Welcome to First United Methodist Church of Kirkland, Illinois. In our church life, we stress growth — growth in fellowship, as we strive to be a community of openness and communication; growth in spiritual depth, as we emphasize prayer and Christian discipleship; growth in faith, as we discover new dimensions in our understanding of the Word of God; growth in outreach, as we seek to respond to needs in our community and world.

On this page you will be introduced to some of our church's vital ministries. For a word from our pastor, Rev. Keyong-Ah Woo, visit the Pastor page. To learn about upcoming events in our congregation's life, view our Calendar page. And for the record of the past, visit the History page.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of each month. In the United Methodist Church, all who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in communion with God are welcome to receive this sacrament. You need not be a member of the United Methodist Church or of any church to receive. First United Methodist Church uses the traditional liturgical colors to mark the changing seasons. White is the color for the Christmas and Easter seasons, and is also used for Holy Communion services.

We believe in the power of prayer, and have a midweek morning prayer service where we call upon the Lord for special needs, such as the need for healing. Consult the church Calendar for the date and time of the service.

Ministry with children and youth is one of our major concerns. Our active youth group shares in a variety of activities throughout the year, including and annual mission trip with their leaders that often involves a construction project. Young people are prepared for life as mature Christian believers through Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and the Confirmation Class.

Bible study is a top priority here at the First United Methodist Church of Kirkland. We have several different groups both in Bible study and spiritual formation that meet at various times. Contact the church office for more information. In addition our United Methodist Women and United Methodist Men gather periodically for study, prayer and other aspects of their special ministries.

First United Methodist Church is a family, and we celebrate family times together not only through worship and group activities but through special meals and other fellowship events such as the Fall Fest. The semiannual Rummage Sale in the church basement is a popular event in the Kirkland community, always a good occasion to pick up a bargain in clothing, books, home decorations or other household items.

Knitting can be more than just a way to pass the time. These ladies are busy knitting items such as hats, mittens and scarves for the homeless in the DeKalb-Rockford area. This is a community effort; in 2012 more than 750 items, from hats and scarves to afghans and lap robes, were made and donated to those who most needed them. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

Our service to the local community includes responsibility for highway cleanup along a 4.4 mile stretch of Malta Road south of Kirkland. This is a ministry of love and exercise! This group did the work in April, 2005.

As you can see, we of First United Methodist Church of Kirkland are doing our best — the Lord being our Helper — to live out the Mission Statement below. For more information about our ministries, and how you can be part of what God is doing through our fellowship, contact the church office.