August 2015

AUGUST 2015 / Volume 49 / Issue 8

PHONE 217.793.9760WWW.SPRINGFIELDFIRST.ORG

PASTORAL STAFF

Dr. Roger Ross | Lead Pastor

Rev. Mike Whitaker | Pastor

Rev. Nicole Cox | Pastor

MINISTRY STAFF

Carli Burton | Director of Adult Education & Senior Ministries

Chase Carlisle | Director of Contemporary Music Ministries

Elyssa Carlisle | Director of Youth Choir & Handbells Ministries

Garrett West | Director of Worship Tech

Lana Salomonson | Executive Director

Laurie Lewis | Director of Contemporary Choir Ministry

Matt Cleveland | Director of StudentLife

Nancy Angulo | Director of KidLife Ministry

Dr. See Tsai Chan | Director of New Life Choir & Handbells Ministries

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Aaron Havard | Information Technology

Brennan Pappas | Printshop

Holly Taylor | Accountant

Jenny Hutcherson | Admin. Assistant

Pam Long | Financial Secretary

Sharon Sweeney | Dr. Ross’ Assistant

CUSTODIAL STAFF

David Rodriguez

Dennis Fors

James “J” Dunlap

STAFF emails:First initial and Last [email protected]

Your church staff is here to help you live as disciples of Jesus Christ that transform the world. Feel free to contact them.

2 Good T i d ings / AUGUST 2015

I’m a night owl. Always have been. Even when I was little, I’d do whatever I could to stay up late, and then drive my mother nuts trying to drag my sorry carcass out of bed for school in the morning. Even to this day, I’m worthless before noon. (Just ask the Springfield First staff!) I was recently vindicated, though, as a study out of Harvard University connected specific genes to whether a person is a night “owl” or a morning “lark.” They discovered a gene that determines your circadian rhythms, the natural patterns in your body that dictate what time of day you get sleepy and feel most awake. So, the fact that I’d rather meet you for dinner than for breakfast, is genetic. Don’t hold it against me.

Sometimes, though, it’s not a genetic predisposition that keeps us up all night. Sometimes it’s the worries and fears of life running rampant through our brains that keep sleep at bay. Just as each person has a natural circadian rhythm, we all incur worry and fear and doubt from the natural rhythms of life. An article I read from Psychology Today said, “Most people worry at home (65%), and over half of those who worried at home did so in the bedroom! When asked when their principal worry times were, over 55% said between 9pm at night and 3am in the morning – the bewitching hours when your worries have the opportunity to haunt you while sleep eludes you!” The busy-ness and interactions of the day distract us from these thoughts… but when the activity eases in those “bewitching hours,” the ghosts of life’s concerns parade through our minds.

As many of you know, my second office is the Panera on Wabash. So, in the midst of writing this article, I interrupted the lunches of the people around me to ask them what they worry about. One woman made the observation, “I worry about the things I can’t control.” A mother said she worries about her kids. Her daughter said she worries about money, her job. A set of grandparents said they worry about their granddaughter’s colon cancer. An elderly couple said they worry about their own health. A former political science teacher from UIS said he worries about the state of the government in Illinois. And a set of retirees said they don’t worry about anything anymore!

Things seemed to break down into a few common categories … family, health, money, and the general state of the world. What keeps you up at night? What worries preoccupy your mind? In Matthew’s account of Jesus’ life, he quotes Jesus, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:34, NLT). That’s easier said than done. So, in August, we’ll begin a Worship Series for us called, “Up All Night,” where we’ll be looking at those worries, what the Bible says about them, and how we can get back to sleep! Join us, and bring a friend … until then, rest easy … God is in control.

AUGUST 2015 3

NEW MESSAGE SERIES!AUGUST 1/2: FAMILY MATTERS · NICOLE COX SPEAKING

AUGUST 8/9: MORE MONTH THAN MONEYMIKE WHITAKER SPEAKING

AUGUST 15/16: DOUBTING MY DIRECTIONNICOLE COX SPEAKING

AUGUST 22/23: UNRAVELED RELATIONSHIPSROGER ROSS SPEAKING

“We need more time between our worship services,” has been a common refrain for over two years. As your leaders have listened and prayed, we also see the benefits of more relational time between services and more time for traffic flow in the parking lots.

To make everyone’s Sunday experience better, we will move the 10:15am service to 10:30 am beginning Sunday, August 2. All other service times remain unchanged.

We encourage Sunday morning classes currently meeting at 10:15 am to meet at 10:30 am as well, so children, youth, and adults can all stay on the same schedule. Thanks for making this small adjustment that will make a big difference as we make disciples of Jesus Christ.

10:15 AM Service moves to 10:30 AM on Sunday, August 2

4 Good T id ings / AUGUST 2015

YOU ARE A LEADERNo matter where you lead, you are invited to join 260,000 leaders around the world at The Global Leadership Summit, August 6-7. A world-class experience designed to help you get better and embrace your grander vision—the reason God called you to lead—the Summit delivers vision, inspiration and practical skills you can immediately apply.

Experience the impact of attending the Summit*:• 83% feel improved teamwork increased job satisfaction• 61% say their organization is more effective because of clearer vision

• 87% feel a greater sense of significance and satisfaction

• 81% cited concrete ways their supervisor has become a better leader*Independent research conducted by Excellence in Giving.

YOU ARE A LEADERNo matter where you lead, you are invited to join 260,000 leaders around the world at The Global Leadership Summit, August 6-7. A world-class experience designed to help you get better and embrace your grander vision—the reason God called you to lead—the Summit delivers vision, inspiration and practical skills you can immediately apply.

Experience the impact of attending the Summit*:• 83% feel improved teamwork increased job satisfaction• 61% say their organization is more effective because of clearer vision

• 87% feel a greater sense of significance and satisfaction

• 81% cited concrete ways their supervisor has become a better leader*Independent research conducted by Excellence in Giving.

LIZ WISEMAN HORST SCHULZE DR. BRENÉ BROWN

CRAIG GROESCHEL

JIM COLLINS ALBERT TATESHEILA HEENED CATMULL SAM ADEYEMI

BILL HYBELS BRIAN HOUSTON

ADAM GRANTSALLIE KRAWCHECK

LIZ WISEMAN HORST SCHULZE DR. BRENÉ BROWN

CRAIG GROESCHEL

JIM COLLINS ALBERT TATESHEILA HEENED CATMULL SAM ADEYEMI

BILL HYBELS BRIAN HOUSTON

ADAM GRANTSALLIE KRAWCHECK

SUMMER CAMP FOR ADULTS AT FUMCIT’S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER FOR THE GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT, AUGUST 6–7 Have your kids or grandkids attended a camp experience this summer? We know it’s valuable to sign-up our kids and youth for experiences outside of their home environment. It’s true for adults, too! The Global Leadership Summit is an opportunity to step away from your work and home environment to be better equipped to return and lead your circle of influence. The 2-day event, experienced via live satellite feed from the suburbs of Chicago, still has a place for you.

The cost is $119 to attend (a significant savings because we are a premiere host site). You can register by going to www.springfieldfirst.org; then click on the link for the Global Leadership Summit. You must use the code GLS15HOST to receive the specially reduced rate.If you are available to volunteer at this event, this is a great way to welcome and serve community members outside our church. Please contact Sharon Sweeney at the church office and she will find a place for you to serve. If you volunteer for the 2-day event, your rate to attend is reduced to $95. See you at the Summit!

STARTING POINT • BEGINS AUGUST 23This Sunday morning experience is designed to be an introduction to Springfield First.

It is a great opportunity to meet others who are new, talk with the pastors, tour the

building, ask questions, and receive helpful information about this family of faith.

Our next Starting Point will take place on Sunday, August 23, at 9:00-10:00am

in Room 2. Please sign up in the Atrium

or contact Jenny Hutcherson at

[email protected]

or 793-9760 x231.

At Springfield First, we believe Building Community is one of the most vital parts of the Christian journey. We like to say that “life change happens best in smaller groups.” Those who find a small group, class, or study to belong to experience love, support, and care in deep and meaningful ways. Here is one such story.

My name is Lauren Rodriguez, and I’m 28 years old. I have been a member of Springfield First since I was in high school. When I was born my parents were told I had a congenital heart defect. I was flown from Springfield Saint John’s Hospital to Children’s in Chicago to have my first open heart surgery. Since then, I have had three other surgeries, living a pretty normal healthy life since my third surgery when I was eleven. Each year I knew it would be soon until my next surgery but we didn’t know when that would be. Back in April, I was told I needed to get an MRI. A few weeks later I was called into the doctor’s office, and they told me that I would need my fourth open heart surgery within the next three months. I was stunned as I knew my body was becoming more slow of late but didn’t realize it was that bad. My surgery was scheduled for around the end of May to correct an aneurysm in my aortic artery and a stenosis in my pulmonary artery. I also had leakage in my valve.

I am part of the young adult small group at Springfield First. I told them the day that I found out I would be having surgery. They have been so supportive during all my struggles this year. A few weeks back we had planned an “end of the year” gathering. It was to be a cook out in the beginning of summer at our friend Taisia and Nate’s home. We were all socializing and having a good time, when Taisia circled everyone around. She had said they’d been “lying” to one of us about the real reason for the party. I wondered who she was talking about… when my name was called. I was taken in the circle and she told me they had all been planning since the beginning to have the party for me. They had gotten me so many goodies to take to the hospital to make me feel better. There was everything that I would like or need during my recuperation. I was so incredibly touched that as I was going through the bag I almost didn’t register what I was getting! I haven’t ever felt this much support for any of my other surgeries. I love this small group and what they’d done for me is something I won’t ever forget. The next day at church as I was listening to the sermon, and became really emotional. So many people from all the different groups I’d been a part of came to comfort me and pray with me. I can honestly say that I got through everything this year because I knew that all these people where on my side and would be by it all the way through. I don’t know what I would do without them.

WE WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU IN TWO WAYS:First, join a small group! Pick up a “Ministry Catalog,” browse the GroupLife Kiosk in the atrium at church, or go to www.springfieldfirst.org/#/grouplife.

Second, be a leader!Lauren’s story would not happen without the involvement of dedicated leaders with a passion to impact lives in this way. If you want to make a difference in someone’s life, leading a small group, class, or study is a powerful way to achieve that goal. You don’t have to be Billy Graham to lead … just be willing to let God use you. That’s it. Contact Pastor Mike at [email protected] for more information. Be part of the change!

GroupLife

AUGUST 2015 5

STARTING POINT • BEGINS AUGUST 23

SAVE THE DATES: UPCOMING CONCERTS

SEPTEMBER 15BIG DADDY WEAVE, JASON GRAY, & CITIZEN WAY@ SPRINGFIELD FIRST

PLEASE JOIN US FOR BOTH OF THESE CONCERTS! LOOK FOR MORE DETAILS IN THE SEPTEMBER GOOD TIDINGS.

Jason Gray

OCTOBER 15THE CONTACT MINISTRIES FALL FUNDRAISER CONCERT WILL FEATURE SANCTUS REAL @ SPRINGFIELD FIRST


UPCOMING CLASS OPPORTUNITIES

DISCIPLE 1: BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION | Studying the Bible is a necessity for growth and sustained faith as a Christian! The Disciple classes are systematic and comprehensive. Disciple I is an excellent

survey of the Bible which begins with Genesis and goes through Revelation. Sign up in our Atrium and begin this journey with others wanting to increase their knowledge and wisdom, or to sustain and add to their faith walk.

The class is limited to 16 members and is an excellent tool for parents and Sunday school teachers. This 37-week class (including holiday breaks), facilitated by Matt Franklin, begins on Tuesday, September 1, from

6:30-8:30pm in Room 4. The cost is $35.00 for the book. (A couple needs to purchase only one book.) Childcare is available upon request at sign up. Contact Carli Burton at 793-9760x121 or [email protected].

A BETH MOORE STUDY · JAMES: MERCY TRIUMPHS | WEDNESDAYS, BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 2 FROM

6:30-8:30pm IN ROOM 4. This is a 9-week study led by Sarah Rempel. James, Jesus’ own brother, started out as a skeptic. See how one glimpse of the resurrected Savior turned an unbeliever into a disciple with Beth Moore’s

study, James: Mercy Triumphs. Once you get to know both the man and the Book of James, you’ll never be the same again. Bible scholars compare James to the prophet Amos. In other ways, James more closely resembles the Book of Proverbs than any New Testament book. James is a book with many topics – social justice, joy, hardship, faith, reversal of fortunes for rich and poor, wisdom, gifts from above, single-mindedness, the dangers of the tongue, humility, and prayer – all of which are covered in this study. (Books may be purchased online through Amazon

or we can order new at a cost of $20.00). When you sign-up in our Atrium, please indicate if you wish to get your own book or you would like to purchase one from the church. Childcare is provided on request.

Contact Sarah Rempel at 671-2448 or [email protected] with any questions.

INVITATION TO PSALMS · A SHORT-TERM DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY | This study will be offered on Sunday mornings beginning September 6 at the 9:00am in Room 1. Leading this 10-week study are Gene and Mary Smith. This study will help one make a deeper connection to the world of the Psalms so that these well-known Scriptures can give voice to aspects of our human experience – joy, faith, uncertainty, and sorrow. This is an ideal study for

adults with little prior Bible experience or for those who wish to better understand the Psalms. No sign-up is necessary; feel free to just show up!

A BETH MOORE STUDY · BREATH: THE LIFE OF GOD IN US | We will begin this new study at our

Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study in Rooms 5/6 at 9:30–11:00am, starting in August and continuing through November 3rd. Centered on DVD-based teaching from Beth Moore, Breath examines the work of the

Holy Spirit in our lives. Its title is drawn from the words of John 20:22, which records that Jesus “breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” The booklet features fill-in-the-blank outlines to use as you follow along with the

video teaching as well as lined, blank pages for recording notes from each session. Cost of the booklet is $11.00.

PROVERBS STUDY | The Tuesday Evening Women’s Bible Study will begin a study of Proverbs.The only book needed is your Bible. Meet us in Room 2 from 6:30 to 8:00pm.

AUGUST 2015 7

On June 7, ten adults left First United Methodist Church in a van and two vehicles, loaded with construction tools and materials, headed to Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Kentucky, in the Appalachian Mountains. Here we lived for one week at the settlement, amongst other volunteers from churches across the U.S.

Henderson Settlement sits in an area that has much unemployment and poverty. We have returned to Henderson for five years sharing our love and faith for the Lord through our construction ministry.

Every morning, we were up and ready for 7:00am devotions at the cross on the hill. The early morning fog rolled across the valley that our dorm overlooked. The beauty of the morning reminded us of God’s presence. Each group was responsible for a morning worship which included singing, praying, and a message. This was a good time to reflect on the opportunities God has given us to serve in Appalachia, to pray for the community and families, and to give thanks for all of the blessings that God provides us.

Our projects this year involved improving a bathroom for a family of four, which included two young girls, ages 5 and 7. We removed an old tub and replaced it with a beautiful new shower tub combination. The family was excited that they would be able to take a shower in their house for the first time! We completed the bathroom by

adding a few walls, a shower rod, and a new shower curtain. The home also needed to have fascia, rain gutters, and downspouts added around their home. We were able to see our work in action as we got caught in a very heavy downpour on our last day there! It was wonderful to see the rain flowing down the spouts away from the house, instead of leaking inside or pooling around it! We were also able to help with some electrical projects at two family homes and at the center.

Each morning, the young girls in our Appalachian family greeted us with their smiles and enthusiasm. They had several opportunities to help, share our lunch, pray, and play with the members of our team. Both girls love bubbles, listening to books, and drawing with chalk and markers. Our family was very appreciative of our work and of the time we spent with them. The father also helped us with the drywall in the bathroom. We saw God working in everyone at the site!

Spending a week in Appalachia, immersed in the culture and enjoying the fellowship of the family is a humbling experience. We always leave this beautiful region of our country knowing God is there and will be calling us back in the near future. Thank you to the Couples & Families Class, the Great Expectations Class, the United Methodist Women, Mud’s Fudge, the Missions Council, and all of you who have supported and prayed for us and helped to make this trip possible! · Sue Nelson

Henderson Settlement 2015


As I reflect on the time that I was able to serve in Guatemala, I thank God for the many blessings, opportunities, and safety while I was there. Carlos and Heidi Fernandez and their children Charlie, Danny, and Ally are always very welcoming to our teams and provide us with a wonderful place to stay, meals, and, most importantly, spiritual guidance.

We spent most of our time in the jungle in the Mayan village of Tabacal. This is the village that FUMC has formed a strong bond with over the last seven years. We have done a variety of projects within the village, from building cinder block stoves in the homes, to breaking ground and starting to construct a building next to the church, to conducting Bible school with the children. This year we were able to do electrical work on the first floor of the building, begin forming the corner foundations on the second floor, and spend time doing crafts, games, and activities with the children. We also presented backpacks full of supplies to each teacher and gave books and classroom materials for use in the library and the classrooms, thanks to a very generous donation from a family in the church. We had a service for the whole village and presented each family with enough food for the month.

We were able to go to the city dump, the poorest and most dangerous area in Guatemala, and work with the children and staff at the Tabitha House. This is a school that provides children with two meals a day and an education; these are the only meals that some of these children receive. The purpose of this school is to get these children off the streets and out of the dump during the day. We were able to stock the pantry with food to ensure that they would have meals for the children for another couple of weeks. We did crafts with the children and took them to a park and let them play. When we went back to the school, we participated in a meeting for the parents. We did dramas, gave testimonies, provided lunch, and prayed with them. We were also able to provide personal bags for each of the teachers and supplies for the classrooms.

One day, we were able to go to a local Christian school called Sabre y Gracia (Wisdom and Grace). While we were there, we participated in their morning worship service and did a craft and activity with the younger students while the older ones were taking their first semester final exams.

GUATEMALA MISSION

We were able to evangelize in Antigua. We started with a flash mob of a dance to Christian music and then went out and talked to people in the square about Jesus and invited them to attend a local church.

Guatemala is the size of Tennessee, but it has 35 volcanoes. We spent one day and went to Lake Atitlan, which is surrounded by 5 of those volcanoes. It is definitely the most beautiful place that I have ever seen. We took a boat ride out on the lake and went cliff diving from a deck that was 40 feet high. Another day we stopped in Tecpán and toured the Mayan ruins.

One of the questions that I am frequently asked when I tell people that I am going to Guatemala is, “Aren’t you afraid to go there?” Even though Guatemala is considered one of the most violent and corrupt countries in the world, I have never felt afraid while I have been there. “If God is for us, then who could be against us!” They are in the midst of political unrest as the people of Guatemala are becoming aware of the corruptness of the government. While we were there, the vice president resigned and there were protests all over city demanding the impeachment of the president.

Guatemala is a beautiful country with beautiful people that need our prayers. Please pray for the Fernandez family and their mission and for the country of Guatemala!

Bendiciones, Melanie Barnes

AUGUST 2015 9

“We make the plans but the Lord determines the outcome.” There is something quite beautiful about making the plans to serve the Lord and His people, and then to wait expectantly for how He takes our offerings to use them for His glory. Sixteen members of the youth choir, 2 chaperones, and I had the privilege of experiencing this first-hand, as we traveled to Atlanta, GA, in June to bring the message of hope in Jesus Christ through music and mission.

While traveling to Atlanta, we passed through Murfreesboro, TN, where we sang at the Tennessee State Veterans’ Home, a home we were also able to sing in last year. How special and humbling it was to hear the Veterans sing along and to meet such precious servants of God. When in Atlanta, we had the unique experience of serving at the United Methodist Children’s Home. Though the children were at Vacation Bible School during our time there and we didn’t get to sing, we were able to be a huge help to the staff by volunteering our services through organizing, sorting, and folding clothes in their clothing bank, a place where people can choose clothing for free because they cannot afford it otherwise. We went there to sing, but God had different plans in how we could be a blessing to them. What would have taken the director, Sharon, and her few helpers 100 hours to finish, our group was able to get done in half of a day’s time. This was a very enriching and humbling experience for us all. We heard a man’s story of how he grew up in the U.M. Children’s Home, and how it saved his life. The stories of these kids and families were inspiring. I was reminded here of how every life is important to our Savior; He forgets no one. We were also blessed to sing at a few nursing homes in Atlanta. Though each home brought a different experience, there was a common theme among them: no matter the age, there was a willing heart of gratitude and worship. Some would clap along with a big smile, and others sat silently, some sang or spoke aloud with us as we sang, and others could only try to formulate full words. But as we sang for and met each person, the spirit amidst each audience lived in a place of earnest gratefulness, and we pray they were encouraged in the Lord that week.

In touring Atlanta, we also experienced its sights and sounds through visits to the Georgia Aquarium and Atlanta Zoo where we witnessed God’s exquisite creativity, the World of Coca-Cola Museum, the CNN building, the Martin Luther King Jr. Site, and the Atlanta Botanical Gardens where we saw God’s handiwork. On Sunday we were able to worship with Matt Redman and Louie Giglio at Passion City Church! Through every activity, each song and service opportunity, and through our evening/morning devotional times as a group, God made His presence known to us in a powerful way. This trip was special in that we bonded as a youth choir closer than ever before. We learned the importance of team unity, dwelling on Colossians 3:12-15. As Roger Ross has taught us before, “We need to be a channel, not a clog,” when serving the Lord, so He can freely flow through us! As we spent some time working on our own hearts through digging into Scripture and seeking God’s will, God created better “channels” out of us so that we could effectively work as a team for His purpose and mission in Atlanta.

I praise God as I look back over our time in Atlanta. He brought us closer together as a family, and taught us that we can be a blessing to others, even in the smallest ways, as we purpose our hands and our voices for His work and His glory. I also praise God for you, our Springfield First family. It is because of your generous donations and prayerful support that we are ableto go on these trips each summer to learn more about God’s love, and to spread that love through music to areas outside our own church walls to help build the kingdom! I so look forward to next year and what He holds for us in the future. All glory and praise be to Him, our Redeemer and Savior!

With much joy and gratitude, and in His love ~ Elyssa Carlisle

Music Missions in Atlanta, Georgia

PRESCHOOL · HELLO, FIRST LOOK FRIENDS! During the month of August, preschoolers will have fun with the new theme,

“Away We Go!” This month, we will learn the big picture of God’s plan for us! In the first week, we will learn all about how God is our Creator. God made us, our hands, feet, eyes, every part of us! Our second week will teach us about how God made us and has a very special plan for each and every one of us! The third week will be the story of the lost coin and how much God loves us – even more than the woman loved her coin! God loves us so much and will always seek us! Finally, we will hear all about how God sent Jesus to be our friend forever. Jesus is an amazing friend and loves each and every one of us so much! We will finish off the month with fun review games and activities! Preschoolers: get ready to learn all about God’s love! Away we go!


Proverbs 8:10, (NIrV)

• Let us know if you want to receive our weekly parent emails. These emails let you know what your children learned in KidLife and give important information about upcoming activities. To sign up, please contact Nancy at [email protected].

• KidLife is available for the Saturday evening service at 5:30pm. We have the same curriculum on Saturday nights as Sunday mornings, so don’t feel like you have to miss church or KidLife. We are here for you!!!

• Starting August 2, the 10:15am time for KidLife on Sundays will change to 10:30am. Gym doors will open at 10:15am.

• A special KidLife grade promotion will be held on Sunday, August 16, during the 10:30am KidLife service. Kids will begin attending at their new grade level groups on Sunday, August 23.

• Kids who will be in 6th grade will begin attending the AM Fusion group with a special celebration held on August 23 at 9:00am in Room 89. For more information about AM Fusion, please contact Matt Cleveland at [email protected].

• Connect with us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FUMCKidLife for some posts related to our weekly teaching.

PARENT INFORMATIONELEMENTARY AUGUST THEME: WISDOMSometimes it’s easy to know which choice is the wise one to make. But what happens when the wise choice isn’t that easy to spot? As a parent, you have learned how to make wise choices over time. When you’re faced with a tough choice, you weigh the pros and the cons of each choice and seek guidance from wise people. You even take time to pray about it. And in the end, you trust that the choice you made is best.

Our kids are just starting their journey of discovering wisdom, and, unfortunately, their choices aren’t always cut and dry. That’s why we will focus on wisdom during the month of August. We want to give kids a strong foundation of wisdom to face any choices they encounter in the future. When children realize how much Jesus really loves them through what He did to bring them to a right relationship with God and then make that choice to follow Him, God’s words will be a priority in their lives. Once children choose to trust God and His Words no matter what, they will have the power and wisdom they need to make the wise choice and live out a bigger and better story regardless of their circumstances.

Wisdom is valuable. We’re hoping to help kids dig deep into the Bible and discover some of God’s wisdom along the way that will help them in the years to come. After all, finding wisdom isn’t that difficult – dig deep: all you have to do is look.

AUGUST 2015 11

SUMMER MISSION TRIPSThe Springfield First youth were busy this summer! 35 youth and adult chaperones ventured out of Springfield to serve urban communities in need. Eight middle school students and two chaperones spent a week in Louisville, KY, leading a day camp for kids at a Salvation Army and teaching English to Cuban and Congolese refugees at a Catholic Charities mission. 19 high school students and 6 chaperones traveled to Brooklyn, NY, serving day camps for children, senior citizen services, nursing homes, and soup kitchens. These amazing students represented this church, themselves, and the God we serve incredibly well. Not only did they impact lives for Christ in their various communities and projects, but their lives were affected in lasting and eternal ways through deepening relationships with Jesus Christ. They would like to express their thanks to all those who have given so generously of their time, talent, and treasures to make life-transforming trips like these possible!

FALL KICKOFF!It’s hard to believe that the summer is almost over! The program year is upon us, so put these dates on your calendar:

SEPTEMBER 13TH · Fusion Kick-off! 6:00pm at the church. We’ll have food, games, and worship! · 9:00am Jr. and Sr. High Sunday School classes resume!

SEPTEMBER 27TH • First StudentLife ONETHING

WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A TEEN? On a rainy Thursday evening in June, eight youth and two adults huddled in a circle on the top floor of a dilapidated recreation center in a rundown neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky. Within that circle, following an emotional week of service to underprivileged kids and Cuban refugees, a statement was made, followed by a question.” A relationship with Jesus Christ is the best decision you’ll ever make. Do any of you want to accept him into your life as your Lord and Savior tonight?” After a moment of uncomfortable silence, one youth spoke up… “All right, let’s do this.” He then prayed a prayer asking Christ to take over his heart, to bring peace into a rough situation, and to walk with him every day for the rest of his life. This young man’s future won’t be easy. He’ll still have the struggles issued to each of us as a member of an imperfect human race. But he now knows the love of a God who will never leave nor forsake him.

Life-transforming stories like this don’t just happen. Without the effort and sacrifice of dozens of volunteers, and a church family loving and supporting their youth, this trip, this moment, this young man’s story may not have occurred. If you want to be a part of changing young lives for the better, like his, we’d love to have you volunteer in the StudentLife Ministry. We need everything from administrative help, to Sunday School teachers, to Sunday evening Fusion volunteers, to small group leaders. Contact Matt Cleveland at 793-9760 x124, or [email protected]. Together we can help students become disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!

StudentLife

THESE TRIPS ARE OPEN TO ALL ADULT AGES:


senior ministries opportunities

Wednesday, September 9 · Cards vs. Cubs @ Busch Stadium: We will depart from our parking lot at 10:00am for a 12:45pm game. Our seats are in Section 167 under a covering (in case of inclement weather). Following the game, we will make a dinner stop at Jubelt’s Route 66 Bakery & Restaurant in Litchfield. The cost for ticket and travel is $50.00. Please sign up in the Atrium making your check out to FUMC. Your payment holds your ticket. If for some unforeseen reason, you cannot make the trip, notify me and we will make every attempt to fill your position from our waiting list so you may receive a refund.

Friday, October 16 · Annual Senior Event: Mark your calendars!

Sunday, October 18 · St. Norbert’s Homemade Dinner: Day trip to Hardin, IL, where we will enjoy a dinner of fried chicken, roast beef, dumplings, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, green beans, drinks, and pies! We will depart at 11:15am. Following our dinner, we will stop at the Grafton Fall Festival. Cost for the meal and luxury travel is $32.00.

Friday, Nov. 6: Tanner’s Orchard Christmas Open House in Speer/Stover’s Candy Outlet in Lincoln

Thursday, December 3: A Christmas to Remember at the Barn II Dinner Theatre: They are celebrating 40 years and will be bringing us their “greatest hits” from Christmases past. The show will include their version of the Gaither Vocal Band to hilarious acts from It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, and more. Whether you are a first time guest at The Barn or a regular, it will be a “Christmas to Remember”! Cost for dinner, drinks, dessert, gratuity, show, and luxury travel is $52.00.

Senior Ministries “Around the Table Adventure” will resume on September 10 from 9:30am-12:30pm in Rooms 5/6. We invite you to come out for a time of fellowship. Our host and hostess are Charlie Weishaupt and Carli Burton. A homemade lunch of one of our favorites will be served following our time of games. Our Guest Presenter will be Dan Parriott who will take us on a unique tour of America, sharing the intriguing often untold stories behind our Presidents’ final resting places. The history and compelling images of 20 presidential burial sites are highlighted along with a brief synopsis that occurs early in each U.S. President’s first term.

S e n i o r M i n i s t r i e s’ E v e n t s

For more information regarding any Senior Ministries events, trips, or if you and/or a loved one are moving to a care facility, please contact Carli Burton.

CONTACT: Carli Burton at [email protected] or 793-9760 x121.

Friday, August 14: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s masterpiece Oklahoma!, the musical that changed Broadway and America, returns to The Muny stage in St. Louis in a grand and glorious production. In its first Muny production since 2007, this beautiful and dramatic show features an unforgettable story and a score filled with landmark songs such as “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “The Surrey With the Fringe on Top,” “People Will Say We’re in Love,” and of course, “Oklahoma!” We will travel to the Muny on Friday, August 14, departing from our parking lot at 4:30pm and making a dinner stop at the Cracker Barrel in Troy, IL. The cost of the ticket and travel on a luxury coach is $65. We need to have at least 42 paid to make this trip a possibility. Please sign up in our Atrium or contact Carli Burton.

Sunday-Wednesday, September 20-23 · FALL JUBILEE Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Experience the scenic Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg, TN, for the 2015 Fall Jubilee! When the leaves start to change and coolness is in the air, the quiet town of Gatlinburg, TN, comes alive with music and worship. Every year, thousands of senior and mature adults from all over the country come together for a wonderful time of singing, laughing, and preaching called JUBILEE. This year will be one of the best yet! We will be treated to live concerts and messages by a huge collection of favorites like Blackwood Brothers, The Legacy Five, Squire Parsons, Dixie Melody Boys, Collingsworth Family, David Phelps, Johnny Hunt, Mike Huckabee, and Chonda Pierce. This is a 4-day, 3-night adventure departing from the church on Sunday afternoon, September 20, and returning on Wednesday, September 23. Among other attractions, we will visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Dollywood. Cost is $420.00. We need to have at least 42 to make this trip a possibility. Please mark your calendars and watch for more information.

AUGUST 2015 13

A U G U S T 2 0 1 5 C A L E N D A R August 21, 2015

BreakfastLocation TBA

September 4, 2015UMW meeting

Noon - Gym

SUMMER BREAKThe United Methodist Women will meet again September 4, the first Friday of the month. We welcome new members at any time.

UMW SUMMER BREAKFASTWe enjoyed a summer breakfast at IHOP on Wabash in July and have another breakfast scheduled on August 21. The location has not been identified for August. We do need a count of those attending though, so pleaselet Alice Post know at 787-0094.

SEWING, SEWING, SEWINGWe will have a summary of our sewing project in the next Good Tidings.

QUILTING GUILD meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 10:00am-3:00pm in Rooms 5/6. Novice through master quilters welcome.

FRIENDSHIP CLUB (Ladies meeting for Bridge) is in Room 14 on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from Noon-3:00pm. Contact Evelyn Weber at [email protected] or 698-1937.


NEW MEMBERSPlease welcome

these new members who recently joined our church family. BETHANY & NANCY

WELLBAUM

DAN & ANN VAUGHN

DAVID SUMNER

KRISTA REITER & ERNESTO & ISAAC JOHNSON

JIM BRUNER

MILT & SUZANNE MCCLURE

CLIFF & BONNIE RYDER

DARLENE POWELL

DEB, BILL, & KATIE WOODFORD

KAREN KELLY

MIKE & CHAR MCHUGH

Prayer Ministry Opportunity: Preparing to Worship Each WeekDid you know that every Saturday at 4:00pm, a team of people pray for the congregation of Springfield First? We pray for those of us who call it home, those serving in ministry that weekend, those who are considering connecting to our family, and those who haven’t yet walked through our doors.

For about an hour, we pray throughout the sanctuary, the classrooms, and the rest of the building. Please join us in this preparatory prayer walk. Just meet us on Saturday at 4:00pm in the Atrium! Contact Trish Quintenz at [email protected] for more information.

TIM, AMY, JACK, JOSHUA, & JARRED HARRIS

PAUL & JAN NINMER

AUGUST 2015 15

Financial Giving Updates First United Methodist Church

In an effort to more effectively serve the church body we are posting our financial report at the following web

address. This will permit the church to update our financial information in a more timely manner and provide more

immediate access when desired. The financial information can be found at the following address:

https://goo.gl/a1CDjQ

AUGUST REAL ScripturesGenesis & Romans

August 1 – Genesis 45:12-20August 2 – Genesis 45:21-28August 3 – Genesis 46:1-12August 4 – Genesis 46:13-27August 5 – Genesis 46:28-34August 6 – Genesis 47:1-12August 7 – Genesis 47:13-26August 8 – Genesis 47:27-31August 9 – Genesis 48:1-10August 10 – Genesis 48:11-22August 11 – Genesis 49:1-13August 12 – Genesis 49:14-21August 13 – Genesis 49:22-28August 14 – Genesis 49:29-33August 15 – Genesis 50:1-14August 16 – Genesis 50:15-21

August 17 – Genesis 50:22-26August 18 – Romans 1:1-15August 19 – Romans 1:16-25August 20 – Romans 1:26-32August 21 – Romans 2:1-11August 22 – Romans 2:12-16August 23 – Romans 2:17-29August 24 – Romans 3:1-8August 25 – Romans 3:9-20August 26 – Romans 3:21-31August 27 – Romans 4:1-12August 28 – Romans 4:13-25August 29 – Romans 5:1-11August 30 – Romans 5:12-21August 31 – Romans 6:1-14

B a p t i s m sWelcome to God’s family:

Beckham Carson Eggimann

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.

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

Upcoming Events

AUGUST 2 — 10:15 Service Moves to 10:30 am

6-7 — Global Leadership Summit

23 — Starting Point

SEPTEMBER 13 — Alpha Class Begins

14 — Grief share begins

15 — WCIC Concert

WEEKEND WORSHIP EXPERIENCESSaturday / 5:30pm Sunday / 9:00 & 10:30am

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

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2941 South Koke Mill Road · Springfield, IL 62711

August 2015

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