Recent News
Fall Sunday School classes at First Church resume on September 8. Sunday School runs from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
We offer classes for each grade level from pre-school to high school seniors, as well as various class options for adults. Walk-in visitors and new class members are always welcome in all classes!
Here are the options for adults:
· GROWING IN CHRIST (Room B004) – A class for people of all ages and stages of faith that engages in short-term studies intended to challenge thinking and create fruitful conversation of Christian principles.
· FAITH IN EVERYDAY LIFE (Room 207) – A group of singles and couples age 25ish and above, but all are welcome. A discussion-based class that values friendship. Come discuss a variety of contemporary topics related to living out the Christian faith, compassion, and social justice.
· FAITHFUL FAMILIES (Room B005) – This class is made up of parents who are in the child-raising stage of life, and who enjoy discussion-based Bible studies related to living a faithful, Christ-centered life.
· CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP (Room 223) – A multi-generational adult class that selects short-term studies which generate challenging discussion of Christian principles.
· HELPING HANDS CLASS (Room 105 in office wing) – A group of active seniors who focus on studies designed to provide encouragement and instruction on living a life of faith. Interactive studies and discussions are led by several class members. Also, class members enjoy many Christian social activities together.
· GUYER CLASS (Room 123) – A well-established group of elders in the church who study together using the United Methodist Quarterly Adult Bible Study lessons. Each lesson is focused on scripture, and encourages participants to live a faith-filled life.
For information on adult Bible studies held during the week and other small-group opportunities, contact Tina Eaton at adultministry@fumchurch.com or call the church office at 717-766-4611.
Looking for a new way to grow, learn and get into God’s Word this fall?
First Church invites you to participate in one or more of the following Bible studies:
“The Gospel of John: Finding Identity and Purpose”
Senior Pastor Denny Keller will lead this study on Wednesday evenings beginning Sept. 4. The 12-week class will meet in room B004 from 6:45 to 8:00 p.m. Workbooks are $9.99. See details and sign up at the Welcome Center display.
“Who Is This Man Who Forgives Sins?”: Study on the Gospel of Luke
Led by First Church member Juanita Guise, this 11-week study begins on Thursday, Sept. 5 in Fellowship Hall. The morning class is from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and the evening class is from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. Workbooks are $24. See details and sign up at the Welcome Center display.
Lunch and Learn Bible Study with Pastor John: Based on our Bible reading plan, Pastor John Shellenberger will lead this group beginning on Sept. 11 for eight Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. in the church sanctuary (under the balcony) for study, followed by a Dutch treat lunch at nearby CC’s Kitchen. Visit the Welcome Center display to sign up and grab your daily Bible reading plan.
Men’s Bible Study: “The Holy Spirit Unleashed in You”
This 13-lesson study on the book of Acts, led by First Church members Ken Guise and David Mengle, begins Sunday, Sept. 15 in room 207. Classes begin at 6:15 p.m. and last for 60 to 75 minutes. Workbooks are $9.99. See details and sign up at the Welcome Center display.
You do not have to be a member of First Church or any church to participate. For more information or to sign up, call or e-mail the church at 717.766.4611 or office@fumchurch.com.
Join us for an informal night of community, conversation and a jam session on Wednesday, August 28 starting at 6:30 p.m. Come and learn how you can be involved in the worship arts ministry at First Church. All voices, instruments and elements of creativity are welcome! For more information, contact Sarah Pugh, Director of Worship Arts at worship@fumchurch.com.
First Church invites children in grades one through six to be a part of this exciting ministry as we praise God through ringing!
Ringers and their parents are asked to attend an organizational meeting and the first rehearsal on Sunday, September 8, in the Music Room (behind Fellowship Hall) immediately following the 10:45 a.m. service.
Previous experience in playing the hand chimes is not required.
For more information, call or e-mail the church at (717) 766-4611 or office@fumchurch.com.
Did you know that through Moms in Prayer International, thousands of mothers around the world gather to passionately pray for the lives of their children in more than 140 countries? The impact on children, their teachers and their schools is profound, and it is life-changing for the mothers who pray as well.
First Church hosts a Moms in Prayer group, led by church member Deb Noss. This group will resume meeting for the 2019-20 school year on Monday evenings, beginning Aug. 26, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Prayer Room (second floor elevator landing).
All mothers, grandmothers, and women are invited, and no prayer experience is required. Your child can be any age and at any stage of life. All prayer requests remain private within the group.
Please contact Tina Eaton at adultministry@fumchurch.com or 717.766.4611, extension 104 if you have any questions or would like to participate. You can also check out momsinprayer.org for more information or to find another group that fits your schedule.
First Church will hold a Rejoicing Spirits worship service on Sunday, Aug. 25 during the 10:45 a.m. worship. All are welcome!
The Rejoicing Spirits worship will be incorporated into the 10:45 a.m. service, due to an all-church event later that afternoon.
The service is specially designed and adapted for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families. An informal atmosphere, brief messages, and lots of music and fellowship opportunities.
Rejoicing Spirits is held on the fourth Sunday of each month.
Join us at Mission Central on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. to help sort and bag donated groceries. The groceries are then transported to the Bethesda Mission shelter in Harrisburg to be shared with residents in need.
Mission Central, a warehouse and affiliate of the Susquehanna Conference of The United Methodist Church, collects and distributes relief supplies and humanitarian aid locally, nationally and internationally as needed in response to natural disasters and other crises.
First Church members volunteer at Mission Central the third Wednesday evening of every month to sort and bag groceries.
For more information or to volunteer, call the church office at 717.766.4611.
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 Life groups.
Specifically, First Church members help serve meals to the homeless in downtown Harrisburg on the third Wednesday of each month. The next volunteer opportunity is Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. A carpool leaves from First Church at 6:00 p.m. for those who are interested.
All are welcome! To volunteer, call or e-mail the church at 717.766.4611 or office@fumchurch.com.
First Church invites families with children of all ages to participate in the Summer Family Challenge starting in June and continuing through August. The Summer Family Challenge encourages families to make memories spending time together doing a variety of activities. Pick up a Summer Family Challenge packet at the display across from the Welcome Desk. The packet includes activity ideas and a ‘score card,’ which keeps track of your family’s activities. Turn in the score cards at the end of the month for a chance to win a prize! You can find the August Score Card here.
For more information about the Summer Family Challenge, contact the Children’s Department at kidscount@fumchurch.com or call the office at 717-766-4611.
We live in uncertain times. Our worry about loved ones, jobs, the economy, our health and well-being often makes us afraid, but Psalm 23 offers us an understanding of how life with God can bring us joy, give us peace and restore our souls.
Beginning August 18, the pastors of First Church will present “Trusting God for Everything” a sermon series based on Psalm 23 during Sunday morning worship services at 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. Join us as we learn together how to live in the kingdom of God every moment here and now.
August 18 “Does God Really Provide Everything I Need?” Psalm 23:1, Ezekiel 34:11-12
August 25 “Trusting God for Soul Restoration” Psalm 23:2-3
Sept. 1 “Trusting God to Lead” Psalm 23:3
Sept. 8 “Trusting God in the Deep Valleys” Psalm 23:4
Sept. 15 “Trusting That God is with Me” Psalm 23:4
Sept. 22 “Trusting God with Those who Oppose Me” Psalm 23:5
Sept. 29 “A Life of Settled Trust in God” Psalm 23:6
All are encouraged and invited to attend. For more information, call or email the church at (717) 766-4611 or office@fumchurch.com.
The United Methodist Women of First Church will hold their annual Yard, Book and Bake Sale on Saturday, Aug. 17 from 8 a.m. to noon in the church parking lot. Free school supplies for children on a first come, first served basis! Proceeds benefit UMW missions in our community and our Youth mission trips.