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.

Blood Drive – Sunday, October 30

• Sunday, October 30, 2022
• 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Bloodmobile will be in the north parking lot
• Appointments are recommended!
• Contact Stephanie Espinoza at (602)284-1258 or visit
  www.donors.vitalant.org (Blood Drive code: firstunited)

Now the Service Begins

At the close of most worship services Pastor David says, “Worship has ended. Now let the service begin”. That became an idea past from the Congregational Care Team to the Quilting group. Thanks to the skills of our own Monte Kotrous, a new banner quilt now hangs from the balcony. Remember to look up on Sundays to see this call to our faith.

Christmas Greens

Again this year, the choirs of First Church are taking orders for Christmas Greens. Orders can be placed at the table on the patio during the month of October. If that isn’t convenient, you may call Don Richardson (602) 997-1205 to place the order. The greens sales benefit the music program at First Church, so please support the choir members.

Affordable Housing Symposium
(Watch-gathering Webinar)
October 29, 1 – 4 p.m., Asbury Hall

Courtesy of FACE, Faith and Community Empowerment, the issues of affordable and assessable housing will be presented along with how to utilize existing resources of buildings and land to be a part of the solution to extend ministry and community engagement while creating external revenue streams. To ensure enough seating, register by calling the church office at 602.263.5013.

Would You Like to Help?

We need volunteers! Please consider volunteering in one of the following ways:

• Hosts are the friendly face of welcome. Hosts guide and assist visitors and guests and help everyone feel they belong. If you would like to serve as a host, please contact Cathy in the church office.
• Liturgists are the voice of worship. Liturgists invite us into celebration and bring the word of God to the people of God. If you would like to serve as a liturgist, please contact Karen Champagne.
• Pew Pocket Crew makes sure our pews are neatly stocked with “I’m Here” cards, Blue Prayer Cards and other important information. If you would like to serve on the Pew Pocket Crew, please contact Cathy in the church office.
• Front Office help is needed for Sunday mornings for both services. You will be able to listen to the worship service. You might greet people walking through, answer phones, take messages, direct office traffic, receive offerings and donations of all sorts, make copies for the different classes that meet that morning. If you would like to volunteer in the office, please contact Cathy  in the church office.

Thank you for stepping up to help your church community!

Bake Sale Sunday, November 6

United Women in Faith is once again returning to its annual bake sale to be held Sunday, November 6, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the sanctuary breezeway. This year we will have tables on the patio for you to enjoy some of your goodies with complimentary coffee as well as taking some home. Take this opportunity to socialize with your fellow church members. We hope to see you there before, between, or even during worship services if you plan to attend another service. We thank you in advance for your support of this fund-raising project.

Dresses for Operation Christmas Box

The Dressmakers recently delivered 31 dresses for Operation Christmas Box. The boxes will be given to children here in the United States and to other parts of the world where there is a need. For the year 2022, we have made and delivered 102 dresses. We began sewing the dresses in 2018, and even though we couldn’t meet to sew during the pandemic shut-down, we have sewn a total of 325 dresses since we began! We sew on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. – noon in the Epworth Room and welcome sewers from beginners to experienced. If you have questions, please call Peggy Ward at 623.847.5865.

Altar Flowers

You can request to provide altar flowers in honor or in memory of a loved one. Our altar flowers are $35 per arrangement. You can provide one or both arrangements for most Sundays with any dedication you choose. Please call Cathy Fuentes in the office at (602) 263-5013 x100 for more information.

PRAYER QUILTS IN THE NARTHEX
A prayer quilt displayed in the Narthex this morning is for Allen Bryan. We invite you to stop, tie a knot and pray for healing, grace and comfort.

PRAYERS FOR OUR SPECIAL CARE
Ruth Clark, Hedy Cunningham, Geri Dupree, Lola Gummere, Barbara Harvey, Barbara K Johnson, Marjorie Johnson, Vickie Johnson, Herb Kanter, Ronda Klein

SENIOR BIRTHDAYS (Celebrating 80 or more birthdays)
David Rupley, 10/13

PRAYERS FOR OUR CHURCHES
Shepherd of the Hills UMC, Sun City West; Shepherd of the Valley UMC, Phoenix; Spirit of Hope UMC, Peoria