First United Methodist Church

Service Times

9am Contemporary | 11am Traditional

Renovate – New Sermon Series Starting Jan. 9th!


During January and February, we will be reflecting on the Old Testament book of Nehemiah. It’s a story of compassion, courage, and faithfulness. Above all, it speaks about how God works in our world to bring restoration.

As a key leader rebuilding Jerusalem after Israel’s exile in Babylon, Nehemiah puts his life on the line. He boldly asks for the necessary resources, unites the people, seeks justice, and overcomes resistance. It’s one of my favorite stories in the Bible.

I choose it because it reminds me of the season we are in as a church family. Right now, we are emerging from
a pandemic that has altered the way we live out our faith. Like Nehemiah, we mourn the loss of what has been. And yet, like Nehemiah, we are ready to do something about it! There is so much to reclaim about the past. And there is tremendous opportunity to create an even greater future.

We are calling the series – “Renovate”. On staff, I had been joking about RE-novating (in line with the other series of RE-setting and RE-joicing). But then I discovered that “novate” is actually a word! It means to replace with a new contract, which seems appropriate. Part of Nehemiah’s story is a rededication of the Israelites to a new life under God. They finish the walls and create a new contract, so to speak.

With that in mind, we will be looking at several faith practices that appear in Nehemiah and which help Israelites in their quest to rebuild. Practices of lament and confession and prayer and fasting. Our goal is to spend some time in these practices corporately. We believe they will help us focus on who God calls us to be as a church family! I invite you to join us as we ponder and reflect on the story of Nehemiah. And I encourage you to invest more than 20 minutes (the length of a sermon) a week in learning its rich lessons. Be sure to read and do some research yourself!

~ Rev. David Miller, Senior Pastor


We invite you to read and meditate on the Book of Nehemiah!

Angels | Devotion from Pastor Rachel

Shepherds | Advent Devotion from Pastor Philip

Sanctuary Renovation Update from Pastor David & Claud Smith

December 2021 Church Update

Exciting things are happening in our church family! Please take time to review this church update and join us in prayer over God’s work in our church.

Be on the lookout! In the next few days, you will receive a physical copy of this newsletter in the mail.

Inn Keeper | Advent Devotion from Pastor Rachel

Joseph | Advent Devotion from Pastor Philip

Sunday Morning Schedule Decision | Update from Pastor David & Ben Howell

4 Pillars Counseling & Enrichment Center is OPEN!

4 Pillars Counseling and Enrichment Center had a ribbon cutting on December 2, 2021. We are so excited to introduce Jessica, Chanay, and Tom as our counselors. In 2022, we will have enrichment workshops, support groups, and other growth activities for our church family and community. We are so thankful for the support of the Trustees, Marcy Trust, our board, and the whole church community for bringing this vision into reality. If you would like more information on services or how you can be involved in this mission, contact Kalli Turner kallit@fumcwp.org.


Mary | Advent Devotion from Pastor Rachel