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The Storytellers: Lessons from the Stage
Join us in worship this Sunday as we reflect on the scripture Ephesians 2: 13-22 and continue The Storytellers: Lessons from the Stage Sermon Series with guest preacher, District Superintendent Rev. Jessica Baldyga.
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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RSVP: Six Flags with DAUMC Youth
this Sunday, August 9th!!!!
Sign-up today to join the DAUMC Youth at Six Flags by clicking on the Registration button below!!
We're meeting at DAUMC for early Sunday worship at 8:15 a.m., and at the end of worship, we'll leave from the church parking lot and plan to return by 10:00 p.m.
Admission is $35. Please bring cash or a check made out to "DAUMC" to cover the admission.
Let us know if you need scholarship assistance to help cover the cost:
No one misses out on church because of money!!
SIGN-UP by clicking the yellow button below:
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UWF Meeting
Monday, August 10 - 6:00 p.m.
There will be a unit meeting of DAUMC's United Women in Faith meeting on Monday, August 10th at 6:00pm in Room 101. There will also be a Zoom link available for the meeting.
United Women in Faith is a powerful, fearless force of women driven by God’s love and united in sisterhood. With a focus on women, children, and youth, we act for justice and transform communities. DAUMC has had a strong tradition of faith, mission, and action with United Women in Faith.
More information and opportunities to join will be coming soon! Any questions can be directed to Jill Gordon at 217-494-9450 or jill.gordon16@gmail.com.
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Become a Dementia Friend
Monday, August 10, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join a growing movement of people like you who are helping members of our community living with dementia. In just an hour, you'll develop a great understanding of dementia and learn how you can better support your loved ones, friends, and church members. This event will be held at Springfield First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Rd., Springfield.
This facilitated conversation is a local program of the nationwide Dementia Friendly America movement. Dementia Friendly Springfield is committed to fostering community support for people living with dementia and their essential care partners. Facilitated by Senior Services of Central Illinois.
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Freedom Conversations
Tuesday, August 11 (7:00 p.m.)
Year two of the Freedom Conversations continues this Tuesday, August 11 with Illinois State Archives director emeritus David Joens on John W. E. Thomas, who emerged from teaching other slaves to read into leadership in Chicago and Illinois through church, school, law, business, and politics.
Register to get the Zoom link for the series at http://bit.ly/freecorr16
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PB&J Sandwich Making!
August 14 - 9:00 a.m.
The next PB&J Sandwich Making gathering will be Friday, August 14 (9:00 a.m., Great Hall).
Contact: Cathy Lambdin, cathy.lambdin@att.net.
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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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Wooden It Be Lovely Sales & Celebrations
Be Lovely Boutique Is Open for the New Season
Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm
801 S. Grand Ave. W, Springfield
Little Black Dress Gala — August 28!
- August 28, 2026, 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Crowne Plaza, Springfield, IL
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 will collecting school supplies and "new or gently used" children's books (Pre-school - Young Adult) starting this Sunday, August 9. Keep an eye out for volunteer sign-ups and invitations to get involved!!
Questions? Want to get involved? Contact: Sue Landgrebe, slgrebe52@gmail.com or (217) 622-7872.
| | Arts & Culture: Support DAUMC Artists! | |
This summer, there are many opportunities to experience meaningful art & performances of all kinds, and many of our own DAUMC-ers are going to be featured on stage, in the orchestra pit, and producing or supporting behind the scenes!
Kicking off The Muni’s 2026 Summer of Love season, Cohen Clemmer will be on stage in their production of Mamma Mia! For their production of All Shook Up, Bekah Philbrick will be conducting the orchestra, along with Aria Philbrick on stage as a featured dancer and Dance Captain. In the following shows, Leia Philbrick will be playing in the orchestra for The Prince of Egypt, and Aria Philbrick will be playing bass trombone and tuba in the pit orchestra for Disney's Frozen. And closing out the summer season, Emily Noel will be Assistant Directing the production of Lion King Jr., and taking photos of all the Muni shows this summer.
At The Legacy Theatre, our newest staff member, Squire Prince, is cast in their production of Me and My Girl. This is the last weekend to see Pastor Squire in this performance - get your tickets now!!
Springfield Municipal Band is conducted by Tom Philbrick and Bekah, Leia, and Aria Philbrick all play in the band. Dates listed below.
At the Hoogland Center for the Arts, Bekah Philbrick will conduct the orchestra for ACTT’s production of Alice By Heart, and Emily Noel is producing STC’s for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf. Please take time to congratulate Emily Noel on her new role of Springfield Theatre Centre Board President beginning July 1st!
Wrapping up the summer season with Theatre in the Park’s production of Rumble Fish, Joy Brown is cast in this show based on S.E. Hinton’s book of the same name.
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2026 Summer Calendar
The Muni
- Disney’s Frozen (Aug 5-8)
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Lion King Jr. (August 20-22)
Springfield Art Association
- Fore! the Arts Golf Outing (August 6)
- YART SALE (August 15)
The Hoogland Center for the Arts
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Outraged (August 14-16)
- Dual Piano in Concert (August 14-16)
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Hairspray! (August 21-30)
Theatre in the Park
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Rumble Fish (August 7, 8)
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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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Upcoming DAUMC Facility Use/Community Meetings
For more information, contact the DAUMC office:
daumc@douglasavenue.org | (217) 546-4631
Monday, 08/10 - DAUMC Office Closed
6:00 p.m. UWF Unit Meeting (Rm. 101 or Online)
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts (Shepherd Hall)
Tuesday, 08/11
2:00 p.m. Play at the Park (Washington Park)
Wednesday, 08/12
9:30 a.m. Play/Pray Group (Wiggler/Crawler)
1:00 p.m. JOY Circle of UWF (Round Room)
6:30 p.m. Bereaved Parents (Rm 102)
Friday, 08/14
9:00 a.m. PBJ Sandwich Making (Great Hall)
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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 Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang,
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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