October
A sanctuary of Christian hope, love and encouragement in the heart of Sioux Falls.
New Seasons
How Has First UMC Made A Difference In Your Life?
Store in the choir rehearsal room. You may be wondering, “How will we fit all those people down there when we seemed to be bursting at the seams in the Multi-Purpose Room?” The committee had the same question, so they set up the tables and chairs, and to their surprise, they fit eight more people down there than upstairs. This is truly a God inspired event.
We have just finished up The Great Adventure as Pastor Bob helped us to see that God is always with us and that all we need is faith. As we begin a new season together, we want to reflect on how God has blessed us in the last year. We want to hear from each and every one of you with your answer to the question, “Where have you seen God at work here at First UMC?” Send your answer via email to MyStory@sfumc.org, or dropping a note to the church office. If you want to remain anonymous, just let us know and won’t share your name. Send us your story today!
And if your cupboards are overflowing with all the garden items you canned this season, the Country Store is looking for items for its shelves. This year we are planning on having our largest Silent Auction yet! Last year we raised $12,000, this year we are hoping to raise $15,000. All proceeds raised go 100% towards our student ministry mission trips. To donate any of these items to this event please stop by the Lewis Friendship Room on Sunday mornings or give the church office a call to add your name to the list.
Casting Our Vision
We thank God for each and every one of you!
As we continue casting our vision for the future, please keep your prescription teams and your staff in your prayers as they continue to work to maintain focus and maximize the potential of our congregation as we make disciples for Christ.
Blessings
These past few weeks have been inspiring and exhilarating. There isn’t a hall you can walk down and not feel the presence of God! Please join your church in praying for each person who enters this building, that they would feel that presence, and pass that feeling on to each one they meet.
Turkey Dinner allows youth to joyously serve others in group mission projects!
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57th Annual Turkey Dinner! When the season changes to fall, thoughts turn to Turkey Dinner! Tony’s has graciously agreed to cater the turkey, stuffing and sides but we still need 150 pies. That is where we need your help. Would you please volunteer to whip up your favorite fruit or cream pie for us to serve? This year we are taking the event back to its beginnings as we dine in the Round Table Dining Room with the Country 1
Get Connected! To get more information or to register for one of these classes call the church office at 336-3652 or visit our website, www.sfumc.org.
u Short Term Book Studies
If you feel God calling you to share your gifts of leadership please contact Lynne Jones at 336-3652 or jonesl@sfumc.org.
The Traditionalist Group_____________ Traditionalists are the glue in your church, and you won’t find a group more loyal. Theology matters deeply, and that’s why most traditionalist-formed study groups last a long time. Their instructors are synonymous with their group, and the group prefers to learn by lecture rather than activities.
u SAGES (Senior Adults, Growing, Exploring,
Serving) — 2nd Wednesday, 11:30 am Meets monthly for a catered meal, devotions, hymn singing and a special speaker. Open to retired adults.
Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity — Wednesdays, Oct. 25 – Nov. 22, 10:45 am or Oct. 28 – Nov. 25, 5 pm and 6:30 pm. Enough is an invitation to rediscover the Bible’s wisdom when it comes to prudent financial practices. In these pages are found the keys to experiencing contentment, overcoming fear, and discovering joy through simplicity and generosity. This book can change your life, by changing your relationship with money. Turning Griping into Gratitude: A Study of the Psalms — Oct. 28 – Nov. 25, 5 pm and 6:30 pm. Griping is one of the most insidious and divisive things into which we easily fall, while gratitude is the most productive of attitudes. The Psalms are filled with the battle between griping and gratitude, a battle we all fight. The psalmists knew both attitudes, including the self-defeating nature of griping and the wonder and majesty of gratitude.
u Disciple Fast Track — Mondays, 6:30-8 pm
u Higgins Bible Study — Tuesdays, bimonthly,
Be A Part Of O
beginning Oct 5; Join Pastor Bob for this in depth Bible study. Spend 12 weeks in the Old Testament and 12 weeks in the New Testament.
8-9 am and Sundays 10:45-11:45 am; Named after the late Bob Higgins this group brings people together to grow in faith. The curriculum this year is a video-based series on the Old Testament.
The Fellowship Group_______________
The Study Group____________________
The fellowship group loves to do exactly what its name says: fellowship. A fellowship-style group creates an informal atmosphere where any sort of question can be asked and received.
As their name indicates, these groups are intensely interested in spirited theological discussions and are very eager to learn.
u AMen’s Bible Study — Wednesdays, bimonthly,
u Bookies — 4th Sunday, 6:30-8 pm
7-8 am; Our purpose is to build closer and deeper relationships with each other using the small group format as a safe place to bring up life’s issues and challenges
u Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study —
A book discussion group that reads both fiction and nonfiction. The format allows for participation by all members and expressions and expression of a wide variety of opinions and reactions to the books.
u Blanket Brigade — 1st Sunday, 12:30-3:30 pm
Wednesdays, 9:30 am; A fun women’s Bible study! This season starts with 1 John, 2 John, 3 John and Jude. Enjoy learning and refreshments too.
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This group meets to tie fleece blankets for Project Warm Up, a local effort that distributes blankets to students in need across the Sioux Empire.
Ou r Exciting Sma ll Grou p Network! The Social Action Group_____________
u Blest Be the Tie that Binds — Thursdays, 12:30 pm; This group meets to turn quilt tops into completed quilts. Completed quilts are given to various charities and agencies.
These are passionate individuals, intent on making a difference in their world. Like the fellowship group, they appreciate socializing with their group, especially in community service events.
u United Methodist Women — Meets 4 times a year; This local organization meets throughout the year for food and fellowship, dynamic programs, learning about current mission projects and entertainment. Funds support a variety of mission projects locally and globally. Join us for Christmas Tea on Dec. 5!
u Banquet Ministry (Downtown) — 3rd Tuesday, 5:30-7 am, and 6:30-8 am; Our church provides a team of 20 people to set up and serve breakfast for the guests of the Banquet, located downtown.
u Banquet Ministry (West Side) — 4th Tuesday,
u Men of Integrity —Saturday mornings
4:30 - 5:30 pm and 5:15-6:30 pm; Our church provides a team of 30 people to set up and serve dinner for the guests of the Banquet West, located at the W. H. Lyon Fairgrounds.
Based on building closer and deeper relationships through small groups, Bible Studies, or discussions on life and how if affects one’s faith.
u Reel Faith — 2nd Sunday, 6:30 - 9 pm
u Habitat for Humanity Work Crew — 2nd Saturday,
A monthly gathering of people who enjoy movies. After viewing, the group discusses the challenges the film presents to living out one’s faith in the real world of everyday living.
8:30-11:30 am at a designated work site; This group helps to build houses for families. If you lack the skills you will be paired with someone more experienced.
u Salvation Army Nightwatch Canteen —
u Triple F (Food, Fun, Fellowship) — Meets monthly;
Group members sign up to plan/host an activity for a particular month. The dates and times vary depending on the activity.
u Good Grief — 4-weeks beginning Saturday, Oct. 3,
2 pm; A group where those who have lost a loved one can openly discuss feelings of grief in a safe, spiritual and confidential setting.
u Young Adults — Sundays, 8 pm, 6th & Main in the Gourley Building; Designed for those who are 18-40, this group seeks to engage the younger generation of our congregation through Bible study, fellowship events, and opportunity for service projects and missional outreach.
u Women’s Circles — 3rd Thursday of each month
First UMC is one of seven United Methodist Churches who serve a Sunday night meal to those who otherwise might not have an opportunity to eat. Every 7th Sunday we prepare a sack lunch and serve it at two locations.
A variety of women’s groups that focuses on various topics and intentions.
u S.A.L.S.A. (Single Adult Ladies Sharing
Adventures) — Sundays, 10:45-11:45 am This is a brand new group, so the possibilities are endless! Bible studies, service projects, social outings... it’s all up to you!
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.
u Music Fellowship - Chancel Choir, Les Cloche Handbell Choir, Joyful Accord, Points of Light — Rehearsal and performance times vary by group.
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~Phillippians 1:9 (NLT)
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
As we grow together as a family we want to celebrate things that God is doing for us and through us here at First UMC! If you have a wonderful God experience please take a moment to share it with our church family via the Media by dropping a note to the church office or email at mystory@sfumc.org
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