The Methodist Church was founded by the ministry of John Wesley in the 18th century in England and was established in America before the Revolutionary War. As a church, however, our roots extend back to the ministry of Jesus Christ and the apostles. We have a heritage of personal faith and social action. While anchored in a rich tradition, our faith is not stuck in the past. We look to the work of God in our past to appropriate His power for the present and His promise for our future. As the scripture tells us: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Why attend Onalaska First United Methodist Church?

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF ONALASKA: A Caring Church.

You may have heard about the caring love from people in a community and/or a church to those in need of a kind word, a meal in the midst of family crises, or sitting with the sick or grieving. Perhaps you have experienced caring love from neighbors, friends or people you don't even know. The love and caring goes beyond the Caring Committee: this Body of Christ actively seeks those who need it.

For 100 years, the United Methodists have tried to live the teachings of Jesus from "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 12:39 ) to "Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the city and invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. After the servant had done this, he reported, there is still room for more." (Luke 14:21-22).

The community of Onalaska has benefited from the Radical Hospitality of this church.

The Intercessory Prayer group prays for everyone in the community, as well as the givers and recipients of the bears and bear wanna be's in the Bear Ministry.

The Caring Committee and others drive many miles a month to sit with the sick, the dying, the grieving, those hurting from a burden, and their family and friends.

The Bereavement Committee prepares meals and frequently calls the grieving, providing loving comfort.

A new ministry, the Caring Callers, regularly telephone those people who live alone. The Caring Caller checks on his telephone friend to make sure the person is physically well. It is amazing how good friends are made through this ministry.

The Mission Misfits, a group of United Methodist Men and the Mission Committee, has remodeled the Kids Free Clothing building in Onalaska to create more efficient space. The group has helped many people in the community with projects only their God-given gifts could do.

These caring people are blessed by the generosity of this Onalaska community, such as Brookshire Brothers, the banks, the flower shops, etc. This caring group of people and the First United Methodist Church of Onalaska have touched many people in the past, and will continue to invite those in need now or those who will need help in the future into the compassionate community.