Search Results

SDO & TLC Registration Opens in March. Forms & Registration Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday 8:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. TLC is a non-profit, state licensed program for children 6 months to 5 years of age. Our goal is to provide a Christian educational program that nourishes the needs of children and emphasizes growth in all areas – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. $28 per day 479.968.2143 PROGRAM SCHEDULE TLC is for children ages 6 months old (by August) to PreK. We offer Fall/Spring as well as a Summer Day Out Program for children ages 6 months to 5th Grade. Fall/Spring TLC Classes meet during the school year (August through May) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Parents may choose one, two, or three days. We follow the Russellville School Schedule for Spring Break, Thanksgiving Break, and Christmas Break. Summer Day Out Our Summer Day Out program is available in June – July on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. In addition to our children ages 6 months to Pre-K, classes are also offered for public school age children in kindergarten through 5th grade. CLASSES AND TEACHER RATIOS TLC offers 9 classrooms with staff to child ratios well under the state mandated guidelines. Class sizes range from 8 to 14. DAILY ROUTINE TLC follows a structured program, which includes story/circle time, art, free play, outside/gym time, snack time, age appropriate curriculum time, chapel & music, lunch and rest time. Children in the Joeys’ (crib room) class follow a schedule based on their needs. REGISTRATION Early registration for the Summer Day Out and TLC school year program is in March for the upcoming summer and school year. Registration forms can be found under Forms & Registration . Enrollment after March will be accepted if class space is available. To request a registration packet, click on the registration link or send an email to tlc@russellvillefirst.org . WHAT TO BRING Each child needs to bring a water bottle and a nutritious lunch. TLC provides a morning snack. We furnish mats and clean sheets for nap time. You will need to bring a light blanket to be used during rest time. NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY TLC admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies or scholarship programs.

Church Newsletters 2026 Newsletters JANUARY 2026 FEBRUARY 2026 MARCH 2026 APRIL 2026 MAY 2026 June 2026 JULY 2026 Newsletter Archive

SDO & TLC Registration Pre-Registration for Summer & Fall will be available March 16. TLC and SDO Information TLC Policies ONLINE FORMS Online Registration Online Pick Up Authorization Form Online Administer Medicine Form PRINTABLE FORMS Printable Registation Form Printable Pick Up Authorization Printable Administer Medicine Form Pay Registration Fees Online

About Our History Pastors & Staff Church Council Worship Times Ministries Manna House Give Give Now Ways to Give Estimate of Giving Manna House 304 Investment Plan Ministries The Little Church (TLC) Family Ministries Youth Children Young Adults Adults Women Men Prime Timers (Ages 50+) Care Ministries I'm New Worship Times Calendar Getting to Russellville First More Calendar Project Request Form Worship Times Covenant Card Service Bulletins Monthly Newsletters Stay Connected Form Memorial Funds Request Order a Church Directory Access ShelbyNext Work Order Request Form

Pastors & Staff Rev. Dr. Tony Griffin SENIOR PASTOR Pastor Tony is thankful to be called to pastor in The United Methodist Church. It is his heart’s passion to help shape people into faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Tony was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas and has served in ministry in Arkansas, Georgia, the United Kingdom, and Oklahoma. He holds degrees from Southern Nazarene University, University of Arkansas, Little Rock - William H. Bowen School of Law, Emory University, and Duke University. He is an inactive lawyer and Certified Public Accountant. Tony enjoys reading, hiking, snow skiing, and time on the lake – almost anything outside with his family and friends! He has been married to Tracy for almost 30 years and they have three children, Addison, Will, and Lainey. They also have two chihuahuas, Ethyl and Olive, and Labrador retriever mix, named John Wesley Griffin (he goes by Wesley!). It is his joy to serve as your senior pastor! Rev. Lauren DeLano ASSOCIATE PASTOR Pastor Lauren grew up in Fayetteville, AR, and her family has been answering the call to ministry. Her parents live in Wisconsin where her dad currently serves as a pastor at a local United Methodist Church. Her brother and sister-in-law (Matt and Amber) live in Texas with their two children. Her brother Matt is a Church of Christ Pastor. Pastor Lauren is married to Jacob Grosskopf, Geology Professor at Arkansas Tech University, so she already has ties to Russellville. After graduating from Fayetteville High School, she earned her Bachelors of Art in Psychology from Hendrix College before receiving her Masters of Divinity from Boston University School of Theology in 2016. Pastor Lauren is currently serving as a jurisdictional alternate serving on the ARUMC delegation, a participant in Advancing Pastoral Leadership - a leadership program for young clergy across our jurisdiction, and she also serves as the Chair of the Conference Council of Young Adults. She loves to travel and explore new places: she and two of her clergy friends are on a mission to visit all 75 counties in Arkansas, having already been to 44 of them. Some other hobbies of hers include listening to podcasts, reading psychological thrillers, watching and playing sports--especially cheering on the Hogs. Rev. Cindy Bright PASTOR TO FAMILIES Pastor Cindy is blessed to be living out her calling as a United Methodist Deacon at Russellville First United Methodist Church. Her goal is to embody the servant ministry of a Deacon and to walk with youth and their families as they deepen their connections between God, church and their day to day lives. Cindy was born in Little Rock, and grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, until her family returned to Arkansas when she was a junior in high school. She graduated from Sheridan High School, the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Cindy h as served churches in the Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Kentucky Annual Conferences. Cindy enjoys reading, baking, biking, walking and enjoying nature. She can often be found humming or singing – sometimes without even realizing she’s doing it. She loves a good (or really bad!) pun, and Seinfeld trivia and dialogue takes up an inordinate amount of space in her brain! Cindy has been married to Jeff for over 30 years, and they have two daughters, Sarah and Rachel. They are grateful God has called them back to live and serve in Jeff’s hometown and home church in Russellville. Page Phillip s DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRIES Page grew up in Alma, Arkansas, and graduated from Arkansas Tech University with a degree in History Education. She met her husband Jeff while attending TECH and they have bee n married for over 30 years. They have three children: Jacob, Molly Grace, and Harper. Page taught High School Social Studies at Lincoln and Dardanelle and 5th grade at St. John’s Catholic School. She then served as a substitute teacher for the last 9 years, mostly in elementary schools. The Phillipses have been members of Russellville First for over 20 years. Page has helped in all areas of Children’s Ministry and was so excited to put her love of children and Jesus into practice by helping children and families grow in their faith. This July will mark her first year serving as the Director of Children’s and Family’s Ministries at Russellville First. She truly Believes God’s call on her life is to help children know Jesus and she is so thankful to have the opportunity to do this every day. Christi Burris DIRECTOR OF YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRIES Christi is thankful to be a part of the spiritual journey for the children in church. She loves teaching children about the love Jesus has for them. Christi was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She’s a 2000 graduate of Dover High school. She has been a member of the Russellville First for the past 7 years and on staff for 3. Christi enjoys spending time with family, traveling, reading, crocheting and watching her children do their various sports. She has been married to Travis for over 20 years and they have six children: Keagen, Payten, Alysen, Carson, Owen, and William. Brooke Shamblen ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CHILDRE N & FAMILY MINISTRI ES Brooke and her husband moved to Arkansas over 10 years ago from Charleston, South Carolina. They live in Russellville with their three amazing boys. The Shamblen family stays busy a nd very active with soccer and various involvement within the community. Brooke is the true definition of a “Boy Mom,” and she loves every minute of being the Queen of her castle! You may have seen her around in the halls of TLC as a junior preschool teacher and in the Nursery with the littles. She loves being a part of a child’s learning and exploring new experiences with them in addition to enriching their hearts with The Word. Brooke looks forward to getting to know all of you more and is thankful for this opportunity to be more involved with our church. Emily Westcott ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRI ES Emily lives in London with her husband, Eric, and their two amazing children Ella and Trace. They spend their free time camping, hiking, and enjoying time outside in our beautiful state or reading an enjoyable book. Emily has been a preschool teacher for several years, three of those working in the Honeybee room at TLC. She also has been in the church nursery with the littles. She is blessed and extremely excited to be given the opportunity to serve FUMC with an older age group and to get to know them all more! Megan Grace TLC DIRECTOR & CHILDCARE COORDINATOR Megan joined Russellville First United Methodist Church with her family in 1988 and has since been baptized and confirmed in the church. She began working in the nursery in 1999 and became Director of Childcare in 2017. She also began working at TLC in 2007 and became the Assistant Director in 2016. Her passion is, and always has been, with children. Megan is married to her high school boyfriend, Ryan, and together they have two children; a son, Weston, and a daughter, Kasyn. She enjoys spending time with her extended family, camping, fishing, hunting, and being outdoors. Her favorite past time is watching her children compete in various sports. Valerie Roys TLC ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT Valerie joined the TLC Family in 1984, when she enrolled her children in The Little Church Program at Russellville First Methodist Church. In 2002, she began teaching in the infant room and 6 years later moved into the TLC Director position. Valerie was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, and spent her childhood moving about as her father was in the Navy. Russellville became her home when she entered the eighth grade. She married her high school sweetheart, Mark Roys, and had 3 daughters, Melissa Burton, Amy Ford and Megan Grace. The family joined the church in 1988. She’s into antiques and loves the “hunt” for the next little treasure. Her pets include 2 dogs, 2 cats and a brood of chickens. She enjoys cooking, especially preparing meals for frequent family gatherings. Her favorite pastime is spending time with her 7 grandchildren, Devin, Alyvia, Kaylee, Weston, Kasyn, Lila, and Bo; and great-grandson. Dr. Katie Rohwer CHANCEL CHOIR DIRECTOR Dr. Katherine (Katie) Rohwer grew up in Michigan and can trace her love of choral music to her first experiences in her church’s children’s choir, the Rainbow Singers of Westminster Presbyterian. Her family’s love for music and faith shaped her calling from an early age, and she has been blessed to serve as a musician for various churches and denominations, including Pine Island Presbyterian, West Side Methodist in Ann Arbor, MI and First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor. Katie is also the Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at Arkansas Tech University, where she teaches music education and conducting courses and directs several of the university choirs. Before coming to Arkansas, she taught high school and college choirs in Michigan and has served as a guest conductor and clinician across the country. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting and a Master of Music from the University of Michigan, as well as a Bachelor of Music from Western Michigan University. Outside of teaching, Katherine loves spending time with her husband Alex, family and friends; exploring the beauty of Arkansas’ State Parks; and the occasional game of ping-pong; and sharing the joy of music in worship and community. Garrett Snavely CHURCH ORGANIST Garrett is excited and optimistic to serve as Chancel Choir Director. He has a degree in keyboard/vocal music education from Arkansas Tech University, where he graduated in December of 2020. Garrett started singing as a choral intern at FUMC in 2017. From there, his love of high-church worship has only grown. Along with his involvement in music ministry in the Methodist tradition, he remains active as a substitute organist and pianist for local churches, as well as serving as an assistant organist at Central Presbyterian Church in Russellville. Garrett lives in Dardanelle and teaches private music lessons to local students and at River Valley Music Center, where he has worked since July of 2021. Brian Faulkner PRAISE BAND LEADER Chris Becnel DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Chris Becnel has been working with youth ministry since he was a teen. He grew up in Magnolia, Arkansas, and served as a junior high youth minister in Conway, Arkansas, while working on his bachelor’s at the University of Central Arkansas. He received his master’s in educational leadership from Arkansas State University. When Chris graduated from college, he worked as a drug prevention specialist in Union County, Arkansas, where he traveled internationally working with governments and schools to expand their prevention programs. He taught junior high and high school in south Arkansas for 10 years before moving to Russellville. He is a certified French & business teacher and licensed real estate agent. Chris enjoys traveling, camping, making music, and spending time with his family and friends. He’s visited 31 states and 23 countries. He and his husband Brad have two children, Harrison and Sophie. Becky Worley OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Mary Collier ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT David Condley FACILITY MANAGER Tony Lauren page P christi Cindy Brooke Emily Megan Valerie Katie chris garrett brian David

ONLINE WORSHIP Online Worship Faith at Home Our regular Sunday Worship Services are available for live stream at 8:30 a.m. and 10: 40 a.m. Watch LIVE on YouTube VIDEOS BULLETINS Videos Russellville First United Methodist Church Russellville First United Methodist Church Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing March 1, 2026 | 10:40 a.m. Service 01:09:29 Play Video Now Playing March 1, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. Service 01:09:38 Play Video

Mobile Messaging Terms and Conditions Last updated: January 9, 2023 First United Methodist Church (“Russellville First UMC,” “we,” or “us”) operates a mobile messaging program (the “Program”) subject to these Mobile Messaging Terms and Conditions (the “Mobile Messaging Terms”). The Program and our collection and use of your personal information is also subject to our Privacy Policy . By enrolling, signing up, or otherwise agreeing to participate in the Program, you accept and agree to these Mobile Messaging Terms and our Privacy Policy. 1.Program Description: We may send promotional and transactional mobile messages in various formats through the Program. Promotional messages advertise and promote our services and may include notices about inclement weather and other circumstances that suspend regular activity, Scripture and devotional materials. Mobile messages may be sent using an automated technology, including an autodialer, automated system, or automatic telephone dialing system. Message frequency will vary depending on the type of message. You agree that we, our affiliates, and any third-party service providers may send you messages regarding the foregoing topics or any topic and that such messages and/or calls may be made or placed using different telephone numbers or short codes. We do not charge for mobile messages sent through the Program but you are responsible for any message and data rates imposed by your mobile provider, as standard data and message rates may apply for SMS and MMS alerts. 2.User Opt-In: By providing your mobile phone number to us, you are voluntarily opting in to the Program and you agree to receive recurring mobile messages from us at the mobile phone number associated with your opt-in, even if such number is registered on any state or federal “Do Not Call” list. You agree that any mobile phone number you provide to us is a valid mobile phone number of which you are the owner or authorized user. If you change your mobile phone number or are no longer the owner or authorized user of the mobile 3.User Opt-Out and Support: You may opt-out of the Program at any time. If you wish to opt-out of the Program and stop receiving mobile messages from us, or you no longer agree to these Mobile Messaging Terms, reply STOP, QUIT, CANCEL, OPT-OUT, and/orUNSUBSCRIBE to any mobile message from us. You may continue to receive text messages for a short period while we process your request and you may receive a one-time opt-out confirmation message. You understand and agree that the foregoing is the only reasonable method of opting out. For support, reply HELP to any mobile message from us. phone number, you agree to promptly notify us at 479-968-1232. Your participation in the Program is not required to make any purchase from us and your participation in the Program is completely voluntary. Our mobile messaging platform may not recognize requests that modify the foregoing commands, and you agree that we and our service providers will not be liable for failing to honor requests that do not comply with the requirements in these Mobile Messaging Terms. We may also change the telephone number or short code we use to operate the Program and we will notify you of any such change. You acknowledge that any requests sent to a telephone number or short code that has been changed may not be received by us and we will not be responsible for failing to honor a request sent to a telephone number or short code that has been changed. 4.Disclaimer of Warranty and Liability: The Program is offered on an “as-is” basis and may not be available in all areas, at all times, or on all mobile providers. You agree that neither we nor our service providers will be liable for any failed, delayed, or misdirected delivery of any mobile message or information sent through the Program. 5.Modifications: We may modify or cancel the Program or any of its features at any time, with or without notice. To the extent permitted by applicable law, we may also modify theseMobile Messaging Terms at any time. Any such modification will take effect when it is posted to our website. You agree to review these Mobile Messaging Terms periodically to ensure that you are aware of any modifications. Your continued participation in the Program will constitute your acceptance of those modifications.

NEED SUPPORT? Get connected with a Congregational Care minister. Just fill out this form and let us know your needs. First & Last Name Email and/or Phone Number How can we care for you? SEND Your request was sent. If you are not connected to a CCM within a day or two, please call the church office at 479.968.1232.

Russellville First United Methodist Church. We're glad you're here. Make Disciples. Love God. Love Others. WELCOME TO RUSSELLVILLE FIRST Sunday Worship 8:30 a.m. & 10:40 a.m. | More Than Manna Worship 4:30 p.m. Worship Prayer Request Give Now Advent Stay Connected Form Worship Service Videos Watch our Sunday Worship Services online. Click Here to Watch on Youtube Check Out Our Monthly Newsletter How to Find Russellville First Manna House MISSION: to provide food and hygiene items for those who need it and to share God’s love with the hungry of Pope and Yell Counties. Click here to learn more.

NEED PRAYER? Let us pray for you. Just fill out this form and let us know your needs. First & Last Name Email Prayer Request or Praise Report Request Would you like this on the printed prayer list? SEND Your request was sent. We are praying with you.

Pastors & Staff Meet Our Pastors Rev. Dr. Tony Griffin Senior Pastor Rev. Lauren DeLano Associate Pastor Rev. Cindy Bright Pa stor to Families Meet Our Staff Page Phillips Director of Children & Family Ministries Christi Burris Director of Youth & Family Ministries Emily Westcott Assistant Director of Youth & Family Ministries Brooke Shamblen Assistant Director of Children & Family Ministries Dr. Katie Rohwer Choir Director Megan Grace TLC Director & Childcare Coordinator Valerie Roys TLC Administrative Support Garrett Snavely Organist Brian Faulkner Praise Band Leader Chris Becnel Director of Communications David Condley Facility Manager Becky Worley Office Administrator Miller Giffin Church Custodian Mary Collier Administrative Assistant

Our Ministries We would love to join you on your faith journey. Adult Discipleship Youth (Grades 5-12) Children (through 4th Grade) Young Adults Family Ministries The Little Church (TLC) Prime Timers (50+) Women's Ministries Men's Fellowship Care & Outreach Manna House More Than Manna Care & Outreach Ministries We are dedicated to providing care for our members and attendees: from prayer ministry, to congregational care, to spiritual care by a pastor and community food bank and beyond. We want to love and support our community and church family the best we can. MANNA HOUSE Learn More Manna House is a ministry that began in September 2000, and is sponsored by Russellville First. It is supported by donations from our church members and others in our community. Our mission is to provide food and hygiene items for those who need it and to share God’s love with the hungry of Pope and Yell County. We are located on the corner of 3rd Place and Boulder Avenue. MORE THAN MANNA Learn More Any and all are welcome to join in a weekly time of singing, a short devotional, sharing our joys and concerns followed by a free hot meal. Each Sunday beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, this Holy Communion service is open to all. Make plans to come, and bring a friend. CONGREGATIONAL CARE MINISTERS Our Congregational Care Ministers are trained laity who work alongside their pastors to provide excellent care for the whole church family. Some of the many support services that we offer include making hospital visits, calling people in need of contact, delivering meals to families with new babies, meeting one-on-one with those in need of a listening ear for prayer and encouragement, offering support to grieving families, and much more. For questions or more information about how Congregational Care can provide support for you, please fill out a CCM REQUEST FORM or call the church office at 479-968-1232. LOADS OF LOVE On the 4th Monday of each month from 1:00-4:00 p.m., we offer an opportunity for our unhoused neighbors to do their laundry at the 24/7 Coin Laundry on Arkansas Avenue near the church. We need at least 2 volunteers a month for this ministry. If you're interested as an individual or small group to volunteer, click here. MORE CARE MINISTRIES Whether you need care or want to offer prayer, Russellville First offers many ways for groups to gather to pray together and assist those in spiritual need. To get involved with one of these ministries, call the church office at 479-968-1232. PRAYER SHAWL TEAM CARE MEALS TEAM CARE DELIVERY TEAM CARE FOLLOW-UP TEAM VISITATION TEAM NOTE WRITER TEAM COVENANT PRAYER TEAM LONG-TERM PRAYER TEAM Family Ministries We take pride in our programming for our children and youth! From infancy to 12th grade, we have something for all our young people and their families. Children’s Church The Little Church PreSchool Vacation Bible School Wired Wednesday Ministries Confirmation Class Nursery/Childcare Children (through 4th Grade) Youth (Grades 5-12)