It seems like everyone these days is looking for something:  peace of mind, a way forward, or simply a chance to catch your breath.

I am new to this community of faith myself and I can tell you a little bit about what you will find.  You will find people who want to learn more about the Bible and who find every opportunity to do so.  You will find a warm welcome and people who want to know you a little bit better.  You will find great opportunities for fellowship among people who really care.

We hope that you might come and see where God is leading us at First UMC.  It just might be what you are looking for.

-Pastor Katie

Our church is located on the corner of Court Avenue and Marion Street in the middle of Marengo.  From Hwy 6, take Western Avenue into town and make a right turn onto Marion. 

Parking is available on both sides of the street Sunday mornings.

The Court Avenue entrance is also handicapped accessible.

Come as you are
Some of our members dress up, but many dress casually, and casual dress is always welcome.  We want you to be yourself!

Participate as much or as little as you would like
Our worship is liturgical - which is just a big fancy way of saying that it’s the work of the people.  There will be responses for the congregation to say as well as hymns and prayers to join in on.  If you don’t feel comfortable standing up or saying everything, then feel free to stay seated.  The same goes for our time of offering.  Your very presence is a gift and you shouldn’t feel obligated to give unless you want to.  We understand that following God is a journey and we are all at different places in the road.

Stay for coffee and fellowship
The Fellowship Hall, on the bottom level of the church, is where we gather following the service.  Come and say “hello” while enjoying a cup of coffee or juice and some goodies with others. 

First United Methodist Church invites into church membership any person wants to become a disciple of Jesus Christ.

New Member Classes will be held quarterly for anyone who is interested in joining the church. You are asked to attend the three one hour sessions, and then you may join our congregation through the following process:

WHAT IS ASKED OF ME?

Speak with Pastor Katie about your desire to become a member.
The pastor can help guide and direct you in your decision to become a member at First UMC, and to answer any questions you might have about Christianity, the United Methodist Church, and/or First United Methodist Church.

Attend our New Member Classes.
This is an opportunity for you to learn more about the history of the United Methodist Church, some of the unique things about our church as compared to others, as well as to look in depth at the vows that you will be making.

Take any appropriate vows of church membership.

1. By Transfer from Another Christian Church
This category is appropriate when you are on the active roll of another Christian church.
• When you have been previously baptized but have never actually joined a church. We ask you the vows of church membership (below).
• When you have neither joined a church nor been previously baptized. We baptize you in the body of Christ and ask you the vows of church membership (below).

2. By Reaffirmation of Your Faith in Christ
This category is appropriate either…
• When you have been previously baptized but have never actually joined a church. We ask you the vows of church membership (below).
• When you have neither joined a church nor been previously baptized. We baptize you in the body of Christ and ask you the vows of church membership (below).
In either case, we will lead you through a renewal of your membership vows (below). If desired, an opportunity for you to renew your baptismal vows may be included.

3. By Profession of Your Faith in Jesus Christ
This category is appropriate either…
• When you have been previously baptized but have never actually joined a church. We ask you the vows of church membership (below).
• When you have neither joined a church nor been previously baptized. We baptize you in the body of Christ and ask you the vows of church membership (below).

4. Affiliate Membership and Associate Membership
For those who desire to retain their membership in another church. Affiliate Membership (current United Methodists) and Associate Membership (current non-United Methodists) is also available.

THE VOWS OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
All new members and current members are asked to pledge the following:
Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and pledge allegiance to His Kingdom? --I DO.
Do you receive and profess the Christian faith as contained in the Bible? --I DO.
Do you promise according to the grace given to you to live a Christian life and always remain a faithful member of Christ’s holy Church? --I DO.
Will you support the mission and ministry of the United Methodist Church and uphold it by your Prayers, your Presence, your Witness, your Gifts, and your Service? --I WILL.

Regularly practice the following five expressions of Christian faith along with other members of First United Methodist Church

PRAYERS We commit to uphold the church through our prayers because we realize that we need God’s help in order to be the church.  When we pray for our pastor, for our teachers, for one another, and for those who may never even enter our doors, we express our dependence on God so that we might in turn both learn and practice the will of God in the world.

PRESENCE We commit to uphold the church through our regular presence, attendance, and participation in both worship and small groups within the church.  Worship is where we find spiritual guidance, comfort and strength and where we practice our faith so that we can carry it to the world. We also recognize that fellowship is an important part of the Christian faith and that we need one another along this journey. We are encouraged to find a Sunday School class, a Bible Study group, or another small group within the church that will help us to grow into the likeness of Christ.

WITNESS We commit to uphold the church through our witness both to one another and to the world. Whether it is through words or deeds, the lives that we live in the world reflect upon the one that we claim to serve.  We are encouraged to live as a Christian witness at home, at work, at school, and in our community.

GIFTS Our commitment to uphold the church through our gifts is a thankful response for all that God has given us. Such a commitment reminds us of our role as stewards over everything that God has entrusted to us. The giving of our financial resources also helps to establish and maintain the ministries of our worldwide church that no individual or single congregation could fund alone.

SERVICE Our commitment to uphold the church through our service further reflects our commitment to follow the example of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. God has blessed each one of us with talents and abilities and sharing these with one another is how we show love and gratitude to God and to one another. We are encouraged to not only discover the unique gifts we have been blessed with, but also to use them through participating in a ministry of the church.
We believe that consistent practice of these five expressions of our Christianity in and through our church is expected of each and every member, not only to feel “connected” with other Christians, but also to enable us to grow in our faith journey with Jesus Christ.