Christmas cantata: “The Heart of Christmas”
The Chancel Choir will perform the Christmas Cantata on December 18, 2022 at 10am in a combined worship service.
In Today's Service:
Diaconal Minister of Music - Linda Peppernick
Acolyte - Cindy Robinson
Reader - Ben Schellhase
The altar flowers are placed to the glory of God and in loving memory of Lucas Coons, Grandson, whose life was taken from him during Thanksgiving week 2014. Flowers are placed by Wayne and Sally Gettel and family.
There is an opening for altar flowers on Sunday, December 11 Please contact Bette Renshaw by Thursday, December 1 if you would like to place flowers on that day.(717-263-3660)
Bicentennial Spotlight
ADVENT DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS are available for pick up at the Welcome Center.
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!
CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR YMCA’S SAM’S PROGRAM KIDS
FUMC has had the privilege to support the Chambersburg YMCA for several decades as they outreach to underprivileged kids, 1st through 7th grade. Keeping with this longstanding mission opportunity, we have been asked to provide volunteer help, food and gift items for the 2022 Sam’s Program Christmas Party.
We have sufficient teddy bears for gifts this year but please continue to bring in new teddy bears now and throughout the new year. Just place them on top of the mailboxes near the sanctuary so we are sure to have plenty for next year. If you would like to volunteer to serve at the event, or to donate money for the meal or homemade cookies for dessert, please contact Susie Kunkle 717-352-2562 or use the Sign-Up Sheet for Sam’s Program Christmas Party located at the Connect Center in the FUMC lobby. The party is on Tuesday, December 13th, 6:30 – 8:00 pm (children in Sam’s Program meet each Tuesday at the “Y” during the school year for physical activities, fellowship, mentoring and Christian education). This Christmas event is only a few weeks away so mark it on your calendar and tell us how you can help! Thank you!
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).
Donations can be made in person, by mail or through online giving.
MINISTRY UPDATES
Children's Ministry
Pray with us and/or for us (see below) Tuesdays at 2:52pm!
2022-2023 Parent Information Packet (Digital)
Prayer Partner November Focus: Fear is contagious, especially when it comes to kids. Pray for God’s protection around your partner as they may be facing things that are frightening or scary. Ask God to give them courage to help them be brave in the presence of others who are fearful.
Youth Group
Illuminate Youth meets regularly at the church on Wednesdays from 6-8pm through December 14.
FUMC Boys Basketball Team, grades 9-12! Practice starts Monday, October 3 from 7 to 8:30 and will be the same time every Monday. Games begin in early January. Parents, please contact Bob Byers (717-816-6976). No experience necessary.
Hungry Hearts
We need a team to tear down Hungry Hearts on Thursday and to set up for Sunday service. This is a big ask -Huge! It's also a big need of the church.
Women Connect
Next Gathering: December 17, 2022
Team Haiti/Missions
THE OLD KNIT, CROCHET MARKETPLACE will be open Sundays starting November 27th in between church services and after services until Christmas. Come do some Christmas shopping with us. Proceeds will support UMCOR. Thank You
Joyful for Jesus - Volunteers are needed to shop, donate, prepare/wrap the gifts and then to provide Christmas snacks, hospitality and fellowship at the event to distribute gifts December 16th. Contact Susie Kunkle or Michelle Brubaker. Please mark Sundays December 4 and 11 (immediately after the 11 am worship service) to assemble the gift baskets for our neighbors/friends. Consider purchasing Kisses or Miniatures to drop off in the big red tub in the church lobby near the information desk. Joyful for Jesus signup sheet will be at the Connect Center table or contact Susie Kunkle directly.
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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
December 4th at 2:00pm in the Family Life Center, a second informational meeting will be held to discuss changes in the United Methodist Church. This is the beginning of a process of discernment regarding our relationship with the denomination. It is vitally important that members attend one of the meetings. In January a Church Conference will be held of voting on the issue of disaffiliation.
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.
Prayers for Healing
Don Nolder
Fred Kraemer
Gideon Hill
Bobbi Snyder
David Kauffman
Jenny Barnes
Jina Zook
Dianne Salter
Deb Bard
Keegan Parris
Jan Horst
Prayers for Our World
Clean air and water for every child of God.
For an end to the invasion of Ukraine.
Wisdom for all government leaders.
God's intervention in the humanitarian crisis 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
Grief Share
Joyful for Jesus
Prayers needed for these members with long term concerns:
Dick Jenkins
Don Nolder
Shirley Jones
Mary Butts
Linda Leidig
Lucille Lower
Vicki Leisher
Deb Ewing
Connie Love
Jane Pensinger
Barb Armstrong
Susie Bulger
Kathy Beaston
Don Ardery
Ron Diehl
Wayne Gettel
Steve Hessong
Dottie Vidil
Ed Wentz's Daughter and Son-in-law
Prayers of Comfort, Peace and Condolence
Ed Polk's family as he has entered the Church Triumphant.
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.