Who We Are!
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First Church has a rich heritage and is steeped tradition.
Our historic congregation traces its roots back to 1812 and the preaching of
Rev. Henry Stephenson, the first circuit riding Methodist preacher in Texas.
Our first building completed in 1892, was located on property donated by Miss
Mary Moore, daughter of Major John Moore, the first resident of Newton. From
the first site on the west side of Court House Square, the church erected its
second building in the present location in 1907. This was remodeled in the
1930’s and the present building was completed in 1956. Although we take pride
in looking back, we take even greater pride in how far we can look forward.
With a dedicated and committed laity and clergy team, our congregation invites and
welcomes visitors and new members to this church and new disciples to the
Kingdom of God. We invite you to participate in a discipleship that can
transform your life through faith in Christ Jesus and the power of the Holy
Spirit. We live in a time and place that offers us all the challenges and
opportunities anyone could hope for. Yet, the greatest need any one of us has
is, not just to be successful, but also to be significant in the way we live
out our lives. You are welcome here.
Our ministries are dedicated to nurturing individuals in strong Christian Principles to apply to daily life. From Christian education to prayer ministry, music ministry, and recreational activities, our programs are designed to relate to areas of personal growth, fellowship, and family. Through worship, we experience the presence of God. We gather in the Sanctuary at 10:45 AM to share our faith through scripture, sermon, and song. Through Christian education we seek to equip and nurture those who participate in our fellowship. Sunday School for all ages meets at 9:45 AM on Sunday mornings. Classes for adults are bible based and informal with coffee. On Sunday evening we have youth fellowship at 5:00 PM with a snack supper for the youth at 6:00 PM. At 6:30 PM we have an informal bible study for all ages.
Bring a part of the connectional ministry of the United Methodist Church, we intentionally support the concept of connection and the Mission and Purpose of the United Methodist Church and the Texas Annual Conference. .
The Mission of the United Methodist Church:
To Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
The Purpose of the Texas Annual Conference ( www.txcumc.org ):
To Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World
We also believe that God has called us to a special ministry in the Newton Community. We recognize and express that call through our Purpose in Ministry
First United Methodist Church Purpose in Ministry:
We serve the community, bring people to
Jesus Christ, worship in spirit and truth, and love as Christ loves.
Our "One Church", Ecumenical Ministry
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The pastor of First United Methodist Church, Joe Miller, takes very seriously the canonical heritage of the Church. One of the canons that has been passed down from generation to generation is the Nicene Creed which ends by expressing our belief in the "One, holy, catholic, and apostolic church". The apostle Paul struggled with maintaining unity within the churches he founded. I believe in One Body, One Church; First United Methodist Church is a part of the United Methodist Connection, and the United Methodist Church is part of the Body of Christ in this world; that is to say, we are part of the catholic or universal church. I do not claim to have all of the "answers" or the only correct doctrine or dogma. I claim that we are all the children of God and recognize no preeminence of our church among the many churches in the Newton Community. Hence, one of my ministries, that I feel called to do, is to bring the churches of the community together. Similarly, the church recognizes no distinction among people regardless of race, color, ethnicity, socio-economic level, or sex. Our only valid boasting can be about what Christ has done for us. As Paul said in Galatians 3:28: "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus." Therefore, to bring all people together within one church is what I feel called to do. At the same time, a group of local churches working together to transform the community is the best practical way to bring the Grace of God to people. Many of the local churches are too small to accomplish a lot alone, but the power of the Holy Spirit moving through "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church" can help bring about the Kingdom of God in the Newton Community. And that is what the church has been called to do. I feel called to bring FUMC alongside other churches in the community to work together to accomplish Christ's mission. Ecumenical events are very important to us. Several are highlighted at the following links: Christmas Groceries and Toys for Needy Families 2008 Thanksgiving Groceries for Needy Families 2008 Day Camp 2007 With Community Church Christmas Turkeys for Needy Families Thanksgiving Turkeys for Needy Families New Beginning Church of God in Christ Connection Vacation Bible School and The Mark and Lydia Bean Youth Center St. Paul's Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Connection Fellowship of Christian Athletes Breakfast
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"Special" Church Events Occasionally, we will host special worship services or celebrations with our church community. These may be annual events or one-time occurrences. When it is possible to take pictures without disturbing the event, we show these on this website. This picture of our activities presents a flavor of who we are, and it captures a memory for those who participated. Rev. Goodrich Preaching at FUMC Day Camp 2007 With Community Church Glory Special Music Worship Service "Christmas" Party at the Parsonage Program by Seabrook United Methodist Church
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