“Who Is My Neighbor?” A Three-Part Going Deeper Miniseries

We are living in a time of great uncertainty and political divide that possibly will color our view of our neighbors for quite some time. How can we as Christians navigate this difficult journey? How can we care for those whose views we simply can’t understand? How can we love our neighbor when it seems so hard? In a three-part Sunday miniseries beginning October 13, we will discuss recent articles from The New York Times, Read more…

First Church Monthly Prevue

Summer 2024 Prevue

In this summer edition of the First Church Prevue, we celebrate the success of the Purdue Freedom School summer program, explore updates on our missions work with the Klondike Kids Club and Klondike Elementary School, and feature a thought-provoking article by Yoonie Lee. Plus, get a sneak peek at exciting community events coming up this fall! Download the Summer 2024 Prevue here or click on the image below to view the full issue. Scroll down to Read more…

A Summer of Growth: Purdue Freedom School at First Church

This summer, First United Methodist Church (FUMC) proudly hosted the second year of the Purdue Freedom School, a six-week program focused on literacy and empowerment for students in grades K-5. This year’s theme, centered around book banning and censorship, provided a unique opportunity for scholars to explore critical issues related to the freedom of expression and access to diverse literature. Engaging Hearts and Minds Purdue Freedom School is designed to instill a love for reading Read more…

Reflections from Yoonie Lee

In this article, Yoonie Lee reflects on her outreach work with the Family Ministries Team at First Church, using shared interests to build trust and empathy with young individuals near Purdue University. By gradually introducing Bible verses and spiritual conversations, she fostered a positive reconsideration of the church as a place of friendship and solace. This evangelism outreach aims to provide comfort to young individuals who may not know much about, or harbor negative thoughts, Read more…

FUMC Children’s Ministry at Klondike Kids Club

This post is an update on the FUMC Children’s Ministry activities during the 2023-2024 school year, specifically our support for the Klondike Kids Club. Provided by Pastor Denny Frank, Director of the Klondike Kids Club. So much has happened since 2017 when Klondike Kids Club was a vision for the year ahead. Point West Mobile Home Community offered the use of their community room at no cost. This allows KKC to meet Monday through Thursday Read more…

Purdue CDF Freedom Schools @ First Church’s Program Closing Finale & Benefit Event — July 26

You’re invited to a special evening of celebration with the Purdue CDF Freedom Schools @ First United Church scholars! Join us as we mark a second summer of reading and joy. The evening will feature scholars showcasing their works and special presentations, inspiring talks from staff and family, and insights into how you can support this impactful program in our community for years to come. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Theme: Cultures Around the Read more…

Klondike Elementary School Ministry Report: 2023-2024

The following post is an update regarding First Church’s ministry work during the 2023-2024 school year supporting Klondike Elementary School provided by Pastor Denny Frank, Director of the Klondike Kids Club. Hey First Church family and friends, We would like to share with you the impact that you have made as we have moved forward in our ministry to “embrace the children, families, and staff of Klondike Elementary School (KES).” The administration and staff at Read more…

Why? Making Sense of God’s Will: Summer 2024 Adult Education Series

Where is God when the innocent suffer?  Where is God when my prayers go unanswered? Why is God’s will so hard to understand? These are questions that most likely you and almost everyone you know have asked at one time or another, sometimes aloud, sometimes silently.  Adam Hamilton, one of America’s most respected Methodist theologians, brings fresh insight to these age-old questions. Rejecting simplistic answers and unexamined assumptions, he lays out core ideas for comprehending God’s plan for Read more…

Vicennium Weekend – August 24 & 25

Mark Your Calendars for Vicennium Weekend — August 24 & 25 (Noun. vicennium (plural vicennia or vicenniums) (rare) A period of twenty years.) This August, First Church will celebrate 20 years in our current location at 1700 Mitch Daniels Blvd. We have seen many changes over these years, including the name of our road changing twice! We invite you to celebrate this milestone with special events on August 24-25. Saturday, August 24 Pitch In Picnic at Wea Read more…

Wesley Foundation Farewell Event to 435 on State Street — Saturday, June 1

The Wesley Foundation would like to invite you to its final farewell event to their beloved building at 435 W. State Street on Saturday, June 1, 2024. This will be a special time to reunite with old friends for the last time before their big move. Come back and share memories, eat, and learn about Wesley Foundation’s plans for a new ministry center at 2nd and Waldron. Wesley will be open from 11am to 8pm! See details below. Read more…