Who is First Mennonite Church?

First Mennonite Church is in the unique position of being located in the vibrant, cultured university town of Iowa City. Yet we are not far from the cozy, traditionally Mennonite community of Kalona, Iowa, where Amish buggies trot along gravel roads and family farms still dot the softly rolling hills.  University of Iowa students and staff enrich the life of our church by adding diversity, sharing talents and a fresh perspective.   Whether you grew up Mennonite, or are new to the denomination or to the faith, you are welcome here. 

All ages gather here from many walks of life, walking the Way of Jesus together, extending grace and hospitality to one another and building peace across the street and around the world.

Join us as we sing as one mighty choir, fellowship across the table, ask hard questions, and seek deeper communion with God.  Go with us into the world, as we offer relief to a suffering humanity by volunteering in the local community, nurturing each other’s children, and carrying each other’s burdens. Stand with us as we confess our brokenness and celebrate our giftedness, leaning on the Love that will not let us go.

A Prayer for FMC
Make us a wide –armed tree
Offer welcoming shade
For the weary,
For the traveler,
For the seeker
For all in need of rest.

Gather us under the branches of a caring community
Where our stories can easily be shared,
Where our struggles can safely be opened,
Where we all know we will be affirmed for our potential,
Far more than condemned for our brokenness.

And let us picnic under the Divine Umbrella…
Bring us around those tables in small groups,
And let us feast on your presence in our midst,
And find you dwelling in one another.

But do not let us become too comfortable,
Because a whole world is struggling to pay their water bills
And hungry for some bread.
Because violence is on the rampage
And lives are as frantic and fragmented as ever.
Don’t let us just lean back in satisfaction,
Living well while the rest of the world goes to hell.
Put your fiery spirit within us.
Give us eyes to see.
Ignite our resolve to BE your people in action.
And make us attentive to your voice.