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Newsletter>
The Wesley Voice (Volume 3, Issue 1)
September 4, 2006
Brains Are Not Enough
“Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and did not
fully follow the Lord.” -1King 11:6
Why do smart people do not –so-smart things? Time after
time I hear sad stories about people with high IQs who fall
short in the area of moral discernment, leading to tragic
results. Obviously, good brain isn’t enough to keep a
person from making bad choices.
This contradicts the belief of some that better education
can solve society’s ills. The reasoning goes like this: “If
we educate people the dangers of ______, they won’t do “it”
and thus will be spared from unpleasant, unintended
consequences.” But experience and the Bible tell us
something different. In fact, the smartest man who ever
lived could serve as a poster boy for bad choices.
Ancient Israel’s King Solomon author of much of the book of
Proverbs, wrote, “Keep your heart with all diligence “
(4:23) and “Wisdom rests in the heart of him who
understanding” (14:33). Despite knowing the connection
between the heart and wisdom, the king disobeyed God
marrying foreign women who “turned his heart after other
gods” (I Kings II:4). As a result, the Lord said, “I will
surely tear the kingdom away from you” (v.11).
The ability to make good decisions demands a heart devoted
to God. — Julie Ackerman
What will it profit when life here is o’er. Though great
worldly wisdom I gain, Of seeking knowledge I utterly fail.
The wisdom of God to obtain? — Nelson
The smartest people know that God knows best!!!
Reference: Our Daily Bread, 2006
Article submitted by: Pastor Woodrow Williams
United Methodist Women by: Jennifer Ryan
Greetings from The United Methodist Women. We would like
to take a few minutes and let the members of Wesley know
what we have going on. We are extremely proud of our 2006
Graduates. The young ladies were presented with a gift card
and a framed certificate from the Wesley Chapel UMW. The
United Methodist women also helped to co-sponsor The
Give-a-Way, that was held on July 8th. It was a huge
success, and we are in the planning stages for our next
event, which we hope to have it in the Fall of the year.
There will be more information forth coming as to the time
and date. The Wesley Chapel UMW is also in the planning
stages of starting a Little Women Organization for our
young girls. This will be a learning tool for the girls to
see what it takes to grow into womanhood. We will be
asking for Volunteers. And again the invitation is still
open for anyone who wants to join the United Methodist
Women. We meet every 4th Saturday in each month at 9:30 am.
So come join and bring your ideas and bring a friend.
Congratulations to our High School and College Graduates
Wesley is very proud of our graduating students. Keep the
faith and know that God will always guide you along the
way.
Congratulations to:
1.Ashley Guy Luella High School (Will be attending Georgia
Southern University)
2. Brittany Holston Union Grove High School (will be
attending University of Georgia)
3. Whitney Bailey Ben E, Mays High School (will be
attending Dartmouth College)
4. Willie Barber Forest Park High School (Will be
attending Alcorn State University)
5. Tomasina Parks , Stockbridge High School
6. C. J. Buchanan, Henry County High School
7. Tyrone Thomason, Jr., Eagles Landing High School
8. Jessica Perry, Bible Baptist (will be attending Georgia
Southern University
9. Desmond Johnson, Clark Atlanta University
10. Shonda Bivins, Valdosta State University
Health Tip: Warm Watermelons By: A. Arbuthnott
Did you know watermelons are healthier when served warm?
Although many of us like the idea of having a nice cold
slice of watermelon on a hot summer day, scientists now say
the juicy summer fruit is most nutritious when stored and
served at room temperature. Reporting in the August 9 issue
of the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, the
researchers based their findings on a study comparing the
antioxidants in whole watermelons that were either
refrigerated or stored at room temperature for two weeks.
The amount of lycopene went up about an average of 20
percent when left out and uncut at room temperature. The
red coloring in the watermelon comes from an abundant
amount of lycopene. The color can range from pale yellow
to deep red. In addition to the increase of lycopene,
beta-carotene doubled – another carotenoid with good
nutritional value. Antioxidants gobble up cancer-causing
free radical molecules that can damage cells. The
watermelons left out at room temperature ripen more, hence
the deeper red color and thinner rind. Once watermelon is
cut, for health reasons, it is not recommended to keep it
out on the counter but refrigerated. Other fruits that
ripen better when left out are: tomatoes, bananas, and
our great Georgia “peach”.
SONGS OF MOSES: THE VALUE OF GOD’S MAGNIFICENCE
BY: Dwight Helton
It struck me after reading Exodus chapters fourteen and
fifteen how important our trials and tribulations are in
revealing the magnificence of God. After being vigorously
pursued by Pharaoh and the Egyptian military, the
Israelites literally found themselves at a dead end called
the Red Sea. Doubting God and Moses, the Israelites feared
for their survival – nothing, they thought, could save
them. God guided the staff of Moses to part the
overwhelming waters and allow the Israelites to walk
through to the other side while collapsing the mighty waves
down on the Egyptians behind them. The first thing Moses
and the Israelites did after experiencing this awesome feet
was sing to God acknowledging his power.
The lesson in this does not reside in the outcome for
Moses and his followers but in the fact that, at times, God
has to bring hurdles in our lives that seem as if they’re
too big to overcome. God is made visible in those hurdles
when we turn to Him for help recognizing His power and
existence. Satan can never be given responsibility for our
hardships because we will soon find ourselves being willing
to turn to him to save us. We must give God the position
of power in our lives for only He can “giveth” and only He
can “taketh” away. That sickness that you have – recognize
that it is God letting us know that He is real. That pain
that you deal with – recognize that it is God assuring you
that He is there. That job that let you go – recognize
that it is God that is proving to you that He can make ways
out of no way. That loved one that you lost – recognize
that it is God revealing to you that He brings us eternal
life.
When we understand the existence of God in our struggles,
the struggle will only serve to make us stronger. This
will weaken the paralyzing effect the struggle often times
has on our ability to be an effective force in society. We
must cross the sea. When we acknowledge the fact that
nothing is too big for our God to overcome, our songs of
Moses will be triumphant calling on even the Egyptians to
subscribe to His majesty.
NEW MEMBERS RECEPTION
submitted by Lynn Mallory & Queen Mahone
In an effort to welcome our new members, Wesley sponsored a
reception on March 4, 2006. We had a superb showing with 45
members in attendance. It was an awesome experience getting
to know one another in fellowship. The exquisite lunch,
games conversations, remarks by our Pastor, and the
Administrative Council Chairperson, Eddie Johnson, were the
highlights of our time together. Many thanks to all of the
chairpersons who came out to lend a hand and to officially
welcome our new members into the Wesley Chapel Church
family. The next new members reception is tentatively
scheduled for July. Please watch the Sunday bulletins for
more details.
2006 North Georgia Conference by Barbara Calhoun
Congratulations to Rev. Woodrow Williams and his family for
being reassigned to Wesley. We hope that the Lord continue
to bless you and your family.
My granddaughter, Ashley and I always have a spiritual
bonding each year at conference. Our Special Day of Service
in Athens was at the Goodwill store, sorting, moving and
dismantling items. Some highlights of the conference were;
the approval of a Resolution creating a Task Force to
increase the participating of young adults for leadership
within the annual conference. Rev. Joseph Lowery was
honored for his Justice Award, the retiring ministers
farewell speech and their combine 737 years of service as
ministers. Action Ministries will receive the special
contribution that is taken up every year, Cokesbury
Publishing reported $14,205.00 will go into the clergy’s
pension fund.
Our theme of the year is “We are Called to Act with
Justice.” Justice for Children, Women, Economics… and to
celebrate the 50th Anniversary of full clergy rights for
women.
My sincere thanks to my church family for giving me another
opportunity to grow spiritually
Youth Retreat 2006 submitted by Elaine Wilson
The 2006 Youth Retreat was held at Epworth By the Sea along
St. Simons Island. It was a wonderful and enjoying three
day retreat to see Wesley’s Youth come together and be
blessed in union of fellowship, renewed spirits and worship
for Jesus Christ our Lord. Also, we came together to build
a better youth group for years to come. On this year’s
retreat, the focus was on spirits of one accord. It was the
intent of the youth coordinators to bring this group
together as New Wesley meets the Old Wesley youth group.
We all know how intimidating it can be starting out as the
new kid on the block, or how fear sets in our minds and
allows us to think of loosing the image of the old kids on
the block, just because some new kids have arrived. This
year, we found out as a group this isn’t so. With the youth
coordinators help this year, youth see that it is no harm
in meeting new and old together for the common good of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Each youth expressed having a
wonderful time meeting and hanging out with old and new
friends. Also included in the message, the youth too an
exploration of traveling back in the Black Heritage of our
fore fathers to see how far we as Black people have come in
our history of Savannah.
This was an awesome exploration of Black history told to us
by Mr. Charles Hoskins, who was a former pastor of St.
Matthews Church, one of the oldest churches in history of
Savannah. We learned from Mr. Hoskins several key points
and lots of history of how we as blacks helped to build
the Savannah of today, through strong faith and belief in
God, family, and the foundations of the church. Mr. Hoskins
left us with these words of knowledge about black history,
“If you don’t write your own history, it leaves someone
else to tell it.” Wow, what inspiring words of wisdom ..for
as we see being taught now in schools today that there is
not enough Black History being told by us, but by others
who say they us. Thanks, Mr. Hoskins.
The youth and the coordinator’s really had a great time in
Savannah and we want to thank all the family of Wesley
Chapel UMC, the many sponsors who helped to make it
possible, the parents for allowing us to go for three days
while you had so much fun here without us, for we know you
truly missed us. To Pastor Williams, we know you felt bad
by allowing us to leave you this time. We are certain
church on that Sunday, wasn’t the same without us. Thanks
also to Priscilla Ammons for all the hard work she has done
this year and we look forward to working with her next
year. Well, Wesley youth we will see you next year.
** Continue to pray for our Sick & Shut-In **
** Have you made your sacrificial offering to the **
Power of One? If not, please do so today. Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church - (770) 957-4728 -- 397 Racetrack Road, McDonough, Georgia 30253
Mailing Address: P.O.Box 1146, McDonough, Georgia 30253-1146
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