|
The Changemakers Series Begins This Sunday!
A Changemaker takes risks and puts faith into action to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Sharing the transforming love, welcome and grace of Jesus Christ through relationship, healing, compassion and justice changes us and changes others. Jesus was a Changemaker. The Good News is, so are we!
Join in worship this Sunday as we soar into this exploration with Pastor Squire Prince’s message, “Compassion: On the Roadside” based on Luke 10:25-37. We will engage this season’s prayer practice, “The Nest,” receive a prayer gift, AND welcome New Members at 10:30 Worship. We celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Baptism at 10:00 a.m. in the DAUMC Community Garden (see article below), and welcome Adrianna Romero, flute, playing with The Chancel Choir. We cannot wait to share powerful, joyful, thought-provoking 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.
| |
|
This Sunday at 10:00 a.m. -
Service of Baptism & Renewal
in the Garden
Everyone is Invited and Encouraged to Come!!!
This Sunday, October 25, we will celebrate the baptism of Cooper Smith and the baptismal renewal of Shelia Harris in the DAUMC Community Garden at 10:00 a.m. The DAUMC Community Garden is south of the parking lot on the south side of the facility (on the other side of the wooden fence). We are meeting outside for this time of worship as baptism will be received by immersion. This is going to be an incredibly special and meaningful part of worship, and we want as many people as possible to come support, pray for, and witness this sacrament of Jesus’s welcome, grace and love. As United Methodists, we make promises as a congregation to “surround Cooper and Shelia with a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in their trust in God and be found faithful in their service to others.” Let’s do just that this Sunday, October 25, at 10:00 a.m.!!!
| |
Church Conference is
This Sunday, October 25 at 4:30 p.m.
The Springfield Area Church Conference is this Sunday, October 25 at 4:30 p.m., right here at Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church. Members of DAUMC are welcome to attend and vote, and we will be joined in this Church Conference by the other 25 or so United Methodist Churches of our Greater Springfield area. At this Church Conference, we will approve Pastor Meredith’s and Pastor Squire's compensation for 2027 (which is already approved by SPRC 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. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Meredith at revmeredithmbrown@gmail.com, or call the church office at 217-546-4631.
Provide Hospitality for Church Conference! It’s not too late to help provide hospitality for this meeting of our Springfield Area United Methodist Churches. Greeting, ushering, being friendly, and providing some cookies or other light snack are ALL welcome and needed. Please use this form to let us know how you can help: https://forms.gle/yKh9kUSD3BTfCSrc7
| |
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:
-
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.
-
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!
-
Candy Prep & Distribution - we need folks to help with these items, getting them ready and distributing at the event
-
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.
-
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!
| |
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.
| | |
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!
| | Sherman Gatherings & Events! | | |
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!
| | |
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!
| | |
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.
| | |
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!
| | |
Upcoming DAUMC Facility Use/Community Meetings
For more information, contact the DAUMC office:
daumc@douglasavenue.org | (217) 546-4631
Monday, 10/26
5:30 p.m. Wesley Ringers Rehearsal (Rm 105)
6:30 p.m. Cub Scouts (Chapel/Ed Wing/Great Hall)
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts (Shepherd Hall)
Tuesday, 10/27
7:00 p.m. Mission Committee (Online)
Wednesday, 10/28
11:30 a.m. Lunch Buddies: Play/Pray Group (Wiggler/Crawler)
6:00 p.m. Trustees Meeting
Thursday, 10/29
3:00 p.m. Dubois Club Compass (Ed Wing, Round Room, Great Hall)
6:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Rm 105)
Saturday, 10/31
1:00 p.m. Community Trunk or Treat (DAUMC Parking Lot)
Tuesday, 11/3
7:00 p.m. Program Staff Meeting (Online)
Wednesday, 11/4
5:30 p.m. Praise Band (Sanctuary)
Friday, 11/6
7:00 p.m. Youth Lock-in (DAUMC)
| |
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
-
KidConnection – Sundays @ 9:30 a.m. (Great Hall)
Snack, craft, games, Children's Chimes with Ms Heather.
Contact: Lauri Clemmer – lauri.clemmer@gmail.com
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
CrossConnections – Sundays @ 9:30 a.m. (Chapel/Wiggler/Crawler Space)
Conversation and reflection on the Sunday scripture.
Contact: Dan Brown – patdanb2018@gmail.com
-
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
-
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
-
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.
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
| | |
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.
| | | | |
