Parents are you in need of a little R&R? Of course you are! This spring, Schweitzer Kids will be providing a night to Refresh & Recharge for kids and parents. R&R Nights are open for kids birth through 4th grade. …
Nerf & Nachos Night
Coming up Friday, June 23, from 6 to 7:30 pm Schweitzer Kids is hosting a Nerf & Nachos Family Night in the Gym! We will have a blast playing nerf games and eating up nachos! All ages are welcome. Bring …
Schweitzer Outdoor Weekend: June 16-18
Join us Friday, June 16 through Sunday, June 18 (Father’s Day weekend) for our Family Camping & Canoeing weekend at the Discovery Ministries camp in Eminence, MO. This will be a great weekend in the outdoors together featuring: campfires (s’mores and …
Second Season: June 1
We’ve have a great line up ready for June 1! Our guest speaker Todd Wright from the Springfield Cardinals will share his insights from working in the business office and much more. Plus, we’ll have BBQ for our food. Lunch …
Schweitzer Night at the Ball Park!
Grab your family and friends for Schweitzer Church Night at the Springfield Cardinals on Friday, June 9th! The Cardinals will be facing up against the Royals minor league team, the NW Arkansas Naturals. We’ll have group seating on the third …
Garden Pavers 2023
We are currently accepting registration for brick pavers for the Schweitzer Prayer Garden. If you would like to have an engraved paver placed in the garden this year in honor or in memory of someone, please register and make a …
Embarking on a Sabbatical Continued
Taylor Likes, Schweitzer Technical Director will also be taking a sabbatical this summer. Here is a little more about his plans, hopes and dreams as a creative on a church staff. “But wait! If I could shake the crushing weight …
Spring/Summer Spark Magazine
Inside this issue of the Schweitzer Spark, our church magazine, you’ll learn about what’s coming up around campus and in our community between April and August 2023. View the PDF version below or download it here, that also includes clickable …
Guys Gatherin’s at Schweitzer
Our desire is for this to be an intergenerational opportunity for guys of all ages. We invite you to bring a friend, your son, your dad, grandpa, or neighbors with you. UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES APRIL 15: Guys’ Breakfast at 8 am …
Maundy Thursday Service 6 pm
In preparation for Easter Sunday, we will have a Maundy Thursday service on April 6th at 6 pm in the Sanctuary. This will include worship, communion and a time of reflection on Christ’s life and sacrifice. This is open to …
Celebrate Easter
On Easter Sunday, April 9 Schweitzer is celebrating big with two worship services, and egg hunt, delicious food, a photo booth and more! Join us for our 9 am traditional worship service or our 11 am modern worship service. Both …
Schweitzer Kids Movie Night
FRIDAY FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT Join Schweitzer Kids on Friday night, Feb 24 at 6:30 for family movie night! This month, we’re showing a family favorite: Frozen II. Arrive early, between 6 and 6:30 to stock up on snacks at our …
Perkins Justice Pilgrimage: May 30-June 3
Perkins Justice Pilgrimage (PJP), Institute on Wheels: The Perkins Foundation is committed to investing in the lives of anyone else interested in learning. Our best way of doing this is by inviting you to Jackson (MS) for a Perkins Justice Pilgrimage …
Widow & Widowers Luncheon: Feb 11
On Saturday, Feb. 11, Schweitzer Care Ministries will host a Valentine’s Lunch for widows and widowers. This will be a time to gather together and be encouraged. We have lunch, music and more. There is not cost to attend and …
Second Season: Christmas Party
Our Second Season Ministry for people 55 and up are gearing a fun Christmas lunch on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 11:30 am. We’ll have a blast singing holiday favorites, and invite you to bring a “white-elephant” gift from your home …
Victorian Christmas Tea (10 tickets left!)
Ladies! We are preparing for a lovely and beautiful Victorian Christmas Tea at Schweitzer on Saturday, December 3rd at 10:30 am. This will be wonderful morning together featuring beautifully decorated tables, delicious teas and foods, a silent auction, and fellowship time with …
Second Season Boomer Bash & Seminar
We are gearing up for another great celebration plus a seminar led by Clayton Smith on Leaving a Legacy! If you are part of our Second Season ministry or anyone who is 50 and older, make plans to join us …
Fall Festival on October 29
Come out to Schweitzer Church for our free Kids’ Fall Festival on Saturday, October 29 from 4 to 6 pm. All ages are welcome to join in the fun. We’ll have options both inside and outside the gym, so no …
Schweitzer Men
Guys of all ages are invited to join us for any of our upcoming gatherings. Each month, we provide a way to connect with other guys. We focus on three areas: Call, Connection & Commission. Upcoming Events: October 8: Men’s …
Family XP Night 2: July 13
This summer, Schweitzer Kids has developed a whole new experience for families and kids that will take place over the course of three nights this summer. Our second Family XP will be on Wednesday, July 13 with our third one …
Small Group Discussion
ALL TOGETHER NOW: Week 1: Acts 1.1-11 – Wait HereView the sermon online1) The Pepsi commercial, “Made for watching football,” encourages the spectator in us. – When it comes to digging into scripture and pursuing a godly life, do you …
How to Get Started: Spiritual Disciplines 6
Session 6 | Keep the End in Mind It’s easy for spiritual disciplines to turn into a checklist of activities. Have you ever experienced this? Try to describe what that feels like. What are some key relationships in your life …
How to Get Started: Spiritual Disciplines 5
Session 5 | Keystone Habits A keystone habit is a habit (discipline) that impacts other habits. Can you think of any examples of this kind of habit? Four Keystone Habits (spiritual disciplines) that are vital for a disciple of Jesus: …
How to Get Started: Spiritual Disciplines 4
Session 4 | Understanding Spiritual Disciplines What does the word ‘discipline’ bring to mind for you? Is this a troubling word, or one you are comfortable with? Why? Why is discipline important for a disciple of Jesus? Two main categories …
How to Get Started: Spiritual Disciplines 3
Session 3 | Define the Target What are some ways you normally think of spiritual growth? How would you describe a spiritually mature Christian? What is a disciple to you? What are some other words you would use to describe …
How to Get Started: Spiritual Disciplines 2
Session 2 | Do you want to get well? Read John 5:1-15 What do you think the disabled man is feeling before he meets Jesus? What do you think he is feeling when Jesus asks him if wants to get …
How to Get Started: Spiritual Disciplines 1
Session 1 | Expect a Miracle Discussion & Reflection Questions• Think about a time you felt the Presence of God in your life in a profound way. How would you describe it? What caused it? • Think about a season …
R&R Nights for Kids & Parents
Parents are you in need of a little R&R? Of course you are! This spring, Schweitzer Kids will be providing a night to Refresh & Recharge for kids and parents. R&R Nights are open for kids birth through 4th grade. …
Wednesday Night Kids
This fall on Wednesday nights, we’re offering Wednesday Night Kids from 6:30 to 8:15 pm! This is a fun, engaging way for kids to learn about Jesus and be in community with each other. It’s open to ages two through …
Schweitzer Kids’ VBS Block Parties
We’re gearing up for another great summer of VBS Block Parties! We’re inviting you and your family to be a host or participate in a neighboring VBS Block Party. We will provide all the supplies you need to host. This …
February Monthly Kit
Theme for the Month In this month’s kit – we’re talking about why kindness really matters. This kit includes activities to do at home with your family! We also have supplies at the church if you’d like to pick up …
January Monthly Kit
We’re tackling the rules for life in this month’s Kids Kit! Download the activities separately or the whole kit here. Activities for the Month Download the January Activity Kit ACTIVITY PRINT OUTS
December Monthly Kit
Theme for the Month We have some special activities for December including a focus on Advent and a Christmas ornament to download and cut out. Activities for the Month Download the December Activity Kit Ornament Front Ornament Back
November Monthly Kit
Theme for the Month It’s a great moment to focus on thanksgiving. This month’s activities and stories will help inspire the spirit of gratitude in our lives. Activities for the Month Download the November Activity Kit Gratitude Planner Gratitude Hunt …
October Monthly Kit
Theme for the Month Fall is a fun time to dress up as characters. It’s fun to pretend to be someone with character traits like bravery or goofiness. As we have fun this month, we also want to focus on …
September Activity Kit
Theme for the Month As we return to school in different forms, we want to remember the power of our words and actions. This month’s Back to School Bash kit has activities and lessons that focus on friendships and how to …
February Monthly Kit
Theme for the Month In this month’s kit – we’re talking about why kindness really matters. This kit includes activities to do at home with your family! We also have supplies at the church if you’d like to pick up …
January Monthly Kit
We’re tackling the rules for life in this month’s Kids Kit! Download the activities separately or the whole kit here. Activities for the Month Download the January Activity Kit ACTIVITY PRINT OUTS
December Monthly Kit
Theme for the Month We have some special activities for December including a focus on Advent and a Christmas ornament to download and cut out. Activities for the Month Download the December Activity Kit Ornament Front Ornament Back
November Monthly Kit
Theme for the Month It’s a great moment to focus on thanksgiving. This month’s activities and stories will help inspire the spirit of gratitude in our lives. Activities for the Month Download the November Activity Kit Gratitude Planner Gratitude Hunt …
October Monthly Kit
Theme for the Month Fall is a fun time to dress up as characters. It’s fun to pretend to be someone with character traits like bravery or goofiness. As we have fun this month, we also want to focus on …
September Activity Kit
Theme for the Month As we return to school in different forms, we want to remember the power of our words and actions. This month’s Back to School Bash kit has activities and lessons that focus on friendships and how to …
R&R Nights for Kids & Parents
Parents are you in need of a little R&R? Of course you are! This spring, Schweitzer Kids will be providing a night to Refresh & Recharge for kids and parents. R&R Nights are open for kids birth through 4th grade. …
Spring Schweitzer Spark
Our latest issue of the Schweitzer Spark, (our church magazine) is now out! Find out about the many great ministries happening inside and outside the walls of Schweitzer, get details about Easter and more! You can pick up a copy …
Ash Wednesday Service
Wednesday, February 22 at 6 PM in the Sanctuary. Ash Wednesday is coming up on Wednesday, February 22. We will have an in-person service at 6 pm in the Schweitzer Sanctuary. This will be a special time as we begin the …
Writer’s Roundtable
Are you a writer or aspiring writer? Join us for our first Writer’s Roundtable on Saturday, February 25 from 10 to 11:30 am. We’ll hear from author Dan Manning about his writing and publishing experience, we’ll enjoy a creative exercise, …
Widow & Widowers Luncheon: Feb 11
On Saturday, Feb. 11, Schweitzer Care Ministries will host a Valentine’s Lunch for widows and widowers. This will be a time to gather together and be encouraged. We have lunch, music and more. There is not cost to attend and …
Winter 2023 GriefShare Group
If you or someone you know is grieving the loss of a loved who has passed away, we invite you to join us for an 13-week study that will provide comfort, support and encouragement along the way. We will meet …
Advent Devotional: Week 1 – HOPE
HOPE HAS COME • Written By Joshua Rowlett Many months ago, I had a rather unexpected conversation with my father. We were on the way to work at a festival, whereupon arrival we’d sell handcrafted sodas – or so we …
Christmas with Schweitzer
ChristmasThe Christmas Season is here! We hope you will join us as we celebrate the season. Here are some key dates and times to remember. Schweitzer Choir Christmas Cantata This year’s cantata, titled, Love Descending will highlight the story of …
Christmas Toy Store
We are excited to partner with Pittman Elementary to provide toys for kids at our neighboring school. Between November 13 and December 11, we are asking you to take a snowflake from one of the windows around the Fellowship Center …
Join the Choir, Worship or Tech Team
We love music, technology and creativity here at Schweitzer. We have a great staff team that helps guide these ministry and many volunteers who bring it all together. If you have a gift that has placed in you of singing, …
Pastor’s Note – July 23, 2020
Friends, In the NIV translation of the Bible, the word joy (or rejoice) is found 436 times. Here are a few examples: 1 Chronicles 29:22, “They ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the Lord that day.” Luke 2:10, “But the …
Pastor’s Note – July 16, 2020
Friends, The other day a good friend of mine sent me an article I’ve been thinking a lot about this week. It is written by Bishop Todd Hunter of the Anglical Church. He is the bishop of a non-geographic diocese …
Pastor’s Note – July 9, 2020
Friends, I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July celebration. Independence Day is one of my favorite days of the year. When you are a pastor you use other holidays besides Christmas and Easter to build family traditions, and …
Pastor’s Note – July 2, 2020
Friends, This note marks my one-year anniversary as your pastor. We’ve been through a lot together in this first year! I can’t say thank you enough to how you have treated me and my family in this first year with …
Pastor’s Note – June 25, 2020
Friends, On Sunday, we began a new season of our church as both an online and in-person church. One of our big lessons we’ve learned over the last few months is that you don’t have to come in person to …
Pastor’s Note – June 18, 2020
Friends, This is a big week for us. This week we start the process of reopening. You can find all the information about reopening on our website: sumc.co/reopening. As we are approaching reopening, I’ve been reflecting on some of the things …
Pastor’s Note – June 11, 2020
Friends, I got a text this week from someone checking in because as he said “I know your world is going to get really busy opening up the church.” That’s the truth! Let’s talk about reopening, because it is right …
Pastor’s Note – June 1, 2020
Friends, We’re sending out our weekly Pastor’s Note early this week because I want to speak a few words about the protests we’ve seen around the country this weekend. We did not address this in Sunday worship, largely because we …
Pastor’s Note – May 28, 2020
Friends, I hope you had a good Memorial Day weekend. We give thanks for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. This last Sunday we also launched sign-ups for people to host Vacation Bible School (VBS). Instead …
Pastor’s Note – May 21, 2020
Friends, There are some exciting things happening at Schweitzer right now. If you missed Sunday, we announced a large gift the church made to the Mozambique Initiative. Because of the financial uncertainty facing many churches, the Missouri United Methodist Church Conference …
Spring/Summer Spark Magazine
Inside this issue of the Schweitzer Spark, our church magazine, you’ll learn about what’s coming up around campus and in our community between April and August 2023. View the PDF version below or download it here, that also includes clickable …
Sermon Discussion: 5-28-23
David | Part 1 | The Lord Looks at the Heart| 1 Samuel 16 Gathering Question: What is something about you that someone wouldn’t know about you by looking at you? Gathering Prayer. Father, by Your Spirit, would you guide …
Sermon Discussion: 5-21-23
Come Follow Me | Week 6WE PURSUE HEALING Gathering Question: What comes to mind when you think of “we pursue healing”? Gathering Prayer. Father, by Your Spirit, would you guide us into all truth. Help us to hear and be …
Sermon Discussion: 5-14-23
Discussion Guide | Come Follow Me | We Serve Our Community| Matthew 25:40 Gathering Question: What comes to mind when you think of “serving our community”? Gathering Prayer. Father, by Your Spirit, would you guide us into all truth. Help …
Sermon Discussion 5-7-23
Discussion Guide | Come Follow Me | We Engage in Evangelism| Mark 16:15 Gathering Question: Who is someone who inspires you by their ability to share their faith? What makes them so effective? Gathering Prayer. Father, by Your Spirit, would …
Sermon Discussion: 4-30-23
Discussion Guide | Come Follow Me | We Engage in Formation| Colossians 2:1-8 Gathering Question: What is one of your most formative Christian experiences? Gathering Prayer. Father, by Your Spirit, would you guide us into all truth. Help us to …
Sermon Discussion: 4-23-23
Discussion Guide | Come Follow Me | We Care for One Another| John 13:34-35 Gathering Question: Who is someone in your life who has demonstrated servant-leadership to you? Gathering Prayer. Father, by Your Spirit, would you guide us into all …
Sermon Discussion 4-16-23
Come Follow Me Series – Week 1We Worship Together Gathering Question: What is a song you like to sing at church? Why is it a favorite? Be honest, do you like to sing at church? Why, or why not? Gathering …
Sermon Discussion: Easter Sunday
Discussion Guide | Easter 2023 | John 20:1-17 Gathering Question: What is one of your favorite Easter traditions? Gathering Prayer. Father, by Your Spirit, would you guide us into all truth. Help us to hear and be attentive to Your …
Sermon Discussion: 4-2-23
Discussion Guide | Rest | PART 6 | Jesus is Sabbath| Matthew 11:28-30 Gathering Question: What are some of the most common ways you see people deal with stress? Think about both positive and negative examples. Gathering Prayer. Father, by …
Sermon Discussion: 3-26-23
Discussion Guide | Rest | PART 5 | Sabbath Is Salvation| Hebrews 4:1-11 Gathering Question: As we’ve been going through this series, have there been any changes you’ve been making to your weekly practice of sabbath? Gathering Prayer. Father, by …
Public Prayer List
Week of May 25, 2023 Health & EncouragementRachael Asher, Madison Lynge, Nancy PrizhertNick FentonJana BachusTom SteverLory SchupachRachel BoughJim FitchPaul StompNichelle FriendBeckie WaymackBetty OwenPatsy SpindlerGreg HansenStephanie MosleyClay PartonMary Jane GoekeMiriam GreenSandy ShawleyPeggy SweigartColton CashAlan SronceDebbie BybeeJoe HallCynthia HelmigAnita SwierCrew SharpJuliette FriendLindsay …
Flourish Informational Gatherings
You have been specially invited to join us for a Flourish Informational Gathering the week of December 6. We hope you’ll come learn more about this exciting opportunity to reach even more people for Jesus Christ by launching Springfield’s first …
Songs of the Street
On Saturday, October 24, here on the Schweitzer campus we be hosting an outdoor screening of a movie that follows Springfield Street Choir during their 2019 performances. This is a great opportunity to learn more about this group and hear …
Schweitzer News – March 10, 2020
Coronavirus Precautions Schweitzer will be taking immediate steps to protect our church family from the spread of the coronavirus: Please refrain from shaking hands during the greeting time in worship. A verbal greeting is appropriate. We will be changing how …
Schweitzer News – February 25, 2020
52 Stories All of us have unique interactions with God, stories of God showing up in our lives. In these 52 Stories, people connected to Schweitzer share how God is present and transforming in their lives. In watching, may you …
Schweitzer News – February 4, 2020
52 Stories All of us have unique interactions with God, stories of God showing up in our lives. In these 52 Stories, people connected to Schweitzer share how God is present and transforming in their lives. In watching, may you …
Your Gifts are Needed!
YOUR GIFTS ARE NEEDED! If you have the right gifts to serve in these ministries, contact Sheila Pippin at spippin@sumc.co or 417-861-0861 for more information. INPUT TEAM (Data Team) – Input Connection Card data from worship services. If you are …
Making a Great First Impression
Making a Great First Impression! We’ve all done it. We’ve made decisions about a restaurant or coffee house within the first few minutes of walking in the door. It works the same in ministry. Ten minutes…That’s how long it takes someone to …
First Impression
Making a great “First Impression” Repetition. Repetition. Repetition. It has been proven that REPETITION INCREASES RETENTION. Can this be applied to ministry? ABSOLUTELY! Our goal is to make a meaningful contact with everyone who walks through the doors at Schweitzer …
Urban Summit Recap
Schweitzer sponsored and hosted the SGF Urban Summit on Thursday, October 3. The impetus for the event was obedience. Schweitzer has been, and is, dedicated to contributing to the community in good and beautiful ways. We recognize that there are …
Monthly Worship Experience
Worship is such an important part of what we do that we aren’t going to let a global pandemic stop us! We gather at the end of every month—masked and outdoors—to worship with our friends and small group leaders. Each …
Youth Study Hall
Every week, we’re opening our doors to students (7th–12th graders) who want to get out of the house but also still have work to do. Since Springfield Schools are doing virtual learning 3 days a week, we’re letting students borrow our wifi and hang out with their small group leaders and friends every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to Noon!
Advent Devotional: Week 4: Love
LOVE & PREPARATION by Marilyn Quigley How would the following explanation be accepted at your gift opening? “Oops, I forgot a gift for you.” No need to answer! Preparation obviously is key for a joyful Christmas. At Schweitzer, the team …
Advent Devotional: Week 3 – Joy
Clear the Way for Joy – written by Lisa Lewellan In Isaiah 40:3 we read: “A voice of one who cries: Prepare in the wilderness the way of the Lord ; make straight and smooth in the desert a highway …
Advent Devotional: Week 2: Peace
written by Robert Casady Sloppy agapē (sacrificial love) characterizes incidents when in the name of love, and hoping to keep the peace, we refuse to address seemingly impenetrable issues, bad choices, and/or volitional sins. But any peace we may experience …
Advent Devotional: Week 1 – HOPE
HOPE HAS COME • Written By Joshua Rowlett Many months ago, I had a rather unexpected conversation with my father. We were on the way to work at a festival, whereupon arrival we’d sell handcrafted sodas – or so we …