Ministries

Music

Chancel Choir

Dedicated to spreading God's word through the power of music, the Chancel Choir of First United Methodist Church is a vital music ministry. This group of dedicated volunteer singers enjoy singing as an offering to God. The Chancel Choir provides music for Sunday worship three to four times a month, September through Pentecost Sunday in June. In addition to regular Sunday services, the choir presents seasonal and special offerings.

We invite you to learn more about our choir and join us for rehearsals which are held Wednesday evenings beginning at 7:30, and Sunday mornings at 10:00. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in singing. If you're interested in joining our choir, please contact Carolyn Cappel, director, ccappel@iw.net. We trust that you will find participating in the Chancel Choir an enriching, educating, and enjoyable experience.

Bell Choirs

The handbell choirs at First United Methodist Church strive to glorify God through their music. A three octave set of Malmark Handbells was given in memory of Rev. Charles Richardson in the 1980s. Recently, C#6-C7 bells have been added through memorials gifts from the families of Marliyn Prince, Marge Petersen, and memorial funds.

The bell choirs meet from September through May and perform in worship services each month. Through area festivals, members learn new techniques and are able to work with renowned handbell conductors and composers.

The Jubilee Bell choir includes members from high school to adult. The Youth Bell Choir includes youth from seventh through twelfth grades. The Kingdom Bells meet during the fall for students in second through sixth grades. The bell choirs are directed by Sue May.

Praise Team

Confirmation

Confirmation is a program that lasts one year and is led by two instructors from Sept-May on Sunday mornings during the Sunday School hour. The class will go over material that will prepare them for Confirmation Sunday. Currently we are going to start using a new program called Credo. Starting in January, the Pastor will lead the class on Wednesday nights also. Each student will be assigned a mentor, and all will attend the Wednesday night classes together along with continuing to go on Sunday mornings. They are Confirmed in late-April or early-May. This class is held for eighth grade students, and they are asked to show good attendance in order for good preparation for Confirmation Sunday

Sunday School

Sunday School Classes are available for all ages starting at 3 years of age and up. A nursery is available for all younger students. At present we hold Sunday School from 10:15-11:30 on Sunday mornings right after the first church service. We have 6th and 7th grades held together in the Jr. High room. The Sr. High room is available for students in grades 9,10,11 and 12. We also have two adult Sunday School Classes available and a Women's Bible Study available each Sunday morning. There is coffee fellowship in the fellowship hall. Each year the Sunday School children have the chance to participate in Round- Up Sunday, The Christmas Program, and we try to have them sing during services a couple times a year. It is a nice way to make friends and to grow in a relationship with Christ.

Vacation Bible School

This is a fall program that lasts one week and is based around a different theme each year. This year, the theme is Pandamania and is all about how important the children are to God. We have the children divide into groups, and each group gets the chance to experience singing, crafts, story time, games and snacks. We have different committees from the church lead different sections, and this is a great way to get the whole church involved and learn more about each other. It has proven to be a great time for all, and many memories are created for a lifetime. This is a wonderful program to get all involved and learn about Christ and his love for us. Consider joining us and finding out what the theme will be for each new year. We even provide supper for the family before the evening program starts. Come on in and join the fun.

KFC (Kids for Christ)

The middle school aged youth group is actively named Kids For Christ (KFC). The youth of KFC try to reflect Christ in all of the multiple and various activities they participate in. Our goal each year is to go on at least one mission trip, one education trip, one fun trip (usually a tubing trip to Great Bear in Sioux Falls), two destination unknowns (where the youth aren’t taken to a surprise location for worship), two lockins, a district wide rally, youth ministry sponsored events within the community, and weekly Wednesday night fun and fellowship with a sharing of scripture and devotions. Come and join us on Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm.

Sr. High Youth

The Sr. High youth ministry at FUMC strives to grow disciples of Jesus Christ by giving youth opportunities to grow in their faith through lessons, Bible studies, worship, mission projects both locally and away from home, and fellowship. We currently meet on Wednesday nights. We give the youth the opportunity to attend conference events, and every other year we take a big trip either to the International UM Youth Gathering or a conference sponsored mission trip.