News
November 28, 2025
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
Hope and joy to you in this season of Advent!
Advent is a time of watching, waiting, and preparing our hearts for the birth of Jesus. It invites us once again to reflect on the generous love of God—love that engages us fully and enters our world in the most humble and transformative way. Our response to this divine generosity is a renewed calling to live as people of hope, compassion, and joy.
This year, our theme of “Advent in Motion” encourages us to keep moving forward while looking back with gratitude and looking ahead with purpose. We celebrate the many ways God has been at work among us: through worship that lifts our spirits, missions that meet the needs of our neighbors, ministries that nurture our children and youth, and relationships that strengthen our community. None of this happens without you. Together, we discover the presence of Christ being born among us as a community of faith.
I look forward to seeing you in church as we wait in hope and open our hearts to the joy of Christ’s birth in our lives.
Blessings, 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 Scarlett Webb. Scarlett is the granddaughter of Heather Hume. Another prayer quilt displayed in the narthex this morning is for Zachary Wessel. Zachary is a friend of Julie Cochran. We invite you to stop, tie a knot, and pray for healing, grace and comfort.
DEATHS
First Church is saddened to announce the death of Dan Germond, who passed on November 2, 2025 and the death of Velia Amparo-Rivas, who passed on November 11.
PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Bill Carpenter, Ruth Clark, Mary Ann Cooper, Laura DeNinno, Yvonne Fischer, Barbara Harvey, Judy Humbert, Barbara Johnson, Vickie Johnson, Ronda Klein.
OTHER
None
PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES
Sunrise UMC – Phoenix
Willowbrook UMC – Sun City
(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
SENIOR MILESTONES (Celebrating 80+ birthdays)
Ruby Vineyard 11/13
Linda Smalley 11/13
Audrey Clayton 11/29
Carolyn Cooper 11/30
Diane E. Davis 11/30
Bob Young 12/1
Buzz Stevens 12/3
Karen Kelley 12/4
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A Letter from Bishop Carlo A Rapanut
Beloved in Christ,
Grace and peace to you!
As we come to the close of the Christian year and prepare to enter Advent, we pause on this Christ the King Sunday to proclaim that Jesus Christ reigns. Yet his reign is unlike any earthly ruler we have ever known. His throne is the cross, his crown is of thorns, and his power is love poured out for the world. To declare Christ as King, therefore, is to dethrone every idol of power—wealth, violence, extremism, and empire.
All throughout scriptures, we are warned of the dangers of domination and authoritarianism, echoing this time-proven truth: that no human ruler should hold ultimate power. Christ’s reign is not about domination at all—it is about justice, humility and solidarity with the marginalized. His authority is compassion, his sovereignty is mercy, and his kingdom is shared life.
And so, to proclaim Christ is King, we must speak clearly against the rising tide of Christian nationalism, which seeks to merge faith with political control, distorting the gospel into a tool of exclusion and supremacy, rather than a vessel of liberation and belonging. Christ the King Sunday is a direct rebuke to this distortion. Jesus does not sanctify flags or borders; he gathers all peoples into one body. His reign is not about elevating one nation above another, but about reconciling all of creation in love.
Christ the King Sunday is also a hinge between seasons. As we proclaim Christ’s reign, we turn toward Advent, a season of waiting and preparation. We do not await a conquering monarch, but a child born in vulnerability. We prepare not for domination, but for incarnation. God comes not as king of armies, but as Emmanuel—God with us, whose reign is characterized by hope, peace, joy, and love.
John Wesley reminds us: “Whosoever will reign with Christ in heaven, must have Christ reigning in him on earth.” And the hymn writer proclaims: “Jesus shall reign where’er the sun does its successive journeys run; his kingdom stretch from shore to shore, till moons shall wax and wane no more.”
This is the vision we hold: Christ’s reign is not bound by borders, but stretches across creation. To celebrate Christ the King is to resist every false enthronement—whether nationalism, authoritarianism, or idolatry of self. It is to prepare our hearts for Christ’s reign by living as kin, not as subjects. And so we proclaim: No kings but Christ—and Christ’s reign is not monarchy but kin-dom, a shared life of love.
May this season strengthen us to reject the crowns of empire and nationalism, and to embrace the reign of love where the King comes not in power, but in vulnerability, and calls us to live as kin in God’s beloved community.
May it be so.
Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut
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Giving Tree Project
The Giving Tree- a project that helps bring Christmas to children in the foster care system is starting up at our church. Please contact Tami Smith or another member of the mission’s committee with any questions. We are looking for things like Legos, hoodies, headphones, hygiene items, craft kits, ear buds, gift cards, sporting good, movie passes, chapter books, socks, Crocs, STEM kits, PJS, play dough, bath toys, and racing cars. Please keep all gifts unwrapped. Donations are due by December 5th and can be brought to the church office.
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All Women’s Potluck
All ladies of First Church are invited to a potluck dinner, sponsored by United Women in Faith. It will be on Thursday, December 11, at 5:15 p.m. in Asbury Hall. We will also enjoy a white elephant gift exchange (optional). Please join us for food, fun, and fellowship. For any questions, contact Susan Sneathen at
602-361-8235.
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Taste of Christmas- Volunteers Needed!
What is your favorite Christmas cookie? Or favorite holiday snack? Please bring it for us to share in between services on December 14 in Asbury Hall. Volunteers needed to help set up and clean up. Please email Cathy at cathyriceaz@msn.com to sign up to help.
Stories With Hope Event With Iglesia Aliento
Join First Church on December 7th at 3:00pm in friendship and partnership with Iglesia Aliento UMC for a faith-centered outreach initiative that provides spiritual and emotional healing through storytelling, a shared meal, and guided prayer gathering. This event creates safe space for immigrants to reflect on their journeys, process trauma, and encounter the transforming presence of God. Come be inspired by the faith journeys of our siblings in Christ from Iglesia Aliento!
Transportation is available from First Church. Please call the church office to rsvp. Please register by November 30th so we can make sure we have enough food for everyone!
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Youth Group Updates From Jessica
“Dear Parents and Families,
There has been a lot happening behind the scenes with the Next Gen Ministry. Recently, both youth and adults have experienced
comments and situations that have made our church feel less like the inclusivecommunity we strive to be. Because of this, and to realign with First Church’s vision of inclusion and respect, we’ll be shifting our focus during youth group from January through May.
During this time, we’ll welcome special guests to lead sessions on cultural competency, empathy, mental health awareness, safety and first aid, community engagement, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and many more. Our hope is that as our youth grow through these conversations, they will help lead our church toward truly becoming the inclusive community we are called to be.
If there are any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to me directly. I want to hear from you and walk alongside
you. We are here to serve Christ, our families, and the community.
We’re always looking for more volunteers in the Next Gen Ministry—if you feel called to serve, please let us know! Parade tickets are on sale on Sundays, during the week in the church office, or through Church Center. Youth Group will be caroling at the Laura Turner Homes on December 14th at 4:30PM. Youth should arrive at the church by 3:45 PM wearing their ugly Christmas
sweaters. Dinner and fellowship will follow during our regular youth group time.
November 23: Youth Group Cultural Thanksgiving Feast
November 30: No Youth Group
December 14: Caroling at the Laura Turner Homes”
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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
Light Parade and Fiesta Bowl Parade Tickets – On Sale Now!
Gratitudes from the Quilting Ministry
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Van Drivers Needed
Advent Book Study
What Do You Want for Christmas? by James W. Moore is a short, inspirational book designed for Advent study and reflection. Moore invites readers to look beyond the commercial side of Christmas and instead consider the deeper spiritual gifts that God offers through Christ—such as hope, peace, love, and joy.
Weekly session includes a theme with scripture readings and reflection questions that encourage personal application and group discussion. As we prepare for Christmas participants are invited to realign their priorities and rediscover the true meaning of the season.
Join us in the Welsey Lounge for four weeks beginning Tuesdays December 2, at 11:00 a.m. The book costs about $11 and available through your favorite book distributor.
Please contact the church office to sign up or sign up online using this link: (https://firstchurchphoenix.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3246189)
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Congregation Survey Results – New Updates!
Your invaluable congregational assessment input is helping shape future plans for worship, ministries, outreach, and more – thank you! Open-ended survey comments received from the June 2025 First Church Congregational Assessment have been reviewed by your Church Council and several church committees who shared action plans to address priorities you identified. An Open-Ended Comments Report has been added to the 2025 Survey Results – Congregation folder. Please check your email for a link to view the survey results and updates.
Christmas Greens- It’s Not Too Late!
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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
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 December 7. 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 $40. Email the church office for more information: info@firstchurch.church.
Afternoon Book Group
The Afternoon Book Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1:30 p.m. in the library. We welcome all who love to read and discuss and travel the world through books.
The next meeting is scheduled for December 9th.
Visit our website https://FirstChurch.church and click on the “Give” button at the top of the home page, or scan the QR code at the bottom of this message with your mobile device for a quick and easy link to the giving page. You can set up a recurring frequency or give when you want to by making a one-time gift using your checking or savings bank account.
You may also give electronically using your bank’s bill pay service.
Another way to give electronically is Text-to-Give with your debit or credit card.
- Enter (888) 303-7535 in your cell phone text messaging program and a dollar amount without including a “$” sign as the message (example: type 20 to give twenty dollars).
- You will receive a reply with a link to enter your contact and debit or credit card 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 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.
