LOVE LIKE JESUS

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

May the fourth be with you! And also with you! 🤣 These Star Wars Day church invites from @jonathanmalm were too fun not to share! See you tomorrow! 9am Traditions (organ and hymns) 11am Journey (band and praise music)

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

New month, new website! Coming soon! #ItsGonnaBeMay #LoveLikeJesus #church #website

🌺 A Blessing for the month of May 🌺

Deep thoughts on church rummage sales 🤪 If you’re doing your own theological rummage sale and looking for a new way of doing church, come check us out! We’re a community of people seeking to Love Like Jesus and we’d love to have you! ❤️ Sundays at 9 and 11 ❤️

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! 🙌

Behind on your daily Bible reading? Don’t beat yourself up! Just join us tomorrow! We will summarize the past few weeks and catch everyone up! See you there at 9 and 11am! #LoveLikeJesus #Bible #ScriptureReading

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.

Spring cleaning? Donate your stuff for the rummage sale next 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!

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! 👇

Let us know you’re coming by registering below ⬇️ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfo5u5CkJ-AkVhOEHUCqegurWzpExmUz0E4_ADBsrl5wxqqpw/viewform

💰 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

“Sorrow and love flow mingled down…” Good Friday service starting at 6

🌿 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.

✝️ Tomorrow evening we gather for a service of song, scripture, and darkness as we remember Jesus’ last moments before death, recounting his journey to the cross. 🙏 It is always a powerful night. We hope you will join us. #GoodFriday #LoveLikeJesus

There is one part of the Easter message for EVERYBODY that NOBODY talks about. Join us THIS Sunday to find out what it is! ✝️ 9am Traditions 🙌 11am Journey #LoveLikeJesus #Easter #church #eastersunday #Sikeston #HeIsRisen

Who are you bringing with you this Easter Sunday?? ✝️ 9am Traditions 🙌11am Journey #LoveLikeJesus #invite #Easter

🐟 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

🐰The countdown is on! 🥚 See you soon!

🙌 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

Easter at First UMC kicks off this week! 🌿Palm Sunday THIS SUNDAY at 9 and 11am! 🐰 Egg Hunt THIS SUNDAY at 3pm 🙌 Last Lent Wednesday Night Live NEXT Wednesday with fish fry at 5:30 ✝️ Good Friday NEXT Friday at 6pm 🌅 Easter services NEXT Sunday at 9 and 11am See you there! #LoveLikeJesus

🌿 THIS SUNDAY! 🌿 Kids of all ages are invited to be a part of the Palm Sunday parade! Meet Mrs. Robin and Mrs. Rachelle in the lobby before each service! Love these sweet pics from last year from @danielbyrdphotography #LoveLikeJesus

It’s getting EGG-streamely close! You are ready?! 🐰🥚🦋

We’re excited to welcome The Rev. Charles Buck for our Wednesday Night Live service tomorrow night at 5:30! Come for the awesome message and stick around for the delicious food at 6pm! #LoveLikeJesus #WNL

It’s getting closer! Get EGG-cited! 🥚🐰🦋

🐰 Pics from last year’s Egg Hunt! 🥚 We can’t wait to do it again THIS Sunday at 3pm! 🦋 SEMO Funky Foam | butterfly release | popcorn bar | Five Star Inflatables | Pictures with the Easter bunny

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

❤️ This was taken on a dry day last week, but the sentiment is still the same! 🗣️We will be glad to see you tomorrow at 9am for Traditions or at 11am for Journey! Please use north end or side parking lots. 🙏 We are continuing to pray for everyone affected in the area by the storms and flooding.

“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

We are going to cancel Wednesday Night Live tonight and close the church office at noon today. We are praying for everyone’s safety🙏

📣 BREAKING NEWS! 🚨THIS JUST IN! 🗣️SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! We’re excited to announce that starting this Sunday Red Bull will be sponsoring our caffeination station! April Fools! 🤣 But it is always a good idea to come wake up with us on Sunday mornings with or without an energy drink ☺️

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! ❤️

See you tomorrow! #LoveLikeJesus

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

TOMORROW! Sign up here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time?zipSponsor=63801

✨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

THIS Monday! Give blood, eat snacks, save lives! Sign up here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time?zipSponsor=63801

🎉 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

THIS SUNDAY! Stick around after each of our Sunday services for Pastor Chat! Learn more about Methodism, our church, and your place at First UMC! #PastorChat #LoveLikeJesus

LIVE FROM THE CHAPEL IT’S WEDNESDAY NIGHT! Wednesday Night Live is TONIGHT! 5:30 Service 6:00 Dinner See you then! #LoveLikeJesus

✨Tomorrow night✨ We are so excited to welcome Rev. Fred Leist back to First UMC to lead Wednesday Night Live! It’s going to be a fun night of encouragement and inspiration! See you there! #LoveLikeJesus

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

Get EGG-cited! Mark your calendars for our egg hunt featuring @sffoam ! For more on what’s happening at First UMC check out the weekly email ⬇️ https://mailchi.mp/7a09d54b04b9/see-whats-happening-15393690

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

Job Olympics is starting! 120 students from 9 school districts (double from last year!) are showcasing their job skills today on our First UMC campus! We are happy to host these amazing young adults and cheer them on, praying for their future success and looking forward to what God will do in their lives! 🔴🔵🟡🟢⚫️ #LoveLikeJesus

Need a midweek pick-me-up? You need Wednesday Night Live! Come feed your body and soul tomorrow, starting at 5:30 for the worship service (nursery available) and (free!) dinner is at 6. See you then!! #LoveLikeJesus #Lent #Worship

A brief note on violence in the Bible. To read along with us, follow the reading plan below and for more ways to understand the violence in Bible, follow the link to the Bible Project podcast. Monday, March 10: Joshua 22-24 Tuesday, March 11: Judges 1-3 Wednesday, March 12: Judges 4-5 Thursday, March 13: Judges 6-8 Friday, March 14: Judges 9-12 Saturday, March 15: Judges 13-15 Sunday, March 16: Judges 16-18 https://bibleproject.com/podcast/making-sense-of-divine-violence/ #scripture #Bible #LoveLikeJesus

Today in First Kids we made paper chains with our worries and cares on them and then gave our worries to God. Next we played Jenga to illustrate how we get worried when things get hard.  If you’re wondering how to talk to your kids about faith check out the handout we sent home! Let’s help the next generation Love Like Jesus ❤️

Are you sleepy? Tired? Do you have a case of Spring Forward? We are here to help! We have free coffee at both our 9am and 11am worship services. Come wake up with us this morning! ☕️☕️☕️

Only ✌️ more sleeps until our favorite day of the week! If you don’t have anywhere to worship on Sunday morning we have two (very different!) services with the same mission: ❤️LOVE LIKE JESUS❤️ 9am Traditions with organ and hymns 11am Journey with praise band For more ways to be a part of what God is doing in and through First UMC click on the link to the weekly email below ⬇️ https://mailchi.mp/66737e8bb9df/see-whats-happening-15393677

From dust you came, to dust you will return. Repent and believe the Gospel. ➕➕➕ We kicked off the Lenten season of fasting and renewal last night. “Fasting” is just a churchy way of saying emptying ourselves so that we can be filled with the presence of God. There are lots of things you can fast from—certain foods or behaviors—so you can embrace this season of preparation and growth. Let us know below what you’re fasting from this Lent 👇

➕ A few thoughts on Ash Wednesday from Pastor Jennifer. ➕ Service tonight at 6pm. Nursery will be available. #Lent #LoveLikeJesus

➕Tomorrow➕

Pancakes and jazz from 5-7 tonight! See you soon! 💜💚💛

Join us tomorrow for pancakes and jazz! 💜💛💚

Reposting this @noahherrin post because it’s just too good! 🔥 AND it’s a great reminder to join us reading the Bible this week! Catch up or start with us here! Monday, March 3: Deuteronomy 28-29 Tuesday, March 4: Deuteronomy 30-31 Wednesday, March 5: Deuteronomy 32-34 Thursday, March 6: Joshua 1-4 Friday, March 7: Joshua 5-8 Saturday, March 8: Joshua 9-12 Sunday, March 9: Joshua 13-21 🙏 Before you start, pray this or something like it: “Holy God, bless my reading today. Help me not just to read your word, but have the courage to live it. Change and transform me by the power of your love. Amen.” #LoveLikeJesus #BibleReading #BibleInAYear

The church is not a building. The church is not a steeple. The church is not a resting place. The church is the people. ❤️ Today these people served 197 families in under two hours through the SEMO Mobile Food Pantry! ❤️ If you’re looking for people like this, who live and love like Jesus, join us TOMORROW at 9 and 11am! #LoveLikeJesus #FoodPantry #church #BeUMC

TOMORROW! ❤️ Please share if you know someone in need ❤️ #LoveLikeJesus

Journey through Lent with us! Embrace this season of reflection and renewal as we prepare our hearts to receive the Good News of Easter! #LoveLikeJesus #Lent2025

❤️ Floyd Underhill made it “official” on Sunday joining First UMC! We are so thankful for his ministry with us and witness of faithfulness and devotion to God! ❤️ Floyd has attended for *only* 54 years but felt it was important to make his formal commitment to the church through membership. ❤️ While all are welcome to attend and participate in the life of the church for as little or long as they like, there is something special that changes when you decide to live out your life of faith with a particular people in a particular place. We are so glad he chose First UMC! ❤️ If you are thinking about partnering with First UMC through membership, stay tuned for info on our first Pastor Chat coming up on March 16!

Raise your hand if you’re reading the Bible with us this week! 🙋🏻‍♀️ Monday, February 24: Deuteronomy 7-9 Tuesday, February 25: Deuteronomy 10-12 Wednesday, February 26: Deuteronomy 13-14 Thursday, February 27: Deuteronomy 15-16 Friday, February 28: Deuteronomy 17-20 Saturday, March 1: Deuteronomy 21-23 Sunday, March 2: Deuteronomy 24-27 Before you read, pray this prayer or something like it: “Dear God, open my heart and my mind by the power of your Holy Spirit. Help me hear your voice speaking to me today. Amen.” #LoveLikeJesus

We missed you last week! Can’t wait to see everyone tomorrow morning at 9am and 11am! Want to be a part of what God is doing in and through First UMC? Check out the email below and sign up to serve! https://mailchi.mp/cff0ca7fed41/see-whats-happening-15393649

🙏 Every Sunday our hope and prayer is that you encounter the life-changing power of Jesus and that you are transformed by his love in your life. ❤️ If you’re looking for a little Jesus this weekend, join us at 9 or 11am in person or on our YouTube channel! #LoveLikeJesus

🙏We want to be praying for you and with you. ⬇️ Let us know how we can be praying by commenting below or sending us a direct message. ❤️Our confidential Prayer Team prays over all the requests every week. #LoveLikeJesus #SikestonFirstUMC

We want YOU to read the Bible with us this week! Before you read, pray this prayer or something like it: “Dear God, open my heart and my mind by the power of your Holy Spirit. Help me hear your voice speaking to me today. Amen.” Monday, February 17: Numbers 25-27 Tuesday, February 18: Numbers 26-30 Wednesday, February 19: Numbers 31-32 Thursday, February 20: Numbers 33-34 Friday, February 21: Numbers 35-36 Saturday, February 22: Deuteronomy 1-3 Sunday, February 23: Deuteronomy 4-6

As we read through the Bible together, Numbers is a tough one to get through…I doubt it’s anyone’s favorite book, partly because of its less-than-fun-title, but also because it covers a part Israel’s story that is also less than fun—the wilderness. And often, the wilderness is the least favorite part of our story, too. For many of us, times of wilderness—confusion, heartache, or disappointment—are some of the hardest moments of our spiritual lives. That’s why I love this passage. In the middle of their wandering and wondering we find this blessing. It’s a blessing God gave to the priests to pray over the people. Later in Numbers a pagan priest is hired to curse the people of Israel but finds that he could only bless them. Even in the midst of confusion, division, and honestly chaos, God continues to bless God’s people, working behind the scenes (even speaking through donkeys 🤣) to protect, provide, and sustain them with covenantal love and mercy. If you find yourself in the wilderness this morning, I hope you receive this blessing and are filled with God’s love, grace, and peace that surpasses understanding ❤️ -Pastor Jennifer

I just wanna love like Jesus The kinda love that Don’t need a reason No strings attached No questions asked You give it all And you’re never gonna take it back It’s not for me to say who’s worthy Everybody needs his grace and mercy ‘Cause I just wanna love like Love like Love like Jesus ❤️❤️❤️ Come Love Like Jesus with us tomorrow at 9 and 11. We have been praying for you! #LoveLikeJesus #church

We had so much fun packing Valentine’s Day bags for those who have lost spouses at First UMC! Here are five more ways you can show God’s love today: 🩷 Build each other up. -Rom 14:19 ❤️ Serve one another. -Gal 5:13 🩷 Encourage one another. -1 Thes 5:11-14 ❤️ Be devoted to each other. -Rom 12:10 🩷 Be kind and forgiving. -Eph 5:13

Valentine’s Day is coming up and if you still need a card we got you covered! Send this to your Valentine from your friends at First UMC 🩷🤣

❤️ If you know someone in need, please share with them! ❤️ And if you can help someone in need, show up at 8am to serve. These events usually take around 1.5 hours and we serve 200-300 families. ❤️ It’s a small commitment that makes a big impact! #LoveLikeJesus #Church #serve

💕See you tonight! 💕

Read the Bible with us this week! Before reading feel free to pray this prayer or something like it: “Dear God, bless my reading and help me to hear what you are teaching me today. Amen.” Monday, February 10: Numbers 5-7 Tuesday, February 11: Numbers 8-10 Wednesday, February 12: Numbers 11-13 Thursday, February 13: Numbers 14-16 Friday, February 14: Numbers 17-18 Saturday, February 15: Numbers 19-21 Sunday, February 16: Numbers 22-24 #LoveLikeJesus #BibleReading #Scripture

🏈 KICK OFF your Sunday with us this week! 🏈 It’s going to be a SUPER day to worship together! 🏈 TOUCHDOWN on the link below for more info on how to be involved in what God is doing in and through First UMC. 🏈 And, see which weekly Scriptures we are going to TACKLE together. 🏈 Okay this is the end (ZONE!) of football puns we know, see you on Sunday! https://mailchi.mp/d042e5744b65/see-whats-happening-15393631

💕Get in we’re having fun and serving others! 💕 Girls Night In is always a fun time hanging out with women of all ages! This will be no different but there is a twist…we will enjoy dinner together and instead of making a craft to take home we are packing Valentine gifts bags for the 40 men and women in our church who have lost spouses! We want them to know they are loved, seen, and cared for by the people of First UMC. Cost is $10. Register by clicking on the link below: https://thefunchurch.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=20715caab2e8c3bcd224c58be&id=c801a5c611&e=58728f99f4

On Sunday our 2025 Church Council was installed! We are thankful for these dedicated servant leaders and their ministry with us. Please pray for their wisdom and discernment as they guide us in the coming year. Bill Baxley Amy Blanton MIke Bohanon Randy Bohanon Julie Bryant Zach Buckler Daniel Byrd Jim Caskey Rob Clay Gina Hart Jenny Hobeck Angie Sharp Sally Lape Savannah Lawson Penney Limbach Mike Moll Ally Sparlin Steve Williams

Yesterday Pastor Chandler kicked off our new series based on our weekly Bible readings and it reminded us of this popular meme 🤣 If you want to be able to catch all the Bible references this week, read along with us: Monday, February 3: Leviticus 14-15 Tuesday, February 4: Leviticus 16-18 Wednesday, February 5: Leviticus 19-20 Thursday, February 6: Leviticus 21-23 Friday, February 7: Leviticus 24-25 Saturday, February 8: Leviticus 26-27 Sunday, February 9: Numbers 1-4 🙏Before reading feel free to pray this prayer or something like it: “Dear God, bless my reading and help me to hear what you are teaching me today. Amen.” #LoveLikeJesus #CharleyDay #meme #BibleReading #Scripture

This is worship. Every week we come together to tell the same stories of what God has done so we can have faith and hope in what God will do. We sing songs and talk about God’s mercy, compassion, love, forgiveness and grace and it shapes who we are and it changes how we live. Our hope and prayer is that we are transformed into people and into a people who love like Jesus. We want our community to be changed by the presence and power of God working in and through us. If you’re looking for a place where you can grow in your faith and experience the life-changing power of God, tomorrow is a good day to join us at 9am for our traditional service or 11am for our modern service. See you there! #LoveLikeJesus #church #Sunday #seeyouthere

This week John Brashear kicks off a new study on Daniel at 10am! Deep dive into this fascinating and inspiring book in the Lamplighters class! Find out more about the class and how to get involved in what God is doing in and through First UMC by clicking the link to the weekly email below ⬇️ https://mailchi.mp/fd06818de745/see-whats-happening-15393613

On Sunday Tim Gilmore from the Warming Center told us about the work they are doing to help people in our community in the winter months. We are thankful for their incredible ministry and the dedication! If you want to help out, they always need volunteers to serve meals and are in need of a few physical items. In addition to the Jack Links already on our Shopping List, he mentioned new or gently used hoodies, blankets, and gloves. Anything you want to donate can be dropped at our red mission table in the lobby. “For whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” -Matthew 25:40 #LoveLikeJesus

📖Ramsey wants to remind you to read your Bible this week! Monday, January 27: Exodus 30-31 Tuesday, January 28: Exodus 32-34 Wednesday, January 29: Exodus 35-40 Thursday, January 30: Leviticus 1-4 Friday, January 31: Leviticus 5-7 Saturday, February 1: Leviticus 8-10 Sunday, February 2: Leviticus 11-13 🙏Before reading feel free to pray this prayer or something like it: “Dear God, bless my reading and help me to hear what you are teaching me today. Amen.” ❤️We have the best Connection Team! We are thankful for the amazing volunteers (and their kiddos!) who welcome us into worship each Sunday! #LoveLikeJesus

Forgive like Jesus. Have mercy like Jesus. Show compassion like Jesus. Offer grace like Jesus. Be kind like Jesus. Fight for the Underdog like Jesus. Go after the Lost like Jesus. Befriend the Least like Jesus. Help those who can’t help themselves like Jesus. Bring peace like Jesus. Serve like Jesus. Sacrifice like Jesus. Live like Jesus. Love like Jesus. If you’re looking for a community of people trying to live this out—who try and fail and try again by the grace of God—we hope you’ll join us tomorrow at 9 or 11. ❤️❤️❤️

ICYMI Last Sunday Pastor Jennifer shared why we are reading the Bible together in 2025. It’s not just to have more knowledge *about God,* but to be changed and transformed by the power of God’s mercy, grace, compassion, and forgiveness to be a people who live and Love Like Jesus wherever we go ❤️