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

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

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 in July! 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

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

FUMC Family Ministry Juneteenth Celebration – Friday, June 19

Date: Friday, June 19, 2026 Time: 11:30 AM-6:00 PM Location: Columbian Park, Green Tent (on the lawn outside of the water park) Join us to celebrate freedom on Friday, June 19, at Columbian Park. We will be gathering from 11:30 AM until the park closes at 6:00 PM. First Church will provide beef hotdogs and buns, lemonade, water, and a celebration cake. Feel free to bring a favorite picnic side to share. We will also Read more…

By First Church, ago

Growing Together: The First Church Community Garden

This spring, the First Church community garden has steadily taken shape through the hard work and dedication of volunteers and leaders like Talitha Huber, First Church Family Ministry Instructional Coordinator. Over the past several weeks, the garden space has transformed from preparation work into a flourishing area filled with raised beds, fresh soil, and growing plants. The first stage of the project focused on preparing the garden beds and surrounding space for planting. First Church 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

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