Worship

Worship at First Church is rooted in joy, reverence, and authenticity. Our music is vibrant and engaging, our preaching thoughtfully connects Scripture with everyday life, and our community gathers with warmth and welcome. Whether you come with deep faith, quiet curiosity, or heavy burdens, you’ll find a place to belong, to breathe, and to encounter God’s grace.

Biblically Based

Dr. David Oliver, an ordained minister in the United Methodist tradition, proclaims the Good News with clarity, warmth, and insight, drawing meaningful connections between Scripture and everyday life. Grounded in his Doctor of Ministry degree in Spiritual Formation, his preaching is shaped by a deep attentiveness to the inner life of faith—inviting worshipers not only to understand Scripture, but to be spiritually renewed and transformed by it. His messages create space for reflection, growth, and honest engagement with God’s presence in daily living. Through a rich variety of worship experiences, he guides the congregation into the depth of the whole Bible, illuminating the themes, symbols, and rhythms that shape each season of the Christian year.

Relationally Rich

Worship is a place where every generation belongs. From infants in arms to wiggly toddlers and inquisitive children, young ones are not just accommodated—they are joyfully welcomed as part of our life together.

While many in our congregation are older adults, this only deepens our delight in sharing faith across generations. Our members treasure the opportunity to walk alongside families, celebrating the joys, navigating the challenges, and nurturing the relationships that shape a life of faith.

Here, worship is more than a service—it is a community where people of all ages can feel at home, grow in trust, and be formed together by God’s grace.

Seasonally Sensitive

Our worship is shaped by the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, following the rich rhythms of the historic Christian year. Each season invites us into the central themes of the faith, drawing our attention to the movements of Christ’s ministry and the promises of God. Through music, liturgy, preaching, and even the changing colors of the altar, we enter a pattern of worship that Christians have shared across centuries.

This sacred cycle is more than tradition—it is a living connection to the church’s past. By walking this well-worn path of seasons and symbols, we are rooted in the wisdom of those who have gone before us, helping us more clearly discern how God continues to speak and act in our lives today.

Musically Moving

First Church cherishes a strong tradition of musical excellence, embracing a wide range of styles and expressions. You will hear music that spans generations—from contemporary pieces to beloved historic works—thoughtfully chosen to reflect and enrich the theme of each week’s worship.

On any given Sunday, our worship may be accompanied by the organ, grand piano, Clavinova, choir, or handbells, creating a rich and engaging sound. This variety brings energy, beauty, and depth to our gatherings, offering music that both inspires and invites everyone into the worship experience.

We also celebrate the gifts of those who share their musical talents. Whether you are a lifelong musician or someone newly exploring your abilities, there is a welcoming place for you here. Longtime participants and new voices alike help shape the vibrant musical life of our community.

Your Talents Matter

At FUMC, you matter—every part of who you are. We recognize that for many people, music is more than sound; it is a pathway into a deeply moving encounter with God. Music has the power to stir the heart, quiet the mind, and open us to grace in ways words alone often cannot.

When you sing or play in one of our musical groups, those moments of connection extend far beyond Sunday worship. The sense of meaning, beauty, and shared purpose emerges in rehearsals, in preparation, and even in the quiet spaces of personal practice. Music becomes not just something we offer, but something that forms and sustains us together.

King’s Ringers Handbell Choir

With precision, patience, and quiet joy, the King’s Ringers Handbell Choir transforms simple movements into moments of praise. Each rehearsal is an exercise in attentiveness—listening for timing, watching for cues, and trusting one another to create a unified voice.

The handbell ministry adds a distinctive texture to worship, marking special occasions and ordinary Sundays alike with clarity and warmth. Through shared practice and careful coordination, ringers participate in worship in a way that invites focus, collaboration, and reverence—reminding the congregation that every part matters in creating something beautiful together.

All choirs are led by Erin Sullivan.

Sanctuary Choir

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.” Psalm 100

Through shared breath and blended voices, the Sanctuary Choir helps carry the prayers of the congregation into song. Week by week, members gather to practice, listen, and learn—shaping music that supports worship and deepens reflection.

Participation is less about performance and more about presence: showing up, offering one’s voice, and becoming part of a community that learns to listen as carefully as it sings.

The Sanctuary Choir is accompanied by Derek Condo.