Disciples of Christ    Springfield, IL

First Christian Church

Meet Our Staff

                  Serving in Christ

Rev. Richard K. Irwin—Senior Pastor

Rick was born in Springfield and raised nearby on a small farm. His rural heritage combined with a natural inquisitiveness for how things work have given him ministry opportunities that go well beyond the desk or pulpit, including 17 different mission trips. Usually seen with a smile, he considers laughter to be a necessary balm for the weary soul and as such, considers it one of God’s unique gifts. Rev. Irwin received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Illinois State University and a Master Divinity degree from Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. Prior to coming here in 1999 he served churches in Kansas City, Kearney and Marshfield, MO. Now in his 25th year of ministry, Rev. Irwin continues to push for cautious orthodoxy in a world that offers ever-increasing challenges to those of the Christian faith.

Rick is married to Jane Hartman Irwin, a well-known pianist, educator and recording artist. They both play in the church’s praise trio which they joyfully named the “Grateful Bread” band. They have three children; Corey (who’s hair is now much shorter than pictured) is in the United States Air Force—stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, Drew will soon be starting at Missouri State University as a speech and theater major and Deidre will be a junior in High School. All three have served the church in various capacities and continue to bring joy to their families. Also pictured is Helen Irwin, Rick’s mother, who has endured Rick’s lifelong collection of odd events—never dreaming they would fuel so many sermon illustrations. Indeed, God does have a sense of humor!

 

 

E-mail: rik-fcc@att.net

Irwin Family—(Left to Right)

Jane, Rick, Deidre, Corey, Helen & Drew

Office phone: 217-528-3407

Rev. Rebecca S.M. Sundquist—Associate Pastor

Reverend Becky comes to us as a native of Mantua, OH, a small town in the northeastern part of the state. In 1998, she received her B.A. degree from Hiram College in Hiram, OH with a Religious Studies major and a Psychology Minor. Following her college education, she went on to seminary at the Theological School of Drew University in Madison, NJ, where she received her Master of Divinity degree in the spring of 2001. While at Drew, she served as the Youth Director for New Providence United Methodist Church. Rev. Becky has been serving our church since August of 2001. During her time with us, she has highlighted her service in ministry with outreach and mission, youth and Christian Education, and small group ministries.

Rev. Becky is married to Stephen Sundquist who is currently working as a Manager for the Real Estate Education Foundation of the Illinois Association of Realtors. Rev. Becky and Steve have to beautiful daughters, Linnea and Olivia, who bring them incredible happiness.

E-mail: becky-fcc@att.net

Office phone: 217-528-3407

Steve & Rev. Rebecca Sundquist

David Mitchell, Organist

David Mitchell is a native of Portland, Oregon. He has his undergraduate and graduate degrees in music from Biola University and the University of Redlands, California. He is an Associate of the American Guild of Organists and has done post-graduate study in music at the University of Iowa.  Since 1967 he has served as a choirmaster and/or organist at Westminster Presbyterian, First Presbyterian, Central Baptist, and First Christian Churches in Springfield, IL.

David has been in the insurance and financial services profession since 1985 and with MetLife since 1988. He is a Fellow of the Life Underwriter Training Council and a Financial Planner with MetLife Securities. He maintains an active financial planning practice in Springfield, where he lives with his wife, Mary Caroline. They have four children, who live in Atlanta, Minneapolis, Oakland and Springfield.

In his spare time, David is active in church (as an occasional organist at First Christian and as a choir member, planning and goals committee member and elder at Westminster Presbyterian), Rotary Club (as pianist), and the Liturgical Arts Festival Board (as chair of the program committee). He enjoys listening to music, playing his Steinway grand piano, travel, and digital video photography.

Alaina Heitz, Handbell Choir Director

Aimie Trussell—Administrative Assistant

Lisa Runkle—Bookkeeper

Arthur Pate—Head Custodian

Patti Finney—Nursery Worker

Debbie Van Dettum—Moderator

Allen Monier—Moderator  Elect

Connie Cash—Secretary

Charles Watts—Treasurer

Ross Van Dettum—Chairman of Elders

Jack Matthews—Chairman of Deacons

Stacy Chastain—Youth Director and CYF Sponsor

Marianne Stowers—Librarian

Steve Friedman—Sound Technician

Marty Harris —Choir Directors

Pastor’s Messages

Listen to the Word

A Message From the Senior Pastor:

I am convinced that today’s world needs the church to provide balance and direction for the spiritual journey, much as a walking stick and a compass would steady and direct someone on journey afoot. Whether we are single or part of a family it is important that we find a church where we are welcomed and not isolated in our quest for God.

It is my prayer that this website and the ministries described within will be helpful to you in your journey. Also, I would like to extend to you a special invitation to visit the First Christian Church of Springfield and find out why our future is brighter than our long history.

If, after prayerful consideration, you desire to unite with First Christian Church you may seek the counsel of one of our staff or simply come forward at our time of invitation during worship. We do not lean on creeds, no do we practice a long litany of requirements. We simply ask whether you desire to know Jesus, the son of God, as your Savior. If you have previously made this affirmation, we recognize the validity of that experience and baptism and welcome you to our family where we make a mutual covenant to support and nurture each other through God’s many gifts. If you have not been baptized , we will be most happy to share that joy with you as you are immersed in water and resurrected as a new soul in Christ, again sharing the covenant of support with the congregation.

I sincerely hope we can assist you in your journey!

Respectfully,

Rev. Rick Irwin

A Message From the Associate Pastor:

Greetings! Friends. I am so glad you stopped to check out our website. We are a Christ-centered organization with a mission to grow spiritually  within our church family and to grow outward to reach those who have not experienced the grace and love of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

We love God and we love what is God’s. We gather to celebrate the blessings given to us by God through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We gather as a family that ministers to each other and to our fellow brothers and sisters. We gather to allow the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to move in, through, and around us. As you learn more about our church family, I hope you see the Holy Spirit working through this faithful group of believers.

Please contact us for more information or if you have any questions about the ministries of First Christian Church.

Grace & Peace,

Rev. Becky Sundquist

Please be patient with us while we update this information.

Thank you!