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Why First United Methodist Church??
We joined FUMC almost 30 years ago when our children were pre-schoolers. We had visited other churches and attended sporadically in our hometown, but wanted our children to grow up in a church they could call their own .Immediately we were welcomed and encouraged to participate in church activities.
Through the years we have been active in Christian Education, VBS, Summer Games, Mens Fraternity,the music ministry and numerous committees along the way. We’ve enjoyed Bible studies, Sunday School classes and many programs through our small group participation. Our current involvement mainly is in the chancel choir and we are facilitators for the Marriage Essentials class.
Through each phase of our lives, from being parents of preschoolers to now having grandchildren who are in preschool , we have always found a place to participate here at FUMC. The best part of having Christian friends is that you not only get to enjoy them ,you get to learn from them. We would encourage you to jump in and get involved--that’s how you get to know people and how they get to know you.
~ Kurt and Terri Musser
When asked to respond to the question, “Why First United Methodist Church?” the answer is really very simple. God, in His loving and infinite wisdom, led us to this church when we moved here almost 18 years ago. We really weren’t looking for a church, even though both of us had been born and raised in the Methodist Church, but God used His children at FUMC to “invite” our family into the fellowship of this congregation.
“Hey! Do you want to join confirmation with me?”
“How about teaching a Sunday School class?”
“You have to go to Summer Games! It is the absolute best camp!”
“How would you like to drive kids to Branson for a weekend?”And the list of invitations goes on and on. Every invitation offers the opportunity to serve others, to fellowship with others, to worship with others, to love others and to walk closely with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
God, in His merciful goodness, led us to First United Methodist Church in Marion. This church has always been a part of His plan for our lives. He knew that we would celebrate many joys and blessings in our lives, and the folks at FUMC would celebrate with us! He also knew there would be difficult times of trial, and our friends in Christ at FUMC would lift us in prayer and hold us up. He alone knew that we, the folks who attend FUMC, would serve together to build His Earthly Kingdom.
“Why First United Methodist Church?” Because being a part of FUMC is a part of God’s plan for many, and He is counting on us to extend the invitation to others.
~ Chuck & Sherry Alexander
We moved to Marion 5 years ago and just recently had our first child Addison on Christmas Eve of last year. We had decided that we wanted our daughter to grow up in the church and have the same opportunities that we had. We visited a few churches but from the first time we came to FUMC we knew we were part of the family. Everyone we have met has been very helpful and welcoming. We were amazed at how many different opportunities FUMC has given us to explore our faith. We are all looking forward to our family growing in faith with FUMC and becoming even more of a part of the church.
~ Jason, Dani, and Addison Showalter
~Nate Stouder
FUMC will always feel like home for our family. Todd and I actually met in the basement of FUMC in 1995 when we were both in high school. We were preparing for a long summer as camp counselors at Summer Games Camp, and knew FUMC as "home base" between long, sweaty weeks camp counseling together. We came home to FUMC frequently over the next several years to visit friends and family, and were married here in 2000.
When we finally settled back in Marion, we began attending more regularly. I must admit that returning to this church was not because of anything spectacular that the church had to offer at first. This church is much like many other churches around, but for us, with one major difference - it feels like home. We don't have to dress a certain way, hang with a certain crowd, sing beautifully (thank goodness), or serve in a specific ministry in order to fit in here.
What makes it feel like home is knowing we are in the presence of others that simply want to know God more and are walking along side us in that journey. I love that my kids have opportunities to play with others and grow up with other Christian families. I love that FUMC offers times for us to just let go and have fun as a family. I truly appreciate the friendships we have developed over the years, the opportunities to get involved, and the fun we've had with this church - but none of that really compares to what it feels like to have a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ and to see my kids start to understand what God is all about.
About a year ago, I was driving home from church and my five year old proudly talked my three year old through the steps of asking Jesus into his heart. I was amazed at the simplicity and depth of his understanding of God's love and acceptance - and his desire to share that with others. It was one of my most amazing moments as a parent, and one of the many moments that reminds me why we keep coming back to First United Methodist Church. I can't imagine where our family would be without the love, support and guidance of our home church.
~Melissa, Todd, Kaden and Ty Walker
Summer games is one of the best summer events I’ve ever been to. We get to play sports, worship God and meet great friends. I would suggest it to anyone that wants to meet God.
~Preston Folkestad
We moved to Marion 25 years ago when our children were 4 and 2 years old. We happened to visit First United Methodist Church at the start of a new year of Sunday School. Our children enjoyed their classes and we enjoyed the worship service and saw many friendly faces. We decided to make FUMC our church home.
Over the years, our faith has grown right a long with our church. We were encouraged to take Bible Studies, join a small group, be involved in mission opportunities in our community and further away, and be in service at our own church. Our ministers preach the Word of God and encourage us to be bold in our faith, not only to be hearers of the Word but be doers, meaning our faith should show. We have a church full of friends who will love and support us through the joys and hardships of this life. We are very blessed and thankful that we are members of First United Methodist Church of Marion.
~ Mike and Diana Anderson
First United Methodist Church
1298 Seventh Avenue
Marion, Iowa 52302
(319) 377-4856