See what's in store at First Church!

We Need U!

Serve once a month in KidsMinistry at 11:00 am!

At First Church, we offer child care and programs for kids up to fifth grade to help them learn about who Jesus is, what the Gospel means for them and who God calls them to be. In order to fulfill this calling, we are always looking for volunteers to serve in our KidsMinistry. We are looking for two volunteers to assist our preschool teachers and one volunteer to assist our K-5th grade teacher, all during the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Each volunteer role takes place one Sunday a month with the ability to switch Sundays if a scheduling conflict arises. Volunteers will need to provide their clearances to the church.

 If you would like to know more information and what would be involved with serving, please contact Katie Knorr, Director of Children and Family Ministry at kidscount@fumchurch.com.

One Church Sunday Combined Worship Service & Picnic

Sept. 13th I 10:00 am I One Church, One Table, One Joyful Day Together

Join us for a special combined worship service as we come together—all generations, one church, gathered around one table—to mark the end of summer and step into the rhythms of fall.

This service is all about unity—across ages, worship styles, and backgrounds—as we gather to worship with one voice, then continue that spirit of togetherness with a meal at our annual church picnic.

Following worship, all are invited to the annual church picnic! We'll provide hot dogs and hamburgers, and ask that you bring a side dish or dessert to share. 

• Food items can be brought to the main lobby before service, where our helpful volunteers will keep them chilled/warmed as needed. (Please consider having items that need to stay warm in an oven-safe dish, crock pot, etc.)
• Remember to pick up your dish following the picnic

Come dressed for a day of connection and celebration—no need for traditional church attire. In fact, this is the perfect day to give your Hawaiian shirts one last hurrah before summer ends!

While indoor seating is available, you’re invited to bring a bag chair or picnic blanket and enjoy yard games and fellowship outdoors.

Let’s gather—one church, one table, and have one joyful day together!

Bible Sunday

September 20th I 8:30 and 11:00 services

At First Church, we want to equip believers of all ages to dive into Scripture in a relevant, accessible way.

During worship services on Bible Sunday, we provide new Bibles to our four-year-olds, second-graders, sixth-graders and ninth-graders. Each young person receives a Bible translation that is appropriate and understandable for their developmental stage, in hopes that they will grow in their desire and joy in reading God's Word.



If your four-year-old or second-grader (or any child who does not have an age-appropriate bible) is interested in receiving a Bible, please contact Katie Knorr. 

If your sixth-grader or ninth-grader (or any youth who does not have an age-appropriate bible) is interested in receiving a Bible, please contact Lisa Aronson. In addition, if you're an adult in need of a Bible, please contact Lisa Aronson.

Our first KidsWorship and Wee Worship will be September 20th during our 11:00 service. Kids 7 and under will remain in worship for our combined service at 10:00 am on September 13th with special activities during the service.

Student Small Group Returns!

Second Sundays from 6:00-7:30pm

Student Small Groups is back! This is a chance for small group interaction with students of similar ages. This space is intended to allow for conversation, questions, and age-appropriate faith topics.

Grades 4th-7th will meet at First Church for group activity time in the gym and have small group discussions to follow. 

Grades 8th-12th will meet in the Youth Lounge. 

We will meet on the 2nd Sunday of the month from 6-7:30 pm. If you have any questions, please let Katie Knorr know at kidscount@fumchurch.com for 4th-7th graders and Lisa Aronson for 8th-12th graders at discipleship@fumchurch.com.

Special Kickoff September 20th with our SnL Worship Night!

Time will be announced soon

Families of 4th-12th grade students are encouraged to attend a special kick-off for our Small Group Ministry! Come eat dinner and the students will play games while the parents learn more about what we will learn this year. Then, stick around for the free worship night in the green space (in the sanctuary if the weather is bad).

New at First Church: Monthly Ladies Night!

Once called Mom Connection, now open to ladies of all stages! 3rd Mondays 6:00-8:00 PM Sept.-May

Join us for our Monthly Ladies Night hosted by the Women’s Ministry of First UMC (previously known as Mom Connection). Our goal for this ministry is to be a gathering of women from all stages of life. Women of all stages of life (single, mom (of...), empty nester, grandma, young adult, etc) are invited to a once a month evening of friendship, support, and guidance.  We meet together for a meal, learning, conversation and prayer in the hopes of creating connections and cultivating community. Sign up on Church Center or contact Katie Knorr at kidscount@fumchurch.com or Lisa Aronson at discipleship@fumchurch.com for more information.

Upper Allen Fall Fest Kids Zone

Winding Hills Park North September 25 from 4-9pm!

Did you know First Church is hosting a stand in the kids area of the Upper Allen Fall Fest September 25th? From 4-9pm, join the Upper Allen Community at Winding Hills Park North for live music, food trucks, craft vendors, inflatables, hayrides, petting zoo, and more. Our table will be putting temporary tattoos on kids and passing out info about our church! Interested in learning more or volunteering for a time slot? Check out the link below!

Ask Better Questions

You never had to teach your kids to ask questions, they’ve always been good at it. Curiosity is a natural, human reaction to a complex world and it has played a crucial role in all of the greatest inventions, discoveries, and conversations throughout history. But for most of us, maintaining our sense of curiosity into and beyond our teenage years takes work. We want answers to our questions and we want to be certain we are “right.” But what joy and discovery might we be missing out on when we’re hesitant to ask questions? Even more importantly, if we remain curious, we can inspire a new generation to think critically and become better neighbors. So how can we practice being more curious?

1. Consume something different to find new questions. If it feels like you can’t think of anything you’re curious about right now, maybe it’s time to find some things to get curious about! Read a book from an author whose opinions differ from yours, or take up a new hobby that will require you to ask for help. Exercise those curiosity muscles!
2. Welcome your “I don’t know’s.” A curious person is more concerned with learning than looking smart — especially in front of teenagers who need to know that not knowing is a great place to start! Instead of being embarrassed about not having an answer to a question – wonder with them. Linger around those questions, be eager to research, and be excited to learn!
3. Ask . . . Questions can be scary because they open the door to us being wrong about something we thought we were right about. But if we shift our focus from being right to being better, kinder, and more loving people, questions become our greatest tools!
4. . . . Then listen. Asking questions is a great first step, but step two is just as important – listen. When someone takes the time to answer your question or help you understand their perspective, recognize their kindness, listen intently, and learn something new!

There will always be room for curiosity in our lives because we’ll never have it all figured out. Make today a day full of questions and see all of the wonderful things you can discover.

Common Sense Media exists to help adults have a better understanding of what kids are watching and make better decisions on their behalf. They offer the largest and most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Check them out today to better understand how to guide kids in their media consumption.

How can our ministry best support you as you disciple your child during the week?

Email Katie at kidscount@fumchurch.com and let me know!

KidsMinistry Volunteers Needed!

Are you looking for a rewarding way to serve in the church where you leave a little tired but feel very loved? We are always looking for people willing and able to serve in KidsMinistry! Whether you are looking to sub every once in a while or serve once a month, there's something for everyone! Talk to me, send me an email at kidscount@fumchurch.com, or click here to learn more!

Did you know you we have a Facebook group for families of FUMC Kids with resources, events, and other information for you to stay involved? Click on the Facebook Button below to join the First Church Children's Ministry group today! (And you can check out the church's Instagram as well!)

Hello, my name is Katie Knorr! I am so excited to get to know you and your family! Here's some things to get to know me: I grew up in Bloomsburg, PA and graduated from Bloomsburg University with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I spent the next few years as an Elementary teacher co-teaching in K-5th classrooms. During that time and for years before that, I spent my time volunteering in Kids Ministry programming at my church including assisting with Sunday School, teaching and running Vacation Bible School, and even creating an Escape room from scratch for the community in the catacombs of our church! In my free time, I enjoy singing in a chorus with my friends, watching all things Marvel, Disney, or cooking/baking/DIY competition shows.

I moved to Central PA in 2019 to be the Director of Children's Ministry at a nearby United Methodist Church and I was so appreciative of the time I spent learning about the ministry God called me into. I love that I have the opportunity to be silly, dress up, and teach kids how much the God who made the tallest mountain and the deepest ocean also made each of us and loves each of us! I am so excited for this opportunity as the Director of Children and Family Ministry to deepen the faith and knowledge of your children!

Katie Knorr

Director of Children and Family Ministry

First U.M. Church