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Wooden It Be Lovely

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – APRIL 26, 2023

     SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS – The members of Springfield’s Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church (DAUMC) have agreed to designate themselves as a Reconciling Congregation and affiliate with the national Reconciling Ministries Network.  DAUMC is the first church in the Springfield area and only the third in the 87 county Illinois Great Rivers Conference of the United Methodist Church to adopt this designation.

     As a Reconciling Congregation, DAUMC has adopted the Foundational Statement of the Reconciling Ministry Network, which reads as follows:

“We celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all.  We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status, and so much more.  We acknowledge that we live in a world of profound social, economic, and political inequities.  As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.”

     The Reconciling Ministry Network works to advance justice and inclusion for all LGBTQ+ people in The United Methodist Church and beyond.  Since 1984, the Network has strived to transform hearts, churches, and communities through grassroots organizing, providing resources and educating, spurring denomination-level change, pastoral care, and working with faithful people hopeful for a reconciled Church.  The Reconciling movement spans four continents, 1,000+ churches, and 40,000+ individuals.

     Rev. Meredith M. Brown (she/her/hers), lead pastor of the congregation said: “I am so honored to pastor with the loving folks of Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church. DAUMC has always been a church that welcomes and affirms all kinds of people with love, care and compassion. Becoming a Reconciling Congregation is a big deal, but it also feels like a continuation of who we’ve always been as people who love and follow Jesus.”

     Allen Griffy (he/him/his) is the Chair of the Welcome and Inclusion Team at Douglas Avenue. He said: “Designation as a Reconciling Congregation tells our community, in a very public way, what our church family has always known:  DAUMC welcomes, affirms, celebrates, and loves everyone!  We are a beacon of hope for LGBTQIA+ individuals who feel that church has rejected them or shut them out.  Here at DAUMC, we believe God calls us to love all God’s children just as they are.  For us, all truly means all.”

     The congregation will celebrate its designation and affiliation during the 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. worship services on Sunday, April 30, 2023.  Members are encouraged to attend worship in pride clothing.  Services are held at 501 South Douglas Avenue, Springfield, IL 62704.  For more information about the congregation, visit www.douglasavenue.org or call 217-546-4631.

Worship and Small Group Activities at

Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church

Opportunities to Worship, Learn, Pray, and Enjoy Fellowship at DAUMC!
For more information, contact the church office at (217) 546-4631 or daumc@douglasavenue.org

Sunday Worship in the Sanctuary. 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary, with Nursery Care. A Wiggler/Crawler Space at all services provides a live feed of the worship service. KidVenture Sunday School available at the 10:30 a.m. service. 

10:30 a.m. DAUMC Online Worship. Join us on the DAUMC Facebook page or YouTube channel for weekly worship including music, prayer, and message. Kids will love Small Talk, featuring Laud the Lamb.

Sunday School and Small Groups.     

  • CrossConnections – Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the Chapel (Wiggler/Crawler Space) at DAUMC, for weekly event conversation, scripture reflection, and prayer. Contact the church office for more information. 
  • Jr./Sr. High Youth Group – Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the Round Room (lower level). Contact Lauri Clemmer, lauri.clemmer@gmail.com, or Curtis Brown, revcurtisbrown@gmail.com for more information. 
  • Sunday Morning Book Club– Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in Room 102 and via Zoom. The class is open to all ages, discussing the book “Learning to Speak to God from Scratch” by Jonathan Merritt. Contact Justine Dion for links and more information: jedion8@gmail.com 
  • Zephyr Sunday School Class –Sundays at 9:15 a.m. for Bible study in Room 101 and via video/phone conference. Please contact Martha LeMay for links or more information: mlemay1651@gmail.com, or call the church office
  • Spiritual Seekers Sunday School Class– Sundays at 9:15 a.m. For more information, contact Nancy Rosse: nsrosse65@gmail.com
  • GriefShare – Sundays at 11:45 a.m. in Rm. 101 and via Zoom. Videos, workbook and small group sharing for anyone experiencing grief. Learn more and register at https://www.griefshare.org/groups/158219. Or connect with Dorene Kileen, kileen.dorene@yahoo.com, or contact the church office.
  • Tuesday Morning Bible Study– Tuesdays at 10 a.m. via video/phone conference. Reading/discussing “Yes, Lord, I have Sinned, but I Have Several Excellent Excuses” by James W. Moore. For more information, and ways to participate, contact the church office or Pastor Meredith: revmeredithmbrown@gmail.com.
  • “Coffee Hour with Women of Power” – Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m. Bible study via video and phone conference. Using the “The Circle of Paul” by Rev. Mary Jessup for study, discussion, and prayer. For information, contact the church office.
  • Play/Pray Group – Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. in the Wiggler/Crawler Room at DAUMC (use the entrance on Governor Street) For babies and younger children and their grown-ups. For more information, contact Lauri Clemmer, lauri.clemmer@gmail.com or the church office.
  • Bible Art Journaling – 4th Sunday of the month at 4:00 p.m. Spend time in your Bible, while being creative with simple artistic techniques. Registration required, and there is a waiting list, but we may expand into new groups soon! For more information, contact Julie Krehbiel at tkjk88@comcast.net or (217) 899-1906.  

 

Our Vision, Mission and Beliefs

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We are a church of love, acceptance, and graciousness.  We welcome all people, as they are,  with arms wide open.  We work together to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!

Written by DAUMC Youth Group Member
 
What do United Methodists believe?  Click here to learn the basics of our faith!
 

Welcome To Douglas Avenue!

You are God’s workmanship, created in Christ to do good works!  We believe each member of the church is called to minister to others in some way.  Our staff can help  you find your niche.
 
Meet Our Pastors!
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Rev. Meredith Manning Brown – Pastor Meredith joined the DAUMC family on July 1, 2019. She has led a variety of new church planting efforts, pastored through several church revitalization and growth projects, and served in ministry staff positions across the United States. She was lead pastor for the Evergreen Faith Community in Lacey, Washington, an innovative, neighborhood-based, progressive, intergenerational community focused on connecting with people who don’t know, don’t like, or have had enough of church as usual. Meredith is also a musician, and comes to us after serving as interim pastor of Williamsville United Methodist Church (IL). She lives in Springfield with her delightful husband, two active teen-aged daughters, and a lazy housecat.
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Rev. Margaret Ann Jessup –  Named an Illinois Woman of tghe Year by USA Today, Pastor Margaret Ann is the Executive Director of Wooden It Be Lovely, the social enterprise ministry she founded at DAUMC. This unique ministry offers hope and employment to single mothers in need. She also serves in covenant with the members of Douglas Avenue. Pastor Margaret Ann graduated in 2014 from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis and was Ordained as an Elder in the United Methodist Church in June of 2017. Prior to going to seminary, she was an Oncology and Hospice nurse for 25 years.  
“I believe that most women want to help themselves, but opportunities for employment are limited to many and there are many barriers that are difficult to navigate. Some women need extra support and skills before transitioning to the secular world. And, it’s a beautiful thing to see how happy children are when their mothers become more hopeful.”

Ministries:  Serving & Getting Involved

Use the form at the bottom of this web site to reach out to any staff member or seek answers to questions you may have!
 
Sunday School
KidVenture Sunday School for Grades 1-5 is held during 10:30 a.m. worship in the Sanctuary.   Adult classes @9:30 a.m. Sundays.
Child Care
Nursery care Sundays from 8 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.  During worship, a Wiggler/ Crawler space provides a livestream of the service.
Youth Group
DAUMC has an active youth group program. Contact Lauri Clemmer or the church office for details!
Micro Food Pantry
Located at the west entrance to the Education Building. Take what you need, leave what you can.
Wooden It Be Lovely
A program offering hope to single mothers at risk. Click here for more details!
Compass for Kids
This award-winning after school program was started at DAUMC.  Click here for more information.
Music at DAUMC
Like to make a joyful noise?  Contact Music Director Bekah Philbrick through the office.
Scouting
DAUMC hosts an active Scouting program. Contact the church office for details.
Weddings
DAUMC welcomes weddings!  Click here for our guide to all things wedding!
Funerals
Let us help in your time of grief.  Please contact one of our Pastors.
United Women in Faith
Our active UWF (formally UMW) group features a number of Circle options. Contact the church office.
Methodist Men
Our men’s group meets the first Saturday of the month. The church office has the details.
Sewing Group
Our dedicated sewers meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Coffee with a Pastor
Would you like to have coffee with a Pastor. Use the form below to reach out!
GriefShare
Thirteen-week sessions are available. Call the church office for information.
Tech Ministry
Want to help run the sound board for worship? Visit the tech booth in the balcony any Sunday!
 

Visit Douglas Avenue

Join us for worship at 8:15 or 10:30 a.m. each Sunday 
 

 

DOUGLAS AVENUE UMC

501 South Douglas Avenue
Springfield, Illinois  62704
daumc@douglasavenue.org
Phone: 217.546.4631
 
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ABOUT DOUGLAS AVENUE
 
Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church is a unique and diverse congregation of all ages, races, orientations, and backgrounds. We love to welcome visitors! Even more, we love working in the community, loving and serving God and our neighbors!