Monthly Prevue Newsletter

First Church Prevue

Summer 2026 Prevue

In this edition of the Prevue, Pastor Duane Carlisle shares a reflection on the spirit behind our Summer Vibes worship series. We also celebrate Ronda Kroeschen’s many years of faithful service to First Church, featuring heartfelt messages from members of our church family, and welcome Mindy Kuney as our new Director of Administration and Missional Services. You’ll also find updates on the ministries, people, and projects shaping our First Church community this summer. Download the Read more…

By First Church, ago

Celebrating Ronda Kroeschen on Her Retirement from First Church

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 who was really the boss around here (Ronda!), and because I was wise enough to recognize that from the start, we got along just fine—in Read more…

By First Church, ago

Catching the Summer Spirit

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 I’m seeing among us. Several weeks ago, your pastors, staff, and church leaders began asking a simple question: How can we celebrate our life of Read more…

By First Church, ago

Building a Stronger Digital Home for First Church: July 2026 Update

In February 2026, First United Methodist Church of West Lafayette (First Church) shared the exciting news that we are creating a new website to better serve our congregation and community. Made possible through a Resource Grant from the Center for Congregations, this project reflects a shared commitment to strengthening how we connect, communicate, and welcome others into the life of First Church. We are excited to share an update on the progress of our new Read more…

By First Church, ago

Special Summer Vibes Services – June-August 2026

This summer, join us each Sunday at 11:00 AM for Summer Vibes! Come as you are and experience meaningful worship, inspiring music, and a message of hope as we gather together in faith and community. Everyone is welcome. We also have several special services planned throughout the summer: Sunday, June 28 Sunday, July 5 Sunday, July 19 Sunday, August 16 Sunday, August 23 We look forward to worshiping with you!

By First Church, ago

Welcoming Mindy Kuney to the First Church Team

We are excited to welcome Mindy Kuney as our new Director of Administration and Missional Services at First Church, beginning July 2026! In her role, Mindy will oversee the administrative operations of First Church, support staff and ministry teams, and help advance our mission of serving the congregation and community. Mindy Kuney is a lifelong resident of Tippecanoe County, Indiana. She has been married for 21 years and is the proud mother of a son Read more…

By First Church, ago

Summer Vibes: Pride Sunday – June 28

As part of our Summer Vibes worship series, join us on Sunday, June 28, at 11:00 AM for a special Pride-themed worship service celebrating God’s love for all people and our commitment to being a welcoming community for everyone. We are honored to welcome two special guests: Rabbi Adam Bellows of Temple Israel in West Lafayette and Derrick Jones, Executive Director of the Lafayette Pride Center. Together, we will celebrate the diversity of God’s creation Read more…

By First Church, ago

2026 Annual Conference Reflection

Photo credit: INUMC Annual Conference First United Methodist Church West Lafayette attended the 2026 Indiana United Methodist (INUMC) Annual Conference held June 3-6 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are grateful to Pastor Duane Carlisle, Pastor Kory Pritchett, Charis Vander Plaats, Diana Hoke, and Anna Clark for representing our congregation at Annual Conference. A special thank you to Pastor Duane for his leadership at the conference. In addition to staffing the Read more…

By First Church, ago

Ronda’s Retirement Celebration – Sunday, June 28

Date: Sunday, June 28 Time: 4:00-6:00 PM Location: Happy Hollow Park, Shelter 1 After years of faithful service to First Church, Ronda Kroeschen is retiring. We invite you to join us in celebrating Ronda and expressing our gratitude for the many ways she has supported our congregation through her presence, dedication, and care. An open house retirement celebration will be held on Sunday, June 28, from 4:00-6:00 PM at Happy Hollow Park, Shelter 1. We’ll gather for a picnic, share Read more…

By First Church, ago

Got a Dad Joke Worth Sharing?

Enter the Contest by Tuesday, June 16 Do you have a joke worthy of a legendary dad-eye roll? We’re looking for the punniest, most groan-worthy dad jokes in the congregation! Submit your best clean, family-friendly dad joke to Ronda at rkroeschen@fumcwl.org by Tuesday, June 16, to enter our Dad Joke Contest. Our church staff will judge all entries, and the winning jokes will be featured on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21, during the 11:00 AM Read more…

By First Church, ago