Wise Men Still Seek Him!

We hope you had an awesome Christmas!!! This Sunday will be the finale of our "First Christmas" series....and you'll be meeting the men who were wise...men who traveled a long time to meet, following a star that would leave them to the place where the Christ Child would lived...can't wait to see you!

 

 

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve!  Start your Christmas by coming to our Candlelight Service at 6 pm where you will be meeting the Innkeeper!    Wasn't it awesome to hear the kids sing "Emmanuel" at the Sunday School Christmas Program and also yesterday morning during the worship service?  Emmanuel....God with us!   I love my devotions this morning..."Just as Jesus came to bring the presence of God into our world (Emmanuel...God with us), so too we are called to bring His presence into our world...this Christmas, we can give the gift of God's likeness through us.  When our lives reflect the God who lives in us, we can be different from the world, and the difference can bless others with the transforming presence of His love and grace."  (ODB)  Look forward to seeing you tomorrow night! 

Fourth Sunday of Advent - Come and Be Blessed By Mary

Last weekend was so very special! Thank you to everyone who had a part in the Sunday School Christmas Program...it was awesome! We're getting close to the end of Advent...how quickly the time has gone! On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we will be privileged to meet Mary...to hear "her song"...the mother of our Savior! Can't wait to see you on Sunday! 

And don't forget to start your Christmas festivities by coming to our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on December 24th at 6 pm!

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Matt Kimbrough!

It's The Shepherds!

We will be celebrating the third Sunday of Advent during the morning worship service (10:45 am) by meeting the shepherds who received the amazing news of Christ's birth on that silent night!  And that evening will be our Sunday School Christmas Program at 6 pm...our theme for the night is "Where Is Baby Jesus?"  It will be an awesome night of celebrating the Christ Childs!  Wait till you hear the musical the kids will be doing! They are awesome! See you Sunday!

Christmas Caroling - Second Sunday of Advent

December 8th will be the second Sunday of Advent and we will be "meeting" Joseph during the morning worship service!   You won't want to miss meeting him! 

In the afternoon, we will be going Christmas caroling starting at 4 pm!   It is always such a special time of sharing Christ's birth in song!  If you know of a shut-in who would be encouraged by a visit, let Pastor Doug know.  We hope you will join us!!  

Don't Miss "The First Christmas"...Starts December 1st Through December 29th

Tomorrow begins the first Sunday of Advent...Pastor has been working on an awesome series about the first Christmas! You won't want to miss a single week as we think about the meaning of Christmas in our own lives...tomorrow come and meet Elizabeth! May this Christmas season come alive in each of our lives as never before!!! Can't wait to see you tomorrow!

The Empire State Building and Multiple Myeloma

We received an e-mail last week from Cheri Austin, George and Sharon's daughter that I thought I'd share with you. Cheri has been selected to run up the Empire State Building to raise money for Multiple Myeloma (the type of cancer Sharon had as well as Gary Semmel and John Miron). She will run up 1,576 steps to the top of the Empire State Building and hopes to raise at least $2,500 for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. If you would be interested in sponsoring her, please use the link in this email to donate online quickly & securely. You will receive email confirmation of your donation and Cheri will be notified as soon as you make your donation. Thanks for praying for her in this endeavor!

http://www.active.com/donate/2014MMRFRunUp/CheriAustin

A Special Night Of Sharing Together...

These last few months have been most precious time of worship and knowing His close presence during our morning worship services! How I love gathering with my church family each week! We have a special event planned for giving thanks this Sunday evening as we gather together for our annual Harvest Dinner at 6 pm. Are you coming? I hope so! Turkey, ham, dressing and potatoes will be provided!

Sunday, November 3rd, Will Be Quite A Day!

Don't forget to turn your clocks back at 2 am on Sunday, November 3rd!!  Daylight Savings Time comes to an end for 2013...and you get an extra hour of sleep!!!  It is a good time to also change all your batteries in your fire alarm detectors!! 

Will look forward to seeing you in God's House...what a special day it will be as we worship together in the morning and then in the afternoon at 3 pm we will witness the marriage of Jayme Kueckel and Chris Jewell!  May our precious Savior be the strength of your marriage…the center of your lives…the guide of your future…the source of your love!

October Is Pastor Appreciation Month

October is Pastor Appreciation Month! How thankful I am for Pastor Doug...for faithfully speaking the Truth each week into our lives, for his love and care for the flock at Anoka Wesleyan, and for his desire to see each person give themselves wholly, fully, radically over to the Lordship of Jesus Christ...and yes, even for his corny jokes! Thanks for being a man of God, Pastor Doug, who has been faithful to God's calling upon your life!

An Awesome Time At FMSC!!

What an awesome time we had at Feed My Starving Children last Friday! The whole group packed 73 boxes of food which will feed 43 children for one year which amounts to 21,768 meals! The two tables where we were at did 27 of the boxes! Amazing! The food is shipping out this week to Uganda! Pray that it will safely arrive to this African country and that it will be a blessing both physically and spiritually! We'll be doing it again soon! Why not join us next time! Special thanks to those who were part of the AWC team this year - Tim and Brenda, Ken and Jenni, Jayme, Sierra , Monique, Pastor Doug and Suzi. 

Happy Fall! Some Dates To Save For The Rest Of The Year

Last evening's session of "The Truth Project" was phenomenal.  To see our place in God's "larger story" is fundamental to an accurate understanding of almost every aspect of our lives.  Lord, help us to never be apathetic to what is happening in our life!

Fall has come and before we know it, 2013 will be a memory!   The 2013-2014 church directory was distributed which has dates of events for this next year, but wanted to make sure you "save the following dates" for our special times of ministry together!
 

 

Saturday, October 12th - Church Cleaning Day from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm
Friday, October 18th - Feed My Starving Children
Tuesday, October 29th - The Vibrant Church Seminar with Dr. Stan Toler
Thursday, October 31st - Trunk or Treat at the church
Sunday, November 10th - Harvest Dinner
Wednesday, November 27th - Thanksgiving Service
Sunday, December 8th - Christmas Caroling
Sunday, December 15th - Sunday School Christmas Program
Tuesday, December 24th - Christmas Eve Service

Save The Date - October 18th!

Reserve Friday evening, October 18th, for a very special time at Feed My Starving Children in Coon Rapids! We'll be packing meals from 8 pm to 9:30 pm! We want to fill all 12 spots for that evening (and can even do more!!!)    Let me know if you'll be joining us!

http://www.flickr.com//photos/fmsc/show/

 

 

You Have A Date Tomorrow - Church Worship and A Picnic!

Tomorrow is the Lord's Day!   I'm looking forward to seeing you at church!  And don't forget about the Sunday School picnic after the service at Orono Park in Elk River - shelter #2!  We'll plan to eat around 1 pm.    Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided plus beverages and tableware!  It's going to be a warm day, but it will be very nice by the lake!  Plus, the Amazing Mr. Jewell is bringing his boat!   And the best part of all will be the time of fellowship with the family!  I hope all of you can come!  Bring your whole family Don't forget your lawn chair, a dish to share and come ENJOY! 

A Warm Welcome To The Watts!

Yesterday was an awesome day of worship at AWC!  It's been a joy to welcome many new faces to our church family!  How thankful I am for the Holy Spirit's presence when we gather together!     We want to extend a warm welcome to Sam, Britt, Olaf and Luther Watts as they come to minister at Anoka Wesleyan!  We're excited for what the Lord has planned in the days ahead! 

It's Time For VBS - Come Explore Kingdom Rock

Vacation Bible School is this next week - Sunday, August 11th through Tuesday, August 13th from 6 to 8:30 pm. (Registration will be from 5:30 to 6 pm on Sunday). Come visit "Kingdom Rock" with us "where kids stand strong for God!!" There will be classes for ages 3 (must be potty trained) through Grade 12. Cost is $3.00. We look forward to exploring His Kingdom with YOU!!!

It Was An AWESOME Night To Unite

Thanks to everyone who came out to meet our neighbors last evening at the Night to Unite Block Party! Was great to meet many new faces! The rain held off until the last half hour! The teens did an awesome time "painting" faces...evening some of the adults participated!  

The music by the Anderson was awesome...and as always, the kids had a fun time when the firemen came with their truck! Thanks to everyone who helped in making this a special night!

It's A Block Party!

Come meet our church neighbors at our block party on Tuesday evening, August 6th from 6 to 8 pm!  Our block party will be part of Minnesota's Nite to Unite!  Come join us....there will be food, games, giveaways, and bluegrass music by the Andersons! 

It's District Conference and Family Camp Time!

Just a reminder...there will be no midweek services this week because of District Conference and Family Camp. 

The Iowa-Minnesota District Conference will begin at 8:30 am on Wednesday.  District Conference activities will be at the campground with Dr. Harry Wood, General Church Representative, and  Rev. Tim Purcell, District Superintendent, sharing.  The Wesleyan Women Convention will be starting at around 10:30 am at First Wesleyan.   Our closing conference and ordination service will be at 7 pm at the campground.  Thanks for praying for our ordinands:  Julie Blummett (Kingswood Wesleyan) and Nathan Richardson (La Porte City Wesleyan).   Pastor Doug will be honored during conference for 35 years of ministry.

And while you are in Iowa, plan on staying for Family Camp!  Dr. Bud Bence will be the speaker for this year's camp!  Enjoy the beauty of Cedar Springs Camp and the time of spiritual renewal as well as some amazing fellowship!
For more information, go to  http://www.cedarspringscamp.com/#/camps/family-camp-2013

Happy 50th Anniversary, Anoka Wesleyan Church

On June 23, 1963, the Anoka Wesleyan Church was established! We are 50 years old!!! Awesome! Come celebrate with us on Saturday evening, June 29th, at 5 pm for a cookout at the church! It will be a special night of sharing with "family" and friends...a night of reflecting on God's goodness in the past and praising Him for the ministry opportunities of the future! We want to be an amazing lighthouse for Him in our community! Then join us for a special celebration worship service the next day at 10:45 am!!! To God be all the glory!!!! Great things He has done...even greater things He is going to do!!!

(If you plan on coming on Saturday for the picnic, please reply to this post or call Tim Jewell so that we know how many to plan for!)

Memorial Service for Sharon Austin

The memorial service for Sharon Austin will be this coming Saturday (June 22nd) at 10:30 am at our church. How blessed we were to have Sharon as part of our church family these past few years. She was a very precious woman of God. Thank you for remembering George, Ed and Cheri during this time. May our Lord and Savior be their comfort. A luncheon will be served following the service. Ladies, if you can provide a salad and/or cake, and also if you can help serve that day, please let Suzi know ASAP.

Praying For You As You Leave

Join us for a farewell potluck picnic at 12:30 pm at the Swarthout home on Sunday, June 9th, as we say goodbye to Katie, Lacey and Hope. They will be moving to Arizona later that week. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided. It will be a special afternoon of sharing together. Katie, Lacey, and Hope...know you are loved and we will miss you! We are praying for you on this next adventure in life!

Congratulations, Graduates!

Congratulations, graduates!!!   Christine Carroll graduated from Bethel University this past week.  Ashley Light and Ashley Otterness will be graduating from Anoka High School on June 3rd! Our warm congratulations are extended to you three! We will be honoring our graduates on Sunday, June 2nd, during the morning worship service! The church family is invited to the open house for Ashley Light on June 1st from 1-4:30 pm at the church and to Ashley Otterness' party at her home on June 8th from 1-4 pm. "For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Ashley Light

Ashley Otterness



Christine Carroll

 

 

Anoka Wesleyan Is 50 Years Old!!

Our church will be celebrating it's 50th Anniversary celebration Saturday, June 29th and Sunday, June 30th!  (The date was June 23, 1963!!!)

We will be holding a barbeque on the church lawn beginning at 5:00 pm on Saturday. It will be a special night of reconnecting with friends from the past and present!  Following the barbeque, we will have an informal time of sharing and worship. On Sunday, join us for Sunday School at 9:15AM and the celebration worship service at 10:45AM.

We hope you can make it!  If you can't make it and would like to send a message to be read during the anniversary celebration, please send a card or letter to Anoka Wesleyan Church 1930 Branch Ave Anoka, MN 55303 or e-mail Tim Jewell at tbncjewell@yahoo.com

Come share the blessings of the past and embrace His plans for the future!!!

Ladies - Don't Miss the Brunch on May 18th

Ladies, join us on Saturday morning, May 18th, at 9:30 am for our annual ladies' brunch.  Our theme for the morning will be "Letters to Mom".  

Beth Werking will be our guest speaker.  You will be blessed by our time together!  Invite your mom, your aunts, your children, your sibling, your neighbors!  There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin boards.  Tickets are $5.00.   Don't come alone!

Last Call For Garage Sale Items

Last call for items for the garage sale the teens will be having on Saturday, May 11th! This is one of their fundraiser events to earn money for kids to go to summer church camp! If you have questions, contact Tim Jewell! The garage sale will be held at the church from 9 am to 2 pm! Thanks for supporting our teens!!

Come Say Farewell To Andrea

This coming Sunday (April 21st) will be Andrea's last Sunday with us before she returns to Japan as a Global Partners missionary.  Following the worship service, we will be having a potluck dinner.   We hope you will stay and join in this time of fellowship.  As she returns to Japan, there are a lot of unknowns ahead.  She wrote in her last newsletter:  "In a lot of ways, I am not even sure how to ask you to pray.  But I know there is a god who is answering prayers, before we even ask them.  Thank you for praying with me on this journey." 

Garage Sale Items Needed

The youth will be having a garage sale to raise funds for camp registrations!  Your donated items would be greatly appreciated!  If you have questions, please see Tim or Hope.  If you would like to make a financial donation towards a camp registration, that would be awesome!   Camp is a life changing opportunity for our teens!

Talent Show - "Have A Heart - Mine!"

"Have A Heart - Mine!" is our theme for this fun-filled evening for the whole family!  Whether your talent is in reading, singing, playing an instrument, a craft, or whatever, plan on being a blessing (And bringing a smile) to the "family" on the evening of April 14th at 6 pm.  If you have questions, see Naomi Johnson! 

Daylight Savings Time This Weekend

Join Us For The "I Love Jesus" Banquet

Our teens are having a special fundraising event for camp registrations!   Plan on joining us on Sunday evening, February 10th, at 6 pm for our "I Love Jesus" banquet.  Cost for a ticket is $10.00.  our special guest for the evening will be Joshua Smith, professional harpist and teacher at Joshua Everett Music!   Sign up today...it will be a special evening as we celebrate the love of Christ!   And for each person who purchases a ticket, your name will be placed in a drawing for a $25 restaurant card! 

Join Us This Year For "The Truth Project"

On the last Sunday evening of each month for 2013, we will be participating in "The Truth Project".  "The Truth Project" is a challenging study, for youth and adults, that will encourage you to look at God's blueprint for life and equip you with a systematic and Biblical framework for making decisions and understanding Truth...seeing God's design for living out the Christian worldview in daily lives!   Our first lesson is this Sunday evening, January 27th, at 6 pm.   We hope to see you there! 

We'll Be Praying For You, Chris...

Tomorrow we will be giving our best wishes to Chris Jewell. He will be leaving on Monday for the Marines boot camp in San Diego. We will be having a potluck dinner after the worship service so that you visit with him. Chris, know we will be praying for you...

Thanks for taking time to pray this weekend...it is National Human Trafficking Awareness...

National Human Trafficking Awareness

Wow! Is it really 2013?

The new year arrived just a few short hours ago!   Have you been wondering what 2013 will hold for you?  I've been thinking about some resolutions that would be good for me to embrace this next year, but in all honesty, they are not something I am very fond of!   Oh, don't get me wrong…there is nothing wrong with wanting to "resolve" to improve or better ourselves…that is good!  But what usually happens with resolutions?   After a few days or a couple weeks, they are forgotten.   My heart's desire for this next year is that daily I will drawer closer to Jesus in all that I do….I want to live better for Him day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment…not just in the year ahead but for every day of my life that remains.   Don't be afraid to ask me how I am doing! 

            I've been asking the Lord to give me a word to focus on for this next year in our ministry at Anoka Wesleyan.   He revealed it to me on Sunday morning…"oneness"…that we would become as Jesus spoke in John 17 "The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind - just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us…so they'll be unified and together as we are …then they'll be mature in this oneness, and give the godless world evidence that you've sent me and love them in the same way you've loved me."   

            2013…as we work together for His Kingdom this next year, may it indeed be with a spirit of oneness… working together to transform lives in our church and community through the hope and holiness of Jesus Christ!