At First United Methodist Church, our ministries are a vital part of our worship. These ministries include bible studies, service to the homeless, prayer groups, college campus ministries with Union College, and so much more.
Food Ministries
First UMC has a history of providing food basket to those in need. However, as COVID-19 hit, we were challenged to redirect our efforts. In the face of adversity, God led our efforts to combat food insecurity by partnering with Trace Branch UMC in supporting their ongoing food pantry ministry!
Trace Branch continues to distribute food at 1pm every Wednesday afternoon. Trace Branch UMC distributes food through their drive-thru style food distribution. They are located 2.5 miles outside of Barbourville on KY-11.
Since the ministry’s creation in January of 2020, they have served between 30-50 families in Knox County, Kentucky. First UMC is dedicated to contributing to this ministry to join in the work of serving families struggling with food insecurity. To support this ministry, you can mail in a check to our office or click the link below. Be sure to put “Trace Branch Ministries” in the memo line of your check or in the note section on PayPal through the link below.
Ryan’s Place
When an individual in Knox County seeks help, most know to first contact KCEOC . They offer a wealth of services to Knox County. We at First UMC are well aware of this fact and seek to assist them in this work. Beginning in the Christmas season of 2021, church leaders of Nurture & Outreach specifically chose to assist the Ryan’s Place program. Located in the downtown square of Barbourville, this facility provides emergency housing to homeless youth ages 18-24. Its efforts are largely grant-funded and have points where assistance is limited. THIS is where First UMC seeks to come in.
As individuals transition into homes of their own with jobs and a structure to stay afloat, they will need support. First UMC seeks to provide in-kind donations to equip them with their household needs, but also and especially mentorship in this difficult time. For any person struggling in a difficult time, they need love and encouragement. Through these relationships, the church seeks to show them the love of Christ through service and generosity.
Hospitality
Our Nurture & Outreach committee, co-chaired by Sheila Halter and Pam Smith, is made up of a handful of women who work hard to serve the church and local community. One major area of expertise for them is hospitality. These women work hard year-round to provide holiday meals, fundraising dinners, and most importantly, bereavement meals. Dinners like these work to build fellowship among our church members and the surrounding community.
Another gesture of love happens each fall (pandemic restrictions permitting) the committee welcomes students to nearby Union College with school supplies and baked goods. Connections between students and local church members and our pastor are encouraged and supported.
Outreach
Conversations with Jesus is a collaborative bible study led by students at Union College with the help of their campus ministries director, David Miller. Our pastor, Rev. James Laiben, participates weekly, providing scriptures and facilitating discussions.
From 2018 until the initial Covid shutdown in 2020, Sheila Halter partnered with a retired art teacher under the pastorate of Rev. Bill Hughes, to bring special programming to women in our local jail system. These weekly “Art Behind Bars” programs consisted of worship, art lessons, and Scripture reading. Ms. Halter ministered to the women by providing them with the love and encouragement we all so desperately need. Many other volunteers participate in this ministry, bringing in their own talents for worship leading, art education, and guidance. We continue to pray for the possibility to continue a similar ministry in the future.
Scholarships
First UMC cares about the students of Barbourville! Whether you are a current college student or a high school senior, there are scholarship opportunities available for you.
Our Carlos Morris Memorial Scholarship is being presented to Emma Kate Callihan for the 2021-2022 school year. Pictured below is our Music Scholarship recipient, Breonna Williams, for the years 2019-2021 for her dedication to the music program at Union College.
Bible Study
Bible studies provide a deeper connection to Scripture and the spiritual transformation of those studying it. Past studies have been led by Lois Renfro-Morris or our pastor’s wife Crystal Laiben, and they have met online through Zoom and even in the sanctuary! We are hoping to arrange a new study in spring of 2022. Check our Facebook page to stay up to date!
Donate
Would you like to help with our ministries? You can donate here or fill out the contact form to ask for more information about how you can help!