First United Methodist Church

09/06/2026

Practical Application: How to Serve This Week
Here are three simple ways to put this sermon into play this week:
1. Keep Your Eyes Open: As you drive around town or walk through school hallways, ask God: "Lord, show me someone who needs Your light today."
2. Support Local Relief: Grab an extra item or two at the grocery store this week—canned pasta, cereal, or snacks—and drop it off in our food pantry collection bins!
3. Be a Peaceful Neighbor: Practice seeking the peace of our town. Stop gossip, encourage someone who is stressed, and bring positive energy everywhere you go.

09/01/2026

08/30/2026

Welcome to Worship friends and Family!!

08/30/2026

Practical Challenge: Step into the Game
How do we take this home with us this week? Here are three quick steps:
1. Find Your Gift: Ask yourself, "What has God put in my hands?" Are you a good listener? Do you like helping behind the scenes? Ask a friend what gifts they see in you!
2. Switch Your Mindset: Stop asking, "What can this church do for me today?" and start asking, "Lord, who can I encourage today?"
3. Join a Team: Don't just sit on the sidelines watching! Whether it's our hospitality coffee crew, Ignite children's ministry, youth Group, music team (Choir, Chimes, Praise Team), food pantry, or tech booth, step forward and try a spot.

08/29/2026

‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.’ — Psalm 46:1

Family, even in the midst of tragedy, it is powerful to see the body of Christ stepping up to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Following devastating flooding in Nepal and Tibet, churches and relief organizations are already on the ground mobilizing to bring immediate aid, shelter, and hope to affected communities.

When one part of the global body hurts, we all feel it—but we also share in the call to shine Christ’s light into dark moments.

Please join me in praying today for:
• The families who have lost loved ones and homes
• The local church leaders and emergency teams offering aid and comfort
• Wisdom, safety, and swift relief efforts in the coming days

Let’s keep our brothers and sisters in Asia in our hearts and prayers. Read more about how the church is responding here:

Churches and mission partners are responding after catastrophic floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, as Asian Christian leaders call for prayer, humanitarian support and sustained solidarity with affected communities.

08/27/2026

If you're looking for a continuing ed event this fall that focuses on ministry with kids, youth, and their grownups, I invite you to check out NextGen Fest in Lincoln, NE November 6-8! The Great Plains United Methodist Conference is hosting, and we've got a great lineup of speakers and workshop leaders!

If you have a kids or youth ministry staff person, please please please invest in their ministry by sending them to this! They'll get fantastic resourcing, opportunities to worship and fill up their own cups, and connect with other UMC ministry leaders in the connection!

From Melissa Gepford, Great Plains Conference staff for Next Gen.

08/24/2026

The 60-Second “Open Hands” Challenge
Here is my challenge for every single one of you this week. Every morning before your feet touch the floor, before you pick up your phone, take just 60 seconds of 24 hours to practice what I call the “Open Hands Prayer.” OHP

Sit on the edge of your bed, place your hands palm-up, and pray:
1. “God, my hands are open.” (I give You my plans, and my worries today).
2. “God, fill my hands with Your Spirit.” (Change how I think. Light my fire).
3. “God, use my hands to serve Someone today.” (Show me one person I can help today – a spouse, a coworker, a classmate, a neighbor, or someone new – whom I can serve with Your joy).

08/19/2026

Introducing the new UMC Solar and Battery Pilot Program! ☀️

Designed to help United Methodist churches serving vulnerable communities across the U.S. procure and install solar and/or battery systems, this Global Ministries and UMCOR program will build resilience, reduce emissions and energy costs, and keep the doors of these critical community service ministries open.

Up to 20 churches will be selected for the program, with applications accepted through Nov. 2, 2026.

Learn more and see if your church is a good fit for this program: https://bit.ly/45yplsg