Search Results

This is the stained glass window behind the altar in the sanctuary. THE ALTAR WINDOW Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. ~John 1:29 The stained glass window was designed and installed by Kim Bordner, a young man who used his talents for God’s glory. Much of the glass used in the window comes from our former church dwelling on St. John Street, reminding us of the past; and the newly added glass gives us a forward hopeful look. The Cross, the central figure of our Altar Window, captures the most intense demonstration of Christ’s love and power. The color of our cross represents Christ’s blood spilled out putting an end to ungodliness through the crucifixion, so that as Christians we are now free to live in Christ. The Lamb is the supreme symbol of innocence and gentleness. The lamb in Old Testament Scripture is the dominant sacrificial victim given up to atone for the sins of the people. In the New Testament (John 1:29), John the Baptist said upon seeing Jesus, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” The Dove represents the hovering of the Spirit of God over the Church, His people (Genesis 1:2). The Spirit of God descended “like a dove” upon Jesus at His baptism, and the Holy Spirit descends like a dove upon us when we accept Jesus as Savior. We are baptized with the Holy Spirit when we accept Christ into our lives and this identifies our baptism with His baptism. The Plants remind us that in our commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ, we are to be continually growing in our relationship and as His disciples. For just as plants grow and are nourished with water in a firm foundation of soil, so must we, as followers of Christ, be planted firmly in His word and our growth nourished in the same manner. Our Altar Window is a beautiful reminder of God’s love. Each Sunday that we gather together in worship or any time we spend time in the sanctuary to commune with Him, we are reminded of His love, sacrifice, and victory. May our Altar Window allow God’s light to shine in our soul and give us a vision of His heavenly kingdom!

Provides forms to be utilizes and sharing of photos. WEBSITE RESOURCES United Methodist Church Official Web Site of the United Methodist Church [http://www.umc.org ] The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church Official Web Site of our Conference [http://www.epaumc.org ] BibleGateway Bible Gateway is a website that provides a tool for reading scripture online in a translation of your choice. It provides searching capabilities which will allow you to find and compare passages in scripture from different translations. [http://www.biblegateway.com ] Biblica Biblica is an International Bible Society with a worldwide ministry that has been helping people engage with God’s Word for over 200 years and are committed to bringing the Bible to people in a way they understand, so they can be transformed by Christ and inspired to join His mission for the world. [https://www.biblica.com/] Upper Room® The Upper Room® supports the spiritual growth of Christians wanting to know God and Grow in Him. The Upper Room® offers a daily devotional guide and many other publications and programs, prayer support, and resources to help all believers experience a deeper level of faith in our Loving God. [https://www.upperroom.org/] Gretna Glen Camp Gretna Glen is a Christian Camp and Retreat Center located just east of Hershey amidst the beautiful forest and streams of Mt. Gretna, PA. The Camp’s Mission is to share the joy of knowing and following Jesus Christ. [http://www.gretnaglen.org/] Pocono Plateau Camp Pocono Plateau is a year-round Christian Camp and Retreat center located on 750 acres of forest in the Pocono Mountains of Eastern Pennsylvania. [http://www.poconoplateau.org/] Jewel Pregnancy Center Previously known as Care Net Pregnancy Center of Schuylkill County. Jewel Pregnancy Center is a Christian, non-profit organization that provides life affirming, evangelistic ministry to families facing an unplanned pregnancy. All services are free and confidential. [https://jewelwc.org/] Walk to Emmaus and Chrysalis The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program intended to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciples and leaders. [http://mountaintopwalktoemmaus.net/] Wesleyan Covenant Association (WCA) 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. [https://wesleyancovenant.org/ ]

This will provide information on Sunday School classes and/or Small Groups that meet on a Sunday morning or throughout the week. ADULT SMALL GROUPS Connects all of us, young and old, to the Source of life. Provides an opportunity for continued growth. Transforms people and churches. Helps people become leaders. Provides a church family. Provides a safe place for people to make new friends and grow in their faith. Deepens people's knowledge and understanding of God's hand in all of life. 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. A Discipleship Council has been implemented and their primary work is to develop effective small group discipleship ministry at the church. If you are interested in attending any of the currently functioning groups, please contact the Church Office at 570.385.3941 for contact information or the Group Leaders to confirm schedules. The small groups that are currently functioning are listed below; however some of these groups are meeting in-person and others virtually and are subject to change without notice on this page; please contact the Leader directly for current status : LifeGroups - Topic is "Healing" Mondays Led by: Ellen Marino Time: 10:00 am Where: At church Tuesdays Led by: Ann Moyer & Nancy Kraft (Ladies Only) When: 1:00 pm Where: At church Led by: JoAnn Daum (Ladies Only) When: 3:00 pm Where: Church cafe Led by: Mike & Joanne Forbes When: 6:00 pm Where: The Forbes' Home Led by: Wanda Langley (Over 50 Group/Seniors) When: 6:00 pm Where: At church Thursdays Led by: Eydie Reed When: 10:00 am Where: Being held virtually until further notice Led by: Gerri Inama When: 6:00 pm Where: The Inama’s Home Led by: Ralph & Julie Saunders When: 7:00 pm Where: Church cafe Saturdays Led by: Lisi Fisher & Barbara Brady (Girls, ages 13-25 years) When: 9:30 am Where: Church cafe Other Small Groups with a Non-Healing Focus Book of Daniel Led by: Ellen Marino When: 10:00 am Where: At church The Alpha Course (New Members or those who want to know more about Christianity) Led by: Greg & Dawn Fisher When: 6:00 pm Where: At church Wednesdays Accountability Group Led by: Doug O’Connell When: 6:30 am Where: Being held virtually until further notice. Thursdays Bible Study Led by: Doug O’Connell When: 7:00 pm Where: Being held virtually until further notice. If you are interested in joining the group, contact Doug O'Connell for a link to the Zoom meeting; or contact the Church Office. Saturdays Men's Breakfast When: Third Saturday of the Month at 8:00 AM Where: Being held virtually until further notice.

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

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.

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.

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!”

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

This will provide information on Small Groups that meet on a Sunday morning or throughout the week. LIFE IN ACTION GROUPS RECOMMENDED READINGS (UPDATED 09/17/2021) 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. (visual overview of the FUMC discipleship process) 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 "Experiencing God" by Claude King, Henry Blackaby, and Richard Blackaby Carefully listening to God's voice will anchor you in His plan and set you free to live it with boldness and freedom. 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

Photos from events that took place. GALLERY Pastor Fisher - Communion Meat Pie Fundraiser 2020 Ignite Food Drive - February 2020 Volunteering at SPCA - 2019 Winterblast 2020 Methodist Women - Making Fidget Blankets 2019 SummerBlast 2019 Caregiver Seminar 2019 Puerto Rico Mission Team 2019 Sledding at WinterBlast 2020 Ignite Group 2020 2020 Father Daughter Dance

This is a wooden sculpture of the Lion and the Lamb with many hidden symbols carved into the sculpture. THE LION AND THE LAMB SCULPTURE The sculpture of the Lion and the Lamb which is on display in the narthex of First United Methodist Church, Schuylkill Haven was given by an anonymous giver to the glory of God. The inspiration for the form of the sculpture comes from two of the titles of Jesus Christ: “Lion of Judah” and “Lamb of God”. The hidden symbols carved on the statue as aspects of these two names can be discovered by the diligent viewer by carefully examining the work. The statue was sculpted by Mr. Todd Gladfelter, whose wood-carving studio is in New Ringgold. His wood carvings of various animals and wildlife can be seen at various locations around Schuylkill County and beyond. Mr. Gladfelter used photos and paintings of the ‘lion and lamb’ motif with theological advice on Christian symbols from Pastor Fisher, as well as live goats from his own flock as help and inspiration for the form of the sculpture. It was completed in April-May, 2018 and dedicated to the glory of God on May 27, 2018. The sculpture can be seen in the narthex of First United Methodist Church.

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 .