In Today's Traditional Service:

Organist - Diaconal Minister  - Linda Peppernick

Scripture Reader -  Mark Davis

The floral centerpiece is placed to the glory of God and in loving memory of Sharon Hoover who would have celebrated her birthday tomorrow. Given by Bobbi and Steve Gillespie.

Contact Bette Renshaw (717-263-3660) to place flowers. There is an opening for altar flowers on September 25.

 

Worship Schedule

9am Traditional Service in the Sanctuary

10am Sunday School/Classes/Groups Infant-Adult

11am Contemporary Service in the Family Life Center (FLC)

This Week's Member Spotlight

Mission Outreach through the Years

Check out the new display in the case at the entrance of the Family Life Center. Pictures depict our many Mission outreach activities through the years. Also look for another historic quilt in the hallway display case.

Multi-Generation Families of First Church?
Extensive research has been done to identify First Church families that have been a part of our church for four or more generations. Sixteen families have qualified with four, five, six and even seven generations of continuance membership/attendance. Some families have two or three ancestral lines of First Church connections.
A booklet is being prepared with all the names and dates for these sixteen families which include 24 different family lines. All families will be recognized during the Home Coming celebration on Nov. 13.
All sixteen families have been contacted by Joyce Horst. There is still time to include your family, if you think you might qualify. Contact Joyce Horst or Marie Agostinelli to do the research. We don’t want to miss anyone.

The Café is open. Stop by for some refreshments!

We are in need of a class or group to set up the Café on the 4th Sunday of the month. If your class or group can serve in this way, please contact Suzanne Everly.

Did you know that if you can’t make your preferred Sunday morning service, you can come Thursday Night for a brief but meaningful service and stay for a delicious dinner?

At First Church you can!

It's called Dinner Church and you are welcome to join us every week to connect with God through worship and with our community through food and conversation!

NEW 6 WEEK BIBLE STUDY!

Begins Sunday August 28, 2022

Meets at 10 o’clock in the ministry resource room at the end of the staff hallway. It is a study of God's Kingdom from Genesis to Revelation: Guiding Light And Warmth, Satisfying food And Water, Loving relationships with God And Others, Purposeful work And Rest.

 

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).

Great News!

Mail Service is up to only missing a day or two a week. We feel confident that tithes and offerings mailed to the church will arrive here safely. If you wish to send your contributions via mail, you are welcome to do so.

MINISTRY UPDATES

Children's Ministry

Pray with us Tuesdays at 2:52pm!

2022-2023 Parent Information Packet (Digital)

Back to School Photo spot this week in the lobby.

Visit First Lights.org for more

Youth Group

Illuminate Youth Ministry meets on Wednesdays from 6-8 pm, and on Sundays at 10am.

Confirmation Classes are being offered this year for any student in 7th-12th grade interested in participating and joining the church. Classes begin on September 11 and will run through May 21. If interested, please contact Collin -- xcultureyouth@gmail.com

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts

We need a team to tear down Hungry Hearts on Thursday and to set up for Sunday service.

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti/Missions

The school year  will soon begin in Haiti.  The cost per semester for School of Hope scholarships is $140.00.  The cost for support for orphans is also $140.00.  We will have a Haiti Mission update later this month.

 Thank you for your continued support.

Mission Central is in need of Women's briefs, feminine hygiene items, hand and foot warmers, dental floss, toothpaste, deodorant (men's and women's), small personal size shampoo and conditioner, new blankets, medical wound care supplies, school rulers, children's scissors, and all sizes of shoes.

Pastoral Care Ministries

GriefShare -Help and encouragement after the death of a loved one - is a special weekly (13) seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life.  We know it hurts and we want to help. New Session Starts: Sept. 12 - Nov. 28   1:00 - 3:00 pm  in the Alda Bower Classroom.

Stephen Ministry is here to walk with you through difficult journeys.

You have begun a journey we know you did not want. We are sorry for your loss, and want to come alongside you on the journey of grief. Our desire is to help you process your grief and think about what life after the loss of your spouse might look like. Your life will never be the same, but we believe this seminar will enable you to face the future with a measure of hope.
Loss of a Spouse will meet Monday August 29 at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in room 131. Feel free to bring a friend or family member with you. If you have questions, call Gail at 717-263.-8491ext. 207.

Surviving the Holidays

Save the Date: Nov. 20   3:00 pm  in the Family Life Center.

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect
 UPCOMING HAPPENINGS in Women Connect
September 17, 2022 -  discussion led by Robin on "Apples of Gold" at the Connect Café.
October 14-16, 2022 - Women's Retreat @ Mt. Asbury Retreat Center

Bicentennial Events

September 18th - 10 o’clock blended worship service with Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball and our conference superintendent, Rev. Cathy Boileau. A reception will follow in the FLC.

November 13th - Homecoming Sunday.

Women's Retreat

Mt. Asbury Retreat Center - October 14-16, 2022

 

Men's Retreat

Mt. Asbury Retreat Center - October 28 & 29, 2022

Donation Breakfast

In the FLC -Sunday, October 23, 8:15-10:30 for School of Hope and Kaendra's Place in Haiti.

 

 

Church Conference

Church Conference will be in the FLC from 6:30-8:30pm.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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!

Please contact the church about hospitalizations as we no longer are contacted when parishioners are hospitalized.

Refugee Resettlement: Please contact Clint Bolte (717) 267-2157 to volunteer with helps for the family.  Donations can be sent to Congregation of the Sons of Israel, 209 East King Street, Chambersburg 17201—memo “refugee resettlement”.

The Chancel Choir meets for weekly rehearsals on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm in the choir room. All singers are welcome!

Volunteers are needed to set up/take down for Hungry Hearts' Thursday ministry.  There is flexibility regarding the days and hours to come in and do the set up and take down.  Talk to Pastor Steve or Dan Renshaw.

 

 

Prayers for Healing

Gideon Hill

Joan Hill

Vickie Leisher

Deb Ewing

Paula Hepfer

Evert Slocum

Dottie Vidil

Ed & Karen's son-in-law Mark

Don Ardery

Ron Diehl

Wayne Gettel

Steve Hessong

Jenny Barnes

Those struggling with Covid.

Prayers for Our World

Clean water for Jackson, Mississippi.

For an end to the invasion of Ukraine.

For meaningful productive peace talks.

Wisdom for government leaders.

God's intervention in the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

For the children and babies in Ukraine.

Relief for those dealing with severe weather - heat, drought, floods.

Healing for our divided country, nations, and leaders.

All Military and Law Enforcement and First Responders and Essential Workers.

Prayers for Church Ministries, Events and Special projects

Stephen Ministry

First Lights Children's Ministry

Illuminate Youth Ministry

Hungry Hearts Ministry

200th Anniversary Celebration

Start of a new school year

Grief Share

Loss of a Spouse

Trunk or Treat (October 27)

Prayers needed for these members with long term concerns:

Dick Jenkins

Don Nolder

Shirley Jones

Mary Butts

Linda Leidig

Lucille Lower

Connie Love

Jane Pensinger

Barb Armstrong

Susie Bulger

Kathy Beaston

Prayers of Comfort, Peace and Condolence

Wisdom, strength and comfort for in-home caregivers.

Families struggling with grief and loss.

Families struggling with housing and financial issues.

Families struggling with reconciliation and forgiveness.

Peace for those dealing with anxiety.

Faith for those who struggle to believe in what they cannot see.

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