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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.

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 10:00 am to 12:00 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.

MESSAGES Streamed Recordings Beginning March 22, 2020, FUMC started to live-stream the worship services. These streamed services can be found through the website , through our Facebook page , on YouTube , or Vimeo . ​ Podcasts We offer an archived library of podcasts from our regular weekly and holiday services prior to March 22, 2020, in two formats: (1) contains just the scripture and message or (2) if your preference is to listen to the entire worship service (announcements, music, prayers, etc.), please contact the Church Office at 570.385.3941 or send an email to office@havenfirstumc.org to request a copy of the service on CD. ​ ​ Our prayer is that each of these messages will touch and bless each of you in some way.

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.

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 ​ ​

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)

​"Our mission is to make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." ​ Welcome in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ! We're glad to have you come by to check out our website. We are a Bible-believing congregation that loves the Lord and has a heart for missions. We are excited to share with you the love of Christ and power of the Gospel. May the Lord richly bless you. Sunday Morning Worship Live Stream Sunday, April 21, 2024 | 9:00 AM Speaker: Rev. Dr. Christopher Fisher Message will be based on Revelation Online Giving Worship Service Videos Archive Clicking the link above, you will go to the LiveStream page. You will see a block similar to this in the upper left corner of the video window. If you click the down arrow, you will be able to access previous weeks' messages. Dear Friends, I want to invite you to join a new Bible reading plan for 2024. Reading thru the Bible each year is a great spiritual discipline and a great way to learn the word of God and apply it in your life.. This coming year I will be hosting the plan “The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel, Classic Version, 2024,” through the YouVersion Bible app. You can join the group I am hosting by letting me know so I can send you an invitation, or you can sign up to read on your own by clicking the link below. Those already participating in this (past) year’s plan will receive an invitation directly through the Bible app. I would be glad to have you join my group. There are two other versions available: youth version and express version. Either of those plans might be a good option for those looking for something youth oriented or less intense, and the links are also included below. In Christ, Pastor Chris ​ CLASSIC VERSION https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/42197 Join me in reading The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel, Classic Version, 2024: YOUTH VERSION https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/42229 Join me in reading The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel, Youth Version, 2024: EXPRESS VERSION https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/42228 Join me in reading The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel, Express Version, 2024 Check out our Podcasts!! Our church now has a podcast that will make Pastor Fisher's sermons available. Our podcast is called, "Igniting Your Faith," and can be found on many of your favorite podcast sites such as Spotify, Apple, Anchor, Breaker, Google Podcasts, Pocket, Radio Public, TuneIn, and Pandora. You can listen to Pastor's sermons at any time, and download them for future listening. Go to any of the podcast sites and type "Igniting Your Faith" in the search area and you should find it. There will be a picture of our altar window to help you find it. Or you can click this link and it will take you to our new page "Igniting Your Faith" and find links that you can use as well. Spread the word. Let's grow in God's Word by Igniting our Faith. 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 podcast will explain how to live a victorious life now and throughout eternity by relying on the power of Jesus Christ.