* Church Announcements (12/03/2025

 

- In-person Worship, Sundays @ 9am Traditional Worship (Our Main Service) and 11:15am Casual Worship (Our Smaller Service)

      - 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.

- Facebook Worship, Sundays @ 10am on our Facebook Page (First United Methodist Church - Sioux City)

- Online Worship Any-day @ Anytime on our Website (siouxcityfirst.com).  

 

Two In-person Christmas Eve Worship Services - 5:00pm & 9:00pm

     - Each service will have scriptures, carols and candle lighting, and Gene Wagner will ring the tower bells following each service.  Also, the 5pm service will have special visit for the kids from a special elf.  We will also offer an online Christmas Eve Service.

 

Preaching - Neil Peck

     - Sermon title: “Prepare the Way”

Worship Assistant (9:00 service) - Judy Wanned

(Online) Piano - Pat Harm

(9:00 service) - David Chobar (organ)

(9:00 service) - Music Academy Chamber Orchestra

 

1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea

2 and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."

3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:  "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'"

4 John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.

5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.

6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?

8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.

9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.

10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

11 "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

 

✞ What am I preparing for this Christmas?  In my life?

    -  A couple of Preview Questions for Neil Peck’s sermon (December 7).  In-person worship is at 9am (Traditional Worship - our main service) and 11:15am (Casual Worship - our smaller service).  The service is also on Facebook on Sundays at 10am (Facebook page: First United Methodist Church - Sioux City), as well as anytime on our website (siouxcityfirst.com).  The scripture is Matthew 3:1-12 (John the Baptist Prepares the Way).

 

✞ Who or what has prepared the way for me in my faith journey?

     - Another Preview Question for Neil Peck’s sermon for this Sunday (December 7).

 

✞ What is one thing in my life that I will turn over to God's control in admitting that "I can't" (repent) do it myself?

     - A Focus Question from Neil Peck’s sermon on Sunday, December 7.  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

 

“Hail to the Lord’s Anointed”

“Let There Be Peace on Earth”

“There’s Something About That Name”

Christmas Communion

 

Hymns for 11:15am Casual Worship (Our Smaller Service):  

“Let There Be Peace on Earth”

Christmas Communion

 

1. Hail to the Lord's Anointed, great David's greater Son!

Hail in the time appointed, his reign on earth begun!

He comes to break oppression, to set the captive free;

to take away transgression, and rule in equity.

 

3. He shall come down like showers upon the fruitful earth;

love, joy, and hope, like flowers, spring in his path to birth.

Before him on the mountains, shall peace, the herald, go,

and righteousness, in fountains, from hill to valley flow.

 

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

Let there be peace on earth the peace that was meant to be.

With God our creator, children all are we.

Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now.

With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow

To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.

 

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✞ All announcements are also available on our website (SIOUXCITYFIRST.COM) under “Church Announcements” and in the Sunday church bulletins.

 

Annual Christmas Communion is This Sunday, Dec. 7 - We will once again use familiar Christmas carol tunes with the words for communion, at both services, in creating a refreshing way to partake of this special sacrament.

 

     We are collecting non-perishable food items for Grace United Methodist Church Food Pantry, which serves Sioux City.   In addition to items, we will be taking a “Love Offering” for the Food Pantry.  In November, they ran out of product to serve families (one day, they had over 200 families waiting in line) and with the gift of money, they can buy what they need from the Food Bank of Iowa at a greatly reduced price than at the grocery store.  Our help is certainly needed and appreciated.

 

Fill Our Mitten Tree with Warmth - Now through Tuesday, Dec. 16, we are collecting mittens and gloves for kids at Hunt Elementary School (This is their biggest need right now).  Bring them to church anytime and surround the tree with warmth.  

 

     This Sunday, Dec. 7, we will have the traditional Chrismons decorating the tree.  We are also asking each family to bring an ornament that represents them to be put on the tree (with the Chrismons).  The ornament can either be new or one you already have.  If you cannot make it on Dec. 7, you can bring your family ornament anytime until Christmas and place it on the tree.  We will display the tree into January.

 

Special Music on Sundays - On Dec. 7, the newly formed Music Academy Chamber Orchestra will share at the 9am service worship and on Dec. 14, we will have special string players at the 9am service who will be providing music for the prelude, a duet and accompanying the Jubilate Choir.

 

     Older Adult Ministries invites you to this 4-week Advent Study in the church library. This year's study is entitled "Experiencing Christmas" by Matt Rawle and it invites you to encounter God in the sights, sounds, tastes, and feelings we associate with Christmas. If you have any questions, talk to Neil Peck.

 

United Women in Faith (UWF) Unit Christmas Gathering on Friday, December 5, at 12:30pm.  We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall for a “Peppermint Christmas Party” with coffee, tea, desserts, ice cream and hot fudge!  The program will be Pastor Roger Madden (and us) singing Christmas songs! All women and guests are welcome to attend.  There is a clipboard outside the church office to sign up. Contact your circle groups for attendance count.  Come and celebrate the Christmas season with music and fellowship! A free will offering will be taken to support UWF initiatives.

 

     Mitchell House recently opened here in Sioux City in Morningside.  Their mission is to provide a peaceful, dignified, and home-like environment in which those with life-limiting illnesses receive care in order to live fully and comfortably as possible.  Find out more on their website at (mitchellhospicehouse.org).

 

November Monthly Ministry is Hunt Elementary Gift Cards for Kids  

     Each year, we buy grocery gift cards for student's families, identified by the staff of Hunt School, to help out during the holiday season (since over 95% of Hunt School students qualify for free or reduced priced lunches).  We purchase however many $50 gift cards to Hy-Vee as we receive in donations   To make a donation, you can mail it in, drop it off at church,  or use your bank's "Bill Pay".  

 

(1) We are 83.3% of the way through our budget year.

(2) We have received 73.0% of our $402,145 budget for the year (for a total of $293,835).  

(3) We have expended 86.6% of our budget for the year (for a total of $348,265). We began 2025 with a positive balance in our account.

(4) Our total revenues for 2025 are in line with our 3-year average for the end of October. This figure includes our Conference Apportionments.  

      Thanks to you, our financial status continues to fund ministry.  Please remember that we do not receive our offerings in equal 1/12 increments.  The months of November and December are traditionally when at least 25% of the offerings are received by the church.  All current bills are paid as of  the end of October.  We appreciate your continued giving to God's work through First UMC.    

 

     To have any financial gifts/pledges to the church count for your 2025 income tax return, your donation must be in the Church Office or postmarked by December 31, 2025.

 

Music Academy Recitals for the Private Music Students -  You are invited to come to the free Winter Recitals for all of the students taking private string and piano lessons.  

   - Strings Recital - Monday, Dec. 8 @ 7pm in our sanctuary

   - Piano Recital - Thursday, Dec. 11 @ 7pm in our sanctuary     

 

We are looking for some volunteers who would be willing to bring some treats for after the recitals. We are also looking for a few volunteers to hand out programs or serve treats at the receptions. If you are willing to bring treats or volunteer at either or both recitals, please contact the church office (258-0119), email us (scfirst@msn.com) or Gene Wagner (The Director of the Music Academy).  

 

     The Music Academy @ First has experienced tremendous growth this year. Our fiscal-year budget (July 1–June 30) is $62,003, and at this point we have raised just under half of that amount. The Music Academy is funded solely through direct donations and grants.

     This year, we currently have 34 private lesson students, with 8 more students already approved to begin in January. We recently completed the fall session of Beginning Piano with 10 Hunt Elementary students, and another 8-week session will begin at the end of January. At Hunt, 22 fourth graders and 19 fifth graders are participating in our handchime groups.

     So far this year, the Music Academy has provided musical opportunities to 85 students from 12 different schools, in addition to several homeschool students. It is inspiring to witness the impact of this outreach mission reflected in the enthusiasm of these students and their families.

     As you consider your year-end giving, I invite you to support the Music Academy @ First and help us continue sharing the life-changing power of music with financially disadvantaged children.  

     Thank you for your generosity.  Gene Wagner (Director, Music Academy @ First)

     email: musicacademy.first@gmail.com

     website: www.musicacademyatfirst.org

 

- Wed., December 17 (3:35p - 4:55p)- "Celebrate Christmas" for K thru 5th graders.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact our Martha Anderson, our Children's Pastor.

 

 - Everyone (age 3 - 8th graders) will meet in the First Floor Gathering/ Craft Room and then divide up into classes

     Pastor Martha, our Children’s Pastor, has another year of exciting programs for the kids (age 3 thru 8th grade).  Lonnie Gustafson will be teaching the Middle School once again. Each Sunday will include fun and memorable Bible Lessons. If you would like to volunteer to help in this upcoming unit, contact Pastor Martha at the church.

 

Sunday School Kid(s) Parents/Guardians New Waiting Area for You - Just a note to let you know that we have a new waiting area in the Library for parents and guardians to wait while your kids are at Sunday School on Sunday mornings.  The Library is located on the first floor across the hall from the drinking fountain.  It is stocked with bottled water and there will be some goodies.

 

We would like some more volunteers to teach or assist in our children's programs. Please let Pastor Martha (our Children's Pastor) know if you can help. You will need to complete a background check if you have not already done so. Even if you can only volunteer a single Sunday, we can use your help! Call/text Pastor Martha at 712-898-6854.

 

Adult Sunday School - Our adults gather in the Heritage Room from 10:15-11:00ish each Sunday for a DVD Study into our faith.

 

Youth Group (Grade 5 and up) meets on Wednesdays from 6-7pm with Pastor Martha & Marce Wagner.

 

Celebration Bells rehearse on Wednesdays at 6pm in the Bell Room (upstairs of the Education wing). They play once a month at the 9am Sunday worship service. If you are interested in playing bells, just show up and/or let Gene know.  

 

     Celebration Bells is looking for a new handbell player to fill an open spot in our choir! Practices are on Wednesday nights from 6-7 p.m. We play once a month in worship and will also perform at the 12th Night Handbell Festival on January 4th. If you have a basic understanding of music notation and would enjoy making music in a fun and supportive group, we’d love to have you join us! No prior handbell experience is needed — we’ll help you learn the techniques.

     If you’re interested, please talk to Gene Wagner, director of Celebration Bells.

 

The Jubilate Choir (High School - Adult) rehearse Wednesdays at 7pm in the Choir Room. They sing weekly at the 9am Sunday worship service except when the handbell choir plays.  Pray about singing in the choir and if you have any questions or comments, talk with Gene Wagner.    

 

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.

NOTE: There is a big need for diapers in size 1, size 3 & size 6.

 

Our Personal Care Cupboard was awarded a Holiday Grant from MRHD (Missouri River Historic Development) on Thursday, November 20.  This $5000 grant will go toward purchasing product for families using the Cupboard and it comes at just the right time.  For 2025, the Cupboard has seen its usage almost doubled from 2024, to assisting 3182 people so far in 2025 vs. 1723 people in all of 2024.  The funds were dwindling fast and this grant enables us to keep helping families with items they cannot get on SNAP such as household supplies (items like paper towels, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products).  Thank You MRHD.

 

Note of Thanks from the Personal Care Cupboard Volunteers - This Thanksgiving season, we of the Personal Care Cupboard thank you for your gifts.  This week alone, we served 53 families.  That is all thanks to you.  You are following John Wesley’s second charge: “Do Good.”

     If you would like to volunteer to help in the Personal Care Cupboard by either helping people who come in or organizing, please call or email the church office.

 

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.

December 7 - D, E, F & G

December 14 - H, I, J & K

December 21 - L-Ma

   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.

 

 The Hunt Elementary School parking lot is located across the street from the front of the church on Nebraska Street.

 

- Death of Delbert Spiegel (age 84).  Del died on Oct. 17.

- Death of Randall Larrison, brother-in-law of Bernice Metz.  Died on Oct. 3.

 

 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.

 

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).

 

 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.

 

 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 provides 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.

 

 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.

 

     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 at 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).

 

Did You Get a Supposed Text or Email from “Pastor Roger”?  If you ever receive an email, text, or phone call “from Pastor Roger,” or anyone on the staff, asking “I need your assistance today” or "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 DO NOT CALL THE NUMBER LISTED.  You can delete the email/ text 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 at the church directly (712-258-0119) 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.