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.
Dinner Church Thursday Evenings at 5pm!
Worship Today:
Diaconal Minister of Music - Linda Peppernick
Reader - Terri Stevens
Acolyte - Rachel Gotwald
Alter Flowers:
A centerpiece is placed to the glory of God and in memory of Bette Renshaw’s mother, Delores and her dad, Charles "Bill" Roher, Aunt Helen Shoemaker, and cousin Larry Shoemaker by Cheryl and Ed Houser.
A centerpiece is placed to the glory of God and in loving memory of Noreen Aylesworth Selby from her parents, Glenn and Natalie Aylesworth.
OCTOBER 31, 2023 6PM-8PM
LIFEPOINT CHURCH
First Lights will be with friends at LifePoint Church for Trunk or Treat this year! We hope you will join us as we work together to share the sweetness of Jesus with our downtown community and neighbors!
We will need lots of candy to give out with God's love and Good News! Donations are key to sharing the message!
Men's Retreat
Pastor Steve and Collin Moyer will be our speakers this year at our Men's Retreat. Mt Asbury Retreat Center is reserved for us November 3 thru 5.
The request at this point is to:
- 1. Pray for this event!
- 2. Save the date!
- 3. Consider inviting a friend or relative to join you in this opportunity for strengthening your relationship with God and your brothers in Christ.
The hope is that the Retreat will be attended and enjoyed by multiple generations! Our time together at this very special setting with joyful fellowship, Bible teaching, worship time, break out discussion groups, food, fun outdoor activities and a good dose of relaxation is sure to benefit us all and more importantly equip the church to bring glory and honor to our great God. Save the dates and stay tuned!
Questions about the Retreat can be directed to John Hostetler (717 504-9022), Jared McIntire, Collin Moyer or Pastor Steve.
Bible Studies
Pastor’s Bible Study beginning this Wednesday October 23, 2023 will be held on Wednesdays at 1:00 and 6:00 PM in the Alda Bower room. We will be studying the book of Galatians. Guides are available this morning for pick up at the Welcome Center.
Men’s Bible Study meets every Wednesday in the church lobby at 6:30 AM and concludes by 8:00 AM and is open to all the men in the church. This week will be studying Luke 20:20 and following.
MINISTRY UPDATES
Children's Ministry
2023-2024 First Lights Permission Form
First Arts & Crafts Swap - A new WHOLE CHURCH & Parent Connection for the 2023 2024 School year! Check it out!
- Wednesday night programming for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. Parents can sign in children in the lobby at 6pm and pick children up at 7pm in the lobby.
Youth Group
Illuminate Youth meet Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM.
The youth group middle school retreat is coming quickly! On November 10-12, all students in 6th-8th grade are invited to join for this event. We place a lot of value on our retreats, and we hope all can join. Sign up is necessary (sign up by October 25). Please contact Collin for more details.
Basketball It’s time for the FUMC boys youth basketball team to start practicing for the new season. Practice will start Monday October 9th from 7:00 till 8:30 for boys in grades 9 thru 12. Games begin in early January. Parents, please contact Bob Byers (717-816-6976) if your child would like to play. No experience necessary.
College Students Group
College Students always enjoy a note from home, especially their home church. These are the students we watched take their first steps in faith and these are the students that we will hopefully witness get married. Keep the connection with First Church alive. Send a card to a college student today!
Hungry Hearts
If you can help tear down and sweep up the floors after the meal on Thursday at 6:00 PM or anytime that is convenient for you, contact Pastor Steve at 717-873-6626.
Clothing Ministry—We are looking for Volunteers to take the lead in the clothing ministry. Carol Fish has been serving for more than a decade, and while wanting to continue helping would like to pass the reins off to one, or ideally two leaders, to share the responsibility. If you are interested, please speak to Pastor Steve.
Women Connect
UPCOMING HAPPENINGS in Women Connect:
You are invited -
The Bride
Women's Retreat
October 20-22, 2023
Team Haiti/Missions
School of Hope scholarships are due for the first semester and we need your help! The cost per semester per scholar-ship at the School of Hope is $140.00. The cost for support for an orphan at Kaendra’s place is also $140.00. There’s also an offering plate at the door to help pay for school uniforms for the children. Your support is really appreciated!
Mission Central needs:
women's briefs, laundry detergent, dental floss, toothpaste, deodorant, shoes, small personal size shampoo and conditioner, children's scissors, school supplies and rulers Kids underwear, Kids socks, Kids summer shoes, Kids slippers, Mens underwear, Women's underwear, toothbrushes (single packs), Kids shampoo, hairbrushes, Kids summer clothes (all sizes of kids' items)
Adult Mission Trip The Mission trip will be to Kentucky to clean up following flooding. The group leaves Sunday morning, January 7th and returns on the 13th.
Pastoral Care Ministries
A 13-week GriefShare Support group will start at First Church Monday, September 11, 2023, at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. For more information or to register, call Gail at 717-263-8491 ext. 207.
How will GriefShare help you? When a loved one dies, it can feel like you’re alone. Few people understand how painful and isolating your grief can be. But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer by yourself. At GriefShare, you’ll find a safe, comforting place where you can talk with others about your grief. You’ll find support, direction, and guidance on how to make it through.
Music & Worship
The Chancel Choir invites all who would like to sing the Christmas cantata with us to come to rehearsal Wednesdays at 7:45 pm in the choir room. “Joy to All the World” by Lloyd Larson will be presented Sunday, December 24 at 10:00 am.
FUMC PRAYER LIST
Prayers for Healing
Don Nolder who is now at Shook Home in Hospice Care.
Gideon Hill
Gary Gettle
Glennis Parris
Dottie Vidal
Dick Jenkins
Deb Ewing-starting treatment for CA
Karen Brennan
Dave Kauffman
Joan Kauffman
Brianna Renshaw - epilepsy
Lori Kelsey
Doris Bitner
Bryan (Bev Barnes' son [recovery from heart surgery])
Bill Holland
Donna Thomas
Paul Collins
Erma Collins
Leslie Gotwald
Mike Preisler
Jim Wright
Linda Peppernick
Delores Burkhart's daughter-in law, Karen
Connie Love -at Chambers Point – in hospice care
Chris Preisler
Wayne Gettel [is home]
Kathy Paul
Delores Burkhart
Janet Shultz Wood (Dick Jenkins sister-in-law)
Chuck Salter
Sharri Ewing- beginning chemotherapy
Sherrill Kessinger
Sarah Baker
June Maring
Marie Agostinelli
Prayers for Isreal
Prayers for Church Ministries, Events and Special projects
First Lights Children's Ministry
Illuminate Youth Ministry
Hungry Hearts Ministry
Pray for the Chambersburg students and teachers
Pray for those attending Grief Share
Pray for those attending Bible studies- that God may illuminate the Word in hearts and minds.
Pray for those attending the Women's Retreat October 20-22, 2023
Pray for FUMC to invite friends and families to the October 29, 2023 service
Pray for those who will be attending "Surviving the Holidays" on Nov. 5 at 3:00
Prayers needed for these members with long term concerns:
Dick Jenkins
Shirley Jones
Mary Butts
Lucille Lower
Vicki Leisher
Jane Pensinger
Barb Armstrong
Susie Bulger
Kathy Beaston
Don Ardery
Mary Diehl
Wayne Gettel
Linda Lojacono
Prayers of Comfort, Peace and Condolence
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.
HOUSEKEEPING 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.