Serve in the church
There are many places to serve at FUMC! We invite you to begin your service journey by being a part of the Hospitality team. Inviting & Welcoming volunteers greet others with a smile, serve coffee and tea, answer phones during the week, and provide hospitality on Sunday mornings and at special events. Contact welcome@firstmethodist.org to sign up. See more ways to serve below!
serve in the community
FUMC serves Baton Rouge through our Love Your Neighbor Van, a feeding ministry for the homeless. We also support local and global missions on the second Sunday of each month, which we call Mission Sunday. Through our many mission partners, FUMC is making disciples and loving others near and far.
Care for the congregation
Congregational Care Lay Ministry
Congregational Care Lay Ministers (CCLMs) are specially trained FUMC members who provide visits, phone calls, and communion to those who are homebound and those undergoing cancer treatment. Contact ndefoe@firstmethodist.org.
Prayer Team
Prayer is one of the most meaningful ways we can share God’s love and care for one another. Our Prayer Team is a ministry of compassion, encouragement, and faith, lifting the needs and concerns of our church community. We invite you to join us in this special ministry as we surround others with God’s love, comfort, hope, and healing. Contact kshuford@firstmethodist.org.
Grace Notes
Grace Notes is a writing ministry of our church dedicated to sending handwritten cards and notes of encouragement to people beyond the walls of our congregation. A few heartfelt sentences, a scripture verse, or a simple reminder of God’s love can make a meaningful impact. Recipient names will be provided to writers each week. Contact gracenotes@firstmethodist.org.
Care Team
The Care Team prays for and writes notes of love and encouragement to church members who are experiencing illness or loss and those celebrating life’s milestones. Care Team members receive a weekly list and note writing assignments from the Care Team Lay Leader. Contact ndefoe@firstmethodist.org.
Flower Ministry
Each Monday, the altar flowers from Sunday are broken down into smaller arrangements and delivered to various church members. Volunteers arrange and deliver the flowers. Contact ndefoe@firstmethodist.org.
Knitting The Threads of God's Love
Knitters and crocheters make prayer shawls that offer comfort to those who are experiencing health crises, baptismal blankets to cuddle babies, and baby blankets and other items for the Bella Bowman Foundation. They also craft beanies and face/neck warmers for distribution by our Love Your Neighbor Van. Knitters and crocheters can participate in person on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. or on your own schedule from home. Contact ndefoe@firstmethodist.org.
Serve with Missions & Revive225
Dessert Makers
Help show God’s love through a sweet treat by making desserts for our Revive225 home repair volunteers during the summer months! Your homemade desserts will encourage and thank the volunteers who give their time and energy to serve local families, reminding them that their hard work is appreciated and making a difference in our community. Contact sabbott@firstmethodist.org.
First Tuesday
First Tuesday is a dynamic community initiative that inspires businesses to give back in a different, heartfelt way. On the first Tuesday of every month, teams from various businesses volunteer with local non-profits to support their missions of making Greater Baton Rouge a healthy, vibrant community. Sign up at www.firsttuesdayserves.com.
Missions & Outreach Committee
The Mission and Outreach Committee guides our mission work locally and around the world. It selects mission partners and directs funding, offerings, and Second Sunday missions.
Contact sabbott@firstmethodist.org.
Contact sabbott@firstmethodist.org.
Habitat for Humanity Builds
Help put faith into action by volunteering with FUMC for Habitat for Humanity build projects! You’ll work alongside others to help build safe, affordable homes for local families, sharing God’s love through hands-on service and making a lasting difference in our community. Contact j.glass1217@gmail.com.
Serve in Worship
Scripture Readers
Help bring God’s Word to life by volunteering to read Scripture during our worship services! Your voice can help our congregation connect with the Bible, reflect on God’s message, and grow together in faith. Contact lamar@firstmethodist.org for the Sanctuary, and sabbott@firstmethodist.org for The America Street Service.
Soundboard Volunteers
Help create a meaningful worship experience by volunteering to run the soundboard during our sanctuary services! You’ll play an important role in making sure music, Scripture, and messages are heard clearly, helping our congregation connect with God through worship. No experience is necessary—all training will be provided! Contact lamar@firstmethodist.org.
TV Ministry
Help bring worship to people wherever they are by volunteering with our TV Ministry team! You’ll help make our online and television worship services possible, connecting people with God and our church community from wherever they tune in. No experience is necessary—all training will be provided! Contact stephen@firstmethodist.org.
Greeters
Help make everyone feel welcome at First United Methodist Church by volunteering as a Sunday morning greeter! You’ll be one of the first friendly faces people see, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where visitors and members alike can feel at home and connected to our church community. Contact cgeeting@firstmethodist.org.
Ushers
Church ushers serve as the hosts and ambassadors of the congregation, helping maintain a safe, welcoming, and orderly environment during worship. Contact lamar@firstmethodist.org for the Sanctuary, and sabbott@firstmethodist.org for The America Street Service.
Serve with Youth and Children
Background checks and risk management training are required for volunteers with youth and children.
Sunday School
Help children and youth in Kindergarten through 12th grade grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, and discover God’s love by volunteering to teach Sunday School! You don’t have to be a Bible expert—just a willing heart and a desire to make a difference in the lives of our young people. Contact kwet@firstmethodist.org.
Kids' and Youth Nights
Help create a fun and faith-filled Sunday night experience for our kids and youth by volunteering for Kids’ Night (K–5) or Youth Night (grades 6–12)! From playing games and learning about Jesus to participating in Children’s Choir and Youth Band, you’ll help young people build friendships, discover their gifts, and grow in their faith. Contact kwet@firstmethodist.org.
Tribes
Make a lasting impact in the lives of our youth by volunteering to lead a Youth Tribe for students in grades 6–12! These small groups create space for students to build friendships, ask questions, grow in faith, and discover what it means to follow Jesus together. Contact kwet@firstmethodist.org.
Children's Council
Help create meaningful, faith-filled experiences for children and their families by serving on the Children’s Council! You’ll help plan and host special events and milestone celebrations throughout the year, including Fall Fest, mother-son and father-daughter events, and the Easter Walk, creating opportunities for families to connect, grow, and build lasting memories together. Contact swright@firstmethodist.org.