June 10th, 2022
CLICK all [RED LINKS] and IMAGES for more info!
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Peace with Justice Sunday
Peace With Justice Sunday is one of the special Sundays of The United Methodist Church. Each year on this special Sunday, United Methodists across the globe give offerings to promote peace all over the world.
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SERVICE UPDATE:
There will be two in-person services that will be live-streamed this Sunday
Traditional Service: 9:00am - Contemporary Service: 11:30am
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Sunday's Sermon
A Spirit-led Conversation about Racism
With Pastor Sara L. Isbell and Pastor Tanya Edwards-Evans
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This Week's Attendance
Combined service: 143
Online views in the last week: 348
Wesley Church will be closed on Friday, June 24
‘Staff at Service Day’ is at East Bay Camp! The entire Wesley staff will be taking a bus out to East Bay to help with seasonal cleaning in and around the cabins. If you have any questions or may need in the building, please make a request this week so we can make proper arrangements.
Thank you!
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THERE IS NEVER A FEE TO USE YOUTUBE
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A wonderful morning of praise and reception! Please join us as we welcome our new members in a beautiful spring morning outdoor service!
Please be sure to bring a lawn chair, sun screen, a water bottle, perhaps an umbrella for shade, 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.
Please Remember:
- We will not provide Nursery Ministry services during outdoor services.
- We will not have donuts available for these services.
- There will not be an 11:30 service on the following dates.
Sunday, July 3: Outdoor Parking Lot Service
East Parking Lot at 9:00am
Sunday, August 7: Outdoor Parking Lot Service
East Parking Lot at 9:00am
Sunday, September 4: Outdoor Parking Lot Service
East Parking Lot at 9:00am
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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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IGRC 2022 ANNUAL OFFERINGS |
One of the great traditions of the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference is celebrating our generous special offerings. These are opportunities for our churches and members to show their faith and encourage the good work that our church is doing in the name of Christ. At this year’s Annual Conference Session we will have four special offerings: |
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Last Week’s Bike/Run/Walk for OCOK at Tipton Trails |
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We would like to offer a warm thank you to Steve Brown for organizing and all who participated in Saturday’s “Bike/Run/Walk for OCOK”! June 4 was a beautiful Saturday morning, and Wesley members enjoyed a 28-mile bike ride, running or walking around Tipton Lake, and playing in the water park! So far the event has raised $915.50 to be delivered to Annual Conference in Peoria, where all funds will help our Conference. The “Our Conference, Our Kids” endowment will secure the spiritual life programs for the children in our five child-welfare agencies. You can find out more about “Our Conference, Our Kids” at www.igrc.org/ocok.
If you would like to participate in a 25-mile ride with other “Wesley Wheels,” mark your calendar for Saturday, July 9! The group will meet at Rosa Park Commons at 7:00am, ride out to Lake Evergreen, and return by around 9:00am. For more information email Steve Brown or call him at (309) 826-6803.
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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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Please Wear Your Mask!
McLean County has seen a resurgence of the COVID virus in the last two weeks, and has moved to “High Transmission” status. Masks are now recommended for indoor public activities. Please wear your mask while in the building during this (hopefully brief!) resurgence. We appreciate your cooperation!
“McLean County is now at a High COVID-19 Community Level, meaning that there is potential for strain on the health care system, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is strongly recommended that in areas of High COVID-19 Community Levels all residents wear masks while indoors in public places regardless of their vaccination status.” from:
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Welcoming Our New Members to
Wesley United Methodist Church
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We are so proud to welcome our new members to Wesley United Methodist Church! Here is a list of our new members and a bit of information to help you get to know them. WELCOME TO WESLEY!
Donnelle Pressburger: A Social Worker for “The Center for Youth & Family Solutions”, Donnell enjoys gardening, reading, bike riding, exercising. Donnelle is also currently volunteering for Wesley Distribution Ministry.
Dave Ginter: Dave is an Engineer for Caterpillar in Peoria and has hobbies in hiking, biking, and boating. He is looking forward to exploring Music Ministry.
Tiffany Jones: As a mother of three children who have also been attending Wesley, Tiffany is enjoying her time here. Her hobbies include reading, music.
Karen Essington: Currently enjoying Chancel Choir here at Wesley, Karen is retired and enjoys reading and music.
Judy and Dudley Burgess: Both Judy and Dudley are retired and becoming involved within the church. Judy enjoys reading and Dudley has a strong interest in carpentry.
Larry Smith: Larry is retired from his privately owned business, L&M Lawncare. He enjoys caring for his lawn so much that he also considers this his hobby!
Zilpha Smith: Zilpha finds enjoyment in helping people. In addition to volunteering with the Rummage Sale, Zilpha has found a place in the adult Sunday School class.
Melodee & Allan Bielfeldt: This retired couple both find happiness in camping. Melodee also enjoys scrapbooking and coloring while Allan spends time woodworking and gardening.
Christina & Jordan Anderson: Christina is a Speech Language Pathologist at District 87 and enjoys travel, music and crafts. Jordan is Director of Worship at ISU Wesley Foundation (MERGE) and enjoys music, travel, and theology/philosophy.
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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
(Wesley Intergenerational School Experience)
W.I.S.E. 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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There will be no Adult Sunday School on June 5 but will resume on June 12 with a new study: “ACTS: Catching Up With the Spirit” by Matthew Skinner. There will be a new zoom link provided.
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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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We invite you to worship with us at a unique outdoor service at East Bay Camp!
There will be an 11:00 service on June 19th at East Bay Camp. There will not be an 11:30am contemporary service in the Sanctuary. We will bus those who would like a ride directly after first service. Matt Sherrill will provide acoustic guitar music! We will not have early childhood, elementary or youth Sunday School on that Sunday. We will not have formal childcare but are looking forward to seeing the children join us.
Rain or Shine we will be located under the pavilion.
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Pastor Evans will begin a new study at the Washington St. Apts on June 18th. This 8-week study is titled Invitation to the Old Testament and will be held each Saturday afternoon from 2:00-3:00pm. Explore the Old Testament's story of God and God's calling of the people of Israel through the many "voices" of the biblical text. Hear the magnificence of a Creation hymn, discover the law and wisdom teachings, listen to the warning of the prophets and explore the poetry of the Song of Solomon.
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.
Bibles for Our Upcoming 3rd Graders!
We will be presenting all of our soon-to-be 3rd Graders with a new Bible at our June 12th service! We also have one for those who entered 3rd grade last year and may not have received it.
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Wesley VBS is every Wednesday through June! Here is a schedule for the 5:30 supper each week:
June 1: Corn dogs and chips
June 8: Bagel pizzas and chips
June 15: Veggie and cereal bar
June 22: Tuna sandwiches and chips
June 29: Hot dogs and pretzels
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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, please make a note on your attendance slip, call the church office, or email Tiarra Grant.
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Now Hiring Lead Teacher for WBB!
Wesley’s Bright Beginnings is looking to hire a lead teacher and an assistant teacher for Monday-Thursday, 8:30-12:00. If interested, please contact our director, Julie Loy, at: wesleysbrightbeginnings@gmail.com
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#ServingBloNo2022 IS IN FULL SWING!
SURGE along with the youth from Normal First UMC had an amazing kick-off party in the East Parking Lot at Wesley UMC. Dinner and a special fun project made for a perfect start to #ServingBloNo2022. Plan to spend the days with us from 9:00am-8:00pm Sunday-Wednesday for all the fun with our great Wesley friends!
Our Summer Youth Trip to Nashville is fast approaching!
Please remember that if you signed up to be a part of the Jubilation or Bells for the trip, rehearsals are VERY important to attend. More details about the week TBA.
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#SurgeSummer starts on June 12th!
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Sundays throughout the summer Surge will meet at CRAFTED in Bloomington 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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P.A.W.S. (Pets Are Working Saints) Ministry is back!
The PAWS Ministry is a training program that is a means of helping handler-dog teams train to obtain the AKC Canine Good Citizen designation. Once achieved, this allows the teams to bring joy, comfort, and affection to people in the community who are lonely or hurting in some way.
P.A.W.S. Book Signing Event
Sunday, June 27
After the 9:00am and 11:30am service
In the Green Space (if raining, we will setup in the Garden Room)
Gail Scoats and furry friend, Sadie, will be here to share their new book, Paws, Purpose and Possibilities! Come and share the joy and excitement of being at Wesley to se old friends and share this wonderful life event with many who walked it with them!
You may also email or call Judy Woodburn at (309) 454-7403.
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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 JUNE 18!
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, Diapers sizes: newborn, 4 and 6, 4T-5T pull-ups and XS Goodnites, Hand soap Feminine Hygiene pads (all sizes), and Baby wipes
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May's distribution served 365 families, had 38 volunteers including Boy Scouts from Troop 918. We are so grateful for our community and our church! |
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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 improving spirits for those who ride. |
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Scheduled rides 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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Prayer Shawl Ministry meets in the Garden Room at Wesley on the second and fourth Mondays of each month from 2 - 4pm. Prayer shawls are crocheted by volunteers who recite prayers with each thread. Click here for more info.
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WESLEY VOLUNTEERS!
Habitat for Humanity is taking volunteers for Hero House on Saturday, June 11th at 8:00am! You must sign up to help so please CLICK HERE and get all of the information.
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Tonight! Friday, June 10th |
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Andrew Johnson
Join us as we present Andrew Johnson for a beautifully transcendent Pipe Organ Recital
Sunday, June 26th, 2022 at 3:00pm
Wesley UMC Sanctuary
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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
August 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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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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Thank you to the Scouts who attended the Memorial Day Parade march! Beautiful weather and a great group of over thirty scouts joined from Bloomington/Normal.
Wesley Scouts who marched:
Pastor Tanya Edwards-Evans
Braedon Robinson
Ethan Robinson
Braxton Rosensteel
David Perry
John Perry
(Special Scout Guest: the German Shepherd, Sadie Sparkles Perry)
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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 Tuesday at 3:00pm.
Deadline for newsletter revisions is Wednesday at 3:00pm.
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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