October 2017 by SpringfieldFUMC

SPRINGFIELD FIRST | SPRINGFIELD, IL

GENEROSITY INITIATIVE BRANDING & STYLE GUIDE

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OCTOBER 2017 / Volume 51 / Issue 10

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Our church staff is here to help each of us live as a disciple of Jesus Christ who transforms the world. Feel free to contact them.

PHONE 217.793.9760 WWW.SPRINGFIELDFIRST.ORG

PASTORAL STAFF Dr. Roger Grimmett | Lead Pastor Rev. Mike Whitaker | Pastor

Another Sunday morning comes, and I resume the standing Sabbath of the woods, where the finest blooms of time return, and where no path is worn but wears its makers out at last, and disappears in leaves of fallen seasons. The tracked rut fills and levels; here nothing grieves in the risen season. Past life lives in the living. Resurrection is in the way each maple leaf commemorates its kind, by connection outreaching understanding. What rises, rises into comprehension and beyond. Even falling raises in praise of light. What is begun is Unfinished. This Day: Collected and New Sabbath Poems, 2013

Rev. Nicole Cox | Pastor

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

MINISTRY STAFF

Philippians 1 :6 (ESV)

Brennan Pappas | Director of Technical Arts Carli Burton | Director of Senior Ministries Chantel Corrie | Director of Connections Chase Carlisle | Director of Contemporary Music Ministries Elyssa Carlisle | Director of Children's & Youth Choirs Lana Salomonson | Executive Director Matt Cleveland | Director of StudentLife Dr. See Tsai Chan | Director of New Life Choir & Handbells Ministries Stacy Kuhlmann | Director of Children's Ministry

custodial STAFF Renoldo Gayton | Lead Custodian

STAFF emails: First initial and Last name@springfieldfirst.org

2 G o o d T i d i n g s / OCTOBER 2017

I wish I could tell you that I did something exciting on vacation, like scaling Mount Everest or biking the Tour de France. Instead, I put together a file drawer that was delivered in a box from Office Max and did some reading – which included poetry like that above from Wendell Berry. I know I don’t look like the poetry kind of guy, but I have always felt that, in order to be well-rounded as a Christian preacher, I need to read literature that has never before struck my fancy. Like anything, as one does what they don’t initially enjoy doing, they begin either to like it or to further disdain it. In my case, I began to enjoy reading the likes of Wendell Berry, and, in the process, God dropped a gold nugget my way… What is begun is Unfinished! There is a gnawing sense in the human soul that longs for meaningful connection and purpose – connection with the divine and human, and connection with purposeful living. Our generosity initiative this fall will focus on the Biblical theme of “Unfinished.” We often think that Biblical figures – such as Abraham, Moses, David, and Paul had it all together and that’s why God chose them; the reality is that the opposite is true – God called them because they didn’t have it all together. They were like we are – Unfinished! The reality is that God doesn’t call the equipped; God equips those who are called. He will do the same for us! During the month of October, which officially kicks off our generosity initiative, we will be exploring the Biblical themes of trust, sacrifice, surrender, and amazement. We will be looking at these themes focusing upon the Biblical patriarchs of the faith who were, like us, Unfinished! Our primary goal for this generosity initiative is 100% engagement, which means that all who call Springfield First their church home will be active in worship, prayer, small groups, serving, and giving. It is easy to think that in a church this size we have plenty of volunteers, people in small groups, and resources to fund the mission. In other words, people say, “My small contribution won’t matter or even be noticed. Springfield First has all they need.” Actually, this is not true. Everyone’s contribution – no matter how small or large – matters to Springfield First and to God. I believe God asks each of us to make a commitment.

MESSAGE SERIES

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/8: 7 R st E u B r O T We serve and are active because our OCT hed s i Christian faith summons us to a higher n level; not primarily because Springfield Unfi First needs our contribution. Our Christian /15: ice 4 1 f i R r faith is about what God asks of us; E c B a IMAGERY SAMPLES and, only second, about the needs OCTO ished S of Springfield First. It is all a matter fin n U of perspective! 22: / der 1 2 n e R r Begin to pray for our generosity initiative. BE ur Begin to ask God to grow you as a OCTO ished S Christian disciple that desires to take fin n U the next step in his/her spiritual journey. /29: zement 8 During the month of October, get involved 2 ER B ma in a small group that focuses on O A T d C e O “Unfinished.” Make it a priority to increase ish n i f the frequency of your worship attendance. Un Ask God where you can “press in” in terms /5: 4 ed? h R s E of service. If you haven’t yet given i B n M i financially, begin with a small gift, and N O V E re We Unf then give consistently. If you already give, How A please ask God to inspire you by taking a step up in your giving! A contribution makes a splash; but consistency creates a disciple! Springfield First is about “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

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God’s desire is to build character in us, not comfort, and to spur us on to holiness, not happiness. As we cooperate with God, we will move from being “Unfinished” to “Finished” on the day of Jesus Christ! Let us press on toward the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus! Join our church staff as we take this journey together!

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Our God Reigns!

OCTOBER 2017 3

EVENTS

PRAYER R E TR E A T

at the Chiara Center SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, AT 1:00-4:30pm This is an opportunity for solitude, to calm your spirit and satisfy your soul. There are no special qualifications or minimum age required, only the desire to have a conversation with God. You may want to walk the beautiful grounds or sit quietly in a peaceful setting. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been trying to hear from God about a topic in your life, this just might be the opportunity you need. There is no cost; a free will offering will be received. The Chiara Center is located at 4875 LaVerna Road on the northeast side of Springfield. For more information, contact Sharon Sweeney at 793-9760 x131 or ssweeney@springfieldfirst.org.

senior gala

Saturday, October 28, at 12:00-3:00pm

ON THE NORTH SIDE OF SPRINGFIELD FIRST This annual fall festival is fun for all ages! Invite friends and family for food, fellowship, and fun at this community-wide event!

AN EVENING

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, AT 6:00pm IN THE COMMUNITY LIFE CENTER

An Evening with the Swickards ANNUAL SENIOR GALA: (Ages 55+) Our Senior Council is pleased to present An Evening with the Swickards on Friday, October 20, at 6:00pm in the Community Life Center. A nostalgic and fantastically music-packed evening has been planned for our 2017 annual event.Â Rev. Bob Swickard and his family will be our featured entertainment. Tickets will be on sale during the weekends of September 30/October 1 and October 7/8 in the Atrium. Cost is $25.00 and includes a delicious served meal and entertainment. Sorry, tickets cannot be sold at the door.

4 G o o d T i d i n g s / OCTOBER 2017

Mark your calendar for the ReVision Conference at Springfield First on Thursday, November 9, at 5:45-8:30pm, and Friday, November 10, at 9:00am-4:30pm.

and lunch on Friday. Registration after

Christmas Cantata Singers Wanted

October 10 is $50. Register at

The New Life Adult Choir, Handbell

springfieldfirst.org/connect/ReVision-conference.

Choir, PreK-6th grade children’s choirs,

The keynote speaker will be Haydn Shaw, a leading expert on multiple generations,

and OneVoice Youth Choir will present the Christmas Cantata, accompanied by a full orchestra, on December 10 at the

change management, personal productivity,

9:00am traditional service. The musical

and trust. He is the author of Generational IQ

reenactment of the gospel will make your

and Sticking Points: How to Get 4 Generations

heart overflow with joy and thankfulness.

Working Together in the 12 Places They Come Apart.

We will be singing beautiful

Haydn will share practical approaches to

and exciting music from various musical

creating a culture where all the generations

styles, including selections from

can find ways to work together.

Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” Michael W. Smith’s

Break-out sessions for church leaders will

in contemporary style, and favorite

focus on the following areas: Youth Ministry,

carols and hymn arrangements in

Children’s Ministry, Worship Arts, Technical Arts,

symphonic style. There will be a lot

Facilities Management, Connectional Ministry,

of congregational singing, and we

Group Life, Hospitality, and Missions.

need a big choir to lead the worship!

The conference will be full of inspiration, information, practical next steps, and great

“Christmastime,” exciting spirituals

If you are interested in taking part in the Christmas Cantata, come and join us! No audition is required. Rehearsal for

networking. Together we can learn to work

the Cantata will take place in Room 22

better with our staff, volunteers,

at 7:00-7:45pm every Thursday. For

congregations, and guests.

more information, contact See Tsai Chan at schan@springfieldfirst.org.

OCTOBER 2017 5

To register online, please visit www.springfieldfirst.org. Connect will continue on Wednesdays through November 1. It’s not too late for you to come! Dinner is available in the Community Life Center at 5:45-6:30pm for a free will offering. Gather together to make new friendships and enjoy a delicious meal. Following dinner, there are opportunities for all ages at 6:30-8:00pm.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH

Contact: Stacy Kuhlmann at skuhlmann@springfieldfirst.org or 793-9760 x238

Contact Matt Cleveland at mcleveland@springfieldfirst.org

S.M.A.S.H. (Kindergarten-6th grade) Children will be able to choose different activities from the topics of Sports, Music, Art, Science, and Hobbies. We will also be going on an exciting “expedition” to Mindanao, an island in the Philippines! This volcano adventure will be erupting with knowledge centered on the power of the Bible. We may even erupt a volcano of our own!

Confirmation – Room 8 – Beginning October 4 This class is for all students in 8th to 12th grade to learn about the Christian faith and what it means to be part of the Methodist church and Springfield First.

Schedule: 5:15-5:45pm Pre-K to 1st grade choir 5:45-6:30pm Family dinner time 6:15-7:00pm 2nd-6th grade choir 6:30-7:00pm S.M.A.S.H. session 1 7:00-7:30pm S.M.A.S.H. Bible adventure 7:30-8:00pm S.M.A.S.H. session 2 Bible Buddies (3-5 years) – Room 17 Preschoolers will also be going on the volcano adventure and learning the power of the Bible through look, feel, and do activities designed for their age. Creative Creations Childcare (0-2 years) – Room 18 Children will have their own age-appropriate activities to begin to understand the Bible. 6 G o o d T i d i n g s / OCTOBER 2017

or 793-9760 x124

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULTS Contact: Pastor Mike Whitaker at mwhitaker@springfieldfirst.org or 793-9760 x122

Adoption Ministry · Atrium Lobby Through first-hand stories and discussion, we’ll explore different sides of foster care, orphan care, and domestic and international adoption. We’ll also explore how you can get involved in caring for orphans or the families who have brought adoptees or foster children into their homes. Led by Tim & Eden Lindberg and Kirk & Cindy Laudeman. Alpha: An Introduction to the Christian Faith · Room 2 Are you exploring your faith, or would you like a refresher course? Alpha is an interactive and practical introduction to the Christian faith. Each session will explore a different question about God and faith and will conclude with a time for open discussion. Couples Class · Atrium 2 The Couples class is following Andy Stanley’s study, Staying in Love; however, beginning October 11, they will participate in “Unfinished,” a church-wide study.

MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULTS Creeds, Confessions, and Affirmations of Faith · Atrium 1 What are they? How did we get them? Why do churches still use them--or not? Led by Glenna Schroeder-Lein, this class will look at Biblical precedents and church history for answers to these questions. Men’s Ministry Study · Atrium 4 Beginning October 11, the men’s ministry will participate in the church-wide “Unfinished” study. Not a Fan · Atrium 3 Are you a fan or a follower? Jesus was never interested in having admirers; He is looking for followers. This study by Kyle Idleman invites you to take an honest look at your relationship with Jesus. His call to follow may seem radical to us, but Jesus desires it for every believer. This challenging study will be led by Susan Stitt. Women’s Ministry Study · Room 7 The Women’s Ministry has been studying Esther to go along with the September sermon series; however, beginning October 11, they will participate in “Unfinished,” a church-wide study. Unfinished… · Rooms 5/6 · October 11 to November 1 Led by the pastors, this is one of many opportunities for this church-wide study. (See page 2-3 for more details.) Young Adults · Room 4 The Young Adults have been studying Esther to go along with the September sermon series; however, beginning October 11, they will participate in “Unfinished,” a church-wide study. • To help in children’s ministries on Wednesday evenings, contact Stacy Kuhlmann at skuhlmann@springfieldfirst.org or 793-9760 x238. • To help with dinner set-up or clean-up, contact Sharon Sweeney at ssweeney@springfieldfirst.org or 793-9760 x131.

OCTOBER 2017 7

CHURCH LIFE

SPA NIGHT WAS A FUN NIGHT! We had our 2nd annual Spa Night with awesome stations, door prizes, and goodie bags. Women had opportunities to learn about women’s studies and small groups, and they discovered their spiritual gifts and ways to use them in the church and community. Our prayer area gave women different ideas for prayer and relaxation, and we participated in some “Holy” Yoga. There were 140 women who came to enjoy Spa Night, while 30 kids came for a pajama party and movie. Thank you to all the ladies that came out and brought their friends, family, and co-workers. For more pictures and information on upcoming events, visit @springfieldfirstwomen on Facebook, or go to springfieldfirst.org/connect/womens-ministry, or contact Chantel Corrie at ccorrie@springfieldfirst.org.

CHURCH ARCHITECTURAL NOTECARDS AVAILABLE Are you that person who loves art, architecture, and history? If so, be sure to stop by the church bookstore and check out the Springfield First Architectural Notecards. The cards were commissioned in 2006 by the Couples & Families Class to celebrate the growth and vision of our church and its missions during the transition in locations. Tracy Maras, a locally well-known water color and pen & ink artist, captured some of the most iconic images of the two church locations. As we moved from our downtown location, the goal was to connect the history of First United Methodist Church at 5th & Capitol to our new location here at Koke Mill & Wabash. We hope you will stop by the bookstore soon and pick up these wonderful mementos of our church. 8 G o o d T i d i n g s / OCTOBER 2017

MISSIONS

MISSION TRIP OPPORTUNITIES 2018 We are offering several international and national mission trips in the next year. Please check out these opportunities and let us know if you are interested in participating. We can’t wait to serve and to see what God does through these trips in 2018. Liberia, West Africa When: October or December 2018 (2-week trip) Doing What? Working with villages to teach about the importance of clean water, etc. Cost? Roughly $3,500 (scholarships may be available for first-time mission trippers) Contact: Pastor Nicole, ncox@springfieldfirst.org Haiti When: 3 trip opportunities - February 2018, Spring 2018, Fall 2018 Doing What? February – construction; Spring and Fall – street ministry/school ministry (medically trained persons welcome) Cost? $1,500 Contact: Shane Sims, shane.sims@kellogg.com Motown Mission - Detroit, Michigan When: June 10-16, 2018 Doing What? Urban home repairs and construction Cost? $350 Contact: Bill Stephens, stephensbill@att.net Heifer Ranch - Arkansas When: Fall 2018 Doing What? Ranch work, sustainable food sourcing education, global village experience Cost? $400 Contact: Susan Stitt, undba84@aol.com East Bay United Methodist Camp – Bloomington, IL When: April 13-15, 2018 Doing What? Getting the camp ready for campers – indoor and outdoor work Cost? $35-75 (depending on if you choose to stay 1 night or 2 nights) Contact: Ann Caparros, anncaparros@aol.com Henderson Settlement - Kentucky When: Summer 2018 Doing What? Home repairs and construction Cost? $250 Contact: Sue Nelson, nelson4131@sbcglobal.net

OCTOBER TLC Beerlahai Roi

Saturday, Oct. 7th | 2:30-4:30pm We will be helping to clean and organize a storage unit and landscaping at Beerlahai Roi, a ministry that houses young, unmarried pregnant women. A couple of hours will make a huge difference! Sign up at Connection Point or see Pastor Nicole for more information. Each year, Springfield First supports a host of ministries throughout the world, many of which are in our own community. While we aren’t finished giving for the year, we thought we would update you on where you all have donated so far in 2017. THANK YOU for your generosity! You are making a difference in our community and in our world.

Local: Contact Ministries $6,000 Kumler Outreach Ministries $19,152 Washington Street Missions $2,250 The James Project $750 Beerlahai Roi Women's Ministry $750 The Matthew Project $750 Helping Hands of Springfield $2,250 Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County $2,250 Asbury Children's Supper $3,750 St. John's Breadline $2,250 Domestic and Global: Haiti - teachers Refugees (given through UMCOR) Midwest Mission Distribution Center Henderson Settlement Liberia Clean Water Initiative

$2,160 $13,152 $6,000 $1,665 $2,333 OCTOBER 2017 9

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Watch for posted curriculum information: www.springfieldfirst.org/kids-youth/parents

FAITH IS A LIFELONG JOURNEY! START HERE!

Parents, contact Stacy Kuhlmann at skuhlmann@springfieldfirst.org with any questions. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidlife and www.facebook.com/kidlifeec.

WHY CHILDREN’S MINISTRY? The children’s ministry is designed for children to grow in faith by experiencing God’s Word at an age-appropriate level. We invite all children, birth to 5th grade, to come and check out the area of church designed just for them!

(Birth to 5 Years)

Nursery & Toddlers are learning through songs, pictures, and activities all that God made. The lessons start God’s youngest believers on their journey of faith that will continue for the rest of their lives. Preschool children enjoyed learning about God’s creation during the month of September. In October, they will be following along with the church-wide series entitled, “Unfinished,” but with lessons designed for their age group!

(Kindergarten3rd grade)

Elementary Children will be engaging in the church-wide series “Unfinished.” Lessons will follow the adult small group series but will be delivered in age-appropriate curriculum designed just for them. This will be an exciting month as families engage in the same series, which will produce wonderful family discussions!

(4th-5th grade) Preteens will be studying the same points as KidLife. Their “Unfinished” lessons will engage them in a more in-depth discussion series for their specific ages. We invite all 4th and 5th graders to be a part of this new ministry just for preteens! This group will also begin learning how to be leaders by working with the younger grades once each month through stations created around the three topics studied that month. It is going to be so exciting to watch as they develop further on their faith journey!

MIGHTY MISSIONS OFFERING

Each classroom has a small container for our children’s mighty mission offerings. All that we collect will go to providing clean water for children in Liberia! Children are understanding that they can make a difference even through spare change! As giving becomes habit, their generosity will come naturally to them as they grow up. 10 G o o d T i d i n g s / OCTOBER 2017

Hurricane Collection Boxes Our Mighty Missions Boxes will be out all month for children to collect toothbrushes and toothpaste for kids affected by the hurricanes.

CONNECT WITH STUDENTLIFE: Facebook: StudentLife FUMC Twitter: @FUSION_SM Instagram: STUDNT_LFE PARENTS: If you are new or would like to receive periodic parent email updates, please| SPRINGFIELD, IL SPRINGFIELD FIRST go to www.springfieldfirst.org, and under the GENEROSITY INITIATIVE BRANDING & STYLE GUIDE ‘Youth’ tab sign up for our email list! You can also email StudentLife Director Matt Cleveland at mcleveland@springfieldfirst.org.

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FUSION Teaching Series TOX TYPEWRITER

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This year, our entire church is joining G255 B255 R27 G96 B101 together through a brandR255 new “generosity initiative” we’re calling “Unfinished,” and StudentLife is going to be a part of it! C44 ofM71 Y83 K56 C38 M94 Y81 K60 Throughout the entire month October, we’re going to be diggingR84 into what G49it B30 R88 G8 B17 What a way to start another year of ministry together! We had more means to be the kind of “generous” that than 100 people at our FUSION fall kick-off, and everyone is excited Jesus has called all of his followers to be. to be a part of StudentLife and all the things that God is going We’re so excited to be coming alongside to do through us this year! We meet every Sunday night! the rest of the church with this initiative! Here’s our typical Sunday schedule: Parents, find an “Unfinished” class or small group too, because your students will be right there with you learning the same things!

5:00-6:00pm - FUSION:Middle & High School Small Groups 6:00-6:30pm - Dinner for all ages! 6:30-7:30pm - FUSION:High & Middle School Small Groups Note: A schedule of Sunday nights from now until Christmas is available at the info wall outside Room 8!

Here are a few dates you’re going to want to remember this month: October 1st: Start of our generosity initiative “Unfinished…” at FUSION! October 4th: 1st Confirmation Class at 6:30pm in Room 8 For more information on Confirmation, email StudentLife Director Matt Cleveland at mcleveland@springfieldfirst.org. October 29th: Costume & Bonfire Party! 6:00 - 8:00PM for both Middle School and High School! Prizes for best individual costume and best group costume! Music, “fall” food, and bonfire! Note: The OneVoice Youth Choir will rehearse at 5:00pm instead of 4:00pm on this date. OCTOBER 2017 11

SENIOR MINISTRIES

For information regarding Senior Ministries’ events or trips, or if you or a loved one are moving to a care facility, please contact Carli Burton at cburton@springfieldfirst.org or 793-9760 x121. 2ND ANNUAL FALL SERVICE Wednesday, October 4, at 11:00am in the Sanctuary It is our joy and honor to make this available for those who cannot normally make it to our

NATIONAL REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY

regular services and to those who are visitation

Do you have a loved one laid to rest at Camp

volunteers. An exquisite lunch will follow at 11:30am

Butler? Or would you be willing to say thank you to

in Atrium 2 & 3 where fellowship will continue

a veteran by purchasing a wreath to be placed on a

with one another and our pastors and staff. Please contact Carli Burton at cburton@springfieldfirst.org or 793-9760 x121 for reservations, and Mac Shotwell at macshotwell@att.net if transportation is needed.

grave on December 16 at Camp Butler? The cost is $15 per wreath. Make check out to Wreaths Across America. Please see Carli if interested.

Sponsored by

LIFE LINE SCREENING AND SPRINGFIELD FIRST CHURCH: Attention: Life Line Screening ~ Early detection is the key to prevention of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Non-invasive screening will be held in the Community Life Center. You may choose individual screenings or a package. Register now before it is opened to the public. WHEN: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 To register and receive your appointment time, contact Cheryl at 800-897-9177 or cporter@llsa.com. The first five members of FUMC to register will get a free screening of their choice (valued at $70). The Complete Wellness Package (which is recommended for anyone over 50, or age 40+ with the following risk factors: smoking, obesity, hypertension or family history of stroke, diabetes or heart disease) includes the following for a discounted price of $139 (prices listed below are if you choose individual screenings only). • Stroke/Carotid Artery Screening - $70 • Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening - $60 • Heart Rhythm Screening - $70 • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening - $70 • Osteoporosis Risk Assessment – regularly $60, now free when the package option is selected.

12 G o o d T i d i n g s / OCTOBER 2017

AROUND THE TABLE ADVENTURE: SENIOR FELLOWSHIP (AGES 55+)

We invite all to come to this fellowship on the 2nd Thursday of each month, September through June. Date: Thursday, October 12 Time: 9:30am-12:30pm Where: Rooms 5/6 Why: Fellowship, fun, food (numerous card games, board games, and dominoes - you are welcome to bring one of your favorite games) Hostesses: Dot Smith and Joanie Curl Sweet treats and coffee will be ready when you arrive, and a hot delicious meal will be served at 11:45am. Suggested donation is $7.00 for all you can eat or until it’s gone.

Christmas in Branson: Monday, November 6, to Thursday, November 9 Final payment is due October 1. If desired, insurance also needs to be purchased at the same time.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Saturday, October 7 Illinois Great Rivers United Methodist Women Conference Bishop Frank J. Beard, Speaker 9:00am Sanctuary UNITED METHODIST WOMEN – WELCOME We are Faith, Love, and Joy in action at Springfield First. Come and join us for any activity. This is a good time to get involved with the United Methodist Women; you will find a warm group of women in many activities. Contact Crystal Russell, UMW President, at 801-2573 with any questions. We welcome you.

LYDIA AND RACHEL CIRCLES Rachel Circle meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm. Lydia Circle meets on the 3rd Friday at 9:30am. SEPTEMBER 1 LUNCHEON Dennis Canny, our Facilities Manager, spoke to us in September. We wanted to give a special thank you for his help in getting many new kitchen items that were sorely needed. We had several women come for the first time and hope they will be coming back again and again.

Wednesday, October 18 Rachel Circle 7:00pm Room 1 Friday, October 20 Lydia Circle 9:30am Rooms 5/6 Friday, November 3 UMW Board Meeting/Luncheon 10:00am/Noon Room 14/Community Life Center

OCTOBER 7 CELEBRATION Springfield First is hosting the 21st Celebration of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference this year on October 7. Bishop Frank J. Beard is the speaker, and the program focus is, “On Your Lips and In Your Heart.” If you will be attending, please call Crystal Russell at 801-2573 for a reservation. There will not be a regular Board Meeting. NOVEMBER 3 LUNCHEON Nicole Cox will be our speaker at our noon luncheon. We enjoy Pastor Nicole and her focus on missions, a topic close to the UMW’s heart. In November, we will collect a World Thank Offering from our church and hope to select a perfect need for our gifts. Everyone is welcome. Bring a friend or neighbor and call Crystal for a reservation at 801-2573. Suggested donation for lunch is $7.00; first-time guests are treated to lunch. QUILTING/SEWING/KNITTING/CROCHETING GROUP The quilting group is encouraging anyone with any type of project (sewing, quilting, crocheting, knitting, etc.) to join them for a fun day full of activity. It’s the 3rd Thursday in the month at 10:15am to 2:30pm. Bring your lunch and meet in Rooms 5/6. Members of this group have donated 4 beautiful quilts for the children of Cunningham Home. OCTOBER 2017 13

STAFF NEWS Dear Church Family, On behalf of the Springfield First Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC), I want to announce that Chantel Corrie, Director of Connections, will be leaving in mid-October to accept a position at Midwest Mission Distribution Center in Chatham as Executive Director.

New Director of Children’s Ministry We are pleased to announce that Stacy Kuhlman has accepted the position of Director of Children’s Ministry at Springfield First! Stacy has been with the church for a little more than a year in several different capacities. She has handled print shop, Adventure Bible Camp, and created and implemented a TotLife program and curriculum for our youngest church attendees. She has held the position of Interim Director in the children’s area during the transition of Roger Grimmett coming on board. With a master’s degree in Education Reading Instruction and a bachelor’s degree in psychology with an elementary/teaching accreditation, she brings several important skills to the position. Previous jobs have included being an elementary teacher in Rochester and owning her own children’s science program business. Congratulations, Stacy! 14 G o o d T i d i n g s /

OCTOBER 2017

Chantel has been with Springfield First for two years and you probably know her from doing announcements before services, greeting guests at the welcome desk, coordinating food and coffee after services, and working with the safety team each week. She has welcomed hundreds of new guests and helped to start a women’s ministry. We have appreciated Chantel’s infectious energy and her great spirit for the Lord. She plans to continue to attend Springfield First and volunteer and we look forward to still seeing her on weekends. I know you will join SPRC and me in wishing Chantel the very best. We will be posting the Director of Connections position soon. Blessings, Mitch Johnson Staff Parish Relations Committee Chair

HEADED TO THE HOSPITAL?

baptism

Welcome to God's family: Make sure that you let them know at registration

Justin William Clemmer Victoria Mae Clemmer

that your church is Springfield First UMC. This helps our pastors and congregational care team

Deaths

to know that you are in the hospital so that we can

Please hold in prayer the families of:

pray for you and visit you while you are there.

Ralph Camp

SAVE THE DATE

Donna Gee Walt Kleban

CHARGE CONFERENCE IS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, AT 7:00 pm

June Myers Jean Quinn Robert Riegel

IS JESUS IN YOUR WILL? Our time in this world doesn’t last forever, but our influence can. As you plan for the future, prayerfully consider tithing 10% of your estate to the church for which Jesus gave his life.

october REAL Scriptures E S T H E R October 1 – John 14:25-31 October 2 – John 15:1-11 October 3 – John 15:12-17 October 4 – John 15:18-27

October 5 – John 16:1-15 October 6 – John 16:16-24 October 7 – John 16:25-33 October 8 – John 17:1-5

After October 8, please refer to the “Unfinished” study guide for daily devotions throughout the Unfinished series. You will receive a study guide during the weekend of October 7/8. OCTOBER 2017 15

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2941 South Koke Mill Road · Springfield, IL 62711

Springfield, IL Permit No. 578

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

To receive Tidings via mail OR email, contact the main office at 217-793-9760. Connect with us online at www.springfieldfirst.org for more resources.

Upcoming Events

october

11 –

Unfinished… study begins (6:30pm)

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Annual Senior Gala (6:00pm)

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Advance Commitment Event (6:30pm)

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Great October Days (12:00-3:00pm)

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Prayer Retreat at the Chiara Center (1:00pm)

NOVEMBER

4/5 –

Commitment Weekend

9/10 –

ReVision Conference

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Charge Conference (7:00pm)

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Building Closed

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Building Closed

WEEKEND WORSHIP EXPERIENCES Saturday / 5:30PM Sunday / 9:00 & 10:30AM Facebook SpringfieldFUMC Instagram springfieldfumc Twitter SpringfieldFUMC

Stay up on ALL future events of Springfield First · visit our website www.springfieldfirst.org