First United Methodist Church offers opportunities for adults of all generations to grow in their faith through spiritual practices, study, and fellowship.
Note: Click on a tab/button below to view each ministry category.
Adult Faith Formation
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The Adult Faith Formation mission is to develop, nurture, and enhance spiritual growth through experience, reflection, prayer and study. This mission is carried out through programs, classes, events, field trips and small groups, with a focus on topics that will enrich and foster personal growth and promote a lifelong commitment to God. Watch First Wire electronic newsletters for the latest offerings.
THE HAGEN LECTURE
May 1, 2023
More Information:
Jorge Montiel, lead organizer for (Coloraradans for the Common Good) Coloradans for the Common Good and Mountain Voices Project will deliver the Richard Hagen Lecture at
7 p.m. May 1 at First United Methodist Church, 1005 Stover Street, Fort Collins. His presentation is titled “Crucibles of Democracy: Institutions, Power and Public Life.”
The lecture is free. Donations to the endowment are welcome. Nursery is available for infants to age 5.
The Hagen Lecture honors the late Richard Hagen, Ph.D., a longtime member of Fort Collins First United Methodist Church who personified the qualities of a lifelong learner. Donate here to support the lecture fund.
Coloradans for the Common Good and Mountain Voices Project are affiliates of the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) https://www.industrialareasfoundation.org/mission, the oldest community organizing group in the United States. For information on the project to start a new IAF affiliate in Northern Colorado, contact David Reid of Fort Collins First United Methodist Church at or Zac Johnson of the Northern Colorado UniServ Unit at .
Church and Society Committee
Healing the Divide
The social and political divide in 2020 may not be totally unique to our generation, but few would disagree that this dark divide is destructive to our civil society. Recently I have been newly convinced that the way forward toward healing is going to be dependent on faith communities. For those of us from the Abrahamic traditions, but also traditions with other roots, the common theme is respect for everyone and responsibility for not perpetuating hate and conflict.
The dialogue surrounding the issues of racism today includes anti-racism and forming alliances. We with commitments from within widely diverse faith communities have challenging opportunities for developing successful alliances.
Don Gaymon
Member, FCFUMC Church and Society Committee
From the Desk of Susan Henry-Crowe, The United Methodist Church, Church and Society
“Since the beginning of the Methodist Movement, in Britain in the mid-1700s, with the establishment of Kingswood College (a school that educated children regardless of class background) for boys as well girls (which was nearly unheard of) with the mission of educating the society has stamped and shaped Methodist identity. From that moment on, education has marked the individual’s faith with the desire to be learned and for civil society to be educated.
The Social Principles of the UMC state:
‘We believe that every person has the right to education. We also believe that the responsibility for education of the young rests with the family, faith communities, and the government. In society, this function can best be fulfilled through public policies that ensure access for all persons to free public elementary and secondary schools and to post-secondary schools for their choice. We affirm the joining of reason and faith (Paragraph 164.E)’”
Classes
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Open Hearts Class
Sundays, ongoing, Village Commons
11 a.m.–noon
Contact: Gordon Smith,The Open Hearts class provides its adult members with opportunities to learn, build relationships, and share with those in need. The class explores a variety of subjects using books, DVDs, guest speakers, and study leaders from either inside or outside the class. Projects, activities, and social events are an integral part of the class. We invite adults of all ages to participate and become long-term members of the class.
Samaritan Class
Sundays, ongoing, Parlor
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Contacts: Dean Daggett, 224-1125, or Warren Mauk, 482-3012
Discussion topics range from Bible study, the history of our (Methodist) faith and church, current issues of importance, and applying Christian teachings to everyday life.
The class meets from September through July. Coordinators, who assume leadership every quarter, plan and develop the schedule.
The class holds a fellowship potluck monthly.
Serendipity Class
Sundays, ongoing, Village Commons
9:15–10:15 am
Contact: Wayne Viney, 482-8269
The Serendipity Class, founded in the early 1960s, has been dedicated from its inception to the Wesleyan belief that spiritual truths are discerned through experience, reason, scripture, and tradition. The class is also committed to the idea that revelation is ongoing so there are always genuine new truths to be discovered.
Studies have included the history of the relations between science and religion and books such as Jeff Sharlet’s The Family, Stephen Prothero’s God is Not One, Paul Froese and Christopher Bader’s America’s Four Gods, and Charles Kimble’s When Religion Becomes Evil.
The class also supports outreach projects such as Safe House and Village Earth. New members are always welcome!
Upper Room Sunday School Class
Sundays, ongoing, Room 235 Education Wing
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Contact: Margaret Hotze, 223-8539
This is a small group of couples and singles involved in Bible-based study for contemporary application and fellowship. Past studies include Companions in Christ, described as “a powerfully transforming experience in spiritual formation, opening lives to a deeper relationship with God.” We have studied the Scriptures as interpreted by Max Lucado, Phillip Yancey, and Richard Foster, among others, and dug deeply into the lives of several people of note such as Martin Luther King, Henri Nouwen, Mahatma Gandhi, and Mother Theresa.
A social activity is held at least once each quarter outside of the church. Discussion is essential to this group and everyone is welcome. Videos
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Videos and Recordings of Past Events
Small Groups
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Click to view or download brochure for Life Together Groups and sign up for the group or groups that interest you.
Group ministries at First United Methodist Church are dynamic and organic. Groups large and small are constantly forming for a wide variety of purposes – spiritual formation, book study, prayer, Bible study, fellowship, music, physical or mental health, theological reflection, a domestic or international mission trip, exploration of a social issue. Participants may learn a new spiritual practice or learn to practice a craft or art spiritually.
A new group may form to prepare for a liturgical season, such as Lent or Advent. Another may form in anticipation of a guest speaker. The group may be age-specific, for adults of all ages, or intergenerational. Members may choose to convene for something as brief as two one-hour sessions, or they may meet weekly for decades and move through life stages together. Sometimes, groups form simply to provide a specific service to the church, the community, or the world.
There is no top-down system of group ministry at FUMC. Groups form where there is a need and when leadership is identified.
What holds this broad package of group ministries together?- The assurance of Jesus in Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them.” (CEB)
- A staff or clergy liaison for each group, even if the liaison does not participate regularly in the group.
- A small set of best practices: A prayer or meditation when the group convenes; a sense of Christian community that fosters caring and mutual respect; good stewardship of resources.
- FUMC’s Long Range Plan, which commits us to form groups that involve more people in the life of the church and orients us to look outward to provide service to the community.
Christianity is practiced in community. Our largest groups are those who assemble on Sunday mornings for corporate worship. Other groups gather any day of the week at the church, in homes, or in other venues where people choose to congregate, including those that draw us closer to the natural world. Participation in any of these groups is part of practicing what it means to be a Christian in the twenty-first century.
Women
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Commision on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW)
Why: Ensures full participation of women in the life and mission of the church.
Who: All advocates of women are welcome
When: Monthly meetings focus on the needs of church women
What: Supports women's pastors’ ministry. Plans activities meaningful to FCFUMC women.
Contact: Alyce Kaehler, 484-1463
United Women in Faith, (UWFaith)
formerly United Methodist Women (UMW)
What We Are: Approximately 125 women in our church belong to UWFaith, a world-wide organization approaching 1 million strong. United Women in Faith is that group of women in each church organized for mission and it “shall be 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 Book of Discipline)
General Meeting: We meet once a month as a unit, usually on the 2nd Thursday, at 11:20 a.m. over a coffee, brunch, or a luncheon. Each meeting consists of singing, devotions, good food, interesting programs, and a little membership business. Sometimes unit meetings are held at noon on a Sunday instead, so keep an eye out for the month’s calendar. Click here to view the Program Schedule.
Circle Meetings: UWFaith also provides an opportunity to meet in smaller groups called “circles” for study and closer fellowship. Each circle supports at least one local mission project as well as the wider missions of the general unit and the Rocky Mountain Conference. Our unit currently has 5 Circles representing a range of ages and meeting times. Our bulletin board is in the South Hall with current schedule. Keep an eye on it and FirstWire for particular information each month. Also Instagram.com (search for) #fcfumc_Uwomenfaith
Visitors and New Members Always Welcome!
Circles and Meetings
Want more information? For more information about UMW or the Circles, contact Annette Halverson, 1-307-680-1114 or Rita Bee 970-215-7857 (or should this be Karen?)
Abigail: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays - 6:00 p.m. Parlor, Contact Mary Ann Kertulla 970-219-6747, Ellen Bode 970-484-8231
Hannah: 3rd Thursday – 6:00 p.m.,
Contact Julie Walsh – 970-218-6009 or Marilee Rowe 970-482-5890
Lois: 4th Thursday at 10 00 a.m.
Contact Sharon Wilshusen 970-324-5421 or Shirley Myers – 970-797-2438
Ruth: 4th Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
Contact Beverly Winsett – 970-484-8447 or Jeri Neely 970-377-9952
Sarah: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.
Contact Gloria Roop – 970-223-5584 or Barbara Traut – 970-219-7593
Broader Websites:
Conference: www.mtnskyumw.org
National: https://uwfaith.org/events/calendar/Facebook: www.facebook.com/uwomenfaith/
Online Communities: http://umwonline.org
Mission Resource Center: www.missionresourcecenter.orgMonday Moms
Why:
- Engage in self-guided programs based on interests of the group
- Support one another, discuss issues related to parenting, relationships, and women’s health
Who: Mothers of young children are encouraged to attend
How: Childcare is offered at no cost
When: Mondays during the school year 9:15–10:15 a.m.
Where: FUMC Parlor
Women's Book Club
Why: Read novels chosen by members
How: Variety of life and faith issues are explored
Who: All women are welcome
When: Third Monday of each month - 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Jayme Harper
Click Here to download the reading list
Shawl Ministry
Why: Create warm shawls for people in need
Who: Any knitter and crotchetier of any skill level is welcome
When: Third Saturday of each month from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Where: Parlor
Contact: Elva Alden-Petring, 482-0983
Prayer and Share Group
Why: A small group that meets weekly to share concerns and a time of intercession.
Who: Everyone is welcome / Drop-ins welcome
When: Every Tuesday 10:00 a.m. - noon
Where: Upper Room Classroom
Contact: Margaret Hotze, , 970-223-8539
Men
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FUMC serves and is served by the men of the church in many ways. The men are largely responsible for maintaining the landscaping around the church. A group of men leads in the distribution of wreaths in December.
Thursday Bible Study
A Thursday Bible study breakfast is hosted at 6:30 a.m. at the Breakfast Club, 121 W. Monroe (corner of Monroe & Mason). This Bible study is led by Rev. Bob Firebaugh, a retired UMC elder.
Adventures in Faith
This men's study group meets at 8 a.m. Sunday in the Village Commons. The group's goal is to build our relationship with God and each other through weekly fellowship, periodic outings that take advantage of our beautiful surroundings and the diverse interests of the group's members, and an annual retreat. Contact Nick Rohrbacker at for more information.
Seniors
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Senior Ministry at FUMC draws participants aged 50 to 100+ who want to connect to activities and events that foster opportunities for fellowship, recreation, and opportunities for service to others in the context of the Christian community – persons of all ages and faiths, though are always welcome! Options abound as do the wide-ranging interests of our participants.
Both large and small group events and activities are regularly on the calendar, planned and overseen by the Senior Council. Council meetings, scheduled quarterly, are open to anyone interested in participating in the planning process.Monthly & Weekly Programs
Third Thursday Lunch is a smaller monthly gathering that begins at 11:30 a.m. and moves to a different nearby restaurant each month. It especially offers newcomers a good way to get to know others – participants may come once or regularly. This lunch does not meet in the months of June and July.
OK Chorale is a singing group led by some of our Senior Council members for folks with memory issues or diagnoses and their friends and encouragers - it's open to all who love to sing old favorites of a variety of styles from decades past. This group meets each 1st and 3rd Thursday from 3–4 p.m. in the Village Commons room, 2nd floor of the church, and is part of our FUMC Congregational Care Ministry.
Grief Support Group: FUMC Seniors have a special history with the ongoing grief support group of our church, currently led by a Senior Council member and part of our FUMC Congregational Care Ministry. This group is open to all ages, but seniors are generally part of the mix. This always open and welcoming group has been offering support to church and community members of various faiths every Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the church conference room for over ten years.
Senior Birthday Recognition: Birthday cards are sent to seniors in the congregation who are celebrating milestone birthdays – 80 years and older! Everyone who participates in our monthly Double Nickel Lunch is invited to sign these cards which are mailed out monthly.
First Friday Bridge is an open monthly event in the church parlor each first Friday of the month at 6:30 p.m. New players of various skill levels are always welcome! Refreshments are served. Call Mary Ann Henke, 223-8725, or Thelma Mauk, 482-3012, to make reservations.Other Programs
Intergenerational Caroling: Each December we gather at the church to get on the van with church members of all ages to sing to homebound members around the town. More than one time is planned to accommodate our volunteer singers and the many who they will visit. Watch for details in our church publicity each fall.
Volunteer Opportunities abound for seniors at FUMC Fort Collins. A wide range of seniors volunteer to make senior ministry possible and are also involved in various ministry programs of the church that serve the congregation and people in the community and beyond. These include Faith Family Hospitality, Congregational Care Visitation Team, Love in Action, FUMC Transportation Ministry, and the welcoming ministries of greeting and ushering. Seniors are active in our teaching, music, library, and various outreach ministries. You will see them serving in numerous areas that reach out to others of all ages, and intergenerational events are welcome!