Pastors Kent and Kathy King-Nobles

09/07/2026

This week's podcast is now available!

Real Faith in the Real World will discuss today's faith and how it relates in the real world.

09/02/2026

Join us if you are new to the church and want to learn about all the amazing events and ministries we have to offer!

Newcomers Group
Sunday October 4 @ 10:30am
Sunday October 18 @ 10:30am
In the choir room (across from the office).

We will be offering an information session for Newcomers to give an overview of the ministries of the church, answer questions, meet others, and think about next steps. Sign up by contacting the church office ([email protected]) or simply show-up.

09/01/2026

"From the Pulpit" from Pastor Kent
Many people who have experienced the benefits of steady participation in church feel sadness when their children or grandchildren do not make church, or another faith community, a priority in their lives.
Adults must make their own decisions. Shame, guilt, and manipulation rarely draw anyone closer to God or the church. We can pray for those we love, remain genuinely interested in their lives, and tell our stories without trying to control theirs. We can help them understand why church has mattered to us. In a changing world, here are a few things I want our children to know about church.
Church reminds us that life is about more than productivity. Much of life asks what we can accomplish, earn, or achieve. Church asks deeper questions: Who are we becoming? What do we love? What is worthy of our lives?
Church also gives us a community we did not choose. It is natural to gather with people “like us.” A healthy church brings together people of different ages, experiences, and backgrounds. It teaches us to know and care for people beyond our usual circles.
Church helps us practice hope. Faith does not protect us from suffering, but it gives us stories, prayers, practices, and companions that help us face life without surrendering to despair. It also gives us a moral and spiritual compass amid conflicting messages about what we should desire and what makes a successful life.
Church invites us into something larger than ourselves. It offers opportunities to serve, welcome strangers, care for creation, challenge injustice, and notice people society overlooks. Sacred rhythms like worship, Communion, Baptism, Advent, Lent, Easter, weddings, and funerals remind us that our lives belong to a larger story.
We should also be honest about the church’s failures. Our children may have witnessed hypocrisy, exclusion, political manipulation, judgment, or resistance to necessary change. We do not need to defend everything associated with Christianity. We can listen seriously and acknowledge where the church has failed.
Perhaps the most helpful thing we can say is not, “You ought to go to church,” but, “I want you to understand why church has mattered to me. I hope you find a community that helps you grow in faith, hope, and love. If you ever want to talk about that journey, I promise to listen.”
Article from the Pantagraph August 21, 2026 "From the Pulpit"
Kent King Nobles is one of the pastors at First United Methodist Church and Morningstar UMC, both in Normal. You can email comments to him at [email protected]

09/01/2026

This week's podcast is about the power of our words. Have a listen.

Real Faith in the Real World will discuss today's faith and how it relates in the real world.

09/01/2026

Join us!

Would All in Favor of a Better Church
Please "Lend Us a Hand?"

Volunteering to work on our Honoring Our Past – Strengthening Today – Preparing for Tomorrow capital campaign promises to be hands-down a great experience. You’ll get the chance to meet and work with many wonderful people. You’ll be helping to raise funds for a needed and worthy cause. And you’ll be helping to build an even stronger and more closely connected community of faith. So please lend a hand and volunteer to help with our capital campaign. It’ll be a good time without taking too much time…and an effort that will be rewarding in many ways and much easier than most think.

To volunteer to lend a hand to our campaign
call (309) 838-8107 or send us an email at [email protected] to say you’d be happy to help. You can also fill out the Campaign Volunteer Form here: https://normalfumc.org/campaign-volunteer-sign-up/

08/31/2026

Our Building Campaign has begun!

Building to Share Campaign Announced!
This weekend we announced that we are launching an important capital campaign to address some critical capital, financial, and other improvement needs. Our Honoring Our Past – Strengthening Today – Preparing for Tomorrow capital campaign’s Minimum Goal is to raise $2,000,000 which will enable us to replace our roofs, replace the air-conditioning units, address our plumbing and electrical needs, and also address needed repairs in the Fellowship Hall. A Challenge Goal of $2,500,000 also has been set which, if met, will enable us to additionally consider installing solar panels, while incurring some debt. Finally, reaching our Ultimate Goal of $3,000,000 will allow us to complete all our intended projects, with no lingering debt.

The campaign will officially commence with a special Kick-Off Celebration scheduled for Sunday, September 13 and will culminate on Commitment Weekend on Saturday October 31 & and Sunday, November 1, when members will be asked to make their campaign gift commitments.

08/27/2026

Check out all the special events in September @ Normal First UMC! Get involved in our ministries where you will be inspired in an inclusive and welcoming environment that will encourage your faith to stretch and grow!