Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

In the Gospel of John, we read about a friend of Jesus named Lazarus. Lazarus becomes ill and dies while Jesus is away. When Jesus receives the news, he does not leave immediately. Instead, he remains where he is for a couple more days.

When the time seems right to return, Jesus tells those around him, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.” The “sleep” Jesus speaks of his death. When he arrives in Bethany, he is met by Lazarus’s two sisters, who are grieving and upset that he did not come sooner to help their brother.

Foreshadowing the Easter resurrection, Jesus goes to Lazarus’s tomb and speaks life into the silence—and Lazarus rises from the dead. Many who witness this miracle are amazed, and Jesus is further revealed as the Son of God.

This saying, “Our friend has fallen asleep,” invites us to reflect: To what have we closed our eyes? Is there injustice we have ignored? Is there a need for eyes to see and ears to hear more clearly?

These questions lead us toward Easter as we journey in grace. God’s grace in Jesus awakens us from the slumber of complacency and distraction. It opens us to become fully engaged, alive to the presence of God among us.

This Easter, we too will hear our names called and be invited to come forth into newness of life.

See you in church,

Pastor David

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

The prayer quilt displayed in the narthex is for Mary Watson. Mary is a friend of Patsy Jones. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Laura DeNinno, Yvonne Fischer, Barbara Harvey, Barbara K. Johnson, Vickie Johnson, Ronda Klein, Betty Luallin, Terry Lutz, Ray McFarland.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Dove of the Desert UMC- Glendale

Maryvale UMC- Phoenix

Faith UMC- Phoenix

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing patricia@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

None

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Terry Lutz 3/18

Fred Moor 3/20

Cheryl Figgs 3/22

Norma Hinton 3/27

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Groups and Gatherings Committee- Get Engaged!

Do you have a knack for bringing people together? Do you like planning a great movie night for your friends, or family activities after the big game? If so, we have a great way for you to serve your church!

We’re developing a Groups and Gatherings Team to plan events and activities for our church throughout the year. The team will be able to plan as few or as many events as they’d like, with no pressure, and will have support from church leaders when needed.

Unlike our established administrative committees, there are no regularly scheduled meetings, no minutes to take, and no reports to present! The team will meet/communicate as needed to share ideas and plan some fun events for our church and the community, including things like board game nights, movie nights, outings to go to dinner, attend a theatre performance, or whatever else sounds fun to you!

Does this give you some ideas? If you are looking for a way to serve that is creative, flexible, and FUN, please email Sammi at sammi@firstchurch.church to join today. Thank you for bringing more engagement to our church!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be April 5th for Taste of Easter. We look forward to seeing you!

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24. The book is Flights of the Wild Swan by Melissa Pritchard.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Sammi’s Corner

David is still out of town, so I’m taking over his corner (*evil laugh*).

On a real note, though, on Sunday I had the honor of preaching my fourth sermon at this church, and it’s brought such great joy to my heart hearing how it’s been thought provoking, convicting, and motivating to so many people. For those who were not able to be there, I spoke about idolatry, and how while people in modern day America generally do not bow down to idol statues like what we see in the Bible, that doesn’t mean that we don’t have idols of our own. An idol is simply anything that we place ahead of our relationship with God. To end the sermon, I asked people to consider what their idols in life were and to choose one that they wanted to surrender into God’s hands. Those who wanted to, wrote it down and then we demonstrated that surrender by dropping what we wrote into the offering plate.

I just wanted to tell you it was such a beautiful and humbling experience reading through all of the responses this week. About 100 people replied, with a wide range of answers- everything from addiction to mental health issues to feelings of inadequacy. Thank you for trusting me with your hearts and please know that you are each being prayed for individually.

Surrendering an idol to God isn’t always easy and is almost never immediate, but I can promise you that it is always worth it. Every opportunity we have to draw closer to the Lord is valuable and more meaningful than we could ever imagine. Thank you again to everyone who was there on Sunday for allowing me to speak into your lives and walk alongside you on your faith journey.

(I look forward to preaching again soon in April!)

Love and hugs!

Sammi

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

None

DEATHS

First Church is saddened to announce the death of Judith Humbert, who passed on February 13. Services are scheduled for Friday, March 20, at 10 a.m., at FUMC.

First Church is saddened to announce the death of Merle Wessel, who passed on February 28. Services are scheduled for March 18 at 10 a.m., at FUMC.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Liv Stevens, Jim Unsworth, Elizabeth Vick, Bob Young, Selena Alderman, Carolyn Allen, June Becker, Bill Carpenter, Ruth Clark, Mary Anne Cooper.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Dove of the Desert UMC- Glendale

Maryvale UMC- Phoenix

Faith UMC- Phoenix

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing patricia@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

None

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Barbara Harvey 3/3

Pat Kelly 3/9

Sharon Green 3/10

Jim Copeland 3/17

Patricia Magyar 3/17

Terry Lutz 3/18

Fred Moor 3/20

________________________________________________________________________

Lura Turner Homes Mission Project- March 14th

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Scholarship Applications Now Open

Our scholarship applications are now open! Please click here to apply! The deadline this year is Monday, March 16th, at 4:00 pm, and late applications cannot be accepted. Applications can only be submitted electronically, and we request that you submit a photo of yourself along with your application. Applicants will receive an electronic confirmation of a successful submission.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Groups and Gatherings Committee- Get Engaged!

Do you have a knack for bringing people together? Do you like planning a great movie night for your friends, or family activities after the big game? If so, we have a great way for you to serve your church!

We’re developing a Groups and Gatherings Team to plan events and activities for our church throughout the year. The team will be able to plan as few or as many events as they’d like, with no pressure, and will have support from church leaders when needed.

Unlike our established administrative committees, there are no regularly scheduled meetings, no minutes to take, and no reports to present! The team will meet/communicate as needed to share ideas and plan some fun events for our church and the community, including things like board game nights, movie nights, outings to go to dinner, attend a theatre performance, or whatever else sounds fun to you!

Does this give you some ideas? If you are looking for a way to serve that is creative, flexible, and FUN, please email Sammi at sammi@firstchurch.church to join today. Thank you for bringing more engagement to our church!

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Pancake Breakfast- March 15th

Please join us on Sunday, March 15th from 9 am to noon in Asbury Hall. Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast and help support BSA Venturing Crew 2041’s Northern Tier Adventure! The recommended donation is $10. We look forward to seeing you!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be April 5th. We look forward to seeing you!

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24. The book is Flights of the Wild Swan by Melissa Pritchard.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

So, how is your day of rest working for you?

We read from the book of Exodus the importance of the Sabbath presented to Moses in the Ten Commandments:“Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and consecrated it (Exodus 20:8-11).

Sunday has become the day commonly associated with the Sabbath or day of rest. But the reality is how we are taking a break from the labors of our days?

Walter Brueggemann was an Old Testament scholar and prominent theologian on the topic of Sabbath. He emphasizes that Sabbath is a disruptive, countercultural “saying no” to the prevailing culture. In short, such protest against modern consumerism is an act of trust in God’s provision rather than relying on one’s own efforts to sustain life.

This is a powerful stance against the idolatry of productivity. It is written, “By voluntarily stopping work, individuals defy societal pressures to constantly produce, declaring that their value is not determined by economic output. It is a reclamation of freedom, rest, and human dignity.

Now we don’t typically find displays of civil dissent to support rest as a means of resistance. But in the days of Pharaoh and the people of Israel, keeping the sabbath is a reminder that people are free, not slaves to a 24/7 economy.

Today, we see many forms and platforms to speak out to social injustices that hinder the humanity and freedoms of people. Making one’s presence known when people are treated unfairly is a call to stand in a place like Jesus to represent and claim that all people are free indeed. It’s just that sometimes we can forget to take a break and a rest for the weary among us to be a voice for the voiceless and a presence for the least of these. We can remember as Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Get your rest and see you in church.

Pastor David

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex is for Michael Coumides. Michael is a friend of John Holmes. Another prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Van Nguyen. Van is a family friend of Dan Cox-Gonzales. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that former senior pastor, Buzz Stevens, passed away Friday, 2/27/2026, at home surrounded by his wife and family. Details regarding a memorial service at First Church will be announced at a later time.

First Church is saddened to announce the death of Merle Wessel, who passed on February 28. Services are scheduled for March 18 at 10 a.m., at FUMC.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Barbara K Johnson, Vickie Johnson, Ronda Klein, Betty Luallin, Terry Lutz, Ray McFarland, Gerry Olier, Jean Oliver, Bonnie Rheaume, Susan Secrest.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Dove of the Desert UMC- Glendale

Maryvale UMC- Phoenix

Faith UMC- Phoenix

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing patricia@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

None

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Daniel Scott 2/26

Barbara Harvey 3/3

Pat Kelly 3/9

Sharon Green 3/10

Derrick Sewell Memorial Information

________________________________________________________________________

Lura Turner Homes Mission Project- March 14th

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Scholarship Applications Now Open

Our scholarship applications are now open! Please click here to apply! The deadline this year is Monday, March 16th, at 4:00 pm, and late applications cannot be accepted. Applications can only be submitted electronically, and we request that you submit a photo of yourself along with your application. Applicants will receive an electronic confirmation of a successful submission.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Groups and Gatherings Committee- Get Engaged!

Do you have a knack for bringing people together? Do you like planning a great movie night for your friends, or family activities after the big game? If so, we have a great way for you to serve your church!

We’re developing a Groups and Gatherings Team to plan events and activities for our church throughout the year. The team will be able to plan as few or as many events as they’d like, with no pressure, and will have support from church leaders when needed.

Unlike our established administrative committees, there are no regularly scheduled meetings, no minutes to take, and no reports to present! The team will meet/communicate as needed to share ideas and plan some fun events for our church and the community, including things like board game nights, movie nights, outings to go to dinner, attend a theatre performance, or whatever else sounds fun to you!

Does this give you some ideas? If you are looking for a way to serve that is creative, flexible, and FUN, please email Sammi at sammi@firstchurch.church to join today. Thank you for bringing more engagement to our church!

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Pancake Breakfast- March 15th

Please join us on Sunday, March 15th from 9 am to noon in Asbury Hall. Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast and help support BSA Venturing Crew 2041’s Northern Tier Adventure! The recommended donation is $10. We look forward to seeing you!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be April 5th. We look forward to seeing you!

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

This week in church we read about a Pharisee named Nicodemus in John 3:1–17. Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night, perhaps in secret, not wanting to be recognized. The image is powerful. Like someone wandering in the dark. In Nicodemus’ case, he is wandering in his faith.

His searching leads him to ask how a person enters the kingdom of God. Jesus responds with the image of birth. Not a biological birth, but a spiritual one. This new birth brings awakening. For Nicodemus, the light of Christ begins to shine into his heart and life.

The call to journey in grace means traveling light. When we hand over to God our burdens such as worry, fear, anxiety, and doubt, the path becomes less heavy, and light begins to touch the places that seem darkest. This was true for Nicodemus. In essence, he is asking Jesus, “How can light shine into the darkness of my life?” Jesus answers, “Be born from above. Embrace a new way of living.”

As we continue our Lenten journey, we too are invited into this new life. Into the way of grace, where Christ’s light meets us in the dark.

See you in church.

Pastor David

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex is for Barb Davison. Barb is a long-time member of FUMC. Another prayer quilt displayed in the narthex is for Jim McCoy. Jim is a long-time member of FUMC. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

First Church invites you to attend the Celebration of Life for Donna Warrington, who passed on February 19. Services are on Thursday, March 5 at 11 a.m. at FUMC.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Selena Alderman, Carolyn Allen, Bill Carpenter, Karen Champagne, Ruth Clark, Mary Anne Cooper, Laura DeNinno, Yvonne Fischer, Barbara Harvey.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Christ Community UMC- Avondale

Community Church of Buckeye- Buckeye

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing patricia@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Buzz and Liv Steven 2/19

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Kent Klein 2/11

Donna Moninger 2/15

Marion Pease 2/16

Grier Cooper 2/23

Al Hayer 2/23

Daniel Scott 2/26

Barbara Harvey 3/3

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Mission’s Committee Black History Month Weekly Quote

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Important Reminder- Service Time Change

This is a friendly reminder that on March 1st, we will not have our typical 9:00 am and 11:00 am service split. We will have one worship service at 10:00 am with a free lunch afterwards at 11:15 am. Come join us for good community, good worship, and good food.

P.S. It’s not required, but very helpful for the Foundation to have numbers of how many people are interested in staying for lunch. It would be deeply appreciated if you’d be willing to contact the church office or sign up online (https://firstchurchphoenix.churchcenter.com/registrations/signups/3425606) if you are interested in coming.

Derrick Sewell Memorial Information

________________________________________________________________________

Lura Turner Homes Mission Project- March 14th

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Scholarship Applications Now Open

Our scholarship applications are now open! Please click here to apply! The deadline this year is Monday, March 16th, at 4:00 pm, and late applications cannot be accepted. Applications can only be submitted electronically, and we request that you submit a photo of yourself along with your application. Applicants will receive an electronic confirmation of a successful submission.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Groups and Gatherings Committee- Get Engaged!

Do you have a knack for bringing people together? Do you like planning a great movie night for your friends, or family activities after the big game? If so, we have a great way for you to serve your church!

We’re developing a Groups and Gatherings Team to plan events and activities for our church throughout the year. The team will be able to plan as few or as many events as they’d like, with no pressure, and will have support from church leaders when needed.

Unlike our established administrative committees, there are no regularly scheduled meetings, no minutes to take, and no reports to present! The team will meet/communicate as needed to share ideas and plan some fun events for our church and the community, including things like board game nights, movie nights, outings to go to dinner, attend a theatre performance, or whatever else sounds fun to you!

Does this give you some ideas? If you are looking for a way to serve that is creative, flexible, and FUN, please email Sammi at sammi@firstchurch.church to join today. Thank you for bringing more engagement to our church!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Have You Ever Wanted to Learn More About Our Foundation?

First Church is blessed by having a Foundation that has been serving and supporting our ministry for more than 70 years. Through extraordinary generosity and careful stewardship, our Foundation helps sustain many important areas of church life, including significant support for our operating budget.

If out have ever been curious about how our Foundation works, or if you might be interested in learning more about serving on its board, we would love to hear from you. Board service is meaningful and rewarding work that truly impacts all areas of our church.

To learn more, please contact Anne Bettis.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Pancake Breakfast- March 15th

Please join us on Sunday, March 15th from 9 am to noon in Asbury Hall. Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast and help support BSA Venturing Crew 2041’s Northern Tier Adventure! The recommended donation is $10. We look forward to seeing you!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

A Morning of Worship and a Table of Community

Sunday, March 1 we’ll gather as one church for worship at 10:00am, then keep the joy going as we head to Asbury Hall at 11:15 for lunch and fellowship.

Thanks to the generosity of our Foundation, a casual lunch will be provided at no charge. Just good food and even better company.

It will be a time to slow down, connect, laugh, and enjoy being together as a church family. Community. Fun. Engagement. Connection. We hope you don’t miss it.

Please contact the church office or sign up online to attend. https://registrations.planningcenteronline.com/signups/3425606

Come for worship, stay for lunch. Leave with a “Panza llena, corazón contento” (“full tummy, happy heart”).

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be April 5th. We look forward to seeing you!

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

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 or credit 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.

Reminder: March 1st – Service Time Change

This is a friendly reminder that on March 1st, we will not have our typical 9:00 am and 11:00 am service split. We will have one worship service at 10:00 am with a free lunch afterwards at 11:15 am. Come join us for community, good worship, and good food.

P.S. It’s not required, but very helpful for the Foundation to have numbers of how many people are interested in staying for lunch. It would be deeply appreciated if you’d be willing to contact the church office or sign up online (https://firstchurchphoenix.churchcenter.com/registrations/signups/3425606) if you are interested in coming.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

The Meaning of Forty

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex is for Sherri Volk. Sherri is a friend of Bonnie Naegle-Wilson. Another prayer quilt displayed in the narthex is for Karen Champagne. Karen is a long-time member of FUMC. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

First Church invites you to attend the Celebration of Life for Jon Talton, who passed on January 28. Services are on Tuesday, February 24 at 10 a.m. at FUMC, following a reception in Wesley Lounge.

It is with great sadness that we share news of the death of our beloved custodian, resident host, and friend, Derrick Sewell. Derrick joined our staff in April 2022 and cared for our campus, our congregation, and our guests with joy and enthusiasm. We all loved Derrick and will miss him a great deal. Please keep Derrick’s family and our staff in your prayers in the coming days. Services on Saturday, March 7, viewing and services at 10 a.m., at Hansen Mortuary Chapel 8314 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020. Following the services the family invites you for a luncheon at FUMC 5510 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85013 in Asbury Hall.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Gerry Oliver, Jean Oliver, Bonnie Rheaume, Mary Lou Salyer, Susan Secrest, Buzz and Liv Stevens, Jim Unsworth, Elizabeth Vick, Bob Young.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Christ Community UMC- Avondale

Community Church of Buckeye- Buckeye

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing patricia@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Buzz and Liv Steven 2/19

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Jim Hyde 2/2 Anne

Walser 2/2

Mary Williamson 2/6

Betsy Heuermann 2/9

Gerry Oliver 2/10

Kent Klein 2/11

Donna Moninger 2/15

Marion Pease 2/16

Grier Cooper 2/23

Al Hayer 2/23

Daniel Scott 2/26

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Mission’s Committee Black History Month Weekly Quote

Derrick Sewell Memorial Information

Weekday School Mod Pizza Fundraiser

________________________________________________________________________

Lura Turner Homes Mission Project- March 14th

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Scholarship Applications Now Open

Our scholarship applications are now open! Please click here to apply! The deadline this year is Monday, March 16th, at 4:00 pm, and late applications cannot be accepted. Applications can only be submitted electronically, and we request that you submit a photo of yourself along with your application. Applicants will receive an electronic confirmation of a successful submission.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Groups and Gatherings Committee- Get Engaged!

Do you have a knack for bringing people together? Do you like planning a great movie night for your friends, or family activities after the big game? If so, we have a great way for you to serve your church!

We’re developing a Groups and Gatherings Team to plan events and activities for our church throughout the year. The team will be able to plan as few or as many events as they’d like, with no pressure, and will have support from church leaders when needed.

Unlike our established administrative committees, there are no regularly scheduled meetings, no minutes to take, and no reports to present! The team will meet/communicate as needed to share ideas and plan some fun events for our church and the community, including things like board game nights, movie nights, outings to go to dinner, attend a theatre performance, or whatever else sounds fun to you!

Does this give you some ideas? If you are looking for a way to serve that is creative, flexible, and FUN, please email Sammi at sammi@firstchurch.church to join today. Thank you for bringing more engagement to our church!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Have You Ever Wanted to Learn More About Our Foundation?

First Church is blessed by having a Foundation that has been serving and supporting our ministry for more than 70 years. Through extraordinary generosity and careful stewardship, our Foundation helps sustain many important areas of church life, including significant support for our operating budget.

If out have ever been curious about how our Foundation works, or if you might be interested in learning more about serving on its board, we would love to hear from you. Board service is meaningful and rewarding work that truly impacts all areas of our church.

To learn more, please contact Anne Bettis.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Pancake Breakfast- March 15th

Please join us on Sunday, March 15th from 9 am to noon in Asbury Hall. Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast and help support BSA Venturing Crew 2041’s Northern Tier Adventure! The recommended donation is $10. We look forward to seeing you!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

New Pew Attendance Card

We are using a new attendance card that can be found in the pew pockets. Please let us know you are here by writing in the blanks or using the QR codes on your phone. Use the first QR code if you attend regularly.

Just a head’s up: You may be invited to use our new Church Center mobile app! Please do! It’s great!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

A Morning of Worship and a Table of Community

Sunday, March 1 we’ll gather as one church for worship at 10:00am, then keep the joy going as we head to Asbury Hall at 11:15 for lunch and fellowship.

Thanks to the generosity of our Foundation, a casual lunch will be provided at no charge. Just good food and even better company.

It will be a time to slow down, connect, laugh, and enjoy being together as a church family. Community. Fun. Engagement. Connection. We hope you don’t miss it.

Please contact the church office or sign up online to attend. https://registrations.planningcenteronline.com/signups/3425606

Come for worship, stay for lunch. Leave with a “Panza llena, corazón contento” (“full tummy, happy heart”).

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Blood Drive

Our next blood drive is Sunday, February 22! The bloodmobile will be in our North Parking Lot from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. If there’s a specific timeslot that you want, we’d recommend booking an appointment. Contact Stephanie Espinoza at 602-284-1258 or visit
www.donors.vitalant.org (Blood Drive code: firstunited).

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

A Message from the Desert Southwest Conference- Asylum, Refuge, and Immigration Task Force

We want to be sure you are aware of several opportunities for connection and support being offered by the Asylum, Refugee, and Immigration Task Force.

The Task Force is hosting Prayer and Conversation Circles, virtual gatherings designed to provide an informal space for prayer, conversation, and mutual support. These circles are intended to be gentle, accessible spaces for people who may be carrying fear, grief, or uncertainty related to immigration issues.

Thursday, February 26, at 7:00 PM MST

Clergy are encouraged to attend and to share this invitation with others in their congregations or communities who may need emotional and spiritual support. Click here to register and receive the recurring meeting Zoom link.

There is also more ahead. On Thursday, March 12, at 10 AM MST, the Asylum, Refugee, and Immigration Task Force will host a Forum on Immigration. This forum will offer an update on the current immigration landscape across the United States, resources and information for local churches and leaders, and space for conversation and planning. Additional details about the forum will be shared soon, but please save the date.

To stay informed about these gatherings and other updates, we encourage you to subscribe to the Asylum, Refugee, and Immigration Task Force news at: https://dscumc.org/subscribe/

If clergy or congregation members have questions, you may contact the Task Force directly at calltoaction@dscumc.org. Ongoing information and resources are also available at: https://dscumc.org/committee/asylum-aid-and-immigration

Thank you for your care, leadership, and presence across our Conference.

On behalf of the ARI Task Force,

Christina Dillabough

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be March 1. We look forward to seeing you!

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books. The next meeting is scheduled for February 24th. The book for this month is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Sue Bunch. Sue is an 82-year-old friend of Diane Raden. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

First Church is saddened to announce the death of Jon Talton who passed on January 28, 2026. Jon and Susan Talton joined First Church as a part of the Central move. Jon and Susan also have a home in Seattle where they have been during this time. Jon was a writer for the AZ Republic and Seattle Times. Services are Tuesday, February 24 at 10 a.m. FUMC.

It is with great sadness that we share news of the death of our beloved custodian, resident host, and friend, Derrick Sewell. Derrick joined our staff in April 2022 and cared for our campus, our congregation, and our guests with joy and enthusiasm. We all loved Derrick and will miss him a great deal. Please keep Derrick’s family and our staff in your prayers in the coming days. Services on Saturday, March 7, viewing and services at 10 a.m., at Hansen Mortuary Chapel 8314 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020. Following the services the family invites you for a luncheon at FUMC 5510 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85013 in Asbury Hall.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Laura DeNinno, Yvonne Fischer, Barbara Harvey, Barb Johnson, Vickie Johnson, Ronda Klein, Betty Luallin, Terry Lutz, Ray McFarland, Marge Needham.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Christ Community UMC- Avondale

Community Church of Buckeye- Buckeye

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing patricia@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Buzz and Liv Steven 2/19

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Jim Hyde 2/2 Anne

Walser 2/2

Mary Williamson 2/6

Betsy Heuermann 2/9

Gerry Oliver 2/10

Kent Klein 2/11

Donna Moninger 2/15

Marion Pease 2/16

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Mission’s Committee Black History Month Weekly Quote

Derrick Sewell Memorial Information

Free Lenten Devotional Booklets Available

This Lenten season, our church is offering the booklet “The Joy of Salvation” free to anyone who wants it. It will be available in the Narthex on Sunday. This booklet offers a quick, one-page devotional for each day of Lent. We’d love to have you follow along with us on this journey!

________________________________________________________________________

Lura Turner Homes Mission Project- March 14th

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Scholarship Applications Now Open

Our scholarship applications are now open! Please click here to apply! The deadline this year is Monday, March 16th, at 4:00 pm, and late applications cannot be accepted. Applications can only be submitted electronically, and we request that you submit a photo of yourself along with your application. Applicants will receive an electronic confirmation of a successful submission.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Have You Ever Wanted to Learn More About Our Foundation?

First Church is blessed by having a Foundation that has been serving and supporting our ministry for more than 70 years. Through extraordinary generosity and careful stewardship, our Foundation helps sustain many important areas of church life, including significant support for our operating budget.

If out have ever been curious about how our Foundation works, or if you might be interested in learning more about serving on its board, we would love to hear from you. Board service is meaningful and rewarding work that truly impacts all areas of our church.

To learn more, please contact Anne Bettis.

________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Pancake Breakfast- March 15th

Please join us on Sunday, March 15th from 9 am to noon in Asbury Hall. Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast and help support BSA Venturing Crew 2041’s Northern Tier Adventure! The recommended donation is $10. We look forward to seeing you!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

New Pew Attendance Card

We are using a new attendance card that can be found in the pew pockets. Please let us know you are here by writing in the blanks or using the QR codes on your phone. Use the first QR code if you attend regularly.

Just a head’s up: You may be invited to use our new Church Center mobile app! Please do! It’s great!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

A Morning of Worship and a Table of Community

Sunday, March 1 we’ll gather as one church for worship at 10:00am, then keep the joy going as we head to Asbury Hall at 11:15 for lunch and fellowship.

Thanks to the generosity of our Foundation, a casual lunch will be provided at no charge. Just good food and even better company.

It will be a time to slow down, connect, laugh, and enjoy being together as a church family. Community. Fun. Engagement. Connection. We hope you don’t miss it.

Please contact the church office or sign up online to attend. https://registrations.planningcenteronline.com/signups/3425606

Come for worship, stay for lunch. Leave with a “Panza llena, corazón contento” (“full tummy, happy heart”).

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Here’s The Real Good News

“As we look back on 2025, there truly is good news to share about the financial life of our church. We ended the year covering all of our operating expenses with a surplus of $3700. In a time when many churches are facing uncertainty, this is something worth celebrating, It speaks to careful stewardship, faithful leadership, and most of all, the generosity of this congregation.

Unfortunately, we were not able to pay 100% of our apportionments this past year to the United Methodist Desert Southwest Conference. While disappointing, we will put great effort into fulfilling that commitment this year.

A third of our operating expenses were underwritten by our Foundation in 2025. That support has been vital in sustaining ministry, maintaining our church property and ensuring Frist Church continues to be a place of meaningful worship, service to our community and welcoming to anyone.

Most importantly, we want to say thank you. Thank you for your faithful giving, your trust and your commitment to this community. Every gift, large or small, helps keep our church alive and thriving, allowing us to share God’s love in purposeful ways.

As we move into the new year, we do so with gratitude, hope and confidence in what God is doing among us. That, truly, is the good news.”

-Carrick Sears and Colleen McManus

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Blood Drive

Our next blood drive is Sunday, February 22! The bloodmobile will be in our North Parking Lot from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. If there’s a specific timeslot that you want, we’d recommend booking an appointment. Contact Stephanie Espinoza at 602-284-1258 or visit
www.donors.vitalant.org (Blood Drive code: firstunited).

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

A Message from the Desert Southwest Conference- Asylum, Refuge, and Immigration Task Force

We want to be sure you are aware of several opportunities for connection and support being offered by the Asylum, Refugee, and Immigration Task Force.

The Task Force is hosting Prayer and Conversation Circles, virtual gatherings designed to provide an informal space for prayer, conversation, and mutual support. These circles are intended to be gentle, accessible spaces for people who may be carrying fear, grief, or uncertainty related to immigration issues.

Thursday, February 26, at 7:00 PM MST

Clergy are encouraged to attend and to share this invitation with others in their congregations or communities who may need emotional and spiritual support. Click here to register and receive the recurring meeting Zoom link.

There is also more ahead. On Thursday, March 12, at 10 AM MST, the Asylum, Refugee, and Immigration Task Force will host a Forum on Immigration. This forum will offer an update on the current immigration landscape across the United States, resources and information for local churches and leaders, and space for conversation and planning. Additional details about the forum will be shared soon, but please save the date.

To stay informed about these gatherings and other updates, we encourage you to subscribe to the Asylum, Refugee, and Immigration Task Force news at: https://dscumc.org/subscribe/

If clergy or congregation members have questions, you may contact the Task Force directly at calltoaction@dscumc.org. Ongoing information and resources are also available at: https://dscumc.org/committee/asylum-aid-and-immigration

Thank you for your care, leadership, and presence across our Conference.

On behalf of the ARI Task Force,

Christina Dillabough

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be March 1. We look forward to seeing you!

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books. The next meeting is scheduled for February 24th. The book for this month is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex is for Eli Rabadi. Eli is a friend of the Forester family. A second prayer quilt displayed in the narthex is for Jaxx Menendez. Jaxx is the grandson of a worker at the Lura Turner Homes, a 7 yr old boy, who was in a serious accident, and having surgery. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

First Church is saddened to announce the death of Jon Talton who passed on January 28, 2026. Jon and Susan Talton joined First Church as a part of the Central move. Jon and Susan also have a home in Seattle where they have been during this time. Jon was a writer for the AZ Republic and Seattle Times. Services are Tuesday, February 24 at 10 a.m. FUMC.

It is with great sadness that we share news of the death of our beloved custodian, resident host, and friend, Derrick Sewell. Derrick joined our staff in April 2022 and cared for our campus, our congregation, and our guests with joy and enthusiasm. We all loved Derrick and will miss him a great deal. Please keep Derrick’s family and our staff in your prayers in the coming days. Plans for a memorial service will be shared as they are known.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Buzz and Liv Stevens, Jim Unsworth, Elizabeth Vick, Bob Young, Selema Alderman, Carolyn Allen, Bill Carpenter, Ruth Clark, Mary Anne Cooper.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Christ Community UMC- Avondale

Community Church of Buckeye- Buckeye

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing patricia@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Buzz and Liv Steven 2/19

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Susan Freeman 1/28

Diane Gara-Weiner 1/28

Jesse Ary 1/29

Jim Hyde 2/2 Anne

Walser 2/2

Mary Williamson 2/6

Betsy Heuermann 2/9

Gerry Oliver 2/10

Kent Klein 2/11

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Scholarship Applications Now Open

Our scholarship applications are now open! Please click here to apply! The deadline this year is Monday, March 16th, at 4:00 pm, and late applications cannot be accepted. Applications can only be submitted electronically, and we request that you submit a photo of yourself along with your application. Applicants will receive an electronic confirmation of a successful submission.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Have You Ever Wanted to Learn More About Our Foundation?

First Church is blessed by having a Foundation that has been serving and supporting our ministry for more than 70 years. Through extraordinary generosity and careful stewardship, our Foundation helps sustain many important areas of church life, including significant support for our operating budget.

If out have ever been curious about how our Foundation works, or if you might be interested in learning more about serving on its board, we would love to hear from you. Board service is meaningful and rewarding work that truly impacts all areas of our church.

To learn more, please contact Anne Bettis.

________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Pancake Breakfast- March 15th

Please join us on Sunday, March 15th from 9 am to noon in Asbury Hall. Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast and help support BSA Venturing Crew 2041’s Northern Tier Adventure! The recommended donation is $10. We look forward to seeing you!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

New Pew Attendance Card

We are using a new attendance card that can be found in the pew pockets. Please let us know you are here by writing in the blanks or using the QR codes on your phone. Use the first QR code if you attend regularly.

Just a head’s up: You may be invited to use our new Church Center mobile app! Please do! It’s great!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

A Morning of Worship and a Table of Community

Sunday, March 1 we’ll gather as one church for worship at 10:00am, then keep the joy going as we head to Asbury Hall at 11:15 for lunch and fellowship.

Thanks to the generosity of our Foundation, a casual lunch will be provided at no charge. Just good food and even better company.

It will be a time to slow down, connect, laugh, and enjoy being together as a church family. Community. Fun. Engagement. Connection. We hope you don’t miss it.

Please contact the church office or sign up online to attend. https://registrations.planningcenteronline.com/signups/3425606

Come for worship, stay for lunch. Leave with a “Panza llena, corazón contento” (“full tummy, happy heart”).

-Anne Bettis

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Here’s The Real Good News

“As we look back on 2025, there truly is good news to share about the financial life of our church. We ended the year covering all of our operating expenses with a surplus of $3700. In a time when many churches are facing uncertainty, this is something worth celebrating, It speaks to careful stewardship, faithful leadership, and most of all, the generosity of this congregation.

Unfortunately, we were not able to pay 100% of our apportionments this past year to the United Methodist Desert Southwest Conference. While disappointing, we will put great effort into fulfilling that commitment this year.

A third of our operating expenses were underwritten by our Foundation in 2025. That support has been vital in sustaining ministry, maintaining our church property and ensuring Frist Church continues to be a place of meaningful worship, service to our community and welcoming to anyone.

Most importantly, we want to say thank you. Thank you for your faithful giving, your trust and your commitment to this community. Every gift, large or small, helps keep our church alive and thriving, allowing us to share God’s love in purposeful ways.

As we move into the new year, we do so with gratitude, hope and confidence in what God is doing among us. That, truly, is the good news.”

-Carrick Sears and Colleen McManus

____________________________________________________________________________________________

To First Church, Love Christine Kyhn

“It is a great honor to join the staff of First Church as permanent organist and Praise Band Pianist. I am excited to work with Joshua, supporting him, the Choir, the Praise Team, and the congregation as we seek to lead First Church in worship. For many years it has been my constant desire to use music within the church to help soften hearts toward God.

Here’s a bit of my background. I received a music degree with a double emphasis in organ and piano performance at California State University East Bay. After graduation I married Peter, he began his seminary training, and together we began a journey of music ministry. He was a Worship Pastor for 40 years and I served alongside as organist, pianist, and children’s (and youth) choir director at several churches throughout the Western U.S.A. Along the way, I also furthered my education to allow me to teach music in both public and private school settings, working with students from 3-years-old to High School. Currently, I work with students at Glendale Community College as accompanist for the choir program, for various music classes, and for private voice students. I also am the principal accompanist for the West Valley Chorale.

My husband, Peter, is now retired and keeps busy playing his trombone in a variety of music groups from the Scottsdale Symphony Orchestra to the Desert Brass and Bones Southwest. We have three children. Emily lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two daughters. She teaches private voice at the University in Eau Claire and often is music director for the University musicals. Matt lives here in Phoenix with his family which includes our other three grandchildren (a daughter and two sons). He works in film, usually as a grip or gaffer (in the lighting department). Our youngest, Alex, lives in Los Angeles and works as a professional bass player, often producing and playing in studios as well as touring the world with musical artists.

Music has surrounded our lives for decades. It is a joy to now share this experience and passion with First Church.

Thank you for welcoming me so graciously.”

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Blood Drive

Our next blood drive is Sunday, February 22! The bloodmobile will be in our North Parking Lot from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. If there’s a specific timeslot that you want, we’d recommend booking an appointment. Contact Stephanie Espinoza at 602-284-1258 or visit
www.donors.vitalant.org (Blood Drive code: firstunited).

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

A Message from the Desert Southwest Conference- Asylum, Refuge, and Immigration Task Force

We want to be sure you are aware of several opportunities for connection and support being offered by the Asylum, Refugee, and Immigration Task Force.

The Task Force is hosting Prayer and Conversation Circles, virtual gatherings designed to provide an informal space for prayer, conversation, and mutual support. These circles are intended to be gentle, accessible spaces for people who may be carrying fear, grief, or uncertainty related to immigration issues.

Thursday, February 26, at 7:00 PM MST

Clergy are encouraged to attend and to share this invitation with others in their congregations or communities who may need emotional and spiritual support. Click here to register and receive the recurring meeting Zoom link.

There is also more ahead. On Thursday, March 12, at 10 AM MST, the Asylum, Refugee, and Immigration Task Force will host a Forum on Immigration. This forum will offer an update on the current immigration landscape across the United States, resources and information for local churches and leaders, and space for conversation and planning. Additional details about the forum will be shared soon, but please save the date.

To stay informed about these gatherings and other updates, we encourage you to subscribe to the Asylum, Refugee, and Immigration Task Force news at: https://dscumc.org/subscribe/

If clergy or congregation members have questions, you may contact the Task Force directly at calltoaction@dscumc.org. Ongoing information and resources are also available at: https://dscumc.org/committee/asylum-aid-and-immigration

Thank you for your care, leadership, and presence across our Conference.

On behalf of the ARI Task Force,

Christina Dillabough

Finance Committee Monthly Update

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be March 1. We look forward to seeing you!

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books. The next meeting is scheduled for February 24th. The book for this month is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for John Talton. John is the husband of Susan Talton and friend of Linda Ballinger. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Ronda Klein, Betty Luallin, Terry Lutz, Ray McFarland, Marge Needham, Gerry Oliver, Jean Oliver, Bonnie Rheaume, Mary Lou Salyer, Susan Secrest.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Ajo Federated Church- Ajo

Calvary UMC – Phoenix

Chino Valley UMC – Chino Valley

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing patricia@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Buzz and Liv Steven 2/19

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Linda O’Conner 1/23

William Devine 1/23

Kate Tinghitella 1/25

Susan Freeman 1/28

Diane Gara-Weiner 1/28

Jesse Ary 1/29

Jim Hyde 2/2 Anne

Walser 2/2

Mary Williamson 2/6

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

A Message from the Desert Southwest Conference- Asylum, Refuge, and Immigration Task Force

We want to be sure you are aware of several opportunities for connection and support being offered by the Asylum, Refugee, and Immigration Task Force.

The Task Force is hosting Prayer and Conversation Circles, virtual gatherings designed to provide an informal space for prayer, conversation, and mutual support. These circles are intended to be gentle, accessible spaces for people who may be carrying fear, grief, or uncertainty related to immigration issues.

Upcoming Prayer and Conversation Circles:

Thursday, February 5, at 3:30 PM MST

Thursday, February 26, at 7:00 PM MST

Clergy are encouraged to attend and to share this invitation with others in their congregations or communities who may need emotional and spiritual support. Click here to register and receive the recurring meeting Zoom link.

There is also more ahead. On Thursday, March 12, at 10 AM MST, the Asylum, Refugee, and Immigration Task Force will host a Forum on Immigration. This forum will offer an update on the current immigration landscape across the United States, resources and information for local churches and leaders, and space for conversation and planning. Additional details about the forum will be shared soon, but please save the date.

To stay informed about these gatherings and other updates, we encourage you to subscribe to the Asylum, Refugee, and Immigration Task Force news at: https://dscumc.org/subscribe/

If clergy or congregation members have questions, you may contact the Task Force directly at calltoaction@dscumc.org. Ongoing information and resources are also available at: https://dscumc.org/committee/asylum-aid-and-immigration

Thank you for your care, leadership, and presence across our Conference.

On behalf of the ARI Task Force,

Christina Dillabough

____________________________________________________________________________________________

A Message from Bishop Carlos A Rapanut

Beloved in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in the name of the One who hears the cries of the oppressed and calls us to walk in the ways of justice, mercy, and humility.

In recent days, our siblings in Minneapolis have endured immigration raids that have led to senseless deaths, unrest, and violence. Families have been torn apart. Children have watched parents taken away. Children themselves have been taken away. Indigenous neighbors, immigrants, and communities of color continue to face harassment, intimidation, and fear. The weight of these events presses heavily upon our collective spirit.

Into this moment, the prophet Micah speaks with piercing clarity.

“He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

Micah’s words are not abstract ideals. They are a summons—a divine insistence that faith must take shape in the world, especially when human dignity is under assault.

Do Justice

Justice is not vengeance. Justice is not domination. Justice is not the unchecked exercise of power. Justice is the recognition of the image of God in every person—regardless of citizenship, language, skin color, or place of birth.

The raids we have witnessed do not reflect justice. They reflect fear. They reflect systems that value control over compassion. They reflect a disregard for the sacredness of human life.

As people of faith, we must name this truth without hesitation: No policy, no order, no enforcement action justifies the terrorizing of families or the loss of life. Justice demands that we stand with those who are targeted, silenced, and pushed to the margins.

Love Kindness

Kindness is not weakness. Kindness is courage in the shape of compassion. In these days, kindness looks like:

Standing with immigrant families at vigils, court hearings, and community gatherings

Offering sanctuary, accompaniment, and protection

Creating safe space to listen to the stories of those who live in fear

Supporting Indigenous communities whose sovereignty and dignity continue to be violated

Providing financial support and basic necessities and supplies

Refusing to let cruelty become normal

Kindness is the steady, stubborn insistence that every person deserves safety, respect, and belonging.

Walk Humbly with God

Humility is not silence. Humility is the willingness to be guided by God’s heart rather than our own preference. To walk humbly with God is to recognize that we are bound to one another. It is to confess that our liberation is tied to the liberation of our neighbors. It is to acknowledge that we cannot claim to love God while ignoring the suffering of God’s children. Humility calls us to listen—to the cries of those who mourn, to the resilience of immigrant communities, to the wisdom of Indigenous elders, to the truth-telling of people of color who have long named the violence woven into our systems.

Standing in Solidarity Across Our Region

Although these most recent tragedies have unfolded in Minneapolis, we who serve in Southern Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and West Texas stand in full solidarity with our siblings there. Their grief is our grief. Their fear is our fear. Their struggle is bound to ours.

For we know that these same patterns of raids, harassment, and racialized violence are not confined to one city or one state. They are happening in Las Vegas, where families live with the constant threat of being torn apart.

They are happening in Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma, where immigrant communities navigate daily fear and surveillance. They are happening in Las Cruces and El Paso, where border communities—rich in culture, resilience, and faith—continue to bear the weight of policies that dehumanize and divide. What we witness in Minneapolis is part of a larger, painful reality across our country. And so we declare, with one voice and one heart: We are bound together. We will not look away. We will not abandon one another.

A Word to Those Who Have a Different Perspective

Beloved, I also want to speak directly—and respectfully—to those among us who believe that immigration laws should be upheld and that enforcement is necessary. I know that many who hold this view do so out of a desire for order, safety, and fairness. I respect that. I am not asking you to abandon your political convictions or to change your party affiliation. That is not my purpose.

My appeal is deeper than politics. My appeal is spiritual. I ask you to consider whether the methods we are witnessing—the midnight raids, the militarized presence, the separation of families, the fear sown in entire neighborhoods—reflect the gospel of Jesus Christ or the values we share as people of faith.

We may differ in our political approaches, but we are united in our belief that every person is created in the image of God. We are united in our conviction that human dignity is non-negotiable. We are united in our calling to love our neighbor, protect the vulnerable, and seek the well-being of the stranger in our midst.

We can support the rule of law and still insist that enforcement be humane. We can value secure borders and still reject practices that traumatize children. We can hold varying political views and still say, “This is not who we are as followers of Christ.”

I am not asking you to change your politics. I am asking you to let your politics be shaped—first and foremost—by your faith, your compassion, and your commitment to the sacred worth of every human being.

Appealing to Our Common Humanity

Before we are citizens, we are human. Before we are divided by borders, we are bound by breath. Before we are sorted by race or status, we are woven together in the fabric of God’s diverse family.

We share a longing for safety. We share a desire for our children to grow without fear. We share a hope for communities where dignity is honored and peace is possible.

Let us reclaim these shared values. Let us refuse narratives that dehumanize. Let us resist policies that destroy families. Let us reject the lie that some lives are worth less than others.

A Call to the Church

Church, this is our moment to embody the Gospel. Let our sanctuaries be places of refuge. Let our prayers be bold and unrelenting. Let our advocacy be grounded in love and courage. Let our witness be clear:

We stand with the immigrant.

We stand with Indigenous communities.

We stand with people of color.

We stand with all who are harmed by violence and harassment.

Micah reminds us that God is not impressed by empty rituals or pious words. God desires a people who live justice, breathe kindness, and walk humbly. May we be such a people.

A Prayer for This Moment

God of justice and compassion,

Hold the grieving, protect the vulnerable, strengthen the weary.

Expose the roots of violence and uproot the systems that harm.

Give us courage to act, wisdom to discern, and humility to follow your way.

Make us instruments of your peace and partners in your justice.

We pray for Minneapolis, as we pray for Las Vegas, for Phoenix, for Tucson, for Yuma, for Las Cruces, for El Paso, and for every community across our country where families live under the shadow of enforcement that disregards human dignity.

Bring an end to the raids, the fear, the violence, and the trauma inflicted upon your children.

Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

Amen.

Beloved, may we move forward with resolve, tenderness, and holy courage. The work is hard, but we do not walk alone. The God who calls us to justice walks beside us, before us, and within us.

Your fellow disciple,

Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut

________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Pancake Breakfast- March 15th

Please join us on Sunday, March 15th from 9 am to noon in Asbury Hall. Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast and help support BSA Venturing Crew 2041’s Northern Tier Adventure! The recommended donation is $10. We look forward to seeing you!

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Next Generations Newsletter

Here is our February newsletter from our Next Generations Director, Jessica Morris:

Happy February, Happy Black History Month, Happy Super Bowl season, Happy Presidents’ Day, and Happy Valentine’s Day — February has a lot going on!

Please note that Youth Group is cancelled until February 22.
February 8 is Super Bowl Sunday
The following Monday is Presidents’ Day

Because of this, we will resume with a Youth Parent Meeting on Saturday, February 22 at 5:30
PM in the Wesley Lounge.
This parent meeting is very important, as we will be discussing what the Youth Ministry will look like moving forward.
While parents meet, our youth will be participating in a mission project at Laura Turner Homes, hosting a craft night with the residents.
It will be a wonderful evening of service, community connection, and collaboration.

Children & Youth Families – This Sunday!

📅 Sunday, February 1st is First Sunday Social, and the Next Generation Ministry is hosting.
We are still in need of:
Volunteers (we will be teaching during setup time)/and clean up
Families willing to bring goodies
If you’re able to help in any way, please let me know as soon as possible. It would be greatly
appreciated.

Church Center Groups
If you have not been added to the Church Center group, please let me know as soon as possible so we can make sure you’re receiving all updates.
Thank you for your continued support of our ministry.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

With gratitude,
Jessica
Next Generation Ministry

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

New Pew Attendance Card

We are using a new attendance card that can be found in the pew pockets. Please let us know you are here by writing in the blanks or using the QR codes on your phone. Use the first QR code if you attend regularly.

Just a head’s up: You may be invited to use our new Church Center mobile app! Please do! It’s great!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

A Morning of Worship and a Table of Community

Sunday, March 1 we’ll gather as one church for worship at 10:00am, then keep the joy going as we head to Asbury Hall at 11:15 for lunch and fellowship.

Thanks to the generosity of our Foundation, a casual lunch will be provided at no charge. Just good food and even better company.

It will be a time to slow down, connect, laugh, and enjoy being together as a church family. Community. Fun. Engagement. Connection. We hope you don’t miss it.

Please contact the church office or sign up online to attend. https://registrations.planningcenteronline.com/signups/3425606

Come for worship, stay for lunch. Leave with a “Panza llena, corazón contento” (full tummy, happy heart).

-Anne Bettis

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Adam Hamilton Event- Save the Date!

First Church and Paradise Valley UMC have partnered to host an evening with Adam Hamilton at Paradise Valley UMC on Thursday, February 5, as he explores the significance of Jesus’ death from his new book, Why Did Jesus Have to Die? Adam’s book will be available to purchase and sign. The event starts at 7:00 pm, but PVUMC is opening its doors at 6:00 pm and we recommend getting there early! (This event will also be livestreamed on Paradise Valley UMC’s website for those who would prefer to watch digitally).

Click here or call our church office to register! (https://firstchurchphoenix.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3414257)

For those attending in person, the address for the event is: 4455 E. Lincoln Dr. Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Here’s The Real Good News

“As we look back on 2025, there truly is good news to share about the financial life of our church. We ended the year covering all of our operating expenses with a surplus of $3700. In a time when many churches are facing uncertainty, this is something worth celebrating, It speaks to careful stewardship, faithful leadership, and most of all, the generosity of this congregation.

Unfortunately, we were not able to pay 100% of our apportionments this past year to the United Methodist Desert Southwest Conference. While disappointing, we will put great effort into fulfilling that commitment this year.

A third of our operating expenses were underwritten by our Foundation in 2025. That support has been vital in sustaining ministry, maintaining our church property and ensuring Frist Church continues to be a place of meaningful worship, service to our community and welcoming to anyone.

Most importantly, we want to say thank you. Thank you for your faithful giving, your trust and your commitment to this community. Every gift, large or small, helps keep our church alive and thriving, allowing us to share God’s love in purposeful ways.

As we move into the new year, we do so with gratitude, hope and confidence in what God is doing among us. That, truly, is the good news.”

-Carrick Sears and Colleen McManus

____________________________________________________________________________________________

To First Church, Love Christine Kyhn

“It is a great honor to join the staff of First Church as permanent organist and Praise Band Pianist. I am excited to work with Joshua, supporting him, the Choir, the Praise Team, and the congregation as we seek to lead First Church in worship. For many years it has been my constant desire to use music within the church to help soften hearts toward God.

Here’s a bit of my background. I received a music degree with a double emphasis in organ and piano performance at California State University East Bay. After graduation I married Peter, he began his seminary training, and together we began a journey of music ministry. He was a Worship Pastor for 40 years and I served alongside as organist, pianist, and children’s (and youth) choir director at several churches throughout the Western U.S.A. Along the way, I also furthered my education to allow me to teach music in both public and private school settings, working with students from 3-years-old to High School. Currently, I work with students at Glendale Community College as accompanist for the choir program, for various music classes, and for private voice students. I also am the principal accompanist for the West Valley Chorale.

My husband, Peter, is now retired and keeps busy playing his trombone in a variety of music groups from the Scottsdale Symphony Orchestra to the Desert Brass and Bones Southwest. We have three children. Emily lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two daughters. She teaches private voice at the University in Eau Claire and often is music director for the University musicals. Matt lives here in Phoenix with his family which includes our other three grandchildren (a daughter and two sons). He works in film, usually as a grip or gaffer (in the lighting department). Our youngest, Alex, lives in Los Angeles and works as a professional bass player, often producing and playing in studios as well as touring the world with musical artists.

Music has surrounded our lives for decades. It is a joy to now share this experience and passion with First Church.

Thank you for welcoming me so graciously.”

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Girl Scout Cookies- Available Now!

It’s that time of year again! Our Girl Scout friends will be here the next few weeks selling cookies to support their troop. Their table is set up out on the patio and they’ll be here before and after services on Sundays. Come by and grab a box! (Or two or three. ) No worries if you swore off cookies as a new year’s resolution- you can also by a box to donate to our church’s food pantry. Thank you, Girl Scouts for bringing us some sweetness!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Blood Drive

Our next blood drive is Sunday, February 22! The bloodmobile will be in our North Parking Lot from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. If there’s a specific timeslot that you want, we’d recommend booking an appointment. Contact Stephanie Espinoza at 602-284-1258 or visit
www.donors.vitalant.org (Blood Drive code: firstunited).

Finance Committee Monthly Update

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be February 1. We look forward to seeing you!

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books. The next meeting is scheduled for February 24th. The book for this month is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.

Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)

Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Rod Hilton. Rod is a neighbor of Susan Sneathen’s sister. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort

DEATHS

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Selena Alderman, Carolyn Allen, Bill Carpenter, Ruth Clark, Mary A. Cooper, Laura DeNinno, Yvonne Fischer, Barbara Harvey, Barb Johnson, Vickie Johnson

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Ajo Federated Church- Ajo

Calvary UMC – Phoenix

Chino Valley UMC – Chino Valley

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing patricia@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

None

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Jerry Harbin 1/12

Marge Needham 1/17

Ursula Wolf 1/20

Betty Cornish 1/21

Mary Lou Salyer 1/21

Linda O’Conner 1/23

William Devine 1/23

Kate Tinghitella 1/25

Susan Freeman 1/28

Diane Gara-Weiner 1/28

Jesse Ary 1/29

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

To First Church, Love Christine Kyhn

“It is a great honor to join the staff of First Church as permanent organist and Praise Band Pianist. I am excited to work with Joshua, supporting him, the Choir, the Praise Team, and the congregation as we seek to lead First Church in worship. For many years it has been my constant desire to use music within the church to help soften hearts toward God.

Here’s a bit of my background. I received a music degree with a double emphasis in organ and piano performance at California State University East Bay. After graduation I married Peter, he began his seminary training, and together we began a journey of music ministry. He was a Worship Pastor for 40 years and I served alongside as organist, pianist, and children’s (and youth) choir director at several churches throughout the Western U.S.A. Along the way, I also furthered my education to allow me to teach music in both public and private school settings, working with students from 3-years-old to High School. Currently, I work with students at Glendale Community College as accompanist for the choir program, for various music classes, and for private voice students. I also am the principal accompanist for the West Valley Chorale.

My husband, Peter, is now retired and keeps busy playing his trombone in a variety of music groups from the Scottsdale Symphony Orchestra to the Desert Brass and Bones Southwest. We have three children. Emily lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two daughters. She teaches private voice at the University in Eau Claire and often is music director for the University musicals. Matt lives here in Phoenix with his family which includes our other three grandchildren (a daughter and two sons). He works in film, usually as a grip or gaffer (in the lighting department). Our youngest, Alex, lives in Los Angeles and works as a professional bass player, often producing and playing in studios as well as touring the world with musical artists.

Music has surrounded our lives for decades. It is a joy to now share this experience and passion with First Church.

Thank you for welcoming me so graciously.”

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Girl Scout Cookies- Available Now!

It’s that time of year again! Our Girl Scout friends will be here the next few weeks selling cookies to support their troop. Their table is set up out on the patio and they’ll be here before and after services on Sundays. Come by and grab a box! (Or two or three. ) No worries if you swore off cookies as a new year’s resolution- you can also by a box to donate to our church’s food pantry. Thank you, Girl Scouts for bringing us some sweetness!

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Adam Hamilton Event- Save the Date!

First Church and Paradise Valley UMC have partnered to bring an evening with Adam Hamilton on Thursday, February 5, as he explores themes surrounding the significance of Jesus’ death from his new book, Why Did Jesus Have to Die? Adam’s book will be available to purchase and sign. A part of this event includes hosting at PVUMC with their members to welcome those attending.
Click here or call our church office to register! (https://firstchurchphoenix.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3414257)

Our men’s group was such a big hit we’re already upping our number of meetings! We are now meeting weekly instead of monthly.

Missed our first couple of meetings? There’s still time to join. We’ll see you Monday the 19th at 8:00 a.m.! Bring your coffee!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Blood Drive

Our next blood drive is Sunday, February 22! The bloodmobile will be in our North Parking Lot from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. If there’s a specific timeslot that you want, we’d recommend booking an appointment. Contact Stephanie Espinoza at 602-284-1258 or visit
www.donors.vitalant.org (Blood Drive code: firstunited).

Finance Committee Monthly Update

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be February 1. We look forward to seeing you!

Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)

Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books. The next meeting is scheduled for January 27. The book for January is The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Richard Suyderhoud. Richard is a friend of Mary Alice Brown.  A second  prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Rod Hilton. Rod is the neighbor of Susan Sneathen’s sister. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

First Church is saddened to announce the death of Brenda Unsworth, who passed on December 29, 2025.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Gerry Oliver, Jean Oliver, Bonnie Rheaume, Mary Lou Salyer, Susan Secrest, Buzz and Liv Stevens, Jim Unsworth, Elizabeth Vick, Bob Young

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Ajo Federated Church- Ajo

Calvary UMC – Phoenix

Chino Valley UMC – Chino Valley

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

None

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Pat Jones 1/1

Sondra Trasente 1/2

Diane Raden 1/3

Peggy Ward 1/3

Suzanne Haehl 1/9

Doni Cunningham 1/10

Audrey Patterson 1/10

Jerry Harbin 1/12

Marge Needham 1/17

Ursula Wolf 1/20

Betty Cornish 1/21

Mary Lou Salyer 1/21

Linda O’Conner 1/23

William Devine 1/23

Our men’s group was such a big hit we’re already upping our number of meetings! We are now meeting weekly instead of monthly.

Missed our first couple of meetings? There’s still time to join. We’ll see you Monday the 19th at 8:00 a.m.! Bring your coffee!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Blood Drive

Our next blood drive is Sunday, February 22! The bloodmobile will be in our North Parking Lot from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. If there’s a specific timeslot that you want, we’d recommend booking an appointment. Contact Stephanie Espinoza at 602-284-1258 or visit
www.donors.vitalant.org (Blood Drive code: firstunited).

Finance Committee Monthly Update

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be February 1. We look forward to seeing you!

Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)

Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books. The next meeting is scheduled for January 27. The book for January is The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

Just Keep Walking

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Dennis Pooler. Dennis is the godfather of Sandy Hillegass’ daughter. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

First Church is saddened to announce the death of Brenda Unsworth, who passed on December 29, 2025.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Barbara Harvey, Judith Humbert, Barbara K. Johnson, Vickie Johnson, Ronda
Klein, Betty Luallin, Terry Lutz, Ray McFarland, Marge Needham

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Ajo Federated Church- Ajo

Calvary UMC – Phoenix

Chino Valley UMC – Chino Valley

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

None

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Pat Jones 1/1

Sondra Trasente 1/2

Diane Raden 1/3

Peggy Ward 1/3

Suzanne Haehl 1/9

Doni Cunningham 1/10

Audrey Patterson 1/10

Jerry Harbin 1/12

Marge Needham 1/17

Our men’s group was such a big hit we’re already upping our number of meetings! We are now meeting weekly instead of monthly.

Missed our first meeting? There’s still time to join. We’ll see you Monday the 12th at 8:00 a.m.! Bring your coffee!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Blood Drive

Our next blood drive is Sunday, February 22! The bloodmobile will be in our North Parking Lot from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. If there’s a specific timeslot that you want, we’d recommend booking an appointment. Contact Stephanie Espinoza at 602-284-1258 or visit
www.donors.vitalant.org (Blood Drive code: firstunited).

Finance Committee Monthly Update

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be February 1. We look forward to seeing you!

Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)

Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books. The next meeting is scheduled for January 27. The book for January is The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner- Takeover! (Sammi’s Corner)

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

None

DEATHS

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Elizabeth Vick, Bob Young, Selena Alderman, Carolyn Allen, Bill Carpenter, Ruth Clark, Mary Anne Cooper, Laura DeNinno, Yvonne Fischer, Cathy Fuentes.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Ajo Federated Church- Ajo

Calvary UMC – Phoenix

Chino Valley UMC – Chino Valley

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Brenda and Jim Unsworth 1/27

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Diane VanDyke 12/27

Laura DeNinno 12/29

Carol Aby 12/30

Pat Jones 1/1

Sondra Trasente 1/2

Diane Raden 1/3

Peggy Ward 1/3

Suzanne Haehl 1/9

Doni Cunningham

1/10 Audrey Patterson 1/10

Finance Committee Monthly Update

________________________________________________________________________

Van Drivers Needed

________________________________________________________________________

Behold the New Christmas Decorations!

Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary (Psalm 96:6)

Our new Christmas decorations are a visible reflection of the generosity and cheerful spirit that fills our community. Your contributions have truly made this transformation possible, and we celebrate not only the beauty in God’s house but also the loving hearts behind every gift. Thank you!

This year marks the first exciting installment of even grander plans for our sanctuary’s festive decor. Join us for the next chapter! Phase 2 of the Decorations campaign is underway, and your continued support will help us realize an even more splendid vision next Christmas. Donate by clicking this link https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2EJcampaign/C-15ZY4 or however you typically donate to the church. (Just make sure you indicate the donation is for Christmas decorations if using other means.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be January 4. We look forward to seeing you!

Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)

Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books. The next meeting is scheduled for January 27. The book for January is The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner- Takeover! (Sammi’s Corner)

Part 1

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

None

DEATHS

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Marge Needham, Gerry Oliver, Jean Oliver, Bonnie Rheaume, Mary Lou Salyer, Susan Secrest, Buzz and Liv Stevens, Brenda and Jim Unsworth.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Mingus Mountain Camp

Justa Center Phoenix

Wesley Community Center

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Sarg and Patricia Magyar 12/21

Joe and Marie Garber 12/23

Don and Sandy Hillegass 12/28

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Doug Dunipace 12/18

Larron Horton 12/18

Ronald Wilson 12/18

Jan Hyde 12/19

Susan Secrest 12/24

Carol Wilson 12/26

Diane VanDyke 12/27

Laura DeNinno 12/29

Carol Aby 12/30

Pat Jones 1/1

Sondra Trasente 1/2

Diane Raden 1/3

Peggy Ward 1/3

Fiesta Bowl Parade Tickets – On Sale Now!

🎊 Fiesta Bowl Parade

The Fiesta Bowl Parade is Saturday, January 3, 2026

Come kick off the new year with a celebration full of color, energy, and unity!

🎟 Seat tickets are $5, and parking tickets are $20.

Finance Committee Monthly Update

________________________________________________________________________

Van Drivers Needed

________________________________________________________________________

Behold the New Christmas Decorations!

Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary (Psalm 96:6)

Our new Christmas decorations are a visible reflection of the generosity and cheerful spirit that fills our community. Your contributions have truly made this transformation possible, and we celebrate not only the beauty in God’s house but also the loving hearts behind every gift. Thank you!

This year marks the first exciting installment of even grander plans for our sanctuary’s festive decor. Join us for the next chapter! Phase 2 of the Decorations campaign is underway, and your continued support will help us realize an even more splendid vision next Christmas. Donate by clicking this link https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2EJcampaign/C-15ZY4 or however you typically donate to the church. (Just make sure you indicate the donation is for Christmas decorations if using other means.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be January 4. We look forward to seeing you!

Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)

Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

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 or credit 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.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Christmas Eve at First Church

Join us on December 24th to celebrate the birth of Christ. Our church hosts two Christmas Eve Services every year- the first one is a Children and Family Service, which will take place at 4:00 pm, featuring interactive elements and a big snow pile for kids to play on. The second is a traditional service with beautiful decorations, a choir, and a candle lighting ceremony. That service takes place at 7:00 pm. Please contact our church office if you have any questions about either service.

________________________________________________________________________

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

None

DEATHS

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Yvonne Fischer, Cathy Fuentes, Barb Harvey, Judy Humbert, Barbara Johnson, Vickie Johnson, Ronda Klein, Betty Luallin, Terry Lutz, Ray McFarland.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Mingus Mountain Camp

Justa Center Phoenix

Wesley Community Center

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Sarg and Patricia Magyar 12/21

Joe and Marie Garber 12/23

Don and Sandy Hillegass 12/28

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Clark Dove 12/8

Noel Markman 12/9

Margot Wallace 12/14

Doug Dunipace 12/18

Larron Horton 12/18

Ronald Wilson 12/18

Jan Hyde 12/19

Susan Secrest 12/24

Carol Wilson 12/26

Diane VanDyke 12/27

________________________________________________________________________

Christmas Eve at First Church

Join us on December 24th to celebrate the birth of Christ. Our church hosts two Christmas Eve Services every year- the first one is a Children and Family Service, which will take place at 4:00 pm, featuring interactive elements and a big snow pile for kids to play on. The second is a traditional service with beautiful decorations, a choir, and a candle lighting ceremony. That service takes place at 7:00 pm. Please contact our church office if you have any questions about either service.

________________________________________________________________________

Over 300 Donations- Thank You!

Thank you to all who participated in our toy drive for children in the foster care system. We were able to collect over 300 games and toys. It’s a wonderful thing knowing that we were able to make their Christmas a little brighter; thank you for your kindness and generosity this holiday season.

________________________________________________________________________

Blue Christmas

Join us on December 21st at 4:00pm for a special service for anyone dealing with grief or the loss of a loved one this holiday season.

Fiesta Bowl Parade Tickets – On Sale Now!

🎊 Fiesta Bowl Parade

The Fiesta Bowl Parade is Saturday, January 3, 2026

Come kick off the new year with a celebration full of color, energy, and unity!

🎟 Seat tickets are $5, and parking tickets are $20.

Finance Committee Monthly Update

________________________________________________________________________

Van Drivers Needed

________________________________________________________________________

Behold the New Christmas Decorations!

Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary (Psalm 96:6)

Our new Christmas decorations are a visible reflection of the generosity and cheerful spirit that fills our community. Your contributions have truly made this transformation possible, and we celebrate not only the beauty in God’s house but also the loving hearts behind every gift. Thank you!

This year marks the first exciting installment of even grander plans for our sanctuary’s festive decor. Join us for the next chapter! Phase 2 of the Decorations campaign is underway, and your continued support will help us realize an even more splendid vision next Christmas. Donate by clicking this link https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2EJcampaign/C-15ZY4 or however you typically donate to the church. (Just make sure you indicate the donation is for Christmas decorations if using other means.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be January 4. We look forward to seeing you!

Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)

Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

The Quiet Joy of Advent

During this season of Advent, I’d like to share with the following reflection by an anonymous friend.

“As the days grow shorter and winter settles in, Advent invites us into a season of gentle anticipation. It’s a time marked not by rushing, but by waiting—an intentional pause in a world that rarely stops. Each candle lit on the Advent wreath becomes a small beacon of hope, reminding us that even the faintest light can guide us through darkness.

Advent’s joy is not loud or hurried. It’s found in simple rituals: moments of stillness, shared meals, thoughtful giving, and the comforting repetition of traditions that connect us to generations past. In preparing our homes and hearts, we rediscover a sense of wonder—an expectation that something beautiful is on its way.

This season encourages us to slow down, breathe deeply, and notice the grace woven into our everyday lives. Advent’s joy is the joy of promise—the quiet assurance that hope is near and that, with patience, light will return.”

See you in church.

Pastor David

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Pamela Clark. Pamela is the friend of Diane Raden. A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Danielle Petroniero-Klein. Danielle is the friend of Diane VanDyke. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Brenda and Jim Unsworth, Elizabeth Vick, Bob Young, Selena Alderman, Carolyn Allen, Bill Carpenter, Ruth Clark, Mary Anne Cooper, Laura DeNinno.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Mingus Mountain Camp

Justa Center Phoenix

Wesley Community Center

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Sarg and Patricia Magyar 12/21

Joe and Marie Garber 12/23

Don and Sandy Hillegass 12/28

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Bob Young 12/1

Buzz Stevens 12/3

Karen Kelley 12/4

Clark Dove 12/8

Noel Markman 12/9

Margot Wallace 12/14

Doug Dunipace 12/18

Larron Horton 12/18

Ronald Wilson 12/18

Jan Hyde 12/19

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Over 300 Donations- Thank You!

Thank you to all who participated in our toy drive for children in the foster care system. We were able to collect over 300 games and toys. It’s a wonderful thing knowing that we were able to make their Christmas a little brighter; thank you for your kindness and generosity this holiday season.

________________________________________________________________________

Blue Christmas

Join us on December 21st at 4:00pm for a special service for anyone dealing with grief or the loss of a loved one this holiday season.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Southwest Vocal Alliance Performance

Holiday Magic celebrates the wonder of the season. This year’s show captures the sparkle, laughter, and joy that make the holidays magical with rich a cappella Barbershop style harmonies with performances by the chorus, guest quartets and the Camelback High School Vocal Ensemble. Bring the whole family — kids 12 and under get in free, and there will be pictures with Santa Claus. Purchase tickets at https://www.svabhs.com/holiday25

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Community Choir Concert

The First Church Chancel Choir will be joined by chamber orchestra, soloists, and community singers on Sunday, December 14th for the 11 o’clock service to perform Vivaldi’s Gloria. Join us for a beautiful performance of this beloved masterwork! – Katherine Rosenfeld

Fiesta Bowl Parade Tickets – On Sale Now!

🎊 Fiesta Bowl Parade

The Fiesta Bowl Parade is Saturday, January 3, 2026

Come kick off the new year with a celebration full of color, energy, and unity!

🎟 Seat tickets are $5, and parking tickets are $20.

Gratitudes from the Quilting Ministry

Appreciation From Prayer Quilt Recipient

________________________________________________________________________

Van Drivers Needed

________________________________________________________________________

Behold the New Christmas Decorations!

Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary (Psalm 96:6)

Our new Christmas decorations are a visible reflection of the generosity and cheerful spirit that fills our community. Your contributions have truly made this transformation possible, and we celebrate not only the beauty in God’s house but also the loving hearts behind every gift. Thank you!

This year marks the first exciting installment of even grander plans for our sanctuary’s festive decor. Join us for the next chapter! Phase 2 of the Decorations campaign is underway, and your continued support will help us realize an even more splendid vision next Christmas. Donate by clicking this link https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2EJcampaign/C-15ZY4 or however you typically donate to the church. (Just make sure you indicate the donation is for Christmas decorations if using other means.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be January 4. We look forward to seeing you!

Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)

Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

Hope and joy to you in this season of Advent!

Advent is a time of watching, waiting, and preparing our hearts for the birth of Jesus. It invites us once again to reflect on the generous love of God—love that engages us fully and enters our world in the most humble and transformative way. Our response to this divine generosity is a renewed calling to live as people of hope, compassion, and joy.

This year, our theme of “Advent in Motion” encourages us to keep moving forward while looking back with gratitude and looking ahead with purpose. We celebrate the many ways God has been at work among us: through worship that lifts our spirits, missions that meet the needs of our neighbors, ministries that nurture our children and youth, and relationships that strengthen our community. None of this happens without you. Together, we discover the presence of Christ being born among us as a community of faith.

I look forward to seeing you in church as we wait in hope and open our hearts to the joy of Christ’s birth in our lives.

Blessings, Pastor David

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Adele Surovich. Adele is the friend of Diane Raden. Another prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Ronda Hair. Ronda was a long-time member of FUMC. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Betty Luallin, Terry Lutz, Ray McFarland, Marge Needham, Gerry Oliver, Jean Oliver, Bonnie Rheaume, Mary Lou Salyer, Susan Secrest, Buzz and Liv Stevens.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Mingus Mountain Camp

Justa Center Phoenix

Wesley Community Center

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Sarg and Patricia Magyar 12/21

Joe and Marie Garber 12/23

Don and Sandy Hillegass 12/28

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Audrey Clayton 11/29

Carolyn Cooper 11/30

Diane E. Davis 11/30

Bob Young 12/1

Buzz Stevens 12/3

Karen Kelley 12/4

Clark Dove 12/8

Noel Markman 12/9

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Blue Christmas

Join us on December 21st at 4:00pm for a special service for anyone dealing with grief or the loss of a loved one this holiday season.

Stories With Hope Event With Iglesia Aliento

Join First Church on December 7th at 3:00pm in friendship and partnership with Iglesia Aliento UMC for a faith-centered outreach initiative that provides spiritual and emotional healing through storytelling, a shared meal, and guided prayer gathering. This event creates safe space for immigrants to reflect on their journeys, process trauma, and encounter the transforming presence of God. Come be inspired by the faith journeys of our siblings in Christ from Iglesia Aliento!

“Dear Parents and Families,
There has been a lot happening behind the scenes with the Next Gen Ministry. Recently, both youth and adults have experienced
comments and situations that have made our church feel less like the inclusivecommunity we strive to be. Because of this, and to realign with First Church’s vision of inclusion and respect, we’ll be shifting our focus during youth group from January through May.
During this time, we’ll welcome special guests to lead sessions on cultural competency, empathy, mental health awareness, safety and first aid, community engagement, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and many more. Our hope is that as our youth grow through these conversations, they will help lead our church toward truly becoming the inclusive community we are called to be.

If there are any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to me directly. I want to hear from you and walk alongside
you. We are here to serve Christ, our families, and the community.

We’re always looking for more volunteers in the Next Gen Ministry—if you feel called to serve, please let us know! Parade tickets are on sale on Sundays, during the week in the church office, or through Church Center. Youth Group will be caroling at the Laura Turner Homes on December 14th at 4:30PM. Youth should arrive at the church by 3:45 PM wearing their ugly Christmas
sweaters. Dinner and fellowship will follow during our regular youth group time.

November 23: Youth Group Cultural Thanksgiving Feast
November 30: No Youth Group
December 14: Caroling at the Laura Turner Homes”

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Community Choir Concert

The First Church Chancel Choir will be joined by chamber orchestra, soloists, and community singers on Sunday, December 14th for the 11 o’clock service to perform Vivaldi’s Gloria. Join us for a beautiful performance of this beloved masterwork! – Katherine Rosenfeld

Light Parade and Fiesta Bowl Parade Tickets – On Sale Now!

🌟 Light Parade

The Light Parade is Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Let’s light up the night together and show our community the joy and love of Christ through our glowing presence!

🎊 Fiesta Bowl Parade

The Fiesta Bowl Parade is Saturday, January 3, 2026

Come kick off the new year with a celebration full of color, energy, and unity!

🎟 Seat tickets are $5, and parking tickets are $20.

Gratitudes from the Quilting Ministry

Appreciation From Prayer Quilt Recipient

________________________________________________________________________

Van Drivers Needed

Please contact the church office to sign up or sign up online using this link:  (https://firstchurchphoenix.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3246189)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregation Survey Results – New Updates!

Your invaluable congregational assessment input is helping shape future plans for worship, ministries, outreach, and more – thank you! Open-ended survey comments received from the June 2025 First Church Congregational Assessment have been reviewed by your Church Council and several church committees who shared action plans to address priorities you identified. An Open-Ended Comments Report has been added to the 2025 Survey Results – Congregation folder. Please check your email for a link to view the survey results and updates.

Christmas Greens- It’s Not Too Late!

________________________________________________________________________

Behold the New Christmas Decorations!

Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary (Psalm 96:6)

Our new Christmas decorations are a visible reflection of the generosity and cheerful spirit that fills our community. Your contributions have truly made this transformation possible, and we celebrate not only the beauty in God’s house but also the loving hearts behind every gift. Thank you!

This year marks the first exciting installment of even grander plans for our sanctuary’s festive decor. Join us for the next chapter! Phase 2 of the Decorations campaign is underway, and your continued support will help us realize an even more splendid vision next Christmas. Donate by clicking this link https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2EJcampaign/C-15ZY4 or however you typically donate to the church. (Just make sure you indicate the donation is for Christmas decorations if using other means.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be December 7. We look forward to seeing you!

Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)

Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

The next meeting is scheduled for December 9th.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

Hope and joy to you in this season of Advent!

Advent is a time of watching, waiting, and preparing our hearts for the birth of Jesus. It invites us once again to reflect on the generous love of God—love that engages us fully and enters our world in the most humble and transformative way. Our response to this divine generosity is a renewed calling to live as people of hope, compassion, and joy.

This year, our theme of “Advent in Motion” encourages us to keep moving forward while looking back with gratitude and looking ahead with purpose. We celebrate the many ways God has been at work among us: through worship that lifts our spirits, missions that meet the needs of our neighbors, ministries that nurture our children and youth, and relationships that strengthen our community. None of this happens without you. Together, we discover the presence of Christ being born among us as a community of faith.

I look forward to seeing you in church as we wait in hope and open our hearts to the joy of Christ’s birth in our lives.

Blessings, Pastor David

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Scarlett Webb. Scarlett is the granddaughter of Heather Hume. Another prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Zachary Wessel. Zachary is a friend of Julie Cochran. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

First Church is saddened to announce the death of Dan Germond, who passed on November 2, 2025 and the death of Velia Amparo-Rivas, who passed on November 11.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Bill Carpenter, Ruth Clark, Mary Ann Cooper, Laura DeNinno, Yvonne Fischer, Barbara Harvey, Judy Humbert, Barbara Johnson, Vickie Johnson, Ronda Klein.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Sunrise UMC – Phoenix

Willowbrook UMC – Sun City

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Sarg and Patricia Magyar 12/21

Joe and Marie Garber 12/23

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Ruby Vineyard 11/13

Linda Smalley 11/13

Audrey Clayton 11/29

Carolyn Cooper 11/30

Diane E. Davis 11/30

Bob Young 12/1

Buzz Stevens 12/3

Karen Kelley 12/4

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Stories With Hope Event With Iglesia Aliento

Join First Church on December 7th at 3:00pm in friendship and partnership with Iglesia Aliento UMC for a faith-centered outreach initiative that provides spiritual and emotional healing through storytelling, a shared meal, and guided prayer gathering. This event creates safe space for immigrants to reflect on their journeys, process trauma, and encounter the transforming presence of God. Come be inspired by the faith journeys of our siblings in Christ from Iglesia Aliento!

“Dear Parents and Families,
There has been a lot happening behind the scenes with the Next Gen Ministry. Recently, both youth and adults have experienced
comments and situations that have made our church feel less like the inclusivecommunity we strive to be. Because of this, and to realign with First Church’s vision of inclusion and respect, we’ll be shifting our focus during youth group from January through May.
During this time, we’ll welcome special guests to lead sessions on cultural competency, empathy, mental health awareness, safety and first aid, community engagement, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and many more. Our hope is that as our youth grow through these conversations, they will help lead our church toward truly becoming the inclusive community we are called to be.

If there are any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to me directly. I want to hear from you and walk alongside
you. We are here to serve Christ, our families, and the community.

We’re always looking for more volunteers in the Next Gen Ministry—if you feel called to serve, please let us know! Parade tickets are on sale on Sundays, during the week in the church office, or through Church Center. Youth Group will be caroling at the Laura Turner Homes on December 14th at 4:30PM. Youth should arrive at the church by 3:45 PM wearing their ugly Christmas
sweaters. Dinner and fellowship will follow during our regular youth group time.

November 23: Youth Group Cultural Thanksgiving Feast
November 30: No Youth Group
December 14: Caroling at the Laura Turner Homes”

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Community Choir Concert

The First Church Chancel Choir will be joined by chamber orchestra, soloists, and community singers on Sunday, December 14th for the 11 o’clock service to perform Vivaldi’s Gloria. Join us for a beautiful performance of this beloved masterwork! – Katherine Rosenfeld

Light Parade and Fiesta Bowl Parade Tickets – On Sale Now!

🌟 Light Parade

The Light Parade is Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Let’s light up the night together and show our community the joy and love of Christ through our glowing presence!

🎊 Fiesta Bowl Parade

The Fiesta Bowl Parade is Saturday, January 3, 2026

Come kick off the new year with a celebration full of color, energy, and unity!

🎟 Seat tickets are $5, and parking tickets are $20.

Gratitudes from the Quilting Ministry

________________________________________________________________________

Van Drivers Needed

Please contact the church office to sign up or sign up online using this link:  (https://firstchurchphoenix.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3246189)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregation Survey Results – New Updates!

Your invaluable congregational assessment input is helping shape future plans for worship, ministries, outreach, and more – thank you! Open-ended survey comments received from the June 2025 First Church Congregational Assessment have been reviewed by your Church Council and several church committees who shared action plans to address priorities you identified. An Open-Ended Comments Report has been added to the 2025 Survey Results – Congregation folder. Please check your email for a link to view the survey results and updates.

Christmas Greens- It’s Not Too Late!

________________________________________________________________________

Behold the New Christmas Decorations!

Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary (Psalm 96:6)

Our new Christmas decorations are a visible reflection of the generosity and cheerful spirit that fills our community. Your contributions have truly made this transformation possible, and we celebrate not only the beauty in God’s house but also the loving hearts behind every gift. Thank you!

This year marks the first exciting installment of even grander plans for our sanctuary’s festive decor. Join us for the next chapter! Phase 2 of the Decorations campaign is underway, and your continued support will help us realize an even more splendid vision next Christmas. Donate by clicking this link https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2EJcampaign/C-15ZY4 or however you typically donate to the church. (Just make sure you indicate the donation is for Christmas decorations if using other means.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be December 7. We look forward to seeing you!

Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)

Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

The next meeting is scheduled for December 9th.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

Dear Members and Friends of First Church, Thanksgiving 2025

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, my heart is filled with deep gratitude for each of you. Throughout the year, you have embodied the spirit of goodness and grace at the heart of our United Methodist tradition—offering your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness in ways that strengthen our church and bless our community.

Your expressions of gratitude are expressions of faithfulness. Through them, hope, healing, and the love of Christ reach so many through the ministries of First Church. Whether supporting missions, sustaining our worship life, nurturing children and youth, caring for our neighbors, or maintaining a sacred space that welcomes all, you help make God’s love visible.

During Thanksgiving, we are reminded that every good gift comes from God and brings blessing. I am deeply grateful for the spirit of compassion and commitment that lives so clearly within our congregation.

As you gather with loved ones in the days ahead, may your homes be filled with joy, peace, and the assurance of God’s abundant grace. Please know that I am giving thanks for you—your faithfulness, your kindness, and the ways you continue to shine the light of Christ.

Wishing you a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving.

With gratitude in Christ, Rev. David Rennick

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Anthony Martinez. Anthony is the nephew of Cathy Fuentes. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

First Church is saddened to announce the death of Dan Germond, who passed on November 2, 2025 and the death of Velia Amparo-Rivas, who passed on November 11.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Mary Lou Salyer, Susan Secrest, Buzz and Liv Stevens, Brenda and Jim Unsworth, Elizabeth Vick, Bob Young, Selena Alderman, Carolyn Allen.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Sunrise UMC – Phoenix

Willowbrook UMC – Sun City

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Grant and Audrey Clayton 11/3

Clark and Jamie Dove 11/6

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Sarah Shafer 11/3

Kurt Heidenga 11/5

Edward Becker 11/7

Ruby Vineyard 11/13

Linda Smalley 11/13

Audrey Clayton 11/29

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Stories With Hope Event With Iglesia Aliento

Join First Church on December 7th at 3:00pm in friendship and partnership with Iglesia Aliento UMC for a faith-centered outreach initiative that provides spiritual and emotional healing through storytelling, a shared meal, and guided prayer gathering. This event creates safe space for immigrants to reflect on their journeys, process trauma, and encounter the transforming presence of God. Come be inspired by the faith journeys of our siblings in Christ from Iglesia Aliento!

“Dear Parents and Families,
There has been a lot happening behind the scenes with the Next Gen Ministry. Recently, both youth and adults have experienced
comments and situations that have made our church feel less like the inclusivecommunity we strive to be. Because of this, and to realign with First Church’s vision of inclusion and respect, we’ll be shifting our focus during youth group from January through May.
During this time, we’ll welcome special guests to lead sessions on cultural competency, empathy, mental health awareness, safety and first aid, community engagement, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and many more. Our hope is that as our youth grow through these conversations, they will help lead our church toward truly becoming the inclusive community we are called to be.

If there are any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to me directly. I want to hear from you and walk alongside
you. We are here to serve Christ, our families, and the community.

We’re always looking for more volunteers in the Next Gen Ministry—if you feel called to serve, please let us know! Parade tickets are on sale on Sundays, during the week in the church office, or through Church Center. Youth Group will be caroling at the Laura Turner Homes on December 14th at 4:30PM. Youth should arrive at the church by 3:45 PM wearing their ugly Christmas
sweaters. Dinner and fellowship will follow during our regular youth group time.

November 23: Youth Group Cultural Thanksgiving Feast
November 30: No Youth Group
December 14: Caroling at the Laura Turner Homes”

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Community Choir Concert

The First Church Chancel Choir will be joined by chamber orchestra, soloists, and community singers on Sunday, December 14th for the 11 o’clock service to perform Vivaldi’s Gloria. Join us for a beautiful performance of this beloved masterwork! – Katherine Rosenfeld

Light Parade and Fiesta Bowl Parade Tickets – On Sale Now!

🌟 Light Parade

The Light Parade is Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Let’s light up the night together and show our community the joy and love of Christ through our glowing presence!

🎊 Fiesta Bowl Parade

The Fiesta Bowl Parade is Saturday, January 3, 2026

Come kick off the new year with a celebration full of color, energy, and unity!

🎟 Seat tickets are $5, and parking tickets are $20.

Gratitudes from the Quilting Ministry

________________________________________________________________________

Van Driver’s Needed

Please contact the church office to sign up or sign up online using this link:  (https://firstchurchphoenix.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3246189)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregation Survey Results – New Updates!

Your invaluable congregational assessment input is helping shape future plans for worship, ministries, outreach, and more – thank you! Open-ended survey comments received from the June 2025 First Church Congregational Assessment have been reviewed by your Church Council and several church committees who shared action plans to address priorities you identified. An Open-Ended Comments Report has been added to the 2025 Survey Results – Congregation folder. Please check your email for a link to view the survey results and updates.

Finance Committee Quarterly Update

Christmas Greens- It’s Not Too Late!

________________________________________________________________________

Behold the New Christmas Decorations!

Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary (Psalm 96:6)

Our new Christmas decorations are a visible reflection of the generosity and cheerful spirit that fills our community. Your contributions have truly made this transformation possible, and we celebrate not only the beauty in God’s house but also the loving hearts behind every gift. Thank you!

This year marks the first exciting installment of even grander plans for our sanctuary’s festive decor. Join us for the next chapter! Phase 2 of the Decorations campaign is underway, and your continued support will help us realize an even more splendid vision next Christmas. Donate by clicking this link https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2EJcampaign/C-15ZY4 or however you typically donate to the church. (Just make sure you indicate the donation is for Christmas decorations if using other means.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be December 7. We look forward to seeing you!

Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)

Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

The next meeting is scheduled for November 25th. The book for November is The Women by Kristin Hannah.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

Leaping In with Generosity

The other day, I came across this old picture of me sitting in a grocery cart — from about eleven years ago! It made me smile, but it also got me thinking. In a funny way, that picture feels like a snapshot of generosity — a reminder that giving isn’t just about offering a little bit of ourselves. It’s about jumping in with our whole hearts, responding fully to what God has already given us.

As we move through this season of stewardship at First Church, I think that’s what we’re being invited to do — to lean all the way in. To celebrate. To move forward. To explore all that’s possible when we follow Jesus’ call to live with goodness and grace.

Now, I’ll admit — the image of jumping into a grocery cart might sound a little wild! But it makes me think about what it really means to live out our faith as part of the Body of Christ. It’s about showing up with our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness.

And as Philippians reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ.”

So as we wrap up this year and look ahead to 2026, I want to invite you to join in — to share your time and your talents, to bring your energy and your heart, and to embrace all the good things that God has in store for us.

See you in Church!

Pastor David

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Mary Chard. Mary is a member of FUMC. Another prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Bruce Moorehead. Bruce is the son of a friend of Susan Sneathen. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

First Church is saddened to announce the death of Dan Germond, who passed on November 2, 2025 and the death of Velia Amparo-Rivas, who passed on November 11.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Barbara K. Johnson, Vickie Johnson, Ronda Klein, Betty Luallin, Terry Lutz, Ray McFarland, Marge Needham, Gerry Oliver, Jean Oliver, Bonnie Rheaume.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Sunrise UMC – Phoenix

Willowbrook UMC – Sun City

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Jim and Jan Hyde 9/2

Bob and Connie Bailes 9/9

Grant and Audrey Clayton 11/3

Clark and Jamie Dove 11/6

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Ilah Pickrell 10/23

Sandy Fox 10/26

Rosemary Lutz 10/31

Sarah Shafer 11/3

Kurt Heidenga 11/5

Edward Becker 11/7

Ruby Vineyard 11/13

Linda Smalley 11/13

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Tree Project

The Giving Tree- a project that helps bring Christmas to children in the foster care system is starting up at our church. Please contact Tami Smith or another member of the mission’s committee with any questions. We are looking for things like Legos, hoodies, headphones, hygiene items, craft kits, ear buds, gift cards, sporting good, movie passes, chapter books, socks, Crocs, STEM kits, PJS, play dough, bath toys, and racing cars. Please keep all gifts unwrapped. Donations are due by December 5th and can be brought to the church office.

________________________________________________________________________

Lura Turner Homes Workship Day- Update

Stories With Hope Event With Iglesia Aliento

Join First Church on December 7th at 3:00pm in friendship and partnership with Iglesia Aliento UMC for a faith-centered outreach initiative that provides spiritual and emotional healing through storytelling, a shared meal, and guided prayer gathering. This event creates safe space for immigrants to reflect on their journeys, process trauma, and encounter the transforming presence of God. Come be inspired by the faith journeys of our siblings in Christ from Iglesia Aliento!

“Dear Parents and Families,
There has been a lot happening behind the scenes with the Next Gen Ministry. Recently, both youth and adults have experienced
comments and situations that have made our church feel less like the inclusivecommunity we strive to be. Because of this, and to realign with First Church’s vision of inclusion and respect, we’ll be shifting our focus during youth group from January through May.
During this time, we’ll welcome special guests to lead sessions on cultural competency, empathy, mental health awareness, safety and first aid, community engagement, LGBTQ inclusion, and many more. Our hope is that as our youth grow through these conversations, they will help lead our church toward truly becoming the inclusive community we are called to be.

If there are any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to me directly. I want to hear from you and walk alongside
you. We are here to serve Christ, our families, and the community.

We’re always looking for more volunteers in the Next Gen Ministry—if you feel called to serve, please let us know! Parade tickets are on sale on Sundays, during the week in the church office, or through Church Center. Youth Group will be caroling at the Laura Turner Homes on December 14th at 4:30PM. Youth should arrive at the church by 3:45 PM wearing their ugly Christmas
sweaters. Dinner and fellowship will follow during our regular youth group time.

November 23: Youth Group Cultural Thanksgiving Feast
November 30: No Youth Group
December 14: Caroling at the Laura Turner Homes”

Light Parade and Fiesta Bowl Parade Tickets – On Sale November 12th

🌟 Light Parade

The Light Parade is Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Let’s light up the night together and show our community the joy and love of Christ through our glowing presence!

🎊 Fiesta Bowl Parade

The Fiesta Bowl Parade is Saturday, January 3, 2026

Come kick off the new year with a celebration full of color, energy, and unity!

🎟 Seat tickets are $5, and parking tickets are $20.

Van Driver’s Needed

New Member Class

Please contact the church office to sign up or sign up online using this link:  (https://firstchurchphoenix.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3246189)

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Elder Fraud Seminar

This month we had a wonderful Elder Fraud Prevention seminar hosted in collaboration with the Attorney General’s office. This event provided helpful information and training to the senior community to ensure that none of our seniors become victims of consumer fraud. Thank you to all who helped to organize and all who participated in this event!

Finance Committee Quarterly Update

Ordering Christmas Greens

________________________________________________________________________

New Christmas Decorations Donation Link

Our church is raising money for new Christmas decorations for the sanctuary. If you are interested in donating, you can do so using this donation link https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2EJ/campaign/C-15ZY4 or however you’d typically donate to the church. (Just make sure you indicate the donation is for the Christmas decorations if using other means). Thank you for your generosity in supporting this project, and we can’t wait to see what the sanctuary looks like with the beautiful new decor.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be December 7. We look forward to seeing you!

Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)

Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

The next meeting is scheduled for November 18th. The book for November is The Women by Kristin Hannah.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

Leaping In with Generosity

The other day, I came across this old picture of me sitting in a grocery cart — from about eleven years ago! It made me smile, but it also got me thinking. In a funny way, that picture feels like a snapshot of generosity — a reminder that giving isn’t just about offering a little bit of ourselves. It’s about jumping in with our whole hearts, responding fully to what God has already given us.

As we move through this season of stewardship at First Church, I think that’s what we’re being invited to do — to lean all the way in. To celebrate. To move forward. To explore all that’s possible when we follow Jesus’ call to live with goodness and grace.

Now, I’ll admit — the image of jumping into a grocery cart might sound a little wild! But it makes me think about what it really means to live out our faith as part of the Body of Christ. It’s about showing up with our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness.

And as Philippians reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ.”

So as we wrap up this year and look ahead to 2026, I want to invite you to join in — to share your time and your talents, to bring your energy and your heart, and to embrace all the good things that God has in store for us.

See you in Church!

Pastor David

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Mary Chard. Mary is a member of FUMC. Another prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Bruce Moorehead. Bruce is the son of a friend of Susan Sneathen. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

First Church is saddened to announce the death of Dan Germond, who passed on November 2, 2025 and the death of Velia Amparo-Rivas, who passed on November 11.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Barbara K. Johnson, Vickie Johnson, Ronda Klein, Betty Luallin, Terry Lutz, Ray McFarland, Marge Needham, Gerry Oliver, Jean Oliver, Bonnie Rheaume.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Sunrise UMC – Phoenix

Willowbrook UMC – Sun City

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Jim and Jan Hyde 9/2

Bob and Connie Bailes 9/9

Grant and Audrey Clayton 11/3

Clark and Jamie Dove 11/6

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Ilah Pickrell 10/23

Sandy Fox 10/26

Rosemary Lutz 10/31

Sarah Shafer 11/3

Kurt Heidenga 11/5

Edward Becker 11/7

Ruby Vineyard 11/13

Linda Smalley 11/13

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Tree Project

The Giving Tree- a project that helps bring Christmas to children in the foster care system is starting up at our church. Please contact Tami Smith or another member of the mission’s committee with any questions. We are looking for things like Legos, hoodies, headphones, hygiene items, craft kits, ear buds, gift cards, sporting good, movie passes, chapter books, socks, Crocs, STEM kits, PJS, play dough, bath toys, and racing cars. Please keep all gifts unwrapped. Donations are due by December 5th and can be brought to the church office.

________________________________________________________________________

Lura Turner Homes Workship Day- Update

Stories With Hope Event With Iglesia Aliento

Light Parade and Fiesta Bowl Parade Tickets – On Sale November 12th

🌟 Light Parade

The Light Parade is Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Let’s light up the night together and show our community the joy and love of Christ through our glowing presence!

🎊 Fiesta Bowl Parade

The Fiesta Bowl Parade is Saturday, January 3, 2026

Come kick off the new year with a celebration full of color, energy, and unity!

🎟 Seat tickets are $5, and parking tickets are $20.

Van Driver’s Needed

New Member Class

Please contact the church office to sign up or sign up online using this link:  (https://firstchurchphoenix.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3246189)

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Elder Fraud Seminar

This past weekend we had a wonderful Elder Fraud Prevention seminar hosted in collaboration with the Attorney General’s office. This event provided helpful information and training to the senior community to ensure that none of our seniors become victims of consumer fraud. Thank you to all who helped to organize and all who participated in this event!

Finance Committee Quarterly Update

Ordering Christmas Greens

________________________________________________________________________

New Christmas Decorations Donation Link

Our church is raising money for new Christmas decorations for the sanctuary. If you are interested in donating, you can do so using this donation link https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2EJ/campaign/C-15ZY4 or however you’d typically donate to the church. (Just make sure you indicate the donation is for the Christmas decorations if using other means). Thank you for your generosity in supporting this project, and we can’t wait to see what the sanctuary looks like with the beautiful new decor.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be December 7. We look forward to seeing you!

Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)

Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

The next meeting is scheduled for November 18th. The book for November is The Women by Kristin Hannah.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

Leaping In with Generosity

The other day, I came across this old picture of me sitting in a grocery cart — from about eleven years ago! It made me smile, but it also got me thinking. In a funny way, that picture feels like a snapshot of generosity — a reminder that giving isn’t just about offering a little bit of ourselves. It’s about jumping in with our whole hearts, responding fully to what God has already given us.

As we move through this season of stewardship at First Church, I think that’s what we’re being invited to do — to lean all the way in. To celebrate. To move forward. To explore all that’s possible when we follow Jesus’ call to live with goodness and grace.

Now, I’ll admit — the image of jumping into a grocery cart might sound a little wild! But it makes me think about what it really means to live out our faith as part of the Body of Christ. It’s about showing up with our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness.

And as Philippians reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ.”

So as we wrap up this year and look ahead to 2026, I want to invite you to join in — to share your time and your talents, to bring your energy and your heart, and to embrace all the good things that God has in store for us.

See you in Church!

Pastor David

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Jerry Eddy. Jerry is a member of FUMC and partner of Sharon Watkins. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

First Church is saddened to announce the death of Dan Germond, who passed on November 2, 2025.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Selena Alderman, Carolyn Allen, Bill Carpenter, Ruth Clark, Mary Anne Cooper, Laura DeNinno, Yvonne Fischer, Dan Germond, Barbara Harvey, Judith Humbert.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Sunrise UMC – Phoenix

Willowbrook UMC – Sun City

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Jim and Jan Hyde 9/2

Bob and Connie Bailes 9/9

Grant and Audrey Clayton 11/3

Clark and Jamie Dove 11/6

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Ilah Pickrell 10/23

Sandy Fox 10/26

Rosemary Lutz 10/31

Sarah Shafer 11/3

Kurt Heidenga 11/5

Edward Becker 11/7

Ruby Vineyard 11/13

Linda Smalley 11/13

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Fall Fest Recap Video

Giving Tree Project

The Giving Tree- a project that helps bring Christmas to children in the foster care system is starting up at our church. Please contact Tami Smith or another member of the mission’s committee with any questions. We are looking for things like Legos, hoodies, headphones, hygiene items, craft kits, ear buds, gift cards, sporting good, movie passes, chapter books, socks, Crocs, STEM kits, PJS, play dough, bath toys, and racing cars. Please keep all gifts unwrapped. Donations are due by December 5th and can be brought to the church office.

________________________________________________________________________

Lura Turner Homes Workship Day- Update

All – Church Conference

Stories With Hope Event- Save the Date (With More Details to Come Soon)

Light Parade and Fiesta Bowl Parade Tickets – On Sale November 12th

🌟 Light Parade

The Light Parade is Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Let’s light up the night together and show our community the joy and love of Christ through our glowing presence!

🎊 Fiesta Bowl Parade

The Fiesta Bowl Parade is Saturday, January 3, 2026

Come kick off the new year with a celebration full of color, energy, and unity!

🎟 Seat tickets are $5, and parking tickets are $20.

Van Driver’s Needed

New Member Class

Please contact the church office to sign up or sign up online using this link:  (https://firstchurchphoenix.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3246189)

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Elder Fraud Seminar

This past weekend we had a wonderful Elder Fraud Prevention seminar hosted in collaboration with the Attorney General’s office. This event provided helpful information and training to the senior community to ensure that none of our seniors become victims of consumer fraud. Thank you to all who helped to organize and all who participated in this event!

Finance Committee Quarterly Update

Ordering Christmas Greens

________________________________________________________________________

New Christmas Decorations Donation Link

As many of you heard on Sunday, our church is raising money for new Christmas decorations for the sanctuary. If you are interested in donating, you can do so using this donation link https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2EJ/campaign/C-15ZY4 or however you’d typically donate to the church. (Just make sure you indicate the donation is for the Christmas decorations if using other means). Thank you for your generosity in supporting this project, and we can’t wait to see what the sanctuary looks like with the beautiful new decor.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be December 7. We look forward to seeing you!

Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)

Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

The next meeting is scheduled for November 18th. The book for November is The Women by Kristin Hannah.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

Please see below for a message from the Conference bishop:

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Velia Amparo-Rivas. Velia is a member of FUMC and the mother-in-law to Dawn Torres-Rivas. Another prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Stephanie Souza. Stephanie is a friend of Mary Alice Brown. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Mary Lou Salyer, Susan Secrest, Buzz and Liv Stevens, Loraine Stewart, Brenda and Jim Unsworth, Elizabeth Vick, Bob Young.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Shepherd of the Hills UMC – Sun City West

Shepherd of the Hills UMC- Phoenix

Spirit of Hope UMC – Peoria

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Jim and Jan Hyde 9/2

Bob and Connie Bailes 9/9

Grant and Audrey Clayton 11/3

Clark and Jamie Dove 11/6

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Ilah Pickrell 10/23

Sandy Fox 10/26

Rosemary Lutz 10/31

Sarah Shafer 11/3

Kurt Heidenga 11/5

Edward Becker 11/7

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Fall Fest Recap Video

Lura Turner Homes Workship Day- Update

All – Church Conference

Van Driver’s Needed

New Member Class

Please contact the church office to sign up or sign up online using this link:  (https://firstchurchphoenix.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3246189)

Finance Committee Quarterly Update

Ordering Christmas Greens

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Elder Fraud Prevention Presentation

Our church’s Foundation invites you to a seminar on Elder Fraud here at the church.  It’s been arranged for a representative from the Arizona Attorney General’s office to present on this important topic at 10:00am November 1st.  We will be taking reservations due to space limitations. Please contact the church office at (602) 263-5013 to RSVP. You won’t want to miss this event!

________________________________________________________________________

New Christmas Decorations Donation Link

As many of you heard on Sunday, our church is raising money for new Christmas decorations for the sanctuary. If you are interested in donating, you can do so using this donation link https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2EJ/campaign/C-15ZY4 or however you’d typically donate to the church. (Just make sure you indicate the donation is for the Christmas decorations if using other means). Thank you for your generosity in supporting this project, and we can’t wait to see what the sanctuary looks like with the beautiful new decor.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be November 2. We look forward to seeing you!

Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)

Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

The next meeting is scheduled for November 18th. The book for November is The Women by Kristin Hannah.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

Halloween, or “All Hallows’ Eve” refers to Halloween and falls the evening before All Saints’ Day (November 1st). Within the Christian tradition It is a religious vigil that remembers the dead and their contribution to life. It has since become a cultural celebration known for traditions like trick-or-treating and costumes.

But at it’s core, All Hallows Eve captures the gesture of hospitality. Of giving from one’s heart. Children and families walk their neighborhoods visiting from house to house where mostly candy is handed out. I remember the local dentist would hand out toothbrushes and toothpaste, along with a business card. Then there was Mr. Edwards. He would hand small wooden toys that he made by hand in his shop. Each crafted differently as a reminder that we are all different.

This means of generosity from all people, including Mr. Edwards, is a reminder that as we greet people this Halloween that we take a moment to smile and to express a goodness and grace that may only come once a year.

We all bring a contribution to life, and this is the “treat” that comes with no strings attached.

Have a blessed All Hallows Eve.

Pastor David

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Adam Ramer. Adam is the nephew to Cheryl Shaver. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Barbara K. Johnson, Vickie Johnson, Ronda Klein, Betty Luallin, Terry Lutz, Ray McFarland, Marge Needham, Gerry Oliver, Jean Oliver, Bonnie Rheaume.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Shepherd of the Hills UMC – Sun City West

Shepherd of the Hills UMC- Phoenix

Spirit of Hope UMC – Peoria

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Jim and Jan Hyde 9/2

Bob and Connie Bailes 9/9

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

John Reinhold 10/8

Maurie Halle 10/10

Ilah Pickrell 10/23

Sandy Fox 10/26

Rosemary Lutz 10/31

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Who’s Who?

Welcome to “Who’s Who?” – a temporary reoccurring column where we’ll interview our staff and church leaders so you can get to know them a little better and connect on a deeper level.

This week’s spotlight is Russ Morrow, our Business Administrator!

Church Questions

I want to say thank you to all who support our presence at Pride and Rainbow Fest each year. Everything gets very hectic on my end of things as I get into frenzied planning mode, people donate their time to make it happen, and the church has been generous with its resources to help support these projects. And every year, after the dust settles, (both metaphorically and literally- the Pride Festival grounds are *insanely* dusty and I usually end up having trouble breathing for days after. Lol.), I walk away being shocked at everything we accomplished, and more importantly everything GOD accomplished. The presence, the impact, and the opportunity to change lives that He has allowed us to participate in every year is earth shattering, and it really is an honor to share in that work. Thank you all for your prayers, your support, and everything else. Our church really is out here changing lives.

Love, Sammi

WeekDay School Updates from Beckie:

Upcoming Blood Drive

Ordering Christmas Greens

Fall Festival

You’re invited to our church’s fall festival October 26th at 4:30pm. It’ll be a fun time filled with games, food, candy, and even bounce houses and dunk tanks! This is a wonderful outreach opportunity for our church, so please invite your friends and neighbors!

________________________________________________________________________

Trunk or Treat is Almost Here — We Need YOUR Help!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 26! Starting Monday, October 6, you can drop off candy at the front office during the week or bring it on Sundays to the candy donation buckets in the narthex.

We also need volunteers to help run games, supervise bounce houses, and staff the dunk tank (if you’d like to be dunked, see Jessica!). To volunteer, please contact Jessica or Julie, or use the sign-up link on the Church Center app.

Note: We are no longer using SignUpGenius. If you need help accessing Church Center, see Jessica!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Elder Fraud Prevention Presentation

Our church’s Foundation invites you to a seminar on Elder Fraud here at the church.  It’s been arranged for a representative from the Arizona Attorney General’s office to present on this important topic at 10:00am November 1st.  We will be taking reservations due to space limitations. Please contact the church office at (602) 263-5013 to RSVP. You won’t want to miss this event!

________________________________________________________________________

New Christmas Decorations Donation Link

As many of you heard on Sunday, our church is raising money for new Christmas decorations for the sanctuary. If you are interested in donating, you can do so using this donation link https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2EJ/campaign/C-15ZY4 or however you’d typically donate to the church. (Just make sure you indicate the donation is for the Christmas decorations if using other means). Thank you for your generosity in supporting this project, and we can’t wait to see what the sanctuary looks like with the beautiful new decor.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be November 2. We look forward to seeing you!

Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)

Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

The next meeting is scheduled for October 28th. The book for September is James by Percival Everett.

Visit our website https://FirstChurch.church and click on the “Give” button at the top of the home page, or scan the QR code at the bottom of this message with your mobile device for a quick and easy link to the giving page. You can set up a recurring frequency or give when you want to by making a one-time gift using your checking or savings bank account.

You may also give electronically using your bank’s bill pay service.

Another way to give electronically is Text-to-Give with your debit or credit card.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

This week instead of the regular Pastor David’s corner article, we wanted to highlight those that have stepped in to support the music ministry recently. Please see the below from Christine Khyn and Katy Fielder respectively:

“It has been a joy to step into ministry at First Church this Fall as Joshua is on  sabbatical. When Ron retired the end of August, my role as substitute Music Director for the 9:00 Sunday service was expanded to include interim organist for the 11:00 service. I have been involved with music ministry since my teen years and have always had a passion to use music to help the Body of Christ hear the heart of God and respond. This passion led me to earn a degree in organ and piano performance from Cal State East Bay, and then to serve alongside my husband (Peter) who recently retired from a career as a worship pastor, serving in churches throughout Oregon, Washington, California, Colorado, and Arizona. My work has led me through many experiences, including teaching music privately, in the public school systems, and in the church. I have directed and taught choirs from ages 4 through senior adults. Currently, I am the collaborative pianist for the vocal department at Glendale Community College, accompanying the choirs as well as several music classes and vocal student soloists. I also am the principle accompanist for the West Valley Chorale. Adding this work at First Church has filled out my rich schedule, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve here. Together may we listen for God and be moved to respond.”

-Christine Khyn

“As Joshua, our beloved Minister of Music, enjoys his well-deserved sabbatical, I’ve had the privilege of helping out during his absence. It is a joyful and meaningful experience for me and has been a genuine team effort. So many people are stepping up to ensure our church’s music ministry continues to thrive.

I am happy to help because I believe that when we put good out into the world, it finds its way back to bless us and others – often in ways we can’t even imagine. There is something uniquely rewarding about serving others, especially when we are united by a shared purpose. Coming together to support Joshua not only strengthens our community but reminds us of the good that comes from generosity and cooperation.

It’s inspiring to work alongside such dedicated individuals to provide this time and space for Joshua. He can focus on his professional and personal growth, uninterrupted, and that is a gift we can all feel proud of giving. At the same time, his absence makes me appreciate even more the abundance of work he does behind the scenes. The powerhouse music department we enjoy each week is a testament to his vision, dedication, and leadership.

We miss Joshua dearly, but I know our collective efforts will be rewarded when he returns with renewed energy, creativity, and a host of fun new ideas. I am grateful to be part of this supportive and loving church family, and I look forward to seeing how our ministry together will continue to flourish.”

– Katy Fielder

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Jazzlyn Jacque. Jazzlyn is a 17 year old, that had a very difficult time after the birth of her baby. This is a request from Jan Christensen. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Selena Alderman, Carolyn Allen, Bill Carpenter, Ruth Clark, Mary Anne Cooper, Laura DeNinno, Yvonne Fischer, Barbara Harvey, Judith Humbert.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Shepherd of the Hills UMC – Sun City West

Shepherd of the Hills UMC- Phoenix

Spirit of Hope UMC – Peoria

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Jim and Jan Hyde 9/2

Bob and Connie Bailes 9/9

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Karen Gajer 9/23

Jean Rupley 9/23

Margaret Scargall 9/23

Barbara K. Johnson 9/24

Jean Oliver 9/25

Stephanie Grainer 9/27

Don Hillegass 10/1

Jim McCoy 10/1

Janet Nelson 10/5

Mary Price 10/5

John Beaver 10/6

John Reinhold 10/8

Maurie Halle 10/10

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Who’s Who?

Welcome to “Who’s Who?” – a temporary reoccurring column where we’ll interview our staff and church leaders so you can get to know them a little better and connect on a deeper level.

This week’s spotlight is Jessica Morris, our Director of Next Generation Ministries!

Church Questions

WeekDay School Updates from Beckie:

Upcoming Blood Drive

Ordering Christmas Greens

Fall Festival

You’re invited to our church’s fall festival October 26th at 4:30pm. It’ll be a fun time filled with games, food, candy, and even bounce houses and dunk tanks! This is a wonderful outreach opportunity for our church, so please invite your friends and neighbors!

________________________________________________________________________

Trunk or Treat is Almost Here — We Need YOUR Help!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 26! Starting Monday, October 6, you can drop off candy at the front office during the week or bring it on Sundays to the candy donation buckets in the narthex.

We also need volunteers to help run games, supervise bounce houses, and staff the dunk tank (if you’d like to be dunked, see Jessica!). To volunteer, please contact Jessica or Julie, or use the sign-up link on the Church Center app.

Note: We are no longer using SignUpGenius. If you need help accessing Church Center, see Jessica!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Foundation – Did You Know (Final Part)

Mr. J: Wow this has been a very helpful discussion about the First Methodist Foundation history, organization, purpose, and function.

Ms. A: I hope this dialogue has proven helpful in understanding the foundation. Though the foundation has a long and strong tradition, it has only endured with the care of numerous board members, each bringing to the table a variety of abilities and strengths. Given our diversity, we all have a common interest in supporting our purpose of acquiring, holding, managing, and expending our reserves for the benefit of First United Methodist Church.

Mr. J: And during our discussion, I learned that the Foundation provides an excellent method of securing my legacy in our community. You helped me begin to understand how I want to be remembered. I can make current financial gifts to the foundation, I can establish a gift to the foundation in my trust or will, or I can purchase a lifetime annuity that names the foundation as the ultimate beneficiary.

Ms. A: I should add that the strength of the foundation is significantly enhanced by the thoughtful and loving generosity of those who have given, whether during their lifetime of through their trust. Without their foresight, we could not provide the church and community support as we do today.

Mr. J: Okay, tell me again, how do I make a connection to the foundation? *

*If you are wondering the same thing that Mr. J is wondering in this story, please consider talking with your estate planning professional. There are brochures in the church office with more information about First Church’s Foundation, and as always, our foundation board members are always happy to answer any questions you might have.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Elder Fraud Prevention Presentation

Our church’s Foundation invites you to a seminar on Elder Fraud here at the church.  It’s been arranged for a representative from the Arizona Attorney General’s office to present on this important topic at 10:00am November 1st.  We will be taking reservations due to space limitations. Please contact the church office at (602) 263-5013 to RSVP. You won’t want to miss this event!

________________________________________________________________________

New Christmas Decorations Donation Link

As many of you heard on Sunday, our church is raising money for new Christmas decorations for the sanctuary. If you are interested in donating, you can do so using this donation link https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2EJ/campaign/C-15ZY4 or however you’d typically donate to the church. (Just make sure you indicate the donation is for the Christmas decorations if using other means). Thank you for your generosity in supporting this project, and we can’t wait to see what the sanctuary looks like with the beautiful new decor.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be November 2. We look forward to seeing you!

Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)

Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

The next meeting is scheduled for October 28th. The book for September is James by Percival Everett.

Visit our website https://FirstChurch.church and click on the “Give” button at the top of the home page, or scan the QR code at the bottom of this message with your mobile device for a quick and easy link to the giving page. You can set up a recurring frequency or give when you want to by making a one-time gift using your checking or savings bank account.

You may also give electronically using your bank’s bill pay service.

Another way to give electronically is Text-to-Give with your debit or credit card.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

“On Tuesday this week, the Foundation Board, with support from the Congregational Care Committee and Church Staff, hosted a luncheon at the Beatitudes for many of our church members who reside there.  It was wonderful to see so many of our church friends in person!  The event was emceed by John Holmes, and Pastor David led us in prayer before the meal.  There were brief presentations on the work of the Foundation, the work of the Congregational Care Committee, and what’s going on at church.  We celebrated Communion together, and Pastor David closed the event with another prayer.  Several in attendance said how much they appreciated the love and caring support of their church and suggested we could perhaps do this kind of thing again!”

More photos are able to be viewed on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17SRiwkhuE/ (This link should work even if you do not have a Facebook account).

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

     A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Pam Pugh. Pam is the daughter of a cousin of Susan Sneathen. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Judy Humbert, Barbara K. Johnson, Vickie Johnson, Ronda Klein, Betty Luallin, Terry Lutz, Ray McFarland, Marge Needham, Gerry Oliver, Jean Oliver.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Shepherd of the Hills UMC – Sun City West

Shepherd of the Hills UMC- Phoenix

Spirit of Hope UMC – Peoria

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Jim and Jan Hyde 9/2

Bob and Connie Bailes 9/9

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Karen Gajer 9/23

Jean Rupley 9/23

Margaret Scargall 9/23

Barbara K. Johnson 9/24

Jean Oliver 9/25

Stephanie Grainer 9/27

Don Hillegass 10/1

Jim McCoy 10/1

Janet Nelson 10/5

Mary Price 10/5

John Beaver 10/6

John Reinhold 10/8

Maurie Halle 10/10

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Just So You Know- No New Good News Edition Next Week

This is just a quick head’s up that next Friday there will not be a new edition of The Good News. I (Sammi) am going to be on vacation. This is my first vacation since I started working here a little over a year ago and I am very excited about it, (I’m getting to reunite with all my friends from back home that I grew up with) but that means that I will be away from my work computer. I tried to make sure that this episode of The Good News is extra comprehensive and has everything you’ll need to know for the next couple weeks and more. As always if you have questions about anything, though, please ask the church office! They’re always happy to talk to you.

See you all when I get back!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Who’s Who?

Welcome to “Who’s Who?” – a temporary reoccurring column where we’ll interview our staff and church leaders so you can get to know them a little better and connect on a deeper level.

This week’s spotlight is Sammi Burkhart, our Director of Marketing, Outreach, and Communications!

Church Questions

WeekDay School Updates from Beckie:

Upcoming Blood Drive

Ordering Christmas Greens

Fall Festival

You’re invited to our church’s fall festival October 26th at 4:30pm. It’ll be a fun time filled with games, food, candy, and even bounce houses and dunk tanks! This is a wonderful outreach opportunity for our church, so please invite your friends and neighbors!

________________________________________________________________________

Trunk or Treat is Almost Here — We Need YOUR Help!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 26! Starting Monday, October 6, you can drop off candy at the front office during the week or bring it on Sundays to the candy donation buckets in the narthex.

We also need volunteers to help run games, supervise bounce houses, and staff the dunk tank (if you’d like to be dunked, see Jessica!). To volunteer, please contact Jessica or Julie, or use the sign-up link on the Church Center app.

Note: We are no longer using SignUpGenius. If you need help accessing Church Center, see Jessica!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Foundation – Did You Know (Final Part)

Mr. J: Wow this has been a very helpful discussion about the First Methodist Foundation history, organization, purpose, and function.

Ms. A: I hope this dialogue has proven helpful in understanding the foundation. Though the foundation has a long and strong tradition, it has only endured with the care of numerous board members, each bringing to the table a variety of abilities and strengths. Given our diversity, we all have a common interest in supporting our purpose of acquiring, holding, managing, and expending our reserves for the benefit of First United Methodist Church.

Mr. J: And during our discussion, I learned that the Foundation provides an excellent method of securing my legacy in our community. You helped me begin to understand how I want to be remembered. I can make current financial gifts to the foundation, I can establish a gift to the foundation in my trust or will, or I can purchase a lifetime annuity that names the foundation as the ultimate beneficiary.

Ms. A: I should add that the strength of the foundation is significantly enhanced by the thoughtful and loving generosity of those who have given, whether during their lifetime of through their trust. Without their foresight, we could not provide the church and community support as we do today.

Mr. J: Okay, tell me again, how do I make a connection to the foundation? *

*If you are wondering the same thing that Mr. J is wondering in this story, please consider talking with your estate planning professional. There are brochures in the church office with more information about First Church’s Foundation, and as always, our foundation board members are always happy to answer any questions you might have.

________________________________________________________________________

Sammi’s Corner

(Heehee sorry about the heading name; I couldn’t resist.) Anyways, Pastor David asked me to share my social media strategy with all of you. How we use different platforms, which tools are features are helpful and which are outdated, and how people can better support our accounts. I was initially going to write it here, but it ended up being basically a mini essay and I don’t wanna make everyone scroll through that to get to the rest of the news if they’re not interested. If you’d like to read it, please click here.

And, of course, feel free to follow us on our social media if you’re not doing so already:

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok 

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Spiritual Gifts Assessment

Are you interested in helping serve at our church but don’t know what to do? Or maybe you’ve always dreamed of doing big things for God but never knew where to start? The United Methodist denomination is offering a free spiritual gifts assessment resource that can help you determine what your strengths are and how you can use them to serve God. Click here to take the quiz: https://www.umc.org/en/content/exploring-your-spiritual-gifts.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Elder Fraud Prevention Presentation

Our church’s Foundation invites you to a seminar on Elder Fraud here at the church.  It’s been arranged for a representative from the Arizona Attorney General’s office to present on this important topic at 10:00am November 1st.  We will be taking reservations due to space limitations. Please contact the church office at (602) 263-5013 to RSVP. You won’t want to miss this event!

________________________________________________________________________

New Hearing System Update

Survey Results Are In

Blood Drive Results

________________________________________________________________________

New Christmas Decorations Donation Link

As many of you heard on Sunday, our church is raising money for new Christmas decorations for the sanctuary. If you are interested in donating, you can do so using this donation link https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2EJ/campaign/C-15ZY4 or however you’d typically donate to the church. (Just make sure you indicate the donation is for the Christmas decorations if using other means). Thank you for your generosity in supporting this project, and we can’t wait to see what the sanctuary looks like with the beautiful new decor.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be October 5. We look forward to seeing you!

Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)

Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in room 116. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

The next meeting is scheduled for September 23rd. The book for September is Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX
A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Pam Towne. Pam is a friend of Robin Spencer. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort

DEATHS

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Elizabeth Vick, Bob Young, Selena Alderman, Carolyn Allen, Bill Carpenter, Ruth Clark, Mary A. Cooper, Laura DeNinno, Yvonne Fischer, Barbara Harvey.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Trinity UMC – Phoenix

Trinity UMC – Yuma

Sedona UMC- Sedona

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Jim and Jan Hyde 9/2

Bob and Connie Bailes 9/9

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Karen Gajer 9/23

Jean Rupley 9/23

Margaret Scargall 9/23

Barbara K. Johnson 9/24

Jean Oliver 9/25

Stephanie Grainer 9/27

Don Hillegass 10/1

Jim McCoy 10/1

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Who’s Who?

Welcome to “Who’s Who?” – a temporary reoccurring column where we’ll interview our staff and church leaders so you can get to know them a little better and connect on a deeper level.

This week’s spotlight is David Rennick, our pastor!

Church Questions

Fall Festival

You’re invited to our church’s fall festival October 26th at 4:30pm. It’ll be a fun time filled with games, food, candy, and even bounce houses and dunk tanks! This is a wonderful outreach opportunity for our church, so please invite your friends and neighbors!

________________________________________________________________________

Trunk or Treat is Almost Here — We Need YOU!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 26! Starting Monday, October 6, you can drop off candy at the front office during the week or bring it on Sundays to the candy donation buckets in the narthex.

We also need volunteers to help run games, supervise bounce houses, and staff the dunk tank (if you’d like to be dunked, see Jessica!). To volunteer, please contact Jessica or Julie, or use the sign-up link on the Church Center app.

Note: We are no longer using SignUpGenius. If you need help accessing Church Center, see Jessica!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Foundation – Did You Know (Final Part)

Mr. J: Wow this has been a very helpful discussion about the First Methodist Foundation history, organization, purpose, and function.

Ms. A: I hope this dialogue has proven helpful in understanding the foundation. Though the foundation has a long and strong tradition, it has only endured with the care of numerous board members, each bringing to the table a variety of abilities and strengths. Given our diversity, we all have a common interest in supporting our purpose of acquiring, holding, managing, and expending our reserves for the benefit of First United Methodist Church.

Mr. J: And during our discussion, I learned that the Foundation provides an excellent method of securing my legacy in our community. You helped me begin to understand how I want to be remembered. I can make current financial gifts to the foundation, I can establish a gift to the foundation in my trust or will, or I can purchase a lifetime annuity that names the foundation as the ultimate beneficiary.

Ms. A: I should add that the strength of the foundation is significantly enhanced by the thoughtful and loving generosity of those who have given, whether during their lifetime of through their trust. Without their foresight, we could not provide the church and community support as we do today.

Mr. J: Okay, tell me again, how do I make a connection to the foundation? *

*If you are wondering the same thing that Mr. J is wondering in this story, please consider talking with your estate planning professional. There are brochures in the church office with more information about First Church’s Foundation, and as always, our foundation board members are always happy to answer any questions you might have.

________________________________________________________________________

Sammi’s Corner

(Heehee sorry about the heading name; I couldn’t resist.) Anyways, Pastor David asked me to share my social media strategy with all of you. How we use different platforms, which tools are features are helpful and which are outdated, and how people can better support our accounts. I was initially going to write it here, but it ended up being basically a mini essay and I don’t wanna make everyone scroll through that to get to the rest of the news if they’re not interested. If you’d like to read it, please click here.

And, of course, feel free to follow us on our social media if you’re not doing so already:

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok 

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Spiritual Gifts Assessment

Are you interested in helping serve at our church but don’t know what to do? Or maybe you’ve always dreamed of doing big things for God but never knew where to start? The United Methodist denomination is offering a free spiritual gifts assessment resource that can help you determine what your strengths are and how you can use them to serve God. Click here to take the quiz: https://www.umc.org/en/content/exploring-your-spiritual-gifts.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Elder Fraud Prevention Presentation

Our church’s Foundation invites you to a seminar on Elder Fraud here at the church.  It’s been arranged for a representative from the Arizona Attorney General’s office to present on this important topic at 10:00am November 1st.  We will be taking reservations due to space limitations. Please contact the church office at (602) 263-5013 to RSVP. You won’t want to miss this event!

________________________________________________________________________

New Hearing System Update

Survey Results Are In

Blood Drive Results

________________________________________________________________________

New Christmas Decorations Donation Link

As many of you heard on Sunday, our church is raising money for new Christmas decorations for the sanctuary. If you are interested in donating, you can do so using this donation link https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2EJ/campaign/C-15ZY4 or however you’d typically donate to the church. (Just make sure you indicate the donation is for the Christmas decorations if using other means). Thank you for your generosity in supporting this project, and we can’t wait to see what the sanctuary looks like with the beautiful new decor.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be October 5. We look forward to seeing you!

Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)

Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in room 116. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

The next meeting is scheduled for September 23rd. The book for September is Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX
A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Eva Crocker. Eva is a friend of Mary Alice Brown. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Gerry Oliver, Jean Oliver, Bonnie Rheaume, Mary Lou Salyer, Susan Secrest, Buzz and Liv Stevens, Loraine Stewart, Brenda and Jim Unsworth.

OTHER

We request prayers for Sally Hineman, who has been recently hospitalized.

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Trinity UMC – Phoenix

Trinity UMC – Yuma

Sedona UMC- Sedona

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Jim and Jan Hyde 9/2

Bob and Connie Bailes 9/9

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Charles Raines 9/15

Joanne Lynch 9/16

Peggy Wright 9/17

Karen Gajer 9/23

Jean Rupley 9/23

Margaret Scargall 9/23

Barbara K. Johnson 9/24

Jean Oliver 9/25

Stephanie Grainer 9/27

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Who’s Who?

Welcome to “Who’s Who?” – a temporary reoccurring column where we’ll interview our staff and church leaders so you can get to know them a little better and connect on a deeper level.

This week’s spotlight is Cathy, our Church Office Manager!

Church Questions

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Foundation – Did You Know (Final Part)

Mr. J: Wow this has been a very helpful discussion about the First Methodist Foundation history, organization, purpose, and function.

Ms. A: I hope this dialogue has proven helpful in understanding the foundation. Though the foundation has a long and strong tradition, it has only endured with the care of numerous board members, each bringing to the table a variety of abilities and strengths. Given our diversity, we all have a common interest in supporting our purpose of acquiring, holding, managing, and expending our reserves for the benefit of First United Methodist Church.

Mr. J: And during our discussion, I learned that the Foundation provides an excellent method of securing my legacy in our community. You helped me begin to understand how I want to be remembered. I can make current financial gifts to the foundation, I can establish a gift to the foundation in my trust or will, or I can purchase a lifetime annuity that names the foundation as the ultimate beneficiary.

Ms. A: I should add that the strength of the foundation is significantly enhanced by the thoughtful and loving generosity of those who have given, whether during their lifetime of through their trust. Without their foresight, we could not provide the church and community support as we do today.

Mr. J: Okay, tell me again, how do I make a connection to the foundation? *

*If you are wondering the same thing that Mr. J is wondering in this story, please consider talking with your estate planning professional. There are brochures in the church office with more information about First Church’s Foundation, and as always, our foundation board members are always happy to answer any questions you might have.

________________________________________________________________________

Sammi’s Corner

(Heehee sorry about the heading name; I couldn’t resist.) Anyways, Pastor David asked me to share my social media strategy with all of you. How we use different platforms, which tools are features are helpful and which are outdated, and how people can better support our accounts. I was initially going to write it here, but it ended up being basically a mini essay and I don’t wanna make everyone scroll through that to get to the rest of the news if they’re not interested. If you’d like to read it, please click here.

And, of course, feel free to follow us on our social media if you’re not doing so already:

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok 

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Spiritual Gifts Assessment

Are you interested in helping serve at our church but don’t know what to do? Or maybe you’ve always dreamed of doing big things for God but never knew where to start? The United Methodist denomination is offering a free spiritual gifts assessment resource that can help you determine what your strengths are and how you can use them to serve God. Click here to take the quiz: https://www.umc.org/en/content/exploring-your-spiritual-gifts.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Elder Fraud Prevention Presentation

Our church’s Foundation invites you to a seminar on Elder Fraud here at the church.  It’s been arranged for a representative from the Arizona Attorney General’s office to present on this important topic at 10:00am November 1st.  We will be taking reservations due to space limitations. Please contact the church office at (602) 263-5013 to RSVP. You won’t want to miss this event!

________________________________________________________________________

New Hearing System Update

Blood Drive Results

________________________________________________________________________

New Christmas Decorations Donation Link

As many of you heard on Sunday, our church is raising money for new Christmas decorations for the sanctuary. If you are interested in donating, you can do so using this donation link https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2EJ/campaign/C-15ZY4 or however you’d typically donate to the church. (Just make sure you indicate the donation is for the Christmas decorations if using other means). Thank you for your generosity in supporting this project, and we can’t wait to see what the sanctuary looks like with the beautiful new decor.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be October 5. We look forward to seeing you!

Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)

Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in room 116. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

The next meeting is scheduled for September 23rd. The book for September is Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

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Pastor David’s Corner

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX
A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Heidi Lewis. Heidi is the daughter Susan Sneathen’s friend. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Yvonne Fischer, Barbara Harvey, Judith Humbert, Barbara K. Johnson, Vickie Johnson, Ronda Klein, Betty Luallin, Terry Lutz, Ray McFarland, and Marge Needham.

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Trinity UMC – Phoenix

Trinity UMC – Yuma

Sedona UMC- Sedona

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)

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Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Jim and Jan Hyde 9/2

Bob and Connie Bailes 9/9

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Steve Haehl 9/7

Loretta Jones 9/9

Mike Fox 9/12

Susan Greene 9/12

Charles Raines 9/15

Joanne Lynch 9/16

Peggy Wright 9/17

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Who’s Who?

Welcome to “Who’s Who?” – a temporary reoccurring column where we’ll interview our staff and church leaders so you can get to know them a little better and connect on a deeper level.

This week’s spotlight is Patricia Magyar, our Congregational Care Coordinator!

Church Questions

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Weekday School Fundraiser

Do you like pizza? Do you like supporting our church’s Weekday School? Well, you’re in luck, because our Weekday School has a fundraiser coming up at Mod Pizza (7th Ave and Osborne location) on September 16th. Mention to your waiter that you are there for the fundraiser, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Weekday School (and you get some yummy pizza). It’s a win – win!

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First Church Foundation – Did You Know (Final Part)

Mr. J: Wow this has been a very helpful discussion about the First Methodist Foundation history, organization, purpose, and function.

Ms. A: I hope this dialogue has proven helpful in understanding the foundation. Though the foundation has a long and strong tradition, it has only endured with the care of numerous board members, each bringing to the table a variety of abilities and strengths. Given our diversity, we all have a common interest in supporting our purpose of acquiring, holding, managing, and expending our reserves for the benefit of First United Methodist Church.

Mr. J: And during our discussion, I learned that the Foundation provides an excellent method of securing my legacy in our community. You helped me begin to understand how I want to be remembered. I can make current financial gifts to the foundation, I can establish a gift to the foundation in my trust or will, or I can purchase a lifetime annuity that names the foundation as the ultimate beneficiary.

Ms. A: I should add that the strength of the foundation is significantly enhanced by the thoughtful and loving generosity of those who have given, whether during their lifetime of through their trust. Without their foresight, we could not provide the church and community support as we do today.

Mr. J: Okay, tell me again, how do I make a connection to the foundation? *

*If you are wondering the same thing that Mr. J is wondering in this story, please consider talking with your estate planning professional. There are brochures in the church office with more information about First Church’s Foundation, and as always, our foundation board members are always happy to answer any questions you might have.

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Sammi’s Corner

(Heehee sorry about the heading name; I couldn’t resist.) Anyways, Pastor David asked me to share my social media strategy with all of you. How we use different platforms, which tools are features are helpful and which are outdated, and how people can better support our accounts. I was initially going to write it here, but it ended up being basically a mini essay and I don’t wanna make everyone scroll through that to get to the rest of the news if they’re not interested. If you’d like to read it, please click here.

And, of course, feel free to follow us on our social media if you’re not doing so already:

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok 

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Spiritual Gifts Assessment

Are you interested in helping serve at our church but don’t know what to do? Or maybe you’ve always dreamed of doing big things for God but never knew where to start? The United Methodist denomination is offering a free spiritual gifts assessment resource that can help you determine what your strengths are and how you can use them to serve God. Click here to take the quiz: https://www.umc.org/en/content/exploring-your-spiritual-gifts.

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Elder Fraud Prevention Presentation

Our church’s Foundation invites you to a seminar on Elder Fraud here at the church.  It’s been arranged for a representative from the Arizona Attorney General’s office to present on this important topic at 10:00am November 1st.  We will be taking reservations due to space limitations. Please contact the church office at (602) 263-5013 to RSVP. You won’t want to miss this event!

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New Hearing System Update

Blood Drive Results

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New Christmas Decorations Donation Link

As many of you heard on Sunday, our church is raising money for new Christmas decorations for the sanctuary. If you are interested in donating, you can do so using this donation link https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2EJ/campaign/C-15ZY4 or however you’d typically donate to the church. (Just make sure you indicate the donation is for the Christmas decorations if using other means). Thank you for your generosity in supporting this project, and we can’t wait to see what the sanctuary looks like with the beautiful new decor.

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First Church Business Directory Updates

Business Directory July 2025

Here is an updated first church business directory.

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Giving Report

Here is an updated giving report from Carrick Sears. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

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Sunday Social Hour

Please join us for our First Sunday Social Hour Gathering every first Sunday of the month between services at 10 a.m. in Wesley Lounge. The next one will be October 5. We look forward to seeing you!

Axios Unaltered (LGBTQ+ Small Group)

Axios Unaltered is our resident queer small group that meets every week here at the church for a time of discussion, Bible study, and prayer, as well as service projects to support the community. If you are LGBTQ+, please join us on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. to connect with other like-minded individuals and grow in your faith. Contact Sammi Burkhart, visit axiosunaltered.com, or search @axiosunaltered on social media for more information.

Community Yoga Classes

First Church offers two weekly yoga classes to our community. Classes meet Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The cost is $12 per class or four classes for $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.

Afternoon Book Group

The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in room 116. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.

The next meeting is scheduled for September 23rd. The book for September is Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson.

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 or credit 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.

Worship Online with Us

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Pastor David’s Corner

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX
A prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Pam Pugh. Pam is the daughter of Susan Sneathen’s cousin. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

DEATHS

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Brenda and Jim Unsworth, Elizabeth Vick, Bob Young, Selena Adlerman, Carolyn Allen, Bill Carpenter, Ruth Clark, Mary Anne Cooper, Laura DeNinno.

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

Trinity UMC – Phoenix

Trinity UMC – Yuma

Sedona UMC- Sedona

(Got a prayer request? Need someone to pray with? Need support? Our congregational care team is here for you! Please contact the church office to have them forward your request to the congregational care team, fill out the form on our website https://firstchurch.church/prayer-requests/, or reach out to the congregational care team directly by emailing deby@firstchurch.church.)

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Congregational Celebrations and Praises 

(Please join us in praising God for these celebrations!)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)

Jim and Jan Hyde 9/2

Bob and Connie Bailes 9/9

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Jerry Eddy 8/17

Betty Luallin 8/17

Dora Angle 8/19

Vickie Beaver 8/24

Ken Hagin 8/29

Kathy Jackson 8/31

Delora Cornelius 9/4

Julie Fernstrum 9/4

Steve Haehl 9/7

Loretta Jones 9/9

Mike Fox 9/12

Susan Greene 9/12

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Who’s Who?

Welcome to “Who’s Who?” – a temporary reoccurring column where we’ll interview our staff and church leaders so you can get to know them a little better and connect on a deeper level.

This week’s spotlight is Collen McManus, our Foundation Board Director!

Church Questions