Portland's FUMC: About First Church

Living a Vibrant Faith: Believing, Thinking, Acting

About Portland First United Methodist Church

PORTLAND FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH is a part a wordlwide denomination known as the United Methodist Church. First Church is one of many congregations in the metro area and around the world. We are made stronger by our connection with other churches.

Our faith is guided by Scripture, tradition, experience and reason. We believe that each of us is called to participate in the ministry of Jesus Christ. John Wesley, put it plainly, "Do all the good you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can." This spirit is alive and well at First Church.

Vibrant In Believing

WORSHIP is a vital part of the First Church experience. The pastors, lay leaders, music staff and Chancel Choir are dedicated to leading meaningful and uplifting worship experiences. Our regular worship service is at 10:30 AM every Sunday morning. Communion is served the first Sunday of each month.

Embracing our Methodist heritage, we affirm God's claim upon our lives and actively invest our hearts, minds and resources to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. We respect diversity of belief. In this spirit, we want to be a place where people can explore and expand their spiritual lives, striving to make God's love visible in this world.

Vibrant In Thinking

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES at First Church are many and varied, ranging from Sunday School classes to forums on significant issues of the day. We seek to:

encourage those who call First Church home to participate in study and fellowship as individuals.
create a sense of inquiry to grow in faith.
respect and listen to the views of others.
nurture a sense of spirituality in each other.
connect our faith to public life.
confront the issues of our time in thoughtful, effective ways.

Vibrant In Acting

SERVICE is a vital part of the life of First Church. We have a commitment to put our faith into action. We seek to:

be a compassionate, caring, justice-oriented people.
come together in fellowship.
communicate with one another about things that matter.
use music as a way to enhance our worship of God.
work to eradicate the poverty of mind, body and spirit.
commit ourselves to be a significant voice in the world — both locally and globally.
nurture each person's potential as a whole and loved gift of God.