Welcome, we're so glad you're here!
Welcome, we're so glad you're here!

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.
April 19, 2026
Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?”That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem, and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Rev. Brady Whitton
Senior Pastor

By: Elevation Worship

By: We The Kingdom

By: Jeremy Riddle

By: Hillsong Worship

By: Elevation Worship
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. Registerby clicking the image above. Questions? Email Shan Schatzle, Coordinator, at shan@firstmethodist.org.
Are you discerning becoming a member of FUMC or ready to join? Attend the next Believe & Belong on May 17 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 on the graphic above. Questions? Email Pattye Hewitt, Executive Director of Adult Education, Hospitality, and Care, at phewitt@firstmethodist.org.

Looking to grow your love for God, self, and others? Stop by the Resource Table located in the front of the gym near the ramp and help yourself to a Bible and highly recommended books. These free resources will encourage and inspire you in following Jesus and loving others in his name.
A century of worship. A future of generosity. Easter Sunday marked the centennial of the completion and dedication of the sanctuary. In celebration of this milestone, we will receive a special offering throughout the year to launch the Century Fund. This new fund will help FUMC provide lasting support to local nonprofit partners in Baton Rouge. Thank you for praying about your gift. Click on the image above to make a gift.
The Love Your Neighbor Van needs restocking! Please place your donations in the box near the America Street entrance. Visit the Love Your Neighbor Van Amazon Registry by clicking on the image above. We are currently collecting the following items: large backpacks; men’s crew socks; new or gently used men’s elastic waist pants and shorts (M-XL); Rain Ponchos; Flushable Wipes; and new or gently used men’s tennis shoes (sizes 10-12).

Kids and Youth love summer at FUMC! Visit firstmethodistyouth.org to register for the Sr. High Mission Trip (May 23- May 31) for 8th-12th graders, and the Jr. High Mystery Mission Trip (July 21-24) for 6th-8th graders. Elementary signups are at firstmethodistchildren.org with Mission Day Camp (June 15-18) for rising 4th-6th graders, and Vacation Bible School (July 13-17) for rising prek-4 to 6th graders.
The Music Ministry is thrilled to announce an immersive week of music, drumming, art, and recreation at the First United Music Camp! Camp will be June 8-11 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for rising 1st-6th Graders (Fall of 2026). A $60 registration fee includes snacks, t-shirt, and activities. Please pack a lunch. Days will include singing, drumming, Orff ensemble (xylophones and glockenspiels), movement, art, and missions: all taught by specialists in each field from the LSU School of Music and Greater Baton Rouge Community. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, email Holden Miller, Associate Director of Music and Organist, at
hmiller@firstmethodist.org. Invite friends and grandchildren––Space is limited with 30 spots remaining, so register now by
going to fumcbr.org/MusicCamp or by clicking on the image above.

Will take place Sunday, April 26. The Senior Banquet honoring the students and families of the Class of 2026 will follow the 11:00 a.m. service. Senior parents, please RSVP by April 15 and submit 8-10 photos to Anna Langford at anna@firstmethodist.org.
FUMC is excited to host a production of “Every Brilliant Thing” on Friday, May 1 at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Center. “Every Brilliant Thing” is an exhilarating and heartwarming play, in which a man looks back at his life and the glimmers of hope that carried him through life. This production contains mature themes and is recommended for audiences 12 years of age and older. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at www.fumcbr.org/brilliant or by clicking on the image above

Dr. Willis Delony, Pianist and LSU Boyd Professor, will present a recital in the sanctuary on Sunday, April 26, at 4:00 p.m. Selections will draw from his latest album "Standards and Improvisations - Music by Joe Makholm," along with a special performance of "Impromptu Variations (After Chopin)" by LSU colleague Dr. Stephen Beck. Also featured will be music by Rachmaninov, Samuel Barber, and Joni Mitchell. This is a free concert. Invite a friend to join you!

The reach of worship services at First United Methodist Church is broad. An average of 800 people view our services online throughout each week. The television broadcast is viewed by an estimated 12,000 households each week. The broadcast ministries are making disciples beyond the walls of the church via radio, television, Facebook, YouTube, and the church’s website. Consider sharing these “viewing” opportunities with friends in the community. The online and television ministry is always looking to involve more people. If you are interested, email Stephen Loy at stephen@firstmethodist.org.
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