* Church Announcements (04/08/2026)

- 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 available in the 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 - Neil Peck

     - Sermon title: "Who Gives Me Peace from My Doubts & Unbelief?”

Worship Assistant (9:00 service) - Tom Padgett

(Online) Piano - Pat Harm

Organist/Pianist (9:00 service) - David Chobar

 

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"

20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

21 Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."

22 And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.

23 If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.

25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"  But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"

27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"

29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

 

✞ What doubts have I had recently?  What fears?

     - A Preview Question for Neil Peck’s sermon this Sunday (April 12).  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 20:19-29 (The Risen Christ Appears to the Disciples).

 

✞ How has God through Jesus given me peace in my recent doubts?  My recent fears?

     - Another Preview Question for Neil Peck's sermon for this Sunday (April 12).

 

✞ How is God using me to give the peace of Christ to someone with their doubts?  Their fears?

     - A Focus Question from Neil Peck's sermon on Sunday, April 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

 

“Easter People, Raise Your Voices”

“Christ is Alive”

“He Lives”

 

“Alive, Alive”

“He Lives”

 

1. Christ is alive! Let Christians sing. His cross stands empty to the sky.

Let streets and homes with praises ring. His love in death shall never die.

 

2. Christ is alive! No longer bound to distant years in Palestine,

he comes to claim the here and now and dwell in every place and time.

 

3. Not thrones afar, remotely high, untouched, unmoved by humans pains,

but daily, in the midst of life, our Savior in the Godhead reigns.

 

1. I serve a risen Savior, he's in the world today.

I know that He is living, whatever men may say.

I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,

And just the time I need Him, He's always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.

He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives?

He lives within my heart.

 

3. Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing

Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!

The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find,

None other is so loving, so good and kind.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.

He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives?

He lives within my heart.

 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

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

 

Holy Communion Celebrated This 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 2nd Sunday of the month (April 12) at both our 9:00am & 11:15 services.  

 

Older Adult Ministries Will Begin Today (April 8) a Six-week Series on Wednesdays at 11:00 am - Using Pastor Adam Hamilton's Video Podcast Series, various subjects will be presented and discussed as to how they affect us in our life.  Some of the topics will be: "Why Church?", "Why Does Suffering Happen?", "Do You Feel Far from God?" and "Facing the 2nd half of Life" plus a couple of others.  We hope to see you on Wednesday at 11:00am in the Church Library.  If you have any questions, you may contact Neil Peck at 712-258-0119.

 

April 26 is Music Sunday - The theme for the worship services will be "Let OUR Praise to God Resound".  At the 9am Traditional Worship Service, we will celebrate with the musical gifts of Jane Sibley, Pat Harm, David Chobar, the Jubilate Choir, the Celebration Bells, and Pastor Roger singing "The Lord's Prayer".  At both the 9am & 11:15am services, and our online service, we will focus on God's Gift of Music with a Faith Story.

 

     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.

     We are coming to the end of the 4th year for the Music Academy @ First. It has been a year of growth. In our Beginning Piano Lesson program with Hunt Elementary students, we had 21 students between the 2 sessions of lessons. Over the last 4 years, we have given beginning piano lessons to 98 Hunt students.

     Also, in our partnership with Hunt A+ Arts Elementary School, the 4th and 5th grade handchime groups Gene teaches at Hunt has really expanded. In the fall there were 22 students in the 4th grade group and 19 in the 5th grade group. They performed at the December Holidazzle Concert. The spring groups grew to the maximum size. We had 24 in the 4th grade group and 24 in the 5th grade group. They will perform April 21st at the Band and Handchime concert at Hunt. Overall, we had 89 students participate.

     Our Private Lesson program also continues to grow. This year we have had 49 students take weekly private lessons, including 30 string students, 14 piano students, 1 organ student, 1 trumpet student, 1 flute student, and 2 guitar students. We also started a chamber orchestra to give students a chance to play in an ensemble, learning to collaborate together in a group setting.  Back in August, we had our very first summer strings camp with 12 students participating, along with 6 teachers.

     To put things in perspective, this year we had 171 students from 8 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 2 high schools, and 3 homeschool families. Since the start of the Music Academy, there have been 508 students participate in the programs of the Music Academy @ First.

     The focus for the April monthly mission is expanding the gift of music.  At the Music Academy @ First, we believe in the power of music to transform lives. As we look ahead to next year, our mission is to expand our private lesson program by including more instruments and recruiting teachers to make this possible. You can mail in, drop off, or use your bank's "BillPay" to make a donation for this important and vital ministry we do at First UMC.  The Music Academy is self-funded by donations and grants (It is not part of the church budget).

     Check out the Music Academy on our website: www.musicacademyatfirst.org or our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/musicacademyatfirst.

     Remember that providing free music lessons to children in need is not only about teaching them to play instruments but also about offering them a positive and enriching experience that can have a lasting impact on their lives.  

 

     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!  

 

 - 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.  

 

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.

April 12 - L-Ma

April 19 - Mc-N & O

April 26 - P, Q, R & S

 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 Ernie Cain (age 75), husband of Deb and father of Jeff Cain.  Died on April 4.

- 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.

 

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

 

Dan & Barb Weakley - Our Parents

Mark & Pat Hubbard - Our Parents & Loved Ones

Don & Mary K. Schenk - Our Parents

Mike & Shari Hobart - Our Parents

Revae, Maureen, Kristel, Shaina & Zach - Paul Nelson

David Chobar - Janet & Our Parents

The Paynes - Ken & Marlys Payne and Stephen Howell

Barry & Julie Enockson - Mary Enockson and John Johnson

Cindy Lewin - Harold & Alice Lewin

Kaye Rasmus and Emily Jasman Family - Dr. Bob Rasmus

Carol Cote - Sarah Cote and Connie Riedemann

Jeff & Julie Buchman - Our Parents

Craig & Destany Kirby and Boys - Bob Gwin

Tamme Saul, Kim Wood and Jennifer Harms - Mary Cadwell

Dorothy Swanson - Chuck Swanson

Scott Gerkin - Tom & Laura Gerkin

Dorothy Masters - Wayne and Alan

Steve & Trish Billups - Our Loved Ones

Bob McIntosh - Nancy McIntosh

Geri Morfitt & Family - Bob Morfitt

Roger & Linda Groves - Ralph & Hazel Groves and William & Leona Moret

Don & Ruth Kingery - Our Parents

 

Lonnie Gustafson - The Church’s Volunteer Custodial Staff

Lonnie Gustafson - Office Manager Mary Vondrak

Corinne Holman and Mike White - Veterans

 

John & Joy Anderson

Randy & Karen Roos

Kokoe Aboussa