Author Archives: Susan

Directory registration

First Church is publishing a new photo directory. 
Sign up for your photo session online

Sign up at church, February 26, March 4, 11,18, 25
April 1, 8

Welcome

Welcome to our new web site.  Please come back to see our latest updates.

Ash Wednesday Service, February 22 at 6:00 p.m. in Krout

February 26, 1st Sunday in Lent.                                                                         
Pastor Gus will preach on Mark 1:9-15. 
The theme is “Jesus, God’s End Time Agent”.

In recognitiion of Mariilyn Bebout’s 22 years of service as the Office Manager of First Church, a reception will be held following the 10:45 service on February 26  in the Krout.  Please join us at that time.

Confirmation Sessions 
Sundays at 12:30 p.m. 

 The Praise & Worship team is looking for additional musicians and singers to join them in leading worship during the 9:15 Contemporary Service. If you play an instrument, and/or love to sing , please contact the church office at 419-238-0631. 

 Tri-Churches Lenten Gatherings
 We shall continue the tradition established during or immediately after the Second World War; Our Tri-Churches Lenten Gathering.
During the season of Lent our three churches invites you:

Sunday, February 26
We gather at 5:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church for a time of Food and Fellowship and Worship and a Meditation by Rev. Gus Christo-Baker of First UMC.

Monday, April 02
We gather at 12:00 noon at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church for a time of Food and Fellowship and Worship and a Meditation by Rev. Harold Shafer – First Presbyterian Church

Wednesday, April 04
We gather at 12:00 noon at the First United Methodist Church for a time of Food and Fellowship and Worship and a Meditation by Rev William Haggis – St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.

 

If you’re thinking about visiting First Church for the first time you are probably wondering about some things.

  • How do I get to First Church? We’re in the heart of downtown Van Wert, right across from Fountain Park. Click here for easy to read maps.
  • What time does worship begin? 8:00, 9:15, or 10:45, take your pick. What is worship like? That depends on which service you attend. Check out each service under the Worship tab for more details on each service.  Where do I park? There is ample street parking all around the church, and two large free city lots within one block.
  • What door do I go in? There are three doors to the church, one on Central Avenue, one on Jefferson Street, and one on the corner. All three lead to the sanctuary. The office is inside the Central door, and the nursery is inside the Jefferson door.
  • Am I sitting in someone’s seat? Maybe. But chances are they don’t mind.
  • Is the building handicapped accessible? Yes, throughout. There is a small elevator in the Jefferson Street lobby and a full sized elevator in the Central Avenue lobby.
  • How should I dress? However you are comfortable. Some men wear suits and some wear slacks and polo shirts. Some women wear dresses and some wear pants. In the summer time some folks come to the contemporary service in shorts.
  • Will I be asked to stand and be recognized, or say anything? Absolutely not. One recent study showed that the number one social fear among Americans is speaking in public. Also ranked high among fears was to be singled out in a large crowd. Some churches force you to endure both when you visit. We let you remain anonymous until you’re ready to make yourself known.
  • How will I know when to stand, sit, sing, pray, leave, or whatever? For the 8:00 informal service and 10:45 traditional service there are printed bulletins with clear instructions. The 9:15 contemporary service is so laid back it won’t matter. There is always direction from the pulpit too.
  • What if I have to go to the restroom or something? The ushers will be happy to help meet your needs, whether it’s the restroom, nursery, coffee bar, or Sunday School class. We have good signage at First Church in case an usher is not available.
  • What kind of people will I encounter at First Church? There are all kinds here. We have people of various races, social backgrounds, professions, theologies, and interests.
  • What we have in common is a desire to know and relate to God. Some are far down that road. Others are just taking their first steps. Wherever you are on that path, you can fit in at First Church.

That ought to do you for your first trip. If you have deeper questions about First Church just explore this web site. There is a lot of information here and you can get a pretty good idea what we’re all about. Or call the office at 419-238-0631. I’d be glad to talk with you. I think you’ll find there’s a place for you here.

If you are new to First Church we hope this web site will help you get a feel for the church.
What is it all about? Not just the church, but your life, your family, the community, God? First Church is a place where you can discover the answers to life’s most interesting questions. It is a great place to build relationships, raise a family, serve needs in the community, and most importantly, grow closer to God. First Church is known for its outstanding music program, wonderful children’s ministries, and dynamic youth program.

Please stop by the church on Sunday to join us for worship and fellowship. Stop by through the week to meet the staff, or just to have a look around. You are always welcome.

Gus Christo-Baker, Senior Pastor

First Church is all about connecting people to people, and people to God. We are about discovering the riches of our relationship with God. We are about helping families grow in love and grace. We are about meeting needs in our community and around the world.

At First Church we are all about finding the meaning that God intends for our lives. We invite you to join us in this journey of discovery. We promise to do all we can to help you make it fun and fruitful.

Young Adults

The “20 Something Plus” bible study group meets on Wednesdays at 7:30. As the name implies, it is a fellowship and study group for people 20 or older. If you are interested contact Jana Thompson.

Adults

There are many opportunities for growth at First Church. Our adult Sunday School program is very strong.

The Adult Bible Class (ABC) taught by Dr. Robert Scheidt, a retired surgeon and respected lay theologian. The class is an in-depth study of scripture, held in the large lecture room on the north-east forner of the first floor of the building. The class is regularly featured, from September through May, on PUTTING CHRIST FIRST, the television program of First United Methodist Church.

The Young Adult Sunday school class is taught by Al Arnold. Church History is the theme at this time.

The Hal Hunt Sunday School Class meets in the fellowship hall in the church basement. The class is taught by Russell Young, and studies the International Bible Study series. The class is predominately mature adults.

The Adult Class is taught by Jana Thompson. The class meets in the conference room on the hallway off the Central Avenue entrance. Study materials for the class vary.

There are also weekday groups that provide the opportunity for growth.

Mondays: Adult Cell Group—January 9, 16, 30—7:30—9:00 p.m. at church
Tuesdays: Prayer Group—10:00 a.m. Open to all who desire to pray for the church and those in need
Apprentice Series—Room 102—7:00 p.m.—Jana Thompson
Wednesdays: “Breakfast For A Buck”  Men’s Study—Dining Room—7:00 a.m. Genesis—David Leiendecker
Men’s study—Conference Room—8:00 a.m.—Isaiah—Dick Atwood
A Moment With Scripture—noon—Conference Room—Gus and Jana
Women’s Study—Conference Room—4:00 p.m.— Open to all women. 
Currently using a study by Beth Moore.  Contact Gloria Wendel.
Apprentice Group Fall 2011—Room 102—5:15 p.m.—Jana Thompson
Iron Men Bible Study – Conference Room – 6:00 p.m.
20 Somethings Plus—Jana Thompson’s home—7:30 p.m.—Bible Study
Thursdays: Clay Pots—8:00 a.m.—”Real Life Discipleship”—Jana Thompson

 

 

Students

Sunday school provides a Bible study setting for our students in grades 6 – 12. Classes are held in the basement youth area of the church.

At First Church, we are passionate about youth group being a place to give young people opportunities to discover truth, make friends, serve others in meaningful ways, and have fun while doing all of those things! We are passionate about teenagers learning more about who Jesus is and how much He loves them, and prayerfully, they’ll respond to His faithful, unending love with their own love and devotion! Out of this personal relationship with a very intimate Savior, Lord, Friend, and King, we pray that parents and siblings will only be loved and respected more, and that families will be strengthened as a result of the powerful work of God in the lives of youth.

Youth Group.
Middle School Program Schedule—February (Wednesdays 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
February 1 (Wed.) – Make valentines for members that are in area nursing homes.  Meet in youth room at 6:30.  Supper 5-6.
February 8 (Wed.) – Deliver prepared valentines to the nursing home residents.  Schedule will be announced.
February 15 (Wed.) – Program to be determined by youth interest.  Meet in youth room at 6:30.  Supper 5-6.
February 22 (Wed.) – Program to be determined by youth interest.  Meet in youth room at 6:30.  Supper 5-6.
February 26 (Sun.) – Zach Bertsch will be discussing his battle with terminal cancer.  The time is currently set for 7:00 but this is subject to change.
February 29 (Wed.) – Program to be determined by youth interest.  Meet in youth room at 6:30.  Supper 5-6.

                           Teresa

Senior High Program Schedule—February (Sundays 6:30-8:30)
February:  5—We are spending the evening at our church – - – this is going to feel good.  We’ll be “making” Valentine’s cards.  Bring a friend.  We’ll start the night with a meal at 6:30 as always.
February 12—All that hard work making the cards was to give them away.  In keeping with our recent tradition, we are again thinking of “others” and specifically those that cannot get out themselves.  We will deliver them in the name of Jesus – - – the author of LOVE.  We are doing this then because it is right and we are going to be blessed for doing so.
February 19—Staying at our church again.  Thinking of our topic still. 
February 26—Mr. Zach Bertsch of Bluffton, IN is coming for the evening.  He is married with young children and is dying of colon cancer.  He is in a position now to come and tell why he has hope and that this is OUR only hope too.  Special music coming that evening.  This is something I have looked forward to for some time.  Don’t miss this.  All other churches have been invited.  

I think that the last event of February and the first event the following month of March are indicative of where we truly wish to be going with these students.  All of us will one day die.  Zach Bertsch exemplifies the Godly living we need to take on ourselves.  What if we lived like “we too” were dying?  What changes would we make in our homes and with friends?  What significant things would be said that should have been said years before?  Who would we talk to about our HOPE?  March 2,3 is when we take students to Dayton to actually learn or become reacquainted with our faith and its terrific power.  With that knowledge we are then able to bring it to our friends offering them the same HOPE that Zach has.    Mark

 

CONTACT INFO…

Please email any questions/comments/concerns to firstchurch@wcoil.com