LOVE LIKE JESUS
Sundays, 9am • Traditions • hymns
Sundays, 11am • Journey • praise band
We are an old church with a new mission: Love like Jesus.
It's more than a
catchphrase.
For us this means a few things:
- We love others like Jesus loves us. Offering the same mercy, grace, and compassion that we have received. (1 John 4:19)
- We love others like we love Jesus—as if they were Jesus. We believe all people are made in the image of God and when we practice loving our neighbor we are loving God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength. (Mark 12:30-31)
- We also believe that love is the most powerful force in the world because God is love. In loving like Jesus we are also changed and transformed by the power of God’s love and better reflect the image of God in which we are all made. (1 John 4:8)
- Our prayer is that when we love like Jesus, people will see us and see a different way of living and a different kind of church—one that reflects the Kingdom of God where all God’s beloved children worship together. (Matthew 6:10)
We're "the fun church," but if you take a closer look...
For years, we branded Sikeston First UMC as “The Fun Church,” and while it’s true - - we ARE a fun church - - it is also true that we are so much more.
- We are The Caring Church.
- The Family Church.
- The Giving Church.
- The Missions Church.
- The Diverse Church.
- The Christ-Centered Church.
- And yes, we are STILL most definitely The Fun Church.
We are SIkeston, and we aim to be a church who loves this place like Jesus does.
Visit us on YouTube:
Contact Us:
If you have a question or prayer request, want to get more connected, or just want to talk - - we would love to hear from you!
Sikeston First United Methodist Church
1307 North Main Street
Sikeston, MO 63801
(573) 471-3283 • office@thefunchurch.org
Pastoral Care Hotline: 573-471-3283
follow along on instagram • @firstUMCsikeston
“I don’t have a faith story.”
“My testimony isn’t exciting.”
“I’m too scared to talk about my faith in front
of people.”
These are just a few of the things I’ve heard from some of you since we kicked off our Testimony series last Sunday.
And yet, after each of these honest statements, you’ve
gone on to share beautiful stories of God’s faithfulness and your journey of faith.
Here’s what I’ve learned: stories are powerful and every one of us has a story. And every story matters.
What always strikes me is how even the most “ordinary” or “unexciting” story can speak powerfully to someone else. Someone will hear your story and see their own journey reflected in it. Your testimony might be the encouragement they need-or even the survival guide they didn’t know they were looking for.
We launched this series to help you reflect on how God is at work in your life, and to give you the courage to share it, whether that’s in front of a crowd or over coffee with a friend.
It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be real.
To help with that, we’re offering a Faith Timeline worksheet to guide you through your spiritual autobiography. If you didn’t get one last Sunday, there will be more available in the lobby this week.
We’re also hearing from special guests throughout this series. This Sunday, I’m excited to welcome Mark Crader, who has an incredible story of how God has worked in and through his life. I know it will be both encouraging and inspiring for you.
I hope you’ll join us:
• Traditions at 9am
• Fifth Sunday Brunch at 10am in the Fellowship Hall
• Journey at 11am
See you then!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jennifer
For more on what God is doing in and through First UMC and how to be a part of it, click on the link below:
https://mailchi.mp/1efd98a1ccc4/see-whats-happening-15393935
Every person has a testimony.
A testimony is just a story of what you have seen and witnessed.
And we believe stories have power.
Your story of how God has moved in your life could be someone else’s survival guide. It can give them the hope and inspiration to continue to follow God and be transformed by God’s grace. It’s another way we can Love Like Jesus in our world.
Special shout out to Mollie and Zach Buckler for kicking off our Testimony series. We are thankful for their bravery, openness to the movement of the Spirit in their hearts, and willingness to share their personal story with all of us.
ICYMI you can always catch up on our YouTube channel and stay tuned for this week’s special guest!
##testimony #LoveLikeJesus
🚲✨ Calling all young explorers!✨🚦🧒👧
Get ready to pedal through our First Kids Little City — a super fun bike adventure with stops like:
🍦 The Ice Cream Shop
📚 The Library
🏛️ City Hall
…and more!
Each station has giggles, goodies, and a lot of moments to grow little hearts with big love all while cruising on your wheels! ❤️🚴♂️💨
📅 THIS SUNDAY June 29
🕒 3:00-5:00 pm
📍 1307 North Main Street
🎒 Bring your bike or scooter, helmet, and your biggest smile!
Tag your friends and come have fun exploring First Kids Little City!
#FirstKidsLittleCity #FamilyFunDay #KidsMinistryAdventure #LoveLikeJesus
Yesterday we got to celebrate the baptism of Nora Dove Schlemeier!
Every time we baptize someone, we promise as a church community to nurture them in the Christian faith and include them in our care. We promise to surround them with love and forgiveness, that they will know God’s love and grow in service to others.
We can’t wait to see what God will do in and through her throughout her life! Welcome to the family, Nora!
❤️✝️🕊️
#LoveLikeJesus #baptism
Last weekend it was all about dads! From ax throwing in the lobby to a memorial candle-lighting station, to a donut wall and Photo Booth, we spent last Sunday celebrating and giving space to grieve the fathers in our lives.
This Sunday we will gather again to worship and celebrate the good work God did in and through the serve Sikeston event this week! AND we kick off a brand new series hearing the Faith stories from some of our very own First UMC folks.
As always, we’ll have amazing worship and communion at every service. All are invited and welcome to join in what God is doing in and through First UMC!
For more on how to get involved check out our weekly email ⬇️
https://mailchi.mp/78679714ee3c/see-whats-happening-15393921
Everyone has a story.
Some are dramatic.
Some are quiet.
All are powerful.
In this new series, we’ll hear from real people who have walked through challenges, encountered God, and discovered faith that transforms.
Join us each week as we explore the beauty and depth of personal testimonies—honest stories of doubt, redemption, struggle, and hope. You’ll be encouraged, inspired, and reminded that God is writing your story, too.
Up this week: Zach and Mollie Buckler! You won’t want to miss their story this week!
🎶 9am Traditions
🙌 11am Journey
Earlier this evening, 18 missionaries and church leaders met to pray over the city of Sikeston and the service projects taking place this week during Serve Sikeston.
We hope you will join us in prayer for those serving and for the people impacted. We hope that after this week we all look and love more like Jesus because of our work here together 🙏❤️
#ServeSikeston #LoveLikeJesus
If you’re celebrating or grieving this weekend, we’ve got you covered! The Bible says we rejoice with those who rejoice and we weep with those who weep.
So in our lobbies tomorrow you’ll find a donut wall, Photo Booth, and yard games, and also a special place to light a candle in memory of a father you are missing.
We hope you will come spend your Father’s Day morning with us and know that we are praying this prayer with you:
Heavenly Father,
Today we give thanks for the gift of fatherhood.
For all the fathers who have loved, guided, and protected us—
we thank You for their strength, wisdom, and sacrifice.
Bless the new fathers, full of hope and learning.
Bless the seasoned fathers, steadfast and faithful.
Bless the single fathers, who carry a double load.
Bless the adoptive and foster fathers,
who chose to love and raise children not born of their blood.
We remember the fathers who are far away—
in distance or in spirit—grant them peace and connection.
We lift up those who grieve the loss of a father,
and those who mourn children they never got to raise.
Be with those who long to be fathers,
and those for whom this day brings pain, not joy.
Lord, help all who father to lead with kindness,
to discipline with grace,
and to model Your love in word and deed.
Strengthen all fathers and father-figures
to be reflections of Your compassion, justice, and steadfast presence.
In Your holy name we pray,
Amen.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” -Psalm 133:1
❤️❤️❤️
We loved getting to worship with Open Door Fellowship and hear from Pastor Michael Harris last week! It was a blessing to be together and to hear the message God placed on his heart to say (and to sing!).
ICYMI you can always catch up on our YouTube channel or join us live Sunday mornings!
#LoveLikeJesus
At the Missouri Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church this weekend, it was announced that Pastor Chandler and Pastor Jennifer have been reappointed for another year at First UMC!
We’re excited about what God is going to do this year!
👊👊👊
And to celebrate, read these daily Bible verses with us!
Monday, June 9: Proverbs 25-27
Tuesday, June 10: Proverbs 28
Wednesday, June 11: Ecclesiastes 1-4
Thursday, June 12: Ecclesiastes 5-8
Friday, June 13: Ecclesiastes -12
Saturday, June 14: Songs of Sol. 1-4
Sunday, June 15: Songs of Sol. 5-8
Last Saturday, in under two hours, 245 families received a trunk load of food during our SEMO Food Bank Mobile pantry ❤️
Before we began we prayed for those serving and especially for those receiving food—that they not only know there are people who love them and care about them, but that God loves them, too ❤️
#LoveLikeJesus
🗣️ THIS SUNDAY we’re excited to welcome guest preacher Pastor Michael Harris and members of Open Door Fellowship who have decided to cancel their own services to join us in worship!
We know you will be blessed by hearing what God has to say through him!
It’s going to be a great Sunday at First UMC and another opportunity to Love Like Jesus ❤️
9am Tradition Worship (organ and hymns)
10am Isaiah Bible Study
11am Journey Worship (band and praise music)
To learn more about how God is moving in and through First UMC check out the weekly email below
https://mailchi.mp/316497fe0f75/see-whats-happening-15393893
In the United Methodist Church we don’t “rebaptize” people who have been baptized before, but occasionally people experience a renewal of faith and want to recommit and reaffirm their baptismal vows to God. On Sunday we got to celebrate Kyle remembering his baptism through immersion. And what a celebration it was!
As one First UMC member noted:
“Today at church, a former student was reaffirmed in baptism. The tank of water overflowed unexpectedly, creating a gush of water all over the floor and our pastors. Many towels were used to clean up the water for everyone’s safety,but the message to me was that the water represented God’s love for all of us; continuous and overflowing. Even when we make messes, He is there to clean them up.”
Amen! Thanks be to God!
Yesterday Pastor Chandler wrapped up our sermon series on the Old Testament prophets and today we kick off reading the books of Wisdom Literature in our daily Bible reading!
Follow along with the readings below and check out the Bible Project video on how to read these books of Solomon:
Monday, June 2: Proverbs 4-6
Tuesday, June 3: Proverbs 7-9
Wednesday, June 4: Proverbs 10-12
Thursday, June 5: Proverbs 13-15
Friday, June 6: Proverbs 16-18
Saturday, June 7: Proverbs 19-21
https://bibleproject.com/videos/books-solomon/
Tomorrow is not just another Sunday...
It’s an opportunity to grow in faith, find community, and experience the kind of love that changes everything. At Sikeston First UMC, our mission is simple: Love Like Jesus. ❤️
Whether you’re searching, struggling, or simply looking for a place to belong—you are welcome here.
📍 1307 North Main Street
🕘 9am (Traditions) and 11am (Journey)
🗓️ TOMORROW!
Join us for powerful worship, a message full of hope, and genuine connection with people who care.
Come as you are—and let’s Love Like Jesus, together.
#LoveLikeJesus #SundayService #YouBelongHere
“Pour out your Holy Spirit,
to bless this gift of water and those who receive it,
to wash away their sin
and clothe them in righteousness
throughout their lives,
that, dying and being raised with Christ,
they may share in his final victory.”
What a gift to celebrate Larry’s baptism today! We are so thankful to be a part of this sacred moment in his life of faith. AND we are excited to welcome him as an official member of the First UMC family!
We give thanks for all the ways God has worked in and through him until now and look forward to being in ministry together!
❤️ Sundays are our favorite ❤️
Join us tomorrow for another Sunday of worship, Communion, First Kids ministry, and baptisms at 11!
It’s going to be a good day at First UMC! We hope you will join us!
🙌 9am Traditions (hymns and organ)
📖 10am Isaiah Bible Study
🎶 11am Journey (praise music and band)
And for more on how to be involved in what God is going in and through First UMC, check out the weekly email ⬇️
https://mailchi.mp/3773a9919103/see-whats-happening-15393872
☀️ This weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and we are officially kicking things off tomorrow at the Sikeston Sports Complex!
🌭 Bring your lawn chair and come hang out with us—there will be plenty of hot dogs, hamburgers, bubbles, games, and fun for the whole family!
🫧 For many of us, the end of the school year and the start of summer feels like an endless gauntlet of activities. Lately, I’ve heard people refer to May as “May-cember”—it’s starting to rival December in terms of school and sports events!
❤️ If that sounds familiar, we hope our Family Summer Kickoff offers you a fun and low-stress way to ease into the summer season!
See you there!
5:30-7pm
Pavilion #7
🎉 We are excited to welcome Lucas Icarte Reyes to the First UMC staff as our Summer Intern!
Lucas is a recent Central Methodist University grad, soccer player, and musician from Santiago, Chile! Come meet Lucas Friday night at the Summer Kick off at the park! It’s going to be a fun night and a great summer together!
🗣️ Shout out to Starbucks for the free coffee yesterday!
🗣️ And shout out to everyone reading the Bible with us this week!
Monday, May 19: Job 1-3
Tuesday, May 20: Job 4-7
Wednesday, May 21: Job 8-11
Thursday, May 22: Job 12-15
Friday, May 23: Job 16-19
Saturday, May 24: Job 20-23
Sunday, May 25: Job 24-28
🙏 There are so many hurting right now in our community. We believe in the power of prayer and turning to the only one who can heal our broken hearts, who cries along with us and hears our prayers, even when we don’t know what to say.
🙏 If you need a moment of quiet time alone with God, our Chapel is open on Mondays for prayer. There are some guided prayer sheets available or you can spend time in silence.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -Phil 4:6-7
Amen.
#LoveLikeJesus
Special thanks to @carsonsrestaurant for hosting our Ladies’ Tea and to everyone who came!
Jessica led us in a powerful opening prayer and Pastor Jennifer gave a brief devotional and tested our knowledge of women in the Bible with Bible trivia!
It was such a beauTEAful day for fellowship, fun, and being fancy together!
#LadiesTea #LoveLikeJesus
🫖 🌺💕
Congratulations to all our graduates!
We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what God will do through you in this next chapter!
“But the Lord is the one who is marching before you! He is the one who will be with you! He won’t let you down. He won’t abandon you. So don’t be afraid or scared!” - Deuteronomy 31:8
🎓🎓🎓
#LoveLikeJesus
What a JOY to celebrate Eliana’s baptism yesterday!
We are so thankful for all the ways God has worked in and through her leading her to this point in her faith, and can’t wait to see what amazing things God has in store for her future!
AND we were excited to welcome Caleb as an official member who has decided to call First UMC his spiritual home ❤️
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
#LoveLikeJesus #church #baptism
Every Sunday during both our 9am and 11am services, our birth-fourth grade children are invited to take Communion with their family then head to First Kids for a fun Bible lesson with Mrs. Robin and Mrs. Rachelle!
If you’re looking for a place where your kids can grow in their faith and have fun and learn how to LOVE LIKE JESUS, join us!
Dear First UMC,
This is a BIG WEEKEND! (Though, come to think of it, I may say that every weekend…) Let me explain why this one truly stands out:
There are many meaningful events happening—our Ladies’ Tea, Mother’s Day, Graduation Sunday, and Baptisms in the Journey service. Each of these is a beautiful moment of celebration. But I also know they can bring a mix of emotions—joy, gratitude, maybe even grief. We may find ourselves missing loved ones, or feeling the weight of life’s transitions.
This weekend, I want you to know: there is space at First UMC for all of your feelings. As Paul writes in Romans 12:15, we are called to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” You are not alone.
Every week in our Worship Planning Meetings, we pray that God will guide us to create services where people can truly encounter God. My prayer for you is that—whatever this weekend stirs in your heart—you experience the presence of the God who loves you, knows you, and holds you gently in the palm of God’s hand.
I hope you’ll join us at the Ladies’ Tea tomorrow at Carson’s downtown—we have a special devotional and fun activity planned. On Sunday, we’ll honor our graduates at both the Traditions and Journey services with a special prayer and a reception after each. And, we have something meaningful prepared for Mother’s Day.
See you this weekend!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jennifer
We believe that God still speaks to us through these ancient words of comfort and hope. Read the Bible with us this week as we continue reading the Old Testament Prophets!
Monday, May 5: Isaiah 61-64
Tuesday, May 6: Isaiah 65-66 Wednesday, May 7: Hosea 1-5 Thursday, May 8: Hosea 6-10 Friday, May 9: Joel 1-3 Saturday, May 10: Amos 1-5
Sunday, May 11: Amos 6-9
#LoveLikeJesus
Dear First UMC,
In case you haven’t heard—it’s MAY! And with a new month, there are new opportunities to Love Like Jesus.
As I think about all that is going on (see email link below for details!) I can’t help but recall the
words of Isaiah:
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19
His words of hope speak to us across millennia. While he was in a very different situation, he still can teach us about what it means to trust in God’s renewal and to remain attentive to the new paths God is creating in our lives.
Even in seasons that feel uncertain or dry, God is at work-making a way where there seems to be none.
This month at First UMC, as we gather for the rummage sale or Ladies’ Tea, celebrate Graduation Sunday, prepare for the Family Summer Kick-Off, and serve at the SEMO Food Bank Mobile Pantry, we’re reminded that new beginnings are not just seasonal-they’re spiritual.
These events are more than calendar dates; they are invitations to connect, serve, and grow together in faith.
Let’s open our hearts to the “new thing” God is doing among us. Whether through sharing a cup of tea, welcoming a new family, or simply offering kindness, may we Love Like Jesus in everything we do.
See you TODAY for the rummage sale starting at 7 and worship TOMORROW AT 9:00am Traditions or 11:00am Journey. It’s going to be another good weekend to be a part of Sikeston First UMC.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jennifer
https://mailchi.mp/9b04e87cfe44/see-whats-happening-15393829
Spring cleaning? Donate your stuff for the rummage sale THIS weekend!
Make things or have a small business? Host a booth for $25!
Want to buy super cool stuff and support an awesome cause! Come shop!
And if you have some time this week to help sort and price, or if you have a clothing rack we can borrow please let us know!
Reading the Bible with us is no joke!
Join us this week as we continue in the Prophet Isaiah:
Monday, April 28: Isaiah 39-41
Tuesday, April 29: Isaiah 42-44
Wednesday, April 30: Isaiah 45-48
Thursday, May 1: Isaiah 49-51
Friday, May 2: Isaiah 52-54
Saturday, May 3: Isaiah 55-57
Sunday, May 4: Isaiah 58-60
And shout out to Will Taylor for his *actual* joke on Sunday!
Q: what’s a cat’s favorite color?
A: puuurrrrple!
We are thankful for all our young comedians and the gift of being in worship together! 🙌
Dear First UMC,
Last Sunday was incredible! Thank you to everyone who made Easter Sunday such a beautiful day of celebration! If you were a part of leading worship, preparing our campus for guests, or inviting people to join us, THANK YOU!
It was so heartwarming and encouraging to see so many faces and hear the sound of our voices united in worship of Jesus. Easter Sunday was truly inspirational and I hope to see everyone (all 569 of you!) again this Sunday!
We will be kicking off our series on the Old Testament prophets. If you’ve been reading along with us in our Bible reading plan you know we are in the middle of Isaiah. It’s a different kind of book with a different kind of message that is so relevant and applicable to our lives today. I hope you will join us!
We also have a few workshops after worship that I’m excited to offer. The Rev. Laura Murphy will be here from the Missouri Methodist Foundation and will be leading two financial workshops: one on estate planning and one on parenting. I hope you will join us for either or both of those! Childcare and meals are provided. Registration links are listed below.
I can’t wait to see you and see what God is going to do this Sunday! It’s going to be another good day to worship with First UMC!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jennifer
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfo5u5CkJ-AkVhOEHUCqegurWzpExmUz0E4_ADBsrl5wxqqpw/viewform
Spiritual practices are the puzzle pieces of a life of faith 🧩
During Lent we practiced different kinds of fasting and added a new puzzle piece each week until Easter!
ICYMI, here’s the final result!
Our hope and prayer is that these practices led you to the heart of God and you experienced the Easter message with deeper meaning and joy. AND that they became a part of the rhythm of your spiritual life, something you continue into the Easter season and beyond.
Swipe for the ✨ glow up ✨ ➡️
Shout out to this amazing group of women (and a few not pictured)! Their Growth Group decided to take on this Extreme Makeover: Church Edition project! They wanted the Ladies’ bathroom in the Journey lobby to be more inviting and welcoming. We think they did an awesome job!
We are thankful for people who love the church and want to make it more welcoming for all people. It’s another way to Love Like Jesus!
What project should they take on next??
Let us know below! 👇
💰 We’re excited to welcome the Rev. Laura Murphy back to Sikeston for TWO FREE Financial workshops this Sunday!
Please let us know if you plan to come so we can plan for meals and childcare by registering below ⬇️
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfo5u5CkJ-AkVhOEHUCqegurWzpExmUz0E4_ADBsrl5wxqqpw/viewform
✝️ Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!
🙌 Yesterday was such a beautiful day of celebration! Thank you to all the 569 of you who joined us in worship of our resurrected savior!
🌅 To download any of the family photos from @danielbyrdphotography click on the link below
https://danielbyrdphotography.pixieset.com/eastersundayatfumcsikeston/
#LoveLikeJesus #Easter #risen
🙌 Shout out to our high school intern Caroline for this awesome Easter video!
❤️We are so thankful for her and all the next generation of disciples excited to love like Jesus!
🌅 Join us tomorrow for Easter Sunday!
9 am Traditions (hymns and organ)
11 am Journey (praise music and band)
#Easter #LoveLikeJesus #church #Sunday #interview #TinyMic
“Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
There is no resurrection without death.
And no Easter Sunday without Good Friday.
Last night we gathered to read the story of Jesus’ final moments on earth. And on Saturday it appeared death had won. But on Sunday everything changed.
Tomorrow we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and victory over death. We hope you will join us at 9 and 11am.
#LoveLikeJesus #GoodFriday #Easter #EasterSunday
🌿 Last Sunday we celebrated Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem with the Palm Sunday shouts of “Hosanna!”
✝️ Tonight we remember that the shouts turned to “crucify him!”
🌅 But on Sunday we unite our voices in the words of acclamation “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”
From Hosanna to Crucify Him to Alleluia in just one week.
To be a part of what God is doing in and through First UMC this Holy Week, join us:
TONIGHT Good Friday service of scripture song and darkness at 6pm in the chapel
THIS SUNDAY Easter services at 9 and 11
❤️ Because a lot can happen in a week.
🐟 Our LAST Lent WNL is TOMORROW and we are wrapping up with a fish fry!
🙌Come for worship at 5:30 and stick around for Copper Still fish and hushpuppies at 6! As always, dinner is free but donations are appreciated.
✝️ It’s going to be a great time to worship and fellowship as we journey through Holy Week together!
What an incredible kick-off to Holy Week! Palm Sunday in the morning and the funkiest, foamiest egg hunt for 300+ kids and their families in the afternoon!
Special thanks @danielbyrdphotography for pictures and to @selena_c__ for pictures and this beautiful reflection on the day:
A truly remarkable day of celebration and reflection. ✨ My heartfelt thanks First United Methodist Church Sikeston for hosting an Easter event that blended joy, community, and meaningful tradition. The Easter Egg Hunt, with its playful foam and bubbles, was a beautiful reminder of the simplicity and wonder that life offers when shared with others. 🐣🌸
As we gathered today, I was reminded of the deeper significance of our fellowship — not just as a social gathering, but as a living testament to the living hope we share in Christ’s resurrection. A hope that transcends circumstances and offers new birth to all who believe.
Here are a few pics from today’s event — feel free to tag anyone you recognize. 📸
1 Peter 1:3 (NIV):
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 🙏🏼
Praise God for the community that sustains us, for the family and friends who enrich our lives, and for the profound hope that Jesus’ resurrection brings into the human experience.
May we continually seek to grow in wisdom, compassion, and likeness to Him, understanding more fully the mystery of this living hope.♥️
TOMORROW!
🌿 Palm branches in the morning
🥚 Eggs in the afternoon!
We can’t wait to celebrate all day with you!
Learn more about tomorrow and how to be a part of what God is doing in and through First UMC by clicking on this link:
https://mailchi.mp/ab0444ccf2a8/see-whats-happening-15393788
#LoveLikeJesus #PalmSunday #EasterEggHunt
🙌 Last Sunday we worshipped together and after Communion our kids left for a lesson in First Kids.
🍞 It’s important to us that they take Communion with the whole church as a reminder that God’s gift of grace is for all of us, including the youngest disciples.
✝️ In First Kids they talked about how Jesus died on the cross for our sins and how the Holy Spirit was able to bring Jesus back to life.
🏠 They then learned how the Holy Spirit lives inside of each of us and made houses out of legos for various animals and talked about how we have to have a heart that is welcoming for the Holy Spirit to make a home in our hearts.
🦋 Finally they told the resurrection story with the Easter set pictured and checked on the progress of the butterflies!
It was a great Sunday! We can’t wait to do it again this weekend! See you there!
🌿 Palm Sunday parade at 9 and 11am
🐰 Easter egg hunt at 3pm
We 🫶 reading the Bible together! Join us this week!
Monday, April 7: 1 Kings 11-13
Tuesday, April 8: 1 Kings 14-16
Wednesday, April 9: 1 Kings 17-19
Thursday, April 10: 1 Kings 20-22
Friday, April 11: 2 Kings 1-3
Saturday, April 12: 2 Kings 4-7
Sunday, April 13: 2 Kings 8-11
Pray before reading using this prayer or something like it: “Holy God, help me to hear your voice speaking through the ancient words. Touch my life and change my heart. Help me look and love more like you because of my time spent reading today. Amen.”
#LoveLikeJesus #BibleReading #scripture
“Last week in First Kids we tried to blow the balloon string from under the rocks that was holding them down. Just as the rock keeps the balloon string in place, God is our rock and helps keep us in place while being there for us all the time. We drew our hands so we could see and talk about the feelings Hannah must have had when she had no children (represented by the candy) and Peninnah had many. And look at how much our caterpillars have grown!!” -Mrs. Robin
🎈Our kids have been busy in First Kids lately! Join them this Sunday during 9 and 11 to see what they will be up to this week!
⬇️ And check out the email for more info on the upcoming parenting class, egg hunt, Easter services!
https://mailchi.mp/e38ce64851c2/see-whats-happening-15393740
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” 1 Peter 1:3
Come celebrate this GOOD NEWS with us! It will be a joyful and joy-filled day of worship! See you there!
#LoveLikeJesus #easter #church
Pssstt…have you heard???!
We’re reading the entire Bible this year! Join us this week with these daily readings:
Monday, March 31: 2 Samuel 13-15
Tuesday, April 1: 2 Samuel 16-18
Wednesday, April 2: 2 Samuel 19-21
Thursday, April 3: 2 Samuel 22-24
Friday, April 4: 1 Kings 1-3
Saturday, April 5: 1 Kings 4-7
Sunday, April 6: 1 Kings 8-10
2024 MISSION IMPACT REPORT is out now!
$23,885 in rent/utility assistance (78 families)
$12,291 in tornado relief
900 supplies/totes distributed
150 Tornado relief volunteers
1,500 families given food boxes
500 cards mailed to homebound
$13,703 to Schoolfest
1,000 backpacks and t-shirts
38 outside community groups hosted
626 kids and youth impacted by Next Generation events
$5,044 supplies donated through Festival of Sharing
9,072 lives impacted because of FIRST UMC!
Way to LOVE LIKE JESUS First UMC!
If you want to be a part of this movement, join us tomorrow:
9am Traditions Worship (organ and hymns)
10am FIFTH SUNDGA BRUNCH
11am Journey Worship (band and praise music)
And check out the email for ways to get involved:
https://mailchi.mp/47958bf2f38c/see-whats-happening-15393724
#LoveLikeJesus #Mission #Ministry
Last fall we rolled out our new Mission Statement, Core Values and Core Practices but never made it Facebook official!
For us, these guiding principles shape how we view ministry and our place in the Church. It helps clarify our work as the body of Christ and focus on love of God and neighbor, the two greatest commandments in the Bible.
If you’re looking for a community to seeking to Love Like Jesus in all we do, join us on Sundays at 9 and 11am!
❤️❤️❤️
#LoveLikeJesus #SikestonFirstUMC
“In First Kids this week we talked about how God cares for us. We put a puzzle together to show how sometimes we don’t always see the big picture but God does! Then we talked about how we care for our stuffed animals and baby dolls and how some of those ways were how God cares for us like loving us. We also introduced the children to the caterpillars that we will care for until they become butterflies and we release them at our Easter event!” -Mrs. Robin
First Kids meet during both the Traditions and Journey services on Sundays. We hope your kiddos join us next week as we help the next generation Love Like Jesus! ❤️
We’re right in the middle of one of the most epic stories of the Bible featuring one of the most famous characters—King David!
Read along with us this week to hear how God used this complicated person for great purposes and be encouraged that you have a part to play in the story of God, too!
Before reading pray this or something like it:
“Dear God, open my heart and mind by the power of your Holy Spirit so I can revive with joy the message you have for me today. Amen.”
Monday, March 24: 1 Samuel 18-20
Tuesday, March 25: 1 Samuel 21-24
Wednesday, March 26: 1 Samuel 25-27
Thursday, March 27: 1 Samuel 28-31
Friday, March 28: 2 Samuel 1-3
Saturday, March 29: 2 Samuel 4-8
Sunday, March 30: 2 Samuel 9-12
✨Searching for meaning, purpose, and community?
❤️Come find it here! Each week we gather to tell the story of what God has done so we can have faith in what God will do.
Join us tomorrow:
9am Traditions worship—organ and hymns
10am Pastor Chat—casual conversation about First UMC
10am Daniel Study—adult Sunday School class
11am Journey worship—band and praise music
12pm Pastor Chat—casual conversation about First UMC
And for more ways on how to get involved in what God is doing in and through First UMC check out the weekly email ⬇️
https://mailchi.mp/ff9be62d473c/see-whats-happening-15393706
🎉 Congratulations Easton!
🙌 We loved getting to celebrate Easton’s Baptism and Confirmation this Sunday and being a part of this special step in his journey of faith!
🙏 For us, Baptism is a special tangible way of experiencing the grace of God that has been with Easton his whole life. Our prayer is that the waters of baptism continue to form his life into the shape of love.
❤️ If you want to talk more about Baptism, join us this Sunday for Pastor Chat at 10 and 12.
#LoveLikeJesus #Baptism
Start your week off with some little known facts about St. Patrick from Pastor @iansimkins and dig into the Bible with us!
Read the Bible with us this week with these daily Scripture readings:
Monday, March 17: Judges 19-21
Tuesday, March 18: Ruth 1-4
Wednesday, March 19: 1 Samuel 1-3
Thursday, March 20: 1 Samuel 4-8
Friday, March 21: 1 Samuel 9-12
Saturday, March 22: 1 Samuel 13-14
Sunday, March 23: 1 Samuel 15-17
Before reading pray this or something like it: “Dear God, please bless my reading and help me to hear what you want to tell me today. Amen.”
#Biblereading #stpatricksday☘️
A few pics from First Kids this morning as we made people who loved God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength ❤️
If you’re looking for ways to talk to your kids about faith check out the handout we sent home!
And if you’re looking for a place where your kids can grow in their faith join us next Sunday!
Let’s all help the next generation to Love Like Jesus ❤️
#nextgeneration #kidsministry #LoveLikeJesus
Dear First UMC, I hope you’ve been able to enjoy some of the beautiful weather this week! We have had some gorgeous early spring Southeast Missouri days.
Whenever the sun starts to shine again and we are thawing out from winter, I’m often reminded of this
passage from Isaiah 55:
“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it with- out watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose
for which I sent it.”
It’s one of my favorites. It’s a reminder that the snow and rain in the winter months were for a purpose— to bring about growth and new life. And, it’s a reminder that if you seek to follow God, what might feel hard—like daily Bible reading or a weekly fasting practice—is for a purpose, too. It’s for your growth, so
you can experience new life, the abundant life Jesus came to bring.
I hope you have continued to keep up with our daily Bible reading and even taken on our fasting practice this week of fasting from multitasking. If it feels hard, don’t be discouraged, but remember these words from Isaiah that there is a purpose. God will accomplish the good work God began in you. Sometimes we call this “sanctification,” which is just a churchy way of saying that God is making you holier and more like Jesus.
I’m thankful for our community— for so many companions in this journey of faith— and hope to see you this Sunday at 9 or 11. We will have worship and fellowship and also celebrate three young adults
affirming their faith through Baptism and
Confirmation. It’s going to be such a good day!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jennifer
#LoveLiKeJesus #church
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