Church Re-Opening Plan
With Gov. Brian Kemp lifting most large gathering restrictions, and more individuals in our community receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, LaGrange First Methodist is planning for Phase 7 of its re-opening (as outlined by our Church Re-Opening Committee) to become effective on May 24, 2021, unless otherwise noted.

Protocols are subject to change if COVID-19 cases increase or requirements/mandates are changed by the CDC, local, or state governments. Please visit our website here for specific details outlining our re-opening.


YouTube Channel: Please 'Subscribe'!
Though our church has had a YouTube presence for awhile, we now officially have a YouTube channel to help extend the reach of our worship services and other ministries! This also allows you to access LaGrange First Methodist’s worship services through YouTube on your SmartTV so you don’t have to huddle over a computer—or squint to see Dr. John or Pastor Ben on your mobile device.

Now that we have our new channel, we need your help. As of Friday, we had 50 official “subscribers” to our channel, and we need more for two reasons: 1) When one searches YouTube for “LaGrange First Methodist,” it’s not easy to discern if you’ve accessed us or the other LaGrange First Methodists located in Illinois, Indiana, or Texas. Having more subscribers places us at the top of the search! 2) Once we reach 100 subscribers, we have access to more features on our YouTube channel to help us customize your viewing experience. You will need a Google account to subscribe to our channel. Here’s how to subscribe:

If you already have a Google account:
  1. Visit LaGrange First Methodist's YouTube channel and then click Sign In in the top right corner. 
  2. When prompted, enter your Google username and password.
  3. Click the red Subscribe button located on the right just under the top banner.

If you don’t yet have a Google account:
  1. Visit YouTube and click Sign In in the top right corner.
  2. Click Create Account, and then choose For myself.
  3. Follow the prompts to create your Google account and password.
  4. Visit LaGrange First Methodist's YouTube channel and then click Sign In.
  5. Enter your new Google account username and password.
  6. On our page, click the red Subscribe button just under the top banner.

Should you need help subscribing, please email Natalie Shelton or call her at the Church Office at 706.884.4635.

Mission of the Month: Camp Viola
Located in the Mountville community, Camp Viola is a non-profit Christian summer camp for children ages 8-12 who may come from economically challenged homes in Troup County and the surrounding area. Local churches and organizations sponsor, staff, and finance camp throughout the summer to help provide children—at no cost to their families—with outdoor activities and spiritual enrichment.

LaGrange First Methodist’s designated time at Camp Viola is Tuesday-Thursday, June 1-3. Volunteers are needed each day at all times to be group leaders, activity leaders, kitchen helpers, and people just willing to hang out and show these children that people care. Evening times are always needed and usually understaffed. Anyone willing to stay overnight in the cabins is exceptionally golden! 

Please email Rick Free if you’d like to volunteer or need more information. You may also sign up by filling out this short form.

This year we are asking individuals or groups to sponsor a camper at a cost of $120, which covers food, activities, arts and crafts, entertainment, and field trips for our church’s entire time at camp. You may give by check or online (under Fund, please designate Missions). Thank you so much for supporting this wonderful ministry; it is life-changing for both the children served and also for those who volunteer!


Financial Giving
As of Sunday, May 9, we have received 100.5% of our anticipated giving year-to-date based on our 13-year giving model for our annual mission and ministry plan.

Almost $343,000 has been pledged above and beyond our operating budget to fund the current renovation projects in the Methodist Ministries Center (MMC) with $107,000 needed to fully fund the project. 

Ways to Give: Check, Online at LaGrangeFUMC.org, or Text LGFUMC to 73256 to give using your mobile device.

Thank you for your faithfulness to Christ and His Church! 
 
Wesley Fellows: Learn more about including First Methodist in your estate planning and becoming a Wesley Fellow.


Vernon Woods Shuttle Volunteers
Last Sunday we began offering our church bus as a shuttle for Vernon Woods’ church members to attend our morning worship service. We plan to continue offering transportation to them on the first and third Sundays of each month. We would love to expand this service, but to do so, we need additional volunteers who are willing to drive the church bus one Sunday a month. If you're interested, please contact Ben Wills at 706.884.4635.