Visit First
We are glad you are visiting First online, and we hope that you will join us in person this Sunday also! Here are some frequently asked questions and information about what to expect when you do.
Where is First?
Glad you asked! We are located in downtown Liberty, one block north of the courthouse. You can find us on the map in the sidebar to your right. Our street address is
539 Main Street, Liberty, Texas 77575 USA
Ample parking is available in our lot off Travis Street, or along Main or Cos streets (just be courteous to our neighbors!).
What kind of small groups and classes do you have? (9 am)
Our Sunday School classes meet the hour before worship, providing strong relationships to go with in-depth Christian discipleship for all ages. There's a group waiting to welcome you!
An Elementary class meets on the ground floor of the Education building, easily accessible by the Cos Street entrance. Our nursery for preschool-aged children is right down the hall too. The all-ages FAITH5 group meets in the Fellowship Hall, easily accessible from the parking lot, and the Men's Bible Class is located behind the Sanctuary.
To learn more about the best Sunday morning group for you, or where one meets, just ask Pastor Josh or any of our members. We also offer small groups that meet at other times than Sunday mornings. Learn more about Adult Discipleship.
What can I expect in worship? (10 am)
Let's start with getting ready: if you're worried about what to wear, know that people worship at First wearing something that might be considered business casual, but don't be surprised to see someone in a coat and tie worshipping right next to a church member wearing jeans. We're in Texas after all! More important than what kind of clothes you put on is the attitude you wear. We invite everyone to come worship with an openness toward God and a willingness to bear with each other as we gather — we're a very human community of faith, so don't be surprised for someone to introduce themself and tell you a little more about us. If you get here early, you can find some coffee and donuts in the Narthex outside our Sanctuary and Chapel worship spaces, and meet some new people too!
Though we worship in what is often called a traditional style, we have more instruments than just piano or organ — and we aren't afraid to use them! A bulletin is provided to guide worship participation, because gathering in the power of the Holy Spirit to praise Almighty God and be guided by Jesus Christ is something everyone does in worship, not only a pastor or musicians. Each time something is printed in bold, join in the response out loud as we greet one another, sing, and pray. The numbers refer to the red United Methodist Hymnals and black Faith We Sing songbooks in every pew, and there are Bibles to follow along as Scripture is read and proclaimed. And please be sure to let us know about youself by filling out the attendance pad as its passed to you. On special occasions, you're invited to join us afterward for a potluck meal!
Children and Nursery Care (9-11 am)
If you have little ones, you might be apprehensive about bringing them to church. At First, children are welcome in worship! In our Sanctuary, there are gliders in the back for you to soothe an infant or toddler. We also have a nursery staffed with trained & vetted caregivers in the Education building just a few steps from the Sanctuary where your child will be well cared for. The best thing to do with children is the easiset: help them participate! As they are able, help them to stand and sing, sit or kneel in prayer, let them read the printed prayers or Scripture from a Bible, respond as appropriate, and come forward for Holy Communion. Learn more about Children & Youth Ministries.
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Worship is Broadcast (on delay) at 11:00 AM Sundays
To listen, visit kshnfm.com or tune to 99.9 FM!
Our Mission is...
Staff
Meet the Pastor and Staff of
First United Methodist Church
Rev. Josh Hale
Pastor
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Nancy LeBlanc
Director of Music Ministries & Organist
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DeeAnn Gruver
Director of Noah's Ark Mother's Day Out Ministries
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Kindra Tousha
Church Secretary
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Dennie Johnson
Custodian
What We Believe
What Christians believe makes a big difference: in our own life, in our relationships with others, and in the world. Methodists share common beliefs with other Christians from different traditions, places, and times. We also have some emphases and practices which are distinctive; we hope you'll begin to explore the basics of Christian belief with us here, and in person!
Our Story
The oldest voluntary organization in Liberty County, First United Methodist Church finds its origin in a revival preached by Rev. Hugh Fields in the fall of 1840. At the first Methodist Conference held in the Republic of Texas, convened the same year on Christmas Day in Rutersville (Fayette County), Liberty was one of the 17 appointments designated for a clergyperson. The first pastor, Rev. John C Woolam, arrived in the spring of 1841. Methodism grew rapidly in Liberty as it did elsewhere across Texas and America during this time, bringing black and white Texans alike together for worship and ministry.
Liberty Methodists built their first house of worship in 1846, on a site granted by the town Trustees. A one-room log building was erected on the northeast corner of the "church square." When that building was destroyed by a storm in 1853, the Catholic bishop requested the site revert to their use.
So the Methodists came to our present site on Main Street in 1854, constructing a wooden-framed church where the present Sanctuary sits, and then a successor 50 years later. In 1930, a three-story building, including a second-floor worship space, was built on the corner with Cos Street in 1930. The current Sanctuary was constructed in 1953, and the prior building converted into offices and classrooms. The pulpit and bell used in the 1854 building are still in use today! A Fellowship Hall with kitchen was built, and a chapel was constructed in 1980 as a gift from Triphene S. Middleton. Several years ago a Music Building was completed for the use of choirs and music ministry.
The congregation's well-kept archives display letters, photographs, and numerous documents that reveal a lively Christian community over numerous generations. Ministries to families and young people, mission work alleviating human suffering, contributions to the good of the community, and a wealth of other gifts have all been an integral part of our story over almost 180 years now. It's more than just a legacy or a history, it's a promise to be renewed in this day and age: that God is still at work in our world, healing and rescuing in Jesus Christ through the people of First United Methodist Church and the Holy Spirit. Rev. Josh Hale is the 94th pastor appointed to serve the people called Methodist in Liberty, Texas. The next chapter of our story hasn't been written yet — come join in what God is doing in our neighborhood today!