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Lessons from the Stage – “Measure in Love”
All are encouraged to join in worship this weekend as we continue our Storytellers: Lessons from the Stage series, featuring the now classic rock & roll musical, “Rent.” Pastor Meredith’s message, “Measure in Love” is based on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and Ephesians 3:14-21. We will enjoy a special musical offering by the Rent Ensemble, featuring Cohen Clemmer, Pastor Squire, and Kiernan Steiner at all worship services. Online or in the pews, we can’t wait to worship with you this weekend!
Worship in the Sanctuary is at 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. and Online Worship begins at 10:30 a.m. on Facebook, also available later on YouTube. Nursery care for our youngest children is available beginning at 8:00 a.m. through the end of 10:30 Worship. Worship bags for children are available all morning, and during 10:30 Worship following Small Talk, children are invited to KidVenture Sunday School. Our Wiggler/Crawler Space in the Chapel is available during Worship, with a live stream of the Worship in the Sanctuary service.
Kick Off Your Sunday with FuelUP!
Start your Sunday with coffee, donuts, and fellowship in the Great Hall (lower level) at 9:15 a.m. This is a great chance to connect following 8:15 Worship and before 10:30 Worship. And did we mention donuts?
See below for more information about Small Groups for people of all ages, and at other times during the week see the yellow box for a complete list.
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What can Broadway
teach us about faith?
This month, Rev. Meredith and I, along with our District Superintendent, Rev. Jessica Baldyga, will be exploring that very question in our new sermon series,
The Storytellers: Lessons from the Stage.
Together we'll discover lessons of faith, humanity, justice, belonging, and grace through four unforgettable stories: women who dared to change history, young people searching for where they belong, a community learning to love in the face of uncertainty, and a teenager longing to be truly seen.
Long before Scripture was ever written down and gathered into the canon, God's story was carried through the voices of storytellers - around campfires, dinner tables, and within communities. Stories have always been one of the primary ways we make sense of God, one another, and ourselves.
As people of faith, we are storytellers, too.
Throughout this series, we'll explore some unexpected stories and ask where the Spirit of love, hope, and grace is speaking within them. Join us August 2–23 for our final summer sermon series. We can't wait to journey through these stories with you.
-Rev. Squire D. Prince
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Volunteer with Club Compass
Thursday, September 17th
Club Compass will resume on Thursday, September 17th,
3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and will continue throughout the school year.
If you are looking for a fulfilling opportunity to connect with the youth in our community, please consider becoming a classroom volunteer, dinner provider, facilitating an enrichment activity, or helping out with parties throughout the year.
To learn more, please contact Site Coordinator: Michael Natty, michael@compassforkids.org.
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Backpack &
Back-to-School Blessing
Sunday, August 23
This very special annual event marks the beginning of a new school year in all worship services on Sunday, August 23. All students, teachers, and staff are invited to bring their backpack, book bag or briefcase to worship if they would like, for a special time of prayer and blessings for the new school year, and a fun gift, too!
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Ice Cream Celebration!
Bring Your Favorite Topping to Pass
Sunday, August 23
Following 10:30 Worship, join us in the Great Hall for an Ice Cream Bar & Celebration! Vanilla and Chocolate ice cream will be provided, please bring your favorite toppings to add to our Ice Cream Bar! Click on the pink button below to let us know what you plan to bring!
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10th Annual WIBL Golf Outing
Friday, September 18
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Join us Friday, September 18th at Edgewood Golf Club in Auburn. $115 per person includes golf, cart, prizes, lunch, and dinner. 11 AM registration, 12 PM shotgun start. Register here.
To learn more about Wooden It Be Lovely, how to volunteer, and to make donations, go to www.woodenitbelovely.love, 217-606-5307
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Save the Date:
Community Block Party
August 30, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Mark your calendars for our Annual Community Block Party on Sunday, August 30 (4:00 - 6:00 p.m.) where we will be sharing food, games, art projects, bounce house, music, face-painting, AND the famous “School Supply and Children’s Book Swap.
We have started our collection of school supplies and "new or gently used" children's books (Pre-school - Young Adult) - please bring items to church and drop-off in the collection bin.
We will need lots of hands to help with set-up, tear-down, and running tables during the event. Please sign-up here or by scanning the QR code below.
Questions? Contact: Sue Landgrebe, slgrebe52@gmail.com or (217) 622-7872.
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DAUMC Table at Compass for Kids
Back-to-School Brunch
Saturday, September 19 at Erin’s Pavilion
Come support Compass for Kids while sharing in a delicious meal, shopping at the Compass Marketplace, hearing exciting Compass updates and success stories, and more.
We have a DAUMC Table and have 8 tickets available for $45 each. Reserve your spot(s) at the DAUMC table ASAP through the DAUMC Office, 217-546-4631, daumc@douglasavenue.org. If we fill-up one table, we will get tickets for a second table so don’t be shy!
All proceeds benefit Compass For Kids. The schedule for the morning is as follows:
- 10:00 am – doors open
- 11:00 am – meal is served
- 11:45 am – program begins
- 12:30 pm – event concludes
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Thank You, Let’s Get Coffee!
Transitions often come with their fair share of boxes, uncertainty, and those inevitable moments of asking, "Now where did I pack that?" Yet from the very beginning of this new chapter, you have made Douglas Avenue feel like home!
Thank you for your warm welcome, your thoughtful cards and gifts, your encouraging words, and the kindness you have shown throughout the week. Your generosity has been a beautiful reminder that the Church is not simply a building…it is a community that embodies the love of Christ.
As we begin this new season together, my prayer is that we continue to cultivate that same spirit of radical hospitality. May every person who walks through our doors, or we brush up against on the street experience genuine welcome, abundant grace, and the transforming love of Jesus. When we love one another well, we become a living witness to God's presence in the world.
I am filled with hope for what lies ahead and eager to discover where the Holy Spirit will lead us together. I truly believe God has wonderful things in store for our church, our growing community, and our shared ministry.
Thank you for allowing me to begin this journey with you. It is a joy and an honor to serve alongside you.
Gratefully yours,
Rev. Squire D. Prince
P.S. One of the greatest gifts of beginning a new appointment is getting to know the people God has called me to serve. I would love to hear your story! If you'd like to meet for coffee, tea, or a light snack for a 30-minute listening session, simply use this link to find a time on my calendar. I look forward to hearing about your faith journey and learning how Douglas Avenue has been part of God's work in your life.
Please feel free to reach out to Rev. Squire directly: revsquire@douglasavenue.org
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You can still order DAUMC T-Shirts!!
Place your order today and you can pick-up at Justice Graphics in Athens, or choose delivery at check-out. Special thanks to Justine Dion for again designing and organizing t-shirts! If you have questions, you can speak with Justine, or contact the DAUMC Office, 217-546-4631 or daumc@douglasavenue.org.
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DAUMC MicroPantry
Take What You Need, Give What You Can!
Did you know? In Illinois, 1 in 8 residents faces food insecurity, including thousands of seniors and children (statistic from Feeding America). With many changes to the SNAP benefits program, food insecurity continues to rise in our community. Please consider donating to the DAUMC MicroPantry.
The MicroPantry is located at the West entrance to the Education Building (WIBL door). Folks are invited to take what they need and give what they can of non-perishable foods, hygiene items, toilet paper, and simple cleaning products. You can load donations into the pantry at any time, bring in on Sunday mornings, or drop-off at the church office during the week.
To make a financial donation for food to be purchased by our thrifty DAUMC shoppers, make checks payable to DAUMC with "MicroPantry" in the memo line, or donate through the online giving portal. If you want to make larger donations of items or need more information, please contact the DAUMC Office, 217-546-4631. Thank you for your kindness in helping our neighbors who are in need!
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Send a “Peace Be With You”
From Wherever You Are This Summer!
Summer is the time for adventures, and your DAUMC family would love to be able to see whatever you are up to this summer. Whether you’re adventuring close to home (your backyard, the Farmer’s Market, at the Muni, etc.) or far away from home (visiting family, the beach, Portugal, etc.) please shoot a quick and simple “Peace Be With You” video and we will share it in worship! Here’s what you do: introduce yourself/your family/your fellow adventurers, say where you are and what you are doing, and finish by saying, “Peace Be With You!” Please send the video (or link to dropbox or google drive) to Abby Cline, daumc.worshiptech@gmail.com. Or contact Kiernan in the DAUMC Office for assistance in getting the video submitted, daumc@douglasavenue.org, 217-546-4631.
We can’t wait to see your face this summer!
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New Member Meet-up
Sunday, September 13, 9:15-10:15 a.m.
Are you interested in becoming a member of Douglas Avenue UMC? Come learn more about our wonderful church, what it means to be a member, meet new folks in our church family, and enjoy some tasty coffee, tea and snacks. Nursery care is available, and we will meet in Great Hall (lower level of DAUMC facility). Contact Pastor Meredith, revmeredithmbrown@gmail.com, or the DAUMC Office, 217-546-4631.
Youth Group Fall Kick-off Pool Party
Sunday, September 13, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
ALL youth entering sixth grade through high school are invited, encouraged, welcomed, and wanted to be a part of this overwhelmingly inclusive, fun, service-oriented, faith-growing group. So, PLEASE come to the Pool Party!!! Bring a friend, and let's play, eat, and get to know each other as we kick off the new year of Youth Group! Don't hesitate to contact Lauri Clemmer at lauri.clemmer@gmail.com or through the church office at (217) 546-4631 for more information and directions. AND, go ahead and mark your calendar now for the Youth Group Lock-In on Sunday, October 11 to Monday, October 12. More information on that soon…..
Wooden It Be Lovely 10th Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, September 20, 8:15 and 10:30 Worship with Tours to Follow
Mark your calendar now for these special worship services of thanksgiving and celebration for the ministry of Wooden It Be Lovely on their 10th Anniversary! With special testimonies, videos, music and the message brought by Rev. Margaret Ann Jessup, you will want to be a part of this important milestone at both 8:15 and 10:30 Worship. AND exclusive tours of their new facility for our DAUMC family will be available (in advance of their public Open House, September 25-26).
Children/Youth Bible Sunday!
Sunday, September 27, 8:15 and 10:30 Worship
Learning and growing in faith through individual and group Bible reading, study and prayer and is an important way that we love and follow Jesus. And we LOVE to give Bibles to people of all ages at Douglas Avenue UMC! On Bible Sunday, we will give a Bible to all children in grades 3 through 5, and youth (6th – 12th grade). Please mark your calendar now, and watch for the Bible sign-up.
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Upcoming DAUMC Facility Use/Community Meetings
For more information, contact the DAUMC office:
daumc@douglasavenue.org | (217) 546-4631
Monday, 08/17
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts (Shepherd Hall)
Tuesday, 08/18
6:30 p.m. Health & Safety Task Force Meeting
Wednesday, 08/19
9:30 a.m. Play/Pray Group (Wiggler/Crawler)
Thursday, 08/20
2:00 p.m. Nurture Commitee (Wiggler/Crawler)
Monday, 08/24
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts (Shepherd Hall)
Tuesday, 08/25
7:00 p.m. Mission Committee
Wednesday, 08/26
7:00 p.m. Trustees Meeting
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Sunday Worship
- 8:15 & 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary
- Worship with nursery care available.
- A Wiggler/Crawler Space (with live video feed) is open at all services.
- KidVenture Sunday School meets during the 10:30 service.
- 10:30 a.m. Online Worship – Join us on Facebook or YouTube for worship, including music, prayer, message, and Small Talk with Laud the Lamb, a favorite with kids!
Sunday Morning Groups
Don’t forget to FuelUP at 9:15 a.m. in the lower level Great Hall before Sunday School!
For Children & Youth
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KidConnection – Sundays @ 9:30 a.m. (Great Hall)
Snack, craft, games, Children's Chimes with Ms Heather.
Contact: Lauri Clemmer – lauri.clemmer@gmail.com
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Jr./Sr. High Youth Group – Sundays @ 9:30 a.m. (Upper West Side/Rm. 201)
Donuts, discussion, games, study, and prayer.
Contacts: Lauri Clemmer – lauri.clemmer@gmail.com;
Curtis Brown – revcurtisbrown@gmail.com
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KidVenture Sunday School – During 10:30 Worship (after Small Talk)
For children through 5th grade with Ms. Lauri, Laud the Lamb, and friends.
Contacts: DAUMC office; Lauri Clemmer – lauri.clemmer@gmail.com
Adult Sunday Morning Groups
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Zephyr Class – Sundays @ 9:15 a.m. (Rm 101, Education Wing & via Zoom)
Using Adult Bible Studies Summer 2026: Spirit. Boldness. Opportunities. A study of Acts.
Books are available in Rm. 101 or through the DAUMC office.
Contacts: Martha LeMay – mlemay1651@gmail.com; DAUMC office
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Field Notes Small Group – Sundays @ 9:30 a.m. (Lower Level Round Room)
Special for the busy summer season, “How Is It With Your Soul” Check-in and
Prayer
Contact: Cindy Arnold – cindymarnold@gmail.com
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CrossConnections – Sundays @ 9:30 a.m. (Chapel/Wiggler/Crawler Space)
Conversation and reflection on the Sunday scripture.
Contact: Dan Brown – patdanb2018@gmail.com
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Spiritual Seekers Class – Sundays @ 9:30 a.m. (Shepherd Hall)
Currently studying The Servant With One Talent by Michael V. Ivanov.
Contact: Nancy Rosse – nsrosse65@gmail.com
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Sunday Morning Book Club – Sundays @ 9:30 a.m. (Rm 102, Education Wing)
Currently studying Joyful, Anyway by Kate Bowler,
Contact: Justine Dion – jedion8@gmail.com
Weekday Groups
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Tuesday Morning Bible Study – Tuesdays @ 10:00 a.m. (Zoom)
Currently studying The Justice of Jesus by Joash P. Thomas. Books are available through the DAUMC office.
Contact: Martha Clark – ollamnh@aol.com; DAUMC office.
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Coffee Hour with Women of Power – Wednesdays @ 9:15 a.m. (Zoom)
Studying All the Women of the Bible by M.L. del Mastro.
Contacts: Dorene Kileen – kileen.dorene@yahoo.com; DAUMC office
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Play at the Park – Tuesdays @ 2:00 p.m. (Washington Park)
Playtime at the park for elementary-age kiddos and their parent/guardians.
Contacts: Lauri Clemmer – lauri.clemmer@gmail.com; DAUMC office
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Play/Pray Group – Wednesdays @ 9:30 a.m. (Wiggler/Crawler Space)
Playtime for little ones + devotional conversation for adults.
Contacts: Lauri Clemmer – lauri.clemmer@gmail.com; DAUMC office
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Men's Group Breakfast – 1st Saturday of each month @ 7:30 a.m. (Parkway Cafe, 2715 N. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield)
For men of all ages and stages of life - devotional, conversation, prayer and fellowship, plus breakfast. Contact: Allen Griffy – kagriffy@sbcglobal.net.
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Vital Conversations on Race – 4th Monday of each month @ 6:30 p.m. (Zoom)
Reading, working, transforming for systemic justice at home and everywhere.
Contacts: Cindy Arnold – cindymarnold@gmail.com; DAUMC office.
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Generosity
Your financial giving supports the ministries and missions of Douglas Avenue UMC. Thank you for all the ways you give! Online giving is available at douglasavenue.org or this QR code. Please contact the DAUMC office for more information on offering a commitment to financial giving, for ACH giving, and other resources.
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