Why do we ask for annual commitments?

We ask because we want to discern what ministry God is calling us to do together. Commitments give the church a reasonable estimate of expected giving so leaders can make faithful, responsible plans instead of simply reacting throughout the year.

Is my commitment binding?

No. A commitment is your best prayerful estimate of what you expect to give in the coming year; it is not legally binding.

What if my circumstances change?

We understand that jobs, health, and family circumstances can change. Your giving and your commitment may change as well.

Can I change my commitment later?

Yes. If your circumstances change, you may revise your commitment.

What if I am not sure how much I can give?

Prayerfully provide your best estimate based on what you know today. Even an estimate is far more helpful for planning than leaving the amount blank.

Should I make a commitment if I can give only a small amount?

Yes. This is not about equal gifts; it is about shared participation. Every commitment matters and strengthens our ability to plan faithfully.

Does every household make a commitment?

No. Not every household currently makes an annual commitment. Broader participation would give the church a clearer basis for planning the year ahead.

Can I give without making a commitment?

Yes. Every gift is welcome. A commitment is still helpful because it allows the church to plan more responsibly.

Why does the church ask every year?

The church adopts an annual budget, and both ministry needs and personal circumstances can change from year to year.

Why are commitments important if people give throughout the year anyway?

Ministry happens all year long. Commitments help us estimate the resources available for worship, discipleship, care, missions, staffing, facilities, and other ongoing ministries.

Rooted & Rising

Rooted in Christ.
Rising in Faith.

Introducing
Rooted & Rising

For more than two centuries, First United Methodist Church Tuscaloosa has been a place where generations have worshiped, grown in faith, served others, and found community.

Today, we have the opportunity to carry that ministry forward.

Rooted & Rising is an invitation to celebrate the faithfulness that has brought us here, deepen our roots in Christ, and step boldly into the future God is preparing.

Explore Our Vision

Make Your Commitment

A Note from Robin

Dear Friends,

Every church has defining moments, and I believe this is one of those moments for First United Methodist Church Tuscaloosa. For more than two centuries, this congregation has been rooted in Christ and rooted in the heart of Tuscaloosa. Through times of joy and challenge, the faithful have worshiped, served, prayed, taught, and given so that the Gospel of Jesus Christ would continue to be proclaimed in this place. We are the beneficiaries of their faithfulness. And now, it is our turn.

As we begin this season we call Rooted & Rising, my prayer is that this will be a season of spiritual renewal as we recommit ourselves to Christ, to one another, and to the mission God has entrusted to our church. Healthy trees are deeply rooted, but they are never meant to remain unchanged. They grow. They reach. They bear fruit. I believe God is calling us to do the same. Our roots give us strength and stability. They remind us who we are and whose we are. At the same time, God is inviting us to rise—to welcome new people, strengthen our ministries, reach children and students, encourage young families, deepen our discipleship, and continue serving our neighbors with the love of Christ.

This Rooted & Rising page shares the heart of this season and the future we believe God is calling us to build together. I invite you to read it prayerfully and consider your place in what comes next. Where is God calling you to grow? How might you invest your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness in the life of this church? The enclosed card offers a place to share both your giving commitment for the coming year and your vision for our future. After prayerful consideration, please complete and return it. Every response matters. Together, our commitments will help us plan faithfully, strengthen our ministries, and move forward with confidence.

I am deeply grateful for the time, talents, resources, prayers, and heart you have and will invest in this church. I believe God is preparing First United Methodist Church Tuscaloosa for a significant season of ministry. May we enter it together—deeply rooted in Christ and ready to rise in faith.

Grace and peace,

Robin Wilson

Senior Pastor

Deep Roots.
Bright Future.

Our roots run deep.

For generations, First United Methodist Church has been rooted in Christ, Scripture, worship, prayer, and service.

This is where children have been baptized, families have grown together, friendships have formed, and lives have been changed. The faithfulness of those who came before us created the foundation we stand on today.

Now, it is our turn to build upon it.

We honor our roots by continuing to grow.

Why Rooted & Rising?

Healthy trees grow in two directions: their roots grow deeper and their branches grow higher.

The same is true of faithful disciples and healthy churches.

Our roots remind us who we are. They ground us in Christ and in the faith, worship, service, and community that have shaped First United Methodist Church for generations.

But strong roots are meant to support new growth.

God is calling us to continue welcoming, serving, reaching, and growing as disciples so that our church can bear fruit for generations to come.

Deep roots. New growth. One faithful next step.

What Does Rising Look Like?

Growing
Faith

Helping people of every age become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.

Growing
Families

Creating a church where children, youth, young adults, and families know they belong.

Growing
Community

Building deeper relationships through worship, small groups, fellowship, and service.

Growing
Impact

Extending Christ's love throughout Tuscaloosa and beyond through missions and ministry.

We Believe...

We believe God is still at work.

We believe healthy disciples continue to grow.

We believe healthy churches continue to grow.

We believe giving grows from gratitude.

We believe every disciple has a next faithful step.

We believe every generation has something to receive and something to give.

We believe God has entrusted this moment to us.

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

Looking Forward Together

Imagine what's possible.

Imagine children filling classrooms.

Think of teenagers discovering authentic faith.

Dream of young families building lifelong relationships.

Consider every member taking one next faithful step.

What if First United Methodist Church became even more known throughout Tuscaloosa for extravagant generosity, radical hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith development, and risk-taking mission and service?

Imagine what God can do through a church deeply rooted in Christ and intentionally rising in faith.

Make Your Commitment

Giving is one way we put our faith and gratitude into action.

Annual commitments help First United Methodist Church plan responsibly for the year ahead, support our ministries and missions, care for our church family, serve our community, and prepare for future opportunities.

Your commitment is not a contract. It is simply an expression of your intention to support the ministries of FUMCT in the coming year.

Every commitment matters, and every gift helps our church continue to grow in faith and ministry.

Make Your Commitment

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Annual Commitments

About the Church Budget & Financial Oversight

About Giving & Participation

About Mission and Rooted & Rising

Looking Ahead