Who We Are
A small congregation with a big heart for our community in Columbus, Texas.
A Welcoming Church Family in Columbus
Columbus FUMC is a welcoming church family where people come together to worship God, grow in faith, serve our neighbors, and care for one another.
We are a small congregation with a big heart for our community. At Columbus FUMC, you will find people who believe faith is not only something we practice on Sunday mornings, but something we live out every day through kindness, compassion, and service.
From gathering around the table at Grace’s Table, providing support through our Food Pantry, caring for our neighbors through the Wesley Nurse ministry, and coming together through worship and fellowship, we strive to be a place where everyone is welcomed and valued.
There is a place for you here at Columbus FUMC.
Our Mission
"Our Mission is to provide an environment for spiritual growth through Christian acts of love, education, worship and service."
Our Core Values
- Christ Centered
- Invitation To Fellowship
- Expected Spiritual Growth
- Living On Purpose
- Claiming Our Mission
Meet Our Church Family Leaders
Sunshine Reyes
We are blessed to have Pastor Sunshine as our pastor at Columbus FUMC. Her journey to ministry reflects a life rooted in faith, service, and a love for people.
Born in Montana, Pastor Sunshine is an enrolled member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation. She has called Texas home for more than 44 years, where she built a life of service and community before answering God’s call to ministry.
Pastor Sunshine brings a heart for hospitality, a passion for caring for others, and a desire to help people experience God’s love. She welcomes all who come through the doors of Columbus FUMC and looks forward to walking alongside our congregation and community.
Debora Shimek, RN
Office: 979-732-5275
Debora started working as a Wesley Nurse in October 2011. Her office is located in the Family Life Center. She works with the community and congregation collaborating outreach programs and ministries.
She receives referrals from the LaGrange Tejas Health Clinic, Columbus Lion's Club (for vision assistance), and the local Columbus Medical Clinic.
Debora helps educate patients on chronic disease conditions, provides a diabetic supply program for underserved diabetics, and assists patients with medical resources.
Free blood pressure and glucose screenings are provided in her office or at community locations. She facilitates sitting exercise classes at Oak Bluff Village & Courtwood Apartments in Eagle Lake, and assists the Food Pantry.
Silvia Garcia
Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Silvia helps make members and visitors feel welcome every day. She also speaks Spanish and has enjoyed serving the Spanish-speaking community, helping the church reach and support more people with warm hospitality.
Sara Templeton
With 5 years of teaching experience, Sara is passionate about creating a fun, engaging, and welcoming learning environment for children.
Teaching has always felt like a calling, especially hands-on activities that help children explore and grow in faith.
After stepping away from full-time teaching to stay home with her son, she is excited to lead Children's Sunday School, helping young hearts discover God’s love in meaningful ways.
What We Believe
Grounded in the United Methodist Church, our faith centers on God's grace, Jesus Christ, and living out love in our daily lives.
THE PRIMACY OF GRACE
Grace, simply defined, is God’s gift-giving nature – the powerful, undeserved, loving activity of God in human existence.
THE CENTRALITY OF JESUS
God’s initiative of love is uniquely and ultimately expressed in Jesus Christ. Jesus is literally 'grace personified'.
THE NECESSITY OF CONVERSION
If Jesus is God’s ultimate gift of grace, then conversion is consciously saying 'yes' to the Gift and 'thanks' to the Giver.
THE GOAL OF MATURITY
The goal of the Christian life is to look to Jesus for guidance and look like Jesus in lifestyle; what Methodists call holiness of heart and life.
THE PRIORITY OF MINISTRY
Ministry is meeting the needs of people with the power of Christ.
THE GUIDANCE OF SCRIPTURE
United Methodist Christians hold the Bible as God’s inspired and essential witness to God’s redeeming work toward God’s creation.
THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH
The Bible describes the church as 'the body of Christ;' that is, the visible and communal expression of Jesus in the world.
CONCERN FOR SOCIETY
Jesus is God’s indispensable gift to all expressions of human community — families, neighborhoods, cities, and nations.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MULTIPLICATION
The church is meant to be a movement committed to multiplying our impact through church planting and service.