Friday, September 11, 2026 | | | |
Grace Land:
Immigrants In the Bible, Immigrants in Our Lives
Rev. Dr. Curtis D. Brown brings our message this Sunday as we continue in our Fall Worship Series, Beacon of Hope (see article below). Rev. Dr. Brown’s message, “Grace Land,” is based on Leviticus 19:33-37, which feeds in and out of our special Immigration Storytelling Roundtable (see article below). We will listen deeply, sing joyfully and pray powerfully in, through and for our community. Please join in this special day of worship, learning and storytelling – we cannot wait to share it together!
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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Immigration Storytelling Roundtable This Sunday!
Sunday, September 13 at 9:15 a.m.
All youth and adults are invited and encouraged to come participate in the Immigration Storytelling Roundtable on Sunday, September 13, from 9:15 - 10:20 a.m. in Great Hall at DAUMC. Whether we realize it or not, immigration has touched all of our lives in some way. We are going to listen to one another's stories, consider how our own stories shape the way we welcome and love our neighbor, and explore how our collective story as United Methodists calls us toward justice, compassion, and radical hospitality for our immigrant and refugee siblings.
This Immigration Storytelling Roundtable is a part of a Day of Action on Immigration that we share with United Methodists across the state of Illinois. September 13 is a day for our churches to act through prayer, love, witness, organization, and engagement to declare that God's love is for all of our neighbors, especially those who are immigrants, migrants, and refugees living in our communities. There will be a special "hybrid table" for our folks who attend Sunday School on Zoom. To receive the Zoom link, contact the DAUMC Office at daumc@douglasavenue.org or 217-546-4631.
For more information, please contact Pastor Meredith or Pastor Squire in the DAUMC office.
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Youth Group Fall Kick-off
Pool Party
This 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, note this NEW DATE for the Youth Group Lock-in: Friday, November 6 to Saturday, November 7.
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Children/Youth Bible Sunday—Sign-up Now for Bibles!
Sunday, September 27,
8:15 and 10:30 Worship
Learning and growing in faith through individual and group Bible reading, study and prayer 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) that have not yet received one. Please sign-up now to receive Bibles: https://forms.gle/cz4xjUbLT6Vt8gNS6 or scan the QR code below.
If you have questions, reach out to Lauri Clemmer, or our Pastors in the DAUMC Office, 217-546-4631.
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"New Member" Meet-up—Please RSVP!
Sunday, September 20, 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). Please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/XXdebT1Dg1HuP1RM7.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Meredith, revmeredithmbrown@gmail.com, or Kiernan in the DAUMC Office, 217-546-4631.
OR scan the QR Code below!
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MicroPantry Update & September Challenge
The DAUMC MicroPantry is truly a neighborhood hub, with a bunch of community members placing food and items in the MicroPantry every day, and a bunch of community members taking what they need every day! Your DAUMC Mission Committee organizes our church family to back-it-up with a regular placement of items as well.
With the continuing rise in food costs, our MicroPantry continues to see an increase in use, and we continue to ask folks what they most need. So, the Mission Committee is proud to present the “September MicroPantry Challenge” (drumroll, please…..):
A Plethora of Peanut Butter & A Mountain of Mac-n-Cheese CUPS
(the cups that only need water and go directly in the microwave)
The challenge is issued, and you know what to do: bring in your donations of peanut butter and mac-n-cheese CUPS, or any non-perishable food items. You can place them in the boxes at the facility entrances on Sunday, or during the week during office hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.), or during your meetings and rehearsals. You can also make a financial donation, and our thrifty DAUMC shoppers will make that donation go a looooooong way. Just put “MicroPantry” on your giving envelope, or in the memo of your check, or choose MicroPantry when donating online. Thank you for your faithful support in donating items and money!
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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).
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UWF Next Meeting
Monday, September 14
6:00 p.m.
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. Come join us for missions, devotions, and sisterhood! For more information, contact Jill Gordon at jill.gordon16@gmail.com or 217-494-9450.
Upcoming United Women in Faith meeting dates:
Monday, September 14 at 6:00pm - Zoom and Round Room
Sunday, October 18 at 11:45am in Round Room - Baked Potato Bar
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Beacon of Hope
Worship Series, Book Study AND Workshop!
Through the early fall, Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church will intentionally engage how to empower our ministries by embracing the call to reach out, connect, invite and warmly welcome new people into the life of the church. The spiritual practices of Connection and Hospitality are deeply embedded in our Core Values as a church, and are a source of hope, energy and joy! Join with your DAUMC family as we lean into this season of hospitality, to truly live as “Beacons of Hope.” Here’s how:
“Beacon of Hope” Worship Series
Our pastors and guest preachers will lead us in worship as we pray, celebrate, proclaim, and practice radical hospitality. You won’t want to miss a single weekend, whether you participate online or in the sanctuary
- Sunday, September 13: “Grace Land” with Rev. Dr. Curtis D. Brown
- Sunday, September 20: “Love Your Neighbor” with Rev. Margaret Ann Jessup
- Sunday, September 27: “Company is Coming!” with Rev. Meredith Manning Brown
- Sunday, October 4: “Connect Continuously” with Pastor Meredith AND Pastor Squire
- Sunday, October 11: “Beacon of Hope” Community Celebration!
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Read Beacon of Hope:
Reaching and Welcoming New People
Let’s read, engage and join in discussion and prayer with Beacon of Hope: Reaching and Welcoming New People by Ken Willard. This is an inspiring and practical guidebook for pastors, church leaders, and congregations eager to empower their ministries by embracing the call to reach out, invite, and warmly welcome new people into the life of the church.
Copies of “Beacon of Hope” are available for $20.00 at DAUMC right now! You are also welcome to purchase/borrow your own copy in whatever format you prefer from your favorite bookseller or library. Feel free to contact Kiernan Steiner in the DAUMC Office if you would like to reserve one of the copies we have at DAUMC, 217-546-4631.
"Beacon of Hope" Book Groups
Reading a book is great. Getting together with a small group for discussion, learning and prayer is AWESOME! You are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to learn and connect.
Online “Beacon of Hope” Book Group – Thursdays, Sept 3-24 at 4:00 p.m.
Join Curtis Brown and Sara Isbell, East District Superintendent, in reading and discussing “Beacon of Hope: Your Guide to Reaching, Witnessing, and Welcoming New People” by Ken Willard. Sara and Curtis will invite participants into a lively online conversation as they draw on their different experiences as pastors and church leaders. Join in the discussion on Thursdays, September 3-24 at 4:00 p.m. with folks throughout the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. Register here: https://igrc-reg.brtapp.com/BeaconofHopeBookDiscussion.
“Beacon of Hope” Online
with Tuesday Morning Bible Study – Just Beginning Now!
Or join in with Tuesday Morning Bible Study, beginning discussion, study and prayer with “Beacon of Hope” this week, meeting 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.
“Beacon of Hope” Live – Mondays Sept 21 & 28, Oct 5 - 6:45 p.m., Pease’s
Or meet-up with Pastor Meredith and Pastor Squire for these three sessions of lively discussion, prayer and snacks. We’re going to meet at Pease’s at Bunn Gourmet, 2941 Plaza Dr., Springfield. Let us know you’ll be joining in with an RSVP here: https://forms.gle/qdAZW2VWf9jgrtVXA or scan the QR Code below:
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“Beacon of Hope” Workshop with the Author!
At DAUMC on Saturday, October 10, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Yes, you read that right: Ken Willard, author of “Beacon of Hope” is coming to lead this workshop right here at Douglas Avenue UMC! As we are hosting for the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, DAUMCers can participate free-of-charge. Please register using this form, and let us know how you can help with hospitality, too: https://forms.gle/qFRdpdTzW6y5tgaU7.
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Share Yourself with
Dubois Club Compass Kids
Club Compass Begins Thursday, September 17
The new school year is underway, and so is Club Compass here at DAUMC! Can you give a few hours each week to support underserved students from Dubois Elementary, our neighborhood school? Dubois Club Compass meets at DAUMC on Thursday afternoons, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. You can volunteer by being a classroom mentor, help with cooking and serving dinner, provide and/or serve snacks, provide life skills and enrichment activities, and more. If Thursday afternoons don’t work for you, there are other Club sites and times, as well as other opportunities to volunteer (like delivering food bags, providing a meal at another site, and more).
To learn more and sign-up to volunteer, please contact ASAP: Michael Natty, Site Director at michael@compass4kids.org, or Shelly Kinner, Volunteer Coordinator at shelly@compassforkids.org. To learn more about the amazing vision and work of Compass for Kids, check out their website: www.Compassforkids.org.
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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 2 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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10th Annual WIBL Golf Outing
Friday, September 18 from 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.
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 Community Garden
Fall Clean-up
Saturday, September 26,
9:00 a.m. – Noon
Fall is upon us, and it’s time to get started with end-of-season clean-up, pick-up, and mulch spreading. EVERYONE is welcome to come spend some time in the Community Garden on Saturday, September 26 from 9:00 a.m. – Noon. Please bring your work gloves, your favorite gardening tools, and a water bottle. To learn more, please contact Joe and Dianna Trost at DAUMCgarden@gmail.com.
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All-Ages Pumpkin Patch Play Date
Saturday, October 3, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
at Pumpkin Creek Farms
Everyone is invited for an All-Ages Pumpkin Patch Play Date at Pumpkin Creek Farms, Sherman, IL on Saturday, October 3, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.! At Pumpkin Creek Farms, you can make your own candles, climb up the haystack mountain, get lost in the corn maze, play in the crazy corn bin, and MORE!! Activity wristbands will be provided for all kids. Please join us for Apple Cider donuts, Food, & Fun!
More to come soon...
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Souper Sunday Chili/Soup Cook-off
October 18, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Back by popular demand, the DAUMC Youth Group invites YOU to the Souper Sunday Chili & Soup Cook-Off Supper on Sunday, October 18 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Great Hall of Douglas Avenue UMC. Your entry includes a tasting of each chili/soup and voting, one bowl of chili/soup of your choice (while supplies last), along with chili/soup fixings, dessert and drink. All proceeds benefit the DAUMC Youth Mission Trip to Mountain TOP. Mark your calendar now, invite your friends and family, and come enjoy a great meal with this fun DAUMC tradition. Watch for more details about entry price, optional entrees, and prizes for the cook-off!
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, and registration will be available in late September.
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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, 09/14 - DAUMC Office Closed
5:30 p.m. Wesley Ringers Rehearsal (Rm 105)
6:00 p.m. UWF Unit Meeting (Round Room)
6:30 p.m. Cub Scouts (Chapel/Ed Wing)
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts (Great Hall/Shepherd Hall)
Tuesday, 09/15
6:30 p.m. Health and Safety Team (Round Room)
7:00 p.m. SPRC Meeting (Online)
Wednesday, 09/16
9:30 a.m. Play/Pray Group (Wiggler/Crawler)
Thursday, 09/17
3:00 p.m. Dubois Club Compass (Ed Wing, Round Room, Great Hall)
6:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Rm 105)
Sunday, 09/20
4:30 p.m. UWF Memorial Service and Dinner (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 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)
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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