We started attending First United Methodist Church (FUMC) because the congregation and leadership made us feel welcome. We joined FUMC because we believe participation in church life is essential to growth in faith and service to Christ. The services, classes and opportunities
to serve at
FUMC are all outstanding.
-Sandy & Paul Richter
Information for newcomers
Welcome to First United Methodist Church of Iowa City. With a long and storied past, First United Methodist Church looks forward to a bright and vibrant future. First United Methodist Church is literally the “first church” of Iowa City, having been established in 1839. Located in downtown Iowa City , at the corner of Jefferson and Dubuque Streets, First UMC is an historic landmark, to the community and to the campus of the University of Iowa. Home to more than 1,550 members, First UMC is also a :home away from home” for many U of I students – a place to celebrate the unity of Christ amidst diversity.
As you will discover by exploring our website, First UMC is a center of dynamic, vibrant ministry, touching the lives of people of every age – children, youth, young adults, adults and seniors – even as it serves the needs of the community and the world. Through worship, music ministry, Sunday School, children's ministries, youth groups, adult classes, short term studies, small groups and affinity groups, family ministries, health & caring ministries, and outreach ministries of all sorts, First UMC is a sign of God's on-going involvement in the life of the world and it's peoples.
This year we are engaged in ministry under the banner: “Many Gifts, One Spirit.” This is our way of celebrating the “incarnational ministry” that is ours; the ministry of making Christ's presence known and felt through the active leadership and dedicated participation of many, may lay members and friends of First UMC, equipped and under-girded for their acts of service by an equally dedicated and creative church staff. We are a people who are living, growing and being stretched by our faith, even as we seek to join with God in making a difference in the life of our church, our community and the world.
We invite you to review our Mission Statement, our Core Values, and our Strategic Plan (use the "our mission" link in the left navigational menu) . More than that, we invite you to explore making First United Methodist Church your church home. Please feel free to contact our church office or any of our staff if you have questions or desire more information. We are here to help you.
We look forward to welcoming you into the First Church faith family. Additional information about upcoming “Meet The Staff” Newcomers Orientation Sessions is available.
Sunday Worship Services
First United Methodist Church of Iowa City offers three unique and distinctive Sunday morning services of Worship.
Cornerstone Service from 8-8:50 a.m. This Worship Service is “bedrock” United Methodist Traditional Worship at its finest, centered on the singing of traditional hymns, biblically-focused preaching, and traditional liturgies and prayers. Organist Jin-Ah Yoo leads our music ministry at this service which also features soloists and small vocal and instrumental groups from time to time.
Santuary Alternative Worship Service from 9:15-10 a.m. Looking for a casual, up-beat worship service where you are welcomed “just the way you are?” This service features the contemporary music and praise hymns led by the Sanctuary Band and the use of projectors and screens & digital technology. Attire for this service is casual but our focus remains on worshipping God with our prayers and our praise.
Koinonia Worship from 10:30-11:30 a.m. The Koinonia (Greek for “Community”) Service is for people of all ages, featuring an up-dated approach to worship through the use of modern litanies, songs and prayers while remaining true to our United Methodist worship heritage. The music ministry of Organist Jin-Ah Yoo and the Chancel Choir, led by Director of Music Samuel Kwok, is supplemented by a variety of vocal and instrumental ensembles, including our bell and chime choirs.
To locate the church, view the Mapquest website.
Radio & Television Ministry: A 30 minute broadcast of a portion of one of our services is aired every Sunday morning over KXIC (800 AM) from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. You are welcome to sponsor a broadcast in honor or in memory of a loved one for $85.00. A tape of our Koinonia Service is broadcast on Public Television Channel 18 on Wednesdays @ 2:00 p.m. and on Sundays @ 7:00 p.m.
Parking on Sundays
Handicapped parking: There are several spaces in the alley just north of the church building designated for handicapped parking. Note: the alley runs one-way to the east; enter off Dubuque Street between Market and Jefferson). Just inside the alley entrance is an elevator leading to the narthex.
Other parking: The meters on nearby streets do not require coins on Sundays between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. on several streets near the church (including Dubuque, Jefferson, and Market Streets). Look for the city's signs.
Parking lots: The parking lot of Brewery Square (just north of the church, off Market Street) is open all day on Sundays. A University of Iowa lot, located east of Seashore Hall has available for public parking on Sundays.
Parking ramps: There are several city parking ramps within several blocks of the church. There is free parking on Sundays at the city-owned ramp near the corner of Gilbert Street and Iowa Avenue.Other ramps are available at their usual rates: at the corner of Linn and Burlington Streets; at the corner of Washington and Gilbert Streets; and at the corner of Burlington and Clinton Streets.
Parking on Weekdays
The three parking spots just east of the alley doors (four if you park in front of the dumpster) are now open to "All Members and Friends of the Church" on a first come, first serve basis. Note: There is a 15 minute time limit for those choosing to park in these spots and you must be conducting "church business" within the building. Anyone needing more time is asked to check in at the church office. There are also a number of metered parking places on nearby streets; be aware that coins must be fed into the meters until 5 p.m.
Accommodations to Make Worship Meaningful and Comfortable