How are we known by God?
How do we know each other?
How does the community know our church?
Let’s imagine the new future God has for us and how we might build that future together.
Here are some exciting ways we imagine living into our vision in the coming year:
providing a warm space for unhoused guests on the coldest nights.
deepening our relationship with new Americans and our partnership with Exodus Refugee Immigration.
expanding ministries with children, rebuilding with youth, and strengthening with young adults and seniors.
being liberated from mortgage debt.
enjoying the music of our restored organ.
serving and advocating with our social justice team.
setting the foundation for a strong future with our facility.
Our stewardship kick-off event is Sunday, September 28, at both services with Rev. Glenn Howell of the Heartland Methodist Foundation. We will celebrate our commitments during worship. You are invited to bring your estimate of giving form to worship or fill out our confidential online form. In between services, we'll gather in Great Hall for the Why of Planned Giving, where we'll learn about leaving a legacy gift to the church to impact our ministries for generations to come.
STEPHANIE & LEVI GILBERT, STEWARDSHIP CHAIRS
“From the moment we walked through the doors, our family has been welcomed and cared for. I believe this church is living into this year’s theme —We Shall Be Known for our efforts to love and welcome all people into this faith community. I couldn’t be prouder to belong to a church that makes this a priority, from the countless hours of service to generous gifts.”
— STEPHANIE & LEVI GILBERT
REV. JOSEPH OBWANDA
“My installation as Associate Pastor was a profound and humbling milestone, signifying the start of a meaningful journey of service and spiritual growth with this community. Reflecting upon my sermon theme on that day, "This way you have not been before" (Joshua 3:4), my 40+ days here have been a blessed opportunity to connect with the congregation. FUMCB’s commitment to the mission of God, (Missio Dei) continues to orient, dis-orient, and re-orient us as we prayerfully discern and align to the continuing work of God. I eagerly look forward to continuing this journey in faith and leadership.”
— REV. JOSEPH OBWANDA
First Methodist’s 2026 Budget
We’re proposing a budget of $1,435,000, which is a 3% increase over 2025. However, we relied upon one-time extravagant gifts and cash reserves to meet our 2025 expenses. That means we will need a 19% increase in giving to reach a balanced budget for 2026 if we don’t rely on extravagant gifts or cash reserves. We hope you’ll pray about making or increasing your household’s estimate of giving for 2026.
An extravagant gift is a one-time, over-and-above contribution to our ministries. Any extravagant gifts made would support all of our ministries. If you’d like to make an extravagant pledge or gift, please contact Mary Wilson at 812-332-6396.