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MEET OUR STAFF Leading First United Methodist 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

BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS | THE CIRCUIT WRITER First United Methodist 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 . .

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

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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.

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

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!

​ 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. ​ Fall 2024 Alpha : The Fall Alpha series will begin Sunday, September 8th, and will take place during our second service in Fellowship Hall. The Alpha Day Away will take place on Saturday, October 26th, at the Church of the Good Samaritan in Paoli, (as last time) . ​ This Alpha series will be used as a new member's class but will also include an outreach element to invite folks from the community to join us. ​ All who are interested in learning more about faith in Jesus Christ are welcome to attend. ​ Schedule : Meet and Greet: 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM Brunch Meal: 11:00 AM - 11:20 AM Short Prayer & Song 11:20 AM MC Welcome 11:25 AM Alpha Video 11:30 AM - 12:10 PM Conclusion 12:30 PM (firm stop) ​ (Childcare will be provided) ​ How to Help :​ Prayer Team, Hospitality, Table Leaders, Kitchen Help, Food Prep. (light lunch menu) , Setup & Cleanup, Help with Childcare Team ​ ​​​​ ​ ​ ​ If you have any questions, contact the church office at 570-385-3941. ​ 08/21/24 ​ ​

MESSAGES Streamed Recordings Beginning March 22, 2020, FUMC 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.

The information on this calendar is generally based on the information in the newsletter and Sunday bulletins. Therefore, this information is subject to change and may not be reflected within the calendar if changes are made by event organizers without notification to the Church Office. If you see any discrepancies and would like the information updated or have a new item to be submitted for the calendar, please contact the Webmaster .

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 Friday ~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 FUMC

SMALL GROUPS (UPDATED 11/05/24 ) 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. 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: Pastor Chris Fisher & Gary Daum Study: Alpha Series Where: Church's Fellowship Hall Frequency: Weekly, 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.​ ​ Mondays Led by: Darlene Beers Where: varies Frequency: Weekly, 8:00 AM (temp. filled) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Long Run Diner Frequency: Weekly, 6:30 AM Led by: M om's O n M issions (for mom's of little ones) Where: Church Frequency: Weekly, 6:00 PM (childcare provided) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: (presently on hold to accommodate the Alpha Series) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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: Bible Backroads..Drive Through History ( through RightNow Media ) 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: (presently on ho ld to accommodate the Alpha Series) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tuesdays ​Led by: Ann Moyer & Nancy Kraft Study Book: You Were Made For This Moment (women's group) Where: Church Frequency: 2 Tuesdays a 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 ea. mo., 5:30 PM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saturdays Type: Men's Breakfast RightNow Media Topics Where: Church Fellowship Hall Frequency: Third Saturday ea. mo., 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.