Monthly Prevue Newsletter

Join Us for We’re Out 2025: A Celebration of LGBTQIA+ Joy & Belonging

‘We’re Out’ to lift up our transgender community Date: Saturday, November 22 Time: 1:00-5:00 PM Location: First United Methodist Church (1700 Mitch Daniels Blvd, West Lafayette, IN 47906) ‘We’re Out,’ our annual event to lift up our LGBTQIA+ community, this year will include a focus on our transgender community and examine how to be an ally. Participants will hear their stories, learn about their hurdles and consider ways to support them as well as the Read more…

By First Church, ago

Help Us Provide Family Food Boxes for Our Partner School Families

Dear First Church Family, As we move into this season of gratitude and generosity, I want to share a special opportunity for us to support families in our community who are experiencing food insecurity. Through our education partnerships with Edgelea Elementary, Klondike Kids Club, and our Freedom School scholars, we’ve learned that many families are feeling the strain of rising food costs and reduced benefits. Nearly 70% of our Freedom School scholars qualify for free or reduced meals, and similar Read more…

By First Church, ago
First Church Prevue

Fall 2025 Prevue

In this edition of the Prevue, Pastors Duane Carlisle and Kory Pritchett reflect on our newly renovated spaces and recent Celebration Sundays. Get to know First Church congregant Symone McDonald, meet Jorge Perez de Jesus—our new Build Builder for Family and Community Ministries—and catch up on all the latest fall events from LUM Hunger Hike to the Fall Family Picnic. Download the Fall 2025 Prevue here or click on the image below to view the Read more…

By First Church, ago

A Perfect Space for New Beginnings

By Rev. Duane Carlisle (he/him), Senior Pastor, and Rev. Kory Pritchett (he/him), Associate Pastor Hello First Church Family, What an extraordinary season this has been! Over the past several weeks, our return to the renovated sanctuary has filled us with gratitude and awe. Each Sunday has revealed something new about the promise and possibility this sacred space holds. The fresh colors and textures, the warmth of the lighting, and the clarity of sound and sight Read more…

By First Church, ago

Meet Symone McDonald: Finding Home and Hope at First Church

By Virginia Black, First Church Congregant and Editor at Journal & Courier Symone McDonald has wanted to be a businesswoman since she was in fourth or fifth grade. Now, at 32, the Chicago native is closer to realizing that childhood dream. She was struggling as a single mother of two girls, working two jobs and still not able to afford necessities like rent while in Chicago, she says now. In 2020, a friend in Lafayette Read more…

By First Church, ago

Join Us for Consecration Sunday – October 19

The First Church Governance Board and Foundation Board invite you to Consecration Sunday on October 19 as we celebrate being Change Makers together: Event Details: -Fellowship Hour: 10:00 AM-Worship: 11:00 AM service only (Pastor Duane & Pastor Kory preaching)-Celebration Meal: Immediately after worship in the Activities Center, prepared by our friend, Chef David Nolan. We’ll celebrate First Church ministries and the work of our FUMCWL Foundation. We’ll also receive Consecration Cards with our 2026 commitments Read more…

By First Church, ago

LUM Hunger Hike 2025: Walking Together, Giving Together

Once again this year, First Church joined the annual Hunger Hike hosted by Lafayette Urban Ministries (LUM) on Sunday, September 21. This important event is a key part of our mission to serve and uplift our community by raising awareness and funds to combat hunger. The First Church team was organized by Talitha Huber (she/her), Family Ministry Instructional Coordinator, who shared, “It was a high-energy and joyous scene with all kinds of community members there Read more…

By First Church, ago

Going Your Way Screening & Panel Discussion – October 16

Date: Thursday, October 16 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Tippecanoe County Public Library – Downtown Branch Pastor Duane Carlisle of First United Methodist Church West Lafayette has been invited to join a community panel on end-of-life care following a screening of the PBS documentary Going Your Way. Hosted by WFYI/WBAA and moderated by Community Engagement Specialist Lizzy McGrevy, the event will explore the personal, medical, and spiritual issues around death with dignity. Pastor Duane will bring a faith-based perspective to the conversation. Registration is Read more…

By First Church, ago

Hearing Loop Now Available at First Church

First Church is excited to announce that hearing loops are now available for use in the Sanctuary and Activities Center. With this technology, church members with a t-coil in their hearing aid can listen to the sound systems in both of these rooms directly through their hearing aids. Please check with your health care professional to see if your hearing aid is equipped with a t-coil and properly adjusted. Non-hearing aid users can pick up Read more…

By First Church, ago

Join Us for Celebration Sundays: September 21 – October 12

This fall, we’re gathering for a special season of Celebration Sundays to honor the completion of our church renovations and the new season of ministry ahead. Each week will highlight the many ways our reimagined spaces invite us to experience God’s presence, celebrate the gifts of our community, and embrace our shared mission. Join us at 10:00 AM for hospitality hour followed by 11:00 AM worship (no 9:00 AM service). Schedule of Celebration Sundays Come be part of the celebration as we Read more…

By First Church, ago