At First UMC of Warren, we have one simple hope: to connect people to the amazing love of God through Jesus Christ and to help them grow into amazing disciples who are serving God by serving others.
Whether you are new to the area and are looking for a church family or you haven't stepped foot in a church in years but are looking for something meaningful in your life, we hope you'll come and join us. There are several ways to connect. We have a more formal worship service on Sunday morning or our less formal Engage service on Sunday evenings. You can even join as part of our virtual congregation through YouTube or Facebook.
We want to stress that no matter your background or where you find yourself in life's journey, you are welcome here because we believe God's love is for everyone.
Our services start at 10:30 a.m. every Sunday morning and 6 p.m. every Sunday evening.
History
First known as The Methodist Episcopal Church of Warren, this congregation was organized on November 26, 1845, with meetings held in members' homes.
As the congregation grew, they moved to larger and larger meeting spaces: from members' homes to alternating Sundays with Baptists in a log schoolhouse to their own log chapel to a frame building and finally to the unique building we use today. We're pleased we can open our premises to local groups who serve our community in a range of diverse ways, such as Narcotics Anonymous, a local choral group, a quilt-making group, yoga, Zumba, and our own ministry and mission groups. This is a busy place!
Today, the First United Methodist Church of Warren continues the legacy of those who gathered together in homes to grow in faith. Our ministries over the years have included a corn booth at the fair, an extensive music program, sending youth to service projects in Appalachia, supporting mission personnel and local support agencies, as well as sending men and women into full-time service as both lay and ordained ministers.
Our devotion to growing in faith and living into the mission of Jesus Christ continues as we gather to worship God, study the Scriptures, and listen to the Holy Spirit guide us in loving and serving our neighbors, right next door and around the world.
Building
The sanctuary design represents a tabernacle, or tent, signifying the faith journey of God’s people, always on the move with God. Although churches typically have a steeple or spire placed over the altar and the priest, we have a high roof line over the entire congregation which serves as one continuous steeple over all who worship here. This signifies the Protestant understanding of the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2). The clear window walls completely surrounding the sanctuary remind us that Christian faith must continuously reach out to others. It cannot be self-contained and continue to exist. While proud of our history, our focus is on the present and future, being faithful followers of Jesus Christ.