Thursday, October 1, 2026
A small but dedicated group of women at Wesley United Methodist Church is continuing a decades-long tradition of service, demonstrating how a close-knit team can sustain a community institution through persistence and creativity.
For more than 20 years, the church’s women’s group — now known as Wesley United Women in Faith — has organized fundraisers that support both the church’s operations and its broader outreach. Their signature event, an annual spring tea party scheduled this year for May 9, has become a staple of the community calendar. The event features tea sandwiches, scones, themed gift baskets and raffles, drawing residents together for an afternoon centered on fellowship and giving back.
“We’ve been doing this for over 20 years,” said longtime member Valerie Leonardi. “There’s only about five of us left, but we still pull it off. We do the best we can and hope for a good turnout — and it’s always a fun afternoon.”
Beyond the tea, the group also hosts a fall fair later in the year. That event includes a mix of homemade baked goods, handcrafted items and vendor contributions, with offerings ranging from seasonal treats to decorative pieces. Community businesses and friends of the church often donate items, helping to create a varied selection that appeals to attendees and supports fundraising goals.
Money raised through these efforts plays a meaningful role in maintaining the church. Proceeds help offset routine expenses and upkeep costs that might otherwise strain limited resources, ensuring the building remains functional and welcoming for those who rely on it.
Despite changes over the years, including a decline in membership and shifting community demographics, the group has remained committed to its mission. Organizing events now requires careful coordination and the willingness to take on multiple roles, from baking and soliciting donations to setting up and promoting each fundraiser. Support from fellow congregants and volunteers, including some of the church’s men, helps make each event possible.
“There’s only, like, five of us, the women left,” Leonardi said. “But we do it, we pull it off.”
Like many churches, Wesley United has experienced challenges in attracting younger families, a trend that has contributed to smaller congregations across the region. Even so, the building continues to serve an important purpose. In addition to worship services, it hosts a variety of outside groups, including recovery meetings and community organizations, reinforcing its role as a shared gathering space.
“But the church is still full of people,” said Linda Renzo, another longtime member. “It’s really become more of a community center.”
For Leonardi, who has been connected to the church for more than three decades, the commitment remains personal. Although she has since moved out of Franklin Square, she continues to contribute her time and energy, staying connected with fellow members and assisting with events whenever possible.
At its core, the annual tea party represents more than a fundraiser. It reflects a sense of continuity and shared purpose, bringing people together in a way that honors the church’s history while supporting its future. With each passing year, the group adapts, finding new ways to engage the community while preserving the traditions that have defined it for generations.
Through dedication, resourcefulness and a strong sense of fellowship, these women continue to ensure that even a small group can leave a lasting impact — one event, and one gathering, at a time.
