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Our doctrinal standards are in accord with the faith of the ancient church, the apostolic and orthodox creeds, and the evangelical spirit of John Wesley. Our doctrinal standards are in accord with the faith of the ancient church, the apostolic and orthodox creeds, and the evangelical spirit of John Wesley. We Believe... In the Holy Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In Jesus Christ, the Word of God and Son of God; truly God and truly human. In the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. In the sufficiency and authority of the Holy Scriptures, the Old and New Testaments, for knowledge of Salvation and Christian Faith and Practice. In the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation to God by faith in the merit and sacrificial death of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the convicting, comforting, sustaining, and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. The church is the redemptive fellowship of believers where the pure Word of God is preached and the Sacraments duly administered according to Christ's command. In the Christian life as one of individual and communal discipleship. Adapted from The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church (2008), ¶103: Section 3: Our Doctrinal Standards and General Rules (The U.M. Publishing House, Nashville, TN, 2008). Click here for more detail of the Foundational Documents of The United Methodist Faith . WHAT WE BELIEVE We are a member of the Wesleyan Covenant Association (WCA). Click here for more information on the WCA core beliefs.

This will provide information on Sunday School classes and/or Small Groups that meet on a Sunday morning or throughout the week. ADULT SMALL GROUPS Connects all of us, young and old, to the Source of life. Provides an opportunity for continued growth. Transforms people and churches. Helps people become leaders. Provides a church family. Provides a safe place for people to make new friends and grow in their faith. Deepens people's knowledge and understanding of God's hand in all of life. The Christian life is lived out with people. We understand that growing one's faith requires the support, attention and nurturing that only small group can provide. Trusting relationships allow us to know one another deeply and to be known. What we receive from God is always matured, tested and developed in the context of people, like you, in God’s Church. Here at FUMC we value the time-proven experience of Christians meeting in home groups for the purpose of Fellowship, Bible Study, Missions, and growing, nurturing, and discipling people to become dynamic followers of Jesus Christ. We offer short-term and long-term classes to allow you to connect with others as you walk together on your faith journey. Our small groups are a way to get to know each other. A Discipleship Council has been implemented and their primary work is to develop effective small group discipleship ministry at the church. If you are interested in attending any of the currently functioning groups, please contact the Church Office at 570.385.3941 for contact information or the Group Leaders to confirm schedules. The small groups that are currently functioning are listed below; however some of these groups are meeting in-person and others virtually and are subject to change without notice on this page; please contact the Leader directly for current status : LifeGroups - Topic is "Healing" Mondays Led by: Ellen Marino Time: 10:00 am Where: At church Tuesdays Led by: Ann Moyer & Nancy Kraft (Ladies Only) When: 1:00 pm Where: At church Led by: JoAnn Daum (Ladies Only) When: 3:00 pm Where: Church cafe Led by: Mike & Joanne Forbes When: 6:00 pm Where: The Forbes' Home Led by: Wanda Langley (Over 50 Group/Seniors) When: 6:00 pm Where: At church Thursdays Led by: Eydie Reed When: 10:00 am Where: Being held virtually until further notice Led by: Gerri Inama When: 6:00 pm Where: The Inama’s Home Led by: Ralph & Julie Saunders When: 7:00 pm Where: Church cafe Saturdays Led by: Lisi Fisher & Barbara Brady (Girls, ages 13-25 years) When: 9:30 am Where: Church cafe Other Small Groups with a Non-Healing Focus Book of Daniel Led by: Ellen Marino When: 10:00 am Where: At church The Alpha Course (New Members or those who want to know more about Christianity) Led by: Greg & Dawn Fisher When: 6:00 pm Where: At church Wednesdays Accountability Group Led by: Doug O’Connell When: 6:30 am Where: Being held virtually until further notice. Thursdays Bible Study Led by: Doug O’Connell When: 7:00 pm Where: Being held virtually until further notice. If you are interested in joining the group, contact Doug O'Connell for a link to the Zoom meeting; or contact the Church Office. Saturdays Men's Breakfast When: Third Saturday of the Month at 8:00 AM Where: Being held virtually until further notice.

Fear2Faith: A video series on current events, Bible prophecy, and faith. Dear Friend, A recent survey by the Joshua Fund revealed that 44% of all Americans are asking why this pandemic and other crises are happening. They are wondering whether this is either a wake-up call to return to God and the Bible, a sign of coming judgment, or both (Joshuafund.com ). The survey covered a random sample of Americans, including atheists, agnostics, Jews, Muslims, and other religious groups. It showed that many people are searching the Bible and seeking online for spiritual answers in a way not seen for years. Are you asking any of these questions? Do you want to know if there is a God, if he cares about you, and how you can know him? Are you wondering if the Bible is trustworthy and might have the answers? Are you seeking hope and a sure future amidst the fear? To help with these questions, we at First UMC, Schuylkill Haven, have produced this series of messages on God, current events, biblical prophecy being fulfilled today, and the grounds for hope in Jesus Christ. We invite you to check it out. We want to help you find a genuine relationship with God and give you sound reasons to trust in Jesus Christ amidst these crises.

The information on this calendar is generally based on the information in the newsletter and Sunday bulletins. Therefore, this information is subject to change and may not be reflected within the calendar if changes are made by event organizers without notification to the Church Office. If you see any discrepancies and would like the information updated or have a new item to be submitted for the calendar, please contact the Webmaster .

This page provides an opportunity to all to submit a prayer request to the church prayer chain with as much or as little information you're comfortable providing. PRAYER REQUESTS 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) tells us to "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Are you or someone you know in need of prayer? How may we pray for you? God cares about you, your family, and your friends. Scripture tells us to give our problems and worries to Him. CFC and our Prayer Team would like to help you present them to God and ask Him to show His love to you by working in your life. CFC offers various ways to request and receive prayer for you and your loved ones. We offer: An active Prayer Chain. Prayer requests may be submitted by sending an email to prayer@havenfirstumc.org or be called into the Church Office (570.385.3941) Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Prayer request cards are available in the pews; you may complete a card on a Sunday morning & place it in the prayer card collection during the first hymn. Below is a Prayer Request Box. To help us pray for your specific situation, please take a moment to submit your request. All submissions in the Prayer Request Form are emailed to a member of the CFC Prayer Chain and then will be sent forth to have many people praying for you. Prayer Request Submit Thanks for submitting! We will be praying for you or the person(s) in your request.

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE FORM Thank you for joining us for worship! Please complete our attendance form to let us know you're worshiping with us today. Follow this link to give your tithes and offerings: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-YXWC/home Enter Your Name Enter Your Email Phone Number Street Address City State Zip Next Steps I would like to talk to the Pastor. I would like a visit by the Pastor. I am interested in joining a small group! I would like more information on the ministries. I would like to learn more about membership! Submit Please list all who are worshiping with you today This is my first time visiting First Church Praying Together What prayer requests would you like shared with our Prayer Chain? What prayer requests would you like to be kept confidential with the pastor? Thanks for worshiping with us today!

This will provide information on Small Groups that meet on a Sunday morning or throughout the week. SMALL GROUPS (UPDATED 03/02/2021) 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 have an interest in joining one of the groups below, contact the leader directly or if assistance is needed, contact ereed@havenfirstumc.org . If Group Leaders need to change their meeting information, contact ereed@havenfirstumc.org with updates. Life in Action Groups Our interest is in following Jesus' command to "go and make disciples". We study and practice within our Group and then go out into the community to make disciples. Recommended readings for this group are listed at the bottom of this page. Mondays Led by: Ellen Marino Study Book: Healing Where: Church Frequency: Weekly, 10:00 AM (temporarily filled) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tuesdays Led by: Ann Moyer & Nancy Kraft Study Book: Crucial Conversations Where: Church Frequency: Weekly, 3:00 PM Led by: JoAnn Daum Study Book: Crucial Conversations Where: Church Frequency: Weekly, 3:00 PM Led by: Wanda Langley Study Book: Crucial Conversations Where: Church Frequency: Weekly, 6:00 PM Led by: Dave Williams Study Book: Crucial Conversations Where: On-line (Google Meet) Frequency: Weekly, 7:00 PM (NEW ; starting 04/06/21) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thursdays Led by: Eydie Reed Study Book: Crucial Conversations Where: On-line (WebEx) Frequency: Weekly, 10:00 AM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fridays Led by: Mary & Moffette Tharpe Studying: Parables Where: Home Frequency: Every other week, 6:30 PM (temporarily filled) Accountability Groups We are smaller groups which meet regularly to support and encourage each other in our walk of faith. Wednesdays Led by: Doug O'Connell Where: On-line Men's Class (Zoom) Frequency: Weekly, 6:30 AM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saturdays Led by: Wanda Langley Where: Varies Frequency: Weekly, 8:00 AM (temporarily filled) Bible Study Groups Our interest is in-depth study of books of the Bible to better understand its teachings. Sundays Led by: Tom Reed Studying: Genesis Where: Church Frequency: Weekly, following worship service ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tuesdays Led by: Shirley and Lenny Yenilaitus Studying: John Where: Home Frequency: Weekly, 6:30 PM (temporarily filled) Led by: Bonnie Hawley Studying: Old Testament Where: Home Frequency: Weekly, 7:00 PM (filled) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Wednesdays Led by: Ellen Marino Studying: Daniel Where: Church Frequency: Weekly, 10:00 AM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thursdays Led by: Doug O'Connell Studying: Revelation Where: On-line (Zoom); contact D O'Connell for link Frequency: Weekly, 7:00 PM Focused Groups We have a variety of Small Groups with specialized interests. When: TBD Led by: Karen Shiffert Type: Caregiver Support Group (New ) Where: Church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sundays Led by: Type: Alpha Course Class Where: Church Frequency: As needed ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thursdays Led by: Gerri Inama Studying: 12 Extraordinary Women Where: Home Frequency: First three Thursdays of each month, 6:00 PM Led by: Gerri Inama Meal & Chat: Women encouraging women Where: Church Frequency: Last Thursday of each month, 6:00 PM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saturdays Led by: Don Bergen Type: Men's Breakfast Video Series on Defending the Faith Where: Church Fellowship Hall & On-line (WebEx) Frequency: Third Saturday of each month, 8:00 AM If you would like to start a new Small Group, please contact the FUMC church office at 570.385.3941 for more information. LIFE IN ACTION GROUPS RECOMMENDED READINGS (UPDATED 03/02/2021) 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 T. 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 "God Space" by Doug Pollock Naturally create room - God Space - for spiritual conversations to happen in your everyday life

Shares a timeline of our church's history and also contains a link to more detail. CHURCH HISTORY Our present church building was dedicated to the Glory of God and consecrated by Bishop F. Herbert Skeete, resident Bishop of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church at a service of worship on May 15, 1983. The District Superintendent, the Reverend Dr. B. Burns Brodhead, assisted the Bishop in that service. Our present congregation traces its origin directly to a meeting held on March 13, 1902, in the home of J. F. Bast, of 37 St. John Street, with Dr. William McDowell, District Superintendent, in attendance. His later report to the Annual Conference indicated that on the above date, he organized a new society in Schuylkill Haven. Also, that they had bought a lot and were making arrangements for the erection of a building. He described the new enterprise as "starting with great vigor, 72 members received on probation, and appointment of a pastor requested." Among this group and others added within a few days, were the names of Snayberger, Bast, Thomas, Becker, Bowen, Dowdle, Boyer, Reed, Kerschner, Emerich and Freed. Rhoda Thomas Pritchard and Ruth Thom Rutter were the first persons baptized in the church. Charles Lendle and Alice Susan Berger were the first couple married in the church. On Easter Sunday, March 30, 1902, Reverend Charles T. Isenberger preached his first sermon in Metamora Hall. (This Hall is located above the Detweiler Funeral Home.) Under his leadership, the group forged ahead and our beloved St. John Street Church was built, with dedication taking place on November 9, 1902. The building cost $7,000. Within a few years, a new parsonage was provided and the mortgage on the church was burned. On November 19, 1980, about 8:45 a.m., a fire of unknown origins ignited the main church structure on St. John Street, resulting in its total destruction. Many church members tearfully witnessed the disappearance of our beloved church that had served us so well for 78 years, through worship services, weddings, baptisms, confirmations, lay witness missions, and sacred concerts. The reality of the total loss of our facilities caused expressions of disbelief and dismay, and underneath the varied emotions, there arose a determination to rebuild and go on. On March 1, 1981, the congregation voted to proceed with planning for construction of a new church. George Kulp was appointed Building Committee Chairman, and with his committee of interested members, set about selecting an architect and a type of church facility that would suit the needs of the congregation. Preliminary drawings for the First United Methodist Church to be built on a 4.132 acre site on Saylor Street were presented to the congregation on June 1, 1981, by Don Klinger Architect, of Millersburg. They chose a colonial style brick. The anticipated completion date was set at April 3, 1983. A Building Fund Campaign took place under the guidance of Juanita Locker Ivie, of the Board of Global Ministries from October 8th to the 21st. Dr. Herbert C. Rubright, Sr., served as general chairman for the Executive Committee for the Christian Responsibility Fund Campaign. By the grace of God, the congregation known as the First United Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven, moved into the new facility DEBT FREE!!! Since 1983, the church has added 28 parking spaces, thus having the largest parking lot of any church in Southern Schuylkill County area. We have added a large enclosed sound proof comfort room at the rear of the sanctuary thus allowing families with young children to worship in a relaxing environment and atmosphere. The sanctuary was also enhanced with a large wooden Lord's Supper Mural which graces the rear wall of the sanctuary. It is well known and people come from other congregations to view it. In 1992, the church added an early service of worship (8:00 a.m.) to accommodate our growing numbers and provide multiple occasions of worship. In February of 1997, an additional worship service - a Saturday night Contemporary Service was started. Since 1902, with the appointment of our first Pastor, Reverend Isenberger followed by the 28 pastors who have since served our church, including our present Pastor, the Reverend Doctor Christopher Fisher, appointed in 2005, we have experienced continued growth, spiritually, missionally, and in fellowship. In our history we have had one associate pastor, Reid S. Thomas, Jr., appointed for a short length of service. We have had several youth directors since 1994. A request from the Tower South (High Rise) Tenants Council was made to our church to provide a regular traditional worship service for the residents of the facility in order to minister to the spiritual needs of those unable to attend regular church services. As a result of that request, in June of 2009, a Sunday evening worship service was added and is held at the Tower South on Parkway in Schuylkill Haven. In 2014, we turned the organization of this ministry over to the Tower South Council. In 2016, the church added an elevator for use by those in need. In 2019, the church combined the 8:00 a.m. traditional and the 10:30 a.m. contemporary services into one 9:00 a.m. blended service. Also added was a 4:00 p.m. GenZ service to reach the younger generations. In March of 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the church began live-streaming the Sunday morning service. At this time, the Saturday evening and GenZ services were put on hold. In late summer of 2020, the Saturday evening service resumed and a new service = the Haven Family eXperience (A Family Worship Experience) also known as the FX service was started as an outreach to the community on a Sunday morning at 11:00 am and was held at Bubeck Park in Schuylkill Haven and moved to Fellowship Hall In November due to the colder weather. As you can see, God has been good and generous and faithful to us. We hope to be faithful to the blessings we have received. We also want to pass on the gift of faith and hope to a generation yet unborn. Praise be to God! Click here if you are interested in a more detailed history of FUMC.

A page to provide more information on organizations that we are affiliated. MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS First United Methodist Church is a member church of the Wesley Covenant Association (WCA), and has been since 2016. The Wesleyan Covenant Association connects Spirit-filled, orthodox churches, clergy, and laity who hold to Wesleyan theology. It is an association or network of individuals and congregations who share a common understanding of our Wesleyan doctrine and desire to become a vibrant, faithful, growing 21st century church. We believe change is coming to The United Methodist Church, and as we live into what comes next, the Wesleyan Covenant Association will connect, encourage, and resource clergy, laity, congregations, and regional chapters by: Committing to the primary authority of Scripture and the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Creating a unified response to the Bishops’ Commission recommendation that would maintain traditional, orthodox Methodist beliefs. Developing a plan for a positive and faithful future. The Wesleyan Covenant Association affirms the work of other renewal groups, such as The Confessing Movement, Good News, and UM Action. However, the WCA’s purpose is not to fight the political battles raging across the church, but to prepare for and live into a positive and fruitful future. For further information, see the Wesley Covenant Association website: https://wesleyancovenant.org/ . Further information about the WCA is also available in the church office. Information provided by Rev. Dr. Christopher Fisher and the Administrative Board.

Provides forms to be utilizes and sharing of photos. WEBSITE RESOURCES United Methodist Church Official Web Site of the United Methodist Church [http://www.umc.org ] The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church Official Web Site of our Conference [http://www.epaumc.org ] BibleGateway Bible Gateway is a website that provides a tool for reading scripture online in a translation of your choice. It provides searching capabilities which will allow you to find and compare passages in scripture from different translations. [http://www.biblegateway.com ] Biblica Biblica is an International Bible Society with a worldwide ministry that has been helping people engage with God’s Word for over 200 years and are committed to bringing the Bible to people in a way they understand, so they can be transformed by Christ and inspired to join His mission for the world. [https://www.biblica.com/] Upper Room® The Upper Room® supports the spiritual growth of Christians wanting to know God and Grow in Him. The Upper Room® offers a daily devotional guide and many other publications and programs, prayer support, and resources to help all believers experience a deeper level of faith in our Loving God. [https://www.upperroom.org/] Gretna Glen Camp Gretna Glen is a Christian Camp and Retreat Center located just east of Hershey amidst the beautiful forest and streams of Mt. Gretna, PA. The Camp’s Mission is to share the joy of knowing and following Jesus Christ. [http://www.gretnaglen.org/] Pocono Plateau Camp Pocono Plateau is a year-round Christian Camp and Retreat center located on 750 acres of forest in the Pocono Mountains of Eastern Pennsylvania. [http://www.poconoplateau.org/] Jewel Pregnancy Center Previously known as Care Net Pregnancy Center of Schuylkill County. Jewel Pregnancy Center is a Christian, non-profit organization that provides life affirming, evangelistic ministry to families facing an unplanned pregnancy. All services are free and confidential. [https://jewelwc.org/] Walk to Emmaus and Chrysalis The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program intended to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciples and leaders. [http://mountaintopwalktoemmaus.net/] Wesleyan Covenant Association (WCA) The Wesleyan Covenant Association connects Spirit-filled, orthodox churches, clergy, and laity who hold to Wesleyan theology. It is an association or network of individuals and congregations who share a common understanding of our Wesleyan doctrine and desire to become a vibrant, faithful, growing 21st century church. [https://wesleyancovenant.org/ ]

This page provides contact information - address, phone and fax numbers, email address, directions to the church building. CONTACT US Tel: 570.385.3941 Fax: 570.385.6842 420 Saylor Street Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972 office@havenfirstumc.org Church Office Hours: Monday through Thursday ~9:00 am to 2:00 pm Enter Your Name Enter Your Email Enter Your Subject Enter Your Message Thanks for submitting! Submit Click here for written directions to CFC also known as FUMC

This will provide information on Small Groups that meet on a Sunday morning or throughout the week. LIFE IN ACTION GROUPS RECOMMENDED READINGS (UPDATED 09/17/2021) 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. (visual overview of the FUMC discipleship process) 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 "Experiencing God" by Claude King, Henry Blackaby, and Richard Blackaby Carefully listening to God's voice will anchor you in His plan and set you free to live it with boldness and freedom. 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 T. 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 "God Space" by Doug Pollock Naturally create room - God Space - for spiritual conversations to happen in your everyday life