Albany Methodist Church will have a visitor on Sunday. It's Methodist co-founder John Wesley!

Though Wesley died in 1791, his spirit still lives through now-retired Methodist pastor Don Baldwin of Nevada City, Calif.

In 2005 Baldwin began presenting "John Wesley in person," responding to the expressed need that most United Methodists don't really know much about the founder of their own Methodist tradition. Before then he was appointed as the resident minister in Yosemite National Park and worked with the campus ministry at the University of Kansas before retiring in 1999.

His presentations have taken him from Sedona, Ariz., to Puget Sound, Wash., with audiences ranging from churches, college campuses and environmental groups to service clubs, resorts and senior centers.

"I help people understand a little more about John Wesley himself," Baldwin said. "I talk about how he got to Oxford, his priesthood, how he came to Georgia, the new colony set up by King George, and his struggles and successes while reforming the church and the country by holy living and holy actions. He wasn't always well received."

Pastor Rich Füss from the Albany Methodist Church is excited about the presentation. He explained that in addition to the words of John Wesley, music for the service will feature hymns by Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley and co-founder the of the faith.

John Wesley wrote hymns such as "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" and "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today."

"We've tried to create service that will really replicate the lives of the Wesleys with as much authenticity as possible," Füss said.

After the service the congregation will have a chance to interact with Baldwin.

"I will plan to greet people individually as they go out,"Baldwin said. "They often have lots of things to tell him about England and their lives. It's very inspiring for me to hear their stories and talk to them on an individual basis."

Baldwin added that he hopes to bring a real sense of the enthusiasm that John Wesley had for God and for all people.

The worship service begins at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the church, 1115 28th Ave. S.W.