Preparing for General Conference

The postponed General Conference of the United Methodist Church is just around the corner. General Conference is scheduled for April 23 - May 3, 2024, at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

There is much that can happen and many who are hoping and praying for change in our denomination. Pastor Duane is a delegate to General Conference and part of the leadership in both the Indiana Room For All Coalition and Indiana Reconciling Ministries Network.

If you are interested in learning more about what may come before this next General Conference, tune into the conversation on Thursday, March 21, at 7:00 PM EST on Zoom, hosted by the Room For All Coalition and Reconciling Ministries Indiana. For more information or to join the Zoom call, click here.

Join local and national leaders in the movement for a fully inclusive Church! Please contact Pastor Duane with any questions.

Calling All Graduates!

First Church wants to celebrate our graduates on Sunday, May 5. If you or a family member is graduating this spring or has graduated in the time since last May, please let us know. We want to honor you!

Please tell us the following:

• Which school will you be graduating from?
• What degree or diploma?
• What are your next step plans?

Send an email to the church office by Monday,

April 22.

Apply for First Church Foundation Scholarships

Each year, the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) Foundation offers scholarships to students in the community, reflecting our dedication to education. Scholarship applications for 2024 are open now through Friday, April 5. Click on the scholarship names below to view each application:

• D.H. Patterson Memorial Scholarship
• Robert E. Straszheim Scholarship Fund

For questions regarding scholarships, please email the FUMC Foundation.

Now Offering Youth Sunday School

First Church is now offering Youth Sunday School during the 10:00 AM hour each Sunday, except for the first Sunday of each month. (No Sunday School on Easter Sunday). Join us as we connect and learn of God's love together. Please direct any questions to Diane Dahlgren.

Join the First Church Tech Team!

We are seeking volunteers for the First Church Tech Team. No experience required, just a heart to learn about First Church worship, sound, projection, and video-streaming. Stop into the Tech Room on the 2nd floor mezzanine or complete the interest form below and the Tech Team will be happy to contact you.

Volunteer Interest Form

Recap Session on Christian Nationalism Zoom Panel — March 17

For those who could not attend last Sunday's viewing and discussion of the Christian Nationalism Pre-Recorded Zoom Panel Discussion, here is the link to watch it on your own.     

We will be sharing our reactions to it this coming Sunday, March 17, at 10:00 AM in Room 211. Feel free to join this thought provoking discussion. 

The video and gathering will set us up to view the documentary film God & Country about the rise of Christian Nationalism. Contact Diana Hoke for more information.

Join Us for Mini Golf Family Fun Event — March 24

This month's Family Fun Event is mini golf! Join us on Sunday, March 24, at 4:00 PM for fun, fellowship, and laughter at Monster Mini-Golf (3573 Promenade Pkwy, Lafayette.) This is an indoor course under black lights, so wear something that may glow!

As a group, First Church will have a private party room as a base location. Mention that you are with First Church and you will get in for the discounted price of $5.00 per person. Contact Diane Dahlgren if you have any questions.

Lenten Book Study Continues Sunday, March 24

Our Lenten Book Study will not be meeting this Sunday, March 17. We'll be back next Sunday, March 24, at 10:00 AM. Be sure to join us for the final weeks of this adult Bible study of Simon Peter: Flawed but Faithful Disciple by Adam Hamilton.

He left everything to follow his teacher and possessed a passion that would change the world... Peter was an ordinary guy who heard and followed God’s extraordinary call. He was a flawed, but faithful disciple.

Learn More

Young Adults: You're Invited to Our Lent Theology Group

Join us at Walt’s Pub and Grill on Wednesdays for a conversation about life and faith. This is an informal gathering of young adults talking about the things that matter in their lives. Meet new friends, enjoy beverages, food, or snacks. Drop in anytime!

Wednesdays 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Walt's Pub and Grill

1050 Kalberer Rd. West Lafayette

Contact Pastor Duane or Pastor Kory for details.

LUM We've Got Talent — April 12

Come support Pastor Kory Pritchett as he represents First United Methodist in We've Got Talent, an evening of friendly competition between the Lafayette Urban Ministry (LUM) member churches! 

Raise money for the LUM Good Samaritan Fund. Help families struggling to pay their rent and keep the lights on. 

DATE: Friday, April 12 

TIME: Doors open - 5:30 PM, show starts - 6:30 PM

PLACE: St. Andrew United Methodist Church ∙ TICKETS: $35 per person; $280 per table (max. 8)

Enjoy a selection of heavy appetizers and desserts.

To purchase tickets or learn more, click here.

Chick-fil-A Fundraiser Night for Village Nursery School — March 20

Come out to Chick-fil-A (50 N. Creasy Lane) on Wednesday, March 20, anytime 4:00-7:00 PM to support our Village Nursery School (VNS)! A portion of all sales will be donated accordingly.

While you do not have to show the flyer, please be sure to mention that you're there for the VNS fundraiser. This is only for the 50 N. Creasy Lane location and works for dine-in, carry out, and drive-thru.

Food Items Needed at the Tippecanoe County United Food Pantry

The Tippecanoe County United Food Pantry, operated by Church Women United, is in need of the following items:

• Canned tomatoes, green beans, corn, peas, fruit, pork & beans, soup
• Ramen soup packages
• Boxes of macaroni & cheese
• Boxes of crackers
• Tuna
• Peanut butter
• Boxed/canned meals like ravioli or chili or stew, etc. Pasta/spaghetti

Please bring donations to the Missions area or the First Church office. They also accept checks made out to Tippecanoe County Food Pantry.