Wesley begins community outreach

“What would your community miss if your church didn’t exist?” This question was recently asked by United Methodist Oklahoma Conference Bishop Robert Hayes. So the Rev. Kris Steele, associate minister at Wesley United Methodist, started a summer ministry for participation by all ages in the church. For the past four weeks, there have been six choices for serving others in the community.
From 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday evenings, church people are going to nursing homes; to The Salvation Army to serve dinner; to Kickapoo Apartments for recreation and water play with children; doing home repairs and maintenance; visiting youth at Carter Hall Juvenile Detention Center; and visiting families at Project Safe.  Steele asks the congregation to identify needs in Shawnee and be a part of the solution, taking Christ to people who often do not attend church.
Steele told Wesley member there are many ways to fulfill the church’s mission statement: “Drawing generations together to worship, study and serve.” 
One participant last week said he thought he would not enjoy the nursing home visitation. He was quite surprised to find he really enjoyed it, Steele said. The team visiting Carter Hall has been able to get to know, talk and pray with the young people who are there awaiting relocation or release. They will be invited and assisted in their Christian walks if they so choose, said Lindsay Burress, Wesley youth director. 
Children and youth of Kickapoo Apartments, formerly known as Prince Hall Apartments, have laughed and splashed, run relays, played with Frisbees, and bounced inside inflatables on Sunday evenings. Cold sodas and snacks have been plentiful too. Parents with their children were greeted and given invitations to continue the fun and fellowship, if they would like, with rides to church on Sunday mornings. 
The community outreach was initially set to run through July, but so many of the participants feel strongly that the ministries should continue, that some outreach teams plan to continue adding to their numbers and going out to serve indefinitely. Sunday evening classes held throughout the school year at the church will include many of these outreach opportunities. The participants also enjoy gathering back at the church at 6 p.m. for dinners prepared by church members.
Everyone who would like to serve in this Christian outreach is welcome to come at 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Wesley United Methodist Church is at 302 E. Independence. Worship and study begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by praise and worship at 10:30 a.m.