(Amanda Leeser for AWF New Ministry Strategies) -
Wesley UMC is a new church plant in Troy, Alabama, that started out as a small group that began meeting last summer. Rev. Jenni Hendrix recalls, “We did several book studies focusing on our unique ministry as United Methodists. Most of these meetings took place in the back room at Momma Goldberg’s. Serving communion off of a pool table is one of my favorite firsts in ministry. [On January 7
th], we were able to meet for the first time in the Troy Wesley Foundation. We are so thankful for their partnership and the work of the Southeast District and the Conference Board of Higher Education to make this possible.”
Although they have been meeting in small groups since summer, now they are ready to hold worship services. Beginning on January 28
th, Wesley UMC’s services will be at 3 p.m. on Sundays at the Troy University Wesley Foundation located next to the campus. “We understand our mission to be supporting the work of the Troy Wesley Foundation and providing a place of United Methodist worship to the campus and community,” explains Pastor Jenni.
So far, they have provided meals to the Wesley Foundation students twice in the past semester, and they plan to serve three more meals during this semester. On New Year’s Eve, they also fed approximately 30 International Students at the Wesley Foundation facilities, which also provided Wesley UMC the space and the opportunity to fellowship with the students. This month, they will provide the students with three weekly dinners which are offered before their worship service.
They aim to continue their work with the Troy Wesley Foundation and the International Students with Pastor Jenni saying, “We are very excited to partner with them and really just support the good work that is already happening there. We really hope to be a place where anyone who doesn’t have a place to worship feels they can come and join us - whether they are students, folks looking for a United Methodist congregation, or those that don’t have a church home anywhere else.”
