First Ministries

FirstNac UMC hosts quarterly blood drives in the Family Life Center. Emergencies are always happening. Your donation could save up to three people. Give the gift of life! If you have an account with the Blood Center you may also sign-up online.

Contact:

Terri Thompson

Cell: (936) 554-1721

We are a distribution site for the East  Texas  Food Pantry. On the third Tuesday of every month we package and distribute fresh produce to over 400 families. Each month a local corporation joins with us to package items and one of the SFA athletic teams helps with distribution.

Contact: Le’Ann  Solomon or Kathy Cochran.

A homecooked meal is always appreciated. Twice a month on the second Monday and Third Wednesday FirstNac members prepare and serve a meal to over 50 clients at GODTEL Ministries.

Contact: Cindy Hancock.

Every year several of our FirstNac UMC members Adopt-A-Jack SFA Basketball player to be part of their family; providing them with support, love and food. We welcome them to be a part of our church family.

The SFA Wesley Foundation serves many college students. We partner with them to provide food, support and whatever they need. We assist with the SFA All-Faith BBQ during welcome week, The Service of the Bread, fundraisers and various activities throughout the year.

Contact: Kathy Cochran

Down by the Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market there is a little pantry with non-perishable items in it for anyone who might need a little help. The first Sunday of each month is ICAN Sunday. We ask everyone to bring canned items and put them in the baskets in the hallway.

On the second Tuesday of every month from  5 - 7 p.m. FirstNac members help out with the H.O.P.E. food pantry distribution on East Main Street.

Contact: Pauline Sampson

Another one of our outreach programs that is open to anyone who just wants to help and have a little fellowship at the same time is the monthly folding of the Love INC newsletter. It is the last Wednesday of the month.

Contact: Cindy Hancock.

MissionNac is a local mission where several churches from the Nacogdoches area join together the first week of June every year to help those in our own community with things like house repairs and ramp building.

Contact: Terri Thompson (936) 554-1721

We have a partnership with Thomas J. Rusk Elementary to help out with all the little extra things that make going to school an exciting adventure for the kids.

Contact: Jan Cobb.

Sew Blessed is a group that makes caps for infants and cancer patients that are crochet or knitted. If you have leftover yarn we will take it. If you want to learn to crochet or knit you are welcome. If you just want to be with a bunch like minded people for fellowship this is it!

Contact: Kathy Cochran.

Our church has several trained Stephen Ministers who are waiting  to be a compassionate confidential listener to those who are struggling. Maybe it's you or someone you know who is experiencing grief over the loss of a loved one, reduced independence or the loss of a job. Those who know loneliness, isolation or depression are prime candidates to pair with a Stephen Minister who will be there with them to listen, to pray or just sit.  If you know of someone in need.

Contact: Terry Smith (409) -382-3455 or

Dawn Rigsby (936) -558-7427

FirstNac UMC offers a daily devotional with a scripture, a teaching and a reflection by one of our congregation members. If you would like to be a writer or sign-up for the daily email. The Daily first Five is also available on Facebook.

Sign-up Link

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/ts3SsFN/NacFirst

Several members help deliver East Texas Food Pantry Senior boxes to those who are unable to come to HOPE or other area food banks.

Caring for our church family is at the heart of the Care Team. From life celebrations to receptions and church-wide events, the Care Team makes it happen. If you enjoy hosting and serving, preparing meals and working with a close knit team, this is the group for you. If you would like to help or just learn more, contact: 

Claudia Whitley 
cell: (936) 554-5447
email: claudiawhitley@sbcglobal.net

A greeter is one of the simplest yet important positions in the church. Greeters from the church congregation are located at three entrances of the building and welcome members and guests each Sunday for both services arriving 15-minutes before the service begins. We would love for you to join us! For more information, please contact:

Carolyn Hardy:
cell: (936) 645-4788 or
email: hardy_carmike@hotmail.com

Teams of 4-6 members rotate every month to ensure that the chancel area of our Sanctuary and Chapel is always ready for any worship service at FirstNac UMC. The teams also prepare for communion Sundays; break down altar flowers and deliver them to members needing cheering up; and assist as needed with other special services. We hope you will consider this an opportunity that suits your desire to help. For more information, please contact:

Stephanie Stephens:
cell: (936) 569-3243 
email: skstephens7@gmail.com

Volunteers are stationed at our new Welcome Center in the bell tower space. We are here to welcome first-time guests to our church and answer any questions they may have. Welcome Center team members are asked to be present at the Welcome Center 10 to 15 minutes before the service, and 10 minutes after. You will sign up for one or two months during the year. Contact:

Steve Kahn

Ushers can sometimes be taken for granted but never overlooked. They greet us as we enter worship and help with a multitude of duties. From assisting guests to providing basic security functions, ushers keep us organized and on track. Women, men and youth all participate with this group. If you enjoy helping others and making our church as welcoming as it can be, Contact:

Paul Smith
cell: (936) 559-3635
email: pmsiii@hotmail.com

“Jesus said: ‘I am the light of the world’” (John 8:12 NRSV). The presence of the light reminds us of Jesus coming into our world and into our lives. The acolytes carry light into the worship service as a symbol of Jesus coming into the presence of the worshiping community and after worship, taking the light of Christ out into the world. Youth are encouraged to participate from 5th grade through high school graduation. Contact:

Sara Lane

cell: (214) 681-5252

The Loving Outreach Team visits members in nursing homes or those who are homebound to bring joy and hope. They also provide communion to those members who are unable to come to church. "It is more blessed to give than receive."

Claudia Whitley 
cell: (936) 554-5447
email: claudiawhitley@sbcglobal.net

Rescue Me provides help to members such as transportation to medical appointments or help with small tasks around the home. 

FirstNac UMC has a prayer team that will pray for anyone who needs it. All prayer requests are kept confidential unless otherwise specified. Please fill out a prayer request form or contact the church office.

Prayer Request Link: https://form.jotform.com/240697164458164

This team only meets a few times a year, but for anyone who likes to be outside and freshen-up the exterior of the church this is a great place to help out. We plant flowers, mulch, trim trees and brushes.