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. |
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{ SUNDAY WORSHIP }
Join us for Worship this Sunday!
The Joy of Neighboring:
Finding Courage to Love Your Neighbor
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Join us for “Love Your Neighbor” Sunday worship in October, and see how much fun this commandment of Jesus really can be. We’ll talk about moving from strangers to acquaintances, and acquaintances to friends. We’ll see how shared interests and mutual vulnerability can make your section of town a place you never want to leave. And we’ll see how neighbors helping neighbors builds a safer, stronger community.
If you didn’t get a block map and invitation in the mail, contact us at [email protected] and we’ll get one out to you!
If you’d like to talk about Loving Your Neighbor with friends, join our weekly “The Art of Neighboring” study on Tuesday evenings with Kathi Pritts (or read the book on your own!). Email Kathi for more information or to join the study.
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If you know of anyone who is unable to watch our service online
who might appreciate receiving Sundays’ sermons on DVD,
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{ Sunday, Oct. 25 is Stewardship Sunday! }
Let’s worship TOGETHER!
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This year’s Stewardship Sunday will be something special! Join us in the east parking lot for WORSHIP TOGETHER on Oct. 25 at 12:30pm. (The service will be recorded and posted on our website on Monday, Oct. 26.) We will enjoy Wesley worship and music together, closing with Holy Communion and our Walk to the Cross dedication of financial commitment cards. Please bring your own lawn chair and plan for mask-wearing and social-distancing.
Following worship, please stick around for a 1:30 pm
Block Party with our neighbors and friends! COVID-safe activities and refreshments, and more live music will inspire our afternoon!
Register HERE for both worship and the block party.
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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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“PULSE-CHECK”
Wesley Fall Survey
Would you take 10 minutes to let us hear from you about your hopes and dreams for Wesley, and your feedback about our ministries? Click here for a short, 6-question survey to help us better reach you and our neighbors? Answers will be received and collated confidentially. Thank you!
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{ CHURCH CONFERENCE }
Our annual Church Conference is scheduled to be held as an online meeting on Sunday, October 25 at 3:00 p.m.
All are welcome – Ad Council members are encouraged to attend.
If you would like to attend, please contact Jody Robbins to receive meeting information and online link.
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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!
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.
Wed, Oct 21, 5:30-6:30pm
{ BACK TO SCHOOL BLESSING }
With area schools making plans to return to in person learning, Wesley UMC would like to bless our families and teachers as you prepare to head back into school. Join us for our Paint the Town Wesley event on Wednesday, October 21st from 5:30pm-6:30pm in the Wesley UMC main parking lot. Kids will play games and adults can visit with each other about the change in learning format. At the conclusion of the evening, we’ll have a time of prayer for our students, parents, and teachers, along with a special back pack blessing. Don’t forget to bring your back packs! Everyone who attends will be sent home with a ’Transition Kit’ that will be filled with things to help you navigate this transition back to school. Come join us!
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{ JUST ONE COLLECTION }
This month’s collection is NEW children’s socks (any kind or size) and underwear (sizes 6-8) to be distributed to local schools. Some children don’t have enough socks to wear to school every day, even during the winter months. With cold and damp weather just around the corner, we want to equip some of our local schools with the resources they need to help students. Bring your donations to the Back to School Blessing in the Church’s main parking lot on Wed, Oct 21, 5:30-6:30pm
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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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{ PAINT THE TOWN WESLEY REPORT }
Our pumpkin painting party was a big success! Don’t forget to save your painted pumpkins for a special pumpkin contest at our all church block party on October 25th. You can also bring one that you decorated at home.
Kelsey Ross
Director of Youth Ministry
Wesley United Methodist Church
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{ HERSHEY BAR SNOWMEN & ELVES SALES }
Wesley’s United Methodist Women are hard at work making Hershey Bar Snowmen and Elves for the Christmas Season! Proceeds go to UMW Missions including Home Sweet Home Missions, Midwest Food Bank and Salvation Army.
Order now to help the ladies know exactly how many candy bars to decorate and to make sure you get what you’re looking for. Each candy bar is $3 and payment is due at pick-up. Click Here to fill out your order form or call Tricia DePew at 309-287-5076!
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{ HOLIDAY PIES }
Pie sales will support the missions of the UMW such as:
Faith in Action, Home Sweet Home Mission, The Baby Fold, Salvation Army, and
Midwest Food Bank.
Pie sales will also help provide the necessary equipment and supplies to safely reopen WBB after COVID 19. All pies come frozen, are ready to bake (a few are thaw and serve), and can remain in your freezer through the holidays.
You may click HERE to place your order.
It’s “easy as pie”!
If you have questions or prefer to order by phone please call either:
Judy Bute (309-261-4366) or Diane Yount (309-531-1500)
Orders are due by Thursday, November 5th
Pie Pick Up
Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday (November 21st-24th) from 9-11.
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.
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{ UPCOMING OCTOBER
ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES }
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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. The book study will be an added bonus to our October sermon series on “Loving Our Neighbors,” and it just might fill some of that empty space COVID-19 has put in our souls.
Class will meet via Zoom on Tuesdays Oct. 6-Nov. 24, 6-7 p.m.
Please contact Kathi Pritts to register for the class and make arrangements to receive a book.
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More Parables
Barb Phend will lead an eight-week study called More Parables on Thursday afternoons beginning October 1st. Class will meet via zoom on Thursdays October 1 – 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 to register for the class and receive the zoom link.
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{ SURGE SCHEDULE }
Our October event for Surge is "Low-Budget Homecoming" on October 17th. ALL 6th-12th grade students are invited to attend for pictures at the church at 5, dinner around town with small groups at 6 and back to the church for a bonfire from 7-8 pm. Everyone is invited to wear their homecoming-esque attire (or whatever you prefer).
EVERYONE is invited to come meet the students at the church parking lot at 5:00 pm to see them in their outfits and send them off around town.
Students will need to make arrangements with other families or friends as we cannot transport our students for carpool during this time. We hope all of our students will come, invite their friends and have fun with it! Any questions please contact Kelsey.
Surge (Grades 6-12) is now meeting on Sunday nights! We will stick with our same schedule, using a rotation between our Jr. High and High School students. While we are changing the day of our meetings, the format will stay the same. 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.
- October 18th: SURGE - 6th/7th grade 6-7 pm; 8th grade 7-8 pm
- October 25th: SURGE - 6th/7th grade 6-7 pm; 8th 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.
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The Problem of Racism:
A Faith & Action Response
Surge is pairing up with Normal UMC to offer a new study for all 6th-12th grade students!
We will be using The Problem of Racism: A Faith & Action Response curriculum from Castleton UMC to lead our students in a connectional discussion about racism, injustice and our call as Christians in the world. We will meet on Thursday nights in October and November from 7-8:00 pm via zoom. Contact Kelsey with any questions!
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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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To the Family and friends of Alice Deavers who died on October 7th
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If you have news to share with the Wesley family – let us know by e-mailing
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DRIVE-THRU EVENT AT WESLEY WEST
Saturday, October 17th 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 Newborn, 4, 5 & 6, Diaper Wipes, Toilet Paper, 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
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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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{ PRAYER WITH THE PASTOR }
We want to be available to you during this time, not just to pray for you, but to pray with you. If you have prayer requests, joys or concerns, let's bring them to the altar together (virtually) Sunday afternoons by Zoom. Pastor Sara will meet you there and we'll pray together for each other, our families, community, nation and world.
Sunday afternoons (4:00-5:00pm)
All are welcome; contact Pastor Sara at [email protected] for more information or just join our Zoom call by clicking the link below:
Meeting ID: 926 3446 4078
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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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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.
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.
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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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