AboutUs - First United Methodist Church, Raytown

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Energizing people for life and service...

About Our Pastor

Rev. Lydia Istomina is from Ekaterinburg, Russia where she started the very first Methodist Church after 70 years of atheism. Lydia Istomina was the very first woman pastor in Russia. NOw, there are more women in Russia, serving the UMC, than men. After a career in electrochemistry, and nine years as CEO of the Russian non-profit association Znanie (Knowledge), she came to lead a church of almost 1000 members. Lydia serves the First UMC in Raytown since 2004 after nine years of ministry in Kansas City, KS, where she served Grinter Chapel, Edwardsville, Central Avenue and Piper United Methodist Churhes. Lydia Istomina is a graduate of St. Paul School of Theology.

At the beginning of her ministry in Russia, Lydia served as an instrument of negotiating the US-Russian Aid Airlift in 1992. Lydia’s heart was always divided between preaching the Word and social justice. Her church in Russia started a prison ministry, four soup kitchens, a pre-school, a shelter for troubled teenagers and a medical clinic.

Lydia was on the national radio program "Russian America" in February 2007 twice. She told her life story and also performed her short comedy to Russian speaking immigrants in America and Canada.

Lydia is also an author and editor. Her book "Bringing Hidden Things to Light" (Abingdon Press) describes her way to Christ during the dramatic changes in Russia. Her articles and stories are published in the Methodist magazines and newspapers around the world. Lydia received the SOJOUNER OF TRUTH AWARD for courage and justice in 1992 and ARLON O. EBRIGHT AWARD for leadership. Lydia is the honorary member of the Louisiana Conference UMW since 1991.

Our Pastor is also a singer. She has a CD "Introspection" that tells her faith and life story. Lydia translates her favorite songs from Russian into English. She also writes songs. Presently she is working on her new recording "Whatever Lida Wants". She sings jazz, Latin, Gypsy and classical music. She dedicates all her spare time to strengthen her music talent, taking lessons from UMKC Conservatory, and learning from the local jazz star Everette DeVan. She works hard to meet her goal to send 30% from the proceeds to support the elderly women ministry in her home town in Russia.

Our Future

We pray to God to become His instruments in this world. We are striving to become a vital, energetic and joyful congregation. Several intitatives are started in Raytown out of our church to bring people to God: Christian Education, Day Care, Labytinth for meditation in the church Peace Garden, Bell and Church Choir, Youth Group, Outreach. We plan to organize Youth Summer Camp this summer with Russian youth from Yekaterinburg FUMC - our sister church. We also participate in the Conference effort in Mozambique.

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Ask Questions

1)	What time is Sunday Worship Service?

	We have one present service available on Sundays: 10:30 a.m. Special Services are offered during the year including our Christmas Eve services, Ash Wednesday and Moundy Thirsday services at 7:00 p.m.

2)	Is nursery care available?

	Nursery care is available on Sundays from 9:00 am to 11:30 am and during the fellowship dinner and choir rehearsal.

3)	What are the worship services like?

	Our regular worship service runs for one hour or a bit longer at times. This worship service is closer to traditional Methodist Worship Service but sometimes blends traditional and contemporary worship elements. We are also thinking about offering to the community another service - this meditative service will provide an oasis of calming music, chanting, meditation and quiet reflection.

4)	What should I wear?

	Dress comfortably but nicely.

5)	What is the size of your congregation?

	We are a small church. We maintain a sense of family, but we also large enough to offer a variety of programs to our members, visitors, and the surrounding community. We have around 200 members, with about 60-70 in worship each Sunday.

6)	Can anyone participate in communion?

	Our communion table is open. All are welcome to participate in the Lord’s Supper. We celebrate Eucharist on the first Sunday of every month during the service, but we also sometimes serve more than one communion a month. Communion is usually served by intinction, in which the bread is dipped in the grape juice and both are taken together or from individual cups.

7)	Do you serve wine during communion?

	No. In order to maintain an open communion table and to not exclude those who do not drink alcohol, we serve grape juice.

8)	How can I get involved at FUMC?

	We offer a number of opportunities to get involved and make a difference, from teaching or ushering on Sunday mornings, to music and the arts, and a variety of mission opportunities. Feel free to contact the pastor or the Outreach Committee.

9)	What types of outreach do you do?

	Our church seeks to live out the gospel by making a difference in the community. For details about our outreach activities and to learn how you can help get involved.

10)	How do I become a member?

	First UMC is an inclusive community where all are welcome.

11)	What do you offer for my children?

	First UMC has an active children’s ministry with a variety of activities and programs, including education, music and fellowship.

12)	Are there any mid-week activities?

	Choir and Bell Choir practices are on Wednesday night. Small groups meet throughout the month: women and men's groups; game group; Eve Circle and etc. In addition, there are other small group opportunities at various times throughout the year. See a current calendar of church activities.