Wesley SermonCast: Faith for the Journey, Wherever You Are
The Wesley SermonCast is a weekly podcast designed to extend the life of our worship beyond Sunday mornings. Whether you’re commuting, walking the dog, or finding a quiet moment during the week, the SermonCast offers a chance to reflect more deeply on Scripture and what it means to live out our faith in everyday life.

Each episode features messages rooted in the biblical text, shaped by Wesleyan theology, and grounded in real-world discipleship. The sermons invite listeners to wrestle with big questions, grow in love of God and neighbor, and discover how faith speaks into both personal and communal life.

Now in Season 2, the Wesley SermonCast continues to build on themes of spiritual growth, faithful action, and Christ-centered living. These messages are meant not only to inspire, but to encourage thoughtful reflection and meaningful conversation throughout the week.
The Wesley SermonCast is available on multiple platforms, making it easy to listen wherever you already get your podcasts. You can subscribe and listen on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio.

We invite you to listen, share, and return often—because faith doesn’t stop at the church doors, and the conversation doesn’t end when the service is over.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month—a time to pause and say “thank you” for the incredible dedication, compassion, and leadership of our pastors. At Wesley United Methodist Church, we are deeply blessed to be led by Pastor Don Long Jr. and Pastor Melly Momo, two faithful shepherds who care for our congregation with love, grace, and an unshakable commitment to God’s calling.

When we think of what makes a great shepherd, we often picture Sunday mornings—powerful sermons, inspiring prayers, and heartfelt worship. But the truth is, that’s just one hour of the week. The other 167 hours are filled with quiet acts of service that most of us never see. They spend countless hours praying for our congregation, lifting up names and needs before God. They visit members in the hospital, celebrate baptisms and weddings, comfort families in grief, and walk alongside us through every high and low of life.

Pastors don’t just prepare messages—they prepare hearts. They listen, they counsel, they encourage, and they help us grow in faith. They spend evenings at meetings, early mornings in study, and spare moments checking in on someone who’s been on their mind. Their ministry is woven into every part of church life—seen and unseen.

This month, as we celebrate Pastor Appreciation, let’s take time to thank Pastor Don and Pastor Melly for the love and leadership they pour into Wesley. Write a note, send a card, or simply tell them how much they mean to you. Most of all, keep them in your prayers—because even shepherds need tending sometimes.

“And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
— Jeremiah 3:15

Life has a way of testing us when we least expect it. Illness, loss, financial strain, strained relationships, uncertainty—whatever the form, hard times stretch our hearts and challenge our faith. In those moments, grace becomes both our greatest need and our greatest calling.

Receiving Grace
When life falls apart, we often try to hold ourselves together by sheer will. But as Methodists, we believe grace is not earned—it’s a gift freely given by God. John Wesley called this prevenient grace: the grace that comes before we even ask, that reaches out to us in our weakness and whispers, “You are still loved.”
When we are hurting, grace reminds us that God’s love hasn’t changed. Even when our faith wavers, even when we don’t have the words to pray, God’s Spirit intercedes for us. Grace invites us to rest—not in our strength, but in God’s mercy. It’s the quiet assurance that even when we can’t stand, we are still held.
Receiving grace also means accepting help from others. That can be hard when pride or shame get in the way. But sometimes God’s grace shows up through a casserole on the porch, a text that says “I’m praying for you,” or a friend who simply sits beside you in silence. To receive those gestures with gratitude is to receive grace itself.

Extending Grace
Of course, grace doesn’t stop with us. Once we’ve been touched by it, we are called to pass it on. That’s sanctifying grace—the transforming work of God that helps us grow in love.
When someone disappoints us, lashes out in pain, or fails to meet our expectations, grace invites us to see them as God sees them: a beloved child, still learning, still growing. Extending grace doesn’t mean ignoring wrongs or pretending everything’s fine—it means choosing compassion over condemnation, patience over pride, relationship over being right.
In hard times, everyone is carrying more than we can see. Offering grace—through a kind word, a listening ear, or simple understanding—can be the very thing that brings healing to another’s heart. It can also bring healing to ours.

Grace All Around
The United Methodist Church affirms that grace is at the very center of our faith. It is God’s unearned, ever-present love, working before us, within us, and through us. In good times and hard times alike, grace reminds us that we are never alone and that love always has the final word.
So when life feels heavy, take a breath. Receive the grace God freely offers—and then share it. Because grace, when given and received, has a way of multiplying.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9

This is Pastor Don's letter in the October newsletter

As you probably know, things have been really hectic around the Long household lately. Since the last newsletter, I've been in the Netherlands for 10 days getting Zac settled in for the next two years while he pursues his Master's Degree in Archeology at Leiden University; I spent the better part of two weeks at my dad's bedside in the hospital as he recovered from a grand mal seizures from a meningioma (non-cancerous tumor) on the frontal lobe of his brain, prepared for a week-long mission trip to Guatemala that I will be leading, starting today, and before coming to the office, Becky and I laid-to-rest one of our cats (Gracie) that we've had for the last 10 years, not to mention the many important ministries of Wesley, including all the paperwork for Charge Conference.
 
I have to say THANK YOU to Pastor Melly and the amazing staff here at Wesley! They have done amazing ministry and work!
 
Given the hectic schedule, this month's article is the one I submitted to the "Community News Briefs" for next week. In case you didn't know, Becky and I contribute an article every three weeks to the paper, and this article will appear next week. (You may recognize the theme from a recent sermon).  
 
What if?
 
Security is one of our basic needs. We crave a sense of financial security, physical security, emotional security and the security that comes from being a part of a community. Occasionally that security is threatened when we start thinking about all of the “what if’s” like “What if I lose my job?” “What if I am a bad parent?” “What if I can’t find a place to belong?”
 
Thinking about all the “what ifs” can cause panic and despair. Our anxiety rises when we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. But “what if” we stop focusing on the fear and start focusing on the possibility? “What if I make a difference doing my job?” “What if I learn ways to become a better parent?” “What if I put myself out there and find a place in the community?”
 
What if I take a chance?
 
In the book of Ecclesiastes (11:4 NIV) it says, “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” What the author means is if we spend too much time worrying about what could go wrong, we won’t step out in faith and find out what could go right. If we constantly measure the risks, we may not do what our faith calls us to do.“
 
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1The troubles of the everyday get overwhelming sometimes. The purposeful chaos that is occurring day after day is exhausting. The barrage of anger and fear and violence and malice are disheartening, and it all makes my soul weary. There are days when I feel that I can’t handle one more thing and I can’t find a way to make any of it improve.
 
This is where we find God. God grows in the gap.
 
God meets us where we are and takes us to something better, not easier, better.
 
Contemporary, cultural Christianity has become more about cushioning our comfort than calling us out into the gaps where God sized hopes are forged, Christlike dreams are pursued, and Spirit filled power is experienced. We don’t like the unknown, uncomfortable, unpredictable places that trusting God sends us.
 
When Jesus called the disciples, he asked them to leave their home, their occupation, their families, and all that was familiar. Jesus didn’t call the disciples to prosperity and comfort; He called them to sacrifice and discomfort. By contrast, the religious leaders of the day were those who most opposed the teachings of Jesus, and they ridiculed and reprimanded Jesus for breaking the established man-made rules to keep order, maintain control, and protect the power of the institutions. Jesus asked the disciples to leave what was known, stand up to authority, and start something new that would transform the lives of millions of people all around the world.
 
What if… what if we take a chance to be radically different, like Jesus was, and recklessly trust God to become a better community of faith with our hands, our words, and our ways?

What if… what if we take a chance and speak lovingly like Jesus did to those who are not like us: the outcast and marginalized, the hopeless and hurting, the people who don’t look like us, think like us, or live like us?
 
What if… what if we risk it all, embrace the unknown, and attempt to let God grow in the gap between our comfort and the uncomfortable?
 
What if… what if we let God grow in the gap between what is and what could be?
 
What if we take a chance?
 
Be blessed my friends,
Pastor Don and Becky Long

Many of you are aware that I am a naturalized American citizen originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Africa. It’s the largest country in Central Africa and is unfortunately plagued by persistent poverty due to various factors. According to a World Bank study, as of 2024, approximately 73.5% of the population lives below the extreme poverty line of $2.15 per day. The country consistently ranks among the poorest nations globally, wrestling with limited economic growth, a high population density, and a history of conflicts.

My hometown, Kolwezi, is situated in the southeastern region of the DRC, with an estimated population of around 573,000 as of 2024. Three of my six siblings and their families reside in Kolwezi, while the others are located in different cities. While my childhood was relatively stable, recent years have seen a significant decline in living conditions. Unfortunately, there are no government welfare programs available to alleviate this poverty, and community support primarily comes from local organizations and churches. This reliance echoes the biblical call for believers to care for the less fortunate. The importance of supporting those in need, particularly children, is a reminder of our collective responsibility.

Often during my time with the Lord, I would ask Him to use me in ways that I can be a blessing to others; “bless me so that I can be a blessing to others.” Then came October 2023 during a session of personal prayers the Lord told me to ask for something I could do back home to help people. I wasn’t expecting that, in my heart, I said, I wish the Lord could tell me what I can do, but He wanted me to come up with something. He has been putting in my heart the idea of helping vulnerable children, I didn’t even know how I would do that. I would dismiss it, because I didn’t think I would be able to do anything as I am far away. Often, I would help people I know here and there, or people my sisters would refer to me when unable to help themselves. I prayed about it for a few days as the Lord instructed me to do, and I had an answer. I asked the Lord that He helps me build and run something to help the children, an orphanage, and a school. The Lord agreed with me and gave me some details on how He would want it to be.

I am pleased to report that progress is being made; the orphanage is nearing completion with one building already habitable. We anticipate welcoming a minimum of ten children by September, while the second building remains under construction with plans for timely completion. I am truly grateful for the financial support that has made this project possible. I view myself as a bridge connecting your generosity to a community in great need. Together we are making a difference in the DRC, your lights shine over there too!

As the Apostle Paul articulated in Galatians 6:9-10, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

I will continue to provide updates on this endeavor through Facebook. God bless you!

Pastor Melly

Every day, we encounter people who are quietly carrying heavy burdens. Some are struggling to keep the lights on, others are unsure where their next meal will come from, and many are simply overwhelmed by life’s unexpected challenges. As a church family and as a community, we are called to step in with compassion, generosity, and love.

At Wesley, one of the ways we respond is through our Good Samaritan Fund. Each week, we receive at least four requests for help—rent, utilities, emergency needs, and more. Lately, those requests have increased dramatically. This fund allows us to step in during moments of crisis, offering relief and hope in practical ways. Every gift to the Good Samaritan Fund goes directly to someone in need, right here in our community.

But financial giving is only one piece of the puzzle. There are so many ways each of us can make a difference:

Volunteer Your Time:

• Help stock shelves and distribute food at the Good Food Pantry, which provides groceries to local families.
• Support Loaves & Fishes, which helps individuals and families by providing food vouchers for those in need.
• Serve with Samaritan Well, which provides transitional housing and support services.
• Assist at Genesis Garden, which offers emergency shelter for individuals and families.
• Join efforts at the Salvation Army, which provides a wide range of support programs in our community.

Donate Goods:
Clothing, household items, or non-perishable food can meet practical needs. Even simple things—like toiletries, socks, or gently used jackets—can make a big difference in someone’s life.

Support Local Missions Through Events:
This week, our Rummage Sale is a fun and easy way to contribute. Open Friday from 8am–5pm and Saturday from 8am–noon, every purchase supports local missions. Something as small as buying a few books, dishes, or clothes helps fuel life-changing work.

Offer Personal Acts of Kindness:
Sometimes the most powerful help isn’t financial at all. Check in on a neighbor. Offer to cook a meal, babysit for a tired parent, or share extra garden produce. Be a listening ear to someone who is hurting. Simple gestures remind people that they are not alone.

Advocate and Connect:
If you know someone in need, help them connect with local resources. Sometimes people don’t know where to turn, and your guidance could be the bridge to the help they need. For a more complete list of resources, view the Social Services Guide, put together by the Interagency Council, which includes detailed information about many local services and how to access them.

Pray and Encourage:
Not every burden can be lifted with money or service, but prayer is always powerful. Pray for our neighbors who are struggling, for the organizations meeting needs, and for hearts to remain open and generous. A kind word, a handwritten note, or a simple “I’m praying for you” can bring light to someone’s dark day.

The truth is, none of us can do everything—but all of us can do something. Together, those “somethings” add up to a community where no one has to walk alone.

As we look around and see increasing need, may we also see increasing opportunities to live out Christ’s call to love our neighbors. Whether through a donation, an hour of service, or a kind word, your efforts matter. Together, we can help carry one another’s burdens and shine God’s love into the lives of those who need it most.

September 5 is recognized as International Day of Charity, a reminder that giving is at the heart of what it means to live faithfully. At Wesley United Methodist Church, we believe charity is more than a donation—it’s an expression of love. We are called to give of our time, talents, and resources to care for our neighbors, near and far.

Giving of Our Time
Charity is more than writing a check—it’s being present. At Wesley, we give time by:

• Serving at food pantries and with local charities
• Visiting the elderly and those in need
• Coaching youth activities
• Serving on church committees, ministry teams, and VBS

Giving of Our Talents
Each of us has unique gifts to share. At Wesley, talents shine through:

• Music: playing in the Praise Band or singing with the Choir or Praise Kids
• Art & Creativity: helping design worship spaces, creating visuals, or using creative gifts for ministry
• Hospitality: welcoming visitors, greeting on Sunday mornings, or preparing meals
• Leadership: serving as a mentor, leading small groups, or guiding ministry teams
• Teaching: serving in Sunday School, youth ministry, or adult studies

Giving of Our Resources
Resources don’t only mean financial gifts. They also include:

• Donating blood at our regular blood drives
• Driving someone without transportation to appointments or church
• Sharing extra food or goods with neighbors in need
• Supporting Wesley’s missions financially as you are able

Charity at Wesley
In 2024, the people of Wesley gave out an incredible $108,712.41—all from the generosity of our congregation. In addition, the United Women in Faith (UWF) gave out just over $18,000 to missions and ministries.

Our giving reflects a commitment that goes beyond our doors. Wesley supports charitable efforts on the local, national, and international levels:

• Locally: Good Samaritan Fund, Loaves & Fishes, Samaritan Well, Genesis Garden, Salvation Army, Wesley Christian Childcare Center, International Student Assistance Fund, Habitat for Humanity, Wesley UMC Annual Mission Trip, Wesley Foundation, Youth for Christ, Sonshine Ministry, and Diaper Ministry.
• Nationally: UMCOR, Midwest Mission, Blanket Sunday, and Golden Cross.
• Globally: Barakah-ONG Orphanage, Africa University, Heifer International, Haiti (Rocourt), and our Mission Trip to Guatemala.

These numbers don’t even include the generosity of the Fellheimer Trust of Wesley United Methodist Church, which gave out just over $800,000 in its 2024–25 fiscal year through grants, benevolence, and scholarships. This long-standing trust continues to be a blessing to both our congregation, other churches, our community, and more, multiplying Wesley’s reach far beyond what we could imagine.

How You Can Get Involved
There are countless ways to live generously at Wesley. Whether it’s volunteering, sharing your skills, or giving in tangible ways, your presence makes a difference. If you’re ready to get connected, we encourage you to fill out our Volunteer Interest Form. This will help us connect you with opportunities that match your passions.

On this International Day of Charity, may we all be reminded that charity is not an event, but a lifestyle of love and service. Let’s continue to give our time, talents, and resources—together.

The start of a new school year brings excitement, but it also brings challenges for many families in our community. With a high poverty rate in Macomb, not every student can arrive at school with the supplies they need. Drives like ours help ensure that all students have access to the basics—setting them up for a strong start to the year.

This August, Wesley’s Social Concerns Committee collected and delivered a large donation of school supplies to Lincoln Elementary. Thanks to the generosity of our congregation, we gathered crayons, markers, pocket folders, antibacterial wipes, and tissues—items that teachers and students rely on every single day.

In addition, our congregation donated stuffed animals for Lincoln’s SOAR Store, where students can “purchase” items using Bomber Bucks they earn for positive behavior. According to Lincoln Elementary staff, stuffed animals are always a hot commodity, and they were thrilled to add our donations to the shelves!

We are not alone in this important work—many local organizations and churches contribute through school supply drives to support our public schools, which include MacArthur Early Childhood Center, Lincoln Elementary, Edison Elementary, Macomb Middle School, and Macomb High School. Together, these efforts make a real difference in ensuring every child is equipped to learn and thrive.

Wesley’s Social Concerns Committee is committed to rallying around our community, filling gaps for underserved and underrepresented populations, and living out our call to love our neighbors. We are grateful to everyone who donated to this year’s drive—your generosity is shaping young lives and blessing our community.

As the summer days begin to shorten and school supply lists start making their appearance on the fridge, we know it’s back-to-school season in Macomb. At Wesley United Methodist Church, this is also a time when our ministries shift gears. The slower, more relaxed pace of summer makes way for a renewed energy as our church family moves into the fall season of worship, learning, and connection.

Blessing of the Backpacks – Sunday, August 17
We’ll kick off the new school year with a meaningful tradition: the Blessing of the Backpacks. During both morning services, students of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks for a special prayer of encouragement. Teachers, school staff, and anyone involved in education will also be recognized. This is a way to remind our young people (and the adults guiding them) that they are surrounded by a loving, supportive community as they begin a new academic year.

Youth Sunday School Resumes – Sunday, August 24
Our Youth Sunday School classes will resume during the Sunday School hour from 9:50–10:50 a.m. This fall we have:

• PreK–2nd Grade – Room U-19
• 3rd–6th Grade – Room U-14
• Jr/Sr High – Room L-3

It’s a great time for our children and youth to reconnect, explore faith together, and be reminded that God’s Word has something to say about the real challenges and joys they face every day.

Youth Group is Back – Sunday, September 7
We’re also excited to welcome our youth back for Sunday evening Youth Group from 6:00–7:30 p.m. in Room L-3. This is a time for fun, friendship, and spiritual growth—a space where teens can be themselves, ask questions, and learn what it means to follow Jesus in their everyday lives.

A Season of Renewal
Back-to-school season isn’t just for kids—this is a wonderful time for the whole church to re-engage with worship, small groups, and opportunities to serve. Whether it’s joining a Sunday School class, volunteering with a ministry, or simply committing to regular worship attendance, there’s something about the fresh start of fall that invites us all to grow in our faith.

Let’s embrace this season together, with open hearts and eager spirits, trusting that God will guide us in the months ahead.

I really enjoy trees. I love hiking in the woods, especially in the winter, in part because the unique structure of each tree isn’t hidden by a leafy canopy. When I look at the barren branches I wonder, “what made that branch grow in that direction, or twist that particular way?” Each tree is unique in the way it grows, shaped by its environment, affected by its experiences... something like us.
 
There’s a tree in the evergreen family called “Madrone,” or “Mandrona” (arbutus menziesii) that grows along the Pacific coastal area from California to Canada, and what I find interesting is the twisting and winding ways in which it grows (probably from the coastal winds), and its flaky bark.

Most trees have thick bark made up of dead cells that protect them from pests, disease, and water loss, but not the Madrone tree. The Madrona tree’s bark is flaky. It cracks and peels away letting us see their growing edges. Biologists aren’t sure why Madronas are so quick to shed their bark—some speculate it’s to fight against fungi which proliferate in the moist environments Madronas call home.
 
Also, the Madrona tree, like many others, utilizes a large underground network of mycelium to exchange water and nutrients between plants. This community of tree roots can even keep stumps alive for years and have led to “dead” trees sending up new shoots through the ground and resurrecting the tree.
 
We can learn a lot from trees, particularly the Madrona tree.
 
First, vulnerability is not weak. It’s an honest way to be healthy. Instead of a thick crusty exterior meant to protect us from the world around us, but which also holds in destructive dis-ease, we can honestly reveal our growing edges and expedite maturity. But being vulnerable can also invite attacks. I recently shared (albeit in a rather vague way on Facebook—sometimes called “vaguebooking”) my emotional distress on social media (not the best place to do such a thing), and I was rebuffed for revealing my vulnerability and not being more “positive.” It’s as if radical independence and toxic positivity are the norm. But this way of thinking can cause “terminal uniqueness”—believing we’re the only one feeling this way, thinking this way, living this way—which leads to suffering alone.
 
While our culture sees anything less than radical independence as weakness, the New Testament repeatedly stresses the opposite. Our culture values wealth, fame and power, but the upside down of gospel logic sees something different. From Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) to the words of Jesus, and in the letters of Paul (1 Corinth. 1:27) we are repeatedly told that what appears to be weakness is strength; that wealth is not evidence of blessing, but a problem; that the proud will be humbled and the humble exalted, and that the first will be last and the last, first in a kingdom that has come near, not just some eschatalogical hereafter, but being built in the world now.
 
Second, we learn that community (and connection to our community) is key to our survival and prosperity, not as individuals, but as the whole. Ultimately, our wealth is not in individual accomplishment—who grows the tallest or has the largest canopy—it’s in the shared wealth of the community. A healthy community values service to others. Jesus said, “…the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45, John 13:1-17) In community we share burdens and celebrations, we show up for each other in times of need, and we build one another up. Insulating oneself with wealth, strength and power might seem like a recipe for success, but the gospel message of Jesus would suggest otherwise. So do the trees.
 
So, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go for a walk and see what the trees have to say. Wanna come?

Pastor Don Long, Jr.

On June 21 and June 22, volunteers from Wesley United Methodist Church and the WIU Wesley Foundation came together to pack a total of 1,500 Rice & Soy Blessing Bags for Midwest Mission. These simple yet life-changing meals are now on their way to make a difference in Honduras, shipped as part of Midwest Mission’s 34th container of the year on July 3, 2025.

Thanks to the dedication of our congregation, the Wesley UMC team assembled 1,000 Blessing Bags, and the Wesley Foundation added another 500 the following day. Each bag represents not just food but hope, care, and the tangible love of Christ extended to communities in need.

The shipment carrying our Blessing Bags also included twin hospital bed mattresses, sewing machines, birthing kits, wheelchairs, and handmade children’s clothing—just a few of the essential supplies distributed to improve lives around the world. In total, the container weighed over 22,000 pounds and held goods valued at $130,732.40, destined for families in Honduras through Midwest Mission’s partnership with Food For The Poor.

These small acts of service remind us that when we come together as the body of Christ—whether it’s packing meals, sewing kits, or giving generously—we can impact people far beyond our own community. Every kit and every bag is a message of compassion, made possible by volunteers like you.

Thank you to everyone who helped pack, pray, or support this mission. Because of your generosity, families in Honduras will receive not just food, but nourishment for the body and soul.

Stay connected for more opportunities to serve. Together, we are the hands and feet of Christ in the world.

Summer is here, and with it comes one of the most beloved traditions for kids and families alike: Vacation Bible School (VBS)! If you’ve been wondering whether VBS is worth adding to your already full summer calendar, let us assure you—it absolutely is. And not just for your child, but for you too (hello, date night)!

This year at Wesley United Methodist Church, we’re hitting the road with our exciting VBS theme: “Road Trip: On the Go With God!”

Each night, kids will embark on a new adventure as they discover that no matter where life takes them, God is always along for the ride.

Join us July 21–28 from 6:00–7:30pm each evening for a journey filled with fun, faith, and friendship. Registration is required to help us prepare for crafts, games, snacks, and all the surprises we have in store.

REGISTER NOW

5 Reasons to Say "Yes!" to VBS

1. Kids Grow in Faith
VBS is more than just fun and games—it’s a chance for children to explore important Bible stories, discover God’s love, and build a foundation of faith that will last a lifetime. Our “Road Trip” theme will take them on daily adventures that show how God guides us through every twist and turn of life.

2. They Make New Friends
VBS brings together children from across the community. Through teamwork, group activities, and shared experiences, kids form new friendships that often last long after VBS is over.

3. It’s Fun with a Purpose
From crafts to music, skits to games, every part of VBS is thoughtfully designed to teach meaningful lessons in a way that’s genuinely fun. With our road trip theme, each night will feel like an exciting new stop on the journey.

4. Screen-Free Social Time
In a world where screen time often dominates, VBS offers a refreshing break—giving children an opportunity to interact face-to-face, move their bodies, and exercise their imaginations.

5. Parents Deserve a Break Too
Let’s be honest: while the kids are busy learning, laughing, and creating, you get 90 glorious minutes to yourself each evening. Whether you use that time for a quiet cup of coffee, a workout, or even better—a spontaneous date night—VBS is good for the whole family. (We won’t ask questions if you show up looking extra relaxed!)

At Wesley, we know that worship isn’t just something that happens on Sunday mornings—it’s a way of life. Music has the power to uplift, encourage, and draw us closer to God no matter where we are or what we’re doing.

That’s why we’re excited to share Praise Band Picks: 2025 Edition, a playlist featuring every song our Praise Band led us in throughout the year—performed by the original artists you know and love. With over 5 hours of music, this collection is perfect for your daily commute, time with family, personal devotions, or simply when you need a moment to breathe and refocus.

These songs have been the soundtrack to our worship together in 2025. Some made us clap our hands, others moved us to tears, and all of them helped center our hearts on the goodness of God.

We’ve made it easy for you to listen on your favorite platform:

• Spotify
• Apple Music
• YouTube Music
• 
  

Just click the buttons below to start listening!

We hope this playlist blesses you the way these songs have blessed our congregation all year long. Share it with friends and family, and let the spirit of worship continue to fill your life every day of the week.

At the end of the dock, jettisoned out onto Nancy Lake, looking up into the dark, dark night sky of the northern woods in Wisconsin, is one of my favorite summer memories.

I follow Brian Cox, an English professor of particle physics in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Manchester, and on Instagram he was asked, “What is your favorite fact about the universe?”
“This is an easy one, I think,” he said.
But his answer wasn’t easy to wrap my mind around. In fact, I’m still thinking about it. I've even thought about it while lying on that dock in Wisconsin.
“The size of the universe!” he said. He went on, "the bit we can see, which is called the observable universe, has between 1 and 2 trillion galaxies (based on surveys of the observable universe), and that’s just a small patch of the total universe. And let’s say each of the 2 trillion galaxies is roughly the size of the Milky Way Galaxy (our galaxy), which has 400 billion stars—it takes over 100,000 years for light to cross our galaxy—and this is just one of what could be an infinite number of galaxies in all directions.”
He concluded with this (maybe he knew what he was saying was mind blowing),
“I always say, you know, don’t get worried about this because nobody can picture it. It is impossible to visualize the scale of the universe.”
 
Too late! I was already trying to visualize it, understand it, or make sense of it. Which, of course, I cannot! The German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche wrote, “If you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.” Sometimes, the more I investigate the incomprehensible infinity of the unknowable, the less I know, and the more I lose myself. Richard Dawkins, renowned atheist, wrote, “we reside in a universe of blind physical forces and genetic replication, and there is at the bottom no design, no purpose, no evil and no good. Nothing but blind pitiless indifference.”
 
But David, in Psalm 8 wrote, “You have set your glory above the heavens… When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are humans that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? Yet you have made them a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor.”
 
It is interesting how a dark summer sky of infinite galaxies can at one time be an abyss, and another, amazing; can be a cause of indifference, and an opportunity for inspiration. It all depends on how you look at it, I guess.
 
Each day I continue to see faith as being less about having everything explained and more about the fragile beauty of trust. Anglican Priest and author, Rev. Christopher Wright, in his book “The God I Don’t Understand” wrote, “It seems to me the older I get the less I think I really understand God. Which is not to say that I don’t love and trust God. On the contrary, as life goes on, my love and trust grow deeper, but my struggle with what God does or allows grows deeper too.”
 
What I’m beginning to realize is this: sometimes I like wrestling with the incomprehensible idea of the infinite, and sometimes I just like looking at the stars and thinking… WOW!!
 
Happy stargazing!
Pastor Don

Have you ever tried to describe your church to someone who’s never set foot inside it? It’s surprisingly tough to capture the atmosphere, the people, and the heartbeat of a faith community with just words. Inspired by church communications expert Brady Scherer, I decided to try a little experiment:

What if we looked at a few photos of Wesley and asked, “What does this say about our vibe?”

Sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words — and the images we share online might be the first introduction someone has to our church. So, I gathered a few snapshots from recent worship services and asked ChatGPT to help describe what kind of church we appear to be based on these photos alone (Please note I was limited to three photos since I have the free version).

The results were pretty eye-opening… and encouraging. And dare I say, accurate?

Here’s what our church vibe looks like — through the lens of our own stories and smiles:

The vibe at Wesley United Methodist Church shines through beautifully in these photos — it’s warm, welcoming, and full of life. Here’s how it comes across:

Relational & Genuine
The image of Pastor Don talking and laughing with church members reflects authentic connection and heartfelt care. It’s clear people feel seen and valued at Wesley.
The conversations happening across generations show this is a place where people truly belong.

Christ-Centered & Community-Driven
The "Mission Collection" and Blessing Bags table in the background emphasizes Wesley’s active engagement in outreach and service — a church that lives out its faith in tangible ways.
Whether it’s packing rice and soy blessing bags or collecting items for those in need, Wesley puts faith into action.

Vibrant Worship & Passionate Praise
The photo of the Praise Band in action under stained glass windows and wood beams is full of energy. It shows a spirit-filled and expressive worship experience that’s both modern and meaningful.
Those “Wesley Praise” shirts? They speak to team spirit and dedication to making worship powerful and accessible.

Rooted, Yet Relevant
The photo of the church exterior reveals a classic, beautiful sanctuary — rooted in tradition, yet the life inside makes it alive and relevant for today.
This blend of history and heart makes Wesley feel like a safe, sacred home that’s also open to new ideas and fresh ways to reach people.

Summary Vibe:
Wesley UMC is a faith family that’s loving, mission-minded, and alive with worship. It’s a place where hearts are connected, hands are serving, and Christ is at the center of it all.

........

I don't know about you... But I would say that's pretty accurate!

✌️Lauren

We’re excited to announce the launch of the Wesley SermonCast – your new go-to way to stay connected with the heart of worship at Wesley United Methodist Church, no matter where life takes you.

Whether you’re traveling, catching up midweek, or revisiting a favorite message, the SermonCast makes it easy to engage with Pastor Don’s sermons anytime, anywhere.

Each episode features a full sermon recording from our Sunday morning services. You’ll hear inspiring biblical teaching, thoughtful reflection, and practical messages to encourage your faith journey all week long.

Why Subscribe?
– Stay spiritually grounded on the go
– Catch up if you missed Sunday’s service
– Share sermons easily with friends and family
– Revisit impactful messages whenever you need

Where to Listen:
The Wesley SermonCast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and most major podcast platforms. Just search “Wesley SermonCast” and hit subscribe to never miss an episode.

Currently, you’ll find six episodes ready to stream, with a new one dropping every Friday.

It’s never been easier to stay connected to Wesley—through your commute, a morning walk, or quiet time at home.

Start listening today and let the message go with you.

www.macombwesleyumc.com
Follow us on social: @MacombWesleyUMC

Pastor Melly’s vision for building an orphanage in the Democratic Republic of Congo is quickly becoming a reality! Thanks to the hard work of many and the generous support of faithful partners, construction has made remarkable progress over the past year.

2024 Highlights:

• July–October: The foundation was laid, and the outer walls were completed.
• August: Running water was installed—a major milestone!
• November: Window and door frames were added, preparing the building for the next stages of construction.
• 2025 Progress:
• March: The roof was completed, marking another big step forward.
• May: Plumbing, electrical work, and plastering of the interior and exterior walls have been underway, bringing the building closer to being ready for use.

This orphanage will soon become a safe and nurturing home for vulnerable children, thanks to the dedication of Pastor Melly and the support of compassionate individuals like you.

How You Can Help:

Please continue to keep this project in your prayers—asking God to bless the work, protect the workers, and prepare the hearts of the children and caregivers who will live there. If you feel led to contribute financially to support the completion of the orphanage, donations are gratefully accepted. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference in the lives of these children. Donate ONLINE or write checks to Wesley UMC with the memo “Barakah-ONG.”

Thank you for your prayers and assistance.

Summer is traditionally the time when the pace of things slows in our congregational life, or at least on the surface it seems that way. The choir and praise team take the summer off from June through mid-August (they’ll be back on August 24 th ). The youth don’t meet weekly, but they will have some summer activities, and the children’s Sunday school classes are combining with special summer Sunday school sessions. However, behind the scenes, there is a lot happening.

- Our pastors and three lay delegates (Michele Long, Julie Regennitter, Marcia Moulden)
will be attending Annual Conference in Peoria June 5 th -7 th .
- I’ll be directing a church camp (Catch the Spirit) at East Bay Camp in Bloomington from
Sunday, June 8 th through Friday, June 13 th .
- Watch for our church VBS float in the “Heritage Days” parade, Saturday, June 28 th .
- Vacation Bible School will be held Monday, July 21 st through Friday, June 25 th .
- The Wesely Christian Child Development Center (WCCDC) will be in full swing with
summer camp for school-agers along with all the regular infant, toddler and preschool
classes. They are planning lots of great outings for the school-age kids for which you
can volunteer to help (be watching for details).
- Most of our ministry teams and committees will continue to meet throughout the
summer.

Plus, something I’m looking forward to work on this summer that our Staff Parish Relations
(SPRC) Committee, with the pastors, started working in February, and has been endorsed by the Church Council this month, are two ambitious goals for 2025-2026. Those goals are as follows:

1. Develop an intentional discipleship system at Wesley UMC.

2.  Engaging the community of Macomb through the work of relational evangelism.
I will be working through the summer to develop two teams, each with the purpose of praying, studying, and developing an intentional discipleship pathway (inward  development), and a community connection plan (outward focus) for us as a congregation. If you’re interested in knowing more about these pursuits, and/or are interested in being a part of the work, please feel free to contact me.

Finally, the first thing I would ask is for you to pray about these efforts. Ask God to guide and bless our work, that we will be led to be a blessing in and beyond our church  community.

Make it a great summer, and God bless!

In Surrender to Christ,
Pastor Don

Just because it sounds biblical… doesn’t mean it is.

Each week, we’re putting famous faith-based phrases to the test—Myth or Truth? You decide (well… actually, Scripture will).

This season’s lineup includes:

• “To Thine Own Self Be True”
• “Everything Happens for a Reason”
• “This Too Shall Pass”

We’re blowing up misconceptions and digging into what the Bible really says. Bring your curiosity—and maybe some safety goggles.

• Sundays at 8:30am & 11:00am
• Wesley United Methodist Church
• macombwesleyumc.com
• @MacombWesleyUMC

Truth? Myth? We’re about to find out.

“Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.”
~ John 21: 2-3
 
One of the most intriguing stories in all the gospel accounts of the resurrection is found in John 21. After running to the tomb following Mary’s report of finding it open and empty, after hearing Mary Magdalene exclaim, “I have seen the Lord,” after seeing Jesus and hearing him say, “peace be with you” and receiving the Holy Spirit when Jesus breathed on him, and after being in the house with Thomas and the other disciples when Jesus appeared to them and invited Thomas to touch his wounds, Simon Peter decided to go home and go fishing on the Sea of Galilee. What?!
 
Simon, let me get this straight, after what you’ve seen and experienced over the last week—an amazing Passover meal with Jesus, you cut of a guys ear and Jesus heals him, your Rabbi was arrested, you denied knowing him, just like he said you would, he was tortured, crucified, died and was buried, and three days later is ALIVE, he appears to you several times, including breathing the power of the Holy Spirit on you, and after all of this you decide to go home and go fishing?! You decide to return to the “same-old-same-old?”
 
I wonder if Simon Peter, James, John, Thomas (the one Jesus invited to touch his wounds), Nathanael and the other two disciples were surprised when they caught nothing, like the night they first met Jesus three years earlier (Luke 5:5)?
 
Henry David Thoreau, in Walden wrote, “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life and see if I could learn what it has to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” In my estimation, Peter and the other disciples resigned themselves to doing what was familiar, what they knew, what was comfortable. I suspect this because I’m inclined, when left to my own devices, to retire to the same. Thoreau went on the write, “I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practice resignation… I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life.”
 
Jesus stood on the lakeshore to remind the disciples he came “that they may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10); that he gave his life so they could have new life, he gave the gift of the Holy Spirit that they would be empowered to accomplish the unimaginable. The time had come for them to deliberately live in the newness of resurrection life and fish for people.
 
Now is the time for us to deliberately live as Easter people too, empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish the unimaginable, and fulfill the gospel call to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
 
Grace and peace,
Pastor Don

This Tuesday, April 1st Becky, Zac and I will have been here at Wesley exactly nine months (It so happens I’ll also be 56 years old… Yes, I’m an April Fool. Not surprising, I know!), during which time, if you’ve been around, you’ve come to know about my children’s sermons. I enjoy the time I get to spend with the kids on Sunday morning, partly because Jesus made it a priority, and it’s important enough that all three synoptic gospels include stories about it, as seen in Matt. 19:13-15, Mark 10:13-16, and Luke 18:15-17. I wonder why people wanted to bring their “little children” (Matt and Mark) “infants” (Luke) to Jesus for him to touch? Why do the disciples try to stop them, and why do all three gospels record this event as happening when it does?
 
On Good Friday, March 24, 1978 (47 years ago) a major ice storm hit central Illinois and knocked out power to millions. I was just shy of 9 years old, and everyone in Argenta lost power. My best friend and his family, who lived next door to us, stayed at our house that weekend because we had just finished our new family room the summer before, and it had a fireplace, which we used to stay warm. We closed off the rest of the house, and nine of us lived in that family room for three days, including Easter. On Easter morning, my brothers and I, along with Troy (my best friend) and his little sister went on an Easter egg hunt through the front part of our then unheated house. It was great, and I will always remember that Easter as one of the best! But I imagine, if you ask my mom and dad, and Troy’s mom and dad, they may disagree.
 
Five kids and four adults living in close quarters with no electricity for three days—sound like fun? It was to me. It was a three-day sleep over with my best friend, and we got to cook stuff on an open fire INSIDE! Topped off with an Easter egg hunt. How cool is that!?
 
In response to the disciple’s stern efforts to stop people from bringing their infants and children to Jesus, he becomes “indignant” with them and said, “Let them come! The kingdom of God belongs to children, and if you don’t receive the kingdom like them, you won’t experience it.”
 
Parents brought their kids to Jesus because they wanted him to bless them. They’d heard about him. They knew what kind of power he had, and they wanted their kids to have a leg up in life. Who doesn’t want the best for their kids? The disciples were upset because they had an agenda for the day. There was serious stuff going on. Jesus was taking questions about divorce right before this, and right after this he tells a rich man to go and sell everything he has and give it to the poor, because it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. This is not child’s play! This is life-and-death stuff.

Yet, right in the middle of these serious discussions with the very religious Pharisees, and hard questions from wealthy and powerful individuals, Jesus stops, blesses, and expands the kingdom conversation to include what everyone else sees as an interruption and distraction.
 
The icy Easter interruption of 1978 has become a central memory of gospel grace to my nine-year-old self. It was probably a really difficult time for my parents. They had a lot to worry about in those moments. But just like the very first Easter, the kingdom comes amid our worries and distractions, and when we receive it like little children—curious, trusting, and hopeful—it becomes life changing, and life giving in new and unexpected ways.
 
Happy Easter and God bless!

Pastor Don Long, Jr.
Senior Pastor