The Wesley Foundation

at theUniversity of Illinois

Fall 2016 Newsletter

Inspiring Students, Transforming Lives, andEnriching Our World with Christ’s Love.

November 7, 2016Editor: Wayne Wilson, Aide for Advancement, wayne@wesleyui.orgThe Wesley Foundation, 1203 W Green ST, Urbana IL 61801-2905Phone: 217-344-1120 Fax: 217-344-1830 website: www.wesleyui.org

Michael Schmidt

Michael Schmidt is Wesley Organist and Hand Bell Director.

Graduate student Michael Schmidt, from Hellertown, PA, is the new organist and bell choir director at Wesley Church. At the University of Illinois, Michael will be pursuing a DMA in Choral Music. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Voice, and his Master’s degree in Education at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. Michael grew up with an interest in pipe organ going back to his pre-school days, and he served as an interim organist at his church at ages

twelve and thirteen. He grew up in the UCC, and now considers the Lutheran Church as his home church. After graduating from Westminster Choir College, he taught choral music for eight years at Voorhees High School, a 2015 National Blue Ribbon school in Glen Gardner, NJ. When his schedule as a graduate student permits, Michael has another creative outlet in cooking, and he is an avid reader of history and biographies. His professor in the University Organ Department is Dr. Dana Robinson, who was Wesley’s organist in 1999-2000, and he is studying choral music with Dr. Andrew Megill. Michael hopes to be able to find time to explore the extensive research information on Wesley’s 1925 Skinner Pipe Organ, donated to the Organ Department by an alumnus and former Wesley Church organist.

Kerrith Livengood is Wesley’s Contemporary Worship Director.

Kerrith Livengood, an adjunct instructor in the School of Music, grew up in the UMC in Springfield, MO. On the Contemporary Worship team since 2011, Kerrith had been serving as interim Contemporary Worship director since Fall 2016 classes began, and when Rev. Dan King Crede offered her the position in September, she accepted. When she first visited Wesley in 2013, she learned the contemporary band needed a drummer, and she’s been the band’s drummer since then.“I like that Wesley blends, reaching across the school and the wider community.” Kerrith’s husband, Jonathan Livengood, is an assistant

Courtesy, Johathan Livengood

professor of Philosophy at the U of I. Their son, Talan, is in the Campus Cooperative Pre-School located at Wesley. They came to Urbana-Champaign from the University of Pittsburgh where Kerrith earned her Masters and PhD in Composition and Music Theory. She earned her Bachelor of Music from Truman State University.

Kerrith and Talan

Maggie Thomas self photo

Wesley Welcomes Your Stories and News

2015 grad Olivia Harris and Wesley Communications Director/website

manager Derek Attig invite alumni to share their own Wesley stories of

student days, Wesley Foundation and Wesley Church.

If you wish to mail your story, please send it to the attention of “Wesley

Communications” at Wesley Foundation. You may also fax it.

To e-mail your story, send it to:dattig@wesleyui.org

To read some stories from alumni and current students, go to the Wesley

website: www.wesleyui.org

At the corner of Goodwin and Green: “A Place to Belong...A Place to Become”.

Wesley roof project photos by Richard Young

The Wesley Capital Campaign

It is an exciting time for the Wesley Capital Campaign as the most significant facility upgrade is underway! Replacement of the nearly century-old slate roof for the original Social Center began in August. Renaissance Roofing, Inc. of Belvidere, Illinois, was awarded the contract in the amount of their base bid of $847,500. Their team is replacing our 96-year-old slate roof with a natural slate roof similar to what is currently installed. Replacement of the roof is the third project being completed and funded by the Wesley Capital Campaign. The support of more than 175 households including alumni, students, congregants, and staff are making these much needed capital improvements possible. Through September 30, 2016, gifts and pledges to the Campaign total $1,063,128 of our total $1,690,000 goal. If you have not yet made a gift commitment, please consider doing so. With additional gifts we can fully pay for the roof as well as complete the planned window and electrical upgrade projects. To download a pledge card or to set up monthly electronic giving, visit wesleyui.org/giving. For questions concerning non-cash contributions or to make other donation arrangements, please contact Bonnie Taylor, Wesley Capital Campaign, 1203 West Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801. Phone: 217-344-1120 Email: campaign@wesleyui.org. Thank you!

The Wesley Capital Campaign

The Roofing Project is being completed and funded through the Wesley Capital Campaign.

Wesley roof project photos by Richard Young

If you wish to contribute to the Wesley Capital Campaign now, you may use the enclosed gift envelope to designate your gift. To designate your donation for the capital campaign, please make your check to the “Wesley Capital Campaign” and also indicate so in the inside field of the envelope.

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The 5 Wesley Capital Campaign Projects: • Restore, repair and clean the limestone on the 1921 Social Center building• Replace the nearly 100 year-old roof on the Social Center• Upgrade the heating plant to ensure reliable and efficient operation• Upgrade electrical service to meet current and future electrical demands• Repair windows on the Social Center for improved security and energy efficiency

Ronald Z. Hood, of Gibson City, IL, a U of I graduate in Agriculture and a faithful supporter of Wesley Foundation’s Annual Appeal, passed away on Feb. 19, 2016. His wife, Mary Ann, survives.

In Memoriam

Ron Hood

They ran a successful Ace Hardware store in Gibson City for 60 years. Ron served 17 years on the Parkland Community College Board of Trustees, most of that time as board secretary, and in 2014 he was presented the Gibson City Area Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award. He served many roles in the Gibson City UMC, and he was a delegate to the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of the UMC. Doris McKinney Jones, (’44), of Whitsett, NC, formerly of Urbana and McLeansboro IL, died on Tuesday May 3, 2016. She was preceded in death in 2013 by her husband, Charles E. (Chuck) Jones. She earned a Bachelor of Music in Piano and Voice from the U of I and continued post-graduate studies at the U of I in Music Education. From 1947 to 1948, she was a Teacher Assistant in voice at the School of Music. She was a charter member of the Urbana Sigma Alpha Iota Alumni Chapter.She married Charles Jones in a service in the west parlor of Wesley Foundation by Dr. Paul Burt. Charles was a U of I law student, and upon his graduation in 1950, they moved to McLeansboro, IL where he began his law practice. He later became a judge for the county, circuit and appellate courts. Doris taught elementary music for a year, and then taught piano and voice at her McLeansboro home. For 35 years she was choir director and the substitute organist for McLeansboro UMC, where she and Charles were members. In 2002, they retired and returned to Urbana. After Charles’ passing, Doris moved to Whitsett, NC.

Lauren Johnson, U of I senior from Arlington Heights, IL, has been a Wesley peer minister since 2015. Her mother, Debbie (Guthrie) Johnson attended Wesley Church years ago as a student, so Lauren knew before she came to campus that she would probably attend Wesley. “I came to my first service and I was impressed with how Wesley people made students feel welcome. Pastor Rob Kirby spoke to me for about twenty minutes before the worship service and made me very welcome at Wesley,” said Lauren. “I like the mix of ages at Wesley, because it feels more like a home church than just a campus church.” She later became active in Wesley Foundation programs when a friend on her residence hall floor, Tabi Nelson of Heyworth, IL invited her to Wednesday night’s Midweek Worship at the Wesley Sudent Center. She is also active in Inter Varsity Christian

Meet Wesley peer minister, Lauren Johnson.

Fellowship: “I enjoy the diverse cultural and church backgrounds participating in the program.” She is also a frequent participant in International Coffee House at Wesley Foundation. At Illinois, Lauren is a chemistry major, with a minor in secondary education. She plans to teach chemistry, physics and math in high school after graduation. A favorite hobby of Lauren’s is to make friendship bracelets. “I like to develop patterns for friends and include religious symbols that I know are meaningful to them.”

Photo courtesy of Lauren Johnson

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At 2 Locations:Wesley Church

Green & GoodwinEvery Thursday Evening

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Student Only Pantry 1st Monday each month

3:00-5:00 p.m.

Parkland CollegeChampaign

Every Wednesday11 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

and 1st & 3rd Saturdays,

10 a.m.-NoonThe Wesley Pantry now operates in

Rooms 48 and 50, in the basement of Wesley’s sanctuary. The move brings

benefits of easy clean-up, less wear on floors, and easy access from the

Wesley parking lot for weekly smaller groups who can receive items in

limited quantity at the Eastern Illinois Food Bank.

On September 1, Pantry clients were surprised to also receive full bottles of

laundry detergent and flowers.

September, by the numbers

Its main access doors located on Goodwin Avenue where U of I students pass to classes on the engineering campus, Wesley’s student-run Etc. Coffeehouse service ministry that continues to serve the campus through the dedication and loving care of Wesley Foundation students, international students, and other coffeehouse friends. The Etc. is open for study space and coffees prepared

The Wesley Coffeehouse Connection: Friends, cultural sharing, and service to all.

by student volunteers, Monday through Friday during fall and spring semesters. From mid-mornings to late afternoons there are students studying in the coffeehouse and in the student lounge across the hall, taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi internet access and the new convenient

plug-in locations for their laptop computers. “Breakfast and the Bible”...Midweek Connection...International Coffee House For student “regulars” and Wesley’s Assoc. Pastor, Miriam Snider, Bible study and fellowship over coffee or juice and a light breakfast heated in the microwave all combine for Friday morning’s “Breakfast and the Bible,” led by Pastor Miriam. On Wednesday nights, the coffeehouse is the place for connection to fellow students, sharing snacks or a light meal before Midweek Worship and Communion led by students and Pastor Julie Dowler. Wesley Coffeehouse friends are located around the world. International students have found the Etc. to be a welcoming place since its opening in 1965, and International Coffee

Student volunteers remodeled the coffeehouse and student

lounge in 2015. At top, Reshmina William puts in some

time painting the lounge and below, Olivia Harris paints in the

coffeehouse.

Photos by Rev. Julie Dowler

House has met on Fridays since 1988. It has become a complimentary program to Friday’s ESL (English as a Second Language) class. It’s also an ideal location for Sunday Contemporary Worship with a smaller group during the summer months.

Illustration: The Wesley Food Pantry

Contributor Ms. Kathy Alexander Virgil & Marilyn Butler Amos Dillman Ms. Gunilla Goulding Mr. & Mrs. Howard, Judy Daughenbaugh Miley & Janet Palmer Suzanne & Herb Thompson, in honor of The Rev. Leah Pogemiller Suzanne & Herb Thompson, in honor of Rev. Jeremiah Thompson Helen L. Woods, in memory of Gerry Brighton Mr. Steve Zekoff

Century Club ($100+)Mrs. Fern H Armstrong Mr. & Mrs. Barry & Kris Aves Mr. Donald BurgenerMr. Craig Chamberlain Mr. John Crump Mr. Scott Ellerthorpe Mrs. Evalyn Huffman Gebhart Donald Greeley Jeff & Heather Grills Barbara & Homer Gurtler Mr. Jeffrey Hansen Mrs. Mary Ann Hood, in memory of

Ron Hood Mr. Roger Icenogle, in memory of Blanche Icenogle Diane E. Jeffers Sara & Keith Kelley, in memory of Gerry Brighton Mr. & Mrs. Tony Lake Mrs. Roberta B. Lindstrand Mark & Jodie Lucas, in support of Peer Ministry Gonzalo & Liliana Mariano Stephen L. Miller & Miller Lou Miller Mrs. Lillian Mink Revs. Tom & Sharon Neufer Emswiler Raymond & Barbara Norton Leroy & Mary Joyce Pickett David & Ruth Ann Satazahn Mrs. Ellen C. Schubert

Century Club, cont’d Mr. James M. Sprengel Ms. Elizabeth M. Starkey, in memory of Elmer Starkey, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. James E. Stephens David & Janet Stephenson John & Edie Terwilliger Mr. Ernest N. Thorp Mr. Donald L. Weaver James & Robin West, in honor of Rev. Joe Peacock & their

44th wedding anniversaryKim Y. Wittel, in memory of

Sharon Scott

New Century Club ($250+)Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Rodney Bettenhausen Frances Cramer, in memory of Jean Cramer-Heuerman Michael Drummond Mark Elder Christian & Kedzie Fernholz Ron Itnyre & Alisa Clapp Itnyre Larrianne Jordan Harold Kieler Ms. Iris Brown Knell Chuck & Annette Lansford, in memory of

Gerry Brighton Ann Saterbak Norman & Eureath Schoeppel Memorial Endowment Fund Myrna Wheeler Smith, in memory of

Allen Smith Mr. Bryan Swanson Mark Syverson Dr. Alan Yungbluth

Chairpersons Club ($500+)John & Willa Almlof Mr. & Mrs. William L. Augur Don & Ann Brush Ms. Linda Linke Nancy A. Maxwell Katherine, David Mertens Mr. & Mrs. Jan & Ralph Simmons Paul & Judith Unger Marilyn Whittaker

Gifts to the Annual Appeal (formerly Annual Operating Fund), Oct. 18, 2016. THANK YOU, Wesley friends, for your important support for Wesley Foundation!

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Directors Club ($1,000+)Bob & Connie Atkins Tod & Belinda Courtney Jeffrey Decker Lloyd & Jean Helper Morris G. Huck Dr. John R. Lehmann, Barbara Lowis Lehmann Mike & Jane McCulley Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Frankie Mosborg Judson F. Parker Paul Reimer, Melissa Miller Kevin Read Donor Advised FundMrs. Gretchen Rauschenberg Kay Romans

Heritage Club ($2,000+)David & Julie Klenske Mr. & Mrs. Arnold & Marian Thompson Don Walden, in memory of Patty Jo Walden Mr. & Mrs. Don Zimmerman Upholders Club ($5,000+)Alice E. Espenschied

Sustainers Club ($10,000+)

Additional Gifts from church budgetsAshkum UMCDecatur Grace UMCMahomet UMC

You can quickly make a gift to The Wesley Foundation’s Annual Appeal (formerly called the annual operating fund) through your PayPal account, and receive faster acknowledgment from Wesley. A PayPal “Donate” button is on our website: www.wesleyui.org

A Gift Envelope is Enclosed, ...or You Can Give On-line.