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

Worship Online

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

The Crismon Tree in our Narthex

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

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

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

Sandy and Don Hillegass
Karen and Larron Horton

Thank You from Pastor Denny Silk

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

Pastor Denny Silk

Boy Scout Troop #41 Christmas Trees

January Sermon Series – Letting Go

Sermon Series – LETTING GO, January 2023

January 1 – Online Worship Service
“Beginnings”

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

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

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

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

Christmas at First Church

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

Join us for these special events

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

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

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

United Women of Faith Christmas Dinner

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

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

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

Electronic Giving

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

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

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

1. Enter (888) 303-7535 in your cell phone text messaging program and a dollar amount without including a “$” sign as the message (example: type 20 to give twenty dollars).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit card information.
3. After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
4. For future giving, simply send a text message with the amount you wish to give. That’s it!

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

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

SKILLED NURSING
Lynn R Wurth

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

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

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