Monthly Prevue Newsletter

Lent at First Church: The Way

Lent is a season of reflection, and this year we journey together along The Way—inspired by the ancient practice of pilgrimage and the modern story told in The Way, set along the Camino de Santiago. Across centuries, people of faith have discovered that intentional journeys—on roads, paths, and even familiar sidewalks—can open us to deeper awareness, healing, and hope. Our Lenten Journey: What to Expect You don’t have to travel far to make a pilgrimage. Read more…

By First Church, ago

Holy Week 2026 at First United Methodist Church West Lafayette

The Way — The Final Steps of the Journey Throughout Lent we have been walking “The Way,” inspired by the ancient pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago—a sacred journey traveled by seekers for more than a thousand years. Pilgrims on the Camino say the final days of the journey are the most meaningful. The road narrows, the destination comes into view, and every step carries deeper reflection, gratitude, and hope. Holy Week is the final leg of Read more…

By First Church, ago
First Church Prevue

Winter 2026 Prevue

In this edition of the Prevue, Pastor Duane Carlisle invites us into 2026 with a “come and see” reflection that sets the tone for a year of welcome and deeper connection. Inside, you’ll find an announcement about our new grant-funded website, an introduction to Family Ministry Team Member Milly Coolman, and a heartfelt story that reminds us why community matters. We also look back with gratitude on We’re Out 2025, Breakfast with Santa, and Lafayette Read more…

By First Church, ago

Why Community Matters

By Pastor Duane Carlisle I told this story in my sermon recently, but I really wanted to share it again here. It’s one of those stories that quietly reminds me why community and relationships matter so much—what sociologist Robert Putnam called social capital in his book Bowling Alone. Social capital is simply the value of relationships and networks that strengthen a community. Or, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. put it so beautifully, it’s our Read more…

By First Church, ago

Meet Amelie “Milly” Coolman | First Church Family Ministry

My name is Milly, I’m 19 years old and I’m studying psychology in the Lafayette area! I love dancing, singing, hanging out with family and friends, and watching movies! I am a Family Ministry Team Member! My role is to help support members by providing care for children during services, or other church activities. As a Family Ministry Team Member, I also help teach the lessons of Christ, and how to use these lessons in Read more…

By First Church, ago

Building a Stronger Digital Home for First Church

First United Methodist Church of West Lafayette is beginning work on a new website designed to better serve our congregation and community, made possible through a Resource Grant from the Center for Congregations. This grant supports Indiana congregations as they invest in resources that strengthen their capacity and advance their mission. For First Church, that investment means creating a digital home that more clearly reflects who we are, how we serve, and how we stay Read more…

By First Church, ago

“Come and See” | A Word for the New Year

By Pastor Duane Carlisle John 1:35–42 (NRSVUE) The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” Read more…

By First Church, ago

Volunteer with the Tech Team

Want to be part of the magic that streams our services to the world? The First Church Tech Team is seeking volunteers. It’s easy and all takes place upstairs in a tech booth. No tech experience required! Ideally, we would have two people running the boards at each service. For a training session, contact Assistant Pastor Kory Pritchett or Music Director Charis Vander Plaats or call 765-743-1285.

By First Church, ago

Join Our Worship Teams

Let’s Sing: Join the Chancel Choir Our choir would love to have you join it. They sing for us at the 11 AM services on the second and fourth Sundays, as well as Palm and Easter Sundays. Our singers rehearse weekly September through May from 7:15-8:15 PM. Then they offer shares and prayers from 8:15-8:30 PM, finishing up no later than 8:30 pm. They take a break from rehearsals the three weeks after Christmas and Read more…

By First Church, ago