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Rooted & Rising

Rooted in Christ. Rising in Faith.
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Our Vision with Rooted & Rising

For generations, First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa has been a place to worship, grow, serve, and build lasting relationships.

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Rooted & Rising is our shared vision for what comes next. It’s about honoring the foundation that brought us here while preparing faithfully for the future of our church.

 

As we look ahead, we’re focused on continuing to grow in faith, strengthening our ministries, welcoming new generations, serving our community, and making sure FUMCT remains a vibrant church home for years to come.

Our Hopes for the Future

Rooted in Faith. Growing Together. Rising to What’s Next.

As part of Rooted & Rising, we asked our congregation to complete one simple sentence:

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“One hope I have for the future of FUMCT is…”

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Your responses reflected a shared hope for a church that continues to grow in faith, welcomes new generations, builds meaningful relationships, and serves our community.

GROWING TOGETHER
“Continued growth—keep the foot on the gas!”
“We will grow so much that we will need more than two services and even more Sunday School classes!”
INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION
“Continuing to be a place youth love to come and grow—increasing the youngsters we impact.”
“Continued growth of our congregation and increased investment in youth and children’s ministry and missions.”
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
“Remain a truly welcoming place where people can experience the love of Jesus in deep community.”
“Growth and deeper relationships among generations to tap into intergenerational wisdom.”
SERVING OUR COMMUNITY
“For all people to feel welcome and engaged ... and to serve those who are lonely and in need of community.”
“Growth in missions and outreach.”
GROWING IN FAITH
“See our church thrive in every area and make more disciples of Jesus Christ.”
“Grow deeper in love for Church and God.”
HONORING OUR TRADITIONS
“Continuing Wesleyan traditions while recognizing our 21st-century environment.”
“Children and youth would experience traditional worship and traditional music.”

Different voices. Shared hopes. One future.

Rooted & Rising is about building that future together.

More Ways to Give

Rooted & Rising began with a conversation about our church’s future and how we can faithfully support the ministry ahead.

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That conversation continues.

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Generosity takes many forms, from gifts that support FUMCT today to those that help provide for generations to come. Our More Ways to Give resource explores several ways you can support the future of our church.

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Your Commitment Makes a Difference

The original Rooted & Rising commitment initiative gave our church an opportunity to look ahead together and consider how each of us could be part of FUMCT’s future.

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That season of Rooted & Rising may be complete, but the work continues.

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Every gift of time, service, prayer, and financial support helps strengthen the ministries of FUMCT and makes it possible for our church to continue growing, serving, and welcoming people into this community.

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Thank you to everyone who has already taken part in Rooted & Rising. Your commitment is helping turn our shared hopes for the future into something we can build together.

Looking for another way to get involved?

Rooted & Rising is about more than financial generosity. It's also about how each of us participates in God's work through FUMCT.

Contact the church office to learn about more opportunities to serve.

Voices of FUMCT

“First United Methodist Church has always been home.”

- Wendy Kennedy

“My faith has grown deeper and my commitment to serving Christ has taken shape here.”

- Mike Case

“We celebrate together, pray for one another, and remind each other that we never walk alone.”

- Chris Kyle

“This church has been the backdrop for so many of life’s most meaningful moments.”

- Suzy Gatewood

As lifelong Methodists, we knew we wanted a church where our family could continue to grow in faith. What we found at First United Methodist Church has become so much more than a place to worship on Sunday mornings—it has become our home.


Here, we found lifelong friendships and a Sunday School class that loves one another like family. One of the greatest gifts has been the intergenerational women's Bible study, where women of different ages come together to learn, encourage one another, and share the wisdom that comes from walking through life together. Every week, I leave with renewed joy and hope.


As parents, one of our greatest blessings is knowing our boys are growing up in a church where they are genuinely known and loved. Every time they walk through the doors, they are welcomed with open arms by people who are helping lay the foundation for a lifelong faith. We pray they will grow up learning to extend that same love and hospitality to others, just as Jesus taught us.


FUMCT continues to create opportunities for people to connect, serve, and grow—whether they've been here for decades or are walking through the doors for the very first time. Everyone is invited, and everyone is welcome.
Looking ahead, we are excited about what God is doing through our church. In a world that longs for genuine connection, we believe FUMCT can be a place where people experience Christ's love in tangible ways. Through worship, discipleship, and missions—both here in Tuscaloosa and around the world—we have an opportunity to help people know they are loved, valued, and never alone.


We believe the future of FUMCT will be built by generations worshiping and serving together. From young families just beginning their journey to those whose roots run deep, every story strengthens our church. We are grateful to be part of what God is doing today, and excited to help build what comes next.

Kee and Danielle Spree

Frequently Asked Questions

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