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@sikestonfirstumc.org
Office Hours: M-Th, 9-12, 1-4:30; Fri. 9-12
Pastoral Care Hotline: 573-471-3283
follow along on instagram • @firstUMCsikeston
Dear First UMC,
After the first sermon in our “Ask Anything” series my husband Ryan told me that someone asked him after our Traditions service if I was running for political office. “Why?” he asked, “because Jennifer didn’t really answer that question directly!” We both thought this was such a funny comment!
But really, in a way, they were absolutely right. I have been calling the sermons in this series “answers” but in reality, many of the questions you submitted anonymously don’t have clear answers. And the best I can do—or at least what I’m trying to do—is help to reframe the questions in ways that help us see them as faithful responses to a sincere desire to follow God. I think so often we are scared to ask questions, and yet, it is usually in asking that we go deeper in our faith and knowledge of God’s love.
As we wrap up the series this Sunday, I’m so sorry to say that it might not feel like the questions are tied into neat bows. This one is a little messy because this week we are tackling the most asked topic. And there’s a reason why it showed up so much: it affects almost every part of our lives. It’s something that people have been wrestling with for centuries and it continues to be a central theme in many of our faith journeys.
While I might not be able to “answer” it, my hope is that we can all grow in our understanding of how this question can help us more faithfully live out the Gospel. I hope you will be a part of this conversation by joining us in worship this weekend.
AND on Sunday we will celebrate the Blessing of the Backpacks—when all students, teachers, administrators and staff are invited forward for a special prayer over their school year. It’s one of my favorite things we do each year—full of joy and a little holy chaos—and I know you’ll be glad you were a part of it.
See you Sunday!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jennifer
The last few weeks we have continued our City Prayer, praying for a local church and nonprofit. It’s a reminder that we are all a part of the Body of Christ and partners in the work of the Gospel.
We hope you will join us in prayer for each of these organizations:
Sunday June 7: One Church Sikeston and Sikeston Lion’s Club
Sunday June 14: Grace Global Methodist Church and Richland R-IX School District
Sunday June 21: Bowman Street Church of God and Altrusa Club
Sunday June 28: Grace Bible Fellowship and Missouri Bootheel Regional Consortium
Sunday July 5: Anchor Church and First Call For Help
Sunday July 12: LaCroix Church and Sikeston VFW
Sunday July 19: Concordia Lutheran Church and SEMO-NASV
Sunday July 26: Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church and Sikeston Jaycees
Sunday August 2: Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist and St. Francis Medical Center Foundation
Sunday August 9: New Day United Methodist Church and Dexter R-IX School District
Sunday August 16: Community Nazarene and Sikeston American Legion
Sunday August 23: Fellowship Baptist and Scott County R-IV (Kelly) School District
❓ “Is God a narcissist?”
❓ “What makes Methodists different?”
❓ “How do the dinosaurs fit in?”
Tomorrow, we’re tackling a grab bag of random questions as we continue our Ask Anything series!
Because we believe asking questions can be a spiritual practice. Faith isn’t about being afraid to wonder, wrestle, or admit when we don’t know. Sometimes the questions we ask are the very things that lead us deeper into faith.
So bring your questions—and your curiosity! Join us in person or online tomorrow at 9 and 11am. You just might hear an answer to a question you’ve been wanting to ask.
Come curious. Come ready to wrestle. Come ready to Ask Anything. ❤️
#LoveLikeJesus.
For more than 10 years, the Reading Outreach for Children Reading Program has been making a difference in the lives of local children by reading to preschoolers and kindergarteners at the Sikeston Kindergarten Center!
Volunteers read with students twice a month on Thursdays, and each visit is around a 30-minute commitment. In those 30 minutes, you can help foster a love of reading, build confidence, encourage young minds, and make a lasting impact.
And this matters because literacy is one of the most powerful tools we have to help break the cycle of poverty. When children have strong reading skills, they have greater opportunities to succeed in school, pursue their dreams, and build a brighter future.
The Reading Outreach team is always looking for more readers and with school starting soon now is the perfect time to join the team!
If you love books, love kids, and want to make a difference in our community, 30 minutes twice a month is a simple and meaningful way to serve. 📚
Click on the link below to be added to the list:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPJJEj4t4e5YeF0LBzSKd6G1CLfqqQHOysXq_aoxx0eOhWYA/viewform?pli=1
#LoveLikeJesus
Summer is winding down, but we are gearing up! ☀️
✂️ First Kids Preschool Ribbon Cutting — August 20
🎒 Blessing of the Backpacks — August 30
🤩 Youth Trip to Atomic City — September 12
And tomorrow, we continue our Ask Anything series with a few questions about how we know we’re truly following Jesus.
And, as always, we’ll celebrate Communion. For us, Communion is a tangible way to experience God’s grace—God’s presence and power with us. It’s not only a reminder of what God has done for us, but also of what God continues to do in us and through us.
It’s going to be a great Sunday! We hope you’ll join us in person or online at 9 or 11 AM. 🙌
#LoveLikeJesus
Blessing of the Backpacks is August 30!
At both our 9:00 and 11:00 services!
Come recreate these ICONIC photos!
All students, teachers and school administrators are invited!
We will pray a special prayer of blessing and give them to gift to add to their backpack and remind them they are loved ❤️
All year long.
See you there!
#LoveLikeJesus #BlessingOfTheBackpacks
What. A. Weekend. 👚🎒
Schoolfest 2026 reminded us what can happen when the Body of Christ comes together to love our neighbors.
Because of the incredible generosity of our community…
🎒 721 students received backpacks, and T-shirts on Saturday and 454 more were taken to the Bulldog pantry to be passed out during the School year!
🙌 Hundreds of volunteers gave their time to serve.
🍎 Churches, businesses, nonprofits, schools, and community organizations worked side by side with one mission—to make sure every child starts the school year knowing they are seen, valued, and loved.
This is so much bigger than school supplies.
It’s about sharing the love of Jesus in practical ways. It’s about investing in our children. It’s about showing families they are not alone. It’s about a community choosing compassion over convenience and service over self.
To everyone who donated, volunteered, prayed, or cheered others on—THANK YOU!! You helped make a lasting impact in the lives of hundreds of families.
We are grateful to be in ministry together and to serve a community that continually shows up for one another.
This is what it looks like to Love Like Jesus ❤️
Last Sunday we heard from a few of our youth who attended the Unite Youth Conference. It was inspiring to hear how God is moving in and through them and a beautiful reminder that the future of the church is here. We are thankful for their courage and willingness to share their heart!
Tomorrow we start a new series—“Ask Anything”—with the first question: do dogs go to heaven? The answer might not be what you expect!
I hope you will join us and think about who you can invite to be a part of what God is doing in and through First UMC. It’s going to be a great day to worship together! See you at 9 and 11!
#LoveLikeJesus
✨ Our new series starts THIS WEEK and there’s still time to submit a question! ✨
What have you always wanted to ask about God...but never have?
Maybe it’s something you’ve wrestled with for years. Maybe it’s a question about the Bible, faith, suffering, heaven, prayer, Methodism, or a passage you’ve never understood.
Throughout this series, we’ll tackle your questions with honesty, humility, and Scripture. We won’t claim to have every answer, but we believe asking questions isn’t the opposite of faith—it’s often how faith grows.
Use the google form below to leave your question anonymously, then join us each Sunday as we discover what God has to say.
No question is off limits.
Let’s seek the answers and grow in faith together.
#LoveLikeJesus #AMA
‼️ DONATION MATCH ALERT! 🎒🙌 👚
Schoolfest 2025 was a blast, and we can’t wait to do it again THIS Saturday!
This year, we’re providing 1,000 backpacks and T-shirts to local students as they head back to school—and right now, your gift can go twice as far!
A generous donor has committed to match every dollar donated, up to $2,750. That means every $10 becomes $20. Every $50 becomes $100. Every gift makes twice the impact.
If you’ve been looking for a way to support local families, this is it. Help us make sure every child starts the school year feeling seen, loved, and prepared.
Let’s meet the match together! ❤️
#LoveLikeJesus #Schoolfest
Kinda cool to learn that the youth aren’t just the future of the Church—they’re leading now.
Kinda cool to encourage them in their faith.
Kinda cool to listen when they speak.
Kinda cool that God works in and through people of all ages.
Kinda cool to learn from someone younger than you.
🙌🙌🙌
Last week our students returned from the Unite Youth Conference, and tomorrow you’ll get to hear from them.
It’s going to be an encouraging and inspiring morning as we hear what God is doing in their lives and celebrate the ways they are already leading the Church. Come ready to be challenged, encouraged, and reminded that God’s Spirit moves through every generation.
Join us at 9:00 or 11:00.
We can’t wait to worship with you! ❤️
#LoveLikeJesus
🎉 This Sunday is a special one! 🎉
Join us tomorrow as our summer ministry intern, Caroline Blanton, brings the message during worship!
Caroline has had an amazing summer, serving the church and being a part of the Missouri Annual Conference college intern cohort. We have been so blessed by her ministry with us and can’t wait to hear what God has given her to share tomorrow.
This is also her final Sunday with us before her internship comes to a close, so we’d love for you to come hear her preach, encourage her, and help us send her off with lots of love! ❤️
We’ll see you at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM in person or online!
#LoveLikeJesus
We are excited to participate in Schoolfest again this year!
$15 pays for a backpack and T-shirt AND gets you a vote for which pastor you’d like to see pie’d in the face at the Fall Festival!
Pastor Jennifer or Pastor Chandler…who’s it going to be??!
Donate online at sikestonfirstumc.org
#LoveLikeJesus #PieAPastor
What have you always wanted to ask about God...but never did?
Maybe it’s something you’ve wrestled with for years. Maybe it’s a question about the Bible, faith, suffering, heaven, prayer, or a passage you’ve never understood.
Throughout this series, we’ll tackle your questions with honesty, humility, and Scripture. We won’t claim to have every answer, but we believe asking questions isn’t the opposite of faith—it’s often how faith grows.
Use the google form below to leave your question anonymously, then join us each Sunday as we discover what God has to say.
No question is off limits.
Let’s seek the answers and grow in faith together.
#LoveLikeJesus #AMA
Welcome home, John & Rhonda! 🏡
This Sunday, the Parsons made it official and joined our church family! 🙌
One of the things they shared that touched our hearts was that they have come to know this body of Christ as a church that serves—and they want to be part of that mission.
What a beautiful reminder that when we Love Like Jesus, people notice. ❤️
We’re so grateful God has led you here, John and Rhonda. Welcome home! ✝️
#LoveLikeJesus
Join us in praying for our youth as they head to the Unite Conference on the campus of Central Methodist University this week! 🙏❤️
We pray this is more than just a fun and memorable experience—we’re asking God to make it a transformative week where they encounter God’s love and are inspired to deepen their faith.
We can’t wait to see all that God is going to do in and through them this week!
Safe travels, have fun, and know your church family is praying for you every step of the way!
#LoveLikeJesus
Say CHEESE!🧀 📷
We’re all smiles because tomorrow is SUNDAY!
We are wrapping up our series on Romans with this passage:
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” Romans 14:17
See you at 9 and 11 in person or online! 🙌
#LoveLikeJesus
This week the First UMC staff had the opportunity to tour the Community Sheltered Workshop led by our friend Pastor John (and even stood on a giant scale as a group à la The Office 😂).
We loved hearing about the incredible work they are doing and difference they are making in the lives of their employees and the greater community. It’s a beautiful reminder that we are all beloved creation made in the image of God ❤️
#LoveLikeJesus
Yesterday was awesome! We had so much fun worshiping with you! 🙌
But Sundays are for gathering and Mondays are for GOING!
Now it’s time to BE the Church—not just in the building, but wherever you go.
Go out and BE the church—the body of Christ, the hands, feet and heartbeat—of Jesus here on earth this week.
Show kindness.
Extend grace.
Go out and Love Like Jesus. ❤️
Tomorrow is SUNDAY! We love to see it!
And we can’t wait to see YOU! 🫵
We are continuing our series on Romans with this powerful verse: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
It’s going to be a good day! Join us in person or online at 9am and 11am 🙌
#LoveLikeJesus
Core memories: unlocked!🔓
Thanks to everyone who helped make Day Camp 2026 such an incredible week! From all the families who took part in Family Night, the incredible kitchen volunteers, to everyone who prayed for the camper on their bracelet by name, it was truly a memorable week of sharing the Gospel and having fun!
The last few weeks we have continued our City Prayer, praying for a local church and nonprofit. It’s a reminder that we are all a part of the Body of Christ and partners in the work of the Gospel. We hope you will join us in prayer for each of these organizations 🙏
Sunday May 24:
Bethel AME and Gibson Recovery Center
Sunday May 31:
Charleston United Methodist Church and New Madrid School District
Sunday June 7:
One Church Sikeston and Sikeston Lion’s Club
Sunday June 14:
Grace Global Methodist Church and Richland R-IX School District
Sunday June 21:
Bowman Street Church of God and Altrusa Club
Sunday June 28:
Grace Bible Fellowship and Missouri Bootheel Reginional Consortium
Sunday July 5:
Anchor Church and First Call For Help
—
Church Day Camp day 1 is in the books and it was a GOOD DAY! We love all the smiles, laughs, and especially seeing our kiddos learn about God’s love ❤️
The theme camp this year is “Wonderful” and the key verse is:
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Cor 2:9
Please be in prayer for our kiddos and all the counselors. We can’t wait to see what God will do in and through their hearts this week 🙏
“Sometimes I think it would be nice to sleep in on Sunday, but then I’m always so glad I got up and came to church. I just feel better when I leave.”
So thankful for one of our First UMC folks sharing this with us this week! 😭
Every week our Worship Team prays for guidance to create space for people to encounter God through music, the message, Communion, and prayer.
We believe that lives can be transformed by power of God’s love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
If you’re looking for a place to encounter God and meet people learning to Love Like Jesus, join us this Sunday at 9 and 11am 🙌
Our First Kids Ministry has been exploring the story of Creation all summer long!
This Sunday, we studied Day 4, when God created the sun, moon, and stars. ☀️🌙⭐
We love that our youngest disciples are learning about God’s creativity and the care with which all things were made—including them! ❤️
#LoveLikeJesus
🗓️ SAVE THE DATE!
This year we are excited to announce we are partnering with Missouri Department of Corrections Probation and Parole to offer the Third Annual Project Connect!
They have been doing a similar event so we have combined this year to offer even more resources to families in need. Stay tuned for more information and how to register as a vendor!
#LoveLikeJesus #ProjectConnect
⛳️ Father’s Day was the best day BY PAR!
Join us this weekend as we continue our series through Romans and discover what this ancient letter still has to say to our lives today.
No matter where you’ve been or what your week has looked like, there’s a place for you here.
Come worship with us as we continue to Love Like Jesus. ❤️
⛪️ Traditional Worship | 9:00 AM
🎸 Journey Worship | 11:00 AM
🖥️ YouTube
Dear First UMC,
This Sunday is Father’s Day and we have a special day planned! Nine Holes to Go will be here set up in the Journey Lobby from 8:30 AM–12:30 PM, so come early or stay late and challenge your dad to a round of putt-putt. There will be donuts and a special time of prayer during the service.
For me, Father’s Day is an opportunity to remind those for whom it’s a hard day—for whatever reason—that they are loved and held by their Father in heaven.
On Mother’s Day I like to remember the times in the Bible that God is pictured as “mothering” God’s children (like Isaiah 66:13 or Matthew 23:37). But the dominant metaphor throughout the Bible used to describe the first person of the Trinity is that of Father.
That image can be comforting, challenging, or even complicated depending on our experiences. Some of us were blessed with fathers who reflected God’s love well. Others carry wounds from relationships that were absent, broken, or painful. Some grieve fathers who have died. Others long to be fathers themselves.
Yet when Jesus teaches us to pray, he begins with the words, “Our Father.” He invites us to know a God who provides, protects, forgives, guides, and loves without condition.
This Sunday we’ll celebrate and give thanks for the fathers and father figures who have shaped our lives. We’ll also make space for those who are carrying grief or complicated emotions. My prayer is that each of us would leave reminded that we are beloved children of God, held securely in the arms of a Father whose love never fails.
See you tomorrow at 9 or 11am!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jennifer
Today we remember and celebrate Juneteenth—the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed.
As Christians, we worship a God who hears the cries of the oppressed, calls us to seek justice, and proclaims freedom for the captive. Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is worth celebrating, that truth matters, and that God’s story is always moving toward justice, dignity, and liberation for all people.
Civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer famously said, “Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.” Her words echo the biblical vision of a world where every person is valued as a beloved child of God.
Today we give thanks for the faith, resilience, and contributions of Black Americans throughout our nation’s history.
May we continue to be people who remember rightly, act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God—and may we seek to Love Like Jesus by working for justice, dignity, and freedom for all.
“Let justice roll on like a river.” — Amos 5:24
#Juneteenth #LoveLikeJesus
Celebrate Father’s Day with putt-putt and donuts at church! ⛳️🍩
It’s going to be a fun morning for the whole family as we celebrate the dads, grandpas, stepdads, mentors, and father figures who have shaped our lives with love and faith.
There will also be a special moment to honor and remember the dads who are no longer with us ❤️
Dear First UMC,
We are beginning a new series this weekend entitled “Still Thinking About the Roman Empire” —a reference to a viral meme that became a pretty funny video in which women would ask men how much they thought about the Roman Empire in a day. It started out just a silly little thing on the internet until the women started to realize men actually did think about the Roman Empire, and apparently, a lot more than anyone had anticipated.
If you dig in deeply, there’s a lot of legitimate psychology that has been done about this, where men had been thinking about history, power dynamics, etc. more than anyone had realized.
It eventually became shorthand for “I’m obsessed with”, a “core memory” being made, or something a person just has a lot of fascination with.
So if you hear someone say, “That’s my Roman Empire”—it was either a core memory, something so impactful on a person’s life they could never forget it, or something someone might be genuinely fascinated by.
What makes this fun for us as Christians is that Romans could be considered our “Roman Empire” —Romans is one of the most well-known books of Scripture and is known as Paul’s (the author of Romans) best letter for a few different reasons. We are going to dive into those reasons this weekend, as I introduce this new series, and we dive into Paul’s explanation of “The Good News” or The Gospel—I want to lay the groundwork of what was going on when this letter was written, and we’ll talk about why it’s still so valuable to our lives!
See you Sunday at 9 or 11!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Chandler
This past weekend First UMC pastors and lay delegates attended the Missouri Annual Conference! It’s the yearly gathering of clergy and lay people from across the state to conduct official business and celebrate the work God is doing in and through ministries around the connection.
This year our very own Pastor Chandler was recognized for completing Course of Study and Caroline Blanton was commissioned as a College Ministry Intern. We are so proud of them and celebrate their accomplishments!
Some Sundays you need the message.
Some Sundays you need the music.
Some Sundays you just need a place to belong where people are learning to Love Like Jesus together ❤️
No matter where you’ve been or what your week looked like, there’s a place for you here.
We can’t wait to worship with you tomorrow!
🙌 9am Traditions Worship (organ and hymns)
🎶 11am Journey Worship (band and praise music)
#LoveLikeJesus
Baby James has been surrounded by so much love from the very beginning. ❤️
He has three adoring and protective older siblings, and now he is embraced by an even larger family—his brothers and sisters in Christ.
Today, we give thanks for the gift of his baptism and the joy of sharing in this sacred moment together.
Welcome to the family of faith, James! ✝️
#LoveLikeJesus #baptism
First Kids Preschool is filling up! 🙌
That means it’s time to grow our team and hire some lead teachers! 🍎
If you love working with children and have experience in early childhood education, we’d love to hear from you.
Join us in helping little ones learn, grow, and discover God’s love in a caring, Christ-centered environment.❤️
Apply today! Visit our website for position details and application information.
#FirstKidsPreschool #NowHiring #EarlyChildhoodEducation #LoveLikeJesus
Dear First UMC,
We have a big weekend ahead!
Tonight is our Family Summer Kick-Off at the complex! We’ve done this for a few years now, and it has become such a fun tradition. It’s a chance to slow down, let the kids play, share a meal, and simply enjoy being together. I’ve described it before as an “old-fashioned church picnic.” Just come as you are, bring a chair and a side to share, and we’ll provide the burgers and hot dogs! Mrs. Robin and the First Kids Ministry Team also have a special science activity planned for the kiddos that you won’t want to miss.
Tomorrow morning we will host another SEMO Food Bank Mobile Pantry beginning at 9:00am. If you are able to help, or if you’ve ever wanted to see what this ministry is all about, come to the Journey Lobby at 8:00am. We usually wrap up around 10:30 or 11:00. In just a few hours, you’ll have the opportunity to make an impact in the lives of families in our community. Food insecurity in our area is very real, and this is one small but meaningful way we can help ease burdens and remind people that they are seen, valued, and loved.
Then on Sunday, we’ll wrap up our sermon series, Unnamed and Unforgettable, and celebrate a baptism during the 11:00am Journey service! It will be a special morning together as we celebrate God’s work in and through ordinary people whose stories still teach us today.
I hope to see you this weekend at one—or all—of these events! Your presence truly makes a difference in the lives of others, and I pray that being part of First UMC continues to make a difference in your life, too.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jennifer
☀️ TOMORROW! ☀️
Join us at 5:30 PM at the Sikeston Sports Complex Pavilion #7!
Bring a lawn chair and a side dish — we’ll provide the hot dogs and hamburgers! 🌭🍔
PLUS our First Kids Ministry team has a special science activity planned for the kids! 🧪✨
It’s going to be a great night of food, fellowship, and fun. See you there!
🎬 Scenes from Summer Kick Off at the Park 2025 ☀️🌭 🍔
Now it’s time to do it again!
Join us THIS FRIDAY as we kick off Summer ’26 at the Park!
📍 Sikeston Sports Complex — Pavilion #7
🕠 5:30 PM
Bring a lawn chair and a side to share!
We’ll provide the hot dogs, burgers, games, and fun!
Whether you’re new, visiting, or have been around forever — there’s a place for you here. ❤️
“Try church again.
You were hurt in a church…but you could be healed in a church.
You were lonely in a church…but you could find community in a church.
You felt pain in a church…but you could find freedom in a church.
You endured church…but you could enjoy church.
Don’t give up on church…the church hasn’t given up on you.”
This post from Pastor @noahherrin said it so well, and we believe there’s never been a better time to try again.
No matter your story, your doubts, your past experiences, or how long you’ve been away—you are welcome here.
It’s going to be a great day at First UMC, and we hope that if you’ve stayed away from church for whatever reason, tomorrow might be the day you try church again.
Join us at 9 or 11 as we worship, grow, and learn to love like Jesus together. 🫶
#LoveLikeJesus
In 2026 we are praying for a different local church and nonprofit each week as a part of our City Prayer. It’s a way of acknowledging that God works through all different people and places and we are all a part of the body of Christ.
Last week we prayed for: New Hope Fellowship of Churches and Sikeston Rotary
And yesterday we prayed for: Miner Baptist Church and the Daughters of Sunset
Please join us in praying for God’s blessing on the work of these churches and organizations 🙏❤️
#LoveLikeJesus #CityPrayer
❤️ Different generations. Same church ❤️
📣 MILLENNIAL PR TEAM:
We would LOVE to invite you to worship this Sunday at First UMC! 😊
✅ Relevant message
✅ Friendly people
✅ Great music
✅ Safe, fun kids ministry
✅ Coffee available
There’s a place for you here. ❤️
—
📱 GEN Z SOCIAL TEAM:
you’re not in your flop era
you’re not cooked
you’re not delulu
you just lowkey need church
like genuinely
we sing
we pray
we laugh too loud sometimes
people cry a little
kids run in the hallways
someone will absolutely say “good morning” like they mean it
and for one hour you remember you are loved by God and you don’t have to carry everything alone
lowkey healing tbh
“See you Sunday?” Bet.
🫶 Love Like Jesus
📍First UMC Sikeston
🕘 Sunday at 9 & 11
#LoveLikeJesus #GenZHumor #MillennialVsGenZ #FirstUMC #SikestonChurch
📣 Help is on the way!
☀️ If you’re looking for fun family ideas for this summer, Pastor Chandler and Mrs. Robin have you covered!
And while you’re having fun filling out your bingo card, you’re also developing something @meredithannemiller calls “family warmth” which is the number one factor determining whether or not your kids will continue in the faith you’re trying to pass on. So go have fun and know that you are forming the next generation of disciples 😊
☀️ School’s out for the summer! ☀️
But at First UMC, we’re still loving like Jesus all summer long ❤️
Make sure you save these dates and stay connected!
From opportunities to serve our community, to hanging out with other First UMC families, to fun events for kids and students — there’s something for everyone this summer!
#LoveLikeJesus #FirstUMC #SummerAtFirstUMC #ChurchFamily #SummerFun
Yesterday we talked about how the genius of unnamed characters in the Bible allows us to find ourselves in the story. Because everyone in the Bible could be anyone today. You are made in the image of God and a part of the story of hope and redemption God is still writing.
ICYMI you can catch up on our YouTube channel 🖥️
🔗 in bio
Our Top 5 Horror Movies:
1. Feeling forgotten
2. Thinking our stories don’t matter
3. Pretending we have it all together
4. Cold coffee
5. Living life without a church committed to Love Like Jesus
This Sunday at First UMC, we continue our series: Unnamed & Unforgotten — stories of people in the Bible whose names we never learn, but whose lives still changed the world.
Because with Jesus, no one is forgotten. ❤️
Come worship with us.
No matter who you are.
No matter where you’ve been.
We’ll also celebrate our graduates and honor moms this Sunday!
🙌Traditions Worship — 9:00 a.m.
🎶 Journey Worship — 11:00 a.m.
💻 In person or on YouTube
Dear First UMC,
Every Mother’s Day I say something like “Mother’s Day can be a complicated holiday,” when trying to acknowledge the range of emotions people might feel on a day celebrating moms. And every year, that statement takes on deeper meaning.
In January of last year my wonderful mother-in-law, Bettina Moxley, died and we spent all last year experiencing all the “firsts.” Cate’s first softball season without her in the stands. Her first birthday on the other side of heaven. What would have been her 49th wedding anniversary. The first Christmas without her homemade pralines. And my husband’s first Mother’s Day without his mom.
I thought once we got past the year of “firsts” it would get easier, but it turns out, you still miss the people you love just as much the second year, too.
I know that grief is not the only emotion people might have on Mother’s Day. It can also bring up anger, joy, or apathy. But I know this: whatever you carry into this weekend, you do not have to carry it alone.
The church has always been a place where we bring our whole selves before God — our gratitude and our grief, our celebrations and our questions. This Sunday, whether Mother’s Day feels joyful, painful, complicated, or somewhere in between, I hope you’ll join us for worship. There will be a special Photo Booth and a little gift for moms.
We’ll also celebrate our graduates and continue our series, Unnamed and Unforgettable, as we reflect on the unnamed characters in scripture whose stories still shape our faith today.
There is a place for you here, and there is enough grace for every emotion we bring.
May God hold close the grieving, strengthen the weary, encourage the overwhelmed, and bless all those who have loved and cared for others with a mother’s heart.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jennifer
“You look happier!”
Thanks! I started going to church again.
“You look happier!”
Thanks! I remembered I don’t have to carry everything alone.
“You look happier!”
Thanks! I’ve been welcomed and loved for who I am.
“You look happier!”
Thanks! I found a community that is learning to Love Like Jesus.
“You look happier!”
Thanks! God’s grace will do that ❤️
See you TOMORROW!
🙌 9am — Traditions (organ & hymns)
📖 10am — Biblical Archaeology with Dr. Fuller
🎶 11am — Journey (band & praise music)
🎓AND in both services, you’ll have a chance to write a note of encouragement to our five graduating seniors before we celebrate them next Sunday!
Don’t miss the “happier” trend… come find your people here ❤️
#LoveLikeJesus #happier
Our kids have been having S’MORE fun than ever in First Kids Ministry on Sunday mornings! 😊
All kids are invited to start worship with their families—whether you attend Traditions or Journey—and take part in Communion. (Yes, God’s tangible gift of grace is for even our youngest disciples!)
After Communion, kids through 4th grade head to First Kids for a Bible lesson and a snack.
Our First Kids Ministry team just returned from the D6 Conference, and they’re excited to share all they learned with our kids!
If you’re looking for a place where your kids can learn to Love Like Jesus while having S’MORE fun, come join us this Sunday!
🎉We are grateful and excited to welcome Brenda Dannenmueller as the new Director of First Kids Preschool!
Brenda brings with her a deep sense of calling to nurture and guide young children in their earliest years of growth and discovery. With decades of experience in early childhood education, she has faithfully served as Director of Kids Academy in Chaffee since 2020 and previously spent more than 20 years with Head Start as a Lead Teacher and Assistant Director. She will continue in her role at Kids Academy until this summer when she begins at First Kids Preschool.
Throughout her ministry of teaching and leadership, Brenda has been committed to creating safe, loving
environments where children are known, valued, and encouraged to grow into who God created them to be.
She has a special gift for equipping teachers, partnering with families, and fostering a spirit of connection and care within the learning community. Her work reflects a passion not only for education, but for shaping lives with patience, compassion, and excellence.
Brenda holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Education from Southeast Missouri State University.
In her personal life, Brenda has been married for 38 years and is a devoted mother to two sons and a joyful
grandmother to three grandchildren, and three dogs.
We give thanks for the gifts Brenda brings to this role and look forward to the ways God will work through her
leadership at First Kids Preschool!
📣 First Kids Preschool is scheduled to open August 25, 2026 and serve children ages 0-5. Watch our social media, website, and email for open enrollment starting NEXT Wednesday!
#Preschool #LoveLikeJesus
📣 Special Event – Biblical Archaeology Lesson
Join us THIS Sunday, May 3 at 10:00 a.m. for a fascinating morning with guest historian Dr. Michael Fuller.
“Caesarea Maritima: Rome’s Great Port in the Time of Jesus” — Discover the incredible story of this ancient harbor city and explore decades of archaeological excavation. You’ll hear about some of the most fascinating discoveries—including a cemetery of Templar Knights!
Dr. Michael Fuller is an experienced archaeologist, writer, and lecturer with over 40 years of teaching experience. He has directed major excavation projects across the Middle East, Europe, and the United States, and has worked on digs in countries such as Greece, Egypt, Jordan, and beyond. His work has earned numerous awards, and he continues to share his passion through lectures, writing, and field research.
Come learn, explore, and deepen your understanding of the world of the Bible!
Enter through Traditions or Journey Worship doors and follow signs to “Lamplighters Classroom.”
#LoveLikeJesus #archeology
“Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may.”
— John Wesley
Last night, Prof. Soendker Nicholson opened with this powerful reminder and guided us through moments in both biblical and recent history where faith and politics intersect.
From Covenantal Theology to White Christian Nationalism, the conversation was thoughtful, honest, and deeply engaging.
We’re grateful for the 30+ people who showed up, leaned in, and took part in this important conversation. Conversations like this matter—and we’re better because of them. ❤️
#LoveLikeJesus
Coffee and community, hallelujah
Music that lifts your soul, hallelujah
Kids learning and laughing, hallelujah
A message that connects, hallelujah
Communion every week, hallelujah
Grace you didn’t earn, hallelujah
Love that meets you here, hallelujah
A place to belong, hallelujah
Learning to Love Like Jesus, hallelujah
Everything, hallelujah
See you tomorrow, hallelujah 🙌
9am + 11am
In-person + YouTube
#LoveLikeJesus #church #everythinghallelujah
We love a good ✨ glow up ✨! Here are just a few updates that have taken place the past few months!
Taking care of our facility is one way we can Love Like Jesus. We are being good stewards of the resources God has given us, and we are provided a welcoming place for First UMC and community-wide events.
And this Saturday we are ready to start on our East Wing renovation! Come from 9-10am to help move some of the smaller items and furniture so the construction crew can get started renovating from the January flood.
See you then!
Bold words… and maybe a little uncomfortable, too.
Because if we’re honest, those are the very topics we’re often told to avoid.
But what if, instead of avoiding them, we approached them with curiosity, humility, and faith?
Join us for dinner and conversation as we explore how our faith shapes what we believe—and how we live in a world full of differing perspectives.
This isn’t about debate.
It’s about understanding.
It’s about listening.
It’s about learning how to love like Jesus, even when we don’t all agree.
Come hungry. Come curious. Come ready for a conversation that matters.
Register below:
$20 in person (includes dinner)
$10 for the livestream link
🇺🇸✝️
#LoveLikeJesus #FaithandPolitics
✨ Now with a $10 private live stream link option ✨
We’ve heard from folks who want to come but can’t make it in person. If that’s YOU, register today and pay $10 for the live stream link!
If you CAN come in person, $20 includes lecture, Q&A with Prof. Soendker Nicholson, dinner and conversation!
Link in bio ⬆️
🇺🇸✝️
#FaithandPolitics #LoveLikeJesus
It’s been a busy few weeks and—although we have done this every week in the worship services—we are behind on posting our City Prayer list on social media!
Quick recap: Throughout 2026 we are praying each week for a local church and nonprofit. It’s a reminder that we are all a part of the body of Christ and are connected in the shared work of the Gospel.
Below are the churches and organizations we have been lifting in prayer over the past few weeks. We hope you will join us in praying God’s blessing upon their ministry and work 🙏
March 15: Tanner Street Church of God and United Way of SEMO
March 22: New Direction Outreach Ministries and Charleston Public School
March 29: New Madrid First UMC and SCC Sheltered Workshop
April 5: Discover Life Church Sikeston and Open Door Fellowship after school feeding program
April 12: Dogwood UMC and Bulldog Pantry
View more






































































































