First United Methodist Church

08/31/2026

We apologize for the lack of a broadcast for August 30. We had the service scheduled and followed the usual procedure, but a glitch occurred and we were unable to engage the livestream.

The same thing happened several weeks ago and it was working fine when we tested it later, but we will look at the issue this week and hope to have it corrected by September 6.

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08/24/2026

In his letter, James jumps right into the meat of his thought by encouraging those who are facing trials to face those trials with joy and perseverance. He even says to "consider it joy..." James was addressing those who were starting to face persecution for their faith in Christ, and he recognized there was a larger meaning in their suffering. Times of trial and suffering are not enjoyable or pleasant. But, we learn about ourselves and most importantly we learn about God's unfailing love and strength in those times. We are then able to endure the next time trials come in our lives, and we are able to be a witness to others in their times of suffering.

That strength, and the wisdom to trust in God and not the things of this world, come from the love of God, and no matter how much changes in life, God's loving presence remains steadfast.

The Scriptures tell us over and over again that to live in this wor...

08/17/2026

In Chapter 11 of the Book of Hebrews, the writer of Hebrews gives a litany of different persons of faith and their obedience to God. He then transitions to a call to action with the word "Therefore..." We do not journey in this life alone. We have the witness of those who have gone before us as well as the example of those in the present time. Most profoundly, we have the example of Jesus Christ who did not let any obstacle get in his way of fulfilling the call of the Father.

We, too, can move forward in faith, trusting that the God who was with the saints is the same God who is with us, and this same God promises to be with us in the future.

We are surrounded by God's love and the witness of those who are ar...

08/17/2026

In Chapter 11 of the Book of Hebrews, the writer of Hebrews gives a litany of different persons of faith and their obedience to God. He then transitions to a call to action with the word "Therefore..." We do not journey in this life alone. We have the witness of those who have gone before us as well as the example of those in the present time. Most profoundly, we have the example of Jesus Christ who did not let any obstacle get in his way of fulfilling the call of the Father.

We, too, can move forward in faith, trusting that the God who was with the saints is the same God who is with us, and this same God promises to be with us in the future.

We are surrounded by God's love and the witness of those who are ar...

08/10/2026

The word "provoke" generally brings up negative connotations, but in this passage from Hebrews, we are called to "provoke one another to love and good deeds." The first twenty-one verses of Hebrews 10 set up the rationale for the action called for in the next several verses. We are to respond to what God has done for us in Jesus Christ, who gave His all for us, by striving for the highest example of faithfulness in our own lives and by encouraging one another to do the same.

08/05/2026

This is Rev. Chris Young. I saw this item on my Facebook Memories from several years ago. Credit to Temple UMC in Port Arthur, TX, for the original post. We are a few days into August, but around here school is starting back this week. I invite you to join with me in these 40 days of prayer as we start a new school year.

08/03/2026

Isaiah 55:1-9 God issues an invitation to partake in the abundance of His provision and grace. He offers that grace to all, and offers an invitation to "delight" in Him.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion reminds us of the depth of God's love for us and that we are all invited to the table of the Lord.

In the United Methodist Church, we practice an "Open Table." What that means is that you do not have to be a member of that church or United Methodist to partake in Holy Communion. If you come forward to be served, we will serve you.

What a full day with a baptism and the celebration of Holy Communio...