March 4th, 2022
CLICK all [RED LINKS] and IMAGES for more info!
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SERVICE UPDATE:
There will be two in-person and online services this Sunday
Traditional: 9:00am, Contemporary 11:30am
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Sunday's sermon:
Our Father, Who Art in Heaven
With Reverend Sara L. Isbell
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Last Week's Attendance
In-person Sunday Services: 225
Sunday School: 76
Online views for the last week: 420
Unique views: 171
Ash Wednesday In-person Service: 122
Online Views for Wednesday: 120
Unique views: no information yet
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Wesley’s Re-Entry Team – made up of health professionals and other knowledgeable members of our congregation and staff have met to discuss the upcoming discontinuation of mask mandates in Illinois. 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. 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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MAKE AN IMPACT
GIVE LIKE YOU LIVE!
Impact the lives of people around the world by giving to the Missions Lenten Offering. CLICK HERE to see how this offering will make a difference around our world community!
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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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There will be two services this week which we will also live stream on our YouTube channel. There will be a traditional service at 9:00am and a contemporary service directly following at 11:30am
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We have awesome Sunday School opportunities for all ages!
In Wesley’s elementary Sunday school programming, an Orange© philosophy and strategy is central. We believe that two combined influences make a greater impact than just two individual influences.
Faith & Character
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 for PreSchool
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 kids (ages 3-5) in preschool ministries.
If you would like to receive emails, please let Liz know at:
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Sunday School for Children
We look forward to gathering online for our Children's Sunday School if you aren't able to make it in person! 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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Sunday School for Youth
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 meeting in-person, we'll see you this Sunday!
Contact Kathi Pritts for the zoom link at:
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Please click below to join us online or in-person at Wesley (In the Garden Room this week only) for Adult Sunday School with "The Lord's Prayer" at Wesley.
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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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Most of us think we already know The Lord’s Prayer. After all, we say it together every Sunday in church, and sometimes we even say it by ourselves at home! But do we take the time, when we pray, to think about what these words really mean – what we are actually asking God for?
This Lent, Wesley United Methodist Church will be studying The Lord’s Prayer together, using Adam Hamilton’s new book, “The Lord’s Prayer: The Meaning and Power of the Prayer Jesus Taught.” Each Sunday in Lent, Pastor Sara and Pastor Evans will examine a phrase of The Lord’s Prayer and preach on its meaning and impact for our lives. Then, small groups throughout the week will meet to discuss that portion of the prayer, using the book and video provided for the series. Adults, youth and children are all included in this study. Books are available for $10; let Kathi Pritts know if you would like a copy. For gathering times, and locations, please click here....
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Confirmation class prepares young people to make their own decision about following Jesus and becoming full professing members of Wesley UMC. A professing member is one who intends to live the vows of the baptismal and membership covenant in the local congregation and The United Methodist Church. A full professing member can serve on any committee, agency, or board in the UMC from the local church, district, conference, and beyond. Wesley UMC offers Confirmation class for students in 8th grade. The class covers the history of Methodism, the history of the home church, sacraments, missions, discipleship and making a confirmation stole. Wesley confirmation class has eleven students. We will celebrate the completion of this chapter in their faith journey in April, 2022. For more information about Confirmation please contact Pastor Evans at Wesley.
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Join us for Wednesdays at Wesley!
(please check email on Tuesday for possible cancellations)
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12:00-1:00 Men's Study Group
(online only)
Contact Greg Yount for more info
6:00-7:30 Children’s Activities
6:00-6:50 Chimes of Glory
6:30-7:30 Wesley Brass
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6:30-7:30 Sr. High Study:
Love Wins by Rob Bell
6:50-7:20 Wesley Singers
(with children’s activities)
7:00-8:30 Bells of Wesley
7:15-8:30 Chancel Choir
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Spring Forward on Sunday, March 13! |
Who Invented DST?
If you think Daylight Saving Time is a good idea, thank New Zealand scientist George Vernon Hudson and British builder William Willett. In 1895, Hudson presented to the Wellington Philosophical Society, proposing a 2-hour shift forward in October and another back in March.
There was interest in the idea, but it was never followed through. In 1905, independently from Hudson, British builder William Willett suggested setting the clocks ahead 20 minutes on each of the four Sundays in April, and switching them back by the same amount on each of the four Sundays in September, a total of eight time switches per year! CLICK HERE TO READ MORE .
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February 19th was an extremely cold day for our paper distribution but our faithful volunteers managed to serve 303 families, around 1000 individuals, plus delivered 60 food boxes to our neighbors at the Washington Street Apartments. Thanks to the generosity of our congregation, we had enough supplies for every family. Eggs, donated by our egg lady Shari and warm scarves and hats, donated by some of our knitters were also greatly appreciated by our guests.
OUR NEXT DISTRIBUTION IS MARCH 19
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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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Wesley celebrates 50 years of our amazing Rummage Sale! This year, Wesley's annual Rummage Sale is coming to the Interstate Center in April and we would like to get the ball rolling! We will need volunteers and donations to get it started. For more information, click here!
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The APRIL 23rd Annual Rummage Sale is rapidly approaching and we are excited to host it again!
Ways YOU can help make this rummage sale a success:
- You can clean out your closets, basements, garages, etc.! Drop offs to the Interstate Center are as follows:
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Monday, April 18
Tuesday, April 19
Wednesday, April 20
Thursday, April 21
Saturday, April 23
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Noon – 9PM
9AM – 9PM
9AM – 9PM
9AM – 9 PM
SALE DAY!
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We will unload your vehicle for you!
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You can work at the Interstate Center, organizing and pricing items. Just come out to the West Expo Building and we will find a place for you. We welcome you anytime, any day! If you work just 5 hours you can participate in the Friday evening worker sale!!
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Monday, April 18
Tuesday, April 19
Wednesday, April 20
Thursday, April 21
Friday, April 22
Saturday, April 23
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noon – 9PM
9AM – 9PM
9AM – 9PM
9AM – 9PM
9AM – 4PM
7AM – 3PM Sale Day!!
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Do you ned some great boxes for the rummage sale? There are sturdy boxes with lids and handles - perfect for packing up your donations for easy transport to the Interstate Center. They will be located across from the Garden Room under the coat racks. Please help yourself to as many as you need. Thank you!
If you plan to work on sale day, please email Diane Yount at: g.yount@frontier.com or call/text her at 309-531-1500.
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WBB Pie Fundraiser Chair
Wesley’s Bright Beginning Board is looking for an enthusiastic and organized person to chair the pie fundraiser. This is the largest fundraiser for Wesley’s Bright Beginnings Preschool and is a short term project from early October until the week before Thanksgiving. The chair works closely with Sysco food service. WBB staff help distribute flyers and collect orders for the preschool and board members assist with pie pick up.
If you are interested or would like more information, please email
Diane Yount at g.yount@frontier.com
or call her at 309-531-1500.
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Thank you for all of your support throughout the year! Just One is one of the many vital ministries here at Wesley UMC Bloomington.
Through the month of March, Just One will be collecting too th brushes, tooth paste, mouth wash, dental floss, and dental picks. Each donation goes directly to local children, teens, and adults in need of these basic products. You can leave donations in the hall across from the Garden Room at Wesley.
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Making offerings to Wesley ministries is easier than ever with our multiple methods of giving. Simply click the 'Give' logo to view our web page. You can also text your offering by texting:
"$(dollar amount)" to: (309) 822-4442
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Here at Wesley, we LOVE our book studies!
Start the New Year with Friends at Wesley! We have many different book studies here at Wesley UMC, and we are sure there is at least one you will love! Wesley is consistently offering new studies on faith, discovery, exploration, and more. It is such a privilege to see how successful our studies are throughout some of the toughest times our communities have endured. We offer in-person as well as online studies. All throughout the week, there is a different study offering the welcoming presence of like-minded and curious people just like you. Your families and friends are more than welcome to join!!
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Wesley West Construction Update
Thank you so much for the generosity of everyone who is donating their resources to the Wesley West Construction project. So far we have received a total of $121,127.75 for this project and even more in pledges. Wesley is such a giving family and with this project, our great community is our focus!
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WESLEY CHARTERED SCOUTING RECEIVED 4 NEW CROSSOVERS THIS YEAR!
It is such a pleasure to see Wesley's chartered Boy Scouts grow each year. In the last crossover ceremony, Troop 18 received four new Boy Scouts. Congratulations and keep up the great work, Scout leaders!
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Congratulations to Killian Boyd! |
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This summer, Killian has been invited to participate in the National Student Leadership Conference for Theatre. He has decided to be majoring in Theatre (and English with Mom's push) Education in College. At the National Student Leadership Conference on Theater, Killian will live and learn in New York City and have access to all the city offers.
He will go backstage and see the inner workings of Broadway, participate in master classes and discussions with top New York artists, and spend evenings in the audience of Broadway shows. With peers, he will work to design, rehearse and produce a show, all essential skills in Theatre Education. In addition, Killian will develop leadership skills with instruction in public speaking, conflict resolution and managing group dynamics. Kimberly and Chad are fundraising to cover the program's cost, his room and board (in NYC @ Fordham University) and travel. They are investing in this fantastic opportunity and hope you will consider helping make this opportunity a reality for him this summer! To send a donation, please contact Kimberly Boyd at knmarti@hotmail.com.
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Wesley’s Business Administrator, Myrna Simpson, is retiring! |
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Myrna has worked tirelessly for Wesley Church and our congregation for the past 22 years and her efforts have been greatly appreciated. The Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) is hosting a reception to honor Myrna on Sunday, March 6th, between worship services. Please join us in thanking Myrna for all she has done for Wesley over the last 22 years and wishing her the best in retirement!
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Susan has worked as an Executive/ Administrative Assistant in the for-profit and not-for-profit industries for over 20 years. She prides herself on her ability to assist other professionals to achieve concise, sensible and positive outcomes.
She is excited to get to know and work among the staff here at Wesley and to familiarize herself with the church family.
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I would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who participated in our UMW Hershey Bar Snowman and Elf fundraiser in 2021. From makers, sellers, and buyers, you ALL made the project a big success!
3,435 Hershey Bars were made into snowmen and elves. Yes, we sold 3,435!
The profit for Wesley’s UMW was $10,090.11.
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Share your great news with your Wesley family!
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William "Bill" Bach
William Strayer Bach, 84, of Normal, died at 11:50 a.m. on Friday (February 25, 2022) at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington. Please view his full obituary here.
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The Rev. Dr. John D. Trefzger
The Rev. Dr. John D. Trefzger, Minister Emeritus of First Christian Church in Bloomington, IL, died on February 15, 2022 at Luther Oaks Retirement Community in Bloomington, IL at the age of 98. Please view his full obituary here.
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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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Illinois State University’s Center for Math, Science and Technology and the ISU Office of Sustainability invite campus and community members to The Green Screen. Films feature a different topic each month, with a focus on the global climate change crisis.
March 15, 2022 – Chasing Ice
Director, Jeff Orlowski
Photographer James Balog deploys cameras to capture a multi-year record of the world’s changing glaciers and compress years into seconds. The film captures ancient mountains of ice in motion as they disappear at a breathtaking rate.
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This year's Scout Summer Youth Camp theme is WILD WILD WEST!
Camp dates are from June 13-17th 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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The offerings you make to Wesley UMC are the source for all the wonderful things we do in our communities. Click the Wesley Give image and share the possibilities of a better day with our local friends and families |
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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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