January media 2015

January 2015

The Media is produced monthly by First United Methodist Church, Sioux Falls, S.D. A sanctuary of Christian hope, love and encouragement in the heart of Sioux Falls.

Reel Faith pg. 2 First Underground pg. 2 Banquet Breakfast Ministry pg. 2 Mission of the Month pg. 3 U.M.W. pg. 4 S.A.G.E.S pg. 5 Middle School Youth pg. 6 Our Church Family pg. 7 Children’s Music Ministry pg. 8 FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 401 S. Spring Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 OFFICE PHONE: 605-336-3652 WEBSITE: www.sfumc.org

Lost and Found Everyone has lost something at one time or another. There is even a website now at www. lostandfound.com that acts as a global ‘lost and found’ box. Users can report items missing and users can report items found.

It is a good example of how technology can help people connect in a useful way. This is a gateway site for all of the physical things that can be retrieved and returned to their rightful owners. According to their statistics, about twice as many objects have been reported lost as have been reported found in the U.S. So, the site’s users are losing things at twice the rate they

are finding them.

Haven’t we all had the

PASTOR BOB RUEDEBUSCH Senior Pastor First United Methodist Church

experience of losing things that we know deep down we will never recover?

Depending on the situation, we can feel disappointed, heartbroken, hopeless, or simply discouraged by our own inability to keep up with things. Isn’t it a wonderful relief to know that we will never fall into the ‘Lost Forever’ category?

Our sermon series for the month of January is “Lost and Found” based

Bishop Bruce Ough preaching at First UMC on Sunday January 25

We are excited and pleased to have Bishop Bruce Ough coming to be with us on Sunday January 25th. As part of our 5 prescriptions, Bishop Ough agreed to come and lead us in a worship of prayers for repentance and renewal, living into God’s preferred future for our church. We look forward to having Bishop Ough with us!

on the series of Jesus’ parables found in Luke Chapter 15. The setting is that the Pharisees and religious people of the day are grumbling about Jesus welcoming and eating with “sinners”. Jesus then tells these 3 parables to describe the overwhelming grace and love of God. Do you have a neighbor or co-worker or friend who feels they are lost? Why not invite them to come to worship with you this month to hear the good news of God’s love!

Way to Go Church!!!!!

It is in praise and thanksgiving to God that we announce that our Christmas and Christmas Eve offering totaled $30, 915.39! This will be our gift to the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House. Likewise, we finished our financial year in a positive position. Thank you to everyone who stepped out in faith to help us really be a sanctuary of Christian hope, love and encouragement in the heart of Sioux Falls!

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The Media • January 2015 • Page 3

“REEL FAITH” FEATURE “42” - The Jackie Robinson Story Sunday, January 11th, 6:30 p.m.

Friendship Room “42” in a 2013 American biographical sports film written and directed by Brian Helgeland about the racial integration of American profession baseball by player Jackie Robinson, who wore jersey number 42 through his Major League career. The film stars Chadwick Boseman as Robinson and Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey. The film tells the story of Jackie Robinson and, under the guidance of team executive Branch Rickey, Robinson’s signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers to become the first African-American player to break the baseball color barrier. The story focuses mostly on the 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers season and somewhat on Robinson’s 1946 season with the Montreal Royals, which emphasize his battles with racism. Bring your favorite movie snack to share and enjoy a free evening at the movies followed by brief discussion. Everyone welcome!

January Book Studies Join us in January for two new and exciting series Forgiveness

Join Pastor Bob in studying the book Forgiveness, by Adam Hamilton. “If your enemies are starving, feed them some bread; if they are thirsty, give them water to drink.” Proverbs 24:17 (CEB) - There is nothing more crippling than holding on to anger. Anger, more than any other emotion, has the power to consume all aspects of our lives, distort our sense of purpose, and destroy our relationship with God. Join us as we study how important the Christian tradition of forgiveness is in our lives.

Join us Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. or online. Call the office for more information and to sign up.

Loving God

Join Donna Kuper in a continuation of our series “Journey 101” Loving God. Starting Sunday January 11th, Donna will be teaching what it means to develop a deep and loving faith in God. Sundays at 10:15 a.m. in the Friendship Room. Call the office for more info and to sign up.

First Underground

The young adult Bible study has made a few changes this fall. We have changed to a worship service with a Bible study component and have changed our name to First Underground with our location in the basement of the Gourley Building downtown (6th and Main). The night begins with music, followed by a short message from Pastor Sara, splitting into small groups to dig deeper and gathering together again. It’s been a great change and we are excited to see where this ministry continues to grow.

Banquet Breakfast Ministry

Thank you to our December volunteers and to all those who gave money and especially the cookies! It was a great night and we served 396 guests! What a blessing.

January 27th is our next breakfast opportunity. If you haven’t volunteered for this ministry, we would love to have you join us! Please let the church office or Pastor Sara know if you’d like to prepare (6 volunteers needed at 5:30 a.m.) or serve (25 volunteers needed at 6:30 a.m.) We are also looking for someone to sponsor the January breakfast. If you would like to know more, please contact Pastor Sara (pastorsara@sfumc.org)

Kidstop would like to give a huge thank you to everyone who supported us in 2014. Thank you to “Blest Be The Tie That Binds” group for donating 23 quilts as Christmas gifts, the FUMC Youth Ministry for raising enough money to provide 23 teddy bears to go with those quilts, and to the generous congregation and community members for donating supplies and funding year round and honoring us as Mission of the Month in December. Your investment in Kidstop and the children of our community means the world to us!

Kassidi Smith Kidstop Executive Director

Conference Meals for Lowell Elementary

We are working with Lowell Elementary to provide meals for the staff during their February parentteacher conferences. Lowell doesn’t have an active PTA, so the staff often goes without dinner on conference nights. We will be providing dinner on Tuesday, February 3 and Thursday, February 5, from 3:00 – 7:00 pm both nights.

Please prayerfully consider how you will help: • Pray for the staff, students, and their families • Write a note of encouragement to a teacher (name/grade taught will be provided so the note can be personalized. We can even provide you with cards.)

• Financially sponsor part or all of one of the catered meals (average cost is $350) • Financially sponsor items for the goodie bags we provide for each teacher • Serve the meal on Feb. 3 or Feb. 5 (1 hour shift) • Help with teacher/classroom projects on Feb. 3 or Feb. 5 Please stop by the Sign Up Station and fill out a Ministry Partner commitment form for Lowell Conferences and turn it into the church office.

January Mission of the Month: Union Gospel Mission Since 1900 Union Gospel Mission is dealing with more people than ever before. Last year alone, we served over 99,000 meals and provided over 27,400 nights lodging to men, women and children. As we offer plate after plate of hot nutrition food, we see smiles and hear thank you from many guests. They eagerly

receive what is offered to them and gratefully acknowledge this expression of love. For many of our guests it is opportunity to change their future, to find value in Christ and self- they have hope to go on. With the support of friends like you, we can touch hundreds of lives.

Total of November Mission of the Month: Feeding South Dakota $1911.00

Thank you

Over the holiday season, we as a staff, were very spoiled by many of you with cookies and Christmas goodies! Thank you very much for all the wonderful gifts and tasty treats!

We enjoyed them very much!

From the FUMC staff

Page 2 • January 2015 • The Media

The Media • January 2015 • Page 3

“REEL FAITH” FEATURE “42” - The Jackie Robinson Story Sunday, January 11th, 6:30 p.m.

Friendship Room “42” in a 2013 American biographical sports film written and directed by Brian Helgeland about the racial integration of American profession baseball by player Jackie Robinson, who wore jersey number 42 through his Major League career. The film stars Chadwick Boseman as Robinson and Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey. The film tells the story of Jackie Robinson and, under the guidance of team executive Branch Rickey, Robinson’s signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers to become the first African-American player to break the baseball color barrier. The story focuses mostly on the 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers season and somewhat on Robinson’s 1946 season with the Montreal Royals, which emphasize his battles with racism. Bring your favorite movie snack to share and enjoy a free evening at the movies followed by brief discussion. Everyone welcome!

January Book Studies Join us in January for two new and exciting series Forgiveness

Join Pastor Bob in studying the book Forgiveness, by Adam Hamilton. “If your enemies are starving, feed them some bread; if they are thirsty, give them water to drink.” Proverbs 24:17 (CEB) - There is nothing more crippling than holding on to anger. Anger, more than any other emotion, has the power to consume all aspects of our lives, distort our sense of purpose, and destroy our relationship with God. Join us as we study how important the Christian tradition of forgiveness is in our lives.

Join us Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. or online. Call the office for more information and to sign up.

Loving God

Join Donna Kuper in a continuation of our series “Journey 101” Loving God. Starting Sunday January 11th, Donna will be teaching what it means to develop a deep and loving faith in God. Sundays at 10:15 a.m. in the Friendship Room. Call the office for more info and to sign up.

First Underground

The young adult Bible study has made a few changes this fall. We have changed to a worship service with a Bible study component and have changed our name to First Underground with our location in the basement of the Gourley Building downtown (6th and Main). The night begins with music, followed by a short message from Pastor Sara, splitting into small groups to dig deeper and gathering together again. It’s been a great change and we are excited to see where this ministry continues to grow.

Banquet Breakfast Ministry

Thank you to our December volunteers and to all those who gave money and especially the cookies! It was a great night and we served 396 guests! What a blessing.

January 27th is our next breakfast opportunity. If you haven’t volunteered for this ministry, we would love to have you join us! Please let the church office or Pastor Sara know if you’d like to prepare (6 volunteers needed at 5:30 a.m.) or serve (25 volunteers needed at 6:30 a.m.) We are also looking for someone to sponsor the January breakfast. If you would like to know more, please contact Pastor Sara (pastorsara@sfumc.org)

Kidstop would like to give a huge thank you to everyone who supported us in 2014. Thank you to “Blest Be The Tie That Binds” group for donating 23 quilts as Christmas gifts, the FUMC Youth Ministry for raising enough money to provide 23 teddy bears to go with those quilts, and to the generous congregation and community members for donating supplies and funding year round and honoring us as Mission of the Month in December. Your investment in Kidstop and the children of our community means the world to us!

Kassidi Smith Kidstop Executive Director

Conference Meals for Lowell Elementary

We are working with Lowell Elementary to provide meals for the staff during their February parentteacher conferences. Lowell doesn’t have an active PTA, so the staff often goes without dinner on conference nights. We will be providing dinner on Tuesday, February 3 and Thursday, February 5, from 3:00 – 7:00 pm both nights.

Please prayerfully consider how you will help: • Pray for the staff, students, and their families • Write a note of encouragement to a teacher (name/grade taught will be provided so the note can be personalized. We can even provide you with cards.)

• Financially sponsor part or all of one of the catered meals (average cost is $350) • Financially sponsor items for the goodie bags we provide for each teacher • Serve the meal on Feb. 3 or Feb. 5 (1 hour shift) • Help with teacher/classroom projects on Feb. 3 or Feb. 5 Please stop by the Sign Up Station and fill out a Ministry Partner commitment form for Lowell Conferences and turn it into the church office.

January Mission of the Month: Union Gospel Mission Since 1900 Union Gospel Mission is dealing with more people than ever before. Last year alone, we served over 99,000 meals and provided over 27,400 nights lodging to men, women and children. As we offer plate after plate of hot nutrition food, we see smiles and hear thank you from many guests. They eagerly

receive what is offered to them and gratefully acknowledge this expression of love. For many of our guests it is opportunity to change their future, to find value in Christ and self- they have hope to go on. With the support of friends like you, we can touch hundreds of lives.

Total of November Mission of the Month: Feeding South Dakota $1911.00

Thank you

Over the holiday season, we as a staff, were very spoiled by many of you with cookies and Christmas goodies! Thank you very much for all the wonderful gifts and tasty treats!

We enjoyed them very much!

From the FUMC staff

Page 4 • January 2015 • The Media

The Media • January 2015 • Page 5

Thank you for the tremendous response to our Stock the Shelves collections in the first two months of this ministry!

To date, our donations have totaled 1,017 pounds!! That is AMAZING! As this ministry continues to grow, we need volunteers to help with this in future months. Would you be able to help?

• Sort and box up donated items on the Monday morning after collection Sunday.

• Deliver the donated items to the Food Pantry after they have been boxed and labeled.

• Prepare bags and hang them in the Sanctuary on the Thursday evening prior to bag pick-up on Sunday.

Please let Lynne Jones at jonesl@sfumc.org know if you are interested in helping with any of these tasks.

We continue our monthly food sorting on location at the Food Pantry. Our upcoming work days are January 16 and February 20. Please sign up at the Sign Up Station if you are able to help in this important ministry.

Heart Touch Ministry Luncheon

Who: All those currently serving in our Heart Touch Visitation ministry and anyone who is interested in finding out more about this important ministry.

What: Lunch and conversation When: Sunday, February 22, 2015; 12 – 1 pm Where: Lewis Friendship Room For more information or to RSVP, please contact Lynne Jones at jonesl@sfumc.org or 336-3652.

U.M.W.

January 15, 2015 Circle Meetings: Anna ~ No January Meeting Rachel ~ Joanie Keuser ~ 9:30 a.m.

Sarah ~ No meeting in January.

Nancy ~ Friendship Room ~ 7:00 p.m.

Rebecca ~ Fireplace Room ~ 7:00 p.m.

Faith Hope Love in Action

I want to thank everyone who helped to make the Christmas Tea such a success. Nancy Veglahn and Carol Ellston were awarded Special Mission Recognition Pins and Certificates for their dedication to our church and the women of the congregarion. Congratulations to Nancy and Carol and thank you for all you do.

Mary Jane Richardson

To all Women of First Church: DO MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 5TH, 11:45 AM, ROUNDTABLE DINING ROOM FAITH – HOPE – LOVE -- IN ACTION

Prayer Ministry Enhancements

In an effort to make our prayer ministry more effective, some enhancements to our prayer request card and the processing of those cards began this month. New prayer request cards have been placed in the pews, replacing the blue ones. If requested prayer requests will be lifted up in prayer for one week. Prayers for health and healing will appear in the Church Weekly for two weeks. All other requests appear for one week. Cancer treatment and military lists will be ongoing, and will be available on-line and in the Church Office. The process for handling prayer requests is outlined below: Where does your prayer request go?

Prayer Request card is filled out

Prayer Request is made via phone or email

Request received

by Prayer Ministry staff*

The S.A.G.E.S.

Senior Adults: Growing, Exploring, Serving The S.A.G.E.S. will meet on Wednesday, January 14, 11:30am -1:00pm in the Round Table Dining Room.

Chad Campbell will give us information about the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House.

Come to learn more about housing the homeless and others.

Devotions will be led by Doris Gist.

Please note: The $5.00 meal reservation deadline is Monday, January 12, at 4:00 p.m.

Please call the church office at 336-3652.

Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.

UMCOR Layette Kit Items

Heart Touch Prayer Team via email Pray for requests for one week

Pastors via email Pray for request and follow up by phone if requested

Care Card note writing team Write personal notes to requestors who provide contact info

Church sta ff Pray for requests during Tuesday morning staff meetings

Church Weekly** Congregation asked to pray for requests** *Confidential requests go directly to the pastors. ** Due to privacy concerns, requests can only be printed if they are made by the person to be prayed for or a member of their immediate household.

As part of these changes, we are asking our current Prayer Chain members to “re-up” for our Heart Touch Prayer Team if you are interested in continuing in this ministry. We also invite anyone else interested in being a part of this ministry to let Lynne Jones (jonesl@ sfumc.org) know so you can be added to the email distribution list.

Our Ingathering group is beginning to look ahead to Dakota Marketplace in the fall. We have decided to do like we did last year and feature certain kits during each quarter. So for January, February and March we would like to concentrate on the UMCOR Layette Kits.

Here are the items we need for the Layette Kits: Baby Sweaters open in the front, diaper pins, onesies, and baby washcloths. We buy the diapers in bulk and have someone who is sewing receiving blankets to complete the kits. These items can be dropped off in the office. If you have any questions about the UMCOR Kits, please contact Mary Jane Richardson at maryjane@sio.midco.net or check out the UMCOR website at www.umcor.org.

2014 STORYBOOK: If you were a chairperson for a ministry area, fellowship group, or committee this past year, please submit your information for the 2014 Storybook to Pam Knuth in a Word document to knuthp@sfumc.org by January 30th, 2015. Tell us about your group’s activities during the past year and some of your hopes for the future. Thank you!

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The Media • January 2015 • Page 5

Thank you for the tremendous response to our Stock the Shelves collections in the first two months of this ministry!

To date, our donations have totaled 1,017 pounds!! That is AMAZING! As this ministry continues to grow, we need volunteers to help with this in future months. Would you be able to help?

• Sort and box up donated items on the Monday morning after collection Sunday.

• Deliver the donated items to the Food Pantry after they have been boxed and labeled.

• Prepare bags and hang them in the Sanctuary on the Thursday evening prior to bag pick-up on Sunday.

Please let Lynne Jones at jonesl@sfumc.org know if you are interested in helping with any of these tasks.

We continue our monthly food sorting on location at the Food Pantry. Our upcoming work days are January 16 and February 20. Please sign up at the Sign Up Station if you are able to help in this important ministry.

Heart Touch Ministry Luncheon

Who: All those currently serving in our Heart Touch Visitation ministry and anyone who is interested in finding out more about this important ministry.

What: Lunch and conversation When: Sunday, February 22, 2015; 12 – 1 pm Where: Lewis Friendship Room For more information or to RSVP, please contact Lynne Jones at jonesl@sfumc.org or 336-3652.

U.M.W.

January 15, 2015 Circle Meetings: Anna ~ No January Meeting Rachel ~ Joanie Keuser ~ 9:30 a.m.

Sarah ~ No meeting in January.

Nancy ~ Friendship Room ~ 7:00 p.m.

Rebecca ~ Fireplace Room ~ 7:00 p.m.

Faith Hope Love in Action

I want to thank everyone who helped to make the Christmas Tea such a success. Nancy Veglahn and Carol Ellston were awarded Special Mission Recognition Pins and Certificates for their dedication to our church and the women of the congregarion. Congratulations to Nancy and Carol and thank you for all you do.

Mary Jane Richardson

To all Women of First Church: DO MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 5TH, 11:45 AM, ROUNDTABLE DINING ROOM FAITH – HOPE – LOVE -- IN ACTION

Prayer Ministry Enhancements

In an effort to make our prayer ministry more effective, some enhancements to our prayer request card and the processing of those cards began this month. New prayer request cards have been placed in the pews, replacing the blue ones. If requested prayer requests will be lifted up in prayer for one week. Prayers for health and healing will appear in the Church Weekly for two weeks. All other requests appear for one week. Cancer treatment and military lists will be ongoing, and will be available on-line and in the Church Office. The process for handling prayer requests is outlined below: Where does your prayer request go?

Prayer Request card is filled out

Prayer Request is made via phone or email

Request received

by Prayer Ministry staff*

The S.A.G.E.S.

Senior Adults: Growing, Exploring, Serving The S.A.G.E.S. will meet on Wednesday, January 14, 11:30am -1:00pm in the Round Table Dining Room.

Chad Campbell will give us information about the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House.

Come to learn more about housing the homeless and others.

Devotions will be led by Doris Gist.

Please note: The $5.00 meal reservation deadline is Monday, January 12, at 4:00 p.m.

Please call the church office at 336-3652.

Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.

UMCOR Layette Kit Items

Heart Touch Prayer Team via email Pray for requests for one week

Pastors via email Pray for request and follow up by phone if requested

Care Card note writing team Write personal notes to requestors who provide contact info

Church sta ff Pray for requests during Tuesday morning staff meetings

Church Weekly** Congregation asked to pray for requests** *Confidential requests go directly to the pastors. ** Due to privacy concerns, requests can only be printed if they are made by the person to be prayed for or a member of their immediate household.

As part of these changes, we are asking our current Prayer Chain members to “re-up” for our Heart Touch Prayer Team if you are interested in continuing in this ministry. We also invite anyone else interested in being a part of this ministry to let Lynne Jones (jonesl@ sfumc.org) know so you can be added to the email distribution list.

Our Ingathering group is beginning to look ahead to Dakota Marketplace in the fall. We have decided to do like we did last year and feature certain kits during each quarter. So for January, February and March we would like to concentrate on the UMCOR Layette Kits.

Here are the items we need for the Layette Kits: Baby Sweaters open in the front, diaper pins, onesies, and baby washcloths. We buy the diapers in bulk and have someone who is sewing receiving blankets to complete the kits. These items can be dropped off in the office. If you have any questions about the UMCOR Kits, please contact Mary Jane Richardson at maryjane@sio.midco.net or check out the UMCOR website at www.umcor.org.

2014 STORYBOOK: If you were a chairperson for a ministry area, fellowship group, or committee this past year, please submit your information for the 2014 Storybook to Pam Knuth in a Word document to knuthp@sfumc.org by January 30th, 2015. Tell us about your group’s activities during the past year and some of your hopes for the future. Thank you!

Page 6 • January 2015 • The Media

The Media • January 2015 • Page 7

Moments that make your day….

I was recently reading a book called “Moment Makers” by Carlos Whittaker. This book was talking about how all around us there are opportunities to meet a need, to shift our focus, and to begin healing.

Every day we have an opportunity to seize the moment that could change a life. This book reminded of all the incredible moments I have had in Middle School Youth this year. Some of those moments happened on the Second Wednesday Service Opportunities, while others happen here at the church and yet there are some that took me by surprise. One of the surprising moments happened with the Sharing Christmas family. They were so grateful for all the gifts in fact they were crying tears of joy because this year they can have a Christmas. It was so amazing to see and a reminder to me how God is at work in all those moments. They said that it was an answered prayer to get picked this year. We were

all apart of making that moment happen.

Lives were changed by a simple action. This is what it means to be a moment maker.

It doesn’t have to be something extravagant it can be something as simple as smiling at the person in the store. Moment makers seize the moment every day. This New Year I want to challenge all of you to be moment makers and see how it makes a difference in the lives around you.

The Middle School Youth have wrapped up a busy month. They have been doing a variety of different activities. Some of those being Sharing Christmas, making goodies for the fire department/ police department and went to Sky zone. The youth have had a blast this month. They never cease to amaze me with their enthusiasm for service. They all have such big hearts and it brings

• OUR CHURCH FAMILY ALI McCORMICK Confirmation & Middle High Youth Leader First United Methodist Church

me joy to know that they have found ways to tap into that potential.

The month of January we will be kicking off a series on panel discussions. We will be having several people from the church come and talk about faith. This will be a chance to help bridge the generations. The next panel discussion we will have Kidstop and Big Brother/Big Sister joining us. I am excited about this new series.

The youth are also selling tickets for the Stampede game on February 21. Some of the proceeds from this will go towards the mission trip to Orlando.

One last note: The Sharing Christmas family wanted me to pass along their heartfelt thanks for all the gifts they received. The family said you all made their Christmas.

Confirmation is going well and the youth are learning more about their faith every week. Here is what is going on.

6th grade confirmation just finished up talking about Babylon, Commandments, the Wilderness and Exodus.

They will be discussing Jesus’ baptism, 12 Disciples, parables and healing. They have great teachers with them.

Nanci Wescott and Amanda Reisner have been leading the 6th graders this year.

7th grade confirmation just finishing discussing Solomon, Samson, Deborah, and Jacob. This month they will be discussing Baptism, Servanthood, what it means to be a Christian and the Lord’s Prayer. They are led by Dan Olson and Nancy Hallenbeck.

8th graders just wrapped up talking about John the Baptist, The Holy Spirit and missions. This month they will talk about Denominational differences, prayer and what it means to be a Methodist. They are led by Curtis Mittendorf, Bruce Larsen and Shontel Larsen.

Please keep these youth in your prayers as they dig deeper into their faith.

Our Sympathy to the families of: Hazel Wheeldon (mother of Nancy (Mark) Hallenbeck, grandmother of Jennifer Hallenbeck), Bill Taylor (nephew of Donna White), Helen Goembel Hospitalized: Avera McKennan Michael Lorton Dianne Wagner Cleo Nichol Zachary Grider LeRoy McNeely

Sanford Harold Brady Jeff Kuper Leo Spinar Harper Chaney Arden Shields

Hidden Saints: Thank you to Dennis DeGroot, Larry Engeltjes, Doug Erickson & Corey DeGroot for setting up tables for the Christmas Tea.

Brian Culbert Betty Donovan Helen Fahy Betty Erwin Richard Gourley

ATTENDANCE REPORT 11/23/14 - 482 11/30/14 - 479 12/7/14 - 536 12/14/14 - 554 12/21/14 - 755 12/28/14 - 297 12/24/14 Christmas Eve - 1008 2014 Year to Date Average: 512

NOVEMBER 2014 FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT Income Received .............................................$89,786 Expenses ........................................................... $71,011 Balance ............................................................ $18,775 Pledges/Income Pledges Income Unpledged Income Loose Offering Easter Offering Capital Income

YTD Budget YTD % Budget $695,975 $710,413 98% $148,334 $128,337 116% $8,407 $9,163

92% $9,628 $15,000 64% $45,009

All February Media articles are due by Wednesday, January 21.

The February Media will be mailed on Wednesday, January 28.

Staff Focus of the Month: Welcome Ross Leonhardt!

Pastor Bob Ruedebusch and the Staff Parish Relations Committee are excited to announce the addition of Ross Leonhardt to our Youth Ministry staff. Ross will be working part time (8-10 hours a week) with youth ministry team with a focus on the Senior High ministry area.

Ross, who grew up here in First UMC, graduated last year from Dakota Wesleyan University.

He presently is attending Augustana College in graduate school. We are thrilled that Ross will be working here at First UMC. Please welcome him to our youth ministry team!

Part-Time Secretarial Position Available

First United Methodist Church has an opening for a secretary to work 20 hours a week. This part time position’s areas of responsibility will be to support the work of our Foundation administratively, and secretarial support to our program staff. If you are interested please contact the church office for a job application. We are looking to fill the position sometime in January. See Pastor Bob for more information.

Page 6 • January 2015 • The Media

The Media • January 2015 • Page 7

Moments that make your day….

I was recently reading a book called “Moment Makers” by Carlos Whittaker. This book was talking about how all around us there are opportunities to meet a need, to shift our focus, and to begin healing.

Every day we have an opportunity to seize the moment that could change a life. This book reminded of all the incredible moments I have had in Middle School Youth this year. Some of those moments happened on the Second Wednesday Service Opportunities, while others happen here at the church and yet there are some that took me by surprise. One of the surprising moments happened with the Sharing Christmas family. They were so grateful for all the gifts in fact they were crying tears of joy because this year they can have a Christmas. It was so amazing to see and a reminder to me how God is at work in all those moments. They said that it was an answered prayer to get picked this year. We were

all apart of making that moment happen.

Lives were changed by a simple action. This is what it means to be a moment maker.

It doesn’t have to be something extravagant it can be something as simple as smiling at the person in the store. Moment makers seize the moment every day. This New Year I want to challenge all of you to be moment makers and see how it makes a difference in the lives around you.

The Middle School Youth have wrapped up a busy month. They have been doing a variety of different activities. Some of those being Sharing Christmas, making goodies for the fire department/ police department and went to Sky zone. The youth have had a blast this month. They never cease to amaze me with their enthusiasm for service. They all have such big hearts and it brings

• OUR CHURCH FAMILY ALI McCORMICK Confirmation & Middle High Youth Leader First United Methodist Church

me joy to know that they have found ways to tap into that potential.

The month of January we will be kicking off a series on panel discussions. We will be having several people from the church come and talk about faith. This will be a chance to help bridge the generations. The next panel discussion we will have Kidstop and Big Brother/Big Sister joining us. I am excited about this new series.

The youth are also selling tickets for the Stampede game on February 21. Some of the proceeds from this will go towards the mission trip to Orlando.

One last note: The Sharing Christmas family wanted me to pass along their heartfelt thanks for all the gifts they received. The family said you all made their Christmas.

Confirmation is going well and the youth are learning more about their faith every week. Here is what is going on.

6th grade confirmation just finished up talking about Babylon, Commandments, the Wilderness and Exodus.

They will be discussing Jesus’ baptism, 12 Disciples, parables and healing. They have great teachers with them.

Nanci Wescott and Amanda Reisner have been leading the 6th graders this year.

7th grade confirmation just finishing discussing Solomon, Samson, Deborah, and Jacob. This month they will be discussing Baptism, Servanthood, what it means to be a Christian and the Lord’s Prayer. They are led by Dan Olson and Nancy Hallenbeck.

8th graders just wrapped up talking about John the Baptist, The Holy Spirit and missions. This month they will talk about Denominational differences, prayer and what it means to be a Methodist. They are led by Curtis Mittendorf, Bruce Larsen and Shontel Larsen.

Please keep these youth in your prayers as they dig deeper into their faith.

Our Sympathy to the families of: Hazel Wheeldon (mother of Nancy (Mark) Hallenbeck, grandmother of Jennifer Hallenbeck), Bill Taylor (nephew of Donna White), Helen Goembel Hospitalized: Avera McKennan Michael Lorton Dianne Wagner Cleo Nichol Zachary Grider LeRoy McNeely

Sanford Harold Brady Jeff Kuper Leo Spinar Harper Chaney Arden Shields

Hidden Saints: Thank you to Dennis DeGroot, Larry Engeltjes, Doug Erickson & Corey DeGroot for setting up tables for the Christmas Tea.

Brian Culbert Betty Donovan Helen Fahy Betty Erwin Richard Gourley

ATTENDANCE REPORT 11/23/14 - 482 11/30/14 - 479 12/7/14 - 536 12/14/14 - 554 12/21/14 - 755 12/28/14 - 297 12/24/14 Christmas Eve - 1008 2014 Year to Date Average: 512

NOVEMBER 2014 FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT Income Received .............................................$89,786 Expenses ........................................................... $71,011 Balance ............................................................ $18,775 Pledges/Income Pledges Income Unpledged Income Loose Offering Easter Offering Capital Income

YTD Budget YTD % Budget $695,975 $710,413 98% $148,334 $128,337 116% $8,407 $9,163

92% $9,628 $15,000 64% $45,009

All February Media articles are due by Wednesday, January 21.

The February Media will be mailed on Wednesday, January 28.

Staff Focus of the Month: Welcome Ross Leonhardt!

Pastor Bob Ruedebusch and the Staff Parish Relations Committee are excited to announce the addition of Ross Leonhardt to our Youth Ministry staff. Ross will be working part time (8-10 hours a week) with youth ministry team with a focus on the Senior High ministry area.

Ross, who grew up here in First UMC, graduated last year from Dakota Wesleyan University.

He presently is attending Augustana College in graduate school. We are thrilled that Ross will be working here at First UMC. Please welcome him to our youth ministry team!

Part-Time Secretarial Position Available

First United Methodist Church has an opening for a secretary to work 20 hours a week. This part time position’s areas of responsibility will be to support the work of our Foundation administratively, and secretarial support to our program staff. If you are interested please contact the church office for a job application. We are looking to fill the position sometime in January. See Pastor Bob for more information.

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

7

9:30 am Women’s Bible Study 1:00 pm Media Team 5:00 – 8:00 pm Wednesday Night Alive!

6:30 pm Worship 5:30 & 7:00 pm Forgiveness Book Study

Address Service Requested

11

1st Sunday after the Epiphany 8:00, 9:15 (Praise) & 11:00 am Services 8:30 am Breakfast 9:00 am -12:00 pm Nursery available 10:15 am Sunday School (all ages) 6:30 pm Reel Faith 7:30 pm Sunday Night Bible Study

Page 8 • January 2015 • The Media

Join us for Children’s Music Ministry’s production of…

American Ideal Sunday, February 8, 2015 at 3:00 pm First United Methodist Church Sanctuary

Lights! Camera! Ego! Well, that is, if you’re a contestant on one of the many “Reality TV” shows filling the airwaves today. Entertaining?

Maybe. Harmless? Hardly. The American Ideal shines the spotlight on 4 contestants who are competing to be the next “American Ideal.”

Tonight’s theme is “Gospel Music Night.” During the production of this live TV show, contestants Willa Wynn, Anita Ward, and Neil Down discover, with the help of fellow contestant Emma Tate, the truth about themselves as “Reality TV” takes on a whole new meaning. This humorous, tongue-in-cheek look at fame, fortune and flim-flam turns popular culture on its head and shines the spotlight of God’s truth about humility on the heart of contestants and audience alike.

18

2nd Sunday after the Epiphany 8:00, 9:15 (Praise) & 11:00 am Services 8:30 am Breakfast 9:00 am -12:00 pm Nursery available 10:15 am Sunday School (all ages) 7:30 pm Sunday Night Bible Study

25

3rd Sunday after the Epiphany 8:00, 9:15 (Praise) & 11:00 am Services 8:30 am Breakfast 9:00 am -12:00 pm Nursery available 10:15 am Sunday School (all ages) 6:30 pm Bookies 7:30 pm Sunday Night Bible Study

12

13

1:30 pm Library Board Meeting

6:00 pm Faith, Health & Caring

9:30 am Women’s Bible Study 11:30 am SAGES 5:00 – 8:00 pm Wednesday Night Alive!

6:30 pm Worship 5:30 & 7:00 pm Forgiveness Book Study

20

21

5:15 pm Outreach & Nurture 5:30 pm Points of Light

19

8:00 am Higgins Bible Study 5:30 pm Points of Light

26

7:00 pm Children’s Ministry Committee Meeting 7:00 pm Youth Council Meeting

14

27

5:30 pm Trustees Meeting

5:30 pm Points of Light 7:oo pm Church Council Meeting

9:30 am Women’s Bible Study 5:00 – 8:00 pm Wednesday Night Alive!

6:30 pm Worship 5:30 & 7:00 pm Forgiveness Book Study

28

9:30 am Women’s Bible Study 5:00 – 8:00 pm Wednesday Night Alive!

6:30 pm Worship 5:30 & 7:00 pm Forgiveness Book Study

8

12:30 pm Blest Be The Tie That Binds

9

10

5:30 pm Les Cloches

8:30 am Habitat for Humanity Work Day

6:30 pm Praise Band Rehearsal

15

5:30 pm Les Cloches

16

17

23

24

30

31

8:30 am Food Pantry Work Day

6:30 pm Praise Band Rehearsal

22

12:30 pm Blest Be The Tie That Binds

7:30 am Men of Integrity

4:30 pm UMW Executive Board Meeting

7:30 am Men of Integrity

7:30 am Men of Integrity

5:30 pm Les Cloches 6:30 pm Praise Band Rehearsal

29

12:30 pm Blest Be The Tie That Binds 5:30 pm Les Cloches 6:30 pm Praise Band Rehearsal

7:30 am Men of Integrity

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

7

9:30 am Women’s Bible Study 1:00 pm Media Team 5:00 – 8:00 pm Wednesday Night Alive!

6:30 pm Worship 5:30 & 7:00 pm Forgiveness Book Study

Address Service Requested

11

1st Sunday after the Epiphany 8:00, 9:15 (Praise) & 11:00 am Services 8:30 am Breakfast 9:00 am -12:00 pm Nursery available 10:15 am Sunday School (all ages) 6:30 pm Reel Faith 7:30 pm Sunday Night Bible Study

Page 8 • January 2015 • The Media

Join us for Children’s Music Ministry’s production of…

American Ideal Sunday, February 8, 2015 at 3:00 pm First United Methodist Church Sanctuary

Lights! Camera! Ego! Well, that is, if you’re a contestant on one of the many “Reality TV” shows filling the airwaves today. Entertaining?

Maybe. Harmless? Hardly. The American Ideal shines the spotlight on 4 contestants who are competing to be the next “American Ideal.”

Tonight’s theme is “Gospel Music Night.” During the production of this live TV show, contestants Willa Wynn, Anita Ward, and Neil Down discover, with the help of fellow contestant Emma Tate, the truth about themselves as “Reality TV” takes on a whole new meaning. This humorous, tongue-in-cheek look at fame, fortune and flim-flam turns popular culture on its head and shines the spotlight of God’s truth about humility on the heart of contestants and audience alike.

18

2nd Sunday after the Epiphany 8:00, 9:15 (Praise) & 11:00 am Services 8:30 am Breakfast 9:00 am -12:00 pm Nursery available 10:15 am Sunday School (all ages) 7:30 pm Sunday Night Bible Study

25

3rd Sunday after the Epiphany 8:00, 9:15 (Praise) & 11:00 am Services 8:30 am Breakfast 9:00 am -12:00 pm Nursery available 10:15 am Sunday School (all ages) 6:30 pm Bookies 7:30 pm Sunday Night Bible Study

12

13

1:30 pm Library Board Meeting

6:00 pm Faith, Health & Caring

9:30 am Women’s Bible Study 11:30 am SAGES 5:00 – 8:00 pm Wednesday Night Alive!

6:30 pm Worship 5:30 & 7:00 pm Forgiveness Book Study

20

21

5:15 pm Outreach & Nurture 5:30 pm Points of Light

19

8:00 am Higgins Bible Study 5:30 pm Points of Light

26

7:00 pm Children’s Ministry Committee Meeting 7:00 pm Youth Council Meeting

14

27

5:30 pm Trustees Meeting

5:30 pm Points of Light 7:oo pm Church Council Meeting

9:30 am Women’s Bible Study 5:00 – 8:00 pm Wednesday Night Alive!

6:30 pm Worship 5:30 & 7:00 pm Forgiveness Book Study

28

9:30 am Women’s Bible Study 5:00 – 8:00 pm Wednesday Night Alive!

6:30 pm Worship 5:30 & 7:00 pm Forgiveness Book Study

8

12:30 pm Blest Be The Tie That Binds

9

10

5:30 pm Les Cloches

8:30 am Habitat for Humanity Work Day

6:30 pm Praise Band Rehearsal

15

5:30 pm Les Cloches

16

17

23

24

30

31

8:30 am Food Pantry Work Day

6:30 pm Praise Band Rehearsal

22

12:30 pm Blest Be The Tie That Binds

7:30 am Men of Integrity

4:30 pm UMW Executive Board Meeting

7:30 am Men of Integrity

7:30 am Men of Integrity

5:30 pm Les Cloches 6:30 pm Praise Band Rehearsal

29

12:30 pm Blest Be The Tie That Binds 5:30 pm Les Cloches 6:30 pm Praise Band Rehearsal

7:30 am Men of Integrity