There are many different ways to plug in to the vital ministries at First UMC. If you want to grow in your relationship with Christ and others through study, please check out our Small Groups and Bible Studies. If you want to know more about how to connect with service opportunities both locally and globally, check out our information on Missions. For more on how First UMC connects with Pontiac, scroll down to our Community Connections. If you would like to be a part of a serving opportunity within the church, connect with our Committee Leaders, or take a look at the Connection Ministries listed below. Most of all, give us a chance to get to know your desires, so we might better help you and your family connect with Jesus Christ. Give a call to our office, or send us an email, so that we can learn more about who you are!
Get plugged in!
Connection Ministries
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
The United Methodist Women of Pontiac First meet the first Wednesday of each month at various locations throughout the community. The UMW is divided into separate groups called circles, at present there are three circles. View our calendar for times and locations.
PARISH NURSE MINISTRY
The Role of the Parish Nurse is to assist members of the congregation to become more aware of their health and move toward a fuller sense of wholeness by providing physical, emotional, and spiritual care for individuals and their families. They serve as health educators, health counselors, and advocates in assisting the congregational members to find their way through the health care systems. To utilize this service, call the church office and ask that one of the parish nurses return your call. Contact Parish Nurses Mary Lauher or Karen Hildreth for more information.
TECHNICAL ARTS MINISTRY
The Technical Arts Ministry provides a very important service at the church, particularly on Sunday mornings. Both sound and projection falls under the Technical Arts heading. Faithful volunteers run sound at all three of our worship services and at special events throughout the year. Projection is also an important part of the Technical Arts Ministry. It is used at our 8:15 AM Blended service and our 10:45 AM Contemporary service and for other special events. Currently we use Microsoft PowerPoint for all our projection needs. For more information about the Technical Arts Ministry contact the Bob Long (815.844.3020 - bob.long1(at)mchsi(dot)com).
RANDY SPIRES MEMORIAL CHILDREN'S FUND
The Randy Spires Memorial Children's Fund was established after the unfortunate death of Judge Randy Spires, a longtime member of FirstUnitedMethodistChurch and friend to the entire community of Pontiac. With the financial donations the Randy Spires Memorial Children's Fund receives, teachers and staff in PontiacSchool District 429 can provide for the needs of children throughout the community. Assistance provided includes personal items (deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.), clothing, and shoes. For more information on donating to, or making use of the Randy Spires Memorial Children's Fund contact Ruth Schlosser (844.6394 ▪schloss4(at)verizon(dot)net).
Community Connections
LIVINGSTON COUNTY COMMUNITY PANTRY
The Rev. Gordon Peabody Memorial Food Pantry was so successful it expanded to the Livingston County Community Pantry now located at 420 N. Plum St. in Pontiac, IL. Our church is still very involved in this pantry. It is open every Mon. from 6-7 pm, Wed. from 4-6 pm and Saturday from 10am to noon. Donations come to the pantry in the form of food and monetary donations. The church sponsors the "First Sunday Food Drive" each month and members routinely donate time, money, and food. For more information about the Livingston County Community Pantry contact Ruth Schlosser (844.6394 schloss4(at)verizon(dot)net).
CUB SCOUTS
Cub Scout Pack 76 is chartered by the FirstUnitedMethodistChurch, Pontiac, IL. It is in the W.D. Boyce Council, Crossroads District. The main programming occurs September 1st through June 1st, with one activity each month during the months of June, July and August. The Cub Scout level is for boys in 1st through 5th grade. For more information on joining the pack please contact Dawn Baker (842.1838 - dawnbaker(at)maxwire(dot)net).
BOY SCOUTS
Boy Scout Troop 76 has been chartered to the FirstUnitedMethodistChurch since 1949. Troop 76 is in the Crossroads District of the W.D. Boyce Council of the BSA. For more information about Boy Scouting, membership application, or merit badge counseling, contact Doug Swift (842.3397 or jamesdougbob(at)cs(dot)com).
