Weekly Worship Opportunities at First UMC
- 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).
Sunday, February 9, 2025 - Jersey Sunday (Wear your favorite team’s jersey, shirt, tie, etc.)
“Winning Team” of January’s “Quarter Challenge” will be announced in worship.
Preaching - Neil Peck
- Sermon title: “Fish Stories or Faith Stories?”
Worship Assistant (9:00 service) - Carla Rubel
(Online) Piano - Pat Harm
Organist (9:00 service) - David Chobar
Scripture - Jesus Calling His First Disciples (Continued) Luke 5:1-11 (NIV)
1 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret (The Sea of Galilee), the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God.
2 He saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.
3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."
5 Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."
6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!"
9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken,
10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people."
11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Preview Questions for this week’s sermon
✞ When I tell a story, is it usually true or exaggerated?
- A Preview Question for Neil Peck’s sermon this Sunday (Feb. 9). 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 Luke 5:1-11.
✞ How have I shared stories of my faith with others?
- Another Preview Question for Neil Peck's sermon for this Sunday (February 9).
Post-Sermon Focus Question
✞ This week, how will I share my faith story, through words and/or actions, to show that God is a work in my life and can be in theirs?
- Focus Question from Neil Peck's sermon on Sunday, February 9. 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
Hymns for 9:00am Traditional Worship:
“Take My Life, and Let It Be”
“Where He Leads Me”
“I Love to Tell the Story”
Hymns for 11:15am Casual Service:
“Take My Life, and Let It Be”
“I Love to Tell the Story”
Hymns for Online Service
Hymn #399 "Take My Life and Let it Be” (All 3 Verses)
1. Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for thee.
2. Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as thou shalt choose.
3. Take my will, and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee.
Hymn #156 "I Love to Tell the Story" (Verses 1 & 3)
1. I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story, because I know 'tis true;
it satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.
I love to tell the story, 'twill be my theme in glory,
to tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.
3. I love to tell the story; 'tis pleasant to repeat
what seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.
I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
the message of salvation from God's own holy Word.
I love to tell the story, 'twill be my theme in glory,
to tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.
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✞ All announcements are also available on our website under “Church Announcements” and in the Sunday church bulletins.
This Sunday (Feb. 9) is Jersey Sunday - Super Bowl Sunday is coming and we are inviting everyone to wear your favorite team's jersey, sweatshirt, t-shirt, etc. whether you come to one of our in-person services (I wonder what team Pastor Roger will wear?) or are worshiping online at home.
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.
The Warming Shelter is the February Monthly Mission - The Warming Shelter was established with the mission of ensuring that homeless individuals in the Siouxland Community would have a place to go to ensure their survival during the frigid Iowa winters. Their mission has since grown into much more than just a place to stay. Find out more about them on the website at (www.thewarmingshelter.com). In addition to your donation, we also ask that you keep them in your prayers each day this month.
Music Academy @ First - January Update
On January 13th, we resumed the 32 private lessons (22 string and 10 piano lessons) with 3 string and 3 piano teachers. Eleanor May-Patterson, one of our string teachers, is visiting several other schools to let students know about taking private lessons at the Music Academy. The 2nd session of beginning piano lessons also began on January 13th with 7 students and 7 volunteer teachers. The interest in playing handchimes has really grown at Hunt Elementary School. We went from 12- 4th graders and 18- 5th graders in the fall to a maximum of 22- 4th graders and 22- 5th graders in January, with more that were interested. I had to take another table, pads, and an extra octave of handchimes over. Since the school year started, the Music Academy has had 123 students from 2 high schools, 5 middle schools, and 4 elementary schools.
Thanks for your prayers and support of the Music Academy. Check out our website at: (www.musicacademyatfirst.org). Consider making a donation to give students the opportunity to have musical experiences that they would not have otherwise. If you have questions about the Music Academy, contact Gene Wagner.
Older Adult Ministries Wednesday Study
Older Adult Ministries invites you to join us in the church library on Wednesdays at 11:00 am, for a study entitled: "The Message of Jesus: Words that Changed the World" by Adam Hamilton. More than 3 billion people claim to follow Jesus. But aside from a few verses, how many actually know what Jesus taught? In fact, much of what people think Jesus taught, he never said.
In this six-week study, Pastor Hamilton explores six of the most important themes in Jesus's teachings, why they matter, and how they speak to us today. The book will explore Jesus's preaching on the Kingdom of God, the Sermon on the Mount, the parables, the "I am" sayings in John, and more. Jesus' message is not only life-changing, but world-changing. Join us in studying "The Message of Jesus: Words That Changed the World."
If you have any questions, please contact Neil Peck, at 253-7347 or call the church office.
If you loaned the church any garments (dress, hat, cape, etc.) that were used for the Children’s Christmas Madrigal, you can pick them up at the church office.
Our Children’s Sunday School Program Continues Weekly from 10:10-11:00am
Pastor Martha (Our Children’s Pastor) has discovered that rotations work best for our younger Sunday School students, so she is using vintage VBS material which is designed for rotations. We will begin in the chapel for the first station and then divide into two groups: Bible Adventure and Imagination Station (crafts/science).
Beginning January 12, we will learn about sharing that light of Christ through a program called “Stellar.” The kids will meet Bible Buddies: Cosmo, Ringo, Luna, Sol and Hailey. Next Sunday the kids will hear how the Wisemen followed the star and met Jesus. Our Bible point will be “when life feels dark, shine Jesus’ life. Our Bible verse will be “Jesus said…,’I am the light of the world.’” John 8:12. We’ve got some awesome gadgets and gizmos to illuminate the point.
Upcoming “Celebrate@First” Gathering for Hunt School (and other) kids:
- Wed., February 12 (3:35pm - 4:50pm)- for Pre-K thru 3rd graders & 4th-5th Graders.
Adult Sunday School - They meet in the Heritage Room (next to Fellowship Hall) from 10:10-11:00am.
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.
UMCOR is helping with the California Wildfires - The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is already helping with the efforts. 100% of what you give goes to directly helping those in need. Give through their website (umcor.org) or through our church.
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 (February): Paper Towels & kleenex.
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.
February 9 - T-Z
February 16 - A-Be
February 23 - Bi-C
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.
Additional Church Parking is Available in the Hunt School Parking Lot
The Hunt Elementary School parking lot is located across the street from the front of the church on Nebraska Street.
Our Deepest Sympathy (Please keep their family and friends in your prayers):
- Death of Dr. Ted Roman (age 90). Ted died on Jan. 26.
- Death of Eunice “June” Zediker (Age 102), mother of Avery Zediker. June died on Jan. 9.
- Death of Don Garrison (Age 80), brother-in-law of Lonnie Gustafson. Don died on Dec. 4.
Did you know that you can add long-term impact for others by remembering First UMC in your will?
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.
Remember a Loved One on Our Memorial Wall
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).
Are You Interested in helping with our church Media Team?
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.
The Puzzle Exchange is Open in the Church Library
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.
Check Us Out on Facebook (First United Methodist Church - Sioux City)
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.
Thank you for your prayers and support of our ministries!
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 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.
Do No Harm! Do Good! Stay in Love with God!
- John Wesley’s (The founder of Methodism) 3 Simple Rules in living the life of a Christian!