About Shelbyville First United Methodist Church
Our Vision
At Shelbyville First United Methodist Church, we are dedicated to spreading the love and teachings of Jesus Christ to our community and beyond. The mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Our Worship
We believe that worship is a powerful way to connect with God and experience His presence in our lives. Our worship services are designed to be uplifting, inspiring, and centered around the teachings of Christ. Join us at 9:30 Sunday mornings or watch from home via Facebook at facebook.com/1shelbyumc
Our Christian Education and Small Group Times
We have multiple small groups that meet weekly-
-Steve's Adult Sunday School class meets in the Chapel after Sunday service and is continuing "The Mayberry Bible Study".
-Pastor Leah's Bible Study group meets in the parlor after Sunday service. They are currently studying "The Thirteen Apostles" by J. Ellsworth Kalas.
Our Missions
We support numerous missions, both in the Shelbyville community and worldwide. A few of the community ministries that we participate in are LOAF, Heart for Shelbyville Ministries and Dinner Before Bedtime.
The Mission Moment for May is Boy Scout Troop 250. They mow our grass and perform other jobs around the church. Funds collected will go towards camping trips and other troop activities.
Our Fellowship
All are welcome to join us for fun and fellowship:
The first Sunday of the month we gather in the Parlor after worship service to visit.
We have restarted our "Sit and Gab a Bit" times. This is a casual fellowship time to visit with others in the parlor.
The FUMCee women's group meets regularly as well as a women's book club. Check the calendar below for dates and times.
Other events include rummage sales, picnics and game nights.
Our Pastor
Reverend Leah Kim was raised in a Methodist family in South Korea. She graduated from Methodist Theological University in Korea and completed her Master of Divinity at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio in 2013. She was ordained as an elder pastor in the Indiana Conference of UMC in 2017. Shelbyville First UMC is her third appointment after completing 6 years of ministry at Brushwood UMC in Rensselaer and 3 years at Fairmount UMC in Fairmount.
Pastor Leah says, "I am grateful that God has led me to serve Shelbyville First UMC and the community, and am excited to see how God blesses the community through this church. First UMC is the place where you will meet God and experience His love. You are always welcome here! Hope to see you soon."
Our Resident Deacon
Rev. Marcy L. Patrick has been an ordained Deacon in the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church since June 2011 after receiving her Master of Divinity from CTS in 2008. Marcy has served several UMCs in Indiana including: Gosport UMC (Owen Co.) as a lay pastor and then LLP, Mt. Olive/Poplar Grove UMCs (Morgan Co.), St. Paul UMC Rushville as LLP/Assoc. Pastor, Mt. Comfort UMC Christian Ed, Centenary UMC - Lebanon Associate Pastor, Waldron UMC as Pastor and now as volunteer in a supporting role here at First UMC Shelbyville.
As a Deacon, Marcy is very drawn to Christian education and outreach ministries here in Shelby County having served in leadership roles: Girls, Inc, SCYAP, MHP Women's Alliance , Shelby Senior Service and is looking forward to the new Runnebohm Early Learning Center opening.
Marcy has been married to Mike Runnebohm since 2017. She has two step-daughters from her previous marriage and 2 grandgirls.
Our Staff
Barbara Farnsley is our music director. She plays the organ and piano on Sunday mornings along with her husband, Jon. We are so blessed to have live music for our worship services. Barb also leads the choir for special occasions and works with members on special music selections.
Barbara is also our Financial Secretary and can be found in the office during regular office hours.
Our Members
Our members are active in the church and the Shelbyville community. Take a look at our Photo Gallery for a glimpse of our facilities and activities.
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Our Youth
The Youth Group meets monthly for a fun activity and fellowship. The next meeting is on May 18th after worship (10:30 am).
The tweens and teens volunteer during our events like the rummage sale and chili day, as well as ushering and acolyting during the worship service.
All children are welcome to stay in the Sanctuary during the worship service. We also have a nursery and children's classroom available. Please let a greeter or usher know if you need either of these options.
Our Anniversary Celebration
We are celebrating FUMC's 200th anniversary on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
Please share your weddings, baptisms and other special memories with us!
You can email them to 1umc34@att.net or mail them to:
SFUMC
34 W Washington Street
Shelbyville, IN 46176
Our Calendar/Upcoming Events
May 12th- Monthly Committee Meetings
May 14th- Sitandgababit in the Parlor- 6:30pm
May 18th- SFUMC Youth Group
May 20th- Lunch Bunch @ Bookmark Cafe- Noon
June 4th- Comedy Night @FUMC with Dan Hansen
June 22nd- Bicentennial Celebration
Monday each week- LOAF- 5pm
Friday each week-Candlelight AA meeting- 11:30pm