By Diana Hoke Candy canes are the first sign of Christmas, rather like a robin is the first sign of spring even though there is still snow on the ground. Candy canes arrive on the scene before the Halloween chocolate bonanza is barely swept from the shelves. For children they appear as the ubiquitous gift from school bus drivers and mall Santas and as incentives from teachers with little budget to spend on more than Read more…
Get ready for a year filled with joy and community bonding at First United Methodist Church! Our Family Fun Events for 2023-2024 are set to continue on Saturday, December 23, with Breakfast with Santa, and extend through summer with the much-anticipated Vacation Bible School program. From New Year’s Eve Carnival and movie nights to friendly bowling competitions and outdoor games, we have created a calendar packed with experiences for all ages to enjoy. Join us Read more…
On the morning of Saturday, November 4, 2023, a dynamic team of volunteers in vibrant neon jackets, transformed the First United Methodist Church parking lot into a bustling hub of generosity. As cars lined up to donate essential items for those in need, volunteers geared up to venture into the community for the 21st annual Purdue Winterization, an event dedicated to assisting the elderly in preparing for the upcoming winter. Purdue Winterization, now the university’s Read more…
Introducing the Purdue Outdoor Catholics, fondly known as OutCats! This spirited group of around 20 Catholic college students finds joy in connecting with nature and making a positive impact on the community. Currently, the OutCats are actively involved in restoring the “Chapel in the Woods” nature area behind First Church. Originally established as an Eagle Scout Project, this peaceful spot has faced challenges with fallen trees obstructing pathways and trails. Here’s an interesting tidbit: a Read more…
LUM Jubilee Christmas will soon be upon us! Don’t be a Scrooge and say “Bah, humbug”. Each year, First Church hosts LUM Jubilee to help make Christmas a little more joyful for children and families in our community. This year’s LUM Jubilee will be on Saturday, December 9 from 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM. Ebenezer Scrooge is always looking over Bob Cratchit’s ledger book to make sure his calculations are balanced. There will be 37 families who will Read more…
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…
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…
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…
“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…
