Thursday, October 15, 2026 | | | |
Plug Into Love
with Douglas Avenue UMC
“…As a result of having strong roots in love, I ask that you’ll have the power to grasp love’s width and length, height and depth, together with all the saints… (Ephesians 3:17). We will plug into that love and keep our beacons of hope burning this Sunday. Pastor Meredith’s Message, “Plug Into Love” is based on I Thessalonians 1:1-10 and Ephesians 3:14-17, and includes a prayer action of hope. The Wesley Ringers will provide special music for 10:30 Worship, and all of our worship includes enthusiastic singing, extra measures of grace, and the blessings of the Holy Spirit. We can’t wait to worship with you online or in the pews!
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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Souper Sunday Chili/Soup Cook-off is
THIS Sunday!!!
Registration for Entries is Still Open!
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It’s time! The DAUMC Youth Group Souper Sunday Chili & Soup Cook-Off Supper is on for THIS Sunday, October 18, 2026 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Great Hall of Douglas Avenue UMC. All proceeds benefit the DAUMC Youth Mission Trip to Mountain TOP. Mark your calendar now, invite your friends and family (here’s the FB Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1663826318593576), and come enjoy a great meal with this fun DAUMC tradition! Here are the details:
- Entry fee is $10 for adults, $6 for kids aged 5-12, free for kids 4 and under
- Entry includes a tasting of each soup/chili and voting, and one bowl of soup/chili while supplies last; chili/soup fixings, hotdogs and grilled cheese sandwiches are also available, along with dessert and drinks
It’s Not Too Late to Enter a Chili/Soup for Cook-Off: Go ahead and bring your favorite chili or soup for everyone to enjoy! Your participation and gift of chili/soup will support the DAUMC Youth Group Mission Trip to Mountain TOP. Participants provide at least 1 gallon of chili or soup, and all of the details are available on the registration form.
Please register here: https://forms.gle/4CekgWtM9pfe2Q6s9. Questions? Please contact Lauri Clemmer in the DAUMC Office. Thanks!
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S'mores & Songs
Saturday, October 17
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Please join together with our emerging faith community for some Fall fun & fellowship at S'mores & Songs in Sherman Village Park on Saturday, October 17, 6:00 p.m.– 7:30 p.m. There will be music, s'mores, pumpkin decorating, and good vibes.
Let us know if you are planning to attend and what you can bring by scanning the QR code!
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Pastor Squire Prince Participating in Bishops' Leadership Gathering
Our own Pastor Squire Prince, along with Rev. Dr. Cary Beckwith (Pekin Grace UMC) and Deaconess Christina Krost (Mattoon) are participating in the UMC Council of Bishop's Leadership Gathering, October 20-24 at Knox United Church in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Squire, Cary and Christina are our Illinois Great Rivers Conference representatives to this gathering which includes bishops, clergy, laity, young adults and leaders from across the worldwide United Methodist connection. Under the theme, "Emboldened by the Spirit: Imagining a Church Yet to Be," the Gathering intentionally includes at least one young adult under the age of 35 from every episcopal area, ensuring that the imagination, energy and insight of emerging leaders are woven directly into the Church's ongoing discernment. And the participant list reflects robust engagement from African, European, and Filipino contexts, underscoring the United Methodist Church's commitment to collaborative leadership across cultures and continents. Please hold Squire in your prayers as he travels and participates in this time of holy conferencing, and all of the participants as they travel and connect together.
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DAUMC Trunk or Treat on
Saturday, October 31
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Donate Candy! Please Sign-up Now!
DAUMC's annual fall community outreach event is a Trunk or Treat Celebration set for Saturday, October 31 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Decorated car/van/truck trunks and tables will provide lots of candy, fun, and a DAUMC treat bag.
This event is organized by the Nurture Committee & Children's Ministries, and there is an opportunity for EVERYONE to participate. Please sign-up by Sunday, October 25 using the online sign-up, or by contacting the church office at 217-546-4631.
Volunteers are needed to:
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Donate Candy - we need lots of individually wrapped candy to distribute to participants; please bring on Sunday mornings during worship, or bring by the church office during office hours, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Decorate a Trunk or Table - prizes will be awarded for outstanding and creative decorations; need to be in place by 12:30 p.m. the day of the event (decorating can continue); please be young kid fun and friendly!
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Candy Prep & Distribution - we need folks to help with these items, getting them ready and distributing at the event
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Set-up and Take-down Crews - before and after the event to set up and take down tables, the Trunk or Treat path, sign, etc.
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Hospitality Guides - volunteers to be friendly and welcoming, and to help guide participants on the Trunk or Treat path (costumes are encouraged!)
Sign-up now using the online link and thank you!
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RSVP By Tomorrow!
UWF Baked Potato Bar
Sunday, October 18 at 11:45 a.m.
Our next meeting of DAUMC United Women in Faith will be Sunday, October 18 after the 2nd service at church in the Round Room. We will be enjoying a baked potato bar spread and sharing a devotional. Please RSVP by Friday, October 16!
For more information, contact Jill Gordon at jill.gordon16@gmail.com or 217-494-9450.
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DAUMC Office Closed for Fall Break
October 16-19
The DAUMC Office will be closed for Fall Break Friday, October 16 & Monday, October 19. Regular office hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) will resume Tuesday, October 20. Thank you!
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Children's Chimes is Starting!!
Sunday, October 25, 9:30 a.m.
Children's Chimes will start on Sunday, October 25 at 9:30 a.m. sharp in the music room (Room 105). The plan is to meet every other Sunday and the children will bring music to our worship services. Children's Chimes is for children in grades 1 through 5. Please contact Heather Southwell at 217-381-9112 with any questions.
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Hospitality Help with Central District
Charge Conference at DAUMC
We're hosting this Annual District Meeting at Douglas Avenue UMC on Sunday, October 25, 2026. The meeting begins at 4:30 p.m. and is led by Rev. Jessica Baldyga, Central District Superintendent - with some singing, conversation, sharing and voting. This is followed by snacks and fellowship in the Great Hall.
We will be joined by several other United Methodist Churches in our area, and members of DAUMC are welcome to attend and vote. At this Church Conference, we will approve Pastor Meredith’s and Pastor Squire’s compensation for 2027 (which will be approved in advance by the DAUMC Staff Parish Relations Committee and Finance Committee) and vote to continue our Lay Servant Leader, Cindy Arnold. These votes need to be overseen by our District Superintendent, Rev. Jessica Baldyga. Nursery care will be provided along with our famous DAUMC hospitality!
We're looking for folks to greet guests, usher during the meeting, provide snacks, host the fellowship time, set-up and clean up.
Please scan the QR code or click the link below to let us know how you can help provide this hospitality, and thank you in advance!
Sign-Up Form: https://forms.gle/yKh9kUSD3BTfCSrc7
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Dinner and a Show with DAUMC–Come From Away at The Hoogland
Friday, October 30
What happens when ordinary people respond to extraordinary circumstances with radical hospitality and generosity?
As we wrap up our Beacon of Hope series and prepare to explore generosity in this next sermon series, it seems the Holy Spirit has perfect timing!
The Hoogland Center for the Arts is presenting Come From Away, the inspiring true story of a small Canadian town that welcomed nearly 7,000 stranded airline passengers following 9/11. In a time of fear and uncertainty, strangers became neighbors through extraordinary acts of kindness, hospitality, and generosity.
Sound familiar? That's faith in action! And we'd love to experience this powerful story together!
Join Us Friday, October 30!
6:00 PM – Optional dinner at La Piazza
7:30 PM – Come From Away at the Hoogland Center for the Arts
Everyone is welcome! Tickets are $23.
There are 4 tickets remaining. Tickets can be reimbursed to the church by cash, check, or online payment.
Please make checks payable to "DAUMC" with "Come From Away" in the memo line, or choose "Come From Away Ticket" in the drop-down menu on our Online Giving portal at douglasavenue.org/give.
Come enjoy an evening of fellowship, theatre, and a beautiful reminder of what it means to love our neighbors. We hope you'll join us!
Click here or scan the QR Code to reserve your spot!
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Lunch Buddies: Play/Pray Group
Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m.
Bring your lunch to Room 104 on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. for fellowship and connection with the Play/Pray Group. Led by Lauri Clemmer, lauri.clemmer@gmail.com.
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Volunteer at Sherman Trunk or Treat
Spooktacular
Saturday, October 24
Our emerging faith community is joining Sherman's Trunk or Treat, and we'd love your help!
We're keeping things simple this year: one decorated trunk, a few volunteers, and plenty of candy. We need a vehicle and a few folks to help decorate, hand out treats, and share some Halloween fun with our neighbors. Whether you can lend your trunk, donate candy, or volunteer your time, we'd love to have you join us!
Come help us show up for Sherman, one piece of candy at a time! Scan the QR code to let us know how you can help!
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Help us at the Sherman
Soup Social
Sunday, November 1
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Help Us Bring People Together Around the Table! Our emerging faith community is hosting a Soup Social at Interurban Merchant (112 W Main St, Williamsville) on Sunday, November 1 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.) and we'd love your help.
We're creating a cozy, welcoming space where neighbors can enjoy a warm bowl of soup, play some games, meet new people, and build community. We're keeping things simple: good food, good conversation, and good company!
We're looking for a few folks willing to make a crockpot of soup, bring bread or drinks, help set up, welcome guests, or clean up afterward. Help us create a space where everyone belongs. Click here to sign-up or scan the QR Code!
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Wreaths Across America
Complete by Monday, November 30
Wreaths Across America, the national nonprofit with a yearlong mission dedicated to remembering the fallen, honoring those who serve, and teaching children the value of freedom, announces "Remember Me" as its official theme for 2026.
The theme draws inspiration from an unexpected source: a line from the film "Home Alone 2." The quote "Maybe they don't forget about you, but they forget to remember you," underscores the importance of actively remembering the individuals who served, especially those whose stories risk being lost to time.
The Springfield Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol is seeking sponsorhips for wreaths to be laid at Camp Butler National Cemetery. For each wreath sponsored, the Squadron gets a return of $5.00 to support cadet activities.
In 2025, DAUMC sponsored 25 wreaths. This year, our goal is to sponsor 50 wreaths. Please help us meet this goal by scanning the QR code and completing sponsorship payment online.
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Looking Ahead to November and December…
Sunday, November 1: All-Saints Worship Celebration
Friday, November 6: Youth Group Lock-in!
Sunday, November 22: Interfaith Thanksgiving Worship Service
Sunday, November 29: First Sunday of Advent
Tuesday, December 1: Hanging of the Greens / Potluck Pizza Party
Saturday, December 12: Annual DAUMC Cookie Walk!
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Upcoming DAUMC Facility Use/Community Meetings
For more information, contact the DAUMC office:
daumc@douglasavenue.org | (217) 546-4631
Monday, 10/19 - DAUMC Office Closed, Fall Break
5:30 p.m. Wesley Ringers Rehearsal (Rm 105)
6:30 p.m. Cub Scouts (Chapel/Ed Wing)
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts (Great Hall/Shepherd Hall)
Tuesday, 10/20
6:30 p.m. Health and Safety Team (Round Room)
Wednesday, 10/21
11:30 a.m. Lunch Buddies: Play/Pray Group (Wiggler/Crawler)
Thursday, 10/22
3:00 p.m. Dubois Club Compass (Ed Wing, Round Room, Great Hall)
6:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Rm 105)
Friday, 10/23
10:00 a.m. Faith Coalition for the Common Good Task Force Meeting (Round Room)
Sunday, 10/25
4:30 p.m. Central District Charge Conference
Tuesday, 10/27
7:00 p.m. Mission Committee
Wednesday, 10/28
6:00 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 Fall 2026: Faith and Faithfulness - a study of the letter to the Hebrews and of Jonah and Hosea.
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)
Currently reading and discussing Richard Rohr's The Universal Christ, Pt. 2.
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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