Weekly News

The News usually changes on Wednesday.

Get April’s Potty Poster Here —>April 2026

News for the week of 04/19/26

First Church News

PUMPKIN PATCH PLANNING MEETING: To all our pumpkin peeps, if you’re great at brainstorming and have creative gifts, come to our first planning meeting of the year on Sunday April 19th at 12p in Hanstine Hall. A lite lunch is provided.

COMMUNITY DINNER: Join us Tuesday, April 21st for a delicious Puerto Rican dish (Rice & Beans with Roasted Pork and Plantains) prepared by our own Mr. Miguel. Dinner is drive thru or dine-in from 4-7pm. $10 for Adult and $5 for kid’s portion. Bring a pair of gently used shoes each month to receive a free dessert. Invite your friends and neighbors and help grow our first church family.

NEW MEMBERS CLASS COMING SOON: New Member classes will be the 2 Wednesday evenings, April 29 & May 6, from 6:30p – 8p.  Contact the office for information or sign up at firstchurchpo.org/newmemberform

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IS COMING JUNE 15-19. 2026! Children in K-5th Grade should register now before spaces fill up.  We also need volunteers to sign up at the same location.  Don’t wait!  Only 200 spaces available and we’re already over half way there. Register at firstchurchpo.org/vbs

VBS TRAINING: Join us for the VBS Rally on May 3rd at 12:15p. Together we will learn everything about serving at Illumination Station, whether you want to serve a little or a lot you’re invited, and this is the place to get started. Part of this event will be a breakout session, where we will dive deeper into all the areas you could serve! A light lunch will be provided. RSVP to Suzi Rodriguez or Scott Thomas.

SHOE DRIVE: First Church is having a Shoe Drive! We need new and gently worn shoes you no longer wear! The shoes get a second chance in developing countries where shoes are the primary mode of transportation. Micro-entrepreneurs sell the shoes to support their families. This is a Hand-Up, not a Hand-Out!. The church is paid by the pound. Look for the Shoe Drop Boxes on campus! Ask friends and family too!

LAY SERVANT MINISTRY: Living our United Methodist Beliefs; The 10 hour, Lay Servant class by ZOOM will occur each Monday for 5 weeks starting June 1st, from 6-8p. The cost is $5.00. Contact pamelascraig@gmail.com if you wish to register. Contact Hank Lunsford if you have questions about the class or about becoming a Lay Servant. Textbook: The United Methodist Way: Living our Beliefs, $12.81 on Amazon.

BBQ COOKOFF AND SILENT AUCTION IS COMING: Our 13th Annual Bar-B-Q Cookoff is coming on May 17th from 5pm-7pm. This student ministry fundraiser helps get students to camp/missions/and retreats throughout the year. There are 3 ways that you can be a part:
1.) Enter the cooking competition. Details at firstchurchpo.org/bbq
2.) Come judge/eat BBQ & bid on items. $14 each or (2/$25), on sale soon.
3.) Donate a new item or service to the Silent Auction.

FOOD PANTRY PROGRAM:  Thank you members and friends of First Church! With your generous donations to the food pantry we were able to help 47 individuals with food in the month of March! 44 Adults and 3 children. Woohoo! Without your continuous support, we would not be able to assist those in need.

SAVE THE DATES:
APPALACHIAN SERVICE PROJECT MISSIONS TRIP: June 6-14, 2026
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: June 15-19, 2026
WARREN WILLIS SUMMER CAMP 2026: June 22-27, 2026