All Church Advent Series: The Redemption of Scrooge

Bah Humbug!  Who among us has never needed a second chance? Ebenezer Scrooge is a man in dire need of exactly that. But is redemption even possible for such a greedy, sad, and dark character? Scrooge discovers through his search for a second chance that he first must confront his own Christmas past, Christmas present, and Christmas future. It is through each stage of his journey that we discover how the teachings of Jesus also show Read more…

Welcome Diane Dahlgren to the Family Ministry Team!

Dear First Church Family, I am excited to share some wonderful news with you about a recent addition to our Family Ministry Team. Diane Dahlgren, an experienced educator with a passion for organization and community engagement, has graciously stepped forward to lend her expertise to our team. In our recent conversation, Diane expressed her eagerness to contribute to the planning, organization, and implementation of learning opportunities within our church community. Diane’s skill set perfectly complements Read more…

FUMC Foundation’s 2023 Scholarship Recipients Illuminate Paths of Purpose

The First United Methodist Church Foundation is thrilled to announce this year’s recipients of the Robert E. Straszheim Scholarship and Patterson Award, reflecting our dedication to education and the potential for greatness that resides within each one of us. Congratulations to Yoonie Lee, Ella Robynne, and Joel Will! Special acknowledgement to Didyme Mutumbo, recipient of a FUMC Governance Board scholarship through the Missions Enhancement Activity (MEA) Fund. Robert E. Straszheim Scholarship Fund: Yoonie Lee Established Read more…

Touch the Basket

“For it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” – Philippians 2:13 NRSVUE My heart overflows with gratitude and thanksgiving for this church. On Sunday, October 22, we concluded our Consecration season with a meal together. For the last five weeks, we’ve focused on the communion table as a touchstone for what it means to live together in community. We’ve listened to Read more…

Come to the Table: Our Theme for the Season of Stewardship and Generosity

We are fast approaching the season when we will use our indoor dining room tables a whole lot more. We won’t be firing up the grill as often or sitting out on our patios and decks. The kids are now well into the rhythm of a new school year, and soon the weather will cool down, the days will be shorter, and it will start to feel more natural to gather inside. There’s something meaningful Read more…

You’re Invited to Join Us for Queer Christian Fellowship!

As part of FUMC’s Reconciling Ministry, we invite LGBTQIA+ community members and their allies to engage in faith reflection and fellowship. This weekly gathering is a collaboration with the online community Q Christian Fellowship and First United Methodist Church which is a part of the Reconciling Ministries Network in the United Methodist denomination. The gathering meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 PM during the Purdue academic year, and on select dates over the summer and breaks. The “Brown Bag” Fellowship hour is from Read more…

Be a Part of the Solution at Klondike Elementary School

ALL GOD’S CHILDREN NEED SHOES: SNEAKERS FOR STUDENTS @KES. Most of us at FUMC are able to provide for the basic needs of our children. However, at Klondike Elementary School, there are children who wear shoes that are either too small, much too large, or in serious disrepair. Their parents work hard, many at minimum wage jobs, but can’t afford new shoes for their children. We are all too aware of the rising costs of inflation: Read more…

FUMC Governance Board: Paving the Way for Progress

In the heart of our vibrant congregation, the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) Governance Board stands as a dedicated group of individuals working tirelessly to steer our spiritual community towards growth and transformation. At the helm of this dynamic team is Perry Brown, a seasoned leader who serves as the President of the FUMC Governance Board. With his guidance and the collective efforts of the board members, First Church is setting its sights on a Read more…

Commemorating Love, Diversity, and Harmony: FUMC and Lafayette Master Chorale Unite to Honor Matthew Shepard’s Legacy

As we enter the fall season, we find ourselves marking the 25th anniversary of an event that shook the world. The memory of Matthew Shepard, a young LGTBQ+ university student whose life was tragically cut short on October 12, 1998, in a senseless act of violence, continues to serve as a stark reminder of the intolerance and hatred that still linger in our society. Yet, it is also a reminder that we must persist in Read more…