Recent News
First United Methodist Church, Mechanicsburg is seeking and now accepting applications for a full-time Director of Children and Family Ministry. This person will be responsible for the overall vision and implementation of the faith development of children (birth through 5th grade), in partnership with their families.
Education related to children and/or family ministry, or applicable experience is required. Further details describing the qualifications, skills, experience, and responsibilities related to this position can be found in the full job description. Click here to view the current job description.
Interested candidates should submit their resume to office@fumchurch.com or to Ellen Hill, Office Manager, at 135 W. Simpson St., Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
Read more about the resettlement effort in The Patriot-News here.
First Church is pleased to support Isaiah 61 Ministries, a local organization that serves the needs of the homeless in Dauphin County. They provide a variety of services including a soup kitchen, clothing bank and LifeGroups.
Specifically, First Church members help serve meals to the homeless in downtown Harrisburg on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. A carpool leaves from First Church at 6:00 p.m. for those who are interested. All safety protocols will be followed, such as wearing gloves, masks and distancing. The meal is served outside. Please contact the church in advance, if you plan to carpool.
All are welcome! To volunteer, call or e-mail the church at 717.766.4611 or office@fumchurch.com.
First Church is pleased to announce that Timeless Connections, a life coaching practice with a focus on faith and hope, is now available at our Mechanicsburg building.
Timeless Connections is operated by First Church member Patti Vogl, a Licensed Master Social Worker, Certified Care Manager, and Certified Celebrant. Patti has over 30 years of experience with individual and family counseling, as well as in hospice management. She brings her personal and professional experience, as well as her empathy, into her Life Coaching practice.
Master’s level Social Workers are specially trained to help people deal with life’s struggles and to move forward with hope. Life coaching involves helping people to identify barriers, goals, and strengths and then working toward an action-oriented plan in order to live to their fullest potential. While Patti’s social work background allows her to incorporate therapeutic techniques, life coaching focuses on encouragement, hope, and positive steps toward wellness.
Timeless Connections will specialize in grief and loss issues, relationship issues, pre-marital preparation, anxiety and depression issues, and elder care issues and resources.
You do not have to be a member of First Church or of any church to be served by Timeless Connections. This program is open to those of all faith backgrounds and walks of life. Click here to view the Timeless Connections website.
For more information, call or email the church office at 717.766.4611 or office@fumchurch.com.
Please join us for worship and communion on this first Sunday of the New Year! We invite you for in-person worship at both the 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services and continue to offer live-stream worship at our 8:30 a.m. service. Pre-filled communion cups and wafers will be used at in-person worship. If you are worshipping from home, remember to bring your own crackers or bread and fruit juice while our pastors provide instructions for Holy Communion. All are welcome! You do not need to be a member of First Church or any church to participate.
What does the word resolution mean? It comes from the Latin word “resolvere”, which means “to loosen”. We can also find it in the Bible in Psalm 51:10… “Create for me a pure heart, O God! Renew a resolute spirit within me!” (New English Translation). In this context, the word means to be “firm, established, rooted, prepared”. So, to be successful in making a resolution, we must loosen our grip on the things we hold on to in order to stand firm and be rooted in Christ!
For early Christians, the first day of the new year became the traditional occasion for thinking about one’s past mistakes and resolving to do and be better in the future. In 1740, John Wesley, founder of Methodism, created the Covenant Renewal Service, most commonly held on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. Also known as known as watch night services, they included readings from Scriptures and hymn singing, and served as a spiritual alternative to the raucous celebrations normally held to celebrate the coming of the new year. Read more about this month’s prayer challenge and John Wesley’s Covenant prayer here.
Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we have observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage.” They see something of significance in the baby in Bethlehem, even when many of those closest do not.
Like the wise men, we who have seen the light of Christ are called to reflect it so that others see Christ through our loving presence!
As we begin 2022, First Church invites you to journey with us through a series of powerful messages from the teachings of Paul. Our pastors will present “You Are the Body,” sermons based on Paul’s instructions in I Corinthians 12-15 to let the light of Christ shine around in, around, and then through us to a world yearning for the love that “never ends.” Sermons will be accompanied by recommended brief daily Bible readings to enhance your understanding of the Scripture. Find the Daily Bible Readings for January and February here.
You do not have to be a member of First Church or of any church to join us for worship. Sunday morning services are held at 8:30 a.m. (traditional) and 11:00 a.m. (modern). The 8:30 a.m. worship is also offered via livestream on our website. First Church continues to observe the recommended COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of all who attend. See more details here.
For more information, call or email the church office at 717.766.4611 or office@fumchurch.com.
Weekly Messages
| January 9 | Weather Cancellation | |
| January 16 | “You Are the Body: God’s Beloved” | Luke 3:15-22 |
| January 23 | “You Are the Body: Gifted to Serve” | I Corinthians 12:1-11 |
| January 30 | Youth Sunday–Luke Wertz/Youth Band | |
| February 6 | “You Are the Body: Knit Together” | I Corinthians 12:12-31a |
| February 13 | “You Are the Body: A More Excellent Way” | I Corinthians 13 |
| February 20 | “You Are the Body: Holding On to The Message” | I Corinthians 15:1-11 |
| February 27 | “You Are the Body: Christ Alone” | Luke 9:28-36 |