MAGAZINE
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "... plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
Our church staff is here to help all generations experience true life change with Jesus. Feel free to contact them.
PHONE 217.793.9760
WWW.SPRINGFIELDFIRST.ORG
PASTORAL STAFf
Dr. Roger Grimmett | Lead Pastor
Rev. Justin Snider | Pastor
MINISTRY STAFF
Allison Means | Director of Worship Arts
Brennan Pappas | Director of Technical Arts
Kacey Belitsos | EarlyLife & Preschool Director
Kelsie Fairfull | KidLife Director
Joshua Beaumont | StudentLife Director
Mike Keppler | Care Pastor
Dr. See Tsai Chan | Associate Director of Music Ministry
Terri Hempstead | Senior Ministries Coordinator
Sharon Sweeney | Director of Connections
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Bob Dodd | Executive Director
Dara Bose | Accountant & Women's Ministry Coordinator
Daina Jaronske | Print Shop Manager
Dayton Emery | Technical Arts Assistant/Video Producer
Eden Lindberg | FamilyLife Coordinator
Jenny Hutcherson | Financial Administrator
Josh Groves | Facilities Manager
Kathy Kerr | Administrative Assistant
Sally Howard | Executive Assistant
custodial STAFF
Dorothy Gayton | Custodian
Renoldo Gayton | Lead Custodian
Preschool STAFF
Brandy Thomas |Preschool Teacher
Tracey Wobig | Preschool Assistant
STAFF emails:
First initial and Last name@springfieldfirst.org
HOPE
The world (according to the dictionary) defines hope as “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen; or to want something to happen or be the case.” But as you know, we talk about and believe in Biblical Truth here at Springfield First, as it is one of our core values. So, when we as Christians look in the Bible, hope is not just a wish or a vague desire for something to happen. It is a confident expectation based on the promises of God, rooted in the certainty of His faithfulness.
We heard in a recent message from Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
And then from Hebrews 6:19, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
As we look to our future as a church, we can do so with confidence that God’s plans for us are real.
In 2021, we developed a Vision:
By the end of 2026, we dream of the day when Springfield First is multiplying disciples, bringing compassion, and sharing the hope of Jesus with the Springfield community and beyond.
We see these things happening, primarily because our Vision was developed with much prayer and discernment.
As we begin to look beyond 2026 and consider a new, revised Vision, we continue to seek God’s guidance in Mindful Prayer and to grow His church with Purposeful Hospitality and Inspirational Worship, sharing with our community through Joyful Generosity and a Missional Lifestyle, and always rooted in Biblical Truth.
Biblical hope is a confident expectation of God's promises for the future, a hope that is not rooted in mere optimism or wishful thinking, but in the reality of what God has already accomplished in Christ and what He will ultimately fulfill. It’s hope that looks to eternal life, restoration, and the complete fulfillment of God's Kingdom. Our hope sustains us through suffering, motivates us for good works, and transforms us into the image of Christ, all while being rooted in God’s unwavering faithfulness and love.
With hope,
Bob Dodd Executive Director
Meals Ministry: Feed Springfield
On November 10, our SingleLife and StudentLife ministries came together for a remarkable day of service. With hearts full of compassion and hands ready to work, 40 volunteers united to prepare, serve, and deliver meals to multiple organizations that serve those in need across Springfield. The organizations that benefitted from this effort included Helping Hands, Inner City Mission, Contact Ministries, and St. John’s Breadline. In total, 280 people were fed, each receiving not just a meal, but a reminder that someone cares, and that hope is still alive in our community.
But this is just one example of how our Meals Ministry is making a tangible impact. From January to November of 2024, we have provided 7,344 meals as part of our ongoing mission to Feed Springfield. We are grateful for the volunteers who make this possible!
With so many organizations and people in need, there’s always more to be done. That’s why we invite you to be a part of this ministry. You can make a difference by giving a few hours of your time to prepare, serve, or deliver meals, impacting individuals and families in our community. Every meal is an opportunity to share love, alleviate suffering, and offer hope. Together, we can spread hope and Feed Springfield.
A Testimony of Hope: Faith, Family, and Music
My journey of faith is closely related to my family’s experiences. I’ve learned to embrace faith through music, family, and overcoming life’s toughest obstacles. Growing up, I was taught to rely on faith. Life’s lessons have strengthened my faith and shaped who I am today.
God’s Presence Through Life’s Challenges
My parents married in 1990. They faced challenges from the very beginning when my older sister, Kristin, was born with Down syndrome. They were shocked, but their love for her never wavered.
Mom and Dad were determined to give Kristin the best life possible. They learned sign language to communicate with her and worked tirelessly to ensure she had everything she needed. Their resilience taught me the importance of perseverance and love, regardless of life's challenges.
When my sister was 18 months old, a routine checkup led to a devastating diagnosis of leukemia. This was the 1990s, and medical treatments weren’t as advanced as today. My parents were told that Kristen’s treatment would be long and difficult. She underwent radiation and
chemotherapy for two years. The toll it took on her and my parents was unimaginable. Yet through it all, they never gave up on Kristin or their faith.
During this time, my parents prayed daily for Kristin’s healing, and I saw the power of prayer in action. They weren’t merely hoping for a miracle; they were trusting God would guide them. Miraculously, after two years of grueling treatment, the doctors discovered that the cancer had disappeared. They couldn’t explain it, but my parents knew God’s power was working in their lives.
But just as my parents thought the worst was behind them, Kristin faced another life-threatening challenge. At three years old, she needed openheart surgery due to a severe heart infection. Once again, my parents were in a fearful situation, preparing for the worst. But by the grace of God, Kristin made it through, and her health continued to improve.
Expressing My Faith Through Music
As I grew older, I discovered how to express myself through music. I’ve always had a heart for music and knew it could connect people in powerful ways. It became my way of interacting with Kristin, especially since she couldn’t speak the way others could. Research shows that music can stimulate areas of the brain, especially in people with disabilities. I saw how music could bring Kristin joy.
This deep love of music led me to pursue music therapy in college, with the hope of helping others who could benefit from it the way Kristin did. Music became not just something I loved, but a way to give back and make a real difference in the lives of others.
My faith has been the driving force behind everything I do. I’ve seen God’s power work through my family, Kristin’s healing, and my own life. But just as I had experienced miracles growing up, my faith would again be tested as an adult.
A Second Family Steps Up
A year ago, after my mom went in for a routine mammogram, they found something in her left breast. I couldn’t believe it; here we were again, facing another health crisis in our family. I immediately turned to God, praying for His healing touch. Further testing confirmed that my mom had breast cancer. Thankfully, it was caught early and was a slow-progressing form of cancer. The tumor, which was as small as a pencil eraser, was removed, and my mom underwent radiation treatments.
Those weeks were incredibly difficult, but I witnessed how God’s presence carried us through. Our church choir, which feels like a second family, stepped in to help me. They brought homecooked meals, supported me in practical ways, and prayed with me whenever I needed it. More than just singing together on Sundays, they demonstrated the power of community and God’s love through their actions.
I’m deeply grateful for my church family's unwavering love and support. The choir is more than a group of singers—it’s a close-knit community where we share our joys, struggles, and faith. During one of the toughest times in my life, they stood by me, showing God’s love and care in ways I’ll always remember.
Faith, Life’s Struggles, and God’s Love
I’ve learned that life isn’t always easy, but God is always there to guide us. I’ve faced struggles, and I’ve seen my family face struggles. But through it all, God’s healing touch has been evident in our lives. God works through us in ways we may not always understand, but we can trust His plan.
I hope that by sharing my story, others will find the courage to turn to God, lean on their faith, and know they are never alone. God’s love is always there, and miracles still happen daily.
-Ellie Ramey
Building Projects
Trusting God Through Life's Trials: Melanie Capps
My journey began on June 29, 2018. I awoke to a beautiful summer morning and went for my regular two-mile walk. I came home feeling fine. As usual, I got ready and went to work. My day was busy with a payroll conversion at the office. It was during lunch with a former co-worker that things started to change. I felt a slight headache, nothing major, but soon afterward, I began feeling nauseous. I stepped into the bathroom to collect myself.
At that moment, my friend, who was an EMT, came in to check on me. He noticed something wasn’t right, so he checked my pulse. He asked if he should call an ambulance, and I agreed. I wasn’t feeling well at all. I remember handing him my phone to call my husband. After that, things went blurry.
Hospitalization and the Challenge Ahead
I was rushed to the hospital, where doctors determined I had suffered a ruptured aneurysm. They performed surgery immediately to fix the rupture, a procedure called coiling. During surgery, I suffered a stroke. I don’t remember much about the days following that. All I know is that I woke up in a regular room, not the ICU. It was apparent I faced a much larger challenge than I had imagined.
The doctors told me I would require an extensive recovery. They weren’t kidding. I spent several weeks in the ICU and ended up staying in the hospital for a full six months. There, I “relearned” how to walk, talk, eat, and function again. The stroke affected the right side of my body, requiring intense physical rehabilitation.
Prayer, Faith, and Friends
Through all this, I leaned heavily on my faith. I’ve always been a person of faith, but this experience made me rely on it in a way I never had before. I had to surrender everything to God. Whenever I felt down or unsure, I turned to prayer. There were moments when I questioned why this was happening to me. But I learned to trust God's plan instead of letting those doubts take hold. I knew that even though my situation was difficult, He was in control.
Additionally, the support from my family, friends, and faith community was invaluable. My mother was by my side every day except one. My husband took care of our sons and kept our household running. My sons’ friends and their parents showed up to sit in the waiting room, offering support. Friends and family
came from all over the country—Texas, Michigan, Colorado, Indiana, Chicago, and, of course, the Springfield area. Their presence meant so much to me and gave me the strength to keep going.
More Adjustments and Challenges
I returned to work after leaving the hospital but quickly realized I couldn’t continue in my previous role. Someone else had taken the position, and my attempt to adjust to a new one didn’t feel right. I believe these events have a purpose, even if I don’t fully understand it. This experience has guided me toward discovering what truly matters. It has strengthened my relationship with my family and deepened my faith.
I suffered another setback about a month after getting out of the hospital when I fell down the stairs at home. I broke my upper leg and upper arm and compressed several discs in my back. I spent another month in the hospital but had a tremendous support system to help me heal. Again, I relied on my faith and the strength of my community to get through it.
Discovering Hope and Purpose
Through these struggles, I learned to maintain hope by focusing on my blessings rather than the setbacks. It’s easy to feel defeated, but every day is a new opportunity for growth and healing. I remember thinking, “I’m not a quitter. I won’t give up. I’ve come too far to let this stop me.”
I also found a new purpose in sharing my story with others. I volunteer at the hospital each week, speaking with patients who are going through similar struggles. My goal is to offer them hope, just as others gave me hope when I needed it most. I’ve realized that my journey is not only about my healing. It’s also about helping others find strength through their faith.
So, if you’re facing a tough medical battle, know there is hope. Lean into your faith, take it one step at a time, and trust that God’s plan is bigger than you can imagine. Every challenge has a purpose, even if it takes time to see it. Don’t give up—keep going! Every day is new, and each one is full of possibilities.
-Melanie Capps
From Brokenness to Wholeness: The
Tibbs
Our story begins in a place of confusion and disconnection. We lived empty lives before truly understanding what it meant to live with faith. On the outside, everything looked fine. We had the jobs, the relationships, and the material things we thought we wanted. But deep down, we were both searching for something more.
Searching for the Missing Piece
My life before Jesus was a constant search for fulfillment—something I thought I could find through different people, places, and things. But nothing worked. I still felt like there was a piece missing. It wasn’t until we began going to church and diving into God’s word that we began to experience a peace we’d never known. That peace changed everything for us.
Chris’s journey was similar, though he felt even more lost in many ways. He often describes his life before Jesus as an "empty shell." Everything seemed fine— on the outside. But the internal struggles, including alcohol addiction, were eating him alive. He wasn’t the person he wanted to be, and neither was I. Our relationship was far from perfect, and over time, we allowed those struggles to drive us further apart. Eventually, we separated, and our marriage ended in divorce.
A Turning Point
During our time apart, I always felt a pull in my heart to check on Chris. I couldn’t shake the feeling that he needed me and that I needed him. A voice in my head kept telling me, "You need to reach out. You need to see if he’s okay." I didn’t know what that would mean for us, but I knew I had to listen.
So, I did. I called him and started checking in on him, offering the support I knew he needed but didn’t know how to ask. It wasn’t long before Chris and I began to reconnect, slowly but surely. He was deep in the grip of his struggles, but I was there, and through God’s guidance, I reached out when I was called to.
It was a turning point for both of us. We decided together that we would make a fresh start—not just for our relationship, but for ourselves. We agreed to put down the alcohol, go to church together, and start rebuilding what we had lost. There was no promise of what would happen next, but we knew we couldn’t go back to the way we had been. We had to trust in God, each other, and the process.
Transformation and Challenges
The decision to get remarried came from a place of deep transformation. We had both been working on our individual growth, but together, we were committed to putting faith at the center of our
relationship. I don’t think either of us anticipated how much God would work in us and through us as a couple. Today, our marriage is stronger than ever because it is grounded in a faith that wasn’t there before.
Rebuilding our relationship didn’t just change our marriage—but our entire approach to life. I could never have imagined that we would be where we
are today, so deeply connected, spiritually and emotionally. We’ve learned what it truly means to love each other in our words and actions. Our connection now goes far beyond the surface. It’s grounded in something real and unshakeable—our shared faith in Jesus.
Through all the challenges, we started attending church regularly, joined a small group, and committed ourselves to learning and growing in the Word of God. I've started reading the Bible in full for the first time in my life, something I never thought I would do. It’s been an amazing experience to learn and grow together as we read Scripture and discover more about God’s plan for us.
Our lives have changed in ways we never imagined. We’re healthier—both physically and spiritually. Without alcohol holding us back, we’ve found new joy in everyday things. We even wake up early to go to the gym together, which would have been impossible before.
But the real transformation happened in how we approached our faith. Once we gave up the things that were holding us back (alcohol, distractions, unhealthy relationships), everything began to change. We both started to embrace God’s Word and have seen our lives grow in ways we never thought possible.
Chris has been sharing his story at work, and the impact has been incredible. He’s become a leader
for others who are struggling. Watching how his example has inspired others to make changes in their lives has been amazing. Several of his coworkers have stopped drinking, and some have even started attending church with him. It’s humbling to see how one person’s faith can begin to transform others.
A Journey of Growth, Progress, and Freedom
Today, our journey is one of constant growth. Every day, we’re learning something new and becoming more of the persons God wants us to be. My Bible reading is not just about learning—it’s about transformation. Every time I read it, I find new meaning. I feel like I’m constantly growing and evolving in my faith, bringing a deep sense of peace and purpose to my life.
Our relationship has blossomed in ways we didn’t expect, and it’s stronger than ever before. We've learned to love in a more meaningful and true way. We don’t just talk about our love; we show it through our actions, faith, and commitment to each other. In doing so, we’ve created a life together that we never thought possible.
Looking back at where we were, it’s hard to recognize even the people we used to be. But I wouldn’t change a thing. Every part of our past, the good and the bad, has brought us to where we are today. I’m not the person I was three years ago, and I don’t think Chris is either. We’ve both been reborn—not just in our faith but in every aspect of our lives.
It’s not about being perfect; it’s about making progress. We still have challenges but face them together, with faith as our foundation. We’re happier, healthier, and more connected than we ever imagined. We’ve learned that life isn’t about avoiding mistakes. It’s about embracing the journey, learning from the past, and moving forward with faith and hope.
Today, I can say that I am truly free. Free from alcohol, free from the empty life I once lived, and free to fully live out the life that God intended for me. Every day feels like a new beginning, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us.
-Jennifer Tibbs
Strengthening Community Connections: A Partnership Between Lindsay Elementary and FUMC
I’ve proudly served in the Springfield School District for 20 years and Lindsay Elementary for the last eight years. As the school’s Social Worker, I can attest that our partnership with Springfield First has helped transform our school and its community.
How the Partnership Began
Our partnership with Springfield First began after a retired teacher from the congregation suggested a school partnership. It felt like an answered prayer when we connected with Eden Lindberg and the church’s team. We were eager to get started, and, since then, the relationship has evolved in many wonderful ways.
I was fortunate to be part of the initial conversations about our partnership. We began with a simple idea focused on mentoring and classroom support.
The Impact on Students and Families
Our students have seen numerous benefits from this partnership. They’ve received school supplies, family meals, clothing, and even rewards for their efforts at school. The mentoring program is one of the most impactful aspects of the partnership.
Last year, we had a student who experienced a family tragedy. This student often struggled with anger and had trouble communicating his feelings. His Springfield First mentor visited weekly during lunch to play games and simply spend time with him. This consistent support gave the student a chance to thrive. The presence of a positive male role model made a huge difference in his life.
We’ve also been able to hold events and programs that bring our school community together. For example, our music program’s performances were challenging due to limited space and parking. By using Springfield First’s building, we’ve been able to welcome families to an environment that feels open and accessible. We’ve been able to create memories together in a space that feels warm and inviting.
School Supplies
Support That Makes a Difference
Many of our school’s families face financial challenges. Our partnership allows us to share some of the burdens. We help with purchasing school supplies and family meals. Providing holiday support like the Thanksgiving baskets has been incredible. I remember one family member saying, “Our prayers have been answered,” when I delivered their Thanksgiving basket. It’s moments like those that make all of our efforts worthwhile.
Our partnership has also allowed us to build trust and open lines of communication with families. We can offer support when a student is struggling academically or behaviorally. This helps families see us as partners rather than adversaries. Calling a family with a solution rather than a problem is a wonderful feeling.
Plans for the Future
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the next phase of our partnership. We’re working on creating a weekend backpack program to address food insecurity among our students.
Many of our students go home on Fridays and may not have enough food for the weekend. The backpack program will provide easy snacks and meals for students to take home. This ensures they don’t have to worry about food over the weekend. I’m excited to see this vital program come to life.
Building a Welcoming Culture
Through this partnership, we’ve created a sense of community at Lindsay Elementary. The activities and events, like the Fall Festival, Spring Fling, and Big Screen Movies, have allowed our families to engage with school staff and feel more connected to the school. These events offer opportunities for families to get to know the people who work with their children. It’s also helped us build a stronger relationship with our school community.
That’s one of the things I love most about this partnership. It’s not just about providing resources; it’s about building relationships. We’re not just meeting students’ academic needs but their social and emotional needs as well. We’re giving families the support they need to thrive, and in turn, they can be more engaged in their children’s education.
Looking Forward
This partnership is more than a collaboration; it’s a helpline for many of our students and families. We’re doing more than meeting needs. We’re fostering hope, connection, and belonging. Together with Eden and the Springfield First team, we’ve seen how simple acts of kindness can spark lasting change.
I’m grateful and optimistic as we continue to grow and adapt. The needs of our students and families change from year to year, but our shared commitment remains steadfast. Each new initiative, from food programs to community events, empowers lives and builds a stronger, more connected community.
At Lindsay Elementary, we’re more than a school— we’re a family. And with partners like Springfield First by our side, there’s no limit to what we can achieve together.
Susan Isaacks, LSCW School Social Worker
Lindsay Elementary School
Lindsay Elementary School Winter Concert at Springfield First
On Tuesday, December 5, over 500 students and families of Lindsay Elementary School gathered in the Sanctuary for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Winter Concert.
Keisha Easley, music teacher, says "I can't tell you how special it is to have our performances at Springfield First! I wanted to tell you again how grateful I am. You are all such gracious hosts and we are so thankful that you are helping us come alongside our families at Lindsay..."
Sherman Mosby, Sarah Fisher, Keigan Fisher, Adalina Hacker, Keith Fisher Jr., Gabrielle Kilby-Fisher, Keith Fisher Sr.
(Just one of the many families from Lindsay)
We are excited to invite you to join us in celebrating a momentous occasion in the life of Springfield First: becoming debt-free!
Debt-Free Celebration March 30, 2025 | 10:30am
Let’s come together in worship and celebration to honor God’s faithfulness and this amazing achievement.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you! to David and Sharon Cox for A special for editing this edition of our magazine.
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217.793.9760
www.springfieldfirst.org 2941 South Koke Mill Road Springfield, Illinois 62711
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