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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 incoming 4th Graders. 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 entering kindergarten to incoming 4th graders. 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.

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

Russellville First United Methodist Church. We're glad you're here. Make Disciples. Love God. Love Others. Welcome to Russellville First United Methodist Church Make Disciples. Love God. Love Others. Worship with Us Give Now Visit Russellville First Sign Ups & RSVPSs Worship with us Live Stream Our 8:30 & 10:40 Services Watch Our Services Online (not live) Click HERE to learn what to expect during worship Sunday Worship in the Sanctuary 8:30 a.m. & 10:40 a.m. Sunday School 9:40-10:30 a.m. More Than Manna Worship + meal 4:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall Tuesday Tuesday Worship + Lunch Second Tuesday of the Month 11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall Wednesday Fellowship Dinner 5:00-5:45 p.m. in Family Hall Discipleship Ministries 6:00-7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 6:00-7:00 p.m. in Choir Room Children’s Choir Rehearsal 7:00-7:30 p.m. in Children's Chapel Get Connected with Russellville First United Methodist Church Find ways to get involved: check out the church calendar, learn about our ministries, request care, and stay connected. Get Connected Church Newsletters Worship Bulletins Service Videos Email Sign Up Pastors & Staff Church Calendar See what's coming up and how you can get connected. Ministries Learn about all we have to offer at Russellville First. Request Care Find support and request prayers for what you're going through. Getting Here Connect Form

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

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

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. 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 Ups (SignUp Genius)

Children & Family Ministry INFANTS, TODDLERS, CHILDREN THROUGH 4TH GRADE **Follow Us Online** Facebook Instagram Remind The Children and Family Ministry at Russellville First is dedicated to providing children with opportunities for Bible study, worship, fellowship, and missions. We offer fun Bible-centered programs designed to help children use, understand, and apply the Word of God in their daily lives. This family-focused ministry aims to assist parents in their calling as the primary faith nurturers of their children. Questions? Ask by email to children@russellvillefirst.org . Summer SLAM Family Mission July 23 SUNDAY SCHOOL (4yrs*-4th Grade) Children meet in SLAM City for breakfast, praise time, a Bible lesson, and a response to the lesson (mission, acting out the story, crafts, etc.) from 9:40 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning. CHILDREN'S CHURCH (4yrs* to 4th Grade) During Sunday Worship, children are invited to depart from the sanctuary after the Children’s Moment. They will enjoy a kid-friendly worship service to help them understand what is happening in "big church" through Bible lessons and hands-on activities in a fun and age-appropriate way. WIRED WEDNESDAYS (4yrs*-4th Grade) From 6:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, children are invited to participate in SLAM: Serving God, Loving Others, And Making Disciples. Children will grow in their faith as they fellowship with other believers. NURSERY (Infants-3yrs Old) Our paid nursery staff have been trained, have completed a background check, and are supervised by our Childcare Coordinator. Our Nursery is open Sunday from 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Wednesday from 6:00-7:00 p.m., and during other church-wide events. THE LITTLE CHURCH (TLC) TLC is a non-profit, state licensed pre-school for children 6 months to 5 years of age. TLC's goal is to provide a Christian educational program that nourishes the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of children. TLC is open from 8:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in the fall and spring and on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the summer. Learn more AND THERE'S MORE Leadership Opportunities like serving as a Child Liturgist in worship Vacation Bible School, Preschool Story Time, Pumpkin Patch, Parents' Night Out, Bring-A-Friend Night, Christmas Play, Valentine Tea, Family Advent Day, Summer Mission Days, and more! VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Join us June 8-12, 2026, for Vacation Bible School. *who have turned 4 years old by August 1 Forms, Sign Ups, & Registrations Children's Consent Form SAFE GATHERINGS Consent Form

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Advent and Christmas Sermon Series Information Generation to Generation: We are invited to look at the characters in our scriptures and wonder: What did each character pass on or contribute? How did each character participate in God’s liberation and love? What is our role now? What is our generation’s task? What will we carry forth, and what should we leave behind? In the midst of narratives, policies, and rhetoric designed to divide us, what does it look like to practice belonging to one another? The work of God is always unfolding—in and through us. This Advent season, how will we carry it forth? 2024 Advent Devotional HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS: GENERATION TO GENERATION Join us for this holiday season kick-off event from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 1. This is a great way for ALL AGES to start the Advent and Christmas season. Join us for things to make, things to eat, games to play, and so much more as we celebrate Christmas through the ages. UWFAITH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON ALL women are invited to the United Women in Faith Christmas Luncheon on Tuesday, December 3 at 12:00 p.m. in the Family Hall. Come for a fabulous lunch, door prizes, and entertainment by the RHS Chromatic Choir. Lunch is $10.00 and can be paid at the door. CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Join us in the sanctuary on Wednesday, December 4 at 6:00 p.m. for our annual Children’s Christmas Nativity Pageant. Enjoy our children’s re-enactment of the Christmas story, complete with familiar hymns! You won’t want to miss it! This will be Wednesday night programming for that night for SLAM, Surge, Impact and Adults. UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMES The UWFaith of Russellville First is excited to invite the community to be a part of the 2024 Holiday Tour of Homes Fundraiser on Sunday, December 8 from 1:00-3:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased from any UWFaith member or from the church office. LESSONS AND CAROLS As we shop, as we plan, as we wait, and as we gather, let us look forward and consider the gifts we have to offer in response to God’s incredible gift of Love? Join us for Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 15 in the sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. We will end by raising lighted candles as we sing “Silent Night.” NEIGHBORHOOD CAROLING Please join us for a night in the Neighborhood! Family Caroling will be on Wednesday, December 18th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. We will fellowship together with warm soups to start, venture out into the church neighborhood to sing Christmas carols, and return back for hot chocolate, popcorn and to watch "A Charlie Brown Christmas" as we warm up from caroling. JESUS’ BIRTHDAY PARTY Celebrate Jesus’s birthday with us! All children and youth are invited to the Family Hall during the Sunday School hour (9:40-10:30 a.m.) Sunday, December 22 to join in the party for Jesus. Breakfast, games, crafts, and more! COMMUNITY BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE We're joining together with Central Presbyterian and All Saints' Episcopal Church on Sunday, December 22 at 5:30 pm for a Blue Christmas service, which will be held at Central Presbyterian Church, 400 W. Main Street. Snacks and fellowship time will be before the service at 5:00 pm. While the Christmas season is often one of joy and celebration, it can also be a time of grief and sadness. The Blue Christmas service will acknowledge the challenges the come with the holiday season and it will be a time for worship, prayer, and reflection. CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE We will gather Tuesday, December 24 at 5:00 pm. for our Christmas Eve worship service in the Sanctuary. Come together with carols and Holy Communion. COMBINED WORSHIP SERVICE We will celebrate the First Sunday After Christmas on December 29 with a combined worship service at 10:40 a.m. Advent & Christmas Pop-Up Sunday School Class ADVENT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS TAUGHT BY PASTOR LAUREN Join Pastor Lauren for an Advent study on the book "Wanting More," a study written by former FUMC associate pastor, Rev. Michael Roberts, and contributed to by Pastor Lauren. This will be a 6-week study on Sunday mornings beginning Sunday, December 1 from 9:40-10:30 am in the Cornerstone Classroom, Room 211. You will need to order your own book, which can be found on Amazon. If you have questions, please contact Pastor Lauren at lauren@russellvillefirst.org .

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