News
October 17, 2025
Worship Online with Us
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.
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Pastor David’s Corner
This week instead of the regular Pastor David’s corner article, we wanted to highlight those that have stepped in to support the music ministry recently. Please see the below from Christine Khyn and Katy Fielder respectively:
“It has been a joy to step into ministry at First Church this Fall as Joshua is on sabbatical. When Ron retired the end of August, my role as substitute Music Director for the 9:00 Sunday service was expanded to include interim organist for the 11:00 service. I have been involved with music ministry since my teen years and have always had a passion to use music to help the Body of Christ hear the heart of God and respond. This passion led me to earn a degree in organ and piano performance from Cal State East Bay, and then to serve alongside my husband (Peter) who recently retired from a career as a worship pastor, serving in churches throughout Oregon, Washington, California, Colorado, and Arizona. My work has led me through many experiences, including teaching music privately, in the public school systems, and in the church. I have directed and taught choirs from ages 4 through senior adults. Currently, I am the collaborative pianist for the vocal department at Glendale Community College, accompanying the choirs as well as several music classes and vocal student soloists. I also am the principle accompanist for the West Valley Chorale. Adding this work at First Church has filled out my rich schedule, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve here. Together may we listen for God and be moved to respond.”
-Christine Khyn
“As Joshua, our beloved Minister of Music, enjoys his well-deserved sabbatical, I’ve had the privilege of helping out during his absence. It is a joyful and meaningful experience for me and has been a genuine team effort. So many people are stepping up to ensure our church’s music ministry continues to thrive.
I am happy to help because I believe that when we put good out into the world, it finds its way back to bless us and others – often in ways we can’t even imagine. There is something uniquely rewarding about serving others, especially when we are united by a shared purpose. Coming together to support Joshua not only strengthens our community but reminds us of the good that comes from generosity and cooperation.
It’s inspiring to work alongside such dedicated individuals to provide this time and space for Joshua. He can focus on his professional and personal growth, uninterrupted, and that is a gift we can all feel proud of giving. At the same time, his absence makes me appreciate even more the abundance of work he does behind the scenes. The powerhouse music department we enjoy each week is a testament to his vision, dedication, and leadership.
We miss Joshua dearly, but I know our collective efforts will be rewarded when he returns with renewed energy, creativity, and a host of fun new ideas. I am grateful to be part of this supportive and loving church family, and I look forward to seeing how our ministry together will continue to flourish.”
– Katy Fielder
Congregational Prayer Requests
(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)
PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX
A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Jazzlyn Jacque. Jazzlyn is a 17 year old, that had a very difficult time after the birth of her baby. This is a request from Jan Christensen. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.
DEATHS
None
PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Selena Alderman, Carolyn Allen, Bill Carpenter, Ruth Clark, Mary Anne Cooper, Laura DeNinno, Yvonne Fischer, Barbara Harvey, Judith Humbert.
OTHER
None
PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES
Shepherd of the Hills UMC – Sun City West
Shepherd of the Hills UMC- Phoenix
Spirit of Hope UMC – Peoria
(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)
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Congregational Celebrations and Praises
(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)
Jim and Jan Hyde 9/2
Bob and Connie Bailes 9/9
SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)
Karen Gajer 9/23
Jean Rupley 9/23
Margaret Scargall 9/23
Barbara K. Johnson 9/24
Jean Oliver 9/25
Stephanie Grainer 9/27
Don Hillegass 10/1
Jim McCoy 10/1
Janet Nelson 10/5
Mary Price 10/5
John Beaver 10/6
John Reinhold 10/8
Maurie Halle 10/10
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Who’s Who?
Welcome to “Who’s Who?” – a temporary reoccurring column where we’ll interview our staff and church leaders so you can get to know them a little better and connect on a deeper level.
This week’s spotlight is Jessica Morris, our Director of Next Generation Ministries!
Church Questions
Fun Questions
Spiritual Questions
Lura Turner Homes Workship Day
WeekDay School Updates from Beckie:
“Weekday School has had a busy 2 months getting to know new friends and teachers. We had an apple/grape theme, we made apple crisp, painted with apples and are drying raisins to make grapes.
Upcoming Blood Drive
Ordering Christmas Greens
Religious Trauma Online Course/Book Study
As some of you may know, our own Sammi Burkhart is a published author. Our church will be hosting a free book study and discussion group over Zoom on Wednesday evenings starting October 22nd. This is perfect for anyone who has religious trauma themselves, who has a loved one that has experienced religious trauma, or anyone who does not have religious trauma but is simply interested in learning more about the topic. To RSVP, please fill out this form (https://forms.gle/mJesTo7efP7zNpZm8), call or email the church office or contact Sammi directly to sign up (sammi@firstchurch.church). Books are available for purchase, but if you want to participate and cannot afford/ do not want to buy one, please email Sammi and she’ll send you a PDF of the book you can use instead.
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Fall Festival
You’re invited to our church’s fall festival October 26th at 4:30pm. It’ll be a fun time filled with games, food, candy, and even bounce houses and dunk tanks! This is a wonderful outreach opportunity for our church, so please invite your friends and neighbors!
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Trunk or Treat is Almost Here — We Need YOUR Help!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 26! Starting Monday, October 6, you can drop off candy at the front office during the week or bring it on Sundays to the candy donation buckets in the narthex.
We also need volunteers to help run games, supervise bounce houses, and staff the dunk tank (if you’d like to be dunked, see Jessica!). To volunteer, please contact Jessica or Julie, or use the sign-up link on the Church Center app.
Note: We are no longer using SignUpGenius. If you need help accessing Church Center, see Jessica!
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First Church Foundation – Did You Know (Final Part)
Mr. J: Wow this has been a very helpful discussion about the First Methodist Foundation history, organization, purpose, and function.
Ms. A: I hope this dialogue has proven helpful in understanding the foundation. Though the foundation has a long and strong tradition, it has only endured with the care of numerous board members, each bringing to the table a variety of abilities and strengths. Given our diversity, we all have a common interest in supporting our purpose of acquiring, holding, managing, and expending our reserves for the benefit of First United Methodist Church.
Mr. J: And during our discussion, I learned that the Foundation provides an excellent method of securing my legacy in our community. You helped me begin to understand how I want to be remembered. I can make current financial gifts to the foundation, I can establish a gift to the foundation in my trust or will, or I can purchase a lifetime annuity that names the foundation as the ultimate beneficiary.
Ms. A: I should add that the strength of the foundation is significantly enhanced by the thoughtful and loving generosity of those who have given, whether during their lifetime of through their trust. Without their foresight, we could not provide the church and community support as we do today.
Mr. J: Okay, tell me again, how do I make a connection to the foundation? *
*If you are wondering the same thing that Mr. J is wondering in this story, please consider talking with your estate planning professional. There are brochures in the church office with more information about First Church’s Foundation, and as always, our foundation board members are always happy to answer any questions you might have.
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Elder Fraud Prevention Presentation
Our church’s Foundation invites you to a seminar on Elder Fraud here at the church. It’s been arranged for a representative from the Arizona Attorney General’s office to present on this important topic at 10:00am November 1st. We will be taking reservations due to space limitations. Please contact the church office at (602) 263-5013 to RSVP. You won’t want to miss this event!
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New Christmas Decorations Donation Link
As many of you heard on Sunday, our church is raising money for new Christmas decorations for the sanctuary. If you are interested in donating, you can do so using this donation link https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2EJ/campaign/C-15ZY4 or however you’d typically donate to the church. (Just make sure you indicate the donation is for the Christmas decorations if using other means). Thank you for your generosity in supporting this project, and we can’t wait to see what the sanctuary looks like with the beautiful new decor.
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First Church Business Directory Updates
Here is an updated first church business directory.
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Giving Report
Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.
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Sunday Social Hour
Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be November 2. We look forward to seeing you!
Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)
Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.
Community Yoga Classes
First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.
Afternoon Book Group
The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.
The next meeting is scheduled for October 28th. The book for September is James by Percival Everett.
Visit our website https://FirstChurch.church and click on the “Give” button at the top of the home page, or scan the QR code at the bottom of this message with your mobile device for a quick and easy link to the giving page. You can set up a recurring frequency or give when you want to by making a one-time gift using your checking or savings bank account.
You may also give electronically using your bank’s bill pay service.
Another way to give electronically is Text-to-Give with your debit or credit card.
- Enter (888) 303-7535 in your cell phone text messaging program and a dollar amount without including a “$” sign as the message (example: type 20 to give twenty dollars).
- You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit or credit card information.
- After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
- For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!
Check Your Spam and Junk
Sometimes email from our Church’s domain, “.church” isn’t recognized by all email providers. Please check your spam and junk mail folders periodically to see if something from First Church or other senders to your address might be filtered out of your inbox.
