Dear Church Family,

One of the greatest privileges of serving First United Methodist Church is seeing the ways God continues to work in and through this congregation. We have watched lives changed, new friendships formed, children and students grow in faith, and people discover a place where they can belong. We are grateful for what God has done, and we are excited about what we believe God is calling us toward next.

After prayer, discussion, and careful consideration, the Leadership Board has approved a change to our Sunday morning worship schedule. 

Beginning September 13, our modern worship service will move from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Our traditional worship service will remain at 11:00 a.m.

This decision was not made because something is wrong with our current schedule. It was made because we believe there is an opportunity to better fulfill the mission God has given our church.

Our mission is simple and clear: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Since that is our mission, we believe we have a responsibility to continually ask whether the way we organize our ministry best serves the people God is calling us to reach.

Over time, we have become increasingly convinced that a 9:30 worship service removes a significant barrier for many people in our community. It creates a more accessible opportunity for guests, young families, and others who may find an 8:30 start difficult. We also believe it will encourage more consistent worship participation among many within our own congregation. In short, we believe this change better positions our church to welcome new people while strengthening the ministry we already share together.

We also recognize that every meaningful change asks something of someone. For some, this new schedule will require adjustments to long-established Sunday morning routines. Those sacrifices are real, and we do not take them lightly.

Before this recommendation came to the Leadership Board, Pastor Sean met personally with many of those who would be most directly affected. Those conversations reflected what makes this church so special: people who care deeply about one another and who are willing to place the mission of Christ above personal preference. We are deeply grateful for their openness, honesty, and servant-hearted spirit.

Throughout its history, First United Methodist Church has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Especially over the last several years, this congregation has experienced significant change. While change is rarely easy, God has been faithful through every season. We believe He has continued to strengthen this church, deepen our trust in one another, and prepare us for the work He has ahead. We believe this decision is another step in faithfully positioning our church for the future.

As your Leadership Board, we are united in this decision because we believe it reflects both faithful stewardship and a commitment to the mission Christ has entrusted to us. We ask you to join us in embracing this change with grace, unity, and anticipation for the people God has yet to bring through our doors.

Additional information about the updated Sunday morning schedule, including Sunday School and ministry meeting times, will be shared in the coming weeks through worship announcements, email, printed materials, and on our website and social media channels.

Questions may be directed to:
Pastor Sean: sean@fumcwestplains.com
Shaun Duggins (Chair of the Board): sduggins@westgaterealty.com
Rev. Geoff Posegate (Age Level Ministry Coordinator): gwposegate@gmail.com

Thank you for your continued faithfulness, your willingness to serve, and your commitment to the mission we share together. We are excited to see how God will use this next step to help more people come to know the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

Grace and Peace,

The Leadership Board
First United Methodist Church
West Plains, Missouri