Author Archive: First United

July 9, 2021

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SERVICE TIMES/LOCACTIONS:

9am Worship in the FLC at FUMC (due to weather forecast)

11am Traditional service in the church sanctuary

REMINDER: Please do NOT mail checks or other communication to the church through the U.S. postal system. We continue to have very spotty or non-existent mail service. The church office has gone up to two weeks without receiving mail, even with going into the post office for pick up.

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!

MINISTRY UPDATES

Children's Ministry

Pray with us Tuesdays at 2:52pm.

Worship with us Sundays at 9am.
Don't forget that kids who complete their worship bulletin get a 'punch' for each bulletin and when all ten holes are punched, they receive a $10 gift card. You can pick up kids' worship bulletins at the welcome tables.

First Lights Kids Ministry will not be meeting after worship for Sunday School in July.

Visit First Lights.org for more

Youth Group

IMPACT - Illuminate Youth Ministry is excited to go back to Impact Festival again this Summer! It is an awesome event organized by Salt 'n Light Youth Ministries. We are taking more than 25 students and adult volunteers this year for a few days at Camp Greene Hills camping, worshiping, learning, playing games, and experiencing Jesus with many other youth groups around the area. As we prepare, we could use your help! The biggest cost for us is food expenses, as we prepare all of our own meals for the week. If you would like to help with this, we have a food donation list that you can find by following this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4CABA72DAAFAC16-impact

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts
Please save your egg cartons and drop them off for Hungry Hearts so we can repackage flats of eggs for distribution. If you would like to serve with this ministry, please contact Dan Renshaw at dan@pageek.com.
Hungry Heart's Clothing Mission
Now accepting clothing and household donations. The bins will be in their regular place in the lobby near the doors to The Family Life Center. You will need to call the church office to make sure that someone is available to open the doors for you. Please leave all items in the bins. When the bins are full, that represents all we are able to process in one week. We are in particular need of children’s clothing. Thank you for your continued support for this mission.

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

School of Hope and Kaendra’s Place Orphanage – The school year has ended, and we are in a summer hiatus on scholarships. Please remember the needs of the children in Haiti whom we support. Our current project is the construction of the Orphanage known as Kaendra’s Place. The Haiti teams again says “thank you” to those who participated in the 50/50 campaign. Your donations made possible the raising up of the outer walls for the new orphanage building. There is a long way to go before the building is finished, but when it is completed it will be a safe home for the children living there. 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.
It is not an exaggeration to say that Haiti is in a crisis greater than any it has known before. There is tremendous political uncertainty and turmoil and everyday there is extreme gang violence in the streets, such that people are afraid to leave their homes for fear of being indiscriminately shot or kidnapped. More than ever the people of Haiti, especially the children, need our prayers and support.

Stephen Ministry

Bear One Another's Burdens...

In Galatians 6, Paul tells us to "carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Here at First United Methodist your Stephen Ministers have been trained and organized to do just that. They provide one-to-one care, prayer, and support to those who are going through a difficult time. If you would like more information on our Stephen Ministry, please call Gail Vaughn at 717 263-8491

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NETwork Ministries, a local Christ-centered organization for youth, is hosting Jazz in the Garden on Friday, July 16th, from 7-9 PM. Featuring live jazz music, fresh appetizers, artwork, and opportunities for fellowship, this event will be held at NETwork's Community Garden at 10 Redwood Street in Chambersburg. Please RSVP by July 12th by contacting NETwork at networkchambersburg@gmail.com or by phone at 717-264-4640.

As you know FUMC assisted approximately 50 neighborhood children by enabling them to participate in virtual education during the school year.  We financed the paid staff of the Boy’s and Girl’s Club who assisted the children with the technology as well as maintaining order and COVID protection.  Our total cost for 2021 was $21,000 and because of the very generous contributions from our congregation we were able to pay all but $4,000.  We would like to be able to cover the full amount through donations and hopefully we can do that over the next month.

PRAYER, PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

Please pray for...

...the people of Haiti following the assassination of their President. Pray for the safety of the people from the violence and unrest that is occurring.

...Pastor Genre's safety as he is in Haiti now.

...healing for Charles, retired vet, who is dealing with multiple health issues plus having a medical procedure 7/8.

...for Dennis (Carrie Lynn's father) - diagnosed with CA and is starting chemotherapy.

... those involved with building collapse in Florida - safety, wisdom and comfort.

...healing for Bev Rensch.
...healing for Blanche Mock.

...those in difficult care giving situations.
...healing for Evelyn Jones- Chambersburg Hospital
...the 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 -Dean had medical procedure 7/8i
Paul & Erma Collins
Bill & Thelma Peerce
Richard & Susan Briggs
Kirk & Kathy Paul
Chuck & Dianne Salter

Praise and Thanksgiving

Praise for a successful water balloon bash which brought in two neighborhood families!

Important Dates to Remember

Church Picnic

August 15, 2021

The schedule for the day will be as follows:
9:00 am - Sunday school classes at the church.
10:15 am - Combined Blended Worship in the Sanctuary.
12:30 pm - Church Picnic at Pine Pavilion at Caledonia State Park.

With games/events planned and led by the Leadership Team.
The picnic will be catered and table service provided. Come with just your appetite.

Kiwanis Blueberry Sale

Buy some blueberries today!

FLOWERS for the 11 o’clock service, July 18th and 25th are still available to be donated.  Please contact Vikki Eckert at veckert7997@gmail.com if you are interested in either date.

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

July 2, 2021

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Combined Worship this Sunday – July 4th 

We are combining the 9 o’clock and 11 o’clock services this week and will meet at the park.  We will begin at 9:00 with an Inter-Generational Sunday School Scavenger Hunt with a spiritual lesson.  Worship will begin at 10 o’clock and then everyone is off to their own gatherings and picnics.  Please come and join us for this special day.

REMINDER: Please do NOT mail checks or other communication to the church through the U.S. postal system. We continue to have very spotty or non-existent mail service. The church office has gone up to two weeks without receiving mail, even with going into the post office for pick up.

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!

MINISTRY UPDATES

Children's Ministry

Pray with us Tuesdays at 2:52pm.

Worship with us Sundays at 9am/11am.
Don't forget that kids who complete their worship bulletin get a 'punch' for each bulletin and when all ten holes are punched, they receive a $10 gift card. You can pick up kids' worship bulletins at the welcome tables.

Visit First Lights.org for more

Youth Group

IMPACT - Illuminate Youth Ministry is excited to go back to Impact Festival again this Summer! It is an awesome event organized by Salt 'n Light Youth Ministries. We are taking more than 25 students and adult volunteers this year for a few days at Camp Greene Hills camping, worshiping, learning, playing games, and experiencing Jesus with many other youth groups around the area. As we prepare, we could use your help! The biggest cost for us is food expenses, as we prepare all of our own meals for the week. If you would like to help with this, we have a food donation list that you can find by following this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4CABA72DAAFAC16-impact

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts
Please save your egg cartons and drop them off for Hungry Hearts so we can repackage flats of eggs for distribution. If you would like to serve with this ministry, please contact Dan Renshaw at dan@pageek.com.
Hungry Heart's Clothing Mission
Now accepting clothing and household donations. The bins will be in their regular place in the lobby near the doors to The Family Life Center. You will need to call the church office to make sure that someone is available to open the doors for you. Please leave all items in the bins. When the bins are full, that represents all we are able to process in one week. We are in particular need of children’s clothing. Thank you for your continued support for this mission.

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

School of Hope and Kaendra’s Place Orphanage – The school year has ended, and we are in a summer hiatus on scholarships. Please remember the needs of the children in Haiti whom we support. Our current project is the construction of the Orphanage known as Kaendra’s Place. The Haiti teams again says “thank you” to those who participated in the 50/50 campaign. Your donations made possible the raising up of the outer walls for the new orphanage building. There is a long way to go before the building is finished, but when it is completed it will be a safe home for the children living there. 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.
It is not an exaggeration to say that Haiti is in a crisis greater than any it has known before. There is tremendous political uncertainty and turmoil and everyday there is extreme gang violence in the streets, such that people are afraid to leave their homes for fear of being indiscriminately shot or kidnapped. More than ever the people of Haiti, especially the children, need our prayers and support.

Stephen Ministry

Bear One Another's Burdens...

In Galatians 6, Paul tells us to "carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Here at First United Methodist your Stephen Ministers have been trained and organized to do just that. They provide one-to-one care, prayer, and support to those who are going through a difficult time. If you would like more information on our Stephen Ministry, please call Gail Vaughn at 717 263-8491

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

FINANCE UPDATE

As you know FUMC assisted approximately 50 neighborhood children by enabling them to participate in virtual education during the school year.  We financed the paid staff of the Boy’s and Girl’s Club who assisted the children with the technology as well as maintaining order and COVID protection.  Our total cost for 2021 was $21,000 and as a result of the very generous contributions from our congregation we were able to pay all but $4,000.  We would like to be able to cover the full amount through donations and hopefully we can do that over the next month.

Thank you and God bless you all.

Bill Holland
Finance Chair

PRAYER, PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

Prayers for Healing

Bev Rensch

Blanche Mock

Susie Bulger - Quincey Village

Helen Rice's daughters

Evelyn Jones

Prayers for life struggles

Pray for those involved with building collapse in Florida - safety, wisdom and comfort.
Continue to pray for Janet Shatzer 's family as she is in THE Church Triumphant.

Vickie Leisher

Linda Leidig

Bev Rensch

Kathy Beaston

Barb Armstrong

Peggy

Deb Ewing

Shirley Jones

Susie Bulger

Evelyn Jones

Blanche Mock

Praise and Thanksgiving

Praise for Sandy Decker's healing.

Important Dates to Remember

Church Picnic

August 15, 2021

The schedule for the day will be as follows:
9:00 am - Sunday school classes at the church.
10:15 am - Combined Blended Worship in the Sanctuary.
12:30 pm - Church Picnic at Pine Pavilion at Caledonia State Park.

With games/events planned and led by the Leadership Team.
The picnic will be catered and table service provided. Come with just your appetite.

Kiwanis Blueberry Sale

Buy some blueberries today!

FLOWERS for the 11 o’clock service, July 18th and 25th are still available to be donated.  Please contact Vikki Eckert at veckert7997@gmail.com if you are interested in either date.

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

June 25, 2021

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First United Methodist Church
 
Join us on
Sunday, 27th June 2021
9:00 AM Worship at Memorial Park
10:00 AM Sunday School (locations at class discretion)
11:00 AM in the church sanctuary

Masks and social distancing are no longer required at FUMC worship services and events.

View the service later! You can watch any of our services on our YouTube channel. Just search for First United Methodist Church Chambersburg. We also have a dedicated phone number so you can listen to latest recorded service at 717-899-4JOY (4569).

Giving

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!

Dates to Remember

July 4th
9:00 am Sunday School at the park or the church. 
9:00 am An Intergenerational Biblical Scavenger Hunt at the park.
10:15 am Blended Worship Service.

August the 15th — Church Picnic
The schedule for the day would be as follows:
9:00 am - Sunday school classes at the church.
10:15 am - Combined Blended Worship in the Sanctuary.
12:30 pm - Church Picnic at Pine Pavilion at Caledonia State Park.

With games/events planned and led by the Leadership Team.
The picnic will be catered and table service provided. Come with just your appetite.

Prayer

"Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord." James 5: 14

Bev Rensch - healing

God’s perfect will for Janet Shatzer

Healing for Blanche Mock

Healing for Susie Bulger - Quincey Village

Healing for Helen Rice's daughters

Healing prayers for Evelyn Jones

Healing for Sandy Decker

Prayers for the Postal Service

Pray for those involved in building collapse in FL

  • Pray for these with 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
    Richard & Susan Briggs
    Kirk & Kathy Paul
    Chuck & Dianne Salter

Praise and Thanksgiving

 (Please send your praises and thanksgivings so others can rejoice with you.)

Ministries

Pray with us Tuesdays at 2:52pm.

Worship with us Sundays at 9am/11am.
Don't forget that kids who complete their worship bulletin get a 'punch' for each bulletin and when all ten holes are punched, they receive a $10 gift card. You can pick up kids' worship bulletins at the welcome tables.

Sunday School 10am at park or church if weather is bad.

Register for V.B.S. - Dates June 30 and July 7.

Summer Book Club for moms with daughters in the tween and teen years.

Family Workcamp: Planting Seeds - Register Here. We will be at Mt. Asbury on July 10 and 11. Your family can stay overnight on Saturday or only come up for the day. This is a service opportunity for kids and parents, but also a retreat experience for families. You are not required to pay for the retreat, but we will accept donations.

We are meeting on Wednesdays in the building from 6-7:30pm, and on Sundays at 10am.
A full schedule is on the events page at illuminateyouth.org.

Beth Stahl is having a Post-High gathering at her home on July 2, 2021 at 7pm. Please contact Beth if you have graduated from high school and are interested in joining this group.

Please save your egg cartons and drop them off for Hungry Hearts so we can repackage flats of eggs for distribution. If you would like to serve with this ministry, please contact Dan Renshaw at dan@pageek.com.
 
Hungry Heart's Clothing Mission
 
Now accepting clothing and household donations. The bins will be in their regular place in the lobby near the doors to The Family Life Center. You will need to call the church office to make sure that someone is available to open the doors for you. Please leave all items in the bins. When the bins are full, that represents all we are able to process in one week. We are in particular need of children’s clothing. Thank you for your continued support for this mission.

If you are struggling with your grief journey, please contact Gail at
717-263-8491 ext. 207 or parishvisitorfumc@gmail.com for a listening ear or more information.

 Feeling Down?
Our Stephen Ministry can help. Stephen Ministers are not just there for “big” crises. They are also available for the little ones, because many times the little thing can really add up. So don’t wait until you have a really BIG crisis; consider Stephen Ministry if the little things have you feeling down. You can be assured your Stephen Minister will keep quiet about what you share! CONFIDENTIALITY is the cornerstone of our ministry. Questions?
Contact Gail for more information. 7147-263-8491 ext. 207

Order of Worship

created in Publicate

January 29, 2021

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FUMC Emails

Worship with us this Sunday, January 31st online at our YouTube channel at 9:00 AM.

Listen to our services by dialing 717-899-4569. If you know someone who is not online and would like to hear our service, please share this number with them.

This Sunday, January 31 we will look at Jonah 3. The sermon title is “Relenting” and focuses on doing God’s will. Contemporary songs for Sunday: https://youtu.be/Ss3wtg34pi0
Love Come Down  and
Lift your head Weary Sinner 

The sermon texts and topics for the next two weeks:
February 7, Jonah 4 on “Learning”
February 14 we switch it up with John 15:9-17 - “No Greater Love”

Lent
Lent begins Ash Wednesday, February 17th. Our Lenten theme will be “The Road to the Resurrection”. Look for a Lenten devotion USPS mailing coming the beginning of February.

Clothing Ministry - Now that cold temperatures are here the Clothing Ministry needs
Men’s and Women’s Extra-large and bigger winter coats as well as large (1x,2X,3X) men’s and women’s clothing. Bed linens and blankets are needed. There is also a request for a hand mixer and a microwave. If you can donate any of these items, it will be greatly appreciated, To arrange drop off call Carel Fish at 717-264-4354

Virtual Learning - Thank you for making your weekly or monthly contributions to the streaming education taking place at First Church. We continue to host Chambersburg school students and supervising staff from the Boys and Girls Club. We have gained 7 more students this week are at 52. Staffing has increased students are using the Apple place, the sanctuary annex behind the glass doors and the Open-Door room. Your support continues to be very much needed and appreciated!

Firstlights - This Week
Tuesday - Pray with us at 2:52pm on Facebook.
Wednesday - Join us for First Lights Live on Zoom at 6pm.
Sunday - 9am Worship on YouTube. Followed by - First Lights Small Group on Zoom.
First Lights Back to the Bible Challenge
As the new year begins, it's a great time to encourage kids to start a habit of reading their Bible daily or to reward kids who have developed the habit and reinforce it. I want to make sure the kids are given the opportunity to all start off together on our Bible journey, so if your child does not have a Bible or needs a more age-appropriate version, please let our children's minister know. It is a privilege for us to equip you and your child! You can email Brianna at kidsedfumc@gmail.com.

Illuminate Youth Ministry - Look for episodes of Virtual Youth Group on our YouTube channel. We also encourage our small groups to keep meeting via zoom. Be sure to check e-mails from Collin for a specific date and time!
YouTube and website www.illuminateyouth.org.

Confirmation Class meets every other Sunday at 4:00 PM on Zoom. Class meets on Zoom January 31st at 4 PM. Please pray for our 8 confirmands and their mentors!

Grief/Share – Has moved on-line and meets Mondays at 1:00 PM. If you or a friend struggle with grief, come and join others who are walking the same journey. For information or to register please call Gail at 717-263-8491 ext.207.

Hungry Hearts - Thank you all for your faithfulness to our friends and neighbors through your continued support of Hungry Hearts. As we all know, 2020 was not a fun year for anyone, but it was made exponentially more difficult for those who had already been struggling with poverty and food insecurity. As a result of the pandemic, Hungry Hearts saw a drastically increased need from the community, which we were able to meet because our God is so good. Currently we're handing out 150-200 meals every Thursday night and have over 100 families a week relying on our food pantry. In the food pantry in 2020 we saw over 5000 families, composed of 16,231 individuals and we gave them 191,105 pounds of food. Again, we want to offer our deepest appreciation and gratitude to everyone who donated or who has volunteered to help at any time throughout this past year! We couldn't do all this without you. Thank you for making this ministry possible. – Dan Renshaw

Haiti Ministry - Second semester tuition checks for students attending our School of Hope in Haiti are needed now. The amount is $132.00 per student. Checks can be made out to FUMC- Haiti Missions and School of Hope should be written in the memo. Thanks so much for your supporter of the School. These beautiful children are counting on us!

Blood Drive
First United Methodist Church, Chambersburg will be sponsoring a blood drive for the Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank on Monday, 02/15/21 from 11:00 am - 7:00 pm. The Registration Area and the Donation area will be the Family Life Center. Look for a link to make an appointment in the first Eblast of February.

Endowment Fund Status - 31 December 2020
The total principal (market value) is $1,357,045. This is an increase of $78,203 from last year (2019). The fund currently has interest earned (available income) of $210,72. This is the amount we can spend. The amount by category is as follows; General $82,546 Music $37,576 Bldgs./Fac $37,342 Missions $15,882 Scholarships $37,366 Note: $20,000 has been returned to the General Category. This amount was set aside to pay staff salaries, if funds were needed because of the effect of COVID-19 on giving. Thankfully, it was not needed.

In 2020 the Fund has supported - • the farm house for our orphans in Haiti, • taping and streaming equipment for on-line services, •apple phone and video camera for streaming,• Sierra Leone Initiative (5 yr commitment) help pay pastor salaries • Paid for a staff member to attend a workshop that will help people on their spiritual journey, to discern God’s voice, to serve as a spiritual director, and teach on the spiritual disciplines. In 2020 we received contributions of $14,341 and had disbursements of 7,426. Note: Starting in December 2020, any funds received for Endowment that are not specifically designated to a category, will be deposited as principal to the Mission category. Mission’s receives the most requests for disbursements.

PRAY - One of the goals of FUMC has always been to be a praying church. As Pastor Steve shared in his last eblast, we have an even greater need to be prayerful in this new year. Our weekly 1stprays email will continue to be updated with new or ongoing requests that the congregation sends. We certainly want to continue that tradition. However, scripture also calls us to be people of PRAISE and THANKSGIVING. So as we continue to pray for the needs of one another, we would like to start sharing the praises of our lives, the answers to prayer that we have seen and also add prayers of Thanksgiving. You can send your contributions to the PRAISE & THANKSGIVING email at these email addresses. 1stprays@gmail.com or Director of Congregational Care at parishvisitorfumc@gmail.com. If you are not already receiving these 1stprays emails and would like to be added to the list, please notify Gail (717-263-8491 ext. 207). Let's try to get as many prayer warriors as we can!

January 22, 2021

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FUMC Emails

We give thanks to God for the smooth transition of power our nation experienced this week. Let us continue to ask for God’s leading and guidance for of national, state and local elected leaders, that God will enable them to humbly seek his favor for our nation.

Worship with us this Sunday, January 24th online at our YouTube channel at 9:00 AM here. Listen to our services by dialing 717-899-4569. If you know someone who is not online and would like to hear our service, please share this number with them.

Contemporary songs for Sunday:
We Believe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjZ01FcK0yk
Jesus at the Center https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8HOOfTXmlg

Preaching Series
Lent begins Ash Wednesday, February 17th. Our Lenten theme will be “The Road to the Resurrection” In the weeks leading up to Lent our sermon series will focus on the book of Jonah. If you want to read the chapter for a given Sunday here is the schedule : January 17, Jonah 1 on “Running”, January 24, Jonah 2 on “Praying”, January 31, Jonah 3 on “Relenting”, February 7, Jonah 4 on “Learning”, February 14 we switch it up with John 15:9-17 - “No Greater Love”

Clothing Ministry - Now that cold temperatures are here the Clothing Ministry needs
Men’s and Women’s Extra-large and bigger winter coats as well as large (1x,2X,3X) men’s and women’s clothing. Bed linens and blankets are needed. There is also a request for a hand mixer and a microwave. If you can donate any of these items, it will be greatly appreciated. To arrange drop off call Carel Fish at 717-264-4354

Virtual Learning - Thank you for making your weekly or monthly contributions to the streaming education taking place at First Church. We continue to host Chambersburg school students and supervising staff from the Boys and Girls Club. We have gained 7 more students this week are at 52. Staffing has increased students are using the Apple place, the sanctuary annex behind the glass doors and the Open Door room. Your support continues to be very much needed and appreciated!

Firstlights - This Week
Tuesday - Pray with us at 2:52pm on Facebook.
Wednesday - Join us for First Lights Live on Zoom at 6pm.
Sunday - 9am Worship on YouTube. Followed by - First Lights Small Group on Zoom.
First Lights Back to the Bible Challenge
As the new year begins, it's a great time to encourage kids to start a habit of reading their Bible daily or to reward kids who have developed the habit and reinforce it. I want to make sure the kids are given the opportunity to all start off together on our Bible journey, so if your child does not have a Bible or needs a more age-appropriate version, please let our children's minister know. It is a privilege for us to equip you and your child! You can email Brianna at kidsedfumc@gmail.com.

Illuminate Youth Ministry. Look for episodes of Virtual Youth Group on our YouTube channel. We also encourage our small groups to keep meeting via zoom. Be sure to check e-mails from Collin for a specific date and time!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC13b6gueSfGMb-z9crWkaLQ and website www.illuminateyouth.org.

Confirmation Class meets every other Sunday at 4:00 PM on Zoom. Class meets on Zoom January 31st at 4 PM. Please pray for our 8 confirmands and their mentors!

Grief/Share – Has moved on-line and meets Mondays at 1:00 PM. If you or a friend struggle with grief, come and join others who are walking the same journey. For information or to register please call Gail at 717-263-8491 ext.207.

Hungry Hearts Christmas and Holiday Update A big thank you to our faithful volunteers who serve people every week in the food pantry and with the hot evening meal!

January 8, 2021

Posted on by

FUMC Emails

As we move through the beginning days of 2021, we see the great need for prayers to be lifted for our country. The breach into the capital and the loss of life and the destruction in that hallowed building reflects the violence, death and destruction we witnessed this past summer in many of our nation’s cities. We feel frustration over lack of leadership on all sides and of the dereliction of duty to keep peace and order. Clearly, we are in desperate need of God’s help now! As our nation is divided so is our beloved United Methodist Church. As if right now, August 2021 is set to be the month our General Conference will meet to finalize what will happen to our church. Again, prayer is the most important thing we can do.

I am asking every member of First United Methodist Church to take some time everyday to pray for our country, and our denomination, it’s leaders and its people. I suggest taking 10 or 15 minutes or more at noon each day to pray for these things.

Pray that the light of God will break into our nation’s darkness. And pray for wisdom and insight for the delegates who will attend the next General Conference to make decisions about the future of the United Methodist Church. Prayer is the greatest thing we can do for make a difference for this nation and for the Kingdom of God.

Worship with us this Sunday, January 10th online at our YouTube channel at 9:00 AM here.  Listen to our services by dialing 717-899-4569. If you know someone who is not online and would like to hear our service, please share this number with them.

Clothing Ministry - Now that cold temperatures are here the Clothing Ministry needs
Men’s and Women’s Extra-large and bigger winter coats as well as large (1x,2X,3X) men’s and women’s clothing. Bed linens and blankets are needed. There is also a request for a hand mixer and a microwave. If you can donate any of these items, it will be greatly appreciated, To arrange drop off call Carel Fish at 717-264-4354

Virtual Learning - Thank you for making your weekly or monthly contributions to the streaming education taking place at First Church. We continue to host Chambersburg school students and supervising staff from the Boys and Girls Club. Your support continues to be very much needed and appreciated!

Firstlights - This Week
Tuesday - Pray with us at 2:52pm on Facebook.
Wednesday - Join us for First Lights Live on Zoom at 6pm.
Sunday - 9am Worship on Youtube.
10am First Lights Small Group on Zoom.

Illuminate Youth Ministry. Look for episodes of Virtual Youth Group on our YouTube channel. We also encourage our small groups to keep meeting via zoom. Be sure to check e-mails from Collin for a specific date and time!
YouTube .

Confirmation Class meets every other Sunday at 4:00 PM on Zoom. Class meets on Zoom January 17th at 4 PM. Please pray for our 8 confirmands!

Grief/Share – Has moved on-line and meets Mondays at 1:00 PM. If you or a friend struggle with grief, come and join others who are walking the same journey. For information or to register please call Gail at 717-263-8491 ext.207.

Hungry Hearts Christmas and Holiday Update We returned to our normal Thursday hours on January 7th.

January 1, 2021

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FUMC Emails

Happy New Year from Your First Church Family!

2020 is past and 2021 is here! Let’s take a moment to thank God for the good things that were part of 2020. Thank God for those who stepped up and served others in amazing ways, like our health care workers who bravely and compassionately cared for the sick and dying in hospitals and nursing homes. Thank him for people inspired to help their neighbors doing grocery runs for the elderly. Thank God for those who checked in on people living alone sending cards of encouragement and made phone calls to connect with them. Thank God for the church in general that learned new skills quickly in order to provide opportunities for worship, study and community through technology. Thank God for the resources and people who expanded ministry in providing essential needs like food. Thank God for the His people reaching out to the community to provide access to virtual learning and childcare to children who needed these essential things. Amidst the hardships, loss and grief, God did amazing things in 2020 and the light of his love was not extinguished. Let’s give Him thanks for the good He has shown us this past year and ask His blessing on the year ahead!

Worship with us this Sunday, January 3rd online at our YouTube channel at 9:00 AM here.

Listen to our services by dialing 717-899-4569. If you know someone who is not online and would like to hear our service, please share this number with them.

Clothing Ministry: Now that cold temperatures are here the Clothing Ministry needs
Men’s and Women’s Extra-large and bigger winter coats. Blankets. To arrange drop off call Carel Fish at 717-264-4354

Virtual Learning: Thank you for making your weekly or monthly contributions to the streaming education taking place at First Church. We continue to host Chambersburg school students and supervising staff from the Boys and Girls Club. Your support continues to be very much needed and appreciated!

Firstlight: Happy New Year 2021! Check out our Facebook page to see what we are up to: https://www.facebook.com/1stlights.

Illuminate Youth Ministry: Look for episodes of Virtual Youth Group on our YouTube channel. We also encourage our small groups to keep meeting via zoom. Be sure to check e-mails from Collin for a specific date and time!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC13b6gueSfGMb-z9crWkaLQ and website www.illuminateyouth.org.

Confirmation Class meets every other Sunday at 4:00 PM on Zoom. Class meets on Zoom January 3rd at 4 PM. Please pray for our 8 confirmands!

Grief/Share: Has moved on-line and meets Mondays at 1:00 PM. If you or a friend struggle with grief, come and join others who are walking the same journey. For information or to register please call Gail at 717-263-8491 ext.207.

Hungry Hearts Christmas and Holiday Update: We will return to our normal Thursday hours on January 7th.

August 8, 2020

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Please Remember - this Sunday, August 9th at 9:00 AM we will worship together at the Bandshell in Memorial Park!

Bring a lawn chair, shade umbrella and masks. Hand sanitizer will be available. We will practice social distancing. Sunday school classes may meet following the service as will First Lights and Illuminate Youth Ministry. A parents group facilitated by Stephanie Byers to discuss helping children and youth in a time of COVID-19.
We will continue to worship in the park, weather permitting through the end of October or until we are able to safely return to 225 South Second Street.

We continue to live stream worship from the park. You can watch the service live on our YouTube channel here or by going to our website at www.firstonsecond.org. and clicking on the “Watch Us Live…” button.
If the stream stops, wait 10 seconds and refresh the page. You may need to repeat that process but usually you will be able to get back on the stream.
Here is the order of worship for Sunday:

 

Thank you for your faithful giving to the Lord and His work through First UM Church. Your generosity is critically important for accomplishing what we believe God is calling us to do through the pandemic and beyond. There are three ways for you to give to Christ through First Church:
You can mail your checks through the postal system to First UM Church, 225 South Second Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201
You can go online at www.Firstonsecond.org and click on the word GIVE in the upper right-hand corner and follow the instructions.
We will take an offering at the park.
Your generous gift is greatly appreciated.

First Lights Children’s Ministry
Check out all the cool stuff on our website or our Facebook page.

August 23rd is Back to School Blessing and Promotion Sunday. We will celebrate kids, students and teachers.

Illuminate Youth Ministry
We continue to meet online for virtual youth group and for small groups on zoom.
August 7-8, we are excited to be together for a campout. For more info on either of these events, please contact Collin.
In our virtual youth group videos this summer, and in our Sunday devotions, we have been sharing lessons that explore Jesus' sermon on the Mount. As life continues to throw uncertainties and frustrations at us, it is important for us to hold on to the encouragements and teachings of Jesus. This message shared in Matthew 5-7 holds truth that is so applicable to us as Christians during this time, in how to interact with others and how to grow in our relationship with God. We will continue to look at segments from this passage of scripture through August, and we hope you'll join us online!

Hungry Hearts
continues to provide food to an average of 125 families every week.

Loss of a Spouse
You have begun a journey we know you did not want. We are sorry for your loss and want to come alongside you on this 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. Please use parking lot and entrance behind First UM Church off W. Washington St.

Monday August 10, 2020 at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
At First United Methodist Church
225 South Second St. Chambersburg
Please register by
calling 717-263-8491 ext.207

Special Note!

Pastor Steve’s First Church email is pastor4fumc@gmail.com. Someone has added the number “1” to change it to “pastor4fumc1@gmail.com”. These emails are NOT from Pastor Steve. This has happened before and when the recipient responds, the culprit asks for gift cards or money. Pastor Steve will never email anyone directly asking for donations having nothing to do with First UM Church. Please delete these false emails if you should receive one.