Monthly Prevue Newsletter

First Church Prevue

Fall 2026 Prevue

In this edition of the Prevue, Pastor Duane Carlisle reflects on First Church’s decision to continue with one unified Sunday worship service at 11:00 AM and the sense of connection that has grown from worshiping together. We also look back on another meaningful summer of Purdue CDF Freedom School at First Church and share how the ministry is expanding with a new after-school literacy enrichment program launching in January 2027. You’ll also find updates on Read more…

By First Church, ago

Consecration Sunday & Annual Meeting of FUMC Foundation, Inc. – October 18

Date: Sunday, October 18 Time: Worship at 11:00 AM; meal and Annual Meeting to follow Location: Sanctuary & Activities Center Consecration Sunday: Love One Another Join us Sunday, October 18, at 11:00 AM as we conclude our Love One Another stewardship season and celebrate the many ways God’s love becomes visible through our shared ministries. During worship, we will receive pledge cards representing our commitments for 2027. Following the service, everyone is invited to continue Read more…

By First Church, ago

Staying Together in Worship

The following article written by Rev. Duane Carlisle is an excerpt from the Fall 2026 Prevue. Dear First Church Family, Throughout the summer, we have worshiped together in one unified Sunday service. What began as a seasonal schedule has given us an opportunity to experience something more: the energy, joy, and deeper sense of connection that emerge when the whole congregation gathers in one place. After reviewing the worship survey, listening to conversations within the Read more…

By First Church, ago

Solar Panels Moving Forward at First Church

First Church is moving forward with plans to install solar panels on the education building, an investment expected to provide both long-term financial savings and environmental benefits for the church. Earlier this summer, the Governance Board requested support for the project from the FUMC Foundation. On July 21, the Foundation Board approved funding for the solar panel installation, allowing the project to move into its next phase. A contract with Houston Electric has now been Read more…

By First Church, ago

Celebrating a New Chapter for Wesley Foundation

Members of First Church were glad to join Wesley Foundation at Purdue University on Saturday, August 29, 2026, for the consecration and ribbon cutting of its beautiful new Wesley Foundation Student Center at 122 N. Waldron Street. Our own Pastor Kory Pritchett helped lead worship music with the alumni band, and Rebecca Pritchett spoke throughout the event as president of the Wesley Foundation Board. Both Kory and Rebecca are Wesley alums. We are grateful for Read more…

By First Church, ago

Worship Workshop – Saturday, August 29

Date: Saturday, August 29 Time: 8:30 AM refreshments, 9:00-11:00 AM workshop Location: First Church Come be inspired at a vibrant Worship Workshop with Rev. Mary Dicken on Saturday, August 29! Coffee and refreshments begin at 8:30 AM, followed by the workshop from 9:00-11:00 AM. Together, we’ll explore: What is worship, and why do we do what we do? Who should come? Everyone! Whether you sing in the choir, ring bells, serve as a liturgist, offer Read more…

By First Church, ago

Celebrating 2026 Purdue CDF Freedom School at First Church

This summer, we celebrated another incredible season of Purdue CDF Freedom School at First Church! From June 15 to July 24, 2026, 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 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