| Who We Are
Our Purpose
Is to enable seekers to become believers and for believers to be committed and fully devoted to following and serving Christ.
Our Identity
At First United Methodist Church (FUMC) we practice prayerful, bible-based teaching through traditional and contemporary worship services.
We believe that each individual is a unique masterpiece with a specific purpose within the body of Christ. All are encouraged to pursue their unique God-given purpose, to identify and express their spiritual gifts, to utilize passions, and to apply natural abilities, personalities and experiences in worship, ministry, evangelism, fellowship and/or discipleship areas. Small groups, and youth and adult Sunday School classes are the heartbeat of FUMC.; where you will connect in fellowship with others, gain biblical knowledge rooted in God’s Word, and grow your faith and your relationship with Christ.
Our Beliefs
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God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe.
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Jesus is the Son of God, he is co-equal with the Father.
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The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God.
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The Bible is God’s Word to us.
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People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like him in character.
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Salvation is a free gift from God.
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Eternity—people were created to exist forever.
The memory of Jesus’ life of service inspires us to follow him in ministry. The assurance of God’s gracious love for us, empowers us to love others. The promise of God’s coming reign on earth draws us into action directed toward this vision.
Our Philosophy
Church is a matter of faith, not family heritage.
Faith is a matter of truth, not personal preference.
Truth is a matter of facts, not subjective to feelings.
Our Vision
Our vision is for all seekers and believers to worship joyfully, to grow spiritually, to connect relationally, to serve willingly and to witness effectively.
Our Mission
We exist to celebrate Gods presence, to demonstrate god’s love, to communicate God’s word, to assimilate God’s family and to educate God’s people. We believe that a strong commitment to the ‘Great Commandment’ (Matthew 22:36-40) and the ‘Great Commission’ (Matthew 28:19-20) will grow a thriving church.
Our Heritage
The first Methodist services held in our area were conducted by Rev. W.D. Gage in 1853 at Old Fort Kearney, now Nebraska City. He preached to a few settlers and emigrants who were headed west. He was later appointed to this charge and became the first Methodist minister of the territory.
The church was first organized in 1854, the first meetings were held in settlers’ cabins and plans were then made for a permanent building. In July 1854, the Indiana Conference sent Rev. W. H. Goode to explore the newly organized Territory of Kansas-Nebraska. He received two lots of land donated by Major Downs for the Methodist Episcopal Church. These lots were traded the following year for two lots located one block off the main road.
The first Church building was then erected on the present location at Eleventh Street and First Avenue.
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