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This page provides information on the two youth groups which are broken down by grades. Opportunities for Christian Discipleship and Fellowship The teen years are critical times for a healthy connection with a church family and we believe our youth carry great potential to be disciples who make disciples as they seek to live out their faith together - as one big family of faith. Our iGnite youth are truly world changers who are hungry and thirsty for more of God and long for authentic relationships with Him and each other. We tackle topics that are meaningful to students today. We believe in equipping and empowering young people to be the hands and feet of Christ - to be servant leaders in a world that is longing for something worth living and dying for. We find no greater cause, than the cause of Christ. Feel like something is missing in your life? Seeking something more? Come check us out! We provide weekly opportunities for teens to grow in their relationship with the LORD and with each other. Please view our calendar for specific dates, times, and locations of upcoming events. iGnite Jr. High Calendar of events iGnite Sr. High Calendar of Events To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

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

iGnite Youth Ministry Permission Form 2025-2026 Youth & Family Ministries Permission & Release Form This Parental Consent, Photo Release, Emergency Contact and Health Form gives permission for my child to participate in any youth activities sponsored by the Christ Fellowship Church (aka FUMC), a local church within the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church and shall be valid from May 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. GENERAL PERMISSIONS I give permission for the youth named below to participate in Christ Fellowship Church's (aka FUMC's) iGnite Youth Ministry activities and events both on-site and off-campus from May 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Although minimal, I am aware that some activities or events may involve physical activity where my youth may be at risk for physical injury (running outside, ball tag, capture the flag etc.). In such, I agree to hold Christ Fellowship Church (aka FUMC) , its staff, and volunteers harmless should any such injury occur. I give my permission for my youth to be transported in vehicles operated by the adults in whose care the minor has been entrusted while attending and participating in these events. I will ensure that my youth will not bring any electronic games or devices except for a cellular phone to Youth Group activities. Boundaries and guidelines of usage will be expected of students and must be supported by parents. I understand that the Christ Fellowship Church (aka FUMC) , its staff, and volunteers, are committed to safe, fun, and educational activities, and that all activities are conducted in a smoke, alcohol, and drug-free environment. To help ensure the safety of all concerned, I understand that if my youth is in possession of illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products, engages in any illegal conduct or refuses to follow the directions of the Youth staff or volunteers participating in the scheduled activities that I will be telephoned immediately to pick up my youth. MEDICAL TREATMENT & LIABILITY RELEASE In the event of a medical emergency, I declare that I am the child or youth’s parent or legal guardian and hereby authorize the Christ Fellowship Church (aka FUMC ) youth ministry staff or volunteers, as agents for me, to consent to medical attentions as advised and supervised by professional nurses, doctors or dentists should I be absent or unavailable to make such decisions. This authorization extends to any emergency room admission and treatment as an inpatient, considered necessary by the attending physician. I understand that, in such an emergency, I will be contacted as soon as possible. I, hereby hold the Christ Fellowship Church (aka FUMC ) staff, volunteers, event staff and their representatives harmless in the exercise of this authority. It is my understanding that the below named student will be covered by my personal medical insurance. Christ Fellowship Church (aka FUMC ) provides limited supplemental medical payment coverage for injuries arising out of the event activities which is payable and access of any collectible insurance. Payment of any medical injuries not covered by my insurance, or the event limited supplemental medical insurance will be paid by me. PHOTO RELEASE I hereby grant Christ Fellowship Church (aka FUMC ) permission to use me or my family's likeness in photography/video in any and all church publications, marketing materials, websites, brochures, and all other related media. A failure by me to notify the church of my desire "not" to have photos in any publication or web view is an automatic understanding that I do not object in any way of the use of any and all photographs by Christ Fellowship Church (aka FUMC ) . I hereby provide the information below to give my consent to the General Permissions, Medical Treatment & Liability and Photo Release. Youth Season Photo Release Permission I give permission to use my child's photo for church publication purposes relayed above. Parent's Signature Clear Submit Thanks for submitting!

This focuses on children age 4 through 4th grade. 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 word to encourage you and strengthen you in your faith, and to let you know what is happening in the life of our church. To access these video messages from Pastor Fisher, please click on the link of interest. December 23, 2021 Dear Members and Friends of Schuylkill Haven First UMC, Below is a link to the Pastor's Chat Dec 23 video for the Christmas holidays, with announcements about upcoming church events. Enjoy! https://vimeo.com/659520129 Merry Christmas and many blessings in the new year! Pastor Chris November 24, 2021 Dear FUMC Congregation, I invite you to view/listen to today's Pastor's Chat, for Wednesday, November 24, 2021. Here's the link: https://vimeo.com/649620149 Happy Thanksgiving! Please take a few moments to view the Pastor's Chat video for Thanksgiving (11/24) at the link printed above. It contains a short Thanksgiving devotion and highlights news about several upcoming events in the life of the church. Thank you!!. Yours in Christ, Pastor Fisher May 18, 2021 Dear FUMC Congregation, I invite you to view/listen to today's Pastor's Chat, for Tuesday May 18, 2021. Here's the link: https://vimeo.com/552045489 It includes updates on lifting more Covid restrictions at Church, including mask wearing changes in light of new CDC/PA Health Dept. Guidelines; plus Graduate Recognition Sunday (May 30), and preparing for a new floor in Fellowship Hall in early June. Closing with a short devotion from Hebrews and prayer. Yours in Christ, Pastor Fisher March 31, 2021 Dear Friends of First UMC Schuylkill Haven, Here is my Pastor's chat video for March 31, 2021, with updates on Holy Week and our latest church Covid quarantine policy update. Enjoy. Here's the link: https://vimeo.com/531501572 Happy Easter! I hope to see you this Holy Week! Pastor Fisher March 3, 2021 It contains updates on live worship and on small group ministry, with a short devotion from Luke 6. Here's the link: https://vimeo.com/519167415 Enjoy! Blessings! Pastor Fisher January 27, 2021 Pastor's Message with Devotions and Upcoming Lent Series It is 5 minutes long, and includes a brief devotion and news on our upcoming Lent series, which begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17. Enjoy viewing! December 23, 2020 Pastor's Message with Devotions and Christmas Season News Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! Here is a link to a short video with news on Christmas Eve worship plans, re-assurances about Covid-19's impact on the congregation, and a few other year-end items of church news. December 9, 2020 Pastor's Message with Devotions and Christmas Season News Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! Here is a link to a short video sharing devotions and Christmas season news, including an update on Christmas Eve worship plans. November 25, 2020 Pastor's Thanksgiving Message with Covid Worship Protocols Update Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! Here is a link to a short video wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving and giving an update on our church's latest Covid protocols. November 11, 2020 Brief devotion on Psalm 128, some updates on our church's Coronavirus response, and highlighting this Saturday November 14 Thanksgiving Lunch at noon November 4, 2020 Psalm 121 devotion, Sunday 11/8 Anniversary Sunday update, and Wesley Covenant Association simulcast invitation for Saturday, 11/7 October 21, 2020 Pastor's Chat on Coronavirus Safety Measures September 30, 2020 Discipleship and Small Groups Ministry

This page provides a link to another website - The Upper Room - a devotional. THE UPPER ROOM The Upper Room is a daily devotion which has meditations with the Bible as the cornerstone for and measure of faithful living. All the meditations reflect the belief that God wills only good for each of us and that God calls us to lives of love, forgiveness, and service to others, according to the example of Christ. Click here for The Upper Room.

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.

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.

Page shares information on our children, youth and family ministry. Welcome! We're so glad you're here! We understand that children & youth are not only the future, but also the present of the church. As such, children & youth are warmly welcomed into the FUMC family and invite to participate in a variety of programs to guide them in their faith to know Jesus as Lord & Savior. Want to learn more about your specific age group? Children, Youth & Family Ministry at FUMC is best expressed as FX! FX is an abbreviation for Family eXperience. FX is a dynamic environment designed to help us as the church partner with families. FX is a fun, shared experience where families can grow closer together while growing closer to Jesus. It strategically places parents and kids in a world that helps both understand and live out essential truths regarding faith, family and friendship. NURSERY YOUTH FAMILIES CHILDREN

This page lists our service times and regularly scheduled ministry meetings. WORSHIP SCHEDULE This is a general schedule to be followed. Sundays 9:00 am 10:30 am Wednesdays 6:00 pm Saturdays 6:00 pm . Combined/Blended Worship Service - Live & Online Coffee House Style Worship in Fellowship Hall and Sunday School - Live Prayer Group Contemplative Worship

Igniting Your Faith is a regular podcast delivering messages from Dr. Chris Fisher. God’s Word, the love of God, and His truth bring power, faith, and healing, for a new and growing life. You can access Dr. Fisher’s sermons as a podcast and listen to them anytime. Our podcast is called, “Igniting Your Faith,” and can be found on all of your favorite podcast sites such as: Spotify, Apple, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Pandora, and many more. You can listen to Dr. Fisher’s sermons at any time or download them for future listening. Go to any of the podcast sites and type: “Igniting Your Faith” in the search area. There are similar names, so type it as it is written. You will see a picture of our church’s altar window to help you find it. Let’s spread the word and encourage people to listen. This is a great way to spread God’s Word to the entire world. Remember, you can find these great messages on all of your favorite podcast sites and apps such as: Apple Podcasts TuneIn Spotify Pocket Casts Pandora And many more! Listen and re-listen again. Everyday that you live, God’s Word will be: “Igniting Your Faith!”

This provides information for the High School youth which are grades 9 through 12. iGnite Senior High Ministry supports our students in Senior High (grades 9 through 12) in preparing for worldly issues on their own but with Christ-like vision and foundation. Dave Williams leads this group of active young disciples. To learn more, email: dwilliams@havenfirstumc.org . CALENDAR OF EVENTS Through small group discussions, we delve deeper into matters that stir our youth's faith, helping them strengthen their understanding to become spiritual leaders and ambassadors in Jesus Christ to others. Through community services/missions, fellowship, and games; our youth build new friendships by supporting each other and strengthen each other’s relationship to Jesus. "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." ~Proverbs 27:17 NLT