Calendar of Events. (Detailed information on our website at siouxcityfirst.com)

Transcription

1 Calendar of Events (Detailed information on our website at siouxcityfirst.com) Thurs: 2:00-3:00 pm Personal Care Cupboard Open (3-14) 3:45-4:45 pm Hunt School Dance-Gym 6:00 pm AA-Choir Room 7:00 pm Unity Circle-Mason Room Fri: 9:30 am A & M Circle-Mason Room (3-15) 7:00 pm Native African Christian Fellowship-Chapel Sunday: 9:00 am Traditional Worship w/handbells & Kids (3-17) Singing 10:10 am Children s Sunday School 10:10 am Adult Small Groups 10:10 am A Disciples Path - Fellowship Hall 11:15 am Casual Service w/kids Singing 2:00 pm French Service-Chapel 6:00 pm IF:Table-Conversations for Women-Mason Rm Mon: (3-18) 2:45 pm Hunt School Piano lessons Tues: 11:00 am Staff Meeting (3-19) 3:45-4:45 pm Hunt School Dance-Gym 7:00 pm Sioux City Sillies-Mason Room/D. Chobar Wed: 7:00 am Fellowship Hall/N. Peck (3-20) Noon Shesler Hall Finance Mtg.-Mason Room 3:45-4:30 pm Hunt School Dance-gym 5:00-6:00 pm Personal Care Cupboard Open 5:00 pm FUMC 4th-5th graders piano lessons 5:40 pm Cheery Chimers 6:00 pm JAMZ (Jesus And Me Zone)(Pre-K - 5 th gr) 6:00 pm Youth Group 6:00 pm Adult Handbells 6:00 pm Where Moms Connect-Library 7:00 pm Jubilate Choir Thurs: 11:30 am PEO-Mason Room/K. Rasmus (3-21) 2:00-3:00 pm Personal Care Cupboard Open 3:45-4:45 pm Hunt School Dance-Gym 6:00 pm AA-Choir Room 7:00 pm Bible Study-Library/A. Padley-Shapira Fri: 9:00 am Harmony Circle-Mason Room (3-22) 7:00 pm Native African Christian Fellowship-Chapel Our Sympathy is Extended to the family of Kokoe Aboussa in the death of her older brother, Desile. Desile was in his 80's and living in KoKoe s native country of Togo. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of their family and friends. Thank You I would like to thank the members of First UMC for their prayers, cards, and good wishes before and after my surgery. It truly makes it easier to know that your church family is there for you. Again, thank you and Blessings to you all. ~Neil Peck, Director of Older Adult Ministries Our Children s Choir Will Be Singing Sunday, March 17 th The choir will be singing at the end of 1st service and at the beginning of the 2nd service. Children will need to be at church by 9:30am. Contact the Church Office if you have any questions. Adult Handbell Choir to Ring Sunday, March 17 th Our Handbell Choir will be sharing their gift of music on Sunday, March 17 th at our 9:00 worship service. Come and hear the beauty of the music in the midst of the beauty of the sanctuary. If:Table - Conversations for Women Sunday, March 17 th at 6:00 PM in the Mason Room Women are invited to this 3 rd Sunday of the month gathering for a simple meal and deep dive over our stories and Christ-centered conversations. Time spent that leaves us with glad hearts... full hearts... grateful hearts. Contact Allison or the Church Office for more information.

2 New Bible Study Opportunity Thursdays at 7:00 PM Beginning March 21 The Absolute Basics of the Christian Faith is an eight week study that will explore questions like Who is God? Who are we? and What is the church? Whether you don t know these things yet, know them, or have forgotten them, this study will shed new life on the basics of our faith. Contact Pastor Roger or Allison Padley-Shapira for more information. Our 2019 Independent Lenten Study "Lent and Easter: Wisdom from Henri J. Nouwen" Thought-provoking words from renowned spiritual writer, Henri J. M. Nouwen, lead readers along a journey of conversion during Lent and Easter week. These periods of penance and celebration, lavish with rituals, help us become more sensitive to our own weaknesses and Christ's victory over sin. Through it all, Father Nouwen comforts and reassures us with reminders that God loves and accepts us even in our human state. Each daily reflection, which covers Ash Wednesday through the second Sunday of Easter, features short, half-page selections from the works of Father Henri Nouwen. Across the page from the Nouwen excerpt is a related scripture, a prayer and a Lenten or Easter "action" to enable the reader to practice the idea described. Books are available in the Church Office for $10 per book. Begins on Ash Wednesday, March Minutes Class Passion of Jesus Our adult class will be starting a new 6-week Lent study in the Church Library at 10:15 AM Sundays, from March 3 through Palm Sunday April 14 (no class on because of Shesler Hall auction). You are encouraged to join us for one or all of these sessions, entitled Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner s Guide to Holy Week, as author, professor and biblical scholar Amy-Jill Levine explores the biblical texts surrounding the Passion story. Dive deep into the history of the last days before the crucifixion. Jesus final days were full of risk. Every move he made was filled with anticipation, danger and the potential for great loss or great reward. Jesus risked his reputation when he entered Jerusalem in a victory parade. He risked his life when he dared to teach in the Temple. His followers risked everything when they left behind their homes and anointed him with costly perfume. We take risks as we read and re-read these stories, finding new meanings and new challenges. Please come join our class for fellowship and learning, with the weekly DVD and discussion questions to follow, including hand-outs. Older Adult Ministries Presents: Enough! By Adam Hamilton Tis the gift to be simple, tis the gift to be free-shaker hymn. Money has great power in our lives. Used wisely, it is one key to accomplishing our goals, providing for our needs, and fulfilling our life purposes. However, finances can become a source of pain and problems, even for the most prudent and thoughtful people. Everyone, regardless of the reason, must come to realize that what they have is all they really need: ENOUGH. Please join us on Wednesday, March 27, at 11:00 a.m. in the Library for this exciting and interesting class. There is no cost for the classes and they will last 4 weeks, ending on April 17 th. We hope to see you there. If you have any questions please contact Neil Peck at or the Church Office. Candy Donations Needed for Easter Egg Hunt Please drop off any individually wrapped candy donations to the Education Office by Sunday, th. (Mini-size preferred). 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 Wednesday, April 17 th. You Want to Give Something to the Church on Sundays but You Don t Have a Check or Cash. How Can You Still Give? You Have a Way with Your Smart Phone. 1) Simply sign-in to your bank s mobile app (or download the app through Google Play or the Apple Store). 2) Choose Pay Bills in your bank s navigation menu. 3) Select Add a Payee or Manage Payees. Enter the requested info on the screen: First United Methodist Church (is the payee) 1915 Nebraska St. / Sioux City, IA (the address of the payee) 4) Once you complete the setup, you will be ready to send us whatever amount you wish, either as a one time payment or a recurring payment. 5) The next time you come to church here, you have already set us up as a Payee and you can simply enter the amount to give. 6) Your bank will notify you when the payment is sent and we then receive a check from the bank in your name, usually within the week.

3 Spring Cleaning/Rummage Sale Time The Missions Committee is hosting a rummage sale as a fundraiser. Get organized and give to Missions. The sale will be on the upper level of the church education wing. You can drop off your donated items there. We will be accepting most items (no tube televisions, computers, couches or mattresses). All clothing that is clean and gently-used is acceptable. Contact person is Joel Orpheum Theater Day Tripping // LC That Is a Seat in the Orpheum Theater On stage, will be you! The next Day Tripping will be at the Orpheum Theater on Thursday, March 28 at 2:00 p.m. We will go back stage, see the dressings rooms and see everything that you do not see from seat LC-203. Please sign up on the sheet by the bulletin board outside the Church Office. Reservations must be made by March 25 th. United Methodist Women Spring Luncheon, April 5 at 12:15 p.m. U.M.W. Spring Luncheon will be held on Friday, April 5, 2019 at 12:15 in Fellowship Hall. The program will be Happy 150 th Birthday United Methodist Women. Reservation deadline is st. Cost of the meal TBA. If you make a reservation and are unable to attend, as a courtesy, you are requested to pay for a meal. Circle members make a reservation through their circles. Non-circle women make a reservation by calling the Church Office at , or sign up on the sheet on the clipboard located outside the Church Office. U.M.W. general meetings are open to all women of the church. Please join us in fellowship. The United Methodist Women Board Meeting will be held Monday, April 1 st at 9:30 a.m., in the Heritage Room. Personal Care Cupboard Hours: Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00 p.m. Thursdays, 2:00-3:00 p.m. March Item of the Month (Diapers - Sizes 4, 5 & 6) The Personal Care Cupboard (The Cupboard) is stocked with many of the items that a person or family cannot get on food stamps or WIC. This includes such items as toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, personal hygiene, laundry detergent, household cleaners and other non-food items that people need. We currently serve families per week. Due to high usage, the Personal Care Cupboard needs at least 3 workers for each shift. We need workers for Wednesday from 5-6 pm and on Thursdays from 2-3 pm. Please sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board across from the Church Office. Change a Life through Change for the month of March All Change in the Offering Plates Going to Shesler Hall All loose coins (please place bills and checks in a marked white pew envelope) goes towards a mission project. This month s Change for Change will go to Shesler Hall. The purpose of Shesler Hall is to provide community living to women with special needs. Shesler Hall provides women of all ages the opportunity to experience personal and social growth while residing in a supportive Christian home. Most residents have a form of chronic mental illness schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, depression, and bipolar disorder. Many times these diagnoses are combined with physical challenges. We believe that the services we provide the residents of Shesler Hall fills a very important and much needed role in the community. Please take a moment to learn more about them on our website at Shesler Hall Charity Auction Coming Sunday, st We are asking for donations of any handmade or homemade items to be auctioned off such as: quilts, Afghans, table runners, wall hangings or baked goodies. If you would be willing to donate any of these items, please drop them off in the Church Office. You may also contact any one of our Mission Committee members or call Judy Wanned, our volunteer Mission coordinator at with any questions.

4 Ingathering Kits Hygiene Kits Hygiene Kits help disaster victims reclaim their dignity and selfrespect. When people can maintain personal hygiene, their overall health improves. There is no need to include $1 per kit in the Mission Ingathering check delivered to the site to purchase toothpaste as it will be taken care of another way. 1 new hand towel (15" x 25" up to 17" x 27"). 1 new washcloth 1 large, sturdy comb (at least 6 inches of teeth) 1 toenail or fingernail clipper (no emery boards or metal nail files) 1 bath-sized bar of soap in wrapper (3 oz. or larger); No Ivory or Jergens 1 new adult size toothbrush in original sealed wrapper 10 adhesive bandages (3/4" by 3") common household bandages acceptable 1 gallon size re-sealable bag Lay out hand towel and lay washcloth flat in center. Place rest of items on top of washcloth. Fold sides of towel to cover items. Grasp the bundle tightly and roll over the remainder of the towel tightly. Place the tightly rolled bundle in plastic bag, remove air and seal. (Value $12.00 plus $2.00 shipping). School Kit School Kits provide tools for education, which changes lives. In countries when children don t have books, school supplies or classrooms, a school kit may be their only educational resource. 3 Notebooks, 1 subject spiral 8x10 ½ 1 pencil eraser 2" or larger 1 pair of student round tip scissors 1 pencil sharpener 1 ruler 12" long with metric 1 box of 12 colored pencils 1 box of 24 crayons 6 unsharpened pencils Place in cloth bag with one handle. The pattern for the school bags is available in the Church Office. (Value with items in cloth bag $12 plus $2 shipping) (Value with items in plastic bag $9 plus $2 shipping) Empty school bag (Value $3 plus donation for shipping). Holy Week at First UMC Palm Sunday () Traditional Worship at 9:00 a.m. Casual Service at 11:15 a.m. Maundy Thursday Service (April 7:00 p.m.) Good Friday Service (April 19 at 7:00 p.m.) Easter Sunday () Traditional Worship at 9:00 a.m. Casual Service at 11:15 a.m. Children and Youth Easter Program on Sunday, th

5 Children s Ministry News: Dear Parents: We have some VERY special events coming up! Please mark your calendars. For more information about these events, please refer to the Newsletter your child will bring home, the church s website ( or our Facebook page (First United Methodist Church Sioux City - Children). Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have (scfirst.children@gmail.com). Ms. Amanda DATES TO REMEMBER March 6th - 6:45 p.m. Family Ash Wednesday Service th - 10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Easter program rehearsal March 27th - 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Easter program rehearsal st - 10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Easter program rehearsal April 3rd - 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (dinner provided) Final Easter program rehearsal th - 9:00 a.m. Service, Only EASTER PROGRAM (No Sunday School) April 17th - 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Easter Egg Hunt st Easter (No Sunday School) April 24th - 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. End of the year pizza/game night Starting on the Disciple s Path John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, believed that Christianity could not be done alone. We are offering you the chance to build a connection with God and others to strengthen your walk with God. This study, called A Disciple s Path, helps you on your path as a United Methodist disciple of Jesus Christ. It is perfect for you, whether you are just starting out as a United Methodist and considering being a part of our congregation or if you have been a life-long member. The study is a guide that focuses on the 5 commitments we make in our church. Commitments of prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. This study will help you develop spiritual practices, discover your unique gifts, and engage in ministry that brings transformation to your own life, the lives of others, and the world. This study can also lead you to be a part of an Accountability Group here at First UMC. An Accountability Group is a group of you and three friends committed to each other and God. In these groups, you will have short daily readings, meet together twice a month, and support each other as you work to navigate your Disciple s Path towards God. We are offering these times for this 7-week study: Sundays at 10:15am. Wednesdays at 11am. For more information, contact Allison or Neil. th - 10:00 a.m. Teacher Appreciation Brunch

6 Accountability Groups Will Be Starting in the New Year! Accountability Groups are at the heart and foundation of Methodism. They are groups of 3-4 people who are committed to helping each other grow in and live out their faith. They will meet twice a month, allowing time to reflect and respond to what happens at each meeting. Each meeting will cycle through a different aspect of our discipleship: prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Group members share about what God is saying or doing in their lives. As members share, you will pray for one another and listen for what God may be saying to you to share with that person. As the meeting ends, each person will share something they feel led to attempt before the next meeting (i.e. praying for 5 minutes each day, fasting for lunch on Wednesdays, volunteering to be a Sunday school teacher, etc.) When you next meet, you will share your successes and encourage each other if it did not go as well as planned. These groups are a wonderful way to strengthen your relationship with God, yourself, and with others. They are a building block of discipleship and a great way to connect with others in the faith. Prayerfully consider being in an Accountability Group a part of your spiritual walk. To learn more about accountability groups or find out how to be a part of one, talk to Allison Padley-Shapira, our Discipleship Coordinator following worship in the Mason Room, by (ajpadley@gmail.com) or cell phone at SYMPTOMS: Do you break out into a sweat at the mention of being in an Accountability Group? Does your mouth turn to sawdust when it comes your turn to share? To pray? PRESCRIPTION: Take this test to see if you are ready to belong to an Accountability Group. If you answer yes on 6 out of the 8 questions below, you are probably ready to take the plunge. 1. Are you looking for a place where you can deal with the serious questions in your life right now? 2. Are you open to the possibility that God has something special in your life? 3. Are you able to admit that you do not have all the answers about the Bible? God? Your own life? 4. Are you able to let others have questions about the Bible or God? 5. Are you willing to accept people in the group that are Prodigal Sons and have a long way to go in their spiritual faith? 6. Are you willing to keep anything that is shared in this group in strict confidence? 7. Are you willing to share in the responsibility for the group and to support group members in your prayers? 8. Are you excited about the possibilities of belonging to a group that could make a difference in your life? Fellowship Schedule thru March March 17 Families last name A-Be Families last name Bi-C Families last name D, E & F 2018 Year End Financial Report - Everything is Paid The exact final figures are in. First UMC finished 2018 with... All of our bills paid. Our Conference Apportionments paid. We did not need to use any of our savings to pay bills. THANK YOU for making a difference in the lives of children, youth, and adults, both inside this church and in the neighborhood, city, state and world! This $2,681 surplus will go toward our 2019 budget as we continue to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.. Donate to Public Radio (FM90 - KWIT) and Also Help Our Church at No Additional Cost KWIT-KOJI FM90 offers you an opportunity to help our church and FM90 Public Radio. For each pledge of $250 to KWIT-KOJI, First United Methodist Church will receive 20 free announcements (called Paid Promotional Announcements or PPA s.) If you normally pledge $500 to KWIT-KOJI, the church will get a total of 40 free announcements. A pledge of $1000 gets the church 80 free announcements, and so on. This can be done with the pledge you already make to KWIT-KOJI. All you need to do is fill out a form you can get at the Church Office. It does not cost you or the church any more money. For more information, contact the Church Office ( ) or speak with Pastor Roger.

7 Church Cancellation Policy This is a reminder of how we notify people about cancellations. If there is a cancellation of worship services (or other events): 1. It will be listed on our web site ( main page and/or under cancellations. 2. Will try and the church members when there is a cancellation. 3. Have it on the church answering machine as soon as possible after the decision is made. The church phone number is We will post it on our church Facebook page (First United Methodist Church - Sioux City) We have not used the television stations for the past few years because it may or may not get on. God has blessed you with reason so whatever the weather, please use that blessing in making your decision. Two New Books in Our Church Library The Hidden Life by Kitty Crenshaw and Cathy Snapp, PhD This book is a work of love, revealing the many facets of Betty, a remarkable women; her life story, her insights and guidance and her beautiful poetry. Betty Skinner will touch your heart in profound and healing ways. When Did Everybody Else Get So Old? By Jennifer Grant This book is an unblinking look at the transitions of middle age. It plumbs the physical, spiritual, and emotional changes unique to the middle years: from the emptying nest to the sagging effects of aging. Magnetic, goodhumored, and full of hope in the sustaining power of the Spirit, this is a must-read for anyone facing the flux and flow of the forties and beyond. Another New Book in the Church Library Threading My Prayer Rug by Sabeeha Rehman One women s journey from Pakistani Muslim to American Muslim a richly textured reflection on what it is to be a Muslim in America today. Where Moms Connect meets Wednesdays at 6pm (During JAMZ) in the Library Moms will gain a supportive, Bible-based perspective on all kinds of life and parenting matters that will support them through the ups and downs, no matter what type of family you are a part of. The church offers built-in childcare with our Wednesday evening JAMZ (Jesus and Me Zone) kid s program. Moms gather in the Library as this year they study the book Jesus Calling. There is no charge. Contact Kim Wauhob if you want more information. Ever Take Piano Lessons? Want to Help Children Learn Basic Piano? Hunt Elementary School (Hunt) and First United Methodist Church (First UMC) have been in partnership with each other for over 15 years. Hunt has used the church facilities for concerts and school programs. The church also realizes that Hunt is an Arts+ school and would like to help students develop their musical ability. Last year, we started a program where children in grades 3-5 would be offered the opportunity to take beginning piano lessons. The class is on Mondays right after school gets out beginning at 2:45 Each round of classes lasts 6 weeks. The first round of classes will be from Oct. 8 - Nov. 12, A second round of classes would be from Jan. 7 - Feb. 11, 2019, and a third round from March 4 - April 8, There is a new group of students with each round. All Students participating meet with an adult to walk the students from Hunt to First UMC. Students would arrive at First UMC around 2:40 and prepare to take their piano lesson from 2:45-3:30. There is a volunteer piano teacher instructing 2 children at one time (using one piano). We currently have 6 pianos to use so that would mean a total of 12 students per round and 6 volunteer piano teachers. Piano teachers would be volunteers who have musical experience and would be mentoring the students. Volunteer teachers (even those who volunteered last year) need to pass background checks from the Sioux City Community School District (Forms are available in the church office). You can help teach 1, 2, or all 3, 6-class sessions. The costs for materials is covered from grants and donations. There is no cost to the student or school district. You can also show your interest by contacting the church office or filling out a yellow Worship Response Sheet. Please pray if God is calling you to help in this ministry

8 In Worship This Week: Sunday, March 17 th Leadership: Rev. Roger Madden Worship Assistant: Tom Padgett 9:00 Greeters: Howard and Karen Nelson 11:15 Ushers/Greeter: Cindy Lewin Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) Sermon: The 3-Leaf Life 9:00 Usher Team: #6, George and Dawn Kibby, leaders Fellowship Time: Families A-Be The past three months sermons (in audio) and sermon notes are available on our web site at From Sunday, March 10 th Attendance 9:00 a.m. 102 Sunday School: 18 11:15 a.m. 46 African Worship: French Service: 39 Operating Fund: $ 4, Designated Fund: $ Missions Fund: $ Youth Group: $ From Sunday, March 3 rd Attendance 9:00 a.m. 102 Sunday School: 5 11:15 a.m. 50 African Worship: 19 French Service: 47 Operating Fund: $ 6, Designated Fund: $ Missions Fund: $ Youth Group: $ Greeters for the 9:00 Traditional Worship Steve and Trish Billups Bob and Sue Gwin Bob and Kaye Rasmus Scott and Laura Gerkin Glen and Dora Houts Greeters for the 11:15 Casual Celebration Service Pam Rees family Don and Cheri Wood Greg and Janet Young Bryan and Stephanie Durston family Jonathan and Alexandria Searls family Wayne and Kelly Carter Usher Team for the 9:00 Traditional Worship #1, Marvin Sorensen, leader #2, Mitch Merrill, leader #3, George Taylor, leader #4, Lonnie Gustafson, leader #5, Mary Stoneburg, leader #6, George and Dawn Kibby, leaders Fellowship Schedule thru March Families last name Bi-C Families last name D, E & F Families last name G & H Families last name I, J & K Families last name L-Ma Families last name Mc-N

9 Worship Assistants for the 9:00 Traditional Worship Kandi Custer Mitch Merrill Youth Group Ellen Ayers Judy Lilly David Chobar Organists David Chobar Jane Sibley COMMITTEE POSITIONS AT FIRST UMC, SIOUX CITY A Brief Description of Responsibilities We have a Unified Meeting night where all regularly scheduled committees meet on the Fourth Tuesday of the month from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., with Administrative Council following at 8:00 p.m. Also, some committees only meet as necessary, so there may be some months that they will not meet. ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL (Regular meeting, 4 th Tuesday, 8:00 p.m.) Responsible for overall management of the congregations s ministries. Initiates planning, receives reports, sets objectives and goals, authorizes action and expenditures of funds, determines church policy, evaluates the church s ministries, reviews the state of the church. STAFF-PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE (meet as needed) Supervises and evaluates the work of all paid church staff members (Pastor, office secretary, custodian, organist, personnel). Assists staff members in prioritizing their tasks and scheduling their time. Acts as a communicator and interpreter of concerns, needs, and feelings between the staff members and the congregation. Initiates salaries of staff members annually. Evaluates pastoral performance and makes recommendations annually to the District Superintendent about the pastors re-appointment. FINANCE COMMITTEE (meet as needed, 7:00 p.m.) Promotes responsible stewardship of time, talents, gifts, and service. Responsible for compiling and proposing the annual operating budget of the church, with input from persons and groups who have budget askings. TRUSTEES (Regular meeting - 4 th Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.) Responsible for the management and supervision of all property of the congregation. Cares for maintenance, insurance, repairs, new construction, remodeling, security, building use policy, and custodial staff and supplies. Responsible for all bequests left to the church. ENDOWMENT FUND COMMITTEE (Meet as needed, once or twice a year) Oversee the investment and use of the church s Endowment Fund and the interest accumulated from the fund. EDUCATION COMMITTEE (Meet as needed, 4 th Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.) Responsible for planned and organized Christian Education Programs for all ages in the church, including Church School, JAMZ, Youth Fellowship, Camps, Vacation Bible School, and Christian Education activities. Enlists, trains and supports the Education staff. Obtains and cares for materials and equipment in the Education Department. Promotes higher education.

10 HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE (every other month, 7:00 p.m.) - They organize ways to care for the post high school youth of our church who are away at college, often through mailings. MISSIONS COMMITTEE (meet as needed, 7:00 p.m.) Advocates and promotes the mission program of the United Methodist Church, locally and worldwide. Informs and educates the congregation about missions. Provides opportunities for financial giving to missions. Our church budget for 2019 is $368,144. This is an decrease of $21,610 from our 2018 budget. For those who would like to see a budget, here is a graph of our 2019 budget as approved at the October Charge Conference. Detailed budgets are available from the church office. WORSHIP COMMITTEE (meet as needed, 7:00 p.m.) Cares for the worship life of the congregation, in cooperation with the pastors and music staff. Oversees the settings of worship, worship schedules, studies of worship by the congregation, lay participants in worship, the Christmas sanctuary decorating, and content as well as planning for events throughout the church liturgical year. COMMUNION STEWARDS (Meet as needed) Prepare and help the pastors administer Communion at the worship services. Communion is currently planned to be offered every other month I realize that while God knows all of my thoughts and my talents, that other people cannot read my mind. I am interested in serving God and my church through the following Committee(s): - Administrative Council - Staff-Parish Relations Committee - Finance Committee - Trustees - Endowment Fund Committee - Education Committee - Higher Education Committee - Missions Committee - Worship Commission - Communion Stewards Name Phone # Street City State Zip Code You may respond by placing this in the offering plate, mailing it back to the church (1915 Nebraska, 51104), ing your desire (scfirst@msn.com) or telephoning the Church Office ( ). Please prayerfully fill out the Commitment Sheet (found on the other side of this) and return it to the church today or when it is convenient for you. If you traditionally do not fill out a Commitment Sheet, that is okay as well. What financial gift(s) you give to Jesus through church is a very private decision. So no matter what your decision --- whether you are able to increase your pledge, to maintain your present pledge amount, or whether you choose to make a pledge at all... Thank You for giving this matter serious and prayerful consideration in giving Jesus your gift(s) and making a difference in the lives of others through First UMC.

11 G I V I N G D I R E C T I O N S H E E T To carry on God s work, to make a difference in my life and the lives of others, and to help maintain my Church s strength by keeping it financially strong, after prayerful consideration, I promise, with God s help, to give to Christ s ministry through First UMC for 2019 as follows: I will support the ministries of First UMC regularly and estimate my gifts to average: $ weekly or $ monthly or $ Yearly. I will give a total of $ ministries through First UMC. for 2019 towards Christ s I do not make formal pledges but I will support First UMC. I am unable to commit to a specific amount, but I resolve to give to the Lord s work on a regular basis. Name Address City State Zip Phone: Cell Date: / / // Home: First United Methodist Church 1915 Nebraska Street Sioux City, Iowa Telephone: (712) scfirst@msn.com Website: This commitment to ministry may be revised or cancelled at any time Easter Lily Order Form It is that time of the year again to decorate our sanctuary for Easter Sunday with lilies. The plants are 6" pots and have 4-6 blooms. The cost is $15.00 per plant. If you would like to provide an Easter Lily(ies), please fill out this form and place it in the offering plate, or turn it in to the church office. Payment must accompany the order form. Please make checks payable to First United Methodist Church. Name of Person(s) Donating: Given in Memory Of: In Honor Of: To The Glory of God: Amount Paid: $