Here's what you need to know
Childcare
Children and Youth
Children and Youth
Childcare is available during all services for children ages 6 weeks through Kindergarten. Check-in is located across the welcome desk in the Conference Center Lobby. Children are also welcome to stay In Worship.
Children and Youth
Children and Youth
Children and Youth
FUMC offers Sunday morning groups for children and youth from 9:40-10:40 a.m. Let us assist you in finding a group by visiting the Check-in table located across from the welcome desk in the Conference Center lobby.
Adults
Children and Youth
Adults
We believe that being a part of a small group or class is one of the best ways to nurture your life with God. Each Sunday following the worship service, one class meets at 11:00am. ‘America Street Sunday School’ led by Jen Rossnagel in room CB109 . You are invited to gather with others for conversation, study, and prayer whenever you can. No registration is required.
Today's Sermon + Scripture
Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44
“But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in the days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so, too, will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken, and one will be left. Keep awake, therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Sermon: “About That Day and Hour”
Rev. Brady Whitton, Senior Pastor
Today's worship music
Stand In Your Love
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
By: Bethel Music
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
By: Kim Walker-Smith
Spirit Of The Living God
Spirit Of The Living God
Spirit Of The Living God
By: Vertical Worship
Your Love Awakens Me
Spirit Of The Living God
Spirit Of The Living God
By: Phil Wickham
Announcements
Newcomer Coffee
Believe and Belong
Believe and Belong
If you are new to First United Methodist and are ready to learn more or have questions, we invite you to join us for our monthly Newcomer Coffee. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and meet others. This event takes place on the first Sunday of each month from 9:45–10:45 a.m. in Ory Parish Hall. Register by Clicking here or by clicking the image above. Questions? Email Shan Schatzle, Coordinator, at shan@firstmethodist.org.
Believe and Belong
Believe and Belong
Believe and Belong
Are you discerning becoming a member of FUMC or ready to join? Attend the next
Believe & Belong , Sunday, January 25 from 9:45–10:45 a.m. in the Conference Center. Childcare and Children’s Sunday School are available during this hour. Register by clicking here or by clicking on the image above.
Questions?
Email Pattye Hewitt, Inviting & Welcoming Director, at phewitt@firstmethodist.org.
We welcome the following persons who joined FUMC at the last Believe & Belong: Bryan and Joey Bunch, Dane and Lisa Graffeo, Josh and Alexis Ford, Jenny Hastings, and Keith and Laurie Smith. 110 people have joined FUMC this year.
Resource Table
Believe and Belong
Resource Table
Visit the Resource Table in the gym where you will find books to inspire your life with God:
John Wesley: Holiness of Heart & Life; Good & Beautiful God; and Making Sense of the Bible. If you have questions or want to learn more about God, contact Pattye at phewitt@firstmethodist.org.
Announcements Cont.
Love Your Neighbor. Feed the Hungry.
This Giving Tuesday on December 2, First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge invites you to respond to Jesus’ call to love our neighbors and care for those in need. From Giving Tuesday through Christmas Eve, your gifts will help ensure that fewer people in our Baton Rouge community face the holidays hungry.
- The first $10,000 received will fund holiday food boxes, each filled with everything needed for a complete holiday meal. These boxes go directly to local individuals and families—each one a tangible expression that God’s love shows up around a table.
- Gifts beyond that amount will support the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, extending our reach so even more families experience nourishment, dignity, and hope.
On this Giving Tuesday, we ask you to give in the spirit of Jesus’ mission—to feed the hungry and love our neighbors as ourselves. Your generosity is not simply an act of charity; it is an act of love and faith. Click the image above to be directed to the giving website.
FUMC 's 100th anniversary Ornament
In 2026, First United Methodist Church will celebrate the 100th anniversary of moving from the original church site on the corner of Fourth and Laurel to the current location on North Boulevard. To commemorate this milestone, solid brass ornaments of the façade of the sanctuary are for sale at Café 930 in the Ory Parish Hall. Each ornament costs $20 (cash or check). This ornament will make a great gift. Purchase one for yourself, or for family members who were either baptized, confirmed, or married in the sanctuary.
Love Your Neighbor Van Needs Help!
Love Your Neighbor Van Needs Help!
The Love Your Neighbor van needs your help restocking its inventory. Please place donations in the large box near the America Street entrance. We need:
- Fruit Cups
- Men’s Long Sleeve Crew Neck T-Shirts – Sizes: L and XL
- Men’s and Women’s elastic waist pants (new or used) - all sizes
- 12 oz. Coffee Grounds
- New or Lightly used Sleeping Bags
- Flushable Wipes
- Gently used sweaters/sweatshirts, and jackets - all sizes
Senior Adult Christmas Event
Love Your Neighbor Van Needs Help!
Make plans to attend the Senior Adult Christmas Event on Wednesday, December 10. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Baton Rouge Chorus of Sweet Adelines. The program begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Conference Center. Lunch and program $25.00. To make reservations, call (225)383-4777, ext. 229 or email care@firstmethodist.org.
Children's Advent Adventure
The FUMC Children’s Ministry invites you to experience the story of Christmas as a family through activities, crafts, food, and music at Advent Adventure on Sunday, December 7, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. (downtown at Galvez Plaza). Visit firstmethodistchildren.org for more information about this free, family event.
Poinsettia Orders
Order your poinsettia today! We hope you will consider placing a poinsettia in a worship space in memory or honor of someone special this year. By clicking on the image above, you will be directed to the poinsettia reservation page. You can also order via the Advent Section on the church’s website at www.firstmethodist.org or by visiting www.fumcbr.org/poinsettia. Each plant is $21. The deadline to order is Monday, December 8. Poinsettias will adorn worship spaces on December 14, 21, and Christmas Eve.
“Advent 2025: A Calendar of Devotions”
“Advent 2025: A Calendar of Devotions” are available!
This resource provides daily devotions to guide you through the season of Advent. Each
day’s reading, from the first Sunday of Advent (November 30) to Christmas Day, is based
on the Revised Common Lectionary and includes scripture, a short devotion, and a prayer.
Printed devotionals are available at the Resource table by the Gym entrance.
For a downloadable version or a printed copy mailed to your home, email Pattye Hewitt
Season Of Advent and Christmas
The four-week liturgical season of Advent begins today. Advent derives from the Latin adventus, which means “coming.” The season proclaims the coming of Christ—whose birth we prepare to celebrate once again.
December 7 - Advent Adventure at 4:00 p.m.; Mid City Worship at 5:00 p.m.
December 14 -Music presented by the Chancel Choir and Festival Orchestra at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Music presented by the America Street Band at 9:45 a.m.
“O Come, All Ye Gumbo” at 4:30 p.m.
Downtown Christmas Pilgrimage at 5:30 p.m.
December 20 -Christmas Food boxes packed and delivered at 9:00 a.m.
December 21 -Mid City Worship at 5:00 p.m.; Longest Night Service at 7:00 p.m.
December 24 -Family Sanctuary Service at 11:00 a.m.; America Street Service at 2:00 p.m. Sanctuary Services at 4:00 and 6:00 p.m.
December 28 -Combined Service in the Gym at 10:00 a.m. No Sunday School.
Online Worship Kits
Looking for ways to serve during the Advent and Christmas season?
Unable to join us in person for Christmas Eve worship? Online Worship Kits have everything you need to celebrate from home. Kits are available throughout the week and on Sundays at the America Street Welcome Desk and in Ory Parish Hall. Request one to be mailed to you by contacting Pattye Hewitt at phewitt@firstmethodist.org.
Looking for ways to serve during the Advent and Christmas season?
Looking for ways to serve during the Advent and Christmas season?
Looking for ways to serve during the Advent and Christmas season?
Looking for ways to serve during the Advent and Christmas season? To sign up, reach out to the ministry leader of the area of interest:
Missions Ministry – Ben Kennedy, bkennedy@firstmethodist.org
Load Giving Tree gifts and deliver gifts to schools – December 15, 8:00 a.m.
Unload groceries for Christmas Food Boxes – December 19, 10:00 a.m.
Pack and deliver Christmas Food Boxes – December 20, 9:00 a.m.
Hospitality Ministry – Pattye Hewitt, phewitt@firstmethodist.org
Greet at the Advent Wednesday Communion Services in Aldrich Chapel – 12:10-12:40 p.m.
Greet at the Advent Adventure at Galvez Plaza – Sunday, December 7, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Serve gumbo at “O Come, All Ye Gumbo” in the Conference Center – Sunday, December 14, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Greet at the Downtown Pilgrimage in the Sanctuary – Sunday, December 14, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Greet at the Longest Night Service in the Sanctuary – Sunday, December 21, 7:00 p.m.
Box Cupcakes in the Dining Hall – Monday, December 22, 1:00-3:30 p.m.
Greet and distribute cupcakes to children on Christmas Eve – Wednesday, December 24, 11:00 a.m.,
2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m.
AMST Volunteers Needed!
Looking for ways to serve during the Advent and Christmas season?
Our Ministries Require Your Support.
Help us create a welcoming and meaningful worship experience! We are looking for volunteers to assist with:
- Running slides during worship
- Running Lights during worship
- Reading scripture
- Setting up Café 930 before the service
If you feel called to serve in any of these ways, please contact Sophia Abbott at sabbott@firstmethodist.org.
Our Ministries Require Your Support.
Looking for ways to serve during the Advent and Christmas season?
Our Ministries Require Your Support.
Your contributions help underwrite the important ministries of FUMC. Recurring gifts provide stability for our church, helping us know how much income to expect and to manage cash flow throughout the year. To establish a recurring gift via ACH bank draft, contact Destiny Muse, Contributions Coordinator, at dmuse@firstmethodist.org, or at 225-383-2777, extension 218. For instructions on setting up an online recurring gift, visit http://www.fumcbr.org/give.