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Back-to-School Blessing & Lessons from the Stage
All are encouraged to join in worship this weekend as we wrap up our Storytellers: Lessons from the Stage series, featuring the musical, “Dear Evan Hansen.” Pastor Squire’s message, “Better Together” is based on I Corinthians 12:14-26. We will bless all of our students, teachers and staff for the new school year, and enjoy a celebratory Ice Cream Bar (see articles below). With a special presentation by Michael Natty from Compass for Kids, wonderful music, and powerful praying, 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 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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Back-to-School & Backpack
Blessing This Sunday!
This very special annual event celebrates the beginning of a new school year in all worship services, this 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 Share
Sunday, August 23
To top off our Back-to-School & Backpack Blessing this Sunday, we are going to celebrate with an Ice Cream Bar! Vanilla and chocolate ice cream will be provided, and you are invited to 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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Discerning the Spirits Roundtable Discussion
August 25, 6:00 p.m.
Has your local church or community been affected by growing political and cultural polarization? Have relationships in your congregation or community been strained, disrupted, or broken as a result?
Path 1 New Church Starts at Discipleship Ministries invites you to the Discerning the Spirits Roundtable. This is a conversation designed to equip leaders of new, emerging, and existing congregations as they navigate these challenging realities in their communities. Come and learn as local church and community leaders share how they are leading and where they are seeing signs of hope. Together, we will explore how the church can respond faithfully through discernment, courageous conversations, repair, compassion, and renewed allegiance to Jesus Christ.
This roundtable continues the conversation from the 4-part Discerning the Spirits article series, which explores political and cultural polarization and what faithful Christian witness can look like in the midst of it. Check out the article series, Discerning the Spirits.
Join us on Tuesday, August 25, at 6:00 pm on Zoom for this important conversation. Register now by click on the button below:
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Annual Neighborhood Block Party
is Next Week!
Sunday, August 30, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
It’s almost here!!! Our DAUMC Annual Neighborhood Block Party is on Sunday, August 30 on the patio and parking lot. We’re joining with community partners to share food, games, art projects, free haircuts, baby goats, bounce house, face-painting, foam machine 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 bins at the entrances.
We 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, or the DAUMC Office, daumc@douglasavenue.org, 217-546-4631.
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Ruth Hoefs Celebration
Service and Luncheon
Wednesday, August 26 at 11:00 a.m.
All are welcome to celebrate the life of our beloved, long-time member Ruth Hoefs who died in May. The Celebration of Life Service begins at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary of Douglas Avenue UMC, followed by a luncheon sponsored by our United Women in Faith.
If you can help with worship hospitality (greeting, ushering), please contact Pastor Meredith in the DAUMC Office as soon as possible, 217-546-4631, revmeredithmbrown@gmail.com. If you can help with the luncheon, please contact Jill Gordon, jill.gordon16@gmail.com, or sign-up directly to help provide food, https://www.PerfectPotluck.com/INIQ2254.
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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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10th Annual WIBL Golf Outing
Friday, September 18
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Support the women of Wooden It Be Lovely with this fun day of golf, food and fun at Edgewood Golf Club in Auburn. $115 per person includes golf, cart, prizes, lunch and dinner: 11:00 a.m. registration, 12:00 p.m. shotgun start.
Please 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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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 5 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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NEW DAUMC Website is LIVE!!
If you haven't seen our new website, head over there now to get familiar with the new layout and features—all still housed at: www.douglasavenue.org!
Our staff & team have been working closely this summer to update and design our new website, so that we can easily and accessibly share more about our events, ministries, programming, and ways to give generously.
If you are currently set-up for recurring online giving, keep an eye out for more information in your e-mails about transferring your recurring donation to our new online giving portal: douglasavenue.org/give
Please reach out to the DAUMC Office, 217-546-4631 or daumc@douglasavenue.org, if you have any questions!
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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!
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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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, 08/24
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts (Shepherd Hall)
Tuesday, 08/25
7:00 p.m. Mission Committee
Wednesday, 08/26
9:30 a.m. Play/Pray Group (Wiggler/Crawler)
7:00 p.m. Trustees Meeting
Sunday, 08/30
4:00 p.m. Community Block Party! (Back Patio)
Saturday, 09/05
7:30 a.m. Men's Group Breakfast
Sunday, 09/06
12:00 p.m. Strategic Planning Ad Council
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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/give 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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