First Church Cleveland, What We Offer

:: Message Board ::

If you have a question you'd like posted to our Message Board, send it to info@firstchurchcleveland.com.

Q: My husband is black and I am white and frankly we are having difficulty finding a church home where we feel comfortable. What I see on your web site looks encouraging, but is if for real?

A: Yes!!! If you want a church home where you can be comfortable in your diversity…where you can feel safe, accepted and valued…where you will be welcomed for who you are, then LOOK NO MORE! Don't spend another Sunday without First Church in your lives!

Q: My daughter is in an elementary school in the Cleveland Public School System. She really enjoys music and singing and I'd like her to have more opportunities to participate in musical activities. Does First Church's Sunday School program include music for children?

A: First Church has a wonderful music program for children that includes both vocal and instrumental music under the outstanding leadership of Sevilla Morse. Sevilla taught children's music in public and private schools for more than 25 years. You can read about her expertise on our Staff Page on this web site. Our children meet one Saturday a month for a combined music and activity program plus an additional rehearsal following worship on selected Sundays. You can read more about our children's music program on the "What We Offer" page of this web site. Also, check out Sevilla's article in our current Kaleidoscope Newsletter called "Singing Children of First Church."

Q: I thought First Church was actively involved with homeless issues, but I didn't see anything about it on this web site. Am I wrong?

A: For more than ten years, First Church provided overnight emergency shelter on the lower level of its building to women and children - every night, 365 nights a year. In addition, the church operated three other locations as shelter sites for men. All of these shelter locations were funded primarily by the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and several other local agencies, including First Church.

When this emergency shelter program began, there were approximately 20 women sleeping overnight on the ground-floor level of the church. Unfortunately those numbers grew to be about 60-70 each night until the church facility as it exists could not provide adequate and safe bathroom, laundry, and sleeping accommodations for the growing numbers. In early 2000, the program was moved to a different location and Catholic Charities Services Corporation assumed operation of the women's shelter. (Management of the men's shelters had been taken over by The Salvation Army at the end of 1999.)

First Church is currently directing an intensive planning study, funded by the Eva L. and Joseph M. Bruening Foundation, under the leadership of planning consultant, Myrtle I. Muntz, to determine how the lower level of the church can best be utilized to meet social service concerns of the community. Among the needs being studied are those related to homelessness.

Q: Would you characterize First Church as a "rich" church?

A: Yes, First Church is rich in many ways…but not financially! We have a richness of people - a beautiful tapestry woven by many ethnic and socioeconomic cultures. We are richly blessed with intellectually stimulating and rewarding programs and enormously gifted and talented individuals from within the congregation and staff. And, we are rich in the certain knowledge that the spirit of God is ever present in this challenging and dynamic church and that God continues to guide us in all that we do here.

Probably our greatest challenge at First Church is finding a way to financially keep the doors open to the community around us seven days a week on our corner of the City. The costs of maintaining our historic building are staggering. This year, for example, our utility bills alone will exceed $80,000.

Do we have members who are rich in a monetary sense and who can underwrite our budget of nearly $800,000? No. Do we have a large endowment upon which we can rely to make up the difference between income and expense? No. Do we have faith that with God's help we will continue to grow and reach out to those in need in the City of Cleveland? Absolutely! (If you would like to help ensure that the work of First Church, Cleveland continues, contact Kay Hogg through our email address: info@firstchurchcleveland.com.)

Q: How can I learn more about becoming a member of First Church?

A: Each quarter we hold a membership Breakfast and Orientation at 9:30am on a Sunday morning. The Rev. Deborah E. Gorman conducts this informal breakfast meeting and provides participants with information about the United Methodist Church in general and First Church specifically.

Following this time of fellowship and introduction, persons who wish to officially join the church may do so during the 11:00 worship service.

Reservations are requested for the Breakfast and Orientation meeting.

If you would like more information, please call us at (216) 432-0150 or send an email to info@firstchurchcleveland.com.