Scroll through this page to see what is happening at First Church.

Worship Online

If you are unable to attend our Sunday morning worship services in-person, please join us online. We stream both services Sunday mornings live at 9 and 11 a.m. and both are available to watch later if you can’t watch live. We also have many previous services available to watch if you missed one. Please don’t forget to let us know you are watching with the “I’m Here” button at the top of the page.

Friendship Club Outing

The Friendship Club has made arrangements to get together again this year on Sunday, October 16 at 3 p.m. for an organ concert with Ron Rhode playing his theatre organ in his home. We will need to shuttle ticket holders to Ron’s house from the First Church parking lot, returning around 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 each. Refreshments will be served.

Please contact Jan Hyde at 602-944-4817 or Carolyn Cooper at 602-943-3082 for reservations.

Blood Drive – Sunday, October 30

• Sunday, October 30, 2022
• 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Bloodmobile will be in the north parking lot
• Appointments are recommended!
• Contact Stephanie Espinoza at (602)284-1258 or visit
  www.donors.vitalant.org (Blood Drive code: firstunited)

Now the Service Begins

At the close of most worship services Pastor David says, “Worship has ended. Now let the service begin”. That became an idea past from the Congregational Care Team to the Quilting group. Thanks to the skills of our own Monte Kotrous, a new banner quilt now hangs from the balcony. Remember to look up on Sundays to see this call to our faith.

Christmas Greens

Again this year, the choirs of First Church are taking orders for Christmas Greens. Orders can be placed at the table on the patio during the month of October. If that isn’t convenient, you may call Don Richardson (602) 997-1205 to place the order. The greens sales benefit the music program at First Church, so please support the choir members.

Youth Choir is Here!

Looking for a way to share your talents with our church? Come check out our First Youth Choir! Open to all youth grades 6-12, we perform in worship about once per month. We rehearse Sundays 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. in Room 106. For more information contact Dr. Elizabeth Leyva at elizabeth@firstchurch.church. No musical experience is necessary, just a willingness to make a joyful noise to the Lord!

Would You Like to Help?

We need volunteers! Please consider volunteering in one of the following ways:

• Hosts are the friendly face of welcome. Hosts guide and assist visitors and guests and help everyone feel they belong. If you would like to serve as a host, please contact Cathy in the church office.
• Liturgists are the voice of worship. Liturgists invite us into celebration and bring the word of God to the people of God. If you would like to serve as a liturgist, please contact Karen Champagne.
• Pew Pocket Crew makes sure our pews are neatly stocked with “I’m Here” cards, Blue Prayer Cards and other important information. If you would like to serve on the Pew Pocket Crew, please contact Cathy in the church office.
• Front Office help is needed for Sunday mornings for both services. You will be able to listen to the worship service. You might greet people walking through, answer phones, take messages, direct office traffic, receive offerings and donations of all sorts, make copies for the different classes that meet that morning. If you would like to volunteer in the office, please contact Cathy  in the church office.

Thank you for stepping up to help your church community!

Top 10 Reasons to Sing with the Chancel Choir

10. You don’t have to dress up on Sunday morning – the robe hides a lot!
9.  Singing is good for your body – it reduces stress and helps you live a longer, happier life.
8.  You have a guaranteed seat for Handel’s Messiah on Sunday, December 11!
7.  Singing is good for your brain – it improves memory and overall brain function.
6.  The ushers never pass the collection plate through the choir loft.
5.  Singing is good for your spirit – it can lift you above your daily problems and concerns.
4.  You have an iron-clad excuse to get away from your crabby spouse – at least twice a week.
3.  You get to hang out with the coolest members of the congregation.
2.  It’s exactly like singing in the shower, except you’re wearing clothes and people are actually listening.
1. The Bible commands it! – Sing praises to God, sing praises; Sing praises to our King, sing praises! – Psalm 47:6

The Chancel Choir sings during the 11 a.m. traditional worship service. We rehearse each Wednesday night from 7 to 9 p.m. This is a non-auditioned choir that welcomes anyone who loves to sing. Rehearsals begin Wednesday, August 24 at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Joshua Elder.

First Praise Choir is Back

Come be part of our modern worship choir – an intergenerational group of singers that leads worship at the 9 a.m. Contemporary Service! Rehearsals are held every Thursday night at 6 p.m. in the Choir Room. We perform special songs and lead worship at the 9 a.m. Worship Service about once a month. If you love the vibe and the energy of the First Praise Band, and you love to sing – this choir is for you! For more information, contact Joshua Elder.

Do You Need a Ride?

Do you need a ride? Our Transportation Ministry is up and running. This service is currently available for the 11 AM worship time. In order to confirm your seat please contact the church office at 602- 263-5013 by Wednesday of each week. To cancel this service we ask that you let us know your plans have changed by Friday.

Altar Flowers

You can request to provide altar flowers in honor or in memory of a loved one. Our altar flowers are $35 per arrangement. You can provide one or both arrangements for most Sundays with any dedication you choose. Please call Cathy Fuentes in the office at (602) 263-5013 x100 for more information.

PRAYER QUILTS IN THE NARTHEX
A prayer quilt displayed in the Narthex this morning is for Joseph Garber. We invite you to stop, tie a knot and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Cecil Vaughn, Elizabeth Vick, Lynn R Wurth, Carolyn Allen, Dora Angle, Steve Barnes, Ronald Brunson, Karlene Carlson, Bill Carpenter, Charlotte Carpenter

SENIOR BIRTHDAYS (Celebrating 80 or more birthdays)
Alena (Kay) Meredith, 10/2
Ronald Brunson, 10/4
Janet Nelson, 10/5
Roger Newstrum, 10/6
John Reinhold, 10/8

ALTAR FLOWERS
Given by The Altar Guild

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES
Shepherd of the Hills UMC, Sun City West; Shepherd of the Valley UMC, Phoenix; Spirit of Hope UMC, Peoria