The United Methodist Church has more than 18,000 known Native Americans among its 8.2 million members in the United States.  Many are members within the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, but Native American United Methodist ministries can be found from the tip of Florida to the top of Alaska, including East Peoria, Illinois.

Dayspring UMC was chartered in 2005 after 12 years as a fellowship.  They are supported by Congregational Development of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference.  This congregation is in the midst of building a new church at their East Peoria location.  In the next 5 years they hope to see their congregation size doubled, programming increased significantly and a stronger financial base.  They also hope to add more satellite ministries, increase their website ministry, and strengthen their children and youth ministries.