Welcome to First United Methodist Church of Chatham, Massachusetts.
We are delighted that you have stopped by to check us out.
We hope the information on this website will be helpful as you learn about the Chatham Community and this church.
Please stop in and introduce yourselves. You will find us to be a warm and welcoming community of faith, eager to extend hospitality. And, if you are looking for a church home, please feel free to ask questions.
Grace and Peace,
Nancy G. Bischoff, Pastor
THE BELL IS RINGING AGAIN
On Sunday, August 28th, First United methodist Church held morning services as usual even though most of the other area churches elected to cancel services
in the face of Hurricane Irene's arrival in the area. As people called to inquire about services, we made it clear that they needed to stay safe and not come out if they
had any concerns or doubts about driving, but that we would worship that morning.
After carefully watching the projected path of the storm through the Chatham area, we were confident folks could worship in the morning and get home before
the height of the winds hit the area. As a result, we were blessed to have an extended congregation that included a number of "refugees" from other area churches
looking for a service. In spite of flickering lights throughout the service, we enjoyed spirited worship together and almost everyone paused for a time of fellowship after the service.
The greatest joy of the morning was the story told by one of our chance visitors that morning, an annual Cape vacationer who comes for two weeks every summer
and always attends another church in the area. After arriving at that church and realizing there were no services, the vacationers left in their car but upon putting down their windows, heard our church bell pealing in the distance calling people to worship. Following the sound of the bell, they made their way to FUMC and came inside just
as worship was beginning!
What a joy it was to hear how the service had touched this person and how meaningful it had been and comforting to hear the sound of the bell on that windy, storm-tossed Sunday morning.
This story is an important reminder that reaching out to the community is a vital part of a church's ministry and sometimes that happens in unusual ways, often during the storms of life.
Our bell is rimgimg and reaching out once again!
Newly renovated bell with black ringer.
Mission (Vision) Statement
The First United Methodist Church of Chatham is a Christ-centered, life-transforming
church commited to serving God and the local and world-wide community. We live out
our mission by providing a place to worship, study and gather socially; by offering a safe
and vibrant education for our children; by insuring a varied range of family programs for the
total community and our visitors; by welcoming and involving new members; and by
expanding our support to local and world-wide missions.
