Is being part of a church family perfect all the time?
That's a resounding no! Will there be friction, drama, or even hurt feelings?
At some point, yes. But that’s true of any organization, whether it’s a softball team, a corporate office, or a family sitting around the Thanksgiving table. What makes a difference is understanding that there are more good times than bad. When we focus on the good and cover the hurts with grace and mercy, God can do amazing things through us when we are together. When we come together, we are living within the will of God.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
"Two are better than one because a good return comes when two work together. If one of them falls, the other can help him up. But who will help the pitiful person who falls down alone? In the same way, if two lie down together, they can keep each other warm. But how will the one who sleeps alone stay warm against the night? And if one person is vulnerable to attack, two can drive the attacker away. As the saying goes, 'A rope made of three strands is not quickly broken.'"
Together, we produce more. Jesus sent His disciples out in groups of twos because He understood the concept of "Together We."
The Bible uses the word "together" 484 times. When we don’t come together, we miss out on what God is trying to do with us personally and for our church. God doesn’t want you to be a lone wolf disciple. He wants you to be part of the "Together We."
What do we do? We "Together We…”
- Build ramps.
- Serve those in need.
- Go on mission trips.
- Serve and grow teenage disciples.
- Put on a world-class VBS.
- Perform a top-notch Fine Arts camp.
- Make disciples of children.
Fill in the blank with what you gather with people to do: worship, disciple, grow, fellowship, serve. Ready? Say it out loud! TOGETHER WE...!
One of my favorite things about John Wesley Methodist Church is our Next-Gen Ministries and how impactful the summer months are on kids, students and adults.
Summer at John Wesley Church has been a time of connection, growth, and service. Our NextGen ministries have been buzzing with activity, creating lasting memories and deepening faith. Here’s a recap of the amazing summer we’ve had together.
Our NextGen ministries have truly made an impact this summer. From mission trips to Vacation Bible School (VBS) and Fine Arts Camp, we’ve seen God move in powerful ways. Here’s a closer look at each of these incredible experiences.
JW Kids VBS:
Theme: Scuba: Discovering God as a real friend who loves them.
- Attendance: 208 children.
- Volunteers: 86 adults and students.
- Fundraising: Raised $1,000 for the Children’s Activity Center.
JW Kids Fine Arts Camp:
Theme: Galaxy Quest: The story of Starship J3:16, focusing on spreading the Word of God.
- Attendance: 41 students.
- Volunteers: 12 adults and 10 students.
JW Students Mission Trip to UM Army
"Together We," alongside La Porte UMC, watched as our students quickly bonded into a cohesive unit. All of these things in our JW Student Ministry are made possible by the seeds planted by VBS, Fine Arts camps, and the Sunday Morning Experience.
Details:
Location: Somerville, TX in partnership with LaPorte UMC
Participants: 30 John Wesley students and adults, 45 total at the camp.
JW Leaders for the Week: Andy Fisk (Center Director), Deah Alfano (Meal Director), Chris McCarthy (Program Director).
Project Highlights:
- Total Work Sites: 12
- Wheelchair Ramps: 3 (longest 52’)
- Repaired Porches: 4
- Exterior Siding Work: 4 houses
- Painting: 9 houses received some sort of painting
- Yard Work: 9 different clients
- Trash Removal: 3 sites
- Set of Stairs: 1 site
- Materials Cost: $3,600
However, the most significant work was for the host church, First United Methodist Church Somerville. On the first night, we discovered plumbing issues in the education building. A plumber’s quote was $7,500. Our team jumped into action, using adult and student labor to expose the broken pipes, saving the church over $5,500 in costs.
This year’s mission trip provided profound spiritual growth opportunities. By connecting together, we’ve made a significant impact. From building ramps to leading devotions, our collective efforts have not only transformed lives but also deepened our own faith.
INVITATION TO CONNECT TOGETHER:
I want to invite you to come and join us in the Next Gen Ministries.
If you are at home, not involved in a church and need to add some "Together We" to your Christian walk, do not hesitate to give generously to what God is doing at JWMC.
And if you can, get out of the house. Do not let fear of the unknown keep you from fulfilling God’s purpose in your life. Come and connect with us and see how amazing a Christ-centered, Bible-based, loving church life can be.
Chris McCarthy
Director of JW NextGen Ministries
That's a resounding no! Will there be friction, drama, or even hurt feelings?
At some point, yes. But that’s true of any organization, whether it’s a softball team, a corporate office, or a family sitting around the Thanksgiving table. What makes a difference is understanding that there are more good times than bad. When we focus on the good and cover the hurts with grace and mercy, God can do amazing things through us when we are together. When we come together, we are living within the will of God.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
"Two are better than one because a good return comes when two work together. If one of them falls, the other can help him up. But who will help the pitiful person who falls down alone? In the same way, if two lie down together, they can keep each other warm. But how will the one who sleeps alone stay warm against the night? And if one person is vulnerable to attack, two can drive the attacker away. As the saying goes, 'A rope made of three strands is not quickly broken.'"
Together, we produce more. Jesus sent His disciples out in groups of twos because He understood the concept of "Together We."
The Bible uses the word "together" 484 times. When we don’t come together, we miss out on what God is trying to do with us personally and for our church. God doesn’t want you to be a lone wolf disciple. He wants you to be part of the "Together We."
What do we do? We "Together We…”
- Build ramps.
- Serve those in need.
- Go on mission trips.
- Serve and grow teenage disciples.
- Put on a world-class VBS.
- Perform a top-notch Fine Arts camp.
- Make disciples of children.
Fill in the blank with what you gather with people to do: worship, disciple, grow, fellowship, serve. Ready? Say it out loud! TOGETHER WE...!
One of my favorite things about John Wesley Methodist Church is our Next-Gen Ministries and how impactful the summer months are on kids, students and adults.
Summer at John Wesley Church has been a time of connection, growth, and service. Our NextGen ministries have been buzzing with activity, creating lasting memories and deepening faith. Here’s a recap of the amazing summer we’ve had together.
Our NextGen ministries have truly made an impact this summer. From mission trips to Vacation Bible School (VBS) and Fine Arts Camp, we’ve seen God move in powerful ways. Here’s a closer look at each of these incredible experiences.
JW Kids VBS:
Theme: Scuba: Discovering God as a real friend who loves them.
- Attendance: 208 children.
- Volunteers: 86 adults and students.
- Fundraising: Raised $1,000 for the Children’s Activity Center.
JW Kids Fine Arts Camp:
Theme: Galaxy Quest: The story of Starship J3:16, focusing on spreading the Word of God.
- Attendance: 41 students.
- Volunteers: 12 adults and 10 students.
JW Students Mission Trip to UM Army
"Together We," alongside La Porte UMC, watched as our students quickly bonded into a cohesive unit. All of these things in our JW Student Ministry are made possible by the seeds planted by VBS, Fine Arts camps, and the Sunday Morning Experience.
Details:
Location: Somerville, TX in partnership with LaPorte UMC
Participants: 30 John Wesley students and adults, 45 total at the camp.
JW Leaders for the Week: Andy Fisk (Center Director), Deah Alfano (Meal Director), Chris McCarthy (Program Director).
Project Highlights:
- Total Work Sites: 12
- Wheelchair Ramps: 3 (longest 52’)
- Repaired Porches: 4
- Exterior Siding Work: 4 houses
- Painting: 9 houses received some sort of painting
- Yard Work: 9 different clients
- Trash Removal: 3 sites
- Set of Stairs: 1 site
- Materials Cost: $3,600
However, the most significant work was for the host church, First United Methodist Church Somerville. On the first night, we discovered plumbing issues in the education building. A plumber’s quote was $7,500. Our team jumped into action, using adult and student labor to expose the broken pipes, saving the church over $5,500 in costs.
This year’s mission trip provided profound spiritual growth opportunities. By connecting together, we’ve made a significant impact. From building ramps to leading devotions, our collective efforts have not only transformed lives but also deepened our own faith.
INVITATION TO CONNECT TOGETHER:
I want to invite you to come and join us in the Next Gen Ministries.
If you are at home, not involved in a church and need to add some "Together We" to your Christian walk, do not hesitate to give generously to what God is doing at JWMC.
And if you can, get out of the house. Do not let fear of the unknown keep you from fulfilling God’s purpose in your life. Come and connect with us and see how amazing a Christ-centered, Bible-based, loving church life can be.
Chris McCarthy
Director of JW NextGen Ministries
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