View flyer here.

First Church is publishing a new photo directory. 
Sign up for your photo session online

Sign up at church, February 26, March 4, 11,18, 25
April 1, 8

You can also sign up to have the reading sent to your e-mail everyday.

• February 5th – Souper Bowl of Caring Soup for sale
• Ash Wednesday Service, February 22, 6 p.m. in Krout
• Tri-Church Lenten Gathering – February 26, 5:00 p.m. First Presbyterian

• Check out the new format
• Look at the new Bible Readiing Program
•  See the Announcement Page for general information

• December newsletter
• Read about Christmas service schedule

Gus Christo-Baker
Senior Pastor

First United Methodist Church
113 W. Central Avenue
Van Wert, OH 45891
(419) 238-0631
firstchurch@wcoil.com

8 AM – Blended Service
9:15 AM – Contemporary Service
10:45 AM – Traditional Service

Ash Wednesday Service, February 22 at 6:00 p.m. in Krout

February 26, 1st Sunday in Lent.                                                                         
Pastor Gus will preach on Mark 1:9-15. 
The theme is “Jesus, God’s End Time Agent”.

In recognitiion of Mariilyn Bebout’s 22 years of service as the Office Manager of First Church, a reception will be held following the 10:45 service on February 26  in the Krout.  Please join us at that time.

Confirmation Sessions 
Sundays at 12:30 p.m. 

 The Praise & Worship team is looking for additional musicians and singers to join them in leading worship during the 9:15 Contemporary Service. If you play an instrument, and/or love to sing , please contact the church office at 419-238-0631. 

 Tri-Churches Lenten Gatherings
 We shall continue the tradition established during or immediately after the Second World War; Our Tri-Churches Lenten Gathering.
During the season of Lent our three churches invites you:

Sunday, February 26
We gather at 5:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church for a time of Food and Fellowship and Worship and a Meditation by Rev. Gus Christo-Baker of First UMC.

Monday, April 02
We gather at 12:00 noon at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church for a time of Food and Fellowship and Worship and a Meditation by Rev. Harold Shafer – First Presbyterian Church

Wednesday, April 04
We gather at 12:00 noon at the First United Methodist Church for a time of Food and Fellowship and Worship and a Meditation by Rev William Haggis – St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.

• How do I get to First Church? We’re in the heart of downtown Van Wert, right across from Fountain Park. Click here for easy to read maps.
• What time does worship begin? 8:00, 9:15, or 10:45, take your pick. What is worship like? That depends on which service you attend. Check out each service under the Worship tab for more details on each service.  Where do I park? There is ample street parking all around the church, and two large free city lots within one block.
• What door do I go in? There are three doors to the church, one on Central Avenue, one on Jefferson Street, and one on the corner. All three lead to the sanctuary. The office is inside the Central door, and the nursery is inside the Jefferson door.
• Am I sitting in someone’s seat? Maybe. But chances are they don’t mind.
• Is the building handicapped accessible? Yes, throughout. There is a small elevator in the Jefferson Street lobby and a full sized elevator in the Central Avenue lobby.
• How should I dress? However you are comfortable. Some men wear suits and some wear slacks and polo shirts. Some women wear dresses and some wear pants. In the summer time some folks come to the contemporary service in shorts.
• Will I be asked to stand and be recognized, or say anything? Absolutely not. One recent study showed that the number one social fear among Americans is speaking in public. Also ranked high among fears was to be singled out in a large crowd. Some churches force you to endure both when you visit. We let you remain anonymous until you’re ready to make yourself known.
• How will I know when to stand, sit, sing, pray, leave, or whatever? For the 8:00 informal service and 10:45 traditional service there are printed bulletins with clear instructions. The 9:15 contemporary service is so laid back it won’t matter. There is always direction from the pulpit too.
• What if I have to go to the restroom or something? The ushers will be happy to help meet your needs, whether it’s the restroom, nursery, coffee bar, or Sunday School class. We have good signage at First Church in case an usher is not available.
• What kind of people will I encounter at First Church? There are all kinds here. We have people of various races, social backgrounds, professions, theologies, and interests.
• What we have in common is a desire to know and relate to God. Some are far down that road. Others are just taking their first steps. Wherever you are on that path, you can fit in at First Church.

That ought to do you for your first trip. If you have deeper questions about First Church just explore this web site. There is a lot of information here and you can get a pretty good idea what we’re all about. Or call the office at 419-238-0631. I’d be glad to talk with you. I think you’ll find there’s a place for you here.

If you are new to First Church we hope this web site will help you get a feel for the church.
What is it all about? Not just the church, but your life, your family, the community, God? First Church is a place where you can discover the answers to life’s most interesting questions. It is a great place to build relationships, raise a family, serve needs in the community, and most importantly, grow closer to God. First Church is known for its outstanding music program, wonderful children’s ministries, and dynamic youth program.

Please stop by the church on Sunday to join us for worship and fellowship. Stop by through the week to meet the staff, or just to have a look around. You are always welcome.

Gus Christo-Baker, Senior Pastor

First Church is all about connecting people to people, and people to God. We are about discovering the riches of our relationship with God. We are about helping families grow in love and grace. We are about meeting needs in our community and around the world.

At First Church we are all about finding the meaning that God intends for our lives. We invite you to join us in this journey of discovery. We promise to do all we can to help you make it fun and fruitful.