Discover Your Purpose

At First United Methodist Church, we are dedicated to helping you discover your God-given purpose. Through worship, education, and fellowship, we provide opportunities to grow in faith and understanding. Your journey is important to us, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Our History
All Are Welcome at First United Methodist

What To Expect

You might be wondering, what's it really like at First UMC? Simply stated, at First, we're all about Jesus. Our church is made up of imperfect people with every kind of story imaginable.


Want to know the best part? No matter what you've been through or what questions you might have about God and faith, our church is a place where you'll find the love, grace, and forgiveness Jesus gives to everyone.

👋 Contact Us
  • What To Expect

    Sundays at First UMC are welcoming, relaxed, and easy to enjoy.


    Our services last about an hour and include a few songs and times of worship. Pastor James Bennington shares an encouraging, hope-filled message centered on Jesus.

  • What To Wear

    Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable! We are casual. You don't have to dress up to fit in.

  • Where To Park

    We have plenty of parking. There are two parking lots behind the church accessible from Cherry St. There is also street parking available along Cherry St. and S. Church St.

  • Classes For All

    Sunday Morning Classes — 11:00 a.m. 📖


    Adults

    The Seekers Class meets in the Church Parlor and is led by Allen Johnsey.

    The Discovery Group meets in the Wesleyan Room and is led by James Bennington.


    Students & Kids

    First Youth (Grades 6–12) meets on the 3rd Floor with Jen Feliciano.

    First Kids (Grades K–5) also meets on the 3rd Floor with Ginger Moore.

Our Values

We are committed to living out the values of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our mission is to love God, love others, and share the good news of Jesus Christ. 


Reach Out

We believe every individual matters deeply to God, and we are called to reach those far from Him. Through intentional prayer, care, and invitation, we seek to help people encounter Jesus and experience transformed lives.


Unified Faith

We pursue unity among believers, both locally and globally, recognizing that we are one body in Christ. We choose love, forgiveness, and partnership to reflect Jesus’ desire for His followers to be one.


Open Welcome

We are committed to radical hospitality, creating a place where everyone feels accepted and at home. No matter their story, background, or struggles, all are invited to belong and encounter God.


Pursue Excellence

We give our best in everything we do because we are serving God and people. Excellence reflects our devotion and ensures that our mission is carried out with care, passion, and integrity.


Live Generously

We reflect God’s generosity by giving freely of our time, talents, and resources. We see everything we have as entrusted to us for the purpose of serving others and advancing God’s work.


Lead With Love

We are committed to speaking truth with grace, reflecting the heart of Jesus in every interaction. Love shapes how we lead, teach, and care for others, creating a culture of compassion and truth.


Grow Together

We believe spiritual growth happens best in community through shared experiences, learning, and encouragement. We walk alongside one another in faith, helping each other become more like Christ.


Live Purposefully

We believe every person has a God-given purpose and calling. By following Jesus and serving others, we discover meaning and live lives that make an eternal impact.

Our Beliefs

We invite you to explore our beliefs and join us in our pursuit of living out our faith in boldness and passion.

  • God Revealed

    We believe in God as revealed in Scripture—the Creator of all things who has made Himself known throughout history. He established a covenant with Abraham, spoke through the prophets, and invites us into a personal relationship with Him. God exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and is good, loving, and for us.


    Scripture References

    Gen. 12:1-3 Exod. 3:14 John 14:9

  • Christ Savior

    We believe Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, sent to reveal God and save humanity. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, died on the cross, and rose physically from the dead. Through His death and resurrection, we receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life, and He is Lord over all.


    Scripture References

    Matt. 1:23 1 Cor. 15:3-4 John 3:16 Rom. 10:9

  • Spirit Presence

    We believe the Holy Spirit is God’s presence in the world and within every believer. He was promised by Jesus, empowers the Church, transforms lives, and draws people into relationship with God. Through the Spirit, we are never alone.


    Scripture References

    John 14:16-17 Acts 1:8 Gal. 5:22-23

  • Church Mission

    We believe the Church is the body of Christ and the visible expression of God in the world today. The Church exists to glorify God, share the Good News of Jesus, and love others as Christ loves us. Together, we live for Him and serve the world.


    Scripture References

    Matt. 28:19-20 1 Cor. 12:27 John 13:34-35

  • Scripture Truth

    We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It tells the story of God’s love and provides everything needed for salvation. Scripture is trustworthy and serves as the foundation for our faith and daily lives.


    Scripture References

    2 Tim. 3:16 Ps. 119:105 Heb. 4:12

  • Human Identity

    We believe every person is created in the image of God with inherent value and purpose. Though sin has broken our relationship with God, He offers forgiveness, restoration, and new life through Jesus. We believe in second chances, lasting hope, and a renewed purpose found in Him.


    Scripture References

    Gen. 1:27 Rom. 3:23 2 Cor. 5:17