The Van Wert County Courthouse

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

First UM Church planning virtual services

VW independent/submitted information

First United Methodist Church in Van Wert has announced it will be holding worship services on Facebook Live from now through Palm Sunday, April 5. An analysis will be done soon to determine whether regular in-person worship can take place on Easter Sunday, April 12.

By logging onto the church’s page: Van Wert First United Methodist Church, worshippers will be able to enjoy a casual 8:15 a.m. worship service and a traditional 10:45 a.m. service.  It will be a live broadcast at those times, and include interactive singing, prayers, and liturgy as well as Pastor Chris Farmer’s weekly message.

Pastor Chris Farmer and Worship Arts Director Paul Hoverman invite worshippers to log onto the services and receive a blessing, knowing that others are worshipping at the same time. The church’s business office hours remain Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays 8:30 a.m. to noon.

All small groups and meetings have also been canceled at First UM Church now through April 5. Fridays at First are going to still be offered from noon-12:45 p.m., when the sanctuary is open for anyone wanting to enter quietly to pray, meditate on their own. The organ plays soft, meditative hymns and spiritual songs.

The Cooperative Food Pantry will be serving clients on its regular schedule; however, volunteers will meet clients at the door rather than inside the building. The Bread and Bowl program, which provides a free meal to those in need on Fridays, will do the same, beginning at 6 p.m. This schedule will continue until further notice. 

The ministers, staff, volunteers, and people of First UM Church continue to pray that both physical and spiritual needs can be met during this challenging time.

POSTED: 03/19/20 at 10:18 am. FILED UNDER: Church