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Be A Beacon of Hope
On this long holiday weekend, join with Douglas Avenue UMC as we conclude our Beacon of Hope Worship series with the “Beacon of Hope Celebration!” This Sunday’s message, “Open House” is presented by both Pastor Meredith and Pastor Squire, based on Matthew 5:13-16 and Romans 5:1-5. There’s a special prayer gift for everyone, and we will continue to give Bibles to children in 3rd-5th grade and youth in 6th-12th grade. Come celebrate, pray, sing and connect with Spirit, faith and friends, in the pews or online!
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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“Beacon of Hope” Workshop is Saturday at DAUMC!
RSVP NOW for Workshop and/or Helping with Hospitality
It’s here! DAUMC welcomes Ken Willard, author of “Beacon of Hope,” to lead his workshop tomorrow, Saturday, October 10 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of DAUMC. DAUMCers can participate free-of-charge, plus we are needing a few more people to act as greeters and ushers (beginning at 12:15 p.m.)
Please register using this form and let us know how you can help with hospitality, too: https://forms.gle/qFRdpdTzW6y5tgaU7.
“Beacon of Hope” Online with Tuesday Morning Bible Study
The “Beacon of Hope” Book Study continues with Tuesday Morning Bible Study, and you are invited to join in the reading, discussion and prayer. This study is on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. Please contact Kiernan Steiner in the DAUMC Office for the Zoom Link, daumc@douglasavenue.org, 217-546-4631.
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Souper Sunday Chili/Soup Cook-off on October 18
Registration is Open! Share with Family and Friends
Back by popular demand, the DAUMC Youth Group Souper Sunday Chili & Soup Cook-Off Supper is set for 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
Chili/Soup Entries for Cook-Off: It’s time to start plotting and planning your most fabulous and delicious chili or soup to enter in the Souper Sunday Chili & Soup Cook-Off Supper! 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. Please register here: https://forms.gle/4CekgWtM9pfe2Q6s9.
Questions? Please contact Lauri Clemmer in the DAUMC Office. Thanks!
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October Voter Education and “Get Out the Vote” Efforts
DAUMC is a member organization of Faith Coalition for the Common Good, which brings together faith communities, community organizations and individuals to work together to promote racial equity, civic engagement, a fair economy, and participatory decision-making. Here are some great ways to do that work in advance of the upcoming November 3 elections:
Postcard & Phone Canvassing Party - Wednesday, Oct 14, 5:30-7:00 p.m., place TBA! All are welcome for food, fellowship, and writing postcards and making phone calls (which is super easy and fun to do with your cell phone). All training is included. We may be shifting our meeting place for this work to join with the Massey Commission Action Network for food, fellowship and organizing on this evening. Please let Pastor Meredith know your interest using this form: https://forms.gle/NRAew5H9xdk2m5Q77
Neighborhood Canvassing – Saturday, October 17, 12:30-2:30 p.m. at DAUMC
Come walk the DAUMC neighborhood with friends sharing voter information or participate in canvassing by telephone, training is included! Please let Pastor Meredith know your interest using this form: https://forms.gle/NRAew5H9xdk2m5Q77
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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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World Communion Sunday Special Offering Through October 13
DAUMC joins with Christians across the world to observe World Communion Sunday, celebrating our unity as Christians together at Jesus’ table of grace. We also come together as United Methodists to support underserved students with a special offering. Our United Methodist World Communion Sunday Special Offering helps provide scholarships for racial and ethnic minority students, removing financial obstacles for those whom education is difficult, if not impossible to access. Through this giving, many first-generation students will be able to attend college.
Please give on Sunday morning using the special giving envelope, or online through the DAUMC Online Giving Portal: www.douglasavenue.org/give or send checks to DAUMC with “World Communion” in the memo line. Please make your gift by Tuesday, October 13. Thank you for your generous giving!
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United Women of Faith:
Baked Potato Bar (Round Room)
Sunday, October 18 at 11:45 a.m.
Interested in joining? 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. Join us for missions, devotions, and sisterhood! For more information, contact Jill Gordon at jill.gordon16@gmail.com or 217-494-9450.
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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.
We’ll be purchasing an initial 10 tickets, so be sure to sign up early. 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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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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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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The Turnaway Play Comes to Springfield for Three Staged Readings
October 9, 10, & 11 at 7:00 p.m
The Springfield Area Arts Council and a local independent theater group will present three staged readings of The Turnaway Play by Lesley Lisa Greene at First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., on October 9, 10, and 11. Each reading begins at 7 p.m. A panel discussion will follow the October 10 reading.
Inspired by the Turnaway Study, the play explores what happens when people are denied access to abortion. The study followed women who received or were denied abortions, examining the effects on their health, finances, and families. It was led by the playwright’s sister, Dr. Diana Greene Foster, a researcher and 2023 MacArthur Fellow. The play draws on the words and experiences of study participants and researchers. Through drama, humor, and audience participation, it brings the research into a conversation audiences can share. Staged readings have been presented in communities across the country.
Tickets are $5.00 and are available online or at the door. Details about the Springfield readings are available on the Arts Council’s website. To learn more about the play, visit theturnawayplay.com. Explore the national project at turnawayproject.org
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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, 10/12 - DAUMC Office Closed, Indigenous Peoples' Day
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)
Wednesday, 10/14
11:30 a.m. Lunch Buddies: Play/Pray Group (Wiggler/Crawler)
1:00 p.m. JOY Circle of UWF (Round Room)
5:30 p.m. Phone Canvassing & Postcard Party (Great Hall/Round Room)
6:30 p.m. Bereaved Parents (Rm 102)
Thursday, 10/15
3:00 p.m. Dubois Club Compass (Ed Wing, Round Room, Great Hall)
6:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Rm 105)
7:00 p.m. Historic West Side Neighborhood Meeting (Great Hall)
Friday, 10/16 - DAUMC Office Closed
Saturday, 10/17
8:00 a.m. Prairie Stampers (Great Hall)
9:00 a.m. WIBL Fall Furniture Sale (WIBL)
12:30 p.m. FCCG Neighborhood Canvassing - Voter Education (Rm 101/102)
Sunday, 10/18
11:45 a.m. UWF Unit Meeting (Round Room)
4:00 p.m. Souper Sunday Chili Cook-Off Youth Fundraiser (Great Hall)
Monday, 10/19 - DAUMC Office Closed
5:30 p.m. Wesley Ringers (Rm 105)
6:30 p.m. Cub Scouts (Chapel/Ed Wing)
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts (Great Hall/Shepherd 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 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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