Recent News
First United Methodist Church will be closed until at least April 30, 2020. We encourage you to worship online with us by finding the Resources Tab and selecting Sermons from the drop-down menu.
Click here to read our UPDATED response to COVID-19.
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
First Church, along with several other churches, has been invited to help the families in Mechanicsburg. If you feel comfortable, please pick up any of the items listed below. Drop off at Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ, 1050 S. York Street between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm in their parking lot, Wednesday, April 1. See a detailed list here.
Canned fruit
Canned or pouches of tuna
Boxes of macaroni and cheese or canned meals, such as Spaghetti o’s
Boxes of pasta
Single serve boxes/bowls of cereal
Individually packaged snacks, such as crackers, pretzels, chips
First Church will begin two new Bible studies and continue the Alpha course, already in progress, via Zoom video conferencing. All are invited to participate in these free studies!
The Power of Knowing God, a six-week, no homework, Precept Bible study for men, begins Sunday, March 29. Classes begin at 6:15 p.m.
Breaking Free From Fear, also a six-week, no homework, Precept Bible study, begins Thursday, April 2. Classes begin at 6:45 p.m.
In addition, the Alpha course resumes this week. Five lessons remain, and newcomers are welcome to join at any time. Join us on Sundays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., or Wednesdays from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.
If you are interested in joining any of the Bible studies, email Tina Eaton, Director of Discipleship, at adultministry@fumchurch.com for details and the Zoom links.
For the first time in 30 years, First Church will not present its annual Passion Play. The event, scheduled for April 8, was canceled in observance of the recent measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The Passion Play re-enacts the events of Holy Week, beginning with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and concluding with his crucifixion and resurrection. More than 60 church and community members, young and old alike, rehearsed for months to bring the story to life.
“They can take the Passion Play out of the church, but they cannot take the play out of our hearts,” said Dawn Fisher, Co-Director of Children’s Ministries at the church.
The Children’s Department has devised an “At Home” edition of the Passion Play. The script has been transformed into a readable story so that families can experience its powerful message from the safety of their homes.
In addition, all are invited to take Passion Play-themed photos with their family. For example, grab your favorite instrument for a pic to recognize the Blowing of the Shofar, the traditional opening of the Passion Play. Or, join in a group hug to commemorate the Last Supper and Jesus’ command that we love one another.
Then, email your photos to kidscount@fumchurch.com. Church staff will use the photos to create a video, showing how we can still honor God and celebrate the Easter message from our homes.
Click here for a copy of the “At Home” edition and click here for a list of photo ideas.
Questions, contact the children’s department at kidscount@fumchurch.com.
Prayer is an important part of our faith journey. If you need some direction on prayer and praying for others, we invite you to use the Prayer Guides we will be posting on our website. You can find them under Resources and choose Fun and Faith from the dropdown menu. This week’s Prayer Guide can be found here.
We have decided not to physically gather on Sunday, March 29. We encourage you to worship online with us by finding the Resources Tab and selecting Sermons from the drop-down menu.
Click here to read our UPDATED response to COVID-19.
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
Bishop Jeremiah Park of the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church invites us all to a Call for Prayer at noon on Wednesday, March 25. See his Special Announcement here.
We have decided not to physically gather on Sunday, March 22 and Sunday, March 29. We encourage you to worship online with us by finding the Resources Tab and selecting Sermons from the drop-down menu.
Click here to read our UPDATED response to COVID-19.
2 Timothy 1:7 –For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
We may be postponing the April Food trucks. Keep watching for updated information and thanks for your patience!
The April 2020 Food Trucks have been announced! Join us on Friday, April 17 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. in the church parking lot.
We will be welcoming the following trucks: Mad Dash, Marsico’s Italian, Philly Hoagie, Potato Coop, Soul Burrito, Get Smok’d, Sugar Whipped and brand new this year, Doggie Delights (a dog treat truck)!
First Church will provide tables and chairs, and free parking including handicapped accessible parking. See you then!
Sunday, March 15, 2020 has been designated as a National Day of Prayer. This comes after the president’s national emergency declaration in response to the international outbreak of COVID-19.
Throughout our history, our country has looked to God for protection and strength in times like these. You are invited to join us in prayer using the prayer guide, provided to us by Moms in Prayer International. See Prayer Guide here.
And may the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
We have decided not to physically gather on Sunday, March 15. We encourage you to worship online with us by finding the Resources Tab and selecting Sermons from the drop-down menu or click here to view the worship service.
Click here to read our response to COVID-19.
2 Timothy 1:7 –For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.