Category Archives: Being the Church

March 3, 2022

Posted on by

Sunday March 6, 2022

In Traditional Service this week:

Pastor - Steven M. Livermore

Organist - Diaconal Minister  - Linda Peppernick

Scripture Reader - Maddie Harmon

Altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in In honor of granddaughter Aubrey's and grandson Erich's birthdays.

Given by Judy Paes.

 

FUMC 200th Anniversary!

As we begin celebrating our church’s 200th anniversary, we will be displaying artifacts from our church history.  This month, we are displaying hymnals that were used in worship, the earliest from 1880.  Many are displayed in the case beside the entrance to the Family Life Center.  Included in the display are worship bulletins, the earliest is dated Easter, 1929.  Please take a few minutes to view these wonderful items that are a part of our church history.

In conjunction with the Bicentennial of the First United Brethren/First Evangelical United Brethren/First United Methodist Church, we would like to recognize families with four or more generations of First Church continual/current membership/attendance. If you think you qualify, please contact Joyce Horst (717-375-2345 or jlhorst1@comcast.net) with ancestor/current family names. Old Membership records are available to help identify your ancestors.

Watch our services on youtube at 12pm!

We also have a dedicated phone number so you can listen to latest recorded service at 717-899-4JOY (4569).

Great News!

Mail Service is up to only missing a day or two a week. We feel confident that tithes and offerings mailed to the church will arrive here safely. If you wish to send your contributions via mail, you are welcome to do so.

Lenten Sermon Series

begins Sunday and is based on this Daily Bible Reading Plan.

This card party is for John Parson's 90th birthday. His children and grandchildren would love for everyone to send a card.

His birthday is this Sunday March 6th.

His address is 248 Woodvale Dr 17201.

MINISTRY UPDATES

Children's Ministry

Pray with us on Tuesdays at 2:52pm.

Wednesday nights from 6pm-7pm!

We will not meet Wednesday night March 30th.

Visit First Lights.org for more

Youth Group

Illuminate Youth Ministry meets on Wednesdays from 6-8 pm (we will not meet on March 30th), and on Sundays at 10am.

If you'd like more information, please contact Collin @xcultureyouth@gmail.com

 

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts

'Egg-cellent' job bringing in egg cartons! Keep up the 'egg-cellent' work!

Items Needed!

We will be collecting household supplies for the month of February for distribution during Hungry Heart's food pantry and clothing appointments in March. The items we are interested in are:

  • Toilet Paper
  • Paper Towels
  • Bleach
  • All purpose Cleaner
  • Bathroom cleaner
  • Hand Soap
  • Dish Soap

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

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

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

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

Pastoral Care Ministries

GriefShare sessions begin at 1:00pm April 4 and continue through June 27 (no mtg May 30th for Memorial Day)

Stephen Ministry is here to walk with you through difficult journeys.

Two separate seminars will be offered:
      1) Monday, March 28 at 1:00pm at the church
OR
     2) Monday, March 28 at 7:00pm at the church

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

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

We meet the third Saturday of the month (usually) in the Connect Café.

New Year: New Studies!

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

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

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Important Note regarding upcoming events: If you are planning a church event, please contact Stacey in the church office so that we can coordinate all events in the church and are not overlapping ministries. Thank you!

Sunday  9AM Greeters are needed at the Welcome Desk. Please feel free to contact Suzanne Everly for details.

Please contact the church about hospitalizations as we no longer are contacted when parishioners are hospitalized.

Attention: Sunday School Classes and Organizations It is now time to audit your 2021 records. Please turn in your checking account/bank statements to Stacey in the Church Office as soon as possible.  If you bring them in when Stacey is not in her office they can be placed in the mailbox on the wall outside Stacey’s door.  Thank you!

Chancel Choir-Practice is held Wednesday nights at 7:00. All singers welcomed! Contact Diaconal Minister Linda Peppernick at lindapeppernick@embarqmail.com

The Veterans Fellowship will meet Tuesday March 8 at 6:30p.m. in the Alda Bowers class room.

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).

Evening Bible Studies:

Intergenerational Study -Interested in making connections between faith and real life?  In building intergenerational relationships within the church?  Consider joining this discussion-based Bible study at 5:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of every month. Study is designed for youth Grade 7 or higher in the company of their parents. All adults welcome!

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

Wednesday Men’s Bible Study meets every week at 6:30 am in the FLC lobby.

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

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

Refugee Resettlement: Please contact Clint Bolte (717) 267-2157 to volunteer with helps for the family.  Donations can be sent to Congregation of the Sons of Israel, 209 East King Street, Chambersburg 17201—memo “refugee resettlement”.

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

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

Check Out The Library Books!

Featuring books to help you live in Lent and prepare for Easter! 

The Glory of the Cross: Reflections for Lent from the Gospel of John by Tim Chester

The Cross by Max Lucado

Kneeling in Jerusalem by Ann Weems

God is On the Cross: Reflections on Lent and Easter by  Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Final Walk of Jesus by Max Lucado

The Angels Were Silent: The Final Week of Jesus by Max Lucado

Six Hours One Friday; Living the Power of the Cross by Max Lucado

 

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

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

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

 

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

Prayers for Healing

Alan Parris' mother

Erma Collins

Dean Crow

Reed deSalis

Deb Ewing

Noreen Selby - in Chambersburg Hospital

Prayers for Our World

For the protection and safety of the people in Ukraine.

For an end to the attack on Ukraine.

For meaningful lasting peace talks.

Wisdom for government leaders.

Relief for those dealing with severe weather.

Healing for our divided country, nations, and leaders.

All Military and Law Enforcement and First Responders and Essential Workers.

 

Prayers for Church Ministries, Events and Special projects

Stephen Ministry

First Lights Children's Ministry

Illuminate Youth Ministry

Hungry Hearts Ministry

200th Anniversary Celebration

Summer planning

Prayers for the pandemic

Healing for those with Covid.

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

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

Renewal and restoration for health care workers.

Wisdom for leaders, doctors and parents.

An end to the pandemic and all COVID variants.

Prayers needed for these members with long term concerns:

John & Bunny Parson

Larry & Avis Guise

Al & Linda Lojacono

Bill & Mary Butts

Jack & Bette Bowers

Dean & Carol Crow

Paul & Erma Collins

Bill & Thelma Peerce

Kirk & Kathy Paul

Chuck & Dianne Salter

Dave & Joan Kauffman

Ron & Mary Diehl

Sarah & Barry Baker

Prayers of Comfort, Peace and Condolence

Families struggling with grief and loss.

Families struggling with housing and financial issues.

Families struggling with reconciliation and forgiveness.

Peace for those dealing with anxiety.

Faith for those who struggle to believe in what they cannot see.

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

February 25, 2022

Posted on by

Sunday February 27, 2022

Ash Wednesday Service 7pm

Ash Wednesday is March 2nd and marks the beginning of Lent. The Ash Wednesday Service will be held at 7:00 PM with imposition of ashes and communion.

 

In Traditional Service this week:

Pastor - Steven M. Livermore

Organist - Diaconal Minister  - Linda Peppernick

Scripture Reader - Don Nolder

Altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory of mother and dad Kohler, brother Jay and wife Jeanne, sister Lucille and husband Cal Gardner and son Bryan K. Kohler. Given by Joe and Janice Kohler.

The Centerpiece is given to the glory of God and in memory of Parker Dyer Preisler who went to be with our angel March 1, 2011.

The vase of Flowers are placed for to the Glory of God and in Honor of Erma Collins whose 90th Birthday is Today!!  Given by the Hospitality Team.

 

FUMC 200th Anniversary!

As we begin celebrating our church’s 200th anniversary, we will be displaying artifacts from our church history.  This month, we are displaying hymnals that were used in worship, the earliest from 1880.  Many are displayed in the case beside the entrance to the Family Life Center.  Included in the display are worship bulletins, the earliest is dated Easter, 1929.  Please take a few minutes to view these wonderful items that are a part of our church history.

In conjunction with the Bicentennial of the First United Brethren/First Evangelical United Brethren/First United Methodist Church, we would like to recognize families with four or more generations of First Church continual/current membership/attendance. If you think you qualify, please contact Joyce Horst (717-375-2345 or jlhorst1@comcast.net) with ancestor/current family names. Old Membership records are available to help identify your ancestors.

Watch our services on youtube at 12pm!

We also have a dedicated phone number so you can listen to latest recorded service at 717-899-4JOY (4569).

Great News!

Mail Service is up to only missing a day or two a week. We feel confident that tithes and offerings mailed to the church will arrive here safely. If you wish to send your contributions via mail, you are welcome to do so.

New for Lent 2022!

This card party is for John Parson's 90th birthday. His children and grandchildren would love for everyone to send a card.

His birthday is March 6th.

His address is 248 Woodvale Dr 17201.

MINISTRY UPDATES

Children's Ministry

Pray with us on Tuesdays at 2:52pm.

Wednesday nights from 6pm-7pm!

Visit First Lights.org for more

Youth Group

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

If you'd like more information, please contact Collin @xcultureyouth@gmail.com

 

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts

Egg Cartons -We are in need of egg cartons once again!

Items Needed!

We will be collecting household supplies for the month of February for distribution during Hungry Heart's food pantry and clothing appointments in March. The items we are interested in are:

  • Toilet Paper
  • Paper Towels
  • Bleach
  • All purpose Cleaner
  • Bathroom cleaner
  • Hand Soap
  • Dish Soap

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

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

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

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

Pastoral Care Ministries

GriefShare sessions begin at 1:00pm April 4 and continue through June 27 (no mtg May 30th for Memorial Day)

Stephen Ministry is here to walk with you through difficult journeys.

Two separate seminars will be offered:
      1) Monday, March 28 at 1:00pm at the church
OR
     2) Monday, March 28 at 7:00pm at the church

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

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

We all have a story and it began and continues with God. Join us Saturday, February 26, 9:00 - 10:30 AM at the Connect Cafe and lobby. 
Leslie Gotwald will lead us in discovering our shared story.  As our name "Women Connect" declares, we want to make connections between our own story and someone else's story.
PLEASE BRING AN OBJECT TO SHARE WITH THE LADIES THAT REMINDS YOU IN SOME WAY OF YOUR FAITH JOURNEY.
As usual we will have light refreshments and music.

New Year: New Studies!

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

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

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Important Note regarding upcoming events: If you are planning a church event, please contact Stacey in the church office so that we can coordinate all events in the church and are not overlapping ministries. Thank you!

Sunday  9AM Greeters are needed at the Welcome Desk. Please feel free to contact Suzanne Everly for details.

Please contact the church about hospitalizations as we no longer are contacted when parishioners are hospitalized.

Attention: Sunday School Classes and Organizations It is now time to audit your 2021 records. Please turn in your checking account/bank statements to Stacey in the Church Office as soon as possible.  If you bring them in when Stacey is not in her office they can be placed in the mailbox on the wall outside Stacey’s door.  Thank you!

Chancel Choir-Practice is held Wednesday nights at 7:00. All singers welcomed! Contact Diaconal Minister Linda Peppernick at lindapeppernick@embarqmail.com

Post-High School Connections - First Church Friends: I am looking for people to connect with our post high age young adults. Check-in texts, notes, and emails are a great way to let them know they're a part of the family even when they may not be able to attend regularly. If you're willing to friend one of our post high young adults, please contact Beth Stahl (stahlfamily2000@gmail.com or 717-375-8011).

Evening Bible Studies:

Intergenerational Study -Interested in making connections between faith and real life?  In building intergenerational relationships within the church?  Consider joining this discussion-based Bible study at 5:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of every month. Study is designed for youth Grade 7 or higher in the company of their parents. All adults welcome!

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

Wednesday Men’s Bible Study meets every week at 6:30 am in the FLC lobby.

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

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

Refugee Resettlement: Please contact Clint Bolte (717) 267-2157 to volunteer with helps for the family.  Donations can be sent to Congregation of the Sons of Israel, 209 East King Street, Chambersburg 17201—memo “refugee resettlement”.

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

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

Prayer and Study Group

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

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

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

 

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

Prayers for Healing

Alan Parris' mother

Erma Collins

Dean Crow

Reed deSalis

Morgann Davis

Deb Ewing

Prayers for Our World

For the people in Ukraine.

Relief for those dealing with severe weather.

Healing for our divided country, nations, and leaders.

Diplomatic solutions.

All Military and Law Enforcement and First Responders and Essential Workers.

 

Prayers for Church Ministries, Events and Special projects

Stephen Ministry

First Lights Children's Ministry

Illuminate Youth Ministry

Hungry Hearts Ministry

200th Anniversary Celebration

Valentines for Frontlines

Summer planning

Prayers for the pandemic

Healing for those with Covid.

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

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

Renewal and restoration for health care workers.

Wisdom for leaders, doctors and parents.

An end to the pandemic and all COVID variants.

Prayers needed for these members with long term concerns:

John & Bunny Parson

Larry & Avis Guise

Al & Linda Lojacono

Bill & Mary Butts

Jack & Bette Bowers

Dean & Carol Crow

Paul & Erma Collins

Bill & Thelma Peerce

Kirk & Kathy Paul

Chuck & Dianne Salter

Dave & Joan Kauffman

Ron & Mary Diehl

Sarah & Barry Baker

Prayers of Comfort, Peace and Condolence

Families struggling with grief and loss.

Families struggling with housing and financial issues.

Families struggling with reconciliation and forgiveness.

Peace for those dealing with anxiety.

Faith for those who struggle to believe in what they cannot see.

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

February 18, 2022

Posted on by

Sunday February 20, 2022

In Traditional Service this week:

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

Altar flowers (A) are given to the glory of God and in memory of fa-ther Paul Hoover. Given by Frank and Jean Flohr and family.
Altar flowers (B) are given to the glory of God and in memory of mother Mildred Rice. Given by Betty Clopper.
Centerpiece (A) is given to the glory of God and in memory of hus-band Michael who would have celebrated his birthday February 22. Given by Marie Agostinelli.
Centerpiece (B) is given to the glory of God and in memory of hus-band Robert who would have celebrated his birthday on February 23. Given by his wife Lois Good.

FUMC 200th Anniversary!

As we begin celebrating our church’s 200th anniversary, we will be displaying artifacts from our church history.  This month, we are displaying hymnals that were used in worship, the earliest from 1880.  Many are displayed in the case beside the entrance to the Family Life Center.  Included in the display are worship bulletins, the earliest is dated Easter, 1929.  Please take a few minutes to view these wonderful items that are a part of our church history.

In conjunction with the Bicentennial of the First United Brethren/First Evangelical United Brethren/First United Methodist Church, we would like to recognize families with four or more generations of First Church continual/current membership/attendance. If you think you qualify, please contact Joyce Horst (717-375-2345 or jlhorst1@comcast.net) with ancestor/current family names. Old Membership records are available to help identify your ancestors.

Watch our services on youtube at 12pm!

We also have a dedicated phone number so you can listen to latest recorded service at 717-899-4JOY (4569).

Great News!

Mail Service is up to only missing a day or two a week. We feel confident that tithes and offerings mailed to the church will arrive here safely. If you wish to send your contributions via mail, you are welcome to do so.

This card party is for John Parson's 90th birthday. His children and grandchildren would love for everyone to send a card.

His birthday is March 6th.

His address is 248 Woodvale Dr 17201.

MINISTRY UPDATES

Children's Ministry

Pray with us on Tuesdays at 2:52pm.

Wednesday nights from 6pm-7pm!

Visit First Lights.org for more

Youth Group

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

On February 23, the youth are hosting a game night from 6-8pm at the church! All students 6-12 grade are invited to join for a relaxing night of playing board and card games in fellowship with each other!

If you'd like more information, please contact Collin @xcultureyouth@gmail.com

 

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts

Egg Cartons -We are in need of egg cartons once again!

Items Needed!

We will be collecting household supplies for the month of February for distribution during Hungry Heart's food pantry and clothing appointments in March. The items we are interested in are:

  • Toilet Paper
  • Paper Towels
  • Bleach
  • All purpose Cleaner
  • Bathroom cleaner
  • Hand Soap
  • Dish Soap

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

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

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

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

Pastoral Care Ministries

GriefShare sessions begin at 1:00pm April 4 and continue through June 27 (no mtg May 30th for Memorial Day)

Stephen Ministry is here to walk with you through difficult journeys.

Two separate seminars will be offered:
      1) Monday, March 28 at 1:00pm at the church
OR
     2) Monday, March 28 at 7:00pm at the church

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

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

UPCOMING in Women Connect:
February 26, 2022 – Program TBA (we will be meeting the 4th Saturday this month because of President’s holiday weekend on our normal 3rd Saturday)

BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS for January:
Jean Brake – January 6
Cheryl Andreus – January 16

New Year: New Studies!

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

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

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Important Note regarding upcoming events: If you are planning a church event, please contact Stacey in the church office so that we can coordinate all events in the church and are not overlapping ministries. Thank you!

Please contact the church about hospitalizations as we no longer are contacted when parishioners are hospitalized.

Attention: Sunday School Classes and Organizations It is now time to audit your 2021 records. Please turn in your checking account/bank statements to Stacey in the Church Office as soon as possible.  If you bring them in when Stacey is not in her office they can be placed in the mailbox on the wall outside Stacey’s door.  Thank you!

Chancel Choir-Practice is held Wednesday nights at 7:00. All singers welcomed! Contact Diaconal Minister Linda Peppernick at lindapeppernick@embarqmail.com

Post-High School Connections - First Church Friends: I am looking for people to connect with our post high age young adults. Check-in texts, notes, and emails are a great way to let them know they're a part of the family even when they may not be able to attend regularly. If you're willing to friend one of our post high young adults, please contact Beth Stahl (stahlfamily2000@gmail.com or 717-375-8011).

Evening Bible Studies:

Intergenerational Study -Interested in making connections between faith and real life?  In building intergenerational relationships within the church?  Consider joining this discussion-based Bible study at 5:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of every month. Study is designed for youth Grade 7 or higher in the company of their parents. All adults welcome!

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

Wednesday Men’s Bible Study meets every week at 6:30 am in the FLC lobby.

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

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

Refugee Resettlement: Please contact Clint Bolte (717) 267-2157 to volunteer with helps for the family.  Donations can be sent to Congregation of the Sons of Israel, 209 East King Street, Chambersburg 17201—memo “refugee resettlement”.

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

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

Prayer and Study Group

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

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

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

 

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

Prayers for Healing

Alan Parris' mother - heart surgery.

Erma Collins

Dean Crow

Reed deSalis

Larry McDonald - refreshment, clarity, full understanding of God's promise to move mountains.

Thomas Barr - general well-being.

Morgann Davis

Deb Ewing

Prayers for Our World

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

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

Healing for our divided country, nations, and leaders.

Diplomatic solutions.

All Military and Law Enforcement and First Responders and Essential Workers.

 

Prayers for Church Ministries, Events and Special projects

Stephen Ministry

First Lights Children's Ministry

Illuminate Youth Ministry

Hungry Hearts Ministry

200th Anniversary Celebration

Valentines for Frontlines

Prayers for the pandemic

Healing for those with Covid.

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

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

Renewal and restoration for health care workers.

Wisdom for leaders, doctors and parents.

An end to the pandemic and all COVID variants.

Prayers needed for these members with long term concerns:

John & Bunny Parson

Larry & Avis Guise

Al & Linda Lojacono

Bill & Mary Butts

Jack & Bette Bowers

Dean & Carol Crow

Paul & Erma Collins

Bill & Thelma Peerce

Kirk & Kathy Paul

Chuck & Dianne Salter

Dave & Joan Kauffman

Ron & Mary Diehl

Sarah & Barry Baker

Prayers of Comfort, Peace and Condolence

Families struggling with grief and loss.

Families struggling with housing and financial issues.

Families struggling with reconciliation and forgiveness.

Peace for those dealing with anxiety.

Faith for those who struggle to believe in what they cannot see.

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

February 11, 2022

Posted on by

Sunday February 13, 2022

In Traditional Service this week:

Pastor - Steven M. Livermore

Organist - Diaconal Minister  - Linda Peppernick

Scripture Reader - Linda Peppernick

Altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory of Donna Angle, Lois and Charles Duke, Rhonda and Vernon T. Angle, Richard Angle and Glenn and Marion Angle by Harold Angle and family.

Centerpiece flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory of Betty Naugle who entered the church triumphant on January 31st, given by Suzanne Everly and Cindy Robinson.

FUMC 200th Anniversary!

As we begin celebrating our church’s 200th anniversary, we will be displaying artifacts from our church history.  This month, we are displaying hymnals that were used in worship, the earliest from 1880.  Many are displayed in the case beside the entrance to the Family Life Center.  Included in the display are worship bulletins, the earliest is dated Easter, 1929.  Please take a few minutes to view these wonderful items that are a part of our church history.

Watch our services on youtube at 12pm!

We also have a dedicated phone number so you can listen to latest recorded service at 717-899-4JOY (4569).

Great News!

Mail Service is up to only missing a day or two a week. We feel confident that tithes and offerings mailed to the church will arrive here safely. If you wish to send your contributions via mail, you are welcome to do so.

This card party is for John Parson's 90th birthday. His children and grandchildren would love for everyone to send a card.

His birthday is March 6th.

His address is 248 Woodvale Dr 17201.

MINISTRY UPDATES

Children's Ministry

Pray with us on Tuesdays at 2:52pm.

Wednesday nights from 6pm-7pm!

Visit First Lights.org for more

Youth Group

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

On February 23, the youth are hosting a game night from 6-8pm at the church! All students 6-12 grade are invited to join for a relaxing night of playing board and card games in fellowship with each other!

If you'd like more information, please contact Collin @xcultureyouth@gmail.com

 

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!

Items Needed!

We will be collecting household supplies for the month of February for distribution during Hungry Heart's food pantry and clothing appointments in March. The items we are interested in are:

  • Toilet Paper
  • Paper Towels
  • Bleach
  • All purpose Cleaner
  • Bathroom cleaner
  • Hand Soap
  • Dish Soap

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

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

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

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

Pastoral Care Ministries

GriefShare sessions begin at 1:00pm April 4 and continue through June 27 (no mtg May 30th for Memorial Day)

Stephen Ministry is here to walk with you through difficult journeys.

Two separate seminars will be offered:
      1) Monday, March 28 at 1:00pm at the church
OR
     2) Monday, March 28 at 7:00pm at the church

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

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

UPCOMING in Women Connect:
February 26, 2022 – Program TBA (we will be meeting the 4th Saturday this month because of President’s holiday weekend on our normal 3rd Saturday)

BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS for January:
Jean Brake – January 6
Cheryl Andreus – January 16

New Year: New Studies!

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

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

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Important Note regarding upcoming events: If you are planning a church event, please contact Stacey in the church office so that we can coordinate all events in the church and are not overlapping ministries. Thank you!

Please contact the church about hospitalizations as we no longer are contacted when parishioners are hospitalized.

Attention: Sunday School Classes and Organizations It is now time to audit your 2021 records. Please turn in your checking account/bank statements to Stacey in the Church Office as soon as possible.  If you bring them in when Stacey is not in her office they can be placed in the mailbox on the wall outside Stacey’s door.  Thank you!

Chancel Choir-Practice is held Wednesday nights at 7:00. All singers welcomed! Contact Diaconal Minister Linda Peppernick at lindapeppernick@embarqmail.com

Post-High School Connections - First Church Friends: I am looking for people to connect with our post high age young adults. Check-in texts, notes, and emails are a great way to let them know they're a part of the family even when they may not be able to attend regularly. If you're willing to friend one of our post high young adults, please contact Beth Stahl (stahlfamily2000@gmail.com or 717-375-8011).

Evening Bible Studies:

Intergenerational Study -Interested in making connections between faith and real life?  In building intergenerational relationships within the church?  Consider joining this discussion-based Bible study at 5:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of every month. Study is designed for youth Grade 7 or higher in the company of their parents. All adults welcome!

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

Wednesday Men’s Bible Study meets every week at 6:30 am in the FLC lobby.

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

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

Refugee Resettlement: Please contact Clint Bolte (717) 267-2157 to volunteer with helps for the family.  Donations can be sent to Congregation of the Sons of Israel, 209 East King Street, Chambersburg 17201—memo “refugee resettlement”.

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

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

Prayer and Study Group

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

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

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

 

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

Prayers for Healing

Alan Parris' mother - heart surgery.

Erma Collins

Dean Crow

Reed deSalis

Larry McDonald - refreshment, clarity, full understanding of God's promise to move mountains.

Shirley Jones

Thomas Barr - general well-being.

Prayers for Our World

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

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

Healing for our divided country, nations, and leaders.

All Military and Law Enforcement and First Responders and Essential Workers.

 

Prayers for Church Ministries, Events and Special projects

Stephen Ministry

First Lights Children's Ministry

Illuminate Youth Ministry

Hungry Hearts Ministry

200th Anniversary Celebration

Valentines for Frontlines

Prayers for the pandemic

Healing for those with Covid.

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

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

Renewal and restoration for health care workers.

Wisdom for leaders, doctors and parents.

An end to the pandemic and all COVID variants.

Prayers needed for these members with long term concerns:

John & Bunny Parson

Larry & Avis Guise

Al & Linda Lojacono

Bill & Mary Butts

Jack & Bette Bowers

Dean & Carol Crow

Paul & Erma Collins

Bill & Thelma Peerce

Kirk & Kathy Paul

Chuck & Dianne Salter

Dave & Joan Kauffman

Ron & Mary Diehl

Sarah & Barry Baker

Prayers of Comfort, Peace and Condolence

Families struggling with grief and loss.

Families struggling with housing and financial issues.

Families struggling with reconciliation and forgiveness.

Peace for those dealing with anxiety.

Faith for those who struggle to believe in what they cannot see.

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

February 4, 2022

Posted on by

Sunday February 6, 2022

In Traditional Service this week:

Pastor - Steven M. Livermore

Organist - Diaconal Minister  - Linda Peppernick

Scripture Reader - Mark Davis

Flowers:

The first center piece is placed by the Poling family in honor and memory of the four chaplains who gave their life jackets to other servicemen as their ship was sinking on February 3, 1943. They are DR. ALEANDER D. GOODE, Jewish Rabbi; REV. GEORGE L. FOX, Methodist Minister; REV. CLARK V. POLING, Dutch Reformed Minister; and FATHER JOHN P. WASHINGTON, Roman Catholic Priest. When the ship was torpedoed by a German U-Boat, the chaplains passed out life jackets and helped others into lifeboats, but when the life jackets were gone, they removed their own jackets and gave them to others. As the Dorchester was sinking, the four chaplains were seen with locked arms praying and singing hymns. There were only 230 survivors that day.

The second centerpiece is placed to the glory of God and In memory of husband Bill. Given by Judy Paes.

 

Covid in Franklin County

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

Watch our services on youtube at 12pm!

We also have a dedicated phone number so you can listen to latest recorded service at 717-899-4JOY (4569).

Great News!

Mail Service is up to only missing a day or two a week. We feel confident that tithes and offerings mailed to the church will arrive here safely. If you wish to send your contributions via mail, you are welcome to do so.

MINISTRY UPDATES

Children's Ministry

Pray with us on Tuesdays at 2:52pm.

Wednesday nights from 6pm-7pm!

Visit First Lights.org for more

Youth Group

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

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts

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

Items Needed!

We will be collecting household supplies for the month of February for distribution during Hungry Heart's food pantry and clothing appointments in March. The items we are interested in are:

  • Toilet Paper
  • Paper Towels
  • Bleach
  • All purpose Cleaner
  • Bathroom cleaner
  • Hand Soap
  • Dish Soap

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

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

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

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

Pastoral Care Ministries

GriefShare sessions begin at 1:00pm April 4 and continue through June 27 (no mtg May 30th for Memorial Day)

Stephen Ministry is here to walk with you through difficult journeys.

Two separate seminars will be offered:
      1) Monday, March 28 at 1:00pm at the church
OR
     2) Monday, March 28 at 7:00pm at the church

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

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

UPCOMING in Women Connect:
February 26, 2022 – Program TBA (we will be meeting the 4th Saturday this month because of President’s holiday weekend on our normal 3rd Saturday)

BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS for January:
Jean Brake – January 6
Cheryl Andreus – January 16

New Year: New Studies!

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

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

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Important Note regarding upcoming events: If you are planning a church event, please contact Stacey in the church office so that we can coordinate all events in the church and are not overlapping ministries. Thank you!

Please contact the church about hospitalizations as we no longer are contacted when parishioners are hospitalized.

Attention: Sunday School Classes and Organizations It is now time to audit your 2021 records. Please turn in your checking account/bank statements to Stacey in the Church Office as soon as possible.  If you bring them in when Stacey is not in her office they can be placed in the mailbox on the wall outside Stacey’s door.  Thank you!

Chancel Choir-Practice is held Wednesday nights at 7:00. All singers welcomed! Contact Diaconal Minister Linda Peppernick at lindapeppernick@embarqmail.com

Post-High School Connections - First Church Friends: I am looking for people to connect with our post high age young adults. Check-in texts, notes, and emails are a great way to let them know they're a part of the family even when they may not be able to attend regularly. If you're willing to friend one of our post high young adults, please contact Beth Stahl (stahlfamily2000@gmail.com or 717-375-8011).

Evening Bible Studies:

Intergenerational Study -Interested in making connections between faith and real life?  In building intergenerational relationships within the church?  Consider joining this discussion-based Bible study at 5:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of every month. Study is designed for youth Grade 7 or higher in the company of their parents. All adults welcome!

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

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

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

Refugee Resettlement: Please contact Clint Bolte (717) 267-2157 to volunteer with helps for the family.  Donations can be sent to Congregation of the Sons of Israel, 209 East King Street, Chambersburg 17201—memo “refugee resettlement”.

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

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

Prayer and Study Group

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

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

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

 

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

Prayers for Healing

Alan Parris' mother - heart surgery

Erma Collins

Dean Crow

Reed deSalis

Bette Renshaw - cataract surgery

Prayers for Our World

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

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

Healing for our divided country, nations, and leaders.

All Military and Law Enforcement and First Responders and Essential Workers.

 

Prayers for Church Ministries, Events and Special projects

Stephen Ministry

First Lights Children's Ministry

Illuminate Youth Ministry

Hungry Hearts Ministry

200th Anniversary Celebration

Prayers for the pandemic

Healing for those with Covid.

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

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

Renewal and restoration for health care workers.

Wisdom for leaders, doctors and parents.

An end to the pandemic and all COVID variants.

Prayers needed for these members with long term concerns:

John & Bunny Parson

Larry & Avis Guise

Al & Linda Lojacono

Bill & Mary Butts

Jack & Bette Bowers

Dean & Carol Crow

Paul & Erma Collins

Bill & Thelma Peerce

Kirk & Kathy Paul

Chuck & Dianne Salter

Dave & Joan Kauffman

Ron & Mary Diehl

Sarah & Barry Baker

Prayers of Comfort, Peace and Condolence

Families struggling with grief and loss.

Families struggling with housing and financial issues.

Families struggling with reconciliation and forgiveness.

Comfort for Erma Collins as she starts treatments.

Peace for those dealing with anxiety.

Endowment Fund Status

(As of December 31, 2021)

The total amount of principal (market value) in the Endowment fund is $1,399,198. This is an increase of $42,153 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 $198,377. The amount available by category is as follows:

General $89,479   Music $43,214   Facilities $12,994   Missions $12,180 Scholarships $40,510

Over the last 4 years (2018-2021) the fund has used $79,870 to support items such as, stained glass window repair, provide salaries to pastors in Sierra Leone (5-year commitment), visits and supplies to Haiti, adult work camps, continuing education conferences for staff, repairs to a missionary‘s auto, Noah’s House, video/streaming equipment, Youth Mission trips and other items.

This year $41,270 was spent - on a purchase of a mobile sound system ($2,200) for use at the park and the church and supported building/repairing a wall ($3,000) at the Haiti Orphanage for safety and security of the children. We provided uniforms and books ($2,000) for the students at our Haitian school. Uniforms are very important in Haitian society so that the children are not bullied or targeted by traffickers. The fund paid $29,500 towards the repair of the elevator, $3,070 to repeal our property tax bill (no decision yet) and $1,500 to support Sierra Leone pastor salaries.

Contributions are down this year from past years.  2018 - $9,926   2019 - $17,282   2020 - $14,341   2021 - $5,338. One purpose of the Endowment Fund is to support projects/ initiatives during times of reduced donations, like COVID. Times are tough but please consider contributing to the Endowment Fund to provide support for future needs.

Thank you.  Dave Stevens

 

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

January 28, 2022

Posted on by

Sunday January 30, 2022

In Traditional Service this week:

Pastor - Steven M. Livermore

Organist - Diaconal Minister  - Linda Peppernick

Scripture Reader - Penny Buckus

Bass  - Gideon Hill

The altar flowers are placed to the glory of God and In loving memory of mother Viola and father Bill Rotz and brother Raymond. Viola would have celebrated her birthday Nov. 19 and Bill would have celebrated his birthday Jan. 31. Given by Vada Rotz.

Covid in Franklin County

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

Watch our services on youtube at 12pm!

We also have a dedicated phone number so you can listen to latest recorded service at 717-899-4JOY (4569).

Great News!

Mail Service is up to only missing a day or two a week. We feel confident that tithes and offerings mailed to the church will arrive here safely. If you wish to send your contributions via mail, you are welcome to do so.

MINISTRY UPDATES

Children's Ministry

Pray with us on Tuesdays at 2:52pm.

Wednesday nights from 6pm-7pm!

Visit First Lights.org for more

Youth Group

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

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts

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

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

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

 

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

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

Pastoral Care Ministries

GriefShare sessions begin at 1:00pm April 4 and continue through June 27 (no mtg May 30th for Memorial Day)

Stephen Ministry is here to walk with you through difficult journeys.

Two separate seminars will be offered:
      1) Monday, March 28 at 1:00pm at the church
OR
     2) Monday, March 28 at 7:00pm at the church

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

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

UPCOMING in Women Connect:
February 26, 2022 – Program TBA (we will be meeting the 4th Saturday this month because of President’s holiday weekend on our normal 3rd Saturday)

BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS for January:
Jean Brake – January 6
Cheryl Andreus – January 16

New Year: New Studies!

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

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

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Important Note regarding upcoming events: If you are planning a church event, please contact Stacey in the church office so that we can coordinate all events in the church and are not overlapping ministries. Thank you!

Please contact the church about hospitalizations as we no longer are contacted when parishioners are hospitalized.

Attention: Sunday School Classes and Organizations It is now time to audit your 2021 records. Please turn in your checking account/bank statements to Stacey in the Church Office as soon as possible.  If you bring them in when Stacey is not in her office they can be placed in the mailbox on the wall outside Stacey’s door.  Thank you!

Chancel Choir-Practice is held Wednesday nights at 7:00. All singers welcomed! Contact Diaconal Minister Linda Peppernick at lindapeppernick@embarqmail.com

Post-High School Connections - First Church Friends: I am looking for people to connect with our post high age young adults. Check-in texts, notes, and emails are a great way to let them know they're a part of the family even when they may not be able to attend regularly. If you're willing to friend one of our post high young adults, please contact Beth Stahl (stahlfamily2000@gmail.com or 717-375-8011).

Evening Bible Studies:

Intergenerational Study -Interested in making connections between faith and real life?  In building intergenerational relationships within the church?  Consider joining this discussion-based Bible study at 5:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of every month. Study is designed for youth Grade 7 or higher in the company of their parents. All adults welcome!

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

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

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

Refugee Resettlement: Please contact Clint Bolte (717) 267-2157 to volunteer with helps for the family.  Donations can be sent to Congregation of the Sons of Israel, 209 East King Street, Chambersburg 17201—memo “refugee resettlement”.

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

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

Prayer and Study Group

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

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

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

 

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

Prayers for Healing

Dean Crow

Paul Bridegam

Rob Bulger

Dave Kauffman

Joan Kauffman

Reed deSalis

Erma Collins

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

Prayers for Our World

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

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

Healing for our divided country, nations, and leaders.

All Military and Law Enforcement and First Responders and Essential Workers.

 

Prayers for Church Ministries, Events and Special projects

Stephen Ministry

First Lights Children's Ministry - Returning to regular programming

Illuminate Youth Ministry - Youth Lock In

Hungry Hearts Ministry

Prayers for the pandemic

Healing for those with Covid.

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

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

Renewal and restoration for health care workers.

Wisdom for leaders, doctors and parents.

An end to the pandemic and all COVID variants.

Prayers needed for these members with long term concerns:

John & Bunny Parson

Larry & Avis Guise

Al & Linda Lojacono

Bill & Mary Butts

Jack & Bette Bowers

Dean & Carol Crow

Paul & Erma Collins

Bill & Thelma Peerce

Kirk & Kathy Paul

Chuck & Dianne Salter

Dave & Joan Kauffman

Sarah & Barry Baker

Prayers of Comfort, Peace and Condolence

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

Ted and Denise Lucas.

A family struggling with housing and financial issues.

A family struggling with reconciliation and forgiveness.

A blessed restful sabbatical for Gail.

Comfort for Erma Collins as she starts treatments.

Endowment Fund Status

(As of December 31, 2021)

The total amount of principal (market value) in the Endowment fund is $1,399,198. This is an increase of $42,153 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 $198,377. The amount available by category is as follows:

General $89,479   Music $43,214   Facilities $12,994   Missions $12,180 Scholarships $40,510

Over the last 4 years (2018-2021) the fund has used $79,870 to support items such as, stained glass window repair, provide salaries to pastors in Sierra Leone (5-year commitment), visits and supplies to Haiti, adult work camps, continuing education conferences for staff, repairs to a missionary‘s auto, Noah’s House, video/streaming equipment, Youth Mission trips and other items.

This year $41,270 was spent - on a purchase of a mobile sound system ($2,200) for use at the park and the church and supported building/repairing a wall ($3,000) at the Haiti Orphanage for safety and security of the children. We provided uniforms and books ($2,000) for the students at our Haitian school. Uniforms are very important in Haitian society so that the children are not bullied or targeted by traffickers. The fund paid $29,500 towards the repair of the elevator, $3,070 to repeal our property tax bill (no decision yet) and $1,500 to support Sierra Leone pastor salaries.

Contributions are down this year from past years.  2018 - $9,926   2019 - $17,282   2020 - $14,341   2021 - $5,338. One purpose of the Endowment Fund is to support projects/ initiatives during times of reduced donations, like COVID. Times are tough but please consider contributing to the Endowment Fund to provide support for future needs.

Thank you.  Dave Stevens

 

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

January 21, 2022

Posted on by

Sunday January 23, 2022

In Traditional Service this week:

Pastor - Steven M. Livermore

Organist - Diaconal Minister  - Linda Peppernick

Scripture Reader - Deanna Nolder

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

Covid in Franklin County

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

Watch our services on youtube at 12pm!

We also have a dedicated phone number so you can listen to latest recorded service at 717-899-4JOY (4569).

Great News!

Mail Service is up to only missing a day or two a week. We feel confident that tithes and offerings mailed to the church will arrive here safely. If you wish to send your contributions via mail, you are welcome to do so.

MINISTRY UPDATES

Children's Ministry

Pray with us on Tuesdays at 2:52pm.

Now recruiting volunteers for many areas! Sign up today!

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

Visit First Lights.org for more

Youth Group

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

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts

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

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

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

 

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

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

Pastoral Care Ministries

GriefShare group meets Mondays at 1:00 PM.

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

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

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

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

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

 

New Year: New Studies!

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

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

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Important Note regarding upcoming events: If you are planning a church event, please contact Stacey in the church office so that we can coordinate all events in the church and are not overlapping ministries. Thank you!

Please contact the church about hospitalizations as we no longer are contacted when parishioners are hospitalized.

Attention: Sunday School Classes and Organizations It is now time to audit your 2021 records. Please turn in your checking account/bank statements to Stacey in the Church Office as soon as possible.  If you bring them in when Stacey is not in her office they can be placed in the mailbox on the wall outside Stacey’s door.  Thank you!

Chancel Choir-Practice is held Wednesday nights at 7:00. All singers welcomed! Contact Diaconal Minister Linda Peppernick at lindapeppernick@embarqmail.com

Post-High School Connections - First Church Friends: I am looking for people to connect with our post high age young adults. Check-in texts, notes, and emails are a great way to let them know they're a part of the family even when they may not be able to attend regularly. If you're willing to friend one of our post high young adults, please contact Beth Stahl (stahlfamily2000@gmail.com or 717-375-8011).

200th Anniversary Planning Meeting - Monday, January 24th at 7:00 PM in the FLC.  If you have expressed interest or are interested in helping us plan, please join us.  Please email Pastor Steve at pastor4fumc@gmail.com if you can attend.  If you expressed interest earlier but can’t make this meeting please email Pastor Steve.

Evening Bible Studies:

Intergenerational Study -Interested in making connections between faith and real life?  In building intergenerational relationships within the church?  Consider joining this discussion-based Bible study at 5:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of every month. Study is designed for youth Grade 7 or higher in the company of their parents. All adults welcome!

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

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

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

Refugee Resettlement: Please contact Clint Bolte (717) 267-2157 to volunteer with helps for the family.  Donations can be sent to Congregation of the Sons of Israel, 209 East King Street, Chambersburg 17201—memo “refugee resettlement”.

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

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

Prayer and Study Group

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

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

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

 

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

Prayers for Healing

Dean Crow

Paul Bridegam

Rob Bulger

Dave Kauffman

Joan Kauffman

Reed deSalis

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

Prayers for Our World

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

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

Healing for our divided country, nations, and leaders.

All Military and Law Enforcement and First Responders and Essential Workers.

 

Prayers for Church Ministries, Events and Special projects

Stephen Ministry

First Lights Children's Ministry - Returning to regular programming

Illuminate Youth Ministry - Youth Lock In

Hungry Hearts Ministry

Prayers for the pandemic

Healing for those with Covid.

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

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

Renewal and restoration for health care workers.

Wisdom for leaders, doctors and parents.

An end to the pandemic and all COVID variants.

Prayers needed for these members with long term concerns:

John & Bunny Parson

Larry & Avis Guise

Al & Linda Lojacono

Bill & Mary Butts

Jack & Bette Bowers

Dean & Carol Crow

Paul & Erma Collins

Bill & Thelma Peerce

Kirk & Kathy Paul

Chuck & Dianne Salter

Dave & Joan Kauffman

Sarah & Barry Baker

Prayers of Comfort, Peace and Condolence

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

Ted and Denise Lucas.

A family struggling with housing and financial issues.

Gail Vaughn as she practices being still with God.

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

January 14, 2022

Posted on by

Sunday January 16, 2022

In Traditional Service this week:

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

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

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

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

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

 

Covid in Franklin County

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

Watch our services on youtube at 12pm!

We also have a dedicated phone number so you can listen to latest recorded service at 717-899-4JOY (4569).

We are asking folks not to mail donations through the US Postal service. Please hand-deliver them to the church, because we are having issues with receiving mail. We also have online giving available as well. Thank you for blessing us!

MINISTRY UPDATES

Children's Ministry

Pray with us on Tuesdays at 2:52pm.

Now recruiting volunteers for many areas! Sign up today!

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

Visit First Lights.org for more

Youth Group

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

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts

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

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

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

 

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

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

Pastoral Care Ministries

GriefShare group meets Mondays at 1:00 PM.

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

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

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

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

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

 

New Year: New Studies!

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

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

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Important Note regarding upcoming events: If you are planning a church event, please contact Stacey in the church office so that we can coordinate all events in the church and are not overlapping ministries. Thank you!

Please contact the church about hospitalizations as we no longer are contacted when parishioners are hospitalized.

Attention: Sunday School Classes and Organizations It is now time to audit your 2021 records. Please turn in your checking account/bank statements to Stacey in the Church Office as soon as possible.  If you bring them in when Stacey is not in her office they can be placed in the mailbox on the wall outside Stacey’s door.  Thank you!

Chancel Choir-Practice is held Wednesday nights at 7:00. All singers welcomed! Contact Diaconal Minister Linda Peppernick at lindapeppernick@embarqmail.com

Post-High School Connections - First Church Friends: I am looking for people to connect with our post high age young adults. Check-in texts, notes, and emails are a great way to let them know they're a part of the family even when they may not be able to attend regularly. If you're willing to friend one of our post high young adults, please contact Beth Stahl (stahlfamily2000@gmail.com or 717-375-8011).

200th Anniversary Planning Meeting - Monday, January 17th at 7:00 PM in the FLC.  If you have expressed interest or are interested in helping us plan, please join us.  Please email Pastor Steve at pastor4fumc@gmail.com if you can attend.  If you expressed interest earlier but can’t make this meeting please email Pastor Steve.

Evening Bible Studies:

Intergenerational Study -Interested in making connections between faith and real life?  In building intergenerational relationships within the church?  Consider joining this discussion-based Bible study at 5:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of every month. Study is designed for youth Grade 7 or higher in the company of their parents. All adults welcome!

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

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

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

Refugee Resettlement: Please contact Clint Bolte (717) 267-2157 to volunteer with helps for the family.  Donations can be sent to Congregation of the Sons of Israel, 209 East King Street, Chambersburg 17201—memo “refugee resettlement”.

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

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

Prayer and Study Group

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

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

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

Meeting ID: 869 2125 5975 Passcode: 7yWCpF

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

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

Prayers for Healing

Lindsay Zubal

Dean Crow

Paul Bridegam

Rob Bulger

Dave Kauffman

Joan Kauffman

Prayers for Our World

Relief for areas hit by natural disasters.

Healing for our divided country, nations, and leaders.

All Military and Law Enforcement and First Responders and Essential Workers.

 

Prayers for Church Ministries, Events and Special projects

Stephen Ministry

First Lights Children's Ministry - Returning to regular programming

Illuminate Youth Ministry - Youth Lock In

Hungry Hearts Ministry

Prayers for the pandemic

Healing for those with Covid.

Safety and protection for those who are traveling.

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

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

Wisdom for leaders, doctors and parents.

Prayers needed for these members with long term concerns:

John & Bunny Parson

Larry & Avis Guise

Al & Linda Lojacono

Betty Upperman

Bill & Mary Butts

Jack & Bette Bowers

Dean & Carol Crow

Paul & Erma Collins

Bill & Thelma Peerce

Kirk & Kathy Paul

Chuck & Dianne Salter

Dave & Joan Kauffman

Sarah & Barry Baker

Praise and Thanksgiving!

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

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

January 7, 2022

Posted on by

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

Covid in Franklin County

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

 

 

 

 

Watch our services on youtube at 12pm!

We also have a dedicated phone number so you can listen to latest recorded service at 717-899-4JOY (4569).

We are asking folks not to mail donations through the US Postal service. Please hand-deliver them to the church, because we are having issues with receiving mail. We also have online giving available as well. Thank you for blessing us!

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

Prelude

Welcome, Announcements and Call to Worship

Hymn “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”

Prayer

Hymn “My Hope is Built”

Special Music – “God Loves You” Doug Harbach

Hymn “Break Thou the Bread of Life”

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

Message

Hymn “Rock of Ages”

Blessing

MINISTRY UPDATES

Children's Ministry

Pray with us on Tuesdays at 2:52pm.

Now recruiting volunteers for many areas! Sign up today!

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

Visit First Lights.org for more

Youth Group

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

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts

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

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

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

 

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

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

Pastoral Care Ministries

GriefShare group meets Mondays at 1:00 PM.

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

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

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

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

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

 

New Year: New Studies!

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

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

 

 

Card-Making Class

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

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

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

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Important Note regarding upcoming events: If you are planning a church event, please contact Stacey in the church office so that we can coordinate all events in the church and are not overlapping ministries. Thank you!

Please contact the church about hospitalizations as we no longer are contacted when parishioners are hospitalized.

Attention: Sunday School Classes and Organizations It is now time to audit your 2021 records. Please turn in your checking account/bank statements to Stacey in the Church Office as soon as possible.  If you bring them in when Stacey is not in her office they can be placed in the mailbox on the wall outside Stacey’s door.  Thank you!

Chancel Choir-Practice is held Wednesday nights at 7:00. All singers welcomed! Contact Diaconal Minister Linda Peppernick at lindapeppernick@embarqmail.com

Post-High School Connections - First Church Friends: I am looking for people to connect with our post high age young adults. Check-in texts, notes, and emails are a great way to let them know they're a part of the family even when they may not be able to attend regularly. If you're willing to friend one of our post high young adults, please contact Beth Stahl (stahlfamily2000@gmail.com or 717-375-8011).

200th Anniversary Planning Meeting - Monday, January 17th at 7:00 PM in the FLC.  If you have expressed interest or are interested in helping us plan, please join us.  Please email Pastor Steve at pastor4fumc@gmail.com if you can attend.  If you expressed interest earlier but can’t make this meeting please email Pastor Steve.

Evening Bible Studies:

Intergenerational Study -Interested in making connections between faith and real life?  In building intergenerational relationships within the church?  Consider joining this discussion-based Bible study at 5:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of every month. Study is designed for youth Grade 7 or higher in the company of their parents. All adults welcome!

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

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

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

Refugee Resettlement: Please contact Clint Bolte (717) 267-2157 to volunteer with helps for the family.  Donations can be sent to Congregation of the Sons of Israel, 209 East King Street, Chambersburg 17201—memo “refugee resettlement”.

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

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

Prayer and Study Group

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

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

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

Meeting ID: 869 2125 5975 Passcode: 7yWCpF

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

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

Prayers for Healing

Lindsay Zubal

Dean Crow

Paul Bridegam

Janet Johnston

Lucille Lowe

Prayers for Our World

Relief for areas hit by natural disasters.

Healing for our divided country, nations, and leaders.

All Military and Law Enforcement and First Responders and Essential Workers.

 

Prayers for Church Ministries, Events and Special projects

Stephen Ministry

First Lights Children's Ministry - Returning to regular programming

Illuminate Youth Ministry - Youth Lock In

Hungry Hearts Ministry

Prayers for the pandemic

Healing for those with Covid.

Safety and protection for those who are traveling.

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

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

Wisdom for leaders, doctors and parents.

Prayers needed for these members with long term concerns:

John & Bunny Parson

Larry & Avis Guise

Al & Linda Lojacono

Betty Upperman

Bill & Mary Butts

Jack & Bette Bowers

Dean & Carol Crow

Paul & Erma Collins

Bill & Thelma Peerce

Kirk & Kathy Paul

Chuck & Dianne Salter

Dave & Joan Kauffman

Sarah & Barry Baker

Praise and Thanksgiving!

We praise God for the hope of a new year!

We praise God because we can trust Him!

We praise God for the gift of the Holy Spirit!

 

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES

December 31, 2021

Posted on by

In Service January 2, 2022

Pastor - Steven M. Livermore

Organist - Diaconal Minister—Linda Peppernick

Prelude - Elijah Hill

Special Music - Elizabeth Hill and Sydney Wenger;

Accompanist, Beth Stahl

Scripture Readers - Hank Stouffer and Hannah Mills

Opening Song Leader - Jackson Stahl

The altar flowers are placed to the glory of God.

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

 

Covid in Franklin County

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

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

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

COVID19 Protocol Update

NEW Covid Recommendations by the CDC.

For a positive covid test regardless of vaccination status:

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

Watch our services on youtube at 12pm!

We also have a dedicated phone number so you can listen to latest recorded service at 717-899-4JOY (4569).

We are asking folks not to mail donations through the US Postal service. Please hand-deliver them to the church, because we are having issues with receiving mail. We also have online giving available as well. Thank you for blessing us!

MINISTRY UPDATES

Children's Ministry

Pray with us on Tuesdays at 2:52pm

Now recruiting volunteers for many areas! Sign up today!

Visit First Lights.org for more

Youth Group

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

Join us on January 5, 2022!

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

Visit Illuminate.org for more

Hungry Hearts

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

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

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

 

Visit Hungry Hearts

Team Haiti

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

Pastoral Care Ministries

GriefShare group meets Mondays at 1:00 PM.

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

Visit Pastoral Care Ministries

Women Connect

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

New Year: New Studies!

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

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

 

 

Card-Making Class

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

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

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

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Important Note regarding upcoming events: If you are planning a church event, please contact Stacey in the church office so that we can coordinate all events in the church and are not overlapping ministries. Thank you!

Please contact the church about hospitalizations as we no longer are contacted when parishioners are hospitalized.

Chancel Choir-Practice is held Wednesday nights at 7:00. All singers welcomed! Contact Diaconal Minister Linda Peppernick at lindapeppernick@embarqmail.com

Post-High School Connections - First Church Friends: I am looking for people to connect with our post high age young adults. Check-in texts, notes, and emails are a great way to let them know they're a part of the family even when they may not be able to attend regularly. If you're willing to friend one of our post high young adults, please contact Beth Stahl (stahlfamily2000@gmail.com or 717-375-8011).

200th Anniversary – 2022 will mark the 200th Anniversary of the birth of First Church.  We are looking for interested individuals to be part of the committee planning our celebrations. Please contact Pastor Steve at pastor4fumc@gmail.com if you would like to help.

Evening Bible Studies:

Intergenerational Study -Interested in making connections between faith and real life?  In building intergenerational relationships within the church?  Consider joining this discussion-based Bible study at 5:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of every month. Study is designed for youth Grade 7 or higher in the company of their parents. All adults welcome!

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

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

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

Refugee Resettlement: Please contact Clint Bolte (717) 267-2157 to volunteer with helps for the family.  Donations can be sent to Congregation of the Sons of Israel, 209 East King Street, Chambersburg 17201—memo “refugee resettlement”.

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

Prayer and Study Group

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

FUMC Prayer & Study Group-

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

Meeting ID: 869 2125 5975 Passcode: 7yWCpF

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

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

Prayers for Healing

Lindsay Zubal

Dean Crow

Paul Bridegam

Janet Johnston

Lucille Lowe

Prayers for Our World

Those affected by natural disasters.

The people of Haiti.

The people of Afghanistan.

Government leaders of all nations.

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

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

Prayers for Church Ministries, Events and Special projects

Stephen Ministry

First Lights Children's Ministry

Illuminate Youth Ministry

Hungry Hearts Ministry

Prayers for the pandemic

Healing for those with Covid.

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

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

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

Wise choices regarding vaccination.

Prayers needed for these members:

John & Bunny Parson

Larry & Avis Guise

Al & Linda Lojacono

Betty Upperman

Bill & Mary Butts

Jack & Bette Bowers

Dean & Carol Crow

Paul & Erma Collins

Bill & Thelma Peerce

Kirk & Kathy Paul

Chuck & Dianne Salter

Dave & Joan Kauffman

Sarah & Barry Baker

Praise and Thanksgiving!

Brad Walick is home and improving.

 

PREVIOUS WEEKLY UPDATES