At First Church, we believe God has called and equipped every member to serve. Our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world has never moved forward because of programs alone, but because of people — people who noticed needs, stepped into service, and invited others to walk with them. As we continue in this Founders’ Year, we are reminded that this church was built by servants. And it will be sustained and renewed by servants still.
The Apostle Paul reminds us:
“Now there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of services but the same Lord, and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:4–6)
These words remind us that serving is not reserved for a few, but entrusted to us all. Every gift, every talent, every act of care becomes part of how God works through this church for the good of our neighbors and our community.
Serving at First Church is rarely something people stumble into by accident. More often, it begins with a simple nudge, a conversation, or a personal invitation: “Come serve with me.” As you explore the many ways to Serve Together, we invite you to do two things. First, consider where you are serving—or where you might be called to serve in this season of your life. Second, think about who you might invite to serve alongside you. We have learned over time that this is how people discover their place in the life of the church. This is how friendships form, faith deepens, and ministry becomes joyful. This is how we continue the story we have inherited—by serving together. Whether you are brand new to serving or have been faithfully serving for years, there is a next step for you.
Those Wanting to Serve: Next Steps
1. Read through the immediate needs list below and ongoing ministry opportunities booklet to see where help is needed and where you feel called to serve.
2. Choose one that fits your availability and interests.
3. Contact the ministry leader listed to get started.
Those Currently Serving: Next Steps
1. Invite someone to serve alongside you.
2. Reach out to the ministry leader so we can support you and stay connected.
QUESTIONS?
Reach out to Lacey Adair at LAdair@fumcpensacola.com
Immediate Needs: Ways to Serve
This is an active, ongoing list. As needs change, new opportunities will be added and others may rotate off. The most current list is always available right here at fumcpensacola.com/Serve. When real needs are named, this congregation responds. Thank you for stepping in and serving together in this season.
COMMUNITY CARE & OUTREACH
RUTH’S KITCHEN VOLUNTEER
Need: 2 Dinner Servers (Wednesdays, 4:45–6:00pm)
Why It Matters: These volunteers help serve dinner and allow Wednesday Night Dinners to continue for families and fellowship groups.
Contact: Mici Kuba | MKuba@fumcpensacola.com
SERVING THE HUNGRY VOLUNTEER
Need: 3 Kitchen Volunteers (Thursdays, 8:00–10:30am)
Why It Matters: These volunteers prepare hot meals that allow us to serve those in need in our community.
Contact: Lisa Bond | LBond@fumcpensacola.com
FOOD BOX PROGRAM VOLUNTEER
Need: 2 Packing Volunteers (2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 9:00–11:00am)
Why It Matters: Volunteers pack groceries for shut-ins and sort food bank items, helping ensure consistent access to food for those in need.
Contact: Lisa Bond | LBond@fumcpensacola.com
CARE DELIVERY DRIVER
Need: 4 Delivery Volunteers (Once a Month)
Why It Matters: These volunteers deliver care packages to individuals who are homebound, recovering, grieving, or facing a challenging season, offering tangible support and connection.
Contact: Jennifer Piver | JPiver@fumcpensacola.com
RESPITE MINISTRY VOLUNTEER
Need: 5 Respite Volunteers (Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:00am–2:00pm)
Why It Matters: These volunteers allow us to welcome individuals currently on our waitlist. Respite provides meaningful engagement for those living with dementia while offering their caregivers rest and support.
Contact: Kirstin Gartner | KGartner@fumcpensacola.com
THRIFT STORE VOLUNTEER
Need: 4 Volunteers (Wednesdays & Fridays, 12:00–5:00pm; 2-hour shifts)
Why It Matters: Volunteers help meet practical needs in our community and support the church’s mission by sorting, organizing, stocking donations, and assisting customers.
Contact: Dani Russell | DRussell@fumcpensacola.com
WEDDING & FUNERAL SERVICE HOST
Need: 4 Service Hosts (1–2 times per year)
Why It Matters: Hosts provide hospitality and guidance for families during weddings and funerals, offering care and presence during meaningful moments.
Contact: Ginger Raines | GRaines@fumcpensacola.com
WORSHIP & SUNDAY SUPPORT
USHERS — MAIN SANCTUARY
Need:
• 4 Ushers (8:30am service, one Sunday per month)
• 6 Ushers (11am service, one Sunday per month)
Why It Matters: Ushers help welcome worshipers, receive the offering, assist with communion, and support the flow of worship.
Contact: Lacey Adair | LAdair@fumcpensacola.com
GREETERS — MAIN SANCTUARY
Need: 4 Greeters (11:00am service; serving in pairs, one Sunday per month)
Why It Matters: Greeters are often the first point of connection for members and visitors. A warm welcome helps people feel at home.
Contact: Lacey Adair | LAdair@fumcpensacola.com
LAY READERS — MAIN SANCTUARY
Need: 3 Lay Readers (Read once per quarter at 8:30am & 11:00am services)
Why It Matters: Lay Readers help lead worship by reading Scripture, offering a visible way for lay people to participate in the service.
Contact: Lacey Adair | LAdair@fumcpensacola.com
COMMUNION STEWARDS — MAIN SANCTUARY
Need: 2 Communion Stewards (1st & 4th Sundays; 8:30am & 11:00am services)
Why It Matters: Stewards prepare and care for the communion elements, helping create a meaningful and reverent communion experience.
Contact: Lacey Adair | LAdair@fumcpensacola.com
SUNDAY PRODUCTION SUPPORT
Need: 2 Soundboard & Computer Operators (Sundays, 8:30am & 11:00am)
Why It Matters: Production volunteers help ensure worship is heard, seen, and accessible both in the room and online.
Contact: Kyle Hall | KHall@fumcpensacola.com
MUSIC & CREATIVE
SANCTUARY CHOIR MEMBER
Need: 4 Tenors & 4 Altos
(Alternate 8:30am & 11:00am services)
Why It Matters: Additional choir members allow us to offer a broader range of music that enriches worship and supports congregational singing.
Contact: Dr. Rick Branch | RBranch@fumcpensacola.com
EVENT & SERVICE PHOTOGRAPHER
Need: 2 Photographers
Why It Matters: Volunteer photographers support church communications by capturing events and worship, helping us share our story through social media and promotional materials.
Contact: Kelsey Seager | KSeager@fumcpensacola.com
CHILDREN, YOUTH & ADULT FORMATION
KIDS SUNDAY SCHOOL LEADER
Need: 2 Elementary Leaders (1–2 times per month, 9:45–10:45am)
Why It Matters: Leaders help children experience God’s love in age-appropriate ways, laying a foundation of faith, trust, and belonging.
Contact: Lisa Bond | LBond@fumcpensacola.com
YOUTH LEADER ASSISTANT
Need:
• 2 Sunday School Assistants (9:45–10:45am)
• 2 Sunday Evening Assistants (5:30–7:00pm)
Why It Matters: These roles meet Safe Sanctuaries requirements and ensure youth are supported and cared for in group settings.
Contact: Rev. Heather Nysewander | HNysewander@fumcpensacola.com
YOUTH CHOIR HELPER
Need: 1 Helper (Sundays, 4:30–5:20pm)
Why It Matters: This role helps meet Safe Sanctuaries requirements by ensuring two adults are present and supports youth participation in music.
Contact: Dr. Rick Branch | RBranch@fumcpensacola.com
ADULT TEACHER / LEADER
Need: 3 Adult Group Teachers/Leaders
Why It Matters: Leaders help provide spaces for learning, discussion, and spiritual growth through Bible studies and discipleship groups.
Contact: Rev. Emily Kincaid | EKincaid@fumcpensacola.com
EVENTS & HOSPITALITY
COMMUNITY GREETERS
Need: 10 Volunteers (As events arise; about once a month)
Why It Matters: Community Greeters welcome guests at campus events and help communicate that our church is open, friendly, and engaged with the community.
Contact: Lisa Bond | LBond@fumcpensacola.com
COMMUNITY DAY SUPPORT
Need: 2 Support Volunteers (2nd Saturday every other month, 9:00am–1:00pm)
Why It Matters: Volunteers help create a welcoming environment where children and adults can gather, relax, and connect on campus.
Contact: Lisa Bond | LBond@fumcpensacola.com
EASTER EGG HUNT SUPPORT
Need: 7 Volunteers (Sunday, March 29, 10:30am–1pm)
Why It Matters: Volunteers help set up, serve food, and clean up, supporting young families and creating a joyful community experience.
Contact: Lisa Bond | LBond@fumcpensacola.com