Noon Daily Prayer

Let us pray the Lord's Prayer daily at 12 noon. This Community of Faith action will be a reminder to each one of us that although we may be physically apart, we are still connected to one another with a singular focus.

Sunday Service

Sunday Service will be live streamed on YouTube!

Mission

Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World by Connecting to people while we Grow, Serve and Commit to Christ.

From Our Staff-Parish Relations Committee

Congregation,

On June 21, Pastor Michelle will worship with us for the last time. Please join us virtually or in the parking lot for her final "Amen" at First United Methodist Church Ministries. Her journey with Christ continues as she moves to South Bend to begin her new role at Evangel Heights United Methodist Church.

A Message to Pastor Michelle

Winnie the Pooh told his friends, "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." We cannot believe the day is coming where you will say Amen for the last time with us. Your all too brief journey has helped us grow stronger and more resilient. Thank you for preaching the word. Thank you for praying with us. Thank you for your commitment in leading us into a stronger, more Christ-like presence. So many times, you have reminded us that the building is not the church; we are the church, and that worship is not a spectator sport. You have impressed upon us that we are two campuses: one congregation. We have enjoyed lively debates, serious theological discussions, comfort, leadership, and support. You have been a tremendous joy and source of light to us. And that is what makes saying goodbye so hard. In you, we have someone who loves us and cares for us deeply, as we do you. And now, we hope you find peace in your new journey and God's continued blessings.

With love and gratitude on behalf of the congregations of First United Methodist Church Ministries

Jim Coyle
SPRC Chair

A Message from Pastor Michelle

June 1, 2020

Dear First United Methodist Church Ministries Family and Friends,

I continue to marvel at and be blessed by the goodness of the Lord to me!

As I began to think about the content of my final newsletter article to you, the lines of a song written by the late Rev. Andrae' Crouch began ringing in my ears. The title of the song is, "My Tribute."

Our United Methodist hymnal includes the second verse of the song. The lyrics that keep "ringing" in my ears are the first verse and the chorus. Due to copyright issues, I am not at liberty to print the lyrics or the chorus. I invite you to google search "My Tribute" by Andrae' Crouch. The first verse and the chorus speak of my sentiments.

When God reminded me in the winter of 2018 that God had called me to preach (at the time, I was and continue to serve as the Executive Director of a non-profit organization), I knew that the next step for me to take was to notify my Conference Superintendent, Chris Nunley, and our Bishop, Bishop Trimble.

Although an appointment was not available in July of 2019, in September of that year I was offered a short-term assignment (not an appointment) to a local church by another Conference Superintendent.

Did God have a surprise for me! The reservations that I had about returning to the local church (yes, even after being reminded that I had been called to serve the local church) were dispelled as I engaged with this congregation that understood what it meant to be a congregation committed to ministry and mission!

Near the end of that assignment, I received a call from Superintendent Nunley about a short-term assignment to First United Methodist Church Ministries. And, First United Methodist Church Family and Friends, as the saying goes, "The rest is history!"

It has been a joy to be in your midst to lead you, to walk alongside you, to laugh with you, to pray on your behalf and also with you, and to cry with you. To God Be the Glory for our journey together!

Now, First United Methodist Church Ministries Family and Friends, it is time for us to pursue the future that our awesome God has waiting for us.

Thank you, First United Methodist Church Ministries Family and Friends for your determination to be the congregation that Jesus Christ is calling you to be as His disciples, individually and collectively!

For the unintentional pain that I have caused, forgive me. For the missed opportunities to see you, individually and collectively, forgive me.

In closing, for the gift of who you are to me – To God be the Glory!

With Appreciation,

Pastor Michelle

A message from Steve Schug, Lay Leader, Chairperson of Church Council

May 14, 2020

Dear First United Methodist Church Family and Friends,

I want to take the opportunity to communicate some good news, and to provide an update on where we are with the re-opening of our church community.

First, due to the diligent work of Norma Gasparovic and others, we have secured a PPP “Loan” in the amount of $65,900. As many of you know, these loans, under current rules, are to be forgiven providing the recipients continue to pay and employ existing staff and meet other guidelines. For us, this means we can pay not only our church staff, who are working limited hours, but our Friendly Flock staff and teachers who have been unable to work at all and thus have no income from this previously reliable source.

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First United Methodist Church

As United Methodists, we have an obligation to bear a faithful Christian witness to Jesus Christ, the living reality at the center of the Church’s life and witness. To fulfill this obligation, we reflect critically on our biblical and theological inheritance, striving to express faithfully the witness we make in our own time.

To learn more about the Methodist faith, click here visit the United Methodist website.

Please contact us if you have questions or would like to learn more about First United Methodist Church, Pendleton, Indiana.

Celebrating Our Graduates

The First United Methodist Church family congratulates our graduating seniors:

• Anna Childers
• Jason Doudt
• Kimberly Sherman

Please download our 2020 Graduates Booklet.