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

Reflections from the Lenten Adult Education Class by Diana Hoke

This Lent, our Adult Education class, The Way: Going Deeper, builds on our church-wide exploration of the film The Way and explores the question: how does this journey become our own? The following reflection comes from Diana Hoke, a congregant and a leader of Adult Education at First Church. She shares updates from the class and a glimpse of what’s still to come. We began by hearing from Kristy, who told us about her experience Read more…

By First Church, ago

Charge Your Faith. Charge Your Car.

A St. Patrick’s Day Announcement from Pastor Duane Carlisle and the First Church Leadership Team On this St. Patrick’s Day—a day when we celebrate all things green—we are excited to share some “green” news of another kind—news that reflects both our care for creation and our commitment to community. First United Methodist Church of West Lafayette is exploring the installation of up to three electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in our church parking lot for Read more…

By First Church, ago

First United Methodist Church West Lafayette Extends Legacy with Transformational Gift to Wesley Foundation

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. The gift is a part of A Legacy of Welcome: The Campaign for Wesley Foundation.  Located just outside of the Purdue campus, First Church has 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