* Church Announcements (03/25/2026)

 

- 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.

- Sunday school for all ages @ 10:10am

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

- Worship Any-day @ Anytime online (and Sunday’s by 9am) on our Website (siouxcityfirst.com).  

 

Preaching - Rev. Roger Madden

     - Sermon title: “Your Plan or God’s Plan?”

Worship Assistant (9:00 service) - Marla Luitjens

(Online) Piano - Pat Harm

Organist (9:00 service) - Jane Sibley

 

12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem.

13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the king of Israel!"

14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written:

15 "Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt."

16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.

17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word.

18 Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him.

19 So the Pharisees said to one another, "See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!"

 

✞ What was my plan for my life when I was 10-yers-old? 30-years-old? Other ages?

     - A Preview Question for Pastor Roger’s sermon this Sunday (March 29 - Palm/Passion Sunday).  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 John 12:12-19 (Jesus Rides into Jerusalem on a Donkey Colt).

 

✞  When I look back, how has God been active in my life?

     - Another Preview Question for Pastor Roger's sermon for this Sunday (March 29 - Palm/Passion Sunday).

 

✞ What is my plan for my life?  What is God's plan for my life?  Whose plan am I following?

     - A Focus Question from Pastor Roger's sermon on Sunday, March 29 (Palm/Passion Sunday).  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

 

“Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”

“All Glory, Laud and Honor”

“Are Ye Able”

 

“Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”

“Above All”

 

1. Hosanna, loud hosanna, the little children sang,

through pillared court and temple the lovely anthem rang.

To Jesus, who had blessed them close folded to his breast,

the children sang their praises, the simplest and the best.

 

3. "Hosanna in the highest!" that ancient song we sing,

for Christ is our Redeemer, the Lord of heaven our King.

O may we ever praise him with heart and life and voice,

and in his blissful presence eternally rejoice!

 

1. "Are ye able," said the Master, "to be crucified with me?"

"Yea," the sturdy dreamers answered, "to the death we follow thee."

Lord, we are able. Our spirits are thine. Remold them, make us, like thee, divine.

Thy guiding radiance above us shall be a beacon to God, to love, and loyalty.

 

4. Are ye able? Still the Master whispers down eternity,

and heroic spirits answer, now as then in Galilee.

Lord, we are able. Our spirits are thine. Remold them, make us, like thee, divine.

Thy guiding radiance above us shall be a beacon to God, to love, and loyalty.    

 

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

 

Thursday, April 2 @ 7pm - Maundy Thursday service (No online service)

     - This service will include readings, hymns and Holy Communion as we look at each day of Holy Week leading up to Good Friday.

 

This Friday, April 3 @ 7pm - Good Friday Tenebrae Service  (No online service)

     - A service of Tenebrae, or "Shadows", is based on the twelfth-century late night/early morning service and is an extended meditation on the passion and final days of Christ.  The most striking feature of this service is the gradual extinguishing of the candles in the room.  The setting emphasizes the starkness of the events recalled in the service.  Following the service, Gene Wagner will play and toll the tower bells.

 

     We will have 2 in-person Easter Worship Celebrations at 9:00am & 11:15am with a staffed Nursery available at both services.  

 - 9:00 Traditional Worship (Our main service) - Will include traditional Easter hymns, our Jubilate Choir, our Celebration Bells and Pastor Roger delivering the Easter sermon.  Tower bells will be played following the service.

- 11:15 Casual Worship (Our smaller service) - Includes Easter hymns and Pastor Roger’s Easter message.

- We will also have our on-line Easter Service available on our website (siouxcityfirst.com) and our Facebook page (First United Methodist Church - Sioux City).  In addition, there is a Kid’s Easter Egg Hunt along with fun and games between worship services (See next article for details)

 

     We are going to have an Easter egg hunt, picture backdrop, games, crafts and fun on Easter Sunday for all children and their friends 5th Grade and younger.  It will take place between our 2 worship Services (10:10am - 11:10am).  Contact our Children’s Pastor, Martha, if you are interested in helping out.

 

     Please drop off individually wrapped candy to the Church Office or you can also make a cash donation towards the purchase of Easter candy by placing your donation in a white pew envelope on Sunday morning.

 

Holy Communion in April (Thurs., April 2 & Sunday, April 12) - With Easter Sunday being the first Sunday of the month, and the first Sunday of each month is when we usually offer Holy Communion in worship, for April we will offer Holy Communion on Maundy Thursday (April 2) and the 2nd Sunday of the month (April 12).  There will be no communion on Easter Sunday.

 

     This continued recognition reflects the incredible generosity and commitment of the Sioux City community in the fight against hunger.  Thank you to everyone who walks, donates, volunteers and supports this meaningful mission.  

     - CROP Walk - Oct 18, 2026 - 50th Anniversary - 50 Years of Fighting Hunger in Sioux City!  For half a century, our community has laced up its shoes and taken steps - real steps - to end hunger locally and globally.  We're inviting everyone to be part of this milestone moment and make it our biggest walk yet!  Let's set a goal of at least 50 walkers from First United Methodist and raise at least $5555 donations, to celebrate the 50th anniversary CROP Walk!  

 

     Did You Know, in 2025, UMCOR helped with: 30 floods, 11 hurricanes/ tropical storms, 5 fires, 6 tornadoes, 29 migration events, 3 landslides, 3 public emergencies, 5 earthquakes and 23 other kinds of disasters?  And 100% of what was given for each of these disasters went to help the people directly because the UMCOR (United Methodist Committee of Relief) offering covers the administrative expenses.  You can find out more about them at their website (www.umcor.org).

 

     Founded in 1987, the Siouxland Soup Kitchen provides a free meal to anyone in need, in a dignified and respectful manner. The Soup Kitchen serves over 2,500 meals per month, relying only on the assistance and generosity of our local community. Any donation will be greatly appreciated and used to provide nourishment to someone in need.  You can find out more about them at their website (www.siouxlandsoupkitchen.com).

     You can make a donation during church, mail it in, drop it off, or use the "BillPay" option on your internet banking.  In addition, we also ask that you keep them in your prayers each day this month.

 

April Monthly Mission is The Music Academy @ First
     The Music Academy @ First's mission is to provide free quality musical training to financially disadvantaged children, by using the power of music and musical instruction to improve the lives of these at-risk youth.  You can check them out on their website at (musicacademyatfirst.org).  For more information contact the director, Gene Wagner or Pastor Roger.  The Music Academy is self-funded by donations and grants (It is not part of the church budget).

 

 - 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 Waiting Area - Just a note to let you know that we have a 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. 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 Music Academy @ First - Keep up to date with our Music Academy @ First on their website at <musicacademyatfirst.org>

 

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.

You may also make monetary donations through the church anytime during the year.

NOTE: There is need for 3T & 4-5T pull-ups.

 

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.

March 29 - D, E, F & G

April 5 - H, I, J & K

April 12 - 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 Glen Houts, Sr. (Age 91), father of Glen Houts, Jr.  Died on Feb. 11.

- Death of Elmer Vondrak (age 77), father of Bill Vondrak.  Died Feb. 2.

- Death of James Hare (age 88), father of Kelly Carter.  Died on Feb. 3. In addition, Kelly's sister, Carrie Barton (age 65), died on Dec. 7.

 

 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).

 

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.

 

Your church provides a free Puzzle Exchange service for anyone who wants. Stop by the church library and see if there is a puzzle that interests you.

 

 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).

 

     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.