Sunday Morning Worship at 9:00 am; Coffee House Style Worship at 11:00 am in Fellowship Hall
https://www.havenfirstumc.org/ or https://www.havencfc.org/
Christ Fellowship Church
of Schuylkill Haven
(also known as First United Methodist Church)

Search Results
72 results found with an empty search
- Devotional Podcast | havenfirstumc
Are you going through a difficult time? Are you worried, sick, lonely, down-and-out? For over two thousand years, Christians around the world have depended on Jesus to help them get through the tough times. This CD will explain how to live a victorious life now and throughout eternity by relying on the power of Jesus Christ.
- Adult Sunday School | Small Groups | First United Methodist Church
This will provide information on Sunday School classes and/or Small Groups that meet on a Sunday morning or throughout the week. SMALL GROUP OPPORTUNITIES (updated 2/21/21) FUMC promotes participation in Small Groups as a way to meet other Christians, participate in shared interests, support each other's needs, and build lasting friendships in a one-on-one setting with limited attendance. During the COVID-19 environment, we need the support of others and the ability to communicate with those of common interest. In the current environment, our Groups are in-person, virtual (highlighted in this listing), or blended (in-person and virtual). If you would like to start a new Small Group, please contact the church office at 570.385.3941 for more information. If you have an interest in joining one of the Groups below, contact the leader through the contact form below. LIFE IN ACTION GROUPS RECOMMENDED READINGS The books listed below have been reviewed by the Discipleship Council and are recommended for the Life in Action Groups to use as a guide in their mission to create disciples in response to Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19a. These books are generally available at www.christianbook.com and through other providers. Discipleship Plan Components Component 1 - Experience God "A Firm Foundation" by Wesleyan Covenant Association Hope and Vision for a new Methodist Future "Alpha Course" by Nicky Gumbel Creating space to explore life, faith, and meaning "Healing" by Francis MacNutt Provides a context within which to understand healing Component 2 - Follow the Lord Jesus Daily Devotions Component 3 - Share Life Together "The Class Meeting" by Kevin M. Watson A fresh new guide to the theory and practice of the Wesley class meeting "The Band Meeting" by Kevin M. Watson & Scott Kisker Demonstrates that the band meeting is not merely another church program Component 4 - Serve the Body of Christ "Healing" by Francis MacNutt Provides a context within which to understand healing Component 5 - Invest in Others "The Starfish Movement" by Dan Grider Shows how to fully engage with the original Movement that Jesus launched (suggested reading for leaders of Small Groups) "Crucial Conversations" by Dan Grider Draws our attention to those defining moments that literally shape our lives, our relationships, and our world
- Mural of the Lord's Supper and Crosses | First United Methodist Church
Description of the symbolization of the mural. MURAL OF THE LORD'S SUPPER AND CROSSES This Lord’s Supper Mural is given to the glory of God in loving memory of Charles C. Reading and Charles I. Reading. There is an ancient proverb that shares the insight “A picture tells a thousand words.” The beauty of this Lord’s Supper Mural is that it tells the story of salvation in a way that is beyond the power of words to express. Truth is conveyed not only by wisdom and intellect, but by the heart expressed in art. The sacraments have been called “sermons in action.” A famous layperson once said: “I would rather see a sermon than just hear one.” The Lord’s Supper is at the heart of our Christian faith. Here we see the love of God in action. This Lord’s Supper Mural depicting Jesus Christ our Lord and the twelve disciples tells the grand story of salvation and the divine—human encounter in a very dramatic way. The cross tells the marvelous message of God’s love entering the human struggle to liberate us from the paralyzing powers of sin and death. It should be noted that our Lord gathered his disciples at a TABLE rather than an altar. The table is a place where the warmth of friendship and the bond of true intimacy with the host can take place. JESUS IS ALWAYS THE HOST , as the large Christ cross demonstrates in a vivid way. The LARGE CHRIST CROSS is a vivid reminder that Jesus Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. The cross is the only authentic sign of love in our fallen world. The cross is a powerful reminder of how far humanity will go in hate. However, it represents how far Christ will go to demonstrate his love for us. The other TWELVE CROSSES demonstrate how the message of the cross lives on in the lives of the twelve disciples and the cultures they impacted with the gospel. The story continues on. It cannot be stopped. The message continues to call people of every age, race, class, gender, and color to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The LORD’S SUPPER TABLE reminds us that God continues to invite us to commune with him and to develop an intimate relationship with him through the Lord’s Supper. It further reminds us that we are a community of faith where all worldly distinctions face and we are a true family of believers. The BREAD AND CHALICE represent the ongoing nourishment and nurture that God provides for those who love and serve him and the strength and courage needed to follow the example of Christ. The SPOTLIGHTS remind us that Jesus Christ is the true light of the world and that we should at all times keep our focus on the Lord Jesus Christ. The one true light has entered human history and the powers of darkness are unable to extinguish the light. The MONEYBAG reminds us of the tragic consequences of listening to anything except God’s word and will. Only God can meet the deepest needs and longings of the human spirit. However, all the crosses together remind us that there is more grace in God than sin in us. God is faithful to his covenant that he established and sealed with his own death and shed blood. There is no sin he cannot forgive and no person he will ever cast out. This is the good news of the gospel that God has called us to share and proclaim each day until he comes again. May all who view this Lord’s Supper Mural be renewed by the good news of the gospel that all of human life can be released from the bondage of sin and death and then be refreshed by the living bread and the cup of salvation. May the words of Charles Wesley inspire us each time we commune at a Lord's Supper observance: How happy are Thy servants Lord, Who thus remember Thee! What tongue can tell our sweet accord, Our perfect harmony? Who Thy mysterious Supper share, Here at Thy Table fed, Many, and yet but one we are, One undivided Bread. One with the Living Bread Divine, Which now by faith we eat; Our hearts, and minds, and spirits join, And all in Jesus meet. So dear the tie where souls agree In Jesu's dying love; Then only can it closer be, When all are join'd above. Amen. To learn more about the crosses depicted in the mural, click here to view a Legend for the Lord's Supper Mural and Crosses .
- Men's & Women's Groups | First United Methodist Church
Provides information on the Men's and Women's groups. MEN'S AND WOMEN'S GROUPS Men's Breakfast Group A fellowship opportunity open to all Christian men in the community. Meets the third Saturday each month at 8:00 am for inspiration, study, and fellowship. Methodist Women Methodist Women's Ministries formerly known as United Methodist women is a group whose goal is to show the love of Christ through its giving to local and national mission projects and doing hands-on mission work for the local community. Time is spent learning about social justice issues then walking the talk by raising money to aid those in need. The group also does various collections for local missions.
- Bible Reading Plans | First United Methodist Church
This page has links to different Bible Reading Plans (i.e., read the Bible in a year). BIBLE READING PLAN To grow in faith, there is no substitute for spending time in God's Word. It's not just a matter of growing either. It's a matter of daily spiritual sustenance. We pray to God, "Give us this day our daily bread," but the Word of God also says, "People shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." This is how Jesus countered the temptation of the Devil. In other words, partaking of the Word of God every day is as important as eating our daily food. It's spiritual nourishment. You need it to stay healthy in the Spirit. This brochure contains a Bible-reading plan that will enable you to read through the entire Bible in a year. It requires about 15-30 minutes a day, depending on your reading speed, reading about 3-4 chapters per day. There is really no "right" way to read through the Bible, so this plan is just one systematic suggestion of how to do it. If you have a smart phone, you can download a Bible App like "YouVersion," and you can set it up to listen to audio recordings of the Scriptures while you drive. You will be amazed at the way God talks to you as you make this type of Bible study a regular part of your devotional life. I have found over and over this to be true: what I read in a particular day's Bible-reading devotions matches and applies to what is going on in my life. God speaks to us through his word. Click here to access the Bible Reading Plan for 2023 Click here to access the Bible Reading Plan for 2020 Click here to access the Bible Reading Plan used in 2019
- Ministries | First United Methodist Church
Provides a list of ministries that are active within our church. FUMC MINISTRIES The ministries of First United Methodist Church serve as the main tool to lead believers in the discipleship process of the Christian faith. All of our ministries are Bible-based and they are Christ-centered. The purpose of each ministry is to strengthen believers in their faith, to lead them into spiritual maturity, and to equip members to find and use their gifts for the work of our ministry. If you have any questions regarding our different ministries or are interested in serving, please don't hesitate to contact the church office at 570.385.3941 for more information. Community Luncheon Many years ago, our Missions Committee, under the leadership of Jack O’Rourke, decided they should reach out not only to people in need worldwide, but also to people in our own community who may have a need. This was definitely a calling they felt they should undertake. Therefore, they began a program that would serve those who might have a hunger for Christian fellowship, as well as a hunger for a good meal. Hence, the Community Luncheon program was born. A meal is served at our church at noon in our Fellowship Hall on the second Saturday of each month. The only exceptions are those months where some unscheduled need occurs—such as a funeral—or some long-range event is planned—such as a wedding, a United Methodist District meeting, etc. (Advance notice of all dates is shown elsewhere on this website.) This mission captured the spirit of many. The meals are nutritional and sumptuous, the atmosphere is inviting, and the tables are set with love and warmth. The overall atmosphere is one of “family and fellowship.” There is no charge for the luncheon, but free-will offerings are gratefully accepted and appreciated. We are always looking for volunteers to help prepare, serve, and, most importantly, engage in fellowship with our “guests.” A core of dedicated volunteers is what makes this mission come alive. Won’t you join us? Embrace Grace Ministry Our ministry with Embrace Grace has started and are so excited about this opportunity to come together as the body of Christ, be obedient to His calling and be willing share the love and life changing message of Jesus with our neighbors! Many of you have asked how you might be able to help, so here are some ways that you can be Jesus’ hands and feet to these precious Brave Girls and their babies… Do you like rocking, singing, or engaging with little ones? How about signing up to help with childcare? Do you like to knit? You could help us out with blankets, sweaters, and booties! Is hospitality your thing? Join us for our special days as we celebrate the new lives God has entrusted to us. Are you a party planner? If so, maybe you’d like to help with the Baby Shower? Do you have extra finances that could go to support this ministry? Donations are greatly appreciated as we purchase curriculum and to help off-set some of the expenses of the special days. Are you a prayer warrior? Great! What a blessing a simple prayer can be to these Brave Girls, their families, and our team! Maybe you have a gift or talent that’s not listed, if so, we welcome you to reach out and share as there’s a role for everyone! Meals Ministry The Meals Ministry supplies temporary meal preparation for members in extenuating medical circumstances. Media Ministry The Media Ministry is always looking to add to their rotating crew of volunteers to meet the growing needs of the church. If you are able to give one or two Sundays a month to the church at the 9:00 am service, then we are looking for you. Minimum level of experience is required. Middle and High school students are also encouraged to join. Please contact Dave Williams or Don Bergen for seeking additional information, for signing up as a new member of the Tech Team, and/or for receiving training on the equipment. You may also click here to access the Media Form and forward to Dave or Don via the Church Office. Also part of the Media Ministry is the preparation of the weekly slides for use during the worship services; please consider serving in preparing the words for the congregation to follow during worship. Training and mentoring is available to all who wish to learn and serve. Missions Ministry The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 'Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." ' Jesus directs us: "… have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:14-15 Paul to Titus: "…And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." Titus 3:8 FUMC offers opportunities to carry out God’s directions to us. We have several mission teams that have served in many capacities over the years. We have a Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Team, an Africa Team, and a Youth Team. Over the years our VIM teams served in many locations throughout the United States (from Philadelphia to Alabama). Our Africa team served at the Children of Zion Village in Katima Mulilo, Namibia, Africa in 2011 and 2017. The VIM teams tend to form when there is a need somewhere and the Missions Committee along with the Church agree to send a team. However when a decision to send a team is made, there seems to be a core group of people that is usually ready to jump on board. And our Youth teams served in many locations from locally in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Massachusetts, and Alabama. Music Ministry FUMC offers several opportunities to worship and praise God. We offer an adult choir and a cherub/c hildren's choir. Joyful Noises Choir is for children from toddler age to 12 years of age. The children practice on Sunday mornings for the first 1/2 hour of Sunday School. Adult Choir is for anyone from 8th grade and above. This choir performs all styles of music in all voices (SAB) and in varying levels of difficulty. This choir sings at the 9:00 am worship service and practices on a Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm. Contemporary Praise/Worship Team is for anyone that loves the Lord and wants to serve through his or her gift of music. They perform all styles of music (contemporary to traditional hymns) and in varying levels of difficulty. The worship team sings at the 9:00 am worship service. Their practice schedule is flexible and varies depending on schedules so please check the bulletin. The Team is always looking for musicians and singers. We combined our services and have one service at 9:00 am. This service is a blended service containing both traditional (utilizing the piano or organ) and contemporary music by the Praise/Worship team. Parish Nurse Ministry “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19 NIV) A Parish Nurse is a registered professional nurse who serves as a member of the ministry team of a faith community. Service is through the independent practice of nursing as defined by the nurse practice act in the jurisdiction in which he or she practices, and the standards set forth in the “Scope and Standards of Parish Nursing Practice” published by Health Ministries Association Inc. and American Nurses Association. The Parish Nurse Ministry works in conjunction with the Health and Welfare Committee in serving the congregation in different health-related areas and provides monthly blood pressure screenings and provides programs to improve the health of body, mind, and spirit. The Parish Nurse and members of the Health & Welfare Committee are individuals that are motivated by strong beliefs, principles, ethics, and values with the desire to serve others with altruism and compassion grounded in faith. Mission To provide health services focusing on the holistic integration of body, mind, and spirit to the members of the church and the community beyond. Vision “To nurture the body of Christ along the continuum of wellness for the healing and well being of the church and community.” What roles do the Parish Nurse and Health & Welfare Committee have? They DO NOT provide medical treatment/care, hands-on care, diagnostic screenings, home health care, or any service/procedure that is invasive or falls within the scope of practice for a licensed health profession. We are Health Educators - providing educational materials and programs about health topics; Health Counselors - increasing awareness of health issues through visitations at home, in facilities, and at the church; and a Referral Source - providing information about and assists with community resource links in regards to questions about health issues or navigating the health system. We focus on supporting and assisting members of the congregation and the community with activities that relate to health education, prevention, and wellness. The overall goal is to find balance among all the dimensions that comprise it: emotional, spiritual, physical, mental and social. We are volunteers with a passion of helping others. Prayer Ministry Click here to be transferred to the Prayer Ministry page. Stephens Ministry Stephen Ministry is a way for congregations to provide high-quality Christ centered care and outreach to hurting people in the congregation and community. Stephen Ministers are congregation members who go through 50 hours of Christian caregiving training. Each Stephen Minister is then matched with a hurting person - men are paired with men, women with women - and meets with that person weekly to listen, care, pray, and encourage. Caring relationships last for as long as the need persists. Stephen Ministers care for those dealing with grief, divorce, job loss, hospitalization, financial struggles, loneliness, convalescence, terminal illness, and other life difficulties. Stephen Ministry at Schuylkill Haven First United Methodist Church: First Church became a member of the Stephen Ministry Series in the fall of 2014. The first class of Stephen Ministers was commissioned on May 22, 2016. First Church has 16 members who have completed the 50-hour Stephen Minister training course and have become Stephen Ministers. We also have two Stephen Leaders who have completed the week-long course presented by Stephen Ministry. The Stephen Leaders provide the training and supervision necessary for the success of the program. Currently, we have 15 active Stephen Ministers and nine people being cared for by a Stephen Minister. In the last four years, 24 people have received approximately 1,258 hours of direct one-to-one care. During the Covid-19 Quarantine, our Stephen Ministers kept in contact with their care receivers via text, email, and phone meetings. This was very critical for those care receivers who became isolated during this time. For the Story of Stephen Ministry, click here . Vineyard Ministry The Vineyard is a mission outreach which began in 2004 as the result of a need in the community. The Vineyard is not just a Food Pantry. A short worship service is provided to feed the soul. Household items such as cleaning supplies and paper products, as well as food items are available. All items are donated by members of the congregation and community. We do not require proof of income from anyone accessing the Vineyard, but we do require an ID. What God provides, we supply to those in need. The Vineyard is open the first Wednesday of each month from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Early arrival is not necessary. The order of being served will be determined in a random manner. In case of inclement weather, please contact the church office for a make-up date. If you feel led to serve this ministry through the donation of items, check out the Vineyard Grocery List . For more information about this program, please contact the church office at 570.385.3941. Young Adult Ministry The Young Adult Fellowship targets the post-high school to 20-somethings. It provides fellowship opportunities for adults from 20-somethings (and sometimes a little older) and their families.
- The Altar Window | First United Methodist Church
This is the stained glass window behind the altar in the sanctuary. THE ALTAR WINDOW Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. ~John 1:29 The stained glass window was designed and installed by Kim Bordner, a young man who used his talents for God’s glory. Much of the glass used in the window comes from our former church dwelling on St. John Street, reminding us of the past; and the newly added glass gives us a forward hopeful look. The Cross, the central figure of our Altar Window, captures the most intense demonstration of Christ’s love and power. The color of our cross represents Christ’s blood spilled out putting an end to ungodliness through the crucifixion, so that as Christians we are now free to live in Christ. The Lamb is the supreme symbol of innocence and gentleness. The lamb in Old Testament Scripture is the dominant sacrificial victim given up to atone for the sins of the people. In the New Testament (John 1:29), John the Baptist said upon seeing Jesus, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” The Dove represents the hovering of the Spirit of God over the Church, His people (Genesis 1:2). The Spirit of God descended “like a dove” upon Jesus at His baptism, and the Holy Spirit descends like a dove upon us when we accept Jesus as Savior. We are baptized with the Holy Spirit when we accept Christ into our lives and this identifies our baptism with His baptism. The Plants remind us that in our commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ, we are to be continually growing in our relationship and as His disciples. For just as plants grow and are nourished with water in a firm foundation of soil, so must we, as followers of Christ, be planted firmly in His word and our growth nourished in the same manner. Our Altar Window is a beautiful reminder of God’s love. Each Sunday that we gather together in worship or any time we spend time in the sanctuary to commune with Him, we are reminded of His love, sacrifice, and victory. May our Altar Window allow God’s light to shine in our soul and give us a vision of His heavenly kingdom!
- The Upper Room
This page provides a link to another website - The Upper Room - a devotional. THE UPPER ROOM The Upper Room is a daily devotion which has meditations with the Bible as the cornerstone for and measure of faithful living. All the meditations reflect the belief that God wills only good for each of us and that God calls us to lives of love, forgiveness, and service to others, according to the example of Christ. Click here for The Upper Room.
- Meet Our Staff | First United Methodist Church
Provides staff names and their titles. MEET OUR STAFF Leading Christ Fellowship Church of Schuylkill Haven is a team effort. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the pastor and church staff work together in a spirit of unity to fulfill the church's vision to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Senior Pastor | Rev. Dr. Christopher Fisher Rev. Dr. Christopher Fisher is an ordained elder in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church, and has served churches in Eastern PA since 1991. He has been the pastor of First United Methodist Church in Schuylkill Haven since 2005. Education: B.A., Lehigh University (1984); B.S., Lehigh University (1984); M.Div., Asbury Theological Seminary (1990); Ph.D., University of Edinburgh (2004). He has taught at Asbury Theological Seminary, United Theological Seminary, and served as Director of United Methodist Studies at Evangelical Seminary for many years. He has served as past president of the Eastern PA Evangelical Connection and as a past board member of the Eastern PA Wesley Covenant Association. Dr. Fisher's research specialty is the dialogue between science and faith. He is the author of Human Significance in Theology and the Natural Sciences (Princeton Theological Monograph Series, Pickwick, 2010). Dr. Fisher and his wife Elizabeth live in beautiful Schuylkill County. Other Staff Members Brian Reading Minister of Visitation Ann Moyer Parish Nurse Adam Kraft Treasurer JoAnn Daum Office Manager Cindy McClelland Minister of Music & Organist Marcy Hudock Sexton Pam Setlock Church Secretary Julie Saunders Choir Director Dave Williams Director of Youth Ministry Stacey Lehman Youth Ministry Administrative Assistant
- Privacy Policy | havenfirstumc
FUMC's Privacy Policy Effective date: September 03, 2018 First United Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven ("us", "we", or "our") operates the www.havenfirstumc.org website (hereinafter referred to as the "Service"). This page informs you of our policies regarding the collection, use and disclosure of personal data when you use our Service and the choices you have associated with that data. We use your data to provide and improve the Service. By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. Unless otherwise defined in this Privacy Policy, the terms used in this Privacy Policy have the same meanings as in our Terms and Conditions, accessible from www.havenfirstumc.org . Definitions Service Service is the www.havenfirstumc.org website operated by First United Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven Personal Data Personal Data means data about a living individual who can be identified from those data (or from those and other information either in our possession or likely to come into our possession). Usage Data Usage Data is data collected automatically either generated by the use of the Service or from the Service infrastructure itself (for example, the duration of a page visit). Cookies Cookies are small files stored on your device (computer or mobile device). Data Controller Data Controller means the natural or legal person who (either alone or jointly or in common with other persons) determines the purposes for which and the manner in which any personal information are, or are to be, processed. For the purpose of this Privacy Policy, we are a Data Controller of your Personal Data. Data Processors (or Service Providers) Data Processor (or Service Provider) means any natural or legal person who processes the data on behalf of the Data Controller. We may use the services of various Service Providers in order to process your data more effectively. Data Subject (or User) Data Subject is any living individual who is using our Service and is the subject of Personal Data. Information Collection and Use We collect several different types of information for various purposes to provide and improve our Service to you. Types of Data Collected Personal Data While using our Service, we may ask you to provide us with certain personally identifiable information that can be used to contact or identify you ("Personal Data"). Personally identifiable information may include, but is not limited to: Email address First name and last name Cookies and Usage Data Usage Data We may also collect information on how the Service is accessed and used ("Usage Data"). This Usage Data may include information such as your computer's Internet Protocol address (e.g. IP address), browser type, browser version, the pages of our Service that you visit, the time and date of your visit, the time spent on those pages, unique device identifiers and other diagnostic data. Tracking Cookies Data We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track the activity on our Service and we hold certain information. Cookies are files with a small amount of data which may include an anonymous unique identifier. Cookies are sent to your browser from a website and stored on your device. Other tracking technologies are also used such as beacons, tags and scripts to collect and track information and to improve and analyse our Service. You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, if you do not accept cookies, you may not be able to use some portions of our Service. Examples of Cookies we use: Session Cookies. We use Session Cookies to operate our Service. Preference Cookies. We use Preference Cookies to remember your preferences and various settings. Security Cookies. We use Security Cookies for security purposes. Use of Data First United Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven uses the collected data for various purposes: To provide and maintain our Service To notify you about changes to our Service To allow you to participate in interactive features of our Service when you choose to do so To provide customer support To gather analysis or valuable information so that we can improve our Service To monitor the usage of our Service To detect, prevent and address technical issues Legal Basis for Processing Personal Data under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) If you are from the European Economic Area (EEA), First United Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven legal basis for collecting and using the personal information described in this Privacy Policy depends on the Personal Data we collect and the specific context in which we collect it. First United Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven may process your Personal Data because: We need to perform a contract with you You have given us permission to do so The processing is in our legitimate interests and it is not overridden by your rights To comply with the law Retention of Data First United Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven will retain your Personal Data only for as long as is necessary for the purposes set out in this Privacy Policy. We will retain and use your Personal Data to the extent necessary to comply with our legal obligations (for example, if we are required to retain your data to comply with applicable laws), resolve disputes and enforce our legal agreements and policies. First United Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven will also retain Usage Data for internal analysis purposes. Usage Data is generally retained for a shorter period of time, except when this data is used to strengthen the security or to improve the functionality of our Service, or we are legally obligated to retain this data for longer periods. Transfer of Data Your information, including Personal Data, may be transferred to — and maintained on — computers located outside of your state, province, country or other governmental jurisdiction where the data protection laws may differ from those of your jurisdiction. If you are located outside United States and choose to provide information to us, please note that we transfer the data, including Personal Data, to United States and process it there. Your consent to this Privacy Policy followed by your submission of such information represents your agreement to that transfer. First United Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven will take all the steps reasonably necessary to ensure that your data is treated securely and in accordance with this Privacy Policy and no transfer of your Personal Data will take place to an organisation or a country unless there are adequate controls in place including the security of your data and other personal information. Disclosure of Data Business Transaction If First United Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven is involved in a merger, acquisition or asset sale, your Personal Data may be transferred. We will provide notice before your Personal Data is transferred and becomes subject to a different Privacy Policy. Disclosure for Law Enforcement Under certain circumstances, First United Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven may be required to disclose your Personal Data if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g. a court or a government agency). Legal Requirements First United Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven may disclose your Personal Data in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to: To comply with a legal obligation To protect and defend the rights or property of First United Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven To prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing in connection with the Service To protect the personal safety of users of the Service or the public To protect against legal liability Security of Data The security of your data is important to us but remember that no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your Personal Data, we cannot guarantee its absolute security. Our Policy on "Do Not Track" Signals under the California Online Protection Act (CalOPPA) We do not support Do Not Track ("DNT"). Do Not Track is a preference you can set in your web browser to inform websites that you do not want to be tracked. You can enable or disable Do Not Track by visiting the Preferences or Settings page of your web browser. Your Data Protection Rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) If you are a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA), you have certain data protection rights. First United Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven aims to take reasonable steps to allow you to correct, amend, delete or limit the use of your Personal Data. If you wish to be informed about what Personal Data we hold about you and if you want it to be removed from our systems, please contact us. In certain circumstances, you have the following data protection rights: The right to access, update or delete the information we have on you. Whenever made possible, you can access, update or request deletion of your Personal Data directly within your account settings section. If you are unable to perform these actions yourself, please contact us to assist you. The right of rectification. You have the right to have your information rectified if that information is inaccurate or incomplete. The right to object. You have the right to object to our processing of your Personal Data. The right of restriction. You have the right to request that we restrict the processing of your personal information. The right to data portability. You have the right to be provided with a copy of the information we have on you in a structured, machine-readable and commonly used format. The right to withdraw consent. You also have the right to withdraw your consent at any time where First United Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven relied on your consent to process your personal information. Please note that we may ask you to verify your identity before responding to such requests. You have the right to complain to a Data Protection Authority about our collection and use of your Personal Data. For more information, please contact your local data protection authority in the European Economic Area (EEA). Service Providers We may employ third party companies and individuals to facilitate our Service ("Service Providers"), provide the Service on our behalf, perform Service-related services or assist us in analysing how our Service is used. These third parties have access to your Personal Data only to perform these tasks on our behalf and are obligated not to disclose or use it for any other purpose. Analytics We may use third-party Service Providers to monitor and analyse the use of our Service. Google Analytics Google Analytics is a web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic. Google uses the data collected to track and monitor the use of our Service. This data is shared with other Google services. Google may use the collected data to contextualise and personalise the ads of its own advertising network. You can opt-out of having made your activity on the Service available to Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on. The add-on prevents the Google Analytics JavaScript (ga.js, analytics.js and dc.js) from sharing information with Google Analytics about visits activity. For more information on the privacy practices of Google, please visit the Google Privacy Terms web page: https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en Behavioral Remarketing First United Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven uses remarketing services to advertise on third party websites to you after you visited our Service. We and our third-party vendors use cookies to inform, optimise and serve ads based on your past visits to our Service. Facebook remarketing service is provided by Facebook Inc. You can learn more about interest-based advertising from Facebook by visiting this page: https://www.facebook.com/help/164968693837950 To opt-out from Facebook's interest-based ads, follow these instructions from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/help/568137493302217 Facebook adheres to the Self-Regulatory Principles for Online Behavioural Advertising established by the Digital Advertising Alliance. You can also opt-out from Facebook and other participating companies through the Digital Advertising Alliance in the USA http://www.aboutads.info/choices/ , the Digital Advertising Alliance of Canada in Canada http://youradchoices.ca/ or the European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance in Europe http://www.youronlinechoices.eu/ , or opt-out using your mobile device settings. For more information on the privacy practices of Facebook, please visit Facebook's Data Policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/explanation Links to Other Sites Our Service may contain links to other sites that are not operated by us. If you click a third party link, you will be directed to that third party's site. We strongly advise you to review the Privacy Policy of every site you visit. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies or practices of any third party sites or services. Children's Privacy Our Service does not address anyone under the age of 18 ("Children"). We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from anyone under the age of 18. If you are a parent or guardian and you are aware that your Child has provided us with Personal Data, please contact us. If we become aware that we have collected Personal Data from children without verification of parental consent, we take steps to remove that information from our servers. Changes to This Privacy Policy We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page. We will let you know via email and/or a prominent notice on our Service, prior to the change becoming effective and update the "effective date" at the top of this Privacy Policy. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes to this Privacy Policy are effective when they are posted on this page. Contact Us If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us: By email: office@havenfirstumc.org By visiting this page on our website: https://www.havenfirstumc.org/contact-us
- Alpha Course | First United Methodist Church
This page is providing highlights of the Alpha Course... it's designed to learn, share explore faith and life within a Small Group environment of fellow seekers. What is Alpha? Alpha is an extended conversation in a weekly group study on the meaning of life and the Christian faith. Participants take part in a meal and fellowship, followed by a video presentation and small group discussion opportunity. Originally presented in-church as a new members class, Alpha was shared with the community starting Spring of 2023 in town and again Fall 2023 in the church's Fellowship Hall. The last completed Alpha series took place during Fall 2024 in the church's Fellowship Hall, Fall 2024 , from Sunday, September 8th, through Sunday, December 8th from 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM. The program, narrated by Nicky Gumbel, was viewed by participants from the church's congregation as well as those interested from our community. The special Alpha Day Away took place on Saturday, October 26th, at the Church of the Good Samaritan in Paoli, the same place visited during last year's Day Away . Fall 2025 : This year's 12-week Alpha series began Sunday, September 14th, in the church's Fellowship Hall. The program starts with a luncheon and fellowship, followed by an Alpha video and discussion. Who is invited? All who are interested in learning more about faith in Jesus Christ are welcome to attend. (Childcare will be provided) How can I help? Assistance is welcomed in the following areas: Prayer Team, Hospitality, Table Leaders, Kitchen Help, Food Prep. (dinner menu) , Setup & Cleanup, Help with Childcare Team How do I sign up or ask questions? contact the church office at 570-385-3941. 09/20/25