free concert

I thought I would pass along the information for a free family concert that would be perfect for your littles. This event is on April 12th at the Decatur Civic Center. Sounds like fun!!

Easter is right around the corner!

This is a fun service project that's great for kids of all ages... even the young at heart! 

extra recess!

Remember when you were in grade school, and the next best thing to eating that rectangle of pizza at lunch was earning an extra recess? With this looooooong, cold winter still hanging around, we think everyone should get both this Sunday!

All families are invited to join us for a playtime on March 9th. There will be scooters, a variety of games for all ages, and time to chat while the kiddos burn off energy. When we're done, we can head over to the church for pizza! 
You don't even have to rsvp... just come over to the DISC.  **Gym shoes and comfy clothes are recommended.  :}

Love and Laughs

How about a night out for Mom & Dad... with FREE childcare??!! 

That's right... free childcare. All you have to do is RSVP for your kiddos (up to age 12) and purchase your tickets. While you and your sweetheart enjoy dinner and a show, the kiddos will be enjoying some playtime, crafts, and heart-healthy snacks. How fun!! Click here for more information (and to purchase tickets and reserve child care). Have questions??  Call Marilyn Stevens at 217-638-5545.

Ho, Ho, Ho... save the date!

I have this personal issue with posting Christmas activities before Thanksgiving... BUT... Thanksgiving is so late this year and I wanted to get this information out so you can put it on your family calendar: 

I am really, mega, super excited about this event! Helping children experience a little of the magic of Christmas warms my heart. Our pastors will be here to mingle and jingle. Prayer request cards will also be available to fill out and leave for our Prayer Chain.

Fall Family Festival

S'mores??? Count me in!!   ;)  
You KNOW you want to come... bring your friends, kids, co-workers, and neighbors too! 

there's still time to sign up!

welcome July!

It's hard to believe that July is here already! Are you wondering what the remARKable friends are up to this month???

Our Toddlers & Twos who stay for Sunday School will be learning about loving their families.

We will be reading the book of Ruth and talking about all of the wonderful families God made for us.


Kiddos between the ages of 3 and 10 will be learning about how God gives us courage. During Sunday School on July 7th, the children will be exploring the book of Esther.

And don't forget... play-time at the park!! 

playtime!

Wouldn't it be nice to enjoy some fellowship in an uber-casual atmosphere perfect for the little bitties???

It's playtime!! Calling all kiddos 5 and under... get your family together, invite your friends, and bring the neighbors! I'll bring the snacks, you bring the picnic blanket. See you there!!!   :}

back to the beginning

Yup, that's me (a few years ago), right where it all began. My parents found their church family at First United Methodist Church in Decatur IL during their college years, and have been members ever since. I can honestly say I was raised in this church family. I wouldn't even know where to begin to count the hours I spent at church... two services and Sunday school almost every Sunday, choir practice, youth group, pageant rehearsals, waiting for my Mom while she practiced the organ... you get the idea.  :} 
I was baptized, confirmed (where on earth did those pictures end up?), and married right there, in that very same spot.

See, here I am with my great guy, and just as cute as the first picture, right??? Even though we lived in Wisconsin at the time, I had to get married "at home."
Want to know what else is really cool? Our two boys were baptized in this same spot, too! I feel so blessed that through the twists and turns of God's plan for our lives, we have ended up back in the Decatur area, and I am with my family again... all of them.  :}
But it gets even better! I am now an official member of the church staff... Coordinator of Early Childhood Ministries. I have a very fulfilling job working with the ministry we provide for the littlest members of our church family. I mean, seriously... does it get any better than helping families who want their children to know God's grace from the beginning of their lives??? I'm a lucky girl.  ;) 

Ok, enough about me! I'll bet you'd like to know more about what's going on with all of our remARKable friends...

Food and fellowship - that's the good stuff! I can't wait to meet more of my family and have a great conversation. See you Sunday!