150 Years on North Sherman Street
First Methodist Church of Ennis has stood on the north side of Ennis, Texas, since 1875, making it one of the longest-running Methodist congregations in Ellis County. The church describes itself as an independent Methodist body, grounded in scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit, and committed to following Christ in everyday life. Its mission is "to change our world through loving service to God and others," and its vision is to be a place in Ennis where people can worship, pray, learn, fellowship, and serve so that lives may be transformed in the name of Jesus Christ. Members sum up the through-line of fifteen decades with the motto Loving God. Loving Others. Making a Difference.
Sundays from Coffee to Communion
A typical Sunday at First Methodist Church of Ennis follows a three-part rhythm. Adult and children's fellowship groups gather at 9:00 AM for three-quarters of an hour of shared study. Coffee, donuts, and warm conversation fill the gap from 9:45 to 10:00, and the main worship service begins at 10:00. The service runs about an hour and weaves together traditional hymns and modern worship songs, followed by prayer, scripture reading, and a sermon that the pastor aims to connect to daily life.
Every Sunday includes Holy Communion. All are welcome at the Lord's Table, whether someone has taken communion for years or is doing so for the first time. The service also includes time for silent and shared prayer and reflection. Services are livestreamed on YouTube, and a weekly bulletin is published online for those who want to follow along at home.
The Staff Behind the Pulpit and the Pews
The congregation is served by a small, dedicated staff. Dr. Larry Jinks is the senior pastor, in his third year at First Methodist Church of Ennis after sixteen years at Bardwell United Methodist Church. A practicing physician in Ennis for forty-one years, Dr. Jinks holds a Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, an MD from the University of Texas Medical Branch, and an MBA in health service management from the University of Dallas.
James Montgomery is the Music Minister and Principal Organist, leading both the Chancel Choir and the Handbell Ensemble. He has been on staff since 2014 and brings more than three decades of church music experience to the role, having begun playing organ for worship services at thirteen. His guiding philosophy: "Music is the spice of life... without it, life would be bland."
Alyssa Houston directs Children's Ministries. A lifelong Ennis resident, she became a Methodist at age seven, joined First Methodist Church with her family in 2012, and began volunteering in Children's Church, Vacation Bible School, and mission trips. After teaching at a Christian daycare, she came on staff to share God's word with the children of her home church.
Danielle Howard directs the Children's Day Out program, where she started as a teacher before stepping into leadership. She and her team aim to build a Christ-centered environment staffed by teachers who love Jesus and model that love to every child in their care.
Children's Ministry and the Children's Day Out
Children are a central part of life at First Methodist Church of Ennis. Sunday School for children runs from 9:00 to 9:45, and a nursery is available during both fellowship groups and the worship service. During the service itself, children are invited to the front of the sanctuary to meet the children's minister, then dismissed to an age-appropriate program of their own. Teens may remain in the main service or join youth gatherings as scheduled. On Wednesday evenings, Kingdom Kids are welcome at the Wednesday Night Live meal.
The Children's Day Out program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM and serves children from nine months old through Pre-K. Tuition for the 2026-2027 school year is $200 per month, with a $75 non-refundable registration fee and a $50 supplies fee charged in August and January. Siblings receive a $50 registration fee and a 20 percent tuition discount. Families communicate with the program through the Brightwheel app. Families interested in joining can email the director to be added to the wait list.
Wednesday Nights Around the Table
Wednesday evenings at First Methodist Church of Ennis are built around shared food and shared music. Wednesday Night Live begins at 6:00 PM in the Family Life Center, offering a meal and conversation for the whole church family. Anyone is welcome, and visitors are encouraged to bring friends. After dinner, the Chancel Choir rehearses at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary, preparing music for Sunday worship. New voices are always welcome in the choir, regardless of experience, and the music ministry also includes a Handbell Ensemble.
Monday Mornings: Flowers, Journaling, and Tai Chi
Monday mornings at the church are a study in creative community. Volunteers gather at 9:00 AM in the Memorial Hall Kitchen to arrange flowers that will be delivered to the church family and the wider community; deliveries begin at 9:30. At 10:00 AM, a Bible journaling group meets in Memorial Hall, exploring scripture through art, writing, and personal reflection. From 9:30 to 10:30, a gentle Tai Chi class gathers in the Family Life Center, open to all fitness levels with comfortable clothing recommended.
On Wednesdays at 10:00 AM, the Fabrics of Faith quilting group meets in the Quilting Room, where quilters of every skill level create quilts for the church family and community, with materials provided.
Four Fellowship Groups Before Worship
Four adult fellowship groups meet before the Sunday worship service, each with its own character and current study.
The Epworth Class, led by Dr. Larry Jinks, is an energetic senior class built around discussion and a deep engagement with scripture. The current study is The Upper Room Adult Bible Study Series.
The Village, led by Ronnie Washburn, walks through each book of the Bible, looking for the unique message, lessons, and themes of every book and how those truths apply to everyday life. It is open to new students and longtime Bible readers alike.
Lord's Ladies, led by Rev. Joyce Slade, is a women-only class that works through varied Bible-based publications. The current study is Adam Hamilton's The Message of Jesus: Words That Changed the World. Lenten and Advent studies are observed annually, often with related projects.
The Joy (Just Older Youth) Class, led by Tommy Copeland, welcomes those seeking meaningful engagement through study and discussion. Members take on special service projects for the church and community. The current study is Noah Built His Ark in the Sunshine.
Missions and Prayer
The Missions Group meets on the second Thursday of each month in Memorial Hall. Volunteers organize events, support local organizations, and reach out to neighbors in need. Anyone with a heart for service is invited to join.
Prayer is woven into the life of the church. Sunday services include time for prayer and reflection, and the church maintains a prayer team for ongoing requests. Anyone can share a prayer request by reaching out to the office.
Visiting First Methodist Church of Ennis
Guests will find plenty of parking on site, with designated guest spots near the main entrance and greeters ready to help. The easiest entry is on the north side of the building, labeled Sanctuary. Inside, a welcome team will point visitors to restrooms, the nursery, and Sunday School rooms.
The church practices a come-as-you-are approach to dress; members and guests wear everything from jeans and t-shirts to Sunday best. Loving, background-checked childcare is available during fellowship groups and the worship service, though children are also welcome to stay with their families in the sanctuary.
Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and Sunday from 8:00 AM to noon. Giving is available online, and a monthly newsletter called The Messenger keeps the congregation informed about news and events.