Andrew Sanchez, Director of Traditional Music and Worship, shares his take on this year's Lessons and Carols. Preview on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 10:30 am. Program on Saturday, December 6 at 6:00 PM and Sunday, December 7 at 11:15 AM. 

Mike Illuzzi and Phyllis Crouch talk about the history and vibrant ministry our congregation has had with the Irving Primary School - now Lincoln Grade School.

We speak with Angel Ambrose, our June 2025 Foster Gallery artist. She has an inspirational story and a compelling connection with the arts and her faith. She is the owner of Angel Ambrose Fine Art Studio and Creative Space in Bloomington, IL. 

Chanel Withers is our Director of Outreach Ministries. Today we talk about Loaves & Fish, but importantly, about Morton Square Soccer and the impact on our local community.

Today we learn more about Andrew Sanchez, our Traditional Worship Director. We talk about Lessons & Carols, and the music ministry of our church.

Since the ”end” of COVID our congregation has been in deep prayer and conversation around what we need to do to be a healthy congregation. How do we move forward? What is God calling us to? This podcast answers some of these questions.

Milton Ilovares joins us today for a conversation about our missions connections in Honduras. Hear his testimony, his passion for Honduras, and how we're involved in the work there.

Mark Krupa, missionary in the Czech Republic with Josiah Venture. Mark grew up in our church and today we talk about his 25 years of ministry in the Czech Republic.

Today we speak with Clinton Zeantoe, the Dean of Students at the School of Nursing, UM University, in Ganta, Liberia, Africa. Our church has not only provided several scholarships every semester, we've help to build a cafeteria, provided text books, computers, copy machines, and manakins for practicing medicine, among many things. The Christian education these men and women are receiving and the medical knowledge they are acquiring is making a huge impact on a country desperate for spiritual and medical care.

Today Dan Philips and Pastor Tim Ozment speak with Principal Blumer and Assistant Principal Monast to talk about how Peoria First is connected to Lincoln grade school.  Our congregation has many programs at Lincoln School (K-8). Backpack Buddies provide food for children over the weekends. Reading Buddies is an effort to assist children with their reading skills. Birthday Buddies celebrates birthdays once a month. After School Choir and Arts is supported by the Peoria First Foundation. Morton Square Soccer is a summer program for children 5-12 years old.  

Sergeant Denise has been a part of our congregation for many years. She served in Loaves and Fish as a young woman, and now as a police officer. She's also part of our Sunday security team. She is a joy to talk with, and we'd love to introduce you to her.

We talk with D.S. Aaron Yankee from Liberia, Africa about the Korsen grade school, Nursing school, and sewing school in Liberia, Africa. We've invested in these ministries and it's good to hear what is happening.

A conversation with Pastor Tim Ozment - Directing Pastor, Julie Bell - Communications Coordinator, and Charles Bush - Church Council Chair, about remaining a UM congregation or Disaffiliation from the denomination.

The Peoria First UMC has several fine arts ministries. Foster Gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the church, and we've had several well known artists display here. We're also at Lincoln grade school offering a children's choir and an after school program. Find us at www.peoria1.com and discover how you can experience our fine art gallery or volunteer to make a difference in the lives of others through our arts ministry.

On his final episode hosting The 116, Greg Fish invites Pastor Tim Ozment to the studio to think about how we can discern God's will when making tough decisions. How can I hear the voice of God? How can I know I'm making the right decision? Can I ruin God's plan for my life? Greg and Pastor Tim examine their own stories for better understanding of how God calls us, moves us, and makes us wise. The 116 will return with new hosts and more great episodes soon. Join us for the conversation at peoria1.com. Stay connected with Greg through social media as well as at corbinfostermedia.com.

What is the wisest thing to do when someone approaches and asks for money, a ride, or some other request? How can I be sure they're not taking advantage of me? What are the wisest ways to help meet the needs of the hungry, homeless, and sometimes desperate people around me? This is a tough subject, and today's guest brings his expertise to the table in helping us form a philosophy for helping others. Dan Philips is on the forefront of our community's efforts to feed and assist those with needs. Join us for this interesting and informative episode. And... join us for the conversation at peoria1.com.

As churches return from the pandemic, we're struggling to help reconnect people with meaningful ministry work. Sometimes it's an issue of not enough volunteers. Sometimes it's a matter of poor communication. How can you get connected to meaningful ministry, and how can churches begin to reconnect people? Julie Bell, Director of Connectional Ministries, joins us today for a helpful conversation. Join us for the conversation at peoria1.com.

How do I help a child who is grieving? What do we say to a child who is sad about a personal loss? Community Care Director Kirsten Tharp joins us to give hope to adults who are struggling with what words to say, and what things to do for a child in grief. Here is the help you've been looking for. 

How do I help a child who is grieving? What do we say to a child who is sad about a personal loss? Community Care Director Kirsten Tharp joins us to give hope to adults who are struggling with what words to say, and what things to do for a child in grief. Here is the help you've been looking for. 

Pastor Tim Ozment joins us for an engaging and challenging look at whether it's time, or even safe, to return to church. While people have returned to most pre-Covid public gathering spaces, church seems to be that final frontier where people have stayed away in record numbers. Should we gather as believers? Is online worship OK? Join us for the conversation at peoria1.com.