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 connect@wesley-umc.com. 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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Sermon: Incarnation: Presidents and Kings
(Sunday's worship service will be posted on our website by 9 am)
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 1, 8, 15 & 22) Please contact Kathi Pritts for the Zoom link and a book.
Special Offerings
Sunday, November 29 is United Methodist Student Day, one of six Special Sundays when we receive an offering for a particular ministry through the denomination. On the last Sunday in November, your gifts through this offering benefit students as they pursue opportunities in higher education. Your contribution will be joined with those of millions of other United Methodists to provide scholarships to deserving recipients. This offering has raised more than $400,000 and helps more than 300 students a year.
Student Day was first celebrated in 1940 when a college education could be attained for $450 annually. Today, that same education costs an average of $23,000 each year. We are invited to invest in young leaders by giving generously on United Methodist Student Day as part of our offering. Please be in prayer with the students who are recipients of the education made possible through this special offering.
Nov. 29 we will also have an opportunity to lift up the ministries supported by Native American Ministries Sunday (traditionally celebrated in the spring but postponed this year because of COVID-19). Gifts toward NAMS (Native American Ministries Sunday) go to support Native American ministries across the U.S. and to provide seminary scholarships for native students. Mark your check/donation “NAMS.”
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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! 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
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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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{ 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 2 Paint the Town Wesley
VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS TRIVIA
Put on your thinking caps and join Brenna Martin and Kelsey Ross via Zoom for a festive night of Virtual Christmas Trivia on Wednesday December 2nd at 6:00pm! Our game will include questions covering a variety of Christmas themed topics such as Christmas movies, Wesley staff Christmas traditions, Christmas music, Santa and His Cronies, and the Christmas story. If you would like to participate please email Brenna Martin and provide:
- Your team name
- The names of your team members **Your team DOES NOT have to consist of only people in your household since Zoom breakout rooms will be used. Feel free to team up with friends and other family members that do not live with you.**
Prizes will be given for the most creative team name and the overall winner! We can't wait to see you for a night of fellowship and competitive fun!
December 9 Paint the Town Wesley
WESLEY’S MASKED SINGERS
Join Director of Christian Education, Kathi Pritts, on Wednesday, December 9th at 7pm 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.
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{ PAINT THE TOWN WESLEY REPORT }
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On Wednesday (November 25), as a way to offer gratitude for our blessings, Pastor Justin encouraged us to send out notes of thanks and share what we are thankful for by posting our blessings on Facebook with #wesleyumcbloomington. It’s not too late to do either if you haven’t yet!
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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!
UPDATE! SURGE will not meet on Sunday November 29 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. 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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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! For information or application, contact Pastor Sara at sisbell@wesley-umc.com or (217) 299-4870.
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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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Lindsey Sherrill directing traffic at the November 21st distribution.
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WESLEY DISTRIBUTION UPDATE
Last week we prepacked 500 bags of paper goods to give away at our paper distribution on Saturday. Thirty-six volunteers positioned themselves as traffic controllers, registrars, runners, food boxes givers and drive-thru givers. And then, the cars began to fill the parking lot, a prayer was said and we began to put 500 bags of paper goods in their cars. Only, by 10:45 am the 500 bags were gone and the parking lot was still full.
We ended up giving away 586 bags! Rejoice as you were there too. You and your neighbors were there with bags of paper goods. You were there in the diapers we handed to young mothers and grandmothers. You were there when we handed out fresh eggs and mounds of toilet paper. You were at the door of Wesley West asking an older man with a cane if he needed help carrying his supplies. You were there when we handed people hats, ear warmers and scarves that you knitted. You were there in the checks you wrote to WDM and in every product we gave away, including calendars and devotional materials. To the least of these my friends, you were there.
Please be praying about how we are going to be able to fill our shelves to serve the next 500 plus families who come in December. The only thing left standing is toilet paper and some diapers. Gone are feminine hygiene items, adult diapers, paper towels, many sizes of diapers and bars of soap. No more hats, scarves or ear warmers or masks. If you can make masks, please make some for WDM! The Tinervin Foundation is going to give us 250 hams/turkeys next month. We need to be working on getting more. You may not be able to physically be at the paper distribution in December but remember your gifts enable us to reach out to those who have so little. Thank you for being there! JOY
--Karen Daudelin,
Coordinator Distribution Ministry
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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 Betty Haynes who passed away on November 18.
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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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