News
August 19, 2022

FIRST CHURCH THE GOOD NEWS
Our new online publication of The Good News not only is more current and immediately accessible, but allows us to be better stewards of our natural resources, human hours of preparation and production, and financial cost of printing and mailing.
Since we want to provide current and immediately accessible news, our News page will be updated regularly, instead of using the previous “monthly edition” paper mailed model. If you have news you’d like included, please contact the church office.
Please enjoy our new version of The Good News and watch for new and exciting things that will be coming soon!
Scroll through this page to see what is happening at First Church.
Volunteers Needed for Tutoring Program

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

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

Pastor David will be our guest August 28 for a meet and greet. Get to know him by asking just about any question under the sun.
Sunday evening schedule for youth includes:
- Youth Choir at 4:30 p.m.
- Youth Dinner at 5:30 p.m. (by the way, dinner is on Pastor David)
- Jr./Sr. High Program at 6 p.m., or until Pastor David gets stumped.
Jose, Rachel, and Aaron look forward to greeting you in Asbury Hall. We hope to see you all there!
Afternoon Book Group

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

We need volunteers! Please consider volunteering in one of the following ways:
- Hosts are the friendly face of welcome. Hosts guide and assist visitors and guests and help everyone feel they belong. If you would like to serve as a host, please contact Cathy in the church office.
- Liturgists are the voice of worship. Liturgists invite us into celebration and bring the word of God to the people of God. If you would like to serve as a liturgist, please contact Karen Champagne.
- Pew Pocket Crew makes sure our pews are neatly stocked with “I’m Here” cards, Blue Prayer Cards and other important information. If you would like to serve on the Pew Pocket Crew, please contact Cathy in the church office.
- Front Office help is needed for Sunday mornings for both services. You will be able to listen to the worship service. You might greet people walking through, answer phones, take messages, direct office traffic, receive offerings and donations of all sorts, make copies for the different classes that meet that morning. If you would like to volunteer in the office, please contact Cathy in the church office.
Thank you for stepping up to help your church community!
Top 10 Reasons to Sing with the Chancel Choir

10. You don’t have to dress up on Sunday morning – the robe hides a lot!
9. Singing is good for your body – it reduces stress and helps you live a longer, happier life.
8. You have a guaranteed seat for Handel’s Messiah on Sunday, December 11!
7. Singing is good for your brain – it improves memory and overall brain function.
6. The ushers never pass the collection plate through the choir loft.
5. Singing is good for your spirit – it can lift you above your daily problems and concerns.
4. You have an iron-clad excuse to get away from your crabby spouse – at least twice a week.
3. You get to hang out with the coolest members of the congregation.
2. It’s exactly like singing in the shower, except you’re wearing clothes and people are actually listening.
1. The Bible commands it! – Sing praises to God, sing praises; Sing praises to our King, sing praises! – Psalm 47:6
The Chancel Choir sings during the 11 a.m. traditional worship service. We rehearse each Wednesday night from 7 to 9 p.m. This is a non-auditioned choir that welcomes anyone who loves to sing. Rehearsals begin Wednesday, August 24 at 7 p.m.
For more information, contact Joshua Elder.
Do You Need a Ride?

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

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

PRAYER QUILTS IN THE NARTHEX
A prayer quilt displayed in the Narthex this morning is for Rex Ingham. Rex is a friend of Diane Raden. We invite you to stop, tie a knot and pray for healing, grace and comfort.
PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Ronda Klein, Ginny McLeod, Shirley Myer, Brenda North, Gerry Oliver, Jean Oliver, Annetta Pike, Joyce Quisenberry, Donald Randall, Dorothy Randall
MEMORIAL SERVICE
A memorial service is being held TODAY at 3 p.m., for Don Reasor who passed on June 28, 2022 and Leota Reasor who passed in February 19, 2019.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (Celebrating 50 or more years of marriage)
William (Bill) and Betsy Heuermann, 8/23
SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80 or more birthdays)
Donna Reining, 8/25
Mary Alice Moor, 8/27
PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES
New Song UMC, Surprise; Prescott UMC; Prescott Valley UMC