The Wesley Wire (wesley@wm.edu)

YAC Planning Retreat Minutes

2008-01-30T17:56:48Z

Lauren led an introductory devotion centered around the idea of being transformed, not conformed, and an earthly lifeboat that we want to avoid.

Aaron points out the increased leadership from freshmen.

Molly wants to increase the social event opportunities for this semester.

David points out that having Freshman who can contribute for many years to come will be a powerful shaping force.

Lauren likes change, and notices that tradition's hold on us is weakened by all these personnel changes.

Will wants to see more stuff on campus, for nonwesley students.

Aaron thinks that the average person wonders where those crazy Wesleyites come from.

Molly asks david about the listening post, and David replies that activity varies, but he talks to maybe 75-80 people in a semester. He's the "Peanut Guy."

This semester could be very valuable with our cooperation w/ nothing but nets, which could certainly do something at UCAB to get our name out, be a social event, and help a good cause. David wants to raise funds for Gene Nichol to get a buzz cut if students raise $10,000.

Laura appreciates our willingness to work on a hard project like NBN.

David stresses making this a safe, comfortable place for people to express their true opinions. He wants people to understand that Christians just don't go to church; it's a way of life.

New Hospitality Ministry, now that Chase has arrived: he printed out schedules. He's got a method nailed down to hunt down the volunteers if they don't respond. This ensures that they know what's going on. All the volunteers went thru a training, and learned the 5 in 10 approach, where you spend 5 mins with each person within 10 ft. Awkward ignored situations simply should not happen in a place like this. David points out that we need to construct a culture of hospitality.

Chase is asked to send emails to Aaron and Isaac, who aren't in the welcoming volunteer list. Chase likes the fact that you pray while you clean up. Lauren comments on the crowd of people gathered right around the greeter table. Perhaps we should play a central ice-breaker, or a greeter should introduce them to another person, in a group of people. "Meet the hospitality team!"

Should we start taking pics of people who come, almost like a bulletin board look-book? And get people to write down first AND last name. Should we have a person tasked with planning ice breaker? We have a book of ice breakers.

David says that the greeting directions were made before we reversed the SNP order, so maybe change them to show them where they can sit for the program and explain the program, rather than table. Also, greeters should eat first so that they can greet people as they leave.

Molly says that we should introduce the people returning from abroad. (See SNP ideas below)

David (and everyone) appreciates Chase's work with this hospitality team. (Music could be a good thing to use as people walk in.)

David suggests a Wesley mosh pit.

Lauren suggests not.

David suggests another checkup after Spring Break, to see how the hostpitality's going.

Lauren says it would be nice to get a nonYACer to check our attendance stuff, so we can send personal emails to people who visited or missed a few SNPs. Or we could look at the least at YAC meetings, to decide people to send personal greetings to visitors.

Will agrees that that sort of ministry is important.

David points out that we must make sure people know that we actually care when they aren't around.

Lauren and David suggest Kyra, Chase's girlfriend. We could keep tabs on who sat near who.

What is the point of having sign-ups if we don't even look at them?

THE COVENANT:
Should we add an "amen" at the end?

Laura suggests mentioning the importance of being visible on campus.

Molly thinks it's good that it specifies authentic relationships, not just being visible.

David: we should combine those two elements. It seems to be a good starting place.

Aaron suggests keeping the covenant's development on the school-year schedule. A balance would be to let the new YAC draw on the old covenant, but create one that is still meaningful to them.

Lauren should get copies printed directly, rather than going through David and the gibberish.

SURVEY RESULTS
29 surveys were filled out, a pretty good number.
What SNPs would you like to see more of? Discussion-based SNPs were mentioned. But for hot-
topic issues, we need to make sure we don't end on a bad note.

Worship Team is certainly welcome to lead one Sunday.

Aaron is conscious of trying to balance contemp. and traditional. Meg Roth is strong at that balance, and Aaron will work to bring her into the process.

Does anyone have a friend who plays guitar/contemporary instruments to be in the services? This can be a long-term goal :)

People in Wesley go to different churches, but church-hopping needs to be broadcast better. Isaac will send out emails about church-hopping and announce at SNPs.

What hinders involvement? Time is a key issue, and changing SNP times isn't a good idea.
Different theological views isn't something that we can change.

What hinders college students' relationships with God? We found lots of assumptions made about "Christians." We considered doing a hot-topic on what the bible says about drinking, or other socially acceptable things.

With discussions, someone has to provide solid information.

We need to try to reach out to some of these people and get them to follow up on their ideas and comments.

Put SNPs and the super bowl party on StudentHappenings - Even more visibility.

GO TO A BASKETBALL GAME!!!

SNP PLANNING:
Rotate between worship, social, hot topic. Worship not the first Sunday of the week.

Service Projects lists need to be emailed to Isaac.

Possible Socials :

-Freshman Bonding Night
-Freshman Hosting night
-SPEEs!
-Weekend events
-Girls night in/out
-guys night out
-Formal dinner
-Informal dinner?
-Ice Cream Football
-Basketball games
-IM sports
-Campus Golf.
-picnic at the beach.
-Dollar Bowling
More Ideas:
Nothing But Nets car wash
Slip and slide/water fight.

The Wesley Wire: End of January Edition

2008-01-30T14:53:39Z

In this Edition:

Movie Night
Take a Field Trip/Hike with Wesley
Speaking of Living at Wesley...
“A Lenten Journey”
Teach David a Thing or Two
Film "For the Bible Tells Me So"
Nets "Buzz Kill" Tees
Pray for…
The Spiritual ABC’s

This Week at Wesley (January 27-Feb. 3)

Sunday, 5:00 p.m. - Meet at Wesley for a "Field Trip on DOG Street", Wesley provides $1 each for coffee or ice cream; dinner follows at Wesley REMEMBER OUR NEW SCHEDULE!
Following Dinner - House Residents invite you to tour!
DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR SPRING RETREAT (Feb. 1-2, $10)

Monday, 5:30 p.m. – Freshman small group meets at Wesley
9:15 p.m. - Seniors Group meets at Wesley

Tuesday, 8:00 p.m. - Gulf Coast Mission Trip Meeting
9:15 p.m. - Viewing of "Sleeping Beauty" at Wesley House

Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. - David at Listening Post in the UC Lobby

Thursday, 5:30 p.m. - Holy Communion at Wesley 8:30 p.m. - Juniors Bible Study group, The Screwtape Letters (contact Melissa at memaci@wm.edu for details)

Friday, 6:00 p.m. - Meet at Wesley for dinner and car pooling for Spring Retreat!

Next Sunday, 6:00 p.m. - NOTE TIME CHANGE - Super Bowl Party at Wesley's Basement, with game on big screen; bring other games if you could care less about the Game

MOVIE NIGHT
Hey everyone, if you're looking for a study break, the House Residents will be watching "Sleeping Beauty" this Tuesday night (Jan. 29) at 9:15 pm at the House for our group discussion the following week, and we decided that watching Walt Disney's sixteenth full-length animated classic might interest more than just us six in Wesley. Come for the fellowship, come for the theological application, come for the awesome Medieval Gothic art style, come for the first Disney prince to ever get a name, come because it's Disney!

We hope to see a lot of you there!

Take a Field Trip/Hike with Wesley
Well, it will only be to DOG Street, but with such great company as fellow Wesleyites and their friends, you don't want to miss it. Meet at Wesley at 5:00 p.m. and we will spend a casual hour walking to DOG Street (holding hands as we cross streets is totally optional) and then hanging out at Aromas and/or Baskin Robbins. Wesley will give $1 to everyone there to help with purchases of treats.

The House Residents will be providing dinner at Wesley at 6-ish and then offering tours for all but especially for those thinking about living at Wesley next year!

Speaking of Living at Wesley...
Basic information and application materials are now available on the desk in the Wesley living room. In addition to the written app, there is an oral interview. Deadline for submitting applications is Sunday, Feb. 17! Questions? Talk to David, Alice, Katherine, Jenn, Evelyn, Shannon, Aaron, or Mike.

Wesley Spring Retreat Feb 1-2: WILDERNESS
Do you think of Lent as a time where you give something up just because that's what you're told to do? What are the whole 40 days before Easter really about?
If you want to prepare yourself for the season of Lent through fellowship, Bible Study, and worship...plan on attending this year's Spring Retreat. We'll leave around 6pm on Friday Feb 1st and return to campus on Saturday afternoon. Expect good food, great company, lots of chances to encounter Christ, and a ferry dance party! Wesley will also be providing a small group devoted to the Lenten journey in the weeks following the retreat.
Contact Laura Shoop via email (leshoop) with questions (cost: $10--covers a night's lodging and 3 meals)

“A Lenten Journey: Travels in the Spiritual Life Based on the Gospel of Mark”
Tuesdays, 7:00 a.m. beginning February 5 (location TBD)
$5 for copy of resource book
Daily meditations, journal questions, and spiritual exercises for each day of Lent make this a wonderful way to encounter Jesus through the Gospel of Mark and set aside time daily during Lent to focus on your own faith journey. Instead of mindlessly giving up chocolate for Lent, here is a great way to really pay attention to your life and how God can do new things in you. Sign up at Wesley or contact David at dmhind@wm.edu

Teach David a Thing or Two
As always, David is happy to spend time with you doing Walk, Talk, Eat, Drink; sign up at Wesley or contact him via email.

Here are two other ways to teach him a thing or two this semester:
1. If you are taking a religion class, sign up for the Religion Courses discussion group, which meets 3 times during the semester. At the end, you get $50! Such a deal 2. Take David to class and then he'll be happy to get a cuppa joe with you and talk about it - sorry, he won't go with you with you have tests in religion classes :-)

Sign up for either of these opportunities at Wesley or email David at dmhind@wm.edu

Film "For the Bible Tells Me So" This Sunday, January 27
2 p.m., Historic Byrd Theatre, Richmond
$2 admission

Parents of 5 families speak up for their gay children, including former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and his wife, and the parents of gay Episcopal bishop Gene Robinson.
Meg Roth is going; contact her at meroth@wm.edu to catch a ride!

Order Your Nothing But Nets "Buzz Kill" Tees $20 ($10 for tee, $10 to buy a mosquito net and save a life - good deal!)

It's not too soon to be looking forward to the last day of classes when W&M Nothing But Nets celebrates Blowout Malaria by gathering students wearing Buzz Kill tees for a gi-normous group photo! Order your tee now, wear it with pride, and help us spread the word! Order yours at Wesley or give David your tee size via email (S, M, L, XL, XXL) at dmhind@wm.edu

As You Pray, Remember...
President Nichol
Sam Sadler as he recovers from surgery
Ginger Ambler as she keeps things going in Sam's absence Laura Whittle and Molly Godwin-Jones as they begin their new semester Rev. Al Thorne, Molly's dad and three Randolph-Macon students as they leave for Russia on Sunday All those who are dealing with family or roommate issues Our Spring Retreat

Practice Your Spiritual ABCs
(adapted from Mary Ann and Frederic Brusat's Spiritual Literary: Reading the Sacred in Everyday Life, 1998)

M - Constantly try to discover the meaning and significance of your experiences. Seek further understandings from sacred texts and spiritual teachers.

The Wesley Wire: Welcome Back Edition

2008-01-18T21:16:58Z

In this Edition:

Welcome Back Wesley SNP
Small Groups Spotlight
Wesley Spring Retreat
Share Your Life With David
Living at Wesley Next Year
A Different School Experience
MFSA Annual Retreat
Opposed to the Death Penalty?
Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Program
Buzz Kill Tees
Pray for…
The Spiritual ABC’s

This Week at Wesley (January 20-27)
Sunday, 5:00 p.m. - Service of Evening Prayer, Worship, and Dinner ($2 donation) - NOTE NEW SCHEDULE!
Following dinner (6:45-ish), Small Groups and Holy Communion group meet to organize and select meeting days and times

Tuesday, 12 Noon - Faculty/Staff/Grad Student Bible Study on Mark; lunch provided

Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. - David at Listening Post in the UC Lobby

Thursday, 5:00 p.m. - Nothing But Nets meeting at Wesley

Friday, David's day off

Saturday, 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - YAC Spring Planning Retreat; all are welcome!

Next Sunday, 5:00 p.m. - Meet at Wesley for Social Event/Fun Adventure; dinner ($2 donation) follows
DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR SPRING RETREAT (Feb. 1-2, $10)

Welcome Back, Wesley! We're Praising God and Changin' It Up
Service of Evening Prayer and Holy Communion
5:00 p.m.
Dinner follows (new weekly SNP Schedule)

There is no more appropriate way for us to come together as the Body of Christ than with worship this Sunday, including the Lord's Supper. We'll use a service perhaps unfamiliar, but ancient - a service of Evening Prayer. It is a very simple format for worship - singing, prayer, scripture, and ample silence. We'll add Holy Communion to the service, too (rumor has it we will have Hawaiian bread), and afterwards we will eat supper and have time to catch up on one another's lives. YAC has taken your input seriously and the vast majority of respondents to our opinionaire preferred having our program followed by the meal, so thanks for letting your voices be heard. Please join us, and bring a friend!

Small Groups - An Important Way to Grow in Your Faith
Christians grow best with others, so Wesley provides several ways for you to deepen your relationship with Christ and with sisters and brothers walking the Way of Christ. This Sunday you can meet briefly with others who want to be a part of a small group to select a meeting day and time. For details on the small group options, click on "find out more about Wesley" and check out the newly updated "activities" page

Wesley Spring Retreat Feb 1-2: WILDERNESS
Do you think of Lent as a time where you give something up just because that's what you're told to do? What are the whole 40 days before Easter really about?
If you want to prepare yourself for the season of Lent through fellowship, Bible Study, and worship...plan on attending this year's Spring Retreat. We'll leave around 6pm on Friday Feb 1st and return to campus on Saturday afternoon. Expect good food, great company, lots of chances to encounter Christ, and a ferry dance party! Wesley will also be providing a small group devoted to the Lenten journey in the weeks following the retreat.
Contact Laura Shoop with questions and sign up on the Wesley clipboard (cost: $10--covers a night's lodging and 3 meals)

Share Your Life with David in Ways Old and New
As usual you can sign up at Wesley (or email David) for "Walk, Talk, Eat, Drink" and meet with David for a meal, coffee, or a walk on DOG Street.

In addition, you can “Take David to Class” by simply signing up at Wesley (or emailing him) to invite him to attend a class with you and then get coffee to talk about the class, life, whatever. He promises to stay awake and pay attention.

Think About Living at Wesley Next Year
Talk to Alice, Katherine, Shannon, Aaron, Evelyn or Jenn, and they will tell you what an awesome experience it is to live at Wesley and to live in Christian community. Basic information and application materials are available on the desk in the Wesley living room. In addition to the written app, there is an oral interview. All is completed before the deadline for submitting deposits for living on campus. Next Sunday, the House Residents will be cooking dinner and showing off the house - including their rooms. Questions? Talk to them, David or Mike Oliver (our Administrative Assistant)

A Different School Experience
Peninsula District Mini-School of Mission
Topics: Israel/Palestine; Globalization: Its Impact on Our Lives; OR Music and Mission
Saturday, Feb. 9, 8:30 a.m. - 12 Noon
Chestnut Memorial UMC, Newport News

What a great opportunity to practice loving God with your mind - with no grades or tests, or tuition payments! Awesome! David is going so let him know if you want to attend and catch a ride!

You're Invited to the MFSA (Methodist Federation for Social Action) Annual Retreat
"Peace in Jerusalem? Our Part in Building Peace in Jerusalem, Israel and Palestine"
Feb. 22-23
Roslyn Retreat Center, Richmond
Cost: $90 (Wesley will pay $70 of this)

The retreat will be led by Jim Vitarello and Miles Kimber of "Sharing Jerusalem," an organization dedicated to working with mainline churches in support of a two-state solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict which includes a shared Jerusalem. In addition to being informed about the history and current status of the conflict, participants will learn positive actions that local churches and individuals can take to foster peace.
Want to go? David has the registration form, so see him ASAP!

Opposed to the Death Penalty? Here's a Way to Act on Your Faith!
You are invited to an E-Mail Group, "Virginia United Methodists for Alternatives to the Death Penalty," that has been developed as a follow-up to a Vigil against the death penalty held during the Virginia Annual Conference in 2007. This E-Mail Group consists of United Methodists in the Virginia Conference who support their Church's opposition to the death penalty, wish to advocate for alternative forms of punishment, and seek to educate others about this issue.
Becoming a part of this group provides an easy way to learn more about the death penalty, communicate easily with others who have similar concerns, and receive updates and action alerts on death penalty issues.
This is a low-traffic site, limited to postings related to death penalty concerns.
Interested persons are invited to join this group by replying to < vum4adp@googlegroups.com >, with "include me" as your message.
Should anyone joining the Group later wish to withdraw, that can be easily done by sending the message "unsubscribe" to < vum4adp@googlegroups.com>.

Hear the Witness of a Civil Rights Era Legend
The Office of Multicultural Affairs will sponsor the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Program on Thursday, January 24, 2008 at 7:00 pm in the University Center, Commonwealth Auditorium. Dr. Myrlie Evers-Williams, former chairperson of the NAACP and the widow of Medgar Evers, will speak on Tomorrow’s Leaders: Their Voices, Our Journey. Please come out and celebrate the life and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In addition, the movie The Ghosts of Mississippi that chronicles the work of Ms. Evers-Williams’ fight for the injustices surrounding her husband’s assassination will be shown on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 8:00 pm in Commonwealth Auditorium. The lecture and movie are free and open to the public.

Film "For the Bible Tells Me So" Coming to Richmond
Sunday, January 27
2 p.m., Historic Byrd Theatre
$2 admission
Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize, 2007 Sundance Film Festival

Parents of 5 families speak up for their gay children, including former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and his wife, and the parents of gay Episcopal bishop Gene Robinson. "Offering healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity, this film 'boldly takes a loaded topic and examines it intellectually and emotionally'" (Seattle Times)

Want to go? Contact David dmhind@wm.edu

Tee Shirts! Get Your Tee Shirts!
Nothing But Nets "Buzz Kill" Tees
$20 ($10 for tee, $10 to buy a mosquito net and save a life - good deal!)

The W&M Nothing But Nets Campaign is kicking back into gear and you want to get involved right away. The goal is to raise $75,000 by May (that's one $10 mosquito net for every W&M student). Lots of activities are planned, but the culminating one will be Blowout Malaria on the last day of classes, when we hope thousands of students will wear Buzz Kill tees for a gi-normous group photo either at Wren or at Zable. Order your tee now, wear it with pride, and help us spread the word! Order yours at Wesley or give David your tee size via email (S, M, L, XL, XXL) at dmhind@wm.edu

So, how was your break?

2008-01-16T21:41:45Z

Let me be the first (well, maybe not quite) to welcome my fellow students back to campus.

Perhaps I should back up...

My name is Isaac Hopkins, and I am the newly elected chair of communications and publicity for the W&M Wesley Foundation. I'm a freshman, but I've already plunged into the vast array of activities, services, and opportunities at Wesley.

I am currently leading the charge towards overhauling the website, which looks like it hasn't been updated for quite some time. Until our brand new site is ready to be uploaded, I'm focusing on keeping our current site as up-to-date as possible. An observant visitor might notice that the last blog update was five months ago; well, I intend to keep the announcements here more relevant.

Whenever I send out an issue of the Wesley Wire, our weekly email newsletter, I'll post some of the highlights here. But check this blog from time to time, because you never know what interesting things will pop up.

Isaac Hopkins

Wesley Welcomes Freshmen!

2007-08-17T03:14:54Z

Upcoming events:

August 24: Lemonade and Cookie Stands
(outside freshman dorms)
9am-1pm

August 26: Back to School
Breakfast and Worship Service,
Wesley House
10:15am

August 29: New Student Cook-Out
Wesley House
5-6pm

September 2: Sunday Night Program: The Gospel According to Harry Potter Wesley House
5pm

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

wesleywire @ 2007-05-11T19:24:00

2007-05-11T23:29:46Z

The senior roast gallery is up!

Click!

YAC Minutos

2007-04-30T02:18:03Z

Hey guys, Her Eminence our president suggested I post the minutes of our YAC meeting here; you know, maintaining good transparent YAC-Wesley relations =D. Please feel free to comment and make general suggestions! Thanks!

[Begin transcript]

William & Mary Wesley Foundation Young Adult Council Meeting
The Seventeenth Hour of the Twenty-Fifth Day of April in the Year of Our Lord Two-Thousand Seven, and of our beloved denomination the two-hundred and seventy-eighth (give or take a few)

Meg brought food! David opened with prayer!

DEVOTIONS: Isaiah 43; thinking about new YAC and Wesley in general.
David - "WHEN we have trouble," not IF
Aaron - Feels like YAC is more participative now.
Laura - New to YAC..loves it =D
Melissa - Smaller YAC is definitely the first sign of a new direction (a good kind of new)
Meg - Trial and error; it's okay to mess up.
David - WE'RE ALL J'S
Jenn - Is becoming more of a P
David - Embrace the wilderness; it was there that the Hebrews were closest to God, because they depended on Him constantly.
Meg - Let's continue to "catch on fire."
Laura - Too excited to sit still
Aaron - Can't wait for new freshman to come

EVALUATIONS

Sno-to-Go: Alice, Meg, and Melissa went from YAC; it was fun, more people could have been MORE fun!

Kairos: Alice (went well, approximately 47 dozen cookies made at the House)

Movie Night: Some disappointment in the "short-notice change" and in movie choice. Other assorted issues with the leading-up to the movie night.
YAC noted that the decision was made almost five days in advance of SNP. There WAS a communications breakdown, but YAC did NOT make this decision at the last minute, nor without due consideration. The consensus was that a lecture/discussion of heavy social and theological issues was not what our community needed in the wake of the week's events. A night of mindless frivolity enjoyable on brain-autopilot was the objective, though the movie WAS borderline in appropriateness. While flexibility is a key priority, YAC will not be in the habit of changing scheduled SNP's, and certainly not without making sure due notice is given to the entire Wesley community.

NEW JANK

Small Groups: Talk to people at dinners about what they might like to see next year. Mayhap we could move towards accountability-type groups rather than strict Bible studies??? Jenn happens to like that idea.

Operation Taco: Needs to be rescheduled with LDOC to THU-3-MAY. Times need to be restructured to reflect 1h 20m classes. Decided to catch people coming out of 11 o'clock classes (at 12:20) and 12:30 classes (at 1:50pm).

Creation Bible Study: Aaron's all set. Wanted input on direction of study: Earth Day?? Evolution?? Decided to focus on human's role in God's creation. Where do we fit in?

Senior Banquet: All set, Lepadg is handling RSVP's.

Planning Retreat: May 16-18; stay relatively close. Might finish on evening of the 17th. MIGHT start earlier on Wednesday.

Melissa closed with prayer!

[Consummatem est]

Have a great week everyone! Dominus vobiscum! ↑↓← →

-Aaron

Sno-to-Go!!

2007-04-13T02:50:36Z

Have you been dying to get a Fuzzy Navel stuffed snoball since last fall? Has your desire for Swizzleberry goodness gone unfulfilled? Don’t even know what those are? Never fear, Sno-To-Go is reopening for the summer and Wesley is making a trip next Friday, April 20th at 3 pm. RSVP to Alice at aereal@wm.edu to ensure we have enough transportation!

Labyrinth

2007-04-03T15:45:54Z

Reminder: Walk the Labyrinth Today!
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
in the Sunken Gardens

New Orleans- Spring Break 2007

2007-04-02T18:11:45Z

You will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings
Isaiah 58:12

Click either picture to enter the gallery!

YAC Nominations Form

2007-03-30T18:52:06Z

For anyone who has been nominated for YAC and still needs a nomination form, it can be found at www.wm.edu/so/wesley/YAC Nomination Forms.doc

This Week's Prayer Request

2007-03-25T08:45:57Z

As will happen every week, here is a chance for you to share your joys, concerns, and general prayers with your fellow members of Wesley. If you want people to pray for you or someone that you know just click to add a comment. You can submit either personally or anonymously. If you want to pray for people, just read through the comments!

The Wire Online: Spring Has Sprung Edition

2007-03-25T08:45:03Z

In this Edition:
Living Word Worship Team at SNP
Nominations: Don’t forget about Nominations to the Young Adult Council
Kairos Closing Ceremony
HELP STUDENTS IN HAITI
YOU CAN HELP A GRIEVING W&M FAMILY IN NEED
YOU’RE INVITED TO VOICES OF FAITH
PENINSULA DISTRICT UMC IS GOING GREEN!
UM STUDENT FORUM 2007
COME TO THE BREAD FOR THE WORLD GATHERING
ANOTHER SUMMER JOB POSSIBLITY
VOLUNTEER NEEDED FOR ALL GOD’S CHILDERN CAMP
COOL INTERNSHIP POSSIBLITY
CESAR CHAVEX NATIONAL HOLIDAY PETITION – YOU CAN SIGN ON!

This Week at Wesley:

Sunday, March 25:
5:00 p.m. - Dinner ($2 donation), YAC Nominations, and The Living Word worship celebration!
7:15 p.m. - Russia Team Meeting

Monday, March 26
8:00 p.m. - Women's Group at Wesley, reading Being Mary in a Martha World

Tuesday, March 27
8:00 p.m. - YAC Executive Committee

Wednesday, March 28
11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. David at Listening Post, UC Lobby 5:30 p.m. - New Student Bible Study Group

Thursday, March 29
6:15 p.m. - Holy Communion at Wesley
7:00 p.m. - Men's Group

Friday, March 30
10 a.m. - Coffee and Theology, The Grind

Next Sunday, April 1
5:00 p.m. Dinner ($2 donation) and YAC Elections

Living Word Worship Team at SNP
Sunday Mar. 25, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Wesley House
Our own Living Word Worship Team will lead us in Worship this week previewing their new service that they will carry to other local churches. Come Worship with us!

Nominations: Don't forget about Nominations to the Young Adult Council.
You can nominate yourself or others either by going to www.wm.edu/so/wesley/. Elections will be April 1!

Kairos Closing Ceremony
Sunday Apr. 29, 2:00-11:00 p.m.
Greensville Correctional Center
We will leave Wesley between 2:00-3:00 and get back between 10 and 11. It is an amazing time and wonderful opportunity to see the Spirit work in the lives of the inmates. If you are interested in going, please let Laura W. lawhit@wm.edu know ASAP (by next Monday the 26th).

HELP STUDENTS IN HAITI
CCM Fund Raising Dinner for School in Haiti Tuesday, March 27
$3 for students for authentic Haitian food Chesapeake A&B 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Catholic Campus Ministries (CCM) is having a dinner on March 27 to raise money for students' tuition and to install internet at College Msgr Decoste, a school of about 300 children in Thomonde, Haiti. You can buy tickets at the UC during lunch and dinner Friday, Monday, and Tuesday during lunch, or at the door (though you are encouraged to buy tickets earlier).

YOU CAN HELP A GRIEVING W&M FAMILY IN NEED
Ms. Shizuko Carpenter, a staff member at the College and a member of Warwick Memorial UMC in Newport News, was killed in a fire earlier this year, leaving behind children and others in grief. HACE (the Hourly and Classified Employees) at W&M is working with Ms. Carpenter's family and church to establish a fund to help the family. If you would like to donate to the fund, bring your donation this Sunday to SNP, or drop it by Wesley by March 29.

YOU'RE INVITED TO VOICES OF FAITH
100th Anniversary MFSA Celebration
(Methodist Federation for Social Action) www.mfsaweb.org April 12-15
Washington, D.C.
If you have been looking for an opportunity to gather with young, progressive, exciting United Methodists - here is one! This exciting weekend of learning, worship and fellowship is a great time to gather with lots of progressive United Methodists. Workshops will include such topics as the death penalty, consumerism, Israel/Palestine, immigration, nuclear war, and possibilities for being the church in the 21st century.

Publicity information for Voices of Faith has been posted on the bulletin board in the Wesley Fellowship Hall, and you can register online at www.mfsaweb.org . Don't miss the special rates for students! Want to go? Wesley will help make it happen. Contact David at dmhind@wm.edu ASAP!

PENINSULA DISTRICT UMC IS GOING GREEN!
Training for groups wanting to participate in the VA Conference Green Church Initiative
Saturday, April 28 9:30am - 3:30pm
Warwick Memorial UMC, Newport News
This event features worship, speakers, and workshops designed to raise our awareness and enable us to take action locally! Want to go? Talk to David - Wesley will pay for registration!

UM STUDENT FORUM 2007
May 24-27
University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash
UM Student Forum is especially for young student leaders of campus ministris like Wesley and we are looking to send one or more Wesleyites this year! Want to go? Especially if you are interested in serving on YAC you should pray about this!

Forum will focus on "holy conferencing" and the General Conference process. Through this process students will have the opportunity to listen better and to understand issues that are important to the church today, especially as the denomation looks toward our 2008 General Conference (the legislative body that meets once every four years to sets official policy, positions, funding, etc. for the denomination)

Want to go? Wesley pays ALL expenses. Talk to David and then go to www.umsm.org/studentforum for online registration.

COME TO THE BREAD FOR THE WORLD GATHERING
The Gathering 2007 Sowing Seeds: Growing the Movement to Overcome Hunger&Poverty
A Bread for the World Event
June 9-12 American University, Washington, DC
http://www.bread.org/gathering2007

“What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8

What is justice? Taking action to end hunger and poverty.

What is mercy? Loving and working on behalf of all who suffer.

You are the change the world’s been waiting for.

June 9-12, join thousands of people of faith to launch a renewed movement to end hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world. Want to go? Talk to David about Wesley helping to make it possible!

Activists with decades of experience will join with young people just beginning their public life and political involvement. Rural leaders—newly energized with a heart to help hungry people—will meet longtime urban anti-poverty workers. Parents will bring their children to show them that anyone has the chance—and the responsibility—to speak to their representatives in Congress. Campaign leaders from developing countries will meet with development practitioners, to share stories and successes in fighting poverty worldwide. People will reach out across the religious spectrum—evangelical and Catholic, ecumenical Protestant and historic African American denominations, Latino Christians and other people of faith—and join hands with other people of faith at the Interfaith Convocation.

Everyone has a story to offer. Visionaries, theologians, academics, church social action directors, and leaders from student, grassroots and national movements are coming together to build and to strengthen relationships, and to learn from one another.

ANOTHER SUMMER JOB POSSIBILITY!
Occohannock on the Bay Camp and Retreat Center., a ministry of the Eastern Shore District of the UMC is seeking camp counselors to lead their biblically based summer camp experience for children and youth. Activities include swimming, boating, vespers, skits, songs, Bible study, games, archery, campouts, devotions and more. Applications and more information are available at www.ootbay.org. As always, Wesleyites who are employed in this or other church ministries are eligible to receive additional support from our Summer Stipend program.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ALL GOD'S CHILDREN CAMP
A Virginia Conference Ministry with Children of Jailed Moms
Various Dates This Summer
Mentors are needed to be buddies for campers whose moms are currently serving time in the Virginia prison system. You don't lead activities but provide supervision and companionship throughout daily events, meals and bedtime rituals. Here is your opportunity to be a friend to a child in desperate need of one.

Weeklong camps are offered this summer June 17-22 (Camp Alta Mons in Shawsville), August 5-10 (Camp Highroad in Middleburg), August 12-17 (Camp Westview in Goochland) or August 19-24 (Occohannock on the Bay on the Eastern Shore). Choose any one that fits your summer schedule!

For information or applications, contact Ann Davis at 1-800-768-6040, ext. 138 or AnnDavis@vaumc.org If you serve as a mentor, you are eligible to receive funds from Wesley's Summer Stipends, too.

COOL INTERNSHIP POSSIBILITY!
Virginia Organizing Project
Wesley Board Member (and fomer YAC President) Ben Thacker-Gwaltney '90 asked us to spread word about this possibility (he is the local VOP organizer):
The Virginia Organizing Project VOP)is looking for college students who are interested in doing an internship in community organizing and social change. Their goal is to provide an opportunity to develop solid skills for leadership and civic participation, while engaging in specific community organizing efforts. Students make a personal contribution to the strategic work of social change, and get to do so in a multi-generational setting. They are very flexible about the number of hours per month for an internship and are especially seeking summer interns.

Internships are available throughout the state, and especially in the following areas: Abingdon, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Hampton, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Norfolk, Richmond, Roanoke, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg and Winchester.

Internships range from one month to two years. There is no deadline for applying. While usually unpaid, often students receive academic credit and VOP is very good about completing any paperwork required by academic programs. Students are encouraged also check with career and guidance counselors about other funding possibilities for internships.

For more information and an application form, go to:http://www.virginia-organizing.org/internship.php

CESAR CHAVEZ NATIONAL HOLIDAY PETITION - YOU CAN SIGN ON!
A holiday to honor the memory of Cesar Chavez, late President of the UFW (United Farm Workers) is being promoted as a day of service-learning and community action. If you would like to add your signature to support this effort, a petition is at Wesley.

Frisbee for Hunger!

2007-03-22T16:45:17Z

Hello Wesley!

Just wanted to let you know about a fun way to enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend (65 degrees on Sunday!) and help the hungry. The Hunger Awareness Taskforce is having an ultimate frisbee tournament to raise money for the Campus Kitchen that will hopefully be started here at WM in the near future (really cool idea--check out http://www.campuskitchens.org/).

Here's a blurb about it:
Sign up with teams of 5+, $10 per team to play on the Sunken Gardens on March 25th from 2-5 p.m. Best costumes and winner of the tournament win sweet prizes. Support your fellow students help end hunger in the community AND have a super time while doing so!!!!

Please email me if you're interested in forming a team!

Thanks,
Lilli

Kairos Closing Ceremony

2007-03-22T06:39:45Z

The Kairos Closing Ceremony at Greensville Correctional Center is on Sunday, April 29. We will leave Wesley between 2:00-3:00 and get back between 10 and 11. It is an amazing time and wonderful opportunity to see the Spirit work in the lives of the inmates. If you are interested in going, please let Laura W. lawhit@wm.edu know ASAP (by next Monday the 26th).

Couple Items from David

2007-03-22T06:37:08Z

Dear Wesleyites,

Welcome back! Hope your Spring Break was awesome - ours surely was in New Orleans! Thanks for your prayers while we were there - they were much appreciated!

Here are a couple of matters I wanted to share with you because they came to my inbox over break:

1. Williamsburg UMC is seeking four scripture readers (for both services, 8:15 and 11 a.m,) for Palm Sunday, April 1, to present a dramatic reading of the story of the betrayal, arrest, torture and execution of Jesus. Please email me at dmhind@wm.edu ASAP if you can participate.

2. Barbara Monteith is a W&M staff person who attends Williamsburg UMC, and she is seeking a summertime babysitter. Here is her email to me:

It's that time of year again when I start looking for a summer babysitter. I would love to hire another college student, so please forward the attached ad to any college students that you know.

If you are interested in this summertime job opportunity, please email her directly at bgmonteith@verizon.net

I hope you have a blessed week and I look forward to seeing you sometime this week!
Grace and peace,

David Hindman

YAC Online Nominations

2007-03-16T04:55:13Z

Think that this is someone who should serve on YAC next year? Didn't nominate them at SNP? Well, online nominations are back with avengence!

Just click the link or copy and paste it into your browser www.wm.edu/so/wesley/nominate.php

Help with Worship Needed

2007-03-13T06:29:08Z

If you have any interest in helping with

The U2charist 4/15

Helping with Worship for the Homosexuality and the Church SNP 4/29

`Closing Worship

Please contact email meroth@wm.edu. It should be a lot of fun, so please assist with the Worship of our Lord!

Help out w/ the Hunger Banquet next week?

2007-02-26T22:02:05Z

Hi Everyone!

Want to help make the hunger awareness banquet next week (March 4th SNP) a success?

We need:

~someone to prepare a hunger-related devotion

~2 people to help cook and serve the food -- **arrive at 3:30pm**

~2 people to help set up the tables, chairs, etc. -- **arrive at 4:00pm**

~someone to play piano for worship time (can send hymns beforehand)

If you would be willing to help, please e-mail me, hlaust@wm.edu, ASAP; by Wednesday if possible.

Thanks!!

~Lauren A.

Bag Making Party CANCELLED!!!!

2007-02-23T01:06:06Z

Dear Friends,
The latest report on the upcoming W&M Potato Drop is that 40,000 pounds of white potatoes in 50 pound bags will be delivered to Morton Parking Lot next Saturday, 8 a.m., RAIN or SHINE.

Tomorrow's (Friday, February 23) bag making party at the Wesley Foundation has been CANCELLED because we won't need the mesh bags we planned to prepare.

Please continue to spread the word and recruit volunteers for next Saturday's event! See you March 3!
Blessings,
David Hindman

This Week's Prayer Request

2007-02-17T23:53:49Z

The Wire Online: It is Chilly in the 'Burg

2007-02-17T23:52:55Z

This Week on the Blog:
Check out our weekly Prayer Request entry and check it out for all the latest in Wesley news!

In this Edition:
NOOMA VIDEOS FEATURED THIS SUNDAY
SHARE THE LOVE RE-SCHEDULED AND YOUR HELP IS NEEDED
CCM Barn Dance
Game Night SNP: It’s all in the roll of the dice
BAG MAKING PARTY AT WESLEY – THE SOCIAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
9TH ANNUAL POTATO DROP
CONGRATS TO NEXT YEAR’S WESLEY HOUSE RESIDENTS…
CONGRATULATIONS TO WESLEY’S BOWL FOR KIDS SAKE TEAM!
PROJECT TRANSFORMATION SUMMER MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY
NEW POSTION POSSIBLY OF INTEREST TO SENIOR: CAMPUS MINISTRY ASSOCIATE

This Week at Wesley:

Sunday, 2/18
3:00 p.m. - Worship team and others meet at Wesley to car pool to go to Greensville Correctional Center
5:00 p.m. - Dinner ($2 donation) and "NOOMA Video and Discussion

Monday, 2/19
7:45 p.m. - New Orleans Spring Break Mission Team meeting
8:00 p.m. - Women's Group at Wesley, reading Being Martha in a Mary World

Tuesday, 2/20
12 Noon - Faculty/Staff/Grad Student Bible study on Proverbs 9:00 p.m. - Good Books discussion group at Wesley

Wednesday, 2/21 -ASH WEDNESDAY BEGINS LENT
11:00 - 2 p.m. - Share the Love: FREE cookies and beverages; look for us near UC Terrace and Crim Dell
11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. David at Listening Post, UC Lobby
5:30 p.m. - New Student Bible Study Group

Thursday, 2/22
6:15 p.m. - Holy Communion at Wesley
7:00 p.m. - Men's Group

Friday, 2/23
10 a.m. - Coffee and Theology, The Grind
2:00 p.m. - Bag Making Party at Wesley for 3/3 Potato Drop

Next Sunday, 2/25
5:00 p.m. - Dinner ($2 donation) and "You Are What You Eat" celebration of Holy Communion

NOOMA VIDEOS FEATURED THIS SUNDAY
Sunday Dinner and Program
Sunday Feb. 18, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wesley House
If you want a new format for getting Christian perspectives. Nooma is the new format. Nooma means "spirit" in Greek and the videos present Rob Bell of Mars Hill Church. They're short films with communicators that really speak to us. Compact, portable, concise. Each Nooma touches on issues that we care about, that we want to talk about, and it comes in a way that fits our world. Join the discussion this Sunday at Wesley!

If you want to check out clips of some of the videos (and see some good-natured spoofs of Rob Bell, too) go to You Tube at http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=nooma

SHARE THE LOVE RE-SCHEDULED AND YOUR HELP IS NEEDED
Wednesday Feb. 21, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
OK, so we couldn't share the love last week because of the weather, but we're not going to let that get in the way of our love action! Wednesday will be our new opportunity to hand out cookies, lemonade, and warm beverages to unsuspecting passers by in a random yet meaningful attempt to share the love of Christ. However, This event is not possible without your help, and because some volunteers from last week can't help now, please sign up at SNP or by emailing wesley@wm.edu. The event is from 11-2pm with shifts needed to help with set up and clean up, so please sign up and help SHARE THE LOVE!

I'm looking for help at 10, 11, and 1 still, especially because I won't be able to take the day off. Please let me know if you can help. At the very least, stop by the table between the UC Terrace and Sunken Gardens. Also, if you have artistic abilities, I'd love for you to make a poster.

AND IMPORTANTLY, this Sunday after SNP, stick around for a bit to bag the cookies for Sunday. I'll bring music, and we can rock it out as we bag up those wonderful cookies for the students of W&M.

CCM Barn Dance
Friday Feb. 23, 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
UC Tidewater
Donations will be accepted to differ the costs of the event. Check the Blog for further information coming soon

Game Night SNP: It’s all in the roll of the dice
Sunday Feb. 25, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wesley House
Like to play Apples to Apples, Taboo, Monopoly, Twister? Have the game in your room? Want to play it with friends? Come to Wesley on Saturday, February 24 at 7:30pm to play those games you've brought. We'll have a few snacks, put on some music, and hang out. Trey and James have agreed to set up some video games, as well. Awesome!

BAG MAKING PARTY AT WESLEY - THE SOCIAL EVENT OF THE YEAR!
Friday, Feb. 23, 2 p.m.
Wesley House
In preparation for the 9th annual W&M Potato Drop, 4,500 mesh bags have to be prepared for 45,000 pounds of potatoes! Whew! Meet at Wesley next Friday to prepare the bags - it is quick work when many hands are involved. Bring scissors if you have some.

9th ANNUAL POTATO DROP
Saturday, Mar. 3, 8:00 a.m.
Morton Parking Lot
Tons of spuds will be dumped in Morton Parking Lot, RAIN OR SHINE, and our job is to get them bagged and loaded onto trucks from local food banks and food pantries to feed hungry neighbors in need. Thanks to Wesley and other W&M campus ministries and service organizations, since 1999 more than 1 million servings of nutritious food have been provided through this annual event. Yes, it is early, but there will be food and fun and it is an event you don't want to miss! Sign up at Wesley to participate!

CONGRATS TO NEXT YEAR'S WESLEY HOUSE RESIDENTS...
Jennifer Bartgis, Aaron Gregory, Katherine Harris, Evelyn Jessie and Alice Real will grace Wesley with the 24/7 presence as House Residents next year! Congratulations! We know you are going to make Wesley the way cool place to hang out next year, too!

CONGRATULATIONS TO WESLEY'S BOWL FOR KIDS SAKE TEAM!
Thanks to our Wonderful Wesley Wollers adn others who participated in Bowl for Kids Sake last Saturday, $43,000 was raised to help local kids in need - AWESOME! In the campus ministry competition between CCM, Canterbury and us, Wesley raised the most money and will be the first recipient of a "trophy" for the annual competition among campus ministries; CCM may have had a higher score (and will receive a "trophy" too) but Wesley came through with what really mattered! Way to go, Team Wesley!

PROJECT TRANSFORMATION SUMMER MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY
June 10-August 10
Charlottesville, Waynesboro, Blackstone areas of Virginia
Did you know that our Wesley Foundation is providing a way for you to work with children in need this summer through Project Transformation? This mission outreach works with children in need during weekdays to provide fun activities, tutoring, and opportunities to see Christian love in action. PT staff receive housing, meals, $2000 in salary and are eligible for an additional $1500 in AmeriCorps funds. This summer of study, service, and worship, is a once in a lifetime experience. While it is anticipated that workers will receive $2000 in support from their home congregation, Wesley has already committed $1000 of that for up to two W&M students, and PT has reserved two spaces for Wesleyites, as a way to encourage your home congregation or district to meet the match. David has the application forms; deadline is March 15.

NEW POSITION POSSIBLY OF INTEREST TO SENIORS: CAMPUS MINISTRY ASSOCIATE
Collegiate United Methodist Church/Wesley Foundation (CUMC/WF) in Ames, Iowa is seeking a Campus Ministry Associate (CMA). Our community of faith has a broad range of student and congregational groups exploring and celebrating their spiritual journeys. The CMA will organize discussion groups, meet with students individually, participate in worship services, and will work closely with a campus minister, student leaders, and an active and diverse congregation.

In the best of the United Methodist tradition, we are looking for a CMA who combines both head and heart in the living out of his or her faith. Membership in the United Methodist Church is not required, but a basic understanding of the denomination is helpful. Interests in progressive theology, alternative worship, service, music, and peace and justice are valuable, but are not requirements as the position can be tailored to a wide range of personalities and gifts. We are seeking a person with a holistic view of faith, who is adaptable and flexible to an ever-changing ministry.

The position is for two years and is an ideal opportunity for a young adult exploring their call to ministry. Stipend, housing, health insurance, and other benefits are included. A bachelor's degree or equivalent must be completed by the August 1 start date.

Please send a resume, a one page reflection on what you see as your mission as a CMA, and three references to Rev Jim Shirbroun, Collegiate United Methodist Church/Wesley Foundation, 2622 W. Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014.

The application deadline is Feb 25, 2007.
For more information, please visit www.cumc-wf.org or email jim_shirbroun@qwest.net.

Still Seeking a Couple of Scripture Readers

2007-02-14T09:41:40Z

Dear Wesleyites,
If you would be willing to read scripture at Williamsburg UMC either this Sunday or next (Feb. 18 or 25) for the 8:15 a.m. (!) service, I would be very, very, very grateful. I know it is early but think of all the studying you can get done after the worship service :-)

Please email me at dmhind@wm.edu ASAP if you are willing to do this. I will love you for ever. OK, so I alrady love you for ever, but I would be oh so appreciative :-)

Remember that you are greatly loved by the God at the heart of the universe!
David

Wesley Board's Mission Award

2007-02-14T09:31:47Z

Want to apply or nominate someone for the Wesley Board's new Mission Award? You can now fill out the form online. Just click the link, and you can put yourself or someone you know on the way to recognition.

www.wm.edu/so/wesley/MissionAward ApplicationForm.doc

Share the Love Postponed

2007-02-14T00:10:45Z

Weather Alert: Rain tomorrow.
Sad Story: Share the Love cancelled (well postponed until next Wednesday)
True Story: We still need help at 11 and 1 slots next Wednesday

SHARE THE LOVE WHEREVER YOU ARE TOMORROW (who needs cookies and lemonade to do that :-))

Let me know if you need any info (Katie, kjmidl@wm.edu)