About

First United Methodist Church is a church with a mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We believe that those who choose to live as Jesus’ disciples will express that love through Connecting, Listening, and Loving.

Everything we do, as a church, flows through that simple vision – Connecting, Listening, and Loving. Our actions as a church are also reflective of those things that we highly value: Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk Taking Mission and Service, Extravagant Generosity, Thoughtful Prayer, and Biblical Study.

Our staff is dedicated to seeing that the mission and vision of the church is realized each and every day.

As a church we have a mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ
for the transformation of the world.

Will you join us?

LEARN MORE ABOUT FIRST CHURCH

If you would like to learn more about the United Methodist Church and our theology, we invite you to read our (FAQ) and read through a few of these publications:

These are PDF’s and you will need the adobe reader which is a free a download. You can get the Adobe Reader here to download.

Meet Our Staff

Nate Eckert

Senior Pastor

Nate grew up in Bethlehem, Pa, and is a Licensed Local Pastor within the United Methodist Church. He is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University with a degree in Christian Ministries. He and his wife Heather were married in 2000 and have two daughters. Pastor Nate loves Jesus, his family, coffee, and all things Disney! He would love you meet you and your family!

nate.eckert@inumc.org

Rick Peele

Music Director

Rick was born and raised in Richmond, Indiana and has resided in Hagerstown for over thirty five years. He and his wife have five children and two grandchildren.

His passion for music was heavily influenced by his very accomplished pianist and organist mother. He plays the guitar, trumpet, and loves to share the joy of singing.

He owns and operates a landscape contracting firm based in Hagerstown, Indiana. He enjoys tennis, chess, and perennial gardening.

nccgardenspso@aol.com

Carol Meyer

Office Secretary

Carol Meyer is a native of Cambridge City, Indiana and lives in Hagerstown. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Bob, and has two daughters (Amy, Joy) and a son (Scott) plus seven grandchildren.

She is a Ball State University graduate. As an active member of the church and UMW women's organization, she serves as a Sunday School teacher and has been the church organist for 43 years. Her hobbies include attending craft shows, reading, flowers, playing piano and organ.

hfumc@firsthagerstown.org