What can I say about the place that has been instrumental in keeping me grounded in Christ, provided affirmation to how I was raised at home and continues to be part of shaping my life? First UMC Miami has always been the church of my heart and is where I first learned that the church is the people. As a child, I grew up here having 10 grandmothers, learned Sunday school songs I still remember to this day, and participated youth events that made me want to be a Christian because I wanted to, not because I “had to”. As a result, when I went away for college I still went to church, got involved in campus ministry, and returned to Miami to serve as an adult in a variety of ways. Because of the lessons learned, friendships built and love experienced here I knew what kind of church to look for when my family and I moved abroad for several years. I knew how a church family could be and I wasn’t going to settle for anything less that what I received at First UMC Miami. Because of that my son has also benefited from being surrounded by strong Christian communities and role models. Today, we are back in Miami at First UMC and though much has changed over time some things remain. First UMC Miami is still a church that is the people. We are are church that is about relationships that extend beyond Sunday mornings. We are a church that laughs and rejoices. We are a church that doesn’t always get along, but model how to be Christ-like even in conflict and disharmony. We are a church of action and one that serves. We’re not perfect and don’t claim to be, which is why we are the church for you. It’s why it is the church for me. It is why First UMC Miami is people.
