As we move through the beginning days of 2021, we see the great need for prayers to be lifted for our country. The breach into the capital and the loss of life and the destruction in that hallowed building reflects the violence, death and destruction we witnessed this past summer in many of our nation’s cities. We feel frustration over lack of leadership on all sides and of the dereliction of duty to keep peace and order. Clearly, we are in desperate need of God’s help now! As our nation is divided so is our beloved United Methodist Church. As if right now, August 2021 is set to be the month our General Conference will meet to finalize what will happen to our church. Again, prayer is the most important thing we can do.

I am asking every member of First United Methodist Church to take some time everyday to pray for our country, and our denomination, it’s leaders and its people. I suggest taking 10 or 15 minutes or more at noon each day to pray for these things.

Pray that the light of God will break into our nation’s darkness. And pray for wisdom and insight for the delegates who will attend the next General Conference to make decisions about the future of the United Methodist Church. Prayer is the greatest thing we can do for make a difference for this nation and for the Kingdom of God.

Worship with us this Sunday, January 10th online at our YouTube channel at 9:00 AM here.  Listen to our services by dialing 717-899-4569. If you know someone who is not online and would like to hear our service, please share this number with them.

Clothing Ministry - Now that cold temperatures are here the Clothing Ministry needs
Men’s and Women’s Extra-large and bigger winter coats as well as large (1x,2X,3X) men’s and women’s clothing. Bed linens and blankets are needed. There is also a request for a hand mixer and a microwave. If you can donate any of these items, it will be greatly appreciated, To arrange drop off call Carel Fish at 717-264-4354

Virtual Learning - Thank you for making your weekly or monthly contributions to the streaming education taking place at First Church. We continue to host Chambersburg school students and supervising staff from the Boys and Girls Club. Your support continues to be very much needed and appreciated!

Firstlights - This Week
Tuesday - Pray with us at 2:52pm on Facebook.
Wednesday - Join us for First Lights Live on Zoom at 6pm.
Sunday - 9am Worship on Youtube.
10am First Lights Small Group on Zoom.

Illuminate Youth Ministry. Look for episodes of Virtual Youth Group on our YouTube channel. We also encourage our small groups to keep meeting via zoom. Be sure to check e-mails from Collin for a specific date and time!
YouTube .

Confirmation Class meets every other Sunday at 4:00 PM on Zoom. Class meets on Zoom January 17th at 4 PM. Please pray for our 8 confirmands!

Grief/Share – Has moved on-line and meets Mondays at 1:00 PM. If you or a friend struggle with grief, come and join others who are walking the same journey. For information or to register please call Gail at 717-263-8491 ext.207.

Hungry Hearts Christmas and Holiday Update We returned to our normal Thursday hours on January 7th.