A native Texan, granddaughter of a Methodist circuit rider, preacher’s wife for 32 years before his death, and third-grade teacher for almost 30 years, Janice has just retired from 17 years of being a licensed local pastor in the Northwest Texas and New Mexico United Methodist Conferences.  Moving to be closer to her daughter (an educational academic advisor at EIU) , son-in-law (who is a professor at EIU) and granddaughter Ella (a Jefferson 4th grader).  Most times away are spent back in TX keeping up with her TX family, including a granddaughter and husband both in graduate school and a grandson (a university student.)  She has found Wesley UMC to be a special place where her soul can be filled and where she can sing in the choir and play hand bells.  Other favorite pastimes are reading, cooking Mexican food, playing the piano, eating out with friends, and attending musical concerts and dramas.

Bailey is from Roxana, IL and a current Senior at Eastern Illinois University studying Public Relations with a minor in Social Media Engagement.  She is thankful to be a part of the Charleston Wesley UMC team as the Director of Communication Ministries. Bailey and her fiance Dylan enjoy serving in the Charleston community and through their campus ministry, Christian Campus House. When she is not studying or working on homework, you can catch Bailey at local coffee shops, going for a walk or kayaking at Lake Charleston.

Brock was raised in Washington, IL, and is excited his wife Betzy's call to campus ministry has led them back to Illinos again. After graduating from Illinois State University with a degree in Music Education, he obtained a teaching position, and he and Betzy met through a fellow teacher, Betzy's twin sister. Though Betzy's calling to ministry has led to many different jobs for Brock, he is excited to be able to serve the church through youth ministry again, here in Charleston, as he did in Richlands, VA, for the last four years. When he is not serving the youth of the church, Brock is likely to be caring for their two children, Benjamin and Brendan.

Michael Mellott is the adult and children’s choral director for the Wesley United Methodist Church in Charleston, Illinois.  He is also the music teacher and choral director at the local middle school, where he teaches 7th and 8th grades general music, as well as conducts the middle school choir and an extracurricular a cappella advanced choir.  In addition to his teaching, he is also a clinician for vocal health for educators, athletic coaches and vocalists.  

 He received both his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois, where he and his family reside.   When time permits, Mr. Mellott performs with the local community summer theatre, and enjoys woodworking and cane making, where he often donates handcrafted items to various organizations, such as Out of Darkness (a suicide prevention and awareness organization). 

Elizabeth has served for many years as an administrator and educator; as well as a pianist, singer, and actor. When not involved in church music ministry and administration, she can be found teaching music and working in local theatre as an actor and music director. She is married to actor and playwright Earl Halbe. Both Earl and Elizabeth serve on the board of the Coles County Arts Council, and are the founders and co-producers of Theatre In The Park, Charleston IL.