Open Hearts, Minds, Doors
First United Methodist Church
Lebanon, Illinois
 603 W. St Louis St, Lebanon, IL 62254
(618) 537-6622  Fax (618) 537-4571


A Word From Our Pastor


Describing our church is somewhat impossible, as we are continually changing, growing, stretching and being molded by God's leading and those who make up this Christian, caring community of faith. It is an exciting, challenging, dynamic and transformational place where God and life intersect.

We are an intergenerational family; gathering, supporting, sharing and serving as the Body of Christ. We seek to welcome all, regardless of age, life, family or financial situation, gender, race or any other factor that may divide. We believe all are God created, loved and are gifts to this community and the world.

We are a historic, heart-of town, church (with beautiful stained-glass!) that is seeking and reaching out to our community, region and world. We cherish our past, and those who have led the way and are excited to welcome and embrace the future and those who will join us in being the church in the days to come.

We are committed to Christ centered, biblical teachings; meaningful and relevant worship in a variety of styles, providing an atmosphere where questions, differences and pondering are shared and used as a means for all to grow, and supporting one another in faith and life.

We are Wesleyan in our understanding of practical piety, social justice, the ministry of all believers, and personal growth, as well as in celebrating the Sacraments of Baptism and Communion.

I am blessed with the privilege of serving as pastor to this congregation and in this community. Springing from deep gratitude for the power of God in my life, and the ways that this power has been shared through the church, I am committed living my life with faithful authenticity, as I encourage and guide the church to embrace and realize the wonder of God's will and way as reality in our lives and world.

Come, check us out – help us grow – let's be the church together.

Pastor Joy