ABOUT
ASHLAND FIRST UNITED METHODIST
Who are we?
First UMC is a judgment-free community of faith in downtown Ashland that was established almost two centuries ago.
We take our inspiration from St. John Chrysostom who said, “The Church is not a courtroom for souls, but a hospital.”
We don’t gather here because we think we are holy or righteous or have all the answers. Rather, we gather because we want to find health in our minds, our bodies, our spirits, and our relationships. We believe that the best place to find that is within a supportive community.
The one thing we do know is that Jesus Christ revealed the true character God: that God is LOVE. Everything we do is oriented around the single truth.
Worship
Sunday morning is the centerpiece of our life together. There we gather to sing songs (both ancient and new), pray, learn, give thanks, and express ourselves through liturgy and ritual. The service is easy to follow, and the attire is always come-as-you-please. Some dress up while some dress down, but no one ever judges.
Children are always welcome in our worship, as are their wiggles and giggles! We have activity packets and headphones for those who are more sensitive to sound. For those who might need space to play or roam there is a FAMILY ROOM upstairs with lots of toys and activities where the service can still be experienced.
Sunday School
There is also a Children’s Sunday school class that meets during the service, for those young kids who would like to go.
Communion
A small group of us gather at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesdays to pray and take communion together in our Chapel. Everyone is always welcome to come to this quiet and meditative service.
AFUMC Staff
Pastor Emeritus
Rev. Tom Snyder
Pastoral Services
When most people think of clergy, they think of Sunday services, weddings, funerals, and baptisms, but our clergy are available for all kinds of things to help you on your spiritual journey.
- Conversations over coffee
- Counseling
- Family and friend conflict mediation
- Home blessing
- Blessing for pregnancy or engagement
- Questions about life or the Bible
- Prayers at the end of life
- Prayer for or with you
- Questions about life or the Bible
- Prayers at the end of life
- Services for deceased pets
- Hospital and nursing home visitation (Pastor Toni, too!)
- Someone to accompany you when you have to do something difficult (e.g. doctor or vet visit, lawyer's office, court date, etc.)
