Search Results

Fear2Faith: A video series on current events, Bible prophecy, and faith. Dear Friend, A recent survey by the Joshua Fund revealed that 44% of all Americans are asking why this pandemic and other crises are happening. They are wondering whether this is either a wake-up call to return to God and the Bible, a sign of coming judgment, or both (Joshuafund.com ). The survey covered a random sample of Americans, including atheists, agnostics, Jews, Muslims, and other religious groups. It showed that many people are searching the Bible and seeking online for spiritual answers in a way not seen for years. Are you asking any of these questions? Do you want to know if there is a God, if he cares about you, and how you can know him? Are you wondering if the Bible is trustworthy and might have the answers? Are you seeking hope and a sure future amidst the fear? To help with these questions, we at First UMC, Schuylkill Haven, have produced this series of messages on God, current events, biblical prophecy being fulfilled today, and the grounds for hope in Jesus Christ. We invite you to check it out. We want to help you find a genuine relationship with God and give you sound reasons to trust in Jesus Christ amidst these crises.

This is our livestream of Sunday messages. CFC 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:

Forms available for download to submit requests or information for various reasons. 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.

This is a prayer room which is set off the sanctuary for prayer and meditation. THE PRAYER ROOM The vision for a Prayer Room began with a Thursday morning prayer group looking for a quiet place to pray in a busy church building. After prayer and discussion, the matter was referred to the Trustees and officially approved by the Administrative Board in 2008. The Prayer Room was completed in 2009 and is located just off the Sanctuary. Construction of this wonderful room was accomplished by people from the church; most of the furnishings, decorating, etc. and stain glass windows were also made by or donated by church members. Upon completion, the room was consecrated to the Glory of God in memory of past saints who were members of the church when it was still meeting at the building on St. Johns Street, Schuylkill Haven. That building was destroyed by fire in 1980, leading to the present structure at 420 Saylor Street, Schuylkill Haven. One of the Prayer Room stain glass windows is a small reproduction of a large stain glass window that hung behind the altar in the sanctuary of the St. John Street building. How exciting to see a vision given by God accomplished by church members willing to follow God’s leading. The Prayer Room is used regularly for individual and small group prayer and also for counseling ministry.

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!

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

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 .

Embrace Grace is a 12-week program that teaches single, young pregnant women about God's love and grace. This group provides emotional, practical, and spiritual support for women who find themselves in an unexpected pregnancy. For more information on Embrace Grace ministries, please visit www.embracegrace.com . If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved either as a group volunteer or member, please contact the church office at (570) 385-3941. Looking for ideas to bless the mamas to be and their little blessing? -Diapers -Wipes -Blankets -Bibs -Socks -Gift Cards -Baby Toys -Toiletries -Infant Medicine (gas drops, infant pain reliever, teething, diaper rash cream)

Shares a timeline of our church's history and also contains a link to more detail. 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.

This is for those that would like to make a donation to the ministry of First United Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven. Online Giving "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." - Psalm 118:1 "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." - Malachi 3:10 We are pleased to offer a number of secure and convenient methods to present your tithes and offerings electronically. We recently migrated to a new platform powered By Vanco Payment Solutions. The first time you use the new service you will need to setup an account. You may also wish to consider setting up a recurring donation. Via the Web Via Mobile App

iGnite Youth Ministry Permission Form 2024-2025 Youth & Family Ministries Permission & Release Form This Parental Consent, Photo Release, Emergency Contact and Health Form gives permission for my child to participate in any youth activities sponsored by the Christ Fellowship Church (aka FUMC), a local church within the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church and shall be valid from May 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. GENERAL PERMISSIONS I give permission for the youth named below to participate in Christ Fellowship Church's (aka FUMC's) iGnite Youth Ministry activities and events both on-site and off-campus from May 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Although minimal, I am aware that some activities or events may involve physical activity where my youth may be at risk for physical injury (running outside, ball tag, capture the flag etc.). In such, I agree to hold Christ Fellowship Church (aka FUMC) , its staff, and volunteers harmless should any such injury occur. I give my permission for my youth to be transported in vehicles operated by the adults in whose care the minor has been entrusted while attending and participating in these events. I will ensure that my youth will not bring any electronic games or devices except for a cellular phone to Youth Group activities. Boundaries and guidelines of usage will be expected of students and must be supported by parents. I understand that the Christ Fellowship Church (aka FUMC) , its staff, and volunteers, are committed to safe, fun, and educational activities, and that all activities are conducted in a smoke, alcohol, and drug-free environment. To help ensure the safety of all concerned, I understand that if my youth is in possession of illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products, engages in any illegal conduct or refuses to follow the directions of the Youth staff or volunteers participating in the scheduled activities that I will be telephoned immediately to pick up my youth. MEDICAL TREATMENT & LIABILITY RELEASE In the event of a medical emergency, I declare that I am the child or youth’s parent or legal guardian and hereby authorize the Christ Fellowship Church (aka FUMC ) youth ministry staff or volunteers, as agents for me, to consent to medical attentions as advised and supervised by professional nurses, doctors or dentists should I be absent or unavailable to make such decisions. This authorization extends to any emergency room admission and treatment as an inpatient, considered necessary by the attending physician. I understand that, in such an emergency, I will be contacted as soon as possible. I, hereby hold the Christ Fellowship Church (aka FUMC ) staff, volunteers, event staff and their representatives harmless in the exercise of this authority. It is my understanding that the below named student will be covered by my personal medical insurance. Christ Fellowship Church (aka FUMC ) provides limited supplemental medical payment coverage for injuries arising out of the event activities which is payable and access of any collectible insurance. Payment of any medical injuries not covered by my insurance, or the event limited supplemental medical insurance will be paid by me. PHOTO RELEASE I hereby grant Christ Fellowship Church (aka FUMC ) permission to use me or my family's likeness in photography/video in any and all church publications, marketing materials, websites, brochures, and all other related media. A failure by me to notify the church of my desire "not" to have photos in any publication or web view is an automatic understanding that I do not object in any way of the use of any and all photographs by Christ Fellowship Church (aka FUMC ) . I hereby provide the information below to give my consent to the General Permissions, Medical Treatment & Liability and Photo Release. Parent's Signature Clear Submit Thanks for submitting!

MoMs will meet starting Tuesday, March 4 MoMs is a small group designed for moms that meets on Tuesday evenings from 6-7:15 PM. A nursery with childcare is provided for young children. For more information, please contact the church office at (570)385-3941. Please be sure to check our Facebook page for updates on weather cancellations.