Welcome to First UMC!
At First United Methodist Church, we believe in the power of community and shared faith. Our doors are open to all individuals, regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey. From lifelong Christians to those just beginning to explore their faith, all find a home here in our diverse and inclusive community.
72 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland, FL
This church is a place where people can ask questions, learn to pray, and grow in faith. We are a church community that seeks to offer hope and healing to those who are hurting.
We invite you to discover for yourself who we are.
Join Us This Weekend!
We offer a variety of worship experiences designed to resonate with you, no matter your preference. Join us for our traditional services at 8:15am and 11:00am or our contemporary services at 9:30am and 11:00am.
Sanctuary Service
8:15am
The best of traditional worship is presented in a new way with a fresh new approach to time-honored hymns with a variety of styles of music.
Fellowship Center
9:30 AM
A more contemporary, relaxed atmosphere with the worship music of today.
*In-Person ASL interpretation Available*
Sanctuary Service
11:00 AM
Traditional hymns with organ accompaniment are featured in this worship service as well as pieces from our various fine arts music groups.
The Current
11:00 AM
A unique worship experience with contemporary worship music and settings. Communion is offered each Sunday.
Our Ministries
We offer a wealth of ministries, each designed to provide life-giving community and opportunities for growth. Whether you’re a child, a youth, an adult, or seeking ministry through music & fine arts or missions, there’s a place for you.
Serve With Us
We believe in the transformative power of service. Serving at First United is not only about making a difference in the lives of others but also about enriching your own life. We offer a variety of opportunities to serve, both within our church and in the wider local and global community.
Stay Connected
Can’t join us in person? We offer online worship services to ensure you can connect with us from wherever you are.
Download our App
Our First UMC app makes it easy for you to sign up for events, connect with a group, request prayer, and give. Download it on Apple or Android to stay connected throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Considering a visit to First United Methodist? If so, we hope you’ll find the answers to these frequently asked questions helpful. If you have a question not answered below, please contact us.
We offer four services: two traditional services at 8:15 & 11am in the Sanctuary, and two contemporary services at 9:30 & 11:00am in the Fellowship Center.
Click here for a map of our campus.
Click here for a map of our campus.
This is home to believers of all different backgrounds. People wear a wide range of attire from jeans or shorts to dresses and suits. Please wear what makes you most comfortable.
Children and youth are particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Since 1996, the General Conference of the United Methodist Church has mandated that each local congregation have a child/youth protection policy (“CYPP”). All employees and volunteers within the local church who work with children or youth are required to review and acknowledge their church’s CYPP on an annual basis.
We are a local congregation of The United Methodist Church; we welcome everyone to learn more about who we are and what we believe.
Following the roots of Methodism, our church is devoted to putting faith and love into action, and our primary mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Therefore, we believe we have a direct responsibility to reach out and listen to you, to accept you as a sister or brother, to share the Good News with you through both word and action, to invite you into our family of faith, and to joyfully receive you when you respond.
All are welcome at Christ’s Table. You do not need to be a member of this church, a United Methodist Church, or any church to participate. Grape juice and bread or gluten-free crackers are used during the service of Holy Communion.
Yes! We welcome you to come as you are. We strive to live according to the example provided by Jesus, who embraced strangers without judgment or scorn and without expectations beyond “Love God and love others as you love yourself.” As imperfect humans, we don’t always get this right but our intention is that everyone is welcome at our church, and our hope is that you will find this to be a place of safety without judgment or expectation that you conform to a particular standard.