Pastor Enrico Esguerra has been appointed to Wesley UMC beginning July 1, 2023.
My name is Enrico R. Esguerra, 54 years old, and an ordained elder of the United Methodist Church. I served the United Methodist Church in the Philippines for almost 25 years and in the United States for almost five years. I finished my Bachelor of Science in Commerce, majoring in Accounting at San Sebastian College, Manila, and continued my education by completing my Master of Business Administration at Philippine Christian University in Dasmarinas City, Philippines.
I am married to Myra D. Esguerra, a kindergarten teacher and a deaconess who was accepted as a member of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference in 2020. We are blessed with three children, Henrick August, 23, graduating from McKendree University next year. Enrico Micah, 20, graduating from Shawnee Community College next year also. and Marie Adelaine, 17, graduating this year from Goreville High School. They are gifted with Music. I am so thankful that my family has always been my partners in the ministry. They serve as my strength and inspiration.
Shari Funk – Administrative Assistant.
Gwen Fox – Organist/Pianist
Cindy Heimberger – Custodian
Relda Kelly– Parish Nurse. In the fall of 1997, Relda attended the Westberg Symposium for Parish Nurses and realized that Parish Nursing embodied the reasons she became a nurse. She subsequently completed the PN course through the International Parish Nurse Resource Center (now Westberg Institute for Faith Community Nursing) and started the Parish Nurse ministry at Wesley. In addition to her role here, Relda is the co-founder of the Kankakee Parish Nurse Network, a support group for local PNs. Other interests include family genealogy, and visiting with her children and grandchildren. Relda and her husband Earl, “escape” to Disney World whenever they can! Email Relda
David Haskins– Sound technician. Dave became involved with Wesley’s MYF Youth group when he received an invitation from Carolyn in 1960. They met at BBCHS as Juniors. They were married in 1962 in what is now our Fellowship Hall. He joined the Church in 1964 when he learned the U.S. AIR FORCE was transferring him to North Africa. Dave and Carolyn taught 1st & 2nd Grade Sunday School for 14 years. Being an usher since 1968, he has been Head Usher for the last 10 years. He has served on Education, Finance, Worship, Trustees and Memorial committee work areas. Dave was an offering counter for 40 years and had Carolyn as a partner at that job for 25 of those. As a trustee he was appointed Chairman of trustees for one term of 3 years. With the introduction of our new media station, which includes projection and sound system, Dave accepted the responsibility for the Audio portion and is currently training others to becoming involved in the sound system as well. Dave has also been shepherding and training our Acolytes for “about” 22 years. Dave and Carolyn have 2 sons, Scott and Mike, 7 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren.
Kay Fisher– Media Specialist. Kay has been preparing the media presentations for worship since 2007. As well as being an active member of Wesley, Kay is a Certified Lay Servant, Sunday School teacher, the leader of the Third Thursday Supper Club and the Wesley Prayer Shawl Ministry, and involved with United Women in faith. Kay has three grown children – Sarah, Charlie, and Eric – and four grandsons, Zachary, Isaac, Noah, and Dawson. Kay enjoys music, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and playing on the computer. Kay invites anyone interested in learning more about the use of technology in worship at Wesley to email Kay.