May 20th, 2022
CLICK all [RED LINKS] and IMAGES for more info!
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Graduate Sunday!
Please take a moment to congratulate our 2022 graduates! We are so proud of the hard work that our youth have put into their education thus far. Don’t forget our Wesley Bright Beginning Littles! We will have a Donut Reception for our graduating seniors in the Garden Room between services
The best years are yet to come!
Graduates from left to right:
Eden Susong is graduating with honors from University High School. Eden will be attending Baldwin Wallace University’s Conservatory of Music to study Music Theatre. I would like to thank my parents, friends & family, theatre/music instructors & youth group leaders for all of their patience and flexibility when it comes to my crazy schedule. My church family has always made room for me at the table and my years in Surge are some of my fondest memories of high school.
Connor Caldwell is graduating from Normal West. He wants to thank all the church members who supported and encouraged him during some really rough times. A special love for the Pritts and Houtzels who gave unconditional love and made his dreams a reality. Connor will be working as a carpenter with Josh Houtzel.
Joshua Peterson is graduating from Normal Community High School. He is attending Heartland Community College in the fall with a focus on welding.
Sarah Baker is graduating from Normal Community High School and is headed to Illinois State University in the fall. Sarah has loved going to Surge and being in leader in youth cabinet since 2015 and appreciates that Wesley has always been a welcoming and inclusive place.
Austin Oganovich will be graduating from Bloomington High School. He plans to attend Southern Illinois University- Carbondale majoring in Engineering.
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SERVICE UPDATE:
There will be two in-person and online services this Sunday
Traditional: 9:00am, Contemporary 11:30am
Nursery available from 8:45am - 12:45pm
Donuts and refreshments will be available in the Garden Room!
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Sunday's Sermon
9:00am Traditional Service - 11:30am Contemporary Service
On Becoming
With Kelsey Meredith Ross
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This Week's Attendance
Traditional: 207 Contemporary: 71
Online views in the last week: 377
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We will live stream both services this week on our YouTube channel. Please feel free to watch them both!
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THERE IS NEVER A FEE TO USE YOUTUBE
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New Member Opportunities! |
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Thinking about joining the Church? Wondering what United Methodism is all about? Join us May 22, 25, and 29 to find out more and get connected!
Sunday, May 22nd
Get Acquainted with the Pastors and Staff
In the Lounge from 6:00-7:30pm
An opportunity to meet and greet our Pastors and Program Staff
Due to parking lot activities in the East Lot, please Park in the SW Lot or in the street
Wednesday, May 25th
Get Acquainted with Wesley UMC
Conference Room from 5:30-7:00pm
(your initial letter may have said 5:00, but we’ll start at 5:30) for an informal outdoor meal, followed by a “historical tour” of Wesley’s building and Wednesday night programming. Again, an RSVP is helpful.
Sunday, May 29
United Methodist 101
Conference Room from 10:15-11:15am
This will be a “crash course” in Methodism, during the Sunday School hour (10:15-11:15am) – learn more about how the UMC works, how decisions are made, and what we believe.
Sunday, June 5
Reception
East Parking Lot at 9:00am
New members will be received in worship on Sunday, June 5, at our first “Parking Lot Praise” service for the summer – outdoor worship at 9:00am. Bring a lawn chair and a water bottle, and join us as we fill our neighborhood with praise! (don’t worry; we warn our neighbors first – and invite them!) We will move inside to the Sanctuary if it rains.
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#BeUMC honors the core values that connect the people of The United Methodist Church. No matter the challenges we face, God is with us, and we continue to have opportunities to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world! Click the image to read more on #BeUMC!
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Opening Worship: OCOK (Our Conference Our Kids) fund for spiritual development
Laity Session: John Kofi Asmah School in Liberia
Friday Offering: Tom Brown Scholarship at Wiley College
Ordination Offering: Bishop’s Trip for Ordinands
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(United Methodist Committee on Relief)
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United Methodists and others wishing to provide humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people in the wake of the Russian invasion of their country may contribute to UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery. Write “Advance #982450-Ukraine” on the memo line of your check or in the “other ministries” notes under UMCOR.
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As of March 1, Wesley began following the guidelines set by Governor Pritzker and made face-masks optional (but still welcome!) for persons in our building. As the numbers begin to climb again in McLean County, we are strongly encouraging (but not requiring) masks while in the building. At this time, masks will still be required for persons working directly with (unvaccinated) children and persons using the bus/van. Thank you for your patience and flexibility during this time.For all of the information on Wesley's policies and health guidelines concerning COVID please click here.
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Christian Education
The ParentCue.org is an amazing resource that also uses the OrangeⒸ philosophy for teaching our children! Weekly activities and devotionals are offered to guide kids to trust Jesus. All of this is aimed at being done in a way that changes how they see God, themselves, and the rest of the world.
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Sunday School Nursery
Room 117
8:45am - 12:45pm
We are meeting in-person! Ms. Liz will send out the Sunday Experience Link and coloring page on Sunday morning. Masks are required by all leaders and encouraged for kids (ages 3-5) in preschool ministries.
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Children's Church
Wesley Hall
9:00am - 10:00am
We look forward to gathering online for our Children's Sunday School if you aren't able to make it in person at Wesley Hall! Click the email link below for information and as always, please stay safe!
Contact Kathi Pritts for the zoom link at:
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Jr. High Class
6/7 Grade Boys Group Rm
10:15am - 11:15am
Wesley's Youth team is so excited to see you again this Sunday! Click the email link below for information and as always, please stay safe. For those joining us, we'll see you this Sunday!
Contact Kelsey Ross for additional information at:
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W.I.S.E.
Wesley Hall
10:15am - 11:15am
W.I.S.E. (Wesley Intergenerational School Experience) is where families learn together, strengthen the bonds of family and faith, and have conversations of faith. W.I.S.E. begins in Wesley Hall and then moves to rooms 21-30.
Contact Kathi Pritts for more information at:
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Children's Church
Wesley Hall
11:30am - 12:30pm
We look forward to gathering online for our Children's Sunday School if you aren't able to make it in person at Wesley Hall! Click the email link below for information and as always, please stay safe!
Contact Kathi Pritts for the zoom link at:
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Sr. High School
Sr. High Lounge
10:15am - 11:15am
Wesley's Youth team is so excited to see you again this Sunday! Click the email link below for information and as always, please stay safe. For those joining us, we'll see you this Sunday!
Contact Kelsey Ross for additional information at:
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Please click below to join us online or in-person at Wesley (Gathering in the Lounge) for Adult Sunday School from 10:15-11:15am. We will be studying the book Short Stories by Jesus for 6-weeks.
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Please sign up before using the zoom link so we know to expect you. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you soon! |
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As it is the mission of Wesley United Methodist Church "To Make and Nurture Disciples for Jesus Christ," the Adult Ministries at Wesley seek to prepare, challenge, and inspire women and men to a life of Christian discipleship. It is our desire and mission that every adult becomes a full and fulfilled disciple of Jesus Christ, and that each person will have a passion for Christian service whether it is across the street or around the globe.
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Celebrate the Wednesday at Wesley
End of the Year Outdoor Supper With Us!
May 25 will be the last Wednesday activities/rehearsal day for the Summer and we want you to join us for a fun gathering and supper! Beginning at 5:30, our Food Coordinator, Frederick Johnson, will be preparing finger foods for us to enjoy. Come out and bring your family for the last W@W of the season!
Wednesdays at Wesley will resume on August 24th.
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SUMMER CHANCEL CHOIR DATES! |
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Wednesday Rehearsals
(Choir Room)
June 22nd at 7:15pm
July 20th at 7:15pm
August 24th at 7:15pm
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Sunday Singing
(Sanctuary)
June 26th at 9:00am
July 24th at 9:00am
July 28th at 9:00am
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All are welcome and you do not have to have participated in choir before! Please contact Ron Kiesewetter if you have any questions.
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Wesley invites YOU to get involved in the worship life of the congregation! Helpers are needed once a month or so to help:
- Food Services
- Greet at the entrances
- Usher at the sanctuary doors
- Prepare, serve, clean up Communion
- Run slides or sound from the balcony
If you’d be willing to lend a hand, make a note on your attendance slip, call the church office, or email Tiarra Grant.
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Current Donations Needed:
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Drop-off of paper products can be placed in the bin across from the Garden Room.
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OUR NEXT DISTRIBUTION IS THIS SATURDAY!
Join us at Wesley West every third Saturday from 8:00am-11:30am and help nearly 400 local families with their basic paper product needs!
Currently we are in need of these items for this month's distribution:
Facial tissue - need 390
Diapers: sizes 3T-4T and sizes 5 & 6
Feminine hygiene items: all sizes of pads
Small sizes of shampoo, soap (bar and liquid), toothpaste
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Last month, we served 380 families, had 42 volunteers including Boy Scouts and nearly 100% of Trustees (this month's group) participated! We are so grateful for our community and our church! |
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What is a “Plant Potluck” you ask?
Well it has a very strict dress code to attend…..T-shirt, shorts, sneakers, sunglasses, and maybe a little sunscreen! You don’t bring any food to this potluck. Instead, you bring plants! No eating at this event…..only planting beautiful pots and vegetables in a garden plot. Sound like fun?
There is a “GIVING TREE” at the church Welcome Desk. Take a leaf of your choice from the tree, purchase the item, and bring it to the potluck! Please pray that God will bless us with a bright sunny day as we plant seeds of beauty, food, and friendship!
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
Come join us for a blessed time of prayer and creativity as we reach out to those in need of comfort and hope. They meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month from 2:00 to 3:30 in the Garden Room.
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Loads of Love
Loads of Love laundry service helps those who have found themselves in need of quarters to do laundry. We meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month at Wash House, 609 N. Clinton, in Bloomington from 4:30pm - 8:00pm.
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Healing Rides Ministry helps those who have difficulties with mobility get out and enjoy fresh air and sunshine on Constitution Trail. We do this by offering rides on a specially designed bicycle driven by trained riders. Healing Rides helps encourage socialization and relationship building between rider and volunteers as well as aims at improving spirits for those who ride. |
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Scheduled rides begin on June 1st and continue through the Summer until September 30th. We make appointments at 1pm and 2pm Monday through Friday and have 2 Bikes, so please feel free to bring a friend to ride along!
Click the logo above or call the church at (309) 827-8046 to schedule a free leisurely ride!
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#SurgeSummer starts on June 12th!
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Sundays throughout the summer Surge will meet at CRAFTED in Normal for Sand Volleyball, coffee, snacks and Fellowship from 6-8:00 pm. Bring money for a drink if you want one! ALL students COMING OUT OF 6th-12th grade are invited to attend.
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Hospital Visits
As healthcare facilities are beginning to allow area clergy to visit patients again, please remember to notify the Church office or a pastor when you or a loved one are admitted to a local hospital. Hospitals are not currently allowing churches to inquire about their congregants' inpatient status or room number. We will not know if you have been admitted to the hospital unless you give us a call.
If you have news to share with the Wesley family let us know by clicking HERE or calling 309-827-8046.
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Cub Scouts Meet at Wesley Every Second and Fourth Thursday!
Cub Scouting is part of the worldwide Scouting movement and aims to promote character development, citizenship training, personal fitness, and leadership. For more information, please email Andrea Kane
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Girl Scouts Meet at Wesley Every First and Third Thursday!
If you know or are someone who would like to join in building courage, confidence, and character, while making the world a better place, please feel free to contact Liz Tomera to learn about Girl Scouts!
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Boy Scouts Meet at Wesley Every Monday!
Troop 918 works hard to prepare our youth to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. For more information on BSA, please feel free to contact Ken Anderson.
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This year's Scout Summer Youth Camp theme is WILD WILD WEST!
Camp dates are from June 12-17th at the awesome Comlara Park in Hudson, IL! Cub scouts of all ranks absolutely LOVE this yearly event and your scout has the opportunity to earn badges, see friends, make new friends, and experience all the unique scouting activities we have to offer!
We would love for your Boy Scouts to volunteer a day or more at our camp this year as well. To take advantage of this youth leadership opportunity, please have them contact Bloomington Cub Scout Camp Director Meghan Hillebrandt and we can get them placed in a position that they can excel in helping with!
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THANK YOU!
We have received tremendous financial support through these uncertain times. We are SO grateful to our congregation for giving generously and stepping forward in FAITH! There are many ways to GIVE from the safety and comfort of your home. CLICK HERE to submit your offering online, TEXT "$__ OFFERING" to 309.822.4442, or mail your offering to the church:
Wesley United Methodist Church
502 East Front Street
Bloomington, IL 61701
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CONTACTING WESLEY COMMUNICATIONS TEAM!
Do you have a story or upcoming event that you would like to share with Wesley Church? GREAT- We love hearing from you about your good news!
Please email John Perry to make an appointment for a call or office visit.
Appointment times are as follows:
Monday and Friday
Available via email only
9:00am - 3:00pm
Tuesday-Thursday
Available via email, in-person, or phone
12:30pm - 3:00pm
Deadline for newsletter information is Wednesdays at noon.
Deadline for newsletter revisions is Thursday at noon.
Information received after these times will show in the following week.
SHOW YOUR DEVOTION!
We are currently looking for Wesley members to do quick 5-minute devotion videos. We make it easy and convenient by doing all the recording for you! Contact Ben Lash to schedule a date to record.
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Wesley Emergency Number after Office Hours:
Rev. Sara L. Isbell 217.299.4870
Wesley United Methodist Church:
502 E. Front Street
Bloomington, IL 61701
Office 309.827.8046
You can also visit us on Facebook, instagram, twitter, and YouTube
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