July 29th, 2022
CLICK all [RED LINKS] and IMAGES for more info!
Sunday, July 31st

Today, we recognize the reverence, leadership, and efforts of the youth here at Wesley United Methodist Church. We are so proud of them, and appreciative of everyone who made the summer activities possible. Join us for this special service celebrating their Summer experiences!
SERVICE UPDATE:
Wesley will be hosting one indoor service this Sunday!

Youth-Led Service: 10:00 am


This Week's Attendance
Traditional service: 136 - Contemporary service: 54
Online views in the last week: 628

THERE IS NEVER A FEE TO USE YOUTUBE
Parking Lot Praise!
Please bring a lawn chair, sunscreen, a water bottle, and 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. All outdoor services will include Holy Communion!

Please Remember:
  • Though we will not have a traditional nursery or children's ministry during these services, we look forward to seeing the children join us!
  • Though we will not have donuts available, we will offer them the following Sunday in the Garden Room between services.
  • On the following dates, we will worship at 9:00 am only. Enjoy your day!

Sunday, August 7:East Parking Lot at 9:00 am
Enjoy the Fresh-Air With This Outdoor Parking Lot Service!
This service will include Holy Communion, and a Blessing of Pets! You are welcome to bring your pet to the “Parking Lot Praise” service – but do consider bringing a blanket or rug to protect their feet from hot pavement. Wesley will provide water for your pet; you bring the bowl! As always, bring your lawn chair, sunscreen, drinking water, etc. See you Sunday!


Sunday, September 4:
Celebrate Our Last Scheduled Outdoor Parking Lot Service!
East Parking Lot at 9:00 am

Wesley UMC will use a new SMS (Short Message Service) system to send text and voice messages straight to your phone with important information about events, emergencies, safety alerts, and more.

What to expect:
You May Receive Alerts About:
•Sunday service cancellations due to weather conditions
•Building emergencies that require immediate evacuation
•Notifications of unscheduled church closings
•Changes in schedules of ministries or groups that you are active in
•Reminders about outdoor services
•Upcoming major church events at Wesley
You Will Not Receive Alerts About:
•Ministries or groups that you are not active in
•Recurring events
•Daily or weekly information
•Obituaries
•Requests (prayers, offerings, etc.)
•You can also opt-out of these messages at any time by simply replying to one of our messages with “Stop.”
Ways to sign up:
• You can participate in this free service by texting “Y” or “Yes” to our GroupCast short code number, 64779. 
•Scan the QR Codes on our newsletter insert or on the hall screens
•Fill out the registration sheet provided in the bulletin or at the Welcome Desk and place it on the Welcome Desk basket or offering plate
•Click the link below
•Call the Wesley Church office (309) 827-8046
#BeUMC honors the core values connecting the United Methodist Church's members. 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!
Thank you so much for helping replenish the Benevolence Fund!
The Wesley Benevolence Fund is designed to help local families in need. This fund provides people in our community with temporary assistance for utility bills, rent, and food. Please consider making an offering to this fund on the Give Page of our website, or you can simply:

United Methodist Committee on Relief
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.
Masking Requirements
COVID TRANSMISSION UPDATE!

"McLean County remains at Medium COVID-19 Community Level. In areas where the Community Level is Medium, the CDC strongly recommends that those individuals at highest risk or who have high-risk persons in their household should consider wearing masks in indoor public places." from:
Sunday, July 31st
 Christian Education
We have fantastic Sunday School opportunities for all ages!

Typically, Sunday School meets between worship services, from 10:15-11:15. This week and next week, we will not meet due to our unique Youth-led service this week and our outdoor service next week. THE NURSERY WILL BE AVAILABLE THIS WEEK

Our Nursery-Elementary aged classes use the “Orange” curriculum – combining family and church strengths to capture the next generation's hearts and minds.

ParentCue.org is a fantastic resource that uses the OrangeⒸ philosophy to teach 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.
Sunday School 
Nursery Room 117
9:45am - 11:30am

We are meeting in person! Liz Tomera will send 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 want to receive emails, let Liz know at: ltomera@wesley-umc.com.
Children's Church
Wesley Hall
NOT MEETING
THIS WEEK

We look forward to gathering online for our Children's Sunday School if you cannot 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:
Jr. High Class
6/7 Grade Boys Group Rm
NOT MEETING
THIS WEEK

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:
Elementary Sunday School
Rooms 21-30
NOT MEETING
THIS WEEK

Sunday School Kids is where families learn together, strengthen family and faith bonds, and have faith conversations. W.I.S.E. begins in Wesley Hall and then moves to rooms 21-30.

Contact Kathi Pritts for more information at:
Children's Church
Wesley Hall
NOT MEETING
THIS WEEK

We look forward to gathering online for our Children's Sunday School if you cannot 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:
Sr. High School
Sr. High Lounge
NOT MEETING
THIS WEEK

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:
Join this pastor-led Bible study in the Lounge, “ACTS: Catching Up With the Spirit” by Matthew Skinner. Join us in the Lounge or on Zoom at 11:15 am!

Please sign up before using the zoom link, so we know to expect you. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Pastor Evans is hosting an 8-week study titled Invitation to the Old Testament and will be held each Saturday afternoon from 2:00-3:00 pm at the Washington St. Apartments. Explore the Old Testament's story of God and God's calling to 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 prophets' warning and explore the poetry of the Song of Solomon.
Disciple I: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study gives the Old and New Testaments equal time, emphasizing the wholeness of the Bible as a revelation of God.


  • beginning August 24
  • 34-week study
  • Wednesdays from 6:00- 7:00 pm
  • online with Zoom or in-person
Disciple II: Into the Word Study Manual retains the familiar DISCIPLE format with its theme word, theme verse, statement of the human condition, daily and weekly assignments, and prayer for daily use.

  • Beginning August 30
  • 34-week study
  • Tuesdays from 6:00-7:00pm
  • Online with Zoom
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!
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
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Saturday, August 13th
We are excited to share that we have build dates and a location for our 2022-2023 Habitat for Humanity build!

We will partner with Calvary on the Faith House Build at 901 W Mulberry St, Bloomington. We will be building on the 2nd Saturday of each month starting on August 13th, from 8 am-noon. The goal is to complete the house by November, so we have a lot of work!

Also, we have an additional volunteer opportunity. Please get in touch with Lindsey at lindsey.jarboe@habitatmclean.org if you are interested.

We still have four slots for our August build date; click here to sign up!

Did You Know?
You can take your old plastic gardening pots to A&B Hatchery or Jeffery Alans and recycle them in the POTS bin!
Healing Rides
Healing Rides Ministry helps those who have difficulties with mobility get out and enjoy fresh air and sunshine on Constitution Trail. We offer rides on a specially designed bicycle driven by trained riders. Healing Rides helps encourage socialization and relationship building between riders and volunteers, as well as improving the spirits of those who ride.
Scheduled rides continue through the Summer until September 30th. We make appointments at 1 pm and 2 pm 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!
Wednesday, July 20th - August 28th
SUMMER CHANCEL CHOIR DATES!
Sunday Singing
(Sanctuary) 

August 28th at 9:00 am
All are welcome and you do not have to have participated in choir before! Please contact Ron Kiesewetter if you have any questions.
Wednesday, August 3rd
Wednesday, August 24th
A Peace Pole is an internationally-recognized symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire human family, standing vigil in silent prayer for peace on Earth. Each Peace Pole bears the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in different languages on its four sides. There are tens of thousands of Peace Poles in nearly every country dedicated as monuments to peace.

As part of #ServingBlono, Wesley’s youth group, in conjunction with Normal First Church Youth Group, are making Peace Poles which will be installed in various locations to highlight the vital work we all do. One is planned to be installed at Wesley UMC on August 7th! Our Peace Poles symbolize our mission and link our work with people of all faiths and nationalities worldwide, striving for a better world.


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 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.
Weekly Scout Schedules
CLIMBING
KAYAKING
NATURE
Scouts from Wesley chartered Troop 918 had a fantastic time at the Ingersoll Scout Reservation (ISR) Summer Camp 2022! The London Hills reservation encompasses almost 1,000 acres of woodland and prairie. It provides a facility where scouts learn life-changing skills — how to swim, identify poisonous plants, rescue someone drowning, fish, and many more. Summer camp allows Scouts to work on advancement toward an ultimate goal of Eagle Scout. Congratulations to all who completed Scout camp, and thank you to all of the youth and adult leaders who help make ISR possible every year!
Cub Scouts Meet at Wesley Every Second and Fourth Thursday!
(takes a break through the summer)

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.
Girl Scouts Meet at Wesley Every First and Third Thursday!
(takes a break through the summer)

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!
Boy Scouts Meet at Wesley Every Monday!
(continues through the summer)

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.
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
CONTACTING WESLEY COMMUNICATIONS TEAM!
Do you have a story or upcoming event 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

The deadline for newsletter information is Tuesday at 3:00 pm.
The deadline for newsletter revisions is Wednesday at 3:00 pm.
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.
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
 
Visit www.WesleyUMCBloomington.org for more information about our news and events.
You can also visit us on Facebook, instagram, twitter, and YouTube