Partners in Progress 2020 | Page 33

Baker said. A youth hand bell choir grew so rapidly the church added more bells this year. The choir is just one of many activities the church facilitates for its youth population. For young children, there’s a fully- staffed nursery. For youth and teens, there’s a place for Bible study and fellowship where they can socialize and worship with each other. “By and large, our youth are being nourished,” Hunt said. Adults and seniors have plenty of activities as well from book clubs in the church’s library to community service. The church reaches out to the community through an after-school program that partners with a local first-grade class to provide tutoring help, meals and adult mentors. Seniors have a variety of group events, including trips. And for those who can’t make it to the church, the church comes to them. First United Methodist’s goal is to be influential in all aspects of a person’s life — “from the cradle to the grave,” Hunt said. Hunt said the church does not discriminate. Everyone is welcome to join the Methodist community; news reports that say otherwise are incorrect. When new members of the congregation walk through the church doors at 101 W. Church St. in Laurinburg, they can expect to have their spiritual needs met; Hunt and the rest of the leadership team aren’t satisfied with anything less. “This church strives for excellence,” Hunt said. “It doesn’t settle for mediocrity.” The church holds two types of Sunday morning services: contemporary and traditional. The contemporary service begins at 8:30 a.m. accompanied by a praise team, and the traditional service begins at 11 a.m., with a choir and pipe organ music. 910-276-1592 • [email protected] February-March 2020 • 33