Students & Campus
In addition to Sunday worship and church ministries, Wesley also offers a wonderful array of worship, study, service and social activities designed by and for students, faculty and staff. Participants include persons from the University of Illinois, Parkland College, Intensive English Institute and others who choose to be a part of this vibrant ministry. You will find persons with spiritual curiosity, intellectual integrity and authentic faith.
In addition to our standard student programming we, also provide activities designed specifically for Graduate Students and International Persons. We encourage you to find a place that fits who you are, nourishes your life and challenges your faith. Make sure to sign up for our “Weekly Student E-Newsletter.”
Empowering you to shine the light of Christ’s love
in this campus, in this community and throughout the world.
Recent Updates
A Reading for Today: Mark 1.21-28
“They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit, throwing him into convulsions and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, ‘What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He* commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’ At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.” (NRSV)
Commentary and Analysis:
Potluck Sunday, February 12th
Wesley Families are encouraged to bring two food dishes to share, and singles one dish.
Students and visitors don’t need to bring anything.
(Except maybe a friend or two!)
We hope to see you there after the 11:15 worship service!
A Reading for Today: Mark 1.16-1.20
“16 As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. 17And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ 18And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.” (NRSV)
Analyses and Commentaries: Progressive Involvement; FaithFutures
Gospel of Mark Bible Study Begins January 24
Tuesdays at 8:30 pm (begin gathering at 8:15 pm)
Graduate students and like-aged folks are welcome to attend Grads Study on Tuesdays at 8:30 pm at Wesley.
Participants will journey through the Gospel of Mark this semester, reading a Bible commentary of each one’s choosing. Each Tuesday evening’s gathering will consist of sharing the study’s insights along with a discussion of our own insights and concluding with sharing our joys and concerns.
Schedule
- 01/24/2012 – Mark 1.1-1.15 (group reading)
- 01/31/2012 – Mark 1.16-3.6
- 02/07/2012 – Mark 3.7-4.34
- 02/14/2012 – Mark 4.35-6.6a
- 02/21/2012 – Mark 6.6b-6.56 [Fat Tuesday]
- 02/28/2012 – Mark 7.1-8.26
- 03/06/2012 – Mark 8.27-9.50
- 03/13/2012 – Mark 10.1-10.45
- 03/20/2012 – Spring Break
- 03/27/2012 – Mark 10.46-11.33
- 04/03/2012 – Mark 12.1-12.40
- 04/10/2012 – Mark 12.41-13.37
- 04/17/2012 – Mark 14.1-14.42
- 04/24/2012 – Mark 14.43-15.15
- 05/01/2012 – Mark 15.16-16.20
Women’s Book Study – Blue Like Jazz
This semester, the women’s book study will be reading Blue Like Jazz, Non-Religious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality by Donald Miller. Women’s book study meets on Tuesday nights from 8-10 at Brooke’s apartment. If you are interested in joining, please email Brooke at mcclure1@illinois.edu for more details.
Super Bowl Chili Cook Off
The New England Patriots will be playing the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI in two weeks. We will be having our annual Super Bowl Party with a chili cook off starting at 5pm on Sunday, February 5th in Watseka Lounge. We will be projecting the football game (and commercials!) on the big screen. Come root for your favorite team!
If you like chili, be sure to come to come for our chili cook off. If you would like to enter the competition, bring your own pot of chili to share. The winner of the cook off will receive a gift card to Chili’s restaurant as well as the Chili Cook Off Champion Apron. If you do not bring chili, please bring a snack to share.
Doubt Night – January 25th at 9pm
On Wednesday, January 25th at 9pm, the Wesley Foundation’s regular Midweek worship service will be having what we call Doubt Night. We have invited guest speakers to come in and answer any questions you may have about faith, the Bible, or anything else. The questions are submitted anonymously, so you don’t have to worry about what other people might think. This is a great opportunity to invite your friends to Wesley and get all of your questions answered.
Prior to Doubt Night, we will be having a free spaghetti dinner, open to all students, at 8pm in the Great Hall. Dinner will include spaghetti, meat and non-meat sauce, garlic bread, and salad.
We hope to see you for dinner and that you will stick around to get your questions answered!
Midweek Christmas Party
Our annual Midweek Christmas Party will be next Wednesday, December 14th at 8:30pm in Watseka Lounge. We will not have our usual message, but there will be communion, Christmas carols, and games. We will also be providing some snacks. If there is a special Christmas treat you would like to share, we would love to have you bring it in! If you have a final that night, don’t worry, just come celebrate with us after you’re done! Bring a friend!
Hanging of the Greens
Every year, Wesley is decorated for the Christmas season, and you can help!
Students can help decorate the Sanctuary on Thursday, December 1st at 7pm.
You can also join the rest of the Wesley congregation in doing crafts and “hanging of the greens”
on Sunday, December 4th, from 4-6pm in Watseka Lounge.
All-Wesley Cookout and Game Night
As a thank you to all who help out with all we do at Wesley, we are having an All-Wesley Cookout and Game night this Saturday night, starting at 6pm for all students involved in all parts of our ministry. There will be a fire in the Lamb Courtyard for hot dogs and s’mores throughout the night. Various games and activities (including the ever-popular telephone pictionary and Apples to Apples!) will be set up in Watseka Lounge, and The Incredibles will be playing in the Student Lounge. Come and hang out with other Wesley students and volunteers for a night of good friends, good food, and good fun!