January 21, 2022

Posted on by

Sunday January 23, 2022

In Traditional Service this week:

Pastor - Steven M. Livermore

Organist - Diaconal Minister  - Linda Peppernick

Scripture Reader - Deanna Nolder

The altar flowers are placed to the glory of God and in loving memory of "my wife Sandy. We would have celebrated our 62nd wedding anniversary today." - Dick Jenkins

Covid in Franklin County

Keystone Medicine will conduct a vaccination clinic on Saturday, February the 5th from 9 AM to 5 PM to administer the Pfizer COVID vaccine. No prior registration or forms will be required. If you have already been fully vaccinated and needed a booster, you can receive it at this clinic with your card and if it has been 6 months since your last shot. Home COVID tests will be available.

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 on Tuesdays at 2:52pm.

Now recruiting volunteers for many areas! Sign up today!

Wednesday night programming for K-5th grade starts at 6pm.

Visit First Lights.org for more

Youth Group

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

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts

Egg Cartons -We have more than enough and no more room to store egg cartons for HH so, please stop bringing them to the church. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Hungry Heart's Clothing MissionThe Clothing Mission has remained open since last January.  From January until June, we asked our customers to fill out request forms and the ladies did their best to fill those orders.  Since June, customers have been making appointments to shop for themselves on Thursday afternoons.  During that entire time the ladies have been meeting on Thursday to size and sort donations.  When the elevator quit in August, several of our volunteers were unable to continue because they couldn't manage the stairs.  We also found that without the elevators we weren't physically able to move donations downstairs.  With the help of some special young men from our congregation we were able to move all our stored winter clothes from the NAPA building to the  basement and continue to meet the needs of our community.

With the elevator still out of order and our stored clothing already on display, we need to ask for donations of winter clothing, blankets, and housewares.  The catch is that we can only accept donations if you are willing to carry them to the basement.  The bins are in the Faith and Fellowship Sunday School classroom and items can also be left on tables in that room.  If you are unsure of where to leave donations please talk to Carel Fish on Sunday and I will be glad to give you the short tour of the basement. You can also call me for info.  (717 264 4354).  Please only donate items that can be used at this time (winter clothing) and that you are able to  carry to the basement.  Thanks to you all for making this mission possible as it greatly benefits our neighbors.

 

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

Sponsors are Needed for Haitian Children at Kaendra's Place orphanage. School of Hope tuition sponsorships at $140 a semester or $280 for the school year.  Fall semester tuition is due now.  Talk to Pastor Steve or mail haiti4fumc@gmail.com for more information.

Pastoral Care Ministries

GriefShare group meets Mondays at 1:00 PM.

Stephen Ministry is here to walk with you through difficult journeys. Please take a moment to read this wonderful testimony from Bill Holland entitled The Story of Rosemary's Bible

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

Women Connect now has a private Facebook Group! All women in the church are invited to join!

We will meet January 22, 2022 from 9-10:30 AM in the Connect Café and Lobby. Please note this is a change of date!

Winter Wonders: Pausing to Discover God’s Hidden Treasures. Joyce Horst will present her beautiful pictures of winter; Dianne Salter will lead discussion. There will be music and refreshments! Join Us!

 

New Year: New Studies!

Sunday Morning Study: Christianity is not about following a set of rules, but about following a Person. Jesus came into our world, lived a life of perfection, died to pay the price of our sin, and rose again to show us the way of resurrection life. And He offers us a brief but challenging invitation—“Follow Me.” If you are interested in seeking a greater understanding of what it means to follow Jesus and being supported in a daily practice of the Scripture reading, prayer, and simplicity that He modeled during his life, please consider joining us. We will be meeting on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. beginning on January 9th. You can check the study out at Firm Foundation Study.

Weekly Evening Bible Study begins Wednesday, January 12th at 6:30 PM.  This study is online only. We will be studying the book of Matthew.  Printed guides will be available at the Welcome Center the previous Sunday.

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ALL PRAYER REQUESTS OR PRAYER RELATED MATTERS SHOULD BE SENT TO PRAYERS4FUMC@GMAIL.COM

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.

Attention: Sunday School Classes and Organizations It is now time to audit your 2021 records. Please turn in your checking account/bank statements to Stacey in the Church Office as soon as possible.  If you bring them in when Stacey is not in her office they can be placed in the mailbox on the wall outside Stacey’s door.  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 Planning Meeting - Monday, January 24th at 7:00 PM in the FLC.  If you have expressed interest or are interested in helping us plan, please join us.  Please email Pastor Steve at pastor4fumc@gmail.com if you can attend.  If you expressed interest earlier but can’t make this meeting please email Pastor Steve.

Evening Bible Studies:

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!

Weekly Bible Study is online via Zoom and begins Wednesday, January 12th at 6:30 PM.  We will be studying the book of Matthew. Books will be available at the Welcome Center Sunday the 9th and online.

Elevator Update -We have been told it will be 10 weeks from the time the parts are ordered until work begins which is the end of January or the beginning of February. The bulk of funds has come from endowment and a CD, leaving $20,000 to be raised.  To date contributions of $10,310 have been received.  Thanks for giving as we fund the remaining $9,690 needed.

Friendly reminder that if you need to take tables out of the FLC please return them by Wednesday night so they are available for Thursday morning food distribution.

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”.

Gail Vaugh began her sabbatical on January 1st Please keep her in your prayers, for  a time of refreshment and renewal.  For pastoral care call Pastor Steve 717-873-6626. Please send prayer requests, needs and concerns to prayers4fumc@gmail.com.

An Adult Work Camp is being planned by Cindy Shoemaker at Central Presbyterian for this spring or summer to take place at Bowling Green, Kentucky in response to recent tornado damage.  First Church’s coordinator for this camp is Greg Stouffer.  If you are interested in finding out more information, contact him at Gregs5456@gmail.com or 717-658-2351.

Prayer and Study Group

25 Minute Weekly Prayer Meeting on Zoom every Thursday at 7:00 PM

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

You are invited to join us on a new journey toward intimacy with God. We will be studying different prayer techniques and spiritual rhythms. We use Padlet to post our comments & experiences. Email Lindsay Zubal at lindsayzubal@gmail.com for information. Our next meeting will be February 8, 2022 at 6:30pm-8pm.

 

ALL PRAYER REQUESTS OR PRAYER RELATED MATTERS SHOULD BE SENT TO PRAYERS4FUMC@GMAIL.COM

Prayers for Healing

Dean Crow

Paul Bridegam

Rob Bulger

Dave Kauffman

Joan Kauffman

Reed deSalis

For those who have had to postpone medical surgery or treatment because of the pandemic.

Prayers for Our World

Relief for those dealing with frigid temperatures, snow and ice.

Relief for those who have been struck by a natural storm or disaster.

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 - Returning to regular programming

Illuminate Youth Ministry - Youth Lock In

Hungry Hearts Ministry

Prayers for the pandemic

Healing for those with Covid.

Safety and protection for school children and those working in school systems.

Safety and protection for health care workers and those working in vulnerable places.

Renewal and restoration for health care workers.

Wisdom for leaders, doctors and parents.

An end to the pandemic and all COVID variants.

Prayers needed for these members with long term concerns:

John & Bunny Parson

Larry & Avis Guise

Al & Linda Lojacono

Bill & Mary Butts

Jack & Bette Bowers

Dean & Carol Crow

Paul & Erma Collins

Bill & Thelma Peerce

Kirk & Kathy Paul

Chuck & Dianne Salter

Dave & Joan Kauffman

Sarah & Barry Baker

Prayers of Comfort, Peace and Condolence

McKenna Swan and her family as they walk alongside her sister Angie in her battle with cancer.

Ted and Denise Lucas.

A family struggling with housing and financial issues.

Gail Vaughn as she practices being still with God.

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

January 14, 2022

Posted on by

Sunday January 16, 2022

In Traditional Service this week:

Pastor - Steven M. Livermore
Organist - Diaconal Minister - Linda Peppernick
Scripture Reader - Linda Peppernick

The altar flowers are placed to the glory of God and In honor of Cindy Robison whose birthday is today. Given by her family."

The first centerpiece is given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Ed and Vonda Gunder who would have celebrated their 75th anniversary on January 13. Given by Barbara Johncour, Kim Woodall and families.

The second centerpiece is given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Paul and Ruby Byers who both passed away in the month of January by Chuck and Diane Salter and Paula and Sam Hepser

We Rejoice to welcome Barbara Johncour -Rowan into the membership of First United Methodist Church of Chambersburg.  Please welcome her this morning as you have an opportunity.

 

Covid in Franklin County

Keystone Medicine will conduct a vaccination clinic on Saturday, January the 15th from 9 AM to 5 PM to administer the Pfizer COVID vaccine.  No prior registration or forms will be required. A second dose vaccine clinic will be held on Saturday, February the 5th.  If you have already been fully vaccinated and needed a booster, you can receive it at this clinic with your card and if it has been 6 months since your last shot.  Home COVID tests will be available.

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!

MINISTRY UPDATES

Children's Ministry

Pray with us on Tuesdays at 2:52pm.

Now recruiting volunteers for many areas! Sign up today!

Wednesday night programming for K-5th grade starts January 19 from 6pm-7pm.

Visit First Lights.org for more

Youth Group

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

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts

Egg Cartons -We have more than enough and no more room to store egg cartons for HH so, please stop bringing them to the church. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Hungry Heart's Clothing MissionThe Clothing Mission has remained open since last January.  From January until June, we asked our customers to fill out request forms and the ladies did their best to fill those orders.  Since June, customers have been making appointments to shop for themselves on Thursday afternoons.  During that entire time the ladies have been meeting on Thursday to size and sort donations.  When the elevator quit in August, several of our volunteers were unable to continue because they couldn't manage the stairs.  We also found that without the elevators we weren't physically able to move donations downstairs.  With the help of some special young men from our congregation we were able to move all our stored winter clothes from the NAPA building to the  basement and continue to meet the needs of our community.

With the elevator still out of order and our stored clothing already on display, we need to ask for donations of winter clothing, blankets, and housewares.  The catch is that we can only accept donations if you are willing to carry them to the basement.  The bins are in the Faith and Fellowship Sunday School classroom and items can also be left on tables in that room.  If you are unsure of where to leave donations please talk to Carel Fish on Sunday and I will be glad to give you the short tour of the basement. You can also call me for info.  (717 264 4354).  Please only donate items that can be used at this time (winter clothing) and that you are able to  carry to the basement.  Thanks to you all for making this mission possible as it greatly benefits our neighbors.

 

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

Sponsors are Needed for Haitian Children at Kaendra's Place orphanage. School of Hope tuition sponsorships at $140 a semester or $280 for the school year.  Fall semester tuition is due now.  Talk to Pastor Steve or mail haiti4fumc@gmail.com for more information.

Pastoral Care Ministries

GriefShare group meets Mondays at 1:00 PM.

Stephen Ministry is here to walk with you through difficult journeys. Please take a moment to read this wonderful testimony from Bill Holland entitled The Story of Rosemary's Bible

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

Women Connect now has a private Facebook Group! All women in the church are invited to join!

We will meet January 22, 2022 from 9-10:30 AM in the Connect Café and Lobby. Please note this is a change of date!

Winter Wonders: Pausing to Discover God’s Hidden Treasures. Joyce Horst will present her beautiful pictures of winter; Dianne Salter will lead discussion. There will be music and refreshments! Join Us!

 

New Year: New Studies!

Sunday Morning Study: Christianity is not about following a set of rules, but about following a Person. Jesus came into our world, lived a life of perfection, died to pay the price of our sin, and rose again to show us the way of resurrection life. And He offers us a brief but challenging invitation—“Follow Me.” If you are interested in seeking a greater understanding of what it means to follow Jesus and being supported in a daily practice of the Scripture reading, prayer, and simplicity that He modeled during his life, please consider joining us. We will be meeting on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. beginning on January 9th. You can check the study out at Firm Foundation Study.

Weekly Evening Bible Study begins Wednesday, January 12th at 6:30 PM.  We will be studying the book of Matthew.  Printed guides will be available at the Welcome Center the previous Sunday.

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ALL PRAYER REQUESTS OR PRAYER RELATED MATTERS SHOULD BE SENT TO PRAYERS4FUMC@GMAIL.COM

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.

Attention: Sunday School Classes and Organizations It is now time to audit your 2021 records. Please turn in your checking account/bank statements to Stacey in the Church Office as soon as possible.  If you bring them in when Stacey is not in her office they can be placed in the mailbox on the wall outside Stacey’s door.  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 Planning Meeting - Monday, January 17th at 7:00 PM in the FLC.  If you have expressed interest or are interested in helping us plan, please join us.  Please email Pastor Steve at pastor4fumc@gmail.com if you can attend.  If you expressed interest earlier but can’t make this meeting please email Pastor Steve.

Evening Bible Studies:

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!

Weekly Bible Study begins Wednesday, January 12th at 6:30 PM.  We will be studying the book of Matthew. Books will be available at the Welcome Center Sunday the 9th and online.

Elevator Update -We have been told it will be 10 weeks from the time the parts are ordered until work begins which is the end of January or the beginning of February. The bulk of funds has come from endowment and a CD, leaving $20,000 to be raised.  To date contributions of $10,310 have been received.  Thanks for giving as we fund the remaining $9,690 needed.

Friendly reminder that if you need to take tables out of the FLC please return them by Wednesday night so they are available for Thursday morning food distribution.

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”.

Gail Vaugh began her sabbatical on January 1st Please keep her in your prayers, for  a time of refreshment and renewal.  For pastoral care call Pastor Steve 717-873-6626. Please send prayer requests, needs and concerns to prayers4fumc@gmail.com.

An Adult Work Camp is being planned by Cindy Shoemaker at Central Presbyterian for this spring or summer to take place at Bowling Green, Kentucky in response to recent tornado damage.  First Church’s coordinator for this camp is Greg Stouffer.  If you are interested in finding out more information, contact him at Gregs5456@gmail.com or 717-658-2351.

Prayer and Study Group

25 Minute Weekly Prayer Meeting on Zoom every Thursday at 7:00 PM

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

You are invited to join us on a new journey toward intimacy with God. We will be studying different prayer techniques and spiritual rhythms. We will meet on Zoom December 14th at 6:30 here.

Meeting ID: 869 2125 5975 Passcode: 7yWCpF

We use  Padlet to post our comments & experiences All the group information will be on Padlet. The link is https://padlet.com/lindsayzubal/18h7uvhpvekgim5k.  If you have any questions email Lindsay

ALL PRAYER REQUESTS OR PRAYER RELATED MATTERS SHOULD BE SENT TO PRAYERS4FUMC@GMAIL.COM

Prayers for Healing

Lindsay Zubal

Dean Crow

Paul Bridegam

Rob Bulger

Dave Kauffman

Joan Kauffman

Prayers for Our World

Relief for areas hit by natural disasters.

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 - Returning to regular programming

Illuminate Youth Ministry - Youth Lock In

Hungry Hearts Ministry

Prayers for the pandemic

Healing for those with Covid.

Safety and protection for those who are traveling.

Safety and protection for school children and those working in school systems.

Safety and protection for health care workers and those working in vulnerable places.

Wisdom for leaders, doctors and parents.

Prayers needed for these members with long term concerns:

John & Bunny Parson

Larry & Avis Guise

Al & Linda Lojacono

Betty Upperman

Bill & Mary Butts

Jack & Bette Bowers

Dean & Carol Crow

Paul & Erma Collins

Bill & Thelma Peerce

Kirk & Kathy Paul

Chuck & Dianne Salter

Dave & Joan Kauffman

Sarah & Barry Baker

Praise and Thanksgiving!

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom. […]
The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
Psalm 145:3, 8-9 (NIV)

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

January 7, 2022

Posted on by

Sunday January 9, 2022 is online only. There will be no in-person services.

Covid in Franklin County

Keystone Medicine will conduct a vaccination clinic on Saturday, January the 15th from 9 AM to 5 PM to administer the Pfizer COVID vaccine.  No prior registration or forms will be required. A second dose vaccine clinic will be held on Saturday, February the 5th.  If you have already been fully vaccinated and needed a booster, you can receive it at this clinic with your card and if it has been 6 months since your last shot.  Home COVID tests will be available.

 

 

 

 

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!

Worship is online only this week due to freezing rain in the forecast.

Prelude

Welcome, Announcements and Call to Worship

Hymn “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”

Prayer

Hymn “My Hope is Built”

Special Music – “God Loves You” Doug Harbach

Hymn “Break Thou the Bread of Life”

Scripture - Colossians 4:6 - Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Message

Hymn “Rock of Ages”

Blessing

MINISTRY UPDATES

Children's Ministry

Pray with us on Tuesdays at 2:52pm.

Now recruiting volunteers for many areas! Sign up today!

Wednesday night programming is scheduled to resume 1/19/22.

Visit First Lights.org for more

Youth Group

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

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts

Egg Cartons -We have more than enough and no more room to store egg cartons for HH so, please stop bringing them to the church. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Hungry Heart's Clothing MissionThe Clothing Mission has remained open since last January.  From January until June, we asked our customers to fill out request forms and the ladies did their best to fill those orders.  Since June, customers have been making appointments to shop for themselves on Thursday afternoons.  During that entire time the ladies have been meeting on Thursday to size and sort donations.  When the elevator quit in August, several of our volunteers were unable to continue because they couldn't manage the stairs.  We also found that without the elevators we weren't physically able to move donations downstairs.  With the help of some special young men from our congregation we were able to move all our stored winter clothes from the NAPA building to the  basement and continue to meet the needs of our community.

With the elevator still out of order and our stored clothing already on display, we need to ask for donations of winter clothing, blankets, and housewares.  The catch is that we can only accept donations if you are willing to carry them to the basement.  The bins are in the Faith and Fellowship Sunday School classroom and items can also be left on tables in that room.  If you are unsure of where to leave donations please talk to Carel Fish on Sunday and I will be glad to give you the short tour of the basement. You can also call me for info.  (717 264 4354).  Please only donate items that can be used at this time (winter clothing) and that you are able to  carry to the basement.  Thanks to you all for making this mission possible as it greatly benefits our neighbors.

 

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

Sponsors are Needed for Haitian Children at Kaendra's Place orphanage. School of Hope tuition sponsorships at $140 a semester or $280 for the school year.  Fall semester tuition is due now.  Talk to Pastor Steve or mail haiti4fumc@gmail.com for more information.

Pastoral Care Ministries

GriefShare group meets Mondays at 1:00 PM.

Stephen Ministry is here to walk with you through difficult journeys. Please take a moment to read this wonderful testimony from Bill Holland entitled The Story of Rosemary's Bible

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

Women Connect now has a private Facebook Group! All women in the church are invited to join!

We will meet January 22, 2022 from 9-10:30 AM in the Connect Café and Lobby. Please note this is a change of date!

Winter Wonders: Pausing to Discover God’s Hidden Treasures. Joyce Horst will present her beautiful pictures of winter; Dianne Salter will lead discussion. There will be music and refreshments! Join Us!

 

New Year: New Studies!

Sunday Morning Study: Christianity is not about following a set of rules, but about following a Person. Jesus came into our world, lived a life of perfection, died to pay the price of our sin, and rose again to show us the way of resurrection life. And He offers us a brief but challenging invitation—“Follow Me.” If you are interested in seeking a greater understanding of what it means to follow Jesus and being supported in a daily practice of the Scripture reading, prayer, and simplicity that He modeled during his life, please consider joining us. We will be meeting on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. beginning on January 9th. You can check the study out at Firm Foundation Study.

Weekly Evening Bible Study begins Wednesday, January 12th at 6:30 PM.  We will be studying the book of Matthew.  Printed guides will be available at the Welcome Center the previous Sunday.

 

 

Card-Making Class

With the increased price of greeting cards...how would you like to make your own and be able to say “I made this especially with you in mind”.

I would like to get a small (6-8 people) group together once a month on the second Tuesday to get creative and make cards and sometimes little gifts.  I will have everything cut out with samples you can copy or do your own thing!  There are NO wrong ways....we can always come up with a fix.

I am proposing our first gathering on January 11, 2022 at 10 a.m. We will be meeting in the Alda Bower Sunday School room.  You would be making 2 cards (1 birthday; 1 get well/thinking of you) with envelopes.  I'm asking for a small fee of $10.00 to cover supplies. If you are interested, please contact Judy Paes at 717-753-3104 (h) or 813-220-6773 (c) no later than December 30th so I can prepare.  If I do not answer, please leave a message; and I will get back to you.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ALL PRAYER REQUESTS OR PRAYER RELATED MATTERS SHOULD BE SENT TO PRAYERS4FUMC@GMAIL.COM

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.

Attention: Sunday School Classes and Organizations It is now time to audit your 2021 records. Please turn in your checking account/bank statements to Stacey in the Church Office as soon as possible.  If you bring them in when Stacey is not in her office they can be placed in the mailbox on the wall outside Stacey’s door.  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 Planning Meeting - Monday, January 17th at 7:00 PM in the FLC.  If you have expressed interest or are interested in helping us plan, please join us.  Please email Pastor Steve at pastor4fumc@gmail.com if you can attend.  If you expressed interest earlier but can’t make this meeting please email Pastor Steve.

Evening Bible Studies:

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!

Weekly Bible Study begins Wednesday, January 12th at 6:30 PM.  We will be studying the book of Matthew. Books will be available at the Welcome Center Sunday the 9th and online.

Elevator Update -We have been told it will be 10 weeks from the time the parts are ordered until work begins which is the end of January or the beginning of February. The bulk of funds has come from endowment and a CD, leaving $20,000 to be raised.  To date contributions of $10,310 have been received.  Thanks for giving as we fund the remaining $9,690 needed.

Friendly reminder that if you need to take tables out of the FLC please return them by Wednesday night so they are available for Thursday morning food distribution.

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”.

Gail Vaugh began her sabbatical on January 1st Please keep her in your prayers, for  a time of refreshment and renewal.  For pastoral care call Pastor Steve 717-873-6626. Please send prayer requests, needs and concerns to prayers4fumc@gmail.com.

An Adult Work Camp is being planned by Cindy Shoemaker at Central Presbyterian for this spring or summer to take place at Bowling Green, Kentucky in response to recent tornado damage.  First Church’s coordinator for this camp is Greg Stouffer.  If you are interested in finding out more information, contact him at Gregs5456@gmail.com or 717-658-2351.

Prayer and Study Group

25 Minute Weekly Prayer Meeting on Zoom every Thursday at 7:00 PM

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

You are invited to join us on a new journey toward intimacy with God. We will be studying different prayer techniques and spiritual rhythms. We will meet on Zoom December 14th at 6:30 here.

Meeting ID: 869 2125 5975 Passcode: 7yWCpF

We use  Padlet to post our comments & experiences All the group information will be on Padlet. The link is https://padlet.com/lindsayzubal/18h7uvhpvekgim5k.  If you have any questions email Lindsay

ALL PRAYER REQUESTS OR PRAYER RELATED MATTERS SHOULD BE SENT TO PRAYERS4FUMC@GMAIL.COM

Prayers for Healing

Lindsay Zubal

Dean Crow

Paul Bridegam

Janet Johnston

Lucille Lowe

Prayers for Our World

Relief for areas hit by natural disasters.

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 - Returning to regular programming

Illuminate Youth Ministry - Youth Lock In

Hungry Hearts Ministry

Prayers for the pandemic

Healing for those with Covid.

Safety and protection for those who are traveling.

Safety and protection for school children and those working in school systems.

Safety and protection for health care workers and those working in vulnerable places.

Wisdom for leaders, doctors and parents.

Prayers needed for these members with long term concerns:

John & Bunny Parson

Larry & Avis Guise

Al & Linda Lojacono

Betty Upperman

Bill & Mary Butts

Jack & Bette Bowers

Dean & Carol Crow

Paul & Erma Collins

Bill & Thelma Peerce

Kirk & Kathy Paul

Chuck & Dianne Salter

Dave & Joan Kauffman

Sarah & Barry Baker

Praise and Thanksgiving!

We praise God for the hope of a new year!

We praise God because we can trust Him!

We praise God for the gift of the Holy Spirit!

 

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

December 31, 2021

Posted on by

In Service January 2, 2022

Pastor - Steven M. Livermore

Organist - Diaconal Minister—Linda Peppernick

Prelude - Elijah Hill

Special Music - Elizabeth Hill and Sydney Wenger;

Accompanist, Beth Stahl

Scripture Readers - Hank Stouffer and Hannah Mills

Opening Song Leader - Jackson Stahl

The altar flowers are placed to the glory of God.

If you would like a poinsettia, you are welcome to take one with you from the chancel area.

 

Covid in Franklin County

The FDA has approved a new drug in pill form that is 90% effective in keeping patients out of the hospital and dying.  It has been given Emergency Use Authorization for those patients who test positive, are at high risk of complications, are at least 12 years old and at least 88 pounds, and have had symptoms for less than 5 days.  It is called Paxlovid and may be available soon by prescription.

Prayer Focus:  Currently the local hospitals are above capacity with the private hospital rooms housing two patients and even ICU rooms have been doubling up.  Elective cases have been put on hold.  The staff is burning out rapidly and replacements are not available.  Governor Wolfe is considering bringing in National Guard personnel to reinforce the available staff.  88% of the hospitalized Covid patients are unvaccinated.  Vaccination rates in Franklin County are still quite low with only 41% fully vaccinated.  19.1% of the Covid tests are coming back positive (as compared to Philadelphia County at 8.4%).  Locally, Cumberland County with 58.7% fully vaccinated has a positivity rate of 15.3%.  The bottom line is that there are 166 new cases of Covid EVERY DAY in Franklin County.

The CDC predicts at this point that the peak of the current surge won’t end until sometime in January, but the omicron variant is the wild card and makes thing a bit hazier.  With the holidays upon us and gatherings planned, it is even more important to get vaccinated, boosted if eligible, and mask while indoors in public.     Grace and Peace    Dr. Hurley

COVID19 Protocol Update

NEW Covid Recommendations by the CDC.

For a positive covid test regardless of vaccination status:

5 day quarantine then 5 days of mask wearing with others For a covid exposure to someone either symptomatic or testing positive:

1.) If you’re unvaccinated or not boosted; 5 day quarantine then 5 days masking with others, covid test day 5

2.) If you’re vaccinated and boosted, no quarantine, masking with others for 10 days, covid test on day 5

To learn more about the COVID19 vaccines, please visit Facts vs. Fiction: Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy by Dr. Hurley.

First Church leadership asks that congregants wear masks while inside the building per CDC recommendation and maintain social distance.

 

 

 

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!

MINISTRY UPDATES

Children's Ministry

Pray with us on Tuesdays at 2:52pm

Now recruiting volunteers for many areas! Sign up today!

Visit First Lights.org for more

Youth Group

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

Join us on January 5, 2022!

We will be having a lock-in event at the church on January 7-8! If you'd like to participate, please contact Collin to sign up!

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts

Egg Cartons -We have more than enough and no more room to store egg cartons for HH so, please stop bringing them to the church. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Hungry Heart's Clothing MissionThe Clothing Mission has remained open since last January.  From January until June, we asked our customers to fill out request forms and the ladies did their best to fill those orders.  Since June, customers have been making appointments to shop for themselves on Thursday afternoons.  During that entire time the ladies have been meeting on Thursday to size and sort donations.  When the elevator quit in August, several of our volunteers were unable to continue because they couldn't manage the stairs.  We also found that without the elevators we weren't physically able to move donations downstairs.  With the help of some special young men from our congregation we were able to move all our stored winter clothes from the NAPA building to the  basement and continue to meet the needs of our community.

With the elevator still out of order and our stored clothing already on display, we need to ask for donations of winter clothing, blankets, and housewares.  The catch is that we can only accept donations if you are willing to carry them to the basement.  The bins are in the Faith and Fellowship Sunday School classroom and items can also be left on tables in that room.  If you are unsure of where to leave donations please talk to Carel Fish on Sunday and I will be glad to give you the short tour of the basement. You can also call me for info.  (717 264 4354).  Please only donate items that can be used at this time (winter clothing) and that you are able to  carry to the basement.  Thanks to you all for making this mission possible as it greatly benefits our neighbors.

 

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

Sponsors are Needed for Haitian Children at Kaendra's Place orphanage. School of Hope tuition sponsorships at $140 a semester or $280 for the school year.  Fall semester tuition is due now.  Talk to Pastor Steve or mail haiti4fumc@gmail.com for more information.

Pastoral Care Ministries

GriefShare group meets Mondays at 1:00 PM.

Stephen Ministry is here to walk with you through difficult journeys. Please take a moment to read this wonderful testimony from Bill Holland entitled The Story of Rosemary's Bible

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

Women Connect now has a private Facebook Group! All women in the church are invited to join!

New Year: New Studies!

Sunday Morning Study: Christianity is not about following a set of rules, but about following a Person. Jesus came into our world, lived a life of perfection, died to pay the price of our sin, and rose again to show us the way of resurrection life. And He offers us a brief but challenging invitation—“Follow Me.” If you are interested in seeking a greater understanding of what it means to follow Jesus and being supported in a daily practice of the Scripture reading, prayer, and simplicity that He modeled during his life, please consider joining us. We will be meeting on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. beginning on January 9th. You can check the study out at Firm Foundation Study.

Weekly Evening Bible Study begins Wednesday, January 12th at 6:30 PM.  We will be studying the book of Matthew.  Printed guides will be available at the Welcome Center the previous Sunday.

 

 

Card-Making Class

With the increased price of greeting cards...how would you like to make your own and be able to say “I made this especially with you in mind”.

I would like to get a small (6-8 people) group together once a month on the second Tuesday to get creative and make cards and sometimes little gifts.  I will have everything cut out with samples you can copy or do your own thing!  There are NO wrong ways....we can always come up with a fix.

I am proposing our first gathering on January 11, 2022 at 10 a.m. We will be meeting in the Alda Bower Sunday School room.  You would be making 2 cards (1 birthday; 1 get well/thinking of you) with envelopes.  I'm asking for a small fee of $10.00 to cover supplies. If you are interested, please contact Judy Paes at 717-753-3104 (h) or 813-220-6773 (c) no later than December 30th so I can prepare.  If I do not answer, please leave a message; and I will get back to you.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ALL PRAYER REQUESTS OR PRAYER RELATED MATTERS SHOULD BE SENT TO PRAYERS4FUMC@GMAIL.COM

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.

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:

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!

Weekly Bible Study begins Wednesday, January 12th at 6:30 PM.  We will be studying the book of Matthew. Books will be available at the Welcome Center Sunday the 9th and online.

Elevator Update -We have been told it will be 10 weeks from the time the parts are ordered until work begins which is the end of January or the beginning of February. The bulk of funds has come from endowment and a CD, leaving $20,000 to be raised.  To date contributions of $10,310 have been received.  Thanks for giving as we fund the remaining $9,690 needed.

Friendly reminder that if you need to take tables out of the FLC please return them by Wednesday night so they are available for Thursday morning food distribution.

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”.

Gail Vaugh began her sabbatical on January 1st Please keep her in your prayers, for  a time of refreshment and renewal.  For pastoral care call Pastor Steve 717-873-6626. Please send prayer requests, needs and concerns to prayers4fumc@gmail.com.

Prayer and Study Group

25 Minute Weekly Prayer Meeting on Zoom every Thursday at 7:00 PM

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

You are invited to join us on a new journey toward intimacy with God. We will be studying different prayer techniques and spiritual rhythms. We will meet on Zoom December 14th at 6:30 here.

Meeting ID: 869 2125 5975 Passcode: 7yWCpF

We use  Padlet to post our comments & experiences All the group information will be on Padlet. The link is https://padlet.com/lindsayzubal/18h7uvhpvekgim5k.  If you have any questions email Lindsay

ALL PRAYER REQUESTS OR PRAYER RELATED MATTERS SHOULD BE SENT TO PRAYERS4FUMC@GMAIL.COM

Prayers for Healing

Lindsay Zubal

Dean Crow

Paul Bridegam

Janet Johnston

Lucille Lowe

Prayers for Our World

Those affected by natural disasters.

The people of Haiti.

The people of Afghanistan.

Government leaders of all nations.

For all those who take the gospel to a broken world in need of healing.

For those who are grieving this holiday season - from our neighborhood in Chambersburg to a small village in Nepal.

Prayers for Church Ministries, Events and Special projects

Stephen Ministry

First Lights Children's Ministry

Illuminate Youth Ministry

Hungry Hearts Ministry

Prayers for the pandemic

Healing for those with Covid.

Safety and protection for those who are traveling this holiday season.

Safety and protection for school children and those working in school systems.

Safety and protection for health care workers and those working in vulnerable places.

Wise choices regarding vaccination.

Prayers needed for these members:

John & Bunny Parson

Larry & Avis Guise

Al & Linda Lojacono

Betty Upperman

Bill & Mary Butts

Jack & Bette Bowers

Dean & Carol Crow

Paul & Erma Collins

Bill & Thelma Peerce

Kirk & Kathy Paul

Chuck & Dianne Salter

Dave & Joan Kauffman

Sarah & Barry Baker

Praise and Thanksgiving!

Brad Walick is home and improving.

 

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

December 24, 2021

Posted on by

The Christmas Offering will support our ministries in Haiti; The School of Hope and Kaendra's Place Orphanage.  Inflation is exorbitant there and needs escalate.  Thanks for your generous support!

Sunday December 26, 2021

One United Service at 10 o'clock in the Family Life Center.

Sunday January 2, 2022

One United Service at 10 o'clock in the Sanctuary.

Covid in Franklin County

The FDA has approved a new drug in pill form that is 90% effective in keeping patients out of the hospital and dying.  It has been given Emergency Use Authorization for those patients who test positive, are at high risk of complications, are at least 12 years old and at least 88 pounds, and have had symptoms for less than 5 days.  It is called Paxlovid and may be available soon by prescription.

Prayer Focus:  Currently the local hospitals are above capacity with the private hospital rooms housing two patients and even ICU rooms have been doubling up.  Elective cases have been put on hold.  The staff is burning out rapidly and replacements are not available.  Governor Wolfe is considering bringing in National Guard personnel to reinforce the available staff.  88% of the hospitalized Covid patients are unvaccinated.  Vaccination rates in Franklin County are still quite low with only 41% fully vaccinated.  19.1% of the Covid tests are coming back positive (as compared to Philadelphia County at 8.4%).  Locally, Cumberland County with 58.7% fully vaccinated has a positivity rate of 15.3%.  The bottom line is that there are 166 new cases of Covid EVERY DAY in Franklin County.

The CDC predicts at this point that the peak of the current surge won’t end until sometime in January, but the omicron variant is the wild card and makes thing a bit hazier.  With the holidays upon us and gatherings planned, it is even more important to get vaccinated, boosted if eligible, and mask while indoors in public.     Grace and Peace    Dr. Hurley

COVID19 Protocol Update

To learn more about the COVID19 vaccines, please visit Facts vs. Fiction: Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy by Dr. Hurley.

First Church leadership asks that congregants wear masks while inside the building per CDC recommendation and maintain social distance.

 

 

 

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 Service this week:

Pastor - Steven M. Livermore

MINISTRY UPDATES

Children's Ministry

Watch the kids of First Lights (2019) share the Christmas Story!

Visit First Lights.org for more

Youth Group

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

Merry Christmas!

We will meet regularly again in the New Year!

Mark Your Calendars: January 7-8, 2022 - LOCKIN

 

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts

Egg Cartons -We have more than enough and no more room to store egg cartons for HH so, please stop bringing them to the church. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Hungry Heart's Clothing MissionThe Clothing Mission has remained open since last January.  From January until June, we asked our customers to fill out request forms and the ladies did their best to fill those orders.  Since June, customers have been making appointments to shop for themselves on Thursday afternoons.  During that entire time the ladies have been meeting on Thursday to size and sort donations.  When the elevator quit in August, several of our volunteers were unable to continue because they couldn't manage the stairs.  We also found that without the elevators we weren't physically able to move donations downstairs.  With the help of some special young men from our congregation we were able to move all our stored winter clothes from the NAPA building to the  basement and continue to meet the needs of our community.

With the elevator still out of order and our stored clothing already on display, we need to ask for donations of winter clothing, blankets, and housewares.  The catch is that we can only accept donations if you are willing to carry them to the basement.  The bins are in the Faith and Fellowship Sunday School classroom and items can also be left on tables in that room.  If you are unsure of where to leave donations please talk to Carel Fish on Sunday and I will be glad to give you the short tour of the basement. You can also call me for info.  (717 264 4354).  Please only donate items that can be used at this time (winter clothing) and that you are able to  carry to the basement.  Thanks to you all for making this mission possible as it greatly benefits our neighbors.

 

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

Sponsors are Needed for Haitian Children at Kaendra's Place orphanage. School of Hope tuition sponsorships at $140 a semester or $280 for the school year.  Fall semester tuition is due now.  Talk to Pastor Steve or mail haiti4fumc@gmail.com for more information.

Pastoral Care Ministries

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.

Stephen Ministry is here to walk with you through difficult journeys. If you need someone to listen and to care, call Gail at 717-263-8491 ext. 207 for more information. Also, please take a moment to read this wonderful testimony from Bill Holland entitled The Story of Rosemary's Bible.

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

Women Connect now has a private Facebook Group! All women in the church are invited to join!

New Year: New Studies!

Sunday Morning Study: Christianity is not about following a set of rules, but about following a Person. Jesus came into our world, lived a life of perfection, died to pay the price of our sin, and rose again to show us the way of resurrection life. And He offers us a brief but challenging invitation—“Follow Me.” If you are interested in seeking a greater understanding of what it means to follow Jesus and being supported in a daily practice of the Scripture reading, prayer, and simplicity that He modeled during his life, please consider joining us. We will be meeting on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. beginning on January 9th. You can check the study out at Firm Foundation Study.

Weekly Evening Bible Study begins Wednesday, January 12th at 6:30 PM.  We will be studying the book of Matthew.  Printed guides will be available at the Welcome Center the previous Sunday.

 

 

Card-Making Class

With the increased price of greeting cards...how would you like to make your own and be able to say “I made this especially with you in mind”.

I would like to get a small (6-8 people) group together once a month on the second Tuesday to get creative and make cards and sometimes little gifts.  I will have everything cut out with samples you can copy or do your own thing!  There are NO wrong ways....we can always come up with a fix.

I am proposing our first gathering on January 11, 2022 at 10 a.m. We will be meeting in the Alda Bower Sunday School room.  You would be making 2 cards (1 birthday; 1 get well/thinking of you) with envelopes.  I'm asking for a small fee of $10.00 to cover supplies. If you are interested, please contact Judy Paes at 717-753-3104 (h) or 813-220-6773 (c) no later than December 30th so I can prepare.  If I do not answer, please leave a message; and I will get back to you.

 

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.

Photos will be taken in the Lobby on Sundays, beginning today through the 26th.  Lifetouch Photography has ceased their church directory operations so we will produce our own “in house” with some of our own fine photographers.  The directory will be available on line and through our own Church Center app as well as in print at a later date.  Each person/family will be sent digital copies.  Help us make this a success by having your photo taken!

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:

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 and meets every Wednesday 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.

Elevator Update -We have been told it will be 10 weeks from the time the parts are ordered until work begins which is the end of January or the beginning of February. The bulk of funds has come from endowment and a CD, leaving $20,000 to be raised.  To date contributions of $10,310 have been received.  Thanks for giving as we fund the remaining $9,690 needed.

Friendly reminder that if you need to take tables out of the FLC please return them by Wednesday night so they are available for Thursday morning food distribution.

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”.

Gail Vaugh will begin a sabbatical on January 1st and will continue for 3 months.  Please keep her in your prayers, that this will be a time of refreshment and renewal.

Prayer and Study Group

25 Minute Weekly Prayer Meeting on Zoom every Thursday at 7:00 PM

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

You are invited to join us on a new journey toward intimacy with God. We will be studying different prayer techniques and spiritual rhythms. We will meet on Zoom December 14th at 6:30 here.

Meeting ID: 869 2125 5975 Passcode: 7yWCpF

We use  Padlet to post our comments & experiences All the group information will be on Padlet. The link is https://padlet.com/lindsayzubal/18h7uvhpvekgim5k.  If you have any questions email Lindsay

Prayers for Healing

Dean Crow - in Hershey Med. Center.

Also, please pray for Dean's family.

Betty Naugle is back at Manor Care - on hospice.
Lindsay Zubal
Prayers for Our World

Those affected by natural disasters.

The people of Haiti.

The people of Afghanistan.

Government leaders of all nations.

For all those who take the gospel to a broken world in need of healing.

For those who are grieving this holiday season - from our neighborhood in Chambersburg to a small village in Nepal.

Prayers for Church Ministries, Events and Special projects

Stephen Ministry

First Lights Children's Ministry

Illuminate Youth Ministry

Hungry Hearts Ministry

Prayers for the pandemic

Healing for those with Covid.

Safety and protection for those who are traveling this holiday season.

Safety and protection for school children and those working in school systems.

Safety and protection for health care workers and those working in vulnerable places.

Wise choices regarding vaccination.

Prayers needed for these members:

John & Bunny Parson

Larry & Avis Guise

Al & Linda Lojacono

Betty Upperman

Bill & Mary Butts

Jack & Bette Bowers

Dean & Carol Crow

Paul & Erma Collins

Bill & Thelma Peerce

Kirk & Kathy Paul

Chuck & Dianne Salter

Dave & Joan Kauffman

Sarah & Barry Baker

Paul Bridegam

Janet Johnston

Lincille Lower

Praise and Thanksgiving!

Brad Walick is home and improving.

 

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

December 17, 2021

Posted on by

Sunday December 19, 2021

9am - Fellowship Hour

10am - One United Worship in Sanctuary featuring the Chancel Choir Cantata.

Covid in Franklin County

As of November 29th, the rate of positive tests is still elevated at 15.5% in Franklin County. Our vaccination rate has not changed much with only 39.5% of the people in Franklin County being fully vaccinated. By comparison, Philadelphia County has a 4.9% positive rate with 59% fully vaccinated. Montgomery County has a rate of 7.5% with 57% fully vaccinated. In contrast, York County has a rate of 20.2% with 50.1% fully vaccinated. Of note, there has been a lot of resistance to masking and social distancing there. Also, a word about the omicron variant of the virus. Early reports from South Africa indicate that this mutation may well be more contagious but the severity of the illness may be relatively mild. In addition, the vaccinations already administered may not be as effective. Again, it is very early and as more data becomes available, I will pass it on. Until then, take the necessary precautions, get your flu shot and be vaccinated for covid.

Grace and Peace,  Dr. Hurley

 

COVID19 Protocol Update

To learn more about the COVID19 vaccines, please visit Facts vs. Fiction: Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy by Dr. Hurley.

First Church leadership asks that congregants wear masks while inside the building per CDC recommendation and maintain social distance.

 

 

 

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 Service this week:

Pastor - Steven M. Livermore

Cantata Participants:

Organist - Diaconal Minister—Linda Peppernick

Prelude:   Stahl Family Instrumentalists
Narrators:  Collin Moyer, Laura Davis
Soloist:    Anne Hill
Assistant Organist:  Ben Schellhase
Sound Technician:    Craig Stahl
”Grateful thanks and appreciation to all members of the Chancel Choir and to all extra singers who joined the choir for this cantata presentation.  Thank you everyone!”  - Linda

Altar Centerpiece is given to the glory of God and In loving memory of Sam Gillespie who would have celebrated his birthday on December 16. Given by Steve and Bobbie Gillespie and family.

Altar Centerpiece is given to the glory of God and in loving memory of husband, father and grandfather Frank Maring who would have celebrated his birthday on December 26. Given by June Maring, children and grandchildren.

 

 

MINISTRY UPDATES

Children's Ministry

Watch the kids of First Lights (2019) share the Christmas Story!

Visit First Lights.org for more

Youth Group

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

Merry Christmas!

We will meet regularly again in the New Year!

Mark Your Calendars: January 7-8, 2022 - LOCKIN

 

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts

Egg Cartons -We have more than enough and no more room to store egg cartons for HH so, please stop bringing them to the church. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Hungry Heart's Clothing MissionThe Clothing Mission has remained open since last January.  From January until June, we asked our customers to fill out request forms and the ladies did their best to fill those orders.  Since June, customers have been making appointments to shop for themselves on Thursday afternoons.  During that entire time the ladies have been meeting on Thursday to size and sort donations.  When the elevator quit in August, several of our volunteers were unable to continue because they couldn't manage the stairs.  We also found that without the elevators we weren't physically able to move donations downstairs.  With the help of some special young men from our congregation we were able to move all our stored winter clothes from the NAPA building to the  basement and continue to meet the needs of our community.

With the elevator still out of order and our stored clothing already on display, we need to ask for donations of winter clothing, blankets, and housewares.  The catch is that we can only accept donations if you are willing to carry them to the basement.  The bins are in the Faith and Fellowship Sunday School classroom and items can also be left on tables in that room.  If you are unsure of where to leave donations please talk to Carel Fish on Sunday and I will be glad to give you the short tour of the basement. You can also call me for info.  (717 264 4354).  Please only donate items that can be used at this time (winter clothing) and that you are able to  carry to the basement.  Thanks to you all for making this mission possible as it greatly benefits our neighbors.

 

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

Sponsors are Needed for Haitian Children at Kaendra's Place orphanage. School of Hope tuition sponsorships at $140 a semester or $280 for the school year.  Fall semester tuition is due now.  Talk to Pastor Steve or mail haiti4fumc@gmail.com for more information.

Pastoral Care Ministries

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.

Stephen Ministry is here to walk with you through difficult journeys. If you need someone to listen and to care, call Gail at 717-263-8491 ext. 207 for more information. Also, please take a moment to read this wonderful testimony from Bill Holland entitled The Story of Rosemary's Bible.

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

Women Connect now has a private Facebook Group! All women in the church are invited to join!

Christmas Eve Service Times

4:00pm Informal Service in the FLC; 7:00pm Family Service in the Sanctuary and 9:00pm Traditional Service in the Sanctuary. All services feature candle-lighting.

The Christmas Offering will support our ministries in Haiti; The School of Hope and Kaendra's Place Orphanage.  Inflation is exorbitant there and needs escalate.  Thanks for your generous support!

Sunday December 26, 2021

One United Service at 10 o'clock in the Family Life Center.

Sunday January 2, 2022

One United Service at 10 o'clock in the Sanctuary.

Join us December 23rd at 4:30pm for cookies, cocoa and caroling! We will meet in the lobby and share some cookies and cocoa and then we will sing Christmas Carols outside the FLC as the community comes for their Thursday night meal. Dress warm and bring some cookies to share!

This event is organized by kids ministry, but we welcome everyone who enjoys singing, cocoa and cookies to come! The more the merrier!

 

New Year: New Studies!

Sunday Morning Study: Christianity is not about following a set of rules, but about following a Person. Jesus came into our world, lived a life of perfection, died to pay the price of our sin, and rose again to show us the way of resurrection life. And He offers us a brief but challenging invitation—“Follow Me.” If you are interested in seeking a greater understanding of what it means to follow Jesus and being supported in a daily practice of the Scripture reading, prayer, and simplicity that He modeled during his life, please consider joining us. We will be meeting on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. beginning on January 9th. You can check the study out at Firm Foundation Study.

Weekly Evening Bible Study begins Wednesday, January 12th at 6:30 PM.  We will be studying the book of Matthew.  Printed guides will be available at the Welcome Center the previous Sunday.

 

 

Card-Making Class

With the increased price of greeting cards...how would you like to make your own and be able to say “I made this especially with you in mind”.

I would like to get a small (6-8 people) group together once a month on the second Tuesday to get creative and make cards and sometimes little gifts.  I will have everything cut out with samples you can copy or do your own thing!  There are NO wrong ways....we can always come up with a fix.

I am proposing our first gathering on January 11, 2022 at 10 a.m. We will be meeting in the Alda Bower Sunday School room.  You would be making 2 cards (1 birthday; 1 get well/thinking of you) with envelopes.  I'm asking for a small fee of $10.00 to cover supplies. If you are interested, please contact Judy Paes at 717-753-3104 (h) or 813-220-6773 (c) no later than December 30th so I can prepare.  If I do not answer, please leave a message; and I will get back to you.

 

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.

Photos will be taken in the Lobby on Sundays, beginning today through the 26th.  Lifetouch Photography has ceased their church directory operations so we will produce our own “in house” with some of our own fine photographers.  The directory will be available on line and through our own Church Center app as well as in print at a later date.  Each person/family will be sent digital copies.  Help us make this a success by having your photo taken!

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:

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 and meets every Wednesday 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.

Elevator Update -We have been told it will be 10 weeks from the time the parts are ordered until work begins which is the end of January or the beginning of February. The bulk of funds has come from endowment and a CD, leaving $20,000 to be raised.  To date contributions of $10,310 have been received.  Thanks for giving as we fund the remaining $9,690 needed.

Friendly reminder that if you need to take tables out of the FLC please return them by Wednesday night so they are available for Thursday morning food distribution.

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”.

YMCA Sam’s Club Christmas Party is December 21st – Thanks to everyone who donated teddy bears stored on top of the church family mailboxes.   We still need sign-up of 3 or 4 dozen baked cookies for the party placed in the church kitchen Sunday December 19th..  Monetary donations toward the cost of the meal of pizza, apples, soda and M&Ms can be given to Susie Kunkle.  717-352-2562.

Joyful for Jesus will be giving out Christmas gifts on Thursday, December  23rd 9 o’clock to noon. See Susie Kunkle or call 717-352-2562.

Prayer and Study Group

25 Minute Weekly Prayer Meeting on Zoom every Thursday at 7:00 PM

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

You are invited to join us on a new journey toward intimacy with God. We will be studying different prayer techniques and spiritual rhythms. We will meet on Zoom December 14th at 6:30 here.

Meeting ID: 869 2125 5975 Passcode: 7yWCpF

We use  Padlet to post our comments & experiences All the group information will be on Padlet. The link is https://padlet.com/lindsayzubal/18h7uvhpvekgim5k.  If you have any questions email Lindsay

Prayers for Healing

Sarah Baker

Lucille Lowe

Paul Bridgegam

Janet Johnston

Mike Zubal

Lindsay Zubal

Prayers for Our World

Those affected by the recent tornado outbreak.

The people of Haiti.

The people of Afghanistan.

Government leaders of all nations.

For all those who take the gospel to a broken world in need of healing.

For those who are grieving this holiday season - from our neighborhood in Chambersburg to a small village in Nepal.

Prayers for Church Ministries, Events and Special projects

Stephen Ministry

First Lights Children's Ministry

Illuminate Youth Ministry

Hungry Hearts Ministry

Prayers for the pandemic

Healing for those with Covid.

Safety and protection for school children and those working in school systems.

Safety and protection for health care workers and those working in vulnerable places.

Wise choices regarding vaccination.

Prayers needed for these members:

John & Bunny Parson

Larry & Avis Guise

Al & Linda Lojacono

Betty Upperman

Bill & Mary Butts

Jack & Bette Bowers

Dean & Carol Crow

Paul & Erma Collins

Bill & Thelma Peerce

Kirk & Kathy Paul

Chuck & Dianne Salter

Dave & Joan Kauffman

Sarah & Barry Baker

Condolences and Sympathy

Ted & Denise Lucus

Brent & Jen Lucus

Praise and Thanksgiving!

 

We praise our Almighty Father for a few of the simple things this season:

In-person Christmas Worship

Family

Friends

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

December 10, 2021

Posted on by

Sunday December 12, 2021

9am Traditional Service in the Sanctuary

10am Sunday School All Ages

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

Covid in Franklin County

As of November 29th, the rate of positive tests is still elevated at 15.5% in Franklin County. Our vaccination rate has not changed much with only 39.5% of the people in Franklin County being fully vaccinated. By comparison, Philadelphia County has a 4.9% positive rate with 59% fully vaccinated. Montgomery County has a rate of 7.5% with 57% fully vaccinated. In contrast, York County has a rate of 20.2% with 50.1% fully vaccinated. Of note, there has been a lot of resistance to masking and social distancing there. Also, a word about the omicron variant of the virus. Early reports from South Africa indicate that this mutation may well be more contagious but the severity of the illness may be relatively mild. In addition, the vaccinations already administered may not be as effective. Again, it is very early and as more data becomes available, I will pass it on. Until then, take the necessary precautions, get your flu shot and be vaccinated for covid.

Grace and Peace,  Dr. Hurley

 

COVID19 Protocol Update

Last Sunday, December the 5th in the FLC, the room had been divided by the movable wall. Because of the limitations this created the room will NOT be divided going forward so we can assure healthy social distancing.

To learn more about the COVID19 vaccines, please visit Facts vs. Fiction: Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy by Dr. Hurley.

First Church leadership asks that congregants wear masks while inside the building per CDC recommendation.

 

 

 

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 Service this week:

 

Pastor - Steven M. Livermore

Organist - Diaconal Minister—Linda Peppernick

Reader -   Linda Peppernick

Advent Wreath - Stottlemyer Family

The altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of parents Mary and Roy Hays by Evie Hays Gray.

The Centerpiece is given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Anna Mae Ile who would have celebrated her birthday on December 15 by John Ile and family.

 

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.

Our Sunday Children's programming begins at 10am. Children ages 4yrs through 5th grade will meet on the 2nd floor.

The infant/toddler room is open for Infants - 3 years and nursing mothers on Sundays.

It is staffed with volunteers during the 10am SS hour.

There is a designated family area in the FLC for families with little ones at the 11am service.

Please note that there will be no Sunday School on December 19, 26 and January 2, 2022.

If you would like to volunteer in this important ministry, please email Brianna.

Visit First Lights.org for more

Youth Group

Illuminate Youth Ministry meets on Wednesdays from 6-8 pm, and on Sundays at 10am. Join us this Wednesday for our Christmas Party, which will be the last time we meet until January!

 

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts

Egg Cartons -We have more than enough and no more room to store egg cartons for HH so, please stop bringing them to the church. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Hungry Heart's Clothing MissionThe Clothing Mission has remained open since last January.  From January until June, we asked our customers to fill out request forms and the ladies did their best to fill those orders.  Since June, customers have been making appointments to shop for themselves on Thursday afternoons.  During that entire time the ladies have been meeting on Thursday to size and sort donations.  When the elevator quit in August, several of our volunteers were unable to continue because they couldn't manage the stairs.  We also found that without the elevators we weren't physically able to move donations downstairs.  With the help of some special young men from our congregation we were able to move all our stored winter clothes from the NAPA building to the  basement and continue to meet the needs of our community.

With the elevator still out of order and our stored clothing already on display, we need to ask for donations of winter clothing, blankets, and housewares.  The catch is that we can only accept donations if you are willing to carry them to the basement.  The bins are in the Faith and Fellowship Sunday School classroom and items can also be left on tables in that room.  If you are unsure of where to leave donations please talk to Carel Fish on Sunday and I will be glad to give you the short tour of the basement. You can also call me for info.  (717 264 4354).  Please only donate items that can be used at this time (winter clothing) and that you are able to  carry to the basement.  Thanks to you all for making this mission possible as it greatly benefits our neighbors.

 

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

Sponsors are Needed for Haitian Children at Kaendra's Place orphanage. School of Hope tuition sponsorships at $140 a semester or $280 for the school year.  Fall semester tuition is due now.  Talk to Pastor Steve or mail haiti4fumc@gmail.com for more information.

Pastoral Care Ministries
Surviving the Holidays (December 12) is a helpful, encouraging seminar for people facing the holidays after a loved one’s death. Please join us on December 12 at 3:30pm at First United Methodist Church.

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.

Stephen Ministry is here to walk with you through difficult journeys. If you need someone to listen and to care, call Gail at 717-263-8491 ext. 207 for more information. Also, please take a moment to read this wonderful testimony from Bill Holland entitled The Story of Rosemary's Bible.

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

Women Connect now has a private Facebook Group! All women in the church are invited to join!

Join us Saturday December 18 at 9am in the Connect Café for a cup of Christmas tea and special music by Mark Miller, classical guitar.

Christmas Eve Service Times

4:00 Informal in the FLC; 7:00 Family in the Sanctuary and 9:00 Lessons and Carols in the Sanctuary.

The Christmas offering this year will be used to alleviate the desperate needs of children in Haiti during what has been one of the most difficult years in Haiti's history.  Thank you for blessing them not only by meeting physical needs but doing so while sharing the good news of Jesus.

Sunday December 26, 2021

One combined service at 10 o’clock in the FLC.

Sunday January 2, 2021

One combined service at 10 o'clock in the Sanctuary.

Joyful for Jesus (formerly Joyful Jingle) gift shop will be giving out Christmas gifts this year by partnering with Hungry Hearts food distribution on Thursday, December 16th and 23rd 9 o’clock to noon.  Since there are several community programs focused on gifts for children, we focus on gifts for adults in our community that may not otherwise get Christmas gifts.  We are asking the church family for donations of men’s slippers, men’s gloves, women’s slipper socks, gift baskets and small kitchen appliances.  Also, wrapping paper and gift bags.  Sunday, December 12th you can bring completed baskets and other items to the Family Life Center, after the service and join in the fun of making gift baskets.  Several small appliances can be purchased from Kohl’s Black Friday Deals November 21-26 with mail-in rebates for final cost of less than $5 for Toastmasters and Hamilton Beach. https://blackfriday.com/ads/black-friday/kohls?page=10  Thank you for shining the joy of Jesus to our community. Question? See Susie Kunkle or call 717-352-2562.

Mt. Asbury Retreat Center in Newville is hosting their 2nd annual drive thru Christmas Lights Show! This event takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening from November 26 to December 19. ILLUMINATE YOUTH is volunteering at this great event, and we invite you to join us in helping!

Here are the ways you could join us and support this ministry:

  • Help at the Lights Show on December 11, and December 18.
  • Bake Cookies for the event
  • Donate to raise money for the Retreat Center

If you are interested in helping in any of these ways, or would like more information about the Lights Show, please contact Collin .

Join us December 23rd at 4:30pm for cookies, cocoa and caroling! We will meet in the lobby and share some cookies and cocoa and then we will sing Christmas Carols outside the FLC as the community comes for their Thursday night meal. Dress warm and bring some cookies to share!

This event is organized by kids ministry, but we welcome everyone who enjoys singing, cocoa and cookies to come! The more the merrier!

 

Card-Making Class

With the increased price of greeting cards...how would you like to make your own and be able to say “I made this especially with you in mind”.

I would like to get a small (6-8 people) group together once a month on the second Tuesday to get creative and make cards and sometimes little gifts.  I will have everything cut out with samples you can copy or do your own thing!  There are NO wrong ways....we can always come up with a fix.

I am proposing our first gathering on January 11, 2022 at 10 a.m. We will be meeting in the Alda Bower Sunday School room.  You would be making 2 cards (1 birthday; 1 get well/thinking of you) with envelopes.  I'm asking for a small fee of $10.00 to cover supplies. If you are interested, please contact Judy Paes at 717-753-3104 (h) or 813-220-6773 (c) no later than December 30th so I can prepare.  If I do not answer, please leave a message; and I will get back to you.

 

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.

Photos will be taken in the Lobby on Sundays, beginning today through the 26th.  Lifetouch Photography has ceased their church directory operations so we will produce our own “in house” with some of our own fine photographers.  The directory will be available on line and through our own Church Center app as well as in print at a later date.  Each person/family will be sent digital copies.  Help us make this a success by having your photo taken!

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:

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 and meets every Wednesday 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.

Elevator Update -We have been told it will be 10 weeks from the time the parts are ordered until work begins which is the end of January or the beginning of February. The bulk of funds has come from endowment and a CD, leaving $20,000 to be raised.  To date contributions of $10,310 have been received.  Thanks for giving as we fund the remaining $9,690 needed.

Friendly reminder that if you need to take tables out of the FLC please return them by Wednesday night so they are available for Thursday morning food distribution.

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”.

YMCA Sam’s Club Christmas Party is December 21st – Thanks to everyone who donated teddy bears stored on top of the church family mailboxes.   We still need sign-up of 3 or 4 dozen baked cookies for the party placed in the church kitchen Sunday December 19th..  Monetary donations toward the cost of the meal of pizza, apples, soda and M&Ms can be given to Susie Kunkle.  717-352-2562.

Prayer and Study Group

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

You are invited to join us on a new journey toward intimacy with God. We will be studying different prayer techniques and spiritual rhythms. We will meet on Zoom December 14th at 6:30 here.

Meeting ID: 869 2125 5975 Passcode: 7yWCpF

We use  Padlet to post our comments & experiences All the group information will be on Padlet. The link is https://padlet.com/lindsayzubal/18h7uvhpvekgim5k.  If you have any questions email Lindsay

Advent Study - In the early church, Advent was a season of fasting and prayer, similar to the season of Lent. It was a time of stillness and preparation, in anticipation of the birth of Christ. The Advent wreath is a simple practice of this anticipation, the light gradually building toward the arrival of the Light of the World on Christmas Day. The four Advent candles—Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace— also build on each other. Hope remains that Love will come for us, causing Joy to spread and Peace to fill our lives. Please consider joining us as we explore practices to make room for more hope, love, joy, and peace in our lives this Advent season.  We will begin as a full group in the FLC at 10:00 a.m. before splitting into smaller groups for discussion.  All are welcome!

Prayers for Healing

Sarah Baker

Brad Lucus

Lucille Lowe

Paul Bridgegam

Janet Johnston

Mike Zubal

Prayers for Our World

The people of Haiti.

The people of Afghanistan.

Government leaders of all nations.

For all those who take the gospel to a broken world in need of healing.

For those who are grieving this holiday season - from our neighborhood in Chambersburg to a small village in Nepal.

Prayers for Church Ministries, Events and Special projects

Surviving the Holidays this Sunday 12/12 @ 3:30pm FLC.

Stephen Ministry

First Lights Children's Ministry -Connecting the light of the church to the heart of families to ignite the faith of the next generation.

Illuminate Youth Ministry

Hungry Hearts Ministry

Prayers for the pandemic

Healing for those with Covid.

Safety and protection for school children and those working in school systems.

Safety and protection for health care workers and those working in vulnerable places.

Wise choices regarding vaccination.

Prayers needed for these members:

Linda Leidig

Kathy Beaston

Barb Armstrong

Deb Ewing

Shirley Jones

Evelyn Jones

Susie Bulger

Betty Naugle

Praise and Thanksgiving!

We celebrate the coming of Jesus this Advent Season.

 

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

December 3, 2021

Posted on by

Sunday December 5, 2021

9am Traditional Service in the Sanctuary

10am Sunday School All Ages

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

Covid in Franklin County

As of November 29th, the rate of positive tests is still elevated at 15.5% in Franklin County. Our vaccination rate has not changed much with only 39.5% of the people in Franklin County being fully vaccinated. By comparison, Philadelphia County has a 4.9% positive rate with 59% fully vaccinated. Montgomery County has a rate of 7.5% with 57% fully vaccinated. In contrast, York County has a rate of 20.2% with 50.1% fully vaccinated. Of note, there has been a lot of resistance to masking and social distancing there. Also, a word about the omicron variant of the virus. Early reports from South Africa indicate that this mutation may well be more contagious but the severity of the illness may be relatively mild. In addition, the vaccinations already administered may not be as effective. Again, it is very early and as more data becomes available, I will pass it on. Until then, take the necessary precautions, get your flu shot and be vaccinated for covid.

Grace and Peace,  Dr. Hurley

 

COVID19 Protocol Update

First Church leadership asks that congregants wear masks while inside the building per CDC recommendation.

This is recommended NOT mandated.

 

 

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 Service this week:

 

Pastor - Steven M. Livermore

Organist - Diaconal Minister—Linda Peppernick

Reader - Rachel Gotwald

Advent Wreath - The Bistline Family

The altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Harold Barnes who would have celebrated his birthday on December 1st. Given by Beverly Barnes and family.

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.

Our Sunday Children's programming begins at 10am. Children ages 4yrs through 5th grade will meet on the 2nd floor.

The infant/toddler room is open for Infants - 3 years and nursing mothers on Sundays.

It is staffed with volunteers during the 10am SS hour.

There is a designated family area in the FLC for families with little ones at the 11am service.

If you would like to volunteer in this important ministry, please email Brianna.

Visit First Lights.org for more

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.

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts

Egg Cartons -We have more than enough and no more room to store egg cartons for HH so, please stop bringing them to the church. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Hungry Heart's Clothing MissionThe Clothing Mission has remained open since last January.  From January until June, we asked our customers to fill out request forms and the ladies did their best to fill those orders.  Since June, customers have been making appointments to shop for themselves on Thursday afternoons.  During that entire time the ladies have been meeting on Thursday to size and sort donations.  When the elevator quit in August, several of our volunteers were unable to continue because they couldn't manage the stairs.  We also found that without the elevators we weren't physically able to move donations downstairs.  With the help of some special young men from our congregation we were able to move all our stored winter clothes from the NAPA building to the  basement and continue to meet the needs of our community.

With the elevator still out of order and our stored clothing already on display, we need to ask for donations of winter clothing, blankets, and housewares.  The catch is that we can only accept donations if you are willing to carry them to the basement.  The bins are in the Faith and Fellowship Sunday School classroom and items can also be left on tables in that room.  If you are unsure of where to leave donations please talk to Carel Fish on Sunday and I will be glad to give you the short tour of the basement. You can also call me for info.  (717 264 4354).  Please only donate items that can be used at this time (winter clothing) and that you are able to  carry to the basement.  Thanks to you all for making this mission possible as it greatly benefits our neighbors.

 

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

Sponsors are Needed for Haitian Children at Kaendra's Place orphanage. School of Hope tuition sponsorships at $140 a semester or $280 for the school year.  Fall semester tuition is due now.  Talk to Pastor Steve or mail haiti4fumc@gmail.com for more information.

Pastoral Care Ministries
Surviving the Holidays (December 12) is a helpful, encouraging seminar for people facing the holidays after a loved one’s death. Please join us on December 12 at 3:30pm at First United Methodist Church.

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.

Stephen Ministry is here to walk with you through difficult journeys. If you need someone to listen and to care, call Gail at 717-263-8491 ext. 207 for more information. Also, please take a moment to read this wonderful testimony from Bill Holland entitled The Story of Rosemary's Bible.

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

Women Connect now has a private Facebook Group! All women in the church are invited to join!

Our next meeting is December 18. Hope to see you soon!

 

Christmas Eve Service Times

4:00 Informal in the FLC; 7:00 Family in the Sanctuary and 9:00 Lessons and Carols in the Sanctuary.

Sunday December 26, 2021

One combined service at 10 o’clock in the FLC.

Sunday January 5, 2021

One combined service at 10 o'clock in the Sanctuary.

Joyful for Jesus (formerly Joyful Jingle) gift shop will be giving out Christmas gifts this year by partnering with Hungry Hearts food distribution on Thursday, December 16th and 23rd 9 o’clock to noon.  Since there are several community programs focused on gifts for children, we focus on gifts for adults in our community that may not otherwise get Christmas gifts.  We are asking the church family for donations of men’s slippers, men’s gloves, women’s slipper socks, gift baskets and small kitchen appliances.  Also, wrapping paper and gift bags.  Sunday, December 12th you can bring completed baskets and other items to the Family Life Center, after the service and join in the fun of making gift baskets.  Several small appliances can be purchased from Kohl’s Black Friday Deals November 21-26 with mail-in rebates for final cost of less than $5 for Toastmasters and Hamilton Beach. https://blackfriday.com/ads/black-friday/kohls?page=10  Thank you for shining the joy of Jesus to our community. Question? See Susie Kunkle or call 717-352-2562.

Mt. Asbury Retreat Center in Newville is hosting their 2nd annual drive thru Christmas Lights Show! This event takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening from November 26 to December 19. ILLUMINATE YOUTH is volunteering at this great event, and we invite you to join us in helping!

Here are the ways you could join us and support this ministry:

  • Help at the Lights Show on December 11, and December 18.
  • Bake Cookies for the event
  • Donate to raise money for the Retreat Center

If you are interested in helping in any of these ways, or would like more information about the Lights Show, please contact Collin .

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.

Photos will be taken in the Lobby on Sundays, beginning today through the 26th.  Lifetouch Photography has ceased their church directory operations so we will produce our own “in house” with some of our own fine photographers.  The directory will be available on line and through our own Church Center app as well as in print at a later date.  Each person/family will be sent digital copies.  Help us make this a success by having your photo taken!

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:

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 and meets every Wednesday 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.

Elevator Update -We have been told it will be 10 weeks from the time the parts are ordered until work begins which is the end of January or the beginning of February. The bulk of funds has come from endowment and a CD, leaving $20,000 to be raised.  To date contributions of $10,310 have been received.  Thanks for giving as we fund the remaining $9,690 needed.

Friendly reminder that if you need to take tables out of the FLC please return them by Wednesday night so they are available for Thursday morning food distribution.

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”.

Free Advent Devotional Guide Don't let Christmas sneak up on you this year. Prepare your heart and take joy in the spiritual journey that leads you to that holy day! Best-selling author John Piper offers 25 devotional readings to sweeten your worship of God's Son this December. Available to pick up at the Welcome Center, one per family.

YMCA Sam’s Club Christmas Party is December 21st – Thanks to everyone who donated teddy bears stored on top of the church family mailboxes.   We still need sign-up of 3 or 4 dozen baked cookies for the party placed in the church kitchen Sunday December 19th..  Monetary donations toward the cost of the meal of pizza, apples, soda and M&Ms can be given to Susie Kunkle.  717-352-2562.

 

Prayer and Study Group

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

You are invited to join us on a new journey toward intimacy with God. We will be studying different prayer techniques and spiritual rhythms. We will meet on Zoom December 14th at 6:30 here.

Meeting ID: 869 2125 5975 Passcode: 7yWCpF

We use  Padlet to post our comments & experiences All the group information will be on Padlet. The link is https://padlet.com/lindsayzubal/18h7uvhpvekgim5k.  If you have any questions email Lindsay

Advent Study - In the early church, Advent was a season of fasting and prayer, similar to the season of Lent. It was a time of stillness and preparation, in anticipation of the birth of Christ. The Advent wreath is a simple practice of this anticipation, the light gradually building toward the arrival of the Light of the World on Christmas Day. The four Advent candles—Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace— also build on each other. Hope remains that Love will come for us, causing Joy to spread and Peace to fill our lives. Please consider joining us as we explore practices to make room for more hope, love, joy, and peace in our lives this Advent season.  We will begin as a full group in the FLC at 10:00 a.m. before splitting into smaller groups for discussion.  All are welcome!

PRAYER, PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22 (KJV)

Pray that during this Advent season you become closer to The Babe of Bethlehem, our Savior

Healing for:

  • Sarah Baker
  • Brad Lucus
  • Lucille Lowe
  • Paul Bridgegam
  • Janet Jojhnston
  • Mike Zubal

Praise for Matt – he is home!

Continue praying for the people of Haiti & Afghanistan

Pray for our government leaders

Prayers for Norine Selby

Pray for all those who take the gospel to a broken world in need of healing

Pray for those who are grieving this holiday season

Surviving the Holidays Sunday 12/12 @ 3:30pm FLC

Pray for Stephen Ministry

Healing for those with Covid

Safety and protection for school children and those working in school systems

Pray for First Lights -Connecting the light of the church to the heart of families to ignite the faith of the next generation

Pray for Illuminate Youth Ministry

Pray for Hungry Hearts Ministry

Prayers Needed for:

  • John & Bunny Parson
  • Larry & Avis Guise
  • Al & Linda Lojacono
  •  Betty Upperman
  •  Bill & Mary Butts
  • Jack & Bette Bowers
  • Dean & Carol Crow
  • Paul & Erma Collins
  • Bill & Thelma Peerce
  • Kirk & Kathy Paul
  • Chuck & Dianne Salter
  • Dave & Joan Kauffman

Praise and Thanksgiving!

We celebrate the coming of Jesus this Advent Season!

Endowment Fund Status

as of September 30, 2021

The total amount of principal (market value) in the Endowment fund is $1,412,978. This is an increase of $59,086.28 from the beginning of the year. As you know we cannot spend the principal amount. We can only spend the interest earned. The amount available (interest earned) is $221,164. The amount available by category is as follows:

General $88,653   Music $41,017   Facilities $40,484   Missions $11,723 Scholarships $39,287

 So far this year the Fund has purchased a mobile sound system ($2,200) for use at the park and the church. We supported building/repairing a wall ($3,000) at the Haiti Orphanage for safety and security. We provided uniforms and books ($2,000) for the students at our school. Uniforms are very important in Haitian society so that the children are not bullied or targeted by traffickers. In the near future the Endowment Fund will contribute $29,500 towards the repair of the elevator.

Please consider contributing to the Endowment Fund. In addition to the support the Fund has provided this year, examples of past year support are:

Stain Glass Windows – Pastoral Support to Sierra Leone – Visits to Haiti – Adult Work Camp – Continuing Ed Conferences – Auto Repairs for a Missionary – Noah’s House – Video/Streaming Equip. – Sierra Leone Initiatives (5-year commitment)

 

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

November 25, 2021

Posted on by

Sunday November 28, 2021

9am Traditional Service in the Sanctuary

10am Sunday School All Ages

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

COVID19 Protocol Update

First Church leadership asks that congregants wear masks while inside the building per CDC recommendation.

This is recommended NOT mandated.

 

 

Covid in Franklin County

The latest statistics for Pennsylvania and Franklin county as of 11/10/21 reveal that the number of tests for covid are positive in Franklin county 11.4% of the time. This is the lowest in the south central region (12.9-17.7% in other counties). That is significantly less than in early September (19.1%) This is great news. Hospitalizations are also decreasing. However, The number of people fully vaccinated is still quite low at 38.5%. The total statewide is 59.2%.
The recommendations from the CDC have not changed at this point. Masks are highly recommended for everyone indoors. The covid vaccine is highly recommended as well. Booster shots are available for people previously vaccinated 6 months ago including those over 65, those with serious health problems, and those in the public arena as part of their jobs. Vaccines are now approved also for children 5-11 years old. Finally, the flu shot is also strongly suggested. - ~Dr. Hurley

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 Service this week:

 

Pastor - Steven M. Livermore

Organist - Ben Schellhase

Reader - Denise Lucas

Advent Wreath - The Gotwald Family

***

Altar flowers
Last Week The basket of flowers were in loving memory of David Thomas Wright. Given by David and Shirley Wright.

Today The flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Nancy Bowser. Given by Kim and Jerry Overcash and family.

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.

Our Sunday Children's programming begins at 10am. Children ages 4yrs through 5th grade will meet on the 2nd floor.

The infant/toddler room is open for Infants - 3 years and nursing mothers on Sundays.

It is staffed with volunteers during the 10am SS hour.

There is a designated family area in the FLC for families with little ones at the 11am service.

If you would like to volunteer in this important ministry, please email Brianna.

Visit First Lights.org for more

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.

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts

Egg Cartons -We have more than enough and no more room to store egg cartons for HH so, please stop bringing them to the church. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Hungry Heart's Clothing MissionThe Clothing Mission has remained open since last January.  From January until June, we asked our customers to fill out request forms and the ladies did their best to fill those orders.  Since June, customers have been making appointments to shop for themselves on Thursday afternoons.  During that entire time the ladies have been meeting on Thursday to size and sort donations.  When the elevator quit in August, several of our volunteers were unable to continue because they couldn't manage the stairs.  We also found that without the elevators we weren't physically able to move donations downstairs.  With the help of some special young men from our congregation we were able to move all our stored winter clothes from the NAPA building to the  basement and continue to meet the needs of our community.

With the elevator still out of order and our stored clothing already on display, we need to ask for donations of winter clothing, blankets, and housewares.  The catch is that we can only accept donations if you are willing to carry them to the basement.  The bins are in the Faith and Fellowship Sunday School classroom and items can also be left on tables in that room.  If you are unsure of where to leave donations please talk to Carel Fish on Sunday and I will be glad to give you the short tour of the basement. You can also call me for info.  (717 264 4354).  Please only donate items that can be used at this time (winter clothing) and that you are able to  carry to the basement.  Thanks to you all for making this mission possible as it greatly benefits our neighbors.

 

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

Sponsors are Needed for Haitian Children at Kaendra's Place orphanage. School of Hope tuition sponsorships at $140 a semester or $280 for the school year.  Fall semester tuition is due now.  Talk to Pastor Steve or mail haiti4fumc@gmail.com for more information.

Pastoral Care Ministries
Surviving the Holidays (December 12) is a helpful, encouraging seminar for people facing the holidays after a loved one’s death. Please join us on December 12 at 3:30pm at First United Methodist Church.

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.

Stephen Ministry is here to walk with you through difficult journeys. If you need someone to listen and to care, call Gail at 717-263-8491 ext. 207 for more information. Also, please take a moment to read this wonderful testimony from Bill Holland entitled The Story of Rosemary's Bible.

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

Women Connect now has a private Facebook Group! All women in the church are invited to join!

Our next meeting is December 18. Hope to see you soon!

 

Sunday December 19, 2021 - one combined service at 10am.

The 9 o’clock hour will be an all church fellowship hour in the FLC with hot and cold beverage and sweet bites for refreshments.

Joyful for Jesus (formerly Joyful Jingle) gift shop will be giving out Christmas gifts this year by partnering with Hungry Hearts food distribution on Thursday, December 16th and 23rd 9 o’clock to noon.  Since there are several community programs focused on gifts for children, we focus on gifts for adults in our community that may not otherwise get Christmas gifts.  We are asking the church family for donations of men’s slippers, men’s gloves, women’s slipper socks, gift baskets and small kitchen appliances.  Also, wrapping paper and gift bags.  Sunday, December 12th you can bring completed baskets and other items to the Family Life Center, after the service and join in the fun of making gift baskets.  Several small appliances can be purchased from Kohl’s Black Friday Deals November 21-26 with mail-in rebates for final cost of less than $5 for Toastmasters and Hamilton Beach. https://blackfriday.com/ads/black-friday/kohls?page=10  Thank you for shining the joy of Jesus to our community. Question? See Susie Kunkle or call 717-352-2562.

Christmas Eve Service Times

4p Informal in the FLC / 7p Family in the Sanctuary / 9p Lessons and Carols in the Sanctuary.

Sunday December 26, 2021

One combined service at 10 o’clock in the FLC.

Mt. Asbury Retreat Center in Newville is hosting their 2nd annual drive thru Christmas Lights Show! This event takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening from November 26 to December 19. ILLUMINATE YOUTH is volunteering at this great event, and we invite you to join us in helping!

Here are the ways you could join us and support this ministry:

  • Help at the Lights Show on November 28, December 11, and December 18.
  • Bake Cookies for the event
  • Donate to raise money for the Retreat Center

If you are interested in helping in any of these ways, or would like more information about the Lights Show, please contact Collin .

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.

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:

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 and meets every Wednesday 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.

Elevator Update -We have been told it will be 10 weeks from the time the parts are ordered until work begins which is the end of January or the beginning of February. The bulk of funds has come from endowment and a CD, leaving $20,000 to be raised.  To date contributions of $10,310 have been received.  Thanks for giving as we fund the remaining $9,690 needed.

Friendly reminder that if you need to take tables out of the FLC please return them by Wednesday night so they are available for Thursday morning food distribution.

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, 109 East King Street, Chambersburg 17201—memo “refugee resettlement”.

Free Advent Devotional Guide Don't let Christmas sneak up on you this year. Prepare your heart and take joy in the spiritual journey that leads you to that holy day! Best-selling author John Piper offers 25 devotional readings to sweeten your worship of God's Son this December. Available to pick up at the Welcome Center, one per family.

Prayer and Study Group

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

You are invited to join us on a new journey toward intimacy with God. We will be studying different prayer techniques and spiritual rhythms. We will meet on Zoom December 14th at 6:30 here.

Meeting ID: 869 2125 5975 Passcode: 7yWCpF

We use  Padlet to post our comments & experiences All the group information will be on Padlet. The link is https://padlet.com/lindsayzubal/18h7uvhpvekgim5k.  If you have any questions email Lindsay

Advent Study - In the early church, Advent was a season of fasting and prayer, similar to the season of Lent. It was a time of stillness and preparation, in anticipation of the birth of Christ. The Advent wreath is a simple practice of this anticipation, the light gradually building toward the arrival of the Light of the World on Christmas Day. The four Advent candles—Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace— also build on each other. Hope remains that Love will come for us, causing Joy to spread and Peace to fill our lives. Please consider joining us as we explore practices to make room for more hope, love, joy, and peace in our lives this Advent season.  We will begin as a full group in the FLC at 10:00 a.m. before splitting into smaller groups for discussion.  All are welcome!

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!

Healing for Sarah Baker – medical procedure 11/19

Healing prayers for Bunny Parson

Continued healing for David Livermore  (Pastor Steve's brother)

Healing for Paul Bridegam and wisdom for the Dr's

Healing prayers for Matt - more improvement

Prayers for Charlie Rock

Healing prayers for a Cousin Jay in hospital

Healing for a nephew Terry

Continue praying for the people of Haiti & Afghanistan

Pray for our government leaders

Prayers for Norine Selby (Glenn & Natalie Aylesworth’s daughter)

Pray for all those who take the gospel to a broken world in need of healing

Pray for those who are grieving this holiday season

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 Janet Johnston
Safety for all who are traveling this holiday season

Pray for First Lights -Connecting the light of the church to the heart of families to ignite the faith of the next generation

Pray for Illuminate Youth Ministry

Pray for Hungry Hearts Ministry

Pray for yourself that you might be true to Christ even if you are rejected.

Prayers Needed for:

Linda Leidig

Kathy Beaston

Barb Armstrong

Peggy

Deb Ewing

Shirley Jones

Evelyn Jones

Susie Bulger

Betty Naugle

Praise and Thanksgiving!

We celebrate the presentation of Elsie Eloise last Sunday!

We praise God for those who seek to live a new life in Christ!

Endowment Fund Status

as of September 30, 2021

The total amount of principal (market value) in the Endowment fund is $1,412,978. This is an increase of $59,086.28 from the beginning of the year. As you know we cannot spend the principal amount. We can only spend the interest earned. The amount available (interest earned) is $221,164. The amount available by category is as follows:

General $88,653   Music $41,017   Facilities $40,484   Missions $11,723 Scholarships $39,287

 So far this year the Fund has purchased a mobile sound system ($2,200) for use at the park and the church. We supported building/repairing a wall ($3,000) at the Haiti Orphanage for safety and security. We provided uniforms and books ($2,000) for the students at our school. Uniforms are very important in Haitian society so that the children are not bullied or targeted by traffickers. In the near future the Endowment Fund will contribute $29,500 towards the repair of the elevator.

Please consider contributing to the Endowment Fund. In addition to the support the Fund has provided this year, examples of past year support are:

Stain Glass Windows – Pastoral Support to Sierra Leone – Visits to Haiti – Adult Work Camp – Continuing Ed Conferences – Auto Repairs for a Missionary – Noah’s House – Video/Streaming Equip. – Sierra Leone Initiatives (5-year commitment)

 

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

November 19, 2021

Posted on by

Sunday November 21, 2021

9am Traditional Service in the Sanctuary

10am Sunday School All Ages

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

COVID19 Protocol Update

First Church leadership asks that congregants wear masks while inside the building per CDC recommendation.

This is recommended NOT mandated.

 

 

Covid in Franklin County

The latest statistics for Pennsylvania and Franklin county as of 11/10/21 reveal that the number of tests for covid are positive in Franklin county 11.4% of the time. This is the lowest in the south central region (12.9-17.7% in other counties). That is significantly less than in early September (19.1%) This is great news. Hospitalizations are also decreasing. However, The number of people fully vaccinated is still quite low at 38.5%. The total statewide is 59.2%.
The recommendations from the CDC have not changed at this point. Masks are highly recommended for everyone indoors. The covid vaccine is highly recommended as well. Booster shots are available for people previously vaccinated 6 months ago including those over 65, those with serious health problems, and those in the public arena as part of their jobs. Vaccines are now approved also for children 5-11 years old. Finally, the flu shot is also strongly suggested. - ~Dr. Hurley

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 Service this week:

 

Pastor - Steven M. Livermore

Organist/Choir Director

- Diaconal Minister of Music: Linda A. Peppernick

Reader - Penny Buckus

Altar flowers are presented to the glory of God and in loving memory of Delnore 'Del' Mills who passed away last November. Given by his wife Sandy.

***

FLOWERS Due to increase in costs, Royer’s Flowers informed us that beginning December 1st the price for 2 altar vases will be $40 and consist of 6 carnations per vase. Mix floral vases are $45 with 3 car-nations and 3 large mums. A new delivery charge of $9.00 will be add-ed. Total base cost will be near $50.00. In-house floral arrangements for those desiring an alternative is being considered.

Flower Arranging Workshop - We will offer a flower arranging workshop, Monday, November 22 at 10 AM. Come learn how to arrange vases and centerpieces. You take your arrangements with you, just in time for your Thanksgiving table! Cost is $10.00. Bill Corwell will be the teacher. To register by 11/18 please email. Flowers will be provided.

 

 

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.

Our Sunday Children's programming begins at 10am. Children ages 4yrs through 5th grade will meet on the 2nd floor.

The infant/toddler room is open for Infants - 3 years and nursing mothers on Sundays.

It is staffed with volunteers during the 10am SS hour.

There is a designated family area in the FLC for families with little ones at the 11am service.

If you would like to volunteer in this important ministry, please email Brianna.

Visit First Lights.org for more

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.

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts

Egg Cartons -We have more than enough and no more room to store egg cartons for HH so, please stop bringing them to the church. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Hungry Heart's Clothing MissionThe Clothing Mission has remained open since last January.  From January until June, we asked our customers to fill out request forms and the ladies did their best to fill those orders.  Since June, customers have been making appointments to shop for themselves on Thursday afternoons.  During that entire time the ladies have been meeting on Thursday to size and sort donations.  When the elevator quit in August, several of our volunteers were unable to continue because they couldn't manage the stairs.  We also found that without the elevators we weren't physically able to move donations downstairs.  With the help of some special young men from our congregation we were able to move all our stored winter clothes from the NAPA building to the  basement and continue to meet the needs of our community.

With the elevator still out of order and our stored clothing already on display, we need to ask for donations of winter clothing, blankets, and housewares.  The catch is that we can only accept donations if you are willing to carry them to the basement.  The bins are in the Faith and Fellowship Sunday School classroom and items can also be left on tables in that room.  If you are unsure of where to leave donations please talk to Carel Fish on Sunday and I will be glad to give you the short tour of the basement. You can also call me for info.  (717 264 4354).  Please only donate items that can be used at this time (winter clothing) and that you are able to  carry to the basement.  Thanks to you all for making this mission possible as it greatly benefits our neighbors.

 

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

Sponsors are Needed for Haitian Children at Kaendra's Place orphanage. School of Hope tuition sponsorships at $140 a semester or $280 for the school year.  Fall semester tuition is due now.  Talk to Pastor Steve or mail haiti4fumc@gmail.com for more information.

Pastoral Care Ministries
Surviving the Holidays (December 12) is a helpful, encouraging seminar for people facing the holidays after a loved one’s death. Please join us on December 12 at 3:30pm at First United Methodist Church.

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.

Stephen Ministry is here to walk with you through difficult journeys. If you need someone to listen and to care, call Gail at 717-263-8491 ext. 207 for more information. Also, please take a moment to read this wonderful testimony from Bill Holland entitled The Story of Rosemary's Bible.

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

Women Connect now has a private Facebook Group! All women in the church are invited to join!

Join us tomorrow at 9am at the Connect Café! We will be making Advent Wreathes.

Our next meeting is December 18. Hope to see you soon!

 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Joyful for Jesus!

Joyful for Jesus (formerly Joyful Jingle) gift shop will be giving out Christmas gifts this year by partnering with Hungry Hearts food distribution on Thursday, December 16th and 23rd 9 o’clock to noon.  Since there are several community programs focused on gifts for children, we focus on gifts for adults in our community that may not otherwise get Christmas gifts.  We are asking the church family for donations of men’s slippers, men’s gloves, women’s slipper socks, gift baskets and small kitchen appliances.  Also, wrapping paper and gift bags.  Sunday, December 12th you can bring completed baskets and other items to the Family Life Center, after the service and join in the fun of making gift baskets.  Several small appliances can be purchased from Kohl’s Black Friday Deals November 21-26 with mail-in rebates for final cost of less than $5 for Toastmasters and Hamilton Beach. https://blackfriday.com/ads/black-friday/kohls?page=10  Thank you for shining the joy of Jesus to our community. Question? See Susie Kunkle or call 717-352-2562.

Mt. Asbury Retreat Center in Newville is hosting their 2nd annual drive thru Christmas Lights Show! This event takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening from November 26 to December 19. ILLUMINATE YOUTH is volunteering at this great event, and we invite you to join us in helping!

Here are the ways you could join us and support this ministry:

  • Help at the Lights Show on November 28, December 11, and December 18.
  • Bake Cookies for the event
  • Donate to raise money for the Retreat Center

If you are interested in helping in any of these ways, or would like more information about the Lights Show, please contact Collin .

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Thanksgiving Hours  - The church offices will be closed November 24-26.

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.

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:

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 and meets every Wednesday 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.

Elevator Update -the elevator company was in the building this week taking measurements and gathering information to order needed parts.

First UMC Church Conference is tonight -Sunday, November 21st at 5:00 PM. Please take a moment and review these documents prior to Sunday evening. Our District Superintendent will be with us to conduct the meeting. We will also meet on Zoom. The link is in your weekly email. We hope to see you there!

Friendly reminder that if you need to take tables out of the FLC please return them by Wednesday night so they are available for Thursday morning food distribution.

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, 109 East King Street, Chambersburg 17201—memo “refugee resettlement”.

Cookie Dough and Coffee Sale  Pick up for orders will be Saturday, November 20th or following services on the 21st from 10:30am to 12pm.

Free Advent Devotional Guide Don't let Christmas sneak up on you this year. Prepare your heart and take joy in the spiritual journey that leads you to that holy day! Best-selling author John Piper offers 25 devotional readings to sweeten your worship of God's Son this December. Available to pick up at the Welcome Center, one per family.

New Study Groups!

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

You are invited to join us on a new journey toward intimacy with God. We will be studying different prayer techniques and spiritual rhythms. We will meet on Zoom December 14th at 6:30 here.

Meeting ID: 869 2125 5975 Passcode: 7yWCpF

We use  Padlet to post our comments & experiences All the group information will be on Padlet. The link is https://padlet.com/lindsayzubal/18h7uvhpvekgim5k.  If you have any questions email Lindsay

Blind spots. Whether they’re on your car or in your life, they’re dangerous because we can’t see them. But we all have them. Most of us think we know ourselves because we’ve been ourselves our entire lives. But what we don’t see is how other people see us. We don’t usually know what it’s like to be on the other side of us. But discovering our blind spots is one of the ways we grow as a person. So, how can we see something that we’re blind to? We can’t! But God and other people can reveal them to us. But we need to be open to it, and that’s not always so easy. We have to know that we don’t know it all and turn to the One who does. Sometimes God uses other people to show us where we’re out of step with the person He created us to be; where we’re rubbing someone wrong without even knowing it. Other times, God uses tests and trials in our lives to get our attention. It’s not always fun or easy—in fact, it’s usually not—but growing as a person is always worth it.

Blind Spots is led by Dan Renshaw in the Family Life Center at 10am for two weeks.

Hope you join us!

Advent Study - In the early church, Advent was a season of fasting and prayer, similar to the season of Lent. It was a time of stillness and preparation, in anticipation of the birth of Christ. The Advent wreath is a simple practice of this anticipation, the light gradually building toward the arrival of the Light of the World on Christmas Day. The four Advent candles—Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace— also build on each other. Hope remains that Love will come for us, causing Joy to spread and Peace to fill our lives.  Please consider joining us as we explore practices to make room for more hope, love, joy, and peace in our lives this Advent season.  We will begin as a full group in the FLC at 10:00 a.m. before splitting into smaller groups for discussion.  All are welcome!

 

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!

Healing for Sarah Baker – medical procedure 11/19

Healing prayers for Bunny Parson

Continued healing for David Livermore  (Pastor Steve's brother)

Healing for Paul Bridegam and wisdom for the Dr's

Healing prayers for Matt - more improvement

Prayers for Charlie Rock

Healing prayers for a Cousin Jay in hospital

Healing for a nephew Terry

Continue praying for the people of Haiti & Afghanistan

Pray for our government leaders

Prayers for Norine Selby (Glenn & Natalie Aylesworth’s daughter)

Pray for all those who take the gospel to a broken world in need of healing

Pray for those who are grieving this holiday season

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

Pray for First Lights -Connecting the light of the church to the heart of families to ignite the faith of the next generation

Pray for Illuminate Youth Ministry

Pray for Hungry Hearts Ministry

Pray for yourself that you might be true to Christ even if you are rejected.

Prayers Needed for:

Linda Leidig

Kathy Beaston

Barb Armstrong

Peggy

Deb Ewing

Shirley Jones

Evelyn Jones

Susie Bulger

Betty Naugle

Praise and Thanksgiving!

We celebrate the presentation of Elsie Eloise last Sunday!

We praise God for those who seek to live a new life in Christ!

Endowment Fund Status

as of September 30, 2021

The total amount of principal (market value) in the Endowment fund is $1,412,978. This is an increase of $59,086.28 from the beginning of the year. As you know we cannot spend the principal amount. We can only spend the interest earned. The amount available (interest earned) is $221,164. The amount available by category is as follows:

General $88,653   Music $41,017   Facilities $40,484   Missions $11,723 Scholarships $39,287

 So far this year the Fund has purchased a mobile sound system ($2,200) for use at the park and the church. We supported building/repairing a wall ($3,000) at the Haiti Orphanage for safety and security. We provided uniforms and books ($2,000) for the students at our school. Uniforms are very important in Haitian society so that the children are not bullied or targeted by traffickers. In the near future the Endowment Fund will contribute $29,500 towards the repair of the elevator.

Please consider contributing to the Endowment Fund. In addition to the support the Fund has provided this year, examples of past year support are:

Stain Glass Windows – Pastoral Support to Sierra Leone – Visits to Haiti – Adult Work Camp – Continuing Ed Conferences – Auto Repairs for a Missionary – Noah’s House – Video/Streaming Equip. – Sierra Leone Initiatives (5-year commitment)

 

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