May 2015

MAY 2015 / Volume 49 / Issue 5

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” · Isaiah 40:31

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 / MAY 2015

They are everywhere! On any given day, have you ever counted the number of times that you are interrupted? It’s probably more than you even realize.

Interruptions come in all different forms. Sometimes it is just a quick interruption, like a phone call from a telemarketer (ugh!). Or, sometimes it is a major interruption, like the unexpected death of a loved one. Whatever they are, interruptions happen.

But you know, interruptions aren’t just unique to us. Even Jesus experienced interruptions. Isn’t that crazy to think about? When we read through the gospels, Jesus is constantly interrupted. He will be traveling from one place to another and be interrupted by someone needing healing. He will be trying to take some time to rest and be by himself, and he will be interrupted by someone needing a storm calmed.

One after another, we see Jesus being interrupted, interrupted, interrupted. Most of us would be frustrated by that, wouldn’t we?

But, I really doubt that is how Jesus viewed it. It is in those moments of interruption that we see Jesus engage in real, meaningful ministry. He feeds the hungry, heals the sick, loves the unlovable, calms the frightened, and so on. Isn’t that interesting? It is in the interruptions that ministry takes place.

What if we thought about that in our own lives? What if we took a different view of the interruptions in our lives? What if we stopped seeing them as hindrances and start seeing them as opportunities to engage in ministry?

That’s what we will be focusing on in our new series – “Life Interrupted.” Interruptions happen. So, how can we learn to serve others in these moments? We will be taking a deep look into the ministry of Jesus and seeing what we can learn from how He handled the interruptions in his life.

Let’s explore together!

I nterruptions.

MAY 2015 3

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.

The musical reenactment of Jesus Christ’s Easter story will make your heart overflow with joy and thankfulness. There will be a lot of congregational singing as well. So come and join us! Let your hearts be filled with the joy of our Risen Lord! And as we proclaim the victory of God’s sacrifice and resurrection on the cross, invite your friends and neighbors to experience this reviving and uplifting worship together!

N E W M E S S A G E S E R I E S !MAY 9|10 (Mother’s Day) · LISTEN TO YOUR MAMA · NICOLE COX SPEAKING

MAY 16|17 · NAPTIME · MIKE WHITAKER SPEAKING

MAY 23|24 · CAN I COME IN? · ROGER ROSS SPEAKING

MAY 30|31 · YOU GOT THIS · NICOLE COX SPEAKING

JUNE 6|7 · I’VE FALLEN AND I CAN’T GET UP · ROGER ROSS SPEAKING

4 Good T id ings / MAY 2015

FUMC GARDEN PROJECT“BUT IF ANYONE HAS THE WORLD’S GOODS AND SEESHIS BROTHER IN NEED, YET CLOSES HIS HEART AGAINSTHIM, HOW DOES GOD’S LOVE ABIDE IN HIM? LITTLE CHILDREN, LET US NOT LOVE IN WORD OR TALK BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH.” ~ 1 JOHN 3:17-18

Calling all gardeners! The Missions Council of Springfield First is sponsoring a community garden on church property, with all produce going to Kumler Food Pantry. There are so many in our community who struggle to put healthy food on the table for their families. We would like to change that!

Kumler Community Gardens allows many on the north side of Springfield to grow produce for their families, but most of those who access Kumler’s Food Pantry are not able to take advantage of this. Our church is fortunate enough to have fertile land at ourdisposal. You might have noticed the garden beds being tilled on the north side of our property. We have begun cultivating some of the grounds to grow food for the hungry in our community.

Our first garden volunteer meeting will be Tuesday, May 12, at 6:30pm in Room 4. We would also be grateful for any extra garden tools that you could donate to the project. Contact Rebecca Fulk at [email protected] or 217-761-4710 if you can help in this way or if you are unable to attend the meeting but still would like to be involved.

We have the opportunity to bless those around us out of ourabundance. Won’t you join us?

HAIT I

Our mission trip to

MAY 2015 5

Two years ago, my wife talked to me about a desire to serve God on a mission trip to Haiti. Not only did she want to go, but she wanted to take our 12-year-old daughter Abby. At the time, traveling to Haiti was not something high on my priority list. I assure you that as a protective husband and dad, sending my wife and daughter there without me was not an easy thing! But I knew my wife had heard God’s call, and who was I to stand in her way?

The trip was an amazing success and had a profound impact on the lives of my wife and daughter. The day they returned, Abby informed me she was going back “next year”. So for a year, we talked about going back. My wife couldn’t make the trip because of her pursuit of an advanced educational degree. That left me as Abby’s chaperone.

I followed my daughter’s lead and trusted in God that He would not put me somewhere He didn’t want me to be. The next thing I knew, I was trying to sleep on a cot in a cinder block house, staring at the corrugated tin roof above me, saying to myself, “Holy cow. I’m in Haiti for the next 8 days!”

What I experienced was nothing short of a life-changing event. I felt closer to God while I was in Haiti than I had felt in a long time. I saw God at work everywhere I looked. Certainly there is deep poverty for the people of that country, and they have tremendous challenges. But we met people of great faith, who pray and know God will give them what they need.

The relationships we established in Haiti are probably what I will remember most. I had the chance to meet my “Haitian godson” Emmerson, a little boy that my wife and daughter befriended last year. We’ve been sponsoring Emmerson’s family, trying to help them get on their feet. Meeting Emmerson’s father was truly a heartwarming moment. I got to meet teachers at the school, students, cooks, and construction workers. I tried my Haitian Creole on them, and they helped me pronounce their language correctly. We played soccer and basketball. We worked alongside each other. We worshiped God together. I saw tremendous generosity from the Haitian people, and a sharing spirit among the children. I witnessed adults and children with a strong work ethic who want to improve their situation and help their country. I saw students hungry for knowledge and appreciative of the opportunity to attend school. I got to know a living saint who has devoted his life to helping his fellow countrymen. I was inspired by these people and felt challenged to be a better

person. One of our veteran missionary team members told me she got more from the Haitians than she ever put into a mission, and I couldn’t agree with her more.

I came to know seven virtual strangers from our community who came on the trip. Traveling with strangers can be an interesting and sometimes challenging experience. However, after eight days working, living, and serving with our team, I came away with not just seven new friends, but seven new family members. I admire our team leader Shane Sims who used his leadership skills to guide our team. I watched veteran missionaries Mike and Lia Mueller as they engaged with old friends in Haiti. I experienced Haiti for the first time with fellow newbies Amy Parkhill, Kris Barrett, Linda Bundren, and Roger Meredith. And of course I watched with the proud eyes of a father as my 13-year-old daughter served on her second mission trip to the poorest country in the world. Having Abby on a mission trip involving a school with elementary school-aged children was perfect: the Haitian kids could relate to her. Abby couldn’t do the heavy manual labor that some of the adults did, but her interaction with the children was just as important as anything. She also took good care of her dad!

I want every person at Springfield First church to know what an impact you are making in a desperate corner of the world. The generous gifts our church has made in special offerings is changing lives in Haiti. I learned on my trip that you don’t have to fly to Haiti to be a part of a mission team. Covering the team in prayer, making afinancial contribution, or holding down the fort at home so a family member can attend in person qualifies you as a missionary in my book.

When I look at the many challenges facing the people of Haiti, it’s hard to know where to begin to help. But one of our work days showed me how to put it into perspective. We were tasked with moving very large rocks up a hill so workers could lay them in concrete for the kindergarten building foundation. How do you move a pile of boulders by hand? One rock at a time. In a bucket-brigade style, we slowly moved rocks to where they needed to be. American missionaries, Haitian workers, and children of the community worked together to get the job done. That’s kind of the way it is with life. When you face a big challenge, just take it one rock at a time.

(That's Haitian Creole for "God bless you!")Bondje beni ou! Rob Carney


STARTING POINT ON SUNDAY, JUNE 7This 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, June 7, at 9:00 - 10:00am in Room 2. Please sign up in the Atrium or contact Jenny Hutcherson at [email protected] or 793-9760 x231.

NEW MEMBERS CLASS ON SUNDAY, JUNE 14Our New Members Class will be offered on Sunday, June 14, from 3:00 - 7:30pm in Atrium 4. Led by our pastors, this class is available to everyone who would like tolearn 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, and have the opportunity to ask questions and understand the meaning of membership at this church. We will have snacks available and share a meal together. 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. Please sign up in the Atrium or contact Jenny Hutcherson at [email protected] or 793-9760 x231.

CLASS

OPPORTUNITIES

PARENTING: THE EARLY YEARS (10 BIBLICAL TRAITS YOUR KIDS WILL REMEMBER YOU FOR) It’s not too late to join us for this 6-week elective study. This

study for mothers and/or guardians of young children is

on Wednesdays at 10:00 - 11:30am in Room 5, from April 15

to May 20. The teaching by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott,

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 is in the Atrium.

Childcare is available. For more information, contact Carli Burton

at [email protected] or 793-9760 x121.

MAY 2015 7

MEN’S MONDAY GOLF LEAGUE

It’s that time of year again to break out the clubs, get some fresh air, and attempt not to hit any balls into the pond! All men are invited to join FUMC’s golf league at Brookhills Golf Club (5350 Old Jacksonville Road, Springfield, IL 62711) on Mondays at 3:45 - 4:30pm. This is a fun and casual league meant for socializing and building community while attempting to play golf. What better way is there to spend your Monday afternoon? For more information, contact Scot Vogler at [email protected] or 618-210-8011.

MAKE PLANS NOW FOR THE GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT AT FUMCTHURSDAY AND FRIDAYAug 6 / 7, 20158:30am – 4:30pm

At FUMC, we are getting ready for another fantastic Global Leadership Summit. This event with world-renowned speakers is for anyone who has a circle of influence, whether it’s a family, a team at work, or a small group. The truth is we are all leaders who influence the lives of others, and we can’t think of anyone who shouldn’t be there. We hope you have saved the date for this life-transforming event and have thought of others outside our church walls you can invite to join you.

Our special host rate is $89 for FUMC members and regular attendees. If you volunteer at the event, you will be able to attend for $65. (Because of the discounted rate, volunteers must register with Sharon Sweeney at 793-9760 x131 or [email protected].) And NOW is the time to make plans so you won’t miss this opportunity to attend.

In addition to registering at church, you can also registerby going to www.springfieldfirst.org and use the link for the Summit. You can also go directly to www.willowcreek.com and follow the instructions to register. Our church is site #128 and the code you will need for the special rate is: GLS15HOST.


New MembersPlease welcome these new members who joined our church on Sunday, March 29.

(Not pictured: Vicki Witter.)

Briana Howlett Cindy Ward (Joined March 15)

Courtney Robinson

Dennis & Kathy Vala

Debbie Howell

Jennifer Rogers Kelly Carcaise Kelly Wilson

Sandy WalterRandy, Kim, Eli, & Owen Nehrt

Shane & Misty Ehorn

Steve Butler Tom, Janet, Katelyn, Ryan, Mallory, Landon,

& Dawson Wise

MAY 2015 9

ADVENTURE BIBLE CAMP JUNE 22-26

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

REGISTRATION for kids 3 years old through 5th grade is open for Adventure Bible Camp. Sign up in the Atrium (by the big Mt. Everest display), near the jeep in the KidLife area, or online at www.springfieldfirst.org. We are going to have an awesome time – we hope to see you on June 22!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESThere are many opportunities to be a part of ABC:

PREP DAYSHelp us prepare the decorations and activities for the kids ahead of time. Mark your calendar for May 2 and June 13. Come for part of the day or all day! We will start at 9:00am and finish by 3:00pm.

REGISTRATION AND CHECK-IN TEAM This takes about 1 hour each morning to hand out nametags and wristbands.

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

ASSISTANTS AT OUR SITE STATIONSSite Assistants support the lead site teacher with games, snacks, music, cinema, or crafts.

SET UP (June 21 at 11:30am following the 10:15am worship service)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 will be provided.

Childcare (for infants through 2-year-olds) is provided the week of ABC for volunteers only. Please fill out a registration card in the Atrium or by the jeep so that we have enough teachersto care for your small children.

VOLUNTEER TRAININGAll volunteers are required to attend a training session led by our ABC lead team. Please choose one of the following dates to attend:

Sunday, June 7, at 11:30am in Room 89Wednesday, June 17, at 6:30pm in Atrium 4Sunday, June 21 at 11:30am in Room 89

ABC – YOU CAN HELP TOO!We are offering our congregation an opportunity to help ABC and bring in some needed supplies. Look for our mountain display in the Atrium. Attached to our “Mt. Everest” are individual cards with supplies/items needed for the week of ABC. Some items may be recycled while others will need to be new. Please take one (or more) card(s) and return the item(s) to church in the tote next to the display. Additionally, we need empty 1-gallon milk jugs, water bottles, and toilet paper rolls. All items need to be returned by May 22. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

HELLO, FIRST LOOK FRIENDS!The Happy Helpers Club is back, and it’s better than ever! This is one of our FAVORITE themes to do with preschoolers. At a young age, children start saying, “I help,” and it’s our responsibility to teach them how to help. This month, we’ll hear Bible stories that will show children ways that they can help others. God wants them to help others and to think of others before themselves, so let’s make sure they know how to do it!


3rd Grade Bible Presentation · Sunday May 10thWe are so excited to present our 3rd graders with their very own Bibles at the 10:15am service on Mother’s Day, May 10th! If you have a 3rd grader, please check them in for KidLife at the 10:15am service and proceed to the Sanctuary as a family for the presentation which will take place early in the service. KidLife leaders will be ready to walk them back to the KidLife area after they receive their Bibles. If you know a 3rd grader in our church that would like to receive a Bible, please let Leanne Ross know by May 4th at [email protected]. What a privilege to enable our kids to hide God’s Word in their hearts!

ELEMENTARY KIDLIFEMonthly Theme: HonestyHonesty really is a big deal. That’s why we’re spending the month of May talking about it. When we’re honest, when our words line up with our actions, people know they can trust us. Our relationships grow stronger. God understands the relationship between honesty and trust. This is something God set into motion in the first place.

As we look at some great stories and principles from the Bible each week, we hope that kids begin to live with honesty and integrity, that what they say will line up with what they do. But this won’t always be easy. That’s why our memory verse for the month can serve as a prayer for our kids when they need God’s strength to tell the truth. Psalm 119:29 says, “Keep me from cheating and telling lies. Be kind and teach me your law.” We pray that this month will be a great reminder to all of us to be honest no matter what the situation looks like.

Parent Info:• There is a weekly email that is sent to parents about what we learned during the previous Sunday. If you DO NOT receive this email, please send a message stating whether you want the Preschool or Elementary email (orboth)[email protected]

• Spring and Summer can be busy times for families. We want you to know that KidLife is available for the Saturday evening service at 5:30pm. We have the same curriculum on Saturday nights as Sunday mornings, so don’t feel like you have to miss church or KidLife. We are here for you!

•Connectwithus onFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/FUMCKidLifefor some posts related to our weekly teaching.

impo r t a n t d a t e s :MAY 2/3Summer Mission Trip Stock Sales during all weekend services at FUMC

MAY 10Mother’s Day! No Fusion… [go do something nice for your mamas!]

MAY 17Summer Ministry Kickoff Party at Fusion (6:00 - 8:00pm)

MAY 31AM Fusion begins, 9:00am in Room 89

MAY 2015 11

g r a d u a t e r e c o g n i t i o nIf you have or know of a Springfield First Student who will be graduating from 8th grade, 12th grade, or college, please let the church office know by May 17 at [email protected] or 793-9760, so we may adequately recognize their achievement! Thanks!

student lifeStock Sales On May 2 and 3, students participating in one of Student Life’s Summer Mission Trip opportunities will be selling stocks during all weekend services at FUMC. Purchasing stock in the SMT gives students the opportunity to travel all over the U.S. and participate in God’s mission of restoration in this world. Stocks may be purchased from our students at their table in the Atrium.

Summer Ministry Kickoff PartyOn May 17, Fusion will host its annual Summer Ministry Kickoff Party from 6:00 – 8:00pm. This is a night where we celebrate all the awesome things God has done at Fusion this school year and look forward to all God will do through StudentLife Ministries over the summer. The night will include food, games, worship, and a whole lot more! Put May 17 on your calendar and bring a friend!

AM Fusion!For the summer months, beginning May 31, Fusion will move to Sunday mornings! From 9:00 - 10:00am, students are invited to Room 89 for fellowship, worship, and a time of teaching. It’s like Fusion … only … in the AM.


Thank You!Thank you to the First Ladies small group for the beautiful homemade Easter cards they made and donated for the Senior Ministry mailings. We have heard back from some of the recipients about the lovely cards.

Thank you to the many who delivered the Easter Lilies that adorned our sanctuary on Easter Sunday. It brought smiles and many thanks from our seniors who can no longer worship with us. We trust you received a blessing for bringing sunshine to someone’s day.

Thank you to Rich Ramsey for his wonderful presentation on “Bees and Honey” at our April Senior Fellowship. It was very interesting and educational and very much enjoyed by everyone present. A thank you also to Carol Woodward and Jean Ann Becker, the hostesses for the month, who arranged for this presentation.

Cardinal VS. Cubs at Busch Stadium on May 7 · trip is full! vs.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s masterpiece Oklahoma!, the musical that changed Broadway and America, returns to The Muny stage in a grand and glorious production. In its first Muny production since 2007, this beautiful and dramatic show features an unforgettable story and a score filled with landmark songs such as “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “The Surrey With the Fringe on Top,” “People Will Say We’re in Love,” and of course, “Oklahoma!”

We will travel to The Muny in St. Louis on Friday, August 14, to see Oklahoma! We will depart from our parking lot at 4:30pm and make a dinner stop at the Cracker Barrel in Troy, IL. The cost of the ticket and travel via luxury coach is $65. Please sign up in the Atrium or contact Carli.

SENIOR MINISTRIESOPPORTUNITIESFor more information, contact Carli Burton at [email protected] or 793-9760 x121.

AROUND THE TABLE ADVENTURE: Senior FellowshipDate: Thursday, May 14

Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm

Where: Rooms 5/6

Why: Fellowship, fun, food (card games, board games & dominoes)

Hostesses: Carli Burton and Charlie Weishaupt

Opening: Pastor Nicole Cox will bring us our opening and devotional.

Meal: Turkey salad on croissants, potato salad, baked beans, fresh fruit, chips, and more! Suggested donation is $6.00 for all you can eat or until it’s gone.

MAY 2015 13

M a y 2 0 1 5C A L E N D A R

May 1, 2015UMW Board/Luncheon

10:00am/Noon · Room 14/GymChris Steil, Springfield Police Department

May 1, 2015May Friendship Day

Church Women United

June 4, 2015UMW Board/Luncheon

10:00am/Noon – Room 14/GymJoint Meeting/Birthday Celebration with CWU

July 17, 2015IHOP Breakfast

West of FUMC on Wabash Avenue8:30am

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN CIRCLE MEETINGS• Rachel Circle meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month in Atrium 2 at 7:00pm.• Lydia Circle meets on the 3rd Friday of each month in Rooms 5/6 at 9:30am.

MAY 1, 2015May 1 is the date for our May UMW luncheon. Chris Steil from the Springfield Police Department will be our featured speaker. He will talk about the community relations in Springfield and the efforts between community leaders and the police. We welcome all women and friends of the church to come to the meeting to learn about some of the activities of United Methodist Women. Lunch for first-time guests is on us. For others, suggested donation is $7.00. Please make a reservation by calling Elaine Galyon at 793-0533.

CHURCH WOMEN UNITED/UNITED METHODIST WOMEN · JOINT MEETING, JUNE 4, 2015 The United Methodist Women and Church Women United will have a joint meeting on June 4 in the gymnasium. This is the birthday month for UMW and the 70th birthday of Church Women United. Obviously, there will be birthday cakes! Assigned tables will be decorated for various seasons and birthday months for attendees. This will be a great celebration for CWU with good food provided by members of UMW. Brenda Stonecipher, Springfield First’s representative for the local Church Women United, hopes that members will attend this event. Look for more details to come soon.

UMW SUMMER BREAKFASTPlease join us on Friday, July 17 at 8:30am for an UMW breakfast at Wabash IHOP. In the past, everyone has enjoyed these summer get-togethers. You don’t have to be a member, however we do need a head count of those planning to attend. Please make a reservation by calling Alice Post at 787-0094.

SENIOR MINISTRIESOPPORTUNITIESFor more information, contact Carli Burton at [email protected] or 793-9760 x121.

If you are a teacher or president of an adult class,

Bible study leader, parking volunteer, or visitation or

sunshine sharer volunteer, please mark your calendar

and come out for our appreciation brunch on Sunday,

May 17, in Room 2. We will serve from 8:30 - 10:00am

and again from 11:15am - noon. Spouses and children of

volunteers are also welcome. Please RSVP the number

that will attend from your household to Carli Burton

at [email protected] or 793-9760 x121.

M A R K Y O U R C A L E N D A R


EASTER

SPECIALOFFERING

Our Easter Special Offering went to the Midwest Mission Distribution Center (MMDC) to purchase school supplies for kids in need right here in Sangamon County. Thanks to your generosity, we received 18,615.50! That means over 5,200 kids in Kindergarten through 12th grade will start the new school year with the supplies they need to be successful in their studies. On April 21, more than 50 people from FUMC participated in assembling the school supplies into school bags at MMDC. In August, we will have the opportunity to distribute those school bags to the kids who need them! In the meantime, know that your gifts are making a difference for the children in our community.

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.

If you are interested in helping needy families in Appalachia, come to Henderson Settlement in Kentucky! Use your gifts and talents and share your love in an area of the United States that greatly needs your time and help! We will make homes warmer, safer, and drier and get to know a family and share our love for Christ. No construction experience is necessary – just a heart to serve! There will be two training meetings prior to the trip. Please contact Sue Nelson at 217-691-5903 or [email protected] for more information or to register.

HENDERSON SETTLEMENT

J U N E 7 — 1 3

THANK YOU!

MAY 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

may REAL ScripturesGenesis

May 1 – Genesis 17:1-14May 2 – Genesis 17:15-27May 3 – Genesis 18:1-15May 4 – Genesis 18:16-33May 5 – Genesis 19:1-11May 6 – Genesis 19:12-22May 7 – Genesis 19:23-29May 8 – Genesis 19:30-38May 9 – Genesis 20:1-10May 10 – Genesis 20:11-18May 11 – Genesis 21:1-7May 12 – Genesis 21:8-21May 13 – Genesis 21:22-34May 14 – Genesis 22:1-12May 15 – Genesis 22:13-24May 16 – Genesis 23:1-11

May 17 – Genesis 23:12-20May 18 – Genesis 24:1-11May 19 – Genesis 24:12-25May 20 – Genesis 24:26-33May 21 – Genesis 24:34-44May 22 – Genesis 24:45-56May 23 – Genesis 24:57-67May 24 –Genesis 25:1-11May 25 – Genesis 25:12-18May 26 – Genesis 25:19-26May 27 – Genesis 25:27-34May 28 – Genesis 26:1-11May 29 – Genesis 26:12-24May 30 – Genesis 26:25-35May 31 – Genesis 27:1-10

D e a t h sPlease hold in prayer the families

of these precious people:

Patricia CarrikerShirley Davidson

Wilma Irene DavidsonBob FergussonBonita Koepp

Lester PattersonEdwin Rawlings

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

William Edward GutmannIsaac Avery Johnson

Emmersyn Brianna Rose OverbeyKrista Elizabeth Reiter

Callan Robert Solomon

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

Upcoming Events

May 2 — ABC Prep Day

10 — Mother’s Day

10 — 3rd Grade Bible Presentation

17 — Spring Cantata 9:00am

25 — Building Closed

JUNE 6 — One Thing Weekend

7 — Starting Point

13 — ABC Prep Day

14 — New Members Class

22-26 — Adventure Bible Camp

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

Documents

May 2015