Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (CEB) Every November as I contemplate the message I want to share in this space, whether it is the Prevue newsletter or news for some other church that I have served, I think about this month as a time to remember gratitude. So, I just wanted to name three things I am grateful for today. My Read more…
Please join Us for a Thanksgiving themed “Cultivating Gratitude” Yoga Class at FUMC on Sunday, November 13 from 5:00 – 6:00 pm. Our Cultivating Gratitude practice will focus on gratitude and appreciation through slow movement and intentional breath. This is a donation-based yoga class to benefit Food Finders. Canned food or monetary donations are welcome. Just $1 provides three meals! Class is limited to 40 participants and beginners are welcome! Please email joannpgary@yahoo.com to reserve Read more…
Last week, Hurricane Ian caused destruction and devastation to Cuba and the Southeast United States. Recovery efforts have already begun to restore the lives of the people in these communities. Bishop Trimble is calling for congregations to collect a special offering for The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), in particular to assist with their efforts in Ian’s wake. Congregants can donate directly to UMCOR or through the Indiana Conference with the Advance Special number 901670. UMCOR Read more…
We’re Out — A Welcoming Community Celebration New in 2022! A Gender Diversity Panel Conversation We’re Out is happening again! First United Methodist Church is excited to show its welcome and embrace for the LGBTQ+ community. We are showing our support by offering an afternoon of fun, games, food, music, and information about welcoming community partners in the area. Join us on the front lawn of the church, just west of campus and right next door to Read more…
On Saturday, October 29, 2022, FUMC will jump-start our new youth program with a trip to Exploration Acres! The bus will leave the First Church parking lot at 4:00 PM, and we will leave the Acres at 6:30 PM. During that time, we will ride a hayride, explore a corn maze, and enjoy hot dogs and s’mores over the fire! Everyone is welcome to join us at our fire pit at any point during the Read more…
The FUMC Foundation will hold its Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 16 in conjunction with Consecration Sunday & Fellowship Meal. The purpose of the meeting is to report to membership, to elect new Foundation board members and to raise awareness of the Foundation. Everyone is invited to attend and Foundation members are especially encouraged to attend and participate.
Recently I was invited to lead a breakout session with our Indiana provisional pastors who are in the Residence In Ministry (RIM) program to offer my thoughts and conversation about ministry in my community and context. I was one of four pastors who was invited to lead a small group dialogue. Before we went to our breakout groups, the RIM leader asked each of the four of us to introduce ourselves, tell where we served, Read more…
How does worship help you connect closer to God? Do you want to see something new or different during worship services?Are you excited to see how God can use all of us to further welcome the community into our worship services? Worship planning is exciting when people to come together to share their ideas! Join us on Saturday, November 12 at 9:00 am, at the Polles Home for a gathering to discuss creative way we Read more…
On September 18 we kicked off our Season of Generosity 2022 with intentional conversations about discipleship guided by the question “Where is Your Heart?“. Join us on Sunday, October 16, for Consecration Sunday where we will conclude our stewardship season and receive our pledges and commitments to our 2023 ministry plan. We will join together for fellowship with a Consecration Meal after the Celebrate Worship service. RSVP to Ronda Kroeschen so that hospitality team can plan for Read more…
What a joy to have The Chancel Choir back for our Celebrate Worship Services led by our new director, Charis Vander Plaats!