Pastoral Ministry
The clergy are always available to meet with you if you have any needs, concerns, or joys. Below are other ways to engage in your spiritual direction and journey. Feel free to contact them at the church office or stop by!
Stephen Ministry
Ever needed a Christian friend to be with you during a crisis, life change, difficult time, loss or hard experience? Stephen Ministry is a program that provides you one-on-one Christian friendship and support. Stephen Ministers are trained lay people who will be with you to listen, pray, and support you. Please contact Rev. Susan A. Heafner-Heun, Parish Minister and Stephen Leader for more information.
Congregational Care
The Congregational Care Committee is a group of congregation members who actively engage in the lives of our friends who are unable to physically participate in the life of church. This committee sends cards, makes phone calls, and visits those who may be at home or in an assisted living. C.B. Barr is the chair of this committee.
Friendship Club
Once a month the older adults of our congregation gather together for food, fellowship and laughter. Friendship Club provides an opportunity for friends to stay connected.
Respite Care
Volunteers work with children, youth, and adults with special needs from 6:30pm – 9:00pm on the first and third Thursday of each month. This gives parents a free night out. On Sundays there is also a Sunday school class for those who live with special needs.
Shepherds of Faith Cancer Support Group
A faith based cancer support group for those who are
living with cancer, those who have gone through cancer,
those who have cared or are caring for others with cancer.
This group offers spiritual support and encouragement.
Support Group Meetings will be held at First UMC, Stanley
(704-263-2691) and Myers Memorial UMC, Gastonia
(704-864-3222).
United Methodist Women – all women are invited to be a part of UMW which meets monthly. Women are in small circles of fellowship and are actively engaged in mission and outreach throughout the world.
United Methodist Men – all men are invited to be a part of UMM. The men meet monthly for fellowship and programming and help support the Boy Scouts
Youth Ministry
At First Methodist Church United Methodist Youth Fellowship you will find a place to belong and a place where you can be yourself. It is a place where you can bring your friends and make new friends. A place to have fun; go on road trips, serve others, learn about yourself and most importantly learn about God. If you are in 6 th – 12 th grades, FUMC United Methodist Youth Fellowship is the place to be!
Dive into Sunday Mornings, Go deeper into the UMYF community on Sunday Nights, and get involved with tons of other trips and events during the year.
Sunday Mornings
This ain’t no ordinary Sunday School Time
*The Gathering 9:45am—a time of food, fellowship, football picks and prizes for grades 6-12 th . Meet in room 303/305. Following the gathering everyone breaks off into classes.
UMYF
Sunday Evenings. Each week is something new and different.
6:15 P.M. Snack Supper
6:30 P.M. UMYF
Tuesday
7:00 AM Sr. High Prayer Breakfast @ Burger King (meets 1 st Tuesday of each month.)
Wednesday
3-5 PM – Tutoring at the West Gastonia Boys & Girl’s Club.
We minister regularly to our community by serving a meal at the Salvation Army; leading activities at the West Gastonia Boys and Girls Club; and through a partnership with
York Chester Middle School. |
