Churches United for the Homeless
Foundation Endowment Committee
United Methodist Men - MENistry - Men's Club
Outreach - Local Missions
Churches United for the Homeless
Children of the Harvest
Food Pantry
YWCA
Spirit Lake Indian Reservation
Nokomis Child Care
Wesley Center
Seasonal Activities
Softball Team
Special Summer Music
Summer Camp for Kids
Lemonade Ministry
Get Involved - What's your passion?
At First Church, we believe that if you are passionate about something, you will be effective and faithful in your endeavors with it.
To find out where your unique personality and experience fits best in God's work, browse through the information on this and ensuing pages. You will find information about Task Groups musical groups and ministries.
Once you find your passion, let us know by contacting the leaders listed for each activity or calling the church office at 232-4416. The following list is in alphabetical order. You can skip to the activity of your choice by clicking on the group name to the left under the "Get Involved" icon.
If you don't find anything in our list to your liking or if you have a great idea or passion about a ministry or service let us know. We may be able to connect you with like minded people or encourage you to get started. Our small groups ministry coordinator is Mari McCullough
Adult Christian Education:
Sunday Classes
11:45 a.m. “Any Questions?” Every Sunday following the 10:45
a.m. Worship Service in the Sanctuary (downtown). Pastor Rich offers insight
and answers questions regarding the message of the day, study and discussion
materials are available in the Welcome and Information Center each week.
9:30 a.m. Adult Christian Education - Guild Room : A variety of topics
Wednesday Classes : to be annouced
Saturday Class
5:00 p.m. Meets at The Gathering following before the 5:30 p.m. worship. Bring
your Bibles.
Adult Music Opportunities: Do you have a love for music, or do you enjoy playing a musical instrument or singing? Do you have a desire to share those gifts in worship as you fellowship with us? If so, check out the following opportunities:
The Sanctuary Choir is a group of volunteers…both members and friends of First United Methodist Church… who sing for traditional worship (10:45 AM) September through May. We practice on Wednesday evenings. (Check with the church office for rehearsal schedules.)
Accompanists – either on piano or organ or guitar are always welcome.
Special Music - We invite people to play an instrument or sing (solos or in groups) as we worship God using our gifts of music.
Handbell Choirs – ages 18 - 80 - some experience reading music is helpful - practice is Thursdays at 6:15 PM - Downtown
Song Leaders - As a song leader, you can sing along to some of your favorite contemporary Christian songs while leading the congregation in worship.
Contact person:
Miranda Olson, Music Director
701-232-4416
Cafe First: Once a week on Wednesdays (September – May), a group of volunteers meets to prepare a nutritious evening meal at our historic downtown church. We serve students who are present for Confirmation, music and youth activities programs; we also serve adults who are involved in choir rehearsals, various programs and committees or Bible studies; we serve families and individuals; we serve anyone who is interested in eating a nutritious meal in a cozy and friendly atmosphere. The meal is served downstairs in Café First, located in Fellowship Hall.
We’re always looking for volunteers! If you are interested in helping
set-up, prepare, serve or clean up or are willing to share your baking skills,
please contact Robbye for more information. A volunteer need not commit
to every Wednesday; however, we need to know a week in advance if you could
work. A willing heart and a desire to practice hospitality are the only
requirements we ask of you. We can teach you the rest! Café First
is open 5 – 6:15 pm each Wednesday, September through May.
Cost is $2 for children and unconfirmed students; $4 for adults and confirmed
students.
“Feed my lambs…tend my sheep…feed my sheep.”
Contact person:
Robbye Wimmer Phone 293-7567
Email
Caring Closet for Children:
First United Methodist Church has a new loving and giving ministry. It provides
emergency clothes and supplies at no cost for children. We will touch lives
of children in the FM area by providing clothing, shoes, toiletries, and
necessities to those in need. We are nondenominational. No explanation is
required as to “why” there is a need. Privacy will be respected.
We work closely with other helping agencies in town to better serve all of our clients’ needs .
We will serve anyone and everyone in need…for those experiencing financial crisis, marital crisis, emergencies, health crises, etc.
How can you become involved?
Help sort and hang clothing. Work at the Caring Closet an hour a week. Can
you spread the word to others, help collect items, pick up donations?? If
you can, then there is an opportunity for you to help in this ministry.
Hours:
Summer Hours:
Tuesday 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
School Year Hours:
Tuesdays 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Thursdays 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Contact Person:
Cynthia Moen-Pflipsen
Phone: 235-6848
Email
Christian Education: Education
opportunities for children age 3 through 5th grade are available Wednesday
night, Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Sunday Morning
Downtown (906 1st Ave. S.)
9:30 a.m. Graded programming for age 3 through 5th grade meets in the Sancutary. Age 5 through 5th grade participate in Workshop Rotation
Model where students are actively involved in a teaching–learning
environment. The students rotate from workshop to workshop weekly experiencing
the Bible lesson through multi-medias.
Wednesday Evenings
Downtown - Children's Activties
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Graded programming age 3 through 5th grade
includes lesson time, service projects and different activities. Examples:
puppetry, motion choir, choir, percussion and many more.
Saturday Night
The Gathering (3910 25th St S)
5:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Bible Study led by David Franzen
5:30-6:30 - Christian Education ages 3 through 5th grade. We meet in Friendship Hall.
Any questions contact:
Brenda Goodman 232-4416
Email
Church Council: Oversees the Growing, Knowing, Caring and Showing work forces to support and realize our goals and carry out our mission. Contact: LuAnn Franzen
Churches United for the Homeless: Our church is responsible for cooking & serving the evening meeal on the second Saturday of each month at Churches United For The Homeless (1901 1st Ave North, Moorhead). 3-4 volunteers are needed to help prepare and serve the evening meal. All ingredients for the meal are provided and preparation is simple. Their kitchen is very spacious and clean! No clean-up is required, the residents do all the cleaning and dishwashing. The time commitment is from 3-7:00 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering, the sign-up sheet is located at the Welcome Desk at the downtown site or simply contact the church office and we will write your name down for you.
Confirmation: Students in grades
6,7 and 8 will learn about the history and beliefs of the United Methodist
Church. This is open to all United Methodists students in the grades above…as
well as their friends who may wish to join them
This group meets the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Wednesdays at 6:00 PM of each month…September
– May. (Watch for announcements about specific times.)
Adults who are interested in assisting Pastor Rich with Confirmation need to love young adults, and be willing to share your time, your patience and your guidance.
Contact Information
Pastor Rich Zeck
Phone: 701-232-4416
Email
Dorothy Day House our church has committed to participating with the Dorothy Day House meal the first Saturday of each month and here is some information about this ministry:
The Dorothy Day House is a men's homeless shelter located at 714 8th St South in Moorhead. First United Methodist Church provides an evening meal the first Saturday of each month to serve 15 people at 6:00 p.m. The menu includes a main entrée, a lettuce salad, 2 loaves of bread plus 1 pound of butter, and a dessert. The meal should be prepared to eat and delivered to the Dorothy Day House just prior to 6:00 p.m. or assembled & delivered for baking at the residence. Please include specific directions for baking (oven temperature, baking time, etc) and any other pertinent instructions needed for the meal, and allow adequate time for the baking. Please use disposable containers for transporting the prepared meal. Deliver the meal to the back door entrance (driveway is located on the north side of the house) and ring the doorbell for staff member to let you in. For contact purposes, the name(s) and phone number of the person(s) responsible for each month's meal preparation and delivery will be given to the Dorothy Day House Executive Director. The staff person will ask you to sign the Donation Book (list the meal items provided, First UMC [include your group name, ie Confirmation] and church address: 906 1st Ave S, Fargo 58103
Finance Committee: The Finance committee oversees the day-to-day, week-by-week finances of the church. Contact: Neal Crawford
Foundation Endowment Committee: The Foundation oversees the financial/investment foundation of the church and investigates possible grants. Shirley Montgomery
Hand bell Choirs: Would you like to “make a joyful noise” with handbells, but you can’t read music and you’ve never played bells before? Not to worry.
You don’t have to be able to read music although it may be helpful. You just need to have the desire to learn, to be able to count to six, and to know your right hand from your left hand! We’ll show you the rest.
Practices last for 40-60 minutes on Wednesdays. Intergenerational choir (i.e. new ringers from 5th grades to adults) practices at 5:15 - 6:00 pm and the Experienced choir will begin practice at 6:15 PM on Wednesdays. We meet on the 2nd floor of the Downtown church. There is not cost to participate in a handbell choir.
Contact Person:
Miranda Olson - 232-4416
To Index of Activities
MOPS: Mothers of Preschoolers - meets the 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 9:15-11:15 am September through May. Mothers of children newborn through kindergarten are invited as well. Contact: Jesse Borden
Nursery Care: Our nurseries are staffed with quality trained staff.
Downtown Nursery is staffed
Sunday morning from 9:15 to 12 noon.
And on some special church events..
The Nursery is located on the lower level. Turn right out of the elevator
and down the hall.
Our Nursery has a pager system available. Our nursery is here to serve families
with children birth through age 4.
The Gathering Nursery is staffed
Saturday evening 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
And some special church events.
Our nursery is located to the right of Friendship Hall, Our nursery serves
families with children birth through age 4.
Contact: Brenda Goodman 232-4416
Email
Office Angels: If you have a couple
of free hours a week, like to talk on the phone, and have an welcoming personality,
Office Angels may be the ministry for you.
Office Angels are needed on Wednesday evenings (5:15-7:30 PM) and on Sunday
mornings (8:00-10:30 AM)…times may vary as schedules at church change.
Usually an Office Angel answers the phone and takes message, but sometimes
she may stuff envelopes or do other small office tasks.
This volunteer position makes First United Methodist Church a friendly and
responsive church.
If you are interested in participating in this special ministry, you will
receive some information so that you have the knowledge needed when questions
arise from callers.
Please Contact:
DeLayne Thorson
Phone: 237-3349
Email
OR
Clarice-in the church office
Phone: 232-4416
Email
Parish Nursing / Health & Wellness: Parish
nursing is a group of health professionals who work to integrate faith and
health issues. We do several activities including: hospital and home visits,
bereavement ministry, lending medical equipment, blood pressure checks,
and patient advocacy and education.
If you would like to participate in this ministry, please contact Garilyn
McColm, the Parish Nurse at First United Methodist Church. All health professionals
who are interested are invited to this ministry.
If you would like to visit with someone about this ministry or if you
have need of this ministry, please contact: Garilyn McColm at (701) 293-7865
– (The best way to make this contact is by phone.)
Please leave a message.
Email
Pastor-Parish Relations: The Pastor-Parish committee oversees opportunities and concerns that deal with the staff of the church and related issues such as the upkeep of the parsonage, position descriptions, etc.. Contact: Bob Montgomery & Sarge Schuler
Prayer Shawl Ministry: Every Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm in the office lobby at the downtown site (906 1 Ave S) a group meets and shares tips and fellowship while knitting or crocheting shawls or lap rugs for those in need of prayer. Yarn and patterns available. Contact Char Koll at 232-5457.
Quilters: The Quilters are a group
of women with a range in skills from expert…contest-winning quilters,
novice to knot-tiers.
We meet on Tuesday afternoons in the downtown church lower level next to
the nursery from 1:00-4:00 PM during the school year (September through
May). However, don’t stay away if these hours don’t work for
you. We can be flexible.
Our quilts are given to families or individuals who are in distress…the
Rape and Abuse Crisis Center, to Churches United for the Homeless, to the
YWCA Shelter, to the Highway Patrol, and to the our church for Mission projects.
We invite people to join us who have any of the following skills: measuring and cutting, laying out a quilt design, machine or hand sewing, pressing or tying square knots.
All it costs is a little of your time and talents…and a lot of love. Bring your thimble!
Contact Information:
Betty Larsen
Phone: 701-232-6345
Reach Team: Reach is a team of volunteers who promote First United Methodist Church and church events in a professional manner. The REACH task force concentrates on getting the word out to others about our church and what it offers. This includes publicity, the web presence, and media relations.
Meetings are held as needed.
If you have an interest and knowledge in Advertising, Image Building, Marketing,
Media, Demographics, or Creativity, this may be a ministry of interest to
you. If you want to help promote the mission and ministries of First United
Methodist Church with your knowledge and skills (as listed above), contact
Mark Gemar
If you have a special church event that you would like the Reach Team to
promote, see contact information below.
Contact Information:
Mark Gemar
Phone 237-3658
Email
Sociable Seniors: is a friendly
group of people in their “happy years” (over 50) who enjoy getting
out and doing things together.
Although we meet once a month for coffee and conversation, we are not like
a Circle.
We also plan special events both in and out of the Fargo Moorhead/West Fargo
area. In the past, we have taken the Red River Boat Tour, have seen the
Straw Hat Players, have attended the Concordia Christmas Concert, and have
taken a day trip to our United Methodist mission site at Spirit Lake. We
are open to new ideas and activities and new adventures.
All men and women, singles or couples, over 50 years of age, are welcome
to participate in this interest group of First United Methodist Church
We meet the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 9:30 AM at The Gathering, our
south site located at 25th Street & 40th Ave. South.
For more information please contact:
Joann Nygard
Phone: 367-1259
Email
OR
Jean Prentice
233-5696
Email
Trustees: The Trustees oversees the infrastructure of the church - The bricks and mortar. Contact: Mark Gemar
UMW (United Methodist Women): Why be a United Methodist Woman?
"The organized unit of the UMW shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ, to develop a creative, supportive fellowship, and to expand concepts of mission."
- Work with and get to know other women in the church.
- Enjoy fellowship and refreshments with other women.
- Take part in interesting programs for special occasions.
- Experience spiritual growth.
- Belong to the world’s largest women’s organization.
- Know that your prayers, service, and contributions are helping others.
You are welcome to join us in our faith walk. Our bond is our willingness to serve God. Gather with us for our special activities. United Methodist women are caring catalysts cooperating in Christian community and concern. When you join UMW you will receive a program book with meeting dates, activities, and members listed.
If you are interested in belonging to the United Methodist Women or if you just want to learn more about UMW please contact: Pam Kruse 237-5864 - Email or any UMW member.
UMM (United Methodist Men): The Men’s
Club of First United Methodist Church provides opportunities for fellowship,
service, and spiritual growth.
We meet as needed to plan for events or service projects. We plan and serve
the annual Easter Breakfast and Spaghetti Dinner whose proceeds help to
support youth camping scholarships and youth mission trips.
Any man who has a relationship with First United Methodist Church or is a friend of another man who is a member of this church is welcome to participate. There is no formal membership. Costs are only those, which someone might incur, when a planning meeting is held over a meal in a restaurant.
Contact Information
Mark Winkelman
email
Phone: 701-237-2283
Welcome Team: The Welcome Team consists of people at First United Methodist Church who have a passion for making our church a welcoming and inviting church. We try to inform as well as invite.
This team created the “Welcome and
Information Center”. Among other activities, we encourage the use
of names tags at worship and other church events, introduce visitors to
others, improve signage in the church, perform skits, and help with usher
training. We bring our friendliness to all church events, and we live out
the motto: Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.
Anyone who is friendly, outreaching, and who is comfortable approaching new people is welcome to participate in this ministry. You need not have been a member for a long time. We meet about once a month from September to May and as needed in the summer.
If you think you might be interested in being a part of this ministry,
please contact:
May Pomeroy
281-0286
Email
Worship Teams: Teams participate in the development and support of the 5 worship services including communion, music, themes and more. Worship contact is Miranda Olson
The Worship Committee convenes as needed to coordinate in matters that affect all of the three services
Youth Group - Middle School: Designed for fun and fellowship for students in grades 6-8 grade meets the 4th and 5th Wednesdays of each month September through May. They meet whenever Confirmation is not meeting. All students this age from the UMC as well as their friends are most welcome to share in this joyful experience. For adults who would like to help with this group, all we require is a love for young people, your time, your patience and the gifts of being able to share and guide. Contact Jackie Pratschner or call 541-5913
Youth Group - Senior High: The Sr.
High Youth Group at First United Methodist Church is for 9-12 graders. We
meet weekly for youth time that consists of having fun together and encountering
God in group discussions and teachings. Along with our weekly meetings,
we also do service projects, mission trips, and other fun events.
It is the mission at First United Methodist Church that every young person
be in healthy relationships of care, encouragement, and accountability with
loving adults and faith-filled peers.
September – May We meet at the downtown site in the Sr. High Youth Room at 6:00 for supper on Wednesday night…followed by youth time. We also meet every Sunday at 9:30 for morning devotions. Following devotions, we attend the contemporary worship service together.
Throughout the year we are continuously planning fun events for the youth such as: paint balling, ski trips, to the mountains, Christian music festivals, concerts, and much, much more!!
We welcome ALL youth grades 9-12 to be part of our group. You need not be a member of this church to attend!! Bring your friends!!!
Outreach:
The Missions groups work to serve those in need, both near and far. You
can help those most in need by serving a meal at the shelter, helping at
the drop in center or being on a mission team. Currently we are connected
to the following programs:
• Churches United for the Homeless: 1st UMC prepares and serves dinner
one Saturday a month, join others once or as often as you like.
• Dorothy Day House: 1st UMC provides dinner once a month, cook ahead
or that Saturday and deliver the meal.
• YWCA: Collect & donate items for the shelter.
• Food Pantry: Collect and donate food items as well as providing
workers one week per year.
• Nokomis Child Care: Represent 1st UMC on Friends of Nokomis group,
assisting with annual geranium sale.
• Wesley Center (next door owned by 1st UMC) houses the Native American
Christian Ministry.
• Children of the Harvest, a United Methodist mission serving the
region.
• Spirit Lake Indian Reservation near Devil’s Lake, ND
• Lithuanian Partnership: help build a church in Birzai Lithuania.
• And many more through the connectedness of the people of 1st UMC
and the United Methodist Church. Contact person: Cindy
Yeager or call 293-8154
Special Music for Summer Worship: Small group music opportunities
during the summer. Also special music, both vocal and instrumental, opportunities
for summer worship.
Contact person: Miranda Olson
Children’s Ministries, Summer Kids’ Club: Many opportunities are available to work in the area of children and family ministries including: Summer Kids Club at The Gathering, 25th St & 40th Ave South Fargo. Contact Brenda Goodman
Lemonade Ministry: First UMC has a lemonade stand to weekly reach out to our neighbors. Would you be willing to serve cookies and lemonade once for about 1½ hours? Would you bake cookies or bars to serve? Contact Person: Mari McCullough
