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MATTHEW 25 In our last issue, we shared the story of the TSU Wesley Foundation serving and connecting with Matthew 25, a United Methodist ministry that alleviates homelessness by providing the resources for men to build a foundation on which they can transition to self-sufficiency. The TSU Wesley Foundation created care baskets filled with essential personal items and encouragement wall plaques for the ministry’s residences. Recently, Rev. Michele Morton and the students of the TSU Wesley Foundation excitably lead a worship service and community service event, showing care to the men of the Matthew 25 ministry. Rev. Morton, side-by-side with Rev. Jedediah Hanes of Matthew 25 brought an inspirational message, prayer, and Holy Communion for the residents. Students gifted each resident with personal cards of encouragement and luggage filled with care essentials.
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A beautiful moment of praise and worship was brought by TSU Wesley’s, Joshua Campbell, who was also the opening guitarist of our Christmas Special, Was It A Silent Night. The room was filled with song, and prayers and moments of selfreflection. Hearts were shared as the men of Matthew 25 told their testimonies and stories of new beginnings. TSU Wesley Foundation is grateful for this continued opportunity to serve with Matthew 25. We are thankful for our partnering United Methodist churches, and their contributions to help make this experience possible. Thank you to Christ UMC (United Methodist Women) for their donation towards the luggage to distribute to Matthew 25 residents. Our student leaders are grateful to continue to connect and serve the Body of Christ.
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MATTHEW 25
SPECIAL THANKS! A special thank you to all the local churches who continue to support this ministry. We are grateful for the continued support from Clark United Methodist Church, West End UMC, Christ UMC and Seay-Hubbard UMC this semester. These partnerships and connections always help our students connect within our UM church family and to discover the love we have for a hurting world. We look forward to connect to other congregations in creative ways.
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GROWING IN GRACE
CRECIENDO EN GRACE
Growing in Grace “Growing in Grace is an opportunity for young ladies to seek a better understanding of themselves and their peers as they participate in activities that help guide them in building healthy relationships with their communities.” - Gwendolyn Hampton, Intern Student Leader
This conference sought to guide students in understanding God’s call on their life and how they can use the gifts that God has put in them to impact the world and thrive. Speakers included: Dr. Gregory Ellison, II of Emory University and Fearless Dialogues, Pastor Tavares Stephens Asst. Pastor of St. James UMC, and Nathalie Nelson Parker of NNYA.
The TSU Wesley Foundation and the Inglesia Ebenezer United Methodist Church have joined forces to expand their reach into the lives of multicultural, and multigenerational women. Their newly combined ministry, CRECIENDO EN GRACIA-GROWING IN GRACE, is a transformative ministry focusing on female energy and leadership in the church and the community. This emerging ministry nurtures friendship, fellowship, and mentorship between girls and women of color while strengthening sisterhood and further impacting the wellbeing of our church. Our ministry’s young adult women will empower 20 school age girls, while also embracing their mothers and grandmothers. TSU Wesley Foundation Pastor, Reverend Michele Morton and Inglesia Ebenezer UMC Pastor, Reverend Myriam Cortes, both express how their four student leader interns, Angellie Marie Feliciano Cortes, Betsy Mejia, Gwendolyn Hampton, and Treniscia Murrell, have put much time and intentionality behind the development of the program’s curriculum so far this semester. “Our interns are participating together as a team in weekly conversation and comprehensive leadership training, equipping them to lead this ministry,” says Rev. Morton. Intern student leader, Gwendolyn Hampton provides insight on the process of the program’s curriculum development. “We have selected topics and activities based on the type of help and guidance we needed during this stage in our lives.” (Cont.) 4
GROWING IN GRACE
The main purpose of this ministry is to connect young girls, young adult women and their mentors, to women of faith from various ethnic backgrounds to boost selfesteem, confidence, and socio-emotional well-being. This ministry will intentionally encourage young adults and girls together, to gain a better understanding of themselves and their spiritual gifts, and giving them an understanding of what being a good friend looks like in action. Our roundtables and sessions will help us all connect and become more culturally competent, and able to serve in a multicultural world. We will create safe and inviting spaces where we can share what it is like to be deeply rooted in our faith in times like these. We feel that this ministry will prepare these young girls and women to become leaders among their peers, the church, and their communities. TSU Wesley Foundation is very excited about this new emerging ministry in partnership with the Red River District, United Methodist Women, New Church Development Team, and as a recipient of a Global Ministries Racial/Ethnic Local Church Grant. Since the launch of this ministry, several clergy and lay women have said yes to attending our spring roundtables, assisting with training, and forming a prayer group to continue to cover this ministry in prayer. If you would like to be involved, please contact by email: Rev. Michele Morton, revmortonwesley@comcast.net. 5
CONGRATS TO OUR GRADS!
CONGRATS TO OUR GRADS! TSU Wesley Foundation would like to honor and congratulate all the TSU graduates who walked the stage this fall semester 2021. It is amazing to witness the development and spiritual growth of our Wesley students and see them tap into their spiritual gifts and their calling. Many of our graduates have been active with TSU Wesley campus ministry since freshman year and have been such a blessing to our ministry.
TRENISCIA MURRELL TSU Wesley graduate, Treniscia Murrell, thanks our campus ministry for helping to give the foundation to grow into the person she is today and states, " TSU Wesley Foundation has greatly impacted my college journey from the nonstop support to the Sunday services. I was faced with many fears and obstacles but with my continuous support from the Wesley, I was able to start a whole new chapter in my life along with growth in my spiritual journey " We honor Treniscia and we are excited about her new career opportunity as she faithfully flies like an eagle to serve. 6
CONGRATS TO OUR GRADS!
Treniscia Murrell graduated Magna Cum Laude from TSU’s college of Public Service with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Treniscia earned her degree in three years and made the school’s Dean List for her entire college career. She was a member of the National Freshman Honor’s Society, Phi ETA Sigma and the National Social Work Honor Society, Phi Alpha. She led multiple positions at the TSU Wesley Foundation including The Butterfly Effect, The Wesley Ensemble and our latest, Growing In Grace Ministry. We honor and continue to support Treniscia as she continues her education with TSU’s Advance Standing program for the masters of a Social Work in Fall 2022.
"Pastor Morton has helped me in so many ways! She has such a kind heart and even throughout COVID, Rev. made it a priority to always connect with me. She’s helped me with grief, stressful semesters, and the moments when I wanted to give up. Rev has helped me gain experience and prepare for my profession as a social worker. I have truly enjoyed the variety of opportunities the TSU Wesley Foundation has provided."
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Tis The Season... This holiday season, our wish is to continue to grow and connect with our United Methodist family. As we prepare for the New Year, we are equipping our young adults for ministry and mentorship to our next generation of United Methodist Women. We're moving into our next season of giving and providing new beginnings to our families in Christ. Consider partnering with us in our new season!
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