Search Results

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.

This page provides a list of recommended books for the small groups and members to read. LIFE IN ACTION GROUPS RECOMMENDED READINGS (UPDATED 02/24/2021) 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

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

Highlights upcoming special events. Community Relations & Outreach The purpose of our Community Relations and Outreach Ministry is to reach those who are outside the walls of our church with the message and the love of Jesus Christ. We do this by providing opportunities to minister to all we meet. We are blessed to be able to serve in the mission field in our community as we partner with local organizations and communities to build relationships and provide opportunities to share God’s love and plan of salvation. Our vision is simple - to love God and love our neighbors! Click on the images below to find details about upcoming events!

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

Details on our confirmation process. CONFIRMATION CLASS About Confirmation Confirmation provides the opportunity to affirm and own for yourself the faith in which your parents have raised you - to begin the steps toward your adult commitment to Christ. At the core of the confirmation process is discipleship- your spiritual development as you take up the call to be disciples of Jesus Christ in your lifestyle, beliefs, values, and witness. Students will have the opportunity to take classes and meet with Pastor Fisher. This will be a great time to ask your hard questions about life and God, learn why faith in Jesus Christ is justified, and take the steps yourself to confirm your faith as a Christian. You will also have the opportunity to develop a special discipling relationship with a mentor in a small group setting, who will serve as a guide and adult friend to you in your faith. Confirmation is for Youth entering 7th and 8th grades. If you have any questions about Confirmation, please contact the Church Office. Pastor Fisher will gladly answer your questions.

FUMC DISCIPLESHIP PLAN Our Mission is to make Disciples of Jesus Christ... with five key steps in our discipleship process:

This page hosts links to FUMC's Bi-Monthly Newsletters which shares updates and information for the months to come. BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS | THE CIRCUIT WRITER Christ Fellowship Church issues a bi-monthly newsletter, called The Circuit Writer, as one way of communicating to its members the happenings of the church. The newsletter consists of a letter from the Pastor, Parish Nurse's Notes, monthly calendars, committee updates, scheduled church-wide events, planned youth group events, and other tid-bits of information. Click on the link below to access the desired newsletter. 2025 January/February . March/April . May/June. July/August . September/October. November/December . 2026 January/February . March/April . .

This provides information on the Middle School age group of youth which is grades 5 through 8. Email our Youth Director to learn more! Middle School (Grades 5-8) iGnite Youth Ministry exists to love God & love others. iGnite is geared for students in grades 5 through 8 who want to make a difference in their church, community, and world for Christ! The group is being led by: Mr. David Williams Mrs. Renee Williams Ms. Stacey Lehman Click to view our Calendar of Events "Fun"-Raisers! Youth in grades 5-8th are welcome to COME, GROW & GO with us! …as we COME together to know Christ as our Lord & Savior by experiencing fun-fil l ed faith d uring our weekly small group as we build stronger relat ionships with Jesus and each other! …a s we G ROW in Christ b y being youth who worship, study, pray, serve and fellowship togeth er …as we GO serve by showing Christ through action, attitudes, words, and service by being " For our Neighbors" throughout the year, where you can make a difference by helping to collect food for the hungry, showing compassion for animals at the local shelters, and spreading the Gospel through various outreach events.

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. 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)

This is our livestream of Sunday messages. CFC WORSHIP On Demand Library Our prayer is that each of these messages will touch and bless each of you in some way. Online Giving Also Available On:

List of ministers and the years they served throughout the years at First United Methodist Church. LIST OF MINISTERS 1902-1905 Charles T. Isenberger 1908-1911 Christian G. Koppel 1912-1913 Charles E. Radcliffe 1913-1916 George W. Humphreys 1916-1918 Edwin F. Carson 1918-1920 Frederick W. Gutbub 1920-1922 Paul Barton 1922-1923 W. Sands Fox 1923-1925 Lehighton S. Palmer 1925-1926 Alexander K. Smith 1926-1928 Richard W. Wright 1928-1929 M. Raymond Meredith 1929-1935 Thomas R. Jeffery 1935-1939 Ralph B. McCuen 1939-1945 K. R. Boohar 1945-1947 Howard N. Reeves 1947-1951 Robert E. Kieffer, Jr. 1951-1953 George H. Curtis 1953-1960 Lee F. Adams, Sr. 1960-1968 Harold J. Hallam 1968-1973 David L. Fife 1973-1984 Theodore R. Ochs 1984-1993 Russell Wentling 1993-2003 Eric S. Ritz 2003-2005 Albert Mosley 2005-Present Christopher Fisher