Sunday August 21, 2021
9:00am - Worship with Back to School Blessing at Memorial Park Bandshell
10:00am - Sunday School (Promotion Sunday for kids and students)
11am - Traditional service in sanctuary
COVID19 Protocol Update
Because Franklin county has moved into the High category of COVID transmission, First Church leadership asks that congregants wear masks while inside the building per CDC recommendation. This is recommended NOT mandated. We understand that individuals have varied feelings on masks.
Pray for school staff, teachers, students and parents!
View the service later! You can watch any of our services on our YouTube channel. Just search for First United Methodist Church Chambersburg or click the link above.
We also have a dedicated phone number so you can listen to latest recorded service at 717-899-4JOY (4569).
We are asking folks not to mail donations through the US Postal service. Please hand-deliver them to the church, because we are having issues with receiving mail. We also have online giving available as well. Thank you for blessing us!
In Traditional Worship August 21, 2021:
Pastor - Rev. Steven M. Livermore
Organ - Dr. Ben Schellhase
Reader - Doug Harbach
Soloist - Caleb Schelander
MINISTRY UPDATES
Children's Ministry
Pray with us Tuesdays at 2:52pm.
Sunday is promotion Sunday where we recognize students moving up a grade, in particular the 6th graders moving up from kids ministry to youth ministry. We will also be doing a back to school blessing for parents, students, teachers, staff during the 9am worship service at the park. Kids are encouraged to bring their bookbag. Backpack blessing tags come with a pop it toy this year!
During Sunday School hour we will play games, eat snacks and talk in small groups about the upcoming school year.
Youth Group
Illuminate Youth Ministry meets on Wednesdays from 6-7:30pm, and on Sundays at 10am. A full schedule is on the events page at illuminateyouth.org.
Hungry Hearts
Team Haiti
Please remember the needs of the orphans whom we support year-round. If you would like to support the work of constructing the new orphanage, please write your check out to “FUMC Haiti Mission” and write “Orphanage Construction” in the memo. School of Hope scholarships begin again in September.
Haitian Earth Quake - UMCOR - United Methodist Committee On Relief is working with partners in Haiti on how to best meet the immediate needs of survivors following last Saturday’s devastating earthquake. You can help by making a gift to the work of international disaster response by going on line here: https://umcmission.org/advance-project/982450/ or by writing a check to “First UMC” and writing “Haiti Quake Relief” in the memo or using an envelope and addressing it “Haiti Quake Relief” and put it in the offering plate.
Pastoral Care Ministries
Loss of a Spouse Seminar
Monday August 30 at 7:00 PM
What is Loss of a Spouse?
Loss of a Spouse is a two hour outreach seminar designed to:
- Bring grieving spouses together to receive care and practical teaching on dealing with their tremendous loss.
- Introduce people to the regular GriefShare group which will start September 13 2021 at 1:00 PM.
For more information or to register for the seminar contact Gail at 717-263-8491 ext. 207.
Stephen's Ministry...
is your ministry. It is an important way FUMC members care for one another. If you are going through a difficult time, consider having a Stephen Minister walk with you. If you know of someone who is facing difficulties, suggest that they request a Stephen Minister visit! Please utilize this ministry! Stephen Ministry belongs to everyone. Contact Gail Vaughn for further information. 717-268-8491 ext 207
Women Connect
Ladies, feeling the need for a little room to breathe in your life? Mark your calendars now for our annual Women’s Retreat that will be held on October 15th-17th at the Mt. Asbury Retreat Center in Newville, PA. Registration coming soon.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chancel Choir The Annual Chancel Choir picnic will be held Wednesday, August 25 at 6:00 pm at the home of Tom and Penny Buckus, 225 Meadow Lane. Please bring a covered dish to share. In case of rain, the picnic will be canceled.
Post-High School Connections - First Church Friends: I am looking for people to connect with our post high age young adults. Check-in texts, notes, and emails are a great way to let them know they're a part of the family even when they may not be able to attend regularly. If you're willing to friend one of our post high young adults, please contact Beth Stahl (stahlfamily2000@gmail.com or 717-375-8011).
200th Anniversary – 2022 will mark the 200th Anniversary of the birth of First Church. We are looking for interested individuals to be part of the committee planning our celebrations. Please contact Pastor Steve at pastor4fumc@gmail.com if you would like to help.
VIRTUAL LEARNING - The total investment in virtual learning First UMC provided during the 2020/2021 school year was $49,432. Thank you for helping local school children keep in step with education!
Alter flowers in sanctuary
If you would like to place flowers in the sanctuary for worship, please call Vikki Eckert at 419 632 4653 or email her at
veckert7997@gmail.com.
PRAYER, PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING
"I am the Lord that healeth thee." Exodus 15:26 KJV
Please pray...
For the people of Haiti & Afghanistan.
Healing for Dick Jenkin's daughter, Alison Jenkins Arrowood.
A husband's salvation, and for the healing of the marriage.
Healing for Ron Shatzer.
Healing for Dave Kauffman.
Healing for Bev Rensch (HMC).
Healing for John Parson.
For those having to work in the heat.
For those dealing with fire in the west and Canada.
For water shortage in the west.
For those traveling for work or vacation.
For those who will be attending Loss of a Spouse on 8/30.
Continued prayers for Postal Service.
Prayers for those facing life struggles -
John & Bunny Parson
Larry & Avis Guise
Al & Linda Lojacono
Jay & Betty Upperman
Bill & Mary Butts
Jack & Bette Bowers
Dean & Carol Crow
Paul & Erma Collins
Bill & Thelma Peerce
Kirk & Kathy Paul
Chuck & Dianne Salter
Praise and Thanksgiving
Paul and I want to thank all the church members for their prayers, lovely anniversary cards and gifts sent to us on our 50th Wedding Anniversary. Thanks for remembering us on this special anniversary. It was deeply appreciated to hear from our church family.
Blessings to all of you.
Love and prayer, Paul & Erma