The 116

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.

Artist Bill Wuthrich turned a passion for drawing into the pursuit of painting on canvas, and capturing the most artistic photographs. He's our guest on this episode of The 116, and he'll be talking about a recent public exhibit of his work, as well as discussing how life, faith, and art intersect. It's an intriguing look into capturing the beauty of God's creation. Join us for the conversation at peoria1.com. 

What is worship? Is there a right way and wrong way to worship? Why do people worship differently... is someone wrong? The 116 invites Pastor Tim Ozment into the studio for the first of a four part series understanding the HIGHER, WIDER, CLOSER, DEEPER concept. In this episode, we unpack what it means to go HIGHER with worship. Join us for the conversation at peoria1.com.

We were feeling light-hearted and merry, and decided to give you this special Christmas gift. In this episode, Greg Fish and Dan Philips talk about their love for Christmas music, and share with you interesting trivia as well as takes on the all-time greats, and the not-so-greats. Let us know if you'd like to hear more podcasts like this. And join us for the conversation at peoria1.com.

Christmas traditions have become even more meaningful to us as we've had our sense of normal shaken these past years. 2021 heralds the triumphant return of a Christmas event at FUMC that has taken on deep meaning for our community. Lessons and Carols returns! This year's edition, "Tidings of Comfort and Joy," is being led by Dr. John Orfe, along with Lara Reems. They join us as guests on The 116 to discuss the meaning of Lessons and Carols, and to preview this year's event. Join us for the discussion at www.peoria1.com.

Are you facing a blue Christmas? Has some form of grief left you wondering how you will navigate the upcoming holidays? FUMC Director of Congregational Care, Kirsten Tharpe, joins us today to tackle the tough topic of how we can survive special days when someone special is missing. You'll find hope and encouragement, wrapped up in a realistic approach, as you listen to this special edition of The 116. Join us for the conversation at www.peoria1.com

We swim in an ocean of serious, life-changing topics on the 116. But sometimes, you just gotta laugh. So, we invited Pastor Tim Ozment and Dan Philips into the studio for a conversation about behind-the-scenes stories from years of ministry work that now bring smiles to our faces. You'll hear potluck horror-stories, things we were taught that turned out not to be true, and we'll even share stories of our most unforgettable people. It's what we call the Funcast. We hope it brings a smile to your day. Join us for the conversation at www.peoria1.com.

Should we toss special needs people to the side? Is there any hope for the developmentally challenged? Duane and Diane Lewis are our guests today, and they've founded a project that empowers those with special needs to maximize their manufacturing and management skills. The Lewises are truly special people, full of love, and innovative to the core. You'll want to come along for this powerful interview that challenges our ideas about those with special needs. The 116 is hosted by Greg Fish. Find out more about The 116 at www.peoria1.com.

A change of pace on this new episode of the 116. We're always hungry for new ways to build relationships, and taking someone out to dine is a wonderful way to entertain and connect. FUMC's own restaurant expert, Rodney Nelson, is with us to recommend some of his favorite Peoria, IL area dining experiences... places you may not have experienced yet. So settle in for a fun podcast with great ideas, and share with us your ideas for how to build relationships with people as we minister love to our community. Join us for the conversation at peoria1.com.

Is it possible to bring the Anglo and Latino church together as one? How do we Anglos better understand our Latino friends? What's it like to be Mexican in America these days? We'll explore all these fascinating questions with Pastor Adrian Garcia, Pastor of Hispanic Ministries at FUMC. You'll find this to be a powerful conversation that could help bridge the cultural gaps so that we can find ourselves united as the body of Christ. Join us for the conversation at peoria1.com.

The pandemic has served to accelerate the church's realization that new technology can help us do the work of ministry. But how do we demystify technology? Is technology an enemy or friend? What is new or upcoming that might help us do the work of the church? We'll answer your questions, and even some complaints, as we explore how technology has always helped to amplify the work of spreading Good News. Guests Jeremy Caldera and Jim Casey from Pearl Technology (pearltechnology.com) join host Greg Fish for this electric edition of The 116.

WMBD Morning Host Greg Batton returns to our friendly confines to talk about the things you need to know about our community. Greg has his thumb on the pulse of Peoria, and he's here to help us understand this place where we work a bit better. He might also try to come up with a new name for our studio. Any suggestions? The 116 is hosted by Greg Fish, and you can join us for the conversation at www.peoria1.com.

How do we help others in need? This pandemic has presented unique challenges to feeding and assisting those with broken life stories. But the Gospel of Jesus beckons us to serve those in need. So, in this episode, we speak to FUMC Director of Community Missions and Ministries, Dan Philips, about how we are moving forward with helping our less fortunate neighbors, and what you can do to serve the needs around you. It's a challenging, through provoking episode you won't want to miss.

Local high school principal Jeremy Garrett joins us to talk all things back-to-school related. Find out what you need to know about sending your kids back to school. What does going back to school look like in a post-pandemic environment? What do parents need to know when sending a child to school for the first time? How can both students and parents be prepared for the school experience in 2021?

How do we move forward? Is there hope? How do we live in the new normal? Pastor Tim Ozment of First United Methodist Church in Peoria joins host Greg Fish for an inspiring conversation about moving forward as we emerge from a global crisis. See the video broadcast version at https://youtu.be/ellMKqB_YEg. 

A young couple from FUMC, whose names we'll omit here for their security once overseas, answers the hard questions as to why young millennials such as they are might decide that packing up and moving across the globe is the right thing for them to do. Hear the thoughts, strategies, and hopes of how these two people of faith take on the challenge of presenting hope in a land averse to Christianity. How does an engineer, and someone raised in a non-believing household, find it within themselves to make a life-changing move such as this? You'll find this episode to be a great insight into the mindset of the modern movement to take Christ to the world.

We accomplish several firsts with this podcast. It's our first to feature a song (as performed by Miguel), and the first to include some bilingual conversation. Join Greg for a conversation with Miguel about how to celebrate God after a difficult year like we've experienced. Get ready to turn those "icks" and "yucks" into songs of joy as we find reason to be glad even when things are tough.

Host of the area's top radio morning show, Greg Batton of WMBD, joins Greg Fish for a look at the topics that are driving life in the Peoria region right now. Join us for lots of laughs, some great stories, and a look at how we can best address some of the serious topics facing our region and world. Greg is a fantastic guest, a well-respected voice in our region, and a man of many important (and some not so important) insights. You'll want to hear his insights on tackling disagreements, COVID, racial tensions, and more.

Frankly, pastors have a seemingly impossible task set before them in navigating the COVID minefield and creating solutions that will honor Christ and provide care to as many people as possible. Today we tackle the weighty and highly controversial issue of reopening. Bearing in mind that it is nearly impossible to be timely with information since COVID responses are continually changing around us, we endeavor to give you as functional a response to the reopening question as possible. Pastor Tim bravely and wisely takes on some of the biggest questions of the day in regards to how FUMC will respond to ministering Jesus in a time of so many questions and issues at play. You may or may not hear what you want to hear, but know that you are about to receive a word that is preceded by much prayer, consultation, and study.

Fresh out of high school, our own Kate Rolffs joined the World Race Gap Year program, where she joined 36 other young people for a missions adventure to Swaziland, Thailand, and Nicaragua. Though the COVID-19 crisis brought an end to this trip a couple of months early, it was still a life-changing event for Kate. Tune in for a few of Kate's life-changing experiences, and hear how a mission-minded young lady from Peoria, IL took on the world as she carried the hope of Jesus, and brought back stories of His power. 

Read any good books lately? While we hope we're nearing the end of the shutdown, it's still possible that you're hungering for a good book to read, or material that can help you grow stronger. Church librarian Lori Herold joins us on this episode with the story of how a simple church library can make a big difference on our down days.

Associate Pastor Tanya Edward-Evans, along with Director of Fine Arts & Discipleship, Dr. Carol McPherson, join us at the table for a healing, helpful conversation on racism. It's the topic everyone is talking about right now, but the messaging regarding the appropriate response are mixed at best. What should be our response, and how can white people of faith do better? What is the key to building healthy relationships between the races? We take a deep breath, and allow the Holy Spirit to direct our thoughts as we seek to find positive, workable approaches for seemingly impossible situations. These are important stories for th church today.

In this episode, the tables are turned, and 116 host Greg Fish is interviewed by Pastor Tim Ozment. Greg's new book, Be Patient, Take Courage, Don't Grumble, is being released early because of its relevance to the time we find ourselves in with the pandemic crisis. The book encourages us to change the way we face our challenges, and how to move forward into what is ahead of us when we might before to go back in time. The title of the book is a work in process for us all, but it encourages us to understand a simple pattern that God has given us for facing the realities of the day, and moving into the hope of the future. The book is available now at www.gregfish.me.

In another special edition dealing with our response to the mandated shutdown, we talk with Dr. Carol McPherson, our Director of Discipleship & Fine Arts Ministries, about how FUMC is taking its mission seriously even through the shutdown. Difficult times have necessitated creative and out-of-the-box thinking. Not only are we learning to survive, we are thriving in the way we are continuing to disciple believers and share God's beauty through the arts. This is a story that includes a lot of interesting information about how God's work cannot be stopped by a pandemic.

In this special installment of Stories from the 116, Greg talks with FUMC Director or Community Ministries & Mission, Dan Philips, about things we can do to help others whose personal struggles are not slowed down by the pandemic. Learn how our Loaves & Fish program has adapted to feed the needy around us, how Backpack Buddies is striving to continue to put meals in the hands of hungry young students, and what you can do to help. We may be social distancing, but the need around us is still close at hand.

This week we invite FUMC Director of Youth Ministries, Christina Koeppel, to the illustrious 116 studios to discuss how COVID-19 concerns and sheltering-in-place have effected our youth ministries. Christina gives us insight into the minds and hearts of our teens, discusses their incredible spiritual strength, and gives us ideas for communicating with them while hunkered down at home. Join us for a couple laughs and a some serious insight to the stories that are playing out in our homes during these strange times.

In our first podcast since COVID-19 has changed the way we live, our Director of Children and Family Ministries, Kara Bushong, shares uplifting stories of ways families are thriving despite social distancing. What can we do to keep our kids spiritually active during this time of confinement? How do we talk to our kids about Coronavirus? This quick look at how Kara is helping our parents stay connected will also offer all our listeners the chance to connect, learn, and grow.

What happens when a small group at FUMC begins to carry a burden for the under-served students in our community? A program is born that literally changes the life-direction for many young people who may have otherwise been brushed aside. Here the stories of how at-risk elementary students were shown love, care, and blossomed into community changers as adults. You'll also hear of a program developed to honor a man who dedicated much of his retirement years to the development of young minds. 

In this final installment of the Liberia Story, Vision Team members Pastor Tim Ozment and Dan Philips return to the heart of their fact-finding trip to West Africa to tell the stories behind the story of their visit. From learning if an American can ride a Liberian motorbike, to the heart-warming experience that culminated from a trip to a city that none of them wanted to visit. If you ever wondered if giving resources to missions has any impact, these are stories you must hear.

Julie Rolffs and Amy Zuehls return to take a deeper dive into the stories and life-changing events of their recent trip to Liberia, West Africa. They went to observe how our missions giving can best serve the people of Liberia, but came back with a deep sense of how God's spirit is transforming the world. You'll learn that giving money to support a mission is more than just a way to meet a goal. Our gifts truly change lives and invite God to speak into the lives of people needing hope. This is a vital conversation that will stir your heart and shed light on just how big and wonderful God truly is. Look for the show notes with pictures at www.fumcpeoria.org/media 

When we support the building of a school in an impoverished area of West Africa, can we really know if it makes any difference? Can we go outside our comfort zone and find the comfort of God present as we step into a different world to discover all we have in common? A team of four recently set off on a journey to understand how our resources could be put to work in Liberia, but in the process, their lives were changed. In episode two, we invite Pastor Tim Ozment and Dan Philips into the studio to take us on an adventure riding the underdeveloped roads and worshipping with the powerful worshippers of Liberia. So how would you react to your pastor taking FOUR offerings during a service? Pass the plate and get ready for an adventure that will speak to your spirit! Check out our show notes and pictures here: https://www.fumcpeoria.org/podcast-ep2

When we support the building of a school in an impoverished area of West Africa, can we really know if it makes any difference? Can we go outside our comfort zone and find the comfort of God present as we step into a different world to discover all we have in common? A team of four recently set off on a journey to understand how our resources could be put to work in Liberia, but in the process, their lives were changed. In episode one, we visit with Julie Rolffs and Amy Zuehls as they take us on an emotional and inspiring journey to an impoverished area where God is doing powerful work. We'll explore the typical questions you may have, but then dig deep to find out the impact that we make when we follow God. It's a story that won't leave you the same. Check out our show notes and pictures here: https://www.fumcpeoria.org/podcast-ep1