Monthly Prevue Newsletter

First Church Prevue

Spring 2026 Prevue

In this edition of the Prevue, we celebrate a season of growth as First Church continues building a stronger, more connected community. You’ll find updates on our new grant-funded website and the behind-the-scenes technology improvements lead by Pastor Kory that are enhancing worship and communication. You’ll also read a powerful reflection from congregant Diana Hoke that reminds us of God’s presence in life’s heaviest moments. We share how our faith is being put into action Read more…

By First Church, ago

How to Support 2026 Freedom School at First Church

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 STEM activities, field trips, and social action experiences. Parents are encouraged to be actively involved and engaged throughout the program. We are proud that the Read more…

By First Church, ago

Become a Member of the First Church Family – May 31

First United Methodist Church West Lafayette is excited to welcome new members on Sunday, May 31, during the 11:00 AM Summer Vibes service. If you are interested in making First Church your church home, we would love to welcome you into membership. To learn more, please contact Pastor Duane at dcarlisle@fumcwl.org or Pastor Kory at kpritchett@fumcwl.org. We look forward to welcoming you!

By First Church, ago

Summer Vibes at First Church

From Pastor Duane & the First Church Staff Team Dear Church, We’re excited to try something new this summer—beginning on Pentecost Sunday (May 24). As schedules shift and life fills with travel, family time, and the rhythms of the season, we’re moving to one unified worship service at 11:00 AM. We’re calling this summer-only experience, “Summer Vibes,” and we hope it will bring us together in a fresh and creative way. It’s not “First Up” Read more…

By First Church, ago

Building a Stronger Digital Home for First Church: April 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. Since that announcement, meaningful progress is underway. We have officially begun the audience Read more…

By First Church, ago

Freedom School Spring 2026 Update

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 Church is grateful to host and support this program each year. Jorge Perez de Jesus, Bridge Builder for Family and Community Ministries at First Church, Read more…

By First Church, ago

Klondike Kids Club 2025-2026 Update

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 Ansari share updates from the 2025–2026 school year. K-3rd Grade Program | Monday/Wednesday group Update from Carolyn Johnson, KKC Co-Director and Lead K-3 Supervisor Current Read more…

By First Church, ago

The Weight of The Way

By Diana Hoke, First Church congregant & a leader of Adult Education For most Americans there were too many paths to travel this past year, particularly the ones handing us burdens created by the implosion of our nation. For me, I had an additional rugged and immeasurably painful path to travel, pushing myself forward through the illness and death of my husband Max. Stumbling among so many paths, carrying the weight of so many burdens, Read more…

By First Church, ago

Behind the Scenes: Pastor Kory on Technology and Ministry at First Church

In recent months, First Church has been strengthening the technology that supports our worship, communication, and day-to-day ministry. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is already being felt across the life of the church. Associate Pastor Kory Pritchett has been leading these efforts, focusing on improving how our technology systems work together. “My main focus has been on streamlining and unifying our A/V, network, and organizational systems by taking a Read more…

By First Church, ago

Calling All Graduates!

First Church wants to celebrate our graduates on Sunday, May 17. If you or a family member is graduating this spring or has graduated in the time since last May, please let us know. We want to honor you! Please tell us the following: Deadline: Send an email to rkroeschen@fumcwl.org at the church office by Monday, May 4​.

By First Church, ago