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Pastors & Staff Meet Our Pastors 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! Tony 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. Lauren cindy Meet Our Staff Page Phillip s DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRI ES 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 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 of 18 years moved to Arkansas 10 years ago this past summer from Charleston, South Carolina. They live in Russellville with our three amazing boys, ages 16, 13, and 5. They 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 of 10 years, 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, 3 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 in a new position with an older age group and to get to know you 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. Garrett Snavely CHANCEL CHOIR DIRECTOR 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. David Condley FACILITY MANAGER Becky Worley OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Mary Collier ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT page P christi Brooke megan valerie garrett brian chris David Terri Diana

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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.

More Than Manna WHO WE ARE 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 week one of pastors offers a sermon and a Sunday school class or church group provides a meal. Make plans to come, and bring a friend. WHEN & WHERE Join us Sunday evening at 4:30-5:30 pm in our Fellowship Hall for worship and a meal. Worship begins at 4:30 pm. The meal begins at 5:00 pm. OTHER MINISTRIES Manna House Loads of Love Loads of Love

How can we help you? Call the church office at 479.968.1232 or email using the form below. Click here for prayer requests. Contact Us I would like more information about the church. I would like to visit with a pastor. Other (Type your message below.) Thanks for connecting with us! Submit

Youth & Family Ministry Russellville First's Youth & Family Ministry exists to nurture pre-teens and teenagers in their faith, teach them to become disciples of the Lord and show them how to love God and love others. We encourage our youth to invest themselves in the life of the church through Sunday school, Confirmation, small groups, missions, service, and much more! Questions? Ask by email to youth@russellvillefirst.org . SUNDAY SCHOOL In addition to classes for 5th-12th grades designed around each age group, we also offer breakfast during the Sunday school hour for our youth! We encourage all youth to come and be part of our Sunday school classes from 9:40–10:30 a.m. each week. CONFIRMATION Each year, 7th graders are invited to be a part of this group. Every student is matched with an adult mentor and participates in weekly learning, service projects, retreats and more! This time is used to learn more about their faith and discover what their walk with the Lord looks like. In spring, we celebrate our confirmands during Confirmation Sunday. WIRED WEDNESDAYS SURGE (Grades 5-7) Middle School Youth meet at the church from 6:00-7:00 p.m. to experience games, activities, and discussion as part of the Surge group time. Occasionally, this group meets offsite for special mission projects and field trips. IMPACT (Grades 8-12) Junior High and High School Youth belong to small Impact Groups that meet at various locations on Wednesdays according to grade and gender. The youth come together throughout the year to fellowship through Impact United activities. FUMY SUNDAYS Join us for FUMY Sundays--a time for our youth to come together in an informal setting to eat, fellowship, and worship together. We will have pizza, snacks, and drinks available for $5 per youth. The FIRST Sunday of every month will be Family First Sunday, for all children, youth, and their families to come together for dinner, activities, and worship. We will have a prepared meal on Family First Sundays for $5 per meal. AND THERE'S MORE Conference-wide events like Refuge, Veritas, & Assembly Events like trips to the trampoline park and water park, Destination Unknown, scavenger hunts, escape rooms, summer Lunch Bunch, pool parties, and Mission Trips Leadership Opportunities like serving as a Youth Liturgist in worship or being a member of our Youth Council Forms, SignUps, & Registrations Youth Consent Form Sign Up for Youth Events (SignUp Genius)

VISIT US CONTACT US Russellville First United Methodist Church invites you to join us on Sunday mornings for worship! We offer two different worship services, along with several Sunday school class options to fit any personality and life stage. Before service, you are invited to enjoy a cup of coffee and visit the Information Desk to find out what’s happening at Russellville First! Get more information about what we do by clicking on the links below! SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES ONLINE WORSHIP SUNDAY SCHOOL TUESDAY WORSHIP WIRED WEDNESDAY

Current Landscape of the United Methodist Church Current Landscape of The United Methodist Church If you were unable to attend the all-church meeting on Sunday, April 24, 2022, concerning "The Current Landscape of The United Methodist Church," the presentation slides and additional information can be found here [hyperlink]. There is also a helpful statement from our Council of Bishops entitled, "A Narrative for the Continuing United Methodist Church." If you have any questions or concerns about this information, please feel free to speak to our lay leader, Mrs. Linda Woods or our Senior Pastor, Dr. Tony Griffin. https://arumc.org/current-landscape/ https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/files/websites/www/a+narrative+for+the+continuing+united+methodist+church...._.pdf Please clean this up as necessary. Thanks! Check out the documents below to stay up-to-date on Russellville First's guidelines for in-person gatherings. Russellville First COVID-19 Guidelines-Updated 11-5-21 Arkansas Conference COVID-19 Response AR Department of Health COVID-19 Information CDC Guidelines

Wired Wednesday is an opportunity for you to unplug from the stresses of the workweek and plug into an evening of fun, fellowship, and learning for the entire family. This an excellent way for your entire family to not just make it through the week but to thrive with renewed energy. An affordable meal is served from 5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. followed by classes and activities for all ages. To find out where your age group meets, contact the church office. Check out the updated Wednesday night schedule beginning August 28: Fellowship Dinner 5:00-5:45 p.m. in Family Hall Discipleship Ministries 6:00-7:00 p.m. Various Locations Choir Rehearsal 6:00-7:00 p.m. Choir Room Children’s C hoir Rehearsal 7:00-7:30 p.m. Children's Chapel Youth Missions 7:00-7:30 p.m. Family Hall/Gym Wired Wednesdays ADULT CLASSES There are several options for adults to participate on Wednesday evenings: Chancel Choir Rehearsal Pastors Bible Study Volunteering to help with Youth and Children 8th-12th GRADERS For youth in grades 8-12, we offer small IMPACT Groups that meet a various locations according to grade and gender. Each group has adult leaders and individualized curriculum to meet the needs of the youth in that particular group. The youth come together throughout the year to fellowship through IMPACT UNITED activities. 5th-7th GRADERS 5th, 6th, and 7th graders meet at the church to experience games, activities, and discussion as part of the SURGE group time. CHILDREN (4 YEARS to 4th GRADE) Children participate in SLAM: S erving G od, L oving Others, A nd M aking Disciples. They take part in a Bible-based curriculum and grow through rotations each Wednesday night in missions, art, drama, and Bible skills & games, all ending with the last rotation, music.

Manna House Manna House is open Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. to Noon Who We Are Eligibility Hours of Operation How You Can Help WHO WE ARE 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 Pl. and Boulder Ave. ELIGIBILITY Persons receiving goods must reside in Pope or Yell County. Families are eligible to receive food every 14 days from the date of their previous visit. If you are a first time visitor, all you need to bring is a photo I.D. If you are a repeat visitor, you will also need to bring a current utility bill or other proof of residency. HOURS OF OPERATION Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. HOW YOU CAN HELP PRAY for those we serve and for us to have servants’ hearts as we attempt to eliminate hunger in our community. DONATE FUNDS to Manna House. No funding is provided through the operating budget of Russellville First. Manna House relies totally upon donations from supporters to this ministry. All funds donated directly to the “Manna House Designated Fund” are utilized to purchase the products we provide. VOLUNTEER your time to serve during the hours we are open or to assist in restocking. Volunteers complete all functions of Manna House. Contact the Church Office at 479.968.1232 to help. Who We Are Eligibility Hours How You Can Help

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.