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.

On Fire, A book read with Pastor David for Lent

When John O’Leary was just nine years old, he barely survived a devastating house fire with burns on 100 percent of his body. O’Leary’s doctors told his parents that he wasn’t expected to make it through the night.

But this story didn’t end there. O’Leary, bolstered by several extraordinary people in his life, made it through five months of healing in the hospital, and then through the years of excruciating rehabilitation that followed as he struggled to regain mobility and control his body. The insights he gained through this experience profoundly changed his life, but today John says that it actually changed him for the better…

Join pastor David and others during the season of Lent as we read about John’s trial and victories and discuss how his insights bring an understanding purpose in one’s life. The structure of the class will be reading the book aloud and group discussion.

Books are available through your online or local distributors. To register call the church office at 602.263.5013 or email Pastor David.

OWL Parents Night Sunday, March 26

Anyone involved with raising teens is welcome! Sunday, March 26, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in Asbury Hall.

Parents are a child’s most important sexuality educators, and sexuality education begins at home; that’s where OWL can help. OWL stands for ‘Our Whole Lives’ and is a comprehensive, lifespan sexuality education curriculum for use in both secular settings and faith communities. We have a guest speaker coming in who will be focusing on equipping YOU to be the best support you can be to the teens in your world. Refreshments provided.

Please email Elise Nesper to RSVP if you want to attend this event.

Easter Lilies

Consider the Lilies – Matthew 6:28
Every Easter, the presence of Easter lilies in the sanctuary contributes to the celebration of new life.

Ash Wednesday Soup Supper Report

Many thanks to everyone who attended the Ash Wednesday Soup Supper.  It would not have been possible without the help of a very dedicated and capable committee consisting of Sandy Asendorf, Phyllis Chase, Suzanne Haehl, Karen Horton, Bonnie Naegle-Wilson, Mindy Smidt, Susan Sneathen and Peggy Ward as well as Robin Spencer who answered our many questions. There were many other helpers with ticket sales, soups, cornbread, fruit, desserts, drinks, check in, set up and clean up.  A huge thank you goes to each of these folks.  I am very pleased to report we raised $819 for the UMCOR Clean Water project.

Betty Cornish, Chairman

First Church Kids

Come and join the fun in one of our children’s classes on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m.
Greenhouse (6 months to 3 years old) – Nursery
Cubbyhouse (3 years old to Pre-K) – Room 222
Fun House (K-2nd grade) – Room 221
Lighthouse (3rd grade to 5th grade) – Room 114

Looking for Ways to Serve at First Church?

There are many ways you can get involved while serving your First Church. Some require very little time. Consider hosting and assisting in the church office during our 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. worship services. Helping with filling the pew pockets during the week on your own time for Sunday services. Hosts are always needed for memorial services to prepare for receptions. If you are interested, please contact Cathy Fuentes or 602-263-5013 ext. 100.

An elderly gentleman in our church needs rides to medical appointments and the grocery store and is willing to pay for these services. He is also looking for a good home to adopt a 9 year-old cat. Contact the church office or Pastor David for further information.

Opportunity to Serve – Van Drivers Needed

It’s official, you can become a Sunday driver too! First Church is seeking volunteer drivers to assist those unable to drive to attend worship Sunday mornings. Contact the church office at 602-263-5013 for more information on how you can make First Church available to others.

Blood Drive Sunday, April 23

Girl Scouts Donate Cookies to the Food Pantry

Cadette Girl Scout Troop #3462 was able to donate over 50 boxes of cookies thanks to everyone’s generous donations.

Dressmakers Sewing Group

Twenty-seven dresses from infant size 1/2 to size 10 were recently delivered to the Dress A Girl Around the World local ambassador. She reported that in 2022, 2300 dresses were donated from the North Phoenix /Suncity area. Globally the Dress A Girl Foundation delivered 283,000 dresses in 2022. Many times when a girl receives a dress, it is the very first garment she has ever had that was completely new! Imagine how a child must feel to have something brand new for the first time. We feel real satisfaction in knowing we have provided a child with such joy. Join us to sew on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 10-noon in the Epworth Room. Call Peggy Ward at 623.847.5865 with questions.

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!