First UMC of Hammond

09/08/2025

Here are a few more photos from our last worship service on August 31. Thank you again for everyone that has made this place something special.

09/02/2025

Who is still in awe from this past Sunday’s celebration? ❤️ On Sunday, we gathered for our final service as First United Methodist Church. What a joyful, tender day it was. We are deeply grateful for all who have been part of our story and have helped shape the ministries of this congregation through the years.

As we step into a new chapter with Hope UMC, we carry with us the love, memories, and friendships that make this community so special. Here are a few photos from the day we shared together — and we’d love for you to share your photos in the comments, too! 🙏✨

Remember to like and follow Hope United Methodist Church to stay connected with this community of faith. As Pastor Pete said, the church is not a building, it is you.

08/31/2025

Join us for worship

08/31/2025

How fitting that today’s lesson is about what it means to be a community of mutual love. As we close this chapter of First United Methodist Church, we also open the door to a new beginning—building a community of HOPE and love at Hope United Methodist Church.

Join us for this special worship service TODAY at 10:15 AM as we celebrate the past, give thanks for God’s faithfulness, and look forward with courage and joy to what is ahead. 🙏❤️

💻 Watch online by clicking the link below (look under the “Live” tab):
https://www.youtube.com//streams
⏯️ Can’t make it at 10:15? The service recording will be available after noon.
📰 Digital Bulletin:https://hammondfumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/63/2025/08/08-31-25-FUMC-WUMC-Bulletin.pdf
📣 Worship Notes:https://hammondfumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/63/2025/08/August-31-Worship-Notes.pdf
📆 Weekly Schedule:https://hammondfumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/63/2025/08/08-31-25-THIS-WEEKS-SCHEDULE.pdf

08/26/2025

Join us tonight at 6:00 PM for Messy Church at Woodmar UMC! All ages are welcome—come for crafts, activities, food, and fun as we grow together in faith and community. We’d love to see you there!

08/25/2025

As we prepare to celebrate the life and legacy of First United Methodist Church, we would love to hear from you! ❤️

Do you have a favorite memory, story, or moment connected to First UMC? Whether you were a lifelong member, came for special events, or were simply a friend of the church, your stories are part of this rich history.

Please share in the comments below—we’ll be lifting up and sharing some of these memories during the celebration on Sunday as well. 🙏✨

08/24/2025

Join us for worship

08/24/2025

We are honored to welcome Rev. Paul Arnold as our guest preacher as we gather to thank God and celebrate the many ministries of Woodmar UMC. This will be a special time of worship, remembrance, and gratitude for all the ways this church has shared Christ’s love through the years.

🙏 Join us as we worship together, give thanks, and celebrate the faithful ministry of Woodmar United Methodist Church at 10:15 AM.

💻 Watch online by clicking the link below (look under the “Live” tab):
https://www.youtube.com//streams
⏯️ Can’t make it at 10:15? The service recording will be available after noon.

📰 Digital Bulletin:https://hammondfumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/63/2025/08/08-24-25-FUMC-WUMC-Bulletin.pdf
📣 Worship Notes:https://hammondfumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/63/2025/08/August-24-Worship-Notes.pdf
📆 Weekly Schedule:https://hammondfumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/63/2025/08/08-24-25-THIS-WEEKS-SCHEDULE.pdf

All are welcome—we would love for you to be part of this meaningful celebration. 💜

08/22/2025

For those interested in participating in music for the August 31 service here are some additional details.

🔔 Handbells – rehearsal Wednesday at 7:00 PM (about an hour) and again Saturday, Aug 30 at 1:00 PM. If you can make one or both, awesome! If you can’t make rehearsal but still want to play, we’ll find you a bell to ring 🙂. We’ll also do a quick run-through Sunday morning at 8:30 AM.

🎵 Choir – rehearsal will be Sunday morning at 9:00 AM.

Excited to make music together! 💛

08/21/2025

Hope United Methodist Church now has a page! 🎉 We invite you to follow us here: facebook.com/INHopeUMC
to stay connected with updates, announcements, and celebrations as we begin this new journey together.

We’ll continue adding updates throughout the day, week, and months ahead—so make sure to stay in touch as Hope grows here in Hammond. 💙

Hope UMC brings people together in faith to share God’s love and serve the Hammond community.
✨ Worship Sundays at 10:15 AM — join us in person or online.

08/21/2025

Big news—our merger has been approved, and we can now move forward as Hope United Methodist Church!

🌟 Important upcoming dates:

Aug 24 – Final service at Woodmar UMC with guest preacher Rev. Paul Arnold + brunch.

Aug 31 – Final service at First UMC with guest preacher Rev. David Schrader + potluck.

Sept 7 – First worship as Hope UMC (“soft open”) + cake reception.

Oct 26 – Official inaugural service of Hope UMC with Rev. Dr. Marti Lundy & Rev. Paul Arnold + celebratory dinner.

This is a season of both grief and joy, but most of all, a new beginning filled with hope. Please keep this transition in prayer as we step into this next chapter together.

08/17/2025

Joy can be a hard thing to nail down. Last week, we explored how faith is both defined and yet beyond our grasp—a substance that sweeps us toward a “better country.”

This Sunday, we turn to Hebrews 11:29–12:2, where we are invited to run with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross.”

📍 Join us in person at 10:15 AM at Woodmar UMC, or
💻 Watch online by clicking the link below (look under the “Live” tab):
https://www.youtube.com//streams
⏯️ Can’t make it at 10:15? The service recording will be available after noon.

📰 Digital Bulletin:https://hammondfumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/63/2025/08/08-17-25-FUMC-WUMC-Bulletin.pdf
📣 Worship Notes:https://hammondfumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/63/2025/08/August-17-Worship-Notes.pdf
📆 Weekly Schedule:https://hammondfumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/63/2025/08/08-17-25-THIS-WEEKS-SCHEDULE.pdf