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 2026 Purdue CDF Freedom School at First Church

Another incredible summer of Purdue CDF Freedom School at First Church has come to a close! Over the past several weeks, our scholars experienced a summer filled with learning, growth, friendship, and joy. From engaging lessons and meaningful conversations to enriching activities and celebrations, this year’s program created memories that will last long after summer ends. We are deeply grateful to our scholars, families, staff, volunteers, and supporters who made this year’s Freedom School such Read more…

By First Church, ago

A Small Gesture, A Lasting Impact

Every August, First United Methodist Church West Lafayette opens its doors to nearly 200 new international graduate students arriving at Purdue University. Through the leadership of church member John Norberg and the generosity of dozens of volunteers from our congregation, partner churches, the Wesley Foundation, and the wider community, we offer a warm meal, practical information, and a heartfelt welcome to students who are beginning a new chapter far from home. One of the most Read more…

By First Church, ago

Sunday Worship Survey

Dear First Church Family,  Over the past several months, we’ve worshipped together as one congregation during our unified Summer Vibes Sunday service. As we look ahead, we’re prayerfully discerning what worship at First Church should look like moving forward. Your feedback is an important part of that process. As we continue planning for our ministries, worship schedule, new website, and refreshed branding, we want to better understand your experience and hear what matters most to 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

Solar Panels Proposed for First Church

First Church is considering a proposal to install solar panels on the education building. Posters explaining the project have been placed in the Narthex. Benefits of solar panels are economic and environmental. The Governance Board has requested that the Foundation provide the funds for the project, and the savings be budgeted for programs. The Foundation Board has not yet voted on the request. Update: On Tuesday, July 21, the FUMC Foundation Board voted positively on Read more…

By First Church, ago