The shared life of the church is marked by Baptism. Christ constitutes the church as his Body by the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27). The church draws new persons into itself as it seeks to remain faithful to its commission to proclaim and exemplify the gospel. Baptism is the sacrament of initiation and incorporation into the body of Christ. An infant, child, or adult who is baptized becomes a member of Christ's universal church, of the denomination, and of the local congregation . Therefore, baptism is a rite of the whole church, which ordinarily requires the participation of the gathered, worshiping congregation. In a series of promises within the liturgy of baptism, the community affirms its own faith and pledges to act as spiritual mentor and support for the one who is baptized.
Baptism brings us into union with Christ, with each other, and with the church in every time and place. Through this sign and seal of our common discipleship, our equality in Christ is made manifest (Galatians 3:27-28). We affirm that there is one baptism into Christ, celebrated as our basic bond of unity in the many communions that make up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:4-6).
Through baptism, God calls and commissions persons to the ministry of all Christian believers. This ministry, in which we participate both individually and corporately, is the activity of discipleship. It is grounded upon the awareness that we have been called into a new relationship not only with God, but also with the world. The task of Christians is to embody the gospel and the church in the world. We exercise our calling as Christians by prayer, by witnessing to the good news of salvation in Christ, by caring for and serving other people, and by working toward reconciliation, justice, and peace, in the world. This is the universal priesthood of all believers. Perhaps at their baptism or when they transfer to a new church, members of United Methodist Churches vow to support their local congregation and participate in its ministries through Prayer, Presence, Gifts, Service, and Witness. At Paragould First United Methodist Church we encourage each member to grow in their faith in these five areas of discipleship.
Prayer is an individual discipline and a communal act ofworship. We pray in worship and before meals. We sometimes pray extemporaneously or use written liturgies or scriptures. Each Christian is encouraged to learn and develop a rhythm of prayer that best fits their personal life. There are many prayer resources available on the FUMC website at fumcparagould.org/prayer. Do not hesitate to speak to a pastor if you would like to learn more about growing in prayer.
Presence means we attend to the life of our church regularly. This includes attending worship, Sunday School, weekday ministries, children's and youth activities, and service opportunities. Sometimes this means being present online when we cannot join in person. Committing to support our church through presence means making time and prioritizing being with our church family on a regular basis.
Gifts include our financial offerings that we make regularly and other ways we support the church with our unique skills and graces. FUMC members should give monetarily to the church on a regular basis. You can give in multiple ways:
Service includes the ways we serve within and beyond the church. Church is organized and supported through lay service. "Lay" simply means church members who are not pastors. The pastors have unique roles and responsibilities, but the church would be very limited in its ministry if it depended only upon what the pastors could do! The church is made up of many service opportunities many of which are listed in this booklet. We believe "Every Member in Ministry" is a helpful phrase to guide lay participation. Every member should have a role at church. There are ample opportunities and something for everyone. Look closely and find your place to serve alongside other members of FUMC!
Witness means that we will share our faith and invite others to participate in our church's ministries whenever possible. A witness is not a professional evangelist or preacher! A witness is simply a church member who gives attention to their faith as it shapes the relationships in their life. On a daily basis we witness to our family, friends, coworkers, teammates, community members and so on. We are all witnesses! Members of FUMC make a conscious effort to be a good and faithful witness for Christ and for our church!
The page is a summary of the many ministry opportunities at Paragould First United Methodist Church. Our church is supported by countless individuals each week. But we are always looking for new and different people to step up. Some commitments are seasonal and short-term. Some go on for many years. Some are more administrative in nature. Some are hands-on. The point is, there is something for everyone! Every Member in Ministry is the goal at FUMC!
Baptism brings us into union with Christ, with each other, and with the church in every time and place. Through this sign and seal of our common discipleship, our equality in Christ is made manifest (Galatians 3:27-28). We affirm that there is one baptism into Christ, celebrated as our basic bond of unity in the many communions that make up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:4-6).
Through baptism, God calls and commissions persons to the ministry of all Christian believers. This ministry, in which we participate both individually and corporately, is the activity of discipleship. It is grounded upon the awareness that we have been called into a new relationship not only with God, but also with the world. The task of Christians is to embody the gospel and the church in the world. We exercise our calling as Christians by prayer, by witnessing to the good news of salvation in Christ, by caring for and serving other people, and by working toward reconciliation, justice, and peace, in the world. This is the universal priesthood of all believers. Perhaps at their baptism or when they transfer to a new church, members of United Methodist Churches vow to support their local congregation and participate in its ministries through Prayer, Presence, Gifts, Service, and Witness. At Paragould First United Methodist Church we encourage each member to grow in their faith in these five areas of discipleship.
Prayer is an individual discipline and a communal act ofworship. We pray in worship and before meals. We sometimes pray extemporaneously or use written liturgies or scriptures. Each Christian is encouraged to learn and develop a rhythm of prayer that best fits their personal life. There are many prayer resources available on the FUMC website at fumcparagould.org/prayer. Do not hesitate to speak to a pastor if you would like to learn more about growing in prayer.
Presence means we attend to the life of our church regularly. This includes attending worship, Sunday School, weekday ministries, children's and youth activities, and service opportunities. Sometimes this means being present online when we cannot join in person. Committing to support our church through presence means making time and prioritizing being with our church family on a regular basis.
Gifts include our financial offerings that we make regularly and other ways we support the church with our unique skills and graces. FUMC members should give monetarily to the church on a regular basis. You can give in multiple ways:
- Weekly in-person worship offering
- Online at fumcparagould.org/giving
- Text the number 84321 to give electronically
- Complete a Bank Draft form at www.fumcparagould.org/giving
Service includes the ways we serve within and beyond the church. Church is organized and supported through lay service. "Lay" simply means church members who are not pastors. The pastors have unique roles and responsibilities, but the church would be very limited in its ministry if it depended only upon what the pastors could do! The church is made up of many service opportunities many of which are listed in this booklet. We believe "Every Member in Ministry" is a helpful phrase to guide lay participation. Every member should have a role at church. There are ample opportunities and something for everyone. Look closely and find your place to serve alongside other members of FUMC!
Witness means that we will share our faith and invite others to participate in our church's ministries whenever possible. A witness is not a professional evangelist or preacher! A witness is simply a church member who gives attention to their faith as it shapes the relationships in their life. On a daily basis we witness to our family, friends, coworkers, teammates, community members and so on. We are all witnesses! Members of FUMC make a conscious effort to be a good and faithful witness for Christ and for our church!
The page is a summary of the many ministry opportunities at Paragould First United Methodist Church. Our church is supported by countless individuals each week. But we are always looking for new and different people to step up. Some commitments are seasonal and short-term. Some go on for many years. Some are more administrative in nature. Some are hands-on. The point is, there is something for everyone! Every Member in Ministry is the goal at FUMC!
Mission Team & Witt House Food Pantry
The FUMC Mission Team meets monthly or as needed to guide the missions and service efforts of the church. One of the primary missions of FUMC is the Witt House Food Pantry. Partnering with the Northeast Arkansas Food Bank, the Witt House serves over 2,000 families and 4,500 individuals in Paragould per year! The Witt House uniquely offers a "food choice" operation while the mobile distribution team delivers food within the city of Paragould. The Witt House was named in memory of Emmy Witt, long time church member. The Witt House is located at the corner of Garland and 5th Streets. Hours of operation are: Tues. 4:30-6:00pm & Fri. 9:30-11:00am and the phone number is 870-573-8101. FUMC shares in other occasional & seasonal mission and outreach efforts, including School Supply Collection/Donation; Storm Cleanup; UMCOR relief items; etc. There are many ways to be involved with the Mission Team including:
Serve on the Leadership Team
Witt House Volunteer Tue 4:30-6pm
Witt House Volunteer Fri 9:30-11am
Witt House Mobile Volunteer
Witt House Transportation & Logistics Teams (variousdays/times)
Seasonal Collections & Donations
Mission Trips
For questions about the Mission Team or Witt House reach out to Tracy Finch (Mission Team Chairperson) or Jim Jackson (Witt House Coordinator).
The FUMC Mission Team meets monthly or as needed to guide the missions and service efforts of the church. One of the primary missions of FUMC is the Witt House Food Pantry. Partnering with the Northeast Arkansas Food Bank, the Witt House serves over 2,000 families and 4,500 individuals in Paragould per year! The Witt House uniquely offers a "food choice" operation while the mobile distribution team delivers food within the city of Paragould. The Witt House was named in memory of Emmy Witt, long time church member. The Witt House is located at the corner of Garland and 5th Streets. Hours of operation are: Tues. 4:30-6:00pm & Fri. 9:30-11:00am and the phone number is 870-573-8101. FUMC shares in other occasional & seasonal mission and outreach efforts, including School Supply Collection/Donation; Storm Cleanup; UMCOR relief items; etc. There are many ways to be involved with the Mission Team including:
Serve on the Leadership Team
Witt House Volunteer Tue 4:30-6pm
Witt House Volunteer Fri 9:30-11am
Witt House Mobile Volunteer
Witt House Transportation & Logistics Teams (variousdays/times)
Seasonal Collections & Donations
Mission Trips
For questions about the Mission Team or Witt House reach out to Tracy Finch (Mission Team Chairperson) or Jim Jackson (Witt House Coordinator).
Pecan Grove Initiative
Connecting with our community outside the walls of our building is an important part of following Jesus’ example and commands for the church. This is our intention for the Pecan Grove Initiative. On the last Sunday of each month, we spend time with our neighbors who live in the Pecan Grove apartment complex. We share snacks like ice cream, chips, and drinks donated by local businesses. Sometimes we play games, serve a meal, or have an educational program. Our goal on Sundays is to build relationships and join in God’s work there. So far, this has expanded to look like bringing children to our VBS, collecting money to help families with back to school expenses, and partnering with 100 families and the Witt House to help a recently resettled refugee family. We can’t wait to see where else God and our neighbors lead us, and we hope you’ll join us one Sunday to play, learn, and experience the Kingdom of God in an exciting way!
Connecting with our community outside the walls of our building is an important part of following Jesus’ example and commands for the church. This is our intention for the Pecan Grove Initiative. On the last Sunday of each month, we spend time with our neighbors who live in the Pecan Grove apartment complex. We share snacks like ice cream, chips, and drinks donated by local businesses. Sometimes we play games, serve a meal, or have an educational program. Our goal on Sundays is to build relationships and join in God’s work there. So far, this has expanded to look like bringing children to our VBS, collecting money to help families with back to school expenses, and partnering with 100 families and the Witt House to help a recently resettled refugee family. We can’t wait to see where else God and our neighbors lead us, and we hope you’ll join us one Sunday to play, learn, and experience the Kingdom of God in an exciting way!
Hospitality Team
This lay ministry team guides and serves the church through hospitality efforts. This group seeks to make regulars and newcomers feel welcomed and included anytime they attend church ministries or worship. It takes a number of folks and detailed calendar to keep these volunteers organized! Many church members volunteer to work with the Hospitality Team as little as once per month and some every Sunday. The HospitalityTeam also considers opportunities to partner in outreach through on or off campus events where possible. These include, for example, volunteering at Trunk-or-Treat or providing free water at downtown events. One area of growth is providing hospitality to online worshippers. Opportunities to serve include:
8am Sanctuary Service Ushers & Greeters
9am Worship Center Service Ushers & Greeters
Welcome Desk Sunday Greeter
11am Sanctuary Service Ushers & Greeters
Special Events/Holiday Services Ushers & Greeters
Online Hospitality
For more information on volunteering to serve through the Hospitality Team, reach out to Hospitality Team Chair Nancy Cupp.
This lay ministry team guides and serves the church through hospitality efforts. This group seeks to make regulars and newcomers feel welcomed and included anytime they attend church ministries or worship. It takes a number of folks and detailed calendar to keep these volunteers organized! Many church members volunteer to work with the Hospitality Team as little as once per month and some every Sunday. The HospitalityTeam also considers opportunities to partner in outreach through on or off campus events where possible. These include, for example, volunteering at Trunk-or-Treat or providing free water at downtown events. One area of growth is providing hospitality to online worshippers. Opportunities to serve include:
8am Sanctuary Service Ushers & Greeters
9am Worship Center Service Ushers & Greeters
Welcome Desk Sunday Greeter
11am Sanctuary Service Ushers & Greeters
Special Events/Holiday Services Ushers & Greeters
Online Hospitality
For more information on volunteering to serve through the Hospitality Team, reach out to Hospitality Team Chair Nancy Cupp.
Security Team
Another area of service under the umbrella of the HospitalityTeam is the FUMC Security Team. The Security Team includes individuals who rotate different times and weeks to provide a watchful eye during worship and other ministries. The Security Team is not expected to be armed or to engage with confrontational guests. We rarely have security issues, but it is helpful to have different members monitoring the potential safety concerns of our campus.
Another area of service under the umbrella of the HospitalityTeam is the FUMC Security Team. The Security Team includes individuals who rotate different times and weeks to provide a watchful eye during worship and other ministries. The Security Team is not expected to be armed or to engage with confrontational guests. We rarely have security issues, but it is helpful to have different members monitoring the potential safety concerns of our campus.
Worship & Music Ministries
Paragould FUMC is blessed to be led by talented staff persons Brian Pearson (Music Director), Bernard Raley (Organist & Pianist), and Karoline Risker (Audio, Video, & Streaming Technologies). Still yet, we are largely dependent on gifted and motivated laity who share their musical skills each Sunday. There are many ways to serve in worship, which include all levels of musical experience and expertise. We also need volunteers to help run audio-video equipment which are skills that can be learned. All are welcome to get involved. Common areas of service include:
8am Song Leader
11am Chancel Choir (rehearsal Wed. 6pm)
Handbell Choir (rehearsal Sun. 3pm)
9am Worship Band (rehearsal Wed. 7:30pm)
Guest Vocalist or Instrumentalist
Audio, Video, Streaming Tech Volunteer
For inquiries regarding music (voice or instrument), reach out to Brian Pearson. If you are interesting in more information surrounding various technologies used in worship, contact Karoline Risker.
Paragould FUMC is blessed to be led by talented staff persons Brian Pearson (Music Director), Bernard Raley (Organist & Pianist), and Karoline Risker (Audio, Video, & Streaming Technologies). Still yet, we are largely dependent on gifted and motivated laity who share their musical skills each Sunday. There are many ways to serve in worship, which include all levels of musical experience and expertise. We also need volunteers to help run audio-video equipment which are skills that can be learned. All are welcome to get involved. Common areas of service include:
8am Song Leader
11am Chancel Choir (rehearsal Wed. 6pm)
Handbell Choir (rehearsal Sun. 3pm)
9am Worship Band (rehearsal Wed. 7:30pm)
Guest Vocalist or Instrumentalist
Audio, Video, Streaming Tech Volunteer
For inquiries regarding music (voice or instrument), reach out to Brian Pearson. If you are interesting in more information surrounding various technologies used in worship, contact Karoline Risker.
Adult Ministries
There are many adults ministers at FUMC including Sunday School classes, seasonal studies, long-term small groups, and more. Most oversight for these ministries comes from the laity who are responsible for various areas of leadership with guidance and support of the pastors. These include:
Sunday School Teacher/Leader
Women's and/or Men's Ministries
Young @ Heart Retirees Ministry
Connect Wednesday including Kitchen Volunteers (seasonal)
Office Angels weekday Volunteers
Prayer Team (Wed. 11am)
Cookies & Communion at Chateau
Bereavement Meals
Threads of Faith (Fri. 10am)
Current Sunday School classes and small groups:
There are many adults ministers at FUMC including Sunday School classes, seasonal studies, long-term small groups, and more. Most oversight for these ministries comes from the laity who are responsible for various areas of leadership with guidance and support of the pastors. These include:
Sunday School Teacher/Leader
Women's and/or Men's Ministries
Young @ Heart Retirees Ministry
Connect Wednesday including Kitchen Volunteers (seasonal)
Office Angels weekday Volunteers
Prayer Team (Wed. 11am)
Cookies & Communion at Chateau
Bereavement Meals
Threads of Faith (Fri. 10am)
Current Sunday School classes and small groups:
If you are interesting in attending or joining a Sunday School Class or Small Group, you are welcome to do so at anytime. Feel free to reach out to the group contact (listed above) or pastors/staff for more information.
When Children and Youth are Baptized and/or Confirmed, the church agrees, "We will surround these persons with a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in their trust of God, and be found faithful in their service to others. We will pray for them, that they may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life." Each local church owes each young disciple our best in caring for and guiding them in their growing faith. This includes sharing in Youth and Children's ministries at all times and places. Children's and Youth volunteers may include parents/guardians, but by no means should it be limited to those people. All church members should regularly volunteer with Youth and Children.
Children's Ministry (PreK-6th)
Sunday School Leader (seasonal)
Connect Wednesday Leader (seasonal)
Seasonal Worship & Music (e.g. Christmas Program)
Vacation Bible School (summer)
Ready, Set, READ! Summer Literacy Program
Confirmation (6th Grade) Mentor
Children's Ministry Director Angela Newby organizes many volunteers each week to support necessary Children's Ministry Programs. Class teachers/leaders can rotate seasonally. Contact Angela to get involved!
Youth Ministry (7th-12th)
Sunday School Leader (seasonal)
Connect Wednesday Leader (seasonal)
Seasonal Events (e.g. Hanging of Greens Service, Christmas Progressive Dinner, Senior Sunday)
Ozark Mission Project (Summer Mission Camp) Chaperone
ARUMC off-campus seasonal events:
Assembly (Summer)
Refuge Jr. High (Fall)
Veritas (Winter)
Staff member Mary Hickox oversees the FUMC Youth program alongside the help of many volunteers. More adult leaders for Youth are always needed - especially those who are not parents/guardians! Give Mary a call to get involved with Youth!
NOTE - All youth & children's volunteers must be trained in ARUMC Safe Gatherings policies and pass required background check.
Children's Ministry (PreK-6th)
Sunday School Leader (seasonal)
Connect Wednesday Leader (seasonal)
Seasonal Worship & Music (e.g. Christmas Program)
Vacation Bible School (summer)
Ready, Set, READ! Summer Literacy Program
Confirmation (6th Grade) Mentor
Children's Ministry Director Angela Newby organizes many volunteers each week to support necessary Children's Ministry Programs. Class teachers/leaders can rotate seasonally. Contact Angela to get involved!
Youth Ministry (7th-12th)
Sunday School Leader (seasonal)
Connect Wednesday Leader (seasonal)
Seasonal Events (e.g. Hanging of Greens Service, Christmas Progressive Dinner, Senior Sunday)
Ozark Mission Project (Summer Mission Camp) Chaperone
ARUMC off-campus seasonal events:
Assembly (Summer)
Refuge Jr. High (Fall)
Veritas (Winter)
Staff member Mary Hickox oversees the FUMC Youth program alongside the help of many volunteers. More adult leaders for Youth are always needed - especially those who are not parents/guardians! Give Mary a call to get involved with Youth!
NOTE - All youth & children's volunteers must be trained in ARUMC Safe Gatherings policies and pass required background check.
Administrative Committees
Administrative committees work alongside clergy and staff to provide guidance to the church and its ministries. The Nominations Committee meets in the Fall to help prepare leadership roster that is approved at an annual charge conference.
*Church Council - The church council is the administrative agency of the church to envision, plan, implement, and annually evaluate the ministry of the congregation; is accountable to the charge conference and serves as the executive agency of the charge conference between meetings to oversee the administration and ministry of the congregation; determines God’s call to the congregation for ministry that is transformative. Initiates planning, establishes goals, implements action plans, and evaluates effectiveness for congregational ministries of nurture, outreach, witness, and administration; recommends to the charge conference the compensation, housing needs, and benefits for the pastor(s) and other staff after receiving recommendations from the committee on staff/pastor-parish relations; coordinates with the pastor, finance committee, and trustees to provide for financial support, physical facilities, and the legal obligations of its local congregation.
*Staff-Parish Relations Committee - Encourages, strengthens, nurtures, & supports the pastor(s) and staff and their families; confers about personnel conditions/issues that affect the congregation’s ministry; recommends needed staff positions, including compensation; serves in advisory capacity related to clergy leadership.
*Finance Committee - Proposes a budget; then raises, manages, and distributes the financial resources of the congregation to support and strengthen the mission and ministry of the congregation.
*Board of Trustees - Function as Christian stewards of the property God has entrusted to the congregation, which includes supervising and maintaining both the physical property of the congregation and gifts made to the congregation so that the ministries of the congregation can be effective and all legal requirements related to the property are satisfied.
*Discipleship CoOp - An FUMC-specific team which guides the ministry and discipleship efforts of the church, including planning seasonal activities.
Administrative committees work alongside clergy and staff to provide guidance to the church and its ministries. The Nominations Committee meets in the Fall to help prepare leadership roster that is approved at an annual charge conference.
*Church Council - The church council is the administrative agency of the church to envision, plan, implement, and annually evaluate the ministry of the congregation; is accountable to the charge conference and serves as the executive agency of the charge conference between meetings to oversee the administration and ministry of the congregation; determines God’s call to the congregation for ministry that is transformative. Initiates planning, establishes goals, implements action plans, and evaluates effectiveness for congregational ministries of nurture, outreach, witness, and administration; recommends to the charge conference the compensation, housing needs, and benefits for the pastor(s) and other staff after receiving recommendations from the committee on staff/pastor-parish relations; coordinates with the pastor, finance committee, and trustees to provide for financial support, physical facilities, and the legal obligations of its local congregation.
*Staff-Parish Relations Committee - Encourages, strengthens, nurtures, & supports the pastor(s) and staff and their families; confers about personnel conditions/issues that affect the congregation’s ministry; recommends needed staff positions, including compensation; serves in advisory capacity related to clergy leadership.
*Finance Committee - Proposes a budget; then raises, manages, and distributes the financial resources of the congregation to support and strengthen the mission and ministry of the congregation.
*Board of Trustees - Function as Christian stewards of the property God has entrusted to the congregation, which includes supervising and maintaining both the physical property of the congregation and gifts made to the congregation so that the ministries of the congregation can be effective and all legal requirements related to the property are satisfied.
*Discipleship CoOp - An FUMC-specific team which guides the ministry and discipleship efforts of the church, including planning seasonal activities.
It is our hope that every member will find a place to serve at First United Methodist Church. Please reach out if you have questions as you complete the form.
