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A Week at WesleyIt’s been a great year here at Wesley, and we can’t wait to meet the freshmen in the fall! Large groups have been a highlight of my week since I first joined back in August, and I’m so glad that I have gotten to make all these new friends through Wesley. The education, fun, fellowship, and, of course, tasty meals that large groups have brought to students are things that we are looking to make even better this coming fall. Beyond large group, from the Alexandria service trip, to Staycation, to even helping at an animal shelter, Wesley has been staying true to its commitment to service, large and small. Of course, we will always be looking forward to new ways of showing radical hospitality to others. Our Thursday worship service and Friday small group meeting have strengthened our faith and camaraderie on a weekly basis. It would be remiss not to mention all of our awesome fellowship events this year, be it movie nights or “Real-Life Clue”. Thank you for making this year amazing! |
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Faith in Action this YearThis year, Wesley has planned numerous service events to put our faith into action. Starting in September, we had a Suicide Prevention Month Bakesale, tabling in the Sadler Center to raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In October, we took 11 William & Mary students to Arlington for a three-day trip to help Northern Virginia Family Service. We helped sort and price items at the Clock Tower Thrift Store, a big way that NVFS funds its work, and then spent a day at Arlington Head Start Center, reading and doing crafts with the kids there. In early February, we took around 10 students to the Gloucester-Matthews Humane Society to volunteer for the dogs and cats there. In late February, we partnered with Students for Rare to have a craft and tea night, working on spreading awareness about rare diseases. In March, we had our Spring Break Staycation. William & Mary closes their dining halls during Spring Break, leaving many students without stable food options if they stay on campus. We provided over 150 meals to more than 40 people. We also had many activities for this Staycation, like a trip to Richmond's Holocaust Museum and Slave Trail, movie nights, and a S'mores night, as well as service opportunities such as volunteering with the House of Mercy's drive-through food pantry. Finally, we ended the year with a Share the Love event in April, partnering with the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain Students Association to pass out free snacks and encouraging notes to students, spreading positivity during the last week of school. Additionally, dog toy craft making has been ongoing for the Heritage Humane Society all year. They were available daily, and we have filled a few boxes with much-appreciated tug-a-war toys. |
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Rev. Dr. Ryan's RemarksAfter finishing my first year here at William & Mary, I can honestly say that my lingering question is, “Why not?” The question stems from my favorite story in Scripture when the apostle Philip encounters an Ethiopian eunuch in his chariot on the road to Gaza in Acts 8. These two strangers could not be any more different from each other, including their ethnicity, culture, and societal roles. One of the most profound moments in this story occurs when, upon invitation, the two strangers become friends, sitting together in the chariot and reflecting on what their common identity in Christ means. No sooner have they discussed this in depth than the man from Ethiopia declares, “What then is to prevent me from being baptized?” In everyday Wesley parlance, we might think of this question as “Why build a fence around God’s grace?” Our students embrace a vision of “Why not?” in all the events and activities they have planned this year. Why not draw the circle wider? Why not welcome a more crowded table? Bring your friends. Listen to the stories of others. Grow together. As hard a pill as it is to swallow, some of these timeless Jesus principles can feel difficult this season. The world’s climate has been fraught with numerous twists and turns that have justified the importance of a community like Wesley in these uncertain times. Closer to home, the deaths of several William & Mary students, the disruption of student academic research and internships due to federal action, and the increasing anxiety surrounding ICE activities on college campuses have contributed substantially to this season of unsettledness. It is an exciting year as we transition from a house of 7 residents to an equally full house this fall, as Wesley continues to be a haven and refuge for a diverse breadth of students here at William & Mary! Increasing interest in the residents' program necessitates a commitment to tending to an equally imperative component of our ministry: the Wesley House. So much of our weekly ministry is the Wesley House. In the past year, we have cleaned up the backyard to cultivate the Rudy Benesh Peace Garden so that students can study outdoors, host craft events, and delight in the intentionality of who Wesley represents in the community. Additionally, I am thankful for the green-thumbed students in our midst who envisioned the wonderful idea of a community garden in our front yard with the help of several other student organizations committed to environmental justice. Community is at the heart of this beloved spot on campus, and the imprint of many alumni and recent graduates will ensure Wesley’s continued flourishing! I remain grateful for the steadfast and willing hearts who serve on our board, particularly Janet Henke and John Dunning, who have been a gift to me during a year of transitions. Our daily ministry would not have been possible without the gift of Sam Redman, our outstanding administrator and house manager. Sam has brought incredible light to Wesley through her organizational talents and is truly a partner in ministry with the students. May peace be with each of you this summer, my friends, and please don't be a stranger next time you are in town! We are grateful for your ongoing support. Grace and peace, |
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With Great Appreciation!Thank you to our 24-25 Sunday Night Programs Thank You to Our 2025 Individual Donors! |
