Sunday September 19, 2021
9:00am - Worship at Memorial Park Bandshell
10:00am - Sunday School
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.
We are also again encouraging social distancing in the sanctuary and in the FLC.
Watch our services on youtube at 12pm!
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:
Pastor - Steven M. Livermore
Organist - Diaconal Minister of Music: Linda A. Peppernick
Reader - Terri Stevens
Today’s Flowers are placed this morning to the glory of God and in loving memory of Del's son Ryan Mills and in memory of Sandy's mother Martha Mowen by Sandy Mills.
Last Week’s Altar Flowers—were in memory of Harold G. Wenger and Mr. and Mrs. J. Arthur StClair and Mr. and Mrs. J. Glenn Kohler. Given by Joe and Janice Kohler. The centerpiece - was in memory of Tom Robison given by the Robison family.
(To place altar flowers call Vikki Eckert at 419-632-4653)
MINISTRY UPDATES
Children's Ministry
Pray with us Tuesdays at 2:52pm.
Worship Bulletins for kids to engage them with the service are available at the welcome tables.
We celebrate with the Moyers as they dedicate Liem Royce to Christ today!
'Fear Not!' October Schedule coming soon!
Youth Group
Illuminate Youth Ministry will be meeting in backyards this September on Wednesday nights. 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
Show Them You Care! When you see people who are sad, lonely, or grief-stricken, don't just tell them you care! SHOW THEM! Ask how they are, listen to what they have to say, share the love of Jesus. And if their need is great, encourage them to consider Stephen Ministry as a way to receive the transforming love and care of Jesus. Show them you care, and you can make a real difference in their life. Then suggest they contact Gail at 717 263-8491 who will be able to help find a Stephen Minister to walk with them.
GriefShare group meets Mondays at 1:00 PM. For more information or to register for the seminar contact Gail at 717-263-8491 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 Form can be downloaded below:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Important Note regarding this week's email:
There were technical issues this week with the eblast to the congregation. We apologize for any multiple emails you may have received.
Important Note regarding upcoming events:
If you are planning a church event, please contact Stacey in the church office so that we can coordinate all events in the church and are not overlapping ministries. Thank you!
Chancel Choir-Practice is held Wednesday nights at 7:00. All singers welcomed! Contact Diaconal Minister Linda Peppernick at lindapeppernick@embarqmail.com
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.
Evening Bible Studies We are planning evening study opportunities for the fall. To date these classes are being planned:
Intergenerational Study -Interested in making connections between faith and real life? In building intergenerational relationships within the church? Consider joining this discussion-based Bible study at 5:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of every month. Study is designed for youth Grade 7 or higher in the company of their parents. All adults welcome!
“Wednesday Bible Study” @ 6:30 PM, Begins September 22nd and every Wednesday after in the Preschool Classroom (Apple Place). We will be studying the book of Jeremiah. Jeremiah lived and wrote in a dark time. Studying the ministry of the prophet Jeremiah, you will get a glimpse of what it is like to have a personal relationship with God, for God and a human to be together and you will discover how you can grow in your own personal relationship to God. This study will also stream on Zoom. Study guides are available to pick up at the Welcome Center or you can download a copy here.
If you are interested in taking a Stop the Bleed Class please contact Dr. James Hurley at jehtwo@comcast.net.
The annual Veterans, spouses and family picnic will be held Saturday September 25 at Green Township Memorial Park. Plan on eating at 12:30p.m. Provided will be fried chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, rolls condiments and place settings. Each family is asked to bring their own drinks and a dish to share by last names: A-H, salad or fruit; I-Q, side dish (baked beans, macaroni and cheese, etc.); R-Z, desserts So that we order the proper amount of food, please respond by September 20 how many from your family will be attending. You may contact Doug Davis @717 372-7373 or e-mail dougdavis0034yahoo.com or Ray Kauffman 717 64-6688 or raykauffman35@outlook.com
Blood Drive Monday, October 4, beginning at 2pm in the FLC
Homecoming is October 6th. Currently, the parade is scheduled for 6:00 PM. You are invited to view the parade from the parsonage front lawn at 925 East McKinley Street.
World Communion Sunday will be celebrated October 3rd at 10:00 AM at the park. Originally a Ministry Fair was planned to follow but it is postponed to a later date.
PRAYER, PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22 (KJV)
We lift our prayers to the Lord!
Continue praying for the people of Haiti & Afghanistan
Pray for Pastor Genre’s safe travels
Pray for our government leaders
Pray for all those who have been affected by rain & flooding
Prayers for Norine Selby (Glenn & Natalie Aylesworth’s daughter)
Healing for Dave Kauffman
Bev Rensch – healing – Chambersburg Hospital
Betty Naugle – healing – Chambersburg Hospital
Healing for John Parson
Healing for Joan Kauffman
Pray for those who will be coming to GriefShare 9/20
Pray for those dealing with fire in the west
Pray for water shortage in the west
Pray for Stephen Ministry
Continued prayers for Postal Service
Healing for those with Covid
Safety and protection for school children and those working in school systems
Healing prayer for Jeff Brookens – medical concerns
Pray for the Women's Retreat in October - those planning the retreat and the ladies coming
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
We praise God for the little children! We praise God for parents who dedicate their children to Christ!