“In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of God has come near.’…Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey…” – Matthew 3:1-2, 4, NRSV How desperate does someone have to be […]
In Person Worship Info Dear First United Methodist Church Family, We will once again be offering in-person worship for our 11am service, beginning this Sunday, February 7! The Rapid Response Team has put together a set of processes for in-person worship that minimizes the risk of spreading COVID. For those who are planning to join […]
I’m writing this when it’s still in the thick of the Advent season, with Christmas right around the corner. We’re probably all still wrapping presents, playing Christmas Carols and completing our decorating. And we’re looking with anticipation to the joyous times of celebration with our family and friends…even if those celebrations have to be virtual […]
“Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19, NRSV At a recent Zoom gathering of Iowa United Methodist pastors, Bishop Laurie Haller acknowledged […]
Christmas Eve is coming soon! Though our Christmas Eve services must be physically distant this year, “Christmas Connection” bags can help you invite friends, family, and neighbors to join you for our virtual service. Inside these bags will be the traditional “Silent Night” candles (2 per bag) to help bring the light […]
Well, the leaves have been changing for a while now and I am sad to say they are beginning to fall. The weather is getting colder and even the fun Fall activities—the apple picking and trips to the pumpkin patch—are beginning to end. It is at this time that I can’t help but thinking that […]
Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that […]
Please view the below information regarding potential phased reopening of the church for in-person worship. Sept 17 2020 Rapid Response Team Letter and Reopening Information Ames First UMC Phased Reopening Plan
This ministry year of September 2020 through August 2021, the theme is Grace: hearing grace, receiving grace, speaking grace, accepting grace, giving grace, and living grace. On Sunday, September 13, Pastor Kerrin kicked off the theme with her sermon “God’s Umbrella of Grace.” Here is that sermon. Scripture readings from the service were Ephesians 2:4-10 […]
“Grace.” Collin saw this in Hobby Lobby while we were looking around. He was interested in it and asked me what I thought. I said “Well, it’s broken.” It had been heavily discounted because it was broken so I started looking at the one that was as it should be. He said “No, that’s the […]