Join Us for LUM Hunger Hike – Sunday, September 21

Date: Sunday, September 21

Time: 1:00 PM

Location: Riehle Plaza (200 N 2nd St, Lafayette, IN 47901).

Be part of the annual Hunger Hike hosted by Lafayette Urban Ministries (LUM) in Downtown Lafayette! This important event is a key part of our First Church mission to serve and uplift our community by raising awareness and funds to combat hunger.

To learn more about how to get involved and support the First Church team, visit our website.

We are 75% of the way toward our team goal! Make a gift on our First Church team's fundraising page.

Going Your Way Screening & Panel Discussion – October 16

Date: Thursday, October 16

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: Tippecanoe County Public Library – Downtown Branch

First Church is excited to share that Pastor Duane has been invited to join a community panel on end-of-life care following a screening of the PBS documentary Going Your Way.

Hosted by WFYI/WBAA and moderated by Community Engagement Specialist Lizzy McGrevy, the event will explore the personal, medical, and spiritual issues around death with dignity. Pastor Duane will bring a faith-based perspective to the conversation.

Registration is encouraged. To learn more and register, click the button below.

Join Us for Celebration Sundays: September 21 – October 12

This fall, we’re gathering for a special season of Celebration Sundays to honor the completion of our church renovations and the new season of ministry ahead. Each week will highlight the many ways our reimagined spaces invite us to experience God’s presence, celebrate the gifts of our community, and embrace our shared mission.

Join us at 10:00 AM for hospitality hour followed by 11:00 AM worship (no 9:00 AM service).

Schedule of Celebration Sundays

• September 21 – Pastors Duane and Kory preaching
• September 28 – Music from Purdue Heart & Soul
• October 5 – Guest preacher Rev. David Meredith
• October 12 – Guest preacher Rev. Christina Sinks

Come be part of the celebration as we give thanks for God’s guidance, our church’s faithful investment, and the many ways this space will shape our future ministry together.

New Sermon Series Beings September 21: The Changemakers

This fall, we begin The Changemakers, a new worship series exploring what it means to put our faith into action and make a positive difference in the world. Jesus was a changemaker, and the Good News is… so are we!

Made in the image of God, sharing in the purposes of Jesus, empowered by the Spirit, we are the “assets” we’ve been looking for. Our wealth lies in the Compassion, Collaboration, Creativity, and Empowerment that sustains us through change, for change, for the sake of a better world.

Join us for this 4-week worship series as we hatch new ideas and fly to new heights, risking something big for something good.

Welcoming Jorge Perez de Jesus to the First Church Team

We are excited to welcome Jorge Perez de Jesus as our new Bridge Builder for Family and Community Ministries at First Church!

In his role, Jorge will serve within our Family Ministries team, working closely with Talitha Huber and Pastor Duane Carlisle to connect our congregation with the wider community. Many will remember Jorge from his outstanding leadership as our site supervisor for the First Church/Purdue Freedom School.

Jorge joined our team in mid-August and is already bringing his gifts and energy into the life of our congregation.

Visit our website to learn more about Jorge and his experience.

NEW Adult Education Course –TALKING IT OVER: End of Life Decisions and Their Effects

Dates: Dates: Every Sunday from Sept. 14 to Oct. 12 (except for Sunday, Oct. 5)

Time: 10:00–10:50 AM

Location: First Church, Room 211

The death of a loved one is perhaps the most difficult experience any of us will have. How do we face death, either our own or that of our loved one? How can we prepare for this, and if we are the survivors, how do we live through this?

TALKING IT OVER will be small and large group discussions and reflections on End of Life Decisions and their effects on both the loved one who is dying and the loved ones who are closely involved. Each week will feature one central theme.

Here's the theme for week one:

Sun. Sept. 14—Exploring Your Personal Views on Dying

Recognize and then begin reflecting on influences and experiences that have shaped your views about death and dying.

For more information on this course, its theme, and additional resources, visit our website.

Service Opportunity for Serviceberries – September 27

Date: Saturday, September 27

Time: 9:00 AM

Location: First Church

As a lasting reminder of the abundance we celebrate at First Church, we will be planting three new serviceberry trees near the entrance to the chapel in the woods. In reciprocity for future gifts from these trees, we will remove invasive honeysuckle from this area before planting.

Please bring your tools and willing hands to First Church on Saturday, September 27, at 9:00 AM. We look forward to seeing you there!

First Church Family Picnic at Exploration Acres – October 12

Date: Sunday, October 12

Time: 3:00–6:00 PM

Location: Exploration Acres, Fire Pit 3 (6042 Newcastle Rd, Lafayette, IN 47905)

Join us on Sunday, October 12, at Exploration Acres for a fun-filled picnic hosted by the First Church Family Ministry Team! Come enjoy fellowship, games, and time together as a church family. Stay tuned for more details.

Donuts with Santa – December 6

Date: Saturday, December 6

Time: 9:00–11:00 AM

Location: First Church

Bring the whole family to First Church on Saturday, December 6, for Donuts with Santa! This free, annual event is designed for families and their children to enjoy together. Stay tuned for more details.

Governance Board Meeting – September 15

Governance Board will be meeting Monday, September 15, at 7:00 PM in Room 209.

Agenda items are due to Perry Brown at perryebrown@msn.com.

Donations for Scyamore Springs

First Church is collecting gently used adult clothing, games, and books to support Sycamore Springs. Please bring your donations to the Narthex.

Learn more about their work by clicking the button below.

Volunteer and Make a Difference with Klondike Kids Club

Klondike Kids Club is a beloved First Church Ministry that will be continuing under the guidance of FUMC family ministry and community leaders, and we are looking for volunteers to tutor and mentor elementary-aged students from grades K-5!

Volunteers are asked to come tutor on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and/or Thursdays from 4:00-6:00 PM and share the love of God and the gift of education with the young folks in our community!

To sign up, please share your availability here:

Food Items Needed at Tippecanoe County United Food Pantry

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

Canned items

• Fruits & Vegetables
• Tomatoes
• Beans
• Soup
• Pasta sauces

Boxed goods

• Cereal
• Macaroni & cheese
• Pasta
• Rice
• Crackers

Peanut butter is also always appreciated.

They also need plastic and paper bags and egg cartons.

Please place donations in the labeled baskets located in the Narthex (the First Church lobby). Since storage space is limited, we kindly ask that you donate only the items listed.

The address for monetary donations to the food pantry is:

Mary Alice Bauman

CYU Pantry Treasurer

3116 Sullivan St

West Lafayette, IN 47906

Please make checks payable to Tippecanoe Co. United Food Pantry, Inc.