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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 ​ ​

FUMC 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:

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

FORMS ​This page offers a brief explanation of the forms available through our website. You may access these by clicking on the links below. Media Service Form Each Sunday, we are provided with the sight and sound ministry of our church service by only a few members of our church every week. If they are not available, then the operations of sight and sound become chaotic or not available. The Media-Tech Committee is asking for just a little of your time of volunteering in this ministry. With enough volunteers, the Committee can create a schedule that will save your time to once a month, at minimum; just like periodically being a greeter/usher. All we need is a few moments to fill this form out and forward it to the Church office . Photo Release Form Technology today is allowing the use of photographs of individuals and groups in many different media formats. In light of this fact, the Communications Committee is requesting that the congregation take the time to review, complete, and return the Photo Release Form to the church webmaster . This form authorizes FUMC to use snapshots in slide presentations, on the church website, directory, newsletter, brochure, or in any other material. Website Information Submittal Form This form is to submit a request for information to be posted on the church website. The requestor contact information will not be posted on the website. If there are parties interested in your announcement, they will be directed to contact the requestor* or the church office for additional information. Use reverse side or attach additional pages if necessary. You may also forward information/clipart to the Webmaster by emailing it to the church webmaster . ​ Weekly Worship Service Recordings Request Form Each Sunday, FUMC streams its worship services online at https://havenfirstumc.org/live . These services are also viewable through Facebook and Vimeo. Simply clicking on the church's website link will take you to various viewing options. Because some members of the congregation do not have access to the internet, we are offering to record the services on CD or DVD for those who request them, and have them mailed or hand delivered by a cadre of volunteers, thanks to the Stephen Ministry. Please call the church office or mail in this form if you need a CD or DVD of the worship service in order to participate in worship. Thank you. ​

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

​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.

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.

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

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.

Children aren’t just the future… FUMC understands that children are not only the future, but also the present of the church. Children are warmly welcomed into FUMC’s 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 at FUMC of Schuylkill Haven, please contact our Church Office at 570.385.3941.

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!

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!