Digital Bulletin
October 26th, 2025
“Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There”
Luke 10:38-42
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
We are glad you are here! Please fill out a connect card:
Welcome Guests
New to First Church?
Pick up a Welcome Folder from an Usher. We're glad you're here!
Children's Ministry Overflow Youth (Grades 6-12)
9:30 am/K-5th grade/Bldg 6 Sun Bible Study: 11 am - 12:30 pm
3-4 yr old/Rm 124/Bldg 4 Wed Youth Group: 2:45-7:15 pm in Bldg 6
Birth - 3 yrs/Rm 130/Bldg 4 - all services
Guest WiFi
Network: Friend Password: allthetime
Service Order
Contemporary Worship - 9:30 am
"Praise”
“Unstoppable God”
“Way Maker”
“Boldly I Approach”
“Unstoppable God”
“Way Maker”
“Boldly I Approach”
Traditional Worship - 8 am & 11 am
As the Prelude begins, we gather in silence so that we can hear the voice of God.
PRELUDE “Chorale and Fugue on “Ein’ Feste Burg”” Denton
CALL TO WORSHIP
*INVOCATION
*HYMN "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" No. 139
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH “The Apostle’s Creed” No. 881
*GLORIA PATRI No. 70
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD'S PRAYER
*HYMN "Close to Thee”, v. 1 No. 407
ANTHEM “Lay Up Your Treasures in Heaven” Choplin
OFFERTORY “Saint’s Delight” Harris
*DOXOLOGY No. 95
SCRIPTURE Luke 10:38-42
MESSAGE “Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There” Pastor Mark Bitner
*HYMN "I Am Thine, O Lord” No. 419
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE “Trumpet Recessional” Callender
All songs used by permission ASCAP#19-147071237, WCA/BMI #1002133, CCLI #2270382
PRELUDE “Chorale and Fugue on “Ein’ Feste Burg”” Denton
CALL TO WORSHIP
*INVOCATION
*HYMN "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" No. 139
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH “The Apostle’s Creed” No. 881
*GLORIA PATRI No. 70
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD'S PRAYER
*HYMN "Close to Thee”, v. 1 No. 407
ANTHEM “Lay Up Your Treasures in Heaven” Choplin
OFFERTORY “Saint’s Delight” Harris
*DOXOLOGY No. 95
SCRIPTURE Luke 10:38-42
MESSAGE “Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There” Pastor Mark Bitner
*HYMN "I Am Thine, O Lord” No. 419
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE “Trumpet Recessional” Callender
All songs used by permission ASCAP#19-147071237, WCA/BMI #1002133, CCLI #2270382
Alter Flowers
ALTAR FLOWERS ARE GIVEN IN HONOR OF
NEAL & LEATRYCE DEYO’S 75TH
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
BY THEIR FRIENDS AT FIRST CHURCH
NEAL & LEATRYCE DEYO’S 75TH
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
BY THEIR FRIENDS AT FIRST CHURCH
Servants in Worship
8:00 - Dennis Stark, Marcia & Curt Brandow, David Lapenski; Liturgist- Bill Hampton
9:30 - Ushers: Jeanne Fiezer, Stephanie Weaver, Mark & Candy Soucek
Greeters: Joe & Nathan Jerkins and Dale Potter
11:00 - Bonnie and Rick Stam, Sharon Weaver, and Jo Whitten; Liturgist- Heather McClendon
Bread Delivery - Barb Helms
9:30 - Ushers: Jeanne Fiezer, Stephanie Weaver, Mark & Candy Soucek
Greeters: Joe & Nathan Jerkins and Dale Potter
11:00 - Bonnie and Rick Stam, Sharon Weaver, and Jo Whitten; Liturgist- Heather McClendon
Bread Delivery - Barb Helms
Upcoming Events
Please be sure to check out all the upcoming events on the calendar below.
Calendars
Community Events Calendar
Overflow Youth
Life on Purpose - Young Adults
Kid's Ministry
First Church Women
Men of Faith
TRUNK OR TREAT- OCT 29th 6-8pm
There is no Impact Dinner this week. Instead we will have trunk or treat in the LEC parking lot!See all the details on the event page.
If you would like to decorate a trunk for the event please register on the event page.
We still need lots of candy donations, please bring them to the church office by Wednesday.
There is no Impact Dinner this week. Instead we will have trunk or treat in the LEC parking lot!See all the details on the event page.
If you would like to decorate a trunk for the event please register on the event page.
We still need lots of candy donations, please bring them to the church office by Wednesday.
LUNCH BUNCH - NOV 6th at Noon
Lunch and presentation from Jason about having an “aging body”, he has a masters in physical therapy and is a certified trainer and massage therapist. He will speak about stress the importance of improving our balance, agility, and strength. The danger and prevention of falls will also be addressed. Questions and discussion to follow.
Make sure to note down on the bottom or back of the connect card if you plan to attend and how many people.
Lunch and presentation from Jason about having an “aging body”, he has a masters in physical therapy and is a certified trainer and massage therapist. He will speak about stress the importance of improving our balance, agility, and strength. The danger and prevention of falls will also be addressed. Questions and discussion to follow.
Make sure to note down on the bottom or back of the connect card if you plan to attend and how many people.
BAPTISM
Today in the 9:30 service we celebrate the baptism of Leo Dayton son of Evan and Chrissy, grandson of Ken & Leslie, great grandson of Dave Dayton.
Today in the 9:30 service we celebrate the baptism of Leo Dayton son of Evan and Chrissy, grandson of Ken & Leslie, great grandson of Dave Dayton.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Barb Moor
Jeff and Kathy Bransford
Monty Hastings Jr.
Daniel and Carrie McCord
Scott and Marianne Haas
Sharon Lonk
Barb Moor
Jeff and Kathy Bransford
Monty Hastings Jr.
Daniel and Carrie McCord
Scott and Marianne Haas
Sharon Lonk
MERCY HOUR
Saturday Nov 1st at 2pm in the LEC come by for free showers, a free meal, resources and more.
Saturday Nov 1st at 2pm in the LEC come by for free showers, a free meal, resources and more.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Beginning Nov 2nd we will have boxes in the sanctuary and LEC. Please take one, fill it with items, ensure it will close securely and return it to the designated spot at church by Nov 16th so it can make it around the world in time for Christmas.
Beginning Nov 2nd we will have boxes in the sanctuary and LEC. Please take one, fill it with items, ensure it will close securely and return it to the designated spot at church by Nov 16th so it can make it around the world in time for Christmas.
HAVE A RECIPE?
First Church Kids is creating a church cookbook as a fundraiser and we could use your favorite family recipes! Please get either email it to Jessica (address on the back of the bulletin) or fill out a recipe card available at the welcome center.
First Church Kids is creating a church cookbook as a fundraiser and we could use your favorite family recipes! Please get either email it to Jessica (address on the back of the bulletin) or fill out a recipe card available at the welcome center.
PUMPKIN PATCH 2025
The patch is open through October: Saturdays 9am-7pm and Sunday- Friday 12p-7pm.
Sign up to man shifts at the patch on the poster board in the sanctuary or by contacting Will Cobb.
Every purchase helps support the youth missions.
The patch is open through October: Saturdays 9am-7pm and Sunday- Friday 12p-7pm.
Sign up to man shifts at the patch on the poster board in the sanctuary or by contacting Will Cobb.
Every purchase helps support the youth missions.
Donations Needed
MINISTRY FOCUS - BROWN BAG SUNDAY
Our ministry focus this week is for Judy’s Pantry & Children’s Hunger. They need canned Hunt’s meat spaghetti sauce, individual cereals and Chef Boyardee.
Our ministry focus this week is for Judy’s Pantry & Children’s Hunger. They need canned Hunt’s meat spaghetti sauce, individual cereals and Chef Boyardee.
NEXT WEEK - COMMUNION SUNDAY
Last Week's Numbers
Attendance
In Person 368
Online 66
Online 66
Giving
October
Actual: 61,711
Budget: 89,542
Year to Date:
Actual: 799,549
Budget: 970,086
Giving Cards: 114
Pledged Amount $531,263
Actual: 61,711
Budget: 89,542
Year to Date:
Actual: 799,549
Budget: 970,086
Giving Cards: 114
Pledged Amount $531,263
Birthdays and Anniversaries
OCT 19 Bday - RV Helms, Airon King
20 Bday - Kelly Kirchenstiner, Mimi Stallworth
Anniv - Bruce & Barbara Metcalf
21 Bday - Dot Barkley, Matthew Monk
22 Bday - Lillian Hines
23 Bday - Leatryce Deyo, Frank Pocica
Anniv - Bill & Connie Hampton
24 Bday - Zach Abdul-Aziz, Grace Ellis, Laura Groom,
Joseph Mahieu III, Amy Young
25 Bday - Mary Clyde McKnight
20 Bday - Kelly Kirchenstiner, Mimi Stallworth
Anniv - Bruce & Barbara Metcalf
21 Bday - Dot Barkley, Matthew Monk
22 Bday - Lillian Hines
23 Bday - Leatryce Deyo, Frank Pocica
Anniv - Bill & Connie Hampton
24 Bday - Zach Abdul-Aziz, Grace Ellis, Laura Groom,
Joseph Mahieu III, Amy Young
25 Bday - Mary Clyde McKnight
Prayer Requests
PRAISE: Emiley Tupper, Bud Bateman, Donna Caruso, Michael Wells
SYMPATHY: Bill LeVeille's wife and family; Lillian Shelton's family
CURRENT CONCERNS: Richard Demis, Dell Folsom, Yasmin, Kenny Hines, Maribel & Salvador, David Lieder, Kitty Keily, Danielle, Debra, Judi Dempton, Darryl Eatmon, Jean Wathen, Rachel Perrillo, Ronnie Allen, Cindy Allen, Patty Frazer, Warren Fekeith, Kristy Dolan, Haley, Brenda, Clay Murchinson, Terry, Amber, Remi Hicks, Elizabeth, Mike Sadler, Bob, Gloria Gilpatrick, Judith, Lisa Tauber, Rick Cicero, Jim Bernard, Barbara Baily, Kevin Swan & Johnny Vecchione, Zack, Keith Thrift, Jack Richardson, John Dillard, Judi Dempton, Karen, Beverly Drazul, Kristen, Ron Booth Sr, Charles Meeks, Barbara Brubaker, Danny Causey, Barb Garich, Bob Helms, Frank Pocica, Tom Smith, Carol Soliday, teenager Sammi Theessen, young Lexi Frisbee, Jill Walker, Laura Cheng, Danny Hood, Cathy Baum, Ricky Lindsey, Dot McDaniel, Beverly Meeks, Corey Knapp, Craig & Gina Kriete, Paul Praham, Justin Riley, Rod Robbins, Andre Russoniello, Matthew Snowmann, Frank Wilson, Lauren Woods, Barbara Provance, Jolie Picou, Otis Davis, David Torres, Barbie King, Brian Vaughn, Stuart Brandon, Friend of John & Susan Cahil, Ricky Kidd, Amy King, Jason Bond, Linda Denby, Dick Baily, Paige, Jennifer C, Johnie Wilson, Bob Connelly, Chad Swanson, Harvey Johnson, Karen Williams, Emma Hull, Kayla Detter’s Grandmother, Laurie, Ryan Nielsen, Ray Hagstrom, Amy & Kenny Glascock, Sharon Clarke & Keith McCloud, Paulene Fenner, Jean Cicero, Elaine Eckler, Kim Diehl, Bethany Phelps, Charles Bateman, Bridget Nolan, Brian Meurs, Nancy Hampton, Dave Dayton, Dean Metcalf, Karen Medsker, Izzy Thrift, Patty & Jennifer Helms, Grace Tincher, Larry Graboski, Tim Martin, Curtis Carson, John Hanlon, Jemini Kilmer, Barb Watson, Larry Brown, Bill Welch, Rick Brown, Lisa Tauber
CARE CENTERS: Alanson Acres: Al Guenther / Alliance: Jackie Humston, Phyllis Keesler, Ann Sears, Thelma Vickers / Blue Palms (FL Lutheran): Bill & Bettie LeVeille, Vern & Jackie Westlake, Bob Wolfe / Brookdale: Ann Farabee, Ann Riley / Grand Villa: Katie Diehl, Joyce Hawks / Majestic Oaks: Eugenia Glass, Imogene Newsham, Dorothy Smith / Oak Villa: Frank Knight / Oak Manor: Ann Brandon / Parkside: Rocco Cerretani, Myra Stone / Villa: Fred Cass, Betty Moffatt / Woodland Towers: Rich & Maryln Demers, Tim & Shirley McCravey / Keystone Villa PA: Fred Eshleman / La Crosse WI: Neal & Leatryce Deyo, / NC: Sharon Johnson / Family Care: Vi Fogarty, Patricia Kadel, Janet Splawn, Carolyn Hatfield, Hank & Janice Babin
MILITARY: Greg Brooker, Slade Brown, John Clausen, Jake Clayton, Jason Davis, Soren Evans, Mark Fain, Danny Frost, Charles Germany, Joseph Giussepp Jr, Robert Grimes, Wesley Hamm, Chance Hart, Summer Hart, James Jackson, Maykala Mercier, Matthew Miller, Arnie Mitchell, Jared Mitchell, Adam Mosley, Katie Onyundo, Caleb Oyler, Brian Privette, Austin Ridenhour, Erica Rix, Shawn Schulz, Nicholas Smith, Gabriella St. Angelo, Jakob Turnage, Brian Welch, Ben Zona
SYMPATHY: Bill LeVeille's wife and family; Lillian Shelton's family
CURRENT CONCERNS: Richard Demis, Dell Folsom, Yasmin, Kenny Hines, Maribel & Salvador, David Lieder, Kitty Keily, Danielle, Debra, Judi Dempton, Darryl Eatmon, Jean Wathen, Rachel Perrillo, Ronnie Allen, Cindy Allen, Patty Frazer, Warren Fekeith, Kristy Dolan, Haley, Brenda, Clay Murchinson, Terry, Amber, Remi Hicks, Elizabeth, Mike Sadler, Bob, Gloria Gilpatrick, Judith, Lisa Tauber, Rick Cicero, Jim Bernard, Barbara Baily, Kevin Swan & Johnny Vecchione, Zack, Keith Thrift, Jack Richardson, John Dillard, Judi Dempton, Karen, Beverly Drazul, Kristen, Ron Booth Sr, Charles Meeks, Barbara Brubaker, Danny Causey, Barb Garich, Bob Helms, Frank Pocica, Tom Smith, Carol Soliday, teenager Sammi Theessen, young Lexi Frisbee, Jill Walker, Laura Cheng, Danny Hood, Cathy Baum, Ricky Lindsey, Dot McDaniel, Beverly Meeks, Corey Knapp, Craig & Gina Kriete, Paul Praham, Justin Riley, Rod Robbins, Andre Russoniello, Matthew Snowmann, Frank Wilson, Lauren Woods, Barbara Provance, Jolie Picou, Otis Davis, David Torres, Barbie King, Brian Vaughn, Stuart Brandon, Friend of John & Susan Cahil, Ricky Kidd, Amy King, Jason Bond, Linda Denby, Dick Baily, Paige, Jennifer C, Johnie Wilson, Bob Connelly, Chad Swanson, Harvey Johnson, Karen Williams, Emma Hull, Kayla Detter’s Grandmother, Laurie, Ryan Nielsen, Ray Hagstrom, Amy & Kenny Glascock, Sharon Clarke & Keith McCloud, Paulene Fenner, Jean Cicero, Elaine Eckler, Kim Diehl, Bethany Phelps, Charles Bateman, Bridget Nolan, Brian Meurs, Nancy Hampton, Dave Dayton, Dean Metcalf, Karen Medsker, Izzy Thrift, Patty & Jennifer Helms, Grace Tincher, Larry Graboski, Tim Martin, Curtis Carson, John Hanlon, Jemini Kilmer, Barb Watson, Larry Brown, Bill Welch, Rick Brown, Lisa Tauber
CARE CENTERS: Alanson Acres: Al Guenther / Alliance: Jackie Humston, Phyllis Keesler, Ann Sears, Thelma Vickers / Blue Palms (FL Lutheran): Bill & Bettie LeVeille, Vern & Jackie Westlake, Bob Wolfe / Brookdale: Ann Farabee, Ann Riley / Grand Villa: Katie Diehl, Joyce Hawks / Majestic Oaks: Eugenia Glass, Imogene Newsham, Dorothy Smith / Oak Villa: Frank Knight / Oak Manor: Ann Brandon / Parkside: Rocco Cerretani, Myra Stone / Villa: Fred Cass, Betty Moffatt / Woodland Towers: Rich & Maryln Demers, Tim & Shirley McCravey / Keystone Villa PA: Fred Eshleman / La Crosse WI: Neal & Leatryce Deyo, / NC: Sharon Johnson / Family Care: Vi Fogarty, Patricia Kadel, Janet Splawn, Carolyn Hatfield, Hank & Janice Babin
MILITARY: Greg Brooker, Slade Brown, John Clausen, Jake Clayton, Jason Davis, Soren Evans, Mark Fain, Danny Frost, Charles Germany, Joseph Giussepp Jr, Robert Grimes, Wesley Hamm, Chance Hart, Summer Hart, James Jackson, Maykala Mercier, Matthew Miller, Arnie Mitchell, Jared Mitchell, Adam Mosley, Katie Onyundo, Caleb Oyler, Brian Privette, Austin Ridenhour, Erica Rix, Shawn Schulz, Nicholas Smith, Gabriella St. Angelo, Jakob Turnage, Brian Welch, Ben Zona
Bible Study Opportunities
Wed Bible Study - Wed 6-7pm/ LEC Gym
"Profoundly Christian, Distinctly Methodist.” We will journey into the heart of discipleship as we deepen our understanding of our doctrinal and theological foundations.
Wed Bible Study - Wed 6-7 pm/Rm 113/Bldg 4
The small group meets on Wed at 6 pm, after impact dinner, to study the book of James. All are welcome.
Foundations of Faith SS Class- Sun 9:15 am/Bldg 2
The Foundations of Faith is in a 12-week group study on "Discipleship". We're all called to be a disciple of Jesus, so come and join us at 9:15 AM in Bldg 2.
Deep Dives Bible Study - Sun 10:45 am/Bldg 4
Join us as we learn to develop a Christ-centered worldview one passage at a time.
Men’s Bible Study - Sat/7:30 am/Rm 113/Bldg 4
The focus will be on the book of Galatians.
Men of Faith Bible Study - Tues 10 am/Bldg 4
We will explore how to face death with the resources of Faith found in the Bible. Avoid despair and denial with grace, endurance, and peace. Please join us on Tuesdays at 10 AM. Contact Terry Medlin for questions.
SELAH Women’s Bible Study -Rm 113/Bldg 4
Tues - 6:30 pm OR Thurs - 9:30 am
"Profoundly Christian, Distinctly Methodist.” We will journey into the heart of discipleship as we deepen our understanding of our doctrinal and theological foundations.
Wed Bible Study - Wed 6-7 pm/Rm 113/Bldg 4
The small group meets on Wed at 6 pm, after impact dinner, to study the book of James. All are welcome.
Foundations of Faith SS Class- Sun 9:15 am/Bldg 2
The Foundations of Faith is in a 12-week group study on "Discipleship". We're all called to be a disciple of Jesus, so come and join us at 9:15 AM in Bldg 2.
Deep Dives Bible Study - Sun 10:45 am/Bldg 4
Join us as we learn to develop a Christ-centered worldview one passage at a time.
Men’s Bible Study - Sat/7:30 am/Rm 113/Bldg 4
The focus will be on the book of Galatians.
Men of Faith Bible Study - Tues 10 am/Bldg 4
We will explore how to face death with the resources of Faith found in the Bible. Avoid despair and denial with grace, endurance, and peace. Please join us on Tuesdays at 10 AM. Contact Terry Medlin for questions.
SELAH Women’s Bible Study -Rm 113/Bldg 4
Tues - 6:30 pm OR Thurs - 9:30 am