Blessing of the Backpacks
All students, preschool through college bring your school backpacks to your worship service for a special blessing.
Contact Tessa Armes, tarmes@fumc.com.
All students, preschool through college bring your school backpacks to your worship service for a special blessing.
Contact Tessa Armes, tarmes@fumc.com.
August 9 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | South Parking Lot
Kick off the fall season with your First UMC family! Join us for our Fall Kickoff Tailgate with food, games, and fun for all ages. Whether you want to show off your tailgating skills with your trailer or grill and a favorite main dish, or simply bring a side or dessert to share, we’d love to have you join us. We’ll have plenty of shade, tables, and indoor space available if you’d like to cool off. Sign up to bring your favorite tailgate dish, and don’t forget to wear your favorite team jersey or T-shirt.
Sign Up: fumc.com/tailgate
Questions? Shera Atkinson, satkinson@fumc.com
August 16 |12:15 p.m. | CLC, Room 107
Join Mandi Bradley and Pastor Shera Atkinson November 4-10 for a mission trip to Alaska, where we’ll deliver firewood to those in need and spend time together in spiritual formation. Interested? Join us for an informational meeting on Sunday, August 16. Lunch will be provided. Because the trip is approaching quickly, we’ll be moving fast with planning and registration.
Contact: Mandi Bradley, missions@fumc.com
Help provide a meal for the Monday Night Gathering. We ask that you prepare enough food for 25-30 people as we have several graduate families who join us.
Contact: Zoellen Fields, 806-787-4256
In a world filled with screens and constant digital distractions, we're creating an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with one another.
Join us for First UMC's first-ever Media Free Night. Bring your favorite craft project, knitting supplies, puzzle books, journals, or any activity you enjoy. Have books you've already read and would like to pass along? Bring them for a book exchange.
This relaxed evening is designed to encourage conversation, creativity, and community. No agenda, no presentations, and no screens, just an opportunity to spend meaningful time together and enjoy the gift of fellowship.
Contact: Christy Hutchinson, chutchinson@fumc.com, or Shera Atkinson, satkinson@fumc.com
July 7 & 21 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Parent Room
This Book Club will meet twice to discuss the book: The Well-Lived Life: A 103 Year Old Doctor’s Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age. Please order your book and read through Secret 3, then join us for the discussion. We will meet in the Parent Room with light snacks and interesting discussion.
Contact: Shera Atkinson, satkinson@fumc.com
Children’s Wing & Playground
Kid’s Club is a time for you to drop off your kids ages 3 months to 5th grade for time on the playground, crafts, and activities! Parents can drop off/pick up as needed.
Sign Up: www.fumc.com/kids-club
Contact: Joyce Matei, nursery@fumc.com
Join us for an All-Church Game Night! Fun for all ages — everyone is welcome! Enjoy dinner for just $5 per adult, and kids eat free! Please RSVP to help us plan plenty of food for everyone. Hosted by the Legacy Keepers.
Contact: Christy Hutchinson, chutchinson@fumc.com, or Shera Atkinson, satkinson@fumc.com
RSVP: fumc.com/game-night
July 7 & 21 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Parent Room
This Book Club will meet twice to discuss the book: The Well-Lived Life: A 103 Year Old Doctor’s Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age. Please order your book and read through Secret 3, then join us for the discussion. We will meet in the Parent Room with light snacks and interesting discussion.
Contact: Shera Atkinson, satkinson@fumc.com
This well-loved, annual concert honors America and salutes those who serve in our military and its veterans. Featuring talented musicians from our community, FUMC Chancel Choir is joined by the Lubbock Concert Band in a showcase of America’s favorite anthems. Wave the flag, wear red, white, and blue, and stay afterward for hot dogs and ice cream. Admission is free. Childcare is available for those under five with advanced registration at fumc.com/childcare-rsvp
Visitors and regular attenders are invited to the Open Door Welcome Center to have coffee and a time of questions with the pastors to form relationships and learn more about First UMC.
Contact: Shera Atkinson, satkinson@fumc.com
Join us for a wonderful time of fellowship and growth as all Sunday school members and all church members and visitors gather for a church-wide breakfast and discussion with speakers from varying ministries and areas.
Contact: Shera Atkinson, satkinson@fumc.com
First Students are invited to come celebrate the end of the semester with us at Charles A Guy Park!
Contact: Dakota Bybee, dbybee@fumc.com, or Pyper Yardley, pyardley@fumc.com
Join us in the 11:00 traditional service as we honor our 2025 graduates.
This Bible study led by Todd Salzwedel will cover an overview of key verses, themes and applications in the book of Hebrews. Childcare available with advanced registration at fumc.com/childcare-rsvp.
Sign Up: Christy Hutchinson, chutchinson@fumc.com
Church picnic!
Join us in Memorial Garden for food and fellowship following the 11:00 services.
EVERYONE is invited!
Contact Tessa Armes, tarmes@fumc.com.
Come join us! Everyone is welcome! Lubbock’s City manager will be explaining the plan for Lubbock’s Downtown Redevelopment and its current progress, especially as it pertains to the park, Broadway and the new restaurant food court and area surrounding First UMC.
Contact: Shera Atkinson, satkinson@fumc.com
March 1 | 5 p.m. | Sanctuary
Featuring music faculty from five Texas colleges and universities, the Texas Chamber Winds showcase artistry and collaboration in music-making. With recent international performances, including a tour in Brazil, the ensemble presents spirited programs spanning classical to modern works. Childcare is available for those under five with advanced registration at fumc.com/childcare-rsvp.
We have selected the home for our 2026 Helping Hands Mission Project, our 25th home made safe, warm, and dry for a senior homeowner. Join us for a church-wide workday as we paint and add finishing touches to the exterior. No special skills are needed, and everyone is welcome!
More Info: fumc.com/helping-hands-ministry
Contact: Kathy Phillips (806) 787-3600, Frank Phillips (806) 317-9099, frankandkathyphillips@gmail.com
May 17 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Charles A. Guy Park
First Students are invited to come celebrate the end of the semester with us!
Contact: Dakota Bybee, dbybee@fumc.com, or Pyper Yardley, pyardley@fumc.com
April 12, 19, 26; May 3 | 5:30–7 p.m. | Wesley Room
Life Groups are a space for middle and high school students to gather for a shared meal, meaningful conversation, and intentional community in Christ. Together, students build friendships with fellow students their age, have space to ask honest questions, and grow in their faith. It’s a space to belong, be known, and experience God’s love in fellowship.
Contact: Dakota Bybee, dbybee@fumc.com
Kids will participate in activities, crafts, and will watch a movie! Cost is $15 per kid or $40 for a family of three or more, cash or check only. Remember to bring dinner and get ready to have some fun! Please RSVP by 12 p.m., Thursday, April 9.
RSVP: fumc.com/kids-night-out
Contact: Joyce Matei, nursery@fumc.com
Drop off at Sunday School - 9:45 AM
Egg Hunt Times: Kindergarten & Under 9:55 • 1st-5th Grades 10:20
Don’t forget your basket!
Contact: Tessa Armes, tarmes@fumc.com
Students and their families will gather in Memorial Garden for a time of worship early on Easter morning. Everyone is welcome.
Tenebrae service is focused on the passion and death of Jesus, characterized by the Latin word for "darkness". It features the gradual extinguishing of candles, including the Christ candle, alongside Scripture readings that trace the events from the Last Supper to the burial.
Livestream at fumc.com/live-stream or on Facebook
Students and leaders walk through downtown Lubbock and lead scriptures in reflection of Christ’s crucifixion. Everyone is welcome. We end with lunch at Giorgio’s.
Contact: Dakota Bybee, dbybee@fumc.com
Maundy Thursday commemorates Jesus' Last Supper, including the foot washing and Holy Communion, with an emphasis on service and love.
If your child would like to participate in waving palms in the 11 a.m. traditional service, please bring them to the Narthex of the Sanctuary at 10:40 to receive palm branches. All parent help will be welcomed!!
Contact: Tessa Armes, tarmes@fumc.com
February 1, 15, 22; March 1, 8 | 5:30-7:00 p.m. | Memorial Hall
Children’s Ministry families are invited to join us for dinner, crafts, and activities
Contact: Tessa Armes, tarmes@fumc.com
March 7 | 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | CLC
Encourage & Empower
Women are invited to join us as we strengthen women in faith, relationships, and our daily walk with Christ through encouragement, empowerment, and fellowship. Cost is $15, lunch is included.
Registration: fumc.com/womens-retreat
Contact: Christy Hutchinson, chutchinson@fumc.com
QPR’s mission is to reduce suicide and save lives through practical, proven prevention training. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer, three simple steps anyone can learn to help someone in crisis. Like CPR, QPR teaches people to recognize warning signs and guide someone to help. Limit 30 participants per session. Location is the student ministry worship room.
RSVP: fumc.com/qpr
Contact: Tessa Armes, tarmes@fumc.com
QPR’s mission is to reduce suicide and save lives through practical, proven prevention training. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer, three simple steps anyone can learn to help someone in crisis. Like CPR, QPR teaches people to recognize warning signs and guide someone to help. Limit 30 participants per session. Location is the student ministry worship room.
RSVP: fumc.com/qpr
Contact: Tessa Armes, tarmes@fumc.com
March 1 | 5 p.m. | Sanctuary
The Aruna Quartet brings a world of sound to the stage, from bagpipes and fiddles to deep-sea textures and beyond. Showcasing the saxophone family’s chameleon-like range, they perform innovative new works and original arrangements. The quartet is a top prizewinner at major national and international competitions, including Gold Medal and Grand Prize honors at the 46th Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition.Childcare is available for those under five with advanced registration at fumc.com/childcare-rsvp.