Congregational Care

The sacrament of Baptism represents a gift from God and our response to it. God freely offers us saving grace and love, new life, forgiveness of sin, and the promise of salvation. We accept God’s gift by agreeing to fulfill our responsibilities of living a Christian life of love and service to all.

Infant Baptism

Infant Baptism emphasizes that God’s love is freely given, not “earned” by our actions. Each child is given a new birth and becomes part of the Christian family. Parents make a commitment before God to establish the child in faith. The congregation welcomes the child and also agrees to sustain and guide the child in faith.

Church Membership

A Baptized infant becomes a preparatory member of the church—one who has not yet made a personal profession of faith and who is guided by parents. Baptism marks the beginning of a process of growth in faith toward God. Confirmation brings full membership and responsibility to those who are Baptized. It is the completion of the Baptismal commitment. Confirmation classes at First United Methodist Church are offered when children reach 7th grade and are ready to make a personal commitment to God before the congregation

The Role of Parents

Parents have a primary responsibility for teaching their children about faith. Children learn and grow in faith according to the example and instruction of their parents. Ways to teach children in the Christian life include family devotions and sharing of faith, regular attendance at worship services, and participation in Christian service and fellowship. Prepare for the Baptism of your child by praying for spiritual guidance and help. Study and reflect on the sacrament, its meaning, and responsibilities.

Scheduling your Baptism at First United Methodist Church

In the community of faith, we celebrate all Baptisms as a family of God. There is no limit to the number of Baptisms scheduled for any one service. Many parents wonder what age is considered appropriate to have their infant Baptized. Although any age is perfectly fine, you may want to consider 4-6 months. By then, most babies have gained good muscle control but usually don’t mind being held by someone other than Mom or Dad. The church has a beautiful hand-sewn Baptism gown, which is available to any church member wishing to use it.

Please use the time before and after the worship service to take photographs. Flash photography is not appropriate during any worship service. For more information, or to schedule a baptism, please contact Lillian Gilley at lgilley@fumcmontgomery.org or 334-834-8990.

First United Methodist Church is pleased and honored to offer the Wedding Ministry for the very special occasion of holy matrimony. A wedding is one of the happiest and most sacred moments in a lifetime. The wedding ceremony is a worship service where the bride and groom pledge themselves to one another in the presence of God and join their lives to establish a Christian home. The church rejoices with them, their family, and their friends and is eager to help make the occasion of the wedding ceremony beautiful and memorable. The true beauty lies in the spirit and attitude of those who take part in the ceremony. In making plans, it should be remembered that the wedding ceremony itself is the most important and sacred part of the occasion.

For more information please contact Lillian Gilley, at lgilley@fumcmontgomery.org or 334-834-8990.

The Joseph Ministry continues in the service of Joseph of Arimethea by caring for the bereaved families of our church by providing information and supplies. The Joseph Ministry team will assist the church in hosting services of death and resurrection, memorial services, and graveside services.

For more information please contact Lillian Gilley, at lgilley@fumcmontgomery.org or 334-834-8990.

Stephen Ministry is grounded in Jesus’ command to love one another. Through one-to-one caring relationships, those who are hurting receive the love and care they need to support them.

Is life more than you can handle alone right now? Are your health, your attitude, or your relationships suffering? Are you adjusting to a new job, change in marital status, a serious illness, the death of a loved one, or a recent move? Would you like to have someone in your life who really cares?

Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care for, to listen to, and to share God’s love with you can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing.

A Stephen Minister is a child of God, with at least 50 hours of training in how to provide Christian care, who walks beside a person in their time of need. A Stephen Minister is NOT a counselor or therapist, a problem–solver, or a casual visitor.

What are the needs with which Stephen Ministry can help? We help those who are…

• Hospitalized
• Terminally ill
• Bereaved
• In a job crisis
• Disabled
• Homebound
• Lonely
• New church members
• In a spiritual crisis
• Looking for a caring, Christian friend

If you think a Stephen Minister can be of help to you, contact Rev. Ben McDavid bmcdavid@fumcmontgomery.org, 334-834-8990.