November 5, 2021

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Sunday November 7, 2021

9am Traditional Service in the Sanctuary

10am Sunday School All Ages

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

All Saints Sunday

Harold Boyer

Susan Briggs

Jean Cramer

Patricia Gerhart

Edward Gunder

Betty Houpt

Dennis Miller

Del Mills

Willian Myles

Beverly Rensch

Mary Rine

Doris Ryder

Janet Shatzer

Jay Upperman

 

COVID19 Protocol Update

Because Franklin county has moved into the High category of COVID transmission, First Church leadership asks that congregants wear masks while inside the building per CDC recommendation. This is recommended NOT mandated. We understand that individuals have varied feelings on masks.

We are also again encouraging social distancing in the sanctuary and in the FLC.

Please see Bishop Park's announcement.

Franklin County is being hit hard by the latest surge in the COVID-19 pandemic. We [Wellspan] are caring for 76 COVID-positive patients in our Chambersburg and Waynesboro facilities, and our urgent cares and clinics are overflowing. There have been times this week when so many patients have turned to our Emergency Department in Chambersburg for care that a line has extended beyond the entrance. A tent is now being placed outside of the Emergency Department in Chambersburg to accommodate patients who may be waiting, and we are again in the position of needing to delay some surgeries and procedures to care for COVID patients. Visitation also continues to be restricted in our hospitals and emergency rooms. And, once again, our health care workforce is being pushed to their limits, both physically and emotionally.

Full Letter

 

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 - Becky Foor

The altar flowers are presented to the glory of God and in loving memory of Margaret C. Hoover who's birthday would have been November 10. Given by Jean and Fran Flohr.

The basket of flowers is presented to the glory of God and is in loving memory of my parents Roy and Mary Hays. Given by Evie Gray.

 

 

 

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. We will have infant and toddler care on the 1st floor soon.

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 Mission is NOT accepting donations at the present time due to the church elevator being out of operation and several of our regular volunteers not being available due to health issues. We are looking for some additional volunteers.  The job includes sorting and sizing incoming donations, maintaining the store in the church basement, storing out-of-season clothing, and greeting our guests on Thursday afternoons.  Parents and children may want to consider helping during the summer months. (We find younger volunteers to be very helpful in sorting toys.) Our usual hours are from 1 pm to 5pm on Thursday but we can be flexible. Call Carel Fish 717-264-4354.

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.

Cookie Dough and Coffee Sale  Pick up for orders will be Saturday, November 20th.

Pastoral Care Ministries
Surviving the Holidays (November 14 or December 12) is a helpful, encouraging seminar for people facing the holidays after a loved one’s death. Please join us on November 14 or 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 November 20 at 9am-10:30am in the Connect café. Find out more here!

Also, the Women Connect group is making Advent wreaths at our meeting on November 20th.  We need live greens such as pine, juniper, holly, etc. We would like to cut November 18 and 19th.  Please notify Paula Hepfer 717-360-6634 if you are willing to share with us!

 

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 from 9 o’clock to noon.

Since there are several community programs focused on gifts for children, we will focus on gifts for adults.  We are asking the church community for donations of women’s and men’s slippers, gloves, items for gift baskets and small kitchen appliances.  Items can be dropped off at the information desk.  Bring completed baskets or join in the fun of making gift baskets Sunday, December 12th in the Family Life Center after the service.

Thank you for shining the joy of Jesus to our community folks in need.  Questions?  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:

  • Volunteer day on November 13 (9am-3pm at Mt. Asbury)
  • 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 -the elevator company was in the building this week taking measurements and gathering information to order needed parts.

First UMC Church Conference Sunday, November 21st at 5:00 PM. Our District Superintendent will be with us to conduct the meeting. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending.

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: Franklin County has welcomed a Syrian refugee family - (Dad & Mom with three young sons... 10, 8, & 6 years old) and has been provided temporary living quarters. 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” to be used for living expenses for the family directly.

Cookie Dough and Coffee Sale  Pick up for orders will be Saturday, November 20th of following services on the 21st.

Advent Wreaths The Women Connect group is making Advent wreaths at our meeting on November 20th.  We need live greens such as pine, juniper, holly, etc. We would like to cut November 18 and 19th.  Please notify Paula Hepfer 717-360-6634 if you are willing to share with us!

New Sunday Morning Study Groups!

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

Starting Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 6:30-8 pm in the Sanctuary
You are invited to join us on a new journey toward intimacy with God. We will be studying different prayer techniques and spiritual rhythms. This will be a hybrid group: if the group would rather meet on Zoom or in-person we can do either. We will meet once a month on a Tuesday and there will be a weekly reading assignment during the month. To keep connected during each month we will be using a Padlet Board to post our comments & experiences on! All the group information will be on Padlet. If you have any questions or if you are moved to join our group you can email Lindsay Zubal.

No two worlds seem further apart than the worlds of science and faith. In fact, sometimes the two seem so far apart that it feels like we’re forced to pick a side. And while it may have originated years ago in a high school science class or with a college professor, for many of us, the tension between science and faith extends far beyond classroom walls at this point. In fact, in many ways it seems that the tension between science and faith is growing now more than ever. Instead of science merely being dismissive of God, it now seems like science is actively trying to disprove God. And if that’s true, does God disapprove science? After all, if one is right, the other must be wrong . . . right? Well, as it turns out, maybe not. The truth is, science and faith may not be as far from each other as we’ve been, perhaps, led to believe. In this series, as we take a look at the ways science and faith might actually relate, we’ll discover that the more we learn about how this world works, the more we’ll learn about the Who behind it all.

World's Apart is led by Dan Renshaw in the Family Life Center at 10am for 4 weeks.

Hope you join us!

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!

Prayers of comfort for Paul Bridegam and family at the passing of his youngest son.

Healing prayers for Sarah Baker

Healing prayers for Bunny Parson

Healing for Ann (Janae Pensinger’s sister)

God’s grace for Blanche Mock

Healing for Paul Bridegam and wisdom for the Dr's

Healing prayers for Matt - some improvement

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 coming to GriefShare

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.

Please pray for those coming and the facilitators for   Surviving the Holidays seminar on Nov. 14 @ 3:30 here at FUMC

Prayers Needed for:

Linda Leidig

Kathy Beaston

Barb Armstrong

Peggy

Deb Ewing

Shirley Jones

Evelyn Jones

Erma Collins

Susie Bulger

Betty Naugle

Dean Crow

Jeff Brookens

Ginny Adams

Praise and Thanksgiving!

We praise God for His abundant blessings. We praise God for giving us Heaven as our forever home!

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

The Story of Rosemary’s Bible

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It’s been two years since my wife Rosemary passed away to be with our Lord.  Rosemary had a beautiful and powerful faith and because of that I was inspired.  Every morning she would spend the very first hour of the day in her reading chair with her Bible. Immediately after she was stricken with West Nile Virus she became very, very sick and unable to move or speak.  Myself along with many, many others prayed often and hard for her recovery.  She struggled so hard but God said no.  Following her passing I was completely lost and spiritually laboring.

My grief journey was filled with depression, ups and downs, mostly downs.  I was slowly recovering and my faith was really not moving forward.  I struggled with this seemingly every waken moment.

About a year ago I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.  Once again people were praying, this time for me.  My cancer was found very early and was completely removed.  Eventually those prayers for me were answered and God said yes.  I was however still struggling as it was just so very difficult to understand why me and not Rosemary.  I did not turn to Scripture for answers.

One day early this past summer I was feeling particularly lonely and wandered into Rosemary’s reading space and behind her chair I found one of her Bibles that had fallen from our bookcase.  Interestingly it was lying open to a page where she had highlighted and underlined some of her favorite passages.  I sat down in her chair and began to leaf through the pages and saw that she underlined and highlighted many scriptures that obviously were her favorites.

After reading through her Bible I had a strong feeling of Rosemary encouraging me to read those Scriptures that meant so much to her.  I truly feel that God through Rosemary was pulling me to a closer relationship with Him. ~Bill Holland

My journey with grief will never completely end, but I am now beginning to experience the healing presence of God………through Rosemary’s Bible.

October 29, 2021

Posted on by

Sunday October 31, 2021

9am Traditional Service in the Sanctuary

10am Sunday School All Ages

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

COVID19 Protocol Update

Because Franklin county has moved into the High category of COVID transmission, First Church leadership asks that congregants wear masks while inside the building per CDC recommendation. This is recommended NOT mandated. We understand that individuals have varied feelings on masks.

We are also again encouraging social distancing in the sanctuary and in the FLC.

Please see Bishop Park's announcement.

Franklin County is being hit hard by the latest surge in the COVID-19 pandemic. We [Wellspan] are caring for 76 COVID-positive patients in our Chambersburg and Waynesboro facilities, and our urgent cares and clinics are overflowing. There have been times this week when so many patients have turned to our Emergency Department in Chambersburg for care that a line has extended beyond the entrance. A tent is now being placed outside of the Emergency Department in Chambersburg to accommodate patients who may be waiting, and we are again in the position of needing to delay some surgeries and procedures to care for COVID patients. Visitation also continues to be restricted in our hospitals and emergency rooms. And, once again, our health care workforce is being pushed to their limits, both physically and emotionally.

Full Letter

 

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 - Doug Harbach

The altar flowers are presented to the glory of God and in loving memory of Earl and Mary Kean. Given by Jed and Susie Detrich and Shirley Jones and their families.

 

 

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.

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

Thank You for the Egg Cartons! We have more than enough and no more room to store them so please do not bring in anymore.

Hungry Heart's Clothing Mission is NOT accepting donations at the present time due to the church elevator being out of operation and several of our regular volunteers not being available due to health issues. We are looking for some additional volunteers.  The job includes sorting and sizing incoming donations, maintaining the store in the church basement, storing out-of-season clothing, and greeting our guests on Thursday afternoons.  Parents and children may want to consider helping during the summer months. (We find younger volunteers to be very helpful in sorting toys.) Our usual hours are from 1 pm to 5pm on Thursday but we can be flexible. Call Carel Fish 717-264-4354.

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.

Cookie Dough and Coffee Sale orders are due THIS SUNDAY (OCTOBER 31). Pick up for orders will be Saturday, November 20th.  Proceeds support FUMC Haiti missions in Petit Goave, Haiti. Order forms are available along with purchase envelopes at the worship entrances and lobby. Envelopes can be placed in the offering plates or dropped in the box at the Welcome Center.

 

Pastoral Care Ministries
Surviving the Holidays (November 14 or December 12) is a helpful, encouraging seminar for people facing the holidays after a loved one’s death. Please join us on November 14 or 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.

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

Updates coming soon!

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!

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 Sunday, November 21st at 5:00 PM. Our District Superintendent will be with us to conduct the meeting. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending.

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: Franklin County has welcomed a Syrian refugee family - (Dad & Mom with three young sons... 10, 8, & 6 years old) and has been provided temporary living quarters. 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” to be used for living expenses for the family directly.

 

 

New Sunday Morning Study Groups!

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

Starting Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 6:30-8 pm in the Sanctuary
You are invited to join us on a new journey toward intimacy with God. We will be studying different prayer techniques and spiritual rhythms. This will be a hybrid group: if the group would rather meet on Zoom or in-person we can do either. We will meet once a month on a Tuesday and there will be a weekly reading assignment during the month. To keep connected during each month we will be using a Padlet Board to post our comments & experiences on! All the group information will be on Padlet. If you have any questions or if you are moved to join our group you can email Lindsay Zubal.

No two worlds seem further apart than the worlds of science and faith. In fact, sometimes the two seem so far apart that it feels like we’re forced to pick a side. And while it may have originated years ago in a high school science class or with a college professor, for many of us, the tension between science and faith extends far beyond classroom walls at this point. In fact, in many ways it seems that the tension between science and faith is growing now more than ever. Instead of science merely being dismissive of God, it now seems like science is actively trying to disprove God. And if that’s true, does God disapprove science? After all, if one is right, the other must be wrong . . . right? Well, as it turns out, maybe not. The truth is, science and faith may not be as far from each other as we’ve been, perhaps, led to believe. In this series, as we take a look at the ways science and faith might actually relate, we’ll discover that the more we learn about how this world works, the more we’ll learn about the Who behind it all.

World's Apart is led by Dan Renshaw in the Family Life Center at 10am for 4 weeks.

Hope you join us!

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!

Prayers requests for 10/29

Comfort for family and friends of Dennis Miller as he entered the Church Triumph

Pray for Pastor Steve as it is Pastor Appreciation month

Healing for Dean Crow

Healing for Susie Bulger

Healing for Erma Collins

Healing for Paul Bridegam and wisdom for the Dr's

Healing for Paul's son David

Healing prayers for Matt - some improvement

Please pray for Livermore family friend named Kurdsie who was kidnapped in Haiti. Praise: he is home.

Continue prayers for the group of 17 American short-term missionaries who were kidnapped.

Healing for Blanche Mock

Healing for Deb Ewing

Healing prayers for Ginny Adams

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

Betty Naugle – healing

Pray for those who are coming to GriefShare

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 Jeff Brookens

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.

Please pray for those coming and facilitating Surviving the Holidays seminar on Nov. 14 @ 3:30 here at FUMC

Prayers Needed for:

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

Praise and Thanksgiving!

We praise God for our Pastor!

"And I will give you shepherds after my own
heart, who will feed you with knowledge and
understanding." ~ Jeremiah 3:15

We praise God for the kids who read a Bible verse everyday in October (or even one day)!

Alight a fire in their hearts for Your Word, oh Lord!

The entire congregation is invited to join children and youth ministries at Mt. Asbury Retreat center this fall to help prepare for the Christmas Light Show!

There are also opportunities to staff the Light Show during the event.

If you are interested in finding out more, click Here.

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

October 22, 2021

Posted on by

Sunday October 24, 2021

9am Traditional Service in the Sanctuary

10am Sunday School All Ages

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

COVID19 Protocol Update

Because Franklin county has moved into the High category of COVID transmission, First Church leadership asks that congregants wear masks while inside the building per CDC recommendation. This is recommended NOT mandated. We understand that individuals have varied feelings on masks.

We are also again encouraging social distancing in the sanctuary and in the FLC.

Please see Bishop Park's announcement.

Franklin County is being hit hard by the latest surge in the COVID-19 pandemic. We [Wellspan] are caring for 76 COVID-positive patients in our Chambersburg and Waynesboro facilities, and our urgent cares and clinics are overflowing. There have been times this week when so many patients have turned to our Emergency Department in Chambersburg for care that a line has extended beyond the entrance. A tent is now being placed outside of the Emergency Department in Chambersburg to accommodate patients who may be waiting, and we are again in the position of needing to delay some surgeries and procedures to care for COVID patients. Visitation also continues to be restricted in our hospitals and emergency rooms. And, once again, our health care workforce is being pushed to their limits, both physically and emotionally.

Full Letter

 

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—The Hill Family

The altar flowers are presented to the Glory of God.
October 31st flowers are available to present

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.

'Fear Not!' October Schedule is HERE!

This month Ms. Brianna is challenging kids to read their Bible! If they complete the challenge and return it, Ms. Brianna will kiss a worm( One kiss for ever challenge returned.)  at our end of month 'Fear is Not a Factor' Party or during a special 'Not so Spooky' Halloween Sunday School.

Go HERE to get your 'Fear Not' Bible Reading Challenge!

October 27 from 6pm-8pm is our Fear is not a Factor Party at Church. Kids will be playing glow in the dark games and participating in messy challenges as well as worshipping God.

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.

Please note: There is no Sunday School on October 10.

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts
Please save your egg cartons and drop them off for Hungry Hearts so we can repackage flats of eggs for distribution. If you would like to serve with this ministry, please email hungryheartsfumc@gmail.com.
Hungry Heart's Clothing Mission is NOT accepting donations at the present time due to the church elevator being out of operation and several of our regular volunteers not being available due to health issues. We are looking for some additional volunteers.  The job includes sorting and sizing incoming donations, maintaining the store in the church basement, storing out-of-season clothing, and greeting our guests on Thursday afternoons.  Parents and children may want to consider helping during the summer months. (We find younger volunteers to be very helpful in sorting toys.) Our usual hours are from 1 pm to 5pm on Thursday but we can be flexible. Call Carel Fish 717-264-4354.

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.

Cookie Dough and Coffee Sale to support FUMC Haiti missions in Petit Goave, Haiti has begun! Order forms are available along with purchase envelopes at the worship entrances and lobby. Envelopes can be placed in the offering plates or dropped in the box at the Welcome Center. Orders are due by Sunday, October 31st. Pick up for orders will be Saturday, November 20th.

Pastoral Care Ministries
Surviving the Holidays (November 14 or December 12) is a helpful, encouraging seminar for people facing the holidays after a loved one’s death. Please join us on November 14 or 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.

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

Updates coming soon!

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!

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 contract has been signed and permits acquired from the borough to begin the repairs to the elevator. We have secured 75% of the needed funds and need to raise $20,000 to complete the project.

First UMC Church Conference Sunday, November 21st at 5:00 PM. Our District Superintendent will be with us to conduct the meeting. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending.

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: Refugee Resettlement: Franklin County is hopeful to receive a special gift at the end of the month. We are seeking a select family with a basement or attic apartment  (1 BR + bath) to share this extraordinary gift with. The gift is a Syrian refugee family - Dad & Mom with three young sons... 10, 8, & 6 years old. The family needs temporary living quarters for 2-4 weeks. During this time they will be quarantined (as directed by immigration authorities), but provided with food by our local Refugee Resettlement "Welcome Committee." We hope you or one of your neighbors might be blessed by joining us in welcoming our new neighbors by sharing a part of your home with them. Please contact Clint Bolte (717) 267-2157.

 

New Sunday Morning Study Group!

Begins October 24th. Meets for three weeks in the Cafe at 10am and is being led by Dan Renshaw

No two worlds seem further apart than the worlds of science and faith. In fact, sometimes the two seem so far apart that it feels like we’re forced to pick a side. And while it may have originated years ago in a high school science class or with a college professor, for many of us, the tension between science and faith extends far beyond classroom walls at this point. In fact, in many ways it seems that the tension between science and faith is growing now more than ever. Instead of science merely being dismissive of God, it now seems like science is actively trying to disprove God. And if that’s true, does God disapprove science? After all, if one is right, the other must be wrong . . . right? Well, as it turns out, maybe not. The truth is, science and faith may not be as far from each other as we’ve been, perhaps, led to believe. In this series, as we take a look at the ways science and faith might actually relate, we’ll discover that the more we learn about how this world works, the more we’ll learn about the Who behind it all.

Come join Melvin and Valerie Wallace on Friday, October 22nd and Saturday, October 23rd (if necessary) Bridging the Gap, Connecting in Christ, loading the 40 foot container for Liberia at Park Avenue UMC (across from Wilson College). At 10 am we will pause our work to pray. (You can join us in prayer wherever you are.) We are shipping on faith so the needy in Liberia can have Bibles, books, food, medical school and training supplies by Christmas to lift them up and give them hope. All to the Gory of God! Over $6,000 is still needed for shipping costs and tariffs to West Africa. Monetary donations can be made out to BGCC and mailed to the Wallace’s at 719 Smoke House Road, West Chester, PA 19382 or give to Susie Kunkle (717-352-2562).

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!

Prayers requests for 10/22

Pray for Pastor Steve as it is Pastor Appreciation month

Healing prayers for Matt

Please pray for Livermore family friend name Kurdsie who was kidnapped in Haiti. Also for a group of 17 American short-term missionaries also kidnapped this past weekend.

Prayers for the Illuminate Youth Ministry retreat this weekend

Healing for Blanche Mock

Healing for Deb Ewing

Healing prayers for Ginny Adams

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

Betty Naugle – healing

Pray for those who are coming to GriefShare

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 Jeff Brookens

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 for:

Linda Leidig

Kathy Beaston

Barb Armstrong

Peggy

Deb Ewing

Shirley Jones

Evelyn Jones

 

Praise and Thanksgiving!

We praise God for our Pastor!

"And I will give you shepherds after my own
heart, who will feed you with knowledge and
understanding." ~ Jeremiah 3:15

 

The entire congregation is invited to join children and youth ministries at Mt. Asbury Retreat center this fall to help prepare for the Christmas Light Show!

There are also opportunities to staff the Light Show during the event.

If you are interested in finding out more, click Here.

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

October 15, 2021

Posted on by

Sunday October 17, 2021

9am Traditional Service in the Sanctuary

10am Sunday School All Ages

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

COVID19 Protocol Update

Because Franklin county has moved into the High category of COVID transmission, First Church leadership asks that congregants wear masks while inside the building per CDC recommendation. This is recommended NOT mandated. We understand that individuals have varied feelings on masks.

We are also again encouraging social distancing in the sanctuary and in the FLC.

Please see Bishop Park's announcement.

Franklin County is being hit hard by the latest surge in the COVID-19 pandemic. We [Wellspan] are caring for 76 COVID-positive patients in our Chambersburg and Waynesboro facilities, and our urgent cares and clinics are overflowing. There have been times this week when so many patients have turned to our Emergency Department in Chambersburg for care that a line has extended beyond the entrance. A tent is now being placed outside of the Emergency Department in Chambersburg to accommodate patients who may be waiting, and we are again in the position of needing to delay some surgeries and procedures to care for COVID patients. Visitation also continues to be restricted in our hospitals and emergency rooms. And, once again, our health care workforce is being pushed to their limits, both physically and emotionally.

Full Letter

 

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 - Ben Schellhase

The altar flowers are placed to the glory of God and In honor of granddaughter Gwen's birthday. Given by Judy Paes.
The centerpiece is placed to the glory of God and In loving memory of Lloyd Robison who would have celebrated his birthday on Oct. 8. Given by the Robison family.

October 24 and 31 are still available Sundays to place flowers.

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.

'Fear Not!' October Schedule is HERE!

This month Ms. Brianna is challenging kids to read their Bible! If they complete the challenge and return it, Ms. Brianna will kiss a worm( One kiss for ever challenge returned.)  at our end of month 'Fear is Not a Factor' Party or during a special 'Not so Spooky' Halloween Sunday School.

Go HERE to get your 'Fear Not' Bible Reading Challenge!

Please note: There is no Sunday School on October 10.

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.

Please note: There is no Sunday School on October 10.

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts
Please save your egg cartons and drop them off for Hungry Hearts so we can repackage flats of eggs for distribution. If you would like to serve with this ministry, please email hungryheartsfumc@gmail.com.
Hungry Heart's Clothing Mission is NOT accepting donations at the present time due to the church elevator being out of operation and several of our regular volunteers not being available due to health issues. We are looking for some additional volunteers.  The job includes sorting and sizing incoming donations, maintaining the store in the church basement, storing out-of-season clothing, and greeting our guests on Thursday afternoons.  Parents and children may want to consider helping during the summer months. (We find younger volunteers to be very helpful in sorting toys.) Our usual hours are from 1 pm to 5pm on Thursday but we can be flexible. Call Carel Fish 717-264-4354.

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.

Cookie Dough and Coffee Sale to support FUMC Haiti missions in Petit Goave, Haiti has begun! Order forms are available along with purchase envelopes at the worship entrances and lobby. Envelopes can be placed in the offering plates or dropped in the box at the Welcome Center. Orders are due by Sunday, October 31st. Pick up for orders will be Saturday, November 20th.

Pastoral Care Ministries
A Personal Account of Stephen Ministry:
My father was diagnosed with frontal lobe dementia, and it was my mother who provided all the care for him. Managing a home and caring for an ill loved one was overwhelming and very stressful. When caring for another, we often do so while sacrificing ourselves. Members of the Stephen Team recognized my mother’s need for support and provided a Stephen Minister to her. She referred to this Stephen Minister as her special person and “an angel”. Though the program is completely confidential, my mother was nearly bursting at the seams to tell me who it was. I told her that I did not need to know who it was, but my mom did not care about confidentiality. She wanted to share the joy this program brought to her. I am truly thankful that mom had someone to walk along sider her at a time when she desperately needed it.

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.

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

Our annual Women’s Retreat is October 15th-17th at the Mt. Asbury Retreat Center in Newville, PA.

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!

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.

 If you are interested in taking a Stop the Bleed Class please sign up HERE! It will be held October 12 at 6pm.

Veterans Meeting on Tuesday October 12 at 6:30p.m. in the Alda Bower room.

Elevator Update The contract has been signed and permits acquired from the borough to begin the repairs to the elevator. Today the Trustees will share the repair timeline as well as the finances needed to complete the project.

First UMC Church Conference Sunday, November 21st at 5:00 PM. Our District Superintendent will be with us to conduct the meeting. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending.

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: Refugee Resettlement: Franklin County is hopeful to receive a special gift at the end of the month. We are seeking a select family with a basement or attic apartment  (1 BR + bath) to share this extraordinary gift with. The gift is a Syrian refugee family - Dad & Mom with three young sons... 10, 8, & 6 years old. The family needs temporary living quarters for 2-4 weeks. During this time they will be quarantined (as directed by immigration authorities), but provided with food by our local Refugee Resettlement "Welcome Committee." We hope you or one of your neighbors might be blessed by joining us in welcoming our new neighbors by sharing a part of your home with them. Please contact Clint Bolte (717) 267-2157.

 

New Sunday Morning Study Group!

Begins October 24th. Meets for three weeks in the Cafe at 10am and is being led by Dan Renshaw

No two worlds seem further apart than the worlds of science and faith. In fact, sometimes the two seem so far apart that it feels like we’re forced to pick a side. And while it may have originated years ago in a high school science class or with a college professor, for many of us, the tension between science and faith extends far beyond classroom walls at this point. In fact, in many ways it seems that the tension between science and faith is growing now more than ever. Instead of science merely being dismissive of God, it now seems like science is actively trying to disprove God. And if that’s true, does God disapprove science? After all, if one is right, the other must be wrong . . . right? Well, as it turns out, maybe not. The truth is, science and faith may not be as far from each other as we’ve been, perhaps, led to believe. In this series, as we take a look at the ways science and faith might actually relate, we’ll discover that the more we learn about how this world works, the more we’ll learn about the Who behind it all.

Come join Melvin and Valerie Wallace on Friday, October 22nd and Saturday, October 23rd (if necessary) Bridging the Gap, Connecting in Christ, loading the 40 foot container for Liberia at Park Avenue UMC (across from Wilson College). At 10 am we will pause our work to pray. (You can join us in prayer wherever you are.) We are shipping on faith so the needy in Liberia can have Bibles, books, food, medical school and training supplies by Christmas to lift them up and give them hope. All to the Gory of God! Over $6,000 is still needed for shipping costs and tariffs to West Africa. Monetary donations can be made out to BGCC and mailed to the Wallace’s at 719 Smoke House Road, West Chester, PA 19382 or give to Susie Kunkle (717-352-2562).

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!

Comfort for Beverly Rensch's family as he has entered the Church Triumphant

Comfort for Rev. Charles Kind's family as he has entered the Church Triumphant

Prayers of comfort for Flo & Don Deardorf and John & Bunny Parson as their brother Roger entered the Church Triumphant.

Continued prayers for Linda Peppernick's son, daughter-in-law, and grandson who were tested for covid before leaving Poland. Daughter-in-law and grandson tested positive, They had to stay and Linda's son was negative and came home. When he was tested here, he was also positive. He is feeling terrible. Please pray for all involved.

Prayers for the Women's retreat this weekend.

Healing for Blanche Mock

Healing for Deb Ewing

Healing prayers for Ginny Adams

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

Betty Naugle – healing

Pray for those who are coming to GriefShare

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 Jeff Brookens

Pray for the Women's Retreat October 15-17th at Mt. Asbury - those planning the retreat and the ladies attending

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 for:

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

 

Praise and Thanksgiving!

We praise God for our Pastor!

"And I will give you shepherds after my own
heart, who will feed you with knowledge and
understanding." ~ Jeremiah 3:15

 

The entire congregation is invited to join children and youth ministries at Mt. Asbury Retreat center this fall to help prepare for the Christmas Light Show!

There are also opportunities to staff the Light Show during the event.

If you are interested in finding out more, click Here.

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

October 8, 2021

Posted on by

Sunday October 10, 2021

9am Worship at FUMC in the Family Life Center (FLC)

10am Sunday School

11am Traditional Service in Sanctuary

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING WORSHIP TIMES NEXT SUNDAY

Beginning October 17th both services will be held indoors.

9:00 am Traditional in the sanctuary.

10:00 am Sunday school.

11:00 am Contemporary in the Family Life Center.

COVID19 Protocol Update

Because Franklin county has moved into the High category of COVID transmission, First Church leadership asks that congregants wear masks while inside the building per CDC recommendation. This is recommended NOT mandated. We understand that individuals have varied feelings on masks.

We are also again encouraging social distancing in the sanctuary and in the FLC.

Please see Bishop Park's announcement.

Franklin County is being hit hard by the latest surge in the COVID-19 pandemic. We [Wellspan] are caring for 76 COVID-positive patients in our Chambersburg and Waynesboro facilities, and our urgent cares and clinics are overflowing. There have been times this week when so many patients have turned to our Emergency Department in Chambersburg for care that a line has extended beyond the entrance. A tent is now being placed outside of the Emergency Department in Chambersburg to accommodate patients who may be waiting, and we are again in the position of needing to delay some surgeries and procedures to care for COVID patients. Visitation also continues to be restricted in our hospitals and emergency rooms. And, once again, our health care workforce is being pushed to their limits, both physically and emotionally.

Full Letter

 

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: Linda Peppernick

Today’s Flowers The altar flowers are placed to the glory of God and In loving memory of Arlene Hoover Bottini who would have celebrated her birthday on Oct. 9. Given by her husband and family.
The centerpiece is placed to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mother Martha Tarner Kyle who would have celebrated her birthday on Oct. 7. Given by her daughter Tara Kyle Benton.

 

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.

'Fear Not!' October Schedule is HERE!

This month Ms. Brianna is challenging kids to read their Bible! If they complete the challenge and return it, Ms. Brianna will kiss a worm( One kiss for ever challenge returned.)  at our end of month 'Fear is Not a Factor' Party or during a special 'Not so Spooky' Halloween Sunday School.

Go HERE to get your 'Fear Not' Bible Reading Challenge!

Please note: There is no Sunday School on October 10.

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.

Please note: There is no Sunday School on October 10.

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts
Please save your egg cartons and drop them off for Hungry Hearts so we can repackage flats of eggs for distribution. If you would like to serve with this ministry, please contact Dan Renshaw at dan@pageek.com.
Hungry Heart's Clothing Mission is NOT accepting donations at the present time due to the church elevator being out of operation and several of our regular volunteers not being available due to health issues. We are looking for some additional volunteers.  The job includes sorting and sizing incoming donations, maintaining the store in the church basement, storing out-of-season clothing, and greeting our guests on Thursday afternoons.  Parents and children may want to consider helping during the summer months. (We find younger volunteers to be very helpful in sorting toys.) Our usual hours are from 1 pm to 5pm on Thursday but we can be flexible. Call Carel Fish 717-264-4354.

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.

Cookie Dough and Coffee Sale to support FUMC Haiti missions in Petit Goave, Haiti has begun! Order forms are available along with purchase envelopes at the worship entrances and lobby. Envelopes can be placed in the offering plates or dropped in the box at the Welcome Center. Orders are due by Sunday, October 31st. Pick up for orders will be Saturday, November 20th.

Pastoral Care Ministries
A Personal Account of Stephen Ministry:
My father was diagnosed with frontal lobe dementia, and it was my mother who provided all the care for him. Managing a home and caring for an ill loved one was overwhelming and very stressful. When caring for another, we often do so while sacrificing ourselves. Members of the Stephen Team recognized my mother’s need for support and provided a Stephen Minister to her. She referred to this Stephen Minister as her special person and “an angel”. Though the program is completely confidential, my mother was nearly bursting at the seams to tell me who it was. I told her that I did not need to know who it was, but my mom did not care about confidentiality. She wanted to share the joy this program brought to her. I am truly thankful that mom had someone to walk along sider her at a time when she desperately needed it.

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.

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

Our annual Women’s Retreat is October 15th-17th at the Mt. Asbury Retreat Center in Newville, PA.

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!

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.

 If you are interested in taking a Stop the Bleed Class please sign up HERE! It will be held October 12 at 6pm.

Veterans Meeting on Tuesday October 12 at 6:30p.m. in the Alda Bower room.

Elevator Update The trustees have signed a contract with Eastern Elevator Company to begin repair work on the elevator.  More information will be forthcoming as soon as it is available.

First UMC Church Conference Sunday, November 21st at 5:00 PM. Our District Superintendent will be with us to conduct the meeting. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending.

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: Franklin County is hopeful to receive a special gift at the end of the month. We are seeking a select family with a basement or attic apartment  (1 BR + bath) to share this extraordinary gift with. The gift is a Syrian refugee family - Dad & Mom with three young sons... 10, 8, & 6 years old. The family needs temporary living quarters for 2-4 weeks. During this time they will be quarantined (as directed by immigration authorities), but provided with food by our local Refugee Resettlement "Welcome Committee."  We hope you or one of your neighbors might be blessed by joining us in welcoming our new neighbors by sharing a part of your home with them. Please contact Clint Bolte (717) 267-2157.

 

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!

Comfort for Jay Upperman's family as he has entered the Church Triumphant

Please pray for Linda Peppernick's son, daughter-in-law, and grandson who were tested for covid before leaving Poland. Daughter-in-law and grandson tested positive, They had to stay and Linda's son was negative and came home. When he was tested here, he was also positive. He is feeling terrible. Please pray for all involved.

Healing prayers for Rev. Charlie Kind. He is in the hospital. Prayers for his family as well

Healing for Blanche Mock

Healing prayers for Ginny Adams

Healing prayers for Matthew very ill

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

Betty Naugle – healing

Pray for those who are coming to GriefShare

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 Jeff Brookens – medical concerns

Pray for the Women's Retreat October 15-17th at Mt. Asbury - those planning the retreat and the ladies attending

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 for those facing life struggles -

Linda Leidig

Kathy Beaston

Barb Armstrong

Peggy

Deb Ewing

Shirley Jones

Evelyn Jones

 

Praise and Thanksgiving!

We praise God for our Pastor!

"And I will give you shepherds after my own
heart, who will feed you with knowledge and
understanding." ~ Jeremiah 3:15

 

The entire congregation is invited to join children and youth ministries at Mt. Asbury Retreat center this fall to help prepare for the Christmas Light Show!

There are also opportunities to staff the Light Show during the event.

If you are interested in finding out more, click Here.

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

October 1, 2021

Posted on by

Sunday October 3, 2021

10:00 am Worship service at the park to celebrate, as one church, World Communion Sunday.

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING WORSHIP TIMES

Beginning October 17th both services will be held indoors.

9:00 am Traditional in the sanctuary.

10:00 am Sunday school.

11:00 am Contemporary in the Family Life Center.

COVID19 Protocol Update

Because Franklin county has moved into the High category of COVID transmission, First Church leadership asks that congregants wear masks while inside the building per CDC recommendation. This is recommended NOT mandated. We understand that individuals have varied feelings on masks.

We are also again encouraging social distancing in the sanctuary and in the FLC.

Please see Bishop Park's announcement.

From our York District Superintendent, Rev. Cathy Boileau:

On Wednesday, October 6th, at 6:00 p.m., I will be hosting a zoom chat with Dr. Jim Hurley, who is a member of First UMC in Chambersburg, but also Chairperson of the Board of Health for the Chambersburg Borough, a professor at Wilson College, a well-respected surgeon, and a committed disciple of Jesus Christ. Dr. Hurley will be sharing about immunology and the creation of the vaccine, how it came to be, put to rest some of the myths about the vaccine, and share information about why we should be tuned in to the Delta strain. If you or someone you love needs good solid information about vaccines, practices at church, or other information on covid, please encourage them to join us. We will be closing the meeting with a time of prayer for our health professionals and the defeat of covid. Anyone is welcome. Here is the link.

Meeting ID: 873 2160 5853
Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

Let us lift up our healthcare workers in prayer, find practical ways to encourage, and most importantly, find a way to lessen the spread of covid, so we might give our frontline workers what they most want, rest for body, soul and spirit, and not another life lost to covid.

Grace and peace,

Cathy

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 Tuesdays at 2:52pm.

Worship Bulletins for kids to engage them with the service are available at the welcome tables.

'Fear Not!' October Schedule is HERE!

This month Ms. Brianna is challenging kids to read their Bible! If they complete the challenge and return it, Ms. Brianna will kiss a worm( One kiss for ever challenge returned.)  at our end of month 'Fear is Not a Factor' Party or during a special 'Not so Spooky' Halloween Sunday School.

Go HERE to get your 'Fear Not' Bible Reading Challenge!

 

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
Please save your egg cartons and drop them off for Hungry Hearts so we can repackage flats of eggs for distribution. If you would like to serve with this ministry, please contact Dan Renshaw at dan@pageek.com.
Hungry Heart's Clothing Mission is NOT accepting donations at the present time due to the church elevator being out of operation and several of our regular volunteers not being available due to health issues. We are looking for some additional volunteers.  The job includes sorting and sizing incoming donations, maintaining the store in the church basement, storing out-of-season clothing, and greeting our guests on Thursday afternoons.  Parents and children may want to consider helping during the summer months. (We find younger volunteers to be very helpful in sorting toys.) Our usual hours are from 1 pm to 5pm on Thursday but we can be flexible. Call Carel Fish 717-264-4354.

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

Sponsors are Needed for Haitian children at Kaendra's Place orphanage and School of Hope. Talk to Pastor Steve or mail haiti4fumc@gmail.com for more information.

Cookie Dough and Coffee Sale to support FUMC Haiti missions in Petit Goave, Haiti has begun! Order forms are available along with purchase envelopes at the worship entrances and lobby. Envelopes can be placed in the offering plates or dropped in the box at the Welcome Center. Orders are due by Sunday, October 31st. Pick up for orders will be Saturday, November 20th.

Pastoral Care Ministries
LISTEN!!
That's what Stephen Ministers DO! They have gone through 50 hours of training in providing Christian care so that they can focus on your needs and listen to what you really have to say. They will walk with you and watch God work in you! Don't wait! Contact Gail for additional information

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.

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

Ladies, feeling the need for a little room to breathe in your life?  Our annual Women’s Retreat is October 15th-17th at the Mt. Asbury Retreat Center in Newville, PA.  Registration Deadline is today - October 1, 2021. Registration Form can be downloaded below:

You are invited to attend a welcoming event for our new Bishops.

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi & Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball began Episcopal oversight of the Susquehanna Conference September 1. Both Bishops are excited to begin this new assignment. For the Bishops to begin to become acquainted with the Susquehanna Conference and our seven districts. All clergy and laity are invited to attend one of the district gatherings. Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi will be in person at York District’s gathering on October 3rd at 3:00 PM at Messiah Church, 1300 North Beaver Street, York.

These gatherings will not be livestreamed. However, there will be a video of the gathering on the website after all have concluded.
Because of the increase in the COVID variant, all participants will be expected to wear masks and social distance as much as possible.

To register for this or another of the gatherings please go here.

Here is the schedule of locations and dates. If you cannot attend your district’s gathering, feel free to register to attend another one, but the York gathering is October 3.

These district gatherings plan to be a wonderful introduction to the Susquehanna Conference for our bishops. Please plan to attend.

 

 

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!

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, Begins September 22nd and every Wednesday after 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.

 If you are interested in taking a Stop the Bleed Class please sign up HERE! It will be held October 12 at 6pm.

Veterans Meeting on Tuesday October 12 at 6:30p.m. in the Alda Bowers room.

Blood Drive Monday, October 4,  beginning at 2pm in the FLC.

Homecoming is October 6th.  Currently, the parade is scheduled for 6:00 PM.  You are invited to view the parade from the parsonage front lawn at 925 East McKinley Street.

Elevator Update The trustees have signed a contract with Eastern Elevator Company to begin repair work on the elevator.  More information will be forthcoming as soon as it is available.

First UMC Church Conference Sunday, November 21st at 5:00 PM. Our District Superintendent will be with us to conduct the meeting. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending.

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!

Comfort for Beverly Rensch's family as she has entered the Church Triumphant

Healing prayers for Rev. Charlie Kind. He is in the hospital. Prayers for his family as well.

Healing for Blanche Mock - Chambersburg Hospital

Healing prayers for Ginny Adams

Healing prayers for Matthew very ill

Continue praying for the people of Haiti & Afghanistan

Pray for our government leaders

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

Betty Naugle – healing

Pray for those who are coming to GriefShare

Pray for those dealing with fire in the west

Pray for water shortage in the west

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 Jeff Brookens – medical concerns

Pray for the Women's Retreat in October - those planning the retreat and the ladies attending

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 for those facing life struggles -

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

Praise and Thanksgiving

On World Communion Sunday, whether under the shade of a tree, in a rice paddy, by a creek bed, in a grand cathedral, or in storefronts, Christ-followers all over the planet are praying and singing in indigenous ways using their languages. What a glorious picture of worship in the kingdom when we grasp the fullness of the body of Christ and sing and pray with brothers and sisters around the world. Praise the Lord!

The entire congregation is invited to join children and youth ministries at Mt. Asbury Retreat center this fall to help prepare for the Christmas Light Show!

If you are interested in finding out more, click Here.

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

September 24, 2021

Posted on by

Sunday September 26, 2021

9:00am - Worship at Memorial Park Bandshell

10:00am - Sunday School

11am - Traditional service in sanctuary

COVID19 Protocol Update

Because Franklin county has moved into the High category of COVID transmission, First Church leadership asks that congregants wear masks while inside the building per CDC recommendation. This is recommended NOT mandated. We understand that individuals have varied feelings on masks.

We are also again encouraging social distancing in the sanctuary and in the FLC.

Please see Bishop Park's announcement.

From our York District Superintendent, Rev. Cathy Boileau:

On Wednesday, October 6th, at 6:00 p.m., I will be hosting a zoom chat with Dr. Jim Hurley, who is a member of First UMC in Chambersburg, but also Chairperson of the Board of Health for the Chambersburg Borough, a professor at Wilson College, a well-respected surgeon, and a committed disciple of Jesus Christ. Dr. Hurley will be sharing about immunology and the creation of the vaccine, how it came to be, put to rest some of the myths about the vaccine, and share information about why we should be tuned in to the Delta strain. If you or someone you love needs good solid information about vaccines, practices at church, or other information on covid, please encourage them to join us. We will be closing the meeting with a time of prayer for our health professionals and the defeat of covid. Anyone is welcome. Here is the link.

Meeting ID: 873 2160 5853
Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

Let us lift up our healthcare workers in prayer, find practical ways to encourage, and most importantly, find a way to lessen the spread of covid, so we might give our frontline workers what they most want, rest for body, soul and spirit, and not another life lost to covid.

Grace and peace,

Cathy

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 Worship:

Pastor - Steven M. Livermore
Organist/Choir Director- Diaconal Minister of Music: Linda A. Peppernick
Reader—Bob Foor

Today’s Flowers are placed this morning to the glory of God and in memory of my husband Bill, sister Helen Shoemaker and nephew Larry Shoemaker. In honor of my daughter and son-in-law Cheryl and Ed Houser, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren by Delores Roher.

 

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.

'Fear Not!' October Schedule coming soon!

 

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
Please save your egg cartons and drop them off for Hungry Hearts so we can repackage flats of eggs for distribution. If you would like to serve with this ministry, please contact Dan Renshaw at dan@pageek.com.
Hungry Heart's Clothing Mission is NOT accepting donations at the present time due to the church elevator being out of operation and several of our regular volunteers not being available due to health issues. We are looking for some additional volunteers.  The job includes sorting and sizing incoming donations, maintaining the store in the church basement, storing out-of-season clothing, and greeting our guests on Thursday afternoons.  Parents and children may want to consider helping during the summer months. (We find younger volunteers to be very helpful in sorting toys.) Our usual hours are from 1 pm to 5pm on Thursday but we can be flexible. Call Carel Fish 717-264-4354.

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

Please remember the needs of the orphans whom we support year-round.  If you would like to support the work of constructing the new orphanage, please write your check out to “FUMC Haiti Mission” and write “Orphanage Construction” in the memo.  School of Hope scholarships begin again in September.

Haitian Earth Quake - UMCOR - United Methodist Committee On Relief is working with partners in Haiti on how to best meet the immediate needs of survivors following last Saturday’s devastating earthquake.  You can help by making a gift to the work of international disaster response by going on line here: https://umcmission.org/advance-project/982450/ or by writing a check to “First UMC” and writing “Haiti Quake Relief” in the memo or using an envelope and addressing it “Haiti Quake Relief” and put it in the offering plate.

Pastoral Care Ministries

Show Them You Care! When you see people who are sad, lonely, or grief-stricken, don't just tell them you care! SHOW THEM! Ask how they are, listen to what they have to say, share the love of Jesus. And if their need is great, encourage them to consider Stephen Ministry as a way to receive the transforming love and care of Jesus. Show them you care, and you can make a real difference in their life.  Then suggest they contact Gail at 717 263-8491 who will be able to help find a Stephen Minister to walk with them.

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.

 

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

Ladies, feeling the need for a little room to breathe in your life?  Mark your calendars now for our annual Women’s Retreat that will be held on October 15th-17th at the Mt. Asbury Retreat Center in Newville, PA.  Registration Form can be downloaded below:

You are invited to attend a welcoming event for our new Bishops.

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi & Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball began Episcopal oversight of the Susquehanna Conference September 1. Both Bishops are excited to begin this new assignment. For the Bishops to begin to become acquainted with the Susquehanna Conference and our seven districts. All clergy and laity are invited to attend one of the district gatherings. Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi will be in person at York District’s gathering on October 3rd at 3:00 PM at Messiah Church, 1300 North Beaver Street, York.

These gatherings will not be livestreamed. However, there will be a video of the gathering on the website after all have concluded.
Because of the increase in the COVID variant, all participants will be expected to wear masks and social distance as much as possible.

To register for this or another of the gatherings please go here.

Here is the schedule of locations and dates. If you cannot attend your district’s gathering, feel free to register to attend another one, but the York gathering is October 3.

These district gatherings plan to be a wonderful introduction to the Susquehanna Conference for our bishops. Please plan to attend.

 

 

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!

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 We are planning evening study opportunities for the fall.  To date these classes are being planned:

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, Begins September 22nd and every Wednesday after 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.

 If you are interested in taking a Stop the Bleed Class please sign up HERE!

The annual Veterans, spouses and family picnic will be held TOMORROW -Saturday September 25 at Green Township Memorial Park. Plan on eating at 12:30p.m. Provided will be fried chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, rolls condiments and place settings.  Each family is asked to bring  their own drinks and a dish to share by last names: A-H, salad or fruit;  I-Q, side dish (baked beans, macaroni and cheese, etc.); R-Z, desserts     So that we order the proper amount of food, please  respond by September 20  how many from your family will be attending. You   may contact Doug Davis @717 372-7373 or e-mail  dougdavis0034yahoo.com  or  Ray Kauffman 717 64-6688 or raykauffman35@outlook.com

Blood Drive Monday, October 4,  beginning at 2pm in the FLC

Homecoming is October 6th.  Currently, the parade is scheduled for 6:00 PM.  You are invited to view the parade from the parsonage front lawn at 925 East McKinley Street.

World Communion Sunday will be celebrated next Sunday October 3rd as a blended joint service at 10:00 AM at the park.

First UMC Church Conference Sunday, November 21st at 5:00 PM. Our District Superintendent will be with us to conduct the meeting. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending.

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 prayers for Matthew who is very ill.

Continue praying for the people of Haiti & Afghanistan.

Pray for our government leaders.

Pray for all those who have been affected by rain & flooding.

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

Healing for Dave & Joan Kauffman.

Bev Rensch – comfort and peace – at her home.

Betty Naugle – healing.

Pray for those who are coming to GriefShare.

Pray for those dealing with fire in the west.

Pray for water shortage in the west.

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 Jeff Brookens – medical concerns.

Pray for the Women's Retreat in October - those planning the retreat and the ladies attending.

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 for those facing life struggles -

Linda Leidig

Kathy Beaston

Barb Armstrong

Peggy

Deb Ewing

Shirley Jones

Evelyn Jones

Praise and Thanksgiving

We praise God for His protection; especially for Pastor Gener, who is home from Haiti.

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

September 17, 2021

Posted on by

Sunday September 19, 2021

9:00am - Worship at Memorial Park Bandshell

10:00am - Sunday School

11am - Traditional service in sanctuary

COVID19 Protocol Update

Because Franklin county has moved into the High category of COVID transmission, First Church leadership asks that congregants wear masks while inside the building per CDC recommendation. This is recommended NOT mandated. We understand that individuals have varied feelings on masks.

We are also again encouraging social distancing in the sanctuary and in the FLC.

Please see Bishop Park's announcement.

Get Ready for Fall!

Download the Church Center App by Planning Center for quick signups to events, studies, and groups.

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 Worship:

Pastor - Steven M. Livermore
Organist - Diaconal Minister of Music: Linda A. Peppernick
Reader - Terri Stevens

Today’s Flowers are placed this morning to the glory of God and in loving memory of Del's son Ryan Mills and in memory of Sandy's mother Martha Mowen by Sandy Mills.
Last Week’s Altar Flowers—were in memory of Harold G. Wenger and Mr. and Mrs. J. Arthur StClair and Mr. and Mrs. J. Glenn Kohler. Given by Joe and Janice Kohler. The centerpiece - was in memory of Tom Robison given by the Robison family.
(To place altar flowers call Vikki Eckert at 419-632-4653)

 

 

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.

We celebrate with the Moyers as they dedicate Liem Royce to Christ today!

'Fear Not!' October Schedule coming soon!

 

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
Please save your egg cartons and drop them off for Hungry Hearts so we can repackage flats of eggs for distribution. If you would like to serve with this ministry, please contact Dan Renshaw at dan@pageek.com.
Hungry Heart's Clothing Mission is NOT accepting donations at the present time due to the church elevator being out of operation and several of our regular volunteers not being available due to health issues. We are looking for some additional volunteers.  The job includes sorting and sizing incoming donations, maintaining the store in the church basement, storing out-of-season clothing, and greeting our guests on Thursday afternoons.  Parents and children may want to consider helping during the summer months. (We find younger volunteers to be very helpful in sorting toys.) Our usual hours are from 1 pm to 5pm on Thursday but we can be flexible. Call Carel Fish 717-264-4354.

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

Please remember the needs of the orphans whom we support year-round.  If you would like to support the work of constructing the new orphanage, please write your check out to “FUMC Haiti Mission” and write “Orphanage Construction” in the memo.  School of Hope scholarships begin again in September.

Haitian Earth Quake - UMCOR - United Methodist Committee On Relief is working with partners in Haiti on how to best meet the immediate needs of survivors following last Saturday’s devastating earthquake.  You can help by making a gift to the work of international disaster response by going on line here: https://umcmission.org/advance-project/982450/ or by writing a check to “First UMC” and writing “Haiti Quake Relief” in the memo or using an envelope and addressing it “Haiti Quake Relief” and put it in the offering plate.

Pastoral Care Ministries

Show Them You Care! When you see people who are sad, lonely, or grief-stricken, don't just tell them you care! SHOW THEM! Ask how they are, listen to what they have to say, share the love of Jesus. And if their need is great, encourage them to consider Stephen Ministry as a way to receive the transforming love and care of Jesus. Show them you care, and you can make a real difference in their life.  Then suggest they contact Gail at 717 263-8491 who will be able to help find a Stephen Minister to walk with them.

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.

 

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

Ladies, feeling the need for a little room to breathe in your life?  Mark your calendars now for our annual Women’s Retreat that will be held on October 15th-17th at the Mt. Asbury Retreat Center in Newville, PA.  Registration Form can be downloaded below:

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Important Note regarding this week's email:

There were technical issues this week with the eblast to the congregation. We apologize for any multiple emails you may have received.

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!

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 We are planning evening study opportunities for the fall.  To date these classes are being planned:

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, Begins September 22nd and every Wednesday after 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.

 If you are interested in taking a Stop the Bleed Class please contact Dr. James Hurley at jehtwo@comcast.net.

The annual Veterans, spouses and family picnic will be held Saturday September 25 at Green Township Memorial Park. Plan on eating at 12:30p.m. Provided will be fried chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, rolls condiments and place settings.  Each family is asked to bring  their own drinks and a dish to share by last names: A-H, salad or fruit;  I-Q, side dish (baked beans, macaroni and cheese, etc.); R-Z, desserts     So that we order the proper amount of food, please  respond by September 20  how many from your family will be attending. You   may contact Doug Davis @717 372-7373 or e-mail  dougdavis0034yahoo.com  or  Ray Kauffman 717 64-6688 or raykauffman35@outlook.com

Blood Drive Monday, October 4,  beginning at 2pm in the FLC

Homecoming is October 6th.  Currently, the parade is scheduled for 6:00 PM.  You are invited to view the parade from the parsonage front lawn at 925 East McKinley Street.

World Communion Sunday will be celebrated October 3rd at 10:00 AM at the park. Originally a Ministry Fair was planned to follow but it is postponed to a later date.

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!

Continue praying for the people of Haiti & Afghanistan

Pray for Pastor Genre’s safe travels

Pray for our government leaders

Pray for all those who have been affected by rain & flooding

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

Healing for Dave Kauffman

Bev Rensch – healing – Chambersburg Hospital

Betty Naugle – healing – Chambersburg Hospital

Healing for John Parson

Healing for Joan Kauffman

Pray for those who will be coming to GriefShare 9/20

Pray for those dealing with fire in the west

Pray for water shortage in the west

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 Jeff Brookens – medical concerns

Pray for the Women's Retreat in October - those planning the retreat and the ladies coming

Prayers for those facing life struggles -

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

Praise and Thanksgiving

We praise God for the little children! We praise God for parents who dedicate their children to Christ!

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