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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

Employment Opportunities WE’RE HIRING: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Russellville First United Methodist Church is in the process of hiring an administrative assistant. Some of the job responsibilities include greeting and assisting individuals who visit the church office in addition to screening and routing incoming calls. The individual needs to be a self-starter and a multi-tasker with an ability to prioritize projects. Computer experience in Google calendar, Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and Outlook is preferred. The job requires walking throughout the church, which includes stairs, multiple times a week and lifting a minimum of thirty (30) pounds. The job is 30 hours a week, Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. If interested, email your resume to becky@russellvillefirst.org .

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL June 8-12, 2026 9:00 a.m. to 11:3 0 a.m. Registration Coming Spring 2026 PreK-4 to 7th Grade

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

Sunday School 9:40 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Sunday School is a time-honored tradition here at Russellville First. From the age of three through adulthood, Sunday School is where people learn about the Christian faith in a loving, supportive environment. Adults Youth (5th-12th Grade) Children (through 4th Grade)

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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 Prime Timers (50+) Women's Ministries Men's Fellowship Care & Outreach Manna House The Little Church (TLC) 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 First Sunday Nursery/Childcare Children (through 4th Grade) Youth (Grades 5-12)

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.

Church Newsletters 2025 Newsletters JANUARY 2025 FEBRUARY 2025 MARCH 2025 APRIL 2025 MAY 2025 JUNE 2025 JULY 2025 AUGUST 2025 SEPTEMBER 2025 OCTOBER 2025 NOVEMBER 2025 Newsletter Archive

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 .

UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH Faith. Action. Sisterhood Driven by God’s love and united in sisterhood, we work to improve the lives of women, children and youth. Every day, we show up. We take action. We get it done. And we invite you to join us. Who We Are We are women like you, a powerful, fearless force driven by God’s love and united in sisterhood. With a focus on women, children and youth, we act for justice and transform communities. Join us because love in action can change the world. Our Circles We have six small groups ("circles") that meet monthly January through May and September through December. GIRLS OF GRACE--meets monthly, varies FAITHFUL FRIENDS--meets 3rd Thursday at 4:30 p.m. FAMILY LIFE--meets 3rd Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. JOY SEEKERS--meets 2nd Monday at 6:00 p.m. MORNING GLORIES--meets 3rd Thursday at 10:00 a.m. SUNSHINE GANG--meets 1st Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. Love In Action We are a group of women dedicated to supporting women, children, and youth both locally and around the world. We actively participate in programs within the church, our community, and our state. Make a Meaningful Impact Put your talents, energy and ideas to work. You’ll find flexible opportunities for spiritual growth and ways to act for social justice, support your community, live your faith and enrich your life. Visit russellvillefirst.org/women to learn more about United Women in Faith at Russellville First United Methodist Church.

GIVING TUESDAY GIVE NOW Be a part of the #GivingTuesday movement when you give TODAY! WHAT IS GIVING TUESDAY? Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world. Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past nine years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. Giving Tuesday strives to build a world in which the catalytic power of generosity is at the heart of the society we build together, unlocking dignity, opportunity, and equity around the globe. Find out more at https://www.givingtuesday.org/