In an article published on October 22, 2020, the Minnesota Annual Conference recognized our Wesley 4 Winona ministry in an article entitled “4 great ideas to reach, bless, serve during pandemic.” Here is an excerpt from this article:
“Spotlight and partner with local organizations: Recognizing that many local nonprofits lost income amid the pandemic and the stay-at-home order in the spring, Wesley UMC in Winona embarked on a new ministry to support them. Called “Wesley 4 Winona,” it spotlights a different organization each month and encourages the congregation to support that organization in a variety of ways. “The intent was to focus attention away from Wesley and to invite other organizations to educate us as to the good work they do to help our community,” said Rev. Robert Hicks. Each time a new organization is featured, the church interviews its director about the organization’s mission, the population it serves, and how COVID-19 has restricted its work and income; the interview is shared as a short segment during online worship. “We make sure we celebrate their work, we pray for them, and we urge people to contribute to every organization we feature,” said Hicks.“We want to focus during these days beyond our pain and our survival to the greater good of the community in which we are called to live out our discipleship as servants to God’s vast work of healing within all world systems that are hurting.” In the coming months, Wesley UMC will partner with Habitat for Humanity and other organizations on a “longest-night luminary” fundraiser to address housing insecurity in its area.”
News + Updates
Virtual Worship from Nov. 1, 2020
Order of Worship
Welcome & Announcements
Gathering Music: “It Is Well” – Jonelle Moore
Opening Prayer – led by Jenna Amundson
Opening Song: TFWS #2128 “Come and Find the Quiet Center” led by Eric Brisson, Edie Davis, Norma Duden, Chris Jordan, Mary Stoltman and Melissa Wangen
Moment for Children
Special Music: “First Song of Isaiah”– with Mary Stoltman and Chris Jordan
Scripture: Philippians 4:1,4-9 – Barb Rahn
Centering Video: “The Examin, Movements 3 & 4” by The Work of the People
Message
Prayers of the People & TFWS #2193 “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying” – led by Eric Brisson, Edie Davis, Norma Duden, Chris Jordan, Mary Stoltman and Melissa Wangen
Closing Song: TFWS #2212 “My Life Flows On” led by Eric Brisson, Edie Davis, Norma Duden, Chris Jordan, Mary Stoltman and Melissa Wangen
Benediction
Postlude: “Rejoice in the Lord Always” – Eric Brisson
For those of you with young children at home, click here for a children’s activity page that uses this Sunday’s scripture lesson
Minnesota Conference Turns Dial Back to Orange
In light of increased concern over large-scale spread of coronavirus in Minnesota and elsewhere, the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church has dialed the precaution level back to Orange as of October 27, 2020.
Read the entire announcement here.
Wesley UMC has a Re-gathering Task Force which is tasked with interpreting guidelines relating to building use and programming during the pandemic. Church Council approved last week their recommendations for limited, small group activities in our church building during the Yellow Phase. However, in light of the Conference dialing back from the Yellow Phase to Orange, they will need to re-evaluate those recommendations. At this point, the church is closed to all gatherings. Exceptions are made for the Red Cross blood drive and for voting.
Virtual Worship from Oct. 25, 2020
Order of Worship
Welcome & Announcements
Gathering Music: “It Is Well” – Jonelle Moore
Opening Prayer – led by Jenna Amundson
Opening Song: TFWS #2128 “Come and Find the Quiet Center” led by Eric Brisson, Edie Davis, Norma Duden, Chris Jordan, Mary Stoltman and Melissa Wangen
Moment for Children
Special Music: “First Song of Isaiah”– with Mary Stoltman and Chris Jordan
Scripture: Philippians 4:1,4-9 – Barb Rahn
Centering Video: “The Examin, Movements 3 & 4” by The Work of the People
Message
Prayers of the People & TFWS #2193 “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying” – led by Eric Brisson, Edie Davis, Norma Duden, Chris Jordan, Mary Stoltman and Melissa Wangen
Closing Song: TFWS #2212 “My Life Flows On” led by Eric Brisson, Edie Davis, Norma Duden, Chris Jordan, Mary Stoltman and Melissa Wangen
Benediction
Postlude: “Rejoice in the Lord Always” – Eric Brisson
Virtual Worship from Oct. 18, 2020
Order of Worship
Welcome & Announcements
Wesley 4 Winona Moment: Hiawatha Valley Mental Health
Gathering Music: “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go” – Eric Brisson
Opening Prayer – led by Joliene Olson
Opening Song: #408 “The Gift of Love” led by Eric Brisson, Edie Davis, Chris Jordan, Mary Stoltman and Melissa Wangen
Moment for Children
Special Music: “Mourning Song”– by singer/songwriter Mayyadda
Scripture: Philippians 3:4b-14 – Sierra Hicks
Centering Video: “The Examin, Movements 1 & 2” by The Work of the People
Message
Prayers of the People & TFWS #2275 “Kyrier” – led by Eric Brisson, Edie Davis, Chris Jordan, Mary Stoltman and Melissa Wangen
Closing Song: TFWS #2158 “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” led by Edie Davis and Mary Stoltman
Benediction
Postlude: “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” – Eric Brisson