How Can I Make a Difference?

Welcome! You have come to the place where your direct involvement can begin. It is especially exciting that you are interested in joining with us to make a difference.

FUMC has a long and rich history of caring and showing God's love in the community, the city and around the world. We have opportunities that range from a commitment of just an hour each month to ongoing commitments. These range from ministries right here on campus to mission trips halfway around the world. Rest assured, we do have a place for you to share your gifts and talents in meaningful service. First Church has many opportunities for service -- through both our missions and outreach ministries.

A common misconception with a church of our size is that people think that we have enough help because we have so many members. Nothing could be further from the truth. We need everyone to serve.

When you give your gifts of service in the name of Christ, you are being the hands and feet of Christ. God loves your talents, your passions, and your heart to show His love and care. Of course, He could take care of all needs Himself, but that is not the point, nor his plan. By letting you and me participate, we learn to have the heart of a servant, as Christ taught us.

The first step is to prayerfully ask God to help you discover your gifts, His heart, your abilities, your personality, and your experience. (Contact the church to learn more about spiritual gifts).

Now, for the next step. Follow this website to the current volunteer opportunities. Look them over and see if anything jumps out at you. If you would like us to direct you through this process personally, call or e-mail us. It's worth the effort. Our goal is to help you find your place in ministry -- where God wants to use you to make a difference -- not to "recruit" you as a volunteer.

Don't see what you are looking for? If we don't have a particular ministry that you are interested in , with your help, we may be able to start one. This past year, we started the Prayer Shawl Ministry, because people came forward, wanting to use their gifts to show God's love.

Just remember -- we all have gifts to expand God's kingdom! Where do you fit in? Come on and jump right in. God is calling you.

How Do I Find What My Spiritual Gifts Are?

Here it is... an opportunity to take a spiritual gifts assessment at First United Methodist Church.

If you are unsure of your spiritual gifts, we offer a free assessment you can take to identify your unique strengths.  This information can be for your own knowledge and/or you may allow FUMC keep a copy of your assessment so that we will have information about your gifts on file in the Volunteer Office.

Please keep in mind that there are more attributes that enter into the full picture such as experience, resources, passion, talent, and individuality. If you would like to look at the bigger picture and learn more about yourself, please call Rev. Baker to schedule an individual conference. Enjoy finding the purpose for which you were made!

It's not too late to let us know in which volunteer ministry activities you would like to participate in 2007!

Think about the gifts God has given to you, particularly the spiritual gifts. Look in the Service Opportunities Catalog and see where you might share the gift of service using your spiritual gifts.

We are a very blessed country, as a church, and as individuals. What better way is there to show your appreciation than to give back to God? It is our hope that each and every person at FUMC will choose one volunteer activity and serve in that capacity with all his or her heart.

If you need help deciding where to share your gifts start with taking the spiritual gifts assessment. Even if you have been serving in a particular ministry, please fill out a comment card.