Search Results

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.

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.

This page will share stories/testimonies from church family on how they came to and/or their relationship with their Lord & Savior. MY FAITH STORIES My Faith Stories is a Discipleship Council initiative. Each Story contains a situation, an event, its impact, an "experiencing God" relevant Bible reference and are contributed primarily by members of our congregation. The stories are "mapped" into one of the five steps in the FUMC Discipleship Plan: "Experience God," "Follow the Lord Jesus," "Share Life Together," "Serve the Body of Christ" and "Invest in Others." Click on the Story Title of interest. This opens a link to the full text of the Story that can be read on-line or downloaded for later. If you have any questions or have Faith Stories to share, contact the church office or any member of the Discipleship Council to discuss further. Experience God "My story about the Goodness of God " ~ Sevenia "God heard my prayer, my plea" ~ Ann "prayer moves mountains" ~ Nigel "God makes a way ," when we trust Him ~ Liz "God showed me I had to take a step and then another step..." Ted "This book (Experiencing God) has changed my expectations and understanding of serving God." ~ Karen "My grief helped me minister to those who are grieving " ~ Lynne Follow the Lord Jesus "My faith gave me the Strength to 'pull up my roots'... to Save my son's life" ~ Wanda "Would I be able to make other Obligations , if I started to Tithe ?" ~ Suzie "God has opened many doors during my life" ~ Brian "..... this insensitive joking burned me in my heart ." ~ Dave Share Life Together "I was Flying High , as far as the secular world was concerned" ~ Bill "I discovered a Big Void in my life." ~ Connie "Why Me Lord? " ~ JoAnn "how a Small group actually changed my life " ~ Eydie "I joined a small group and began experiencing the intense love God makes available to all of us." ~ Gary "I Heard God's Voice " ~ Doug Serve the Body of Christ "Having faith and trusting in God has Produced Results I never expected" ~ John "I never knew I had a Food Ministry , until one of our church members asked me about it" ~ Jean "we were strangers, and they took us in" ~ Dwight "My church family covered me with prayer " ~ Julie "God is the reason I've made it this far." ~ Bonnie Invest in Others "Attending church and having a strong faith in God, helps Heal the Scars from being Bullied as a teenager" ~ Randy "Never give up on God's assignments for you." ~ Joanne "I believe, and have always felt, each church member should bring their own personal Bible, perhaps with notes, to church or to study sessions." ~ Mike

This page is providing highlights of the Alpha Course... it's designed to learn, share explore faith and life within a Small Group environment of fellow seekers. What is Alpha? Alpha is an extended conversation in a weekly group study on the meaning of life and the Christian faith. Participants take part in a meal and fellowship, followed by a video presentation and small group discussion opportunity. Originally presented in-church as a new members class, Alpha was shared with the community starting Spring of 2023 in town and again Fall 2023 in the church's Fellowship Hall. The most recent Alpha series took place in the church's Fellowship Hall, Fall 2024 , from Sunday, September 8th, through Sunday, December 8th from 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM. The program, narrated by Nicky Gumbel, was viewed by participants from the church's congregation as well as those interested from our community. The special Alpha Day Away took place on Saturday, October 26th, at the Church of the Good Samaritan in Paoli, the same place visited during last year's Day Away . The next Alpha program is expected to be held in Fall 2025 . More details will be posted as the plan develops. Who is invited? All who are interested in learning more about faith in Jesus Christ are welcome to attend. (Childcare will be provided) How can I help? Assistance is welcomed in the following areas: Prayer Team, Hospitality, Table Leaders, Kitchen Help, Food Prep. (light lunch menu) , Setup & Cleanup, Help with Childcare Team How do I sign up or ask questions? contact the church office at 570-385-3941. 01/02/25

Highlights ministries that FUMC supports as part of our missions. 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

This provides a summary of our children's ministry. Children aren’t just the future… We understand that children are not only the future, but also the present of the church. Children are warmly welcomed into our church life. We offer many dynamic programs for children to learn about Jesus as we guide them in their faith to become disciples of Jesus and to know Him as their Lord and Savior. Partnering with Parents… As your church family, we want to support you in fulfilling your God-given responsibility of starting children on a life-long journey and relationship with Jesus. Therefore, we are committed to partnering with families to continue faith development at home as you build a spiritual foundation that, in God’s timing, will lead your children into a relationship with God through Jesus. Our desire as a church is to be a spiritual extension that helps equip and encourage parents as they engage with their children spiritually. Loving is a top priority… Our desire is to create a safe and fun environment for all children so they can know and experience God’s love and grow strong in their love for Him. We want every single child to feel loved and encouraged every single week. We want them to know that we believe in them and are excited about God's purpose in their lives. We don't just see your kids as children, we see who they can become and we're excited that God is allowing us to support you and them in that process. To learn more about children's ministry, please contact our Church Office at 570.385.3941.

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

This is the page that will provide information on where to find our live-stream services and how to request copies of past messages from the archives. MESSAGES Streamed Recordings Beginning March 22, 2020, CFC 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.

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

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. 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.

This will provide information on Small Groups that meet on a Sunday morning or throughout the week. SMALL GROUPS (UPDATED 01/18/25 ) CFC 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. Currently, our groups are held in-person, virtual (highlighted in this listing) , or blended in-person and virtual (also highlighted) . 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, send updates to: ereed@havenfirstumc.org 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. Sundays Led by: to be determined Study: Alpha Series Where: Church's Fellowship Hall Frequency: Next program expected Fall, 2025, 11:00 AM (contact the church office for participation and/or team information) Young Adult (18 to 30-something) Led by: Adam Kraft Study: Spiritual Nourishment, Inspiration and Guidance Where: Church Frequency: Weekly, 10:15 - 11:00 AM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mondays Led by: Ellen Marino Study Book: Between Two Trees (women's group) Where: Church Frequency: Weekly, 10:15 AM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Days/Times/Location may vary for: Senior High Youth (9th - 12th grades) iGnite Sr. High for information & schedule, refer to: the FAMILIES tab on this website page: Youth - High School Middle School Youth (5th - 8th grades) iGnite Jr. High for information & schedule, refer to: the FAMILIES tab on this website page: Youth - Middle School ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Encouragement & Accountability Groups We are smaller groups which meet regularly to support and encourage each other in our walk of faith. Tuesdays Led by: Lisi Fisher Where: Church (women's prayer and accountability group) Frequency: Weekly, 5:30 AM Led by: Doug O'Connell Where: Men's meeting at Haven Diner Frequency: Weekly, 6:30 AM Led by: M oms O n M issions (for moms of little ones) Where: Church Frequency: Weekly, 6:00 PM (childcare provided) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fridays Led by: Darlene Beers Where: varies Frequency: second Friday of each month (filled at this time) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bible Study Group s Our interest is in-depth study of books of the Bible to better understand its teachings. Sundays Led by: Tom Reed Sr. Study: Book of Joshua Where: Church Frequency: Weekly, 10:45 AM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tuesdays Led by: JoAnn D. Video Study: Between Two Trees ( through RightNow Media) Where: Church Frequency: Weekly, 3:00 PM Led by: Shirley Yenilaitus Study: RightNow Media Topics Where: Y's Home Frequency: Weekly, 6:00 PM (filled) Led by: Bonnie Hawley Study: Old Testament Where: Home Frequency: Weekly, 7:00 PM (filled) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Wednesdays Led by: Ellen Marino Study: Book of Matthew Where: Church Frequency: Weekly, 10:15 AM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thursdays Led by: Eydie Re ed Video Study: RightNow Media Topics Where: Home Frequency: Weekly, 10:00 AM Led by: Doug O'Connell Study: Book of Genesis Where: Zoom (late fall/winter) Frequency: Weekly, 7:00 PM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Focused Groups We have a variety of Small Groups with specialized interests. Sundays Led by: Pastor Chris Fisher Type: Coffee House Worship Where: Church Frequency: Weekly, 11:00 AM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tuesdays Led by: Ann Moyer & Nancy Kraft Study Book: You Were Made For This Moment (women's group) Where: Church Frequency: two Tuesdays each month, 2:00 PM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Wednesdays Led by: Pastor Chris Fisher Type: Wednesday Night Prayer Group Where: Church Sanctuary Frequency: Weekly, 6:00 PM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thursdays Led by: Dot Murphy Meal & Chat: Women encouraging women (for widows) Where: varies Frequency: fourth Thursday each month, 5:30 PM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saturdays Type: Men's Breakfast RightNow Media Topics Where: Church Fellowship Hall Frequency: third Saturday each month, 8:00 AM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Coming: Led by: Stacey Lehman and (TBA) Type: Celebrate Recovery Where: Church Frequency: (pending) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you would like to start a new Small Group, please contact the FUMC church office at 570.385.3941 for more information.

This page has links to different Bible Reading Plans (i.e., read the Bible in a year). BIBLE READING PLAN To grow in faith, there is no substitute for spending time in God's Word. It's not just a matter of growing either. It's a matter of daily spiritual sustenance. We pray to God, "Give us this day our daily bread," but the Word of God also says, "People shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." This is how Jesus countered the temptation of the Devil. In other words, partaking of the Word of God every day is as important as eating our daily food. It's spiritual nourishment. You need it to stay healthy in the Spirit. This brochure contains a Bible-reading plan that will enable you to read through the entire Bible in a year. It requires about 15-30 minutes a day, depending on your reading speed, reading about 3-4 chapters per day. There is really no "right" way to read through the Bible, so this plan is just one systematic suggestion of how to do it. If you have a smart phone, you can download a Bible App like "YouVersion," and you can set it up to listen to audio recordings of the Scriptures while you drive. You will be amazed at the way God talks to you as you make this type of Bible study a regular part of your devotional life. I have found over and over this to be true: what I read in a particular day's Bible-reading devotions matches and applies to what is going on in my life. God speaks to us through his word. Click here to access the Bible Reading Plan for 2023 Click here to access the Bible Reading Plan for 2020 Click here to access the Bible Reading Plan used in 2019