I welcome you to First United Methodist Church (FUMC). I pray that our worship leads you to an awareness of God’s presence in your life and among us.
If you are looking for a Church home, I hope you find First UMC to be that place. Our Church doors and communion table are open to you.
Sincerely in Christ’s love,
Rev. Mark B. McFadden
Pastor
Prayer is at the very heart of the ecumenical movement. Jesus prayed that we – his followers – may all be one. When we pray with and for one another, we can feel God’s gift of unity.
Philippians 3:4-11
Paul discovered his authentic identity through his relationship with Christ, and Christ’s faithfulness sustained this connection, enabling him to confidently “share in the sufferings of Christ.” In contemporary society, often characterized by commercialism and the pursuit of personal satisfaction, this message can be hard to embrace. Jesus Christ embodies no power, prestige, or privilege. Instead, God assures those who are marginalized and who struggle to find respect and love that they will receive these from God and from God’s people.
Sharing in the sufferings of Christ may require us to pause and respond when we hear the cry of someone in need. By answering such calls, we publicly demonstrate our participation in Christ’s sufferings. This act of solidarity fosters life, joy, and love for both us and others. On World Communion Sunday, observed on the first Sunday in October, we remember the sufferings of Jesus Christ through the Lord’s Supper and renew our commitment to share in Christ’s sufferings on a global scale. May we discover our identity in Christ and find the courage to participate in his sufferings for the sake of the world.
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