If you need access to the building or would like to schedule a meeting or time in the sanctuary to pray, we ask that you contact the office by calling 309-827-8046 or sending an e-mail to [email protected]. Currently the office is staffed from 9 am - 3 pm Monday through Friday. Also please be sure to use the "after hours" doorbell when arriving at the building - note signage at the parking lot entrance for instruction. |
|
{ SUNDAY WORSHIP }
Join us for Worship this Sunday!
|
|
The Needs of Our Neighbors: Ahavah
Join us as we continue to practice loving and serving our neighbors by collecting paper goods for the Wesley Distribution Ministry. Don’t forget to retrieve the paper bags that you distributed around your neighborhood earlier this week and bring them to Wesley West from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Wednesday, November 18th. Let’s do some good with and for our neighbors!
|
|
{ Loving Our Neighbors – Loving Our Church
Stewardship Sunday Update }
|
|
Thank you, Wesley Church, for your faithfulness and generosity in our 2021 Stewardship Appeal! . As of the writing of this update, we have received 156 commitment cards so far, representing faith commitments of $715,056 And more cards arrive in the mail every day! Forty-nine members have increased their commitment, and 16 households filled out cards for the first time.
We are humbly grateful for your generosity at such a time as this. We know it hasn’t been easy for some of us – and we know that others of us have stepped up to bridge the gap. What an amazing congregation you are, Wesley UMC!
Financial faith commitments for 2021 are still needed, and we encourage every Wesley member to be a part of assuring the love of Wesley Church in the coming year. If you need a card mailed to you, let us know; we’ll be happy to send it. Every gift, no matter how large or small, is a sign of our gratitude for God’s generosity, and a promise to Love God – Love Neighbor – Love You through Wesley Church.
Commitment cards may be submitted in any of the following ways:
- Mail your commitment card to 502 E. Front St., Bloomington IL 61701
-
Use the electronic commitment card found here.
-
E-mail our Business Manager, Myrna Simpson
- Drop off the commitment card in a sealed envelope at the church Mon - Fri, 9am – 3 pm
|
|
{ WEDNESDAY NIGHT PROGRAMMING! }
Paint The Town WESLEY
Paint the Town WESLEY is for everyone, families with kids,
empty-nesters, individuals, the young at heart, etc.
ALL are encouraged to participate and are welcome to invite friends!
Remember church, we're in this together! We can't wait to see you soon!
Wesley UMC is finding new ways to do ministry during Phase 4 of COVID-19. Please plan to join us every Wednesday evening this fall for "Paint the Town WESLEY."
As a church family we will be engaging in safe, socially distanced activities in an attempt to show the community how much God loves them, who we are, and to bind us together during this challenging time.
November 18 Paint the Town Wesley
NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS WDM DRIVE
Join us Wednesday, November 18th for our Paint the Town Wesley event—a paper goods drive throughout Bloomington-Normal. This past Sunday, Pastor Justin encouraged you to invite your friends and neighbors to help our community by providing paper products for the Wesley Distribution Ministry. (Collection bags are still available in the collection bin just outside the main entrance (west side) of Wesley West for those who still wish to participate.) On Wednesday, November 18th retrieve the filled bags from your neighbors and deliver the items to Wesley West from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Let’s invite our neighbors and friends to join us in helping our community!
November 25 Paint the Town Wesley
SEND YOUR THANKS
Since it’s the night before Thanksgiving, we know there will be lots going on and some will even be traveling. So, to involve you wherever you are, watch Pastor Justin’s daily devo video on Wednesday, November 25th. Then, pick up a few thank you cards and take part in this week’s Paint the Town Wesley activity any time, any where! And don’t forget to let us know what you’re thankful for by posting your blessings on Facebook with #wesleyumcbloomington. Happy Thanksgiving!
|
|
It is the desire of Wesley UMC to minimize potential exposure to the Covid-19 virus. As we gather, both indoors and outdoors, we ask that you remember the following:
- Wear a facemask.
- Maintain a minimum of 6-ft distance from other persons.
- Practice frequent hand-washing or use of hand-sanitizer
- Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 or have other illnesses.
- Stay home if you have been exposed to Covid-19 within the past 14 days.
- Stay home if you have a compromising condition due to age or other health conditions.
|
|
{ Paint the town Wesley Report }
Miss Kathi handed out about 20 gingerbread houses to 16 families at Wednesday night’s Paint the Town Wesley night. Families chose dog houses, traditional gingerbread houses, trains, and lighthouses to assemble at home. Many will be decorated and donated to The Baby Fold Festival of Trees. You can check out the gingerbread creations online or in person at Eastland Mall. The beautiful trees and decor will be on display online and in a walk-through pop-up Christmas showcase at Eastland Mall (in the former MC Sports, by Kohl's) Nov. 16 – 21 from 11am-8pm daily, with all bidding done online.
REMEMBER– gingerbread houses being donated to the Baby Fold Festival of Trees event need to be delivered to Eastland Mall on Saturday, November 14th from 11 am – 7 pm. (Drop off is where MC Sports was located.)
|
|
{ BABY FOLD FESTIVAL OF TREES } |
|
The Baby Fold Festival of Trees is going to be held November 16-21 at a new location this year and will be a hybrid version which means new virtual options. Following is additional information. Click here for a link to their website.
|
|
PIE PICK UP
Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday (November 21st-24th) from 9-11 AM.
Pull into a designated spot in the parking lot east of the church.
Remain in your car. We will bring your pies out to you.
If you have questions please call: Judy Bute (309-261-4366) or Diane Yount (309-531-1500)
|
|
DRIVE-THRU EVENT AT WESLEY WEST
Saturday, November 21st from 9-11:30 am
Free Paper Items & Food Boxes!
Paper items available will include
toilet paper, napkins, facial tissues,
diapers (all sizes) and diaper wipes!
We still need your help!
Donations Needed:
Diapers - Size 4, 5 & 6, Diaper Wipes, Feminine Hygiene Items, Bar Soap, and 2021 calendars
SPECIAL APPEAL:
We will be giving out ear warmers and scarves as the weather gets colder.
If there are any knitters out there that would like to help,
we'd love to have as many ear warmers and scarves as possible- kids and adults.
You may drop off the items in the collection box
located at the entrance door of Wesley West
at any time, Monday - Friday.
Monetary donations are welcome!
(be sure to note WDM in the memo)
OR mail to the church at:
502 E. Front Street
Bloomington, IL 61701
For questions and to volunteer
(newcomers welcome!)
please contact Karen Daudelin at
or call 309-838-5723
|
|
It is the desire of Wesley UMC to minimize potential exposure to the Covid-19 virus. As we gather, both indoors and outdoors, we ask that you remember the following:
- Wear a facemask.
- Maintain a minimum of 6-ft distance from other persons.
- Practice frequent hand-washing or use of hand-sanitizer
- Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 or have other illnesses.
- Stay home if you have been exposed to Covid-19 within the past 14 days.
- Stay home if you have a compromising condition due to age or other health conditions.
|
|
Thanksgiving Food Drive
With a Twist!
November is upon us and it is time to think about the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. As with almost everything else in 2020, this year’s food drive will look different. This year, we will be doing a monetary Thanksgiving Food Drive. We will collect financial contributions and distribute the funds received to the food pantries at The Salvation Army, Mount Pisgah Church and Saint Vincent DePaul. This is a highly effective way to help the food pantries. Having financial resources allows them to purchase specifically what they need when they need it. So, please be as generous as you can. Consider how much you would have spent for a bag of groceries – or two bags! Then send your contribution by November 22:
- by mail to 502 E. Front St. Bloomington IL 61701
-
through the website - www.wesley-umc.com/give or
- by text - “$XX ThanksgivingFood” to 309-822-4442.
Make sure to include “Thanksgiving Food Drive” in the memo if using the mail or website options.
Thank you for helping make someone’s Thanksgiving special! Grace and peace!
|
|
{ SURGE SCHEDULE }
Surge (Grades 6-12) meets on Sunday nights! We will be using a rotation schedule between our Jr. High and High School students. Our "Bonfires of Belonging" series welcomes all students to come and belong as a part of our Surge family while we join in fellowship, games and spiritual devotion.
- November 15: SURGE- 6th-8th grade 6-7 pm
- November 22: SURGE – 9th-10th grade, 6-8 pm; 11th-12th grade, 7-8 pm
Click here to see our official Fall 2020 calendar for information on all events, meetings and programming.
For any questions please contact Kelsey at 618-558-0748. Please note that social distancing will be observed at all Surge activities and masks are required to participate.
|
|
It is the desire of Wesley UMC to minimize potential exposure to the Covid-19 virus. As we gather, both indoors and outdoors, we ask that you remember the following:
- Wear a facemask.
- Maintain a minimum of 6-ft distance from other persons.
- Practice frequent hand-washing or use of hand-sanitizer
- Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 or have other illnesses.
- Stay home if you have been exposed to Covid-19 within the past 14 days.
- Stay home if you have a compromising condition due to age or other health conditions.
|
|
{ ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES } |
|
NEW – Advent study begins December 1
Join us for a new Advent study, Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas. Class will meet via Zoom on Tuesday nights from 6-7 p.m. for four weeks. (December 1 – 22)
Learn the meaning behind the names of Christ and the difference He makes in our lives this Christmas. His parents gave him the name Jesus. But the prophets, the shepherds, the wise men, and the angels addressed him by other names. They called him Lord, Messiah, Savior, Emmanuel, Light of the World, and Word Made Flesh. In Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas, best-selling author Adam Hamilton examines the names of Christ used by the gospel writers, exploring the historical and personal significance of his birth.
This Advent season church families will come together to remember what’s important. In the face of uncertainty and conflict, Christians reclaim the Christ child who brings us together, heals our hearts, and calls us to bring light into the darkness. Now more than ever, we invite you to reflect upon the significance of the Christ child for our lives and world today!
|
|
The Art of Neighboring
It has been said that the crisis of loneliness and isolation and even tribalism in the U.S. began with the invention of air-conditioning. Families moved off their front porches, inside their houses, and shut the doors. Suddenly, neighbors didn’t talk to each other every day; in fact, many neighbors don’t even know each other’s names. The sense of helpfulness, community, and mutual support of people living on the same block has faded away.
Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon have a prescription for what ails us – and a pathway to living out what Jesus said was one of the two most important commandments: love your neighbor. Join Kathi Pritts for an 8-week study (attend as many as you can) of The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door.
Class will meet via Zoom on Tuesdays through Nov. 24, 6-7 p.m.
Please contact Kathi Pritts at [email protected] to register for the class and make arrangements to receive a book and a zoom link.
|
|
More Parables
Barb Phend will lead an eight-week study called More Parables on Thursday afternoons. Class will meet via zoom on Thursdays through November 19 from 1-2 p.m.
Jesus’ parables are some of the most referenced lessons in all of scripture and scholars discuss their meanings all the time. Join us as we take a deeper look at the parables, ask questions, and engage in conversation.
Please contact Kathi Pritts at [email protected] to register for the class and receive the zoom link.
|
|
If you have news to share with the Wesley family
let us know by e-mailing
|
|
{ PRAYER WITH THE PASTOR }
Prayer with the Pastor will not be meeting on Sunday, November 15.
Watch upcoming publications for some NEW prayer opportunities.
|
|
{ DAILY DEVOTIONS }
Click here to enjoy a daily devotion from Pastor Sara,
Pastor Justin and other leaders in our church.
Ways to Connect:
look for our emails in your inbox.
|
|
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.
TEXT "$__ OFFERING" to 309.822.4442,
or mail your offering to the church:
502 East Front Street
Bloomington, IL 61701
|
|
PHASE FOUR GUIDELINES FOR RE-ENTRY
AT WESLEY CHURCH DURING PANDEMIC
As of July 1, 2020, the State of Illinois has formally entered "Phase Four" of Governor Pritzker's "Restore Illinois" and Bishop Beard's "Coming Back to the Heart of Worship." Phase Four allows churches and businesses to move toward a re-opening of facilities and a resumption of activities, within limits, and with careful observance of precautions proven to slow or reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Click here to view the guidelines and here for our policy regarding notification of known covid 19 infection
As we begin to open the building, Wesley members wishing to use the building should call (309-827-8046) in advance in order to ensure there is someone at the building to let them in. Currently the office is staffed from 9 am - 3 pm on Monday through Friday, but we do request that you call in advance to be sure there is someone available to meet you at the door, assist with check-in and temperature-check, etc. All persons entering the building must comply with the safety precautions in our Phase Four document (face mask, temp check, sign in/out, wash hands, 6-ft, self-exclude for reasons of possible contagion, etc.).
Small groups (please call the office to schedule a meeting) should designate a "COVID care group leader" to take responsibility for their group and its compliance.
|
|
{ WESLEY-UMC.COM UPDATES }
We have added TWO NEW PAGES
on our website to help our church
and community connect!
Click the links below to learn more:
In these uncertain times, there are several RESOURCES in our community that are available to help those in need to offer food, faith and financial support.
We have received several questions about how you can GIVE BACK and use your gifts, time and talents to help so many who are in need right now. Click the link above to learn more about opportunities to help others both in our congregation and our community!
|
|
Wesley Emergency Numbers after Office Hours:
Rev. Sara L. Isbell 217.299.4870
Rev. Justin Iverson 701.809.1203
Rev. Sally Hamon 217.853.9117
Wesley United Methodist Church:
502 E. Front Street
Bloomington, IL 61701
Office 309.827.8046
You can also visit us on Facebook and YouTube
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
