Pekin First UMC

10/25/2026

10/22/2026

Have you ever reached a point in your life where you felt like something needed to change?
Maybe things weren't necessarily bad. Maybe everything was moving along just fine. But deep down, something was telling you that there might be more.
More to life. More to your faith. More to the purpose God has for you.
I think sometimes we get so comfortable with the familiar that we stop looking for what's next.
And sometimes, when we do recognize that something needs to change, we get so focused on what we need to do that we forget to ask what God might already be doing.
There's a verse in Isaiah that reminds us that God isn't finished with us. In fact, He may already be doing something new.
Sometimes we're so focused on what has been, or so comfortable with where we are, that we fail to recognize what God is doing right in front of us.

10/22/2026

We are honored and humbled by this recognition. Pekin First received a Business and Community Recognition Award today from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce.

We were recognized for serving our community through Marigold Festival parking and shuttle services, support of various local events, and providing Snack Packs for children in need.

We don’t serve for recognition, but to share God’s love and make a difference in the lives of others. We are thankful for every opportunity to put our faith into action! THANK YOU to the Chamber for this honor, and congratulations to all of today’s award recipients making a difference throughout Pekin.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

10/19/2026

Our hearts are full! So GREATFUL for the coverage of this special celebration!

First United Methodist Church of Pekin held a commemorative worship service on Sunday, October 18, to celebrate two centuries of serving the community since its founding in 1826.

10/18/2026

Thank you to everyone who came today to celebrate 200 years at Pekin First! It was a special day to reflect on the past, celebrate the people and stories that make Pekin First special, and look ahead to the future!

10/18/2026

This service will have traditional and contemporary music, special videos and a special message given by the Bishop.

10/15/2026

Are you moving through life, but not really moving forward?
On a recent 13-day adventure along the East Coast with my wife, I found myself reflecting on something I hadn't fully recognized before. I was feeling stuck professionally, personally, and even in my faith. I had become so focused on making it through each day that I was struggling to see the path ahead.
In Episode 98 of the Pekin First Podcast, we're talking about being stuck, recognizing when we're just going through the motions, and how God can help us find our way forward.
Through Scripture, honest reflection, and the reminder that we don't have to have all the answers, we'll explore how sometimes the first step forward is simply trusting God with the next step.
You may feel stuck where you are, but you don't have to stay there.
🎙️ Join us for “Moving, but Not Moving Forward” — Episode 98 of the Pekin First Podcast.

10/13/2026

Local news recently shared the story of Pekin First UMC and our 200 year history in the community. This Sunday Oct. 18th at 10am, we’ll celebrate 200 years with a special worship service! Come be part of this memorable occasion!

This church considers itself the oldest congregation in Pekin, tracing its roots back to 1826.

10/08/2026

Every person has a story.
We all have a story about where we’ve come from, the people who have shaped us, the experiences that have changed us, and the moments that have brought us to where we are today.
And I think our faith journey is much the same.
For some people, faith has been a part of their story for as long as they can remember. They grew up in church, learned the Bible as a child, and have spent their entire lives walking with God.
But for others, the journey looks very different.
Sometimes faith comes later in life. And that's what I love about faith.
God doesn't ask us to have everything figured out before we come to Him.
In Romans 3:22, Pastor Sean Refered to this this weekend Paul says, “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”
Righteousness by faith.
It's a powerful reminder that our relationship with God isn't about earning our way into His good graces. It's not about being perfect. It's not about having the perfect past or knowing all the right answers.
It's about faith.
It's about trusting Jesus.
It's about taking that next step—even when we don't know exactly where the road is going to lead.
And that's what we're talking about on this week's Pekin First Podcast.