MISSION ITEMS NEEDED Local Food Pantry— catsup, mustard, mayonnaise, microwave popcorn Shepherd of the Streets— shampoo, conditioner, towels & washcloths Donations for these missions may be left in the baskets at the following locations: Christian Life Center - the Market Street entrance; Evangelical Center - the Ross Street entrance; North Campus - Lounge. Won’t you please help those who are in need?

NEXT WEEK’S SERMON Going Deep: Invite—John 1: 43-51

FIRST NIGHT MEAL Chef’s Choice

Sunday Morning Educational Opportunities 8:00 a.m. Nursery (0-5 years), Room 204-FEC

9:30 a.m. Nursery (0-18 mos.), Room 204-FEC Nursery (19 mos.-3 years), Room205-FEC Pre-K, Room 124–CLC Kindergarten/1st grade, Room 132/133-CLC 2nd/3rd grade, Room 102-CLC 4th/5th grade, 109-CLC 6th/7th/8th grade, 105-FEC Sermon Talk, Room 201-FEC

11:00 a.m.—Life Center Nursery, Room 121/124-CLC KIDZONE (ages 3 to 1st grade), Room 132/133-CLC KIDZONE (2nd to 5th grade), Room 109-CLC

11:00 a.m.—North Campus Nursery, Room 210/211-NC KIDZONE (ages 3 to 5th grade), Wesley Hall-NC

First Church 604 Market St.

Williamsport, PA 17701

570.322.3572 fumc2@comcast.net

Check us out at www.firstchurch.cc

NC = NORTH CAMPUS

(1157 Market St.)

MAIN CAMPUS CLC = Life Center (601 Market St.) FEC = Evangelical

Center (604 Market St.)

First Ch

urch

Invite, T

each, S

end

Aug

ust 31

, 201

4

8:00 & 9:30 a.m. Hymns #61, #397, #374

Suit Up With Prayer

Ephesians 6:10-18

This newsletter is printed in an abbreviated format in order to reduce printing costs. A full version is available on our website at

www.firstchurch.cc.

OPEN GYM:

MONDAY Basketball (6th-12th grade) 4:00-6:00 p.m.

TUESDAY Basketball (6th-12th grade) 4:00-6:00 p.m. Volleyball (Adult) 7:00-9:00 p.m.

THURSDAY Basketball (6th-12th grade) 4:00-6:00 p.m.

READY TO GO DEEPER? TAKE A DISCIPLE’S PATH Perhaps you’ve been worshiping at First Church and you’re ready to get more involved and go deeper in your spiritual journey. Sign up for the six week group called “A Disciple’s Path”. The focus of the group is on practices that contribute to growth as you discov-er your spiritual gifts and place for ministry according to your pas-sion. This group is all about growth and connection at First Church. It is also the path for membership if you decide to take the step of joining First Church at any time. Led by Pastor Rick Waters, the next group of “A Disciple’s Path” will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 – 7:00 beginning 9/10/14 in room 202 of the Evangelical Center, 604 Market Street. Child care is available with the First Night activities. Register by calling (570-322-3572), e-mailing (fumc2@comcast.net), or writing it on the communication card.

EVANGELICAL CENTER FLOWERS The altar flowers today are presented to the glory of God and in memory of our parents by Patti and Dan Alters. The centerpiece is in recognition of what would have been our 50th wedding anniversary and in appreciation for God’s many blessings upon our marriage by Judy McCormick and family.

FAMILY PROMISE Our next Family Promise host week will be September 7-14. Please consider serving during this week. Help is needed for all positions. For information on how you can help, please see the article entitled “The Role of Volunteers” which is available at the Information Cen-ters. You may sign up before or after each church ser-vice on August 31 or contact Terri Sheldon craftygaltas@comcast.net or 570-447-7196. Thank you.

BAPTISMS The First Church family would like to congratulate the following families on the baptisms of their children today: Lincoln Annalaine Dincher, daughter of Deanna & Adam Dincher Luke Rodney Mellott, son of Laura & Devon Mellott

First Church,

There is a popular song that says in its lyrics, "It's the most wonderful time of the year…" Usually we hear these words at Christmas. However, I think it applies for us at First Church right now as well… and it is not because school has started again!

This is a wonderful time of the year for us because many of our small groups get started again. We have small groups for men, women, and mar-ried couples. We have small groups based on Bible studies and various books. We have small groups based around various interests and ages. And we have mixed groups. In other words there are a lot of options to choose from!

I cannot emphasize enough, if you are not currently part of a small group, PLEASE prayerfully discern which one may be for you. Small groups are not about "doing one more thing" but rather sharing in life with others to grow in our walk with Christ. God never meant for us to be Christians in a vacuum… this is why God created the Church Body. And small groups are part of that body.

First Church is a large place. It is impossible for everyone to know each other at a deep level. But small groups allow for those deep connections to be made in the context of the larger body. Few things facilitate Transfor-mation in Jesus Christ more than being a part of a small group where we can learn, be challenged, be encouraged, be held accountable, be held when needed, and be loved. In my own life, some of my most formative times have come in the context of a small group. I am grateful now for the group of men that I get to meet with on a regular basis to talk, study, and pray to-gether.

We cannot say that we deeply desire to follow Jesus Christ and not be part of a small group that will help us better understand Christ Himself. So, First Church, now is the time! Join a group and get started! Included in to-day's newsletter is a listing of the various small group opportunities that we currently have. If you have any questions please be in touch with Pastor D.G. who oversees our small groups.

It is a wonderful time of the year First Church! Let's celebrate and take advantage of the wonderful small group opportunities before us. Join one today.

In Christ,

Pastor Matt

DC4K GROUP = HELP AND HEALING

New Group starting September 7, Help children heal from the hurt of divorce. Divorce Care for Kids, DC4K, provides a safe, fun place where children will learn to understand their feelings, express their emotions appropriately, feel better about themselves, and develop coping skills. DC4K is for children in grades 1-6. DC4K meets on Sundays from 6:30-8 pm, at First United Method-ist Church. DC4K meets for 13 weeks, beginning September 7. For more infor-mation or to register for DC4K contact the church office (570-322-3572) or Jessica Marzo (jessdurn@yahoo.com). Additional information can be found at www.dc4k.org

DIVORCECARE SUPPORT GROUP BEGINS SEPTEMBER 7

DivorceCare is a special weekly seminar and support group for people who are separated or divorced. It's a place where you can be around people who understand what you are feeling. DivorceCare is a 13 week video seminar se-ries featuring some of the nation's foremost Christian experts on divorce and recovery topics as seen from a biblical perspective. The video seminar are combined with support group discussion of the materials presented during the video. Each session is "self-contained," and you may join at any time. If you know someone going through a divorce, make sure he or she knows about DivorceCare. It might just be the best thing you could do to help. Bro-chures are available at the information desk. Or go to www.divorcecare.org for more information. DivorceCare meets every Sun-day night from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Evangelical Center. Call Lou Anne Barn-hart 323-5146 to register.

EMAIL NEWSLETTER First Glance is a weekly email newsletter that is sent out every Friday. In First Glance you will get short little articles about what is going on in the church, things that are important for everyone to know as well as things the church is involved with outside of the church walls. You will find reminders and updates of upcoming events as well as links to important different ministries that First Church offers. You might already receive this and do not realize it, check you spam folder, it might be delivered there. If you would like to sign up to start receiving this important part of communication please sign up on the commu-nication card or you can sign up on the website under http://www.firstchurch.cc/connect/the-glimpse/

MARRIAGE MATTERS SMALL GROUP If you are interested in joining a small group for married couples in their 20s to 40s contact Ali Dinges (506-1477 AlisonDinges@aol.com) or Vern Schwanger (971-8256 vcs107@yahoo.com). We meet Wednesday nights 6:00- 7:00 starting Sept. 3rd. Our next study is "Men are Like Waffles Women are Like Spaghetti: Understanding and Delighting in Your Differences"

FEEL THE WARMTH Sometimes it takes more than a parka or a blanket to keep another person warm. Sometimes it takes the presence of a caring Christian friend. Stephen Ministers share the warmth of God’s love with those who need it most: the lonely, the depressed, the grieving. Is God calling you to reach out to those who are hurting? Consider serving as a Stephen Minister. A NEW training class will be starting again soon. For more information, please stop in at one of the informational meetings in September. September 14, 10:45 a.m. in FEC Sanctuary September 14, 12:30 p.m. in CLC Sanctuary September 17, 6:00 p.m. in FEC Sanctuary

MEN’S RETREAT FOR ALL AGES!!!! Men's mania is having its annual men's retreat Saturday, September 6th 10:00am-4:00pm. Join us for a day of fellowship, worship and growing togeth-er as the body of Christ. The location is the same as last year - Central Oaks Heights - the cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under. Sign ups and directions are at the Information Center in each building. For those inter-ested, lunch will include grilled steak, chicken, pasta salad and side dishes. We hope you can join us for this wonderful event!

SEPTEMBER SECOND MILE MISSION The Second Mile Mission for September is Family Promise. Family Promise provides shelter, food, counseling and other supportive services to homeless families. Thirteen area churches (including First Church) are “host” congrega-tions. Four times a year for a week, these churches provide shelter and food for these families, in a way becoming a “motel” but with an extra measure of Christian hospitality. Please make Family Promise a priority in your house this month, simply make your check payable to “First Church” and mark “Family Promise” in the memo line. www.familypromiselycoming.org

I’M NEW AT FIRST CHURCH! NOW WHAT? First Church is a big and

busy place. How do I begin to find my way around and get connected? Easy: come to the Orientation with the Pastors. It’s a great opportunity to get to know the pastors, ask questions, get a glimpse of the exciting vision of First Church, and take a next step. Join us from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Sunday Sept. 7th in room 102 of the First Evangelical Center, 604 Market Street. Enter by the fountain. Lunch (pizza) is provided. Bring the kids. Register by calling (570-322-3572), e-mailing (fumc2@comcast.net), or registering on the com-munication card.

SUSQUEHANNA CONFERENCE WILLIAMSPORT DISTRICT VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION

MISSION EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITY

When: Sunday, September 21 to Saturday, September 27, 2014. Where: Penn Yan, New York Mission: To share the love and hope offered by Jesus Christ with those whose homes and lives were destroyed by flooding on May 14, 2014. For more details go to: inthefingerlakes.com/.../penn-yan-flood-may-14-2014-tons-of-photos/ Projects: Clean up and Rebuilding. Cost: $150. This includes our housing and meals costs from Sun-day evening through Saturday morning. Application and Payment Deadline: Saturday, September 6, 2014. Orientation Meeting: Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 9:30am. First UMC, 604 Market St., Williamsport, PA 17701. We will meet in Fellow-ship Hall. Enter through the lower door by the fountain. MAXIMUM TEAM SIZE: 30 VOLUNTEERS WE ARE ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS ON A FIRST COMMITTED BASIS.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO OBTAIN AN APPLICATION

PACKET, CONTACT JOHN BEST AT 570-326-1943 OR

jmbest2@gmail.com

POSITION AVAILABLE First Church currently has a part-time hourly position open for Security. Can-didate will be responsible for providing door security for ongoing ministries including Open Gym, First Night and Sunday morning activities at the Life Cen-ter. Hours vary depending on ministry needs. In addition, there will be hours during other occasional events such as Christmas Eve, Turkey Dinners, etc. For an application or more information, contact the church office.

HEBREWS BIBLE STUDY Love a mystery? Come join us as we seek to unravel the book of He-brews. Chuck Johnson will be helping to mine the significance of the book in a 13 week study beginning Wednesday, September 10, concluding Dec. 10 meeting from 6 - 7 p.m. in Room 102 of the Evangelical Center. Join the exca-vation by contacting the church office (570-322-3572 or fumc2@comcast.net) or by signing up on the communication card.

SMALL GROUP FOR BUSINESS PEOPLE

Who: Owners of small business, salespeople or people who want to develop an entrepreneurial mindset What : one hour morning session consisting of participatory prayer through a portion of scripture followed by discussion of a business book -- not neces-sarily written by a Christian author. Sharing of business wins and opportuni-ties. Our philosophy is that real truth only comes from the Father regardless of the messenger. We will begin Stephen Covey's First Things First on 8/27. Where: Wegmans When: Wednesdays from 7:30-8:30 am Why: Christian businesspeople may feel alone not only in business but espe-cially as they live out their faith in daily life. Here we have created a small community of giving and receiving in a very practical way. Want to be a business person who actively lives out your faith ALL day long?Then meet with like-minded business folk on Wednesday mornings -- to pray through scripture, discuss wins and opportunities, give and receive ideas and read through a popular or classic business book. We believe that all truth comes from the Father, regardless of the messenger. So, with that thought in mind, we will read through and discuss Stephen Covey's classic First Things First starting Wednesday morning 8/27 from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. at Wegmans. Contact Lou Palazzo for more information. loupalazzo@gmail.com

MARRIAGE MATTERS SMALL GROUP If you are interested in joining a small group for married couples in their 20s to 40s contact Ali Dinges (506-1477 AlisonDinges@aol.com) or Vern Schwanger (971-8256 vcs107@yahoo.com). We meet Wednesday nights 6:00- 7:00 starting Sept. 3rd. Our next study is "Men are Like Waffles Women are Like Spaghetti: Understanding and Delighting in Your Differences"

THE FAMILY PROJECT

The Family Project is a 12 week video study by Focus on the Family. The goal of the study is to "recover the institution of the family in light of who God is, and what He created humanity to be and ensure that it endures at the center of society; to renew our culture's understanding of the family's traditional, historical place; and to reclaim the blessings that flow when families are strong." The DVD segment runs for 30 minutes each week and will be fol-lowed by lively discussion afterward with questions taken from the partici-pant guide. The study will begin Sunday, September 14 at 6:45-8:00 pm. in FEC room 102 and will be completed on November 30, 2014. If you are inter-ested in joining us, please contact Cindy Peck at cpeck3@comcast.net, DG Giordano or the church office at 322-3572. Spaces are limited, so sign up soon.

FRESH HOPE Fresh Hope is a Christian support group for those with mental health challeng-es and their loved ones. The mission of Fresh Hope is to empower individuals to live a full and rich faith-filled life in spite of having a mental health diagno-sis. There is a difference between “just coping” and thriving! The founder of Fresh Hope is a pastor who has a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. Who may join Fresh Hope? Anyone who now or has had a mental health challenge, including anxiety and panic disorders, bipolar disorder, schizo-affective disorder, schizo-phrenia, PTSD, depression, and other diagnosable conditions. Loved ones, family members, and/or friends may also join Fresh Hope. As with all First Church groups, Fresh Hope is open to the community. Fresh Hope is faith-based and Christ-centered, but non-Christians are welcome to attend, as Fresh Hope is a safe place, a place of acceptance. First Church’s Fresh Hope group will meet at the church from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings starting October 2. For more information, speak with Fresh Hope leaders Jim and Cathy Weibley or D.G. Giordano, or go to freshhope.us.

WOMENS BIBLE STUDY Revelation: Discover Together Bible Study. Author: Sue Edwards. Descrip-tion: Throughout history people have speculated how the earth will end. Though it is often seen as the best source for an end times study, the book of Revelation is not about predicting the end, but about preparing for eternal life. Join Sue Edwards on this inductive study of Revelation, one of the most misunderstood books of the Bible, and discover how to ready yourself for your heavenly home. Small Group Name: GIFT, Growing in Faith Together; Women’s Bible Study Group. This study will begin on Monday, September 8, 5:30 p.m. at North Campus. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact Beth Dahlgren at email: dahlgren50@comcast.net; or DG Giordano or the church office at 322-3572.

Outline for Suit Up (3) August 31, 2014

Ephesians 6:10-18

I. Paul presents prayer as a against the

battles of evil in the realm of spiritual warfare.

II. Paul knows that prayer is a for those

who would receive divine power.

III. Paul’s Clues On Prayer

A) Prayer is

1. Paul connects prayer

to the armor of God.

2. Paul uses prayer as a connecting point between

realities and realities.

B) Prayer makes a in spiritual warfare

IV. If prayer not being answered is not from our lack of faith,

or because God chooses to answer no in the face of evil, then

what else could it be? The devil and his schemes...spiritual

forces of evil…

V. Because Daniel prayed:

A) God and the angels

B) The spiritual forces of wickedness were

affected

VI. When we pray we are in an act of

For Life Reflection: What impact would it make in my prayer life to view prayer in this way: “Prayer is never a private inner act discon-nected from day-to-day realities. It is, rather, the interior battlefield where the decisive victory is won before any engagement in the outer world is even possible.” Walter Wink Scripture Reflection: Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and re-quests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Then join us for the

FUSE FALL Kickoff Sunday, August 31st

6:00-8:00 pm Stryker Hall, Life Center (604 Market St.)

Monday, September 1 Labor Day—Office Closed

Tuesday, September 2 9:00 a.m.-FNS, Entire CLC 3:30 p.m.-Worship Design Meeting, 102-FEC 4:00 p.m.- Open Gym, Stryker Hall–CLC 6:30 p.m.-SPRC, Fellowship Room-NC 7:00 p.m.–Volleyball, Stryker Hall-CLC 7:00 p.m.-First Place for Health/The Daniel Plan, 201-FEC 7:00 p.m.-Christian Book Group, 1701 Clarion Dr.

Sunday, August 31 8:00 a.m.-Worship, Sanctuary-FEC 9:30 a.m.-Worship, Sanctuary-FEC 10:00 a.m.-Breakfast, Loft-Wesley Hall-NC 11:00 a.m.-Contemporary Worship, Stryker Hall-CLC 11:00 a.m.-Contemporary Worship, NC

NC = NORTH CAMPUS (1157 Market St.)

MAIN CAMPUS

CLC = Life Center (601 Market St.)

FEC = Evangelical Center (604 Market St.)

CYCLE OF PRAYER- August 31—September 6 Donna Callahan, Terri Calvert, Karen Camp-bell, Tara Carl, James & Jolene Carpenter, Nate, Brianna, Chase, & Alex Carpenter, Kate, Claire, & Charlotte Carpenter, Randy, Cheri, Rebecca, Abigail, & Nathan Carson, Mike & Carol Cassidy, Harold & Margaret Chapman, David, Karen, Justin, & Caitlin Chappell, Curt, Julie, Alexandria, & Ethan Chilson, Kevin , Kathy, Abby, Alex, & Ben Choate, Fred & Char-lene Chubb, Jack & Sharlene Clapper

Thursday, September 4 6:00 a.m.-Men’s Group (Marzo), 102-FEC 9:00 a.m.-FNS, Entire CLC 4:00 p.m.- Open Gym, Stryker Hall– CLC 6:00 p.m.-Praise Band Practice, CLC & NC 6:30 p.m.-Lay Leadership, 202-FEC

Friday, September 5 9:00 a.m.-FNS, Entire CLC 9:00 a.m.-Fit for Christ, Fellowship Hall-FEC

Saturday, September 6 7:00 a.m.-Men’s Group (Tim Fausnaught), Wegman’s 8:00 a.m.-Run for God, 102-FEC 10:00 a.m.-Dance Practice, Stryker Hall-CLC

We’re on the Web! www.firstchurch.cc and

Weekly Attendance From

Sunday, August 24, 2014

8:00— 108 9:30— 248

11:00 CLC—208 11:00 NC— 82

Livestream 9:30— 17 Livestream 11:00— 20 Re-Broadcast 9:30— 2

Re-Broadcast 11:00— 2 Wednesday Night— 123

TOTAL— 810

Wednesday, September 3 6:00 a.m.-Early Wednesday Men’s Group, 102-FEC 9:00 a.m.-FNS, Entire CLC 9:00 a.m.-Fit for Christ, Fellowship Hall-FEC 11:00 a.m.-The Flock, 102-FEC FIRST NIGHT SCHEDULE 5:00 p.m.-Dinner, Stryker Hall-CLC 5:15 p.m.-Wed. Night Worship Experience, Stryker Hall-CLC 5:30 p.m. Run For God, Fellowship Room-NC 5:45 p.m. Kids Programs (ages3 through 5th grade), 1st floor-CLC 6:00 p.m. First Friends, 101/103/Fellowship Hall-FEC Marriage Matters, 205-FEC Women’s Small Group (Chilson), 105-FEC Women’s Small Group (Konieczny), 201-FEC 6:30 p.m. Group Leader Training, 202-FEC 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir, 104-FEC

FIRST CHURCH 604 Market St.

Williamsport, PA 17701 Phone: 570-322-3572