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. Rev. 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
Mike Keppler | Care Pastor
Natalie Morey | StudentLife Director
Dr. See Tsai Chan | Associate Director of Music Ministry
Sharon Sweeney | Director of Connections
Terri Hempstead | Senior Ministries Coordinator
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
Kathy Kerr | Administrative Assistant
Kevin Behl | Facilities Manager
Sally Howard | Executive Assistant
custodial STAFF
Dorothy Gayton | Custodian/Kitchen
Renoldo Gayton | Lead Custodian
Preschool STAFF
Brandy Thomas |Preschool Teacher
Tracey Wobig | Preschool Assistant
STAFF emails:
First initial and Last name@springfieldfirst.org
As we journey together in faith, we find ourselves standing at a crossroads looking back with gratitude and looking forward with expectation. The story of God’s people is one of remembrance and renewal, of honoring where we have been while stepping boldly into God’s preferred future.
Our past has shaped us, but it does not confine us. It serves as a foundation upon which we build, a testimony of God’s faithfulness that inspires us to embrace the future He has planned for us.
Throughout Scripture, God called His people to remember. After leading the Israelites through the Jordan River, God commanded them to set up twelve stones as a memorial (Joshua 4:1-9), a reminder of His provision and presence.
Likewise, we must take time to reflect on the blessings, challenges, and victories that have brought us to this significant moment in our congregational history. Our past is filled with stories of faith, resilience, and community – stories of people who have prayed, sacrificed, and served to build the church we love today.
Gratitude for the past fuels our faith for the future. When we remember how God has shaped our lives and community, we gain the confidence to trust Him for what lies ahead. We celebrate the countless lives transformed, the ministries that have been launched, and the ways that we have been the hands and feet of Jesus in the Springfield community and beyond.
While we honor this milestone in our church history, we also recognize that God is always calling us forward. Isaiah 43:19 reminds us, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
God is not finished with us. He is writing a new chapter, inviting us once again to dream, grow, and expand our Vision for His Kingdom.
As we reflect on where we’ve been and look forward to what’s next, let us do so with hearts full of hope. The best days here at Springfield First are not behind us – they are still to come.
Let’s celebrate with joy. Let’s step forward with courage. And let’s build a community of faith that reflects the love and hope of Christ for generations to come.
With Gratitude,
Rev. Dr. Roger Grimmett Lead Pastor
What is one encouragement that YOU would give for the future of our church?
"My encouragement to the people of Springfield First is to take the energy and the joy that we have in this church out into the community and share it with all of Springfield."
-Carl Draper
"For the people who may not feel like they are welcomed in a place like this: I want them to be able to understand that they are welcome and that anyone can come, and bring their talents and serve, be as one and grow, and help Springfield First grow."
-Tim Collier
"My hope is that in the next few years, more than 250 families recognize that we here at Springfield First are praying for them, and that they be inspired to come check us out, and pray with us."
-Terri Hempstead
What is one encouragement that YOU would give for the future of our church?
"I think the most important thing that we do is encourage and bring up our youth, and encourage them to be active and to learn and accept the ways of Jesus Christ."
-Mitch Beaver
"I look at that bell tower and think of Hattie Loretta, in her memory. She worked with the youth, the future of our church. No matter where I am in the city, I can see that cross, and it's just encouragememt."
-Don Foster
"I hope that Springfield First will continue to stay focused on missions here and abroad, and especially in our community."
-Katie Baldwin
What is one encouragement that YOU would give for the future of our church?
"I hope to see continued support with the youth."
-Adrian Blaise
"Continue to have fun!"
-Anna Jade Lindberg
"I would hope to see our church grow."
-Kendall Ramsey
"Never go into debt again. Now we can take those resources and put them to good use."
-Ray Ogden
The Church’s Impact: Shaping My Life and Faith Over 30 Years
My story begins in the summer of 1995. I had just moved to Springfield from St. Louis, with my husband Jim, our newly turned 4-year-old daughter (Shannon), and our 3-week-old twins (Sydney and Sierra). Wanting to make friends, get out of the house, and earn a little spending money, I looked for a part-time job. I was ecstatic when I secured an interview at First United Methodist Church on Koke Mill for a job in their nursery. Since I knew no one in town, I was told to bring my kids with me.
I met Ann Cleve, who was the Director of Christian Education, in one of the children’s Sunday school rooms in this big, brand new church building. We sat on child-sized chairs and chatted. Shannon played with the toys in the room, and, when one of the babies cried, I fed her. And when the other one cried, Ann fed her. She told me in that interview that by working at this church, they would help me be a good wife, a good mom, and a good employee. (Who says that in an interview?)
I had the privilege of working with all 3 “Rogers”: Roger Rominger, who taught me the values of loyalty, teamwork, and kindness; Roger Ross, who taught me leadership skills, excellence, and dedication; and Roger Grimmett, who taught me about humility, flexibility, and compassion. There were many, many other pastors and staff over the past 30 years, and each one has touched my life and taught me invaluable lessons. And each has journeyed alongside me.
There have been many ups and downs, highs and lows, peaks and valleys during my time here, and my faith has grown through each of them. I’ve shared many life experiences while I was on staff – the passing of my parents, sister, and mother-in-law, numerous graduations, the marriages of 2 of my daughters, and the birth of my grandson, among others. The people of this church have rejoiced in my joy and consoled me in my sorrow.
I’ve worked with hundreds of the most amazing volunteers who continually give of themselves for the good of others. They are committed, reliable, loving, patient, faithful, passionate, unselfish, caring and charitable. I’ve learned from them on a daily basis what it means to be like Jesus.
So, fast forward to 2025. I think Ann was right. I think this church and the people in it have made me a better wife, a better mother, and a better employee and maybe, just maybe, a better child of God.
-Sharon Sweeney Director of Connections
What is one encouragement that YOU would give for the future of our church?
"Continue to plant seeds of Biblical truth for true life change for all generations."
-Sharon Waltrip
"What I would say is that we need to rally around Biblical truth. That is what I think. That's my encouragement for the future of the church."
-Tanner Mammen
"I hope that we can continue to reach out to all and share God's peace and mercy with everyone. It has been a wonderful 10 years here for me, and I just want to keep growing with God and this church."
-Sandy Mercer
"Have faith in the cross and never stop praying."
-Vince Belitsos
What is one encouragement that YOU would give for the future of our church?
"To continue to build your faith journey by getting involved in small groups, staying focused on God, and remembering that you will make lifelong friends here. They really become your family as part of the bigger part of this church."
-Debbie Kirk
"My one encouragment would be to invest, like we did in the future of Springfield First after we got debt-free - to invest in the future of our children here at Springfield First."
-Kacey Belitsos
"We, as the current members, stand on the shoulders of the multitude of saints who went before us. We are called by the Lord Jesus Christ to carry that forward to the next generation."
-Alyce Foster
Building & Grounds Upgrades
Special Messages from Former Associate Pastors
Greetings, my church family, from Norfolk, Virginia! I wish I could be with you during this time. Having served as one of your pastors, I gathered lots of wonderful memories. I remember how my church family supported me during my formative ministry years and nurtured me during a particularly rough season.
My favorite memory is when I was commissioned as a United States Navy Chaplain during one of our worship services 22 years ago. Lots of people shared that memory with me and have continued to support me in this ministry adventure.
First United Methodist Church will always hold a special place in my heart. And I’m so grateful for our shared memories and your continued support. So thank you, congratulations, and all glory to God!
Rev. Margaret Siemer
CAPT, Chaplain Corps, U.S. Navy
Associate Pastor 1991-2003
I lived a lot of life at Springfield First – 15 years to be exact. In that time, I enjoyed myself in ministry perhaps as much as I ever did. My one memory is the collection of various people that I got to work with during my tenure there. Those people were church members AND church staff… all working together to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
We were like a cast of characters, each responsible for playing our own part. As God brought us together, we were able to accomplish some incredible things. I thank God for each and every one of the people who walked alongside me so that we might witness God’s amazing movement in our midst.
I love and miss you all. May God continue to bless Springfield First on into the future, for His kingdom and His glory. The peace of Christ be with you,
Rev. Dan Seibert
Associate Pastor 1993-2008
D ecades of Generosity
Decades of Generosity
*Some of the dates are approximate.
At the end of our Courageous campaign in November of 2021, we still owed almost $2 million on our mortage. We estimated our payoff to be on December 28, 2025. Our actual payoff date was January 31, 2025!
What does being debt-free mean to YOU?
"Being debt-free to me means opportunity. Opportunity to grow our missions and outreach. Opportunity to make improvements and changes to the facility. Opportunity to put us in a financial situation for the future for a sustaining fund. Opportunity to increase programs and activities at the church. And most importantly, opportunity to fulfill God's plan for this church."
-Steve Kirk
"The fact our church is debt-free opens many, many possibilites. We have taught our congregation to serve others tremendously well, and we can of course expand that. I think we need to look internally: take care of our staff, fill any staff vacancies that need filled, and also spruce up the building and grounds even more. We have done the required maintenance, but we are getting to the end of the fiscal life of a lot of our equipment and furnishings in our building."
-Laura Drennan
"Three words come to mind. First is relief: we are free from this terrible debt that we have had for many years. Second word is accomplishment: we have had years of faithful giving by this congregation to bring us to this point. The third word is opportunity: we now have a wonderful chance to devote our funding to increasing our many ministries."
