Welcome

Introduction

Established in 1836, the First United Methodist Church of Downers Grove (DGFUMC) has grown to be a vital leader in our community. We offer many programs in Christian education for children, youth, and adults, to serve our 1,400+ member congregation.

More than 150 children attend Sunday School classes and there are currently 80 three and four year olds enrolled in the First United Methodist Preschool, which meets every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Our choirs consist of around 175 children, youth, and adults who lead worship in songs of praise, both classical and contemporary. Since 1971, the High School Chapel Choir has travelled around the country each year to deliver a Christian message through song and drama to other churches. We also have two handbell choirs that ring out hymns of faith, and have a worship praise band.

DGFUMC offers a warm and friendly environment while also offering a wealth of opportunities for personal spiritual growth.

Community Outreach

Our congregation is involved in the People's Resource Center Food Pantry and the Northern Illinois Food Bank to help make a difference in the lives of community members.

Our church is a P.A.D.S. shelter site every Tuesday night October through May with many volunteers who help to provide shelter and food for the homeless of DuPage County. We also actively participate in Bridge Communities to help transition homeless families to self sufficiency. Our participation involves providing mentoring, financial, and emotional support of three families for two years, as they work to move to an independent and hope-filled future.

Each summer, groups of youth and adults go on Mission Work trips in the area and throughout the United States to help those with little financial resources. DGFUMC also contributes annually to other local, national, and international organizations.

We extend opportunities to everyone to know God, grow in faith, and serve others.

We prepare one another for ministry,

act on our faith,

encourage and support all of God’s children,

and celebrate our life together in Christ.

We value children, youth, and adults; therefore we provide

lifelong Christian learning

to guide our faith in daily living,

service to our local and global neighbors

to express our love and faithfulness,

personal connection and fellowship

to support and nurture each other as members of the Body of Christ,

inspirational worship and music

to move minds, hearts, and souls,

a spirit of openness and hospitality

to welcome all who seek a church home,

and caring responsiveness

to meet the needs of a changing world.