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

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.)

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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)

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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Van Drivers Needed

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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.

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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 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.