Ministries and Missions

Stephen Ministry - Stephen Ministry is a ministry in our congregation in which trained, supervised lay persons, called Stephen Ministers, provide one-on-one confidential Christian care to individuals facing life challenges or difficulties. Stephen Ministry was founded in 1975 in St. Louis. It is a transdenominational program which now has enrollment of over 9,000 churches in all 50 states, 9 Canadian provinces and 22 other countries. More than 50,000 people (pastors, church staff and laypersons) have been trained as Stephen Leaders who in turn have trained more than 450,000 laypersons to be Stephen Ministers. It is estimated that over one million persons have received one-on-one individualized care through Stephen Ministry since 1975. 

 

The PBS "Religion and Ethics" news show recently aired an eight-minute feature on Stephen Ministry that vividly describes the life-changing ministry happening in thousands of congregations.  View the Stephen Ministry feature on the PBS Web site, where you'll also find several bonus features--including a nine-minute interview with Stephen Ministries' founder and executive director, Kenneth C. Haugk.

        

Elizabeth Ministry - Elizabeth Ministry is an outreach by the members of the congregation to women during the childbearing years. The purpose of this ministry is to affirm, support, encourage and assist women and their families by providing a direct response to their specific needs. An Elizabeth Minister offers a link between the broader church community and the families of the local congregation.

Chancel Choir - Our Chancel Choir, under the direction of Dr. Woodrow Hodges, practices on Thursday evenings at 7:15 p.m. and sings at the 10:30 a.m. service September through mid June.

 

Bond Bell Ringers - Highly accomplished bell choir under the direction of Carol Hodges rehearses each Thursday night at 6:15 p.m. in the choir room.  They offer musical witness the third Sunday of each month at the 10:30 a.m. service.

 

Heritage Singers - This group of women offer Gospel and traditional songs at the 8:00 a.m. service.

 

Cherub Choir - Children in Pre-K through 2nd grade are invited to be a part of this choir, led by Kati Hornickel, our Director of Christian Education.  The children practice the first 15 minutes of Sunday School each week and sing on the first Sunday of the month.

 

Wesley Choir - Under the direction of Kati Hornickel, the Wesley choir is for children in 3rd - 8th grades.  The children practice Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. and sing on the second Sunday of the month. 

 

Carillon Bells Children's Bell Choir - Children in 3rd thru 8th grade are invited to participate in this exciting ministry.  Kathy Carroll and Rob Redden introduce children to the wonders of music through their direction of bells and chimes.  Children's Bell Choir rehearses on Monday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and witness at various times throughout the year.

 

M.A.D. Camp - Each summer, Kris Brown and Karen Armstrong spearhead a weeklong Music And Drama Camp for the children of First Church, who learn and produce an entire Bible-based musical in a week. 

 

Praise Band - Our Praise Band consists of a lively group of singers and instrumental musicians who provide the music at various services throughout the year.

 

UMW - The United Methodist Women is a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.  The UMW at First Church has 5 circles and a book club, all of which meet once a month.  For more information, you may call Santhy Krass, president, at 694-0193 or Jane Frietag, Vice-President, at 654-4179.

Covenant Groups - First Church has a number of Covenant Groups that meet weekly to share accountability in their spiritual development.  If you are interested in joining this ministry, contact the church office at 658-3213.

 

Caring Ministries - First United Methodist Church partners with the Salvation Army in serving the area's needy.  The Caring Ministries Food Pantry is open daily and is always in need of donations.  Contact the Salvation Army at 262-564-0286 for more information.  Keep an eye on bulletins and newsletters for current needs.

 

Thanksgiving Dinner - Each year, parishioners create a warm and home-like atmosphere in which a free Thanksgiving meal is hosted for any who wish to attend.  The dinner is at 12:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, and the church is buzzing with activity both that day and the day before preparing for the meal.

 

CUSH - Congregations United to Serve Humanity is a coalition of faith communities in the Kenosha area joined together to educate, advocate and empower people.

 

Youth in Mission - Each year First Church youth, along with the help of parents and leaders, raise money at the "Strawberry Festival" to fund their yearly mission trip and other mission activities. 

 

Missions Support - Our church supports world-wide missions through the payment of apportionments and "Special Sundays" thoughout the year.  We also support the Janecke family, members of First Church who are serving with Christian Veterinary Mission in Bolivia.