* Church Announcements (09/10/2025

- 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).  

 

Preaching - Rev. Roger Madden

     - Sermon title: “Lost?”

Worship Assistant (9:00 service) - Judy Lilly

(Online) Piano - Pat Harm

Organist (9:00 service) - Jane Sibley

 

1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus.

2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

3 Then Jesus told them this parable:

4 "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?

5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders

6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.'

7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

 

✞ When have I wandered away and got lost?

    -  A Preview Question for Pastor Roger’s message (Sept. 14).  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 Luke 15:1-7 (The Parable of the Lost Sheep).

 

✞ When have I wandered away from God and not even realized it?  Who (or what) brought me back to "the flock"?

     - Another Preview Question for Pastor Roger's message for this Sunday (Sept. 14).

 

✞ Who is someone I know who is lost in their faith?  How is God calling me to be their shepherd to help bring them back to their flock?

     - A Focus Question from Pastor Roger's message on Sunday, Sept. 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

 

“Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us”

“Just as I Am, Without One Plea”

“Amazing Grace”

 

“He Knows My Name”

“Amazing Grace”

 

1. Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need thy tender care;

in thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use thy folds prepare.

Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, thine we are.

Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, thine we are.

 

2. We are thine, thou dost befriend us, be the guardian of our way;

keep thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray.

Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.

Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.

 

3. Thou hast promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be;

thou hast mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse and power to free.

Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! We will early turn to thee.

Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! We will early turn to thee.

 

1. Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.

 

2. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;

how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.

 

3. Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come;

'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

 

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

 

 - Everyone (age 3 - 8th graders) will meet in The Chapel 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.

 

Adult Sunday School to Begin THIS SUNDAY, Sept. 14 - Our adults gather in the Heritage Room from 10:15-11:00ish each Sunday for a DVD Study into our faith.

 

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.

 

- Visiting the Launch Pad Children’s Museum (623 Pearl St.)

  We will leave the church at 8:45am if you want a ride.  There is no charge for this experience.  

 Please sign up on the sheet outside the church office.

     If you have any questions, ask Lonnie Gustafson in church or call him on his cell phone at 712-223-1218.

 

Celebration Bells Handbell Choir will be sharing two pieces at our 9:00 Traditional Worship Service on Sunday, Sept. 21.

 

     The Gospel of John records several declarations of Jesus known as the "I Am" sayings.  In this 7-week DVD study, Rev. Rob Fuquay (the senior pastor of St. Luke's UMC in Indianapolis) explores what Jesus meant when Jesus said "I Am ... the Bread of Life; the Light of the World; the Good Shepherd; the True Vine; the Way, the Truth and the Life; the Resurrection and the Life."

     If you have any questions please contact Neil Peck (our Director of Older Adult Ministries) at 712-258-0119 or stop by and see him.  Hope to see you on the 24th.

 

      - Wed., September 24 (3:35p - 4:55p) - “Celebrate Fall” for K thru 5th graders.

     If you are interested in volunteering, contact Pastor Martha at 712-898-6854.

 

     CROP Hunger Walks help to support the overall ministry of Church World Service (CWS), especially grassroots, hunger-fighting development efforts around the world. In addition, each local CROP Hunger Walk can choose to return up to 25 percent of the funds it raises to hunger-fighting programs in its own community.

     CROP Walk 2025 is on Sunday Oct 19, beginning at 1pm from Grace UMC.  You can make a donation to this annual event in worship, mail it in, drop it off,  or use your bank's "Billpay".   A sign-up sheet to walk is outside the church office  Last year we had 36 participants.  For more information, contact Jo Lear 712-251-6015 and Rolene Beauvais 712-223-9965.  For more information, contact Jo Lear 712-251-6015 and Rolene Beauvais 712-223-9965

   ALSO, The citywide CROP committee held their first meeting on August 4, welcoming two new members, one of which is our very own Paige Windeshausen - Thank You, Paige!  Because some of us "old-timers" are planning to resign after the 50th anniversary CROP Walk in 2026, there is a need for more new members on this citywide team. Please prayerfully consider joining this committee, with basically only a 3-month commitment every fall, by contacting Rolene Beauvais at 712-223-9965.  

 

United Women in Faith (UWF) Fall Unit Meeting, Friday, October 3 at 12:30pm in Fellowship Hall -  Felicity Circle will provide treats, devotions, and program.

     The program will be Sgt. Tom Gill (native of Sioux City) who is currently the supervisor of the Community Policing and Crime Prevention Unit of the Sioux City Police Department.  Sgt. Gill will speak to us about scam and fraud awareness and prevention.

     This program is open to  EVERYONE (members and non-members, women and men) to come and learn about this. There is a sign-up sheet by the church office.

 

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

 

Celebration Bells rehearse on Wednesdays at 6 pm 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.  

 

The Jubilate Choir (High School - Adult) rehearse Wednesdays at 7 pm 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.    

 

(1) We are 58.3% of the way through our budget year.

(2) We have received 48.0% of our $402,145 budget for the year (for a total of $193,032).  

(3) We have expended 55.3% of our budget for the year (for a total of $222,643). We began 2025 with a positive balance in our account.

(4) Our total revenues for 2025 are 0.9% (or $3,618) lower than our 3-year average for the end of July. This figure includes our Conference Apportionments.  

 

The Music Academy - Keep up to date with our Music Academy @ First on their website at <musicacademyatfirst.org>

 

     With the new school year about to start, the Music Academy @ First will starting the Beginning Piano Lesson program for 4th and 5th grade students at Hunt Elementary. The lessons will be on Mondays right after school gets out, beginning at 3:45pm. Each round of classes lasts 8 weeks. The first round of classes will be from September 22- November 10.  A second round of classes will be from January 26 – March 23, 2026.  There will be a new group of students with each round. Our goal is 12 students with a minimum of 6 teachers. There is a volunteer piano teacher instructing 2 students at one time. If we have more than 6 teachers, then some will have just 1 student. We have enough pianos for every student to play on a piano.

     We are looking for volunteers who have musical experience to teach the beginning piano lessons. These lessons cover very basic piano skills. Volunteer teachers need to pass a background check. You can help teach 1 or  2, or both 8-lesson sessions. If you want to take a look at the piano book we are using, please see Gene Wagner. If you are interested, talk to Gene Wagner or contact the church office or fill out a yellow Worship Response Sheet in worship.  

     Please pray if God is calling you to help in this ministry to make a difference in a student's life.

 

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 (Sept.): Household cleaners

 

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.

Sept. 14 - P, Q, R & S

Sept. 21 - T-Z

Sept. 28 - A-Be

   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 Carrol Snodgrass, sister of Phil Severson.  Died on Sept. 7.  

- Death of Ruth Ketelsen-McLarnan (age 106).  Died on August 16. Her obituary is on our church's website at <siouxcityfirst.com>.

- Death of Kathy Ginger, sister to Barb Kimmel.  Died on August 16.

- Death of Dorothy Jansen (age 97).  Died on July 31.

- Death of Pat Sachau, grandson of Carol Oostenbrug.  Died on July 28.

- Death of Glen (Wayne) Stapleton, brother of Bev McCue.  Died on July 23.

- Death of Nancy Harrington (age 92).  Died on July 16.

- Death of Cloy Albert (age 93), father of Carol Cote.  Died on July 10.

 

 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 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.

 

 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.

 

 - John Wesley’s (The founder of Methodism) 3 Simple Rules in living the life of a Christian!