First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor

I'm a life-long United Methodist, and when I moved to Ann Arbor, I set out to find a progressive, inclusive, thoughtful congregation that had strong music - I wanted to sing in a choir that allowed me to worship God through music. First UMC has offered me a community of Christians who are theologically progressive, as well as socially progressive, and are regularly working to "be the church" beyond the walls of the neo-Gothic (and beautiful) building. The music challenges me as a singer, and inspires my faith. If you are looking for a regular place to worship, or a church that you can attend occasionally, the thought-provoking sermons on Saturday at 5 pm or Sunday at 10 am will inspire you to engage with the world in new ways throughout the week. Join us.

4 months ago

Being a welcoming church is a great thing and every true Christian should be open to all, but affirming/idolizing sin of any kind (as your church and website do) goes directly against God’s expectations for us to rebuke or turn away from sin. Jesus said, “Go and sin no more,” not “Stay and sin some more,” nor did He ever state that He affirmed sinfulness. No sin is praiseworthy, nor is it affirmed anywhere in The Holy Bible. 1 Timothy 5:20 Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. Titus 3:10-11 Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned. To be authentic followers of Jesus, we must all deny our earthly lusts and come to earnest repentance (for every one of our current or past wrongdoings). Anything that goes against God’s design, sullies one’s soul, or breaks His commandments MUST be repented for. We need to find sincere spiritual contrition (true guilt for sin) and we’ll never find that if we think our sinfulness is okay solely because it was praised, accepted or affirmed by a false church. Grace doesn’t give us license to sin! Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. If we want to affirm anything, we should affirm that we’re all sinners and we all fall short, and that’s why everyone needs to earnestly repent and not to make any sin a part of their lifestyle. By accepting sin, you are consciously going against God’s commands and law; by affirming sin, you are deliberately denying God’s Word and truth! An exclusion of God results in an inclusion of Satan. You cannot live in habitual sin yet also live for God: Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins. 1 John 2:3-5 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. Titus 1:16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. FYI, Jesus spoke of hell more than heaven and sin more than love. Throughout the Bible, the need for genuine repentance is an underlying requirement, not merely God’s suggestion or recommendation. We must have a full change of heart and mind, leading to unquestionable belief/trust/faith and total repentance for all of our iniquities. Jeremiah 9:3 “And like their bow they have bent their tongues for lies. They are not valiant for the truth on the earth. For they proceed from evil to evil, And they do not know Me,” says the Lord. 1 Corinthians 10:21 "You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord's table and the table of demons." With that said, no man/woman is more worthy of redemption than another and Christ’s ultimate sacrifice can set anyone free from sinful bondage. Everyone can find salvation and be born again by earnest repentance, genuine sorrow for sin, a change of heart/mind, and belief/trust in Jesus Christ. We’re all messed up and that’s why we need a perfect Savior. But, don’t follow false teachings and/or deceptive doctrines that claim a sinful lifestyle is an acceptable choice as Christ expects us to turn from ALL SIN. We’ll still slip up here and there but real salvation is a nonstop commitment to turn away from anything which God declared is wrong (laying with the same sex). It’s perpetually turning from our wretched ways or from our old selves. If God called something an abomination, then who are we to affirm those same exact abominable acts?!

a month ago

Whomever is in charge of this church needs some serious training in Christ’s teachings. RESPONSE: You claim to value the teachings of Christ, while threatening to have the homeless arrested? Christ would have worked to help them, not have them hauled off by law enforcement. Just the frequent hypocrisy we see in todays organized religions. Jesus would be embarrassed to see your actions, or lack thereof.

7 months ago

How come church people get to park in the street but no one else can? It blocks a lane on two streets & nearly causes accidents on one of the busiest streets in town. Shouldn't we have the same rules for everyone?

6 months ago

This church is right on the edge of U of M's campus and is welcoming to EVERYONE!

4 months ago