Sullivan First United Methodist Church

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Sullivan First United Methodist Church Located across from the fire station, Sullivan First UMC seeks to connect people with God and with people. Let's journey together! Going where Jesus goes.

Doing what Jesus does. Being who Jesus is. What to expect on Sunday mornings?

-Awaken Celebration: Sunday, 9:30 a.m. (in Friendship Hall): A casual setting with a contemporary service

Heritage Service: Sunday, 11:00 a.m. (in the Sanctuary): A formal setting with a traditional service

Children's Church for Pre-K thru 5th grade at 9:30 a.m. only

Nursery for Ages 0-3 available during both hours

10/29/2026

The wonderful story of David and Goliath. The kids had fun, learned about having heart, and got Pastor Bill Wiggs Jr to wear a Trojan hat!

Some of you may have missed it.... but we are so looking forward to seeing you tomorrow night, October 30, for Safe Tric...
10/29/2026

Some of you may have missed it.... but we are so looking forward to seeing you tomorrow night, October 30, for Safe Trick or Treat!

The weather looks promising so we'll be outside the church. See you then!

10/29/2026

Courage sometimes means facing the truth about ourselves. It’s admitting when we’ve done wrong and trusting God enough to turn back to Him.

GPS | Thursday, October 29
When God Confronts Our Sin

Read: 2 Samuel 12:1–13; 1 John 1:8–9

David’s courage and calling did not prevent him from committing terrible sins.

He abused his power and caused great harm.

When Nathan confronted him, David acknowledged his sin before God.

Although God forgave David, the consequences of his actions remained.

His story reminds us how easily we can recognize wrongdoing in others while excusing our own failures.

God’s grace calls us to honest repentance rather than defensiveness or excuses.

Through Jesus Christ, we receive forgiveness and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to turn from sin and live in obedience.

Reflection Questions

• How do I respond when someone corrects me?
• Is there a wrong I need to acknowledge or make right?
• What would genuine repentance require of me?

Family Application: Discuss why admitting a mistake is an act of courage. Practice offering and receiving sincere apologies.

Family Discussion: Why does forgiveness not always remove the consequences of our actions?

Today’s Prayer: Lord, give me the humility to recognize my sin and the courage to confess it honestly. Help me receive Your forgiveness, make things right where I can, and rely on the Holy Spirit to turn from sin and live in obedience. Amen.

GPS | Grow • Pray • Study
Sullivan First United Methodist Church

10/28/2026

A special visit with Pastor Bill Wiggs Jr to discuss All Saints Day this Sunday. He takes us on a special walk through his family memories. ❤️

GPS | Wednesday, October 28Where Does Our Confidence Rest?Read: 1 Samuel 17:38–50; Psalm 20:7When David prepared to face...
10/28/2026

GPS | Wednesday, October 28
Where Does Our Confidence Rest?

Read: 1 Samuel 17:38–50; Psalm 20:7

When David prepared to face Goliath, King Saul offered him armor.

It probably seemed like a sensible idea. After all, David was about to face a giant!

But the armor didn’t fit David’s experience. He wasn’t accustomed to wearing it.

So he picked up what he knew how to use: his sling and five smooth stones.

And he went forward.

But here’s what matters most.

David’s confidence wasn’t in his armor, his sling, or even his own abilities. His confidence was in God.

That doesn’t mean David hadn’t prepared. He had spent years developing his skills while protecting his father’s sheep.

He used what he had learned, did what he could, and trusted God with what he couldn’t control.

And isn’t that something we all need to remember?

We face challenges at work, in our families, with our health, and in situations where we simply don’t know what comes next.

We can prepare. Ask questions. Seek advice. Make thoughtful decisions.

And still recognize that we don’t have to carry every uncertainty alone.

Faith isn’t doing nothing and expecting God to do everything. It’s doing our part while trusting Him with the outcome. ❤️

Reflection Questions

• Where am I depending too heavily on my own abilities?
• What practical action can I take while trusting God?
• How has God sustained me through past difficulties?

Family Application: Talk about a challenge someone in your family is facing. Discuss what steps they can take to prepare, then pray together for God’s guidance.

Family Discussion: What’s the difference between trusting God and expecting Him to do everything for us?

Today’s Prayer: Lord, when we face challenges that seem bigger than we are, help us find courage in You. Give us wisdom to prepare, strength to act, and faith to trust You with what we cannot control. Amen.

GPS | Grow • Pray • Study
Sullivan First United Methodist Church

The Mobile Food Pantry, sponsored by Decatur Catholic Charities , will be here at Sullivan First United Methodist Church...
10/27/2026

The Mobile Food Pantry, sponsored by Decatur Catholic Charities , will be here at Sullivan First United Methodist Church on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

Please see the details below, as you do need to register by noon on November 5, 2026

GPS | Tuesday, October 27Prepared in Hidden PlacesRead: 1 Samuel 17:32–37; Luke 16:10Long before David stood before a gi...
10/27/2026

GPS | Tuesday, October 27
Prepared in Hidden Places

Read: 1 Samuel 17:32–37; Luke 16:10

Long before David stood before a giant, he spent his days looking after sheep.

There were no cheering crowds. No applause. Nobody celebrating his accomplishments.

Just David, his responsibilities, and the occasional lion or bear threatening the flock!

But those ordinary days were teaching him something.

Patience. Courage. Responsibility. And most importantly, how to trust God.

When David eventually faced Goliath, he drew strength from what he had already experienced.

The moments nobody noticed had helped prepare him for the moment everyone would remember.

And that can be true in our lives, too.

Maybe you’re caring for someone you love. Learning something new. Working hard at a job that doesn’t get much recognition. Or simply trying to do the right thing, day after day.

It might not feel extraordinary.

But those experiences can shape our character, strengthen our faith, and prepare us to help others in ways we haven’t even imagined.

Not everything important happens in the spotlight. Sometimes the greatest growth happens when nobody is watching.

Reflection Questions

• What have I learned through responsibilities that receive little recognition?
• Am I developing habits that strengthen my Christian character?
• How might past experiences help me serve others today?

Family Application: Invite each person to share something difficult they learned to do through patience and practice.

Family Discussion: How can small responsibilities prepare us for greater ones?

Today’s Prayer: Lord, thank You for the lessons we learn in ordinary moments. Help us be faithful in the responsibilities before us, even when no one notices. Use our experiences to grow our courage, wisdom, and compassion so we may serve others with love. Amen.

GPS | Grow • Pray • Study
Sullivan First United Methodist Church

Have you ever felt overlooked because someone didn’t see what you had to offer?GPS | Monday, October 26What Does God See...
10/26/2026

Have you ever felt overlooked because someone didn’t see what you had to offer?

GPS | Monday, October 26
What Does God See?

Read: 1 Samuel 16:6–13; Jeremiah 17:10

When Samuel went looking for Israel’s next king, he thought he had found the perfect candidate in Jesse’s oldest son.

He looked the part. He seemed like the obvious choice.

But God had someone else in mind.

David wasn’t even there when Samuel first arrived. He was out tending the sheep.

Yet God knew exactly who David was.

People were looking at appearances. God was looking at the heart.

How often do we do the same thing Samuel did?

We notice someone’s job, appearance, accomplishments, or confidence before we ever get to know who they really are.

And sometimes, we judge ourselves just as harshly.

We think we’re not talented enough, successful enough, or important enough to make a difference.

But God sees what others may overlook.

He sees our kindness, our intentions, our willingness to help, and the quiet ways we try to do what’s right.

And through His grace, He continues working to change our hearts.

Your worth isn’t determined by how impressive you appear to others. God already knows the person you are and the person you can become. ❤️

Reflection Questions

• What qualities do I notice first in other people?
• Have I overlooked someone’s gifts because of outward appearances?
• What might God want to change in my heart?

Family Application: Have each person name a good quality they see in another family member that others might not immediately notice.

Family Discussion: Why is knowing someone’s heart more important than knowing how impressive they appear?

Today’s Prayer: Lord, help us see others as You see them. Forgive us when we judge by appearances, and remind us that every person has worth in Your eyes. Continue shaping our hearts to reflect Your love. Amen.

GPS | Grow • Pray • Study
Sullivan First United Methodist Church

Our October 25th, 2026 Heritage service.
10/25/2026

Our October 25th, 2026 Heritage service.

Sunday Morning Worship Service

Our October 25th, 2026 9AM Awaken service.
10/25/2026

Our October 25th, 2026 9AM Awaken service.

Sunday Morning Worship Service

Address

216 W. Jefferson
Sullivan, IL
61951

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 1pm
Tuesday 10am - 1pm
Wednesday 10am - 1pm
Thursday 10am - 1pm
Sunday 9am - 12pm

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