First Church Calendar and News ⤵️

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.

First Church Kids

Come and join the fun at Kids Church during the 9 a.m. service! The children start with worship in the Sanctuary at 9 a.m. Then, after the children’s message, our incredible leaders will guide them to their groups by age. Parents are welcome to walk with us. At the end of the service, children can be picked up from the following locations:

Greenhouse (6 months to 3 years old) – Room 109
Cubbyhouse (3 years old to Pre-K) – Room 222
Fun House (K-2nd grade) – Room 221
Lighthouse (3rd grade to 5th grade) – Room 102

Adult Sunday School Classes

Faith for Today Sunday School Class
Our class is a friendly, welcoming group. We meet to enhance our Christian beliefs and practices and how we can apply them to our everyday lives. Our
goals include outreach to fulfill local community needs and even beyond. We meet in the Centennial Room between services.

The Table Sunday School Class
This class is a diverse, casual, and welcoming group of people. It’s a great class whether you’re new to your faith journey or a seasoned veteran. Our discussion topics are always changing, the class is loosely structured, and no homework is required. We meet outside of class socially and have a goal of volunteering to serve the community quarterly. Join us in Room 116!

The Upper Room Sunday School Class
In this class, we do a detailed study of scripture. Currently, we are studying Colossians. Dr. Pat Dickerson, a New Testament scholar, leads us as we look at context, authorship, intended audience, specific words and how they are translated from the original text, and what is happening in the world in general. We meet in the Epworth Room from 10 to 11 a.m. If you have questions, please call Peggy Ward at 623-533-7381.

First Sundays Social Hour

The Table Sunday School class has decided to start a monthly social gathering on the first Sunday of every month. The event will be between services from 10 – 11 a.m. and will include coffee and snacks. We will also provide activities for the kids so that parents can join in.

Pat’s Run – Saturday, April 13

The 20th annual Pat’s Run is Saturday, April 13, 2024. If you’ve done this 4.2-mile run/walk before, you know how awesome it is to be with 30,000 people honoring the sacrifice of Pat Tillman in Afghanistan in 2003. If you haven’t done it, this is your year! Join Tom Rice, Joshua Elder, and Emma Jean Elder on our FUMC team. Sign up here: https://pattillmanfoundation.org. After you register, join our group FUMC Phoenix. We wind through the streets of Tempe and conclude at the 42-yard line in Sun Devil stadium. Riding the light rail is best. The race starts at 7 a.m., so all aboard at 6 a.m. at the light rail station at Central and Camelback. You can do this! Questions? Email or call Tom Rice. tomriceaz@msn.com of 602-999-2465

Community Yoga Classes

First United Methodist 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.

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.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. 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.

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.

First Church Kids

Come and join the fun at Kids Church during the 9 a.m. service! The children start with worship in the Sanctuary at 9 a.m. Then, after the children’s message, our incredible leaders will guide them to their groups by age. Parents are welcome to walk with us. At the end of the service, children can be picked up from the following locations:

Greenhouse (6 months to 3 years old) – Room 109
Cubbyhouse (3 years old to Pre-K) – Room 222
Fun House (K-2nd grade) – Room 221
Lighthouse (3rd grade to 5th grade) – Room 102

Adult Sunday School Classes

Faith for Today Sunday School Class
Our class is a friendly, welcoming group. We meet to enhance our Christian beliefs and practices and how we can apply them to our everyday lives. Our
goals include outreach to fulfill local community needs and even beyond. We meet in the Centennial Room between services.

The Table Sunday School Class
This class is a diverse, casual, and welcoming group of people. It’s a great class whether you’re new to your faith journey or a seasoned veteran. Our discussion topics are always changing, the class is loosely structured, and no homework is required. We meet outside of class socially and have a goal of volunteering to serve the community quarterly. Join us in Room 116!

The Upper Room Sunday School Class
In this class, we do a detailed study of scripture. Currently, we are studying Colossians. Dr. Pat Dickerson, a New Testament scholar, leads us as we look at context, authorship, intended audience, specific words and how they are translated from the original text, and what is happening in the world in general. We meet in the Epworth Room from 10 to 11 a.m. If you have questions, please call Peggy Ward at 623-533-7381.

Join us for Holy Week

This Easter, we invite you to reconnect to your faith and church as we celebrate the remarkable work of
God and the story of Jesus’ life, crucifixion, and resurrection. The following opportunities allow us to gather
as a community to celebrate these holy moments.

Good Friday, March 29, 7 p.m.
A Tenebrae service of remembrance with traditional choir and organ.

Easter Sunday, March 31
Christ is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Hallelujah!
9 a.m. Contemporary
10 a.m. A Taste of Easter – light sweets – children’s Easter Egg Hunt, crafts, and face painting.
11 a.m. Traditional Service featuring the Arizona Brassworks Quartet

As Easter reminds us of Jesus’ sacrifice through his life and death, we, too, are asked to reflect on a
personal sacrifice for the work of the body of Christ through the mission and ministry of First Church.

Easter Lily Delivery

We have a long tradition of delivering Easter lilies to members of our congregation who are not able to attend in person anymore. The lilies decorate our sanctuary on Easter Sunday and then are delivered by members who attend the Easter service. This year we will have names and addresses listed on a board in the narthex, separated by zip code. Please consider taking a lily or two and make your delivery on Sunday, March 31 after the 11 a.m. service. Please contact the church office at 602-263-5013, should you have any questions. You will definitely brighten someone’s day!

A Taste of Easter is Coming

A Taste of Easter volunteers are needed. Do you like to bake or make deviled eggs? Please volunteer to bring goodies or eggs for our Easter celebration on Sunday, March 31, at 10 a.m. Email Cathy Rice at cathyriceaz@msn.com. We also need helpers to set up and clean up.

First Sundays Social Hour

The Table Sunday School class has decided to start a monthly social gathering on the first Sunday of every month. The event will be between services from 10 – 11 a.m. and will include coffee and snacks. We will also provide activities for the kids so that parents can join in.

Easter Fun for First Kids

As we celebrate Easter, we will have something for children of all ages, from infants to fifth grade. Between services at 10 a.m., everyone is invited to participate in A Taste of Easter Brunch on the Friendship Patio. There will be an Easter Egg Hunt, crafts, face painting, and treats. We can’t wait to celebrate Easter with you!

Pat’s Run – Saturday, April 13

The 20th annual Pat’s Run is Saturday, April 13, 2024. If you’ve done this 4.2-mile run/walk before, you know how awesome it is to be with 30,000 people honoring the sacrifice of Pat Tillman in Afghanistan in 2003. If you haven’t done it, this is your year! Join Tom Rice, Joshua Elder, and Emma Jean Elder on our FUMC team. Sign up here: https://pattillmanfoundation.org. After you register, join our group FUMC Phoenix. We wind through the streets of Tempe and conclude at the 42-yard line in Sun Devil stadium. Riding the light rail is best. The race starts at 7 a.m., so all aboard at 6 a.m. at the light rail station at Central and Camelback. You can do this! Questions? Email or call Tom Rice. tomriceaz@msn.com of 602-999-2465

Community Yoga Classes

First United Methodist 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.

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.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. 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.

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.

First Church Kids

Come and join the fun at Kids Church during the 9 a.m. service! The children start with worship in the Sanctuary at 9 a.m. Then, after the children’s message, our incredible leaders will guide them to their groups by age. Parents are welcome to walk with us. At the end of the service, children can be picked up from the following locations:

Greenhouse (6 months to 3 years old) – Room 109
Cubbyhouse (3 years old to Pre-K) – Room 222
Fun House (K-2nd grade) – Room 221
Lighthouse (3rd grade to 5th grade) – Room 102

Adult Sunday School Classes

Faith for Today Sunday School Class
Our class is a friendly, welcoming group. We meet to enhance our Christian beliefs and practices and how we can apply them to our everyday lives. Our
goals include outreach to fulfill local community needs and even beyond. We meet in the Centennial Room between services.

The Table Sunday School Class
This class is a diverse, casual, and welcoming group of people. It’s a great class whether you’re new to your faith journey or a seasoned veteran. Our discussion topics are always changing, the class is loosely structured, and no homework is required. We meet outside of class socially and have a goal of volunteering to serve the community quarterly. Join us in Room 116!

The Upper Room Sunday School Class
In this class, we do a detailed study of scripture. Currently, we are studying Colossians. Dr. Pat Dickerson, a New Testament scholar, leads us as we look at context, authorship, intended audience, specific words and how they are translated from the original text, and what is happening in the world in general. We meet in the Epworth Room from 10 to 11 a.m. If you have questions, please call Peggy Ward at 623-533-7381.

Foundation Scholarship Applications

Applications for First United Methodist Foundation scholarships are available on our website. Applicants should submit their application using a new online form, https://firstchurch.church/scholarship-application/. Submit completed applications by 4 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2024. All scholarships will be awarded in May.

Lent Sermon Series and Book Study

A new sermon series begins Sunday, February 18, accompanied by a Book Study on Saturday mornings, March 2 through April 6, 8:30 – 10 a.m. Please contact the church office for more information about reserving a copy of the book for $15. 602-263-5013 or info@firstchurch.church 

A Taste of Easter is Coming Soon

A Taste of Easter volunteers are needed. Do you like to bake or make deviled eggs? Please volunteer to bring goodies or eggs for our Easter celebration on Sunday, March 31, at 10 a.m. Email Cathy Rice at cathyriceaz@msn.com. We also need helpers to set up and clean up.

Friendship Club Outing Sunday, March 24

The Friendship Club invites you to see the fantastic musical “Tuck Everlasting” at Grand Canyon University’s Ethington Theatre. Claude Pensis, a member of our church, in his 40th year at GCU, directs this musical. The matinee performance will be on Sunday, March 24. We will meet in Asbury Hall at 12:15 p.m. where we will have a Subway sandwich for lunch. The cost will be $20, which will cover your lunch and your ticket for the play. What a bargain! On this outing, we will have church vans available for about 20, and the rest will be handled by carpooling to the venue. We will leave the church at 1:15 p.m. Call Suzanne or Steve Haehl at 623-979-5449 for reservations. The reservation deadline is Friday, March 8.

First Sundays Social Hour

The Table Sunday School class has decided to start a monthly social gathering on the first Sunday of every month beginning March 3. The event will be between services from 10 – 11 a.m. and will have coffee and snacks provided. We also will provide activities for the kids so that parents can join in.

Knitty Witty Chain Gang

Do you have crochet or knitting skills? The Knitty Witty Chain Gang would like to extend an invitation to join our mission group. We originally just made blankets for baptisms at First Church. We expanded beyond our community to needs in South Dakota and Arizona Native American Reservations during the past several years. We have donated lap blankets and hats to hospitals along with baby items to The Hope Center. Our talents are now reaching out to the Choices Pregnancy Center for mothers and newborns while we continue to knit hats and scarves for JUSTA Center. If you would like to help and join our group, please stop by the third Thursday of the month in Wesley Lounge for a cup of tea and dessert at 1 p.m.

Pat’s Run – Saturday, April 13

The 20th annual Pat’s Run is Saturday, April 13, 2024. If you’ve done this 4.2-mile run/walk before, you know how awesome it is to be with 30,000 people honoring the sacrifice of Pat Tillman in Afghanistan in 2003. If you haven’t done it, this is your year! Join Tom Rice, Joshua Elder, and Emma Jean Elder on our FUMC team. Sign up here: https://pattillmanfoundation.org. After you register, join our group FUMC Phoenix. We wind through the streets of Tempe and conclude at the 42-yard line in Sun Devil stadium. Riding the light rail is best. The race starts at 7 a.m., so all aboard at 6 a.m. at the light rail station at Central and Camelback. You can do this! Questions? Email or call Tom Rice. tomriceaz@msn.com of 602-999-2465

Community Yoga Classes

First United Methodist 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.

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. 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.

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.

First Church Kids

Come and join the fun at Kids Church during the 9 a.m. service! The children start with worship in the Sanctuary at 9 a.m. Then, after the children’s message, our incredible leaders will guide them to their groups by age. Parents are welcome to walk with us. At the end of the service, children can be picked up from the following locations:

Greenhouse (6 months to 3 years old) – Room 109
Cubbyhouse (3 years old to Pre-K) – Room 222
Fun House (K-2nd grade) – Room 221
Lighthouse (3rd grade to 5th grade) – Room 102

Adult Sunday School Classes

Faith for Today Sunday School Class
Our class is a friendly, welcoming group. We meet to enhance our Christian beliefs and practices and how we can apply them to our everyday lives. Our
goals include outreach to fulfill local community needs and even beyond. We meet in the Centennial Room between services.

The Table Sunday School Class
This class is a diverse, casual, and welcoming group of people. It’s a great class whether you’re new to your faith journey or a seasoned veteran. Our discussion topics are always changing, the class is loosely structured, and no homework is required. We meet outside of class socially and have a goal of volunteering to serve the community quarterly. Join us in Room 116!

The Upper Room Sunday School Class
In this class, we do a detailed study of scripture. Currently, we are studying Colossians. Dr. Pat Dickerson, a New Testament scholar, leads us as we look at context, authorship, intended audience, specific words and how they are translated from the original text, and what is happening in the world in general. We meet in the Epworth Room from 10 to 11 a.m. If you have questions, please call Peggy Ward at 623-533-7381.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m., in room 116. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February
27. The book for February is The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

Blood Drive Sunday, February 25, 2024

Sunday, February 25, 2024, 8 a.m. – 12:00 pm Bloodmobile in Parking Lot APPOINTMENTS RECOMMENDED! Contact Stephanie Espinoza at (602) 284-1258 or visit www.donors.vitalant.org (Blood Drive Code: firstunited).

Foundation Scholarship Applications

Applications for First United Methodist Foundation scholarships are available on our website. Applicants should submit their application using a new online form, https://firstchurch.church/scholarship-application/. Submit completed applications by 4 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2024. All scholarships will be awarded in May.

Lent Sermon Series and Book Study

A new sermon series begins Sunday, February 18, accompanied by a Book Study on Saturday mornings, March 2 through April 6, 8:30 – 10 a.m. Please contact the church office for more information about reserving a copy of the book for $15. 602-263-5013 or info@firstchurch.church 

A Taste of Easter is Coming Soon

A Taste of Easter volunteers are needed. Do you like to bake or make deviled eggs? Please volunteer to bring goodies or eggs for our Easter celebration on Sunday, March 31, at 10 a.m. Email Cathy Rice at cathyriceaz@msn.com. We also need helpers to set up and clean up.

Friendship Club Outing Sunday, March 24

The Friendship Club invites you to see the fantastic musical “Tuck Everlasting” at Grand Canyon University’s Ethington Theatre. Claude Pensis, a member of our church, in his 40th year at GCU, directs this musical. The matinee performance will be on Sunday, March 24. We will meet in Asbury Hall at 12:15 p.m. where we will have a Subway sandwich for lunch. The cost will be $20, which will cover your lunch and your ticket for the play. What a bargain! On this outing, we will have church vans available for about 20, and the rest will be handled by carpooling to the venue. We will leave the church at 1:15 p.m. Call Suzanne or Steve Haehl at 623-979-5449 for reservations. The reservation deadline is Friday, March 8.

Knitty Witty Chain Gang

Do you have crochet or knitting skills? The Knitty Witty Chain Gang would like to extend an invitation to join our mission group. We originally just made blankets for baptisms at First Church. We expanded beyond our community to needs in South Dakota and Arizona Native American Reservations during the past several years. We have donated lap blankets and hats to hospitals along with baby items to The Hope Center. Our talents are now reaching out to the Choices Pregnancy Center for mothers and newborns while we continue to knit hats and scarves for JUSTA Center. If you would like to help and join our group, please stop by the third Thursday of the month in Wesley Lounge for a cup of tea and dessert at 1 p.m.

Did You Know Our Foundation …

Did you know that our First Church Foundation donated $2,000 to the George Washington Carver Museum and Culture Center in Phoenix? The gift, sent in March of 2021, commemorated Black History Month and is observed each February. One of the Center’s core principles is Stewardship, which “values collecting, exhibiting and interpreting evidence of the African American experience in the city of Phoenix and the State of Arizona.” The Foundation was delighted to assist in the work of this non-profit Institution that honors African American Heritage, Arts, and Culture. Since 2021, the Foundation has continued to look for opportunities to support other causes in the community.

Marie Morais Garber
Foundation Financial Development Committee

Community Yoga Classes

First United Methodist 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.

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. 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.

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.

First Church Kids

Come and join the fun at Kids Church during the 9 a.m. service! The children start with worship in the Sanctuary at 9 a.m. Then, after the children’s message, our incredible leaders will guide them to their groups by age. Parents are welcome to walk with us. At the end of the service, children can be picked up from the following locations:

Greenhouse (6 months to 3 years old) – Room 109
Cubbyhouse (3 years old to Pre-K) – Room 222
Fun House (K-2nd grade) – Room 221
Lighthouse (3rd grade to 5th grade) – Room 102

Adult Sunday School Classes

Faith for Today Sunday School Class
Our class is a friendly, welcoming group. We meet to enhance our Christian beliefs and practices and how we can apply them to our everyday lives. Our
goals include outreach to fulfill local community needs and even beyond. We meet in the Centennial Room between services.

The Table Sunday School Class
This class is a diverse, casual, and welcoming group of people. It’s a great class whether you’re new to your faith journey or a seasoned veteran. Our discussion topics are always changing, the class is loosely structured, and no homework is required. We meet outside of class socially and have a goal of volunteering to serve the community quarterly. Join us in Room 116!

The Upper Room Sunday School Class
In this class, we do a detailed study of scripture. Currently, we are studying Colossians. Dr. Pat Dickerson, a New Testament scholar, leads us as we look at context, authorship, intended audience, specific words and how they are translated from the original text, and what is happening in the world in general. We meet in the Epworth Room from 10 to 11 a.m. If you have questions, please call Peggy Ward at 623-533-7381.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m., in room 116. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February
27. The book for February is The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

Blood Drive Sunday, February 25, 2024

Sunday, February 25, 2024, 8 a.m. – 12:00 pm Bloodmobile in Parking Lot APPOINTMENTS RECOMMENDED! Contact Stephanie Espinoza at (602) 284-1258 or visit www.donors.vitalant.org (Blood Drive Code: firstunited).

Foundation Scholarship Applications

Applications for First United Methodist Foundation scholarships are available on our website. Applicants should submit their application using a new online form, https://firstchurch.church/scholarship-application/. Submit completed applications by 4 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2024. All scholarships will be awarded in May.

Ash Wednesday Soup Supper and Worship Service – February 14

Ash Wednesday is February 14, and we hope you have marked your calendar for our annual Ash Wednesday Service and Soup Supper. The worship service will begin at 6 p.m. and is preceded by a delicious soup supper at 5 p.m. Tickets for the supper must be reserved in advance and are available on Sundays on the patio and in front of the church between services and during the week in the church office. The meal includes several soup choices, salad, cornbread, dessert, and beverages for $10 or a maximum of $25 for families with children under twelve. Funds will be used by our Missions Committee.

Thank You from Venture Crew #2041

Venture Crew #2041 would like to thank First Church and everyone who attended our first pancake breakfast fundraiser on Sunday, January 7! Your support helped us reach our fundraising goals, which allows us to lead the adventure on many more activities and services in the near future. Our youth have the opportunity to learn important leadership skills such as communication, organization, teamwork, and outdoor skills as we progress through our endeavors. We cannot thank you enough for how much your support means. Our first fundraiser was a HUGE stepping stone for us as a Crew this year, and we look forward to more events like this to come!

Venture Crew 2041 is a co-ed Venture Crew for boys and girls aged 14 to 21. The Crew is busily planning for their summer camp at Philmont High Adventure Scout Ranch near Cimarron, New Mexico.

Friendship Club Outing Sunday, March 24

The Friendship Club invites you to see the fantastic musical “Tuck Everlasting” at Grand Canyon University’s Ethington Theatre. Claude Pensis, a member of our church, in his 40th year at GCU, directs this musical. The matinee performance will be on Sunday, March 24. We will meet in Asbury Hall at 12:15 p.m. where we will have a Subway sandwich for lunch. The cost will be $20, which will cover your lunch and your ticket for the play. What a bargain! On this outing, we will have church vans available for about 20, and the rest will be handled by carpooling to the venue. We will leave the church at 1:15 p.m. Call Suzanne or Steve Haehl at 623-979-5449 for reservations. The reservation deadline is Friday, March 8.

Did You Know Our Foundation …

Did you know that our First Church Foundation donated $2,000 to the George Washington Carver Museum and Culture Center in Phoenix? The gift, sent in March of 2021, commemorated Black History Month and is observed each February. One of the Center’s core principles is Stewardship, which “values collecting, exhibiting and interpreting evidence of the African American experience in the city of Phoenix and the State of Arizona.” The Foundation was delighted to assist in the work of this non-profit Institution that honors African American Heritage, Arts, and Culture. Since 2021, the Foundation has continued to look for opportunities to support other causes in the community.

Marie Morais Garber
Foundation Financial Development Committee

Community Yoga Classes

First United Methodist 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.

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. 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.

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.

First Church Kids

Come and join the fun at Kids Church during the 9 a.m. service! The children start with worship in the Sanctuary at 9 a.m. Then, after the children’s message, our incredible leaders will guide them to their groups by age. Parents are welcome to walk with us. At the end of the service, children can be picked up from the following locations:

Greenhouse (6 months to 3 years old) – Room 109
Cubbyhouse (3 years old to Pre-K) – Room 222
Fun House (K-2nd grade) – Room 221
Lighthouse (3rd grade to 5th grade) – Room 102

Adult Sunday School Classes

Faith for Today Sunday School Class
Our class is a friendly, welcoming group. We meet to enhance our Christian beliefs and practices and how we can apply them to our everyday lives. Our
goals include outreach to fulfill local community needs and even beyond. We meet in the Centennial Room between services.

The Table Sunday School Class
This class is a diverse, casual, and welcoming group of people. It’s a great class whether you’re new to your faith journey or a seasoned veteran. Our discussion topics are always changing, the class is loosely structured, and no homework is required. We meet outside of class socially and have a goal of volunteering to serve the community quarterly. Join us in Room 116!

The Upper Room Sunday School Class
In this class, we do a detailed study of scripture. Currently, we are studying Colossians. Dr. Pat Dickerson, a New Testament scholar, leads us as we look at context, authorship, intended audience, specific words and how they are translated from the original text, and what is happening in the world in general. We meet in the Epworth Room from 10 to 11 a.m. If you have questions, please call Peggy Ward at 623-533-7381.

New Member Class – Sunday, 2/11, 10 a.m.

Rev. David Rennick welcomes prospective members and answers any questions you may have, and shares expectations of membership. If you plan to attend, please call Cathy Fuentes at 602.263.5013 x100 or email cathy@firstchurch.church, so that we can prepare your new member’s packet.

United Women in Faith – Eve Circle

Through stories, discussion, and activities, women of all ages are invited to come and explore “Managing Those Big Emotions” with the women in the Eve
Circle of the United Women in Faith! Join us at our regular monthly meeting on Thursday evening, February 8, at 7 p.m. in Wesley Lounge. Why not invite a friend to join you?

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m., in room 116. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February
27. The book for February is The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

Blood Drive Sunday, February 25, 2024

Sunday, February 25, 2024, 8 a.m. – 12:00 pm Bloodmobile in Parking Lot APPOINTMENTS RECOMMENDED! Contact Stephanie Espinoza at (602) 284-1258 or visit www.donors.vitalant.org (Blood Drive Code: firstunited).

United Women in Faith – Rachel Circle

Our monthly meeting for Rachel Circle will be on Thursday. February 8 at 1:30 p.m. in Centennial Room. Come join us!

Let’s Go Hiking!

Let’s get out and enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather with a hike! Saturday, February 10 at 8 a.m. Meet at Tom Rice’s home 2357 E. Becker Lane, in
Phoenix for a 3-mile walk in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. It takes a bit over an hour, with two modest climbs. Hiking boots are best due to uneven surfaces and rocks. Tennis shoes work ok, too. It’s doable for almost any age. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome, too. Bring water, and let’s do this!
Questions? Tomriceaz@msn.com or (602) 999-2465.

Foundation Scholarship Applications

Applications for First United Methodist Foundation scholarships are available on our website. Applicants should submit their application using a new online form, https://firstchurch.church/scholarship-application/. Submit completed applications by 4 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2024. All scholarships will be awarded in May.

Ash Wednesday Soup Supper and Worship Service – February 14

Ash Wednesday is February 14, and we hope you have marked your calendar for our annual Ash Wednesday Service and Soup Supper. The worship service will begin at 6 p.m. and is preceded by a delicious soup supper at 5 p.m. Tickets for the supper must be reserved in advance and are available on Sundays on the patio and in front of the church between services and during the week in the church office. The meal includes several soup choices, salad, cornbread, dessert, and beverages for $10 or a maximum of $25 for families with children under twelve. Funds will be used by our Missions Committee.

Thank You from Venture Crew #2041

Venture Crew #2041 would like to thank First Church and everyone who attended our first pancake breakfast fundraiser on Sunday, January 7! Your support helped us reach our fundraising goals, which allows us to lead the adventure on many more activities and services in the near future. Our youth have the opportunity to learn important leadership skills such as communication, organization, teamwork, and outdoor skills as we progress through our endeavors. We cannot thank you enough for how much your support means. Our first fundraiser was a HUGE stepping stone for us as a Crew this year, and we look forward to more events like this to come!

Venture Crew 2041 is a co-ed Venture Crew for boys and girls aged 14 to 21. The Crew is busily planning for their summer camp at Philmont High Adventure Scout Ranch near Cimarron, New Mexico.

Sermon Series Continues

Friendship Club Outing Sunday, March 24

The Friendship Club invites you to see the fantastic musical “Tuck Everlasting” at Grand Canyon University’s Ethington Theatre. Claude Pensis, a member of our church, in his 40th year at GCU, directs this musical. The matinee performance will be on Sunday, March 24. We will meet in Asbury Hall at 12:15 p.m. where we will have a Subway sandwich for lunch. The cost will be $20, which will cover your lunch and your ticket for the play. What a bargain! On this outing, we will have church vans available for about 20, and the rest will be handled by carpooling to the venue. We will leave the church at 1:15 p.m. Call Suzanne or Steve Haehl at 623-979-5449 for reservations. The reservation deadline is Friday, March 8.

Did You Know Our Foundation …

Did you know that our First Church Foundation donated $2,000 to the George Washington Carver Museum and Culture Center in Phoenix? The gift, sent in March of 2021, commemorated Black History Month and is observed each February. One of the Center’s core principles is Stewardship, which “values collecting, exhibiting and interpreting evidence of the African American experience in the city of Phoenix and the State of Arizona.” The Foundation was delighted to assist in the work of this non-profit Institution that honors African American Heritage, Arts, and Culture. Since 2021, the Foundation has continued to look for opportunities to support other causes in the community.

Marie Morais Garber
Foundation Financial Development Committee

Community Yoga Classes

First United Methodist 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.

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. 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.

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.

First Church Kids

Come and join the fun at Kids Church during the 9 a.m. service! The children start with worship in the Sanctuary at 9 a.m. Then, after the children’s message, our incredible leaders will guide them to their groups by age. Parents are welcome to walk with us. At the end of the service, children can be picked up from the following locations:

Greenhouse (6 months to 3 years old) – Room 109
Cubbyhouse (3 years old to Pre-K) – Room 222
Fun House (K-2nd grade) – Room 221
Lighthouse (3rd grade to 5th grade) – Room 102

Adult Sunday School Classes

Faith for Today Sunday School Class
Our class is a friendly, welcoming group. We meet to enhance our Christian beliefs and practices and how we can apply them to our everyday lives. Our
goals include outreach to fulfill local community needs and even beyond. We meet in the Centennial Room between services.

The Table Sunday School Class
This class is a diverse, casual, and welcoming group of people. It’s a great class whether you’re new to your faith journey or a seasoned veteran. Our discussion topics are always changing, the class is loosely structured, and no homework is required. We meet outside of class socially and have a goal of volunteering to serve the community quarterly. Join us in Room 116!

The Upper Room Sunday School Class
In this class, we do a detailed study of scripture. Currently, we are studying Colossians. Dr. Pat Dickerson, a New Testament scholar, leads us as we look at context, authorship, intended audience, specific words and how they are translated from the original text, and what is happening in the world in general. We meet in the Epworth Room from 10 to 11 a.m. If you have questions, please call Peggy Ward at 623-533-7381.

New Member Class – Sunday, 2/11/2024, 10 a.m.

Rev. David Rennick welcomes prospective members and answers any questions you may have and shares expectations of membership. If you plan to attend, please call Cathy Fuentes at 602.263.5013 x100 or email cathy@firstchurch.church, so that we can prepare your new member’s packet.

Pancake Breakfast This Sunday, 1/7/2024

Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast this Sunday, 9 a.m. – noon, and help support Boy Scout Venturing Crew #2041’s “Philmont Adventure!”
A recommended donation of $10 may be made at the event.

New Sermon Series Starts January 14

NEW Water Bottle Filling Stations

We have two new water bottle filling stations on our church campus. Both provide chilled filtered water for your water bottles. One is located in the breezeway outside Rooms 106 and 107 near the northwest corner of the interior grass courtyard, and the other is located between Asbury Hall, Centennial Room, and the kitchen. Give them a try and “Fill-R-Up!”

Community Yoga Classes

First United Methodist 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.

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. 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.

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.

Join us to Celebrate Advent and Christmas

Christmas Eve – Sunday, December 24
10 a.m. – Worship Service
This celebration includes a Christmas carol sing-along and joyful message of anticipation: Walking in the Light of Love.

4 p.m. – Family Service
Let us share the Christmas story with your children at this family-friendly service.

7 p.m. – Traditional Candlelight Service
Filled with your favorite carols, this service is led by our Chancel Choir and magnificent pipe organ.

December 31, New Year’s Eve Morning Service
10 a.m. only

January 7, Epiphany Sunday
Back to 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services
See you in church!

Advent Sermon Series – Walking in the Light

Advent is the season of waiting and expectation for the birth of Jesus. As we prepare for the light to enter the world, we walk in the light of hope, peace, joy, love, and ultimately with Christ. Join us in worship and online throughout the month of December.

Community Christmas Tree

Along I-17 traveling north to Flagstaff, one can often find the growth in the median that is decorated for Christmas. A few years ago, it was lost due to a brush fire. But in the spirit of community, we are making an opportunity to celebrate the season by having our own community tree located near the front of the sanctuary. You and your families are invited to place an ornament on the tree. Write your name on the ornament to be returned or to add to a collection for future use. Let us come to celebrate the season by sharing a bit of our home with each other.

Finish Strong – Help Meet Our Financial Obligations in 2023

“Hundreds of Hugs”

Folks are writing heartfelt year-end thoughts about First Church. We decided to chime in from our experience.
In a very topsy-turvy, uncertain world, a welcoming community is a source of relief. At First Church, the beautiful cam-
pus, the deep history, the talented staff, the amazing music program, the kids’ events, the small groups, and especially the hugs are what make it a welcoming community.

Many of you know that Stephen Barnes is courageously battling a brain disease. He’s doing great right now, but over the past 7 years, there have been some real lows. We have many resources of support, but there is nothing like the love from First Church. When we cross the threshold of our church community with our heavy hearts, there are hundreds of hugs waiting to lift us up every time.

As our family comes to the end of the year, we ask, ‘How can we help a community that has helped us so much’? We found out that the church still needs about $113,000 to finish out the year in the black. This seems like a lot, and yet, if we all dig a little deeper, we can pull this off and finish strong for the year. How many hugs have you gotten from First Church, and how many can you give back?

– Stephen and Kathie Barnes

NEW Water Bottle Filling Stations

We have two new water bottle filling stations on our church campus. Both provide chilled filtered water for your water bottles. One is located in the breezeway outside Rooms 106 and 107 near the northwest corner of the interior grass courtyard, and the other is located between Asbury Hall, Centennial Room, and the kitchen. Give them a try and “Fill-R-Up!”

Solution on Central – a New AA Group Meeting

Solution on Central is a NEW open-speaker discussion AA meeting held on Wednesday’s from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Epworth Room at First Church. If you have a problem with drinking or think you may, you are welcome to attend. If you need help or wish to speak to someone about your drinking more urgently, you can call Alcoholics Anonymous central office at (602) 265-1341 or (212) 870-3400 24-hours a day.

(Note: Meetings do not occur on Wednesday’s when the church is closed.)

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

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.

First Church Kids

Come and join the fun at Kids Church during the 9 a.m. service! The children start with worship in the Sanctuary at 9 a.m. Then, after the children’s message, our incredible leaders will guide them to their groups by age. Parents are welcome to walk with us. At the end of the service, children can be picked up from the following locations:

Greenhouse (6 months to 3 years old) – Room 109
Cubbyhouse (3 years old to Pre-K) – Room 222
Fun House (K-2nd grade) – Room 221
Lighthouse (3rd grade to 5th grade) – Room 102

Advent Book Read with Pastor David

Join Pastor David during Advent as we explore the book, “The Women of Christmas.” In this special season we’ll journey in the footsteps of three women whose hearts belong to God. Elizabeth is barren, yet her trust in God remains fertile. Mary is betrothed in marriage, yet she is willing to bear God’s son. Anna is a widow full of years, yet she waits patiently, prayerfully for the Messiah to appear in the temple courts. From the author of “Bad Girls of the Bible,” Liz Curtis Higgs provides a fresh approach to the birth narrative of Jesus in preparation for Christmas. This study meets Thursdays starting November 30 then December 7, 14, 21, from 10:30 a.m. -12 noon in Wesley Lounge. Check your favorite book distributor for a copy. Register by calling or emailing the church office, 602-263-5013.

Order Your Poinsettia Today

Help proclaim the coming of Christ through the beauty of poinsettias in the chancel of the sanctuary. The cost is $17 each and the deadline for placing your
order is Monday, December 18. Order your Christmas Poinsettia to by calling the church office at 602.263.5013 or by using the order slip in the Sunday worship bulletin.

Helping the Stranger, Our Neighbor

After fleeing their dangerous countries, immigrants arrive at our border with almost nothing. In Phoenix, the Border Patrol transports these families to the IRC Welcome Center for processing. Approximately 170-220 people arrive daily. They usually stay one or two nights before moving on to join family, friends, or sponsors. At the Welcome Center, they receive Covid vaccines, meals, showers, a place to charge their phones, safety and new-to-them shoes and clothing. The facility is in great need of new or gently used shoes and clothing for men, women, children, and infants. First Church is holding a donation drive on Sunday, November 12. Please drop off your gifts at the church office. At this time, no summer or XL clothing is needed. Thank you so much!

The Table Adult Sunday School Class

This class is a diverse, casual, and welcoming group of people. It’s a great class whether you’re new to your faith journey or a seasoned veteran. Our discussion topics are always changing, the class is loosely structured, and no homework is required. We meet outside of class socially and have a goal of volunteering to serve the community quarterly. Join us in room 116!

Faith for Today Adult Sunday School Class

Our class is a friendly, welcoming group. We meet to enhance our Christian beliefs and practices and how we can apply them to our everyday living. Our goals include outreach to fulfill local community needs and even beyond. We meet in Centennial Room between services.

Christmas Greens

The time has come to order your Christmas greens! Members of the choirs at FUMC are taking orders. These are aromatic evergreens from the Chehalis Valley in Washington State. You may order greens from the patio on Sunday morning or call Don Richardson at 602.997-1205.

NEW Water Bottle Filling Stations

We have two new water bottle filling stations on our church campus. Both provide chilled filtered water for your water bottles. One is located in the breezeway outside Rooms 106 and 107 near the northwest corner of the interior grass courtyard, and the other is located between Asbury Hall, Centennial Room, and the kitchen. Give them a try and “Fill-R-Up!”

Parade Tickets are Now Available

A Taste of Christmas is Coming Soon

Bakers and hosts wanted! Please volunteer to help with this fun event on Sunday, December 17, between services. Bakers can bring their favorite holiday cookies for everyone to try. Volunteers can help with coffee and a bit of setup. Please email Cathy Rice or call 602-291-0959 to volunteer.

Finish Strong – Help Meet Our Financial Obligations in 2023

In a good week, when I am feeling healthy, the family is safe, the world is not too wild, I am glad to celebrate at this church. It is beautiful here, the music fills my soul, the words inspire. I can greet, and hug and enjoy. But the tough times do come – illnesses, sadness, fear, pain – our world out of balance, and then I realize that I need to come to church. I need to see good people doing the best that they can. I need to be inspired or assisted or simply loved. Here at First Church, we are healed and nurtured and cared for. And what can we do to repay the care and love and guidance? We can be ready to help, to listen, to volunteer, to give what others may need. And, at the end of a year of wonderful and interesting challenges, it is really up to us, to me, to acknowledge all we receive, to channel our gratitude and joy into a financial gift that will assist all who assist us. When we need help, First Church is here. When First Church needs help, it is a blessing to give. Now is the time.

– Dixie Swan, Church Council Chair

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

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.

First Church Kids

Come and join the fun at Kids Church during the 9 a.m. service! The children start with worship in the Sanctuary at 9 a.m. Then, after the children’s message, our incredible leaders will guide them to their groups by age. Parents are welcome to walk with us. At the end of the service, children can be picked up from the following locations:

Greenhouse (6 months to 3 years old) – Room 109
Cubbyhouse (3 years old to Pre-K) – Room 222
Fun House (K-2nd grade) – Room 221
Lighthouse (3rd grade to 5th grade) – Room 102

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m., in room 116. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24. The book for October is The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Travis. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

Food Pantry Donations

The shelves of our food assistance pantry are getting bare, and we are in need of the following items: empty grocery bags, cases of bottled water, Vienna sausage, tuna, soups, small jars of jelly and peanut butter (plastic jars), granola bars, individual snacks, saltine crackers, apple sauce, fruit cups, plastic spoons and forks. All cans must be pop top. If you are able to help with any of these items, please drop them off to the church office.

Community Yoga Class

First United Methodist Church is offering two weekly yoga classes to our community on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes meet on Tuesdays 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost will be $12 per class or four classes for $40. Please bring your own yoga mat. Email the church office to register for a class and let us know what day you want to come.

Youth Mission Trip 2024

Junior and Senior High Youth

JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS
Our Junior High Students gather every Sunday morning for Sunday School, 10-11 a.m. Drop-off is in Room 103, and pick up is in Room 101.
Once a month Junior High join the Senior High students in the evening for a fun youth outing! If you would like to stay in the loop about when these evenings happen, please email Elise Nesper.

SENIOR HIGH STUDENTS
Our Senior High Students gather every Sunday morning for Sunday School, 10-11 a.m., in Room 103.
Youth Group happens for our Senior High students every Sunday evening, 5:30-7:30 p.m., in Room 103. New people are always welcome! If you have any questions, please email Elise Nesper.

Fall Festival – Sunday, October 29

Blood Drive Sunday, October 29

Helping the Stranger, Our Neighbor

After fleeing their dangerous countries, immigrants arrive at our border with almost nothing. In Phoenix, the Border Patrol transports these families to the IRC Welcome Center for processing. Approximately 170-220 people arrive daily. They usually stay one or two nights before moving on to join family, friends, or sponsors. At the Welcome Center, they receive Covid vaccines, meals, showers, a place to charge their phones, safety and new-to-them shoes and clothing. The facility is in great need of new or gently used shoes and clothing for men, women, children, and infants. First Church is holding a donation drive on Sunday, November 12. Please drop off your gifts at the church office. At this time, no summer or XL clothing is needed. Thank you so much!

The Table Adult Sunday School Class

This class is a diverse, casual, and welcoming group of people. It’s a great class whether you’re new to your faith journey or a seasoned veteran. Our discussion topics are always changing, the class is loosely structured, and no homework is required. We meet outside of class socially and have a goal of volunteering to serve the community quarterly. Join us in room 116!

Faith for Today Adult Sunday School Class

Our class is a friendly, welcoming group. We meet to enhance our Christian beliefs and practices and how we can apply them to our everyday living. Our goals include outreach to fulfill local community needs and even beyond. We meet in Centennial Room between services.

Christmas Greens

The time has come to order your Christmas greens! Members of the choirs at FUMC are taking orders. These are aromatic evergreens from the Chehalis Valley in Washington State. You may order greens from the patio on Sunday morning or call Don Richardson at 602.997-1205.

United Women of Faith Bake Sale

United Women in Faith will hold their annual bake sale on Sunday, November 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There will be goodies to take home or enjoy at church, with complimentary coffee. Take this opportunity to socialize with fellow church members. Hope to see you there! All donations will be gratefully accepted. We thank you in advance for your support of this fund-raising project.

NEW Water Bottle Filling Stations

We have two new water bottle filling stations on our church campus. Both provide chilled filtered water for your water bottles. One is located in the breezeway outside Rooms 106 and 107 near the northwest corner of the interior grass courtyard, and the other is located between Asbury Hall, Centennial Room, and the kitchen. Give them a try and “Fill-R-Up!”

Friendship Club Outing

The Friendship Club is up and running with our first outing of the season. We are going on a one-hour tour at St. Mary’s Basilica in downtown Phoenix. We will learn the history and see the beauty of this historic church. This is a two-story structure with ramps and stairs, but no elevator. So, put on your walking shoes and join us on Tuesday, November 7 at 9:30 a.m. at First Church. The charge will be $5.00 for the tour followed by lunch at Olive Garden, Christown, at your expense.  Call Suzanne Haehl at 623-979-5449 or 623-221-6570 by Saturday, November 4.

A Note from our Foundation Board

This is National Estate Planning Awareness Week. Estate planning is more than just finances and inheritance. It’s about safeguarding what matters most and leaving a legacy for your loved ones. Whatever your age or stage in life, it is a good idea to think about and plan how your affairs will be handled.

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

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.

First Church Kids

Come and join the fun at Kids Church during the 9 a.m. service! The children start with worship in the Sanctuary at 9 a.m. Then, after the children’s message, our incredible leaders will guide them to their groups by age. Parents are welcome to walk with us. At the end of the service, children can be picked up from the following locations:

Greenhouse (6 months to 3 years old) – Room 109
Cubbyhouse (3 years old to Pre-K) – Room 222
Fun House (K-2nd grade) – Room 221
Lighthouse (3rd grade to 5th grade) – Room 102

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in room 116. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24. The book for October is The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Travis. We welcome all who love to read, discuss, and travel the world through books.

Food Pantry Donations

The shelves of our food assistance pantry are getting bare, and we are in need of the following items: empty grocery bags, cases of bottled water, Vienna sausage, tuna, soups, small jars of jelly and peanut butter (plastic jars), granola bars, individual snacks, saltine crackers, apple sauce, fruit cups, plastic spoons and forks. All cans must be pop top. If you are able to help with any of these items, please drop them off to the church office.

Community Yoga Class

First United Methodist Church is offering two weekly yoga classes to our community on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes meet on Tuesdays 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost will be $12 per class or four classes for $40. Please bring your own yoga mat. Email the church office to register for a class and let us know what day you want to come.

Youth Mission Trip 2024

Junior and Senior High Youth

JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS
Our Junior High Students gather every Sunday morning for Sunday School, 10-11 a.m. Drop-off is in Room 103, and pick up is in Room 101.
Once a month Junior High join the Senior High students in the evening for a fun youth outing! If you would like to stay in the loop about when these evenings happen, please email Elise Nesper.

SENIOR HIGH STUDENTS
Our Senior High Students gather every Sunday morning for Sunday School, 10-11 a.m., in Room 103.
Youth Group happens for our Senior High students every Sunday evening, 5:30-7:30 p.m., in Room 103. New people are always welcome! If you have any questions, please email Elise Nesper.

Fall Festival – Sunday, October 29

Our Blood Drive Sunday, October 29

First Church Tutors Complete SIX Years of Helping Students Succeed

FIRST CHURCH OASIS Tutors are happy to report that we have completed Six years of tutoring with the Madison School District OASIS Intergenerational Tutoring Program! “The OASIS Intergenerational Tutoring Program is a nationally acclaimed non-profit organization that promotes literacy with a proven approach to help children in grades K-4 improve their reading, writing, and communication skills.” Mrs. Kim Gullo, Madison OASIS Tutor Facilitator, supports all tutors and encourages us to make a difference in a child’s life. “There is no such thing as a child who hates to read. There are only children who have not found the right book.” – Frank Serafini

Hence, for the 2023-2024 school year and forward, we are asking for volunteers to join our Tutoring Program to help students succeed. Would you prayerfully consider being a part of this great ministry? If you have any questions, please contact the Church Office at 602-263-5013 or Marie Morais Garber at 602-448-0419.

First Church extends thanks and appreciation to our dedicated tutors, who continue to make a difference in the educational lives of our students. Many thanks to our Pastor, leaders, and members who have helped to make the Tutoring Program a great success!
May God bless all of you.

In His Service,
Marie Morais Garber
FIRST CHURCH OASIS Tutor Coordinator

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” – I Peter 4:10

The Table Adult Sunday School Class

This class is a diverse, casual, and welcoming group of people. It’s a great class whether you’re new to your faith journey or a seasoned veteran. Our discussion topics are always changing, the class is loosely structured, and no homework is required. We meet outside of class socially and have a goal of volunteering to serve the community quarterly. Join us in room 116!

The Dressmakers Sewing Group

This month, we delivered 33 dresses of varying sizes to be packed into Operation Christmas boxes. There were 440 dresses ready to be packed and sewn by groups and individuals around the valley. It brings a smile to our faces to know that we have helped to brighten the faces of girls at Christmas. The Foundation, “Dress A Girl Around the World,” has distributed over 300,000 dresses across the globe, all hand-sewn and created with love.

If you sew, we invite you to join us on the fourth Wednesday of the month to sew and chat in the Epworth Room from 10-noon. If you have fabric and are wondering why you bought it, please donate it, if it is appropriate for girls’ dresses. 100% cotton is preferred, but cotton/poly is also acceptable. Please call Peggy Ward if you have any questions at 623-847-5865.

We Need Your Help

Please consider hosting in one of the following ways:

1. Hosts are the friendly face of welcome. Hosts guide and assist visitors and guests, and help everyone feel at home. Hosts pass out bulletins, greet, and pass the offering plate. We are looking to recruit new faces. If you would like to serve as a host, please call the church office or email Cathy Fuentes.

2. Church 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, or make copies for the different classes that meet that morning. If you would like to host in the office, please call the church office or email Cathy Fuentes.

Thank you for giving your time and talents to help your church community!

Electronic Giving

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

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.

Kids Programs Kick-off, Sunday, August 10!

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m., in Room 116. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 26. The book for September is Livewire by Kelly Rippa. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

Food Pantry Donations

The shelves of our food assistance pantry are getting bare, and we are in need of the following items: empty grocery bags, cases of bottled water, Vienna sausage, tuna, soups, small jars of jelly and peanut butter (plastic jars), granola bars, individual snacks, saltine crackers, apple sauce, fruit cups, plastic spoons and forks. All cans must be pop top. If you are able to help with any of these items, please drop them off to the church office.

Community Yoga Class

First United Methodist Church is offering two weekly yoga classes to our community on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes meet on Tuesdays 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost will be $12 per class or four classes for $40. Please bring your own yoga mat. Email the church office to register for a class and let us know what day you want to come.

Youth Mission Trip 2024

Junior and Senior High Youth

JUNIOR HIGH: Our regular Sunday School program is launching on September 10 with an ice cream truck in the West parking lot at 10 a.m.! Our regular Sunday school program runs from 10 – 11 a.m. in Room 101 where we have fun, connect as a community, and explore the topic “Not your Grandma’s Bible Story”. Our Junior High Program also does an outing once a month on Sunday nights in combination with our Senior High students. The frequency of our Junior High gathering on Sunday nights has changed, but the impact won’t. We would love for you to join us for our first Sunday night event on September 24: Bowling! More details to come! Feel free to reach out to Elise if you have any questions regarding our Junior High program.

SENIOR HIGH: Our regular Sunday School program is launching on September 10 with an ice cream truck in the West parking lot at 10 a.m. Our regular Sunday school program runs from 10 – 11 a.m. in The Den (Room 103) where we have fun, connect as a community, and explore some big and relevant questions. Our Sunday night Youth group program will restart that evening too. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in The Den. This year is going to be filled with some fun, community, and impactful nights. Looking forward to having you there. Feel free to reach out to Elise if you have any questions regarding our Senior High program.

Top 10 Reasons You Should 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 on Christmas Eve and Easter.
7.  Sitting with a group in the chancel every Sunday is excellent practice for jury duty.
6.  The ushers never pass the collection plate through the choir loft.
5.  You say you can sing the melody loudly but can’t read music?  Two words: Soprano Section!
4.  You have an iron-clad excuse to get away from your crabby spouse – at least twice a week.
3.  You can add “I can’t, I have rehearsal” to your arsenal of excuses.
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! – Psalms 47:6

The Chancel Choir sings during the 11 a.m. traditional worship service. We rehearse each Wednesday night from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This is a non-auditioned choir that welcomes anyone who loves to sing. Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Joshua Elder.

Our Blood Drive Was a Success on Sunday, August 20

Donors scheduled: 20
Donors checked in: 17
No show: 3
Total donors: 15
Deferrals: 1
Total blood products: 17
% to goal = 90%  Great Job!

Thanks to you and the generous donors at First United Methodist up to 51 lives will be saved in our community.

Our next Blood Drive has been confirmed for Sunday, October 29, 2023.

Craft Fair at Crossroads United Methodist Church

I’m writing this thank you note for the Good News because I’d like our members to know the true appreciation and gratitude that I and so many others have for the Quilting Group and our prayer quilt ministry.

The Quilting Group recently provided a beautiful prayer quilt for my son, Brendan Pensis. It meant a lot to Brendan, who grew up and was married at First Church, and to his family. When I have told others who are not members of our church about Brendan’s prayer quilt, they have been touched to hear of this caring and meaningful ministry.

I recently had cause to request another prayer quilt for my sister, Maria Duthie. Maria suffered a broken neck when she was thrown from a horse. She received her prayer quilt last week, and she told me she waited for her husband to get home so they could open it together. Maria shared that it was such a special moment for them. She texted me to say she loves the beautiful colors, and the quilt looks gorgeous on her bed. Maria asked that I let the Quilting Group and everyone at the church know how much it means to her.

Over the many years I have been a member here, I have said countless prayers over these beautiful quilts, not knowing I would ever have the need to request one, let alone two, especially within a month of each other. To our amazing Quilting Group: thank you SO much for all the love, talent and prayers you put into your beautiful prayer quilts! And to everyone who has offered prayers for my son and my sister, I am forever grateful. We feel every one of those prayers as God continues to work his healing powers.

Blessings,
Colleen McManus

Grief Support for Kids, Teens and Grown-Ups

Stepping Stones of Hope will host “One Day at Camp for Kids & Grown-Ups,” a day of healing for adults and families grieving the death loss of a loved one, on Saturday, September 16 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. This special day will provide an opportunity for adults and children, ages 6-17, with or without their parent(s) or guardian(s), to share with others, the stories of their grief journey and to gain tools to cope, learn, and adapt. Registration fee for the program is $25.00. Partial scholarships are available upon request. For more information, please call Diane Raden, Program Director, at 602.264.7520 or register at www.steppingstonesofhope.org.

Grateful thanks to First Church and the First United Methodist Foundation for their support of this program.

We Need Your Help

Please consider hosting in one of the following ways:

1. Hosts are the friendly face of welcome. Hosts guide and assist visitors and guests, and help everyone feel at home. Hosts pass out bulletins, greet, and pass the offering plate. We are looking to recruit new faces. If you would like to serve as a host, please call the church office or email Cathy Fuentes.

2. Church 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, or make copies for the different classes that meet that morning. If you would like to host in the office, please call the church office or email Cathy Fuentes.

Thank you for giving your time and talents to help your church community!

Electronic Giving

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

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.

Spirit Month is Coming!

During the month of July, each Sunday will include a special theme as part of the worship service and sermon. You are encouraged to dress accordingly to join in the fun and festivities of the day. They include:

July 30 – “Rodeo Roundup” (Bring on the blue jeans, boots, bolo ties, and calico attire.)

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m., in room 116. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 22. The book for August is It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

Food Pantry Donations

The shelves of our food assistance pantry are getting bare, and we are in need of the following items: empty grocery bags, cases of bottled water, Vienna sausage, tuna, soups, small jars of jelly and peanut butter (plastic jars), granola bars, individual snacks, saltine crackers, apple sauce, fruit cups, plastic spoons and forks. All cans must be pop top. If you are able to help with any of these items, please drop them off to the church office.

Community Yoga Class

First United Methodist Church is offering two weekly yoga classes to our community on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes meet on Tuesdays 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost will be $12 per class or four classes for $40. Please bring your own yoga mat. Email the church office to register for a class and let us know what day you want to come.

Youth Mission Trip 2024

Knitty Witty Chain Gang

Join the Knitty Witty Chain Gang on the second Thursday of every month in Wesley Lounge, 1 – 3 p.m.

Quilters Share Their Gifts

Our hard-working quilters, Susan Sneathen and Monte Kotrous, gave a presentation of our First Church Quilters Ministry to PEO’s Chapter D, May 20, 2023. They shared the history of the quilting ministry as well as showing several of their finished quilts. They were then presented with a plaque each noting, “She Works Willingly with Her Hands,” from Proverbs. Their presentation was warmly and gratefully received.

Picture left to right, Diane Gara-Weiner, church and PEO member, Susan Sneathen, Monte Kotrous, Diane Newton, Chapter D President.

Whether you have a few sewing skills or you’re an accomplished quilter, we have room for you! We meet weekly on Wednesdays in Epworth Room from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Your schedule may bring you in later, or if needed, you may leave earlier. We enjoy fellowship and laughter and end with prayers for quilt recipients. Come join us!

Blood Drive Sunday, August 20

We Need Your Help

Please consider hosting in one of the following ways:

1. Hosts are the friendly face of welcome. Hosts guide and assist visitors and guests, and help everyone feel at home. Hosts pass out bulletins, greet, and pass the offering plate. We are looking to recruit new faces. If you would like to serve as a host, please call the church office or email Cathy Fuentes.

2. Church 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, or make copies for the different classes that meet that morning. If you would like to host in the office, please call the church office or email Cathy Fuentes.

Thank you for giving your time and talents to help your church community!

Electronic Giving

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

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.

Spirit Month is Coming!

During the month of July, each Sunday will include a special theme as part of the worship service and sermon. You are encouraged to dress accordingly to join in the fun and festivities of the day. They include:

July 16 – “Disney” (Wear your favorite Disney attire. Character costumes are welcomed.)

July 23 – “Christmas in July” (From holiday sweaters to snazzy Christmas ties.) Our lay leaders Patricia Rodriguez and David Whitaker are speaking.

July 30 – “Rodeo Roundup” (Bring on the blue jeans, boots, bolo ties, and calico attire.)

Summer Kids and Youth

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in Room 116. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 25. The book for July is The Greater Journey by David McCullough. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

Sing with the Summer Choir

If you would like to sing with the Chancel Choir but cannot commit to the weekly Wednesday night rehearsal schedule, here is your chance! We will hold morning Summer Choir rehearsals nearly every Sunday from 10:10 – 10:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary. During this time, we will put together anthems that are simple and straightforward – easy enough to sing at the 11 a.m. Worship Service that day! In addition to the Sunday morning rehearsals, we will come together for 3 Wednesday night rehearsals on June 14, July 12, and August 9 at 7 p.m. These supplemental rehearsals will give us a chance to look at the pieces for the coming Sundays. Even if you cannot make this Wednesday night rehearsal, you are encouraged to participate in Summer Choir! For more information, please contact Joshua Elder.

Summer Voice Classes for Adults

Do you love to sing? This class is free of charge and appropriate for all skill levels, whether you’ve never sung before or are already an accomplished singer. No prior experience or training is necessary. Classes will meet 2 days a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-7 p.m., in room 106, starting June 20. (Class does not meet the week of July 4, and otherwise runs from June 20, through July 20.) To sign up, or if you have questions, contact Dr. Elizabeth Leyva. Space is limited so sign up today!!

Food Pantry Donations

The shelves of our food assistance pantry are getting bare, and we are in need of the following items: empty grocery bags, cases of bottled water, Vienna sausage, tuna, soups, small jars of jelly and peanut butter (plastic jars), granola bars, individual snacks, saltine crackers, apple sauce, fruit cups, plastic spoons and forks. All cans must be pop top. If you are able to help with any of these items, please drop them off to the church office.

Community Yoga Class

First United Methodist Church is offering two weekly yoga classes to our community on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes meet on Tuesdays 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost will be $12 per class or four classes for $40. Please bring your own yoga mat. Email the church office to register for a class and let us know what day you want to come.

Youth Mission Trip 2024

Knitty Witty Chain Gang

Join the Knitty Witty Chain Gang on the second Thursday of every month in Wesley Lounge, 1 – 3 p.m.

Quilters Share Their Gifts

Our hard-working quilters, Susan Sneathen and Monte Kotrous, gave a presentation of our First Church Quilters Ministry to PEO’s Chapter D, May 20, 2023. They shared the history of the quilting ministry as well as showing several of their finished quilts. They were then presented with a plaque each noting, “She Works Willingly with Her Hands,” from Proverbs. Their presentation was warmly and gratefully received.

Picture left to right, Diane Gara-Weiner, church and PEO member, Susan Sneathen, Monte Kotrous, Diane Newton, Chapter D President.

Whether you have a few sewing skills or you’re an accomplished quilter, we have room for you! We meet weekly on Wednesdays in Epworth Room from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Your schedule may bring you in later, or if needed, you may leave earlier. We enjoy fellowship and laughter and end with prayers for quilt recipients. Come join us!

Blood Drive Sunday, August 20

We Need Your Help

Please consider hosting in one of the following ways:

1. Hosts are the friendly face of welcome. Hosts guide and assist visitors and guests, and help everyone feel at home. Hosts pass out bulletins, greet, and pass the offering plate. We are looking to recruit new faces. If you would like to serve as a host, please call the church office or email Cathy Fuentes.

2. Church 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, or make copies for the different classes that meet that morning. If you would like to host in the office, please call the church office or email Cathy Fuentes.

Thank you for giving your time and talents to help your church community!

Electronic Giving

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

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.

Spirit Month is Coming!

During the month of July, each Sunday will include a special theme as part of the worship service and sermon. You are encouraged to dress accordingly to join in the fun and festivities of the day. They include:

July 9 – “Island Breeze” (Dress tropical.)

July 16 – “Disney” (Wear your favorite Disney attire. Character costumes are welcomed.)

July 23 – “Christmas in July” (From holiday sweaters to snazzy Christmas ties.) Our lay leaders Patricia Rodriguez and David Whitaker are speaking.

July 30 – “Rodeo Roundup” (Bring on the blue jeans, boots, bolo ties, and calico attire.)

Summer Kids and Youth

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in Room 116. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 25. The book for July is The Greater Journey by David McCullough. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

Sing with the Summer Choir

If you would like to sing with the Chancel Choir but cannot commit to the weekly Wednesday night rehearsal schedule, here is your chance! We will hold morning Summer Choir rehearsals nearly every Sunday from 10:10 – 10:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary. During this time, we will put together anthems that are simple and straightforward – easy enough to sing at the 11 a.m. Worship Service that day! In addition to the Sunday morning rehearsals, we will come together for 3 Wednesday night rehearsals on June 14, July 12, and August 9 at 7 p.m. These supplemental rehearsals will give us a chance to look at the pieces for the coming Sundays. Even if you cannot make this Wednesday night rehearsal, you are encouraged to participate in Summer Choir! For more information, please contact Joshua Elder.

Summer Voice Classes for Adults

Do you love to sing? This class is free of charge and appropriate for all skill levels, whether you’ve never sung before or are already an accomplished singer. No prior experience or training is necessary. Classes will meet 2 days a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-7 p.m., in room 106, starting June 20. (Class does not meet the week of July 4, and otherwise runs from June 20, through July 20.) To sign up, or if you have questions, contact Dr. Elizabeth Leyva. Space is limited so sign up today!!

Food Pantry Donations

The shelves of our food assistance pantry are getting bare, and we are in need of the following items: empty grocery bags, cases of bottled water, Vienna sausage, tuna, soups, small jars of jelly and peanut butter (plastic jars), granola bars, individual snacks, saltine crackers, apple sauce, fruit cups, plastic spoons and forks. All cans must be pop top. If you are able to help with any of these items, please drop them off to the church office.

Community Yoga Class

First United Methodist Church is offering two weekly yoga classes to our community on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes meet on Tuesdays 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost will be $12 per class or four classes for $40. Please bring your own yoga mat. Email the church office to register for a class and let us know what day you want to come.

Youth Mission Trip 2024

Knitty Witty Chain Gang

Join the Knitty Witty Chain Gang on the second Thursday of every month in Wesley Lounge, 1 – 3 p.m.

Quilters Share Their Gifts

Our hard-working quilters, Susan Sneathen and Monte Kotrous, gave a presentation of our First Church Quilters Ministry to PEO’s Chapter D, May 20, 2023. They shared the history of the quilting ministry as well as showing several of their finished quilts. They were then presented with a plaque each noting, “She Works Willingly with Her Hands,” from Proverbs. Their presentation was warmly and gratefully received.

Picture left to right, Diane Gara-Weiner, church and PEO member, Susan Sneathen, Monte Kotrous, Diane Newton, Chapter D President.

Whether you have a few sewing skills or you’re an accomplished quilter, we have room for you! We meet weekly on Wednesdays in Epworth Room from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Your schedule may bring you in later, or if needed, you may leave earlier. We enjoy fellowship and laughter and end with prayers for quilt recipients. Come join us!

United Women of Faith

Our Circles hosted speakers from United Methodist Outreach Ministries (UMOM). Gordon Sims and Katie Andrea brought us an update on their work. After that, we were pleased to present them with a plaque of a poem written by Rev. DeWayne Zimmerman, beloved former minister at First Church. The paper copy of the poem was noticed on the wall at UMOM by Velia Amparo Rivas of Rachel Circle on our October 2022 field trip to UMOM. It was decided that we should give it proper framing to be placed in Zimmerman Chapel. This is the story behind the new plaque in Zimmerman Chapel. The next time you go to UMOM for lunch and a tour, please be sure to stop by the Zimmerman Chapel and see it.
Submitted by Diane Gara-Weiner, President, United Women in Faith

We Need Your Help

Please consider hosting in one of the following ways:

1. Hosts are the friendly face of welcome. Hosts guide and assist visitors and guests, and help everyone feel at home. Hosts pass out bulletins, greet, and pass the offering plate. We are looking to recruit new faces. If you would like to serve as a host, please call the church office or email Cathy Fuentes.

2. Church 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, or make copies for the different classes that meet that morning. If you would like to host in the office, please call the church office or email Cathy Fuentes.

Thank you for giving your time and talents to help your church community!

Electronic Giving

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

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.

Spirit Month is Coming!

During the month of July, each Sunday will include a special theme as part of the worship service and sermon. You are encouraged to dress accordingly to join in the fun and festivities of the day. They include:

July 2 – “Red, White & Blue” (Dress patriotic in the spirit of Independence Day.)

July 9 – “Island Breeze” (Dress tropical.)

July 16 – “Disney” (Wear your favorite Disney attire. Character costumes are welcomed.)

July 23 – “Christmas in July” (From holiday sweaters to snazzy Christmas ties.) Our lay leaders Patricia Rodriguez and David Whitaker are speaking.

July 30 – “Rodeo Roundup” (Bring on the blue jeans, boots, bolo ties, and calico attire.)

Summer Kids and Youth

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in room 116. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 27. The book for June is A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

Sing with the Summer Choir

If you would like to sing with the Chancel Choir but cannot commit to the weekly Wednesday night rehearsal schedule, here is your chance! From June 18 through August 27, we will hold morning Summer Choir rehearsals nearly every Sunday from 10:10 – 10:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary. During this time, we will put together anthems that are simple and straightforward – easy enough to sing at the 11 a.m. Worship Service that day! In addition to the Sunday morning rehearsals, we will come together for 3 Wednesday night rehearsals on June 14, July 12, and August 9 at 7 p.m. These supplemental rehearsals will give us a chance to look at the pieces for the coming Sundays. Even if you cannot make this Wednesday night rehearsal, you are encouraged to participate in Summer Choir! For more information, please contact Joshua Elder.

Summer Voice Classes for Adults

Do you love to sing? This class is free of charge and appropriate for all skill levels, whether you’ve never sung before or are already an accomplished singer. No prior experience or training is necessary. Classes will meet 2 days a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-7 p.m., in room 106, starting June 20. (Class does not meet the week of July 4, and otherwise runs from June 20, through July 20.) To sign up, or if you have questions, contact Dr. Elizabeth Leyva. Space is limited so sign up today!!

Food Pantry Donations

The shelves of our food assistance pantry are getting bare, and we are in need of the following items: empty grocery bags, cases of bottled water, Vienna sausage, tuna, soups, small jars of jelly and peanut butter (plastic jars), granola bars, individual snacks, saltine crackers, apple sauce, fruit cups, plastic spoons and forks. All cans must be pop top. If you are able to help with any of these items, please drop them off to the church office.

Community Yoga Class

First United Methodist Church is offering two weekly yoga classes to our community on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes meet on Tuesdays 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost will be $12 per class or four classes for $40. Please bring your own yoga mat. Email the church office to register for a class and let us know what day you want to come.

Youth Mission Trip 2024

Knitty Witty Chain Gang

Join the Knitty Witty Chain Gang on the second Thursday of every month in Wesley Lounge, 1 – 3 p.m.

Quilters Share Their Gifts

Our hard-working quilters, Susan Sneathen and Monte Kotrous, gave a presentation of our First Church Quilters Ministry to PEO’s Chapter D, May 20, 2023. They shared the history of the quilting ministry as well as showing several of their finished quilts. They were then presented with a plaque each noting, “She Works Willingly with Her Hands,” from Proverbs. Their presentation was warmly and gratefully received.

Picture left to right, Diane Gara-Weiner, church and PEO member, Susan Sneathen, Monte Kotrous, Diane Newton, Chapter D President.

Whether you have a few sewing skills or you’re an accomplished quilter, we have room for you! We meet weekly on Wednesdays in Epworth Room from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Your schedule may bring you in later, or if needed, you may leave earlier. We enjoy fellowship and laughter and end with prayers for quilt recipients. Come join us!

United Women of Faith

Our Circles hosted speakers from United Methodist Outreach Ministries (UMOM). Gordon Sims and Katie Andrea brought us an update on their work. After that, we were pleased to present them with a plaque of a poem written by Rev. DeWayne Zimmerman, beloved former minister at First Church. The paper copy of the poem was noticed on the wall at UMOM by Velia Amparo Rivas of Rachel Circle on our October 2022 field trip to UMOM. It was decided that we should give it proper framing to be placed in Zimmerman Chapel. This is the story behind the new plaque in Zimmerman Chapel. The next time you go to UMOM for lunch and a tour, please be sure to stop by the Zimmerman Chapel and see it.
Submitted by Diane Gara-Weiner, President, United Women in Faith

We Need Your Help

Please consider hosting in one of the following ways:

1. Hosts are the friendly face of welcome. Hosts guide and assist visitors and guests, and help everyone feel at home. Hosts pass out bulletins, greet, and pass the offering plate. We are looking to recruit new faces. If you would like to serve as a host, please call the church office or email Cathy Fuentes.

2. Church 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, or make copies for the different classes that meet that morning. If you would like to host in the office, please call the church office or email Cathy Fuentes.

Thank you for giving your time and talents to help your church community!

Electronic Giving

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

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.

Summer Kids and Youth

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in room 116. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 27. The book for June is A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

Sing with the Summer Choir

If you would like to sing with the Chancel Choir but cannot commit to the weekly Wednesday night rehearsal schedule, here is your chance! From June 18 through August 27, we will hold morning Summer Choir rehearsals nearly every Sunday from 10:10 – 10:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary. During this time, we will put together anthems that are simple and straightforward – easy enough to sing at the 11 a.m. Worship Service that day! In addition to the Sunday morning rehearsals, we will come together for 3 Wednesday night rehearsals on June 14, July 12, and August 9 at 7 p.m. These supplemental rehearsals will give us a chance to look at the pieces for the coming Sundays. Even if you cannot make this Wednesday night rehearsal, you are encouraged to participate in Summer Choir! For more information, please contact Joshua Elder.

Summer Voice Classes for Adults

Do you love to sing? This class is free of charge and appropriate for all skill levels, whether you’ve never sung before or are already an accomplished singer. No prior experience or training is necessary. Classes will meet 2 days a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-7 p.m., in room 106, starting June 20. (Class does not meet the week of July 4, and otherwise runs from June 20, through July 20.) To sign up, or if you have questions, contact Dr. Elizabeth Leyva. Space is limited so sign up today!!

Food Pantry Donations

The shelves of our food assistance pantry are getting bare, and we are in need of the following items: empty grocery bags, cases of bottled water, Vienna sausage, tuna, soups, small jars of jelly and peanut butter (plastic jars), granola bars, individual snacks, saltine crackers, apple sauce, fruit cups, plastic spoons and forks. All cans must be pop top. If you are able to help with any of these items, please drop them off to the church office.

Community Yoga Class

First United Methodist Church is offering two weekly yoga classes to our community on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes meet on Tuesdays 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost will be $12 per class or four classes for $40. Please bring your own yoga mat. Email the church office to register for a class and let us know what day you want to come.

Youth Mission Trip 2024

Knitty Witty Chain Gang

Join the Knitty Witty Chain Gang on the second Thursday of every month in Wesley Lounge, 1 – 3 p.m.

Quilters Share Their Gifts

Our hard-working quilters, Susan Sneathen and Monte Kotrous, gave a presentation of our First Church Quilters Ministry to PEO’s Chapter D, May 20, 2023. They shared the history of the quilting ministry as well as showing several of their finished quilts. They were then presented with a plaque each noting, “She Works Willingly with Her Hands,” from Proverbs. Their presentation was warmly and gratefully received.

Picture left to right, Diane Gara-Weiner, church and PEO member, Susan Sneathen, Monte Kotrous, Diane Newton, Chapter D President.

Whether you have a few sewing skills or you’re an accomplished quilter, we have room for you! We meet weekly on Wednesdays in Epworth Room from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Your schedule may bring you in later, or if needed, you may leave earlier. We enjoy fellowship and laughter and end with prayers for quilt recipients. Come join us!

We Need Your Help

Please consider hosting in one of the following ways:

1. Hosts are the friendly face of welcome. Hosts guide and assist visitors and guests, and help everyone feel at home. Hosts pass out bulletins, greet, and pass the offering plate. We are looking to recruit new faces. If you would like to serve as a host, please call the church office or email Cathy Fuentes.

2. Church 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, or make copies for the different classes that meet that morning. If you would like to host in the office, please call the church office or email Cathy Fuentes.

Thank you for giving your time and talents to help your church community!

Electronic Giving

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

Community Yoga Class

First United Methodist Church is offering two weekly yoga classes to our community on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes meet on Tuesdays 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost will be $12 per class or four classes for $40. Please bring your own yoga mat. Email the church office to register for a class and let us know what day you want to come.

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.

Summer Kids and Youth

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in Room 116. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 23. The book for May is Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

Consider Prayer Quilting

Whether you have a few sewing skills or you’re an accomplished quilter, we have room for you! We meet weekly on Wednesdays in Epworth Room from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. However, your schedule may bring you in later, or if needed, you may leave earlier. We enjoy fellowship, laughter and end with prayers for quilt recipients. Come join us!

Food Pantry Donations

The shelves of our food assistance pantry are getting bare, and we are in need of the following items: empty grocery bags, cases of bottled water, Vienna sausage, tuna, soups, small jars of jelly and peanut butter (plastic jars), granola bars, individual snacks, saltine crackers, apple sauce, fruit cups, plastic spoons and forks. All cans must be pop top. If you are able to help with any of these items, please drop them off to the church office.

Community Yoga Class Begins in June

First United Methodist Church will begin offering two weekly yoga classes to our community beginning Tuesday and Thursday, June 6 and 8. Classes will meet on Tuesdays 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost will be $12 per class or four classes for $40. Please bring your own yoga mat. Email the church office to register for a class and let us know what day you want to come.

Youth Mission Trip 2024

Knitty Witty Chain Gang

Join the Knitty Witty Chain Gang on the second Thursday of every month in Wesley Lounge, 1 – 3 p.m.

We Need Your Help

Please consider hosting in one of the following ways:

1. Hosts are the friendly face of welcome. Hosts guide and assist visitors and guests, and help everyone feel at home. Hosts pass out bulletins, greet, and pass the offering plate. We are looking to recruit new faces. If you would like to serve as a host, please call the church office or email Cathy Fuentes.

2. Church 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, or make copies for the different classes that meet that morning. If you would like to host in the office, please call the church office or email Cathy Fuentes.

Thank you for giving your time and talents to help your church community!

Electronic Giving

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

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.

Summer Kids and Youth

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in Room 116. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 23. The book for May is Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

First Church Kids

Come and join the fun in one of our children’s classes on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m.
Greenhouse (6 months to 3 years old) – Nursery
Cubbyhouse (3 years old to Pre-K) – Room 222
Fun House (K-2nd grade) – Room 221
Lighthouse (3rd grade to 5th grade) – Room 114

Food Pantry Donations

The shelves of our food assistance pantry are getting bare, and we are in need of the following items: empty grocery bags, cases of bottled water, Vienna sausage, tuna, soups, small jars of jelly and peanut butter (plastic jars), granola bars, individual snacks, saltine crackers, apple sauce, fruit cups, plastic spoons and forks. All cans must be pop top. If you are able to help with any of these items, please drop them off to the church office.

Troop #41 Eagle Scouts

Please join us in congratulating our newest Eagle Scouts in Troop #41.
Elliott Lewenstein, Mac Mostow, and Josef Schweiger.

Additional pictures are posted to our troop’s Facebook & Instagram pages:
https://www.facebook.com/BSATroop41AZ/
https://www.instagram.com/bsatroop41az/?hl=en

Thank You!

Knitty Witty Chain Gang

Join the Knitty Witty Chain Gang on the second Thursday of every month in Wesley Lounge, 1 – 3 p.m.

We Need Your Help

Please consider hosting in one of the following ways:

1. Hosts are the friendly face of welcome. Hosts guide and assist visitors and guests, and help everyone feel at home. Hosts pass out bulletins, greet, and pass the offering plate. We are looking to recruit new faces. If you would like to serve as a host, please call the church office or email Cathy Fuentes.

2. Church 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, or make copies for the different classes that meet that morning. If you would like to host in the office, please call the church office or email Cathy Fuentes.

Thank you for giving your time and talents to help your church community!

Electronic Giving

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

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.

New Member Class This Sunday, May 7, 10 a.m.

Join Rev. David Rennick this Sunday, May 7, at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge as he welcomes prospective members and will answer any questions you may have and share expectations of membership. If you plan to attend, please email Cathy Fuentes or call 602.263.5013 x100 so that we can prepare your new member packet.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in Room 116. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 23. The book for May is Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

First Church Kids

Come and join the fun in one of our children’s classes on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m.
Greenhouse (6 months to 3 years old) – Nursery
Cubbyhouse (3 years old to Pre-K) – Room 222
Fun House (K-2nd grade) – Room 221
Lighthouse (3rd grade to 5th grade) – Room 114

Grief Support for Kids, Teens, Grown-ups

On Saturday, April 22, 25 children, teen, and adult campers attended the ‘One Day at Camp’ program held on the First Church campus ready to share their stories and memories as well as to learn ways to cope with their fears, anger, and sadness after experiencing the death loss of a loved one. Learning new coping skills helps campers see hopeful visions for the future. Stepping Stones of Hope is grateful to First Church for opening their doors to the community, the First United Methodist Foundation for supporting the program with a grant, and to the custodians who set up and cleaned the campus before and after the event. How very appreciative we are for the willingness of First Church to provide a safe place for feelings to be expressed and for families to know they are not alone in their grief!

Troop #41 Eagle Scouts

Please join us in congratulating our newest Eagle Scouts in Troop #41.
Elliott Lewenstein, Mac Mostow, and Josef Schweiger.

Additional pictures are posted to our troop’s Facebook & Instagram pages:
https://www.facebook.com/BSATroop41AZ/
https://www.instagram.com/bsatroop41az/?hl=en

Thank You!

Knitty Witty Chain Gang

Join the Knitty Witty Chain Gang on the second Thursday of every month in Wesley Lounge, 1 – 3 p.m.

We Need Your Help

Please consider hosting in one of the following ways:

1. Hosts are the friendly face of welcome. Hosts guide and assist visitors and guests, and help everyone feel at home. Hosts pass out bulletins, greet, and pass the offering plate. We are looking to recruit new faces. If you would like to serve as a host, please call the church office or email Cathy Fuentes.

2. Church 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, or make copies for the different classes that meet that morning. If you would like to host in the office, please call the church office or email Cathy Fuentes.

Thank you for giving your time and talents to help your church community!

Electronic Giving

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

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.

New Member Class Sunday, May 7, 10 a.m.

Join Rev. David Rennick on Sunday, May 7, at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge as he welcomes prospective members and will answer any questions you may have and share expectations of membership. If you plan to attend, please email Cathy Fuentes or call 602.263.5013 x100 so that we can prepare your new member packet.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in room 116. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 25. The book for April is David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

First Church Kids

Come and join the fun in one of our children’s classes on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m.
Greenhouse (6 months to 3 years old) – Nursery
Cubbyhouse (3 years old to Pre-K) – Room 222
Fun House (K-2nd grade) – Room 221
Lighthouse (3rd grade to 5th grade) – Room 114

Grief Support for Kids, Teens, Grown-ups

Stepping Stones of Hope will host “One Day at Camp for Kids & Grown-Ups,” a day of healing for adults and families grieving the death of a loved one, on Saturday, April 22 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. This special day will provide an opportunity for adults and children, ages 6-17, with or without their parent(s) or guardian(s), to share with others the stories of their grief journey and to gain tools to cope, learn, and adapt. Registration fee for the program is $25.00. Partial scholarships are available upon request. For more information, please call Diane Raden, Program Director, at 602.264.7520. Grateful thanks are given to First Church and the First United Methodist Foundation for their support of this program.

Friendship Club Outing

The Friendship Club is offering a cruise on Lake Pleasant on Wednesday, May 17. Discover facts and history about the lake and its flora and fauna as you sail with your friends. The vans will be leaving the church at 10 a.m. for Pleasant Harbor Marina. We will have lunch at Dillion’s, the Marina’s Restaurant, before boarding at 2 p.m. Cost for the cruise is $25. Lunch is additional. Make your reservations by May 10 by calling Carolyn Cooper at 602.341.0131 or Suzanne Haehl at 623.979.5449. You won’t want to miss out on the final adventure of the Friendship Club before the summer.

Blood Drive Sunday, April 23

Donate Seeds

Help the United Women in Faith collect vegetable seeds for the Jackson Area Ministries Green Thumb Gardening Project. The project began in 1979, serving 97 families of Southeast Ohio’s 18 County area to grow gardens. Please donate vegetable seed packets to continue this project. UMW will collect seeds through the end of April. Bring seed packets to the UMW table on the patio. Seeds we need: broccoli, beets, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, herbs, lettuce, green beans, cauliflower, melons, peppers, radishes, spinach, squash, etc.

Electronic Giving

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

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.

On Fire, A book read with Pastor David for Lent

When John O’Leary was just nine years old, he barely survived a devastating house fire with burns on 100 percent of his body. O’Leary’s doctors told his parents that he wasn’t expected to make it through the night.

But this story didn’t end there. O’Leary, bolstered by several extraordinary people in his life, made it through five months of healing in the hospital, and then through the years of excruciating rehabilitation that followed as he struggled to regain mobility and control his body. The insights he gained through this experience profoundly changed his life, but today John says that it actually changed him for the better…

Join pastor David and others during the season of Lent as we read about John’s trial and victories and discuss how his insights bring an understanding purpose in one’s life. The structure of the class will be reading the book aloud and group discussion.

Books are available through your online or local distributors. To register call the church office at 602.263.5013 or email Pastor David.

OWL Parents Night Sunday, March 26

Anyone involved with raising teens is welcome! Sunday, March 26, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in Asbury Hall.

Parents are a child’s most important sexuality educators, and sexuality education begins at home; that’s where OWL can help. OWL stands for ‘Our Whole Lives’ and is a comprehensive, lifespan sexuality education curriculum for use in both secular settings and faith communities. We have a guest speaker coming in who will be focusing on equipping YOU to be the best support you can be to the teens in your world. Refreshments provided.

Please email Elise Nesper to RSVP if you want to attend this event.

Easter Lilies

Consider the Lilies – Matthew 6:28
Every Easter, the presence of Easter lilies in the sanctuary contributes to the celebration of new life.

Ash Wednesday Soup Supper Report

Many thanks to everyone who attended the Ash Wednesday Soup Supper.  It would not have been possible without the help of a very dedicated and capable committee consisting of Sandy Asendorf, Phyllis Chase, Suzanne Haehl, Karen Horton, Bonnie Naegle-Wilson, Mindy Smidt, Susan Sneathen and Peggy Ward as well as Robin Spencer who answered our many questions. There were many other helpers with ticket sales, soups, cornbread, fruit, desserts, drinks, check in, set up and clean up.  A huge thank you goes to each of these folks.  I am very pleased to report we raised $819 for the UMCOR Clean Water project.

Betty Cornish, Chairman

First Church Kids

Come and join the fun in one of our children’s classes on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m.
Greenhouse (6 months to 3 years old) – Nursery
Cubbyhouse (3 years old to Pre-K) – Room 222
Fun House (K-2nd grade) – Room 221
Lighthouse (3rd grade to 5th grade) – Room 114

Looking for Ways to Serve at First Church?

There are many ways you can get involved while serving your First Church. Some require very little time. Consider hosting and assisting in the church office during our 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. worship services. Helping with filling the pew pockets during the week on your own time for Sunday services. Hosts are always needed for memorial services to prepare for receptions. If you are interested, please contact Cathy Fuentes or 602-263-5013 ext. 100.

An elderly gentleman in our church needs rides to medical appointments and the grocery store and is willing to pay for these services. He is also looking for a good home to adopt a 9 year-old cat. Contact the church office or Pastor David for further information.

Opportunity to Serve – Van Drivers Needed

It’s official, you can become a Sunday driver too! First Church is seeking volunteer drivers to assist those unable to drive to attend worship Sunday mornings. Contact the church office at 602-263-5013 for more information on how you can make First Church available to others.

Blood Drive Sunday, April 23

Girl Scouts Donate Cookies to the Food Pantry

Cadette Girl Scout Troop #3462 was able to donate over 50 boxes of cookies thanks to everyone’s generous donations.

Dressmakers Sewing Group

Twenty-seven dresses from infant size 1/2 to size 10 were recently delivered to the Dress A Girl Around the World local ambassador. She reported that in 2022, 2300 dresses were donated from the North Phoenix /Suncity area. Globally the Dress A Girl Foundation delivered 283,000 dresses in 2022. Many times when a girl receives a dress, it is the very first garment she has ever had that was completely new! Imagine how a child must feel to have something brand new for the first time. We feel real satisfaction in knowing we have provided a child with such joy. Join us to sew on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 10-noon in the Epworth Room. Call Peggy Ward at 623.847.5865 with questions.

Electronic Giving

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

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.

On Fire, A book read with Pastor David for Lent

When John O’Leary was just nine years old, he barely survived a devastating house fire with burns on 100 percent of his body. O’Leary’s doctors told his parents that he wasn’t expected to make it through the night.

But this story didn’t end there. O’Leary, bolstered by several extraordinary people in his life, made it through five months of healing in the hospital, and then through the years of excruciating rehabilitation that followed as he struggled to regain mobility and control his body. The insights he gained through this experience profoundly changed his life, but today John says that it actually changed him for the better…

Join pastor David and others during the season of Lent as we read about John’s trial and victories and discuss how his insights bring an understanding purpose in one’s life. The structure of the class will be reading the book aloud and group discussion.

Books are available through your online or local distributors. To register call the church office at 602.263.5013 or email Pastor David.

OWL Parents Night Sunday, March 26

Anyone involved with raising teens is welcome! Sunday, March 26, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in Asbury Hall.

Parents are a child’s most important sexuality educators, and sexuality education begins at home; that’s where OWL can help. OWL stands for ‘Our Whole Lives’ and is a comprehensive, lifespan sexuality education curriculum for use in both secular settings and faith communities. We have a guest speaker coming in who will be focusing on equipping YOU to be the best support you can be to the teens in your world. Refreshments provided.

Please email Elise Nesper to RSVP if you want to attend this event.

Ash Wednesday Soup Supper Report

Many thanks to everyone who attended the Ash Wednesday Soup Supper.  It would not have been possible without the help of a very dedicated and capable committee consisting of Sandy Asendorf, Phyllis Chase, Suzanne Haehl, Karen Horton, Bonnie Naegle-Wilson, Mindy Smidt, Susan Sneathen and Peggy Ward as well as Robin Spencer who answered our many questions. There were many other helpers with ticket sales, soups, cornbread, fruit, desserts, drinks, check in, set up and clean up.  A huge thank you goes to each of these folks.  I am very pleased to report we raised $819 for the UMCOR Clean Water project.

Betty Cornish, Chairman

First Church Kids

Come and join the fun in one of our children’s classes on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m.
Greenhouse (6 months to 3 years old) – Nursery
Cubbyhouse (3 years old to Pre-K) – Room 222
Fun House (K-2nd grade) – Room 221
Lighthouse (3rd grade to 5th grade) – Room 114

Looking for Ways to Serve at First Church?

There are many ways you can get involved while serving your First Church. Some require very little time. Consider hosting and assisting in the church office during our 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. worship services. Helping with filling the pew pockets during the week on your own time for Sunday services. Hosts are always needed for memorial services to prepare for receptions. If you are interested, please contact Cathy Fuentes or 602-263-5013 ext. 100.

An elderly gentleman in our church needs rides to medical appointments and the grocery store and is willing to pay for these services. He is also looking for a good home to adopt a 9 year-old cat. Contact the church office or Pastor David for further information.

Opportunity to Serve – Van Drivers Needed

It’s official, you can become a Sunday driver too! First Church is seeking volunteer drivers to assist those unable to drive to attend worship Sunday mornings. Contact the church office at 602-263-5013 for more information on how you can make First Church available to others.

Blood Drive Sunday, April 23

Girl Scouts Donate Cookies to the Food Pantry

Cadette Girl Scout Troop #3462 was able to donate over 50 boxes of cookies thanks to everyone’s generous donations.

Dressmakers Sewing Group

Twenty-seven dresses from infant size 1/2 to size 10 were recently delivered to the Dress A Girl Around the World local ambassador. She reported that in 2022, 2300 dresses were donated from the North Phoenix /Suncity area. Globally the Dress A Girl Foundation delivered 283,000 dresses in 2022. Many times when a girl receives a dress, it is the very first garment she has ever had that was completely new! Imagine how a child must feel to have something brand new for the first time. We feel real satisfaction in knowing we have provided a child with such joy. Join us to sew on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 10-noon in the Epworth Room. Call Peggy Ward at 623.847.5865 with questions.

Electronic Giving

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

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.

On Fire, A book read with Pastor David for Lent
Starting Wednesday, February 22, 10 a.m in the Wesley Lounge

When John O’Leary was just nine years old, he barely survived a devastating house fire with burns on 100 percent of his body. O’Leary’s doctors told his parents that he wasn’t expected to make it through the night.

But this story didn’t end there. O’Leary, bolstered by several extraordinary people in his life, made it through five months of healing in the hospital, and then through the years of excruciating rehabilitation that followed as he struggled to regain mobility and control his body. The insights he gained through this experience profoundly changed his life, but today John says that it actually changed him for the better…

Starting Wednesday, February 22 through April 5, join pastor David and others during the season of Lent as we read about John’s trial and victories and discuss how his insights bring an understanding purpose in one’s life. The structure of the class will be reading the book aloud and group discussion.

Books are available through your online or local distributors. To register call the church office at 602.263.5013 or email Pastor David.

Movie Night – Friday, February 24, 6 p.m.

Join us for a Movie Night on Friday, February 24 at 6 p.m. in Asbury Hall and watch Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. Bring something comfy to sit on, some snacks, and your friends and family. Free popcorn will be available! Contact Elise Nesper for more information.

Thank You Luncheon – Sunday, March 5

Join us as our guest for the Thank You Luncheon hosted by the First United Methodist Foundation on Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 12:15 p.m., in Asbury Hall. There are many groups of volunteers who serve the congregation and community of First United Methodist Church of Phoenix. Our Foundation would like to honor and recognize those who give freely and generously to the life of our church. Join us as our guest and share in this celebration.
Please RSVP no later than Monday, February 27, 2023.

First Church Kids

We are growing and changing so we’re looking for people who may want to serve our children at least once a month. Our Pre-K to 2nd grade room is bursting at the seams and we would like to create separate spaces for that age group to flourish according to their developmental stage. If you would like to get involved or get re-involved, you can contact Elise Nesper at 602.263.5013, x107 or by email.

Looking for Ways to Serve at First Church?

There are many ways you can get involved while serving your First Church. Some require very little time. Consider hosting and assisting in the church office during our 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. worship services. Helping with filling the pew pockets during the week on your own time for Sunday services. Hosts are always needed for memorial services to prepare for receptions. If you are interested, please contact Cathy Fuentes or 602-263-5013 ext. 100.

An elderly gentleman in our church needs rides to medical appointments and the grocery store and is willing to pay for these services. He is also looking for a good home to adopt a 9 year-old cat. Contact the church office or Pastor David for further information.

Opportunity to Serve – Van Drivers Needed

It’s official, you can become a Sunday driver too! First Church is seeking volunteer drivers to assist those unable to drive to attend worship Sunday mornings. Contact the church office at 602-263-5013 for more information on how you can make First Church available to others.

Ash Wednesday

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m., in Room 116. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 28. The book for February is The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

Bishop’s Installation Service – Saturday, March 11

Everyone who will attend the Bishop’s Installation Service on March 11 is encouraged to register regardless of whether they will be in person OR via live stream. We would like to have a record of all who are gathered, whether in person or virtually, for this important event in the life of the Desert Southwest Conference.

More information and online registration can be found at this link.

Thank you, and we hope you will make plans to join us for this joyful celebration of our new Bishop’s arrival.

Electronic Giving

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

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.

On Fire, A book read with Pastor David for Lent
Starting Wednesday, February 22, 10 a.m in the Wesley Lounge

When John O’Leary was just nine years old, he barely survived a devastating house fire with burns on 100 percent of his body. O’Leary’s doctors told his parents that he wasn’t expected to make it through the night.

But this story didn’t end there. O’Leary, bolstered by several extraordinary people in his life, made it through five months of healing in the hospital, and then through the years of excruciating rehabilitation that followed as he struggled to regain mobility and control his body. The insights he gained through this experience profoundly changed his life, but today John says that it actually changed him for the better…

Starting Wednesday, February 22 through April 5, join pastor David and others during the season of Lent as we read about John’s trial and victories and discuss how his insights bring an understanding purpose in one’s life. The structure of the class will be reading the book aloud and group discussion.

Books are available through your online or local distributors. To register call the church office at 602.263.5013 or email Pastor David.

Movie Night – Friday, February 24, 6 p.m.

Join us for a Movie Night on Friday, February 24 at 6 p.m. in Asbury Hall and watch Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. Bring something comfy to sit on, some snacks, and your friends and family. Free popcorn will be available! Contact Elise Nesper for more information.

United Women in Faith

Our Eve Circle will be meeting February 9, at 7 p.m. in Wesley Lounge. Our guest speaker is Max McQueen, Executive Director of Lura Turner Homes for Adults with Developmental Disabilities and also on the staff of Cross Roads United Methodist Church, serving mainly in mission outreach and single adult ministries.

First Church Kids

We are growing and changing so we’re looking for people who may want to serve our children at least once a month. Our Pre-K to 2nd grade room is bursting at the seams and we would like to create separate spaces for that age group to flourish according to their developmental stage. If you would like to get involved or get re-involved, you can contact Elise Nesper at 602.263.5013, x107 or by email.

Looking for Ways to Serve at First Church?

There are many ways you can get involved while serving your First Church. Some require very little time. Consider hosting and assisting in the church office during our 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. worship services. Helping with filling the pew pockets during the week on your own time for Sunday services. Hosts are always needed for memorial services to prepare for receptions. If you are interested, please contact Cathy Fuentes or 602-263-5013 ext. 100.

Opportunity to Serve – Van Drivers Needed

It’s official, you can become a Sunday driver too! First Church is seeking volunteer drivers to assist those unable to drive to attend worship Sunday mornings. Contact the church office at 602-263-5013 for more information on how you can make First Church available to others.

Ash Wednesday

Are You Cleaning Out Your Closets?

Warm clothes, sweatshirts, coats, sweaters, long sleeves, scarves and shoes are urgently needed in all sizes for men, women and children. Your donations will be transported to the IRC Welcome Center on Tuesday, February 7. Please label and drop them off at the church office on Sunday, February 5. Asylum seekers are arriving daily from all around the planet, including Eastern Europe. Presently, summer clothes are not needed. Thank you so much!

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in room 116. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 28. The book for February is The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

Food Collection on Sunday, February 12

The congregation is invited to donate non-perishable food items for the church’s Food Pantry on Sunday, February 12 for the Scouting Sunday food collection. PLEASE, only smaller disposable non-perishable food items with pop tops that can be easily removed, consumed, and disposed of. For example juice boxes, Capri Sun, pop-top macaroni/spaghetti/applesauce, water bottles, granola bars, and individually packaged plasticware – items that can be given to those in need to grab and go. No glass and no large portion items accepted, only the items listed.

Electronic Giving

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

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.

January Sermon Series – Letting Go

Sermon Series – LETTING GO, January 2023

January 29
Letting Go of Me
Romans 6:1-11 NRSV
Theme: How to be a better person

Leadership Training Event Presented by Our District Office

Anyone is welcome to attend a leadership training conference presented by our District Office of the United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 4, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Please contact the church for more information and to register.

First Church Kids

We are growing and changing so we’re looking for people who may want to serve our children at least once a month. Our Pre-K to 2nd grade room is bursting at the seams and we would like to create separate spaces for that age group to flourish according to their developmental stage. If you would like to get involved or get re-involved, you can contact Elise Nesper at 602.263.5013, x107 or by email.

Looking for Ways to Serve at First Church?

There are many ways you can get involved while serving your First Church. Some require very little time. Consider hosting and assisting in the church office during our 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. worship services. Helping with filling the pew pockets during the week on your own time for Sunday services. Hosts are always needed for memorial services to prepare for receptions. If you are interested, please contact Cathy Fuentes or 602-263-5013 ext. 100.

Opportunity to Serve – Van Drivers Needed

It’s official, you can become a Sunday driver too! First Church is seeking volunteer drivers to assist those unable to drive to attend worship Sunday mornings. Contact the church office at 602-263-5013 for more information on how you can make First Church available to others.

Ash Wednesday

Are You Cleaning Out Your Closets?

Warm clothes, sweatshirts, coats, sweaters, long sleeves, scarves and shoes are urgently needed in all sizes for men, women and children. Your donations will be transported to the IRC Welcome Center on Tuesday, February 7. Please label and drop them off at the church office on Sunday, February 5. Asylum seekers are arriving daily from all around the planet, including Eastern Europe. Presently, summer clothes are not needed. Thank you so much!

Consider Prayer Quilting

Whether you have a few sewing skills or you’re an accomplished quilter, we have room for you! We meet weekly on Wednesdays in Epworth Room from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. However, your schedule may bring you in later, or if needed, you may leave earlier. We enjoy fellowship, laughter, and end with prayers for quilt recipients. Come join us!

Food Collection on Sunday, February 12

The congregation is invited to donate non-perishable food items for the church’s Food Pantry on Sunday, February 12 for the Scouting Sunday food collection. PLEASE, only smaller disposable non-perishable food items with pop tops that can be easily removed, consumed, and disposed of. For example juice boxes, Capri Sun, pop-top macaroni/spaghetti/applesauce, water bottles, granola bars, and individually packaged plasticware – items that can be given to those in need to grab and go. No glass and no large portion items accepted, only the items listed.

Electronic Giving

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

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.

January Sermon Series – Letting Go

Sermon Series – LETTING GO, January 2023

January 15
Letting Go of Debt
Matthew 6:9-24 NRSV
Theme: Becoming debt free

January 22
Letting Go of Worry
Luke 12:22-31 NRSV
Theme: Don’t worry, be happy

January 29
Letting Go of Me
Romans 6:1-11 NRSV
Theme: How to be a better person

Looking for Ways to Serve at First Church?

There are many ways you can get involved while serving your First Church. Some require very little time. Consider hosting and assisting in the church office during our 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. worship services. Helping with filling the pew pockets during the week on your own time for Sunday services. Hosts are always needed for memorial services to prepare for receptions. If you are interested, please contact Cathy Fuentes or 602-263-5013 ext. 100.

Opportunity to Serve – Van Drivers Needed

It’s official, you can become a Sunday driver too! First Church is seeking volunteer drivers to assist those unable to drive to attend worship Sunday mornings. Contact the church office at 602-263-5013 for more information on how you can make First Church available to others.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in room 116. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 24. The book for January is The Healing of Natalie Curtis by Jane Kirkpatrick. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

Are You Cleaning Out Your Closets?

Warm clothes, sweatshirts, coats, sweaters, long sleeves, scarves and shoes are urgently needed in all sizes for men, women and children. Your donations will be transported to the IRC Welcome Center on Tuesday, February 7. Please label and drop them off at the church office on Sunday, February 5. Asylum seekers are arriving daily from all around the planet, including Eastern Europe. Presently, summer clothes are not needed. Thank you so much!

Consider Prayer Quilting

Whether you have a few sewing skills or you’re an accomplished quilter, we have room for you! We meet weekly on Wednesdays in Epworth Room from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. However, your schedule may bring you in later, or if needed, you may leave earlier. We enjoy fellowship, laughter, and end with prayers for quilt recipients. Come join us!

Electronic Giving

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Ruth Clark, Hedy Cunningham, Geri Dupree, Barbara Harvey, Barbara K Johnson, Marjorie Johnson, Vickie Johnson, Herb Kanter, Ronda Klein

SKILLED NURSING
Lynn R Wurth

DEATHS
First Church is saddened to announce the death of Lola Gummere, who passed on December 27, 2022. No services will be scheduled.
First Church is saddened to announce the death of Henry Lee Ary Jr., who passed on January 3, 2023 in Louisiana. Henry is the brother of Jesse Ary.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)
James and Brenda Unsworth, 1/27
Fred and Mary Alice Moor, 1/30

SENIOR BIRTHDAYS (Celebrating 80 or more birthdays)
Marian Palmer, 1/1
Sandra Trasente, 1/2
Diane Raden, 1/3
Peggy Ward, 1/3
Suzanne Haehl, 1/9

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES
Ajo Federated Church; Calvary UMC, Phoenix; Chino Valley UMC

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.

January Sermon Series – Letting Go

Sermon Series – LETTING GO, January 2023

January 8
Letting Go of Weight
1 Corinthians 6:9-13 (The Message)
Theme: Letting go of what weighs you down

January 15
Letting Go of Debt
Matthew 6:9-24 NRSV
Theme: Becoming debt free

January 22
Letting Go of Worry
Luke 12:22-31 NRSV
Theme: Don’t worry, be happy

January 29
Letting Go of Me
Romans 6:1-11 NRSV
Theme: How to be a better person

Looking for Ways to Serve at First Church?

There are many ways you can get involved while serving your First Church. Some require very little time. Consider hosting and assisting in the church office during our 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. worship services. Helping with filling the pew pockets during the week on your own time for Sunday services. Hosts are always needed for memorial services to prepare for receptions. If you are interested, please contact Cathy Fuentes or 602-263-5013 ext. 100.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in room 116. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 24. The book for January is The Healing of Natalie Curtis by Jane Kirkpatrick. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

Electronic Giving

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Ruth Clark, Hedy Cunningham, Geri Dupree, Barbara Harvey, Barbara K Johnson, Marjorie Johnson, Vickie Johnson, Herb Kanter, Ronda Klein

SKILLED NURSING
Lynn R Wurth

DEATHS
First Church is saddened to announce the death of Lola Gummere, who passed on December 27, 2022. No services will be scheduled.
First Church is saddened to announce the death of Henry Lee Ary Jr., who passed on January 3, 2023 in Louisiana. Henry is the brother of Jesse Ary.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)
James and Brenda Unsworth, 1/27
Fred and Mary Alice Moor, 1/30

SENIOR BIRTHDAYS (Celebrating 80 or more birthdays)
Marian Palmer, 1/1
Sandra Trasente, 1/2
Diane Raden, 1/3
Peggy Ward, 1/3
Suzanne Haehl, 1/9

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES
Ajo Federated Church; Calvary UMC, Phoenix; Chino Valley UMC

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.

The Crismon Tree in our Narthex

The Crismon Tree will again welcome church members and guests to the Advent season as they enter the Sanctuary. In 1972, the ladies of the church applied for and received permission to produce the Crismon ornaments. Mrs. Marion Palmer is the only active member from the original volunteer group of First Church. Marion has given us the following note to share the feelings and history of the tree.

A Crismon is a monogram of Christ. The designs were found in the catacombs in Rome on jewelry, on doors and utensils. They served to transmit the faith to the earliest Christians. In 1940, Frances Spencer created designs using letters, words, crosses, flowers, fish, and crowns. All the ornaments are made in white and gold. White is the liturgical color for Christians and signifies the Lord’s Purity and Perfection. Gold symbolizes Majesty and Glory. First United Methodist Church received a permit in 1972 to produce the ornaments from the Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Danville, Virginia. With the encouragement of Rev. Mel Pritts and Dr. Richard Cain, a few women began to make the ornaments, and by 1973, we decorated our first Crismon Tree. Many children have been excited to find baby Jesus in a crib on a low branch. Tiny white lights depict Jesus as the Light of the World.

When you see Marion, please remember her for keeping the Crismon Tree tradition alive in our church. The current committee will be highlighting a different ornament each Sunday during Advent.

Sandy and Don Hillegass
Karen and Larron Horton

Thank You from Pastor Denny Silk

The conclusion of my ministry at First Church did not go exactly as we had planned. Some have inquired and I am recovering well from my Covid hospital stay. Also, I want to thank all of you for your cards and other expressions of concern and appreciation. It was my privilege to serve you.

Pastor Denny Silk

Boy Scout Troop #41 Christmas Trees

January Sermon Series – Letting Go

Sermon Series – LETTING GO, January 2023

January 1 – Online Worship Service
“Beginnings”

January 8
Letting Go of Weight
1 Corinthians 6:9-13 (The Message)
Theme: Letting go of what weighs you down.

January 15
Letting Go of Debt
Matthew 6:9-24 NRSV
Theme: Becoming dept free.

January 22
Letting Go of Worry
Luke 12:22-31 NRSV
Theme: Don’t worry, be happy.

January 29
Letting Go of Me
Romans 6:1-11 NRSV
Theme: How to be a better person.

Christmas at First Church

Sundays, November 27 – December 18
9 a.m. – Contemporary Worship
11 a.m. – Traditional Worship

Join us for these special events

Sunday, December 18 – Taste of Christmas, a light stand-up brunch between services.

Christmas Eve – Saturday, December 24
4 p.m. – Family Service – Let us share the Christmas story with your children at this family-friendly service.
7 p.m. – Traditional Candlelight Service – Filled with your favorite carols, this service is led by our Chancel Choir and magnificent pipe organ.

Christmas Day – Sunday, December 25 – 10 a.m.
Celebrate the Newborn King with carols, Christmas sweaters and a blessing of your favorite new toy!

United Women of Faith Christmas Dinner

Good food and good fellowship! Thursday evening, December 8.

Left to right: Margot Wallace, Janet Kendall, Betty Cornish, Suzanne Haehl, Margaret Eikmeier, Luann Verhelst, Ann Flaherty, Karen Horton, Sandy Hillegas, Diane Davis , Liv Stevens, Peggy Ward, Judy Walden, Audrey Clayton (behind Susan Sneathen) Diane Raden.

Seated: Velia Revas, Diane Gara-Weiner, June Becker, Marie Mahoney.

Electronic Giving

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

PRAYER QUILTS IN THE NARTHEX
A prayer quilt displayed in the Narthex this morning is for Doug Merritt. Doug is a family friend of Jack and Susan Sneathen. We invite you to stop, tie a knot and pray for healing, grace and comfort.
A prayer quilt displayed in the Narthex this morning is for Baby Aurelia Illiana Munoz-Cowarden. Baby Aurelia is the daughter of the sister of a Weekday Teacher Aide. We invite you to stop, tie a knot and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Joann Sapp, Susan Secrest, Betty Slonaker, Jeannette Smith, Jane Suddarth, Bev Sutton, Brenda Unsworth, Jim Unsworth, Elizabeth Vick, Lynn R Wurth

SKILLED NURSING
Lynn R Wurth

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)
Jeff and Gail Shank, 12/6
Joe and Marie Garber, 12/23
Don and Sandra Hillegass, 12/28

SENIOR BIRTHDAYS (Celebrating 80 or more birthdays)
Doug Dunipace, 12/18
Jan Hyde, 12/19
Susan Secrest, 12/24
Betty Slonaker, 12/24

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES
Mingus Mountain Camp; Justa Center, Phoenix; Wesley Community and Health Centers

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.

Welcome Elise Nesper

I moved to Phoenix in 2021 with my little family (Cody, Charlie and Dax) after deciding that Australia was just a little too far away from our Phoenician family. In that time, I’ve come to love the beautiful mountains, sunny days, and drive thru Starbucks. Growing up in Australia I had the privilege of attending, serving and eventually working at the same church for 24 years. I’ve spent over a decade of that time in ministry, serving in Kids, Youth and for the last bit, as a lecturer in Bible College/Associate Pastor. In 2019 I completed a Master of Theology majoring in Biblical Studies and have enjoyed contextualizing the Bible to every age. My studies and experience have created such a passion to disciple young people and help families flourish.

My little family and I are just so excited to meet you all and become a part of this wonderful community!

Oh, and if you ask, I’ll pick tea over coffee, dogs over cats, and Disneyland over Disneyworld any day.

Clothing Donations Sunday, November 27

First Church is collecting wearable donations for the asylum seekers who arrive at the IRC Welcome Center. They need all sizes for children and adults of gently used clothing, shoes, sweaters, coats, scarves and more. New unopened packages of socks and underwear are also greatly appreciated. Please bring your donations to church on Sunday, November 27. They will be picked up on “Giving Tuesday”, November 29. Thank you so much!

Christmas Big Band Concert – Sunday, December 4, 2:30 p.m.

Friendship Club Outing Saturday, December 10

Dream City Church presents to you this Broadway-style musical theater performance features a full live orchestra and state-of-the-art technology with incredible special effects. Culminating in a beautiful nativity with a majestic kings’ procession, this year’s show includes exciting dance numbers, professional acrobatic silk artists, awe-inspiring aerial stunts, and so much more! A valley tradition showcasing the wonder of Christmas through music, dance, live animals, flying angels and more. This year’s production captures the magic of New York City during Christmas and the journey to find purpose.

Don’t miss out on Arizona’s Grand Christmas Spectacular this holiday season. Check-in time is Saturday, December 10 – at 1:30 p.m. Please meet in the North parking lot. We will travel to the Dream City Church, 13613 N. Cave Creek Road. We will have access to both church vehicles. If your prefer to drive yourself, we can caravan to Dream City Church. Contact Carolyn Cooper at 602.341.0131 or 602.943.3082, or Jan Hyde at 602.944.4817 or 602.625.5821 for tickets and information.

Parade Tickets!

The Junior High Youth are selling parking and seating passes for the Electric Light Parade between worshipservices each Sunday and in the church office on weekdays during regular office hours, through November 27. Parking passes are $7 in advance and $10 day of parade (if available). Seating is $5 in advance and $7 on the day of parade (if available). The parade is Saturday, December 3 and begins at 7 p.m. All proceeds benefit Junior High Youth mission work.

* * * * *

If you love parades, there is no better way to kickoff the Fiesta Bowl than to celebrate by attending the annual parade that makes its way through 2 miles of Central Phoenix. The parade is Saturday, December 17 and starts at 10 a.m. We are selling tickets and parking passes in the church office every Sunday and during our regular business hours, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. We have general admission tickets for $5 each, reserved seating tickets for $10 each and parking passes are $10 each. This is a fundraiser for our Senior High Youth Mission Program and they do not disappoint. Buy a ticket or twelve, get here early and buy everything from hot chocolate to bratwurst from our Senior High kids. If you need more information, please contact the office at 602.263.5013.

Christmas at First Church

Sundays, November 27 – December 18
9 a.m. – Contemporary Worship
11 a.m. – Traditional Worship

Join us for these special events

Sunday, December 4 – 2:30 p.m.
Let Heaven and Nature SWING! Kick off the season with a swingin’ 18 piece Big Band.

Sunday, December 11 – 11 a.m.
Handel’s Messiah presented by the First Church Concert Choir with orchestra and soloists.

Sunday, December 18 – Taste of Christmas, a light stand-up brunch between services.

Christmas Eve – Saturday, December 24
4 p.m. – Family Service – Let us share the Christmas story with your children at this family-friendly service.
7 p.m. – Traditional Candlelight Service – Filled with your favorite carols, this service is led by our Chancel Choir and magnificent pipe organ.

Christmas Day – Sunday, December 25 – 10 a.m.
Celebrate the Newborn King with carols, Christmas sweaters and a blessing of your favorite new toy!

Let’s Go Hiking!

Let’s get out and enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather with a hike on Saturday December 3 at 7:30 a.m. Meet Tom Rice at the 32nd Street trailhead (dead end) south of Shea Blvd. (3201 E. Eva Phoenix,). We will head into the Phoenix Mountain Preserve for a modest 3 mile hike in the desert, suitable for most anyone. Hiking boots are always best due to uneven surfaces and rocks. Tennis shoes work ok too. This hike is doable for almost any age. Bring water and let’s do this! Questions? Tomriceaz@msn.com or 602.999.2465.

Electronic Giving

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 card.

1. 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).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

PRAYER QUILTS IN THE NARTHEX
A prayer quilt displayed in the Narthex this morning is for Robert Cords. Robert is Nancy Maxwell’s twin brother. We invite you to stop, tie a knot and pray for healing, grace and comfort.
A prayer quilt displayed in the Narthex this morning is for Mary Beth Conrad. Mary Beth is Susan Sneathen’s friend. We invite you stop, tie a knot and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Lymm R. Wurth, Carolyn Allen, Dora Angle, Steve Barnes, Ron Brunson, Karlene Carlson, Bill Carpenter, Charlotte Carpenter, Ruth Clark, Hedy
Cunningham

SKILLED NURSING
Lynn R Wurth

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)
Grant and Audrey Clayton, 12/03
Jeff and Gail Shank, 12/06
Joe and Marie Garber, 12/23
Don and Sandra Hillegass, 12/28

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80 or more birthdays)
Audrey Clayton, 11/29
Bob Young, 12/1
Buzz Stevens, 12/3
Clark Dove, 12/8

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES
Spirit Song UMF, Peoria; Sunrise UMC, Phoenix; Willowbrook UMC, Sun City

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.

Blood Drive – This Sunday, October 30

• This 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)

Trunk or Treat – This Sunday, October 30

Fall is here, join us for trunks, treats, and the dunk tank at the free Fall Festival this Sunday, October 30, 4 – 7 p.m.! Come dressed in your best Halloween Costume for games, prizes, and Trunk or Treat. Food and beverages will be available to purchase

There are two ways we are asking for your help:

1. If you would like to participate in the Trunk-or-Treat please call the church office to sign-up your decorated trunk.
2. Additionally, please donate candy at the back of the sanctuary for Trunk or Treat any Sunday morning before the event.

Invite your friends and we will see you all on October 30!

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.

Affordable Housing Symposium
(Watch-gathering Webinar)
Tomorrow, October 29, 1 – 4 p.m., Centennial Room

Courtesy of FACE, Faith and Community Empowerment, the issues of affordable and assessable housing will be presented along with how to utilize existing resources of buildings and land to be a part of the solution to extend ministry and community engagement while creating external revenue streams. To ensure enough seating, register by calling the church office at 602.263.5013.

United Women of Faith Program for Ukraine

Global Ministries and the District Southwest Conference of the United Methodist Church are asking churches to join in setting the day of Sunday, November 6, 2022 as a Day of Prayer for Ukraine.

In addition to Sunday, November 6, our church and the United Women of Faith (UWF) are fortunate to have John Harapiak, a church member, share his family’s background and experience with Ukraine. This will be held on UWF’s regular monthly meeting day, Thursday, November 10, at 1:30 p.m. in Asbury Hall. This program will be open to all First Church members, family, friends and neighbors. Please join us to get better informed on the Ukraine situation. Any questions, please call Diane Gara-Weiner, 602-266-1732.

Bake Sale Sunday, November 6

United Women in Faith is once again returning to its annual bake sale to be held Sunday, November 6, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the sanctuary breezeway. This year we will have tables on the patio for you to enjoy some of your goodies with complimentary coffee as well as taking some home. Take this opportunity to socialize with your fellow church members. We hope to see you there before, between, or even during worship services if you plan to attend another service. We thank you in advance for your support of this fund-raising project.

Thank You Pastor Denny Silk

As his time with First Church comes to close, we want to wish Pastor Denny our best as he moves into retirement. If you would like to help celebrate his almost 5 years with us and honor him, you are welcome to leave a thank you card, monetary gift, or token of appreciation in the office. If you are enclosing a check, please make your gift directly to Denny Silk. These will be given to Denny on his last Sunday which is November 20. We are all grateful for Denny’s leadership as he guided First Church through the difficult years of the Pandemic and into this next chapter where we have formalized our Vision Statement and are working on the Future Planning of First Church.

Let’s Go Hiking!

Let’s get out and enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather with a hike on Saturday November 5 at 7:30 a.m. Meet Tom Rice at 2357 E. Becker Lane Phoenix. We will head into the Phoenix Mountain Preserve for a modest 3.2 mile hike in the desert, suitable for most anyone. Hiking boots are always best due to uneven surfaces and rocks. Tennis shoes work ok too. Doable for almost any age. Bring water and let’s do this! Questions? Tomriceaz@msn.com or (602) 999-2465.

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 QUILT IN THE NARTHEX
A prayer quilt displayed in the Narthex this morning is for Zip Kileen. Zip is the cousin to Susan Sneathen. We invite you to stop, tie a knot and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Lynn Wurth, Carolyn Allen, Dora Angle, Steve Barnes, Ronald Brunson, Karlene Carlson, Bill Carpenter, Charlotte Carpenter, Ruth Clark, Hedy Cunningham

DEATH
First Church is saddened to announce the death of Cecil Cyrus Vaughn, Jr., who passed on October 22, 2022. Services are currently pending.

SKILLED NURSING
Lynn Wurth, Annetta Pike

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)
Grant and Audrey Clayton, 11/3

SENIOR BIRTHDAYS (Celebrating 80 or more birthdays)
Rosemary Lutz, 10/31
Carole James, 10/25
Sarah Shafer, 11/3
Margie Voiles, 11/3

NEW MEMBERS
Roxanna Aldermann, Selena Aldermann, Kenneth (Guy) and Ariane berry, Dean and Kris Rennell, Rebecca Rennick, Sam and Kim Richard

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

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.

Blood Drive – This Sunday, October 30

• This 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)

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.

Affordable Housing Symposium
(Watch-gathering Webinar)
October 29, 1 – 4 p.m., Centennial Room

Courtesy of FACE, Faith and Community Empowerment, the issues of affordable and assessable housing will be presented along with how to utilize existing resources of buildings and land to be a part of the solution to extend ministry and community engagement while creating external revenue streams. To ensure enough seating, register by calling the church office at 602.263.5013.

United Women of Faith Program for Ukraine

Global Ministries and the District Southwest Conference of the United Methodist Church are asking churches to join in setting the day of Sunday, November 6, 2022 as a Day of Prayer for Ukraine.

In addition to Sunday, November 6, our church and the United Women of Faith (UWF) are fortunate to have John Harapiak, a church member, share his family’s background and experience with Ukraine. This will be held on UWF’s regular monthly meeting day, Thursday, November 10, at 1:30 p.m. in Asbury Hall. This program will be open to all First Church members, family, friends and neighbors. Please join us to get better informed on the Ukraine situation. Any questions, please call Diane Gara-Weiner, 602-266-1732.

Bake Sale Sunday, November 6

United Women in Faith is once again returning to its annual bake sale to be held Sunday, November 6, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the sanctuary breezeway. This year we will have tables on the patio for you to enjoy some of your goodies with complimentary coffee as well as taking some home. Take this opportunity to socialize with your fellow church members. We hope to see you there before, between, or even during worship services if you plan to attend another service. We thank you in advance for your support of this fund-raising project.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in Room 116. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 25. The book for October is The Stolen Lady by Laura Morelli. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

Let’s Go Hiking!

Let’s get out and enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather with a hike on Saturday November 5 at 7:30 a.m. Meet Tom Rice at 2357 E. Becker Lane Phoenix. We will head into the Phoenix Mountain Preserve for a modest 3.2 mile hike in the desert, suitable for most anyone. Hiking boots are always best due to uneven surfaces and rocks. Tennis shoes work ok too. Doable for almost any age. Bring water and let’s do this! Questions? Tomriceaz@msn.com or (602) 999-2465.

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 Don Shipe. We invite you to stop, tie a knot and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Bobbie Rudd, Joann Sapp, Susan Secrest, Betty Slonaker, Jeannette Smith, Jane Suddarth, Bev Sutton, Brenda Unsworth, Jim Unsworth, Cecil Vaughn

SKILLED NURSING
Lynn R Wurth, Annetta Pike

SENIOR BIRTHDAYS (Celebrating 80 or more birthdays)
Ilah Pickrell, 10/23
Hedy Cunningham, 10/25

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

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.

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.

Affordable Housing Symposium
(Watch-gathering Webinar)
October 29, 1 – 4 p.m., Asbury Hall

Courtesy of FACE, Faith and Community Empowerment, the issues of affordable and assessable housing will be presented along with how to utilize existing resources of buildings and land to be a part of the solution to extend ministry and community engagement while creating external revenue streams. To ensure enough seating, register by calling the church office at 602.263.5013.

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!

Bake Sale Sunday, November 6

United Women in Faith is once again returning to its annual bake sale to be held Sunday, November 6, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the sanctuary breezeway. This year we will have tables on the patio for you to enjoy some of your goodies with complimentary coffee as well as taking some home. Take this opportunity to socialize with your fellow church members. We hope to see you there before, between, or even during worship services if you plan to attend another service. We thank you in advance for your support of this fund-raising project.

Dresses for Operation Christmas Box

The Dressmakers recently delivered 31 dresses for Operation Christmas Box. The boxes will be given to children here in the United States and to other parts of the world where there is a need. For the year 2022, we have made and delivered 102 dresses. We began sewing the dresses in 2018, and even though we couldn’t meet to sew during the pandemic shut-down, we have sewn a total of 325 dresses since we began! We sew on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. – noon in the Epworth Room and welcome sewers from beginners to experienced. If you have questions, please call Peggy Ward at 623.847.5865.

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 Allen Bryan. We invite you to stop, tie a knot and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Ruth Clark, Hedy Cunningham, Geri Dupree, Lola Gummere, Barbara Harvey, Barbara K Johnson, Marjorie Johnson, Vickie Johnson, Herb Kanter, Ronda Klein

SENIOR BIRTHDAYS (Celebrating 80 or more birthdays)
David Rupley, 10/13

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

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

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)

Youth Group Reminder

As a reminder this Sunday:

Choir at 4:30 p.m.
Youth Dinner at 5:30 p.m.
Jr. and Sr. High Youth Program at 6 p.m.

Meeting parents and youth this past Sunday was a highlight for me. Thank you for your encouragement, support, and consideration during this season of transition. I believe we’ll persevere.

Thank you to Jose, Rachel, Aaron, and Caitlin for their leadership. There is a need for evening dinner sign-ups and also extra adult presence in Sunday school. Please contact Rachel, Jose, or Aaron for further details.

My prayers are with you for this week and for the month ahead as we growth in spirit to be a place where God’s goodness and grace is for anyone.

My best to you,
Pastor David

First Church Completes Five Years Helping Students

First Church Tutors are happy to report that we have completed FIVE years of tutoring with the Madison School District OASIS Intergenerational Tutoring Program! Many thanks to all First Church tutors who have helped make a difference in the educational lives of our students. Our Tutoring Program continues to thrive despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2021-2022 school year, the OASIS Tutoring Program introduced tutoring done on-line via “Google Meet” virtual meetings. All tutors were also able to stay connected with each other, and with OASIS officials including our own Mrs. Kim Gullo, Madison OASIS Tutor Facilitator, by participating in Zoom virtual meetings.

We are looking forward to continuing the OASIS Tutoring Program for the 2022-2023 school year. Tutors will be back in-person to mentor students. For the safety of our tutors and students, great safety precautions have already been put in place! There is still time to sign up to be a Tutor. Training for new tutors is September 27 and 28, 2022, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day. If you would like to share in this great ministry, or have any questions, please contact: Marie Morais Garber at 602-448-0419.

First Church extends thanks and appreciation to our pastors, all tutors, and other church members who have helped over the past five years (see below) to make the First Church OASIS Tutoring Program a success. May God bless all of you.

Patricia Barnes (F), Joanne Lynch (F), Jerry Collins (F), Patty Morgan (C), Nancy Dillon (F), Bethyl Pearson (F), Marie Morais Garber (C), Nancy Phillipi (F), Karen Horton (C), Gail Reiley (F), Pastor Denny Silk, Larron Horton (C), Scott Holcomb (Board member), Hud Huddleston (F), Jill Huddleston (C), Delores Smith (F), Jane Scott (ELD Coach), Jaimie Jeffries (C), Carol Vecchi (C), Patricia Jones (F), Donna Wright (C)

(C) Current
(F) Former

In His Service,
Marie Morais Garber, First Church Tutor Coordinator
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received, to serve others…” I Peter 4:10

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!

Future Planning Update

The Future Planning Committee is committed to communication. Here is some news you can use!

The ‘Future at First’ Congregational Gathering on August 14 was a success! We set-up chairs for 48 folks to attend, but 93 of you showed-up in person and 8 of you were in the Zoom Room. After some brief presentations from our committee, we heard many helpful comments and questions from attendees. Pastor David was our host with the most and Pastor Denny closed us out with great comments on our progress. If you missed the event, it was recorded. You can contact Russ Morrow in the church office for the recording.

Joe Jensen, our lead consultant from The Barna Group, was on campus August 18 and 19. He then joined our Future Planning Committee meeting by Zoom on August 22. After listening to our First Church community through focus groups, congregational and youth assessments, lots of prayer and planning, Joe and our staff have crafted a new Vision Statement. It’s still in draft form, but the rollout is coming soon. Joe Jensen and Pastor David met with Beckie Humphrey and the gang at Weekday School. There is good alignment, energy, and synergy with First Church and Weekday School. This relationship goes way back and everyone is excited to get to work on making it stronger.

The search for our Next Generation Ministry Director is in full force. We have received 10 applications. Pastor Denny and Pastor David will begin initial Zoom interviews with 6 of the candidates. However, the search is still on! We are committed to being patient with the process until we find the right person. In the interim, the pastors, staff, and parents are being high-energy and supportive of the youth leaders and youth. Kickoff Sunday will be August 28 with “Stump the (New) Pastor Night”. (New) Pastor David will treat the group to dinner that night.

We also want to give Russ and the team that assisted him on updating and rolling-out the new and improved website. WOW!

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. The contact person for this offering is Renae McKee.

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 QUILT IN THE NARTHEX
A prayer quilt displayed in the Narthex this morning is for Mike Vaughn, son of Cy Vaughn and brother of Katie Fielder. We invite you to stop, tie a knot and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Bonnie Rheaume, Bobbie Rudd, Joann Sapp, Susan Secrest, Betty Slonaker, Jeannette Smith, Jane Suddarth, Bev Sutton, Brenda Unsworth, Jim
Unsworth

DEATHS
We are sad to announce the death of Mary Steed Bass on September 19, 2022. A memorial service was held for Mary on September 23, 2022. We are sad to announce the death of JoAn Hand on September 14, 2022. A memorial service will be planned for a later date.

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 or more birthdays)
Jean Oliver, 9/25 Jeannette Smith, 9/30

ALTAR FLOWERS
Given in memory of Mary Steed Bass

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES
Trinity UMC, Phoenix; Trinity UMC, Yuma; Sedona UMC

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.

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)

Battle of the Generations and Pot-Luck at Youth Group

All parents and students are invited to join us for First Church’s annual Battle of the Generations and Pot-Luck Dinner on Sunday, September 11 at 5:30 p.m. Contact the church office to learn more!

First Church Completes Five Years Helping Students

First Church Tutors are happy to report that we have completed FIVE years of tutoring with the Madison School District OASIS Intergenerational Tutoring Program! Many thanks to all First Church tutors who have helped make a difference in the educational lives of our students. Our Tutoring Program continues to thrive despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2021-2022 school year, the OASIS Tutoring Program introduced tutoring done on-line via “Google Meet” virtual meetings. All tutors were also able to stay connected with each other, and with OASIS officials including our own Mrs. Kim Gullo, Madison OASIS Tutor Facilitator, by participating in Zoom virtual meetings.

We are looking forward to continuing the OASIS Tutoring Program for the 2022-2023 school year. Tutors will be back in-person to mentor students. For the safety of our tutors and students, great safety precautions have already been put in place! There is still time to sign up to be a Tutor. Training for new tutors is September 27 and 28, 2022, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day. If you would like to share in this great ministry, or have any questions, please contact: Marie Morais Garber at 602-448-0419.

First Church extends thanks and appreciation to our pastors, all tutors, and other church members who have helped over the past five years (see below) to make the First Church OASIS Tutoring Program a success. May God bless all of you.

Patricia Barnes (F), Joanne Lynch (F), Jerry Collins (F), Patty Morgan (C), Nancy Dillon (F), Bethyl Pearson (F), Marie Morais Garber (C), Nancy Phillipi (F), Karen Horton (C), Gail Reiley (F), Pastor Denny Silk, Larron Horton (C), Scott Holcomb (Board member), Hud Huddleston (F), Jill Huddleston (C), Delores Smith (F), Jane Scott (ELD Coach), Jaimie Jeffries (C), Carol Vecchi (C), Patricia Jones (F), Donna Wright (C)

(C) Current
(F) Former

In His Service,
Marie Morais Garber, First Church Tutor Coordinator
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received, to serve others…” I Peter 4:10

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!

Future Planning Update

The Future Planning Committee is committed to communication. Here is some news you can use!

The ‘Future at First’ Congregational Gathering on August 14 was a success! We set-up chairs for 48 folks to attend, but 93 of you showed-up in person and 8 of you were in the Zoom Room. After some brief presentations from our committee, we heard many helpful comments and questions from attendees. Pastor David was our host with the most and Pastor Denny closed us out with great comments on our progress. If you missed the event, it was recorded. You can contact Russ Morrow in the church office for the recording.

Joe Jensen, our lead consultant from The Barna Group, was on campus August 18 and 19. He then joined our Future Planning Committee meeting by Zoom on August 22. After listening to our First Church community through focus groups, congregational and youth assessments, lots of prayer and planning, Joe and our staff have crafted a new Vision Statement. It’s still in draft form, but the rollout is coming soon. Joe Jensen and Pastor David met with Beckie Humphrey and the gang at Weekday School. There is good alignment, energy, and synergy with First Church and Weekday School. This relationship goes way back and everyone is excited to get to work on making it stronger.

The search for our Next Generation Ministry Director is in full force. We have received 10 applications. Pastor Denny and Pastor David will begin initial Zoom interviews with 6 of the candidates. However, the search is still on! We are committed to being patient with the process until we find the right person. In the interim, the pastors, staff, and parents are being high-energy and supportive of the youth leaders and youth. Kickoff Sunday will be August 28 with “Stump the (New) Pastor Night”. (New) Pastor David will treat the group to dinner that night.

We also want to give Russ and the team that assisted him on updating and rolling-out the new and improved website. WOW!

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. The contact person for this offering is Renae McKee.

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 Avery Boyer. Avery is the granddaughter of Marcia Boyer. We invite you to stop, tie a knot and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Ruth Clark, Hedy Cunningham, Geri Dupree, Lola Gummere, JoAn Hand, Barbara Harvey, Barbara K. Johnson, Marjorie Johnson, Vickie Johnson, Herb Kanter

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)
Jim and Jan Hyde, 9/2
Bob and Connie Bailes, 9/9

SENIOR BIRTHDAYS (Celebrating 80 or more birthdays)
Bobbie Rudd 9/11
Robert Jackson, 9/12
Charles Raines, 9/16
Joanne Lynch 9/16

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES
Trinity UMC, Phoenix; Trinity UMC, Yuma; Sedona UMC

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.

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)

Battle of the Generations and Pot-Luck at Youth Group

All parents and students are invited to join us for First Church’s annual Battle of the Generations and Pot-Luck Dinner on Sunday, September 11 at 5:30 p.m. Contact the church office to learn more!

Volunteers Needed for Tutoring Program

Please join a group of First Church tutors who assist and support students kindergarten – 4th grade in the Madison School District OASIS Intergenerational Tutoring Program. For more information, please contact Marie Morais Garber at 602-448-0419. Thank you!

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!

Future Planning Update

The Future Planning Committee is committed to communication. Here is some news you can use!

The ‘Future at First’ Congregational Gathering on August 14 was a success! We set-up chairs for 48 folks to attend, but 93 of you showed-up in person and 8 of you were in the Zoom Room. After some brief presentations from our committee, we heard many helpful comments and questions from attendees. Pastor David was our host with the most and Pastor Denny closed us out with great comments on our progress. If you missed the event, it was recorded. You can contact Russ Morrow in the church office for the recording.

Joe Jensen, our lead consultant from The Barna Group, was on campus August 18 and 19. He then joined our Future Planning Committee meeting by Zoom on August 22. After listening to our First Church community through focus groups, congregational and youth assessments, lots of prayer and planning, Joe and our staff have crafted a new Vision Statement. It’s still in draft form, but the rollout is coming soon. Joe Jensen and Pastor David met with Beckie Humphrey and the gang at Weekday School. There is good alignment, energy, and synergy with First Church and Weekday School. This relationship goes way back and everyone is excited to get to work on making it stronger.

The search for our Next Generation Ministry Director is in full force. We have received 10 applications. Pastor Denny and Pastor David will begin initial Zoom interviews with 6 of the candidates. However, the search is still on! We are committed to being patient with the process until we find the right person. In the interim, the pastors, staff, and parents are being high-energy and supportive of the youth leaders and youth. Kickoff Sunday will be August 28 with “Stump the (New) Pastor Night”. (New) Pastor David will treat the group to dinner that night.

We also want to give Russ and the team that assisted him on updating and rolling-out the new and improved website. WOW!

United Women of Faith

Rachel Circle, of United Women in Faith, will have its first meeting after summer break on Thursday, September 8 at 1:30 p.m. in Asbury Hall. Refreshments will be served and speaker will be Pastor David Rennick. We look forward to hearing Pastor David speak and our return to the new year. All women of the church, their friends, and family members are invited. Join us for a great afternoon of fellowship and events taking place within the United Women in Faith.

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 Begins September 8

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. The contact person for this offering is Renae McKee.

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 Ben Arnold. Ben is the brother-in-law to Renae McKee. We invite you to stop, tie a knot and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Bonnie Rheaume, Bobbie Rudd, Joann Sapp, Susan Secrest, Betty Slonaker, Jeannette Smith, Jane Suddarth, Bev Sutton, Brenda Unsworth, Jim Unsworth

DEATH
First Church is saddened to announce the death of Marjorie Kildow, who passed on August 19, 2022.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)
William (Bill) and Betsy Heuermann, 8/23

SENIOR BIRTHDAYS (Celebrating 80 or more birthdays)
Ken Hagin, 8/29

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES
New Song UMC, Surprise; Prescott UMC; Prescott Valley UMC

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

Volunteers Needed for Tutoring Program

Please join a group of First Church tutors who assist and support students kindergarten – 4th grade in the Madison School District OASIS Intergenerational Tutoring Program. For more information, please contact Marie Morais Garber at 602-448-0419. Thank you!

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!

Stump Pastor David Night at Youth Group

Pastor David will be our guest August 28 for a meet and greet. Get to know him by asking just about any question under the sun.

Sunday evening schedule for youth includes:

• Youth Choir at 4:30 p.m.
• Youth Dinner at 5:30 p.m. (by the way, dinner is on Pastor David)
• Jr./Sr. High Program at 6 p.m., or until Pastor David gets stumped.

Jose, Rachel, and Aaron look forward to greeting you in Asbury Hall. We hope to see you all there!

Future Planning Update

The Future Planning Committee is committed to communication. Here is some news you can use!

The ‘Future at First’ Congregational Gathering on August 14 was a success! We set-up chairs for 48 folks to attend, but 93 of you showed-up in person and 8 of you were in the Zoom Room. After some brief presentations from our committee, we heard many helpful comments and questions from attendees. Pastor David was our host with the most and Pastor Denny closed us out with great comments on our progress. If you missed the event, it was recorded. You can contact Russ Morrow in the church office for the recording.

Joe Jensen, our lead consultant from The Barna Group, was on campus August 18 and 19. He then joined our Future Planning Committee meeting by Zoom on August 22. After listening to our First Church community through focus groups, congregational and youth assessments, lots of prayer and planning, Joe and our staff have crafted a new Vision Statement. It’s still in draft form, but the rollout is coming soon. Joe Jensen and Pastor David met with Beckie Humphrey and the gang at Weekday School. There is good alignment, energy, and synergy with First Church and Weekday School. This relationship goes way back and everyone is excited to get to work on making it stronger.

The search for our Next Generation Ministry Director is in full force. We have received 10 applications. Pastor Denny and Pastor David will begin initial Zoom interviews with 6 of the candidates. However, the search is still on! We are committed to being patient with the process until we find the right person. In the interim, the pastors, staff, and parents are being high-energy and supportive of the youth leaders and youth. Kickoff Sunday will be August 28 with “Stump the (New) Pastor Night”. (New) Pastor David will treat the group to dinner that night.

We also want to give Russ and the team that assisted him on updating and rolling-out the new and improved website. WOW!

United Women of Faith – Eve Circle

Rachel Circle, of United Women in Faith, will have its first meeting after summer break on Thursday, September 8 at 1:30 p.m. in Asbury Hall. Refreshments will be served and speaker will be Pastor David Rennick. We look forward to hearing Pastor David speak and our return to the new year. All women of the church, their friends, and family members are invited. Join us for a great afternoon of fellowship and events taking place within the United Women in Faith.

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 Begins September 8

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. The contact person for this offering is Renae McKee.

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 Ben Arnold. Ben is the brother-in-law to Renae McKee. We invite you to stop, tie a knot and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Bonnie Rheaume, Bobbie Rudd, Joann Sapp, Susan Secrest, Betty Slonaker, Jeannette Smith, Jane Suddarth, Bev Sutton, Brenda Unsworth, Jim Unsworth

DEATH
First Church is saddened to announce the death of Marjorie Kildow, who passed on August 19, 2022.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)
William (Bill) and Betsy Heuermann, 8/23

SENIOR BIRTHDAYS (Celebrating 80 or more birthdays)
Ken Hagin, 8/29

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES
New Song UMC, Surprise; Prescott UMC; Prescott Valley UMC

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

Volunteers Needed for Tutoring Program

Please join a group of First Church tutors who assist and support students kindergarten – 4th grade in the Madison School District OASIS Intergenerational Tutoring Program. For more information, please contact Marie Morais Garber at 602-448-0419. Thank you!

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!

Stump Pastor David Night at Youth Group

Pastor David will be our guest August 28 for a meet and greet. Get to know him by asking just about any question under the sun.

Sunday evening schedule for youth includes:

• Youth Choir at 4:30 p.m.
• Youth Dinner at 5:30 p.m. (by the way, dinner is on Pastor David)
• Jr./Sr. High Program at 6 p.m., or until Pastor David gets stumped.

Jose, Rachel, and Aaron look forward to greeting you in Asbury Hall. We hope to see you all there!

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in Room 116. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 23. The book for August is Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

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.

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. The contact person for this offering is Renae McKee.

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 Rex Ingham. Rex is a friend of Diane Raden. We invite you to stop, tie a knot and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Ronda Klein, Ginny McLeod, Shirley Myer, Brenda North, Gerry Oliver, Jean Oliver, Annetta Pike, Joyce Quisenberry, Donald Randall, Dorothy Randall

MEMORIAL SERVICE
A memorial service is being held TODAY at 3 p.m., for Don Reasor who passed on June 28, 2022 and Leota Reasor who passed in February 19, 2019.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)
William (Bill) and Betsy Heuermann, 8/23

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80 or more birthdays)
Donna Reining, 8/25
Mary Alice Moor, 8/27

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES
New Song UMC, Surprise; Prescott UMC; Prescott Valley UMC

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

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!

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. The contact person for this offering is Renae McKee.

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 or use our online request form.

PRAYER QUILTS IN THE NARTHEX
A prayer quilt displayed in the Narthex this morning is for Mary Clampoli. Mary is a friend of Diane Raden. We invite you to stop, tie a knot and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Ruth Clark, Hedy Cunningham, Geri Dupree, Lola Gummere, JoAn Hand, Barbara Harvey, Barbara K Johnson, Marjorie Johnson, Vickie Johnson, Herb Kanter

MEMORIAL SERVICE
A memorial service is being held for Don Reasor who passed on June 28, 2022 and Leota Reasor who passed in February 19, 2019. Services are scheduled for Sunday, August 21 at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)
William (Bill) and Betsy Heuermann, 8/23

SENIOR BIRTHDAYS (Celebrating 80 or more birthdays)
Carole Schmieder, 8/16
Earl Warner 8/18
Dora Angle, 8/19

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES
New Song UMC, Surprise; Prescott UMC; Prescott Valley UMC

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

THE FUTURE AT FIRST CONGREGATIONAL GATHERING

In an effort to provide in-person communication with members of our congregation, the Future Planning Committee will host a gathering for the congregation on Sunday, August 14 at 10 a.m. in Asbury Hall. Members of the committee will make brief reports and there will be a time for questions and answers. We anticipate this meeting will last about 40 minutes.

If you have access to Zoom, you may join us with the Zoom ID 786 364 7847.

If you are unable to join us in person or via Zoom, please send us a request for the meeting recording.

Blessings,
Future Planning Committee

Youth Choir is Coming!

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, starting August 14. 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!

SING with the Summer Choir

If you would like to sing with the Chancel Choir, but cannot commit to the weekly Wednesday night rehearsal schedule, here is your chance!

From now through August 21, we will hold morning Summer Choir rehearsals nearly every Sunday from 10:10 to 10:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary. During this time, we will put together anthems that are simple and straight forward – easy enough to sing at the 11 a.m., Worship Service that same day!

In addition to the Sunday morning rehearsals, we will come together for one final Wednesday night rehearsal on August 3 at 7 p.m. The supplemental rehearsal will give us a chance to look at the pieces for the coming Sundays. Even if you cannot make this Wednesday night rehearsal, you are encouraged to participate in Summer Choir!

For more information, please 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. The contact person for this offering is Renae McKee.

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 or use our online request form.

PRAYER QUILTS IN THE NARTHEX
A prayer quilt displayed in the Narthex this morning is for Mary Clampoli. Mary is a friend of Diane Raden. We invite you to stop, tie a knot and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Ruth Clark, Hedy Cunningham, Geri Dupree, Lola Gummere, JoAn Hand, Barbara Harvey, Barbara K Johnson, Marjorie Johnson, Vickie Johnson, Herb Kanter

MEMORIAL SERVICE
A memorial service is being held for Don Reasor who passed on June 28, 2022 and Leota Reasor who passed in February 19, 2019. Services are scheduled for Sunday, August 21 at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)
William (Bill) and Betsy Heuermann, 8/23

SENIOR BIRTHDAYS (Celebrating 80 or more birthdays)
Carole Schmieder, 8/16
Earl Warner 8/18
Dora Angle, 8/19

HOSTS
9 a.m. – Lance Scott, Jane Scott, and Jeff Schrader
11 a.m. – Jan Hyde, Audrey Clayton, and Geoffrey Boadu

LITURGIST
9 a.m. – Patricia Rodriguez
11 a.m. – Susan Sneathen

ALTAR FLOWERS
Given by The Barry Family, in memory of Bill Barry.

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES
New Song UMC, Surprise; Prescott UMC; Prescott Valley UMC