About Us
We are United Methodists
The United Methodist Church is a world-wide denomination that opens hearts, opens minds and opens doors through active engagement with our world. The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
A United Methodist is someone who joins in that mission by putting faith and love into action. We believe that God loves all people, and that we share in expressing that love. So the United Methodist tradition emphasizes God's grace and in serving others. We believe that Jesus Christ is the fullest expression of God's love--showing us the fullness of God's care through Jesus' teachings, death and resurrection.John Wesley started the Methodist movement in 18th century England. His teachings on practical divinity (living out our faith) and appeals to reason and experience form important aspects of United Methodist practice today.
We are a Lighthouse Congregation
First United Methodist Church—Lexington, NC opens its doors to individuals and groups whose churches are disaffiliating, yet wish to remain United Methodist. We are a congregation who has a desire to welcome, love, and nurture.
At First United Methodist Church, we are
...Alive in Christ and here for you as you strengthen your faith and grow closer to God.
...United in Nurturing Fellowship and committed to creating an environment of joy and acceptence where everyone can feel welcome and at peace.
...Reaching Out to Share God's Boundless Love and make a positive difference in the lives of our members and our community.
Our Beliefs
God
We believe there is one living and true God who is eternal, holy, all powerful, all knowing, and ever present. God is the maker and preserver of all things--both what is seen and what is not see. In the unity of the Godhead, there are three persons in one--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus
We believe Jesus was born of a virgin. Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully human. Jesus is the very Wrod of God and the savioe of all humankind who came to earth to live, to teach us how to love, and to restore us to God. Jesus willingly endured the suffering, shame, and death on the cross in order to pay the debt for humanity's sin. He then rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. Jesus is acknowledged as the way to salvation.
Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third person in the Trinity. The Spirit is at work in the world and the lives of individuals. It transforms, empowers, and guides believers. Through the Holy Spirit, we experience the fruit of the spirit and spiritual gifts.
Resurrection
We believe that Jesus physically rose from the dead, walked the earth, ascended to heaven, and will come again to judge all humanity and establish his reign over the earth.
Mission
We believe the mission of the Christian life is summed up in the two great comandments of loving God and loving ourneighbors. Scripture informs us that this is lived out as we love mercy, seek justice, walk humbly with God and "Go and make disciples of all nations."
Doctrine of Grace
We believe grace is the unearned and undeserved favor of God extended toward all humanity. United Methodists believe in three forms of grace:
- Prevenient grace that is at work in our lives drawing us to God prior to salvation.
- Justifying grace that brings us into right relationship with God through faith in Christ.
- Sanctifying grace that continues to work in us to transform us into the image of Christ.
The Bible
The Bible is the inspired word of God and is the primary source for Christian doctrine. It contains all things needed for salvation and living a life unto God. The Bible is foundational for our beliefs, but United Methodists also look to the traditions of the Church, reason, and experience to help inform our faith and help intrpret scripture.
Our History
A deed dated January 17, 1833, conveyed one-quarter of an acre of land on the corner of East First Street and North Salisbury Street to the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church. An additional quarter of an acre adjoining the original property was deeded to the trustees four years later. This acreage formed the site of the first structure of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Lexington. The original house of worship was destroyed by fire in 1886. Today, St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church is located at the site of the first church.
Twelve years prior to the 1886 fire, the congregation had built a new structure on land located in the third block of South Main Street. The Methodist congregation worshipped in this sanctuary from 1874 until August of 1902, when fire struck again and destroyed the building.
On April 6, 1903, the cornerstone of a new church, by then First Methodist Episcopal Church South, was laid on the same site on South Main Street. In 1919, a lot adjoining the church property and facing South State Street was purchased. This property was originally used as a playground and years later converted to a parking lot. In 1924 and again in 1933, additional Sunday School rooms were added. On July 7, 1940, First Methodist Episcopal Church South and State Street Methodist Protestant Church merged, forming First Methodist Church. The building that housed State Street Methodist Protestant Church stood at the corner of South State Street and West Second Avenue until 2006.
The present edifice of modified Georgian colonial architecture is located in the fourth block of South Main Street. Construction began on January 6, 1954, and on May 15, 1955, the first service of worship was held in the new sanctuary. In 1968, The Methodist Church merged with The Evangelical United Brethren to form The United Methodist Church. Our congregation became First United Methodist Church.
Adjoining property has been purchased through the years for Scout activities, a youth center, and additional parking. A columbarium was dedicated in 1998. The dedication of the new elevator and renovated building was held September 19, 2004.
Administrative Teams
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Trustees
Board of Trustees – Co-Chairs: Billy Hunt and Donna Smith - chair elected annually by Board of Trustees
2026: Glynda Smith, Bob Burchette, Bill Distler
2027: Billy Hunt, Donna Smith
2028: Gil Bonnaure, Joe Morris, Linda Saintsing
Ex-offico: Rev. Kirk Tutterow, Co-Pastor (non-voting) – Alma Carlton, Financial Secretary (non-voting) – TBD, AC Lay Delegate
About: The Board of Trustees serves First UMC by maintaining and improving the building, furnishing, equipment, & grounds; managing bequests and gifts to the church; and overseeing legal responsiblities of the church.
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Endowment Trust Fund Team
Endowment Trust Fund Team – Chair: Richard Foust - elected by the Endowment Team from its members
Trustee Representative: - TBD - elected annually by Board of Trustees
Church Council Rep: Lauren Hall - elected annually by Church Council
Finance Team Rep: Betty Pope – elected annually by Finance Team
Planned Giving Rep: Olen Easter
Co-Pastor: Rev. Kirk Tutterow
The following are nominated by Nominations Team and approved by Charge Conference to three-year terms.
Investment Advisor (non-voting): Steve Jackson
Financial Secretary (non-voting): Alma Carlton
Accountant: Jennifer Everhart, 2027
Legal Advisor: Richard Foust, 2027
Past Finance Chair: Monty Oliver, 2027
At-large member: Olen Easter, 2027
About: The Endowment Trust Fund Team serves First UMC by overseeing the investment and use of the church's endowment trust funds & providing for an ongoing planned giving program for the funds.
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Finance Team
Finance Team – Chair: Clark Smith, 2026
2026: Jennifer Everhart, Monty Oliver, Betty Pope (Stewardship Rep)
2027: Frank Cagle, Ron Coleman
2028: Christine Hunt, Larry Swing
Ex-officio: Rev. Kirk Tutterow, Co-Pastor – Rick Samuels, Church Council Vice-Chair – TBD, AC Lay Delegate – TBD, Trustee Rep – TBD, SPRC Chair - Alma Carlton, Financial Secretary (non-voting)
About: The Finance Team serves First UMC by planning for and managing the church's finances to support the church's mission and ministry.
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Nominations Team
Nominations Team – Chairs: Rev. Cheryl Skinner & Rev. Kirk Tutterow, Co- Pastors
2026: Clark Smith, Ann Easter, Kathy Hester
2027: Debby Brown, Helen Morris, Jim Myers
2028: Nancy Cagel, Ron Leonard, Cheri Murray
Ex-officio: Helen Fitzgerald, Lay Leader
About: The Nominations Team serves First UMC by prayerfully discerning the nominees who are selected to serve as Administrative and Ministry Team members.
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Parsonage Team
Parsonage Team – Chair: Donna Smith
2026: Judy Stoner, Linda Saintsing, Donna Smith
2027: Marie Kernoodle, Nancy Roach
2028: Toni Burchette, Kay Wilson
Ex-officio: Rev. Cheryl Skinner & Rev. Kirk Tutterow, Co-Pastors
About: The Parsonage Team serves First UMC by providing the minister(s) & family with a comfortable, safe living space.
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Scholarship Team
Scholarship Team – Chair: Donna Long
2026: Donna Long
2027: Pat Harrison, Joyce Oliver
2028: Betsy Cook, Kathy Hester
Ex-officio: Rev. Cheryl Skinner, Co-Pastor – Lauren Hall, Church Council Chair – Helen Fitzgerald, Lay Leader – Susie Hubbard, AC Lay Delegate – Donna Smith, Trustee Rep – Katherine Parsons, Children’s Council Chair – Alma Carlton, Financial Secretary (non-voting)
About: The Scholarship Team serves First UMC by managing the scholarship application and distribution process.
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Staff Parish Relations Team
Staff Parish Relations Team – Chair: TBD
2026: Nancy Conrad, Lloyd Brown
2027: Jane Hedrick, Betty Pope, Abby Smith
2028: Lee-Ann Distler, Lynne Leonard, Mike Niver
Ex-officio: Rev. Cheryl Skinner & Rev. Kirk Tutterow, Co-Pastors – Helen Fitzgerald, Lay Leader – TBD, Finance Rep
About: The Staff Parish Relations Team serves First UMC by assessing the church's current staffing needs and provide supervision, guidance, and support for the church staff.
Ministry Teams
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Children's Council
Children’s Council – Chair: Katherine Parsons
2026: Donna Long, Katherine Parsons
2027: Betsy Cook, Debbie Hill, Jessica & Travis Phifer
2028: Woody Smith, Martha Williams, Grace Woods
Ex-officio: Rev. Amy Higgins – Associate Pastor Next Generations
About: The Children's Council serves First UMC by developing and planning ministries that form and nurture the faith of our children birth through fifith grade.
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Evangelism & Hospitality Team
Evangelism & Hospitality Team – Chair: Judy Deal
2026: Patricia Hartley, Barbara McWhorter
2027: Karen Bennett, Karen Bias, Judy Deal
2028: Jill Hayes, Suzanne Niver
Ex-officio: Rev. Kirk Tutterow, Co-Pastor – Rick Samuels, Church Council, Vice-Chair – Helen Fitzgerald, Lay Leader
About: The Evangelism & Hospitality Team serves First UMC by connecting the church with our neighbors (non-churched) & community as well as providing hospitality for our worship & ministry event guests.
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Member Care Team
Member Care Team: Chair: TBD - elected annually by Member Care Team
2026: Karen Coleman, Tom Foust, Minnie McPherson, Helen Morris
2027: Toni Burchette, Fran Coppley, Libby Samuels
2028: Stephanie Berrier, Debby Brown, Ellen Crago, Cheri Murray
Ex-officio: Rev. Cheryl Skinner, Co-Pastor – Lauren Hall, Church Council Chair/Sparrow Project Rep – Helen Fitzgerald, Lay Leader – Judy Deal, Bereavement Rep
About: The Member Care Team serves First UMC by developing and implementing minitries that care for our member's physical, spiritual, and emotional needs.
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Missions Team
Missions Team – Chair: Christa Weeks
2026: Judy Deal, Christa Weeks
2027: Carl Bennett, Steve Jackson, Barbara McWhorter
2028: Cindy Davis, Mike Hall
Ex-officio: Rev. Cheryl Skinner, Co-Pastor – Rick Samuels, Church Council Vice-Chair – Susie Hubard, AC Lay Delegate – William Deal, Disaster Coordinator
About: The Missions Team serves First UMC by supporting on-going mission ministries and providing opportunities for service in the community and world.
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Worship & Music Team
Worship & Music Team – Chair: TBD
2026: Nancy Roach, Abby Smith
2027: Cheri Murray
2028: Jennie Jackson, Kath Oliver, Vicki Olson
Ex-officio: Rev. Cheryl Skinner & Rev. Kirk Tutterow, Co-Pastors – Rev. Amy Higgins, Associate Pastor Next Generations – Lauren Hall, Church Council Chair – Lee Mabe, Director of Music – Phyllis Jones, Pianist/Organist – Ron Leonard, Sound Team – John McWhorter, Video Team – Barbara McWhorter & Geryl Myers, Altar Guild – Richard Foust & Woody Smith, Head Ushers
About: The Worship & Music Team serves First UMC by working with the pastor(s) and staff to plan for meaningful worship.
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Youth Council
Youth Council: Chair: Katie Moore
2026: Jane & Bradley Hedrick
2027: Katie Moore, Elizabeth O'Connell, Jenny Varner
2028: Carl Bennet, Don Bias
Ex-officio: Rev. Amy Higgins, Associate Pastor Next Generations
About: The Youth Council serves First UMC by developing and planning ministries that form and nurture the faith of our youth (Middle School & High School) and college students.
Church Council
About: The Church Council serves First UMC by providing for, overseeing, and evaluating the nurture, outreach, mission and resource ministries of the church as well as aiding in the communication and collaboration of those ministries.
- Chairperson: Lauren Hall, 2026
- Vice-Chair: Rick Samuels, 2026
- Recording Secretary: Barbara McWhorter, 2027
- Lay Leader: Helen Fitzgerald, 2027
- Lay Delegate/Annual Conference:
- Susie Hubbard, 2026, Mike Hall, 2027, Grace Woods, 2028
- Co-Pastors: Rev. Cheryl Skinner & Rev. Kirk Tutterow
- Associate Pastor Next Generations: Rev. Amy HIggins
- Director of Music: Lee Mabe
- Membership Secretary: Donna Huskins, Administrative Assistant
- President UMM: Richard Foust (elected annually)
- President UWF: Marsha Garwood (elected annually)
- Honorary Members: Bettye Gray
Administrative Teams:
- Nominations Chairs: Rev. Cheryl Skinner & Rev. Kirk Tutterow, Co-Pastors
- SPR Chair: TBD
- Finance Chair: Clark Smith (elected annually)
- Stewardship Rep: Betty Pope, 2026
- Trustees Chairs: Billy Hunt & Donna Smith (elected annually)
- Parsonage Chair: Donna Smith, 2026
- Scholarship Chair: Donna Long, 2026
- Endowment Trust Chair: Richard Foust (elected annually)
- Planned Giving Rep: Olen Easter, 2026
Ministry Teams:
- Evangelism & Hospitality Chair: Judy Deal, 2027
- Children’s Council: Katherine Parsons, 2026
- Youth Council: Katie Moore, 2027
- Missions Chair: Christa Weeks, 2026
- Member Care Chair: TBD (elected annually)
- Worship/Music Chair: TBD
Exploring Membership
Joining our church family is a step in your faith journey that leads to many others! On that journey, each step deepens your relationship with Jesus Christ as you respond by sharing your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. The journey is an amazing experience of growing inwardly and serving outwardly, all the while surrounded by the incredibly loving community that is First United Methodist Church in Lexington.
Contact the pastors via email Pastor Cheryl or Pastor Kirk or by phone 336-248-2886 for information about joining the church.
Which way will I join and what will I say?
You will join by either:
Baptism and Profession of Faith
Since baptism is part of membership, if you have not been baptized, it is normally done within the context of a service of worship with the congregation making a profession to care for you. You will then respond to the United Methodist questions of faith asked by the pastor.
Reaffirmation of Faith
This is usually chosen as a renewal of faith after a period of inactivity or of not being on a church roll elsewhere for some time. The United Methodist Church believes that baptism is a one-time occurrence; therefore, we recognize baptisms from other faiths. You will not be re-baptized. You will then respond to the United Methodist questions of faith asked by the pastor.
Transfer from another United Methodist Church or Transfer from another denomination
This is chosen when you are a member of another church (United Methodist or otherwise). Your baptism is recognized. You will not be re-baptized. You will then respond to the United Methodist questions of faith asked by the pastor.
Questions of Faith asked at the time you join:
Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin?
Your Response: I Do.
Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?
Your Response: I Do.
Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races?
Your Response: I Do.
As a member of Christ's universal church, will you be loyal to the United Methodist Church, and do all in your power to strengthen its ministries?
Your Response: I Will.
As a member of this congregation, will you faithfully participate in its ministries by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service and your witness?
Your Response: I Will.