Who We Are
Mission: We exist to create spaces where young people can foster their relationships with Christ and others, be pushed to grow as individuals, and find a sense of belonging.
Vision: Our vision is to be able to provide a space for college students to be unapologetically themselves while learning and growing in their faith. Additionally, we are working every day to share the light of Christ on UCA’s campus and making room in our community for anyone we encounter.
FAQs
What is Wesley?
Wesley is the Methodist campus ministry at the University of Central Arkansas and a branch of First United Methodist Church of Conway. We meet each Monday night in the Student Center at 7:15 p.m..
Am I Welcome Here?
Yes, any college-aged person is welcome to join us at our weekly worship services or other events we hold throughout the semester. While we are the Methodist campus ministry, you do not have to have a Methodist background or consider yourself a Methodist to attend. Additionally, we denounce behavior that degrades or disparages individuals because of their gender identity, sexual orientation, skin tone, cultural background, etc.. We believe that God loves all people and in the same way, we are called to love our neighbor without exception.
How often do you take Communion?
Currently, we host a “Bar-B-Communion” the last Monday of each month at the UCA Wesley House located at 1903 College Ave. This is a great opportunity to enjoy delicious Bar-B-Que and partake in Holy Communion.
What do I wear?
Wesley is very casual! Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. You will see students in anything from scrubs to athletics shorts or a nice shirt and pants to sweats. Mostly, people wear whatever they wore to class that day, to worship that night.
What other opportunities do you provide to get involved?
In addition to our weekly worship services, we also offer various small groups throughout the school year. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the most up-to-date information on the small groups we are offering this semester. The last Monday of each month we host a BBQ dinner and Communion at the UCA Wesley House, located at 1903 College Ave. Serving in the community of Conway and on UCA’s campus is also extremely important to us. We are involved in local public schools and UCA’s Bear Essentials Food Pantry, as well as other services and outreach projects in connection with First United Methodist Church.
Can I come hangout whenever?
Yes! The Wesley House, located at 1903 College Ave, is open for all students to come hangout between classes, do laundry, grab a bite to eat, print assignments, study for classes, and even nap! There is almost always someone at the Wesley House Monday through Friday–just stop by!
PLUS ONE
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.” Luke 15:4-5
“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:8-10
In the parables of Luke 15, we read about a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. The shepherd leaves his ninety-nine other sheep to search for the one that is lost, and he rejoices when he finds it. The woman with silver coins lights a lamp and searches until she finds the last coin, and she calls all of her friends to celebrate when she finds it. When the prodigal son returns to his fathers home he feels that he is no longer worthy of the love and care that his father once showed him. However, his father disagreed. He responded by saying, “‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate” Luke 15:22-24. In the same way that each person in our parables rejoiced in finding the one thing that was lost, the Heavens rejoice over a new follower of Christ than the ninety-nine who already know him.
At the UCA Wesley Foundation, we strive to live a “Plus One Lifestyle.” The term “Plus One” comes from the idea that there is always room for one more person. This means we are constantly looking for opportunities to invite more people into our community. We are working toward building international relationships and a sense of belonging amongst everyone we encounter. We’re practicing to be like the Shepherd with a lost sheep, the Woman with the silver coins, and the Father with a lost son. At the UCA Wesley Foundation, we will rejoice when the thing that is lost becomes found and continue to always make room for one more.