Here @ First - November

united methodist church

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FIRST November 2017

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A sanctuary of Christian hope, love and encouragement in the heart of Sioux Falls.

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FIRST

NOVEMBER 2017 Distributed by First United Methodist Church

IN THIS ISSUE 3

EXECUTIVE STAFF Senior Pastor Bob Ruedebusch Executive Assistant Pam Knuth

Letter From Pastor Bob

CONNECT @ FIRST

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Minister of Children, Youth & Family Andrea Johnson High School Coordinator Curtis Mittendorf

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How to Get Through the Holidays

Children’s Coordinator/Kidstop Director Kassidi Smith

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Calendar of Events

Connections Director Lynne Jones

WORSHIP @ FIRST Modern Worship Director Pastor Taylor Johnson Traditional/Unity Worship Director Kelby Fode Organist Marcia Klimes

CARE @ FIRST Minister of Pastoral Care Pastor Bill Schmeling

SUPPORT STAFF @firstchurchsf

Director of Administration Tami Prostrollo Financial Administrator Sarah Callahan

@firstchurchsf

Receptionist Jeri Floyd

SiouxFallsFirstUMC

Administrative/Foundation Assistant Jill Johnson Librarian Cynthia McConniel

www.sfumc.org

FACILITY MANAGEMENT

firstchurchsf

Facilities Director Jacob Forstein

@firstchurchsf

Custodians Don Jones, Tovia Forstein, Donna Plank United Day Care Director Judy Jacobs

(cover photo of children’s choir, 2017)

A sanctuary of Christian hope, love and encouragement in the heart of Sioux Falls.

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EQUIPPING the SAINTS with Senior Pastor Bob Ruedebusch I want to share two powerful experiences of Thanksgiving we have had here at First UMC! Beyond the Building: Believing in the Future Capital Campaign has been a great thing for our congregation! We raised over $1.3 million dollars along with some in-kind gifts as well as a $100,000 gift from the Foundation our total campaign raised over $1.5 million dollars! To God Be the Glory!

Because of the gifts received we are remodeling the Chapel, Round Table Room (Old Fellowship Hall), Multi-Purpose Room and the Fireplace Room. We have upgraded all our heating, cooling and have completely upgrade our technology so we have Wi-Fi throughout the building. What a great joy it will be to see these updated rooms and improved infrastructure to enhance our ministry of hope, love and encouragement. It is in thanksgiving that we celebrate this great investment in our future.

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We are happy to announce a gift given to our church for $850,000 by the William Leopard family.

Bill stipulated that the gift would be split between our church library and general expenses of our church. William (Bill) Leopard, his wife Mary and daughter Susan were long time members of First UMC. Bill was the publisher of the Argus Leader.

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The Leopard family has made a strong commitment to the future of our church and we are grateful to God and the Leopard family for this gift. With that, our Bequest Committee and Church Council have worked hard and laying out a plan for this transformational gift.

The approved items are as follows: 1. We will move the Library to the first-floor youth and children ministry offices and the nursery.

We will move the staff up to where the Library is presently located. We will remodel the cry

room behind the sanctuary and the Memorial room into a nursery area with a larger space and bathroom facilities. ($150,000) We welcome Cynthia McConnell as our part time paid Librarian.

We will rename the library the William Leopard Family Library.

An annual amount for the Library will be in the operating budget funded by the gift. ($1,000) The Staff-Parish will hire a 2-year part time staff position in the area of Mission/Serve First. ($25,000) Funds will be held in reserve for a future 2nd site/satellite location as part of our future vision. ($50,000) All remaining funds will be left in the care of the Foundation for future transformational programing and critical needs for the church and library.

Thanksgiving is a marvelous time of reflecting on the goodness of God! We here at First UMC are truly blessed with reflections of generosity and love. God continues to breakthrough in the life of our church. Sometimes all one can say is, Thanks!

Celebrating God’s goodness together,

Pastor Bob

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Grow @ First

Wednesday Nights

The place to be!

We have supper, children’s choir, confirmation class, kid’s games in the multi-purpose room… it’s a happening place.

Along with all those things, we gather together for worship from 6:30-7 p.m. The service has time of prayer, singing, scripture, a message, and offering.

It is a highly interactive, participatory, intergenerational worship service (we might

Offering Their Hearts to God One of the special things that has come out of the worship service is the offering time.

Each week everyone is given the opportunity to offer something by writing it down on paper.

I have been brought to smiles, laughter and tears from the outpouring of people’s hearts to God. It is evident that God is at work in the hearts and lives of those coming to worship on Wednesdays.

If you are free on a Wednesday evening, join us! ~ Pastor Andrea Johnson

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even celebrate your birthday… right, Rod Gist?).

The Scripture is the same text as the previous Sunday with a short message that always challenges us to “do” something with what we have heard.

The Children’s choir (shown on the magazine cover) sings every 1st and 3rd Wednesday. We are planning to get more youth involved in leading in worship as well.

Worship @ First

Build Your Kingdom Here “But get me a musician.” And then, while the musician was playing, the power of the LORD came on him. ~ 2 Kings 3:15 It’s Sunday, and as I walk into the doors of First church I am feeling anticipation.

Anticipation of what kinds of wonderful music I will hear this morning.

• Will I hear the organ playing with the praise band… does any other church do anything that awesome?!

• Will I hear one of our talented singers in a solo or duet… we have so much talent!

• Will I hear the choir sing one of their amazing anthems, all the while thinking… do they really only rehearse once a week!?

• Will The Light Band invite me to sing along with a song I hear on the radio… love singing the songs I know!

• The answer is YES! I will hear all this almost every Sunday!

The musical traditions run deep. From the talented organists, to the amazing bell choir, from the Chancel Choir to the praise band, from the Children’s Choir to the modern band and all the small groups in between. We have a past, a present, and a future of incredible music!

Just a few “fun facts” from our musical history: • In 1956, the story is told that “the congregation enjoyed singing “The Church’s One Foundation” and other songs in the out-of-doors.” This took place during the ground breaking of the Educational Wing and Chapel.

• In 1960 the organ, which had 1611 pipes, was rebuilt.

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• Starting in the 70’s the Youth annually created and performed a Worship Caravan.

• The first hand-bell choir is formed in 1980.

• New tracker action mechanical pipe organ built and installed in 1990 plus the choir area was enlarged.

The talent pool here is unlimited and keeps growing. Incorporating the traditional hymns with modern praise and everything in between is a huge attraction and a perfect way to start a conversation and an invitation to others to come and visit us here at this church that we love. Music is a wondrous way to worship! Year after year the music continues to be an inspirational piece of the worship experience.

Just one listen to the excitement of hearing “Build Your Kingdom Here” sung by the congregation, children, choir and band and you cannot help but be hooked on First church!

~ by Pam Knuth

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Serve @ First

Church on the Street Church on the Street is a church whose mission and reality is to minister to, with, and for the homeless and impoverished community of Sioux Falls.

As people of Christ, it is our work to tell people the Good News and to build a faith community where God’s people seek hope that is found only in the message of Jesus Christ, while finding encouragement, purpose and strength.

As Church on the Street is a church without walls, our worship is affected by the weather. Not only our worship, but our communities’ lives.

About a month ago, our newest “church on the streeter” was born. Although she has no home, she does have a family of faith and was welcomed into the kingdom of God through Holy Baptism at our last worship. We were privileged to meet them at their point of need and that through Church on the Street, they understood the importance of this sacrament.

Even while living through their daily hardship, Julliette’s mother continues to praise God. Please keep them and Church on the Street in your prayers as we continue to meet people at their point of need, and attempt to love and serve each one of them, while preaching a powerful Gospel message. ~ by Pastor Rebel Hurd, Church on the Street

Warm Hands and Warm Hearts

For the November Mission of the Month we are joining Church on the Street in bringing Warm Hands and Warm Hearts to the unhoused of Sioux Falls. We are collecting items to be packaged and distributed in November.

• Warm Gloves • Warm Hats • Warm Scarfs

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• Hand Warmers • Slim Jims • Snack Bars

KidStop History KidStop Afterschool and Summer Program began in 1989 at First United Methodist Church as a small afterschool drop-in program for local youth.

As the years went by and the neighborhood demographics changed, those involved with Kidstop recognized its importance as a staple for the neighborhood children, keeping them safe and out of trouble.

The program grew, incorporating tutoring, structured educational activities and life skill lessons.

KidStop Now Today, KidStop is a state licensed afterschool program that transports over 45 children from Lowell and Hawthorne elementary schools to First United Methodist Church during their out-of-school time.

Thanks to support from First United Methodist Church and Sioux Empire United Way, KidStop is able to offer services free of charge to low-income children who qualify.

KidStop Future After witnessing the positive impact this program has made year after year, it is KidStop’s goal to continue growing and serving children in need with quality out-ofschool time care. In 2018, we hope to raise our number of children served to 60. ~ by Kassidi Smith, KidStop Director

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Care @ First

How to Get Through the Holidays

M y grandmother often said to me, “all that glitters is not gold”.

by Cheryl Schmeling That alone taught me to look deeper. Sometimes for most of us, holiday sparkle and gladness is really holiday sadness. Some of us are totally on our own, some of us feel the hurt of alienation from family, or geographical distance from loved ones. The recent death or anniversary of a spouse or child’s loss may wound our heart severely.

Where do we go to find comfort? When Jesus lived with His disciples, when he healed the sick and preached His Father’s good news, He was still alone. Except … when Jesus faced the world, He knew to do it with His Father’s strength. He went off by Himself and prayed. Where do we got to find comfort? To the same place Jesus did — ­ His Father and the Holy Spirit.

There is a reason the Church — your Church ­— is called the body of Christ. If you go to your Church at the holidays you will find love, understanding, and care. If you need your Church to come to you — just ask. They will come to comfort you.

Sunday, December 10, at 3 p.m., there will be a special “Service of Remembrance” for any and all of us who need and seek comfort as we remember loved ones during the holidays. You are invited to receive the comfort that Jesus makes available, especially at holiday time.

B e near me Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay,

Close by me forever and love me I pray… ~ Away in a Manger

Service of Remembrance 3 pm — ­ Chapel All are welcome

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NOV 29

DEC 2

SPAGHETTI DINNER AND LIGHTING OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE

WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS TEA 2 pm — ­ Multi-Purpose Room

Beginning at 5:30 pm ­— Multi-Purpose Room

DEC 10

DEC 13

SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE

ALL AGES CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

3 pm ­— Chapel

Beginning at 6 pm ­— Multi-Purpose Room

DEC 16

DEC 20

CHURCH ON THE STREET

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT MODERN CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

11 am — The Ministry Center

6:30 pm ­— Multi-Purpose Room

DEC 21 CANDLELIT TRADITIONAL SERVICE WITH THE CHANCEL CHOIR 6:30 pm ­— Multi-Purpose Room

DEC 24 Christmas Eve Services

11 am The Light Modern Candlelit Service in the Multi-Purpose Room 3 pm Family Service 5 pm Candlelit Unity Service with the Unity Praise Band 7 pm Candlelit Traditional Service with the Chancel Choir 11 pm Candlelit Traditional in the Chapel

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NEW MEMBERS

WEEKLY AVERAGE ATTENDANCE

454

RESIDENT FULL MEMBERS

896

A look back at the operations portion of the church show that we are running a little behind on our budgeted stewardship giving.

As of October 31st, we have received $781,691 in giving. According to budgeted expenses and other programs we have spent $833,975.

781,691

833,975

Offering vs Expenses YTD

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DEATHS YTD

EXPENSES OFFERING

However, the income has fallen short $52,284 so far for the year, yet the church operations is within budget year to date.

Have you returned your 20185 Estimate of Giving Card?

Why is it important to take this step? Our prayerful, intentional efforts to ask God for insight, and then act upon our decision, will express our love and gratitude for God in a personal and tangible way. Our estimate of giving confirms our desire to be fruitful. It also enables the church to implement ministries throughout the year. To help us live into our God given vision and mission we are seeking a 5% increase to guide our generosity in service to God. Giving calls us to put our trust in God as we give away resources we think we need.

You can get an estimate of giving card in the church office or go online to www.sfumc.org/give

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sfumc to

77977 You can give online at www.sfumc.org 10

Deep Thoughts with Curtis

This is one of my favorite times of the year.

I absolutely love the way the weather gets colder and the leaves start to fall and how all of creation sort of bows in preparation for winter.

I’m thankful to live in a part of the world where you can easily see the seasons change by what is happening to the world outside your window.

This is a time of the year where my mind tends to wander a bit more, despite the increase in activities. I find the increased time spent inside translates to an increase in spending time with God, and I don’t think I’m alone in those findings.

Around now we start to take a tally of what it is we are thankful for; things like good health, friends, family, a roof over our heads, and a big hot meal (or several!). I find it fascinating how we are asked to count our blessings around Thanksgiving and then a month later we celebrate the birth of our savior.

I don’t think it’s an accident that these two holidays are so close together. So when you gather around your Thanksgiving table and tell your family what you are thankful for, remember to lift up how thankful you are for your savior.

Thank you, God, for Jesus. For his birth, his life, his teachings, his death in our place, his resurrection, his grace, and for his place in our lives. We recognize that because of Jesus, we can never be the same. ~ Curtis Mittendorf, High School Coordinator

“Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love endures forever!” ~ 1 Chronicles 16:34

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FIRST

United Methodist Church

First United Methodist Church 401 S. Spring Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57104-4398 605-336-3652

Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit #606 Sioux Falls, SD

E-mail: fumc@sfumc.org Website: www.sfumc.org Address Service Requested

Thank You!

Thank you for your support at the 59 Annual First UMC Turkey Dinner!! th

It was a wonderful day filled with delicious food, warm hearts and generous giving!

All the profits from Turkey Dinner, Silent Auction and the Country Store are used for Youth Mission Projects.

In July of 2018, the Youth will be traveling to Puerto Rico where help is needed now more than ever!

Thank you all for helping to give our Youth an incredible opportunity as they continue to learn and grow in their faith. We are helping make Disciples of Jesus Christ!

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