LOVE LIKE JESUS

🌸 ICYMI 🌸 Bot Traditions and Journey Easter worship services are up our YouTube channel! 🔗 in our bio

Join us for a taco bar dinner and a conversation with guest speaker, Rev. Trista Sender Nicholson. We’ll explore how faith shapes our views and how it intersects with politics in today’s world. Cost $20. Save your spot by registering below today! ……. Rev. Trista Soendker Nicholson is currently a PhD Candidate at Wesley House in Cambridge, UK; and the Interim Director of the Center for Religion in Public Life at Phillips Theological Seminary and a Professor of UM Studies.  She was awarded the Martha Wright Griffiths’ Emerging Leader Award for her work for the betterment of women around the world. Prior to her career as pastor and in theological education, Trista worked on Capitol Hill and held other positions in the political arena. While in Washington, Trista worked with homeless individuals who were seeking job placement and permanent homes, and coordinated an ongoing feeding program. In addition to completing her undergraduate work at the University of Missouri, Trista earned her MSA from Trinity University, and her MDiv from Saint Paul School of Theology.

Trista and her husband, Sean, have two sons, Judah and Abram, two dogs and a cat. ✝️🇺🇸🌮

✝️ Happy Easter! Thank you to everyone who joined us in worship yesterday for our Easter celebration! 📷 We have loved seeing your beautiful pictures! Drop yours below 👇

📷 scenes from Easter 2025 🌅 It was an incredible day celebrating the resurrection of Jesus and the gift of new life! We can’t wait to do it again tomorrow with you! 🎶 9am Traditions Worship - organ and hymns 🙌 11am Journey Worship - band and praise music #LoveLikeJesus #Easter

Whether you’re coming for the first time, or the first time in a long time, we will just be happy to see you ☺️ No judgement. The Easter message is everyone—and that means you. So if you’re looking for a place to go, know you are welcome here. ❤️ #LoveLikeJesus #Easter

It has been and EGG-ceptional Holy Week! 🥚🐰 We hope to see you tonight as we celebrate Good Friday and again on Sunday for Easter morning! ✝️ Good Friday Worship - 6pm TONIGHT 🌅 Easter Sunday - 9am Traditions Worship - 11am Journey worship

After hearing the scriptures read from Jesus’ last moments you will be invited to pray using our prayer labyrinth. If you have never done this before it’s a powerful contemplative prayer experience. We hope you will join us in the chapel ✝️

📣 This is NO JOKE! 🐟 FREE Fried Catfish tonight at our last Lenten Wednesday Night Live! 🙌 5:30pm Worship 🍽️ 6:00pm Free Meal (donations appreciated) 📍1307 North Main Street in Sikeston

🌿On Sunday, we celebrated Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem with shouts of “Hosanna!,” and now we begin the journey toward the cross and the empty tomb. We hope you will walk this sacred Holy Week with us. 🍞 Wednesday at 5:30 PM We will read the story of the Last Supper and reflect on Jesus’ powerful example of love and service. Then at 6:00 PM, we’ll share our final Wednesday night meal together—with fried catfish on the menu! ✝️ Friday at 6:00 PM Join us in the chapel for our Good Friday service, a reflective and meaningful time as we remember the depth of Jesus’ love shown on the cross. There will also be a powerful opportunity to respond to the story of his crucifixion. 🌅 Easter Sunday at 9:00 & 11:00 AM A joyful celebration—the culmination of the story—where we proclaim the good news: Christ is risen! We can’t wait to walk through this week—and celebrate resurrection—with you! #LoveLikeJesus #easter #GoodFriday #ChristIsRisen

Scroll for what to expect 👉 And check out our website for more details! Sikestonfirstumc.org We can’t wait to see you! Our favorite Sunday is almost here! 🌅 #easter #LoveLikeJesus

Join us in person this morning for 🌿Palm Sunday 🌿 🙌 9am Traditions Worship 🎶 11am Journey Worship

🎬 Scenes from Palm Sunday 2025 🌿🌿🌿 … Dear First UMC, Palm Sunday has always been a mixture of emotions for me—and maybe it is for you, too. On one hand, I love parades. I love the excitement of Jesus coming into Jerusalem to shouts of “Hosanna!” There’s something beautiful about that moment when the crowd seems to finally see him for who he is. It’s joyful. Hopeful. Full of energy. But on the other hand, we know what’s coming. This isn’t the beginning of the kind of victory parade we might expect—it’s the beginning of the road to the cross. The same voices shouting “Hosanna!” will soon cry out, “Crucify him.” And that’s where we find ourselves, too. We’re invited to stand in both places. To celebrate. To rejoice. To wave our branches and welcome Jesus in. And also… to walk with him. To the table. To the betrayal. To the cross. Palm Sunday invites us not to rush past any part of the story, but to enter into it fully—to hold both the joy and the sorrow, and to trust that God is present in all of it. Because we can’t fully shout “Hosanna!” unless we’re also willing to follow Jesus all the way to Good Friday… …and all the way to Easter morning. And you are invited into that journey. I would love for you to join us this week—whether it’s your first time, or your forty-seventh—as we walk this story together: Palm Sunday (at 9 and 11am), a special Wednesday Night Live (with the story of the Last Supper and our own last Wednesday Night Live meal of fried catfish), Good Friday at 6pm, and Easter morning at 9 and 11. It’s going to be a meaningful Holy Week, and there is a place for you in it. Grace and peace, Pastor Jennifer P.S. Don’t forget the First Kids’ Easter event this Sunday at 4:30—it’s going to be a great weekend!

👀 here’s a sneak peak at all the fun coming up at the Easter Color Fun THIS SUNDAY! Get EGG-cited!

FREE egg hunt, color fun, and food! See you there! 🐰🥚🌅 ✝️

Midweek, but make it meaningful ✨ We’re saving you a seat for Wednesday Night Live tonight! 5:30 Worship 6:00 FREE Fellowship Dinner #LoveLikeJesus #WednesdayNightLive

What a JOY to celebrate the gift of Baby Henry’s baptism, surrounded by his family, church family, and so much love ❤️ We pray that as he grows into his baptism, he will always feel the presence of this great cloud of witnesses and the ever-present grace of God guiding and empowering him each step of the way ✝️ #baptism #LoveLikeJesus

Who else is getting EGG-cited??!! 🥚🐰👏

✨ Sunday is coming… and you’re invited! ✨ This week, we continue our Jesus Revealed series as we hear Jesus say: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” In a world full of confusion and competing voices, these words remind us that Jesus doesn’t just point the way—He is the way. He is truth we can trust and life that truly satisfies. If you’ve ever felt unsure about what direction to take or where to turn next, this message is for you. Come join us for worship, encouragement, and a community learning to love like Jesus. ❤️ ⛪ 9:00 and 11:00am 📍 First United Methodist Church – Sikeston Bring a friend, come as you are—we’d love to walk this journey with you. ✨

JUMPING FOR JOY that the Easter Color Fun shirts are in! 👚 🎉 Join us NEXT Sunday at 4:30 for our FREE Easter Kids’ event! Egg hunt, games, hot dogs and hamburgers, and a special COLOR RUN! If you want a shirt to remember the day, purchase for $5 aT the door or pick yours up this Sunday at First Kids! We are EGG-cited to celebrate with you! #EggHunt #ColorRun #LoveLikeJesus

Celebrate with us! 🎉 Come be part of what God is doing in and through First UMC this Easter! 🌅 ✝️✝️✝️ #LoveLikeJesus

Midweek recharge ⚡️ Come feed your soul and body at Wednesday Night Live TONIGHT! 5:30 worship 🙌 6:00 meal 🍽️ Refuel, reconnect, and recharge. All are invited and welcome! #lovelikejesus❤️

☘️ Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️ Saint Patrick has an incredible story of faith and following God. As a teenager, he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland, where he spent years enslaved as a shepherd. During that time he grew deeply in faith. After eventually escaping and returning home to England, he later sensed God calling him back to Ireland—the very place of his suffering—to share forgiveness and the Good News of Jesus with the people there. Legend says he used the image of the three-leafed clover to help explain the Trinity: one God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So as you wear your green and celebrate today, remember the deeper story behind the day—a story of forgiveness, courage, and a life transformed by following God’s call. May it remind us to share Christ’s love wherever God sends us. 💚 #LoveLikeJesus #stpatricksday☘️

Yesterday our surprise guest was… 👀 Laura Murphy from the Missouri Methodist Foundation! She came to present First UMC with a $10,000 grant for our new preschool! 😭🙌👏 We are incredibly thankful for the Foundation’s generosity and for the support of our Methodist connection. It means so much to know that others across the conference believe in and are supporting the ministry God is doing in and through this place as we seek to love like Jesus in our community. Several individuals have already given toward this project as well, helping build momentum for what’s ahead. If you would like to be part of supporting the new preschool ministry at First UMC, you can give by designating “Preschool” on your gift. Every gift helps us create a place where children and families will be welcomed, nurtured, and loved ❤️ #LoveLikeJesus #grant #preschool

🤫 Shhh! A very special guest will be joining us this Sunday with an exciting announcement. They’ll be sharing at the beginning of both services, so make sure you’re there to hear the news! It’s something we’re really looking forward to and it will shape this next season of ministry at First UMC. I also hope you’ll join us as we continue our series on the “I Am” statements of Jesus. This week we’ll explore Jesus’ words, “I am the vine.” It’s a unique statement in John’s Gospel—one that not only reveals who Jesus is, but also helps us understand who we are called to be as people who remain connected to him. I hope to see you Sunday at 9am for Traditions (in the chapel!) or the Journey at 11am. It’s going to be a good day to worship together. Grace and peace, Pastor Jennifer

We are thankful for God’s faithfulness throughout First UMC’s 159 years in Sikeston 🙌

On Sunday we prayed for Church on the Rock and Sikeston Department of a Public Safety as a part of our City Prayer 🙏 We are especially thankful to the DPS officers who serve First UMC on Sundays and pray for their continued safety, guidance, and blessing on their work 🙌

🙌 Wednesdays are for worship and hanging out 🙌 On Wednesdays we gather for Wednesday Night Live—a time for worship, a shared meal, and a chance to hang out together. 5:30 Worship (childcare provided) 6:00 Meal (free, donations appreciated) All are welcome and invited ❤️ #LoveLikeJesus #wnl

🎬 Scenes from last Friday 🫶 SEMO Mobile Food Pantries are always a blessing to be a part of! We are thankful for the gift of serving our neighbors and the opportunity to live out our mission: LOVE LIKE JESUS ❤️ #lovelikejesus #church #semofoodbank

You might lose an hour of sleep, but don’t worry, we always have coffee! ☕️ #SpringForward #LoveLikeJesus

Hi! 👋 We’re Sikeston First UMC, a United Methodist Church on a mission to LOVE LIKE JESUS! All are invited and welcome—and that means YOU! ⛪️ LET’S WORSHIP TOGETHER! We gather in person and on YouTube for two services with the same message but different music styles: Traditions (organ and hymns) and Journey (band and praise music). Each week we pray our worship creates space for you to encounter the life-transforming grace and love of God. 😎 FIRST KIDS MINISTRY Kids begin in worship (and take Communion with us!) before Birth–4th graders head to First Kids for a Bible lesson, craft, and snack with our amazing team. 🫶 FIRST YOUTH MINISTRY 5th–12th graders gather Sunday evenings for games, Bible study, snacks, and fellowship with Pastor Chandler and the Youth Team. ❤️ ADULT SPIRITUAL GROWTH GROUPS Groups meet throughout the week so you can study the Bible and grow in faith alongside others. JOIN US! There is a place for you here! We can’t wait to see you Sunday! #LoveLikeJesus

TOMORROW! Please share if you know someone who might need a little help 🥫 And if YOU can help serve, come to the Journey lobby at 3pm. The line will start at 4. #LoveLikeJesus #FoodPantry

Last week our friendly neighborhood spiders joined us for Wednesday Night Live 🕷️😂 Come for worship, food, and see who shows up tonight! It will be a fun night of fellowship and digging in to scripture together! See you soon! 5:30 Worship 6:00 Meal All are invited. Meal is free, donations are appreciated ❤️

A few weeks ago we installed our 2026 Church Council. This is the leadership team who makes governing decisions about First UMC, always asking: “How does this help us accomplish our mission to Love Like Jesus?” We are thankful for their ministry, dedication, faithfulness, and wisdom as they guide our church! ⛪️ ❤️👏

Yesterday during our City Prayer we prayed for Christ Methodist Church and the House of Refuge. We pray for their strength, safety, and God’s continued blessing on their work 🙏 #LoveLikeJesus #CityPrayer

We were glad to have the Sikeston Future Farmers of America with us in Journey worship this morning! 🙌 🚜❤️

Save a life AND get a $15 Amazon card! We still have spots available for our drive on Monday! It’s another way we can Love Like Jesus ❤️

Join us for week two of our series “Jesus Revealed” at 9am and 11am this week and check out more serving opportunities in the email link below ⬇️

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” -John 8:12 This season we’re exploring the “I am” statements of Jesus, what they reveal about who God is, and how they help us to Love Like Jesus ❤️ ✨ #LoveLikeJesus

Wondering what WNL is like? Check out our website! Sikestonfirstumc.org 🙌

‼️NEXT FRIDAY at 1307 N. Main St.‼️ Please share with anyone who might need a little help this season! 🥫🍽️🥣 #LoveLikeJesus #SEMOFoodBank

🙌 Come for worship and stick around for dinner! Tomorrow night: pasta! 🍝 All are welcome and invited!

Yesterday Pastor Chandler led us in our City Prayer praying for First Baptist Church and SEMO Food Bank. It’s a recognition that God works in and through many people and places. We pray God’s blessing on their ministries and work in the community 🙏

We ❤️ Sundays! 9am Traditions (meeting in the Chapel during Lent!) 11am Journey #LoveLikeJesus

It was a beautiful night to be together—worshiping, sharing a meal, and being reminded of our deep dependence on God ➕ Ash Wednesday kicked off our Lent Wednesday Night Live service as we begin this season of repentance, reflection, and renewal ❤️ ICYMI: Join us next week for worship and a meal as we continue the journey together ✝️ #lent #AshWednesday #LoveLikeJesus

Here is your permission slip to stop pretending like you’re not a fragile, mortal, aging creature and to rest in the grace and gift of Ash Wednesday ➕ Join us tonight at 5:30 for service and meal afterward. #AshWednesday #LoveLikeJesus

➕Be a part of Ash Wednesday at First UMC ➕ “From dust you came, to dust you will return”

Ash Wednesday—the beginning of the season of reflection and preparation known as Lent—is THIS Wednesday! Here are a few ways to be a part of this powerful day in the church calendar: ➕7:30-9am Ashes-to-go in the Chapel ➕5:30pm Ash Wednesday service in the Chapel ➕6pm Dinner in the Fellowship Hall #LoveLikeJesus

“True religion is this: to care for the widows and orphans.” -James 1:27 Happy Valentine’s Day! #LoveLikeJesus #ValentinesDay

❤️ Love Like Jesus is simple—but it’s not easy. It’s forgiving when it would be easier to hold a grudge. It’s showing compassion when we’re tired. It’s choosing grace, humility, and courage—again and again. That’s why we don’t try to do it alone. ⛪️ Join us this Sunday as we worship, grow, and practice loving like Jesus together. 9am Traditions (hymns and organ) 11am Journey (band and praise music) #LoveLikeJesus

💐💕🥤 We’re almost ready for Girls Night In Flower bar and Dirty Soda Bar at 6pm! Come write a special note for a widow or widower and bring a dessert to share!

📣 ICYMI! Our 2025 Mission Impact Report is out! ❤️ We are so grateful for the ways God moved in and through First UMC last year to make an IMPACT on the Sikeston community and beyond. ✨ These are just a few highlights of how we strive to be a church that Loves Like Jesus. Thank you to everyone who has given their time, talents, and financial support to make this ministry possible. You are truly the hands and feet—and the heartbeat—of Jesus. Together, we are making a lasting impact in our community for the Kingdom of God. 💻 If you’d like to continue supporting the mission and ministry of First UMC, you can give online at sikestonfirstumc.org. #LoveLikeJesus

💐THIS THURSDAY! 💐

🙌Yesterday we celebrated the baptism of George Samuel Gleason! His family brought rainwater from the day he was born and we added it to the baptismal font. In baptism we believe the intangible gift of God’s grace becomes tangible in the gift of water. In the United Methodist Church, baptism is a sign of God’s prevenient grace—God’s love already at work in George’s life long before he could claim it for himself. Through this holy moment, we celebrate that he is claimed by Christ, named beloved, and welcomed into the family of faith. As a congregation, we promised to surround George with a community of love and forgiveness, to pray for him, and to help him grow in faith so that one day he may profess his own faith in Confirmation. This is what it means to Love Like Jesus—to show up, to nurture, and to live out our baptismal vows together. May we remember our own baptisms and renew our commitment to resist evil, injustice, and oppression, and to walk in newness of life, loving George and one another as Christ first loved us ❤️ #LoveLikeJesus #baptism

🏈 KICK OFF your Sunday with us! 🙌 9am Traditions Worship ✝️ 10am Bible Study and Special Baptism Service 🎶 11am Journey Worship ❤️It’s a SUPER day to Love Like Jesus!

🎶 Alleluia For the Lord God Almighty reigns 🎶 If you were in Journey last week you know that after the last song, Kobe and the band broke into an unplanned chorus of Agnus Dei. It was a powerful ending to a beautiful day of worship together. It is a gift to unite our hearts and voices in worship of God and can’t wait to do it again this Sunday! 9am Traditions (organ and hymns) 11am Journey (band and praise music) #LoveLikeJesus

Our Missouri UMC Conference office has a special display for Black History Month honoring individuals with ties to Missouri Methodist history 🙌 We are thankful for their ministry and witness ❤️ #LoveLikeJesus

🎀 Women of all ages invited! ❤️ Bring a dessert to share and come make a dirty soda, fresh flower bouquet, and a gift for a Widow or Widower from First UMC!

“Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow… Morning by morning new mercies I see.” On Sunday we gathered to be reminded of the great faithfulness of God, and during our City Prayer, we offered a prayer of blessing for First Christian Church and Hope Center Ministries. It is one way we have committed to Love Like Jesus this year, praying for a different local church and nonprofit each week. We give thanks for the ways God’s presence guides these communities, for strength for today in their ministries, and for bright hope for tomorrow through their witness and service ❤️ #CityPrayer #LoveLikeJesus

Dear First UMC, As many of you have heard by now, on Monday afternoon most of the east wing of the church flooded after a pipe burst. Almost immediately, so many of you came to the rescue with shop vacs, squeegees, and extra hands to move furniture. I am so thankful for your quick response! Because of you, much of the personal property was saved and the extent of the damage to the building was lessened. RestoreCo. was contacted and they have been in the building since Monday evening, and I’m glad to say the affected areas are now dry. We are still waiting on next steps from insurance and will continue to learn more about repairs in the coming days, but I want you to know the building is safe and usable. During the construction and repair process, First Kids Ministry will be temporarily relocating to the Fellowship Hall. I want to reassure families that ministry will continue without interruption, just in a different space for a season. Our First Kids leaders are already making plans to ensure it remains a welcoming, safe, and joy-filled environment for our children. That also means I’m happy to share that we WILL be gathering for worship in person this Sunday after having to cancel last weekend due to the weather. I know how disappointing that cancellation was, and I’m grateful we can be back together so soon. There is something especially meaningful about gathering as the church after a challenging week—reminding one another that God is present, faithful, and at work even in the midst of disruption. Thank you again for being the church so beautifully this week. From your quick action, to your prayers, to your encouragement, you have embodied what it means to Love Like Jesus. I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday. Grace and peace, Pastor Jennifer #LoveLikeJesus

“Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?” This question is asked of every United Methodist at their baptism. In 2025, THIRTEEN people boldly answered, “I do!” At First UMC, we believe this promise is at the heart of what it means to Love Like Jesus—a love that is active, courageous, and rooted in God’s grace. We are grateful to walk alongside these thirteen as they continue their journey of faith, learning to live out Christ’s love in the world. If you would like to talk about baptism or what it means to Love Like Jesus, we would love to have that conversation with you ❤️ #LoveLikeJesus #Baptism

🌟 New Ministry Spotlight: Comfort Cooks! 🌟 In 2025, a brand new ministry was born at First UMC—Comfort Cooks! This incredible team of 28 gifted cooks shared God’s love in the most tangible way: 🍲 26 home-cooked meals for church family members after surgeries or during times of loss 🍪 Countless cookies baked for various mission events throughout the year. ❤️ This is what it looks like to love like Jesus—one meal, one cookie, one act of care at a time. We are so grateful for each of you! #LoveLikeJesus

Something to warm your heart on this cold winter day ❤️

❄️ We will miss you SNOW much tomorrow, but hope you will join us on Facebook live at 10am for prayer and a brief message with Pastor Jennifer ❄️ 🙏 Please pray for all affected by the winter weather and if you are able on Sunday, the Warming Center needs volunteers. Any amount of time would be appreciated! #LoveLikeJesus

❄️ Dear First UMC, I want to let you know two things: First, we will NOT be meeting in person this Sunday for worship services or for First Youth Group. I hope you stay safe and warm and join me on Facebook Live at 10:00 a.m. Sunday morning for our City Prayer and a brief message. Second, this morning we had 20 volunteers show up in the cold to serve during our SEMO Food Bank Mobile Pantry. In just two hours, we were able to give 200 families the food they need before the winter weather sets in. What a powerful reminder of what it looks like to love like Jesus—showing up, serving others, and being the church even when conditions are difficult. I am so grateful for this church and the many ways you continue to live out your faith with compassion and generosity. Please continue to pray for our community, for those facing food insecurity, and for everyone impacted by the weather. I look forward to being with you online Sunday morning. Grace and peace, Pastor Jennifer

⚠️ Please note the date change! ⚠️ Our next Mobile Pantry will be this Friday NOT this Saturday. The time is the same: 9:00am. ‼️ Please share with anyone who might be counting on this food especially as the winter weather sets in this weekend!! #LoveLikeJesus

Each Sunday during 2026 we are praying for another church and nonprofit as a reminder of our connectedness and that God works in and through many different people and places. This week we gave thanks and prayed for St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Spread Hope Now, and the newly re-formed Sikeston NAACP. May God bless their ministry and work in our community 🙏 #CityPrayer #LoveLikeJesus

This is part of a longer quotation from Dr. King’s “Letter From a Birmingham Jail:” “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial ‘outside agitator’ idea. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds.” The entire letter is worth a read as we continue to be thankful for, and convicted by, his words and witness. #mlkday #mlkquotes #LoveLikeJesus

It’s cold outside but come let your heart be strangely warmed in here! 🔥 #JohnWesley #LoveLikeJesus

Dear First UMC, Lately, I have been thinking about something Pastor Matt Miofsky has named as the tension modern preachers wrestle with: walking the tightrope between prophetic and pastoral preaching. Prophetic preaching is often a call to action—a naming of injustice and a reminder that God’s kingdom calls us to something more faithful, more loving, and more just than the status quo. It challenges complacency, disrupts comfort, and invites us to risk loving like Jesus in a world that seeks to divide and dehumanize. Pastoral preaching, on the other hand, offers care and reassurance. It reminds us that God is near—comforting the grieving, strengthening the weary, empowering the discouraged, and proclaiming the hope that God is not finished with us or with this world. These two modes of preaching are something I wrestle with, struggle with, and—to be honest—are the source of the uneasiness and second-guessing I often feel on a Sunday morning (or, more often, on Sunday afternoon). Did I preach prophetically enough—calling us to risk loving like Jesus? Was anyone moved or inspired to live differently and reflect God’s mercy, grace, justice, and peace? Did I preach pastorally enough—reminding us that God is with us and for us? Was anyone left with a sense of hope rooted in the Good News of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension? Sometimes I second-guess myself—especially in a 24-hour news cycle. It seems there is always a new issue to address, a new crisis demanding a response, and a new politically charged event shaping expectations of what should be said from the pulpit. Our Worship Planning Team plans weeks ahead—for music, programs, and tech teams—which often leaves me with difficult questions: Do I rewrite every sermon on Saturday night based on the week’s headlines? Or do I risk sounding “tone-deaf” by preaching the sermon God placed on my heart before the most recent crisis unfolded? It is a tension I wrestle with almost every week. (Continued in the comments)

Last year we served 1,176 families through SEMO Food Bank Mobile pantries! It’s one way we seek to Love like Jesus ❤️ If you or someone you know needs some extra food in the pantry, please share this with them! All are welcome. “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.” -Matthew 25:35 #LoveLikeJesus

🌱 Looking to grow in your faith this year? Our Spiritual Growth Groups are starting again on January 24, and we’d love for you to be part of one! These groups are a place to connect, pray, ask questions, and grow together as we learn to Love Like Jesus. 👉 Sign up today and take the next step in your spiritual journey!

🛍️ Bring these items back to the Mission Table in the lobby to help these ministry partners! #LoveLikeJesus #ShoppingList

Yesterday, Pastor Chandler led our City Prayer praying for Compassion Church and Mission Missouri as a reminder of our connectedness and shared work in the Gospel. We are thankful for all the places and people God is working in and through in Sikeston and pray God’s blessing on their ministry 🙏 #LoveLikeJesus #CityPrayer

“Jesus was just a good moral teacher.” “Jesus was a great preacher. You don’t have to think he was God to follow the way he taught.” Have you ever heard someone say this? Maybe you’ve even said something similar yourself in the past. According to a recent study, nearly 49% of Americans would agree with these statements. What you might not know is that these ideas are actually an example of heresy. They deny the divinity of Jesus—suggesting that Jesus wasn’t God in the flesh, but simply a good man with wise teachings. And what you also might not know is that people have been saying things like this—and arguing about it!—for nearly 1,800 years. This is the first heresy we’re going to tackle in our new series, “Modern Day Heretic.” It’s called Arianism, and while the name may sound ancient, the ideas behind it are still very much alive today. This topic fascinates me because these same old, tired, false teachings about Jesus have quietly worked their way into our modern thinking and everyday language. And like all beliefs or convictions, what we believe about Jesus shapes how we live. In the case of heresy, those beliefs don’t just miss the mark—they actually misshape our faith and keep us from fully loving like Jesus. This week, we’ll explore why the divinity of Christ matters—not just as a theological concept, but for our daily lives and our calling as followers of Jesus. We’ll also look to Church tradition and the witness of faithful Christians who have gone before us, allowing their wisdom to help us better understand who Jesus truly is. I hope you’ll join us this Sunday at 9 and 11am as we wrestle with these questions together and rediscover why the Church has always proclaimed: Jesus is not just a good teacher—He is God with us. Grace and peace, Pastor Jennifer

🍳 Men’s Breakfast — This Saturday! Men of all ages are invited to join us this Saturday at 8:30am for good food, good conversation, and encouragement for the week ahead. ☕️ Come hungry. Leave encouraged. #mensbreakfast #LoveLikeJesus

🙏 Yesterday we started our City Prayer Practice and prayed for Wesley United Methodist Church and Sikeston Public Schools. 🙌 Each week in 2026 we are praying for a local church and community partner as a reminder of our connectedness and shared work in the Gospel. ❤️ Join us by praying your own prayer or something like this: “Dear Lord, Today I lift up to you in prayer. I pray for Wesley United Methodist Church and Sikeston Public Schools. I pray their blessing, their safety, and that you would continue to do your good work in and through them. Amen” #LoveLikeJesus #CityPrayer

Merry Christmas! It is still the Christmas season until this Sunday (so don’t feel bad if your tree is still up like mine!) when we celebrate Epiphany Sunday. Epiphany marks the day we remember the Magi following the star to find Jesus—and over the last few years, it has become a meaningful and fun tradition in our church to receive Star Words to help guide us through the year ahead. Some of you have told me where you kept your star word so you could be reminded of it throughout the year—on your desk, taped to a mirror, tucked into a Bible, or saved on your phone. Last year, the word I received was “grow,” and I have to admit, I started the year wondering what kind of growth that might mean. Would our church grow in attendance? Would I grow in a new skill? Would it be spiritual growth… or something harder? As the year unfolded, I realized God was inviting me into growth that was deeper than numbers or accomplishments—growth in trust, patience, and faithfulness. It wasn’t always comfortable, but it was holy. And looking back, I can see how God used that one simple word to shape the year in ways I never could have planned. This Sunday, we’ll once again tell the story of the Magi, reflect on where God has been faithful, and receive new Star Words as we step into a new year together. Whether you’ve been here every week, it’s been a while, or you’re just looking for a meaningful way to begin the year, I hope you will join us. Come as you are. Bring your curiosity. And come see what word God might have for you this year. Grace and peace, Pastor Jennifer PS, And we will share the total for our Christmas Eve offering!

Join us in praying for Sikeston and the surrounding community in 2026🙏 Each week we will be praying for another local church and community partner (school, non-profit, or civic organization) by name as a reminder of our connectedness and shared work in the Gospel. “Promote the welfare of the city where you live…pray to the Lord for it” -Jeremiah 29:7 #CityPrayer #lovelikejesus

Not resolutions, just reflections 🙌 The new year is a great time to reset, renew, and restart your life of faith. Swipe through and reflect on how you can Love Like Jesus in 2026 ❤️ #nye #happynewyear #2025 #2026 #LoveLikeJesus

🎉 Congratulations! 🎉 You did it!! You made it a whole year reading the Bible every day! Woohoo!! 🙌 🙏 We pray this has been a year of deepening your faith, sharpening your hope, and reminding you that God is still speaking—right where you are. “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” —Romans 15:4 And if you didn’t quite finish this year, hear this: grace abounds. ❤️ A new year starts in a few days and it’s a fresh invitation. Let 2026 be the year you open Scripture more consistently, lean in more deeply, and discover the hope and encouragement waiting for you there. Whether you’re celebrating the finish or starting again—keep going. God meets us in the reading, every single time. 📖✨

Tomorrow! End the year loving your neighbor by giving the gift of life and get a gift in return! Donate tomorrow and receive this free long-sleeved tee! 🩸 ❤️ #LoveLikeJesus #bloodDrive

Walking into the church the Monday after Christmas and seeing the cleaning cart, and couldn’t help but think of this quotation. It’s a reminder that Christmas is only the beginning of the story… ❤️🎄 When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flocks, the work of Christmas begins: to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among the people, to make music in the heart. -Howard Thurman

🎄Merry Christmas!🎄 I am still thinking about how special our Christmas Eve service was and how thankful I am to be in ministry with you. What a gift it was to gather, worship, and celebrate the Light of the World together. As we look ahead, I’m excited for us to get back into our weekly rhythm—but I want to remind you that this Sunday we will not be meeting in person. Instead, we invite you to join us online for worship, giving our staff, volunteers, and church family a moment to rest and be renewed after such a full and Advent season. I hope you’ll tune in from home and continue worshiping with us wherever you are. As the year comes to a close, I also want to say thank you for your generosity throughout 2025. Your faithful giving has allowed our church to Love Like Jesus in very real and tangible ways—right here in our community and beyond. If you are still planning a year-end gift, there is still time to give online before December 31. Your generosity helps us finish the year strong and prepare for the ministry God is calling us into in the year ahead. Looking toward January, I’m excited to share that our regular in-person worship schedule will resume on Sunday, January 4, and we’ll be stepping into a new season together with fresh vision and renewed hope. I can’t wait to see what God will do among us in the new year. Thank you for being such a gracious, faithful, and loving church. May the peace of Christ be with you as you continue to celebrate this Christmas season, and may the light we shared on Christmas Eve continue to shine into the days ahead. Grace and peace,  Pastor Jennifer

Merry Christmas Eve! We have been planning, preparing, and praying (and I’ll admit, stressing!) for this day, and it’s finally here! There are so many little details and moving parts for something like Christmas Eve, and I’m reminded every year that somehow—through God’s grace—it all comes together, and it’s breathtaking. I know it will be again tonight. All my anxieties and worries will vanish the moment I step into a room full of our church family, candles in hand, hearts open, ready to remember the good news that God is with us. If you’re feeling excited, exhausted, hopeful, grieving, joyful—or a little of everything—there is a place for you tonight. Christmas Eve is not about having it all together; it’s about gathering in the light of Christ, the Light of the World, who meets us exactly where we are. This is one of those sacred nights when we slow down, sing familiar songs, hear the old story made new again, and remember what matters most. I hope you’ll join us tonight at 5:30pm for our Christmas Eve service. Come early, grab some hot chocolate, take a family photo, and settle in for a meaningful, kid-friendly service filled with music, communion, candlelight, and the reminder that God’s love shines even in the darkest places. We would love to celebrate the birth of Jesus with you. Let’s come together and Love Like Jesus—tonight and beyond. Grace and peace, Pastor Jennifer (Picture from Sunday’s Christmas Eve rehearsal—I can’t wait for you to hear it!)

👋 Psst… All the Christmas Eve info you’re looking for is waiting at sikestonfirstumc.org 🎄✨ #lovelikejesus #christmaseve

All signs point to Christmas Eve at Sikeston First UMC at 5:30pm! Here’s what you can expect: ☕️ Hot chocolate 📷 Family Photo Booth 👧 Kid-friendly service with special Children’s moment 🎶 Both traditional and contemporary music ❤️ Inspiring and encouraging message 🍞 Communion offered to everyone 🕯️ Candlelit Silent Night We’d love for you to join us—invite a friend, bring your family, and come celebrate the Light of the World with us this Christmas Eve. ✨

🫵If you are seeing this video your algorithm wants you to know that 100% of your Christmas Eve giving will stay right here in Sikeston to help people with rent, utilities, and food. 🎄You can give in person during our Christmas Eve service at 5:30pm December 24. Or give online at sikestonfirstumc.org This is one way we can Love Like Jesus ❤️ #LoveLikeJesus #giving #ChristmasEve #lightoftheworld

We often rush past Joseph in the Christmas story—but Scripture doesn’t. This morning, we’ll slow down and listen to the quiet faith of a man who knew the law, trusted God, and chose mercy when it mattered most. From Genesis to Matthew, God has always worked through ordinary people willing to risk trust. See you today for Traditions at 9am, Journey at 11am in person or on YouTube. #LoveLikeJesus (Image is detail from the Christmas tree in Traditions 2024)

Dear First UMC, Christmas is so close, and we are getting excited! Our team has been prayerfully planning and preparing for what I know will be a beautiful and meaningful Christmas Eve service. I hope you are making plans to join us for one combined service at 5:30pm on December 24. Here are just a few things you can expect: • Hot chocolate • Family Photo Booth with photos by Daniel Byrd Photography • A kid-friendly service with a special Children’s Moment and activity bags • Both traditional and contemporary music • An inspiring and encouraging message • Communion offered to everyone • Candlelit Silent Night I’d love for you to join us—invite a friend, bring your family, and come celebrate the Light of the World with us this Christmas Eve. I also want you to know that 100% of the Christmas Eve offering will go directly to help families right here in Sikeston through our Financial Assistance Fund. Throughout the year, this fund helps families and individuals with rent, utilities, and food. For many, just a little assistance goes a long way in helping them keep housing, electricity, and food on the table. Every penny is used, and the need continues to grow. This is one of the ways we live out our mission to Love Like Jesus—by caring for our neighbors, meeting real needs, and sharing God’s love in tangible ways. If you are unable to join us in person on Christmas Eve, you are welcome to give anytime online to the Financial Assistance Fund. Your generosity and faithfulness are truly making a difference in the lives of so many and will continue to impact our community in the year ahead. We will gather this Sunday, December 21, at 9am and 11am for the final Sunday of Advent, and again on Christmas Eve, December 24, at 5:30pm. Please note that we will not meet in person on December 28; instead, we invite you to join us for a special online service on our YouTube channel. We can’t wait to celebrate with you as we Love Like Jesus this Christmas season. Grace and peace, Pastor Jennifer

This evening, during the Connect 100 Christmas dinner distribution, our volunteers paused to take in the beauty of a double rainbow—twice! 🌈🌈 It was a powerful reminder of God’s covenantal faithfulness and steadfast love. In a season marked by pain and uncertainty, we were reminded that the light still shines in the darkness—and we pray that the food shared tonight is a small but meaningful light for those who are hungry. ✨ We are thankful to partner with Spread Hope Now and other area churches to be a part of this community-wide effort to share the light of Christ during this Christmas season 🎄 #LoveLikeJesus #LightoftheWorld #LightOfTheWorld #LoveLikeJesus #NoFilter

🎄 Scenes from Christmas Eve 2024 🎄 ONE WEEK from today we get to come together again for this special service. We hope you are making plans to be a part of it! Here’s what you can expect: ☕️ Hot chocolate 📷 Family Photo Booth 👧 Kid-friendly service with special Children’s moment 🎶 Both traditional and contemporary music ❤️ Inspiring and encouraging message 🍞 Communion offered to everyone 🕯️ Candlelit Silent Night We’d love for you to join us—invite a friend, bring your family, and come celebrate the Light of the World with us this Christmas Eve. ✨

On Sunday we lit the third Advent candle, the pink candle for JOY! And we prayed this prayer: Joy-giving God, we praise You for the salvation You have brought, are bringing, and will bring. As this pink candle shines, fill us with a joy that is unshaken by the sorrows of this world. Help us to trust Your promises and to live as people who expect Your redemption. Let our joy be a witness to Your goodness and a light to those who struggle to see it. Amen. 🕯️ 🕯️ 🕯️

Tomorrow is your LAST CHANCE to catch Advent Wednesday Night Live and it will be a special one. In addition to a delicious fellowship meal afterward, there will be a moment during the service to honor the grief that this season can bring. If you are carrying something heavy into the Christmas week, come be reminded that you don’t have to carry it alone. All are invited and welcome to be a part of this special evening ❤️ Childcare will be provided during the service. #LoveLikeJesus

From wisemen in superhero costumes to Mary in a princess dress—this year’s children’s Christmas program reminded us that the Nativity story belongs to everyone. It was a morning of JOY and such a special way to share the good news of Jesus’ birth ⭐️

Santa is still here for another hour! Pancakes and ornament craft included, screaming is optional 🤪❤️🎄🎅