* Church Announcements (10/08/2025

- 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: “Do You Only Want Healing or to Be Made Well?”

Worship Assistant (9:00 service) - Tamme Saul

(Online) Piano - Pat Harm

Organist (9:00 service) - David Chobar

 

11  Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee.

12  As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance

13  and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"

14  When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed.

15  One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.

16  He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him--and he was a Samaritan.

17  Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?

18  Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?"

19  Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."

 

✞ What problem(s) am I currently dealing with?

    - A Preview Question for Pastor Roger’s sermon (October 12).  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 17:11-19 (Jesus Heals 10 Men with Leprosy)

 

✞ How can I praise God with a current problem I am dealing with?

     - Another Preview Question for Pastor Roger's sermon for this Sunday (October 12).

 

✞ Do I usually pray "Please God, ...." or do I usually pray to please God?

     - A Focus Question from Pastor Roger's message on Sunday, October 12.  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

 

“Stand By Me”

“Kum Ba Yah”

“We’ll Understand It Better By and By”

 

“My Life is in You, Lord”

“Trading My Sorrows”

1. Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!  Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!

Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah! O Lord, kum ba yah!

 

4. Someone needs you, Lord, kum ba yah! Someone needs you, Lord, kum ba yah!

Someone needs you, Lord, kum ba yah! O Lord, kum ba yah!

 

6. Let us praise the Lord, kum ba yah! Let us praise the Lord, kum ba yah!

Let us praise the Lord, kum ba yah! O Lord, kum ba yah!

 

1. We are tossed and driven on the restless sea of time;

somber skies and howling tempests oft succeed a bright sunshine;

in that land of perfect day, when the mists are rolled away,

we will understand it better by and by.

By and by, when the morning comes, when the saints of God are gathered home,

we'll tell the story how we've overcome, for we'll understand it better by and by.

 

3. Trials dark on every hand, and we cannot understand

all the ways that God would lead us to that blessed promised land;

but he guides us with his eye, and we'll follow till we die,

for we'll understand it better by and by.

By and by, when the morning comes, when the saints of God are gathered home,

we'll tell the story how we've overcome, for we'll understand it better by and by.

 

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

 

(The word “Hallowed” is used in the Lord’s Prayer and it means “Holy” - “Hallowed be Thy name)  

* Chili (Choice of Spicy or Mild)   * Cinnamon Rolls & Cornbread  

*Tailgate "Trunk or Treating" * Games for all ages (including “The 23rd Psalm” mini-golf)

     This year, we are not having a chili cook-off but we are inviting people to make cinnamon rolls &/or cornbread, help make chili with the fixings in the morning, and/or decorate your trunk & hand out treats in the parking lot to the kids ... sign up at church, email the church or give us a call.

* 3 roasters of homemade chili (with mild and no beans as well as with beans and a hint of spice)

In addition, we are planning a mini-golf course teaching “The 23rd Psalm” If anyone wants to help with this, let Pastor Martha know at 712-898-6854, She doesn’t golf so she would like some advise!

     NOTE: Trunk or Treating will begin at 6:45pm and will be in the church parking in the spaces next to the church and across from those spaces.  We ask for you to please park, if you are not doing the Trunk or Treating, in the outside spaces, or in the school parking lot, across Nebraska St. from the church, (the courtyard doors will be open).

     CINNAMON ROLLS &/or CORNBREAD: If you can make cinnamon rolls and/or cornbread, please let the church office know.

     CANDY DONATIONS: If you would like to donate individually pre-wrapped candy for this year’s Halloween Extravaganza, just bring it to the church anytime.

 

"Homecoming Sunday" is Sunday, Oct. 19 - We are asking that everyone who calls themself a member of First UMC, or relate to our church, attend either the 9:00 Traditional Worship or the 11:15 Casual Service.  You are encouraged to wear high school or college apparel/jackets/sweaters, etc., and get in the homecoming spirit (Kids, you can wear your school t-shirts as well.) We know there will be some out of town but if you are not, come for "Homecoming Sunday."

 

   We are a community of hunger fighters that are taking steps to create a world where there truly is Enough For All - food, water & shelter!!! Please join us next Sunday, for the 49th annual Sioux City CROP Hunger Walk. Registration is between 1-2 pm.  It's an easy route with the Community Action Agency of Siouxland being the turn around spot.  Please join the cause by walking. We currently have 28 walkers from FUMC. Please donate toward the city's goal of $32,000. All donations are appreciated. Your generosity will make a world of difference. Accepting boxed and can goods at this time to be left at the CAAS Food Pantry.

   This is a nationwide movement sponsored by Church World Services to raise funds to end hunger and poverty in the U.S.  It  provide meals in our community and long-lasting solutions to hunger and poverty around the globe. 

 

Our Annual Church Charge Conference is Sunday, October 19 at 6pm at Grace United Methodist Church in Morningside.  We will be joined by other churches in our circuit (i.e. Grace, Whitfield, Hinton, Sgt. Bluff, Moville, etc.)

 

     It is time again for Special Mission Recognition.  This is an opportunity to honor someone who goes above and beyond the call to serve the Church and community, living a Christian lifestyle, being a true disciple of Christ.  We also welcome nominations of our youth from the church.  Please put their name (only one name per nomination form) and why you think they should be recognized on the nomination form and put it in the ballot box, located on the shelf across from the church office.  

~Thank you, United Women in Faith

 

Older Adult Ministries 7-week study continues on Wednesdays at 11:00am in the church library. 

The study is  entitled, “The God We Can Know: Exploring the ‘I Am’ Sayings of Jesus.”  

     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."

     Each session stands on it’s own.  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.

 

Leadership Board will meet on Tuesday, October 21 at 7pm in the Music Academy office.

 

     Did you know that there were around 250 or 300 homeless people in Siouxland on any given day last year? There are entire families living on the streets. Women, children. It's not a good situation. Another little-known fact is that slightly over 25% of Siouxland's homeless are veterans, ranging from those who served in Vietnam to the Iraq/Afghanistan war.  Realizing this, off to Cone Park will go the volunteers again on the first Friday in November (Nov.7). They will take pledges, pack up their tents (and cardboard boxes in a few cases) and away they will go. We are raising money during October to be able to give it to The Siouxland Sleepout on Nov. 7.  Their website is <siouxlandsleepout.com>.

    If you are not attending worship, you can mail in, drop off,  or use your bank's "Billpay" to make a donation.  

 

 - 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.

 

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.

 

 - Wed., October 22 (3:35p - 4:55p) - “Celebrate Halloweenl” for K thru 5th graders.

     If you are interested in volunteering, contact 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.  

 

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 Annual Conference Delegate (we are allowed 2 delegates) represent our church at the Iowa Annual Conference meeting, scheduled in 2026 from Thursday, June 11 - Sunday, June 14 at the Rec-Plex event space in West Des Moines..

    Annual conference Delegates need to be a member in good standing of First United Methodist Church, Sioux City and be active within the church.  As a delegate, you are expected to embody the spirit of holy conferencing — engaging one another as siblings in Christ, listening deeply, and discerning where God may be leading the church.

   If you feel called to be a Lay Delegate to the 2026 Annual Conference, express your interest to Pastor Roger and he can fill you in on more details.

 

The Music Academy - 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.

- Item of the Month (October): Toilet Paper

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

 

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.

October 12 - D, E, F & G

October 19 - H, I, J & K

October 26 - 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 Randall Harrison, brother-in-law of Bernice Metz.  Died on Oct. 3.

- Death of Connie Reiderman, mother of Carol Cote.  Died on Sept. 11.

- Death of Sarah May, sister of Eleanor May-Patterson.   Died on Sept. 8.

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

- Death of Ruth Ketelsen-McLarnan (age 106).  Died on August 16.

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

 

 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.