MINISTRIES
Explore our ministries below and/or contact the church office at 970-667-0876 if you need more information about opportunities to grow at FUMC.
MUSIC MINISTRIES
First United Methodist has a variety of choirs and bands. If you wish to share your gift of music,
you may find a place in one or more of these groups.
The Chancel Choir presents its musical gifts in morning worship three Sundays a month. It also celebrates with special programs for Christmas, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. Membership in the choir is open without audition to all interested singers ages 15 and older. The Chancel Choir rehearses Wednesday nights from 7 to 8:30 p.m. For further information as to the rehearsal location and Covid safety protocols, please contact the director, Nicole Ceciliani at choirdirector@fumcloveland.com.
If you would like to share a special gift of music at a worship service, let us know.
The Spirit Sounds Bell Choir shares their music once a month in Sunday morning worship. They also perform for civic functions, service groups, and in church for special occasions.
Tuesday, 6:00-7:00 pm, Choir Room (S060)
Contact: Susan Harding, 663-7113
ADULT MINISTRIES AND GROUPS
Men
Plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, outdoor work…you name it, these men of the church do the work and help keep the church building in good repair while enjoying fellowship time together. Come join them!
Time: Every Monday morning from 8:00-11:00 am
Contact: Larry Jones, 685-9509
The Men’s Ministries of First United Methodist Church exist to help men grow in their relationship with Christ through fellowship, leadership, and mission. Wednesdays, ongoing at 7:00 am at Good Samaritan Village.
Contact: John Irelan, 970-669-5240
Women
First Saturday of the month starting at 5:30 pm; Different Host each month,
meeting in their homes;
Have Fun & Bring a dish to share!
Contact: Kay Neckel at 970-988-6287
Meets on Tuesdays in West Coy Hall from 10:00 – 11:30 am. Create prayer shawls, scarves, hats, etc. for people in need. For more information, contact Melinda Bart at 970-988-5957, mbart6868@gmaill.com or Cindy Crawley at (770) 601-2749, clcteach4th5th@aol.com.
The Charity Quilt Group meets the 2nd Saturday of each month from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Quilts have been given to local charities:
Johnstown Police Department
Loveland Fire Department
Loveland Hospice
Contact: Kay Neckel, 970-663-3434
Women’s Fellowship meets every other month. The purpose
is to be a supportive group and help others in our church and
community. Each meeting we have one or two of the ladies
tell about themselves & their families (short autobiographies).
We have a different local project each time (such as bringing
cans of food, clothing, diapers, gloves, money for the youth
groups, etc). We have an “indoor picnic” each summer and a
salad luncheon for our December meeting.
All women are welcome!
Contact: Darlene Lowe at (970) 667-3101 or aldarlowe@gmail.com
All Adults
Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group is a support
group for persons who are family members and/or caregivers of people who are in various stages of Alzheimer’s Disease or other types of dementia. We have used materials and speakers from the Alzheimer’s Association and other organizations that deal with aging, as well as other helpful resources in coping with the ups and downs of caregiving. We support each other by listening and sharing confidentially. Monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of the month were held before the Covid-19 restrictions, but we look forward to getting together again with safe physical distancing in place.
Contact: Barbara Franke 970-203-0904 or www.gbfranke@msn.com
The Care Team is a team of volunteers who pray for and make phone calls and visitations to those who are hospitalized, experiencing loss, and other emotional, physical, and spiritual crises.
Contact: Rev Lee Anderson-Harris at 970-667-0876 or lee@fumcloveland.com
Join us Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:30 am each week for a 40-minute workout. Everyone is welcome. Equipment needed: light hand weights and stretch band or bungee cord. Join Meeting here.
If you would like to workout in person, join Anita on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 pm in Coy Hall.
Questions call Anita Williams at 970-689-0019.
Holy Happy Hour
It’s a wonderful way to be in a community with old friends and make some new ones from the comfort of your home. There are long time participants and several new folks wanting more connection with one another. Snacks and beverages of preference are optional and of course “byo.”
HHH an adult fellowship ministry distantly modeled on the Wesleyan small groups. They met weekly and simply share around the theme of “How is it with your soul?” Or “What’s on your mind today? Or “What’s saving you today?” In that spirit, they covenant to make no judgments and what happens there stays there.
Contact Tom Thompson for more information at (801) 518-5392 or revtgt@hotmail.com.
All are always welcome.
A place for LGBTQ+ and their family/friends to find peace and renewal along their spiritual journey.
For the Zoom link or any questions please contact
Andrea Ortega 970-631-2971 or ortega.andrea.m@gmail.com
Conversations is a discussion group designed to explore various topics of interest. Facilitators and topics will change throughout the year. This is a discussion group, not a lecture, so please join us and share your wisdom. Meets on Sundays at 8:30am in East Coy Hall. Childcare is provided.
Contact Carolyn or Charlie Bouchard with questions
Carolyn: carabou50@msn.com
or (970) 481-2818
Charlie: chazzbouchard@msn.com
or (970) 215-0627
Meets on Thursdays at 2:00 pm in West Coy Hall. Call Barbie Clark at 970-667-7445 for more information.
Centering Prayer is a method of meditation that creates space to simply sit in the presence of God, cultivating a deeper relationship with God. For more information about this practice, see the Introduction to Centering Prayer video below.
FUMC holds weekly gatherings for people to learn how to “do” centering prayer, discuss how their practice is going, and then share in a 20-minute “sit”, or meditation time. These gatherings meet on Wednesdays at noon and last 30-45 minutes. The first 10 minutes are devoted to instruction for beginners, but all are welcome at any time. There is no commitment. Questions? Contact Pastor Lee at lee@fumcloveland.com.
During specific seasons of the church year, such as Lent and Advent, or other special times, you will find weekly videos posted here too. These videos give a short devotion or prompt, then open the meditation time for you to do on your own.
Pastor Lee also recommends these additional resources:
Contemplative Outreach of Colorado has many classes, retreats, local groups, and articles. Click here to be taken the website.
Click here for a centering prayer app.
Book Open Mind, Open Heart by Father Thomas Keating, or any of his books.
Speaking of Spanish is an adult class and social community for people who want to learn Spanish. Students can acquire Spanish in an informal setting by learning conversational and reading skills. Feel free to inquire more at SpeakingofSpanish.com or call Carolyn Bouchard 970-481-2818.
Meeting ID: 475 372 044; Passcode: 471003
JOY Fellowship is a monthly luncheon and program for adults age 55+. Held on the first Wednesday of each month (except on special occasions such as holidays), this is a way to connect with other older adults and enjoy a meal and entertainment or educational program.
FUMC adults are invited to participate each month. There is no cost to attend but donations are appreciated. Contact Pastor Lee at lee@fumcloveland.com to learn more and to RSVP for the next luncheon.
Union is a Spiritual Community for nones, dones, and deconstructors to seek authentic relationships and a deeper experience of God.
We welcome all regardless of race, ability, gender, sexuality, nationality, belief, and socioeconomic status.
Union is a collaborative ministry between First and Trinity United Methodist Churches of Loveland.
Click here for more information.
From parenting classes to book studies to seasonal events, young adults gather throughout the year. Ongoing groups include the Women’s Spiritual Circles and Men’s Group.
For the latest information, follow Union Ministry by signing up for the newsletter here, on Facebook @ Union Spiritual Community, or on Instagram @ unioncommunityloveland.
Children are invited to serve in worship as Lay Reader. Lay Readers lead the liturgy and scripture.
Contact: Rev. Leslie Wood, 970-667-0876 or leslie@fumcloveland.com.
Children’s Sunday School meets during worship each Sunday, except for occasional Sundays such as holidays and special events, and during the summer. For the most current information, contact the church office Tues-Thurs from 8:00-3:00 at 970-667-0876.
There are various events and groups throughout the year. Children meet during many of the Union groups, and FUMC Family Outreach Ministry hold events at FUMC throughout the year. For the latest information, visit Union’s website by clicking here.
Sunday Morning Programming
Come join us for Sunday morning small groups each week at 9:45 am in the youth range. Classes are taught by wonderful instructors with the love of Christ in their hearts for the word and for the youth. Our Sunday School classes are located in the Youth Range (downstairs from the Coy Hall Gym).
Mid High Youth Group, Sundays 12:00-2:00 pm
Life is a journey, let’s travel together. After gathering in the Youth Range, 6th-8th grade students meet for an afternoon of games, skits, snacks, and an interactive look at God’s Word. Together we will explore the Old and New Testaments for stories of God’s radical love and faithfulness and how they apply to our everyday lives. Each Sunday we will dig deeper into our lives and find our own stories of God’s radical love and faithfulness. Come and join us on the journey of discovery!
Our Adult advisors are Mariah Diediker and Bart Utley.
For more information on activities for children or youth contact Ann Kessler, Director of Family Ministries at 970-290-2796 or email at akessler@fumcloveland.com
Most summers we pack our bags, load the vans, and head out to share the love of God in mission and service. The dates and destinations vary by summer and age group. Past trips include: Oregon, Louisiana, New Mexico and Wyoming. The work we do also varies but includes: light construction, debris pickup, Vacation Bible School, fellowship with the elderly and painting.
First United Methodist Youth are also active in the local community serving at Food for All, raking leaves for the elderly and various other activities during the year.
Sunday Morning Programming
Come join us for Sunday morning small groups each week at 9:45 am. Classes are taught by wonderful instructors with the love of Christ in their hearts for the word and for the youth. Our Sunday School classes are located in the Youth Range (downstairs from the Coy Hall Gym).
Senior High Youth Group, Sundays 12:00-2:00 pm
Life is a journey, let’s travel together. After gathering in the Youth Range, 6th-8th grade students meet for an afternoon of games, skits, snacks, and an interactive look at God’s Word. Together we will explore the Old and New Testaments for stories of God’s radical love and faithfulness and how they apply to our everyday lives. Each Sunday we will dig deeper into our lives and find our own stories of God’s radical love and faithfulness. Come and join us on the journey of discovery!
Wednesday Morning Programming
Join us in the Youth Range each Wednesday morning from 8:00-9:00 am during the school year for breakfast, fellowship, and a short devotion to uplift you for the rest of the week.
Our adult advisors are Neal Anderson and Bart Utley
For more information on activities for children or youth contact Ann Kessler, Director of Family Ministries at 970-290-2796 or email at akessler@fumcloveland.com
Seniors and college-age students you are welcome to apply yearly for a scholarship. All applications are due by April 15th to the Methodist Foundation mailbox by the church office.
Click here for scholarship application
A place for LGBTQ+ and their family/friends to find peace and renewal along their spiritual journey.
For the Zoom link or any questions please contact
Andrea Ortega 970-631-2971 or ortega.andrea.m@gmail.com
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
Latest Mission Memo Newsletter
Archived versions of the Mission Memo can be found on the Publications tab of the FUMC Loveland website.
Loveland SafeLot Parking opened in November of 2023. Each Loveland SafeLot Parking (LSP) site provides designated parking spaces between 6pm to 8am each day in order to offer a safe space to those who shelter in their cars. Together in partnership with House of Neighborly Services (HNS), they provide Resource Navigation to help individuals through this difficult time with the goal of transitioning guests to more permanent housing.
To volunteer and for more information, click here to be taken to their website.
Each year just before Christmas, members of our congregation choose from about 40 cards, each containing the name of a child, their age and gender, and their Christmas wish list. These are children with an incarcerated parent. Our congregation’s mission is to make those children’s Christmas brighter by purchasing, wrapping, returning and delivering gifts to each of them. To find out more about the program, contact Pam Erikson or Terry Gindlesparger, long time volunteers here at FUMC coordinating with the Prison Fellowship organization to make this happen.
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Christmas Food Baskets It has been an annual tradition to deliver baskets to those residents at the Harvest Pointe low income apartments who request one. A couple of church families also receive a basket. Most recently, the baskets have contained 3 Christmas trees made from plaid fabric and a King Soopers gift card for $100. The program has been funded through the Kings Soopers Community Rewards Program. You can find out more about signing up for the rewards program on the Give & Support tab. |
Volunteers Offer Real Help for Hurting Children, is a program that offers counseling, education, and support for those who do not have financial resources or reasonable access to help after experiencing loss, such as death, divorce, incarceration of a parent, etc. In addition to adult grief/loss classes, Bev trains competent and dedicated volunteers to teach classes for children who are experiencing such loss. Our volunteers range in age from 15 to adult. We meet monthly for continued training and support. Research shows that early intervention after a loss can help prevent a host of issues, such as complicated grief, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety, suicide, addiction, developmental disruption, etc., that can develop in people (particularly children) who receive no help after a loss. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to provide loving support for those who need it most.
Contact: Mary Camp at 970-203-4688
Serves dinner daily and breakfast weekdays for homeless and low income families
FUMC members volunteer to serve dinners the third Thursday and Friday of each month
For more info, contact: Anita Williams, 970-689-0019
The Food Bank has three facilities, two Food Shares located one each in Loveland and Fort Collins where clients go to pick up their food, and a warehouse located just east of the airport. Each location has plenty of opportunities to volunteer, be it bagging produce, sorting bread, delivering food to clients or even preparing meals in the kitchen in the warehouse. Volunteer shifts usually last about two and a half hours. To volunteer for or donate to the Food Bank, visit their website at foodbanklarimer.org. Many members of our congregation are already regulars and occasionally a group from the church will volunteer. If you have an interest in volunteering with a group, send an email to the Missions Committee at missionsnews@fumcloveland.com.
Volunteers from FUMC have been helping to build houses for deserving families since 1987. Recipients must be income qualified to receive a zero interest loan which is paid back over time based on their ability to pay. In addition, they must provide “sweat equity” in the form of 250+ hours of work on Habitat’s job sites. For more information, read the article in the Mission Memo or visit Habitat for Humanity.
Join the FUMC Habitat for Humanity Faith Build Team
There are normally at least two opportunities a year to volunteer with our FUMC team. No experience is necessary. We’d love to have you join us.
To check dates and sign up, click here.
KidsPak provides bags containing more than 10 food items for the weekend to food insecure students in the Thompson School District on a weekly basis. On average, more than 500 bags of food are distributed to students each week. Volunteers pack bags two or three times a month. To volunteer for or donate to KidsPak, visit their website at kidspak.org. If you would be interested in volunteering as a group one Sunday morning packing bags for KidsPak, send an email to the Missions Committee at missionsnews@fumcloveland.com.
The Mobile Laundry Truck cleans clothes for
Low-income families
and
People experiencing homelessness
Volunteer to help at the mobile laundry truck. Greet clients, tag clothing bags, fold clean clothes, and return clean laundry to the clients.
Where:
-Loveland Public Library on Thursdays and Fridays
When:
Morning and afternoon shifts are available both days
Duties:
-Greet guests and collect their information on log sheets
-Help guests to bag and weigh their laundry
-Place bags on truck ramp
-Fold clean clothes and place them in plastic bags
-Contact guests to pick up their clean laundry
Note:
-Lifting of not more than 10 lbs is required
-The work is outdoors
-Standing most of the shift is required, though there are opportunities to sit
-This job is appropriate for teens, if accompanied by an adult
-The Mobile Laundry Truck will not operate on days when the forecast high is less than 32 degrees
How to Sign-up
Contact Rev. Woody Carlson at Laundry@HomewardAlliance.org or call Homeward Alliance at (970) 460-6451 to sign-up for a shift.
or
Sign-up online at https://homewardalliance.galaxydigital.com/need/
or
Contact Tom Thompson at revtgt@hotmail.com or 801-518-5392
FUMC has been traveling to Guatemala to help build homes for deserving families since 2016. These trips are normally in February. They are run under the auspices of Pura Vida.
Pura Vida’s primary focus is education. Many Guatemalan children must drop out school to help out at home. Through Pura Vida, you can sponsor a student through high school and possibly beyond. There are FUMC members that are currently sponsoring children through this program.
To learn more about the construction mission trips, contact Keith Flaming.
Or visit the Pura Vida website
to find out about construction trips and/or student sponsorship.
CARING MINISTRIES
This ministry serves as a way to keep those who are otherwise unable to attend worship in connection with their church family. Volunteers drive FUMC’s bus to pick up riders for each service.
This service is not currently offered as FUMC is in need of a volunteer to drive the bus.
Volunteers who pray for those who request prayer, and contact those who are ill, hospitalized, and grieving for extra support. Contact Pastor Lee at lee@fumcloveland.com.