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. Marie Carlson, visit the Pastor page. To get a further picture of our church life, have a look at our Photo Gallery. 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 healing power of God, and in the anointing and the laying on of hands for the sick. James writes, “Is anyone of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14 NIV). Contact Pastor Marie or consult the church Calendar for the date and time of the service.

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.

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; last year more than 600 items 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).

Reaching out to our service personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan is a significant ministry. We have sent “care packages” to them in the past, and are now trying to help keep them stay warm through the use of these helmet liners created by our knitting group.

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.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to be a prayerful fellowship, which encourages openness,
communication, active participation and is responsive to all ideas and needs —
always reaching out in Christian love to our community and the world.