Wesley United Methodist Church
Thursday, February 23, 2012
--A bold witness to God's love!

IDEA / PAST EVENTS

 

The IDEA behind Wesley Celebration since its conception in May of 07 was to create a worship space for LGBTIQ people.  The leaders that helped form Wesley Celebration hoped to show all people the unconditional love and grace of Jesus without any reservations due to their lifestyle or religious background, past or future (1 Corinthians 13:5).

This IDEA has evolved to mean that we want to help walk with you through your reconciliation of your sexuality and your faith, wherever you are on that journey.  We wish to walk with you because we truly care about you, not because we want to fulfill some kind of religious duty.

In June of 08 we launched our new Mission Statement of Finding G.R.A.C.E.~ God's Reconciliation, Acceptance, Compassion and Embrace.  That is why we are truly all at Wesley Celebration.  We need GRACE to see us through the hard times of reconciliation, and there's no better place to find it than with others on that same journey.
 
Past Events
 
5.5.11
Wesley Celebration: "Born This Way," by Wendy Lisbon-Slack
Conclude your Pride weekend by joining us for a time of worship, message and fellowship.
 
5.4.11
21st Annual Fresno Gay Pride Parade and Festival
Meet us on the corner of Palm and Olive at 9:45 a.m. and help us pass out flyers and bracelets
 as we participate in the Pride Parade. Help us be a Bold Witness to Wesley's and God's love.
Bring $10 and you can purchase one of our "Born This Way" T-shirts that we will all be wearing.
 
4.3.11
Wesley Celebration: Guest Speaker, Pastor Vickie Healy
We will conclude this year's reconciling anniversary with Wesley Celebration, Wesley's
continuation to morning worship geared to the LGBTIQQ community and our straight allies.
Pastor Vickie Healy will be our special guest speaker.
 
4.3.11
27th Anniversary of Reconciling, Morning Worship: "Back to the Basics"
For 27 years Wesley United Methodist Church has chosen to be a Bold Witness To God's
Love by being inclusive of all people: Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Transgendered, Queer and
Questioning and Heterosexual. To celebrate our 27th anniversary Wesley Celebration's
(Wesley's continuation to morning worship geared to the LGBTIQQ community and our
straight allies) leadership team will be conducting morning worship at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.,
and Wendy Lisbon-Slack will be preaching on the title, "Back to the Basics".
 
4.2.11
27th Anniversary of Reconciling, Documentary Screening: "Fish Out of Water"
As part of this year's 27th Reconciling Weekend we will be screening "Fish Out Of Water"
by Ky Dickens. The website describes the film as "a documentary that explores the
emapssioned relationship between homosexuality and the bible". If you have family or friends
who question how it is ok for you to say you are a gay Christian, don't miss this opportunity
for them to experience a film that answers those questions. Come, bring your family and
friends, and hear what some of the great theologians of our time have to say.

Following the film we will host a dessert fellowship in the Fireside Room.
 
12.19.10
Wesley Celebration: "Longest Night Service"
Christmas can be a painful time for some. Images of gifts and happy gatherings of family and
friends remind many people of what they have lost or never had. The anguish of broken
relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of
isolation—all can make people feel very alone in the midst of celebrating.

We need to make the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern; we need to
know that we are not alone. In this spirit, Wesley UMC with Wesley Celebration will offer a
“Longest Night” service on Dec.19 at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Join us in sharing prayers,
scripture, and music that acknowledge that God’s presence is for those who mourn, for those
who struggle, and for those who are alone. Everyone, regardless of church background, is welcome.
The service will be followed by a dessert fellowship in the Fireside Room.
 
 
Wesley Celebration: "Thanks-Living"
Please join us for our annual Thanksgiving worship service and Thanksgiving meal, where all our
welcome, LGBTIQQ and straight allies. We will meet in John Wesley Hall for a special worship
service by Wesley Celebration. Our worship team will lead us in some great "Thanksgiving" songs,
Wendy will speak on the topic of "Thanks-Living", and then we will share in a Thanksgiving Potluck
in the Fireside Room. Service begins at 6:00 p.m. Last names beginning with A-M please bring
a side-dish, N-Z please bring a dessert.
 
11.20.10
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Trans-e-motion education through the arts presents, The International Transgender Day of
Remembrance, Saturday, November 20th, 5:00 - 9:30 p.m. in John Wesley Hall.
Free and Open to ALL! For more information contact: info@Trans-e-motion.org or call 255-4075
 
 9.19.10
Wesley Celebration
Have you been to Wesley Celebration lately?
With summer on it's way out many people are back in town. This means many of you are back
worshiping and fellowshiping with us. Maybe you have had the pleasure of hearing our new
worship band, or taken part in our game night or hung out with your WC friends, but there is
so much more on the horizon.
Come join us this Sunday night. We have a great service in store for you and some upcoming
events you are going to want to be a part of.
 
9.18.10
Wesley UMC and Wesley Celebration Sponsor Reel Pride's:
"Out In the Silence"
Each year Wesley UMC and Wesley Celebration sponsor one of the films at Fresno's Reel Pride.
This year we are proud to sponsor Out In the Silence. Here is what Reel Pride has to say about
the film:
"Struggling with the fallout from his impending marriage, filmmaker Joe Wilson is inundated
with cries of help from others struggling in his small town of Oil City, Pennsylvania. Joe places
a wedding announcement in the local paper, which catches the eye of Kathy Springer, a local
woman whose teenage son, CJ, is being brutally tormented at school because he is gay. Ignored
by the school authorities and with nowhere else to turn, she seeks help from Wilson and they
begin a difficult but ultimately successful struggle to take on the school authorities who made
every day "eight hours of pure hell" for CJ.

The announcement has a very different effect on Diane Gramley, head of the local chapter
of the ultra-conservative American Family Association. Infuriated by the prospect of the
"homosexual agenda" invading her little town, she issues an action alert calling on townspeople
to denounce same sex marriage and all other forms of "perversion". Over the next four years
Wilson navigates the ins and outs of being different in a conservative small town, capturing
the people and new friends he meets in this award-winning documentary film."
We will be in the lobby before and after the film so stop by and say hi. See you at the movies.
 
8.15.10
Wesley Celebration: "What Do We Deserve"
Wesley Celebration is constantly trying to grow and improve your worship experience.
This week our worship team is unveiling a secret that's been under wraps for months. Grab
your friends and don't miss this special Wesley Celebration full of worship and of course a
powerful message by Wendy.
11.21.10
8.14.10
Wesley Celebration Bunco Night
Come check out "the game that's sweeping the nation," that has been around
since 18th Century England.

What: WC Bunco Night and Fellowship
When: August 14th at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Carol's house, 340 W. Sample Ave. Fresno CA
What to bring: Your favorite appetizer, we'll provide the drinks

If you missed our retreat you missed out on all the excitement of Bunco.
It was such a hit we decided to bring it to the whole group. Come find out
who the "traveling bunny" is, laugh with your friends, share some great
 food, and maybe even take home a prize.
8.1.10
Wesley Celebration: "Praise"
Tired of all the hot weather in Fresno? Miss spending time with your friends? Well
come cool off at Wesley Celebration this Sunday. There will be time to recharge your
soul with great worship, a powerful message, and fellowship to follow.
7.18.10
Wesley Celebration: "Relationships: "
Relationships take work and commitment. Join us this Sunday night as Wendy shares
with us on what it means to be in relationship with mankind and God. Come reflect,
worship, and fellowship with us.
7.17.10 POSTPONED
Wesley Celebration BBQ & Fellowship
What: WC BBQ and Fellowship
When: TBA
Where: Carol's house, 340 W. Sample Ave. Fresno, CA
What to bring: A salad or side dish if your last name begins with A-L
A dessert if your last name begins with M-Z

We will provide drinks and all the fixings for hamburgers and hotdogs.
If you would like us to grill something special, i.e. veggie burgers or other
bring it along.
7.4.10
NO Wesley Celebration
We will not be having Wesley Celebration on the 4th of July to allow you to
celebrate Independence Day, but please join us in the morning for worship at
10:00 a.m. and a celebration after service to welcome back Pastor Healy as our
pastor for the next year. Hot dogs and apple pie will be served as well.

WC will return for it's regularly scheduled worship on July 18th at 6:00 p.m.
6.20.10
Wesley Celebration: "Why Wesley"
Two weeks ago Wendy challenged us with the topic of "Rethink Pride". This week Danella
will be our special speaker sharing her personal experience at Fresno Pride, and the challenging
question she was faced with numerous times, "Why Wesley?". As always we will open with live
worship from our own worship team of Susan and Danella and we will close our service with our
monthly communion and fellowship to follow the service. If you've been asking yourself, "Why
church?" or "Why Wesley?" or even "Why God?" this service is for you. We'll see you Sunday
at 6:00 p.m. in John Wesley Hall.

6.6.10
Wesley Celebration: "Rethink Pride"
This week our President of the United States issued a proclamation that June is to be celebrated
as GLBT pride month. So as pride comes through Fresno this weekend will you come out and
march with us in the parade, will you be an onlooker from the street sides, or maybe celebrate
pride at home to yourself? However you choose to celebrate pride, Wesley Celebration has a
message for you entitled, "Rethink Pride" this Sunday at 6:00 p.m. in John Wesley Hall. As
always we will have some great live worship and time for fellowship. So don't forget to stop by
as your pride weekend comes to a close.
6.5.10
Wesley Celebration at Fresno Pride
Come out and celebrate Fresno Pride with Wesley UMC. Meet us on the corner of Palm and
Olive at 9:30 a.m. to ride on our float or march in the parade scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.
Then hang around and enjoy the activities at the festival where Wesley will have an informational
booth. We look forward to seeing you and are grateful for your support.
Wesley Celebration is constantly trying to grow and improve your worship experience. This week
our worship team is unveiling a secret that's been under wraps for months. Grab your friends and
don't miss this special Wesley Celebration full of worship and of course a powerful message by Wendy.
11.15.09
Wesley Celebration Thanksgiving
Please join us November 15th for our Annual Thanksgiving service. We will meet at 6:00 p.m. in John Wesley
Hall for a shortened worship service and then we will join together for a Thanksgiving meal where ALL are
welcome. Invite your family and friends, and please bring a side dish or dessert, and we will provide the main dish.
11.8.09
Love Is A Choice Book Study
Wesley Celebration begins a new book study to provide a personal growth class on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of
the month. This class will meet through April in the Youth Room at 6:00 p.m. The book chosen for this class is
"Love Is A Choice" by authors Hemfelt, Minirth, and Meier. Amazon.com says, "These bestselling doctors walk
you through their ten proven stages to recovery from codependency that results from external circustances.
Humans are susceptible to codependency because of our sinful tendency to use defense mechanisms to fool ourselves.
In codependent relationships, deceitful games are played, and important Christian principles are often taken out
of context and abused. God wants us to have healthy relationships with a balance between being dependent and
independent. The doctors describe how the most effective means of overcoming codependent relationships is to
establish or deepen a relationship with Christ Himself. They describe the causes of codependency, pointing out
the factors that perpetuate it, and lead readers through their ten stages of recovery". For more information please
contact April Silva.
Equality March on Washington Montage by Sean Chapin
6.6.09
Wesley's Float in Fresno's Pride Parade
Ride or march with Wesley in the parade.
Where to Meet: Corner of Palm & Olive in Tower MAP
When: Saturday, June 6th at 9:00 a.m.
What to Bring: Wear you 25th Anniversary T-shirts and your big Wesley smiles..
6.5.09
Wesley's Float Set-Up
Help us put the finishing touches on our float.
Where: Shawn & Gillis' house 3677 N. Fresno St, Fresno 93726 MAP
When: Friday, June 5th at 6:00 p.m.
What to Bring: Beverages. We will be providing pizza.
5.31.09
Decorate With Wesley For Our Float In Fresno's Pride Parade
Join us as we paint items going on our float, put signs together, cut out flyers, etc.
Where: Shawn & Gillis' house 3677 N. Fresno St, Fresno 93726 MAP
When: Sunday, May 31st at 2:00 p.m.
Items Needed: Paper cutter, paint brushes, scissors
3.30.09
Reconciling Anniversary T-shirts
Our 25th Anniversary of Reconciling T-shirts have arrived. You can pick yours up this weekend during
morning worship or at Wesley Celebration. The shirts are $19 and checks can be made out to Wesley
United Methodist Church. If you didn't pre-order we have a few extra, but they will go quickly!
3.3.09
Lenten Meditations
At our last Wesley Celebration Wendy mentioned several ways of coming closer to God during this time
of Lent. One was by reading the Lent and Easter meditations provided by United Methodist Women. You
can go directly to the meditations here. You may also be interested in reading the Upper Room Devotional
available both online and in the Narthex at church. If you prefer service Wesley offers many opportunities
to volunteer. You could provide food items for our food bags, which are passed out to the needy in our
neighborhood. More information on the food bags, and the items to be provided, can be found here. Another
 opportunity to volunteer is by helping out with our Thursday night dinner, Base Camp. We provide a family
style meal and short devotional time each Thursday at 5:30 p.m to the neighbors of Wesley. For more
information please check out the Base Camp blog. There are many more opportunities for volunteering at
Wesley including: ushering, greeting, opperating the sound booth, being a receptionist in the church office,
running of copies for the office staff, etc. For any of these positions please e-mail Wesley's admin. asst.
1.28.09
MERCH
Our Wesley Celebration shirts are now available to purchase online through zazzle.com.
Click on the MERCH link below to find out more.
1.18.09
Super Bowl XLIII
Join us February 1st at 2:30 p.m. for our Super Bowl party in the Fireside Room. We will have the
game projected up on the big screen and games in the back. Bring your lawn chair and favorite Super
Bowl food. We will provide the beverages.
12.12.08
Facebook
You can now find Wesley Celebration on Facebook. If you would like to receive our updates through
Facebook please go to www.facebook.com, search Wesley Celebration, and click on "Like".
12.12.08
Longest Night Service
Wesley Celebration, joined with Wesley UMC, will offer a candlelight service on the longest night of the
year, Sunday, December 21st, at 6:00 p.m. This worship time will offer a moment of reflection and healing.
There will be a dessert potluck fellowship immediately following the service.
10.7.08
"Beauty For Ashes" Retreat
Are you seeking a time of spiritual renewal and some fun, recreational activities? If so, you should
consider joining us for our fall retreat Nov. 7th - 9th. The theme for this retreat is "Beauty For Ashes",
the cost is only $50/person which includes food and accommodations, and it will be located at Camp Sierra.
For more information contact Ryan Rickert at ryan.rickert@hotmail.com.

10.7.08
"Claiming The Promise" Bible Study
We have heard your cries for more LGBTIQ worship opportunities, and we will be meeting your
need through a NEW BI-ANNUAL bible study. Our first bible study, offered Oct. 19th, Nov. 2nd
& 16th from 3-5 p.m., is called "Claiming The Promise" and will take a closer look at reconciling
your faith and the promise God has for the LGBTIQ community in the church today. For more
information contact Ryan Rickert at ryan.rickert@hotmail.com.

7.06.08
Welcome To New Leadership Team
We would like to extend a warm welcome to our Fall 08 Leadership Team. We have some returning
leaders, and some new faces. Make sure you take the time to welcome them and share any ideas or
concerns you may have.
Your Leadership Team:
Speaker: Wendy Lisbon-Slack
Worship Co-Leader: Danella Barnes
Worship Co-Leader: Susan Harbin
Hospitality Leader, Spiritual Development Co-Leader: April Silva
Outreach, Spiritual Development Co-Leader: Ryan Rickert
A/V Tech, Advertisement: Christa Lisbon-Slack