Serve
Get Involved
At First Methodist Midland, we strive to embody the love and care Christ showed to people from every walk of life. Inspired by His example, we aim to be the compassionate, welcoming arms of Christ in our community. Whether you’re in need of support or feel called to help others, we offer many ways to get involved:
- Missions & Outreach: Join us in serving both our local and global communities.
- Volunteering: Share your time and talents to make a difference in others’ lives.
- Recovery Ministry: Support those affected by addiction on their journey toward healing.
- Stephen Ministry: Become a Stephen Minister and offer one-on-one care to those in need.
- Prayer Ministry: Request prayer or join in lifting others up through prayer.
No matter your needs or passions, there’s a place for you here to make an impact.
Hospitality Teams
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The First Impressions Team can be recognized each Sunday by their smiles and red shirts. They greet members and guests every Sunday, help people cross the street in front of the church safely, and help people find their way within the church. They currently have five teams that rotate every five weeks. On average, each team serves one Sunday a month. On their assigned Sundays, First Impressions team members are expected to serve from 8:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. but will also be able to attend one of the worship services and Sunday School. *Background checks are required and will be provided for all First Impressions team members.
Gatekeepers
As Gatekeepers, we are here to protect our chruch and all who enter it on Sunday mornings and for other special evetns at the church. We help provide a safe environment not only from a security standpoint but through out training and knowledges in first aid and special responses as well. We are always aware of our surroundings and take what we do very seriously. We put a lot of time into trainings, certifcations, and meeting once a month to make sure we keep a tight bond as a group. It is important for us to maintain our trainings and communcation so we can continue to serve our church and make it a safe and comfortable environment for everyone who enters our doors not just on Sundays but for all events.
TEAM LEADER: Brent Shuler
EMAIL BRENT
Usher Team
Ushers are vital part of each worship service, providing a means of information to both those attending services as well as the pastors and staff. Ushers are one of the most visible ministries in the church. Ushers provide assistance in worship through collecting the offering, guiding the congregation during communion, and answering questions about the church.
TEAM LEADERS:
Gary McMillan EMAIL HIM
Community Outreach
Coats for kids
Members of this ministry work with Midland ISD to collect, sort, and deliver coats to students within the district. The church wide coat drive takes place in early fall. These helpers sort, label and deliver the coats to each school to be distributed before the weather turns cold. Last year our church donated more than 1,100 coats!
Needleworks Ministry
This ministry meets every third Tuesday of the month to sew Christmas stockings, clothes, blankets and bibs. They donated 300 stockings this year as well as hundreds of blankets to Hospice and the VA. It’s okay if you don’t consider yourself a seamstress–they have plenty of other projects they’d be happy to have your help with!
WORSHIP
Usher Team
Ushers are vital part of each worship service, providing a means of information to both those attending services as well as the pastors and staff. Ushers are one of the most visible ministries in the church. Ushers provide assistance in worship through collecting the offering, guiding the congregation during communion, and answering questions about the church.
TEAM LEADERS:
Gary McMillan EMAIL HIM
Communion Team
The focus of communion, or the Lord’s Supper, is the central part of a church service done in response to the Lord’s command: “Do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19) It is the sign of Christ’s presence among His people and of their unity in Him, and points to the salvation and healing provided by the shed blood and broken body of Christ. First Methodist Midland observes communion on the first Sunday of each month as well as other special worship services. The Communion Team sets up the communion elements before each communion worship service and cleans up after the 11:00 a.m. service. There is a rotation of team members which entails serving 6 to 8 times per year.
TEAM LEADER: Nancy Birkelbach
EMAIL NANCY
Media / Lights / Tech
The Tech Teams assist the church by running media programs in each of the worship services on Sundays so that people can see and hear the message through videos, pastors, band(s), music and prayers. Through screens, lights and sound, Tech Teams help set the spiritual tone for worship services. Training is provided.
TEAM LEADERS:
Traditional Service – Anna Jones EMAIL HER
Modern Service – Paul Taggart EMAIL HIM
Acolytes
This opportunity is open to all 4th, 5th and 6th grade members of the congregation. The acolytes usher in God’s light at the beginning of the service as a symbol to the congregation that God is with us during worship. Once the service has concluded, the acolytes carry the light out of the Sanctuary as a reminder that God is with us everywhere.
Altar Flower Deliveries
One of the ways we minister to those who have been ill, hospitalized or who are no longer able to attend service in person is to remind them that they are loved and missed. Each week, the altar flowers from the Traditional Service are divided into smaller vases and delivered to 3 to 4 people from a list provided by the pastors. This is also a way to connect with out friends and check in on them, sharing the love of God. There is a rotation of team members which entails serving 6 to 8 times per year.
TEAM LEADER:
Traditional Service – Patti Alexander EMAIL HER
Mission & Outreach
Stephen Ministry
Providing One-on-One Care for the Hurting
Stephen Ministry was named in honor of Stephen, who was one of the first lay church members called to help those in need. According to Acts 6-8, the Apostles commissioned seven people, one of whom was Stephen, to provide caring ministry for the church when needs for care arose beyond which the Apostles were able to meet on their own. In a sense, Stephen was one of the first Stephen Ministers, a layperson commissioned by church leaders to provide a caring ministry.
FAQs
What’s a Stephen Minister?
A Stephen Minister provides one-on-one, lay Christian care. Stephen Ministers are Christians who provide care in the name of Christ. They are open and willing to talk about spiritual issues but are sensitive to avoid imposing these issues on others. Stephen Ministers care by listening, supporting, encouraging, praying, being honest, dependable, and trustworthy, and by maintaining confidentiality in their care giving relationships.
How do I know if a Stephen Minister is right for me?
- Have you experienced a personal crisis recently?
- Loss of a loved one?
- Loss of a job?
- Caring for someone who is ill?
If you are hurting and in need of a confidential Christian caring relationship, then you could certainly benefit and find healing through a Stephen Minister. Contact Rev. Melissa Shuler.
How can I become a Stephen Minister?
By going through an interview process and attending 50 hours of training. A commitment of two years is required. If you have a caring heart and would like to serve others, then becoming a Stephen Minister may be for you. For more information about becoming a Stephen Minister or having the help of a Stephen Minister, contact Rev. Melissa Shuler.
Does First Methodist Midland have a 12 step program?
We also offer a Christian-based, 12-step program for those dealing with alcoholism, divorce, sexual abuse, drug addiction, food addictions, anger, domestic violence or co-dependency and their families. For information about our Celebrate Recovery Ministry, click here.
Prayer Request