Monthly Prevue Newsletter

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

2026 FUMC Foundation Scholarships

Each year the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) Foundation offers scholarships to students in the community, reflecting our dedication to education. Scholarship applications for 2026 are open now through Sunday, May 31. The FUMC Foundation scholarship committee will review all applications. Recipients will be notified of their award by June 30. Click on the scholarship names below to view each application: Losey Patterson Memorial Scholarship This scholarship honors the memories of Roberta Losey Patterson and D. H. Read more…

By First Church, ago

Reflections from the Lenten Adult Education Class by Diana Hoke

This Lent, our Adult Education class, The Way: Going Deeper, builds on our church-wide exploration of the film The Way and explores the question: how does this journey become our own? The following reflection comes from Diana Hoke, a congregant and a leader of Adult Education at First Church. She shares updates from the class and a glimpse of what’s still to come. We began by hearing from Kristy, who told us about her experience Read more…

By First Church, ago

Charge Your Faith. Charge Your Car.

At First United Methodist Church West Lafayette (First Church), we embrace and celebrate the complexities of our faith, our world, and each other. When it comes to our world, we strive to make it a better place through service and social action. Our faith is put into action by caring for others.  We are excited to share news that reflects both our care for creation and our commitment to community. First Church is exploring the Read more…

By First Church, ago

First United Methodist Church West Lafayette Extends Legacy with Transformational Gift to Wesley Foundation

This post was originally published on Wesley Foundation’s website here. Wesley Foundation at Purdue University announced a transformational gift from First United Methodist Church West Lafayette (First Church) to expand ministry work across Purdue’s campus and create an intentional community space for students in the new Wesley Foundation Student Center. The gift is a part of A Legacy of Welcome: The Campaign for Wesley Foundation.  Located just outside of the Purdue campus, First Church has Read more…

By First Church, ago

Holy Week 2026 at First United Methodist Church West Lafayette

The Way — The Final Steps of the Journey Throughout Lent we have been walking “The Way,” inspired by the ancient pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago—a sacred journey traveled by seekers for more than a thousand years. Pilgrims on the Camino say the final days of the journey are the most meaningful. The road narrows, the destination comes into view, and every step carries deeper reflection, gratitude, and hope. Holy Week is the final leg of Read more…

By First Church, ago
First Church Prevue

Winter 2026 Prevue

In this edition of the Prevue, Pastor Duane Carlisle invites us into 2026 with a “come and see” reflection that sets the tone for a year of welcome and deeper connection. Inside, you’ll find an announcement about our new grant-funded website, an introduction to Family Ministry Team Member Milly Coolman, and a heartfelt story that reminds us why community matters. We also look back with gratitude on We’re Out 2025, Breakfast with Santa, and Lafayette Read more…

By First Church, ago

Why Community Matters

By Pastor Duane Carlisle I told this story in my sermon recently, but I really wanted to share it again here. It’s one of those stories that quietly reminds me why community and relationships matter so much—what sociologist Robert Putnam called social capital in his book Bowling Alone. Social capital is simply the value of relationships and networks that strengthen a community. Or, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. put it so beautifully, it’s our Read more…

By First Church, ago