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:
Motives Matter
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{ Sunday is Stewardship Sunday! }
Let’s worship TOGETHER!
This year’s Stewardship Sunday will be something special! Join us in the east parking lot for WORSHIP TOGETHER this Sunday, Oct. 25 at 12:30pm. (The service will be recorded and posted on our website by noon 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 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. Register Here
In the event of inclement weather, the service will be cancelled at 5:00pm on Saturday. Come to the east parking lot at 12:30pm on Oct. 25 and dedicate your pledge card from your car! (Under the portico) A notice will be placed on the website, Facebook page, phone message, and an e-mail notification will be sent to communicate the cancellation. A recorded worship service will be available on Monday (Oct 26) by noon on the Wesley website (www.wesley-umc.com), Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/WesleyUMCBloomington) , or You Tube channel.
We hope to see you in person! But if not, you may still make your financial faith commitment in these ways:
- Mail your commitment card to 502 E. Front St., Bloomington IL 61701
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Use the electronic commitment card found here.
Let us know if you have any questions! And thanks, in advance, for loving your neighbors through Wesley Church!
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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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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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{ STEWADRSHIP TESTIMONY }
Special thanks to James Ingold, Stewardship Chairperson, for his personal testimony in Wednesday’s devotion. If you missed it, click here for the text of James’ letter.
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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 at [email protected] by 3 p.m. today, October 23 to receive meeting information and online link. After that time, please contact Pastor Sara at [email protected].
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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.
October 28, Paint the Town Wesley
TRUNK OR TREAT
On October 28 at 6:00 p.m. the parking lot will be transformed into a pathway of fun! Kids (of all ages) will enjoy games and treats from their cars as they travel through the church parking lot visiting decorated stations (cars).
If you would like to decorate a car and provide a game that can be played from a vehicle, please contact Kathi Pritts. There are lots of ideas online and many are very simple.
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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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November 4, Paint the Town Wesley
PRAYERS FOR PEACE AND UNITY
Wednesday, Nov. 4, our “Paint The Town WESLEY” event will be a little different. The evening after the national election Wesley will be hosting an Interfaith Prayer Vigil for our own members and for people all around the Bloomington Normal Community. We know that this year’s election season has been particularly stressful, and no matter who gets the most votes, the nation will be divided.
But people of faith have a choice about who they want to be and how they want to live together, whoever is elected. And so we will join together online for a time of prayer and reflection and mutual support, to affirm a vision of peace and unity.
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{ BACK TO SCHOOL BLESSING REPORT }
Wednesday’s Back to School Blessing may have been cancelled due to rain, but that isn't stopping us from blessing our families and teachers. Thank you to Miss Kathi who held a Zoom call on Wednesday evening to pray with families who are returning to in person learning this week. Next Wednesday, October 28th, at 6pm Wesley is hosting a COVID-safe Trunk-or-Treat in the main church parking lot. Come check out the decorated cars, play a few socially distanced games, and receive some treats and a back to school Blessing Bag. We have plenty of bags for all of our students, parents, and teachers who are returning to their school buildings this week. And don’t forget, if you have items for this month’s Just One collection (kids’ socks and underwear (sizes 6-8), please bring them to the outdoor worship service this Sunday, October 25th at 12:30pm in the main church parking lot. Let’s keep painting our community with the love of Christ!
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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 The Baby Fold, Midwest Food Bank, Salvation Army, and Home Sweet Home Mission.
- Each candy bar is $3 and payment is due at pick-up
- Pick-up: Wesley's East parking lot on December 1, 10am-6pm
- Orders are due by November 15
Another option this year is to make a donation of x amount of candy bars to go to children in our local Headstart Program. If you would like to do that, please complete the line at the bottom of the order form and mail a check to 502 E. Front St. Bloomington IL 61701 made out to Wesley United Methodist Church, with "Headstart donation" on the memo line. 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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{ 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 is leading an eight-week study called More Parables on Thursday afternoons. Class meets 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 }
Surge (Grades 6-12) meets on Sunday nights! We will be using a rotation schedule between our Jr. High and High School students. 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 25th: SURGE- 9th/10th grade 6-7 pm; 11th / 12th grade 7-8 pm
- November 1st: 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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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, November 21st 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 4, 5 & 6, Diaper Wipes, Feminine Hygiene Items, Bar Soap, 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 }
Prayer with the Pastor will not meet on Sunday, Oct. 25, due to the
annual Church Conference meeting. Join us next week at
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.
Click here to view the guidelines and here for our policy regarding notification of known covid 19 infection
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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