First Time Here?

How do I find out what’s going on at FUMC?

On the homepage of this website, click on the Calendar link for a complete listing of church events. We also send out a weekly newsletter, the First Edition, which lists events and other information about how God is at work in and through First Church. The weekly worship bulletin also contains announcements about upcoming events

First United Methodist seems like a very large church. Will I get lost in the crowds?

First United Methodist is a large church with many members – but this gives us the opportunity to offer many varied programs and studies. We highly recommend that everyone get involved in a small group. Getting to know the members of your Sunday School Class, Bible study group, or volunteer committee is a great way to feel connected.

How do you worship?

We have two worship services every Sunday – each with its own unique style.

• The 9:00 a.m. First Awakening service in Clayton Hall is informal, featuring a blend of praise and worship, contemporary Christian music, and traditional hymns accompanied by a band of keyboard, guitars and percussion.
• The more formal 11:00 a.m. service meets in the Sanctuary. It features music led by the choir and organ with printed texts and prayers for congregational participation.

Where do my children go during the service?

All children are welcome to attend the various services with their parents.

• Nursery service is available for children birth to age 3 every Sunday morning from 8:15 to 12:00. A pager is provided each parent in case of an emergency.
• During the 11:00 worship, children are invited to the chancel to “Moments with Children”, a time during which one of the pastors sits down with the children and briefly talks with them about a topic based on the day’s sermon. Following that, the children may return to sit with their parents or go with the Children’s Ministry leaders to Children’s Worship. The children are supervised in the Children’s Department, until their parents pick them up.

Do I have to be a member to take Communion?

The communion table of the United Methodist Church is an open table. You do not have to be a member to partake. The invitation to the table is an invitation to a personal and lasting relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Everyone is welcomed at the table. This includes persons of any age.

How do I get involved at First United Methodist Church?

Everything offered at First United Methodist Church is for anyone willing to participate, both visitors and members alike. Check the Events sections of our website, join us each Sunday to get up to the minute announcements of events at First United Methodist Church, or talk with one of our staff about an area in which you would like to participate.

What is expected of members?

• To worship regularly.
• To continue to grow in your faith by participating in small group study.
• To serve God with your hands, by volunteering in service to the congregation and the community and world.
• To give in proportion to your income

How can I join First United Methodist church?

• You can join the church either by making a profession of faith in Jesus Christ or by transferring your membership from another congregation. The United Methodist Church accepts the baptism and membership of persons coming from other denominations.
• Any of our pastors or staff will be happy to talk with you about joining the church and to answer any questions you might have.
• An invitation is given at the close of each worship service and you may come forward during the singing of the closing hymn.
• We offer occasional Newcomer Classes for persons considering membership and for persons who have recently joined.

Mortals look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7

What should I wear to church?

We want everyone to be comfortable when attending First Church. Typically the 9:00 a.m. service is casual with most men wearing a sports shirt rather than a coat and tie. The 11:00 a.m. service is typically a coat and tie service, although some members choose to dress in a more casual fashion.