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upcoming events 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Crafting with a Cause - Saturday, April 27 @ 10AM - 1PM

No Community Meal on May 16

Yard Sale @ First Church - Friday, May 17 / Saturday, May 18, Light Lunch Served

WILD WEDNESDAY Kick off for the Summer @ First Church - June 12 @ 5:30PM

Community Block Party - Thursday, June 27 @ 2PM

Paris, Third Avenue & First Church Worship together @ First Church with Bishop Bard - Sunday, June 30 @ 10AM

Third Avenue Block Party - Sunday, August 11 - Details coming soon!

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CHURCH CONFERENCE VOTE RESULTS

After much prayer, discussion, and discernment, the congregations of First, Paris, and Third Ave United Methodist Churches have all voted to merge into what will be known as United Methodist Ministries of Mecosta County.

 

This decision marks a significant milestone in our journey as communities of faith. By coming together, we believe we can better serve our members and our community, living out the Gospel in more vibrant and impactful ways.

 

The next step in this process will be the formation of a transition team. This team will be tasked with guiding us through the merger process, ensuring that it is as smooth and seamless as possible. We will keep you updated on the progress and developments regarding the transition team.

 

Additionally, as part of the merger process, we will conduct a membership audit. This audit is crucial as it gives our current members the opportunity to decide if they want to transfer their membership to United Methodist Ministries of Mecosta County, transfer to another local church, or withdraw their membership altogether. To facilitate this process, a letter, along with a self-addressed stamped response card, will be mailed to all current members within the next two weeks. Your prompt attention to this matter will greatly assist us in ensuring an accurate and smooth transition. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

 

As we embark on this new chapter together, let us celebrate this decision as a positive step forward in faithfully being the church in our community. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the ways in which we can continue to grow and serve together.

 

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our shared ministry. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

crafting with a cause - april 27 @ 10AM - 1PM

We will be crafting for three causes.  Lunch bag decorating, plarn and mats for those sleeping on the ground, and fleece tie blankets.  We will continue cutting our fleece blankets, tying a few, and feel free to bring some kits to donate, if you're able.  Believe it or not, Angels of Action is almost out of the 600 blankets donated less than a year ago. The need is great. Please bring fabric scissors, size Q crochet hooks for mats, and other supplies for tying blankets.  We are still looking for a donated lunch if this interests you.  See you in Fellowship Hall @ First Church.

CHURCH YARD SALE - MAY 17-18

Members of our Community Meal Team, Cheryl Richardson and Nancy Spedowski, are coordinating a church yard sale May 17-18 in Fellowship Hall (and the back parking lot). Proceeds from the sale will be applied toward the cost of purchasing new equipment for the kitchen. To date we have received / raised around $5,500 and expect that the total project will cost between $25-$30,000. You may drop off your sale items in Fellowship Hall during office hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday the week of the sale. Questions? Please contact the church office (231-796-7771).

wild wednesday @ first church kick off

Wild Wednesday @ First Church kicks off for the summer on June 12 @ 5:30PM.  Wild Wednesday is a weekly summer ministry for children ages sPreK-5th grade.  There will be tons of fun, food, games, crafts, stories, and so much more!  To volunteer, or for registration information, contact the church office.

community block party - June 27 @ 2PM

This is our second annual Block Party in partnership with Angels of Action, Salvation Army, Ten 16 Network, Corewell Mecosta County Sheriff's Office, Big Rapids Department of Public Safety, and more!  Volunteer sign up is located in the Fellowship Hall at First Church or by calling the church office.

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL HELP

Throughout the school year our Sunday School Leaders and Assistants have dedicated their Sunday mornings working with our children. We continue Sunday School during the summer months, and we need extra help to cover vacations and to give our regular helpers a break. All lessons are completely planned and prepared. You will be emailed a copy of the lesson the week before and all you have to do is show up on your Sunday. If you have one Sunday or several when you’d be available to help, please contact our Director of Family Ministries, Julie Setlock, at julie@bigrapidsfirst.org.

Volunteer Opportunity - Memorial Garden

Spring is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about getting the Memorial Garden up and running - and maintaining that beautiful space throughout the spring / summer seasons. If you are interested in serving as a part of the Memorial Garden care team, please contact the church office, or reach out to Toinette Wicks. 

First church text line

We're thrilled to introduce a new way to stay connected and informed - introducing our First Church Text Line!  Now you can send prayer requests and receive event updates and cancellations right to your phone.  It's quick, easy, and FREE!

To subscribe, simply text "subscribe" to 833-204-1452.  All event updates, including cancellations, will also be announced via email and posted to our Facebook page.  If you have any questions about the service, or have difficulty registering, please contact the church office at 231-796-7771.

Disclaimer:  While the service is free, please be aware that standard text message rates may apply depending on your cell carrier.  Check with your carrier for details.

Free Community MEal         

First Church serves a FREE MEAL every Thursday in our Fellowship Hall.  The doors open at 4:30PM for a time of fellowship and community building, and dinner is served from 5:30 - 6:00PM.  Come and enjoy a great meal, and get to know some of the amazing people in your community!  If you would like to volunteer to serve at Community Meal, please contact the church office at 231-796-7771 or via our Contact Us page, found HERE.

AA Meetings

Paris United Methodist Church - Tuesday & Thursday @ 7-8PM and Saturday @ 11AM - 12PM

Third Avenue United Methodist Church - Monday, Tuesday & Friday @ 12-1PM and Friday, 6-7AM

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