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We reside in the Schuylkill Haven School District so in the event that the Haven schools are canceled because of winter weather conditions, our Youth Group meetings and events will be canceled as well. At the same time, in the event that prior to our Youth Group meetings the weather conditions become unsafe or too slippery to drive, we will cancel our meetings. In the event of the need to cancel, information will be communicated to you via Flocknote and Facebook.

Serving this week... (Sunday Service) ​ ​ Welcome & Announcements . ​ Liturgists. ​ Message. ​ Organist/Pianist. ​ Music Team. ​ ​ Parish Nurse. ​ Acolyte. ​ Greeters/Ushers. ​ Communion Servers. Prayers of the People and the Lord's Prayer. **Volunteers listed below are subject to change without notice** ​ Mr. Matthew Bergen. ​ ​ Mr. Matthew Bergen. Rev. Dr. Christopher Fisher. ​ Cindy McClelland ​ Julie Saunders, Laurie Gosch, Tom McClelland, Cindy McClelland, Barb Katkowski, Jean Twardzik ​ ​​Ann Moyer ​ Mrs. Julie Saunders. ​ . ​ . . Flowers... April 21. April 28. . May 5. May 12. May 19. May 26. In Memory of Kenneth Noecker. In Memory of Wm. Murphy by Dot Murphy. ​ Happy Birthday Walt, Love Jan. . . Congratulations Lisi! ​ ​​​Are you interested in sponsoring the altar flowers for a Sunday morning? If so, please contact the Church Office or sign-up on the 2024 Flower Calendar Poster on the bulletin board near Fellowship Hall. If the date you had in mind is already taken, please let the Church Office know as we are able to have two sponsors each Sunday. The flowers are yours to take home after the service(s). The cost is $25; checks payable to First United Methodist Church with the words "Altar Flowers" in the memo section of your check. Thank you for honoring or remembering a loved one with flowers. Weekly Prayer Vigil... Saturday Night Speakers... April 21-April 27 April 28-May 4 Liz Wallace. Marcy Hudock. In the event of inclement weather, please call the Church Office to inquire about service cancellation. April 20. April 27. Brian Reading. Jody Scheib.

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 .

Connection Classes for Children [ The Little Children and Jesus ] People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” ~Luke 18:15-17 Sunday School Connection Classes for children ages 4 through 4th grade are held Sunday mornings from 10:30 am – 11:30 am during the school year. Classes begin with large group time as we sing, dance, fellowship, and learn about the Bible lesson of the week and are followed by small group learning in individual rooms as children share and apply what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Our Sunday School program is a place where games, activities, contemporary music, and creative teachings of the Bible truths are used to reach this generation of kids in a way that is fun and relevant to them. Shepherded by loving adult leaders who teach and model for them what it means to be a follower of Jesus, your child will be supported, encouraged, and prayed for as they grow in their relationship with Jesus.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Party! Children ages 4 and older are invited to join us for pizza, games, a movie, & a craft on Sunday, December 10 from 4-7 PM while parents can get ready for Christmas or enjoy a night out. Registration is free but a must! Register by filling out the form below by December 3 . Registration for Charlie Brown Christmas Party Parent's First Name Parent's Last Name Email Phone Number of Children Attending Submit Thanks for submitting!

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.

SUPPORTED MINISTRIES Jewel Women's Center (https://jewelwc.org/ ) Jewel is formerly Real Options / Care Net Pregnancy Center of Schuylkill County ​Jewel is a non-profit organization in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. Think you might be pregnant and unsure of your next steps? Jewel Women’s Center is here for you. Our pregnancy confirmation and support services are provided completely confidentially and at no cost to you. ​ ​ Kairos Prison Ministry First United Methodist Church supports Kairos Prison Ministry financially. Additionally, some of our members volunteer in Kairos, including ministering to inmates inside prison. Contact Doug O’Connell if you would like to help those who are incarcerated, or family members impacted by incarceration. Kairos Prison Ministry International (Kairos) is a Christian faith-based ministry which addresses the spiritual needs of incarcerated men, women, youth, and their families. By sharing the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, Kairos hopes to change hearts, transform lives and impact the world. Kairos has three ministry programs – Kairos Inside, Kairos Outside, and Kairos Torch. Kairos Inside volunteers go into prisons to pray, share the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, share meals and fellowship with the incarcerated on a one-to-one basis. Christian volunteer teams of 20-30 men (for men’s prisons) and women (for women’s prisons) are well trained for the first visit which is a three-day event. On this weekend, the team teaches a short introductory course on Christianity. Subsequent visits are monthly 2-4 hour reunions with the prisoners over a twelve-month period. ​ Kairos Outside provides spiritual healing for female family members of the incarcerated, who often feel that they too are "doing time". Female spouses, parents, and other relatives of prisoners meet with teams of Kairos volunteers to share their faith and gain strength from Christian community. ​ Kairos Torch is focused on juvenile offenders offering unconditional love and acceptance, encouraging young men and women to share their life journey through participation in a long-term mentoring process. The program begins with a weekend retreat inside the prison. Torch team members commit to a weekly mentoring process with the youthful offenders for six months after the weekend. ​ Currently there are nearby Kairos Inside programs for women’s prisons (SCI Muncy), men’s prisons (SCI Chester and FCI Allenwood), and Kairos Outside (Philadelphia area). If you are interested in volunteering or supporting this ministry, please contact Doug O’Connell. Click here for a video on Kairos Changes Lives . Click here for a 3-minute video on Kairos Outside: Revealing the love. Reuniting the family . Click here for Kairos Prison Ministry - About Us . Click here for Kairos Prison Ministry - Frequently Asked Questions . ​ ​ Schuylkill Women in Crisis (https://s-wic.org/ ) Schuylkill Women in Crisis provides services to victims of domestic violence in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. In addition to assisting victims, this agency is working to confront the societal issues that contribute to this problem. While the agency provides services to all individuals regardless of gender, we acknowledge that women and children are most vulnerable to this problem. The mission of SWiC is to provide comprehensive services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families while fostering social and systems change to eliminate personal and institutional violence against women. ​ ​ Local Emergency Services Fire companies Ambulance service ​ ​

FORMS ​This page offers a brief explanation of the forms available through our website. You may access these by clicking on the links below. Media Service Form Each Sunday, we are provided with the sight and sound ministry of our church service by only a few members of our church every week. If they are not available, then the operations of sight and sound become chaotic or not available. The Media-Tech Committee is asking for just a little of your time of volunteering in this ministry. With enough volunteers, the Committee can create a schedule that will save your time to once a month, at minimum; just like periodically being a greeter/usher. All we need is a few moments to fill this form out and forward it to the Church office . Photo Release Form Technology today is allowing the use of photographs of individuals and groups in many different media formats. In light of this fact, the Communications Committee is requesting that the congregation take the time to review, complete, and return the Photo Release Form to the church webmaster . This form authorizes FUMC to use snapshots in slide presentations, on the church website, directory, newsletter, brochure, or in any other material. Website Information Submittal Form This form is to submit a request for information to be posted on the church website. The requestor contact information will not be posted on the website. If there are parties interested in your announcement, they will be directed to contact the requestor* or the church office for additional information. Use reverse side or attach additional pages if necessary. You may also forward information/clipart to the Webmaster by emailing it to the church webmaster . ​ Weekly Worship Service Recordings Request Form Each Sunday, FUMC streams its worship services online at https://havenfirstumc.org/live . These services are also viewable through Facebook and Vimeo. Simply clicking on the church's website link will take you to various viewing options. Because some members of the congregation do not have access to the internet, we are offering to record the services on CD or DVD for those who request them, and have them mailed or hand delivered by a cadre of volunteers, thanks to the Stephen Ministry. Please call the church office or mail in this form if you need a CD or DVD of the worship service in order to participate in worship. Thank you. ​ Youth Permission/Blanket Release Form Moms & Dads... please be sure to download and fill out the 2019-2020 Student Permission & Release Form. All forms must be filled out and turned in for all children and teens involved at FUMC. Please forward your completed form to Pastor Fisher at pastor@havenfirstumc.org .

LINKS - YOUTH CULTURE On this page, you will find links to websites that are focused on Youth Culture. If you have a website that you'd like to see added to our Links pages, simply email the church webmaster . ​ ​​CCM Magazine - Christ.Community.Music. | CCM Magazine is the No. 1 source for all things Christian music, news and entertainment! CCM Magazine explores redemptive music and the community and culture it impacts, including artist interviews, album reviews, contests, exclusive video and more. Click here to access CCM Magazine . ​ ​​CPYU - Understanding Today's Youth Culture | The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding is a nonprofit organization committed to building strong families by serving to bridge the cultural-generational gap between parents and teenagers. At a time when an already confusing youth culture is changing quickly, CPYU helps parents, youth workers, educators, and others understand teenagers and their culture so that they will be better equipped to help children and teens navigate the challenging world of adolescence. Click here to visit CPYU . Devo | devozine® is a devotional magazine designed just for youth and published by The Upper Room® in Nashville, Tennessee. devozine® is written by young people and by adults who work with them and love them. devozine’s purpose is to help young people 14–19 years old develop a lifelong practice of spending time with God and of reflecting on what God is doing in their lives. Click here to visit DEVO . ​ InterVarsity | InterVarsity is a vibrant campus ministry that establishes and advances witnessing communities of students and faculty. Click here to visit InterVarsity . ​ PLUGGED IN Online | Reviews movies, videos, music, TV and games from a Christian perspective. We're shining a light on the world of popular entertainment. Click here to access PLUGGED IN. ​ Youth Worker Journal | Leading resource for youth pastors throughout North America and elsewhere in the world. Provides solutions to everyday youth ministry challenges and address important theological issues involved in youth ministry today. Click here to visit YOUTH WORKER JOURNAL . ​ YWAM | Youth with a Mission (YWAM) is a global movement of Christians from many cultures, age groups, and Christian traditions, dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world. Also known as YWAM (pronounced “WHY-wham”), we unite in a common purpose to know God and to make Him known. Click here to visit YWAM . LINKS - COLLEGE CORNER On this page, you will find links to websites that are focused on the College Culture. You've heard it before: Students enter college Christian, but graduate atheist, Buddhist, Jedi, whatever. This page will be dedicated for college students, or those preparing for the college transition, who want to know and confidently discuss the Christian worldview. Our hope is that you'll graduate with your faith not only intact, but stronger than it was before. If you have a website that you'd like to see added to our Links pages, simply email the church webmaster . CCO - Coalition for Christian Outreach | The CCO is a campus ministry that partners with churches, colleges and other organizations to develop men and women who live out their Christian faith in every area of life. Click here to access the CCO website . Chi Alpha | Chi Alpha is a network of Christian ministries that look a little bit different on every campus – but here’s what you’re always sure to find: college-age men and women who are at once wrestling to become who they are (through school or work or life experience), and to connect with God. Click here to access the Chi Alpha website . Campus Crusade for Christ | The purpose of Campus Crusade for Christ is to help fulfill the Great Commission in the power of the Holy Spirit by winning people to faith in Jesus Christ, building them in their faith and sending them to win and build others; and helping the Body of Christ do evangelism and discipleship. Click here to access the Campus Crusade for Christ website . True U - A Place to Discover the Truth | Focus on the Family's TrueU is a video curriculum that offers an introduction to apologetics (a defense of belief in God) that aims to help reverse this trend. The series equips students to stand up for their beliefs in the face of a culture that tells them their faith is absurd, obsolete and impractical. Click here to access the True U website .

​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.

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.

Embrace Grace is a 12-week program that teaches single, young pregnant women about God's love and grace. This group provides emotional, practical, and spiritual support for women who find themselves in an unexpected pregnancy. ​ For more information on Embrace Grace ministries, please visit www.embracegrace.com . If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved either as a group volunteer or member, please contact the church office at (570) 385-3941 who is heading up this group at our church. Looking for ideas to bless the mamas to be and their little blessing? -Diapers -Wipes -Blankets -Bibs -Socks -Gift Cards -Baby Toys -Toiletries -Infant Medicine (gas drops, infant pain reliever, teething, diaper rash cream)