December 2015

DECEMBER 2015 / Volume 49 / Issue 12

It’s a simple request if you have one. But what would it be like if you didn’t? In our society, to not have an address is to not have access to things most of us take for granted. Without an address you can’t apply for a job, you can’t enroll your kids in public school, you can’t get various kinds of medical insurance, and you can’t apply for a loan to buy a car or a house. The irony is that without an address many people can’t get an address. A lot of famous people have spent time without an address. Take Jesus, for example. The first thing that happened to Jesus after his visit from the wise men is he became homeless. A messenger of God spoke to Joseph in a dream and told him to head to Egypt as quickly as possible, because King Herod, a jealous and insecure man, planned to kill all the baby boys who might one day grow up to be King. “Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod.” ~ Matthew 2:14-15 (NRSV) Jesus began his life as a refugee. Even though they were poor, they followed God’s leading and crossed the border into Egypt, where they had nothing and knew no one. Jesus spent the first few years of his life there. We can only imagine the fear and confusion he and his family must have felt. Homelessness creates fear and confusion whether you are in your own country, a foreign country, or feeling spiritually displaced from your true home in God. With 60 million people on the move these days, “home” has never been sought on this scale. Young moms, old men, and weary families are seeking refuge from wars, terrorism, poverty, and persecution. They can be found in distant places and in our own city. As we see images of these tired, huddled masses yearning to be free from the horrors of their home, what can we do? Perhaps we could be to them what Jesus came to be to us. We could be hope in the midst of their heaviness, love to those feeling left out, joy revealed through our generosity, and peace in the midst of their panic. This year as we prepare for Christ’s birth, we want to live out God’s love in small, tangible ways to the physically and spiritually homeless around us. On the next page, you’ll see specifics gifts we can bring each week to Be Christmas to those in need. Through simple acts like these, we can be the light of Christ that helps people find their true home this Christmas. With Grace,

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

Chantel Corrie | Director of Connections

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

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

James “J” Dunlap

STAFF emails:First initial and Last [email protected]

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.

2 Good T i d ings / DECEMBER 2015

C O L L E C T I O N“And do not neglect doing good

and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

· Hebrew 13:16

M E S S A G E S E R I E S

NOVEMBER 28/29: BE HOPE IN A HEAVY WORLD

DECEMBER 5/6: BE LOVE TO THE LEFT OUT(CONTEMPORARY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION)

DECEMBER 12/13: BE JOY THROUGH YOUR GENEROSITY

DECEMBER 19/20: BE PEACE IN THE PANIC(CANTATA · 9:00am)

DECEMBER 20/24: OUR ONLY HOPE(EVE BEFORE YOU LEAVE & CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES)

DECEMBER 26/27: BE A MIRACLE

DECEMBER 2015 3

11/29 Socks and hand warmers12/6 Travel toothpaste and toothbrushes (individually packaged)

12/13 Travel shampoo and travel soap

12/20 Travel deodorant, combs, and travel hand sanitizers

“Be Christmas” through your donations each week. We will be collecting the necessities listed below to give to those in need. Thank you for your compassion!

Who are the friends, relatives, co-workers, neighbors, and kids you want to invite to a Christmas Eve service this year? Now is the best time to make your list and begin praying for them by name each day. Ask God to prepare them for your invitation and to open their hearts to the true message of Christmas – that God is with us. To help you in your planning, here’s the schedule for our Community Christmas Eve Celebrations. EVE BEFORE YOU LEAVE: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20TH • 7:00pm A traditional/contemporary blend with Holy Communion and candlelight (for those who have other commitments on Christmas Eve) CHRISTMAS EVE: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24TH • 3:00pm A traditional/contemporary blend with Holy Communion and candlelight • 5:00pm & 7:00pm Contemporary music and candlelight • 9:00pm Traditional carols and candlelight Childcare for infants through kindergarten will be provided at all services.

KIDLIFE CHRISTMAS EVE CELEBRATIONKids can celebrate the birth of Jesus by coming to a Christmas Eve celebration! Fun activities, games, and a Bible lesson will center on Jesus’ birth and give children a pause on Christmas Eve to remember the true reason we celebrate Christmas.

Celebrations will be held at 5:00pm and 7:00pm on Christmas Eve for grades K-5th. For more information, please contact Nancy Angulo at 793-9760 x227 or [email protected].

4 Good T id ings / DECEMBER 2015

DECEMBER 2015 5

Christmas HospitalityChristmas is our busiest time of the year. We want to offer extraordinary hospitality as we welcome the many guests who will be coming for our worship experiences.

Volunteers are needed for:Open House · Saturday, December 5, at 5:00–7:00pm, and Sunday, December 6, at 9:00am–12:00pm

“Eve Before You Leave” · Sunday, December 20, at 7:00pm Christmas Eve Services · Thursday, December 24, at 3:00pm, 5:00pm, 7:00pm, and 9:00pm

We need people to serve in many areas: ushers, greeters, KidLife, Welcome Center, and coffee servers. You can sign up in the Atrium or on our website at www.springfieldfirst.org, or contact Chantel Corrie at [email protected] or 793-9760 x126.

Opportunity to ServeWe are excited to have a new coffee maker to keep up with our increased demand. We are also happy that we were able to decrease cost and increase quality of our morning snacks in the Atrium. However, with the break between services now being 30 minutes and the more labor-intensive snacks, we are in need of more volunteers on Sunday mornings.

We have multiple shifts that we ask you to consider helping with one weekend a month: 7:00-9:00am, 9:00-10:30am and 10:00am-12:00pm. Sign-up is in the kitchenette on the bulletin board. We have a great base of volunteers but many hands makes for a lighter load, so come and have fun with us. Questions? Contact Chantel Corrie at [email protected]

Christmas Coffee Open HouseBring in your favorite Christmas cookies

and nativity set to share with the

Springfield First family during our Christmas

Coffee on Saturday, December 5, at 5:00-7:00pm,

and Sunday, December 6, at 8:30am-12:00pm.

KidLife will also be hosting a Live Nativity

on that Sunday morning at 10:00-10:30am.

We will be inviting the community to this

event to enjoy our decorations and hospitality.

Please sign up to bring cookies and your nativity. Cookies and nativities can be dropped off in Atrium 2/3 between 7:00am and 7:00pm

Monday through Friday, and nativities can be picked up at noon on Sunday, December 6, or on Monday and Tuesday of that week at 7:00am-7:00pm.


Children’s Christmas Musical

Sshh! Grab your dark shades and go undercover to

join the exciting Christmas mission of We Three Spies!

Agents E, L, and F are recruits with the CIK

(Christmas Intelligence Kids), a covert group

of spies who secretly bring Christmas cheer

to the needy. But this year they’re facing

an especially difficult challenge: keeping

Ms. Harriet King, a Scrooge-like landlord,

from evicting them from their headquarters,

confiscating donations, and canceling

their Christmas Nativity program.

It’s gonna take a little expert espionage and

a lot of God’s unconditional love for these spies

to change the tune of this year’s Christmas to

resound with the true meaning of Jesus’ birth.

Performed by the children of Springfield

First’s KidLife and Children’s Choirs.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, AT 4:00pm in the Community Life Center (CLC)A celebration dessert reception will follow the performance.

DECEMBER 2015 7

CHRISTMAS CANTATA: The Wonderful Child“ Jesus, Jesus, Oh, What a wonderful Child! Jesus, Jesus, so lowly, meek, and mild. New life, new hope, new joy He brings! Won’t you listen to the angels sing? Glory, glory, glory to the new born King!” ~ Traditional Spiritual

The combined New Life, youth, children’s and handbell choirs will present a Christmas Cantata The Wonderful Child accompanied by a full symphony orchestra on December 20 at the 9:00am traditional service. We will be singing beautiful anthems and hymn arrangements by John Rutter, Fred Bock, Craig Courtney, Dan Forrest, and Jay Rouse.

The musical reenactment of Jesus Christ’s birth will make your heart overflow with joy and thankfulness. There will be a lot of congregational singing as well. So come and join us! Let your hearts be filled withthe love of our heavenly Father! And as we deliver the message of God’s greatest gift for us all, His begotten Son, invite your friends and neighbors to experience this reviving and joyful worship together!


G6 CLASSTuesdays, January 5 to February 9, at 6:30-8:00pm

Rooms 5/6Ever wonder what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? Well, our “G6” class will describe exactly what that looks like here at Springfield First. We will go through six characteristics of a deeply devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, all beginning with the letter “G.”Glory · worshiping GodGrace · imparting Christ’s loveGrowth · celebrating spiritual disciplinesGroup · doing life togetherGiftedness · serving othersGenerosity · sharing compassionatelyContact: Sharon Sweeney at

[email protected] or 793-9760 x131

Note – G6 is now a pre-requisite for becoming a New Member at Springfield First.

DISCIPLE FAST TRACKTuesdays, January 5 to March 22, at 6:30-7:45pm

Room 4This course is an in-depth study of the New Testament and is taught by Matt Franklin. We encourage those who want to know and understand more about God’s Word to attend.Contact: Carli Burton at [email protected] or 793-9760 x121

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITYWednesdays, January 6 to March 2,

at 6:30-8:30pm

Atrium 1Learn a plan for your money through video teaching, work pages, and discussions. This class will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend, save wisely, and much more! Our facilitators are Kevin and Heather Behl. If you need a class material packet, it is $100 due the first night of class. Please sign up in our Atrium or go to daveramsey.com and click on classes to find Springfield First’s class and register. Childcare is available upon request at sign-up.Contact: Carli Burton at [email protected]

or 793-9760 x121

SAVE THE DATE“Alpha: A Practical Intro to the Christian Faith” and “Meet The Goodpeople” begin on January 20

DECEMBER 2015 9

F I N A N C I A LE N J O Y T H E C O N V E N I E N C E O F E L E C T R O N I C G I V I N GAn increasing number of people have found electronic giving to be an easy way to give their regular weekly or monthly offering. Electronic giving offers convenience for you and provides much-needed donation consistency for our ministry by automatically transferring funds from your checking or savings account to the church’s bank account. We offer the option of weekly (occurs every Monday) or once/twice a month (1st, 15th, 20th). As you contemplate future contributions, please consider electronic giving. Authorization forms and additional information are available from Pam Long ([email protected]) or Holly Taylor ([email protected]) or call 793-9760.

I R S S E T S 20 1 5 C H A R I TA B L E C O N T R I B U T I O N D E A D L I N EAccording to IRS regulations, donors must mail checks on or by December 31, 2015 in order to claim a charitable contribution deduction for 2015. Checks received in the church or placed in the offering after January 1, 2016, will not qualify for a charitable deduction in 2015, even if the check was dated 2015. All checks that are written, mailed, and postmarked in 2015 may be deducted in 2015. The church offices are closed on December 31 so all donations not mailed MUST be received in the office by 4:00pm on Wednesday, December 30 in order to be included in your 2015 giving statement. If you have any questions please contact Pam Long, Financial Secretary (793-9760 x235 or [email protected]) or Holly Taylor, Accountant (793-9760 x130 or [email protected]).

Sunday, December 13at 11:30-12:30 in Room 2

New to Springfield First? Wondering how to get more involved?

Enjoy a casual time to talk with the pastors, eat some pizza, and

receive helpful information about this family of faith. Meet others

who are new or looking to get more involved at Springfield First.

Sign up in the Atrium or on the website at www.springfieldfirst.org,

or contact Chantel Corrie at [email protected]

or 793-9760 x126.

“KEEP WARM” CHRISTMAS

TREES Help those in need stay warm this winter by giving donations of hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves! We will have two Christmas trees set up in both the KidLife area and the Atrium. Everyone can pitch in and decorate these trees with gifts of warmth to others this Christmas!

PRESCHOOL · HELLO, FIRST LOOK FRIENDS! Is there a more fun month than December with a preschooler? Their little faces light up with awe as they take in all the music and lights and new experiences. They sparkle just as much as the Christmas decorations around them! We’re going to sparkle too this Christmas! As we share the story of Christmas throughout the month, we’ll make a “Story Sparkler” to go with that piece of the story. By the time they’ve made it through December, each child will have a pail full of story sparklers so they can retell the story of Jesus’ birth at home.


MIDWEEK CONNECT Kids Connect will kick off again on January 20! Look for more information in the January Good Tidings.

The Christmas season is upon us! For the month of December, we’re taking a quote from a popular famous Christmas movie line and “Triple-Dog-Daring” kids to show compassion to the people around them and even across the world. We define compassion like this: caring enough to do something about someone else’s need. But when it comes to compassion, no movie even comes close to the greatest story of all time: THE Christmas story. Think about it. The Creator of the universe, the one who made galaxies, solar systems, stars and planets, was attentive to His creation. He saw how sin had broken His people and His world. He saw our greatest need, and He did something about it. Jesus became one of us,Humbling Himself to be born as a tiny baby in a remote town in the dwelling place of animals. His birth announcement was sent first to a lowly group of shepherds and later to kings from a distant land. He lived as one of us, so that eventually He could die as atonement for our sin and be raised again on the third day so that we could also one day live forever with God in Heaven.

If you look at the Christmas story, it’s easy to see that one aspect of God’s character is compassion. The Christmas story can really be summed up in one verse of Scripture. It’s found in John 3:16: “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life” (NIrV).

WEEKEND PROGRAMS

SAVE THE DATEFOR ADVENTURE BIBLE CAMP! JUNE 13-17 2016

Parents, please contact Matt Cleveland at [email protected] to receive updates about StudentLife events. DECEMBER 2015 11

Fusion Sunday Nights | 6:00 - 8:00pm

OUR “UNEXPECTED” SERIES FROM NOVEMBER WILL BE CONTINUING INTO DECEMBER. FUSION SUNDAY NIGHTS / UPCOMING SCHEDULE

DECEMBER 6FUSION: Unexpected, Week 2: By My Side

DECEMBER 13StudentLife Christmas Party!

DECEMBER 20FUSION: Unexpected, Week 3: Power Source

DECEMBER 27NO FUSION: Merry Christmas!

NOVEMBER 29NO FUSION. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

*All FUSION Sunday nights activities will be from 6:00 - 8:00pm

ONETHING SERVICE UPDATE:Next OneThing: Our OneThing serve days have been great so far this year! After serving with Hope Institute, we partnered with The Outlet Mentoring Program for their 2nd annual ‘Bridging the Gap’ BBQ, showing support for our local law enforcement, and in November we went out as a group, divided into teams, and filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child! We had a great time, and really enjoyed spending our night providing gifts for children who would otherwise not get anything; it was the perfect way to prepare for the holiday season!

By Autumn Ward One night last December, I found myself sitting at the kitchen table making Christmas cookies – by myself. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, it’s just that was not the plan. That was not our tradition. Now that my kids are teenagers with busy schedules of their own, no one else was home but me. So there I sat, clinging to my tradition, making cookies alone – and feeling pretty sad about the whole thing. (I’m sure I let everyone know how sad I was when they got home.) One thing parenting has taught me about traditions is that they are easy to start and hard to let go. So what happens when the kids get older and you find yourself experiencing more transition than tradition? The first thing I had to do was accept that transition is a part of life. It’s evidence that my kids are growing up, and growing up is a good thing. It’s ok that they don’t want to watch Frosty the Snowman or make ornaments out of felt anymore. Now that they’re college and high school age their interests have changed – they are transitioning. Knowing that, if we want to stay connected with our kids, tweaking a tradition or even starting a new one needs to happen. Second, their dad and I had to decide which traditions were worth clinging to and which ones we needed to let go. We did this by simply asking the kids which traditions meant the most to them. This helped so much! I was surprised by some of the things they said, like getting a peppermint milkshake in our PJs while driving around looking at Christmas lights had to stay. That one still gets two thumbs up! Making the gingerbread house on the other hand...it could go. (And while we’re at it, the Christmas cartoons could go too!) Who knew? They knew! Deciding on traditions with the kids gave us permission to let go of some things – guilt free – and stop trying to force moments to happen that they had outgrown. Finally, I had to remind myself the purpose of traditions in the first place. Traditions are meant to keep us connected to the

ones we love and give us a sense of belonging to something bigger thanourselves – not make us feel exhausted, frustrated and disappointed (maybe even a little depressed). As long as I have a relationship with my kids, things are good. We don’t have to make Christmas cookies to stay connected or to have a relationship or even to have a wonderful Christmas. We just need time with each other. Now that I have one kid away at college and two teens at home, being together in the same place at the same time is difficult, which makes keeping up with our traditions difficult. I’m learning to make the most of the time I have with my family rather than pout over the time I don’t have. If we have some minutes in the car, we turn up the Christmas music and sing together. So what if we’re not gathered around the fireplace like we did when they were younger. Since watching the holiday Hallmark movies is one of my kids’ favorite things to do, I make sure and record them so when we find ourselves together I can pop the popcorn and have a spontaneous movie night. I allow my kids’ friends to join the fun because my kids really like being with their friends. Rather than look at it like their friends are invading our traditions, I’m thankful my kids and their friends are letting me hangout with them. It’s all in your perspective. The point is we’re together, staying connected with the ones we love during the holidays. After all, when you really think about it, it’s the relationship with your kids you should be fighting for, not the tradition. So keep a loose grip on those traditions but hold tightly to the hearts of your kids.

Senior Ministries’ Events


THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3Due to the closing of Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre, we have changed our Christmas trip to Lincoln Christian University’s Christmas in the Chapel presentation: A Designer Christmas. It’s a Christmas tale of a young fashionista, an enchanted boutique, and a journey to find the perfect fit. Enjoy an evening of warmth, humor, and some of the most unforgettable songs of the season. We will depart at 4:15pm, dine at Bonanza’s (note change of dinner venue), then depart for LCU’s Christmas pageant. We will arrive back home around 10:30pm. Cost will be $30.00 for luxury travel and the Christmas show. Dinner is on our own. Please sign up in our Atrium.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28Fabulous Fox Theatre to see Disney’s Newsies.They delivered the papers until they made the headlines. Direct from Broadway comes the smash hit, crowd pleasing musical from Disney based on true events. Newsies tells of a band of underdogs who become unlikely heroes when they stand up to the most powerful men in New York. It’s about fighting for what’s right and staying true to who you are. We will depart at 9:00am, stop at the Cracker Barrel for lunch, then onto the Fox. We should be there in time for you to peruse the theatre and visit Peacock Alley. Watch for more details. Sign-up is in the Atrium.

UPCOMING TRIP TO BRANSON APRIL 18th – 21st!

For more information regarding any Senior Ministries events or trips, or if you and/or a loved one are moving to a care facility, please contact Carli Burton at [email protected] or 793-9760 x121.

“We Care” Parking MinistryOur weather is changing and we want to invite you to use our parking ministry staffed by wonderful volunteers from our congregation. The purpose of the ministry is to be of assistance to those who have mobility challenges of any kind or during slippery pavement making unsure footing. Our goal is to make your worship experience at First United Methodist Church the best it can be. The parking ministry will be available 15 to 20 minutes prior to the services and 10 to 15 minutes following the services on Sunday mornings. Just pull up under the east canopy door and exit your vehicle. No prior notice is needed.

TRIP OPPORTUNITIES

DECEMBER 2015 13

NOVEMBER 6 LUNCHEONWe were fortunate to hear Mary Rogers from St. John’s Hospital talk about the Community Outreach Programs promoted by St. John’s. She discussed a program for disadvantaged children who, with a help of Kohl’s Department Stores, have been able to take dance lessons for a year. She also discussed various programs for seniors.

DECEMBER 4 LUNCHEONThe UMW will meet at noon for the December luncheon and will hear from our own leader and author, Dr. Roger Ross. He will be presenting a book review on Meet the Goodpeople. For those of you who already have the book and are reading it, bring all your questions. It will be a great time to hear Roger explain his book in detail. It will be our holiday meeting so expect a warm Christmas spirit. If you wish to attend, contact Elaine Galyon at 793-0533. Suggested donation for lunch is $7.00, and first-time visitors come as our guest.

DECEMBER 5 & 6 NUT SALESThe nut sales have been going very well and we appreciate those of you who bought them this year. The supply is smaller now due to a great demand and the pre-ordering. If you are needing nuts before the sale date, call Barb Zuspann at 483-2285.

QUILTING · SEWING · KNITTING · CROCHETING GROUPThe quilting group is encouraging anyone with any type of project (sewing, quilting, crocheting, knitting, etc.) to join them for a fun day full of activity. It’s the third Thursday in the month at 9:30am to 2:00pm. Bring your lunch. Meet in Rooms 5/6.

LYDIA AND RACHEL CIRCLESLydia Circle meets on the third Friday of each month at 9:30am (No Lydia Meeting in January)

Rachel Circle meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm

U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T W O M E NAn invitation is always open to all women of the church to join our group for any activity, luncheon, meeting, or event. As members of the church, all women are naturally United Methodist Women and we encourage any level of involvement.

S C H E D U L E O F E V E N T S Wednesday, December 2

Soup/Cookie Day11:30am – Atrium 2/3

Preparing cookie gifts for shut-ins

Friday, December 4Board Meeting/Luncheon

10:00am/Noon – Community Life Center

Friday, December 18Lydia Circle

9:30am – Room 5/6

Thursday, January 28, 2016Rachel Circle

7:00pm – Atrium 1

No Lydia Meeting or Luncheon in January

TRIP OPPORTUNITIES


NEW MEMBERSPlease welcome the newest members

to the Springfield First Faith Community.

They joined Saturday, October 3rd.

JODI PUPILLO MARY ANN & ROBERT RAY

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILDA simple gift shares the love of God with a child overseas. Thank you for participating in this year’s Operation Christmas Child!

THANK YOU to Sarah Rempel and the women of the Beth Moore Study, James: Mercy Triumphs, who purchased and donated

5 large trash bags full of feminine products for Contact Ministries. Blessings to them and the ones they served. As your class or ministry ministers to others,

please let Carli Burton, Director of Adult Christian Education, know. We are so fortunate that we are able to do so much for so many. Let’s sing His praises!

OCTOBER ONE-MINUTE MISSION On Oct. 24/25th, our church made a difference in the lives of 1,000 people in the Springfield community. Following each of the services, our congregation took roughly a minute of their time to make a sack lunch for the homeless and hungry of Springfield. Each lunch included a ham and cheese sandwich, a bag of chips, a granola bar. These lunches were then taken to St. John’s Breadline to be distributed to those in need. Thank you SO much for taking the time to make a lunch. You are making a difference.

minute mission

DECEMBER 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

DECEMBER REAL Scriptures

December 1 - Isaiah 11:1-10December 2 – Isaiah 9:1-7December 3 – Philippians 2:1-11December 4 - Malachi 3:1-5December 5 - Isaiah 52:7-10December 6 - Titus 2:11-14December 7 - Jeremiah 33:14-16December 8 - Psalm 43:3-6December 9 – Psalm 27December 10 - Zephaniah 3:14-17December 11 - Isaiah 60:19-22December 12 – Isaiah 60:1-7December 13 – John 1:1-9December 14 – John 1:10-18December 15 – Luke 1:1-10December 16 – Luke 1:11-20

December 17 – Luke 1:21-25December 18 – Luke 1:26-38December 19 – Luke 1:39-45December 20 – Luke 1:46-56December 21 – Luke 1:57-66December 22 – Luke 1:67-80December 23 – Luke 2:1-7December 24 – Luke 2:8-20December 25 – Matthew 1:18-25December 26 – Matthew 2:1-12December 27 – Luke 2:21-27December 28 – Luke 2:28-35December 29 – Luke 2:36-40December 30 – Luke 2:41-46December 31 – Luke 2:47-52

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

Ansen Owen Eriksen

Logan Alexander Root

Davis Thor Koskey

Aidan Eugene Evers

I s J e s u s i n y o u r w i l l ? Our time in this world doesn’t

last forever, but our influence can.

As you plan for the future,

prayerfully consider tithing 10%

of your estate to the church for

which Jesus gave his life.

OCTOBER ONE-MINUTE MISSION On Oct. 24/25th, our church made a difference in the lives of 1,000 people in the Springfield community. Following each of the services, our congregation took roughly a minute of their time to make a sack lunch for the homeless and hungry of Springfield. Each lunch included a ham and cheese sandwich, a bag of chips, a granola bar. These lunches were then taken to St. John’s Breadline to be distributed to those in need. Thank you SO much for taking the time to make a lunch. You are making a difference.

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

Upcoming Events

DECEMBER 6 — Christmas Coffee Open House

13 — Pizza with the Pastors (11:30am)

13 — Children’s Christmas Musical (4:00pm)

20 — Christmas Cantata (9:00am)

20 — “Eve Before You Leave” Service (7:00pm)

24 — Christmas Eve Services (3:00, 5:00, 7:00, & 9:00pm)

25 — Building Closed


January 5 — G6 Class begins (6:30pm)

10 — Pizza with the Pastors (11:30am)


20 — Midweek Connect begins

20 — Alpha and Meet the Goodpeople classes begin (6:30pm)

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

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December 2015

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