The 116

Lessons & Carols Preview

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. 

Lincoln Buddy Ministries 2025

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. 

Foster Art Gallery - Angel Ambrose

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. 

116 Morton Ministries

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.

Andrew Sanchez Dir. of Trad. Worship

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

Changes Peoria First UMC

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 UMVIM Coordinator for Honduras

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 - A Home Grown Missionary

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.

School of Nursing - Clinton Zeantoe

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.

116 Podcast Lincoln School Connections

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.