* Church Announcements (07/10/2024)
Keep all affected in the flooding in your prayers!!
Weekly Worship Opportunities at First UMC
- In-person Worship, Sundays @ 9am (Traditional) and 11:15am (Casual)
- Holy Communion is served, at both services, the first Sunday of each month.
- (There is a Staffed Nursery at both services for kids 5 years and younger)
- Additional parking is now available in the new Hunt Elementary School parking lot.
- Online Worship, Sundays @ 10am on our Facebook Page (First United Methodist Church - Sioux City)
- Worship any day @ Anytime online on our Website (siouxcityfirst.com).
Sunday, July 14, 2024
Preaching - Neil Peck
- Sermon title: "Preparing the Way”
Worship Assistant (9:00 service) - Marla Luitjens
Ministry of Music (9:00 service) - David Chobar, piano solo
(Online) Piano - Pat Harm
Organist (9:00 service) - David Chobar
Scripture - John the Baptist Prepares for Jesus Mark 1:1-4 & 6:14-16 (NIV)
1:1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God,
2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way" —
3 "a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'"
4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin
6:14 King Herod heard about this, for Jesus' name had become well known. Some were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him."
15 Others said, "He is Elijah." And still others claimed, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago."
16 But when Herod heard this, he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!"
Preview Questions for this week’s sermon
✞ How do I spend my alone or quiet time?
- A Preview Question for Neil Peck’s sermon this Sunday, July 14. In-person worship is at 9am (Traditional Worship) and 11:15am (Casual Service). The service is also on Facebook on Sundays at 10am (Facebook page: First United Methodist Church - Sioux City), and also anytime on our website (siouxcityfirst.com). The scripture will be Mark 1:1-4 & 6:14-16.
✞ Who has given me direction in my life?
- Another Preview Question for Neil Peck’s sermon for this Sunday (July 14).
Post-Sermon Focus Question
✞ How can I show God's direction to someone this week that I know Jesus and want the same for them?
- A Focus Question from Neil Peck’s sermon on Sunday, July 14. Watch the Online service (anytime throughout the week), listen to and/or download the Sermon Podcast, read the latest detailed newsletter, see whose birthday or anniversary is coming up, and much more on our church website at www.siouxcityfirst.com
Hymns for 9:00am Traditional Worship:
“Lead On, O King Eternal”
“Lead Me, Lord”
“Victory in Jesus”
Hymns for 11:15am Casual Service:
“Lead On, O King Eternal”
“Victory in Jesus”
Hymns for Online Service
Hymn #580 "Lead On, O King Eternal” (All 3 verses)
1. Lead on, O King eternal, the day of march has come;
henceforth in fields of conquest thy tents shall be our home.
Through days of preparation thy grace has made us strong;
and now, O King eternal, we lift our battle song.
2. Lead on, O King eternal, till sin's fierce war shall cease,
and holiness shall whisper the sweet amen of peace.
For not with swords loud clashing, nor roll of stirring drums;
with deeds of love and mercy the heavenly kingdom comes.
3. Lead on, O King eternal, we follow, not with fears,
for gladness breaks like morning where'er thy face appears.
Thy cross is lifted o'er us, we journey in its light;
the crown awaits the conquest; lead on, O God of might.
Hymn #370 (Standing) "Victory in Jesus" (Verses 1 & 2)
I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory
How He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me
I heard about His groaning, of His precious blood's atoning
Then I repented of my sins and won the victory
Oh victory in Jesus, my Savior forever
He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood
He loved me 'ere I knew Him and all my love is due Him
He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood
I heard about His healing, of His cleansing power revealing
How He made the lame to walk again and caused the blind to see
And then I cried, "Dear Jesus, come and heal my broken spirit"
And somehow Jesus came and brought to me the victory
Oh victory in Jesus, my Savior forever
He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood
He loved me 'ere I knew Him and all my love is due Him
He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.
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✞ All announcements are also available on our website under “Church Announcements” and in the Sunday church bulletins.
Ministry of Music this Sunday, July 14 - David Chobar will share with us a piano solo at our 9:00 service.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - "SCUBA: Super Cool Undersea Bible Adventure"
Monday, July 15 - Wednesday, July 17 from 6-8 p.m.
A free light meal is offered between 5:30 -6:00.
At SCUBA, kids will be immersed in the Bible and discover what "living water" is really all about! Kids participate in memorable Bible-learning activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, make and devour yummy treats, experience one-of-a-kind Bible Adventures, collect Bible Memory Buddies to remind them of God's love.
VBS is Free for all children. Registration will be limited to a maximum of 50 children (children must be 3 years old and/or fully potty trained). Registration can be completed by filling out a Registration Form at the church, on our website, or you can call the church office at 712-258-0119.
Those wishing to volunteer or wanting more information can contact Pastor Martha at 712-898-6854.
Area Flooding Update - How Can You Help
As of Monday, July 8, $2,980 was raised from our church for flood relief AND our church supplied the food, cooked and served a dinner for flood victims on Tuesday, July 9 at Riverside Lutheran/New Hope church plus made meal deliveries to homes.
Today, the best way to help is to:
PRAY. Pray for those affected, those grieving, those in the shelter, and those responding.
REACH OUT. Do you know someone who was affected by this disaster? Call them, send them a note or text. Knowing that others care and are praying makes a huge difference.
DONATE for SIOUXLAND: Our hearts and prayers go out to the many communities in Siouxland dealing with flooding and evacuations.
A fund has been setup called the Siouxland Recovery Fund and it will provide financial resources to help meet short, intermediate and long term needs for recovery in the Siouxland area when a major disaster strikes. The fund is overseen by The United Way of Siouxland. On June 23, 2024, the fund was activated to support the recovery efforts of major flooding in the Siouxland region. Union County SD, Dakota County NE, and Woodbury & Plymouth Counties in IA will be the primary areas served.
Donating to the Siouxland Recovery Fund is easy:
- You can donate at church and we will then give all the money received to the Fund.
- Mail your donation to the Siouxland Recovery Fund c/o United Way of Siouxland at 701 Steuben St. Sioux City, IA 51101
- Contributions can also be made at any Security National Bank drop box or overnight deposit location.
The purpose of the Siouxland Recovery Fund is to provide financial resources to help meet short, intermediate and long term needs for recovery in the Siouxland area when a major disaster strikes.
Local organizations leading the Siouxland Recovery Fund are: American Red Cross, COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster), Dakota County Emergency Management, North Sioux City Fire Dept., Salvation Army, Sioux City Fire Department, Siouxland Community Foundation, United Way of Siouxland (fiscal agent), and Woodbury County Emergency Management.
You can learn more about The Siouxland Recovery Fund, or give online through Paypal, at their website at (https://www.unitedwaysiouxland.com/siouxland-recovery-fund)
DONATE for IOWA: To help those affected outside of Siouxland in Iowa, you can give through Iowa United Methodist Disaster Response, Special Advance #223. Many areas in Iowa, outside of Siouxland, have also been affected. If you wish to make a donation for those affected in Iowa (i.e. Rock Valley, Spencer, etc.), you can designate on a check or through your bank's "Bill Pay" "IOWA FLOOD RELIEF" and 100% of what you give will directly help those in need.
July Monthly Mission is Hunt Elementary School Teachers & Support Staff
Anyone who has ever been a school teacher knows that to get a classroom ready for school to start in August, they spend a lot of their own money. In our partnership with Hunt Elementary School (across the street from our church), we annually raise funds to give gift cards to the Hunt School teachers to help them get what they need in their classroom. Last year, we raised $2500 and were able to give the 50 teachers and support staff Target gift cards of $50 each. You can give in worship, mail it in, drop it off, or use your bank's "Billpay" to make a donation for this ministry we do as First UMC.
July Day Tripping to Sioux City Police station on Thursday, July 18
Join us on July 18th at 1:00 pm, at the Sioux City Police Station located at 6th and Douglas St. when Sgt. Tom Gill, will give us a tour of the Sioux City Police Station, including the police museum (located on the second floor of the police station). We will meet at the church at 12:30 pm and carpool there. You can park on the North side of 6th St next to the police station for free. “Do not park on the South side of the Street next to the federal court house". Any questions, please contact Lonnie Gustafson. A sign-up sheet is in the hallway across from the church office or call the church office to sign up.
Treft’s Garden Tours Being Scheduled for this Summer - Next open opportunity is Wed., July 31
Dave and Terri Treft would like to invite the people of our church too experience a vegetable/flower garden tour at their home on the westside of Sioux City. Previously, they would host one large group to their large garden. Howe ver, it is felt that smaller groups (maximum 8 people) will make for a better visit and learning environment. The Treft’s will freely share with those touring the produce that is ready to be harvested at that time. This year, they have planted the following: Many varieties of tomatoes, pepper (sweet and hot), eggplant, cabbage, zucchini, cucumbers, radishes, onions, beans, peas, and others as well as flowers (sunflowers, milkweed, roses, zinnias, marigolds, dahlias, and more).
To sign up for a tour (Please sign up a friend if one is coming with you) are placed across from the church office for the following dates: July 31 and August 21. All tours will be from 7pm-8pm. Their place is located at 2333 Kellogg Street. In case of rain, a “rain date” would be the following Wednesday at the same time.
The 2024 Church Directory is on its way
The church directory is being printed and should be here soon. If you had a picture taken or submitted, you will get a free copy. If you want an extra copy or did not participate and would like a copy, the cost will be $5 each.
Special Music this summer
Gene Wagner is organizing special music for the 9:00 a.m. worship services this summer. If you are interested or know someone who would like to share their musical talents for special music, please talk to Gene Wagner.
Have You Seen our nice Church Flower Garden? Lawn?
Peggy Mace and Dori Young have been tending our courtyard flower garden here at church, as well as the corner sign area. Thank You to them for cultivating the beauty!
And also, a Thank You to Barry Enockson who keeps our church lawn looking good!
The Personal Care Cupboard continues to operate on Wednesdays from 5pm-6pm and Thursdays from 2pm-3pm. If you are interested in volunteering once or regularly, contact the church office.
- Item of the Month (July): Toothbrushes & toothpaste
Fellowship Time Schedule - Here is the schedule, based on the last name, for families serving. Copies of the Fellowship Time Schedule through the end of the year are available to pick up by the bulletin board outside the Church Office.
July 14 - Bi-C
July 21 - D, E, F & G
July 28 - H, I, J & K
Fellowship Time is each Sunday morning following the 9:00 a.m. worship service. This is a time for folks to leisurely visit with friends and visitors. This is also a very important time to create a warm and friendly atmosphere where folks will want to return and become more involved in the life of the church.
Each Sunday, we need the following from the scheduled host families:
1. Make one 50 cup coffee pot of coffee (coffee is furnished) and put out coffee cups.
2. Have available a total of two gallons of juice or punch (not red).
3. Each family that does not bring juice are to bring about 2 dozen cookies and/or goodies so we have enough to serve a total of about 100 people.
4. Have at least 3 or 4 persons to be present to serve and greet folks as they come.
We ask your family group to furnish the items. The Fellowship Time is free of charge to all, so we will not be putting out a money donation basket.
Additional Church Parking is Available in the Hunt School Parking Lot
The Hunt Elementary School parking lot is located across the street from the front of the church on Nebraska Street.
Our Deepest Sympathy (Please keep their family and friends in your prayers):
- Death of Miles Patton (Age 92) on July 7. His service will be on Saturday, July 20 at 11am here at First UMC.
- Death of Bob Morfitt, husband of Geri Morfitt. Bob died on July 3 and his service was Tuesday, July 9, here at First UMC.
- Death of Chad Powers (Age 69), father of Amanda Gibson. Chad died on June 4 and lived in Arizona.
- Death of Virginia Feenstra (Age 92). Virginia died on May 18. Services pending.
- Death of Liam Anin, 5 day old son of Paul & Sarah. Liam was born premature on May 1 and died May 6. Pastor Roger had a graveside for him on May 10. Both Paul & Sarah are originally from the Ivory Coast of Africa.
- Death of Dee Farrell (Age 69), the sister of Myna Sorensen. Dee died on May 1.
Did you know that you can add long-term impact for others by remembering First UMC in your will?
Simply put one sentence in your will that says, “After all my bills are paid, I want 10-percent of my estate (a tithe) to go to First United Methodist Church of Sioux City, Iowa.” Your gift will be added to the principle of our Endowment Fund. The principle is never touched but the investment earnings are used each year for ministry through First UMC. This simple gesture will help support your church for future generations to learn about Jesus.
Remember a Loved One on Our Memorial Wall
First United Methodist Church is offering the opportunity for individuals to have a loved one's name placed on our Memorial Wall. The Memorial Wall is located in our church's courtyard on the Chapel wall. It is intended to provide opportunities for First UMC members and friends to remember their loved ones near their church home.
The purchase price is $200 per inscribed plaque. You can reserve a space (or spaces) by filling out a "Plaque Inscription Agreement" form (You can get the form in the Church Office).
Are You Interested in helping with our church Media Team?
With the addition of our online worship and opportunities through the internet, as well as the media in our worship services, we are seeking volunteers for our church “Media Team.” Pastor Roger oversees the Media Team and we will train you in whatever area you feel gifted in serving your church as a part of the Media Team during the service. We are not seeking one person to do all of this but a few people to do any of these.
The Puzzle Exchange is Open in the Church Library
Do you buy jigsaw puzzles, work them once and then store them in the closet never to be worked again? Are you interested in new puzzles to do but don’t want to spend the money on them? Your church is now providing a free Puzzle Exchange service for anyone who wants. You take a jigsaw puzzle and leave a puzzle (if you have one to leave. If you do not have one to leave, then just take a puzzle). Stop by the church library and see if there is a puzzle that interests you and/or drop off those puzzles you’ve been storing in the closet for others to enjoy.
Check Us Out on Facebook (First United Methodist Church - Sioux City)
You can "Like" us, receive our daily "Prayer Prompts from Pastor Roger", find out about upcoming events, and see what has happened, on our church Facebook page. Pastor Roger will also be reminding us of the previous week's sermon message as well as give us a question or two, later in the week, for the upcoming Sunday's message.
Thank you for your prayers and support of our ministries! We have had members mail in donations, use their internet banking and set us up as a “Bill Pay” option to send their donations, and even had members drop off their donations in the Mail Drop - which is located right by the Maroon Canopy Entrance in the Main parking lot. As you can see in looking above at all that continues to happen a your church, First United Methodist continues to “Make a Difference” in the lives of others.
If you have a prayer request or information to share, you can call the church (258-0119) or email us (scfirst@msn.com).
Pfishing Emails: If you ever receive an email from Pastor Roger, or anyone on the staff, asking "What's the best time for you to be free today?" or “I need you to buy a gift card for me.” - DO NOT CLICK ANY LINK and delete the email or report it as spam. This does not come from Pastor Roger.
If you ever have questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us directly to confirm if you think something is suspicious.
Weather Cancellation Notifications - In case of severe weather, we will publicize on our web site (siouxcityfirst.com) and on our answering machine whether we are or are not having church, Sunday School, or small groups as soon as we know.
Do No Harm! Do Good! Stay in Love with God!
- (John Wesley’s 3 Simple Rules in living the life of a Christian and that will change your world) 
