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 Monday through Thursday from 9am - 3 pm and Friday 9 am through 1 pm or sending an e-mail to [email protected]. Currently most staff members are working from home, please use phone or e-mail to contact them.
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COVID-19 UPDATE FOR BLOOMINGTON WESLEY UMC
On Tuesday, Nov. 17, Illinois Governor Pritzker announced that the entire state of Illinois would be moving to Tier 3 COVID restrictions beginning Friday, Nov. 20. Tier 3 is not a mandated “shelter-in-place,” but can be described as “If you don’t have to do it, don’t.”
On the same day, Bishop Beard issued a letter to all IGRC churches (Bishop's Letter) instructing a pause in all in-person worship (inside and outside), limiting building use to 10 persons or less, and asking that all church staff work from home as much as possible. These restrictions are to be observed until Dec. 13, at which time the conference will re-evaluate. Click here to see how this affects Wesley UMC.
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{ SUNDAY WORSHIP }
Join us for Worship this Sunday!
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(Sunday's worship service will be posted on our website by 9 am)
Incarnation: The Savior and Our Need for Saving
Advent 2020: Incarnation
This year Advent looks a little different. Families are staying home; shopping is done online; carolers are visiting friends by phone. It’s a season to remember that God didn’t wait for us to gather all together in heaven to meet us face-to-face; God came to us – visited us where we lived – brought the kingdom to us in the form of a baby boy. Divine Presence took on human flesh – that’s what Incarnation means.
This year Wesley will be bringing Advent “home” by looking at the ways Christ comes to us, right where we live. We’ll be using Adam Hamilton’s “Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas,” to look at the different titles describing Jesus – in His day and ours. Titles include: Messiah/King, Savior, Emmanuel, Light of the World, Word made Flesh.
Incarnation will also be the theme of our Tuesday evening Advent study, using Hamilton’s study book. The group will meet by Zoom from 6-7 p.m. for four weeks. (December 8, 15 & 22) Please contact Kathi Pritts for the Zoom link and a book.
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Join us for Holy Communion on Sunday, December 6.
Please feel free to join us for "online Communion" by preparing your own bread and grape juice at home. *Note: In Jesus' day, Passover/ritual blessings were observed with wine. United Methodists are sensitive to the needs of those who abstain from alcohol, and so we use unfermented grape juice in our public worship services. However, if your household has any of the following available for use in Holy Communion you are welcome to use: grape juice, grape juice cocktail, cranberry grape juice, red wine (fermented or unfermented), or even water, if you have none of the above. For bread, any kind of bread will suffice, including pita, tortilla or even crackers.
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{ LOVING OUR NEIGHBORS – LOVING OUR CHURCH
STEWARDSHIP UPDATE }
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Thank you, Wesley Church, for your faithfulness and generosity in our 2021 Stewardship Appeal! As of the writing of this update, we have received 178 commitment cards so far, representing faith commitments of $768,818.
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
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Use the electronic commitment card found here.
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E-mail our Business Manager, Myrna Simpson
- Drop off the commitment card in a sealed envelope at the church
Monday - Thursday - 9am – 3 pm and Friday 9am - 1 pm (Please call before coming)
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Wesley UMC seeks a part-time Video Editor for our online daily devotions and weekly worship services. Please send cover letter & resume to Myrna Simpson. Click here for a job description.
Wesley UMC is also seeking a full-time Director of Communications to help us get out the good word about Wesley Church! Please send cover letter & resume to Myrna Simpson. Click here for a job description.
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{ 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!
December 9 Paint the Town Wesley
WESLEY’S MASKED SINGERS
Join Director of Christian Education, Kathi Pritts, on Wednesday, December 9th at 6pm for a Wesley edition of the popular television show, The Masked Singer. Try to guess the identity of each singer as familiar voices from Wesley sing popular Christmas carols from inside costumes. Contact Kathi Pritts to receive a Zoom link.
December 16 Paint the Town Wesley
MERRY & BRIGHT
Plan to join us on December 16th at 6:00 pm for a Wesley Christmas Light Competition! Watch out for a special e-mail blast releasing the addresses of 4 Wesley Family houses that are decked out for Christmas. Go on a driving tour around town, pick your favorite house, and then vote online for who will win the award for the best display!
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{ PAINT THE TOWN WESLEY REPORT } |
Last night eight teams (35 people total) battled it out in our first ever "Christmas Trivia" Paint the Town Wesley event. In the end, the "Wiz-bells" proved that they were the most "noel-edgeable" and walked away the with grand prize of vintage Surge apparel! There were so many creative team names ... "Zuzu's petals", "Santa's Little Helpers", the "Tree-Toppers", "Mistle-Toads" ... to name a few. But nothing could compare to the "Turkey Santas" with their matching turkey-santa hats, they took the prize for most creative team name (Pastor Justin's face on a stick!).
Thank you so much to everyone who participated, it was wonderful to see so many faces and we had such a fun night!
Make sure to come back next week for Wesley's very own version of "The Masked Singer".
Merry Christmas!
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The Sights and Sounds
of Christmas
Visit the sanctuary, which will be adorned for Christmas, December 21st-23rd. The sanctuary will be open from 9am-8pm for you to enjoy prayerful reflection and private worship, and will feature a wooden nativity display, created especially for Christmas 2020. Christmas music will play overhead, and from 5:40pm-8:00pm each evening, instrumentalists will provide music.
Sign up online to attend one of the 20-minute evening sessions or call the Church office. Limited seating will be available, so sign up early. A special commemorative Christmas ornament will be given to everyone who visits the sanctuary any time on these days.
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{ ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES } |
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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 invites us to slow down, "holiday at home," and remember what’s really important about Christmas. 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!
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{ SURGE SCHEDULE }
Surge (Grades 6-12) meets on Sunday nights! 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.
UPDATE!
Due to the growing number of COVID cases in McLean County, SURGE will move to online programming until further notice. Students are invited to join our zoom meeting room at 6:00 pm for a time of devotion, games, and fellowship.
Please note that on December 6 EVERYONE (6th-12th grade) is invited from 6:00-6:30 for a game and then students will separate for their weekly small group meeting at 6:30.
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.
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2020 MISSIONS ADVENT OFFERING
Make an impact in the lives of people in our community, state, and country by giving to the Missions Advent Offering. This offering will support the work of local social service organizations, Illinois Great Rivers Conference Golden Cross ministries, and domestic missions. You can find information about each organization on our website Contributions
can be made by mail to 502 E. Front St. Bloomington IL 61701 or through the website. www.wesley-umc.com/give Be sure to mark your contribution for Advent Offering.
Give as you can. Every donation is appreciated.
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THANK YOU CONGREGATION!
Because of your generous contributions to the Just One collection in November we have sent $400.00 each to three Food Pantries in the community.
- Salvation Army Safe Harbor Food Pantry
- St Vincent DePaul Food Pantry
- Mt Pisgah Food Pantry
These funds will aid them in providing the supplies necessary help those in need.
The Church and Society Committee greatly appreciates your continuing support of the Just One Project. THANK YOU!!
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DRIVE-THRU EVENT AT WESLEY WEST
Saturday, December 19th 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 - all sizes, Diaper Wipes, Feminine Hygiene Items, Adult Diapers,
Bar Soap, Paper Towels, Scarves, Ear Warmers, Face Masks, and 2021 calendars
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
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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.
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Our heartfelt sympathy to the family & friends of Bill Hart who passed away on November 27th.
Our heartfelt sympathy to the family & friends of Don Daudelin who passed away on December 3rd.
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If you have news to share with the Wesley family
let us know by e-mailing
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{ 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.
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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.
TEXT "$__ OFFERING" to 309.822.4442,
or mail your offering to the church:
502 East Front Street
Bloomington, IL 61701
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{ 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!
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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
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