Ministries
Getting connectedCONNECT! Children's Ministry
New Curriculum – Follow Me!
Imagine a world where our children not only learn about faith but truly experience the joy and wonder of following Jesus. The curriculum we use at CONNECT – Our Children’s Ministry Program is based on practices Jesus did and taught us to do as faithful followers. Our curriculum “Follow Jesus” is designed to ignite a sense of wonder in our kids, helping them to see the divine in the everyday and embrace their unique journey with Jesus. It’s a curriculum that encourages curiosity, celebrates discovery, and empowers each child to explore their own path in faith.
Inspired by a philosophy of deep connection and heartfelt engagement, “Follow Me” is about more than just teaching – it’s about transformation. Through dynamic lessons, creative activities, and open-hearted discussions, our children will learn to see the beauty in the world around them and understand how they can bring light and love into their own lives and the lives of others.
For more information, contact Susan Adam-Rita, Ph.D., Director of Lifelong Faith Formation.
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CONNECT! Newsletter
Subscribe to the CONNECT! newsletter.
CONNECT! Recorded Worship Service
A recorded worship service just for children is available each Sunday on our YouTube Channel.
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The Protection Policy for Minors Forms:
Youth Ministry
Youth meet every Sunday – 9 am – Ages 11-18
On the first Sunday of each month, we celebrate Communion together, with our youth joining us for the entire worship service.
Youth Newsletter
For more information contact Susan Adam-Rita, Ph.D., Director of Lifelong Faith Formations
The Protection Policy for Minors Forms:
Adult Ministries
We seek to foster relationships with God and Beloved Community by offering adult opportunities to strengthen faith, deepen biblical knowledge, and nurture spiritual growth.
Each of our offerings is designed to cultivate growth in faith through group experience, and to offer expanded experiences of beloved community for everyone.
We offer opportunities within each of the following areas:
- Exploring Biblical topics – Bible studies, history and basics of the Methodist movement, topical studies e.g., wisdom literature, exploration of parables, book groups, etc.
- Engaging in the world – social and environmental justice, antiracism, social ethics of Jesus and Old Testament prophets, etc.
- Nurturing applied faith practices – prayer and meditation styles and practices, retreats, etc.
Offerings will continue to evolve with fresh opportunities available through the seasons. Contact Dawn Goellner with questions, ideas, or to volunteer, including helping to facilitate any offerings.
Social Justice Action Team
Rooted in Christ’s call to love our neighbors, the Social Justice Action Team is committed to learning, listening, and taking faithful action for equity and justice. The team facilitates learning through book studies that center on racial and social justice, fostering deep discussion and reflection.
From September through June, we host our Monthly Soup-er Sunday Speaker Series, where all are welcome. These events lead with an informative talk by a local leader or activist followed by open conversation. We then share a meal of soup and sides.
We also lead specific initiatives that vary based on need. Whether you’re just beginning or have long been engaged in justice work, please join us in this important work.
Music Ministry
The Music Ministry at Chelsea First exists so that teams and individuals have an opportunity to serve God with the gifts they have been given in music and the creative arts. A wide genre of music, including traditional and new hymns, anthems, service music, contemporary praise music choruses, and gospel music, is used in order to glorify God. Colossians 3.16 really sums it up… Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
To read more about our Music Ministry: Music Ministry
For more information contact Randy Umfleet, Music Director
Mission Ministry
Missions Committee: Making a Difference Locally and Beyond
At Chelsea First, we are dedicated to embodying Christ’s call to love and serve others through impactful mission work. Our Missions Committee supports projects that make a lasting difference both locally and regionally, with a commitment to justice, inclusivity, and compassion. We partner with organizations such as Cass Community Services, Habitat for Humanity, and God’s Country Community Ministry, as well as international efforts through the United Methodist Advance.
Each year, we collaborate with groups like CROP Walk, Faith In Action, and Fair Trade Coffee to address urgent needs and uplift communities. We also support local ministries, missionaries, and various entities through financial contributions.
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🌟 “Harambee!” means “Let’s pull together!” 🌟
On June 12, five Chelsea First members—Marna Balazer, Kathryn Putnam, Marjorie Switz, Cathy Fitzgerald, and Edie Wiarda—joined the Flint Freedom Schools Collaborative at Potter Elementary to help prepare for a powerful summer of learning and justice-focused fun for 100 young scholars. 🎨📚✊
One unforgettable moment: Marna’s beautiful, handmade “HARAMBEE” banner was unveiled and now hangs in the school gym, where kids and staff will gather each morning for joy-filled chants and cheers. 💛🎉
We also created six large banners featuring the lyrics to the Freedom School song—check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO02W474_2k
It was a day full of meaning, collaboration, and hope. We’re honored to be part of this work. ✨
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Want to get involved? Contact Rodney Gasaway to learn more about how you can join in making a difference.
Congregational Care Team
The Chelsea First’s Congregational Care teams support our congregation in many ways
Care Team Vision: that each of us experiences Chelsea First as a community of help and support, no matter what we are facing, with respect for privacy and confidentiality.
- Prayer Team members commit to praying privately and confidentially, on their own time, over a set of concerns that are distributed via a weekly email.
- Cards Team members sign up (via the on-line Signup Genius tool) to send cards and notes to people on the Care list according to a defined schedule.
- Meals Team members volunteer (via Signup Genius) to prepare and deliver meals to those who need a break from shopping and meal prep.
- The Rides and Errands Team provides light shopping and transportation assistance.
- Calling Teams are in personal contact via phone with people who are isolated or experiencing particularly difficult times. Special training and selection are required.
- Communion Team brings consecrated Communion elements to those who are not attending in-person.
For more information on how to be part of the Care Team or how you can get help, click here.
Chelsea First
Our church culture
Chelsea First United Methodist Church (Chelsea First) is a Christ-centered congregation with a positive, open, and engaging spirit. We are the church for everyone, at all seasons of life, and bring a grounded, engaged, and supportive approach to Christian worship while working passionately toward making a positive impact in our community.
© 2025 Chelsea First UMC
CONTACT US
Chelsea First UMC
128 Park St., Chelsea, MI 48118
📞 (734) 475-8119
✉️ info@chelseaumc.org
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