Worship
Worship is central to the life of First United Methodist Church, and the Sanctuary is at the heart of our church family. Each Sunday morning, we gather for worship at 10:00 a.m. Our service involves all age groups and includes a Children’s Minute followed by Children’s Church. Our service is live on WSFA at 11:00 a.m. and is broadcast live so that anyone across the globe may join us on Sunday mornings.
Our services of worship are guided by the liturgical calendar of the Christian Year and include the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. The Sanctuary and Chapel are regularly used in the Celebration of Christian Marriage and for Memorial Services and Celebrations of Resurrection. Additionally, we observe special days in the church year: World Communion Sunday, All Saints Sunday, the Longest Night Healing Service, a Joint Thanksgiving Service, etc.
In the United Methodist Church, we celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion as central components of worship. Holy Communion is celebrated during our service on the first Sunday of each month, during the 5:30 p.m. service in Duffey Chapel each Wednesday, and during other seasonal services throughout the year.
The planning and leadership of worship involves the clergy staff, the music staff, the worship work area, the ushers, greeters, and acolytes.
Prayer sustains the Christian life and our Sanctuary is open for prayer each Wednesday afternoon. A Prayer Room is located in the Narthex of the Sanctuary and is made available to all.
Sunday School
Sunday School
Would you like to build meaningful and lasting relationships with others in the church? Would you like to participate in engaging studies of scripture and topics relevant to helping you become a more faithful disciple of Jesus Christ? Then Sunday school is the place for you!
We have many different classes, each with their own identity and personality that would gladly welcome you into their fellowship. If you would like more information about any of these classes, please contact Rev. Marisa Mayes or Rev. Cole Moore.
Sunday school classes meet each week at 9:00 a.m.
Nursery
We are delighted to welcome you and your child into our nursery program. It is our goal to always provide a loving, Christian atmosphere for all children placed in our care.
0-9 Months | CB 103
9-18 Months | CB 104
18-24 Months | CB 108
24-36 Months | CB 105
Children ages 3+ will gather in the Worship Room at 8:45 a.m. before going to their classrooms
Children
Our goal is to provide spiritual nurture through Bible teaching in a loving environment so that the children will develop a true love for God.
3-5 Year Old | CB 107
Kindergarten & 1st Grade | CB 205
2nd & 3rd Grade | CB 200
4th & 5th Grade | Activity Room
Youth
Our classes are designed to encourage the spiritual growth and development of our youth through Bible study, discussion, prayer, and fellowship.
6th - 12th Grade | WH 3rd Floor
*Grades divide into classes after meeting for breakfast
Adults
Classes are offered for different interests and ages. Each class offers opportunities for Bible study, spiritual growth, and fellowship with others. Visit, find your place, and join the class of your choice. We hope you will feel at home in the family of First United Methodist Church through one of our Sunday school classes.
Guests are always welcome!
Connexions | (Early 20s and 30s) | Wesley Hall Room 203
Connexions is a Sunday School class focused on fostering community and connection with God and one another. Every Sunday, they focus on the FUMC lectionary to prepare their hearts and minds to receive the messages delivered during worship. The Connexions class often serves as an extension of the Young Adult ministry, which hosts a plethora of social events throughout the year.
Farmers | (30’s and 40’s) | Children’s Building Emmaus Room
This class is comprised of singles and couples. Bishop Lawson Bryan leads the class. The lessons follow the lectionary, which also corresponds with the children’s lessons.
Forester | Wesley Hall Room 201 | 8:45
This active class has 65 members on the roll. Their programs are led by various members. Their topics of study range from Bible studies and Bible commentaries written by well-known theologians to speakers from community missions to musical guests. Their class members support various community and conference mission initiatives such as Friendship Mission, United Women in Faith Fall Bazaar, Mission Trips, and others as needed.
Journey | Wesley Hall Room 205
This class is comprised of vibrant learners and friends. They strive to reflect on "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors." They participate in scripture study, UMC history, Advent and Lent biblical book studies, theological concepts and trends, and current cultural issues. They also have guest speakers (FUMC ministers, directors of various ministries, other church members, and local nonprofits served by FUMC). This class has an annual Christmas dinner and periodic socials in our classroom.
New Room | Wesley Hall Room 207
This is a growing group of men and women who are a congenial, hospitable group that welcomes visitors and guests. This class is faithfully led by Jim Roby. Several class members teach the group, as well as occasional guests who are invited to speak. The curriculum varies, and input from the class is welcomed as new studies are chosen. From time to time, the class meets for lunch after church, and they gather every year for a joyful Christmas party. Please drop by!
Novus | Wesley Hall Room 204
What began as a “Novus” (new class) more than forty years ago is still going strong. Some of the charter members still attend. This class includes both singles and couples. They have been excited to welcome many new members. Lessons focus on growing their faith and knowledge of scripture. They do not have a set curriculum but always have great lessons with a lot of discussion. They love the occasional socials and have the best Christmas party in town.
Tower Seekers | Wesley Hall Room 206
They study the Cokesbury Adult Bible Studies via the quarterly books, which each member purchases through FUMC. Their teachers are knowledgeable, long-standing lay leaders, and periodically clergy members from FUMC. They meet quarterly for social time at a local restaurant (dutch treat). Their class prides themselves on the close connections they have with each other, especially as it pertains to members' issues and health concerns affecting the over 50 age group.
Trinity | Children's Building – Reception Room
This class is a warm and welcoming group of singles and couples. They study interactive, Bible-based lessons with a variety of teachers and topics. The class is actively involved in missions and looks for opportunities to serve FUMC and community through their gifts, talents and presence. Members also gather for fellowship several times a year.