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APRIL 2026 |
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THE CROWS NEST |
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SPRINGDALE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MONTHLY NEWSLETTER |
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INSIDE THIS MONTH'S ISSUE |
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Rebecca's Reflections Upcoming Events April Worship West Branch Food Pantry Wednesday Night Discipleship Family Faith Night Conference & Circuit News Ad Board Minutes SUMC 2026 and Beyond Ministry Planning |
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BIRTHDAYS |
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1 - Claire McConnaha 3 - Penny Gafeller 4 - Amanda Tisinger 6 - Jonathan Blayer 6 - Angie McConnaha 6 - Natalie Miller 6 - Dave Phillips 7 - Clarence Crew 7 - Garrett Tisinger 8 - Emily Nelson 12 - Xander Maxson 13 - Allison Lacina 22 - Aimee Bergmann 23 - Rebecca Carver 23 - Mike Schropp 24 - Hunter Mast 24 - Carolyn Richards 25 - Hanna Tisinger 25 - Taylor Tisinger 28 - Carl Heick 28- Jake Paul 30 - Lori Phillips |
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ANNIVERSARIES |
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1 - John & Joanna Fletcher (18) 14 - Max & Jamie Kober (8) |
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SUMC'S MISSION, VISION & VALUES |
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Mission We exist as a church to make disciples, bringing persons to Jesus Christ and to Christ's community.
Vision *The Church bulges with attendance; Babies cry in the back pew; and Cheerios can be found on the floor. *Many people get their hands dirty serving God's church and God's children. *Persons of all ages regularly meet together in every nook and cranny for spiritual support and nurturing. *Congregations gives joyfully.
Values *Everything we do is based on our worth as God's children and seeing that in others. *We use all we have and are to serve God and God's people. *We believe in joy, content to give thanks to the Lord in all things even through tough times of darkness.
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REBECCA'S REFLECTIONS |
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As I write this article, my desk is covered with notes, bulletins, sermon ideas, etc. It is the week before Holy Week, and I am busy working on multiple worship services in preparation for the “high” holy day of our year- Easter. But to get there, we must journey through the remembrance of that week so long ago, when Jesus went from “Hosannas” on Sunday to “Crucifies” on Friday. It is a week of extreme highs and deeply depressing lows.
Yet our journey does have a joyous ending. When all seemed lost, when death, betrayal, and denial seemed to permeate everything, just at that moment, the unexpected happened. On that Easter morning, when it looked as though all was finished, God surprised the world. Our savior, Jesus the Christ broke the power of sin and death, returning to the world as a proclamation of hope and new life.
Our focus in Lent has been journeying—we have traveled through various Biblical stories to reach Jerusalem with Jesus. Now, in Eastertide, we will be encountering persons whose faith was deepened by the power of the resurrection. Some like Peter, will get second chances. Others will proclaim their faith based on what they witnessed after the resurrection. We will learn new things from all as we experience anew the joy of new life and spring.
May this be a blessed Holy Week and Easter season for all. Join us for worship throughout the month as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior.
Rebecca |
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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APRIL WORSHIP |
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Theme for the Month: Being Known
April 2 Holy Thursday, Communion Scripture: John 13:1-17; 31b-35 Sermon: “Love to the End”
April 5 Scripture: Luke 24:13-35 Sermon: "Be Known"
April 12
April 19 Pastor Leila Preaching
April 26 Fourth Sunday of Easter Scripture: Acts 2:42-47; 1 Peter 2:19-25 Sermon: "Astray" |
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Adult Sunday School at 9 a.m. Wednesday Night Discipleship 5:30 p.m. - WBUMC |
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SONG OF THE MONTH |
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EASTER IS JUST THE BEGINNING |
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April brings us to the celebration at the heart of our faith: Easter. We rejoice in the resurrection, in the hope of new life, and in the promise that Christ is still at work in the world today.
But as United Methodists, we also recognize something important:
As John Wesley taught, faith is lived out through both personal holiness and social holiness. The good news of the resurrection is not meant to stay within the walls of the church — it is meant to be shared, lived, and embodied in our daily lives.
From Invitation to Connection Throughout Lent and Easter, many of us extend invitations — to worship, to events, to experiences like Family Faith Night. April is the time to continue what started. Outreach and evangelism are not one-time moments. They are ongoing relationships. This month, we are invited to ask:
A warm welcome is powerful — but a continued connection is transformational.
Simple Ways to Follow Up As a congregation committed to Outreach, Mission, and Evangelism, we can take small but meaningful steps:
Evangelism in the United Methodist tradition is rooted in relationship. It is about walking alongside others as they encounter Christ.
Living the Resurrection Daily The resurrection is not only something we celebrate — it is something we live. When we show kindness, we reflect new life.
Our community does not just need to hear about Easter. They need to see it lived out in us.
Family Focus: Keeping Easter Alive at Home For families, April is a wonderful time to continue the joy of Easter beyond a single Sunday.
Try these simple practices:
When families live out resurrection hope in everyday moments, children begin to understand that faith is active, joyful, and ongoing.
Easter reminds us that new life is possible — not just once a year, but every day. As we move through April, may we continue the work we began: welcoming, connecting, serving, and sharing the love of Christ with all.
Paula Rogers COME Chair |
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WB FOOD PANTRY AND CLOTHES CLOSET DONATIONS |
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April Canned Fruit and Fruit Cups
May Deodorant, Shampoo, Body Wash, etc.
June Swim Diapers, Sun Screen, Aloe New or Gently Used Swim Goggles and Swimsuits (infants to adult)
July Freeze Pops (the liquid ones) August School Home Lunch Items (Peanut Butter, Jelly, Chips, Juice, Etc.) New or Gently Used Shoes and Socks (infants to adult)
*77.8 pounds donated through the end of March |
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QUARTERLY FINANCE REPORT |
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For 2026, Springdale UMC has a budget of $48,701.00. Through the end of February, expenses total $6,518.46, while giving has reached $7,288.25—leaving us with a positive balance of $769.79.
We are grateful for your continued generosity and faithfulness. We invite you to prayerfully consider how you can continue to be a strong steward of Springdale UMC through your time, talents, and treasures. As our membership vows remind us, we are called to serve with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.
For additional details about the church’s financial status, please feel free to contact a member of the Administrative Board or our Treasurer, Jessica Grace. |
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT DISCIPLESHIP |
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5:30 p.m. - PK-6th grade classes meet in classrooms 6:10 p.m. - Family Worship 6:30 p.m. - Family Supper in Fellowship Hall |
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SUMC is looking for volunteers to help prepare, serve, and clean up for the Family Supper the Third Wednesday of every month. We also need volunteers to provide baked goods (6 dozen). Please contact Rebecca or Paula for more information and to sign up. |
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CONFERENCE, DISTRICT AND CIRCUIT NEWS |
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AD BOARD MINUTES |
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Springdale UMC Leadership Board meeting—March 23, 2026 Full Leadership Board: 6 p.m. Attendance: Rebecca, Steven, Julie, Jessica G., Jo, Lynda, and Paula
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SUMC 2026 AND BEYOND MINISTRY GOALS AND PLANNING |
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Goal |
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Key Action Steps |
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Timeline |
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Resources Needed |
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Increase outreach |
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Identify at least 3 community events for presence or sponsorship; develop simple materials; set up volunteer sign-ups |
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Ongoing |
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Flyers; social media posts; volunteer schedule |
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Increase family attendance |
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Host family-friendly worship & outreach events quarterly (e.g. picnic, mini-VBS, outdoor service) |
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Ongoing |
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Family-friendly activities; food budget |
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Show appreciation for current attendees |
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Create quarterly recognition Sundays (e.g. "Birthday Sunday"); thank-you notes |
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Ongoing |
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Cards, refreshments |
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Organize and store church photos |
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Gather photos; assign a small group to organize photos and develop a storing system (digital and/or physical) |
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Q2 2026 |
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Photo boxes and/or scanner |
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ADA Building |
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Finalize accessibility plan; obtain bids; research grant opportunities |
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Q1 2026 |
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Contractor bids and grant research |
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Grow worship attendance by 5% each year |
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Track attendance; launch invite campaign; feature personal testimonials on social media |
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Ongoing |
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Data tracking sheet; social media posts |
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Separate praise/worship time |
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Pilot an alternative or contemporary service once per month |
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Q2 2026 |
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Committee |
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Outdoor worship/picnic |
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Schedule at park or church lawn; plan lunch & music |
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Summer/Fall 2026 |
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Committee |
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Bi-Annual Bible/Book Study |
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Identify a study |
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Q1 & Q3 2026 |
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Curriculum/book; identify a study leader |
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Lenten Devotional Book |
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Collect devotions from members; publish by Lent. |
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Q1 2026 |
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Printing or digital platform |
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Bless the Animals Sunday |
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Select date; promote |
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Fall 2026 |
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Marketing, supplies |
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Christmas Caroling |
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Organize routes and songbooks |
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December 2026 |
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Committee |
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Weekly blog devotions |
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Create schedule of authors; make weekly posts |
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Q1-Q4 2026 |
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Website access |
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Update Church Directory |
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Collect info/photos; publish printed & digital copy |
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Q4 2026 |
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Camera; printing; design |
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Worship at Little Bear |
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Contact campground; schedule annual summer service |
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Annually through 2027 |
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Volunteer; bulletins; sound system |
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Mission day to Matthew 25 (CR) |
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Coordinate service team |
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Annually through 2027 |
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Volunteers |
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Engage with local celebrations |
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Participate in at least 2 community festivals each year |
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Ongoing |
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Volunteers; identify celebrations |
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Better utilize west wing & closet |
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Inventory space; create multipurpose plan (storage ministry use) |
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Q2 2026 |
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Volunteer |
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Church-wide clean-up/purge |
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Annual spring cleaning day |
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Q2 each year |
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Create cleaning list and recruit volunteers |
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Grow connections within circuit |
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Host or join shared worship/mission events |
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Ongoing |
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Identify opportunities |
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Weekend Retreat (Youth and/or adult) |
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Plan small retreat at local camp |
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2026-2027 |
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Identify programming; location; date; promote |
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Rebuild youth programming |
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Recruit 2 volunteers; plan quarterly youth events and/or Sunday programming |
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Q2 2026 |
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Volunteers; curriculum |
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155th Anniversary Celebration |
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Form committee at least 1 year in advance; plan worship; meal; and community event |
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2029 |
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Committee formed by 2028 |
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Revised Yule Buffet |
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Refresh menu & decor; invite community |
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Annually beginning 2028-2030 |
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Committee |
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ADA Building (completion) |
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Finish all accessibility upgrades |
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2028-2030 |
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Committee |
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Increase pastoral support (1/2 to full-time) |
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Stewardship campaign; reassess budget & needs |
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2027-2029 |
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Assessments |
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Long-term stewardship study |
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Implement multi-week giving & vision series |
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2026-2028 |
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Committee |
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Upgrade/update Kitchen |
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Assess needs, fundraise, and complete renovation |
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2027-2029 |
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Committee |
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Seal Time Capsule |
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Identify items to include |
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Q1 2026 |
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Announcement as to date |
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Sew personal dignity kits for Midwest Mission |
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Recruit sewers or those willing to learn |
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Q2 2026 |
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Machines, sewing materials |