Looking for a fun outreach fall project? Sign up to be a porch angel. This is a great opportunity for families and an individuals to have fun delivering mini pumpkins to porches of Schweitzer friends and people in our community. …
The Story of God Sunday Night Class
This fall, Flourish will begin a new class called the Story of God on Sunday Nights. This will be part of the Life Change program but anyone is welcome to join in the 8-week study running Sept 19 through Oct …
Levi Zen Joins Schweitzer Staff
Getting to know Levi Zen Levi Zen is our new Director of Student Ministries. Born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, Levi has been in some form of ministry all his life. His mom was active in children’s ministry and his …
New Member Sunday
A couple weeks ago several people attended our All In Gathering – learning about who we are as a church and many of them are taking a next step and joining as Schweitzer Church members. We’ll celebrate this together on …
Fall Women’s Retreat
Come join other women for a refreshing retreat on October 16 & 17. Whether you are new to Schweitzer, a friend in the community or a familiar face, this is the perfect time to recharge and get to know other …
Second Season Kick Off Event
We are gearing up for an exciting event for people 55 and up as part of our Second Season ministry kick off event. Join us for an outdoor Boomer Bash from 6 to 8 pm on Friday, Oct 8 and …
Schweitzer Choir
As you may have heard, Schweitzer has an incredible choir and this Wednesday, Aug 18, we are starting back up rehearsals. Choir is a great way to connect with other people who love music! If you’re interesting in singing with …
Caring for our Community
Schweitzer is a church that cares for our community. This statement is one that has long been part of our DNA – from growing outreach programs in new directions to meeting practical needs and offering encouragement. During July, we’ve had …
Volunteer with Flourish
Serve as a Mentor or Teacher The fall season with Flourish means there are many opportunities to serve. Flourish is currently looking for mentors and volunteers to be part of the LifeChange program, Jobs for Life and our Coach House …
Last Blast of Summer
We’re wrapping up summer with a HUGE celebration on Schweitzer’s campus – cheering on kids going back to school. Grab friends and family and join us for our outdoor Last Blast of Summer on Wednesday, August 11, from 5-8 pm. …
October Porch Angel
Looking for a fun outreach fall project? Sign up to be a porch angel. This is a great opportunity for families and an individuals to have fun delivering mini pumpkins to porches of Schweitzer friends and people in our community. …
The Story of God Sunday Night Class
This fall, Flourish will begin a new class called the Story of God on Sunday Nights. This will be part of the Life Change program but anyone is welcome to join in the 8-week study running Sept 19 through Oct …
Levi Zen Joins Schweitzer Staff
Getting to know Levi Zen Levi Zen is our new Director of Student Ministries. Born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, Levi has been in some form of ministry all his life. His mom was active in children’s ministry and his …
New Member Sunday
A couple weeks ago several people attended our All In Gathering – learning about who we are as a church and many of them are taking a next step and joining as Schweitzer Church members. We’ll celebrate this together on …
Second Season Kick Off Event
We are gearing up for an exciting event for people 55 and up as part of our Second Season ministry kick off event. Join us for an outdoor Boomer Bash from 6 to 8 pm on Friday, Oct 8 and …
A Last Blast Recap
From pastor’s being tossed into the dunk tank (numerous times), to the sound of laughter echoing, the smell of fresh grilled hotdogs, the taste of cotton candy, ice cream and more; Schweitzer’s Last Blast of Summer outdoor event was a …
Schweitzer Choir
As you may have heard, Schweitzer has an incredible choir and this Wednesday, Aug 18, we are starting back up rehearsals. Choir is a great way to connect with other people who love music! If you’re interesting in singing with …
Volunteer with Flourish
Serve as a Mentor or Teacher The fall season with Flourish means there are many opportunities to serve. Flourish is currently looking for mentors and volunteers to be part of the LifeChange program, Jobs for Life and our Coach House …
Schweitzer Kids’ VBS Block Parties
We’re gearing up for another great summer of VBS Block Parties! We’re inviting you and your family to be a host or participate in a neighboring VBS Block Party. We will provide all the supplies you need to host. This …
The E. Stanford Community Garden
Currently, more than 50 gardeners make use of this space, planting and harvesting over 70 plots. This community garden space is especially used by the local Burmese community. Ken Bass, who serves as the garden manager shared with us some basic …
Small Group Discussion
ALL TOGETHER NOW: Week 1: Acts 1.1-11 – Wait HereView the sermon online1) The Pepsi commercial, “Made for watching football,” encourages the spectator in us. – When it comes to digging into scripture and pursuing a godly life, do you …
Schweitzer Kids’ VBS Block Parties
We’re gearing up for another great summer of VBS Block Parties! We’re inviting you and your family to be a host or participate in a neighboring VBS Block Party. We will provide all the supplies you need to host. This …
February Monthly Kit
Theme for the Month In this month’s kit – we’re talking about why kindness really matters. This kit includes activities to do at home with your family! We also have supplies at the church if you’d like to pick up …
January Monthly Kit
We’re tackling the rules for life in this month’s Kids Kit! Download the activities separately or the whole kit here. Activities for the Month Download the January Activity Kit ACTIVITY PRINT OUTS
December Monthly Kit
Theme for the Month We have some special activities for December including a focus on Advent and a Christmas ornament to download and cut out. Activities for the Month Download the December Activity Kit Ornament Front Ornament Back
November Monthly Kit
Theme for the Month It’s a great moment to focus on thanksgiving. This month’s activities and stories will help inspire the spirit of gratitude in our lives. Activities for the Month Download the November Activity Kit Gratitude Planner Gratitude Hunt …
October Monthly Kit
Theme for the Month Fall is a fun time to dress up as characters. It’s fun to pretend to be someone with character traits like bravery or goofiness. As we have fun this month, we also want to focus on …
September Activity Kit
Theme for the Month As we return to school in different forms, we want to remember the power of our words and actions. This month’s Back to School Bash kit has activities and lessons that focus on friendships and how to …
February Monthly Kit
Theme for the Month In this month’s kit – we’re talking about why kindness really matters. This kit includes activities to do at home with your family! We also have supplies at the church if you’d like to pick up …
January Monthly Kit
We’re tackling the rules for life in this month’s Kids Kit! Download the activities separately or the whole kit here. Activities for the Month Download the January Activity Kit ACTIVITY PRINT OUTS
December Monthly Kit
Theme for the Month We have some special activities for December including a focus on Advent and a Christmas ornament to download and cut out. Activities for the Month Download the December Activity Kit Ornament Front Ornament Back
November Monthly Kit
Theme for the Month It’s a great moment to focus on thanksgiving. This month’s activities and stories will help inspire the spirit of gratitude in our lives. Activities for the Month Download the November Activity Kit Gratitude Planner Gratitude Hunt …
October Monthly Kit
Theme for the Month Fall is a fun time to dress up as characters. It’s fun to pretend to be someone with character traits like bravery or goofiness. As we have fun this month, we also want to focus on …
September Activity Kit
Theme for the Month As we return to school in different forms, we want to remember the power of our words and actions. This month’s Back to School Bash kit has activities and lessons that focus on friendships and how to …
The Story of God Sunday Night Class
This fall, Flourish will begin a new class called the Story of God on Sunday Nights. This will be part of the Life Change program but anyone is welcome to join in the 8-week study running Sept 19 through Oct …
Levi Zen Joins Schweitzer Staff
Getting to know Levi Zen Levi Zen is our new Director of Student Ministries. Born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, Levi has been in some form of ministry all his life. His mom was active in children’s ministry and his …
New Member Sunday
A couple weeks ago several people attended our All In Gathering – learning about who we are as a church and many of them are taking a next step and joining as Schweitzer Church members. We’ll celebrate this together on …
Second Season Kick Off Event
We are gearing up for an exciting event for people 55 and up as part of our Second Season ministry kick off event. Join us for an outdoor Boomer Bash from 6 to 8 pm on Friday, Oct 8 and …
A Last Blast Recap
From pastor’s being tossed into the dunk tank (numerous times), to the sound of laughter echoing, the smell of fresh grilled hotdogs, the taste of cotton candy, ice cream and more; Schweitzer’s Last Blast of Summer outdoor event was a …
Caring for our Community
Schweitzer is a church that cares for our community. This statement is one that has long been part of our DNA – from growing outreach programs in new directions to meeting practical needs and offering encouragement. During July, we’ve had …
Volunteer with Flourish
Serve as a Mentor or Teacher The fall season with Flourish means there are many opportunities to serve. Flourish is currently looking for mentors and volunteers to be part of the LifeChange program, Jobs for Life and our Coach House …
Schweitzer Kids’ VBS Block Parties
We’re gearing up for another great summer of VBS Block Parties! We’re inviting you and your family to be a host or participate in a neighboring VBS Block Party. We will provide all the supplies you need to host. This …
Schweitzer Kids’ Updates
We are excited to announce, Stiffany Taylor will join the Schweitzer staff as the interim Director of Kids’ Ministry. She will be stepping into this role next week as current leader, Nina Verbanaz, steps away to pursue an opportunity with Springfield Public …
Our Outreach is Expanding with Flourish
In January 2021, Schweitzer launched a new Community Development Corporation for the city of Springfield called Flourish. As we wrap up the month of April, there are many things to celebrate and pray for as we continue to see how …
Pastor’s Note – July 23, 2020
Friends, In the NIV translation of the Bible, the word joy (or rejoice) is found 436 times. Here are a few examples: 1 Chronicles 29:22, “They ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the Lord that day.” Luke 2:10, “But the …
Pastor’s Note – July 16, 2020
Friends, The other day a good friend of mine sent me an article I’ve been thinking a lot about this week. It is written by Bishop Todd Hunter of the Anglical Church. He is the bishop of a non-geographic diocese …
Pastor’s Note – July 9, 2020
Friends, I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July celebration. Independence Day is one of my favorite days of the year. When you are a pastor you use other holidays besides Christmas and Easter to build family traditions, and …
Pastor’s Note – July 2, 2020
Friends, This note marks my one-year anniversary as your pastor. We’ve been through a lot together in this first year! I can’t say thank you enough to how you have treated me and my family in this first year with …
Pastor’s Note – June 25, 2020
Friends, On Sunday, we began a new season of our church as both an online and in-person church. One of our big lessons we’ve learned over the last few months is that you don’t have to come in person to …
Pastor’s Note – June 18, 2020
Friends, This is a big week for us. This week we start the process of reopening. You can find all the information about reopening on our website: sumc.co/reopening. As we are approaching reopening, I’ve been reflecting on some of the things …
Pastor’s Note – June 11, 2020
Friends, I got a text this week from someone checking in because as he said “I know your world is going to get really busy opening up the church.” That’s the truth! Let’s talk about reopening, because it is right …
Pastor’s Note – June 1, 2020
Friends, We’re sending out our weekly Pastor’s Note early this week because I want to speak a few words about the protests we’ve seen around the country this weekend. We did not address this in Sunday worship, largely because we …
Pastor’s Note – May 28, 2020
Friends, I hope you had a good Memorial Day weekend. We give thanks for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. This last Sunday we also launched sign-ups for people to host Vacation Bible School (VBS). Instead …
Pastor’s Note – May 21, 2020
Friends, There are some exciting things happening at Schweitzer right now. If you missed Sunday, we announced a large gift the church made to the Mozambique Initiative. Because of the financial uncertainty facing many churches, the Missouri United Methodist Church Conference …
Sermon Discussion 9-19-2021
Elijah #2 – The One True God September 19, 2021 Gathering Question Share how you prefer your meat cooked. Gathering Prayer What stood out to you in the sermon? What insights did you gain? What questions did it raise? 1 …
Sermon Discussion 9-12-2021
Elijah – Just Like Us #1 September 12, 2021 Gathering Question Share one of your favorite heroes of the Old Testament. Gathering Prayer What stood out to you in the sermon? What insights did you gain? What questions did it …
Sermon Discussion 9-5-2021
Two Sons #3 Gathering Question Share the last party you attended and one thing you remember about it. Gathering Prayer What stood out to you in the sermon? What insights did you gain? What questions did it raise? Luke 15:25-28Meanwhile, …
Sermon Discussion 8-29-2021
Two Sons #2 August 29, 2021 Gathering Question Share a time that you were the guest of honor at a party. Gathering Prayer What stood out to you in the sermon? What insights did you gain? What questions did it …
Sermon Discussion 8-22-2021
Two Sons #1 August 22, 2021 Gathering Question How many children were in your family when you were growing up and where were you in the birth order? Gathering Prayer What stood out to you in the sermon? What insights …
Sermon Discussion 8-15-2021
The Way of Wisdom #11 Gathering Question Share something that has stuck with you from this series of messages on wisdom? Gathering Prayer What stood out to you in the sermon? What insights did you gain? What questions did it …
Sermon Discussion 8-8-21
The Way of Wisdom #10 Gathering Question How would you title your current season of life? Gathering Prayer What stood out to you in the sermon? What insights did you gain? What questions did it raise? Proverbs 3:1-8 There is …
Sermon Discussion 8-1-2021
The Way of Wisdom #9 Gathering Question Do you tend to see things more in black and white or as shades of grey? Gathering Prayer What stood out to you in the sermon? What insights did you gain? What questions …
Sermon Discussion 7-25-2021
The Way of Wisdom #8 Gathering Question What is the best advice about money you’ve ever received? Gathering Prayer What stood out to you in the sermon? What insights did you gain? What questions did it raise? The Wisdom of …
Sermon Discussion 7/18/2021
The Way of Wisdom #7 July 18, 2021 Gathering Question Which are you more likely to do – say too much or say too little? Gathering Prayer What stood out to you in the sermon? What insights did you gain? …
Public Prayer List
As a church, we know the importance of praying for one another. Here is this week’s prayer list. These request have been shared by people who marked to be added to the published congregation prayer list. If you would like …
Flourish Informational Gatherings
You have been specially invited to join us for a Flourish Informational Gathering the week of December 6. We hope you’ll come learn more about this exciting opportunity to reach even more people for Jesus Christ by launching Springfield’s first …
Songs of the Street
On Saturday, October 24, here on the Schweitzer campus we be hosting an outdoor screening of a movie that follows Springfield Street Choir during their 2019 performances. This is a great opportunity to learn more about this group and hear …
Schweitzer News – March 10, 2020
Coronavirus Precautions Schweitzer will be taking immediate steps to protect our church family from the spread of the coronavirus: Please refrain from shaking hands during the greeting time in worship. A verbal greeting is appropriate. We will be changing how …
Schweitzer News – February 25, 2020
52 Stories All of us have unique interactions with God, stories of God showing up in our lives. In these 52 Stories, people connected to Schweitzer share how God is present and transforming in their lives. In watching, may you …
Schweitzer News – February 4, 2020
52 Stories All of us have unique interactions with God, stories of God showing up in our lives. In these 52 Stories, people connected to Schweitzer share how God is present and transforming in their lives. In watching, may you …
Your Gifts are Needed!
YOUR GIFTS ARE NEEDED! If you have the right gifts to serve in these ministries, contact Sheila Pippin at spippin@sumc.co or 417-861-0861 for more information. INPUT TEAM (Data Team) – Input Connection Card data from worship services. If you are …
Making a Great First Impression
Making a Great First Impression! We’ve all done it. We’ve made decisions about a restaurant or coffee house within the first few minutes of walking in the door. It works the same in ministry. Ten minutes…That’s how long it takes someone to …
First Impression
Making a great “First Impression” Repetition. Repetition. Repetition. It has been proven that REPETITION INCREASES RETENTION. Can this be applied to ministry? ABSOLUTELY! Our goal is to make a meaningful contact with everyone who walks through the doors at Schweitzer …
Urban Summit Recap
Schweitzer sponsored and hosted the SGF Urban Summit on Thursday, October 3. The impetus for the event was obedience. Schweitzer has been, and is, dedicated to contributing to the community in good and beautiful ways. We recognize that there are …
Monthly Worship Experience
Worship is such an important part of what we do that we aren’t going to let a global pandemic stop us! We gather at the end of every month—masked and outdoors—to worship with our friends and small group leaders. Each …
Youth Study Hall
Every week, we’re opening our doors to students (7th–12th graders) who want to get out of the house but also still have work to do. Since Springfield Schools are doing virtual learning 3 days a week, we’re letting students borrow our wifi and hang out with their small group leaders and friends every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to Noon!