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

One of the great joys of worshiping together each week is praying the Lord’s Prayer. During the week, I often find myself praying it quietly and alone. Yet there is something deeply meaningful when we gather and speak those familiar words in one voice—especially as we proclaim together, “For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.”

When we pray those words as a community, they seem to rise not only from our sanctuary, but outward and beyond joining with the prayers of others lifted across the world. First Church is one congregation, and yet, imagine countless others gathered in worship, perhaps even at the same hour, praying the same prayer. It is a powerful expression of shared faith. Not because one person’s prayer is any less meaningful, but because when we turn our hearts together toward the needs of the world, something beautiful and transformative unfolds.

This same spirit of connection is reflected in what we, as United Methodists, call apportionments. Through connectional giving, each congregation shares in supporting ministries beyond its own walls—missions, outreach, leadership development, and the work of the wider church. It is a way of living out the words of the Gospel of Luke: “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

On our own, First Church is already doing meaningful and faithful work in our community. And when we join alongside nearly 31,000 other United Methodist congregations across the country, the impact multiplies in ways we may never fully see—but can trust are making a difference for the sake of God’s kingdom.

Our shared goal is to participate fully in this connectional mission. We do this through our individual generosity, through the life and budget of the church, and through thoughtful stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. Above all, we do this through prayer, discernment, and faithful conversation—seeking God’s guidance in all that we are given and all that we offer.

Just as we pray together, may we also hear the invitation to give together—with gratitude, hope, and trust—that the power and the glory of God’s kingdom are lifted ever higher.

With deep appreciation for your generosity, I look forward to worshiping with you.

Pastor David

Congregational Prayer Requests

(Please join us in lifting up the following items in prayer!)

PRAYER QUILT IN THE NARTHEX

None

DEATHS

First Church is saddened to announce the death of Paul Harter, Marilyn Harter’s husband, who passed on April 16.

First Church is saddened to announce the death of Robert “Bob” Young, who passed on April 22.

First Church is saddened to announce the death of Kathy Pearson, Rev. Mike Pearson’s sister, who passed April 29.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE

Liv Stevens, Jim Unsworth, Elizabeth Vick, Selena Alderman, Carolyn Allen, June Becker, Bill Carpenter, Ruth Clark, Mary Anne Cooper, Laura DeNinno.

OTHER

None

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES

First UMC – Yuma

Fort Yuma UMC – Fort Yuma

Gila Mountain UMC – Yuma

(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 Vicki Beaver 5/2

Grier and Carolyn Cooper 5/13

William and Dana Devine 5/22

SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)

Karen Champagne 4/18

John Ward 4/20

John Harapiak 4/24

Al Asendorf 4/25

Maxine Perkins 4/27

Nancy Maxwell 4/27

Bijan Mohraz 5/3

Next Sunday, May 3, will be in support of the Annual Conference Mission Project 2026, the solidarity fund. Grounded in our United Methodist call to love our neighbor and seek justice, the Desert Southwest Conference has established a Solidarity Fund to support immigrants facing financial hardship amid increased immigration enforcement. In many of our communities, detention and deportation leaves family members behind. Those families still need to pay rent and other important bills, while they work to understand ways that they will continue to support themselves. Additionally, the fear of detention and deportation is keeping people from work, school, medical care, and essential services placing immediate strain on families who are already vulnerable.
This fund offers direct, short-term assistance for basic needs such as rent, utilities, food, transportation, and medical expenses. By sharing our resources, we bear one another’s burdens and offer a tangible witness to God’s compassion and care for immigrants among us. Your generosity is a faithful act of solidarity with our immigrant siblings and neighbors, affirming the sacred worth of every person. Our May Communion Rail Offering will benefit The Solidarity Fund to share our generosity in gratitude for God’s compassion to others.

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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.”

Link:
https://www.dscumc.org/news-detail/celebrate-70-years-share-your-stories-pictures-of-women-in-ministry-19684084

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Power Up With Pastor David (Online Zoom Gathering)

Join Pastor David each Thursday from 1:00–2:00 PM, May 7 through June 11.

This is a time to connect for support and care, share and prayer, getting a head start on Sunday, and more.

Join the gathering using the link below:
https://dscumc.zoom.us/j/88689272753?pwd=CR2R5vLbgObdtDbBxftrEL6Z6PhTsT.1

Meeting ID: 886 8927 2753
Passcode: Pastor

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UMCOR Mission’s Trip Photos

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Potluck

ALL ladies of First Church are invited to a potluck dinner, sponsored by the United Women of Faith. It will be held in Centennial Room, on Thursday, May 14, at 5:30 pm. We wish to enjoy your company for fabulous food and fellowship! If you have questions please, call Susan Sneathen at (602) 361-8235.

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First Sunday Social Hour Hosts Still Needed!

We are still looking for a few spots on our First Sunday Social Hour host calendar to be filled, so we wanted to open up the spots to anyone who thinks it sounds fun to host, not just groups, but individuals, family, or your group of friends!

We are still looking for anyone willing to host August and October. The set up can be as elaborate or as simple as you want it to be. This is an easy, no pressure way to help support the church. Contact the church office or Sammi Burkhart if you are interested in signing up.

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Youth Group Concert Fundraiser

Joshua Elder’s daughter, Alice, who goes by the artist name Olive Branches, will be hosting a concert at the church on Sunday May 3rd at 6:30 pm to raise money for the church youth group. Come support one of our very talented teens and enjoy an evening of great music! (Entry is free, but we will have donation options available for those who appreciate the music and would like to support the church youth group.)

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4-Week Book Study: The Alchemist

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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Strategic Plan

A team of church leaders and staff has worked over the last year to develop and refine a comprehensive Strategic Plan for our church. Our Strategic Plan incorporates our vision: An inclusive community of faith where ANYONE can experience the goodness and grace of God, and identifies goals to be achieved in many key ministry and program areas. The plan includes ideas from our all-church survey, and will help us better identify and deliver on the many things that are needed to keep First Church growing and vibrant and sustainable. It serves as a kind of roadmap for our next few years!

The full Strategic Plan, which contains all the particulars, target dates for completion, and who is responsible, was approved by our Church Council earlier this year. A condensed version that identifies the key areas of focus and key goals to be achieved, is available in the About Us section of our church website at Strategic Plan and Core Values. You can also click here to read a PDF copy.

It’s important that we not just HAVE a Strategic Plan, but that we LIVE the plan! To help us do that, a team will meet regularly to evaluate the progress we’re making and to provide reports to church groups and the congregation on our achievements. Along the way, this team will also identify any changes that may be needed in the Strategic Plan, and any additions to accommodate new ideas and initiatives.

We are excited about the Strategic Plan, and we believe it will be a dynamic and important tool for the future of First Church. If you have questions about the plan or the process, please contact the church office.

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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!

Iglesia Aliento Street Festival

Iglesia Aliento is hosting a street festival on Sunday May 3^rd from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, which will feature tacos, burgers, hotdogs, games, face painting, as well as various booths that provide social services, including domestic violence counseling, and free clothing for those who need it. This is a great opportunity to support their ministry, have some fun, as well as socialize with other UMC churches who have been invited. Come join in!

*If you are interested in volunteering at this event, please contact Dan Cox Gonzalez at dcoxgonzalez@gmail.com or at 602-463-2197, or sign up on Church Center (https://firstchurchphoenix.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3594784).

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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 May 3rd. 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, April 28th. The book is North Woods by Daniel Mason.

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

Business Directory July 2025

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.

1. Enter (888) 599-4262 in your cell phone text messaging program and type GIVE $xx as the message (example: type GIVE $20 to give twenty dollars).
2. You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and bank 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 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.