October 2014

OCTOBER 2014 / Volume 50 / Issue 10

A high school US government class used a 3D printer to make the buildings above.

I saw my first one a few months ago. On a college visit for my son, Zach, we were touring the engineering department when the guide said, “Here’s our 3D printing room.” I peered through the glass and this large, boxy machine was creating an object, layer-by-layer, from the bottom up. It was fascinating to watch. Each layer was another clue to the emerging creation. Life in 3D is becoming the new norm these days. There are 3D movies, 3D video games, and 3D pictures. In my email today, Amazon tried to lure me into a 3D TV. (I resisted, for now.) It’s everywhere. As the appeal of a three dimensional experience has skyrocketed, it’s made some of us wonder what a 3D follower of Christ would look like. Often the Christian life is defined by one dimension: external behaviors — attending worship, reading the Bible, serving others and the like. But it is possible to do the “right things” without having a spiritual transformation of the heart. As our pastors went over this subject layer-by-layer, we saw some basic characteristics of a 3D follower begin to emerge. A Deeply Devoted Disciple is someone with an inward experience of the grace of God coupled with an outward expression of personal faith. Such disciples are marked with a holiness of heart and life. They desire to love God, build community with others, and unleash compassion to those in need. As this larger shape became clear, God also revealed more detailed experiences and expressions of the Christian life. We identified six areas that ignite our spiritual journey and affectionately called them the “six G’s”: Glory, Grace, Growth, Group, Giftedness, and Generosity. Over the next several weeks, we are pumped about exploring how God uses these “G’s” to change our lives. We’ll round them out in three ways: 1) Our new message series called Life in 3D. 2) A brand new six-week G6 Class led by our pastors on Wednesday nights (6:30–8:00pm) beginning October 29. 3) A Life in 3D Expo highlighting different ministry areas each week where you can unleash your spiritual gifts and your heart of compassion through serving. (For more info. on our G6 class and serving Expo, see page 5) Please join us in every part of this 3D adventure and watch how the emerging creation of your life takes full shape. With you on the journey,

PHONE 217.793.9760WWW.SPRINGFIELDFIRST.ORG

PASTORAL STAFF

Dr. Roger Ross | Lead Pastor

Rev. Mike Whitaker | Pastor

Rev. Nicole Cox | Pastor

MINISTRY STAFF

Alyce Foster | Director of Guest Orientation

Brad Curtis | Director of StudentLife Ministry

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

Laurie Lewis | Director of Contemporary Choir Ministry

Lindsay Walker | Director of KidLife Ministry

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

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Grady Peavy | 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

Randy Osborn

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 / OCTOBER 2014

“For in Christ Jesus … the only thing that counts is faith working through love.” Galatians 5:6 (NRSV)

N E W M E S S A G E S E R I E S !

O C T O B E R 4/5 | G O D U P C L O S E | R O G E R R O S S S P E A K I N G O C T O B E R 1 1 / 1 2 | L I M I T L E S S L OV E | R O G E R R O S S S P E A K I N G O C T O B E R 1 8/ 19 | TA K I N G R O O T | M I K E WH I TA K E R S P E A K I N G

O C T O B E R 25/26 | D E E P A N D W I D E | M I K E WH I TA K E R S P E A K I N G N OV E M B E R 1 /2 | S E L F I E I D E N T I T Y | N I C O L E C O X S P E A K I N G N OV E M B E R 8/9 | L I F E M U L T I P L I E D | R O G E R R O S S S P E A K I N G

N OV E M B E R 1 5 / 1 6 | SA C R E D R H Y T HM | R O G E R R O S S S P E A K I N G

OCTOBER 2014 3

CHARGE CONFERENCEOur annual Charge Conference will be held at the church building on

Tuesday, October 28 at 7:00pm. Our District Superintendent, Rev. Terry Harter, will preside as we confirm our church leadership for 2014,

take stock of our ministry over the past year, and look forward to God’s leading in the year to come. All are invited to attend.

4 Good T i d ings / OCTOBER 2014

LOOKING FOR A SPIRITUAL JUMP START?

In last month’s Good Tidings, Roger outlined something we have been working very hard on here at Springfield First, the Discipleship Pathway.

The Pathway is designed to help us all, newcomers and veterans alike, move forward on our spiritual journey. It begins with a one-hour introduction to the mission and ministry of Springfield First on Sunday mornings called “Starting Point”,

and is followed by an interactive and practical introduction to Christianity, the “Alpha Class.”

Following Alpha is something we are super excited to offer, a class outlining what it means to be a deeply devoted disciple of Jesus Christ called “G6.” (See the details below!)

And finally, we encourage everyone to engage in community… our GroupLIfe and serving opportunities.(Check out the Ministry Expo details on the next page, too, for how to do that!) We realize that not everyone needs to go to

Starting Point again, and some of you may want to join the next Alpha Class. But we encourage EVERYONE to take a look at our brand, spankin’ new G6 class, get involved in a class or small group, and a find a serving opportunity that fits you.

That’s how deep spiritual growth happens. Soak in the info below, and then get on the pathway!

G6 CLASSEver wonder what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

Well, we are excited to bring to you a new class we are calling “G6,” that will describe exactly what that looks like here at Springfield First. Beginning on Wednesday, October 29th, we will go through six characteristics of a deeply

devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, all beginning with the letter “G.” (Yeah, we’re creative like that!)

Week 1, October 29th – Glory Worshipping God – joyfully and intentionally living in the presence of God both privately and publicly.

Week 2, November 5th – Grace Imparting Christ’s Love – personally accepting the unmerited love of God offered in

Jesus Christ and naturally sharing Christ’s love with spiritual explorers.

Week 3, November 12th – Growth Celebrating spiritual disciplines – taking personal responsibility for our spiritual journey by

practicing spiritual disciplines that move us to Christ-centered living.

Week 4, November 19th – Group Doing life together – regularly connecting with other disciples in a smaller number to taste grace,

apply Scripture, and be encouraged to become like Christ in thought, word, and action.

Week 5, December 3rd – Giftedness Serving others – seeing our identity as a servant, discovering our spiritual gifts, deploying them in

ministry under God’s direction, and developing them to their fullest potential.

Week 6, December 10th – GenerositySharing compassionately – knowing all of life belongs to God and seeking to bring

Christ’s healing, justice, and hope to those in need.

Sign up in the Atrium or by contacting the church office at 793-9760. It’s gonna be Great!

Start ingPoint Alpha G 6 C lass Gr oupLife

& Serving

Discipleship Pathway

OCTOBER 2014 5

The final step on the Discipleship Pathway is “GroupLife and Serving,” where we encourage folks to get involved in a smaller group within the church, and also to find a place to serve both the church community and the wider community outside our doors. “But how do I do that?” you ask. Well, I’m glad you did. We’re having a Ministry Expo that will accompany each of the six G’s that will

be part of the worship series, “Life in 3D,” beginning October 4th/5th, and continuing into November. Following each weekend worship service, the Atrium will be filled with ways you can connect to Springfield First, from worship and technology,

to missions and outreach, to classes and small groups. Don’t miss a weekend!

October 4th/5th Glory (Worshipping God) – everything from our Hospitality Ministry to our worship teams and choirs.

October 11th/12thGrace (Imparting Christ’s Love) – You’ll see information on various classes, like Alpha, and other invitational opportunities.

October 18th/19th Growth (Celebrating spiritual disciplines) – This weekend you’ll be able to find all the information

you could possibly want on our classes and studies.

October 25th/26th Group (Doing life together) – Need to find a small group? Got kids or youth? Don’t miss this weekend then!

November 1st/2nd Giftedness (Serving others) – All the opportunities we have to use your spiritual gifts will be on

display this weekend… got a talent? Find somewhere to use it!

November 8th/9thGenerosity (Sharing compassionately) – We are called to be compassionate to those in need… that’s what this

weekend is about. Check out all the mission opportunities we support at Springfield First.

Life in 3D Ministry Expo

Starting Point:  An Introduction to First United Methodist ChurchOn Sunday, October 5, Starting Point: An Introduction to Springfield First, will be held from 9:00–10:00am in

Room 2. This one-hour class will include the opportunity to meet others who are new to the church, meet and talk with a pastor, ask any questions you may have, enjoy refreshments, learn about the mission and vision of this church, and take a tour of the building. If you are a newcomer or a recent guest in worship, this is an

excellent opportunity to take a first look at this church and become better acquainted with the Springfield Firstfamily of faith. You are invited to register by signing up in the Atrium or contacting Alyce Foster,

217-793-9760 x 224 or [email protected]. 

New Members Class Sunday, October 26 A New Members Class will be offered on Sunday, October 26, from 3:00 – 7:30pm in Atrium 4.

This class, led by Dr. Roger Ross, is available to everyone who would like to learn about the mission, vision and core values of Springfield First. In a casual and comfortable atmosphere, you will meet others

who are new to the church, have the opportunity to ask questions, and understand the meaning of membership at this church. During our time together, there will be snacks and a meal for us to share. 

Childcare is available by request. Although this class is a prerequisite for church membership, attending the class does not obligate anyone to join the church. To reserve your space,

please sign up in the Atrium or contact the church office, 217-793-9760.

6 Good T i d ings / OCTOBER 2014

After a couple of years of discussion and prayer, two areas of our building will undergo some renovation to better serve the needs of our ministry. The first will provide a better work environment for our staff team. For far longer than anyone intended, several of our staff members have been working in makeshift offices in a storage closet. Our Music Ministry has graciously agreed to have the current robe room turned into four offices. These offices will provide a more central location for most of our staff, help work flow, and return to us somemuch needed storage space.   Our second project will create a fresh, new environment for our StudentLife ministry. The renovation of Rooms 8 & 9 near the gym will create a worship and hangout space for our 6th through 12th grade students that is uniquely theirs.  This space will not only provide StudentLife with a place that is welcoming to students, it will be usable for everything from large group worship to small groups and Sunday classes. Our hope is that this space will remind students that they are infinitely valuable parts of the Body of Christ at Springfield First.  Our Board of Trustees have carefully thought through both projects and have awarded the bid for the renovation work to Cloyd Builders. The work has begun and completion of both projects is expected by the end of October. Please pray with us for the work to go smoothly, and thank you for your patience as we strive to improve our ministry environments to better serve our church and community.  

RENOVAT I ONS GroupLife NEW SMALL GROUP OPPORTUNITY!Best Talks of the Global Leadership Summit: Celebrating 20 yearsExperience again, or maybe for the first time, some of the most memorable and highly rated talks that have inspired and equipped leaders at the Summit. This DVD series includes full-length messages from speakers like Bill Hybels, Patrick Lencioni, Andy Stanley, John Ortberg, and Henry Cloud, just to name a few! Each session will include the viewing of one speaker’s talk from the DVD series and an opportunity to share in a discussion. Join us for select meetings or participate in the complete series for a small group experience. Our first meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 7:00pm in Room 7 with Erwin McManus speaking on the topic of “Character Matrix”. Our time together will conclude promptly at 8:30pm. Check the GroupLife kiosk in the Atrium for more details or to sign up. For more information, contact Sharon at [email protected] or 793-9760 x131.

BIBLE BASICSBible Basics: Sunday, October 5 ·11:30am to 1:00pm in Atrium 1The Bible is a BIG book...comprised of 66 distinct texts, written by 40+ authors over the span of more than 1,000 years, and penned in three different languages. It can be alittle overwhelming to jump into this work Christians believe to be God’s very Word. If you’ve ever wondered, “Where do I start?” or “How do I even find stuff in here?” we are excited to offer a 1-day class just for you. Hosted on October 5th from 11:30am to 1:00pm in Atrium 1 (including a light lunch), Bible Basics will equip you with practical tools for navigating and studying Scripture, an essential practice for a maturing faith in Jesus Christ. If you are interested in being a part of this 1-day opportunity (open to students and adults), please contact Brad Curtis at 793-9760 x124 or [email protected] by October 1 to register.

Bible Study Basics: Tuesdays ·6:30pm to 8:00pm, Oct. 21-Nov. 11 in Room 6“You need to study your Bible!” That’s a common phrase in churches all across the country. But, you may be thinking, what does it means to “study” the book that Christians affirm to be God’s own Word? How can you know you are “doing it right”? Shouldn’t Bible study be left to the paid professionals anyway? The Bible Study Basics 4-week class at Springfield First will help you sort through all of these questions by introducing you to a study process known as the “Inductive Bible Study Method.” This method, used by pastors, laity, and academics alike, will equip you with the tools necessary to study Scripture in a way that is purposeful, true to the biblical text, and transformational.To register for this class (open to students and adults), sign up in the Atrium or contact Brad Curtis at 217-793-9760 x124 or [email protected] by October 19.

Make sure to pick up a copy of the Fall Ministry Catalog to see all the opportunities available this fall!

OCTOBER 2014 7

Dr. Clif Christopher, M. Div., CFRE

C lif founded the Horizons Steward-

ship Company in 1992 following a

challenging career in pastoral min-

istry. He serves as the company’s CEo to

this day. In his twenty years as a pastor, he

led numerous major building and capital

campaigns. Since founding Horizons, he

has led consultations in over 1,000

churches, conferences, synods and dio-

cese in all phases of building, finance, and

church growth.Dr. Christopher is a certified church

growth consultant and has earned the

coveted title CFrE (Certified Fund raising

Executive). In 1995 he was given the Na-

tional Circuit rider Award by the United

Methodist Church for outstanding lead-

ership in developing vital congregations.

Under Clif’s leadership, Horizons Stew-

ardship has helped secure over one bil-

lion dollars for churches. He has

personally worked in over 38 states and

is a frequent speaker at stewardship

seminars around the country. He is the

co-author of the book Holy Smoke, the

author of Not Your Parents’ offering

Plate, Whose offering Plate Is It? and rich

Church - Poor Church published by

Abingdon Press. Dr. Bill Easum, noted

consultant and author, said, “No one

knows more about local church steward-

ship than Clif Christopher.” Mega church

pastor, Adam Hamilton said, “When I

have a stewardship question, I call Clif

Christopher.” Foundation director, David

Atkins said, “Clif is one of the most effec-

tive communicators in the field of church

fundraising today.”Clif has been an ordained minister of the

United Methodist Church since 1975. He

is married and shares four children with

his wife. He is a graduate of Hendrix

College in Conway, Arkansas and Emory

University.

clif:Layout 1 8/25/2014 11:57 AM Page 2

D r . C l i f C h r i s t o p h e r

See that you also excel in this grace of

giving .2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV)

REGistRAtioN$15 per person by Nov. 5th$20 per person afterward

(Lunch Included)

First 50 persons to register receive a free dinner with Clif Christopher

Friday, Nov. 7, at 7:00pm at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel in downtown Springfield. Free dinner with Clif No thanks

Register online:www.igrc.org/richchurchor Mail the forM below.

Payment must be included with registration.Make checks payable to IGrC.

NaMe:___________________________________

address:___________________________________________________________________________________

phoNe:______________________________________

eMail:_______________________________________

church NaMe:_____________________________

address:p.O. Box 3487 Springfield, IL 62708-3487

(217) 529-3217, (fax) 529-4181, (cell) [email protected], www.igrc.org/umf

AGENDA

REGistRAtioN 8:30aM

FiRst sEssioN 9:00aM

LuNch 12:00pM

sEcoND sEssioN 1:00pM

END3:00pM

2941 S. Koke Mill Road, Springfield, IL 62711www.springfieldfirst.org

clif:Layout 1 8/25/2014 11:56 AM Page 1

RICH CHURCH | POOR CHURCH Someone said, “God doesn’t want giving from you. God wants giving for you.” God knows that the practice

of giving changes us from the inside out. On Saturday, November 8, we are excited to host a one-day seminar to help us grow in the grace of giving. Our speaker is a nationally known giving advisor, Dr. Clif Christopher.

Dr. Christopher founded Horizons Stewardship Company in 1992 and is a certified church growth consultant. In 1995 he was given the National Circuit Rider Award by the United Methodist Church for outstanding

leadership in developing vital congregations. 

Under Clif’s leadership, Horizons Stewardship has helped secure over one billion dollars for churches. He has personally worked in over 38 states and is a frequent speaker at stewardship seminars around the country.

 The seminar will begin at 9:00am and end at 3:00pm on Saturday, November 8. 

Registration opens at 8:30am. The cost is $15 per person which includes lunch and materials. You can register online at www.igrc.org/richchurch or contact the church office at 793-9760.

What a great opportunity to become more grace-full!  

LET’S CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING TOGETHER!This year our church is blessed to share the Thanksgiving meal with our

friends from Laurel United Methodist Church!You may be alone this holiday or just don’t feel like fixing a complete meal. Come join us!

The meal will be held at Laurel UMC beginning at 12:00pm on Thanksgiving Day.

Turkey, dressing, potatoes, gravy, and beverages will be provided. People attending are asked to bring a dish to share. (Last name A-H bring a salad; I-P bring a vegetable;

Q-Z bring a dessert.) Setting up the day before or cleaning up after the meal will be appreciated. If you plan to attend, please call Judy McEvoy at Laurel UMC, 525-1866,

so that we will have a correct count for food amounts and table space.What a great way to strengthen our Methodist community,

and to be reminded of our bounty and our blessings! Thanks be to God!

8 Good T i d ings / OCTOBER 2014

Executive Director Update The Staff-Parish Relations Committee and pastoral staff have interviewed several promising candidates for the position of executive director in anticipation of re-filling the position as soon as possible. This will be a great relief for our staff team. The executive director performs duties that are vital to the operation of our church and that cannot be picked up by other staff or volunteers for any length of time without a negative impact. Although we have had an executive director position for a relatively short time, the duties of the position have been performed under other descriptions for many years. Some people may be more familiar with the historical titles of business administrator and facilities director. The executive director covers both of these roles (essentially shrinking two former full-time positions into one), as well many more.  Among other things, he or she will oversee the church budget and facilities, cover human resources and staffing issues, create and monitor systems and procedures, and assist boards and committees with their duties while providing much needed continuity from year to year as lay leaders rotate in and out of their positions. In sum, the executive director is the glue that ensures the administrative and business side of the church runs smoothly, so that we can carry out our spiritual mission.

Our mission as a church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. A popular pastoral ministry book entitled The Trellis and the Vine speaks of disciple-making and the need for churches to focus on the growth of the vine (Christians) more than the trellis (administrative structure). Implicit in this analogy, however, is the need for a trellis that adequately supports the vine. A vine that overgrows its support becomes a tangled mess and cannot reach its full potential. A properly supported vine, on the other hand, will continue to grow unimpeded and will grow more easily and efficiently. Please pray that God will reveal the person He has chosen to support our church in carrying out its mission in accordance with His will.

Kyle Rominger, ChairStaff-Parish Relations Committee

WEEKEND SERVICE SURVEY UPDATE The study goes on! Our Service Planning Team is in the process of studying, categorizing, and individually recording each survey. We received 214 total survey responses with 80 of those from people who attend the traditional service, and 134 from those who attend our contemporary services. We had balanced feedback from each service. These responses have given us a reliable assessment that we are taking seriously as we look at service flow, sound levels, sermons, and music for the future. Please be looking for future updates as we work through and process all the helpful feedback we received. Our calling is to create opportunities for people to meet with the one true God with minimal distractions and disruptions. Thank you!

Chase Carlisle · Director of Worship Arts, First United Methodist Church – Springfield, IL

CONTACT M I N I S TR I E S FAL L FUNDRA I S ER CONCERT : BRANDON HEATH W I TH SPEC IA L GUEST , C I T Y HARBOR · OCTOBER 23 , 6 :30PMThis fall, Springfield First is working in coordination with Contact Ministries to host Christian recording artist, Brandon Heath. Brandon is a five-time Grammy nominated singer-songwriter. He is well known for his songs, “Give Me Your Eyes,” “Your Love,” “Love Never Fails,” and “Love Does.” A Nashville native, Brandon started writing songs as a teen, and has since gained a national audience with the release of his 2006 debut album, Don’t Get Comfortable. The evening promises to be full of moving music and encouraging words. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. They can be purchased on the weekends of Oct. 11/12 and 18/19 in the Atrium or in the main church office during regular business hours (8:30am-4:30pm).

All proceeds go to support Contact Ministries, a faith-based, human and social service organization focused on helping poverty-level families and individuals in Springfield.

OCTOBER 2014 9

Do you like Christmas Music?If you do, we have a special invitation for you! The New Life Adult Choir and Youth Choir will be singing a Christmas Cantata, ”A Festival of Hymns and Carols,” accompanied by a full symphony orchestra on December 14th at the 9:00am service. We will be singing beautiful arrangements by various composers. There will be a lot of congregational singing, and we need a big choir to lead the worship! If you are interested in singing with us, all you have to do is attend the portion of the rehearsal where we practice that piece. We meet on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm in the Choir room (Room 22). We will spend about 30 minutes practicing this cantata each week. If you love music and if this sounds like something you would enjoy on a short term basis, we invite you to give it a try! You may come any Thursday evening your schedule permits.Contact: See Tsai Chan, [email protected]

Prayer Team: We have 460 people who are committed to praying for our church every day. Join us and you will receive a monthly prayer letter that will guide you to Springfield First’s most pressing needs. Tuesday Morning Prayer Group: Meets from 8:45-9:30am in Room 1 to pray for our church and to offer intercessory prayer for the Connection Card requests.Wednesday evening Prayer Group: Meets from 5:00-5:30pm in Room 1 to pray for our church. Printed prayer guides are available.Weekend Worship Prayer Group: Meets from 4:30-5:15pm in the Atrium to walk and pray throughout the building, including the sanctuary. We then gather and pray for the weekend services, the worship team, choirs, tech team and the preaching pastor.New Member Class: Prayer support, on site, from 3:00-5:00pm in Room 1 during the New Member Class. These classes are held quarterly and the next class is October 26.Prayer for Baptisms: On Baptism Sundays, our team offers to pray with the family before the service. Arrangements with the family are made in advance.

When there is little prayer there is little power, but with much prayer there will be much power. Come be a part of ministry that can change everything! For more information or to sign up contact Sharon at 793-9760 x131 or [email protected].

Prayer Ministry OpportunitiesPRAYER RETREAT October 19 at 1:30-5:00pm at theChiara Center 4875, LaVerna Road, Springfield. Because our world is busy and noisy, we find it hard to hear the still small voice of God. This is a time to come and commune with God in a quiet and serene place. For those who have taken part in the past this is a must do. We encourage you to give it a try. Sign up in the Atrium.

CONTEMPORARY CHOIRWANTED: PEOPLE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SING WITH US AT THE

CONTEMPORARY SERVICE. Please join us for rehearsals on Thursday nights at 7:00pm in Atrium 3. We will sing once or twice a month during the 10:15am service. All are welcome!~ Laurie Lewis

10 Good T id ings / OCTOBER 2014

October Elementary KidLifeWe are taking the month of October to look at CREATIVITY: using your imagination to do something unique. It’s so important that leaders and parents work to tap into a child’s imagination and fuel their creative side. Not simply because we want to unleash a child’s potential to do unique things, but because we want every child to grow up and put faith in what God can do in their personal life and believe in what He wants to do through them.

Through Bible stories about the creation of the world, Miriam and Moses, David, and Jesus’ sermon on the Mount, we learn that God wants to do something unique with our lives. We are created in His image, and because of His work in us through Jesus, we have an amazing capacity to use our creativity to do more good things.

OUR MEMORY VERSE THIS MONTH IS EPHESIANS 2:10:

October preschool KidLifeThis month, we are telling four of David’s stories. If there was ever a life that proves God can show up in BIG ways, it’s David’s life. God helped David and those that surrounded him do some really BIG things.

Trunk or Treat When: October 25, 4:30pm Where: FUMC North parking lot by the pavilionThis fun alternative to the Halloween experience is designed for kids in 4th grade or younger. Families, have your kids wear their favorite costume and trick or treat along the rows of car trunks decorated by our own FUMC members. After trunk or treating, please stay for free food and games. We also invite you to bring toothbrushes and tooth paste for our Operation Christmas Child collection.

KIDLIFE FALL KICKOFF The 2014 KidLife fall launch was a huge success! We welcomed new children and families and created the World’s Largest Ice Cream Sundae! We are excited to implement a number of new changes this year, including a host of new small group leaders, as well as changes to our large group worship time, missions, and discipleship. Come check out all the fun and excitement happening in KidLife!

FIRST LOOKInterested in helping in KidLife, but not sure where to start? Maybe you just want more information about where we need volunteers. Come join us for First Look, which will be held Sunday, October 5 immediately following the 10:15am service in the Atrium Lounge. First Look is an informal time to find out about our children’s ministries volunteer opportunities, and how you can get involved in serving at First Church. Childcare will be available, so feel free to stop by before picking up your children from KidLife. Volunteer opportunities are varied and range from 20 minutes once a month before service, to middle of the week administrative needs. We need volunteers of all ages – junior high on up! Come explore how you can put your talents to work serving kids at First Church!

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILDCollection Week – November 17th- 24thJoin us as we spread joy to kids across the world with Operation Christmas Child! Last year First Church collected over 300 shoe boxes to send to children who otherwise wouldn’t have a Christmas gift. Join us again for this awesome missions opportunity. You can start now by collecting small items that will fit in a shoe box. We’ll have packing boxes and details on our website by mid-October.

SAVE THE DATE:Adventure Bible Camp 2015 · June 22nd-26th  We can’t wait for next year!

CALLING ALL TRUNKS: Bring your car, van, truck, or station wagon and decorate your trunk in a fun,

Halloween sort of way. Bring some individually wrapped candies or treats to share with the kids.

Cars will be setting up from 3:30-4:30pm in the North parking lot by the pavilion. Register your

vehicle on the sign-up sheet in the Atrium beginning the weekend of October 4/5 or

email Lindsay at [email protected].

OCTOBER 2014 11

october Teaching SeriesBefore Christians were known as Christians, they were called followers of “The Way,” (Acts 9:2). Those known by this title weren’t just concerned with believing certain things or being known as part of a particular social group, they pledged to take upon themselves the way of living of Jesus of Nazareth. Embracing thisway of living came at great personal cost, requiring the adjustment of every aspect of a person’s life, and was acknowledged to be a life-long pursuit. The good news? The followers of the way knew they were walking in a way of living that Jesus himself had walked and that through the power of the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, they would be equipped to follow in His way. So what about us today? How do we view what it means to be a Christian (Christ-like) and to walk in the way of Jesus? Do we regularly count the cost of what it means to be identified as “a follower of the way”? At Fusion during the month of October, we’ll do just that.

The ONETHING: October 19th, 11:30am to 6:30pm This month at Fusion, students will have the opportunity to pour the love and grace of God into the Springfield community through a day of service in Enos Park. On October 19th, students and adults will serve their neighbors through basic home repair and cleaning, building wheelchair ramps, and engaging residents in conversations about life and faith. Students will eat lunch in the gym before heading to work sites (11:30 to 12:30) and serve at their worksites until 6:30pm. If you would like to be a part of this experience or just want to know more about the ONETHING, please contact Brad Curtis at 217-793-9760 or [email protected].

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:October 19th: The ONETHING at Fusion (11:30am to 6:30pm)

October 26th: SL Summer 2015 Mission Trip Registration begins

November 23rd: The ONETHING at Fusion (6pm to 8pm)

November 30th: No SL Programming

2015 SUMMER MISSION TRIPS:Even though Summer 2015 feels like a long way away, at StudentLife we are already preparing to launch students and adults into the mission field all over the U.S. Here’s what we’ve got cooked up:

Jr. High: June 14-19 in Louisville, KYSr. High: July 4-11 in Brooklyn, NY

If you (or your student) would like to be a part of one of these trips, you can obtain an information /registration packet from Brad beginning October 26th.

Stud

entL

ife

12 Good T id ings / OCTOBER 2014

For more information about any of these events, please contact Carli Burton at [email protected] or 793-9760 x121. Annual senior eventYOUR HIT PARADE, Friday, October 10 Step back in time with us as our Senior Ministries Council brings you our rendition of “Your Hit Parade.” The Don Smith Band will bring us music of a bygone era. Our vocals, made up of pastors, staff, parishioners, and other local talent, will also go back to “our day” with hit music selections. We will begin with a delicious dinner at 6:00pm in the gymnasium. Doors will open at 5:40pm. Tickets are $20.00 and may be purchased on Sept. 27 & 28 and Oct. 4 & 5 in the church Atrium. Tickets will NOT be sold at the door. Mark your calendars and plan to attend.

Senior fellowship Thursday, October 9,  Around the Table Adventure! Come and join us for our Senior Fellowship. We will meet in Rooms 5/6 at 9:30am. Various card games and dominoes will be played following devotions. Our hostess, Faye Oelheim, will provide sweet treats to go with our morning coffee, tea, and water. For lunch we will have a wonderful meal prepared for us by Charlie Weishaupt. There is a $6.00 gratuity for the “all you can eat” or “until it’s gone” luncheon. All are welcome. 

UPCOMING trip to bransonOctober 20 – 23 This fantastic 4-day trip to Branson will include luxury transportation, 7 shows, 8 meals, 3 ice cream socials, 3 nights’ accommodations at The Branson Towers, luggage handling, and all applicable taxes (and tips for meals included) for $516.00, double occupancy. If you wish to room alone, the additional cost is $116.00. We will be going to the Hughes Brothers “IT” show, SIX, Jonah at the Sight & Sound Theatre, Showboat Branson Belle Dinner Cruise, Yakov Smirnoff Dinner Theatre, New Jersey Nights (The Jersey Boys G rated rendition), and The Brett Family Show. A detailed agenda will be available at the sign-up station. Please sign up in our Atrium or contact Carli. Final payment is due by October 5 with checks made out to FUMC.

RETIREMENT SMART 360°October 14, 21, & 28 and again on November 11, 18, & 25  First United Methodist Church and Prosperity Partnerships, Inc. is offering an interactive workshop called Retirement Smart 360°, designed for those in or nearing

retirement. Attendees review over forty critical financial decisions that shape the success or failure of one’s retirement. Becoming prepared to make wise choices now helps guard against running out of money later in retirement. Sign up in our Atrium for this 3-week class that will meet in Room 4 from 6:00 to 8:00pm. Regularly $399.00, this class is offered for $99.00 per couple or 2 friends who want to join together for the class (money-back guarantee). This includes all class materials and a detailed personal retirement plan for each attendee prepared by Prosperity Partnerships. Each class size is limited to 20. 

LIFE LINE SCREENINGNovember 19 First United Methodist Church is pleased to offer a preventive health event. Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will host their affordable, non-invasive and painless health screenings. Five screenings will be offered that scan for potential health problems related to: blocked arteries which is a leading cause of stroke; abdominal aortic aneurysms which can lead to a ruptured aorta; hardening of the arteries in the legs which is a strong predictor of heart disease; atrial fibrillation or irregular heart beat which is closely tied to stroke risk; and a bone density screening, for men and women, used to assess the risk of osteoporosis. Register for a Wellness Package which includes 4 vascular tests and osteoporosis screening for $139 with our member discount. All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. Register by one of the following three ways:

1. Sign up on the registration sheet in our Atrium. 2. Call the special Helping Hands registration line at 1-800-324-9458. 3. Visit Helping Hands website at www.helpinghandsforhealth.com. 

You must sign up one of these three ways in order to get our member discount as well as a $10 donation for our church.

Medicare Advantage Seminar – Tuesday, October 7 in room 5/6 at 2:00pmGet the facts. We will inform you step-by-step about Medicare Advantage and answer all of your Medicare related questions so that when it comes time to make a decision, you can do so with confidence. No registration needed, no selling will take place, and it’s FREE! We are here to help you choose what is best for YOU.

Senior Ministries’ Opportunities · For 55+ years of age

OCTOBER 2014 13

O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4UNITED METHODIST WOMEN MEETINGS

SANGAMON RIVER DISTRICT MEETING, SEPTEMBER 17, 2014Several UMW members drove to Decatur Grace UMC to attend the meeting entitled INTO AFRICA. Judy Parrish was the featured speaker. Our goal was to hear the latest UMW information and deliver eight beautiful quilts made by the UMW quilting group. These ladies were recognized at the September 5th UMW luncheon meeting and they brought the quilts for everyone to see. We are so proud of them and their work. Please join them on the third Thursday each month at 9:30am until 2:00pm. Bring your lunch. All levels of quilters are invited. Contact Helen Greening for more information at 217-546-2380.

OCTOBER 3 BOARD MEETING AND LUNCHEONOur October 3 speaker will be the Rev. Nicole Cox, our newest pastor. This meeting will give us a little background on Nicole and her family and a chance to get more acquainted with her. Lunch is served at noon. Please call Elaine Galyon for a reservation at 217-793-0533. We welcomed several new ladies in September; please come again in October. Cost for lunch is $7.00. No charge for first-time guests – please join us!

THANKSGIVING DINNERBrad Curtis, StudentLife Director, has accepted the UMW’s offer to cook a Thanksgiving dinner for the youth on November 23. It is such an honor to make this Thanksgiving feast for the kids. We have been so thrilled because the youth have been so gracious when we serve them.

S C H E D U L EOctober 3, 2014

UMW Board/Luncheon10:00am | Room 13/Gym

Speaker: Nicole Cox, FUMC Pastor

October 15, 2014Rachel Circle

7:00pm | Atrium 2

October 17, 2014Lydia Circle

9:30am | Rooms 5/6

October 17-19, 20142014 Church Woman United East Central Regional Event

Contact Brenda Stonecipher at 483-9416 for more information

October 18, 2014

Illinois Great Rivers Conference UMW Annual MeetingSavoy United Methodist Church | 9:00am

November 1, 2014

Sangamon River District UMW Personal/Spiritual Growth Retreat

Douglas United Methodist Church | 9:00am – 3:00pm

November 7, 2014UMW Board/Luncheon

10:00am | Room 13/Gym

Senior Ministries’ Opportunities · For 55+ years of age

CIRCLE MEETINGSThere are currently two circles.

Please join us at any of these meetings.· Rachel Circle meets on the third Wednesday

of each month in Atrium 2 at 7:00pm.

· Lydia Circle meets on the third Friday of each month in Rooms 5/6 at 9:30am.

14 Good T id ings / OCTOBER 2014

Alyce Foster has decided to retire from her position as Director of Guest Orientation after more than 34 years of ministry at Springfield First. She will be greatly missed as a member of the staff team. Nobody has welcomed so many people into our church family as Alyce. She has managed the connection of visitors and new members to our church with energy and passion, while facilitating Greeters, the Welcome Center, and the Guest Center, and coordinating the Hospitality & Membership Teams and their events. Springfield First remains the spiritual home for Alyce and her husband Don, so we will have the great fortune to continue worshiping and serving the Lord with them as members of the congregation. As a church family we will be able to express our love and appreciation for Alyce during a reception in her honor after each of the services on the weekend of October 11-12. Please join us in thanking her for her many years of dedicated and loving ministry.

Kyle Rominger Chair · Staff-Parish Relations Committee

Digital Tidings Our Good Tidings is going

digital beginning next month!

We will be sending it via

e-mail or you can look for

it on our church website,

www.springfieldfirst.org.

If you would like to continue

to receive the Tidings in the

mail, or if you wish to update

your e-mail address with

us, please send your new

information to

[email protected]

or call the church office

at 793-9760.

Retirement Reception for Alyce Foster October 11-12

Over the past year, a team of laypersons and staff members have been dreaming about a fresh way to present our church to the community. One way to do so is through our logo. Since January, we have been through scores of possibilities and have finally come to the logo you see here. Many have noted how this logo keeps a strong connection with our United Methodist heritage while freshening up the brand. It gives us a familiar yet unique thumbprint in our wider United Methodist family. The fact that the flames go outside of the circle shows we are outwardly focused, reaching beyond our walls into the world to both witness and serve with compassion. Over the course of our discussions, we have talked a lot about branding ourselves as “Springfield First” for three reasons: it signifies our desire to reach our community for Christ, it’s our

website address (www.springfieldfirst.org), and it represents a part of our history. We were the first church, of any kind, established in the settlement of Springfield in 1821. As you may know, there are thousands of First United Methodist Churches across our country and world, but there is only one Springfield First UMC in Illinois. To be clear, we are not changing the name of our church, just providing an easy handle for quick reference that is more descriptive than “First Church.” After sharing this logo with many leadership groups in the church, our Administrative Board voted unanimously to begin using it on our printed materials, such as letterhead, newsletters, bulletins, newcomer information, brochures, t-shirts, and signs, as well as our website and other digital communication. Our hope is to help people in our community quickly identify with our church and know they are welcome in this loving faith community.  

A New Look

OCTOBER 2014 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:

http://goo.gl/amUHQM

Is Jesus in Your Wil l?Our time in this world

doesn’t last forever, but

our influence can. As

you plan for the future,

please prayerfully

consider tithing 10%

of your estate to the

church for which

Jesus gave his life.

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

Cody Travis MatthewsMadison Lynn Emrick

D e a t h sPlease hold in prayer the families of these precious people:

Suzann BlankenshipDelores GottschalkAlene WhitakerJoseph Elsberry

october REAL Scripture CardsFor the month of October, we will be reading Scriptures that correlate with our sermon series: Life in 3D.

Each week leading up to the sermon, we will be focusing on one of the 6 G’s of Discipleship. We hope you will join us in reading these Scripture passages! Let’s grow in our faith together.

GloryOct. 1 – Psalm 22:22-31Oct. 2 – 1 Chronicles 16:28-36Oct. 3 – Psalm 115Oct. 4 – Psalm 150Oct. 5 – Psalm 86:5-13

GraceOct. 6 – Hebrews 4:12-16Oct. 7 – John 1:1-18Oct. 8 – Ephesians 2:1-9Oct. 9 – Romans 10:9-15Oct. 10 – 1 Corinthians 9:18-23Oct. 11 – Isaiah 6:1-8Oct. 12 – Colossians 4:2-6

GrowthOct. 13 – Matthew 16:24-27Oct. 14 – John 15:1-17Oct. 15 – Ephesians 3:14-21Oct. 16 – Luke 6: 43-49Oct. 17 – Ephesians 4:17-32Oct. 18 – Colossians 1:9-14Oct. 19 – James 1:19-27

GroupOct. 20 – Hebrews 10:19-25Oct. 21 – Acts 2:42-47Oct. 22 – Ecclesiastes 4:7-12Oct. 23 – 1 Corinthians 12:12-27Oct. 24 – Acts 4:32-37Oct. 25 – Galatians 6:1-10Oct. 26 – Hebrews 3:12-14

GiftednessOct. 27 – Romans 12:3-8Oct. 28 – 1 Corinthians 12:1-11Oct. 29 – 1 Peter 4:7-11Oct. 30 – Ephesians 4:11-16Oct. 31 – 1 Corinthians 2:6-16Nov. 1 – John 14:15-27Nov. 2 – 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

GenerosityNov. 3 – Matthew 6:19-24Nov. 4 – 2 Corinthians 9:6-15Nov. 5 – Luke 16:1-15Nov. 6 – Matthew 25:14-30Nov. 7 – 2 Corinthians 8:1-15Nov. 8 – Mark 12:41-44Nov. 9 – Acts 20:32-35

“Good Tidings” Publications No. USPS 847-500 is published once a month by First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill, Springfield, IL. (217) 793-9760. www.springfieldfirst.org Pastors: Dr. Roger Ross, Rev. Mike Whitaker, and Rev. Nicole Cox

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: GoodTidings, 2941 S. Koke Mill, Springfield, IL 62711.Periodical postage paid at Springfield, IL

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

Upcoming EventsOCTOBER 5 — Starting Point 5 — Bible Basics Class 11/12 — Alyce Foster’s Retirement Reception 19 — Prayer Retreat – Chiara Center 23 — Contact Ministries Concert – Brandon Heath 25 — Trunk or Treat 26 — New Members Class 28 — Charge Conference 29 — G6 Class Begins

november 8 — Dr. Clif Christopher – Rich Church/Poor Church 15/16 — Promise Weekend 17-24 — Operation Christmas Child Collection 27 — Thanksgiving Meal at Laurel UMC 27 — Thanksgiving 28 — Building Closed

WEEKEND WORSHIP EXPERIENCESSaturday / 5:30pm Sunday / 9:00 & 10:15am

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

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