March 2019 by SpringfieldFUMC

phic Options for KNOWN: Discovering the God who Wants to b MARCH 2019 / Volume 53 / Issue 3

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. Nicole Cox | Pastor Rev. Justin Snider | Pastor

MINISTRY STAFF Amanda Reed | Interim Director of Children's Ministry Brennan Pappas | Director of Technical Arts Carli Burton | Director of Senior Ministries Chase Carlisle | Director of Worship Arts Elyssa Carlisle | Director of Children's & Youth Choirs Matt Cleveland | Director of StudentLife Dr. See Tsai Chan | Associate Director of Music Ministry Sydney Pappas | Associate Director of StudentLife

custodial STAFF

From the beginning, we have all had the need to hide and not be found. After the fall, our first human parents – Adam and Eve – sought to hide from God. Genesis 3:8 says, “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden” (ESV). The propensity to hide has stayed with us throughout the generations. When we have an argument with someone, we want to avoid them. When we say something hurtful, we want to run and hide. When we’ve done something wrong, we want to be sheltered from the consequences of our actions. Yet God desires to know and be known. Though Adam and Eve hid from God, listen to what God did in response to their hiding: “But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, 'Where are you?'" (Genesis 3:9, ESV). God desires to know us because God created us. Phillip Newell, the former warden of the Iona Abbey in Scotland, said, “We are not just made by God, we are made out of God.” God created us from the dust of the earth. He said, “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19, NRSV). Since we are made out of God, God knows us and longs to be known more fully by us. When we know God, we then begin to know ourselves better and to understand why we do the things that we do. Moses was minding his own business, shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, when God appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush (see Exodus 3:2). God called Moses by name (Exodus 3:4). He then identified himself in this manner: "'I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God” (Exodus 3:6, NRSV). God knew Moses, and He knows each of us on an intimate basis. This is both exciting and threatening at the same time. Yet God desires us to know Him so that we can more fully embrace our own humanity. Join us this Lenten season as we embark on a brand new sermon series, KNOWN: Discovering the God Who Wants to be Found. We will be referencing a book by Rob Fuquay called, The God We Can Know: Exploring the I AM sayings of Jesus. There will be many small group opportunities offered, beginning in March. You won't want to miss becoming a part of a life-changing small group! Our God Reigns!

Renoldo Gayton | Lead Custodian

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

2 Good Tidings /

One of my favorite activities as a kid was playing hide-and-seek. The challenge was to always find the best hiding place so that I wouldn’t be found. But I remember at times wishing that I would be found and then be the person to go and find others who were hiding.

MARCH 2019

MARCH 9/10 KNOWING THE GREAT “I AM” MARCH 16/17 “I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE”: KNOWING GOD’S SATISFACTION

Ash Wednesday Ser vice On Wednesday, March 6, we will have our Ash Wednesday

MARCH 23/24 “I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD”: KNOWING GOD’S GUIDANCE MARCH 30/31 “I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD”: KNOWING GOD’S CARE

KNOWN observance at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary.

WEEKEND WORSHIP EXPERIENCES Saturday 5:30pm Contemporary

Sunday 9:00am Traditional 9:00am Contemporary in Community Life Center 10:30am Contemporary

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DISCOVERING THE GOD WHO WANTS TO BE FOUND

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Website www.springfieldfirst.org

GROUP LIFE

LENTEN STUDY

This year for our Lenten study, we are learning from The God We Can Know: Exploring the I AM sayings of Jesus, by Rob Fuquay. If you are interested in being part of a group study during the upcoming season of Lent, there are sign-up sheets outside the worship space. You can also sign up online at springfieldfirst.org.

THE DANIEL PLAN Begins Tuesday, March 12 6:30-8:00pm · Room 2 This six-week small group will study The Daniel Plan, which teaches simple ways to incorporate healthy choices into your daily lifestyle. It is a groundbreaking healthy lifestyle program founded on Biblical principles and focused on the essentials:

GRIEF SHARE BEGINS MONDAY, MARCH 11 6:00-8:00pm · ROOM 2 This 12-week seminar is designed to help those who have lost someone significant in their lives. Led by a caring team of experienced volunteers, this group offers helpful information, comforting resources, and supportive times with others who have experienced a loss. Contact: Trish Quintenz at trishquintenz@gmail.com

faith, food, fitness, focus and friends. The best part is that each essential supports and influences the others, offering a practical step-by-step approach that anyone can follow. To sign up, contact Dara Bose at 622-4713 or dbose@springfieldfirst.org, or Kerri Kruger at 494-0811.

The Cancer Support Group continues to meet Thursday evenings at 6:30 – 7:30pm in Room 7. We know the cancer journey is daunting, and we want to share our support, encouragement, faith, and love. Come join us as we find hope and trust in God. Questions? Call Sandy Walter at 815-992-0340.

4 Good Tidings /

MARCH 2019

HOLY WEEK & EASTER

THURSDAY, APRIL 18 MAUNDY THURSDAY AT 7:00pm

EASTER

On Easter, we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead by the power of God. Jesus’ resurrection makes forgiveness of sins and an eternal relationship with God possible through our faith in Christ. Please invite your friends, family, and neighbors as we celebrate the hope and joy we have in the Risen Christ

We will share in Communion as we remember Jesus’ last night on earth and His last supper with His disciples.

FRIDAY, APRIL 19 GOOD FRIDAY AT 7:00pm

On this day, we remember Jesus’ sacrifice for our sin. He willingly SATURDAY, APRIL 20 suffered and was crucified to pay 5:30pm in the Sanctuary the costly price for our sins, so we could be forgiven and SUNDAY, APRIL 21 reconciled to God. 7:00am Easter Sunrise – led by StudentLife in Room 8

9:00am in the Sanctuary and in the Community Life Center 10:30am in the Sanctuary Each year on Easter morning, we receive an offering that will share the love of Christ with others. This year, it is our hope to share the love of Christ with those in Weala, Liberia. The parsonage and church in Weala are in such desperate need of repair that both buildings are currently unsafe to occupy. Your generosity will help a family to be able to return to their home and a congregation to gather to worship God. The Sangamon River District, of which Springfield First is a part, helped construct these buildings years ago. It is exciting that we have the opportunity to continue to support the ministry that is happening in Weala. Please join in praying for what God might be placing on our hearts to share with the people of Liberia.

f O f e r r e i t ng s a

EVENTS

SPRING CANTATA ~ SINGERS WANTED! The combined choir will present the Spring Cantata, accompanied by a full orchestra on May 5 at the 9:00am traditional worship experience. The musical reenactment of the gospel will make your heart overflow with joy and thankfulness. We will be

Coming to Springfield First UMC in Coming partnership with The James Project to Springfield First UMC in partnership with The James Project

Come and experience practical teaching in a safe and supportive community as we work toteaching equip families, churches, Come and experience practical in a safe and and professionals to better serve children, especially those who supportive community as we work to equip families, churches, have experienced trauma loss, children, includingespecially children impacted by and professionals to betterorserve those who adoption and foster care. have experienced trauma or loss, including children impacted by and foster Friday, April 5, adoption and Saturday, April care. 6, 9:00am - 5:00pm Lunch and snacks provided. Friday, April 5, and Saturday, April 6, 9:00am - 5:00pm Tickets are $10/person. Registerprovided. at springfieldfirst.org. Lunch and snacks Questions? Interested in volunteering? Tickets are $10/person. Register at springfieldfirst.org. Contact Eden Lindberg at adoptionministryFUMC@gmail.com. Questions? Interested in volunteering?

Contact Eden Lindberg at adoptionministryFUMC@gmail.com.

singing beautiful and exciting music from various styles, including classical selections from Faure’s Requiem, the Hallelujah chorus, black and Southern gospels, praise and worship, as well as hymn arrangements in symphonic style. There will be a lot of congregational singing, and we need a big choir to lead the worship! If you are interested in taking part in the Spring Cantata, come and join us! No audition required. Rehearsal for the Spring Cantata will take place in Room 22 from 7:00 – 7:45pm every Thursday. For more information, please contact See Tsai Chan at schan@springfieldfirst.org. 6 Good Tidings /

MARCH 2019

Saturday, April 13th 2:00 – 3:30pm Community Life Center Cost: $5 per adult ($2 for children ages 12 & under) Tickets will be on sale in the Atrium the weekends of March 9/10 & 16/17.

Men’s Conference Saturday, March 23

“AS IRON SHARPENS IRON, SO ONE MAN SHARPENS ANOTHER.” PROVERBS 27:17 Attention men! We will be hosting the Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Conference on Saturday, March 23rd, from 8:30am – 4:55pm. This first-class one-day equipping conference consists of seminars and speakers that serve as an outstanding resource for men. Since 2007, over 18,000 men in the Midwest have been blessed, fed, and sharpened by Iron Sharpens Iron. This conference is for men of all ages, 13 and up. Cost is only $47, plus $8 for the optional on-site lunch. (There is special pricing for active duty military, upon request.) Please sign up and pay in advance at Connection Point in the Atrium or, for more information, contact Kirk Laudeman (kwlaudeman@gmail.com) or Matt Overbey (m_overbey@hotmail.com). You may also sign up in the church office and submit your pre-payment there.

AND DINNER Friday, April 26, 2019 Join us for an evening of food and fun – for a cause! Dinner will be served at 6:00pm and trivia will begin at 7:00pm in the Community Life Center. Dinner includes soup, salads, drink, and dessert. Cost is $10.00 per person. All proceeds go to the Springfield First Missions Council. To reserve a table (9 people max) contact Kim Dow at 299-1398 or kimdow1963@comcast.net.

MISSIONS

MARCH

On Saturday, March 2nd, we will be at Hospital Sisters Mission from 1:00-3:30pm sorting medical supplies that will be shipped all over the world. This is always a fun serving opportunity and there are only 10 spots available, so sign up online or at Connection Point quickly! If you have questions, email Pastor Nicole Cox at ncox@springfieldfirst.org.

MISSION TRIP OPPORTUNITIES 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 2019.

East Bay United Methodist Camp · Bloomington, IL | When: April 12-13 Doing What? Getting the camp ready for campers – indoor and outdoor work Cost? $0-32 (depending on if you stay the night) Contact: Ryan Reed at soloagwa@gmail.com Haiti | When: June 6-11 Doing What? Street ministry/school ministry (medically trained persons welcome) Cost? $1,500 Contact: Kris Barrett at kris_1389@yahoo.com Rippling Hope Mission · Detroit, Michigan | When: June 9-15 Doing What? Urban home repairs and construction Cost? $350 Contact: Bill Stephens at stephensbill@att.net Henderson Settlement · Kentucky | When: June 16-22 Doing What? Home repairs and construction Cost? $250 Contact: Sue Nelson at nelson4131@sbcglobal.net

8 Good Tidings /

MARCH 2019

SERVING

wanted: volunteers What’s the second best thing about coming to church on these chilly mornings? If you guessed coffee – you’re right! Nothing beats a cup of hot coffee on Sunday mornings. But to make that happen, we need YOU! We are searching for a few friendly faces to be part of a Coffee Team. See the opportunities below. Coffee Prep · Time: 7:30am start + replenish between services This is perfect for those who like to work behind the scenes. This serving area includes making coffee, ensuring that cups, creamers, lids, and

Clean-Up Not a morning person? That’s okay – we have an opportunity for you to serve as well! Clean-up takes place after the 10:30am service in the Atrium and entails tidying up the Atrium rooms, washing the coffee pots, and restocking for the next Sunday. Let us know if you can give 30 minutes a month to your church family for this important ministry!

If you are interested in serving in any of these areas, please contact Sharon Sweeney at ssweeney@springfieldfirst.org or 793-9760 x102.

other supplies are restocked and available, and help to maintain a clean space. Our needs at this time in the Atrium and Community Life Center are for Substitutes who can help out when our regular volunteers are gone.

A BAKER’S DOZEN This new ministry is a great way for those that love baking to help foster families through The James Project. A Baker’s Dozen will gather four times throughout the year to make ready-to-bake cookie dough for foster families. We will also discuss ways in which we can bless those in the foster care system with our baking talents. Want to help out but don’t really enjoy baking? We also need donors to help fund the supplies! The next gathering will be Tuesday, March 12th, at 6:30pm in the Springfield First kitchen. If you want to be a part of this ministry or have any questions, please contact Deidre Rosenberger at 971-0667.

FAITH IS A LIFELONG JOURNEY!

START HERE!

KIDS MINISTRIES EXPERIENCES DURING ALL WORSHIP SERVICES: SATURDAY | 5:30pm SUNDAY | 9:00am SUNDAY | 10:30am

PARENTS: If you would like more information about Kids Ministries, contact Amanda Reed at 793-9760 x106 or areed@springfieldfirst.org.

KIDS MINISTRIES FUMC TotLife

FUMC KidLife

FUMC TweenLife (4th-5th grade)

KIDS MINISTRIES Birth to 5 Years In TotLife, our goal is for our little ones to know that God loves them! Just like building a block tower, it's important that we start with a strong base. That's why we want to spend the next 5 weeks teaching our children that God made them. God made each one of us because He loves us so much! Our memory verse this month is, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made!" - Psalm 139:14

Kindergarten-3rd grade

4th-5th grade

We were made in the image of God, to love God and to love others in a unique way! This month, as we learn about individuality, we will discover who we were meant to be. This month's memory verse is, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." - Psalm 139:14

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made! During this month, all of Kids Ministries, from our smallest babies to our preteens, are going to learn about how wonderfully made they truly are!

ADVENTURE BIBLE CAMP · JUNE 24 – 28, 2019 Adventure Bible Camp (ABC) will be June 24th-28th. Get ready to embark on a fun safari as we spend a week exploring the Bible, praising, worshiping, and learning just how good God is! Because life is wild, but God is good! The first volunteer meeting for ABC is on March 3rd following the 10:30am service in Room 13. Anyone who is interested in helping in any way with ABC this year should be there. There will be sign-up sheets for specific volunteer opportunities. If you have questions, please contact Amanda Reed at areed@springfieldfirst.org. 10 G o o d T i d i n g s /

MARCH 2019

Be sure and check out our social media platforms for updates on all the great stuff happening at StudentLife! Facebook: StudentLife FUMC | Twitter: Fusion_SM | Instagram: studnt_lfe

For more information about any of the StudentLife events, contact StudentLife Directors: Matt Cleveland at mcleveland@springfieldfirst.org or Sydney Pappas at spappas@springfieldfirst.org.

STUDENT-LED WEEKEND & BEACH WEEK STOCK SALES March 2 & 3 · 2019

MARCH MESSAGE SERIES Have you ever experienced the heart-racing, palm-sweating, all-consuming feeling of anxiety that comes with stress? If you have, then you know it can feel almost paralyzing. But that’s not the way God intended us to live. In this series, we’ll discover that with God, it’s possible to live a life

Our students continue to inspire us with their passion, courage, and commitment to Christ! We thank you for the opportunity to lead worship during the weekend of March 2 & 3, and thank you to all of you who chose to invest in and support Beach Week by becoming a "stock holder"! Beach Week has become such a launching point for each student’s walk with God, and we couldn’t do it without your support! If you would like to be an "investor" in this awesome work that God is doing in our student ministry, contact Matt Cleveland at mcleveland@springfieldfirst.org or Sydney Pappas at spappas@springfieldfirst.org!

defined by freedom rather than stress.

EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE 2019 StudentLife youth will have the opportunity once again to lead our church on Easter Sunday for Springfield First's Easter Sunrise Service! This is a fully student-led service that takes place Easter morning in Room 8 at 7:00am. To sign up and be a part of this awesome experience, contact one of the StudentLife Directors, Matt Cleveland at mcleveland@springfieldfirst.org or Sydney Pappas at spappas@springfieldfirst.org.

BEACH WEEK 2019: July 6th - July 12th Registration is now OPEN for Beach Week 2019! Registration forms can be found just outside Room 8 or upon request from Matt or Sydney. Space is limited so be sure to register soon!

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 x111.

AROUND THE TABLE ADVENTURE: SENIOR FELLOWSHIP (AGES 55+) Date: Thursday, March 14 | Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm Where: Rooms 5 & 6 | Why: Fellowship, food, fun (numerous card games, and dominoes – you are welcome to bring one of your favorite games.) Hostesses: Joanie Curl and Carole Woodward Sweet treats and coffee will be ready when you arrive. A delicious hot meal will be served at 11:45am. Suggested donation is $5.00. TRAINING SESSIONS/OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE: Two sessions are available to attend a training for those serving and those interested in serving in the area of visitation. When one becomes a Caring Friend, also called a Visitation Volunteer, you will choose a schedule that is convenient for you (usually once a month) and be assigned one or two people on which to focus your attention, or you may choose to visit a friend or acquaintance who has very limited availability to attend church. You will be provided what you need for this ministry: i.e. introductory cards, report sheets, etc. The training will be held on Sundays, March 17th from 9:00 to 10:00am and March 24th from 11:30am to 12:30pm in Room 1. Choose the one that best works for your schedule. (If neither does, please contact Carli to set up an alternative time.) A light lunch will be served on the 24th. Sign-up is requested but not necessary. The facilitators will be Carli Burton and Reverend Mac Shotwell. Contact: cburton@springfieldfirst.org or 793-9760 x121

Retirement Peace University and Springfield First will present an interactive, two-day workshop for all those in or near retirement. Attendees review over 40 critical financial and health decisions that shape the success or failure of one’s retirement. Learning to make better choices today guards against financial challenges tomorrow. We know this will make the retirement transition easier and less stressful. Meeting dates are Saturday, March 16, from 10:00am-4:00pm and Sunday, March 17, from 1:00-4:00pm in Rooms 5/6. Sign up in the Atrium or contact Carli Burton, cburton@springfieldfirst.org or 793-9760 x111. Please bring a sack lunch on Saturday. Springfield First members and/or attendees receive a pay-it-forward scholarship which includes all class material and a written retirement plan specifically for your needs. 12 G o o d T i d i n g s /

MARCH 2019

WATCH FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON THESE EVENTS COMING UP: Saturday, May 25 – trip to Fox Theater to see Come From Away: On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all. Broadway’s Come From Away has won Best Musical all across North America! This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Don’t miss this breathtaking new musical. Newsweek cheers, “It takes you to a place you never want to leave!” Cost for luxury coach ride and Broadway show is $110.00. We have tickets for Orchestra Seating, section 5, rows N – S for the 2:00pm matinee. First come, first served. Please sign up in the Atrium or contact Carli. A deposit of $30.00 holds your ticket. Pay in full by May 5. Thursday, July 25 – Barn III Dinner Theatre to see G.I. Jukebox. Dinner begins at 6:00pm. This instant sell-out from 2008 is back by popular demand! G.I. Jukebox is a terrific night out at the Stage Door Canteen. The cast sings some of the best music of the twentieth century in fabulous four-part harmony. The comedy and music flow fast and furious. It's a comic and nostalgic musical retrospective of an America we'll never see again! Thursday, August 1 – Cardinals vs. Cubs at Busch Stadium in Chicago; 1:20pm game. Saturday, September 20 – Cubs vs. Cardinals at Wrigley Field in St. Louis; 1:20pm game.

Tea Party

April 13, 2019 . 2:00-3:30 pm

SCHEDULE March 1, 2019 Luncheon at noon Community Life Center 150th Anniversary of United Methodist Women “Wooden It be Lovely” by Rev. Margaret Jessup April 5, 2019 Luncheon at noon Atrium Mary Disseler presenting “A Visit with Elizabeth Edwards” April 5-6, 2019 Festival of Quilts Cunningham Children’s Home Urbana, IL April 13, 2019 Tea Party for Women & Children Community Life Center 2:00 – 3:30pm May 3, 2019 Luncheon at noon Community Life Center Ginger McKee Cunningham Children’s Home May 7, 2019 Niantic Methodist Church Sangamon River District Personal Growth Seminar

CURRENT MISSION ACTIVITIES • QUILTING, SEWING, CROCHETING (3rd Thursday of each month, 10:30am) • MIDWEST MISSION DISTRIBUTION CENTER – Collecting new or clean blankets for the great need in Indonesia • BEERLAHAI ROI – Women & Children’s Mission Needs Size 2 & Size 3 Diapers • CUNNINGHAM CHILDREN’S HOME – Size 9-11 Women’s Socks (White) For further information, contact Crystal Russell at 801-2573. LYDIA AND RACHEL CIRCLES Lydia and Rachel Circles of friends welcome all the women of the church and offer more small group time in which to grow! Lydia and Rachel meet in Rooms 5/6 on the third Friday of each month at 9:30am. MARCH 1 • LUNCHEON: CELEBRATION OF 150 YEARS! March 2019 marks the 150th Anniversary of United Methodist Women. Our focus will be women helping women and children. Our speaker will be Margaret Ann Jessup, Minister and Creator of Douglas Avenue Methodist Church’s project, “Wooden it be Lovely.” This program helps women who may be struggling in life and gives them an opportunity to learn new skills. You will want to come and hear more. Join us for this event and luncheon. Suggested donation for lunch is $7.00; first-timers are always our guests. To reserve your spot, contact Crystal Russell at 801-2573. APRIL 13 • TEA PARTY This Tea Party is a the perfect chance to dress our best and sip a little tea on April 13 from 2:00 – 3:30pm in the Community Life Center. Tickets will be on sale in the Atrium during the weekends of March 9/10 & 16/17. Adult tickets are $5.00 each and children's tickets (ages 12 and under) are $2.00 each.

COME SHARE YOUR GIFTS OF FELLOWSHIP AND SERVICE TO LIFT UP OTHERS IN CHRIST!

NEW ONLINE GIVING Beginning March 1st, we will be using a new system for online giving by credit card. This change is only one aspect of an exciting update to our computer software system! The link to switch to the new system is on our website at www.springfieldfirst.org/give. If you have 1. Click the Give Now option on our recurring donations, the current system will no longer website. be able to process those gifts after April 3, 2019. To set 2. Enter your gift amount. up recurring donations in the new system, please 3. Give to the fund preselected for you contact our Financial Administrator, Jenny Hutcherson, or click under the To field to at jhutcherson@springfieldfirst.org or 793-9760 x103, support a different fund. and she will help you set up a new account. 4. Enter your email address.

To give via text, send SPRINGFIELDFIRST $75 or any amount to the phone number 73256. You’ll receive a text message in response with your next steps. After you give one time, your payment method is saved, so you can quickly give again from your phone.

5. Click Give. Unfi nish ed Gene rosi ty Init iati ve... December 2017 – January 2019

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THANK YOU...

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A huge thank you to all who have helped to make MIDWEEK CONNECT a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved! A special thanks to all the groups who have pitched in to make sure we had dinners each week. Finally, thanks to all who have made a commitment to building community by connecting with others on Wednesday evenings. 14 G o o d T i d i n g s /

MARCH 2019

Thank you to wonderful volunteers who brightened the day of about a hundred of our shut-in members. May you be richly blessed! ~ Carli Burton

BAPTISMS

I would like to personally thank all of you who came out

Welcome to God's family:

sexuality and the three Way Forward proposals

for Bishop Beard’s presentation on the topic of human brought before the General Conference of the

Tyler Alan Bose

United Methodist Church.

Rebecca Ann Marie Bose Erin Alexandra Lorraine Ferguson Angelina Rose Ortiz

Bishop Beard will be hosting five post-conference sessions throughout the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference in March and April. For more information and to register for

Deaths

those events, go to www.igrc.org. This website, along with

Please hold in prayer the families of:

General Conference decisions. – Pastor Roger Grimmett

www.umc.org, will give you the latest information concerning

Arthur Creekmur

Summer internship opportunities for college students who are majoring

Nancy Elwell

in church related vocations are available. Opportunities are limited. Application

Marlene Flesner

submitted does not guarantee acceptance. For further information contact

Lois Koenig Richard Morris Catina Rohlfing

Executive Director, Lana Salomonson, at the church office.

IS JESUS IN YOUR WILL?

Our time in this world won'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.

MARCH REAL Scriptures Amos, Obadiah, Nahum, and Philemon March 1 – Amos 1:1-5

March 11 – Amos 5:18-27

March 22 – Obadiah 1:15-21

March 2 – Amos 1:6-15

March 12 – Amos 6:1-7

March 23 – Nahum 1:1-6

March 3 – Amos 2:1-5

March 13 – Amos 6:8-14

March 24 – Nahum 1:7-15

March 4 – Amos 2:6-16

March 14 – Amos 7:1-9

March 25 – Nahum 2:1-7

March 5 – Amos 3:1-10

March 15 – Amos 7:10-17

March 26 – Nahum 2:8-13

March 6 – Amos 3:11-15

March 16 – Amos 8:1-6

March 27 – Nahum 3:1-7

March 7 - Amos 4:1-6

March 17 – Amos 8:7-14

March 28 – Nahum 3:8-13

March 8 – Amos 4:7-13

March 18 – Amos 9:1-6

March 29 – Nahum 3:14-19

March 9 – Amos 5:1-6

March 19 – Amos 9:7-15

March 30 – Philemon 1:1-7

March 10 – Amos 5:7-17

March 20 – Obadiah 1:1-7

March 31 – Philemon 1:8-25

March 21 – Obadiah 1:8-14

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

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

Springfield, IL Permit No. 578

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To receive Good 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

MARCH

2/3 –

6 –

9/10 –

Student Led Worship Weekend + Beach Week Stock Sales Ash Wednesday Service (7:00pm) Lenten Study begins: The God We Can Know:

Exploring the I AM sayings of Jesus, by Rob Fuquay

10 –

New Member Sunday

11 –

Grief Share begins (6:00pm)

23 –

Iron Sharpens Iron Men's Conference (8:30am)

APRIL

5/6 –

Empowered to Connect Conference (9:00am)

12/13 –

Mission Trip: East Bay UM Camp in Bloomington, IL

13 – United Methodist Women Tea Party (2:00pm)

18 –

Maundy Thursday Service (7:00pm)

19 –

Good Friday Service (7:00pm)

21 –

Easter Sunrise Service (7:00am)

26 –

Trivia Night & Dinner (6:00pm)

WEEKEND WORSHIP EXPERIENCES

Saturday 5:30pm Contemporary Sunday 9:00am Traditional · 9:00am Contemporary in CLC · 10:30am Contemporary

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