Recent News
The church building may be closed, but our ministry is alive and active!
We encourage you to access the following letter from Pastor Denny, announcing our plan to re-gather for in-person worship beginning July 26, 2020.
Click here to read about our re-gathering plans as of July 8, 2020.
Visit the “Resources” tab for more information about our upcoming services and activities.
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
The Third Friday Food Trucks return on Friday, July 17! The trucks will serve in the church parking lot from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Food will be takeout only due to recent restrictions, and guests are asked to follow physical distancing guidelines.
We will be welcoming the following trucks: 717 Taco, Lucky Penny Burger, Get Smok’d, Potato Coop, Kona Ice and Doggie Delights (treats for dogs).
Mark your calendar now for upcoming Food Truck dates on August 21, September 18, and October 16.
Please Like our Facebook page at First United Methodist Church of Mechanicsburg, Pa. for updates and future events.
The pastors of First Church will present “Shifting Perspectives,” a sermon series on suffering and how it can help us grow closer to Jesus.
“I wonder a lot as of late what all this suffering is for. Why is it necessary? Why does it feel so impossible to overcome? Then I remembered something so simple, it’s profound. Jesus. Yes, Jesus suffered and told us that we should expect to suffer, too (John 16:33). But suffering isn’t just a fact of following Jesus; it’s an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus.”
These words written by a young Christian student in the midst of the global pandemic could well have been said by the apostle Paul. In the eighth chapter of his Letter to the Romans, Paul beautifully describes how being in Christ and living in the Spirit gives us a new perspective on everything, including seasons of suffering.
All are encouraged to hear these powerful messages! Weekly sermons will be available to view through our website at fumchurch.com, while the church building remains closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. See the Daily Bible Reading Plan here.
Weekly Messages
July 5 “Freedom in Christ Romans” 8:1-4 Click here for sermon.
July 12 “The Mind Set on the Spirit” Romans 8:5-8
July 19 “Transformed By the Spirit” Romans 8:9-11
July 26 “Children of God” Romans 8:12-17
August 2 “Waiting in Hope” Romans 8:18-25
August 9 “The Spirit’s Intercession” Romans 8:26-27
August 16 “All Things For Good” Romans 8:28-30
August 23 “God Is For Us” Romans 8:31-34
August 30 “Love Conquers All” Romans 8:35-39
First Church is offering a new 6-Week Bible Study, “The Power of Jesus’ Names” starting June 25 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. via zoom conferencing. This study dives deep into the life and character of Jesus to give you a deeper understanding of who He is and what He came to do for, and in, your life today.
See the introduction here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=16&v=wlJa0tdv2w0&feature=emb_logo. The workbook is available online to purchase on your own.
To register or if you have questions, please contact Tina Eaton at adultministry@fumchurch.com.
First Church is joining with other area congregations to collect personal care items and food to help local families in need.
The personal care collection will take place on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of First Church, 135 W. Simpson St., Mechanicsburg through June 24th.
The items will be donated to Mission Central in Mechanicsburg. Requested items include laundry detergent, hand towels, feminine hygiene products, band aids, toothpaste, liquid concentrate household cleaner, travel size shampoo, deodorant and soap, blue/black ink pens, pencils. You can also find the list on our FB Page at First United Methodist Church of Mechanicsburg, PA.
In addition, a food collection to support local families will take place at Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church, 1050 S. York Street from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., on Wednesdays. The list of needed items include: canned fruit or vegetables, canned chicken or tuna, peanut butter, pasta, pasta sauce, and single serve cereal.
First Church will hold a Rejoicing Spirits worship service on Sunday, June 28 at 4:00 p.m. All are welcome! Once again, we will be worshipping via Zoom video conference. If you had ever wanted to attend, but not able to, this is a great opportunity. The service will include music, scripture, prayer and a brief message. To join in the service, please contact Pastor John Shellenberger at pastorjohn@fumchurch.com before Sunday afternoon.
The service is specially designed and adapted for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families.
Rejoicing Spirits services are held on the fourth Sunday of each month. To view the April service, click here.
First Church is excited to announce a new virtual format for VBS this summer. The dates are July 13 to 17, starting at 9:00 a.m. This year’s theme, Knights of North Castle: Quest for the King’s Armor, invites children to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power by exploring how we put on the armor of God. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=I1x0a0oPiqE&feature=emb_logo.
Kids ages 4 years old through sixth grade are invited to register by July 8th. New this year, there is no registration fee, but space is limited! Find registration link here: https://2020.cokesburyvbs.com/fumchurch.
With every registration, each child will receive a VBS kit, picked up at the church, with all the supplies needed for the week. The kit includes: all materials needed for the crafts and science projects, age appropriate work books with fun puzzles, stories and activities, 1 free music CD per family, information on how to watch daily VBS videos that include music, Bible stories and craft/science instructions.
The instructions are simple to follow and fun for everyone in the family! You will be notified when and where to pick up your VBS kit.
If you have any questions, please contact Miss Dawn or Miss Anna at kidscount@fumchurch.com. See you at the North Castle!
Check out our special Graduation Edition of the First News First newsletter where we recognize the those from our church who have graduated from High School or have earned their Undergraduate or Master’s degree.
Congratulations Class of 2020!
Click here to view the Graduation Edition of First News First!
First Church is pleased to announce that the Third Friday Food Trucks will be returning Friday, June 19! The trucks will serve in the church parking lot from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Food will be takeout only due to recent restrictions, and guests are asked to follow physical distancing guidelines.
We will be welcoming the following food trucks: Mad Dash, Get Smok’d, Marsico’s Italian, Shredderz, Philly Hoagie, Sarah’s Creamery and Doggie Delights (treats for dogs).
Mark your calendar now for upcoming Food Truck dates on July 17, August 21, September 18, and October 16.
Please Like our Facebook page at First United Methodist Church of Mechanicsburg, Pa. for updates and future events.
First Church will observe Holy Communion on Sunday, June 14. Please join us for worship and communion on our website at fumchurch.com on Sunday morning. Our worship services are pre-recorded; therefore, you can join us any time after 7 a.m. To partake in Holy Communion, use your own crackers or bread and fruit juice while our pastors provide instructions. All are welcome!