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OUR LEADER
Rev. Patricia A. Herring, MDiv, Senior Pastor
For I Know the plans I have for you, saith the LORD, plans to prosper you and not harm you, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11
Reverend Patricia A. Herring is a native of Danville, Illinois the daughter of the late Mr. Robert B. Isaac Sr. and Mrs. Alberta Isaac.
The spirit of the Lord is upon me for He has anointed me to preach… Luke 4:18
Having acknowledged her call to preach the gospel in 1997 she is honored to have pastored four congregations in the South District of the Illinois Conference:
Allen Chapel Lincoln, Parks Chapel Centreville, Shiloh East St. Louis, and St. John Springfield. She serves as Dean of Ministerial Training for the Illinois Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Study to show thyself approved unto God… 2 Timothy 2:15
Reverend Herring is a graduate of Lincoln Christian University and Seminary with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services and a Master of Divinity. Currently she is a Doctoral Candidate at Payne Theological Seminary.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15
She is wonderfully married to the Reverend John S. Herring Sr. and the proud mother of three children Rev. Katrese, John II, and Jarred. Together they share four grandchildren Keaton, Jarohn, Jamison and Kamaura.
A Glimpse of History
Associate Minister
Rev. Murrine Hamilton
Rev. Murrine Hamilton accepted the call to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ on February 14, 1984, right here at St. John AME Church. He has pastored four AME churches in the Illinois Conference: Grace Paris, Bethel Jacksonville, Campbell Chapel Alton, and Wesley Chapel Edwardsville.
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He retired from the full-time pastorate in September 2009 at the 138th session of the Illinois Annual Conference. Upon his retirement he served as assistant Pastor at Grace UMC here in Springfield holding that position for seven years. His journey has come full circle as he now serves on the ministry team at
St. John AMEC, led by our dynamic pastor, Rev. Patricia Herring.
Associate Minister
Rev. Cynthia Newman
Reverend Cynthia Newman, a daughter of St. John, was born again at age 27 and started a journey to servant leadership. She was led by the Holy Spirit to start a 5:30 am –Tuesday morning telephone prayer chain over 30 years ago that is still in operation; other prayer chains have spun off this original prayer chain. She has been a member of an intercessory prayer group throughout her ministry.
She studied and was ordained an Itinerate Elder in 1991 at the 120th session of the Illinois Annual Conference. She is honored to have been a pastor in the Illinois Conference for 27 years serving: New Bethel – Godfrey, Allen Chapel – Alton, St. James – Monmouth and Bethel – Jacksonville.
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She has faithfully served church and community holding several positions throughout her ministry:
Illinois Annual Conference Women in Ministry Coordinator 2009-2011,
Chairperson of the Social Action Committee of the North District and Illinois
Conference, Illinois Conference Secretary and on the Wells Center Rehab Board – Jacksonville Illinois.
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Reverend Newman is the widow of Bro. John Newman. Together they were blessed with three children Deanna, Sean (Grace) and Dawn (Deshawn) and 11 wonderful grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter. Reverend Newman says that “Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me!” With thankful hearts we welcome Reverend Cynthia Newman back to the ministry team at St. John.
MINISTRIES
Church School - Youth Church
Adult Church School Classes are held each Sunday Morning Beginning @ 8:45am
Youth Church School and Youth Church are held 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sunday’s @
10:45 for children of all ages.
Commission on Evangelism
The focus of St. Johns Evangelism team is to take the church outside the four walls
of the sanctuary reaching those in need of Gods saving grace. We strive to do this
through Intentional Encountering, Enlightening, Encouraging, and Inviting.
Women's Missionary Society (WMS)
The Mary Louise Brown WMS is on a continuous mission working to feed, clothe, and care for those in need throughout the Springfield community.
The Young People's Department (YPD)
The YPD consist of young people ages 3 to 18 who are guided under the umbrella of the (WMS). The aim of the YPD is to present the message of Jesus Christ and the work of missions to young people through hands on training and activities.
The Gathering
The Gathering consist of Adults between the ages 19 to 55 who meet monthly. We Gather in Faith to study and learn Gods word, We Gather in Fellowship to share together, We Gather in Fun to grow as family.
Men's Ministry
The Men's Ministry offers many opportunities for men to share together through prayer, fellowship, and the study of God’s word. The bible study group was organized in 1995 and continues to meet each Tuesday morning at 6 am.
Women's Ministry
Blessed is she who has believed…
The women’s ministry offers opportunities for women to share together in God’s word and fellowship.
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