Churches United for the Homeless
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 Music Opportunities: Do you have a love for music, or do you enjoy playing a musical instrument? Do you have a desire to share those gifts? 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 guitar are always welcome. "Special Music" we invite people to play an instrumental or sing (solos or groups) as we worship God using our gifts of music. Contact Miranda Olson.
Ambassadors: Ambassadors are 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. Ambassadors created the "Welcome and Information Center," which helps our guest learn more about the church and our many activities. The center is on the first floor in the downtown church. Among other activities, we encourage the use of name tags at worship and other church events, introduce visitors to others, improve signage in the church, 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 as needed in the summer. If you are interested in being a part of this ministry, contact May Pomeroy
Cafe First: Once a week on Wednesdays (September through May) a group of volunteers meets to prepare a nutritious evening meal at our historic downtown church, in Fellowship Hall. We serve anyone who is interested in eating a nutritious meal in a cozy and friendly atmosphere. If you are interested in helping set-up, prepare, serve or clean up or are willing to share your baking skills, please contact Robbye or call 293-7667. 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 desire to practice hospitality are the only requirements we ask of you. Cafe First is open 5-6:15 Wednesday, and the cost is $2 for children and unconfirmed students; $4 for adults and confirmed students.
Caring Closet for Children: This new caring ministry provides emergency clothes and supplies at no cost for children. We provide clothing, shoes, toiletries, and necessities for those in need. We are nondenominational and no explanation is required as to "why" there is a need. Privacy is respected. We will also network with other helping groups in town so that we can better serve the needs of our clients. Volunteers are needed to help plan for short and long term goals, to plan publicity or to work at the Caring Closet. Help sort and hang clothing. Anyone one young or old can volunteer, we just ask that you be friendly and helpful. For more information contact Cynthia Moen-Pflipsen or call 235-6848. To visit the Caring Closet the open times are Tuesday 1:00-3:30 or Thursday 11:30-1:30.
Christian Education: Children's Education, Youth Devotions and Adult Education are offered on Sunday mornings, Wednesday evening and Saturday evening. There is an ever present need for teachers and helpers to make our Education classes an eventful and meaningful experience. Make a difference in a child's, youth's or adult's life! Contact Brenda Goodman, Family Faith Director
Churches United for the Homeless our church has he 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 Methodist students in the grades... as well as their friends who may wish to join them. This group meets the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Wednesdays of each month... September through May. 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. To volunteer contact Rich Zeck 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
Design Team: The Design Team works with flowers, plants and material to make First Church a warm and welcoming place. If you love to make rooms big and small cozy and welcoming then we want you on our team! Contact Robbye Wimmer or call 293-7567
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
Hand bell Choirs: Would you like to "make a joyful noise" with hand bells, but you can't read music and you've never played bells before? Not to worry! If you can count up to 8 and know your left hand from your right and have a willing heart to learn we'll be happy to teach you how to play. If you already know how to play we NEED you too! Practices are 40-60 minutes in length depending on your age (11-100) we practice on Wednesday evenings and will play in either the Traditional Worship or Journeys In Reel Time services. Contact Teresa Sonsthagen
Lithuania Partnership: Our objective is to develop and implement ideas that will meet the need for our partner church in Lithuania and to sponsor a mission trip annually. All ages are welcome to participate in our many activities and there is no cost to be involved. Contact Deb Brooks or call 235-3170 OR Jeff & Tammy Curfman 451-2373
Men's Club /"Men"istry: 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 an annual Easter Breakfast and an annual Spaghetti Dinner with proceeds going to support youth camping scholarships and youth mission trips. All men are welcome and the costs are only those, which someone might incur, when a planning meeting is held over a meal in a restaurant. Contact Mark Winkelman or call 237-2283.
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 Carrie Roberts or call 701-526-0687 and Amanda Torres or call 701-281-3992
Newcomers Assimilation Team: Works with newcomers to the church and helps get them connected to the church in various ways. Contact David Nelson or call 293-9978
Office Angels: If you have a couple of free hours a week, like to talk on the phone, and have an outgoing personality, Office Angels may be the ministry for you! Office Angels answer the phone, take messages and sometimes may be asked to stuff envelopes or do other small office tasks. We always need someone on Wednesday evenings (5:15 to 7:30 PM) and Sunday mornings (8:00-10:30 AM) although times may change as the schedules at church change. If you are interested in participating in this special ministry, you will receive some training so that you have the knowledge needed when questions arise from callers or visitors. Contact DeLayne Thorson or call 237-3349 or Church Office
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, lending medical equipment, blood pressure checks, and patient advocacy and education. If you would like to participate in this ministry contact Garilyn McColm or call 293-7865 which is the best way to contact me!
Peace with Justice Ministry Team: Our purpose is to build awareness and share information on peace with justice issues with the people of First United Methodist church. We also network with other Peace Ministries of the Fargo-Moorhead area and take part in and promote their programs and events. We meet periodically to promote peace activities in the community and raise congregational awareness. Our meetings are listed in the church newsletter "Messenger" and the weekly bulletin. Contact Jane Knecht or call 280-1281 OR May Pomeroy or call 281-0286
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 loosely organized group that range in skills from expert contest-winning quilters to novice knot-tiers. We meet on Tuesday afternoons in the downtown church lower level next to the Nursery from 1:00 - 3:00 PM September through May. Our quilts are given to families or individuals who are in distress... the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center, Churches United for the Homeless, YWCA Shelter, Highway Patrol and to the church's mission projects. We invite people to join us who have any of the following skills: measuring and cutting, laying out quilt designs, 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 Betty Larsen 232-6345
Reach Team: Reach is a team of volunteers who promote First United Methodist Church and church events in a professional manner. Starting in September, they will hold monthly meetings at The Gathering (3910 25 St S, Fargo) on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 PM. 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, contact Mark Gemar or call 237-3658. If you have a special church event you would like us to help you promote contact Mark as well!
Scrapbooking! The Scrapbooking group will meet on Fridays, at 6:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall at First Church 906 1st Ave. So. Come when you can, leave when you must. Bring a friend, bring your supplies. There will be lots of room to spread out.
BUT, Please....you will need to RSVP to LaVonne Horton at 293-7973 to let her know you are coming. Or e-mail her at LaVonne Horton even as late as Friday afternoon. Remember, when you come ring the buzzer as we keep the door locked for security reasons. We welcome YOU!
UMW (United Methodist Women): Why be a United Methodist Woman? 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. If you are interested in belonging to the UMW or if you just want to learn more contact Pam Kruse or 237-5864
Yahweh Yoga: This gentle yoga is for any members or community friends of First United Methodist Church who want to participate in weekly sessions on Fridays at 5:00-6:00 PM at the downtown church. The classes begin September 7th, we will NOT meet on Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 23, Dec. 21, 28 and Jan. 4. For the class you will need loose clothing, a blanket/yoga mat, and a strap or an old tie. This stress-reducing, spirit-reflecting class is for all levels. Contact Cammie Lamey or call 238-9522
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: 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 of FUMC that every young person be in healthy relationships of care, encouragement, and accountability with loving adults and faith-filled peers. September through May we meet at the downtown site in the Senior High Youth Room at 6:00 PM for supper on Wednesday night... followed by youth time. We also meet every Sunday 9:30 AM 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, Christian music concerts & festivals, 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!! Contact Karley Balgaard, Youth Director or call 866-3234
Worship Teams: Teams participate in the development and support of the 5 worship services including communion, music, themes and more. Contemporary worship contact is Burley Barnett or call 235-8229, for traditional worship Miranda Olson
55+ Club: This group is for anyone 55 and older who want to meet once a month for a coffee & conversation. Socials are every second Wednesday 9 a.m. at The Gathering, 3910 25th St South, Fargo. Coffee and a treat are served or occasionally we go on short trips to points of interest or attend events as a group. All are invited and welcome, be sure to bring friends and join in this social time. Contact JoAnn Nygard or call 367-1259 or Jean Prentice or call 218-233-5696
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
Softball Team: The adult softball team competing in the “Church League” is always looking for players. Games are on Wednesday nights. Contact Mark Winkelman or call 799-0877
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
