May 27th, 2022
CLICK all [RED LINKS] and IMAGES for more info!
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Ascension Sunday!
Ascension Sunday is the 40th day of Easter. Join us as we commemorate Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven marking the 40th day after Jesus Christ’s resurrection.
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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
Wonder, Walk, Wait, Worship
With Pastor Sara L. Isbell
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This Week's Attendance
Traditional: 201 Contemporary: 50
Online views in the last week: 882
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June 5 will be Pentecost (WEAR RED), Holy Communion, and Reception of New Members, so everybody come out to welcome our new family members!
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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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Cheer on our Scout Troop 918 in the Bloomington
Memorial Day Parade on May 30th at 9:00am!
Beginning on Front Street just north of Grossinger Motors Arena, the parade will march to Miller Park.
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New Member Opportunities and Parking Lot Praise! |
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Thinking about joining the Church? Wondering what United Methodism is all about? Join us Sunday, May 29 at 10:15am to find out more and get connected!
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: Pentecost (Wear Red) and Holy Communion
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, sun screen, 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.
Sunday, July 3: Outdoor Parking Lot Service
East Parking Lot at 9:00am
Be sure to bring a lawn chair, sunscreen, a water bottle and a friend! We will move inside to the Sanctuary if it rains.
Sunday, August 7: Outdoor Parking Lot Service
East Parking Lot at 9:00am
Be sure to bring a lawn chair, sunscreen, a water bottle and a friend! We will move inside to the Sanctuary if it rains.
Sunday, September 4: Outdoor Parking Lot Service
East Parking Lot at 9:00am
Be sure to bring a lawn chair, sunscreen, a water bottle and a friend! 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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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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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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Litany for Becoming
Due to a wave of requests from our members, we would like to offer the text for the Litany for Becoming liturgy which was used in last Sunday's Graduation Recognition and is an important litany for our SURGE youth. Please click here to view the web page.
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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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Join Us for a NEW MINISTRY of Wesley UMC!
Inviting all individuals ages 18-25 in all stages of adulthood: As One! This will be a progressive new group of the church seeking to join in meaningful discussion about real life issues and current events. We will launch in the fall of 2022 with a Wednesday night book study on Bad Theology Kills by Kevin Garcia. Stay tuned here in the Alive for updates about our plans!
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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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This Sunday, May 29, will be the last session of “Short Stories by Jesus.” We will take June 5 off, and the class 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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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 Graduating 3rd Graders!
We will be presenting all of our graduating 3rd Graders with a new Bible at our June 12th service! We also have one for those who graduated from 3rd grade last year and may not have received it.
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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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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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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 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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NEXT SUNDAY, June 5th is #ServingBloNo.
We will be serving at East Bay all day that day.
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 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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SO MUCH FUN At the May 22nd SURGE Foam Party!
We are so happy to see how much our foam party was enjoyed. Thank you for coming out and being a part of SURGE and Wesley UMC!
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P.A.W.S. (Pets Are Working Saints) Ministry is back!
The PAWS Ministry is a training program that helps handler-dog teams train to obtain the AKC Canine Good Citizen designation. Once achieved, teams bring joy, comfort, and affection to people in the community who are lonely or hurting.
We are accepting registration and are only accepting 4-6 dogs. If you are interested in our training program, please sign up quickly as this will be first come, first serve. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
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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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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Catherine E. Ferme Duehr
Catherine E. “Cathy” Ferme Duehr, 66, of Normal, passed away Thursday, May 12, 2022, at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.
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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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SCOUTS AT TROOP 918!
Austin Oganovich has achieved the seventh and highest rank of Scouting: Eagle Scout!
Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Since its inception in 1911, only four percent of Scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process. The Eagle Scout rank has been earned by over 2.5 million youth.
Wesley's Boy Scout Troop 918 has produced ten Eagle Scouts since 2011 under the leadership of Ken Anderson!
David Perry is continuing his journey in Scouting, earning the rank of Scout.
Congratulations to these Scouts and their families!
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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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