News
June 12, 2026
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
Goodbyes are rarely easy.
Whether it is leaving a home, a school, a job, or a church family, farewells stir something deep within us. We look back with gratitude, forward with uncertainty, and inward with a mixture of joy and sadness.
This week, we say goodbye.
As I reflect on the past four years, my heart is filled with gratitude for the many moments of goodness and grace we have shared together. One of the moments I cherish most was helping shape the mission of First Church. Early in my time here, a group of staff and church leaders gathered through our work with Barna to discern who God was calling us to be. Out of that process came a statement that has continued to guide and inspire us:
First Church is a community of faith where ANYONE can experience the goodness and grace of God.
Those words have been more than a mission statement—they have become an expression of our identity and our hope for the future.
As we exchange our goodbyes and words of thanks, I find myself thinking they sound more like, “See you soon.” I am deeply grateful for the privilege of serving as your pastor and excited for the faithful ministry that lies ahead for you and for Pastor Mike. God’s goodness and grace continue to abound.
Thank you for your many expressions of love, encouragement, and support. Of all the gifts we have shared, the greatest has been the gift of friendship and a shared journey of faith.
This Sunday, June 14, will be my final Sunday with you as your pastor. It is a bittersweet moment, but also one filled with hope for all that God has prepared for each of us. The Rennick family will remain in our home, and Alex will continue attending school in the Madison District. We have put down roots here, and because of you, this community has become a place where our family has grown and flourished.
I leave with a grateful heart and with every confidence in God’s future for First Church. May you continue to be a place where anyone can experience the goodness and grace of God.
So rather than saying goodbye, I’ll simply say:
See you soon.
God is good. All the time.
It has been a joy to share this journey with you.
Grace and peace,
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 Sam Ebrahim. Sam is the brother-in-law of Patricia Rodriguez. 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, Susan Secrest, Jim Unsworth, Elizabeth Vick, Selena Alderman, Carolyn Allen, June Becker.
OTHER
Please pray for these members of our church family: Jim Hyde, Ron Wilson, Tom Rice, Steve Haehl, and Doug Dunipace.
PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES
Haven UMC- Jerome
Lakeview UMC- Sun City
Liberty UMC- 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.)
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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)
John and Peggy Ward 6/2
Noel and Inese Markman 6/3
Mike and Sandy Fox 6/15
Stan and Jill Brown 6/16
SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)
Janet Ambrose 5/30
Jill Huddleston 6/2
Judith Wilson 6/8
Diane Howard 6/9
Sarg Magyar 6/11
Phyllis Chase 6/13
Dennis Domer 6/15
Carolyn Allen 6/17
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Thank You, Beckie Humphrey!
With deep gratitude, we announce that Beckie Humphrey will retire on July 10 from her role as Director of the Weekday School, following thirty years of dedicated service. We give thanks for her faithful leadership and the lasting impact she has made in the lives of students and their families. Expressions of appreciation and gratitude may be sent to the church office.
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An Interview with Our Weekday School’s New Director- Our Own Natasha Hawkins!
Q: Hi, Natasha! I’m sure many people in the church are already familiar with your work, but for those who aren’t, can you tell us what you are currently doing at the Weekday School?
A: I have been the Assistant Director of Weekday School for the last 17 years. I assist Beckie in all areas of school operation while also working closely with the staff to support them in any way needed.
Q: And can you tell us how your role will change as Beckie Humphrey retires?
A: The biggest change is becoming the decision maker for our school. Monica and I will collaborate on how to best support our team and community, but I will oversee our licensing readiness and ensure our campus is up to the standard our families expect and our students deserve.
Q: What has been your favorite memory you’ve had at the school in your current role?
A: I have so many in the over 30 years I have been here. As challenging as the pandemic was, a memory that stands out is finding a way to be here for the families that needed us. After their children had been away from school for weeks, I was worried we’d see lots of tears on our first day back. Instead, we were met with children running to the playground and so excited to be back at their school. That time taught us so much. We had to get creative in how we operated, but seeing those excited children validated everything we do at Weekday.
Q: And what are you most looking forward to in this new chapter for you and for the Weekday School?
A: I am most looking forward to keeping up the legacy Weekday has created in the last 64 years. I am excited to lead and work alongside our incredible group of teachers and assistants. I am here to support them in any way I can as we all work together to maintain our vision for Weekday School.
Q: We’re so excited for you! Are there any ways that the members of our church can pray for or support the Weekday School during this time of transition?
A: Thank you! 😊 We would love prayers for safety and good health on and off of our campus, for wisdom in taking care of our little friends, for continued success and growth, and for a smooth transition for all of us.
Q: Great! Anything else you’d like to share?
A: Some fun facts about Weekday School 😊
- Weekday School was established in 1962 and has only had 6 directors before me.
- Our licensing number is #0032, the 32nd Childcare/Preschool established in the state. Out of the first 32 schools, only two are still operating.
- There were only 3 classrooms when the school started. We now have 14!
- Many of our teachers and staff (including myself) have been here long enough to teach two generations from the same family!
I am so excited for this opportunity and honored to become the 7th director. I have had so many amazing mentors and work with such a seasoned and passionate staff. I am definitely looking forward to continuing in my Weekday Era!
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Summer Voice Classes for Adults
Do you love to sing? This class is free of charge and appropriate for all skill levels, whether you’ve never sung before or are already an accomplished singer. No prior experience or training is necessary. The class begins Thursday, July 9, and will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., in room 106, through Tues-day, August 11, for a total of 10 sessions. To sign up, or if you have questions, contact Dr. Elizabeth Leyva at elizabeth@firstchurch.church or call the church office to leave a message. Space is limited so sign up today!
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Mini Sermon Series: June 21 & 28
Join us at church on Sundays 21 and 28 for a mini-series on Jonah by our own Sammi Burkhart. Get ready to think through this classic story in new ways.
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UMCOR Missions Trip
One final trip to the Sager Brown UMCOR Depot is planned for September 20-25. This adult mission trip to Baldwin, Louisiana, is the “next time” you’ve been waiting for! Come along to the hub of relief supply operations, which responds to disasters in the U.S. We are headed back one last time before the depot closes at the end of 2026. Volunteer opportunities include working on relief kits and serving in the local community. Thanks to Janet Spiker’s leadership and our Foundation for approving coverage of some expenses, this is an experience you don’t want to miss! Spaces are limited, and the July 14 registration deadline is approaching. Interested or just want to learn more? Contact Janet or the church office today!
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Seasons of Giving
Here’s the Scoop on our Incoming Pastor, Mike Wilkerson – Part 2
Pastor Mike’s call to ministry began while serving in various roles at Song of Life UMC in Queen Creek, Arizona. He discerned a deeper calling and became an ordained elder. In 2018, Mike attended Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, completing his studies over three years. Upon graduation, he was appointed pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Yuma, where he served for two years.
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Children’s Ministry Summer Updates
Kids, Jr. High, and Sr. High have moved to summer hours for June, July, and August. All-ages Sunday School will be meeting from 9:00 am – 10:00 am in room 221. Children and youth crafts and games will be available between services from 10:00 am – 11:00 am in room 222.
There will be no regular evening youth group meetings over the summer, but there are lots of fun activities and service events planned. Please contact julie@firstchurch.church with any questions or to be added to the invite list.
And finally save the date for Sunday, August 30, for our End of Summer/Back to Sunday School Kickoff Celebration to be held from 10:00 am – noon in the grassy courtyard area.
Kids Church, Youth Sunday School, and evening Youth Group will return to regular school-year hours.
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Thank you, Pastor David
Summer Choir
then you should join us for summer choir!
For more information, please contact Joshua Elder at Joshua@firstchurch.church.
First Church Logo Shirts
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Blood Drive – June 14th
Our next blood drive will be on June 14th from 8:30 am – noon. If you’d like to sign up for a specific timeslot, reservations are encouraged. Please contact Stephanie Espinoza at 602-284-1258 with questions or to make an appointment or visit www.donors.vitalant.org (Use the blood drive code: firstunited)
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From your Lay Leadership Development Committee (Nominations)
Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual gifts are just that – gifts, given to Christian believers for the building up of the whole body of Christ. They are not given for personal gain, but for ministry in the world. Learning about the spiritual gifts we have, as well as helping our congregation learn about their gifts, can be useful when we pair it with opportunities to engage our community. Such gifts of God’s Spirit include wisdom, shepherding, exhortation, helping, discernment, faith, and compassion.
The following links are to learn more and to discover you own spiritual gift.
https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/equipping-leaders/spiritual-gifts
https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/spiritual-gifts-inventory/en
What’s next? After you discover your gift, pray to God to enhance and use your gift, call the pastor, tell a friend.
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Annual Conference Van Drivers Needed
Van drivers are needed during the Annual Conference in Sun City to shuttle delegates to and from parking and the conference. If you are interested in learning more, please email info@firstchurch.church. Various times Thursday through Sunday, June 18 – June 21.
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The Desert Southwest Conference Celebrates 70 Years of Women in Ministry- Share Your Stories and Pictures
“Can you believe that 2026 marks seventy years of women being ordained in The United Methodist Church?
This is a milestone for our denomination and people the world over. Even as we know we have more work to do toward equity and justice for all people formed in the imago Dei, we give thanks for the impact of women in ministry.
Other upcoming celebrations include a new live episode of the General Commission on Archives and History’s (GCAH) ‘Un-Tied Methodism’ podcast releasing on May 4 with General Secretary Ashley Boggan and guest Dr. Emily Nelms Chastain to reflect on this historic event. Listen to Un-Tied Methodism now >>
We plan on celebrating this milestone as part of our 2026 Annual Conference. The DSC’s Commission on the Status and Role of Women invites you to share your stories of women’s ordination ministries. Please share your pictures and personal stories with us.
Our hope is to tell the story of how women in ministry have impacted our annual conference, our denomination, and the beloved kingdom of God. Please submit your pictures and stories at https://dsc-reg.brtapp.com/StoriesofWomensOrdinationMinistriesStorySubmission. If you have any questions or want to offer additional comments on this project, please contact Rev. Sylvia Harris, the COSROW Chairperson.”
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4 Week Book Study: The Alchemist- Never Too Late to Join!
Join Pastor David for a four-week journey through The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho—a timeless story about following your dreams, listening to your heart, and discovering the deeper meaning of life’s journey.
Together, we’ll explore themes of purpose, faith, courage, and the ways God can work through our hopes and longings. Whether you’ve read the book before or are encountering it for the first time, this will be a meaningful space for reflection, conversation, and connection.
Details:
· Duration: 4 weeks, Wednesday, May 27 – June 17, 10:00am – 11:30am
· Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (Available through your favorite distributor.)
· Format: Group reading with discussion and guided reflection
· To register: Call the church office at 602-263-5013
Come ready to share, listen, and grow as we consider how this story speaks into our own lives and journeys of faith.
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Desert Southwest Conference Orientation to Ministry Event
God’s call never ceases or stops. Want to discover how you can respond to that still small voice? This is one way.
“What is this event: A gathering to explore call, process, and connection.
What does it include: A panel exploring calls and pathways with elders deacons, and local pastors. Outlining the process toward ordination, licensing, and associate membership. Several UMC seminaries discussing degrees, certification, and financial aid. A free dinner will be available.
You should register if you: Feel like serving in ministry makes you come alive, seek candidacy certification, are curious about any of the steps in the process, desire to learn more about seminary opportunities and funding. Hope to build relationships that can help you discern your call.
Register at: https://dsc-reg.brtapp.com/2026O2M.”
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Reminder- Text Message Updates are Available!
If you’d like to opt into text message news and updates from our church, please contact the office to be added onto the text list!
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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 July 5. We look forward to seeing you!
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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, June 23. The book is The Keepers of the House by Shirley Ann Grau.
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.
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First Church Business Directory Updates
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.
- Enter (888) 599-4262 in your cell phone text messaging program and type GIVE $_ as the message (example: type “GIVE $20” to give twenty dollars).
- You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and bank information.
- After you complete the registration, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt by email.
- For future giving, simply send a text message with GIVE and 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.
