January 2015

JANUARY 2015 / Volume 49 / Issue 1

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4

There’s just something about the purr of the engine, windows down, music blaring, and the pavement rolled out before you that gets the heart pumping.

Before moving back to Illinois in 2009, I lived in Denver, Colorado, for 7 years. Gas wasn’t yet $3 a gallon, so I’d often make the thirteen-hour drive back to see my family. And I did it so often… I developed a system.

Stage One was “Prep.” This included loading the car, gassing up the tank, and, most importantly, a snack run. I’d swing past Kroger on the way out of town and load up on the four main food groups: something sweet, something salty, something meaty, and something cheesy. This usually consisted of Zebra Cakes, roasted peanuts, beef jerky, and string cheese… though occasionally I’d live on the edge and get cashews instead of peanuts. A bag of ice for the cooler, some bottled water to prevent dehydration, a six-pack of Sioux City Sarsaparilla, and like a “Ramblin’ Man,” I was on my way.

Stage Two was “Head East.” From Denver, the directions to my hometown were simple: Get on I-70, go east 1000 miles, turn left. It took a little while to get out of the metro area of Denver, but there was always one spot, just on the other side of the I-70 & I-255 junction, where the traffic died down and the road opened up. It was the perfect metaphor. With the easing of the congestion, the frenetic nature of the big city behind me, and the freedom of the open road before me, there came a physical release of tension, a break from the insanity, and the comfort of knowing I was heading home. I’d throw on Tom Cochrane’s, “Life is a Highway,” and sing at the top of my lungs.

Stage Three was “The Cruise.” Sheryl Crow had a song in the 90s called, “Every Day is a Winding Road.” She obviously never took I-70 through Kansas. It’s flat, straight, and as boring as watching paint dry. Actually, I may have preferred watching paint dry. The interesting thing, though, was I could get a lot done: listen to new CD’s or books on tape, think about all life’s quandaries for hours upon hours, scientifically test the appropriate way to eat a Zebra Cake, call friends or family, or stop in Colby to see the world’s largest groundhog.

Stage Four was “The Arrival.” I knew I was getting close when I crossed the Chain of Rocks Bridge over the Mississippi River and saw the sign, “Welcome to Illinois: Land of Lincoln.” One hour and 37 minutes of corn and bean fields later, I’d be pulling into the drive of the home I grew up in. There was a peace that accompanied that familiarity. Denver was great… but this was home. And yet, the journey didn’t end there. That’s where it began. Spending time with family and friends, eating Mom’s cooking, playing games, eating Mom’s leftovers, going out to the farm with my Dad, eating some more. Though I was home, the journey wasn’t over.

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 Solomonson | Executive Director

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 / JANUARY 2015

I love to road trip.

JANUARY 2015 3

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

January 3|4 “Ramblin’ Man” (or woman)

January 10|11 “Life Is a Highway”

January 17|18 “Everyday is a Winding Road”

January 24|25 “Jesus, Take the Wheel”

Our spiritual lives mirror such a road trip. Some of us are stuck in craziness, not yet on THE Journey, just considering what it means to have a relationship with Christ. Maybe you’re stocking up on the snacks but haven’t yet hit the road – going to church, learning more, but haven’t accepted Christ into your life. Perhaps you’ve just set out on the highway, fired up, windows down, Tom Cochrane blaring – you’ve given God your life and are growing in faith. Or, you could be one who is on the road, moving toward the goal, getting things done… not quite there, but close. However, the ultimate goal is to be Christ-centered, a symbiotic relationship where one can’t tell where He ends and you begin… where Christ has taken the wheel in your life as the ultimate and only source of control. This is the warmth and familiarity our hearts long for. This is the goal of our Journey. And yet, it’s not the end, but a beginning… a way of life that changes everything. This is home.

We’ll explore each of these stages of our spiritual lives in our January worship series called, “On the Journey.” And you may even hear some of the tunes I would rock out to on my road trip. Roll down the windows, turn up the tunes, and come with us “On the Journey.”

weather closing information If we must close our building due to inclement weather, it will be communicated on WICS News Channel 20 and WRSP Fox Channel 55/27. We will also notify all ministry leaders that have events planned so they may communicate this information to their group. If the facility is open and your activity is canceled, please notify those in your group. Also, please contact Lana Salomonson at [email protected] or Sharon Sweeney at [email protected] , so we can respond appropriately to inquiries.

4 Good T id ings / JANUARY 2015

UNSPOKEN CONCERT

Unspoken is coming to Springfield First! We are partnering with local Christian radio station WCIC to host Unspoken for a night of music and inspiration! This Christian band is known for hits like, “Who You Are,” “Lift My Life Up,” and “Start a Fire.”

Tickets may be purchased on-line at wcicfm.org or at the church office (cash or check only) Monday through Friday at 8:30am-4:30pm.

Ticket Prices: • In Advance: $10, or $8 for groups of six or more • Day of Show: $12, or $10 for groups of six or more

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, AT 7:00pm

JANUARY 2015 5

FUMC’s annual seminar for couples engaged to be married, newlywed, or seriously dating will be offered at First United Methodist Church on

Saturday, February 14, 2015 (Valentine’s Day!)8:00am – 4:30pm

The seminar will provide of day of fun together while exploring important topics to help couples build a strong foundation for a healthy marriage. Each couple will receive a notebook of materials, a full breakfast and lunch, all for $40 (free to those marrying in our church). Brochures with an agenda for the event are available at the Welcome Center.

A reservation is required. For more information or to register, contact Sharon Sweeney at 793-9760 x131, or [email protected].

ARE YOU ENGAGED, NEWLY MARRIED, SERIOUSLY DATING…,

OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS?

During the season of Lent, our congregation will be reading Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine, by Max Lucado. Please join us as our sermon series, classes, and small groups during Lent all focus on the topic of grace.

A l l -C h u r c h B o o k S t u d y


PRAYER RETREAT AT THE CHIARA CENTER · Saturday, January 24, at 1:00-4:30pm

After the joyful busy-ness of the Christmas season, do you find yourself needing time to slow down? Our prayer retreat at the Chiara Center is open to anyone seeking time alone with God. For those hoping to hear a specific answer or just yearning to bask in God’s presence, the retreat is open to people of all ages, free of cost. Throughout the afternoon, you can spend time with God in the quiet sanctuary or, weather permitting, walk the beautiful grounds. We will gather for a brief orientation at 1:00pm and come together again for a quick recap before 4:30pm. The Chiara Center is located at 4875 LaVerna Road on the northeast side of Springfield. There will be a sign-up sheet in the Atrium, but you are welcome regardless! For more information contact Sharon at [email protected] or 793-9760 x131. A free will offering will be received.

PASTORS’ PRAYER PARTNERSSaturday, January 3, at 7:30am Our pastors pray for us collectively and individually; would you like to serve them in return? On January 3 at 7:30am, join us in praying for our pastors as they share their praises and prayer requests. Together we will discuss sections of Bill Hybels’ book Too Busy Not to Pray before praying over Roger, Mike and Nicole. Women will meet in Room 5; men will meet in Room 2.

TOGETHER IN PRAYER February 16-18 at 7:00am, noon, and 7:00pm (excluding the evening of Ash Wednesday) Leading up to our Ash Wednesday service and the beginning of Lent, we will hold Together in Prayer at 7:00am, noon, and 7:00pm. Each session will last approximately 1 hour. Can you only make it to part of a session? Just fine! Join us whenever you can. Together we will begin to prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of Easter, and we will pray for God’s mission to be lived out through the congregation of Springfield First. Look for more details in “What’s Happening” and the February Good Tidings!

Springfield First’s Youth Choir is hosting a Flapjack Fundraiser to help raise funds for their upcoming tour in June! The breakfast will be on Saturday, January 31, at Applebee’s on Veterans Parkway from 8:00-10:00am.

Tickets are $5.00. Come out to support the choir, eat a delicious breakfast, and enjoy good fellowship with friends!

Please see a youth choir member or email Elyssa Carlisle at [email protected] for your tickets.YO

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Support First United Methodist Church Youth Choir at your neighborhood Applebees® located at

3335 Veterans Parkway, Springfield.

TICKETS: $5.00 DATE: 1/31/2015

TIME: 8:00am– 10:00am

JANUARY 2015 7

STARTING POINT This Sunday morning experience is designed for

our newcomers and guests to become better acquainted with Springfield First, 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, February 8, at 9:00-10:00am

in Room 2. Please sign up in the Atrium or contact Jenny Hutcherson at 793-9760 x231

or [email protected].

MAINTAINING LEADERSHIP SMALL GROUP (MLSG)Everyone is a Leader

Come and be inspired! This is your opportunity to experience the “20 Best Talks” of the Global Leadership Summit, featuring the most influential authorities in leadership, in the comfort of a small group.

On Tuesday, January 6, we will view Terry Kelly’s presentation, “When Leaders Emerge: The Story of W.L. Gore and Associates.” On Tuesday, January 20, we will see Steven Stamp speak on the topic of his book,

“The Contrarian’s Guide to Leadership.”

Please join us for these meetings in Room 7 at 7:00-8:30pm. No registration required.For more information, contact Sharon Sweeney at 793-9760 x131 or [email protected].

SAVE THE DATE! OUR NEXT NEW MEMBERS CLASS WILL BE ON SUNDAY, MARCH 1, AT 3:00 – 7:30pm.


CLASS OPPORTUNITIESNEW STUDY for Mothers of Young ChildrenWe are starting a study for mothers of young children on Wednesdays, beginning February 18 at 10:00am in Room 4. Our first study will be Parenting: The Early Years (10 Biblical Traits your Kids Will Remember You for) by Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott, followed by The Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell. In understanding the five love languages, we can more easily discern the emotional needs of our children. Our facilitator is Pam Kauerauf, mother of 4. A sign-up sheet is in the Atrium. Beth Moore Study: Believing GodDo you believe God or just believe in Him? Deepen your trust and faith in God by studying the lives of Abraham, Moses, Joshua, and others who truly believed Him. Beginning the week of January 5, we will be offering this 10-week women’s Bible study at two different times:

· Monday evenings at 6:30-8:30pm in Room 5, led by Sarah Rempel· Wednesday evenings at 6:30-8:30pm in Rooms 14 & 15, led by Jenny Hutcherson and Lee Ann Schoeffel

The cost of the book for this study is $16. Childcare is available upon request. Please sign up in the Atrium or contact Jenny Hutcherson at [email protected] or 793-9760 x231. Financial Peace University (FPU)We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University (FPU) is that plan! It teaches God’s way of handling money. Through video teaching, class discussions, and interactive small group activities, FPU presents Biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more! We are offering this 9-week class on Wednesdays, January 14 through March 11, from 6:30 – 8:00pm in Atrium 1. Cost is $99.00 per household for materials. Children through college age may participate in the class as a part of their parents’ registration. Our facilitator is Maureen Bluhm. Please sign up in the Atrium or go to daveramsey.com and click on classes to find ours and register. Childcare is available upon request at sign-up. HEAVEN by Randy AlcornWe are offering this study in Room 2 at 9:00am on Sundays from January 11 through April 12. The first week is a meet and greet, a time to receive your books and assignment. The cost for the book and study guide is $20.00.Randy Alcorn has dedicated more than 20 years to the study of Heaven. His book opens our eyes to the wonder and beauty of eternity, introducing us to Heaven as Scripture describes it – a bright, vibrant, and physical New Earth, free from sin, suffering, and death, and brimming with wondrous sights, sounds, and adventure. Facilitator will be Ruth Germeraad. Sign up in the Atrium. BIBLE STUDIES that welcome new members at any timeMonday Evening Men – 7:00-8:00pm in Room 1

Tuesday Morning Men – 9:30-11:00am in Room 1

Tuesday Morning Women – 9:30-11:00am in Rooms 5/6

Tuesday Evening Women – 6:30-8:00pm in Room 2

JANUARY 2015 9

Divorce RecoveryThis seminar and support group is for those who are separated or divorced. It will teach you how to hurt, heal, and rebuild. We invite you to join us and be with people who understand what you are feeling. Learn how to move on and grow closer to God. Divorce Recovery will meet in Room 4 on Mondays at 6:30-8:30pm, beginning January 5; there are 10 sessions. For more information or to register, contact Donna Parr at 971-9833.

BoundariesThis 10-week course teaches Biblical methods for setting healthy limits with others while still being a loving person. Discover which boundaries you need and how to avoid feeling guilty about setting them. Join us in Room 4 on Tuesdays at 6:30-8:30pm, beginning January 6. Contact Donna Parr at 971-9833 for more information.

Alpha · Begins January 11thWhether you grew up as a Christian or never set foot in a church, whether you are eighteen or eighty… Alpha is an opportunity to explore life’s big questions. For those who are exploring their faith or even for those who want a refresher, this 8-week course will take a closer look at some core questions about God and Christianity. Led by our pastors, beginning January 11, the class will meet on Sundays at 11:30am to 1:30pm in Rooms 5/6, with lunch included. There will also be a one-day retreat on Saturday, February 7. The cost is $5, and childcare will be available upon request. Sign up in the Atrium, or call the church office at 793-9760.

Some of the most common New Year’s resolutions include 1) improve education and 2) pray more, be closer to God, be more spiritual. We can help you fulfill both of these in one act. Attend a Sunday morning class or a Bible study. We have many to choose from and we would be happy to help you fulfill an act of self-improvement in your life. You may choose from any of the following Sunday morning classes as well as new classes listed in this newsletter.

2015New Year’s Resolutions

9:00am Cornerstone Room 4 Couples & Families Atrium 1(on odd numbered months)

Spectrum Room 6StudentLife Parent Class Room 7 10:15am Berean Room 4Couples & Families Atrium 1 (on even numbered months)

Christian Perspectives Room 5Great Expectations Room 7IBT Atrium 4The Lord’s Class Room 1Trail Mix Room 6Up ‘n’ Comers Room 2 11:30am Builders Room 2

Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. - Proverbs 9:9


JANUARY KIDLIFE

Preschool CurriculumWe all need Jesus. I need Jesus. You need Jesus. Even our little preschool friends need Jesus. And, that’s what we’re sharing with them this month.Each week, our preschoolers will hear a story of someone who really needed Jesus—in a very big way. The blind man needed Jesus to help him see for the very first time. (Oh, how preschoolers love the mud aspect of this story.) The lame man needed Jesus to heal him so he could get up and walk. The deaf man needed Jesus to help him hear and talk. Can you imagine suddenly being able to hear and speak clearly having never done so before? How awesome! The ten lepers needed Jesus to heal them, and He did.

All these men really needed Jesus to do some pretty big things. And, sometimes preschoolers need Jesus for some pretty big things; at least they’re big to them. What we want our preschoolers to know is that we all need Jesus, and He is there with us each and every day to love us and to help us. What an amazing Savior He is.

SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 22-26, 2015Adventure Bible Camp

elementary curriculum It takes practice to grow and mature in your relationship with God. It takes commitment. That’s why we’re spending the whole month of January to discover how commitment can show up in our lives as we practice our faith. Commitment is making a plan and putting it into practice. If we want to know God better, we need to practice our faith. And the best place to start is with spiritual disciplines; or what we call “faith skills.”

In KidLife, we have four faith skills that we think kids need to practice to know God better, and we are going to dig deeper into these faith skills to help kids get a handle on what it means to practice their faith. We use four simple words to help us remember these skills:HEAR. PRAY. TALK. LIVE. Each week this month, we’ll focus on one of the faith skills as we talk about making a plan and putting itinto practice.

We can’t wait to see what God will do in the lives of kids and families this month as we commit to practice our faith and grow in our relationship with God.

JANUARY 2015 11

When we hear the word entourage, most of us think of

celebrities walking the streets of Beverly Hills, barking

orders at their “people” — people paid to hang out with

their famous “friends.” The actual definition of entourage

is a group of people attending or surrounding an

important person. Even if we don’t feel important enough

for an actual entourage, most of us want at least a

handful of people who like to hang around us—people

who laugh at our jokes, go to the movies with us, and

simply have our back. In the Old Testament, King

David, his son Absalom, and David’s grandson Rehoboam

were no different. As royals, each had an entourage

and, through their experiences, we see that the choices

we make with those around us can change everything.

Looking ahead to the January ONETHING:On January 25th, StudentLife will host a God’s Not Dead movie night at Fusion. The night will include free food, popcorn, and of course music from our amazing Fusion Worship Band. This event will be open to all students in 6th to 12th grade and will be a great chance to invite friends with questions about the Christian faith. Be sure to check out www.godsnotdeadthemovie.com for more info on the movie itself and be praying about who God might want YOU to invite!

StudentJANUARY TEACHING SERIES:

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

January 4th: SL Programming Kicks off for 2015

January 25th: the ONETHING at Fusion

February 1st: SL Super Bowl Party

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S E N I O R M I N I S T R I E S O P P O R T U N I T I E SFor more information about these events, contact Carli Burton at [email protected] or 793-9760 x121.

Thursday, January 9: Around the Table Adventure Senior Ministries’ Fellowship will meet for Christian fellowship at 9:30am in Rooms 5/6. The coffee is always on and a devotional is shared. Our hostess, Geneva Anderson, is throwing a pizza party and will supply the morning treats and a dessert. Card and board games will be played, and, if you have a favorite that is not offered, please bring it for the morning. If you stay for lunch, a donation of $6.00 is suggested for “all you can eat or until it is gone.” Please come and join us. Saturday, March 7: Phantom of the Opera Day trip to The Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis, MO. Critics rave that this breathtaking production is bigger and better than ever before, and we have floor seating! Departure time is 9:15am. The cost is $110 per person which includes the show and luxury coach travel. We will also stop for dinner at Sweet Pea’s, a restaurant which is known for Southern comfort food. It is just blocks from the Fox. Please sign up in the Atrium and deposit your check made out to FUMC in the black money box next to the sign-up. Sunday, March 15: St. Norbert’s Homemade Sunday 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 have a step-on-guide give us a tour of the Calhoun County Barn Quilt Trail. These are painted quilt squares on sides of barns, etc. that are chosen by families that tell of their heritage. Cost for luxury coach travel, meal, and tour is $35.00.

Opportunities to ServeTRAINING SESSIONS FOR VISITATION VOLUNTEERSWe are offering two training sessions for anyone interested in serving in the area of visitation and for those who signed up to be visitation volunteers (VV) during our Ministry Expo. After becoming a VV, you will choose a schedule that is convenient for you, usually once a month to visit one or two people. You will be furnished what you need for this ministry, including introductory cards and a devotional book. The training sessions will be held on Sundays, January 18 & 25, at 10:15am in Atrium 1(Choose the one that works best for your schedule. If neither do, please contact the facilitator, Carli Burton, at [email protected] or 793-9760 x121, and we will set up an alternative time). No sign-up is needed to attend.

JANUARY 2015 13

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN / DECEMBER 5Vera Jones, from Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House in East St. Louis, was our speaker on December 5. This organization is a United Methodist community center which serves as a mission and ministry for people of all ages from babies to the elderly in this impoverished area in Illinois. This house just celebrated its 105th birthday on November 9, 2014. United Methodist Women have been critical in funding much of the services through our pledges.

WINTER BREAK / NO JANUARY OR FEBRUARY LUNCHEONThe next luncheon will be on March 7, 2015.

OUR NUTTY FUNDRAISERAgain we thank everyone who purchased our Georgia nuts! This is our major fundraiser and we could not provide some of our mission projects without your participation.

SOUP AND COOKIE DAYOn December 3, Rachel Circle and many others brought cookies for shut-ins and enjoyed four different kinds of soup. It was very productive and fun to gather together, have lunch, and prepare about 35 Christmas tins for various shut-ins.

SPRING FLING / APRIL 25, 2015Mark your calendar and save the date for this fun annual event. Rachel Circle will meet on January 17 at 7:00pm to select a theme and begin assigning projects to various individuals. Please feel free to join us!

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN CIRCLE MEETINGSRachel Circle meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month in Atrium 2 at 7:00pm.

Lydia Circle will not be meeting in January and February.

S C H E D U L EJanuary – February, 2015

NO LUNCHEONS – Winter break

January 15, 2015 Church Women United

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception TBA

January 21, 2015Rachel Circle

7:00pm – Atrium 2Spring Fling Planning

January 26, 2015Church Women United Meeting

9:30am

First Christian Church at 700 South 6th Street

March 7, 2015UMW Board/Luncheon

10:00am/12:00pm – Room 13/Gym

April 25, 2015SPRING FLINGNoon – Gym

J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5


Scout Sunday BrunchFebruary 1, 2015 · Atrium 2/3, 9:30am-12:00pm

Tickets are $5.00 per person.Brunch includes:breakfast casserole or pancakes, sausage, fruit, pastry, and drink.

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT BOY SCOUT TROOP 13

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.

ALTAR FLOWERSDo you wish to provide altar flowers in honor of or in memory of a loved one? The cost is $35 and you may take the

bouquet home after the 10:15am service. Contact Marsha at 341-5805 or [email protected] to reserve your special date.

Thank You Adult Christian Education, Senior Ministry and Visitation Ministry Volunteers! We have so many wonderful volunteers at First United Methodist Church. A big shout-out to all of you. You are appreciated! We could not function at the level we do without you. You make so many things happen. Thank you to those who prepare and teach both on Sunday mornings and throughout the week, who hold positions in our classes to lighten the load of the teachers, who serve others through the visitation ministry, who serve communion to our shut-ins, who serve in parking assistance for church services, who deliver poinsettias and Easter Lilies to our homebound, who make and deliver wonderful Valentine baskets for our seniors, who become Sunshine Sharers sending cards to our elderly, who serve on our Senior Ministry Council “going the extra mile” to offer opportunities to our congregation, who serve as hosts and hostesses for our monthly fellowships, and for our prayer warriors who undergird and help us receive God’s help for all we do. I say GOD BLESS YOU. For you are a blessing to others and me.

Carli Burton · Director of Adult Christian Education, Director of Senior Ministries, & Director of Visitation Ministries

Thank you to all who gave of your time to serve our church family this Christmas season. Many of you provided cookies for our Christmas Coffee, and the Hospitality team jumped in to host and give guidance for this event. Thank you also to everyone who served as ushers, greeters, coffee hosts, and at our Welcome Center and Guest Center during our Christmas Eve services. We appreciate your generous spirit. We couldn’t have done this without you! Jenny Hutcherson and Sharon Sweeney

MITTEN TREEThank you to everyone who added to our Mitten Tree. We collected over 100 pairs of mittens, gloves and hats that will keep many, many hands and heads warm this winter. Bless you for your generosity!

KIDLIFE CHRISTMASKidLife held its annual KidLife Christmas Party during the 5:00 & 7:00pm services on Christmas Eve. We had a great turnout, sharing the story of Jesus’ birth, decorating cookies and celebrating a joyous Christmas celebration! Thank you to everyone who sacrificially served during one or both of the services.

Kid Life Ministry Team

T H A N K Y O U !

JANUARY 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:

http://goo.gl/amUHQM

january REAL Scripture CardsJoin us as we continue reading the Gospel of Luke.

January 1 – Luke 3:1-20January 2 – Luke 3:21-38January 3 – Luke 4:1-13January 4 – Luke 4:14-30January 5 – Luke 4:31-44January 6 – Luke 5:1-11January 7 – Luke 5:12-26January 8 – Luke 5:27-39January 9 – Luke 6:1-11January 10 – Luke 6:12-26January 11 – Luke 6:27-42January 12 – Luke 6:43-49January 13 – Luke 7:1-10January 14 – Luke 7:11-17January 15 – Luke 7:18-35January 16 – Luke 7:36-50

January 17 – Luke 8:1-15January 18 – Luke 8:16-25January 19 – Luke 8:26-39January 20 – Luke 8:40-56January 21 – Luke 9:1-9January 22 – Luke 9:10-17January 23 – Luke 9:18-27January 24 – Luke 9:28-36January 25 – Luke 9:37-45January 26 – Luke 9:46-56January 27 – Luke 9:57-62January 28 – Luke 10:1-24January 29 – Luke 10:25-37January 30 – Luke 10:38-42January 31 – Luke 11:1-13

D e a t h sPlease hold in prayer the families

of these precious people:

Marian Marshall

Robert Oberline

Melissa Slocum

John Surman

Nadeen Weatherford

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

Cole Jordan Luxmore

Julia Reese Cheng

“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 Events

january 1 — Building Closed

11 — Alpha Class Begins

14 — Financial Peace University Begins

19 — Building Closed

February 8 — Starting Point

12 — Unspoken Concert

14 — Project Marriage

16–18 — Together in Prayer

18 — Ash Wednesday Service at 5:30pm

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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January 2015

Documents

Transcript of January 2015