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July 3, 2025

WORSHIP - July 6, 2025

Pastor Nic's First Service at Wesley UMC!

"Connected By Connection"

Scripture: Luke 4: 15-21 (NRSVUE)

Preacher: Reverend Nic Showalter

Welcoming a New Pastor!

We have a new senior pastor! Pastor Nic Showalter is now serving at Wesley UMC, and his first service as senior pastor is on July 6th. Join us this Sunday at either 9am or 11:15am to hear him preach from the pulpit, and to welcome him to our community!


To the right, you can find a link to a video that Pastor Nic was kind enough to send us to say "hello" again to our congregation. Click on the image of Pastor Nic if you'd like to watch!


Below, you can find links to two resources that our Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) believes can be helpful in welcoming a new pastor to a congregation. We encourage you to give them a look!


And of course, remember to wear your name-tag if you have one!

Click above for a video greeting from Pastor Nic!

Bell Camp 2025 - Thank you!

We would like to thank everyone at Wesley for the support of our trip to Intergenerational Handbell Camp 2025. Six ringers from Wesley made the trip last week to Heartland Center in Parkville MO where we met old and new friends, had devotions together, spent many hours ringing many bells, and had hours of fun. We celebrated Christmas in June, had a variety show , tie-dyed bell gloves, did the Māori Stick game, went on the zip line and oh yes… rang a lot of bells. Next year Bell Camp will be held July 5-9, 2026. Come join us! (handbellcamp.org)


-Gail, Mary, Sarah, Kam, Jacob and Isaac

Called Good - New Schedule!

"Called Good" is Wesley's Young Adult ministry, and it is thriving! The schedule has changed somewhat, so if you are a young adult at Wesley, or if you know someone who may be interested, check here for time and location info, or visit the Called Good page on our website! (Link below)


For Called Good meetings, folks meet at 6:30 at West Olive Faith UMC to share a meal and discuss faith, justice, and humanity in an inclusive space. Once a month we take a week just for fellowship at a fun location! (different each month) Dinner is provided!


West Olive Faith UMC: 1306 W Olive St, Bloomington, IL 61701


For more information, contact Bethany Barnett at (316) 253-1492 or bethanyrebeccawarne@gmail.com. We recommend touching base with Bethany before coming, in case the location changes for that week.

Be There Board - SURGE Activities!

 If you walked in the parking lot entrance, you might have noticed our new bulletin board. Surge has had what we call a “Be There Board” for a couple of years now, but we’ve decided to bring it upstairs for the entire congregation to be able to view. Our youth will write information on their events, concerts, plays, ceremonies, graduations, games, etc. on that board, and we hope you’ll join us in showing up for one another, as we have done within Surge for the past few years. If you wouldn’t mind, please make it over to the entry every couple weeks and read what amazing things our kids have going on that you might be able to attend. See who you can be there for that week! 

Vacation Bible School! July 16 to Aug 6 | 6:00 - 7:15pm

Sign up forms are available at welcome desk and around the Wesley building! Contact Kathi Pritts at KPritts@Wesley-UMC.com if you have any questions.


Meet Your Bible

Wednesdays from 6-7pm • Led by Pastor JW and Kathi Pritts

From Share Church Website: “This resource offers a six-session Bible overview course perfect for introducing Scripture to new believers or refreshing the faith of longtime followers. It explores the Bible’s core message, historical context, and key Christian doctrines. (This Study will) equip your congregation with a deeper understanding of God’s Word through this versatile resource, suitable for both small group and classroom settings.”


Contact Kathi Pritts at KPritts@Wesley-UMC.com for more information.

We Believe - How the Nicene Creed Can Deepen Your Faith

New Adult Sunday School Class - Sundays at 10:15 in the Lounge

Did you know that the Nicene Creed is 1700 years old this year?

"Discover how the ancient Nicene Creed can transform your spiritual journey in Michael Carpenter's empowering book, We Believe: How the Nicene Creed Can Deepen Your Faith. Personal anecdotes and practical insights guide you to a profound connection with God. Dive into six chapters, covering the Nicene Creed sequentially, that unpack the essence of it, enriching reader's faith and deepening their understanding of Christian beliefs."

If you'd like to join us online on Sundays at 10:15am, use the link below:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83662073266?pwd=dyJfDTV3M74B7yaPvAZDclyEqGbgIE.1

The groups serving at the July 19th paper distribution are the Trustees and Pub Rotary Club. Pub Rotary recently gifted us $5000 in Adult Diapers! We are grateful for their generosity and their eagerness to volunteer and help with these most needed items.


The items we need now for the July distribution include:

• Diapers: Sizes 1, 3, 4, 7, 2T-3T, 3T-4T, 4T-5T, 5T-6T

(we gave away 36 packages of 5T-6T in June and have none left.)

• Goodnites or Overnights: Sizes XS, S/M, L/XL

• Feminine hygiene items: liners, pads and tampons

• Incontinence items: pads (such as Poise) only 

• Shampoo and Body Wash

• Cleaning supplies, disinfectant sprays

• Monetary donations to allow us to purchase in bulk!


Volunteers are welcome to help divide bulk products and pack 500 bags! Contact me if you are interested in volunteering:  daudelinkp@gmail.com


Thank you for your help,

Karen Daudelin

WDM Coordinator

daudelinkp@gmail.com

There are many ways to give from the safety and comfort of your home. The easiest way is to click below to give online with our secure and SSL-encrypted donation site.

You may also submit an online offering by texting. To do this, simply text:

"${your donation amount}OFFERING"

to:(309) 822-4442

For mail-in offerings, please mail a check to: Wesley United Methodist Church - 502 East Front Street, Bloomington, IL 61701


Join the Plarn Sleeping Mat Weavers!

Mark your calendars! Throughout the year, Plarn Weavers will meet every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month from 9:00am to noon in the Conference Room. They're always looking for new members!


For questions, contact Sue Deason at (309) 838-8024 or suevk@yahoo.com.   

You can view the June 2025 issue of News of Wesley online! Click the image to the left to view or download!

Wesley's Bright Beginnings is Looking for New Board Members!

Wesley’s Bright Beginnings is looking for new board members to help guide this important ministry! Board meetings are once a month on the 3rd Thursday at 6:30 in the Lounge. Please reach out to board chair, John Twork, with questions or to get more info! (jdtwork@gmail.com)

CONTACT US!

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. Email Pastor Sara L. Isbell for prayers and Pastoral concerns.