Welcome to First United Methodist Church!
Welcome to our Website - I hope that you will check out the information here and consider visiting us in person. There are a few things that might be helpful to know about FUMC - Alexandria.
Worship is central to our community of faith. On Sunday mornings, we have three worship experiences. Our 8:30 and 11:00 worship services are held in the sanctuary. The style for these services would be considered eclectically traditional. We follow the three-year lectionary cycle and the Christian year. The sermon is theological but understandable and is intended to be applicable in day-to-day life.
Our contemporary service meets at 10:45 in the Fellowship Hall. A band plays for this music-intensive worship service which is also very casual. You are more than welcome to bring your coffee, juice and donuts from the lounge area into the service. A primary scripture from the Revised Common Lectionary is selected for the service and the same basic sermon is presented.
Music is important to us. Brian Breeding, our director of music and arts, is intentional about making the music for our worship services fit the scriptures and theme for the service. The Chancel Choir sings at the 8:30 and 11:00 Sunday morning services. The music is varied and may include classical pieces played on the pipe organ, gospel hymns played on the piano or special music from the bell choir or children's ensembles. Music that is sung at our services is also pretty diverse and represents a wide variety of styles and eras.
The contemporary service also features a variety of music. We sing everything from popular Christian praise and worship songs to songs heard on Christian radio. Original, scripture-based songs are also a part of this service. The one criterion for music in all of our worship services is that it has to be good!
The arts are a part of the DNA of this congregation. Since the move to its current location in 1968, a focus on fine arts has been vital to this church. Wide, gallery-like halls display original works of art in various mediums and by various artists. In the spring, FUMC features the Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival. During this two-week period, visual arts are exhibited and interactive events for children and even an outdoor concert, Jazz on Jackson, take place.
A commitment to social justice is a part of a Christian's identity. Throughout Central Louisiana and beyond, you will find our members doing what they can to make the world, and their corner in the world, a better place. A life of faith starts with responding to God's love that is directed to us. A growing Christian serves God by serving others.
I hope you will be a part of the good things that God is doing here at First Methodist. If I can assist you in finding your place, please let me know.
Peace!
Barry Hoekstra, Senior Pastor
BarryHoek@aol.com or bhoekstra@fumca.org
318-443-5696 (church)
318-787-2378 (home)
318-880-7006 (cell)
