Join Us For Our Fall Kickoff
Are you looking to get involved? Check out the opportunities to get involved by scrolling below:
**WEATHER UPDATE: Due to inclement weather forecasted for Sunday, we will be moving our Service + Ministry Fair indoors. Our Combined Service at 10 AM will be held in our (FEC) Sanctuary (located at 604 Market St). Our Ministry Fair at 11 AM will also be moved indoors to our (CLC) Stryker Hall (located at 601 Market St). While we would love to worship outdoors, we want to honor everyone’s safety and create the most hospitable space possible. Thankfully, we are blessed with facilities that will allow us to do that. We cannot wait to worship with everybody and kick off into the fall; see you there!
SERVICE: We’re celebrating the Fall Kickoff with a special combined service at 10:00 AM in our (FEC) Sanctuary to unite as one body of Christ and begin our new sermon series, Exploring a Masterpiece.
PARKING: To be hospitable to our older and newer attenders, we ask that you reserve the parking lots closer to our (FEC) Building for these people, and park in farther lots as you are able.
MINISTRY FAIR: Following the Fall Kickoff Combined Service, from 11 AM – 1 PM, there will be a Ministry Fair in (CLC) Stryker Hall, which will have free fair-style food at various stands.
YOUTH FALL KICKOFF: For our students in grades 6-12, there will be a special celebration to kick off the weekly fuse gatherings on September 10 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM in the (CLC) Stryker Hall (located at 601 Market St). Get ready for games, pizza, getting to know the volunteers, a life group competition, and catching up with friends. We hope you’ll join us as school starts back up again!
The book of Romans is Paul’s theological masterpiece. It details his life’s work of ministry working with churches, as well as a profound message of hope amidst his trials and tribulations.
As we explore the book of Romans as an entire congregation in our worship services, life groups, digital spaces, and more, we will better understand Paul’s encouragement and wisdom, and what that means for our lives today.
We would love to have you join us for worship ! You can join us in our Sanctuary or Online:
- Traditional Service | Sundays, 9 AM | (FEC) Sanctuary [604 Market St]
- Online Service | Sundays, 9 AM | Church Online Platform
- Contemporary Service | Sundays, 11 AM | (CLC) Stryker Hall [601 Market St]
Throughout our sermon series, “Exploring a Masterpiece,” you’re invited to join Pastor Janet and Mitch as they dive deeper into the topics discussed each Sunday morning. Episodes are released weekly.
This devotional features commentary, additional Scriptures, and questions for you to go deeper into each week’s passage. You’re invited to do this on your own, or work through it with a Life Group.
Physical copies of the devotional will soon be available in The Church Office, (FEC) Lobby, and (CLC) Lobby. Additionally, if you wish to have a digital copy of the devotional, you can find that by clicking the button below.
We invite you to connect with God and others here at First Church through Step 1. If you wonder what connecting in faith in Jesus Christ is about or if you wish to connect as a new member, then Step 1 is for you.
The next Step 1 class will be five sessions on Sunday mornings on September 24, October 1, October 8, October 15, and October 22 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM (during our Social Hour).
There are two ways to attend this course: in person in Room 202 in our First Evangelical Center building, led by Michelle Dixon, and online via ZOOM.
If you are interested in joining this year’s class, click the button below.
The Bible teaches that the Christian life is one of community, not isolation. Groups are a means for us to make new friends, be a part of a caring community, and grow spiritually through the study and application of the Bible. New groups are forming regularly. Some are men’s groups, some are women’s groups, and others are mixed. Most groups are ongoing and you can join at any time. You can explore all our groups by clicking the button below.
If you’re not a part of a life group yet, would you prayerfully consider joining one? You can click the button below to sign up with your name and contact information, and someone will reach out to you shortly to connect you with potential groups!
Every time we are with children, it is an intentional opportunity to share Jesus and his love with kids. We host many opportunities for children to play, connect with others, and learn about Jesus. spark is for our children age 3 – Grade 3, and ignite is for children in Grades 4 – 5. Check out the opportunites below for your child(ren):
SPARKZONE | Beginning September 10 | Sundays, 9 AM & 11 AM
Beginning September 10, sparkzone will be available again during worship. While you worship, let your child learn about Jesus and play freely under volunteer supervision. Children 3 years of age through 3rd grade exit at the sparkzone announcement.
– Traditional Service: Parents, please pick up your child at the (CLC) when the service is done.
– Contemporary Service: Children will return to the service after the message has concluded.
KID'S CHURCH | Beginning September 17 | Third Sunday of the Month, 9 AM & 11 AM
It’s church just for kids! This service will be held once a month on the third Sunday, and will incorporate worship through contextual Bible lessons in separate age groups, and fun activities.
– Traditional Service: Parents, please check in your child at the Kids Check-In Station before the service in the (FEC) Lobby. Kids will be safely transported to (FEC) Fellowship Hall. At the conclusion of the service, the kids will safely be brought back over in time for the benediction.
– Contemporary Service: Parents, please check in your child at the Kids Check-In Station before the service in (CLC) Stryker Hall. Kids will be safely transported over to the 1st floor of the (CLC). At the conclusion of the service, the kids will safely be brought back over in time for the benediction.
BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS | September 17 | During the 9 AM & 11 AM Services
Our elementary students are invited to bring their backpacks to church this day for the Backpack Blessing. During the Benediction, we’ll be praying over our teachers and students of all ages for the upcoming school year.
September 17 will be a Kids Church Sunday during both Traditional and Contemporary Sanctuary services. Parents, please check in your child at the spark Check-In Table before each service. Kids will be safely transported over to the 1st floor of the (CLC).
At the conclusion of each service, the kids will safely be brought back over for the “Backpack Blessing” Benediction, where Pastor Matt will pray over everyone.
IGNITE BIBLE STUDY | Sundays, 10 AM | (CLC) Classroom -- 601 Market St
Any students in Grades 4 & 5 (between the ages of 9 and 11) are invited to join in a Bible Study to get deeper into Scripture. For more information, reach out to Mike Rodgers.
Contact: Mike Rodgers, Bible Study Leader
Our fuse ministry is for students in Grades 6-12. They’re more than just teenagers; they’re the future of the faith, who we want to invest our time, attention, and love in. We host many opportunities for our teens to connect with others, ask hard questions, and grow in their spirituality. Check out the opportunities below for your teens:
YOUTH LIFE GROUPS | Beginning September 17 | Sundays, 10 AM | (FEC) fusebox
Students who desire to grow closer to others and God are encouraged to join a life group. Here, we dive deeper into the Bible in community with a fuse Leader to learn more than what we possibly could on our own. Students are invited to meet at 10:00 AM in the fusebox then break into separate groups from there. Leaders will connect with their students on their specific meeting room.
For more information, reach out to Caroline.
Contact: Caroline Glazier, Youth Minister
YOUTH GROUP FALL KICKOFF | September 10, 6:00 - 8:00 PM | (CLC) Stryker Hall -- 601 Market St
On September 10, there will be a special celebration to kick off the weekly fuse gatherings from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM in the (CLC) Stryker Hall (located at 601 Market St). Get ready for games, pizza, getting to know the volunteers, a life group competition, and catching up with friends. We hope you’ll join us as school starts back up again!
Contact: Caroline Glazier, Youth Minister
FAITHZONE | Monthly on Wednesdays | WAMS & WAHS
FaithZone is a monthly outreach event where middle school students receive a meal and devotional during their lunch period at school. Alongside classes that grow physical, mental and emotional health, this is an opportunity for students to consider their spiritual growth.
Contact: Caroline Glazier, Youth Minister
The Acts Network explores different forms of church for our changing culture, established primarily for the benefit of those who are not yet part of any church. If you’re interested in experiencing worship in a new way, consider any of these opportunities:
IF: TABLES
Women meet in groups either in their homes or places in the community to pause from their week, enjoy a meal, and discuss their thoughts on faith-based questions.
Contact: Michael Glazier, Acts Network and College Minister
VOLLEYBALL
Folks here participate in a brief devotional and built community through playing volleyball.
Contact: Michael Glazier, Acts Network and College Minister
FIRST NIGHT
An indoor, sit-down meal experience is open for anyone in the area who wishes to participate. This will involve eating together in community, then moving onto a time of worship, prayer, communion, and spiritual education using personal lessons and videos.
Contact: Tyree Kirkpatrick, Food Service & Hospitality Coordinator
NURSING HOME GROUP
Sharlene Clapper leads this initiative to get to know the residents of local Williamsport Nursing Home.
Contact: Michael Glazier, Acts Network and College Minister
YOGA
Folks here experience the centering of body and mind through gentle flow yoga led by certified instructor Ashley English Tobin, who specializes in intuitive movement. This type of yoga is all inclusive; anyone, regardless of age or experience, is welcome and able to participate.
Contact: Michael Glazier, Acts Network and College Minister
HIKING
Steve and Sandy Bair host regular hikes around Williamsport to connect with nature and other hiking enthusiasts.
Contact: Michael Glazier, Acts Network and College Minister
COLLEGE DINNERS
Through college ministry, we aim to foster formative Christian spaces for college students. We do this by building personal relationships and inviting them to participate in worship, discipleship, and community engagement, through fellowship around dinner, Bible studies, and retreats.
A member of our leadership team hosts dinner at their home for college students to get off campus, enjoy a home-cooked meal, and play games.
Contact: Michael Glazier, Acts Network and College Minister