In this edition of the Prevue, Pastors Duane Carlisle and Kory Pritchett reflect on our newly renovated spaces and recent Celebration Sundays. Get to know First Church congregant Symone McDonald, meet Jorge Perez de Jesus—our new Build Builder for Family and Community Ministries—and catch up on all the latest fall events from LUM Hunger Hike to the Fall Family Picnic. Download the Fall 2025 Prevue here or click on the image below to view the Read more…
By Rev. Duane Carlisle (he/him), Senior Pastor, and Rev. Kory Pritchett (he/him), Associate Pastor Hello First Church Family, What an extraordinary season this has been! Over the past several weeks, our return to the renovated sanctuary has filled us with gratitude and awe. Each Sunday has revealed something new about the promise and possibility this sacred space holds. The fresh colors and textures, the warmth of the lighting, and the clarity of sound and sight Read more…
By Virginia Black, First Church Congregant and Editor at Journal & Courier Symone McDonald has wanted to be a businesswoman since she was in fourth or fifth grade. Now, at 32, the Chicago native is closer to realizing that childhood dream. She was struggling as a single mother of two girls, working two jobs and still not able to afford necessities like rent while in Chicago, she says now. In 2020, a friend in Lafayette Read more…
The First Church Governance Board and Foundation Board invite you to Consecration Sunday on October 19 as we celebrate being Change Makers together: Event Details: -Fellowship Hour: 10:00 AM-Worship: 11:00 AM service only (Pastor Duane & Pastor Kory preaching)-Celebration Meal: Immediately after worship in the Activities Center, prepared by our friend, Chef David Nolan. We’ll celebrate First Church ministries and the work of our FUMCWL Foundation. We’ll also receive Consecration Cards with our 2026 commitments Read more…
Once again this year, First Church joined the annual Hunger Hike hosted by Lafayette Urban Ministries (LUM) on Sunday, September 21. This important event is a key part of our mission to serve and uplift our community by raising awareness and funds to combat hunger. The First Church team was organized by Talitha Huber (she/her), Family Ministry Instructional Coordinator, who shared, “It was a high-energy and joyous scene with all kinds of community members there Read more…
Date: Thursday, October 16 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Tippecanoe County Public Library – Downtown Branch Pastor Duane Carlisle of First United Methodist Church West Lafayette has been invited to join a community panel on end-of-life care following a screening of the PBS documentary Going Your Way. Hosted by WFYI/WBAA and moderated by Community Engagement Specialist Lizzy McGrevy, the event will explore the personal, medical, and spiritual issues around death with dignity. Pastor Duane will bring a faith-based perspective to the conversation. Registration is Read more…
First Church is excited to announce that hearing loops are now available for use in the Sanctuary and Activities Center. With this technology, church members with a t-coil in their hearing aid can listen to the sound systems in both of these rooms directly through their hearing aids. Please check with your health care professional to see if your hearing aid is equipped with a t-coil and properly adjusted. Non-hearing aid users can pick up Read more…
This fall, we’re gathering for a special season of Celebration Sundays to honor the completion of our church renovations and the new season of ministry ahead. Each week will highlight the many ways our reimagined spaces invite us to experience God’s presence, celebrate the gifts of our community, and embrace our shared mission. Join us at 10:00 AM for hospitality hour followed by 11:00 AM worship (no 9:00 AM service). Schedule of Celebration Sundays Come be part of the celebration as we Read more…
We are excited to welcome Jorge Perez de Jesus as our new Bridge Builder for Family and Community Ministries at First Church! In his role, Jorge will serve within our Family Ministries team, working closely with Talitha Huber and Pastor Duane Carlisle to connect our congregation with the wider community. Many will remember Jorge from his outstanding leadership as our site supervisor for the First Church/Purdue Freedom School. His experience as a PhD candidate in Read more…
Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025 Time: 1:00 PM Location: Riehle Plaza (200 N 2nd St, Lafayette, IN 47901). Be part of the annual Hunger Hike hosted by Lafayette Urban Ministries (LUM) in Downtown Lafayette! This important event is a key part of our First Church mission to serve and uplift our community by raising awareness and funds to combat hunger. Join the Hike: Walk with the First Church Team on Sunday, September 21, starting at 1:00 Read more…