class - Steering Mtg. - VBS Workshop. - Bishop Johnson 6:30 p.m. - P - 5:30 p.m. - GFH 5:30-7 p.m. - P 5:30 pm - L 9 a.m. - GFH

Leadership UMM Mtg. - Christian Ed Mtg. - Development 7 p.m. - GFH 7 p.m. - L 5:30-7:30 p.m. - GFH 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Leadership Girl Scouts - J. Kirk DCS - Dance Practice Prayer Shawl - PreSchool Open Development 6:30 p.m. - P - 5:30 p.m. - GFH 2:30 p.m. - P House - 5:30-7:30 p.m. - 5:30 - 7 p.m. - GFH GFH Trustees Mtg. - Parenting Class - 7 p.m. - P 5:30-7 p.m. - P Finance Mtg. -

Evangelism Mtg. 7 p.m. - L 6:30 p.m. - L

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 DCS - Dance Practice Missions Mtg. - Easter Egg Hunt. - - 5:30 p.m. - GFH 7 p.m. - P 9 a.m. - GFH

Church Council Mtg. - 7 p.m. - SMC

MARCH 11, 2018 Remember to set your clocks forward one hour . You don’t want to be late to hear our Guest Preacher, Bishop Peggy Johnson .

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Sunday 8:00 a.m. ─ Worship Service—Sanctuary 8:30 a.m. ─ 11:15 a.m. Fellowship Time—GFH 8:40 - 9:10 a.m. Youth Handbell Choir Rehearsal ─ Bell Room 8:45 a.m. ─ Adult Sunday School—Parlor/ Ed. Bldg., Search Classroom 9:15 - 9:45 a.m. Children’s Choir Rehearsal ─ Bell Room 9:45 a.m. ─ Adult and Children's Sunday School 9:45 a.m. ─ Worship Service—Sanctuary 9:45 a.m. ─ Outreach Sunday School—SMC 11:15 a.m. ─ Praise Worship Service— Sanctuary 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. ─ Youth Group ─ SMC 6:00 p.m. ─ DCS Outreach Choir - Choir Room

Tuesday 7:00 a.m. ─ Men's Bible Study — Ed. Bldg., Search Classroom 9:30 a.m. ─ Staff Meeting — Library 2:00 p.m. ─ Women’s Covenant Discipleship — Parlor 7:00 p.m. ─ Delaware Choral Society — GFH

Wednesday 9:30 a.m. ─ Women’s Bible Study ─ Parlor 11:00 a.m. ─ Weekly Intercessory Prayer ─ St. Paul’s Chapel 6:00 p.m. ─ Soup and Bread Dinner ─ Parlor 6:30 p.m. ─ Bell Choir Rehearsal ─ Bell Room 6:45 p.m. ─ La Caminante Spanish Service ─ Parlor & St. Paul’s Chapel 7:00 p.m. ─ N.A. Meeting ─ Education Building

Thursday 7:00 p.m. ─ Choir Rehearsal — Choir Room 7:00 p.m. ─ Ensemble Rehearsal — Sanctuary

Friday 6:00 p.m. ─ An Outreach Pentecostal Church — Ed. Bldg., Lobby

Saturday 9:00 a.m. ─ Al-Anon — Ed. Bldg., Search Classroom

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WESLEY Our Vision UNITED METHODIST Historic Wesley Church in downtown Dover, Delaware, is an open CHURCH and welcoming congregation, which makes disciples of Jesus Christ by proclaiming God’s love through

✞A variety of Worship Services which speak to both heart and mind, ✞Bible study, fellowship, and nurture which lead to meaningful and disciplined Christian living, ✞Christian outreach ministries which serve those near and far, ✞Combined activities which involve other area churches and faith communities.

Wesley Church welcomes all individuals and seeks to minister to their spiritual and physical needs and concerns, as God reveals them to us: Members and neighbors of all ages and stages in life; the homeless, hungry, and hurting; employees of the various lev- els of government, including the military; and people in the nearby education and business communities.

209 S. State St. Wesley Church’s prominent steeple is a sign of our commitment Dover, DE 19901 302-678-9626 (office) to our vision and is a beacon of faith, hope, and love in this state 302-678-9627 (fax) capital. [email protected] www.wesleyumc-dover.com Staff E-Mail Addresses

Senior Pastor: Amy D. Yarnall - [email protected] Associate Pastor of Nurturing, Visitation and Witness: Jewett Short - [email protected] Christian Education and Youth Director: Joy Gordy-Stith - [email protected] Wesley Preschool Director: Jennifer Scott - [email protected] Administrative Assistant: Michele Dryda - [email protected] Treasurer: Marian Hudson - [email protected] Director of Music: Becky Davis - [email protected] Worship and Praise Leader: Joshuah Bogus - [email protected] Organist: David E. Wilkins - [email protected] Director of Handbells: Daniel R. Briggs - [email protected] Children’s Choir Director: Amy Kellen - [email protected] Children's Tone Chime and Handbell Director: Mandy Stant - [email protected] Head Custodian: Lester Jones - [email protected] If you scan this QR Barcode with Clothing Closet Coordinator: Beatrice Lacklen your smart phone you will be Nursery Attendant: Alyssum Zeman taken to the Church’s web page.

Deadlines for Bulletin and Crier Articles Do you have something you would like to have published in either the bulletin or the Crier? If so, the deadline for the bulletin is Tuesday prior to the staff meeting at 9:30 a.m. You ask why so early? All our printing of the bulletins and newsletters is done in-house. The bulletin is reviewed at the staff meeting, corrections made, proofed and ready for publication on Wednesday. Our team of faithful volunteers come in first thing on Thursday to collate the bulletin for Sunday. The deadline for the Crier is the 15th of each month. All committee chairs are encouraged to submit articles to [email protected].

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