united methodist church
here@
FIRST Summer 2016
1
A sanctuary of Christian hope, love and encouragement in the heart of Sioux Falls.
here@
FIRST
SUMMER 2016 Distributed by First United Methodist Church
EXECUTIVE STAFF
IN THIS ISSUE
Senior Pastor Bob Ruedebusch Executive Assistant Pam Knuth
4
Grow @ First
5
Connect @ First
Minister of Children, Youth & Family Andrea Johnson
6
Care @ First
Middle School Coordinator/ Outreach Minister Ali McCormick
8
Serve @ First
Children’s Coordinator/KidStop Director Kassidi Smith
10
CONNECT FIRST High School Coordinator Ross Leonhardt
Connections Director Lynne Jones
Financial Update
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 Congregational Care Coordinator Pastor Donna Kuper
SUPPORT STAFF
ADDRESS
Director of Administration Tami Prostrollo Financial Administrator Donna Kuper
First United Methodist Church 401 S. Spring Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57105 www.sfumc.org • 605-336-3652
Receptionist Jeri Floyd Administrative/Foundation Assistant Jill Johnson Librarian Nancy Veglahn
Learn more about our social media. Go to sfumc.org/social media
FACILITY MANAGEMENT Building & Grounds Manager Jacob Forstein Custodian Tovia Forstein, Don Jones, Donna Plank United Day Care Director Judy Jacobs
2
EQUIPPING the SAINTS with Senior Pastor Bob Ruedebusch
W
OW! Our 2nd Annual May Day event held on Sunday, May 1 was a fantastic day of ministry for our church! It was exciting to see 350 red t-shirted ministry servants being the hands and feet of Jesus across our community. Earlier that day we confirmed 8 young people who then with their families all participated in our May Day mission event! Kudos to our planning team of Linda Baker, Doug Erickson, Kris Graham, Carol Flynn, Ryan Lovrien, Roger Barthelman, Andrea Grann, Lisa Graue and Connections Director Lynne Jones! WOW! Our congregation hosted the Ordination service during Annual Conference which was held here in Sioux Falls. With over 500 pastors and lay delegates gathered, our team of musicians and our Connections Team really did a great job of laying out the red carpet. On another note, it is a joy to celebrate the return of our pastoral team to First United Methodist Church. I, along with licensed local pastors Bill Schmeling and Taylor Johnson, and Ali McCormick as our Deacon, were appointed by Bishop Bruce Ough to continue to be the pastoral team here at First UMC! WOW! I am thrilled to announce that our congregation has hired Cindy Petersen from Maximizing Excellence to lead us in a feasibility study. This study will help us in examine our
future concerning our facility as well as strengthening our vision for future ministry. In the near future, we will be inviting the congregation to share in a survey, both through written and online methods, to respond. In addition, there will be individual and focus group gatherings. WOW! What an exciting time to be a part of First United Methodist Church! This year marks the 145 years of the ministry of our church in the heart of Sioux Falls! Let’s celebrate by continuing to be a United Methodist witness having a passion for the Great Commandment, the Great Compassion and the Great Commission! Praising God every day,
Pastor Bob
ď ˝
Artist renderings for building renovations
Round Table Dining Room
Chapel Fireplace Room
3
Grow @ First
Vacation Bible School
46 children learned that Jesus is the Light of the world. Jesus gives us Love – Direction – Courage – Hope and Power!
COME GROW WITH US! SEPTEMBER
Mondays • 6pm Legacy Journey: 9/12 - 10/24 • 6pm Financial Peace University: 9/12 -11/7 • 6pm Disciple Fast Track: 34 weeks beginning 9/12 Wednesdays • 5:30pm Manna and Mercy: A Brief History of God’s Unfolding Promise to Mend The Entire Universe: 9/7 - 10/12 • 5:30pm Social Justice and the United Methodist Church: 9/7 - 9/28 • 7pm Christ Walk: A 40-Day Spiritual Fitness Program: 9/7 - 10/12
OCTOBER
Mondays • 6pm A Bead and a Prayer: A Beginner’s Guide to Protestant Prayer Beads: 10/3 - 10/24 • 6pm Faith of a Mockingbird: 10/3 - 10/31 • 6pm Meet the Goodpeople: Wesley’s 7 Ways to Share Faith: 10/3 - 10/24 Wednesdays • 5:30pm Meet the Goodpeople: Wesley’s 7 Ways to Share Faith: 10/5 - 10/26 • 5:30pm Listen: Praying in a Noisy World: 10/19 to 11/23 • 7pm Meet the Goodpeople: Wesley’s 7 Ways to Share Faith: 10/5 - 10/26 • 7pm Listen: Praying in a Noisy World: 10/19 - 11/23 • 7pm Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From the American Dream: 10/5 - 11/23
Coming September 12! 4
From One Man to Another
Connect @ First
Breaking the Barrier The men of First UMC have been hosting a season opener every year for the last 14 years and this year will be no different. Men and boys of all ages are invited to come and hear the faith stories of other men and rededicate themselves to being disciples of Jesus Christ at Leif Ericson Day Camp.
We begin the evening at 4pm by rekindling the art of visiting around a table, or by laughing with each other while we play bocce ball, Montana golf, and bean bag tosses. When the dinner bell rings we all come together for an amazing grilled steak dinner. The evening closes as we hear a message from our guest speaker Greg Henson, President of Sioux Falls Seminary. Wednesday, Aug. 17, 4pm, $10 Get your ticket in the church office before they are all sold out.
Danny Prostrollo
Mission Café and Bakery The Sioux Falls area United Methodist churches have announced a new event for alleviating hunger locally and globally. The September event, “Mission Café and Bakery”, will replace Dakota Marketplace. Go for lunch and much more at Southern Hills UMC, 3400 E. 49th St. in Sioux Falls on Saturday, September 24, from 11am -1:30 pm. They plan to have a variety of food stations, a bakery, live entertainment, kids’ activities and more! As in the past, they’ll collect church remittance forms and the truck will be available to pick up UMCOR kits. There will not be a live auction at this event. Proceeds from Mission Café and Bakery will benefit hunger projects in our state, nation and around the world. Plan to spend a few hours of a beautiful autumn day doing lunch and shopping to help others in need.
5
Care @ First
Men’s Ministry Raises Funds for Student Mission Trips Sunday afternoon, June 5, was the 13th Annual AMEN’s Golf Fellowship Tournament. This year we set a new record with a total of 43 golfers! 30 men, 11 women and 2 youth participated in this year’s fundraiser to sponsor our students as they serve in New Mexico and Kansas City. Thirteen years ago the men of First UMC decided they wanted a way to give back not only to their church but make a difference for the kingdom of God. They decided the best way to do that was to raise funds to support the youth as they head out each year in mission work. This year $2,610 was raised to help send six students to the Navaho Nation Indian Reservation to help with general upkeep and repairs. In July nine students will be heading to Kansas City to do general maintenance, landscaping and painting. They will also spend a day sorting clothing for the Clothes Closet ministry. The AMEN’s group wants to thank everyone who participated in this fundraiser. It was a great family/fellowship event. We hope to see you all again next year!
Steve Quincey Students hard at work on their youth mission trip.
6
( Heart Touch Volunteer s ) Linda Ellwein
Karen Koob and Linda Baker
What interested you in being a visitor for the Heart Touch Hospital Program? I’ve been comfortable visiting those in the hospital after spending many years as a Childbirth Educator, Hospice volunteer and participating in hospice bereavement followup. Being in the Stephen Ministry program in our church also contributed to that. I enjoy being a “listener”.
What interested you in being a visitor for the Heart Touch Nursing Home Program? We had talked about visiting some of our members in retirement homes for a long time and last year we said “Let’s see where we are needed”! These members are such a vital part of our church and we want them to know how special they are!
How do you see the How do you see the program impacting the program impacting the ones you visit? ones you visit? Many of the members Because we do a social that we visit express their gathering for our seven appreciation of having us ladies each month, they be there with them and are becoming better for our prayers. Many have acquainted with each Our ladies at Sunnycrest. said they can feel the prayers other. It is a wonderful time of the congregation. I know they are thankful for of sharing stories, joys, and concerns. visits from both our lay visitors and the Pastors. Some members don’t have many visitors, so I’m How has the program impacted you? glad our church can be there for them. When I We have enjoyed getting to know each of our visit, I pray first that God will give me the words Sunnycrest ladies. We love our group and look that they need to hear. forward each month to our visits. How has the program impacted you? I feel I may receive more from doing it than the members sometimes. It’s hard to feel sorry for yourself when you see others going through far worse struggles. Volunteering keeps me more centered and increases my faith, especially when you see the continued faith of others even when they have been through so much.
This definitely has been a blessing for all!
Care First Ministry Your Care First ministry is growing by leaps and bounds. Our Heart Touch visitors bring joy to those who have a hard time getting out and about. The joy is visible on the faces of those they pray with, laugh with and cry with. We also have a wonderful team of folks that send birthday cards, sympathy cards, and other appreciated cards. Not only do the ones we visit and connect with experience comfort and joy but the visitors themselves are blessed with comfort and joy by participating in this wonderful ministry. To experience this essential and uplifting ministry, contact Pastor Bill or Donna at 336-3652.
Pastor Donna and Pastor Bill 7
Serve First Update
Serve @ First
We are blessed to be serving people in the heart of Sioux Falls in the name of the Lord! The Serve First team has been working hard in 2016 to provide opportunities for each of us to be the hands and feet of Jesus and serve those in our community. Hands-on ministry is alive at First UMC through the below ministries, and more — we hope you will join us! •
We are excited to host a booth at the downtown Block Party at 8th and Railroad each month this summer, to spread our name and Christian love to our community.
•
We had a rousing success with May Day and celebrate the 350 volunteers who served at over 25 ministries across Sioux Falls.
•
We look forward to serving school age children by providing shoes through the Samaritan’s Feet ministry on August 13.
• The Banquet ministry continues to thrive with First UMC members serving breakfast at the downtown location the third Tuesday of each month, and serving dinner at the west location the fourth Tuesday of each month. •
We continue to support some amazing ministries including the Nightwatch Canteen, serving a monthly meal at Summit Heights Apartments (aka Prescription Five), our rotating Mission of the Month opportunities, Mission Café and Bakery (formerly Ingathering), and our school partnership with Lowell Elementary.
As we continue building and growing in the heart of Sioux Falls, now is the time to look to the future God has for us. We are excited to announce that Ali McCormick is joining the Serve First ministry team as our new Minister of Mission and Outreach! With Ali’s heart and conviction, we will be reaching deep in into the heart of Sioux Falls ministering to those that need the love of Jesus. In order for this mission to be accomplished, it falls to those who call this place their spiritual home to be about the kingdom building work of outreach. The next time you see Ali or one of the other Serve First ministry team members ask about ways you can become a blessing to others as you are blessed in return.
Jennifer Larsen 8
Samaritan’s Feet Saturday, August 13 Multi-Purpose Room 9am - 1pm
AUG 7
AUG 13
GUEST PREACHER — VAL PUTNAM
SAMARITAN’S FEET
Join us at 8:30, 9:45 or 11am to hear an inspiring message for the day.
Last year we fitted over 500 kids with new school shoes. Make a difference in a child’s life and give an hour of your time.
AUG 17
AUG 22
MEN’S SEASON OPENER
UPWARD BASKETBALL CAMP
Calling men of all ages to the Men’s Season opener. Pick up a ticket and join at the Leif Ericson Day Camp at 4pm for a steak dinner.
Basketball camp begins for youth K-5. Aug. 22-26, 10am-12pm.
SEPT 1O
SEPT 11
EPIC BLOCK PARTY!
FALL KICK-OFF
Invite your friends and family to the east parking lot for food, fun and games beginning at 11am - 3pm.
Sunday school starts for all ages at 9:30am.
SEPT 24
SEPT 24
LIVE @ FIRST CONCERT SERIES TONIC SOL FA
MISSION CAFE AND BAKERY
The first in our concert series will begin at 7pm in the Sanctuary.
9
Enjoy good food at Southern Hills UMC beginning at 11am as we raise funds for United Methodist Committee on Relief.
xxx
7
BAPTISMS YTD
WEEKLY AVERAGE ATTENDANCE
471
DEATHS YTD
12
NEW MEMBERS YTD
10
OFFERING vs. EXPENSES
GIVING ABOVE PLEDGE 3500
100,000
3000
80,000
2500
60,000
2000 1500
40,000
1000
20,000
500
0 Jan
Feb Mar Apr Offering Expenses
0
May
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Dedicated Missions
As you have been reading, amazing things are happening at First UMC. Your continued generosity makes this all happen. We rely on your faithful support over the summer months as well. We know that many of you are traveling or just spending weekends at the lake this summer so we are offering 5 ways to give. Online, text, auto withdrawal (call Donna for details), direct mail, and of course when you are in town take the envelope here and put it in the offering basket. We are excited to see what God has in store for us in the coming months! With your continued generosity, great things will continue to happen here at First UMC.
10
Where Did I See Jesus?
Kidstop Each day, Kidstop offers us a chance to see God working through the children we serve. Whether it's witnessing a child learn new skills, or watching the group become actively involved in their community through service projects, we are reminded of God's presence in our program. It is our hope that all Kidstop participants receive enriching activities, positive structure and the life skills necessary to continue shining the light of Jesus as they grow.
Or do you not realize about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in YOU? ~ 2 Corinthians 13:5
11
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
Sermon Series with Pastor Bob Ruedebusch
Get In the Game
Sept. 11 - Oct. 2, 2016 — 8:30, 9:45 and 11am Sept. 11 — Baseball Sept. 18 — Football Sept. 25 — Track Oct. 2 — Soccer
12