* Church Announcements (03/04/2026)

- 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 - Neil Peck

     - Sermon title: “What ‘Well’ Do You Drink From?”

Worship Assistant (9:00 service) - Judy Lilly

(Online) Piano - Pat Harm

Organist (9:00 service) - David Chobar

 

5 So Jesus came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph.

6 Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.

7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

11 "Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?

12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?"

13 Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,

14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."

16 He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."

17 "I have no husband," she replied.  Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband.

18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."

19 "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet.

20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."

21 "Woman," Jesus replied, "believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.

22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.

23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth."

25 The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."

26 Then Jesus declared, "I, the one speaking to you—I am he."

27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, "What do you want?" or "Why are you talking with her?"

28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people,

29 "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?"

30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

 

✞ What do I enjoy drinking to quench my physical thirst?

     - A Preview Question for Neil Peck’s sermon this Sunday (March 8).  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 4:5-30 (Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well).

 

✞  How do I quench my Spiritual thirst?

     - Another Preview Question for Neil Peck's sermon for this Sunday (March 8).

 

✞ How will I share Christ's "living water," his bottomless well of grace, with someone this week to help them quench their Spiritual thirst?

     - A Focus Question from Neil Peck's sermon on Sunday, March 8.  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

 

“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”

“Something Beautiful”

“I Love to Tell the Story”

“The Voice of God is Calling”

 

“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”

“I Love to Tell the Story”

 

1. Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love;

hearts unfold like flowers before thee, opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away.

Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

 

3. Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest,

well-spring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!

Thou our Father, Christ our brother, all who live in love are thine;

teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

 

1. The voice of God is calling its summons in our day;

Isaiah heard in Zion, and we now hear God say:

"Whom shall I send to succor my people in their need?

Whom shall I send to loosen the bonds of shame and greed?

 

3. We heed, O Lord, your summons, and answer: Here are we!

Send us upon your errand, let us your servants be.

Our strength is dust and ashes, our years a passing hour;

but you can use our weakness to magnify your power.

 

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

 

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

 

     It is that time of the year again to decorate our sanctuary for Easter Sunday (April 5) with lilies.  The plants are 6" pots and have 4-6 blooms.  The cost is $20 per plant.  If you would like to provide an Easter Lily(ies) in memory or honor of a loved one, please phone the church office (258-0119), stop by the church office, email us at (scfirst@msn.com), or fill out an order form on Sunday at church.  Order forms are available by the church office and orders are due by March 22.

 

   Come join us for a Lenten journey entitled, "An Unlikely Lent" by Rachel Billups.  This six-week study is on Sundays at 10:15am in the Heritage Room as part of our Adult Sunday School Class and also repeated on Wednesdays at 11:00am in the church library.  If you have any questions, please contact Neil Peck at 258-0110, or call the church office.  

     By seeing the Easter story through their eyes, we may discover that the resurrection is not just a past event, but an invitation into something new, unexpected, and unlikely. Walk through this season with eyes wide open, ready to see where God is moving, even in the margins. Since the cross is not the end of the story, embrace every unlikely moment along the way.

 

If you read the weekly email or bulletins, you know that my eldest daughter, Elizabeth, lived in an upstairs apartment at 3921 Orleans Avenue that was red tagged after a fire on Feb. 10. She and her cat are safe but all of her belongings have severe smoke damage.  Liz has found a new apartment and is beginning to get her life back together.  I wanted to use this space to say THANK YOU for your prayers! THANK YOU for your care!  THANK YOU for your donations!   If you have any questions, feel free to talk with me.  And, once again, THANK YOU!!  - Pastor Roger

     NOTE: If you would like to make a donation to help her, please make the donation to the church and list her name in the memo.

 

     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.

 

Thursday, April 2 @ 7pm - Maundy Thursday “Holy Communion” service

Friday, April 3 @ 7pm - Good Friday “Tenebrae” Service

Easter Sunday (April 5) - 2 Worship Services at 9am & 11:15am – Kid’s Easter Egg Hunt with Fun and Games Between Services

 

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.

 

     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 by Sunday, March 29. (Mini-size). You can also make a cash donation towards the purchase of Easter candy by placing your donation in a white pew envelope on Sunday mornings. There will be an Egg Hunt for the children on Easter Sunday, April 5, during Sunday School.

 

- (3:35p - 4:55p) - "Celebrate Spring" for K thru 5th graders.

NOTE: In February, we had 24 K-3rd graders and 9 4th-5th graders.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact Rev. Martha Anderson, our Children's Pastor.

 

 - 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 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.

 

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.

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 8 - T-Z

March 15 - A-Be

March 22 - 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.

 

 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).

 

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!