Ministry, Money, and M&Ms!
On a recent church visit to 1st UMC in Pontotoc, we passed out M&Ms to the congregation as a reminder of two important M words: Ministry and Money! We shared how Wesley's ministry is thriving -- participation in growth groups is at an all-time high...attendance at Insight is solid...student leadership is strong. And then we asked them to support our work with their money. Ministry and Money...M&Ms!
If you and I were visiting face-to-face, I'd offer you a pack of M&Ms, and while you were snacking on your M&Ms, I'd tell you stories about how students are growing as they encounter the grace and truth of Jesus. I'd tell you about the way our pods develop mission vision in our students. I'd tell you how growth in discipleship is leading students to understand God's calling and purpose for their lives. And then, after talking about ministry, I'd ask if you could help us with the second M by giving financial support to our ministry. The fall is our most expensive season, and this year, we have received about $10,000 less than we had received at this point last year.
I couldn't figure out how to enclose M&Ms in this newsletter, so I'll have to owe you a pack. In the meantime, thanks for taking a look at our newsletter to see how much ministry is happening at Wesley and to understand our need for more money.
Hugh Griffith
Ministry
So much ministry is happening at State Wesley! Students are growing in discipleship as they worship, serve, and learn together in Christian community.
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Students meet weekly in 16 growth groups -- Bible studies, Freshman Group, and groups for women and men. Total students in growth groups: 215.
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Students put their faith into action through 11 mission pods.
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Student-led worship bands play weekly at Insight -- Tuesdays at 8pm.
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Thirty-five students served in summer missions and ministry.
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Ministry leadership: 45 members of the Student Leadership Team, four student interns, and two campus ministers.
Money
Your financial support helps sustain our current ministry and expand our work to reach more students at State.
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Cost of ministry is $556 each day. Could you sponsor a day?
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We appreciate the support of churches through the Annual Conference mission shares! 29% of our ministry budget is provided by the mission shares.
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In addition to funds we receive from the Conference, $150,000 is needed from friends-of-Wesley who know our need and believe in our ministry.
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Increased funding is needed to...
...Maintain current ministry
...Reach more students with deeper ministry
...Expand staff to support student leadership and discipleship
...Renovate our 51-year old Student Center
Connect with us!
Homecoming: Tailgate on Bell Island November 8, 2014 at 12 p.m. Check our alumni Facebook page (AlumDawgs) for more details of our homecoming event.
Chili Supper: November 20, 4:30-6:00 p.m. Join us for a bowl of chili at our annual fall fund raiser.
Let’s be Facebook friends! Find and like AlumDawgs on Facebook to connect with Wesley and alumni friends.
Sign-up for our email list by sending your email address to: StateWesleyFoundation@gmail.com.
#GivingTuesday
December 2 is designated as #GivingTuesday – a special day to encourage generosity to non-profit organizations. As a non-profit ministry working for Kingdom gains, State Wesley invites your support on #GivingTuesday. While December 2 is set as the target date, we welcome your support, before or after #GivingTuesday! #GivingTuesday would be a great time to explore making an online gift to State Wesley. Your one-time or scheduled gifts are secure and easy. Simply go to www.StateWesley.org and click the donate button to get started.
Merry Christmas!
Alternative Christmas gifts: If you’d like give a financial gift to Wesley Foundation in honor of someone at Christmas, we would be so happy to send that person a Christmas card notifying them of your gift in their honor.
Simply send us the name and address of anyone you wish to honor, and we’ll do the rest.
How to join
State Wesley Foundation’s
financial support team:
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Give online at www.StateWesley.org. You can give a one time gift, or you can set up a monthly contribution.
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Mail a check to PO Box MY, MSU, MS 39762. If you’d like, we can provide you with envelopes addressed to Wesley.
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Set up an automatic monthly draft by providing us with your bank routing number, account number, and the amount of your monthly contribution.
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Become a Campus-Church Partner with support of $500 or more from your church.
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For more information, contact Hugh Griffith at hughgriffith2@gmail.com or 662.323.1778. Thanks!
To say “thank you” for any gift of $50 or more, we’d like to send you a State Wesley t-shirt! Tell us your t-shirt size (S, M, L, XL), and we’ll send you one of our gray comfort color shirts with our State Wesley logo on the front.
Student Testimonies
“I have been going to the MSU Wesley Foundation since my freshman year. Over that time, the Wesley has helped me grow tremendously in my faith and further my walk with Christ. I feel like this place has genuinely allowed me to better know Christ and allowed me to serve God in so many ways.”
“The members of Wesley have become my best friends, and maybe even more than that -- like a real family. The people at Wesley help me center my life on God.”
Students take a picture with singer/songwriter, Ellie Holcomb, after she played a concert at Wesley.
Alumni Testimonies
“Our family supports Wesley because of the Christ-filled ministry this organization gives college students. Wesley provides a place for students to experience not only solid community and accountability but also allows them chances to serve others. Plus the Tuesday night meetings are a great way to dig into God’s word every week and learn how to apply it to everyday life.”
Jason and Erica, Class of 2011
“The Wesley Foundation was more than a place to worship and gather with other Christians...it was a home away from home. My friends attended Wesley, and my bride of 12+ years attended (and that is where we met). The Wesley’s members were family – and still are! That is why we still support the Wesley both in our prayers and with financial gifts. I hope others would support Wesley with gifts and prayers to continue the growth and service given to the students of Mississippi State.”
Michael, Class of 2002
The Wesley provided a community that was incredibly supportive. The Wesley was always a place where we could study, be with friends, and play games. Through the Wesley’s small groups and mission opportunities, we experienced tremendous spiritual growth and learned what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. The Wesley Foundation was such a formative part of our college experience, and we love to help the Wesley continue its ministry.
Mary, Class of 2013
Wesley Alum Nathan Phillips recently visited Insight.