The 116

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. Over the last 30 years students, administration, and faculty, have had their lives enriched, and some changed forever, because of the answer to God's call to volunteer with these amazing children. 

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 m...

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 birthd...

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 other...

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...

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 othe...

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. Jo...

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...

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 t...

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...