Susan Marchant
Music Director
Chris Lucas
Technical Director
First United Methodist Church traces its history back to 1879, when Pittsburg, Kansas was little more than a small coal mining camp. Our earliest members gathered with a shared commitment to build a strong, faith-filled community in Southeast Kansas. Our first building stood where Memorial Auditorium is today, and as our congregation grew alongside the city, our current sanctuary broke ground in 1913. From the beginning, we have been an active, welcoming downtown congregation rooted in tradition and service.
In the 1980s, recognizing a need for fresh vision and revitalized ministry, we founded Wesley House as an outreach church in the northeast quadrant of Pittsburg. What began as a simple neighborhood outreach project has expanded significantly over the decades. Over the past forty-plus years, Wesley House has grown into the largest food pantry in Crawford County and remains one of our primary outreach ministries, providing vital support and resources to local families every week.
We believe our story is just beginning. No matter where you are on your faith journey, we believe you will find at First UMC a place where you are loved and welcomed, where it’s okay to ask hard questions, and where you can find a deep sense of purpose and hope.
A Place to Belong: Whether you are visiting for the first time or searching for a long-term church home, our congregation offers an open door and a friendly atmosphere.
Community-Centered Ministry: We remain committed to investing in downtown Pittsburg and supporting our neighbors across Crawford County through hands-on service.
Nourishing spiritual hunger through following Jesus and sharing God’s love with a hungry world.
We grow as disciples and find our spiritual hunger satisfied as we engage in these core practices:
FAQ
Find answers to common questions about visiting and worship.
What you are comfortable in! During worship you’ll see people in t-shirts and others dressed more formally sitting side by side. We don’t have a dress code, we focus our worship experience on connecting with God and others.
There is guest parking on the west side of the church right across from the west entry doors. There is also street parking on all four sides of the church and at BMO bank.
Children are an important part of our community! There is children’s Sunday School every week, except on the first Sunday of each month. On these Sundays, we encourage families to worship together so that children can participate in communion. The children also participate in a special children’s moment during the service led by the pastor. You can learn more about our children’s ministry on our Children’s page.
The nursery is on the second floor, one flight up from the sanctuary level. If you are unsure, ask one of our greeters, they’d be happy to show you the way!
Students grades 6-12 meet on Wednesday nights during the school year for youth group. You can learn more about our student ministry in the Students section on our Connect page
Anywhere you want! While we have folks that tend to sit in the same spot each Sunday, others like to move around. Sit where you feel comfortable, and remember, we do have a balcony!
After worship you can connect with the pastor in the lobby or join others for a time of coffee fellowship downstairs in our fellowship hall (we sometimes call this Holy Rock)
Holy Rock is what we sometimes call our fellowship hall. It is in the basement and is a common meeting space for everything from coffee fellowship after worship to community events.
Absolutely. First UMC is an inclusive church that welcomes all people into the full life of the church regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, income, or life station. Whoever you are, wherever you are on your faith journey, you have a place here.
Our service lasts about an hour and is traditional in style, but casual in tone — we want the traditions of the church to feel alive and fresh, not stuffy. Our full choir leads us in spirited hymns and special music each week. You’ll find a service rooted in meaningful liturgy, but a room full of people who are relaxed and glad you’re there.
Yes! As a United Methodist Church, we practice open communion — meaning all who seek to grow in their relationship with God are welcome at the table, regardless of church membership. On the first Sunday of each month, we celebrate communion together as a whole church, including children. Communion is always an invitation, and if you don’t wish to participate, that’s okay.
There are lots of ways to get involved! You can serve at the Wesley House Food Pantry, get involved in children’s or youth ministries, join our hospitality team, or partner with one of our several community partnerships. Whatever your gifts or interests, there’s a place for you to serve.
That’s completely fine. Whether it’s tending to a child, a restroom break, or just needing a moment, feel free to step out and back in as needed — no one will think twice about it.
