Results of Yesterday's Church Visioning Exercise!

This picture is from the chapel of the First United Methodist Church in Sidney, Nebraska.

We ask for prayers. The members of our church are beginning a series of visioning exercises. We are listening for God's Spirit to give us direction. What should we be doing as a church -- to be in effective ministry and mission to the world now and in the days and years ahead?

www.sidney-firstumc.org/Vision.html

If you go to the this website, you will see the results of yesterday's visioning exercise that was held during our potluck luncheon after Sunday services.

Indeed, it is an exciting time in the life of the First United Methodist Church in Sidney, Nebraska.

Praise be to God!!!

Celebration Sunday

Today was a very special Sunday!

It was "Celebration Sunday" at First UMC!"

The 8:00 service was a change from the typical Sunday service. Today, we observed a "Service of Morning Prayer and Praise," adapted from the United Methodist Book of Worship. It was very special to enjoy prayer and the times of silence, though difficult to adjust to for some, proved to be an important part of the service.

The 10:00 service was lively, even with the computer snafu, and the Spirit was felt by many to have be present in a powerful way.

After our second service, at 11:00 a.m., we a church-wide potluck. Yum-yum-yum! Yes, it was a wonderful time of food, fun and fellowship!

Pastor Charles presented something special to two of the three leaders of the Youth Mission trip 2007 (the third couldn't be there). He demonstrated the church's appreciation for ALL their efforts in getting the youth team to and from their mission field in Denver, Colorado. It was a very safe and successful trip, indeed! We thank God that there are folks who willing to give of their time and their spirit.. to help shape the future of the church.

We spent some of the time "visioning." That is, we talked about dreams and visions... of what our church could be... of what types of ministries we could begin and/or expand. Some very interesting ideas/concepts have surfaced!

Stay tuned!!!

Ministries on Saturday

While Sidney got some needed rain today, there was a lot of activity from top-to-bottom at First UMC!

When Belinda and I walked into the church, we heard faithful musicians practicing for tomorrow's Sunday worship service. Their music and their devotion to their church was so inspiring!

The Care/Share team was hard at work in the kitchen most of the morning, preparing home-cooked meals for some of our shut-ins. The aroma of that yummy food was awesome!!! Over thirty meals were taken by the two teams, no doubt there were some happy tummies in Cheyenne County tonight, thanks to the Care/Share ministry team!

Paul & Jennifer Hopwood and their entire family went the extra mile this morning. Jennifer and Cassie continued the transformation of the Education Resource room (in the church office area), adding colorful posters and more to the amazing work done this week. Be sure to check it out next time you're in the church.

Meanwhile, Paul and the boys were helping to get the Fellowship Hall ready for for tomorrow's first-ever Celebration Sunday Potluck! The Hopwood's have really gone above and beyond in getting our church looking its best.

Praise God for folks who are in faithful ministries, in service to others.

Come back tomorrow, and see how it all turns out!

Truth be told... any day is a lovely day for a wedding!

This afternoon, Pastor Charles had the distinct pleasure and honor of officiating at the wedding of Beth Reynolds and John Sweeney. The bride was radiant, of course! And the groom was delightful!

It was an intimate service that was held in the chapel. And, of course, I cried... tears of joy and thankfulness... that these two wonderful folks had found each other. God is SO good!!!

Afterwards, we enjoyed all the scrumptious wedding reception goodies. Everything was delicious! The bride made the cake! (And I was told that the groom helped!) It turns out that Beth is one expert cake maker/ decorator. She has even taught classes at our local college about how to make and decorate cakes. So who else was she going to have make her wedding cake, but her, right?! It was the best wedding cake I have ever had! Thank you, Beth, and also thank you, John, for your able assistance to Beth!

It was a lovely day for a wedding! Thanks be to God!!!

Every blessing to one and all,

Belinda

Triumphant Return of "Youth Mission Team 2007!"

Yea! We just witnessed the triumphant return home of the participants in this year's "Youth Mission Trip 2007!"

Parents, friends, fellow church members... all were so excited to see them return safely home to us at the First United Methodist Church (FUMC)! Praise be to God for their willingness to travel afield and be such faithful disciples!

The church's "welcome home" sign was proudly posted on the FUMC front door, in anticipation of their arrival.

Pictured is our intrepid trio of dynamic youth leaders, who led our youth group on a journey of faith-building, character-building experiences.

Pictured are the amazing members of the "Youth Mission Team 2007!" We are so grateful to God for giving them a safe and successful week away from us, doing God's work in a variety of mission fields in Colorado!

Pictured is the team doing some sort of secret move... known only to them! Maybe they'll clue us in on Sunday... about what it means... and about what it meant for them to navigate the waters of this year's youth mission trip.

Come Sunday and find out!

Every blessing,

Belinda Alkula

Celebration Service, 29 July @ 10:00

ENTERING WITH PRAISE

PRELUDE

SHARING THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH

*CALL TO WORSHIP
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the people!
We serve the Lord with gladness! We come into God’s presence with singing!!!
Know that the Lord, who made us, is God.
We are the Lord’s; we are the people of God.
Enter God’s gates with thanksgiving, and God’s courts with praise!
We give thanks and will bless God’s name!

*OPENING PRAISE MUSIC
Praise the Name of Jesus #52
As the Deer Panteth for the Water #7

*HYMN OF BLESSING Many Gifts, One Spirit #114

PROCLAMATION AND PRAISE

PSALM 23
God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows; you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk by my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my dropping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.

OFFERING (Loose change: Salvation Army Food Bank)

OFFERTORY Janet Rosenbaum & Whitney Armbruster

DOXOLOGY #95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia!

TIME WITH GOD’s CHILDREN

SPECIAL MUSIC Janet Rosenbaum & Whitney Armbruster

GOSPEL LESSON John 10:1-8

MISSION REPORT First UMC Youth Mission Team

RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD

THE PEOPLE AT PRAYER
Lord God – we need You – we need You every hour of every day – we need Your support – Your love – Your helping hand. We need, O God, Your word to guide us – Your Sprit to inspire us – Your Strength to hold us up. Be present with us at this hour of worship. Help us to bless Your most holy name. Make us the people You want us to be. We ask it in the name of the risen one – Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, reveal who you are. Set the world right; do what’s best – as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with You and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything You want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes. Amen. -Matthew 6:9b-13

HYMN “Pass It On” #572

BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE


John 10:1-15
Let me set this before you as plainly as I can. If a person climbs over or through the fence in a sheep pen instead of through the gate, you know he’s up to no good – a sheep rustler! The shepherd walks right up to the gate. The gatekeeper opens the gate to him and the sheep recognize his voice. The gatekeeper opens the gate to him and the sheep recognize his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he gets them all out, he leads them and they follow because they are familiar with his voice. They won’t follow a stranger’s voice but will scatter because they aren’t used to the sound of it.

Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. I’ll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good – sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep don’t listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for – will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.


EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THIS WEEK

Today 8:00 Prayer Service, Chapel
10:00 Celebration Worship Service,
Sanctuary
11:00 Church-wide Potluck, Fellowship
Hall
Tuesday 6:30 Son-Rise Bible Study, Lobby
9:00 Women’s Bible Study, Gurley/Dalton
Wednesday 8:00 Quilters, Quilting Room
9:00 Prayer Group, Prayer room
10:00 ASAP @ 10:00, wherever you are!
Sunday 8:00 Worship Service, Chapel
9:00 Fellowship Time
10:00 Family Worship Service, Sanctuary

YOUTH GROUP MISSION TRIP: Our youth have returned from their mission trip to Denver and have much to share. We celebrate their willingness to live their faith in such an open fashion. Please pray that those whom the youth met on their journey will in turn pass on the blessings that were given them.

PRAYER CIRCLE: You are invited to join us in the Prayer Room each Thursday at 9:00 a.m. where we’ll pray for the needs of the congregation, community, and more. Don’t forget to A.S.A.P. @ 10:00!!!

SCRIPTURE LESSONS: All of the scripture lessons this morning are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

FIRST UMC WEB PRESENCE: Our church is on the World Wide Web! Please visit www.sidney-firstumc.org and our blog @ www.sidneyfirstumc.blogspot.com and share the Good News!

E-NEWSLETTER: In August, we’ll launch an E-newsletter here at 1st UMC! In order to get this to you, we need an email address!! Please send your address to newsletter@sidney-firstumc.org and get the good news a whole new way!

Lectionary Readings for August 5th, Tenth Sunday after Pentecost: Hosea 11:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43, Colossians 3:1-11 and Luke 12:13-21.

Service of Morning Prayer, 29 July @ 8:00

A Service of Morning Praise and Prayer


*CALL TO WORSHIP
O Lord, open our lips.
And we shall declare Your praise.

*MORNING HYMN “Holy, Holy, Holy” #64

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
New every morning is Your love, great God of light, and all day long You are working for good in the world. Stir up in us desire to serve You, to live peacefully with our neighbors, and to devote each day to Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

FIRST LESSON Isaiah 55:1-3

SILENCE (A time of silent meditation on the scripture that has been read). This concludes with:

Let our prayers be acceptable to You, O God, our rock and our salvation. Amen.

SONG OF PRAISE Song of Zechariah #208

THE PEOPLE AT PRAYER
We conclude each petition with:
Pastor: Lord, in Your mercy.
All: Hear our prayer.

Together, let us pray…
For the people of this congregation…
For those who suffer and those in trouble…
For the concerns of this local congregation…
For the world, its peoples, and its leaders…
For the church universal – for its leaders, its members, and its mission…
In communion with the saints…

PRAYER RESPONSE
“Jesus, Remember Me” #488

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy
name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as
it in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those
who trespass against us. And lead us not unto
temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and
the glory, forever. Amen.

*BLESSING
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
And the love of God,
And the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
Be with you all. Amen.

*THE PEACE


The service this morning comes from The United Methodist Book of Worship, p. 569-571. 1992.

EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THIS WEEK

Today 8:00 Service of Morning Prayer, Chapel
10:00 Combined Worship Service,
Sanctuary
11:00 Church Potluck, Fellowship Hall
Tuesday 6:30 Son-Rise Bible Study, Lobby
9:00 Ladies Weekday Bible Study, Gurley/Dalton
Wednesday 8:00 Quilters, Quilting Room
9:00 Prayer Circle, Prayer Room
10:00 ASAP @ 10:00, wherever you are!
Sunday 8:00 Worship Service, Chapel
9:00 Fellowship Time, Lobby
10:00 Family Worship Service, Sanctuary

YOUTH GROUP MISSION TRIP: Our youth have returned from their mission trip to Denver and have much to share. We celebrate their willingness to live their faith in such an open fashion. Please pray that those whom the youth met on their journey will in turn pass on the blessings that were given them.

PRAYER GROUP: The Prayer group meets on Wednesday mornings in the prayer room at 9:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join in this vital ministry here at First UMC. At 10:00, we pause to A.S.A.P. @ 10:00 (Always Say A Prayer), please join us wherever you are for a moment of prayer.

E-NEWSLETTER: In August, we’ll launch an E-newsletter here at 1st UMC! In order to get this to you, we need an email address!! Please send your address to newsletter@sidney-firstumc.org and get the good news a whole new way!

CLERGY RETREAT: Pastor Charles will be attending a retreat for Conference Elders this week (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday) in Lincoln.

Lectionary Readings for August 5th , Tenth Sunday after Pentecost: Hosea 11:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43, Colossians 3:1-11 and Luke 12:13-21.

Another Wonderful Sunday of Worship at FUMC!

Yesterday was another lovely Sunday, filled with wonderful opportunity for worship!At the 10:00 a.m. service, it was fun to see children of all ages with Pastor Charles during children's time!

Also we were blessed with some great special music. Thanks so much, Linda Walter, for playing "the big organ" for us. And thanks to our visiting guitarist Jeff and his lovely family members: LeAnn Kampfe, Susan Roth and Jill Lukesh!

the Youth Mission Trip

The youth departed yesterday on their week-long mission trip to Denver. Prayers are sought for the youth, their intrepid sponsors and all those whom the group offers ministry to this coming week.

The early morning send-off was a scene of great energy as Karen scurried about making sure everyone had their permission forms filled out and the parents had the contact info for the mission site. Bo was hard at work, trying to fit as much baggage into the bed of his pickup as possible.

Jennifer Hopwood distributed prayer swatches (called splotches by some of the youth) while Belinda Alkula gave out goodie bags to sustain the travelers on their route west.

A terrific group of youth and adults have left Sidney, sent in Christ's name and bearing our blessings. We look forward to their report of their activities during our Celebration Service next week!!!

10am Family Worship Service Bulletin, 22 July

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost July 22, 2007

ENTERING WITH PRAISE

PRELUDE

SHARING THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH

*CALL TO WORSHIP
In the midst of the congregation I will praise you.
Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to God’s holy name!
I will extol you, my God and King, and bless Your name for ever and eve.
Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised, and God’s greatness is unsearchable.

*OPENING PRAISE MUSIC
Come Into His Presence #4
As We Gather #16
Change My Heart, O God #50


PROCLAMATION AND PRAISE

UNISON PRAYER God, like a baker, You bring the leaven which causes our hopes to rise. With Your strong and gentle hands, shape our lives. Warm us with Your love. Take our common lives and touch them with Your grace, that we may nourish hope among humanity. We pray trusting in Your name, through Jesus our Christ. Amen. -Ruth Duck

EPISTLE LESSION Colossians 1:15-28

OFFERING
(Loose change goes to the Salvation Army Food Bank)

OFFERTORY LeAnn Kampfe

DOXOLOGY #95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia!

TIME WITH GOD’S CHILDREN

SPECIAL MUSIC LeAnn Kampfe

GOSPEL LESSON Luke 10:38-42
“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations…” -Luke 10:40a

SERMON "In the Way of Busy People” Pastor Alkula

RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD

THE PEOPLE AT PRAYER

PASTORAL PRAYER
Pastor: Lord in your mercy.
All: Hear our prayer.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

HYMN “Trust and Obey” #467

DISMISSAL

BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE




Luke 10:38-42 At the Home of Martha and Mary

38As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" 41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."


EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THIS WEEK

Today 8:00 Worship Service, Chapel
9:00 Fellowship Time
10:00 Family Worship Service, Sanctuary
Monday 12:00 Newsletter Deadline
Tuesday 6:30 Son-Rise Bible Study, Lobby
9:00 Ladies Weekday Bible Study,
Gurley/Dalton
Wednesday 8:00 Quilters, Quilting Room
9:00 Prayer Circle, Prayer Room
10:00 A.S.A.P @ 10:00
Friday 2:00p.m. Wedding of Elizabeth Reynolds and John Sweeney, Chapel
Saturday tba Care-Share
Sunday 8:00 Prayer Service, Chapel
10:00 Celebration Service, Sanctuary
11:00 Church Potluck, Fellowship Hall

PRAYER GROUP: The Prayer group has begun meeting on Wednesday mornings in the prayer room at 9:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join in this vital ministry here at First UMC.

YOUTH MISSION TRIP: Our youth are on their mission trip to Denver this week. Please remember them in prayer along with their leaders and those they encounter in Christ’s name.

FIRST UMC OF SIDNEY WEBSITE: Our church is on the World Wide Web! Please visit http://www.sidney-firstumc.org/ today.

FIRST UMC "BLOG": Our church also has a web log, "Blog," which may be seen at http://www.sidneyfirstumc.blogspot.com/. See the latest news from your church!

EMAIL ADDRESSES NEEDED: Please sign the registration pads with your email address. We will be sending an E-newsletter out starting in August and you won’t want to miss it!

FIFTH SUNDAY EVENTS: Please be sure to be here next week for the Fifth Sunday schedule of events. Prayer, worship and fellowship are all part of this special time.

FOOD DRIVE: Please remember to bring food next week to share with those in our community. Place your contribution in the shopping cart in the lobby.

Lectionary Readings for July 29th, Ninth Sunday after Pentecost: Hosea 1:2-10, Psalm 85, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) and Luke 11:1-13.

8:00 a.m. Bulletin - July 22, 2007

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost


ENTERING WITH PRAISE

PRELUDE

SHARING THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH

*CALL TO WORSHIP
In the midst of the congregation I will praise you.
Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to God’s holy name!
I will extol you, my God and King, and bless Your name for ever and eve.
Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised, and God’s greatness is unsearchable.

*OPENING HYMN “From All That Dwell Below the Skies” #101

PROCLAMATION AND PRAISE

UNISON PRAYER God, like a baker, You bring the leaven which causes our hopes to rise. With Your strong and gentle hands, shape our lives. Warm us with Your love. Take our common lives and touch them with Your grace, that we may nourish hope among humanity. We pray trusting in Your name, through Jesus our Christ. Amen. -Ruth Duck

OFFERING (Loose change goes to the Salvation Army Food Bank)

DOXOLOGY #95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia!

HYMN “Take Time to Be Holy” #395

GOSPEL LESSON Luke 10:25-37
“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations…” -Luke 10:26a

SERMON "In the Way of Busy People” Pastor Alkula

RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD

THE PEOPLE AT PRAYER

PASTORAL PRAYER

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

HYMN “Trust and Obey” #467

DISMISSAL

BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE

Luke 10:38-42 At the Home of Martha and Mary

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."


EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THIS WEEK

Today 8:00 Worship Service, Chapel
9:00 Fellowship Time
10:00 Family Worship Service, Sanctuary
Monday 12:00 Newsletter Deadline
Tuesday 6:30 Son-Rise Bible Study, Lobby
9:00 Ladies Weekday Bible Study, Gurley/Dalton
Wednesday 8:00 Quilters, Quilting Room
9:00 Prayer Circle
10:00 A.S.A.P. @ 10:00
Friday 2:00p.m. Wedding of Elizabeth Reynolds and John Sweeney, Chapel Saturday tba Care-Share
Sunday 8:00 Prayer Service, Chapel
10:00 Celebration Service, Sanctuary
11:00 Church Potluck, Fellowship Hall

PRAYER GROUP: The Prayer group has begun meeting on Wednesday mornings in the prayer room at 9:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join in this vital ministry here at First UMC.

YOUTH MISSION TRIP: Our youth are on their mission trip to Denver this week. Please remember them in prayer along with their leaders and those they encounter in Christ’s name.

FIRST UMC OF SIDNEY WEBSITE: Our church is on the World Wide Web! Please visit http://www.sidney-firstumc.org/ today. Be sure to visit our Web Log, "BLOG" at www.sidneyfirstumc.blogspot.com to read the latest news from YOUR church!!!

EMAIL ADDRESSES NEEDED: Please sign the registration pads with your email address. We will be sending an E-newsletter out starting in August and you won’t want to miss it!

FIFTH SUNDAY EVENTS: Please be sure to be here next week for the Fifth Sunday schedule of events. Prayer, worship and fellowship are all part of this special time.

FOOD DRIVE: Please remember to bring food next week to share with those in our community. Place your contribution in the shopping cart in the lobby.

Lectionary Readings for July 29th, Ninth Sunday after Pentecost: Hosea 1:2-10, Psalm 85, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) and Luke 11:1-13.