In this edition of the Prevue, Pastor Duane Carlisle reflects on First Church’s decision to continue with one unified Sunday worship service at 11:00 AM and the sense of connection that has grown from worshiping together. We also look back on another meaningful summer of Purdue CDF Freedom School at Read more…
The following article written by Rev. Duane Carlisle is an excerpt from the Fall 2026 Prevue. Dear First Church Family, Throughout the summer, we have worshiped together in one unified Sunday service. What began as a seasonal schedule has given us an opportunity to experience something more: the energy, joy, Read more…
First Church is moving forward with plans to install solar panels on the education building, an investment expected to provide both long-term financial savings and environmental benefits for the church. Earlier this summer, the Governance Board requested support for the project from the FUMC Foundation. On July 21, the Foundation Read more…
Members of First Church were glad to join Wesley Foundation at Purdue University on Saturday, August 29, 2026, for the consecration and ribbon cutting of its beautiful new Wesley Foundation Student Center at 122 N. Waldron Street. Our own Pastor Kory Pritchett helped lead worship music with the alumni band, Read more…
Date: Saturday, August 29 Time: 8:30 AM refreshments, 9:00-11:00 AM workshop Location: First Church Come be inspired at a vibrant Worship Workshop with Rev. Mary Dicken on Saturday, August 29! Coffee and refreshments begin at 8:30 AM, followed by the workshop from 9:00-11:00 AM. Together, we’ll explore: What is worship, Read more…
This summer, we celebrated another incredible season of Purdue CDF Freedom School at First Church! From June 15 to July 24, 2026, our scholars experienced a summer filled with learning, growth, friendship, and joy. From engaging lessons and meaningful conversations to enriching activities and celebrations, this year’s program created memories Read more…
Every August, First United Methodist Church West Lafayette opens its doors to nearly 200 new international graduate students arriving at Purdue University. Through the leadership of church member John Norberg and the generosity of dozens of volunteers from our congregation, partner churches, the Wesley Foundation, and the wider community, we Read more…
Dear First Church Family, Over the past several months, we’ve worshipped together as one congregation during our unified Summer Vibes Sunday service. As we look ahead, we’re prayerfully discerning what worship at First Church should look like moving forward. Your feedback is an important part of that process. As we Read more…
This summer we celebrate someone who has quietly shaped the life of this church for years. Ever since I walked in the doors of First United Methodist Church six years ago, I instinctively knew that Ronda Kroeschen was the beating heart of this place. I also figured out pretty quickly Read more…
The following article written by Rev. Duane Carlisle is an excerpt from the Summer 2026 Prevue. As we settle into the heart of summer, I’ve found myself paying attention to the rhythms of our life together as a church. I wanted to share a few observations—just musing aloud about what Read more…