Wesley United Methodist Church

Wesley United Methodist Church We are a United Methodist Church located in Charleston, Illinois. We are just a few blocks from the EIU campus. We look forward to seeing you!

Wesley United Methodist Church
You Are Loved

Our Mission:
Wesley UMC seeks to be a safe and inclusive home where all are invited to walk with Jesus Christ in the world. All are welcome to join us in worship on Sundays at 8:30AM & 11:00AM.

05/31/2026

May 31st, 2026

Superheros by God's Grace, Charleston Wesley UMC, 8:30AM

Online Giving: https://www.charlestonwesley.org/give

Online Connection Card: https://www.surveyhero.com/c/3iahcngn

Online Bulletin:https://mcusercontent.com/25fe0e48a5d45c1625762f9a6/files/b8e38d89-f4a6-75cf-06db-664fad9deff6/Bulletin_5.31.26.pdf

CCLI License:Copyright License: 1575882 Streaming License: 21580256

A Song in My Heart Years ago, there were some serious challenges at the church where I served as pastor. I was extremely...
05/29/2026

A Song in My Heart


Years ago, there were some serious challenges at the church where I served as pastor. I was extremely stressed and had trouble sleeping and eating. My physical well-being suffered, and I was often exhausted.

I turned to God for help, but I struggled to find the right words or to have the energy even to pray. However, I found great comfort in praying the Psalms. Many of them spoke to me, but Psalm 57 became a constant companion. Every morning I would read the words, sometimes multiple times. The words resonated with my experience, and I could relate to the psalmist’s feeling of being in the midst of lions. Verse 8 made me feel hopeful: “Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.”

During this difficult time when I could barely drag myself out of bed, I longed for a day when I would “awaken the dawn” and make music. Then one morning something amazing happened to me. As I read Psalm 57 and got to the refrain in verses 5 and 11, God put a song in my heart and on my lips. I found myself singing those words to an unfamiliar tune. I truly felt God’s presence in that moment. Now when I need a reminder of God’s care for me, I read Psalm 57, and I sing the refrain as God taught me to sing it.

Today's Prayer
Loving God, thank you for your constant presence with us, especially during life’s challenges. Help us to remember that you never leave us or forsake us. Amen.

This devotion is credited to the Upper Room and is written by Rebecca L. T. Cho (Massachusetts, USA).

Our Shepherd My husband and I used to travel to villages in south India to visit rural churches during our ministry. Som...
05/28/2026

Our Shepherd

My husband and I used to travel to villages in south India to visit rural churches during our ministry. Some villages had no proper roads, so we had to travel by jeep or oxcart on rugged terrain. This caused me severe neck pain that eventually developed into spondylitis.

A pastor from our church visited and saw my neck brace, so he prayed for me. He encouraged me to repeat Psalm 23 daily and meditate on it. This began my daily practice of meditating on this beautiful psalm. The pain in my neck eventually went away, but my practice continues.

Psalm 23 is a beautiful expression of trust, dependence, and assurance of God’s care and provision in all circumstances. David was a shepherd and knew what it meant to care for his sheep and protect them from harm. He led his sheep to green pastures and beside still water. Like every good shepherd, he knew his sheep and they knew his voice.

God is our shepherd. God not only cares for our physical well-being but also for our spiritual health. God brings healing and wholeness to our innermost being. Even through life’s most challenging moments, we can be assured of God’s presence and protection.

Today's Prayer
Loving God, thank you for nurturing us with your word and blessing us with your gracious presence in our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This devotion is credited to the Upper Room and is written by Navamani Peter* (Karnataka, India).

The Summer Meal Ministry in Charleston begins this week. If your children need a free summer lunch, stop by one of the s...
05/27/2026

The Summer Meal Ministry in Charleston begins this week. If your children need a free summer lunch, stop by one of the sits below at the designated time.

If you would like to help make lunches as a part of the Wesley UMC team, sign up at the Narthex this summer for any Wednesday now through August 5th.

God's Trail Map I set out to hike North Dome in Yosemite National Park in the early morning, following a steep trail. Af...
05/27/2026

God's Trail Map


I set out to hike North Dome in Yosemite National Park in the early morning, following a steep trail. After passing the Dome, I turned and followed dirt trails and stacked rocks, often used as trail markers, which soon led me steeply downward. I questioned, Is this the trail? When I didn’t see any more markers, I realized that I was offtrack. I finally pulled out my map and could see where I had left the trail. I had failed to consult my map earlier, reasoning that I was a veteran hiker. In fact, what I had been following wasn’t the trail itself but markers another hiker had placed as they ventured off the path to explore.

This reminded me of my early college experience when I had become distant from God, and my attempts to read the Bible were frustrating. After being challenged to try a Bible-study program, I began to read the Bible regularly, and it became a satisfying experience. I had been without a trail map for my life for too long.

Often I still attempt to rely on my own wisdom to straighten out life’s paths — with frustrating results. Life is full of trails that crisscross in confusion, but keeping God’s word close at hand helps me to stay on the right path.

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for the guidance we find in scripture, helping us to navigate life’s twists and turns. Amen.

This devotion is credited to the Upper Room and is written by Jon D. (Washington, USA).

Comfort in Uncertainty As I sat across from my friend, the weight of her recent job loss was evident in the lines etched...
05/26/2026

Comfort in Uncertainty


As I sat across from my friend, the weight of her recent job loss was evident in the lines etched on her face. Her eyes, once brimming with determination and optimism, now reflected a deep sense of sorrow and uncertainty. My friend’s sense of rejection and disappointment lingered profoundly between us.

I reached out to her, offering a listening ear and a comforting presence. Aware that mere words could not erase her pain, I hoped that my support would provide her some solace. As we sat together, a familiar Bible verse surfaced in my mind, one that had offered me comfort in my own moments of despair: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

I reflected on this verse, hoping its truth would permeate my friend’s heart. I prayed for her, silently asking for understanding amidst the confusion and for her to find hope in the days ahead.

In that moment of shared vulnerability, we found solace in the assurance of God’s presence. While the journey ahead might be challenging and uncertain, we were not alone. Together, we embraced the comfort of companionship, knowing that she had a friend in me and could find strength in her faith in God.

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to help others in times of crisis. We need your love and strength. Amen.

This devotion is credited to the Upper Room and is written by Carol Thompson (Georgia, USA)

Address

2206 4th Street
Charleston, IL
61920

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 12pm
1pm - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 12pm
1pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 12pm
1pm - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 12pm
1pm - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 12pm
1pm - 4:30pm
Sunday 8:30am - 12pm

Telephone

+12173453917

Website

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