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…
This summer, First Church will once again serve as the host site for the Purdue CDF Freedom School Program, a transformative six-week, literacy-based summer initiative catering to students in grades K-5. This year’s classes will run from June 15-July 24. The mornings provide an integrated reading curriculum, while afternoons offer Read more…
First Church proudly serves as the host site for the Purdue CDF Freedom School program, a transformative six-week, literacy-based summer initiative serving students in grades K–5. Rooted in our commitment to supporting educational opportunities within our community and extending a warm welcome to people from all walks of life, First Read more…
Klondike Kids Club (KKC) is a safe and nurturing after-school homework club. This collaboration between First Church, Klondike Elementary School, and the Point West Mobile Home Community provides tutoring in reading, language arts, and math to 30 students, many of whom are English language learners. Co-directors Carolyn Johnson and Maria Read more…
This post was originally published on Wesley Foundation’s website here. Wesley Foundation at Purdue University announced a transformational gift from First United Methodist Church West Lafayette (First Church) to expand ministry work across Purdue’s campus and create an intentional community space for students in the new Wesley Foundation Student Center. Read more…
From June 16 to July 25, First United Methodist Church welcomed over 50 K–8 scholars for the third summer of Purdue CDF Freedom School. This six-week program focuses on literacy, leadership, and empowering young minds through reading, hands-on learning, and social action activities. Highlights from the summer included visits from Read more…
Thanks to coordination by Pastor Duane and Ronda Kroeschen, Klondike Kids Club will be moving forward into the next year in order to continue blessing the students of Klondike Elementary under the leadership of co-directors Maria Ansari and Carolyn Johnson with administrative and communication support from FUMC Family Ministry’s Talitha Read more…
Dear First Church Family, Many of you have asked how you can get involved with this year’s Freedom School, and we’re grateful for your willingness to serve! One of the most important and tangible ways to help is by providing support for daily meals — breakfast, lunch, and snacks — for our amazing Read more…
As the year draws to a close, we invite you to consider how you can support the mission and ministries of First Church. Your generosity allows us to continue serving our community, nurturing faith, and spreading love throughout the year. Every gift, big or small, helps us strengthen our ministry, Read more…