Wesley United Methodist Church

Wesley United Methodist Church is a church family that seeks to live into John Wesley's three simple rules- to do good, to do no harm, and to stay in love with God. http://www.wumcsf.org

We meet every Sunday at 10am.

Monday, May 4 - 6:30 p.m. Trustees

Wednesday, May 6 - Worship committee

Thursday, May 7 - National Day of Prayer (see article)

Sunday, May 10 - 10 a.m. worship; Mother’s Day

Wednesday, May 13 - 5:30 WNO

6:30 Ad Council

Sunday, May 24 - 10 a.m. worship; Pentecost!

(You are encouraged to wear RED this day to celebrate Pentecost!)

Monday, May 25 Memorial Day – Office Closed

Sunday, May 31 - 10 a.m. worship; Special offering for Annual conference

Thursday, June 4 - Pastor Laurie and Abby leave for Bismarck Annual Conference.

Return Sunday evening, June 7

Sunday, June 7 - 10 a.m. worship with live streamed worship from Annual Conference in

Bismarck, ND

In case you missed any of the worship services and messages, go to http://wumcsf.org and click on the “Video Archive” tab to view.

To watch services “live” each Sunday at 10 AM, go to http://wumcsf.org and click on the “Livestream” tab.

When the Son of Man comes in his glory with all his angels, he will sit on his royal throne. The people of all nations will be brought before him, and he will separate them, as shepherds separate their sheep from their goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, “My father has blessed you! Come and receive the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world was created. When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.” Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, “When did we give you something to eat or drink? When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear or visit you while you were sick or in jail?” The king will answer, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.” (Matthew 25:31-40)

Summer is just around the corner and educational institutions will be winding down to their final days towards the end of May. Families will be planning vacations, school books and back packs will be stored until next year, teachers will take down decorations from their classrooms . . . but there are things that remain steady and constant: hunger, affordable housing, struggle to pay babysitters, continual searching for jobs, overall financial stress, homelessness, medical needs and much more.

As we approach summertime, may we remember our call from God to love and serve others. This call isn’t a “whenever I have the time to help” call – it’s an “every moment of our lives” call. Be aware and watch for those opportunities God places in your path and respond. Be that helper, be that angel someone needs in their life at that moment and place and time. Be the one God has called you to be. Amen?

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Laurie

The next Bunco game day will be held May 9, 2026 at 1:00 pm.

Come join us for fun and fellowship!

Good Sam/ Canton: Joyce Patterson

Rushmore Mn: Marian Hoek

Stoney Brooke: Maxine Ingalls

Prairie Crossing: Bernie McCabe

Dow Rummel: Nila Hendriks

Luther Manor: Donna Hoh

Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion, SD: Margeann Dewes

Prince of Peace: Audrey Hullinger

Tea Retirement Home: Zelma Dean

• Income three months 2026.............................................................................. $25,470.21
• Expense three months 2026.......................................................................... ($26,420.61)
• Expense exceed income @ 3/31/2026............................................................. ($ 700.40)

Don Armstrong, Treasurer

• 
  Balance 2/28/2026..................................................................................... $3,985.02
• Donations March.............................................................................................. 985.00
• Disbursements............................................................................................ ( 1,623.89)
• Interest earned.................................................................................................. 22.60
• Balance 3/31/2026..................................................................................... $3,368.73

Pastor Laurie, Abby Hamann and the Armstrong’s will be attending the 2026 Dakotas Annual Conference in Bismarck ND June 4-7. Please keep them and all other attendees in your prayers.

On Sunday, June 7, the Celebration of Life worship service will be live-streamed from

Bismarck-McCabe UMC for Wesley UMC congregational folks viewing 10 a.m. that morning.

Each year at annual conference, an invitation to participate in a miracle offering is given for churches to participate in within their local congregations. This year the offering is “From the Wellspring: Faith That Learns, Love That Serves.”

From the beginning of the Methodist movement, learning has been central to faithful discipleship. The miracle offering supports this vision in two important and connected ways. One half of the offering will support the endowment for theological education in Africa, the Philippines and Europe, helping united Methodists outside the United States access theological education and prepare for pastoral leadership. Our gift will be a part of the worldwide miracle offering meant to not only serve students today but also financially support the preparation of pastors for generations whose leadership will nourish congregations for generations. The other half will invest in education and training for laity across the Dakotas conference, equipping everyday disciples for faithful leadership and ministry in their local context.

Please pray about how you would like to give to this offering. We, at Wesley UMC, will take up a special offering Sunday morning, May 31 so it may be taken to annual conference the next weekend. Checks may be made out to “Wesley UMC” (memo: annual conference special offering).

Thank you so much for being a part of what we as a connectional United Methodist Conference are doing around the world and locally.

It's time to start looking forward to summer!

Summer is one of our busier times of the year with the Teaching Gardens in full swing. The staff is getting into classrooms with students before the end of the year doing Soil PH level workshops, planting plugs, and growing plants under the grow light systems.

We are so excited to have a few garden builds coming up this summer, as well as working with the summer programs to keep up the beds.

Each year TourSD.org is taken offline for a revamp and update to the information and activities on the site for our students across the state. Currently the staff and an Advisory Team is working on adding 7 more counties to the "Tour" of South Dakota. This program dives into the history of South Dakota, while also marrying agriculture and agriculture concepts at the same time. It is really rewarding getting testimonies about all the things students learn each year.

We are so grateful for the continued volunteers and partnership from our brothers and sisters at Wesley United Methodist Church. It is heartwarming knowing we can call and you all will show up. Thank you!!

Let's keep growing hope- together!

Stacia Even

Executive Assistant

Communications Director

GroundWorks Connect

You may have noticed we’ve been busy around here lately! We just wrapped up our most recent DakotAbilities performance of Aesop’s Fables, and it was such a joy. We were able to use the basement space to build set pieces, props, and costumes! We had the chance to work with 11 incredible actors, and the whole experience was full of energy, creativity, and a lot of fun. I’ve attached a few photos so you can see some of the magic for yourself.

Also, we are starting to move into the Parsonage! We will have our first tour team group staying there in the coming weeks.

We’re also excited to share that we’ve welcomed a new staff member to the team—Alex Newcomb-Weiland! Alex grew up here in Sioux Falls and brings years of wonderful theatre experience with her. We’re so grateful to have her on board. If you see her around, please help us give her a warm welcome!

Pentecostal Slavic Congregation of Sioux Falls-Meets in our Sanctuary on Sundays 12:00-2:00, and on Fridays 7:00-9:00

Lirio de los Valles-Meets in our former nursery room on Sundays 12:00-2:00 and Thursdays 7:00-8:30

Prayers:

Don Armstrong

Joanne

Kathy- Hospice

Beth Stricker

Kolby

Ron Poppenga

Danielle

Ernie Griner and family

Our Country

Pastor Laurie, Abby Hamann and the Armstrong’s will be attending the 2026 Dakotas Annual Conference in Bismarck ND June 4-7. Please keep them and all other attendees in your prayers.

On Sunday, June 7, the Celebration of Life worship service will be live-streamed from

Bismarck-McCabe UMC for Wesley UMC congregational folks viewing that morning.

Each year at annual conference, an invitation to participate in a miracle offering is given for churches to participate in within their local congregations. This year the offering is “From the Wellspring: Faith That Learns, Love That Serves.”

From the beginning of the Methodist movement, learning has been central to faithful discipleship. The miracle offering supports this vision in two important and connected ways. One half of the offering will support the endowment for theological education in Africa, the Philippines and Europe, helping united Methodists outside the United States access theological education and prepare for pastoral leadership. Our gift will be a part of the worldwide miracle offering meant to not only serve students today but also financially support the preparation of pastors for generations whose leadership will nourish congregations for generations. The other half will invest in education and training for laity across the Dakotas conference, equipping everyday disciples for faithful leadership and ministry in their local context.

Please pray about how you would like to give to this offering. We, at Wesley UMC, will take up a special offering Sunday morning, May 31 so it may be taken to annual conference the next weekend. Checks may be made out to “Wesley UMC” (memo: annual conference special offering).

Thank you so much for being a part of what we as a connectional United Methodist Conference are doing around the world and locally.

. . . The church has a new yard sign?

. . . Theatre 605 houses their offices, costumes and sets/props here?

. . . We have Slavik and Hispanic churches that use our worship space?

. . . Wesley UMC helps serve the Sunday and Monday Canteen in the rotation schedule?

. . . Wesley UMC helps serve and stock the Terry Redlin food pantry?

. . . Anyone can attend Ad Council meetings, you just would not have voting privileges?

Don and I attend Mission u every year. We find it to be educational and thought provoking. This year’s curriculum is designed to help participants take a step back and take a closer look at the various ways we see Emmanuel within and around biblical stories. What can it look like to walk with God as people who face adversity, issues of justice, and a heritage of relational and spiritual connections?

Below is the vital information you need in order to register for Mission u. This year there is an option to register on-line not just via email. We would love to see more of you attend from Wesley. Contact Dawn or Don Armstrong if you want a hard copy for registration.

Pastor Laurie and Dawn Armstrong have both been study leaders in the past. This year’s leaders are Melissa Gall and Brenda Lint.

With the coming of summer, most of us will be spending more time out in the sun. Excessive exposure to the sun is the chief cause of skin cancers, i.e. melanoma.

How melanoma skin cancer looks can vary. Melanoma often starts as an abnormal mole anywhere on the skin. A mole is a common non-cancerous growth. It is normally a small, round or oval spot that is usually brown, tan or pink. It may be raised or flat. Most people have a few moles.

A change in the color, size or shape of a mole is usually the first sign of melanoma. These changes can happen in a mole or spot that is already on your skin, or changes can appear as a new mole. Other health conditions can also look like melanoma.

The ABCDE rule below can help you look for the common signs and symptoms of melanoma. See your doctor if you have any of these changes on your skin:

A is for asymmetry – One-half of a mole does not have the same shape as the other half.

B is for border – The edge of a mole is uneven (irregular). It can look jagged, notched or blurry. The color may spread into the area around the mole.

C is for color – The color of a mole is not the same throughout. It could have shades of tan, brown and black. Sometimes areas of blue, grey, red, pink or white are also seen.

D is for diameter – The size of a mole is larger than 6 mm (1/4 inch) across, which is about the size of a pencil eraser.

E is for evolving – There is a change in the color, size, shape or feel of the mole. The mole may become itchy or you may have a burning or tingling feeling.

Other signs and symptoms of melanoma skin cancer include:

· an area that doesn’t heal

· a mole or sore that oozes or bleeds

· broken skin with an open wound (ulceration)

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a dermatologist to have them checked out.

Dawn Armstrong, Health Ministries

The National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance designated by the United States Congress and held on the first Thursday of May, when people are asked "to turn to God in prayer and meditation". The president is required by law to sign a proclamation each year, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. So when Thursday, May 7 arrives, take some additional time in your day for prayer and meditation. Take time to be with God. Take time to talk with God. Take time to listen for God.

Canteen

Wesley serves the Canteen on May 3. Donations of personal care items can be left in the Narthex.

Terry Redlin Pantry

It has been a successful year for the pantry. Each week we continue to serve around 25 to 30 families.

We will be finishing up at the Pantry on May 19. The school would like everything cleaned out of the room by the last day. We ask that all donations be turned in by May 1st. The collection station is located in the Narthex of the church.

We are beginning a new partnership at the pantry with St John's Lutheran. The plan is to do a rotation with Wesley, St John's and King of Glory for the next school year. We continue to receive our food from Feeding SD, and are hoping to receive the milk from Prairie Farms. These two organizations have been so generous to the pantry and we can't thank them enough. We also send out a big, "Thank you!" to all of you for your continued support of the pantry. The people who visit the pantry are always so very appreciative for the help they receive.

Whittier Residents Association

We are working with The St Francis House to provide a Whittier neighborhood clean up day. This will happen on May 23 and we will be in the St Francis parking lot. There is a flyer hanging in the Narthex that contains all the details.

We will have our regular monthly meeting on Saturday May 2nd from 10 until noon. Right after the meeting, we will be doing a walking audit of some of our neighborhood. This is being sponsored by the AARP. Our goal is to promote walkability in the neighborhood as well as to determine options to help make the area more comfortable and appealing residents.

The WRA is being honored at the Rise and Shine Breakfast at 7am on May 7th. They are being recognized for their work with Terry Redline and CLC in partnership with the VOA. What a great honor!

Summer Camps

The camp schedule is available at the church. The Wesley Neighborhood Outreach team wants to help all campers with a portion of their registration fee. Please call the church office if you need more information and to get the code for help with the registration fee. This is a great opportunity to grow in your faith and have a tun of fun in the process!

The committee voted to purchase a new microwave for the downstairs kitchen at the church.

Please call Mary P at 605 254 6607 with questions on any of our upcoming events.

WNO has $ 9,124.01 in our checking account with an additional $14,566.04 in CD's with American Bank and Trust.

We are still active with serving the Terry Redlin Pantry and the Canteen.

Funding for Terry Redlin Pantry has been provided, but they need help with distributing food and unloading the incoming food.

The Canteen is seeing an increased need for assistance from the neighborhood. We also provide personal care items. There is a list in the church narthex or contact Mary Poppenga or Vicki Hanish with any questions. We can use financial and physical help with this program.

So far, we have one child who signed up for camp. Finances have been set aside for children who need help paying for their camp experience. We want to make sure all kids who want the camp experience are able to attend. Please contact the church office for more information.

Thank you to all who assist with these worthy programs so we can continue to serve our community.

Sue Ness

Treasurer for WNO (Wesley Neighborhood Outreach)

Please contact Pastor Laurie at 605-376-0752.