Worship
First reading and Psalm
Lamentations 1:1-6 Lamentations 3:19-26 or Psalm 137
Alternate First reading and Psalm
Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 Psalm 37:1-9
Second reading
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Gospel
Luke 17:5-10
Lively music, reading, and preaching with special guests and a warm welcome. Communion on First Sundays.
Pastor turns sonnets
into sermons
By Jim Patterson
Sept. 22, 2025 | UM News
The Rev. Jesse Baker preaches at First United Methodist Church of Elon, N.C. A poet as well as a pastor, Baker writes a sonnet based on the Scripture he intends to preach on each week, then uses the sonnet to inspire his sermon. His new book, “Clarity and Light: Meditations on Scripture,” is a collection of his sonnets. Photo by Patrick Abbott, courtesy of First United Methodist Church.
“He’s taken that Scripture passage and he isn’t giving it to you word for word, but he’s setting the scene,” said Vicki Ambrose, a certified lay minister at First United Methodist.
Ministries
Missions
We raise money to support local food banks, shelters, and charities, including our Good Samaritan Fund for needy neighbors. We cook for Emmanuel Dining Room and host a perpetual
food drive all year to feed the hungry.
To volunteer please call Nancy.
Contact Nancy Storer
storernancy@aol.com / 302-475-3549
In the old stone church, we are full of affordable treasures & staffed by
volunteers. The proceeds go to charities such as Claymont Food Closet, Sojourner's House, Sunday Breakfast, Friendship House, and others.
Open Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 10-3
Volunteers needed Mon morning 9-11 to stock & price; Wed, Thurs. & Fri half day at checkout counter. Call Dora to help!
Presently we enroll 85 children, in three classes for ages 2-5. We are a Christian preschool and daycare. Hours are full or part-time with lunch options as well as a summer camp.
Contact Vicki Antignani
chester.bethel.Preschool@gmail.com
Tel: 302-475-0377
Music Ministry
Carmella Selvaggio-Lynch is our Director of Music and organist. There is a bell choir headed by
Pam Manocchio and many opportunities to sing God's praise.
Contact Carmella Selvaggio-Lynch
carm12340@comcast.net | Tel: 302-475-3549
Weddings and Funerals
Weddings in the sanctuary are available to church members, their families, and folks in our surrounding community.
If you are interested in holding a funeral here, Pastor Kelly is ready to minister to you and your family, schedule permitting, regardless of your membership. Please contact the office at 302-475-3549.
