501 South Douglas Avenue, Springfield, IL 62704 • (217) 546-4631

daumc@douglasavenue.org • www.douglasavenue.org

Friday, August 28, 2026

Yes Lord, We Are Trying to Listen…

Worship this weekend at DAUMC features the spiritual practice of Deep Listening, like Jesus did. Pastor Meredith’s message, “Listen? Listen. Listen!” is based on Mark 10:46-52. We’ll be offering special prayers of blessing for the Neighborhood Block Party (see article below), connecting, singing some classic hymns and favorites with the Praise Band, and bringing in our donations of books and school supplies (see article below). We can’t wait to worship with you 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.

Annual Neighborhood Block Party

is Sunday!

Sunday, August 30, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

It’s here!!! Our DAUMC Annual Neighborhood Block Party is THIS 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 hope EVERYBODY will help make this event a fun and welcoming experience. Here’s how:



1. Donate School Supplies/Kids Books: It’s time to bring in your donations of school supplies and "new or gently used" children's books (Pre-school - Young Adult) - please bring items to church this Sunday and drop-off in the collection bins at the entrances OR bring directly to the Block Party on Sunday afternoon.
2. Volunteer to Help: 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.
3. Invite People: …like your neighbors, friends, a random person walking down the street! You can share the Facebook Event - https://www.facebook.com/events/933984555675662
4. Come and Meet People: Block Party is an amazing opportunity to come and meet our neighbors, listen well, and see where Jesus is at work in people’s lives. Bring your lawn chair and come visit, pray, and enjoy!

Questions? Contact: Sue Landgrebe, slgrebe52@gmail.com or (217) 622-7872, or the DAUMC Office, daumc@douglasavenue.org, 217-546-4631.

Celebration of People Power & Springfield Safe Homes Campaign Kick-Off

Monday, August 31

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Venue 1929

Everyone is welcome to come celebrate the determination, resilience, and collective power of Springfield community members, leaders, member organizations (like Douglas Avenue UMC) and everyone who played a role in getting the question of landlord licensing, registration, and inspections on the November 2026 ballot. As we recognize this incredible achievement, we also begin the next phase to educate, engage, and mobilize Springfield residents to head to the polls in November. So, let’s celebrate – food, music and connection included - and take action for safe homes in Springfield!

RSVP if you can https://forms.gle/yeJiUetYxt1juM9r9, or just come on with your family and friends. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. at Venue 1929, 711 S. Fifth Street, Springfield, and is hosted by Faith Coalition for the Common Good. Questions? Reach out to Pastor Meredith.

Men's Group Breakfast

Saturday, September 5 - 7:30 a.m.

Meet at Parkway Cafe (2715 N. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield) this Saturday, September 5 at 7:30 a.m. For men of all ages and stages of life - devotional, conversation, prayer and fellowship, plus breakfast. Contact: Allen Griffy – kagriffy@sbcglobal.net.

Wesley Ringers First Fall Rehearsal

Monday, September 7, 5:30 p.m.

You know what time it is when Back-to-School comes around? Back to Handbells!

Heather is excited to start the new Wesley Ringers season on Monday, September 7th at 5:30 p.m. Please join us in the music room (Rm 105) in the Education Wing for a fun first session of ringing.

If you are interested in joining Wesley Ringers, we are always open to new members. Just contact Heather Southwell either by text or call at 217-381-9112, or just show up that first Monday! 

Make A Joyful Noise:

Chancel Choir Returns

Thursday, September 10, 6:30 p.m.

Chancel Choir is set to begin rehearsals on Thursday, September 10 at 6:30pm in Rm 105! All are welcome to join us in this fun ensemble! The choir sings twice a month at the 10:30am Sunday service, and we provide a variety of musical styles to enhance the service. We practice every Thursday from 6:30-7:30pm. Please consider joining us if you like to sing! If you have any questions, please contact Bekah Philbrick at oboe00@yahoo.com or 217-415-3023. 

Volunteer at

Autumn on the Boulevard DAUMC Table

Saturday, September 12,

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Williamsville's Autumn on the Boulevard festival, a time-honored tradition and one of the community's biggest events of the year. It's a full weekend centered around fellowship, food, fun, games, and simply enjoying being together. And Douglas Avenue is joining the fun!

As we begin this exciting journey of expanding our reach and impact into Sherman, and North Springfield, one of the most important things we can do is become part of these communities. We don't want to simply show up in a community and start doing things. We want to listen. We want to learn people's names. We want to hear their stories. We want to discover what God is already doing there and find ways to join in.

Let's show Williamsville, Sherman, and the surrounding community why Douglas Avenue is bursting at the seams with the love of God, radical welcome, joyful people, and free-range children! To support this call and ministry, please consider volunteering at this event by running our Bubble Table and getting to know the Williamsville & Sherman communities.

This isn't just about staffing a table. It's about showing up, building relationships, and becoming neighbors. Click on the red button below to sign-up.

Immigration Storytelling Roundtable

Sunday, September 13

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. For more information, please contact Pastor Meredith or Pastor Squire in the DAUMC office.

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…..

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

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.

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

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

New Date for New Member Meet-up

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).

Contact Pastor Meredith, revmeredithmbrown@gmail.com, or the DAUMC Office, 217-546-4631.

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.

“Beacon of Hope”

Book Study(s) and Workshop

Through the month of September, DAUMCers are encouraged to 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. With decades of experience as a church consultant and coach, Ken Willard provides a deeply personal, biblically grounded, and highly accessible resource tailored for today’s unique opportunities and challenges in ministry.

We will have copies of “Beacon of Hope” available for $20.00 at DAUMC beginning on Wednesday, September 2. 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 in the DAUMC Office if you would like to reserve one of the copies we will have available on-site, 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! So, please participate in one of these opportunities, and watch for more opportunities TBA:

Online Book Study – Thursdays, Sept 3-24

Join Curtis Brown and DS Sara Isbell 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

Tuesday Morning Bible Study – Tuesdays, beginning Sept 8

Or join in lively discussion and prayer with Tuesday Morning Bible Study, meeting at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. Please contact Kiernan in the DAUMC Office for the Zoom Link, daumc@douglasavenue.org, 217-546-4631.

“Beacon of Hope” Live –

Mondays, Sept 21, 28 & Oct 5 at 6:30 p.m. (Updated!)

Or meet-up with Pastor Meredith and Pastor Squire for these two sessions of lively discussion, prayer and snacks, at DAUMC. Watch for the RSVP link coming soon.

“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 mark your calendar now for what will be a powerful, joyful and insightful learning and planning opportunity, and watch for the special DAUMCers registration coming soon.

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.



Please reach out to the DAUMC Office, 217-546-4631 or daumc@douglasavenue.org, if you have any questions!

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.

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!

Upcoming DAUMC Facility Use/Community Meetings

For more information, contact the DAUMC office:

daumc@douglasavenue.org | (217) 546-4631

Monday, 08/31

7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts (Great Hall/Shepherd Hall)

7:00 p.m. Program Staff Meeting (Online)

Tuesday, 09/01

7:00 p.m. Mission Committee (Online)

Wednesday, 09/02

9:30 a.m. Play/Pray Group (Wiggler/Crawler)

Thursday, 09/03

5:30 p.m. Praise Band (Sanctuary)

6:30 p.m. Boy Scout/Cub Scout Adult Leaders Meeting (Round Room)

Saturday, 09/05

7:30 a.m. Men's Group Breakfast

Sunday, 09/06

12:00 p.m. Strategic Planning Ad Council

Monday, 09/07 - Labor Day (DAUMC Office Closed)

5:30 p.m. Wesley Ringers Rehearsal (Rm 105)

7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts (Great Hall/Shepherd Hall)

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 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

• 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

• 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.