april 2015

APRIL 2015 / Volume 49 / Issue 4

Th

erefo

re, if a

nyo

ne is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old

h

as gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

PHONE 217.793.9760WWW.SPRINGFIELDFIRST.ORG

PASTORAL STAFF

Dr. Roger Ross | Lead Pastor

Rev. Mike Whitaker | Pastor

Rev. Nicole Cox | Pastor

MINISTRY STAFF

Carli Burton | Director of Adult Education & Senior Ministries

Chase Carlisle | Director of Contemporary Music Ministries

Elyssa Carlisle | Director of Youth Choir & Handbells Ministries

Garrett West | Director of Worship Tech

Lana Salomonson | Executive Director

Laurie Lewis | Director of Contemporary Choir Ministry

Leanne Ross | Interim KidLife Director

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

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Aaron Havard | Information Technology

Brennan Pappas | Printshop

Holly Taylor | Accountant

Jenny Hutcherson | Admin. Assistant

Pam Long | Financial Secretary

Sharon Sweeney | Dr. Ross’ Assistant

CUSTODIAL STAFF

David Rodriguez

Dennis Fors

James “J” Dunlap

STAFF emails:First initial and Last [email protected]

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

2 Good T i d ings / APRIL 2015

You know it’s bad when your wife simply closes the door and walks away. At our house, that’s often what happens with “the writing room.” Although the picture above is not from my home office, there have been times when it could have been. Clutter collects in my office like dust bunnies on a hardwood floor. Whether it’s a messy office, an overstuffed garage, or a jam-packed basement, nearly all of us have an area that is filled beyond capacity. The process is mystifying. You bring in one or two items, step out to get the mail, and suddenly there’s no place to sit. Stuff has a way of multiplying like rabbits in the spring. Perhaps that’s why every spring, we get the urge to purge. After a long winter’s cluttering, we feel a need to clear some space. There’s something God-like about bringing order out of chaos. It’s the creation story all over again. But just as in the beginning, chaos doesn’t give up easily. It takes purposeful effort and help beyond ourselves to recreate. That’s just as true in the human heart as it is in the backyard shed. We all have inner rooms that are bursting at the seams. That’s why we’re launching a brand new series on Easter called, “DeClutter” It will focus on crucial topics like how to: • Replenish when feeling drained •Traderestlessnessforfulfillment •Findpeaceinanxioustimes •LiveoutGod’sdream • Move into new seasons of life By God’s grace, we can declutter our lives and live with a fresh level of simplicity and purpose. Be sure to invite your friends, family members, co-workers, and classmates to come with you through this Easter series. There’s power that comes from a decluttered tomb. He is Risen!

On the journey with you,

WHEN GOD BEGAN TO CREATE THE

HEAVENS AND THE EARTH – THE

EARTH WAS WITHOUT SHAPE OR

FORM, IT WAS DARK OVER THE

DEEP SEA, AND GOD’S WIND

SWEPT OVER THE WATERS…

GENESIS 1:1-2 (CEB)

DeC tter

APRIL 2015 3

N E W M E S S A G E S E R I E S !APRIL 4|5 (Easter Sunday) · EXHAUSTED TO ENERGIZED · ROGER ROSS SPEAKING

APRIL 11|12 · RESTLESS TO FULFILLED · ROGER ROSS SPEAKING

APRIL 18|19 · OVERWHELMED TO PEACEFUL · ROGER ROSS SPEAKING

APRIL 25|26 · NO MORE PRETENDING · MIKE WHITAKER SPEAKING

MAY 2|3 · STUCK TO MOVING ON · ROGER ROSS SPEAKING

Our Easter special offering will go to the Midwest Mission Distribution Center (MMDC) for school supplies for students in K-12 in Sangamon County. To many students, the beginning of the school year is an exciting time as they gather their new supplies. In Sangamon County, however, 1 out of 5 kids live in poverty; their families struggle to supply basic needs. These are the children who can benefit the most from education as a means to break the cycle of poverty, and they are the ones who will be given school bags from MMDC in August before the new school year begins.

School kits include items such as notebooks, pens, pencils, rulers, crayons, and scissors. The school kits retail at $12 each; MMDC’s actual cost is $3.50 each, so monetary donations go further than the donation of supplies. MMDC can make 7 school bags for every $25 donated.

Our Christmas Eve special offering helped schools and teachers in Haiti and at the Chaddock School in Illinois. Now we have an opportunity to help in the area of education for children right here in Springfield. Please prayerfully consider giving so that we can impact the children of our community.

Easter Special Offering MIDWEST MISSION DISTRIBUTION CENTER

4 Good T id ings / APRIL 2015

THURSDAY, APRIL 2ND – MAUNDY THURSDAY AT 7:00pm

This experience is designed to remember Jesus’ last night on earth and His last supper with His disciples. We will share in communion as Jesus’ present day disciples. Following the service,there will be an optional foot washing ceremony. Nicole Cox will be speaking. FRIDAY, APRIL 3RD – GOOD FRIDAY AT 7:00pm

On this day, we remember the passion of Jesus. He willingly suffered and was crucified to pay the costly price for our sins, so we could be forgiven and reconciled to God. Jesus’ sacrifice for our sin, once and for all, is what makes this day “good.” Mike Whitaker will be speaking. SATURDAY, APRIL 4TH – EASTER EGG HUNT & EASTER SERVICEChildren ages 3 years old through 4th grade will enjoy age-specific hunting areas for Easter eggs, as well as a light breakfast and a creative craft from 10:00 – 11:00am. EASTER SERVICES:Our first Easter worship celebration will take place Saturday, April 4th, at 5:30pm. Roger Ross will be speaking. SUNDAY, APRIL 5TH – EASTER!7:00am Easter Sunrise – in the big tent by the pond. Our StudentLife Ministry will be leading the service. 9:00am & 10:15am in the SanctuaryOn Easter, we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead by the power of God. Jesus’ resurrection makes forgiveness of sins and an eternal relationship with God possible through our faith in Christ. Roger Ross will be speaking. Please invite your friends, family, and neighbors to join us as we celebrate the hope and joy we have in the Risen Christ!

Holy Week and Easter JOIN US FOR THE EVENTS OF HOLY WEEK AS WE PREPARE FOR THE CELEBRATION OF EASTER.

APRIL 2015 5

Spring Cantata ~ The Easter StoryThe New Life Adult Choir and Youth Choir will present a Spring Cantata, The Easter Story, accompanied by a full symphony orchestra on May 17 at the 9:00am traditional service. The Easter Story retells Jesus’ suffering, death, resurrection, and exaltation at the right hand of the Father in a story that engages the heart, mind, and imagination. The music draws upon different styles and sources, including gospel, folksongs, traditional hymn arrangements in symphonic style, spirituals in contemporary style, as well as new anthems composed by contemporary composers such as Ola Gjeilo and Robert Ray.

If you are interested in singing The Easter Story with us, join us on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm in the Choir room (Room 22). We will spend about 35 minutes practicing the Cantata each week. If you love music and 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, and you only need to attend the beginning 35 minutes of the New Life Choir rehearsals.

For more information, contact See Tsai Chan at [email protected].

EASTER EGG HUNTPlease join us for an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4th, 2015.

The Egg Hunt will begin at 10:00am and will be held outdoors at Springfield First (weather permitting). Preschoolers through 4th graders

are welcome. Don’t forget to bring a basket, bucket, or bag! We will have a light breakfast, share in making a family craft, and

then hunt some eggs! Join us for making some great memories!


STARTING POINT – APRIL 12This Sunday morning experience is designed to be an introduction to Springfield First. It is a great opportunity to meet others who are new, talk with the pastors, tour the building, ask questions, and receive helpful information about this family of faith. Our next Starting Point will take place

on Sunday, April 12, at 9:00 – 10:00am in Room 5. Please sign up in the Atrium or contact Jenny Hutcherson at 793-9760 x231 or [email protected].

6 – WEEK ELECTIVE STUDY:PARENTING: THE EARLY YEARS (10 BIBLICAL TRAITS YOUR KIDS WILL REMEMBER YOU FOR)

Note change of dates so as to not overlap with our Lenten Study.

Beginning Wednesday, April 15, and concluding Wednesday, May 20, from 10:00 – 11:30am

in Room 4, we will begin this study for mothers &/or guardians of young children.

Our study will be Parenting: The Early Years (10 Biblical Traits your Kids Will Remember You for)

by Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott. This teaching delves deeper than simply trying to get your kids

to eat their broccoli and clean their rooms! It takes a Biblical approach to the traits parents

want to model and instill in their children. This study includes practical advice for all

parents, whether married couples, single parents, or in a blended family.

Please sign up in the Atrium and pass the word to fellow mothers of young children.

Our facilitator is Pam Kauerauf, mother of 4. A sign-up sheet will be in the Atrium.

Childcare is available. Contact: Carli Burton, [email protected] or 793-9760 x121.

BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIPBible Study Fellowship (BSF), a world-wide interdenominational organization, will be studying

Revelation. This is a new study for BSF. BSF’s vision is to teach the Bible in order to produce in all participants a vibrant relationship with God. Springfield First is the host church for a women’s class which includes a children’s program for infant through kindergarten ages. The women’s class meets Thursday mornings at 9:10 – 11:00am. Lakeside Christian Church, 225 Toronto Road, hosts the men’s class on Tuesday evenings at 6:45 – 8:35pm. The men’s class also has a program for students in first through twelfth grades. The Revelation study will begin in September. Registration will be available

during the month April on class days. Plan to join this exciting study! Please contact Lin and Glen Ferguson at 787-2174 or Mike and Maggie Barton at 629-8382 with any questions.

CL ASS OPPORTUNITIES•••

APRIL 2015 7

Ever 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. Beginning on Monday,

April 13, we will go through six characteristics of a deeply devoted disciple of Jesus Christ,

all beginning with the letter “G.” We will meet at 6:30 – 8:00pm in Atrium 2/3.

Week 1, April 13 – Glory

Worshipping God - joyfully and intentionally living in the presence of God both privately and publicly.

Week 2, April 20 – 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, April 27 – Growth Celebrating spiritual disciplines - taking personal

responsibility for our spiritual journey by practicing spiritual disciplines that move

us to Christ-centered living.

Week 4, May 4 – 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, May 11 – 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, May 18 – Generosity

Sharing 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.

C L A S S

Save the date for THE 2015 GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT August 6 & 7Do you remember a great church summer camp experience as a child? It was a timeto be away from your everyday activities and responsibilities and laugh, learn new things, and grow deeper in your faith. As adults, it’s time to return to camp! The Global Leadership Summit is a chance to join together with others for inspiration, encouragement, and fun.

The Summit is designed for all people with a circle of influence – be it a small group at church, students in a classroom, a team at work, or a family. We can’t think of anyone who shouldn’t be at the Summit! Our churchis privileged to host this outstanding event that reaches over 160,000 people world-wide. In a live feed from the Willow Creek Church in South Barrington, IL, we will be inspired and challenged by world-renowned speakers. As a host site, our open doors will not only build bridges between various denominations in attendance, but also outside our church walls in the business and community sectors. This is something you won’t want to miss. So mark your calendars and be watching for more information.

building MOMENTUMWe are making great progress! Our church family continues to do a phenomenal job in reducing the debt on our building. Over the last 7 years, we have reduced our debt from $11.2 million to $6.6 million!

Here’s the latest on what God is doing through you. In April of 2014, 317 individuals and families made three-year giving commitments totaling over $1.7 million. The total amount received through March 15 is $692,952. Praise God!

Our Momentum giving journey is having a tremendous impact by reducing our loan balance and paying our monthly mortgage. We reduce our principle each month by about $35,000!

Of course, each dollar we pay down in principle releases more money for hands-on ministry that saves and changes lives in our community and world.

As we approach the one year anniversary of our Momentum giving journey on April 25-26, we will be inviting all those that have not yet made a commitment to join hundreds of others in making a two-year commitment to Momentum.

We really do believe we can remove this barrier to our future growth and release more resources to change lives. Please begin to pray for what God may want to give through you to make the future bright for so many.

Thank you for the extravagant generosity you have shown in many ways. You are a beautiful reflection of the giving heart of God.

With Joy,


EveryTuesdaymorning,agroupofprayerwarriorsgathersat

8:45aminRoom1toprayforourchurch,ourpastors,andthe

needsthathavebeensubmittedontheMakingConnections

Cardsthatpeoplefillouratourweekendworshipservices.

It is a special privilege to see the faith of those who believe

thatGodisatworkintheirlivesandinthelivesofthosethey

careabout.WeareawedbywhatGoddoesinresponseto

intercessoryprayer!Thereisplentyofroomatthetable,

socomeandpraywithus.Whenthereismuchprayer,we

seemuchpower.Formoreinformation,contactJeanWebster

[email protected].

OPPORTUNITY

TUESDAY MORNING PRAYER GROUP

APRIL 2015 9

ADVENTURE BIBLE CAMPJUNE 22-26Registration begins April 1st for Adventure Bible Camp! Sign up near the jeep in the KidLife area, or register online at www.springfieldfirst.org/kidlife. We hope to see you June 22!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESSo that we can make this an awesome ABC experience for our kids and the kids in the community, we need lots of volunteers! The following areas are some of the ways you can share your time and talents:

ASSISTANT CREW LEADERLeaders shepherd a group of about five elementary or preschool children through each day’s activities.

REGISTRATION AND CHECK-IN TEAM This takes about 1 hour each morning of ABC, helping with nametags and wristbands.

ASSISTANTS AT OUR SITE STATIONS Help the lead site teacher with games, snacks, music, cinema, or crafts.

DECORATIONS Help prepare decorations before ABC.

SET UP – JUNE 21 AT 11:30am (following the 10:15am worship service)Mark your calendars for a fun-filled Adventure Bible Camp setup day! Help us bring the church to life for the kids coming that week for ABC. Assist teachers with setting up their rooms, add decorations to the sanctuary, Atrium, hallways, and more. Lunch and refreshments are provided. Come for as long or as little as you can.

For more information about Adventure Bible Camp, please contact Sharon Sweeney at [email protected] or 793-9760 x131.

ABC – YOU CAN HELP TOO!In order to involve more people who

otherwise might not be able to participate,

and to keep our costs down, we are

offering our congregation an opportunity

to help ABC and bring in some needed

supplies. Some items may be recycled

while others will need to be new. A display

will be in the Atrium in April with individual

cards of items needed. Please take one

(or more) and return the item(s) to church

in the tote next to the display. Return all

supplies by May 22. Thank you in

advance for your generosity.


Happy Easter! I wanted to take the

opportunity to introduce myself in

my second full month of being the

Interim Director of KidLife. I am

married to Roger Ross and we have

2 teenage children, Zach-18 and Jane-17.

I am very involved in the life of Springfield

First in many ways, and I am so excited to

help in the transition of our KidLife

leadership! If I can be of any help to you,

feel free to contact me at

[email protected]

or 793-9760 x227.

· Leanne Ross

APRI

L

Elementary KidLifeEaster is the perfect time of year to talk about peace. In Colossians 1:20 and 3:15, we find out that peace originated with God’s love for us and Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Since we can receive such peace from God, we can live peacefully with other people. Think about this for a second: Do you want your children to grow up to be angry? I’m talking about out-of-control, self-centered, short-fused, “I’m gonna hurt somebody if I don’t get my way” kind of anger. Of course not.

The truth is there are a lot of people who are walking around angry. Somehow they grew up and missed a simple principle that is critical to life. Peace. Peace is part of God’s character and what Jesus came to do for us. God wants us to reflect peace in our relationships with others. We define peace like this: proving you care more about each other than about winning an argument. It’s interesting that peace almost always requires some type of sacrifice. I can almost guarantee there will be a time in every relationship when you will have to give up something you care about to make peace. Peace will cost you something. When sin entered God’s magnificent paradise, our relationship with Him was broken. God’s love for us was so great that He was willing to sacrifice to restore the relationship. God proved He cared about peace when He sent His Son to pay for our sins. Peace is more than just “not fighting” and saying the right things to keep people happy. Peace is living in a way that shows you care more about others than about being right. It’s about building strong relationships through mutual trust.Working at those relationships is hard work. It will cost us something. It will take time, swallowing our pride, and often will mean walking away from the chance to prove we’re “right.” That’s why we start by getting

everyone to memorize something Paul said in the book of Romans. “So let us do all we can to live in peace. And let us work hard to build each other up” (Romans 14:19, NIrV).

Preschool KidLife

Hello, First Look Friends!

Happy Easter! Jesus is alive!

It’s an awesome month

in First Look world as we

celebrate our risen Savior

and share stories of brave

men and women who told

others all about Jesus.

Each month the Student Ministry provides a community building or serving opportunity called the OneThing. On Sunday, April 26, at 6:00pm, we’ll be having our third annual Family Game Night! The night will include dinner and games, so bring your family’s favorite! If you will be joining in for the fun, please RSVP with the total number of your family group to Mike ([email protected] or 793-9760 x122) by April 20. See you there!

I M P O R TA N T D AT E S :April 5Easter Sunrise Service at 7:00am

No Fusion that night

April 12 and 19Fusion at 6:00pm

April 26FusionFamilyGameNight at 6:00pm!

May 2/3SummerMissionTripStockSalesduringallweekendservices

student lifeLast year was such an amazing opportunity, we thought we’d

do it again! The youth will be leading the Easter Sunrise Service

on April 5 at 7:00am for a time of worship, prayer, and reflection

on the resurrection of Christ. So, set your alarm and join us

in the big white tent out by the pond here at Springfield First

to celebrate the Risen Savior!

S U N R I S E

APRIL 2015 11

CONFIRMATIONCongratulations to the students of our 2015 Confirmation Class. What a blessing you are to our church, and we pray that you will continue to develop the talents and gifts with which God has blessed each of you. Madeline Joy Dossett, Morgan Margaret Gill, John (Jack) Patrick Gremer, Michael (Mick) Joel Gremer, Tracy Taylor Guard, Katherine Kay Held, Samuel Jeffrey Hutcherson, Gabriel Christian Johnson, Evan Joseph Kern, Patrick Charles Marker, John (Jack) Joseph McFadden, Kayla Nicole Miner, Macalli Grace Muschinske, Anneliese Marie Paton, Jalen Ryan Ping, Jessica Dian Rigby,Corinne Blair Steiner, Madison Elise Wall


SENIOR MINISTRIES OPPORTUNITIESFormoreinformation,[email protected].

• • • • • AROUND THE TABLE ADVENTURE: Senior Fellowship • • • • • Date: Thursday, April 9 | Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm | Where: Rooms 5/6

Why: Fellowship, fun, food (card & board games)Hostesses: Jean Ann Becker and Carole Woodward | OpeningTalk:Bees, honey, and their importance

Meal: Ham dinner with all the fixings. Suggested donation is $6.00 for all you can eat or until it’s gone.

An Opportunity to Serve: Easter Lily DeliveriesVolunteers are needed to deliver Easter Lilies to our members who are in care facilities. The lilies may be picked up following the 10:15am Easter service or the following days. (Monday, April 6, the church will be closed). We ask that deliveries be made by Saturday, April 11. If you can help with this important and meaningful ministry, please sign up in the Atrium. You will receive a letter with the name(s) and address(es) of members in which to deliver, along with an ID card for you to sign and leave with them. For more information, contact Carli Burton at 793-9760 x121 or [email protected].

THANK YOU! Two of our vans have new running boards and grab bars! Thank you to the IBT Sunday morning class for these great additions. It will be of great help and safety for getting on and off our church vans. It is wonderful when one or a group sees a need and seeks ways to fill that need. Kudos to the IBT Class!

Thursday, May 7 We have tickets to the St. Louis Cardinal vs. Chicago Cubs 12:45pm game. We will depart from our parking lot at 9:00am. Our seats are in the Left Field Porch under a covering (in case of inclement weather). Following the

game, we will stop at Maverick’s in Litchfield for our evening meal. The cost for ticket and travel is $45.00. Please sign up in the Atrium, making your check out to FUMC. Your payment holds your ticket.

(A little history from our ballgame last Spring at Busch Stadium: 26 hits, 22 runs, 1 error, score Cubs 17, Cards 5)

vs.

APRIL 2015 13

C A L E N D A R April 3, 2015

UMW Board/Luncheon10:00am/Noon · Room 14/Gym

Kumler Neighborhood Ministries

April 15, 2015Rachel Circle

7:00pm – Atrium 2

April 17, 2015 Lydia Circle

9:30am – Rooms 5/6

April 25, 2015SPRING FLING · BEE ALL YOU CAN BEE

Noon – Gym

May 1, 2015May Friendship Day, Church Women United

May 3, 2015UMW Board/Luncheon

10:00am/Noon – Room 14/GymChris Steil, Police/Community Relations

A P R I L 2 0 1 5

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN CIRCLE MEETINGS•RachelCirclemeetsonthethirdWednesdayofeachmonthinAtrium2at7:00pm.•LydiaCirclemeetsonthethirdFridayofeachmonthinRooms5/6at9:30am.

APRIL 3, 2015On April 3, Sharon Brown from Kumler Neighborhood Ministries will be speaking to us about the activities in this ministry in Springfield. God wants all of us to feed the poor and the hungry, and Kumler is well-known for its services of medicine, clothing, and food. We welcome all women to come to the meeting to learn about the United Methodist Women; the first lunch is on us. Suggested donation for lunch is $7.00. Please make a reservation for this noon luncheon by calling Elaine Galyon at 793-0533.

CHURCH WOMEN UNITEDBrenda Stonecipher, Springfield First’s representative for the local Church Women United, invites members to consider any of the Church Women United’s events: May Friendship Day on May 1 or the Annual Meeting/Luncheon on at FUMC on June 4. Please check our Calendar section.

B E E A L L Y O U C A N B E E

APRIL

25

SPRING FLING: APRIL 25, 2015 – BEE ALL YOU CAN BEECome join us for the SPRING FLING – Bee All You Can Bee. Invite your friends, relatives, and neighbors, and join us for this major spring event.


Joinusforaneveningoffoodandfun–foracause!Dinnerwillbeserved at6:00pminthegymatFUMC.Trivia will begin at 7:00pm.

Dinnerincludessoup,salads,drink,anddessert.Costis$10.00perperson.AllproceedsgototheFUMCMissionsCouncil.Toreserveatable(8people),[email protected].

Henderson Settlement · June 7 – 13IfyouareinterestedinhelpingneedyfamiliesinAppalachia,cometoHendersonSettlementinKentucky!Useyourgiftsand talents and share your love in an area of the United States thatgreatlyneedsyourtimeandhelp!Wewillmakehomeswarmer,safer,anddrierandgettoknowafamilyandshareourloveforChrist.Noconstructionexperienceisnecessary–justahearttoserve!Therewillbetwotrainingmeetingspriortothetrip.PleasecontactSueNelsonatnelson4131@sbcglobal.netor217-691-5903.

Yo u t h C h o i r Va r i e t y S h o w Mark your calendars for a free evening of food and entertainment! Springfield First’s Youth Choir will be presenting a variety show with a spaghetti dinner on the evening of Saturday, April 18, in the gym following the 5:30pm worship service. Tickets are free, and donations are appreciated to help raise funds for our choir trip to Atlanta this summer. You can get your ticket from the church office or on the weekend of April 11/12 between services. We hope to see you there! If you have any questions, please contact Elyssa at [email protected]. Thank you for supporting our youth!

&D I N N E R !

T R I V I A N I G H T

F R I D AY , A P R I L 1 0

APRIL 2015 15

Financial Giving Updates First United Methodist ChurchInanefforttomoreeffectivelyservethechurchbodywearepostingourfinancialreportatthefollowingweb

address.Thiswillpermitthechurchtoupdateourfinancialinformationinamoretimelymannerandprovidemore

immediateaccesswhendesired.Thefinancialinformationcan be found at the following address:

http://goo.gl/amUHQM

April REAL ScripturesGospel of Genesis

April 1 – Genesis 1:1-13April 2 – Genesis 1:14-26April 3 – Genesis 1:27-2:3April 4 – Genesis 2:4-25April 5 – Genesis 3:1-12April 6 – Genesis 3:13-24April 7 – Genesis 4:1-12April 8 – Genesis 4:13-26April 9 – Genesis 5:1-17April 10 – Genesis 5:18-32April 11 – Genesis 6:1-10April 12 – Genesis 6:11-22April 13 – Genesis 7:1-12April 14 – Genesis 7:13-24April 15 – Genesis 8:1-12

April 16 – Genesis 8:13-22April 17 – Genesis 9:1-17April 18 – Genesis 9:18-29April 19 – Genesis 10:1-20April 20 – Genesis 10:21-11:9April 21 – Genesis 11:10-32April 22 – Genesis 12:1-9April 23 – Genesis 12:10-20April 24 – Genesis 13:18April 25 – Genesis 14:1-12April 26 – Genesis 14:13-24April 27 – Genesis 15:1-11April 28 – Genesis 15:12-21April 29 – Genesis 16:1-8April 30 – Genesis 16:9-16

D e a t h sPlease hold in prayer the families

of these precious people:Dusty Arvidson

Betty CastleEd Greifzu

Estella Meister

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

Roosevelt Sam Smith IVJana Kenley Sue White

Henderson Settlement · June 7 – 13IfyouareinterestedinhelpingneedyfamiliesinAppalachia,cometoHendersonSettlementinKentucky!Useyourgiftsand talents and share your love in an area of the United States thatgreatlyneedsyourtimeandhelp!Wewillmakehomeswarmer,safer,anddrierandgettoknowafamilyandshareourloveforChrist.Noconstructionexperienceisnecessary–justahearttoserve!Therewillbetwotrainingmeetingspriortothetrip.PleasecontactSueNelsonatnelson4131@sbcglobal.netor217-691-5903.

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.

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

Upcoming EventsApril 2 — Maundy Thursday Service 7:00pm

3 — Good Friday Service 7:00pm

4 — Easter Egg Hunt

5 — Easter Sunrise Service 7:00am

6 — Building Closed

10 — Trivia Night and Dinner

12 — Starting Point

13 — G6 Class Begins

18 — Youth Choir Variety Show

21 — Ad Board Meeting

25 — UMW Spring Fling

May 17 — Spring Cantata 9:00am

25 — 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

Facebook First United Methodist Church - Springfield, IL

Instagram springfieldfumc

Twitter SpringfieldFUMC

2941 South Koke Mill Road · Springfield, IL 62711

april 2015

Documents