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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. 2024 January/February March/April . May/June. July/August . September/October. November/December. 2025 January/February . March/April . May/June. July/August . September/October. November/December .

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.

This will provide information on Sunday School classes and/or Small Groups that meet on a Sunday morning or throughout the week. SMALL GROUP OPPORTUNITIES (updated 2/21/21) 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 would like to start a new Small Group, please contact the church office at 570.385.3941 for more information. If you have an interest in joining one of the Groups below, contact the leader through the contact form below. LIFE IN ACTION GROUPS RECOMMENDED READINGS 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 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

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 Christ Fellowship family and invited to participate in a variety of programs to guide them in their faith to know Jesus as Lord & Savior. Children, Youth & Family Ministry at Christ Fellowship is embodied in FX—short for Family eXperience. We believe that parents have the greatest influence on their children's spiritual growth, but we also recognize they can't do it alone. That's why FX exists: to partner with families in building lifelong disciples for Jesus. FX is a dynamic environment where both parents and kids engage with essential truths about faith, family, and friendship. From Praise Packs, allowing children to worship alongside their parents, to MoMs—a small group dedicated to mothers and their little ones, to our senior high youth programs, FX offers a holistic discipleship experience that strengthens both families' relationship with God and each other. Want to learn more about your specific age group? Click on the buttons below. NURSERY CHILDREN YOUTH To learn more about children's ministry at FUMC of Schuylkill Haven, please contact our Church Office at 570.385.3941 or email office@havenfirstumc.org,

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.

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 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

Lists many ways to serve within our church and to be the church to the world. WAYS TO SERVE The Holy Spirit and You Do you know what your Spiritual Gifts are and how you can use them at FUMC? As a Christian saved through acceptance of God's grace by the shedding of the blood of Jesus Christ, we receive the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, we receive spiritual gifts to be used in service for God's greater glory. We are to use our unique personalities, traits, and interests to build up the church and to share Christ’s love with the world. You can use these gifts through the ministry of FUMC. Together we provide many opportunities to share God’s love with one another and with the world. Using your Spiritual Gifts is as easy as sharing your time and talents. Below is a list of areas that you can volunteer to serve FUMC: Acolytes | Confirmed youth and youth in the confirmation process are required to serve as acolytes until the age of 16. Acolytes light and extinguish candles. Acolytes receive their initial training and are scheduled by Sandi Berger. Choirs / Praise Team | FUMC offers several opportunities to worship and praise God. We offer an adult choir, a cherub/children's choir, and the praise team. For more information on our music ministry, please click here . Christ Servant Ministry | Certification with extra training and preparation for service in a number of helping ministries. Coffee Servers and Donations | Coffee continues with our new schedule of one worship service on Sunday morning. You can make a monetary donation on a Sunday morning, volunteer on the signup sheet to bring baked goods, you may purchase and bring canisters of regular or decaf coffee, individually wrapped tea bags, hot chocolate, coffee creamer, sugar packets, or other items that may be used to serve the coffee. If you have any questions or not sure what to bring, contact Karen Shiffert or the church office at 570.385.3941. Community Luncheon Sponsor or Server | For more information on our community lunch ministry, please click here . Community Relations and Outreach | For more information on our community relations and outreach, please click here . Communion Steward / Server | A communion steward provides the elements (bread and juice) and sets up for the communion service by placing the bread and cup on the Communion Table as directed by the Pastor (i.e., intinction or individual cups). A communion server assists the Pastor during the communion service by serving the bread and cup to the congregation. Exerettes | FUMC and Diakon's PrimeTime Health partnered to form the Exerettes to provide older persons with valuable knowledge and techniques to assist them in maintaining health, wellness, and independence. The program is particularly attractive to older adults because most of the dances and activities can be done either standing or sitting down. One of the goals of the Exerettes is to inspire others and to show that it is never too late to make life-style changes. The exercises not only promote balance but also flexibility, strength, and better. The Exerettes meet every Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10 to 11 am here at FUMC in Fellowship Hall. By the way, IT's FREE!! Come and join us!!! Greeters/Ushers are the people who say hello and hand you a bulletin when you come to church and have a very important part of our worship; as part of their responsibility, as an Usher they collect the offering(s) and direct people to receive Holy Communion. We welcome and encourage church members who would like to be greeters to contact the church office for available dates. Lay Home Communion Ministry | This group provides the Sacrament of Holy Communion on a regular basis, providing a bridge between the congregation and home-based members. These people have a sense of mission, are responsible, have compassion, are non-judgmental and can keep confidences. They are servants of the Lord who bring the blessings of their congregation to God's children with special needs. Lay Liturgists | Liturgists are congregation members who volunteer to open worship with announcements and to read the lessons during the church services. They serve on an occasional basis. If you are interested in serving as a lector, please contact the church office. Lay Speakers/Preachers | Is God calling you to help spread the Good News? Do you feel a burning desire to talk to others about the things of God? If so, then lay preaching may be the route for you. Lay speakers/preachers are given the work of speaking God's word, praying for others, and serving the congregation's needs. The lay preachers serve FUMC by sharing God's word with the congregation for the Saturday evening service or occasionally on a Sunday morning when the Pastor(s) are out of the pulpit. Media Ministry (media/sound booth) | For more information on our media ministry, please click here . Ministry Teams and Committees | There are many committees that lead FUMC and serve this congregation. Serving on a committee is just one way to share your diverse gifts and interact with those who share your interests and values. For more information, please see the Committees Section of this website . Newsletter Helpers | Bi-monthly, this group meets to help collate and sort the monthly newsletter. If you are interested in serving as a Newsletter Helper, please contact the church office. Prayer / Prayer Shawl Ministry | For more information on our prayer and prayer shawl ministry, please click here . Small Group Leaders | The Christian life is lived out with people. We understand that growing one's faith requires the support, attention and nurturing that only small group can provide. Trusting relationships allow us to know one another deeply and to be known. What we receive from God is always matured, tested and developed in the context of people, like you, in God’s Church. Here at FUMC we value the time-proven experience of Christians meeting in home groups for the purpose of Fellowship, Bible Study, Missions, and growing, nurturing, and discipling people to become dynamic followers of Jesus Christ. We offer short-term and long-term classes to allow you to connect with others as you walk together on your faith journey. Our small groups are a way to get to know each other. If you have a suggestion for a small group, or if you would like to connect with a small group, please contact the church office. Sunday School Teachers | Sunday School teachers are willing to spread the love of Jesus Christ with a group of 6-12 children on Sunday mornings from September through May, have the ability to plan and lead meaningful lessons for Sunday School children, and are willing to serve on a quarterly basis. Vineyard Ministry Volunteers | For more information on our Vineyard ministry, please click here .

Provides staff names and their titles. MEET OUR STAFF Leading Christ Fellowship Church of Schuylkill Haven is a team effort. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the pastor and church staff work together in a spirit of unity to fulfill the church's vision to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Senior Pastor | Rev. Dr. Christopher Fisher Rev. Dr. Christopher Fisher is an ordained elder in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church, and has served churches in Eastern PA since 1991. He has been the pastor of First United Methodist Church in Schuylkill Haven since 2005. Education: B.A., Lehigh University (1984); B.S., Lehigh University (1984); M.Div., Asbury Theological Seminary (1990); Ph.D., University of Edinburgh (2004). He has taught at Asbury Theological Seminary, United Theological Seminary, and served as Director of United Methodist Studies at Evangelical Seminary for many years. He has served as past president of the Eastern PA Evangelical Connection and as a past board member of the Eastern PA Wesley Covenant Association. Dr. Fisher's research specialty is the dialogue between science and faith. He is the author of Human Significance in Theology and the Natural Sciences (Princeton Theological Monograph Series, Pickwick, 2010). Dr. Fisher and his wife Elizabeth live in beautiful Schuylkill County. Other Staff Members Brian Reading Minister of Visitation Ann Moyer Parish Nurse Adam Kraft Treasurer JoAnn Daum Office Manager Cindy McClelland Minister of Music & Organist Marcy Hudock Sexton Pam Setlock Church Secretary Julie Saunders Choir Director Dave Williams Director of Youth Ministry Stacey Lehman Youth Ministry Administrative Assistant

Provides information on the Men's and Women's groups. MEN'S AND WOMEN'S GROUPS Men's Breakfast Group A fellowship opportunity open to all Christian men in the community. Meets the third Saturday each month at 8:00 am for inspiration, study, and fellowship. Methodist Women Methodist Women's Ministries formerly known as United Methodist women is a group whose goal is to show the love of Christ through its giving to local and national mission projects and doing hands-on mission work for the local community. Time is spent learning about social justice issues then walking the talk by raising money to aid those in need. The group also does various collections for local missions.

The Discipleship Council's 2021 Small Group Plan was developed based on the June 23, 2019 FUMC Discipleship Plan and approved on March 23, 2021. If you have any questions on the 2021 Small Group Plan, contact the church office or any member of the Discipleship Council to discuss further. 2021 SMALL GROUP PLAN visual overview of the FUMC discipleship process

This page provides forms for the youth that are submitted annually with updated information. PHOTO RELEASE FORM All Photographers (professional and non-professional) taking photographs on First United Methodist Church property of events must obtain a signed release form from any and all persons or members of the public who is visibly recognizable in the photograph. Crowd scenes where no single person is the dominant feature are exempt. These rules govern photographs intended for use in any publication of marketing or a public relations nature, such as newsletters, brochures, view books, promotional or other such material. Releases also must be obtained for photographs and other forms of media used in slide presentations, on the church website, directory, newsletter, brochure, or in any other material. A failure by you to notify the church of your desire “not” to have your photo in any publication or web view is an automatic understanding that you do not object in any way of the use of any and all photographs of you by First United Methodist Church. By completing the Photo Release Form, you hereby grant First United Methodist Church permission to use yourself or your family’s likeness in photograph(s)/video in any and all church publications, marketing materials, websites, brochures, and all other related media, whether now known or hereafter existing, controlled by First United Methodist Church and will make no monetary or other claim against First United Methodist Church for the use of any and all photograph(s)/videos of me or my family. Photography consent & release form First Name Last Name Email Date of Birth Initials I hereby give my consent to use my photographs according to the terms & conditions Submit Thanks for submitting!