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Ministries Homepage LET'S DO THIS ​ TOGETHER MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE! Share your Musical GIFTS! FIND YOUr people! JOIN A SMALL GROUP ! We'll Watch the kids! Sonshine school pre-k leading the next Gen! Youth Ministry give your kids a head start! Children's Ministry feed the people! ANGELS on ASSIGNMENT Different Campus, Same Spirit! Kid's Quest At Otterbein

Our Beliefs UNITED METHODISTs What WE Believe United Methodists share a common heritage with all Christians. According to our foundational statement of beliefs in The Book of Discipline, we share the following basic affirmations in common with all Christian communities: Who is GOD? God, who is one, is revealed in three distinct persons. Who is JESUS? We believe in the mystery of salvation through Jesus Christ. God became human in Jesus of Nazareth; and his life, death and resurrection demonstrate God's redeeming love. Who is the HOLY SPIRIT? The Holy Spirit is God's present activity in our midst. When we sense God's leading, God's challenge, or God's support or comfort, it's the Holy Spirit at work. Who are HUMANS? Genesis 1:27 asserts that we've been made in the image of the Creator. Like God we have the capacity to love and care, to communicate, and to create. What is the CHURCH? The church is the body of Christ, an extension of Christ’s life and ministry in the world today. What is the BIBLE? We believe that the Bible is the primary authority for our faith and practice. What is GOD'S REIGN? The kingdom or reign of God is both a present reality and future hope. Read More

Videos Testimony: Darla Wexstten Hear the reasons why Darla feels like she belongs here at the First United Methodist Church! Darla Testimony Testimony: Hope Kobbert Hear the reasons why Hope feels like she belongs here at the First United Methodist Church! Hope Testimony Promo: Angels On Assignment Check out the history and present happenings of Angels on Assignment. You can also learn how to get involved in our largest outreach ministry! AoA Promo

Connect with us Upcoming events Sun, Jun 23 Immanuel UMC, Des Moines, IA Youth Mission Trip '24 - Des Moines, IA Jun 23, 2024, 7:00 PM – Jun 29, 2024, 11:00 PM Immanuel UMC, Des Moines, IA, 2900 49th St, Des Moines, IA 50310, USA This year our high school youth will be going on a mission trip to Des Moines, Iowa! Our focus will be on seeing the impacts of poverty and learning how we can support people in need. Learn more Sat, Jul 13 Jefferson County Historical Village One Day Vacation Bible School Jul 13, 2024, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 N 27th St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864, USA Try a new type of VBS with us! This year, we will have VBS for one day only, followed by a service project! This year we will be using gardening to understand how we are all made in God's image! Learn more Sun, Apr 28 Bryan Dycus Hall Dessert Auction Apr 28, 2024, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Bryan Dycus Hall, 1133 Main St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864, USA Help send our youth to Des Moines, Iowa for this year's mission trip by participating in this year's dessert auction! The auction will be held after worship, upstairs in the Bryan Dycus Hall. Learn more Sun, Apr 07 Sanctuary Meet the Bishop Apr 07, 2024, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Sanctuary, 1133 Main St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864, USA Bishop Beard is worshipping with us on April 7th, so mark your calendars for a chance to meet our bishop! Learn more Sun, Mar 31 Sanctuary Easter Sunday Mar 31, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Sanctuary, 1133 Main St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864, USA Join us in worship this Easter Sunday at 10:00 AM Learn more Fri, Mar 29 Sanctuary Good Friday Mar 29, 2024, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM Sanctuary, 1133 Main St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864, USA Join us for worship at 7:00 PM Learn more Thu, Mar 28 Sanctuary Maundy Thursday Mar 28, 2024, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM Sanctuary, 1133 Main St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864, USA Join us for worship at 7:00 PM Learn more Multiple Dates Wed, Mar 27 Bryan Dycus Hall Lenten Dinner Mar 27, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Bryan Dycus Hall, 1133 Main St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864, USA Join us for dinner and a devotion every Wednesday during Lent! Learn more Sun, Mar 24 Jefferson County Historical Village Easter Egg Hunt Mar 24, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 N 27th St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864, USA Come find some easter eggs at the Jefferson County Historical Village, Sunday March 24th, 3:00 - 4:30 PM Learn more Sun, Mar 24 Sanctuary Palm Sunday Mar 24, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Sanctuary, 1133 Main St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864, USA Join us in worship this Palm Sunday at 10:00 AM Learn more Sun, Mar 17 Cafe Area Mission Trip Informational Meeting Mar 17, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Cafe Area, 1133 Main St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864, USA Interested in leaving your backyard to serve God? Then join us on March 17th @ 6:00 PM in the cafe area to learn how you can serve on this year's mission trip to Des Moines, IA. Learn more Sun, Mar 17 Cafe Area Confirmation Informational Meeting Mar 17, 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Cafe Area, 1133 Main St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864, USA Who: Middle School - High School students and their families What: Meeting to discuss if Confirmation is right for your student and family When: After worship on March 17th Where: In the cafe area Learn more Sun, Mar 03 Cafe Area Spiritual Type Workshop (3 of 3) Mar 03, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Cafe Area, 1133 Main St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864, USA Discover your Spiritual Type! The final meeting will be held in the cafe area from 6:00 - 7:00 PM. Learn more

Youth ministry YOUR KIDS ​ OUR FUTURE We are focused on building a better future, starting here in our very own church! ​ How do we do this? ​ We focus on relationships; relationships with Christ, relationships with others, and relationships with the world. ​ All are welcome, so we hope to see you soon! WHO Junior High Grades 6th - 8th Senior High Grades 9th - 12th WHAT Weeknight hang-outs where we focus on building relationships with God, each other, and our community. WHEN Junior High Wed. 3:30 - 5:30 PM Senior High Wed. 6:00 - 8:00 PM WHERE We typically meet at First UMC, upstairs in the Bryan Dycus Hall. We occasionally meet outside of the church. WHY Our programs not only teach youth about God's character, but we also teach youth how to represent Christ in our world today, how to build solid relationships, and how to develop a strong sense of identity and confidence. WANT TO DONATE? DONATE HERE MEET THE PASTOR Ian Barbee Contact info: ian@mountvernonfirst.org (618) 242-1030 ext 103 "Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible." - St. Francis of Assisi ​ Ian has been the youth pastor for the past four years and credits the success of his ministry to the support of the church and the unconditional love from the youth group.

Sonshine School What are we A faith-based program for preschool children to interact in a setting where Christian living and Kindergarten readiness are emphasized. ENROLL HERE PAY TUITION QUESTIONS?

Small Groups JOIN A SMALL GROUP! YAM's WHO: Young Adult Methodists (Adults 18+) WHAT: A Bible Study group centered around young adults and families WHEN: TBA WHERE: TBA WHY: Spend time each week with other young adults like you ​ Contact Hillary Esser for more info UNITED METHODIST MEN The 2016 United Methodist Book of Discipline charges the General Commission on United Methodist Men with the “primary oversight for the coordination and resourcing of men’s ministry with The United Methodist Church.” (paragraph 2302) UNITED women in faith We seek to connect and nurture women through Christian spiritual formation, leadership development, creative fellowship and education so that they can inspire, influence and impact local and global communities. PIONEERS WHO: Older Adults (65+ years) WHAT: A group that focuses on close relationships with each other and the community WHEN: TBA WHERE: TBA WHY: Spend time each month with others to learn what is going on in the lives of your group and community. ​

Youtube Video 5/5/2024 FUMC 10:00 AM Sunday Service Play Video 4/28/2024 FUMC 10:00 AM Sunday Service Play Video 4/21/2024 FUMC 10:00 AM Sunday Service Play Video 4/14/2024 FUMC 10:00 AM Sunday Service Play Video 4/7/2024 FUMC 10:00 AM Sunday Service Play Video 3/31/2024 FUMC Easter Service Play Video 3/29/2024 FUMC Good Friday Service Play Video 3/28/2024 FUMC Maundy Thursday Service Play Video 5/5/2024 FUMC 10:00 AM Sunday Service Play Video 4/28/2024 FUMC 10:00 AM Sunday Service Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close Fill out the Blue Slip Let Us Know You're Here! Family Name Number of Participants Let's Stay In Touch! What's On Your Mind? What Type Of Message Is This? Public Private I'm Here! Thanks for submitting! Want more? Subscribe Here! Download our bulletin Keep Up with First Things CLICK HERE CLICK HERE Share your gifts Give online CLICK HERE mountvernonfirst.org/giving Stay Up to Date Sign up for our newsletter CLICK HERE WHAT DOES CHURCH MEAN TO YOU? "I first started coming to this church when I was in an unusual season in my life...a spiritual desert. I didn't know where I fit into a church. When I first started coming, one thing that struck me, and has stayed, is that this church really does live out the 'Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors', literally...not just the pastors, but the people as well." ​ Want to hear more? Click here for her short video! Darla Wexstten "There are so many reasons why ending up here...has been God's hand guiding me to this place and this point. I've really found my home and my family here. I can come to God with questions, I can doubt, and I can find that that's okay. I can feel like the experiences that I've had aren't wasted." ​ Want to hear more? Click here for her short video! Hope Kobbert

Connect with us Stay in the Loop CONTACT US PHONE: 618-242-1030 ​ EMAIL: office@mountvernonfirst.org 1133 Main Street, Mount Vernon, IL 62864 ​ VISIT US Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm ​ Saturday: CLOSED Sunday: 8:45 am - 10:45 am ​ ask us Submit Thanks for submitting! GET OUR NEWSLETTER! Sun, Jun 23 Youth Mission Trip '24 - Des Moines, IA / Immanuel UMC, Des Moines, IA Learn more Jun 23, 2024, 7:00 PM – Jun 29, 2024, 11:00 PM Immanuel UMC, Des Moines, IA, 2900 49th St, Des Moines, IA 50310, USA This year our high school youth will be going on a mission trip to Des Moines, Iowa! Our focus will be on seeing the impacts of poverty and learning how we can support people in need. Sat, Jul 13 One Day Vacation Bible School / Jefferson County Historical Village Learn more Jul 13, 2024, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Jefferson County Historical Village, 1411 N 27th St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864, USA Try a new type of VBS with us! This year, we will have VBS for one day only, followed by a service project! This year we will be using gardening to understand how we are all made in God's image! GET OUR NEWSLETTER! Newsletter

Our leadership Meet Our Team Our Pastors Rev. Victor Long I Lead Pastor I victor@mountvernonfirst.org Victor Long was appointed as the pastor of the First United Methodist Church in July of 2010. Victor was ordained Elder in the former Southern Illinois Conference in 1991. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from McKendree College (now University); a Master of Divinity degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University; and a Doctor of Ministry in Applied Ministries from the Graduate Theological Foundation. A Benedictine Oblate of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, his Doctor of Ministry project focused on introducing Benedictine spirituality into United Methodist congregations. The project was titled, “Benedict Meets Mayberry.” Victor has previously served United Methodist congregations in Marion (First UMC), Carrier Mills, Centralia (First UMC, Associate), and Metropolis (First UMC, Associate). In the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, he presently serves on the Committee on Episcopacy, the Board of Ordained Ministry, and the District Committee on Ordained Ministry. He is married to Jennifer, who works as a school nurse in the Head Start program at District 80 schools, and they have four adult children. He is active in the Mount Vernon Noon Rotary Club and the Sons of the American Revolution (Lewis & Clark Chapter). Victor loves genealogy, collecting interesting things (e.g., autographs, pink flamingos), Bowen Family Systems Theory, and, as a displaced Texan, Mexican food. Ian likes to think that serving as the youth pastor keeps him perpetually young and cool...okay "cool" might be a bit of a stretch. Ian's not afraid to let loose and be incredibly dorky and corny, which mixes well with his desire to provide a safe space for each student to truly be themselves. When Ian's not doing his youth pastor duties, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their two cats and dog. He also loves kayaking, video games, sewing, editing videos, and listening to podcasts that cover topics such as architecture, civics, celebrity interviews, Bible info, food, philosophy, and many more random topics. Rev. Ian Barbee I Students' Pastor I ian@mountvernonfirst.org Rev. Gina Ellis Gina Ellis is a licensed local pastor and has been Children’s Ministry Director since 2018. Gina is married to Jerry and they have seven children and eleven grandchildren. They share their home with three of their children, one granddaughter, and Jezebel, a black miniature poodle. Gina loves to cook, bake angel food cakes, read, plant flowers, tend to her fish pond, and play. Gina’s favorite part of ministry is getting to know the children, teaching, and showing them how very much God loves them. I Childrens' Pastor I gina@mountvernonfirst.org Ian likes to think that serving as the youth pastor keeps him perpetually young and cool...okay "cool" might be a bit of a stretch. Ian's not afraid to let loose and be incredibly dorky and corny, which mixes well with his desire to provide a safe space for each student to truly be themselves. When Ian's not doing his youth pastor duties, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their two cats and dog. He also loves kayaking, video games, sewing, editing videos, and listening to podcasts that cover topics such as architecture, civics, celebrity interviews, Bible info, food, philosophy, and many more random topics. Rev. Hope Kobbert I Childrens' Pastor I hope@mountvernonfirst.org Our Office Staff Sarah Lee I Administrative Assistant I Sarah joined the FUMC staff in November 2022. As Administrative Assistant, she manages the office on weekdays, answering the phone, coordinating church meetings and projects, scheduling, receipts, and other daily issues that arise. She also prepares and publishes weekly bulletin inserts, monthly newsletters, and other publications to assist in worship and other tasks as assigned by the pastor. Sarah is a lifelong resident of Mt Vernon. She has one son, Hank Lee, who also resides in Mt Vernon. She is a horticulturist and an Illinois Master Naturalist. She is part of Chancel Choir and First Ringers Handbell Choir. Becky Deaton I Parish Visitor I Becky has been part of the FUMC Staff for several years. As Parish Visitor she stays in contact with members, visiting them in home, hospital, or wherever they may be. Becky also is a friendly face on Sunday mornings, meeting and greeting visitors as she welcomes them to FUMC. She coordinates a Visitation Team of volunteers who assist in visits, cards, and gifts for home-bound members who are not always able to make it to the Church on Sunday mornings. Becky lives in Mt Vernon where she and her husband, Bill Deaton, keep busy with many community projects. Our Musicians Kathy Just I Music Director I John McGhee I Choir & Bells Director I

About Who Are We? We are committed to our vision, “Find Hope Downtown.” ​ Like all other families, we are not perfect. We don’t know all the answers. Some days, we don’t even know all the questions but we try, with the Lord’s help to be better -to serve better and to love better today than yesterday. Our Leadership Our Beliefs Our History We witness to the hope in Jesus Christ by loving God passionately, by growing in our faith intentionally, and by serving others generously. Love God • Grow in Faith • Serve Others Our Services Our Ministries

Our History Our History 200+ YEARS of MINISTRY Zadok Casey A group of pioneer settlers met on Nov. 1, 1818, in Edward Maxey’s log cabin 4 miles northwest of what is now modern-day Mt. Vernon. It was there that they organized a Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Zadok Casey preached the first services. A month later, Illinois was admitted into the Union and seven months later, Jefferson County was formally organized. Born in Greene County, Ga., Casey was an avid disciple of John Wesley and became a community leader. Very little is known of his early life, but one story suggests that he witnessed a murder and because he did not wish to testify, he fled to the western frontier. Following the War of 1812, Casey ventured into the Illinois Territory. After founding the community of Mt. Vernon, she became an influential political leader in Illinois. He was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1822, to the Illinois State Senate in 1826 and was the fourth state Lieutenant Governor in 1830. He served in U.S. House of Representatives from 1833 to 1843 whose politics was as a Jacksonian Democrat. His final term was as an Independent Democrat. Returning from Washington, Casey was elected again to the Illinois House from 1848 to 1852, served as Speaker in 1852 and then in the State Senate from 1860 to 1862. Casey's popularity among his neighbors was such that he twice received the support of every other voter in Jefferson County — when he ran for the Senate in 1826 and for Lieutenant Governor in 1830, only one opposing vote was cast in either election, and that vote was Casey's own. Casey Creek, a tributary of the Big Muddy River, is named in honor of Zadok Casey. Casey Middle School and Casey Avenue in Mount Vernon are also named after him. In later years, Casey lived in Caseyville, Ill., also named after him because of his assistance in financing the Mississippi and Ohio Railroad through the center of town. He died in 1862 and is buried in Old Union Cemetery in Mt. Vernon. Early years Following the Society’s organizations, the first church, known as Union Church, was located about 1 mile north of Mt. Vernon. In 1835, the Methodists purchased ground the constructed a building on 11th Street, just north of the present-day city hall. Because it was the largest building at the time, it was also used as a courthouse. In 1854, continued growth necessitated the need for a larger two-story building on Main Street where the present education wing is located. Casey presented the church with a bronze bell. On Feb. 19, 1888, a devastating tornado destroyed the church and much of the city. Only the bell and a few records were salvaged. The entire downtown region was destroyed. However, once again, Methodists rose to the occasion and the present-day structure, at the corner of 12th and Main streets, about 50 feet west of the 1854 building, was completed in just 10 months. Some of the more recent records unearthed show that carpenters from around the state to help rebuild the church. The stained-glass windows, ceiling beams and architecture are from the 1888 building. Wings to the wings to the east and west sides of the sanctuary were added in 1914. Balconies and a full basement were added. In 1957, the education wing was finished, and the exterior of the church was given a veneer of Bedford stone to match the educational building. The pastors The 200th birthday party was the beginning of the bicentennial celebration Nov. 3. The church’s past was highlighted in the service. Scott Gibbs, a former member, composed and arranged Through the Ages for the service. It was performed by the composer’s brother and sister-in-law, Curt and Monica Gibbs. The Rev. David Eadie, who served as pastor from 2002 to 2010, gave the morning prayer at the Nov. 3 service. Rev. Dr. Victor Long found a copy a prayer handwritten by the Rev. Dr. Billy Hahs, who served as pastor of the church from 1978 to 1993 – the church’s longest pastorate. Rev. J.W. Van Cleve, who was pastor from 1892 to 1896, wrote the hymn, Hallelujah! Jesus Saves Me, which was sung at the bicentennial service. Several of the former pastors ruffled the feathers of town folk through the years. One of the church’s pastors upset a merchant so much he vowed he would whip him. The pastor was of slight build and the merchant was stout. One day, the pastor walked by the merchant’s store and he came out of his store ready to fight. The pastor got on his knees and prayed for God to save this man. The merchant couldn’t go through with it and there was no fight. The Rev. Dr. John F. Harmon, was waging a fight against saloons during his five years in Mt. Vernon (1897-1902). During the first four years, the pastor, who stood more than 6 foot tall, wore a long Prince Albert coat and a derby hat, procured more than 400 indictments for illegal traffic in liquor, including a sheriff and several deputies. It was during this time that a dynamite bomb was thrown at the parsonage. It failed to explode. Conference officials moved Harmon to East St. Louis, where the pastor commented about his ministry in Mt. Vernon, “We did some good work there. Mt. Vernon is a moral town now.” Harmon was also responsible for helping the church to establish a mission on the east side of Mt. Vernon where Epworth UMC is located. At least five former pastors of Mt. Vernon First served as president of McKendree College in Lebanon (now McKendree University). Long says that Mt. Vernon First is a congregation where “some quality people live their faith in tangible ways.” He noted some families have been connected to the church for five and five generations.