JANUARY 2021

I n s i d e t h i s i s s u e :

www.facebook.com/rapidcityfirst

629 Kansas City Street, Rapid City, SD 57701

Phone 605-342-4498

www.rapidcityfirst.org

Messenger Newsletter

Children’s Ministry 2

Youth and Young Adult 3

Love Inc. Service Project 4

Financial News 5

Merry Christmas! 6

UMW News 7

Christmas Eve Services 8

COVID Protocols 9

Contact Information 10

Helping Others 11

Important News 12

Coffee Fellowship 13

First Church Studies 14

Food Box Ministry 15

Reflections 16

New Year Prayer 17

Barry’s Thoughts To the angel of the church in Ephesus write… “I

know your works, your toil and your patient endurance…But I have this against you, that you

have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember then from what you have fallen; repent

and do the works you did at first.” Revelation 2:1a, 2a,4-5a NRSV

I’ve been thinking a lot about the lessons my mom and dad taught me years ago. Those lessons have stuck with me. My dad taught me to tithe to give the first fruits to the Lord. As we close out 2020, I want to say a BIG THANK YOU to all of you who have supported Rapid City First UMC in so many ways. We ended financially and spiritually on a very high note and you are to be congratulated for hearing God’s call and responding so generously. As I’ve reflected on the lessons of life, I understand that at times I need to look back, to remember and to seek to rekindle lessons learned long ago that seem to have been forgotten. As we continue to journey through this time of Covid-19 and all the changes that have occurred, we need to remember that God never changes and is always with us. How we worship may be different but let us remember God’s love and grace is ever present no matter what our physical worship might be like. Let us remember to be about God’s work in 2021 so that others might see Christ in and through our lives. In Christ,

Sermons and Scriptures January 2021

Jan. 3rd, 2020

Revelation 21:1-6a “A Look into the Future”

Jan. 10th, 2020

Psalm 29 “The Voice of the Lord”

Jan. 17th, 2020 1 Samuel 3:1-10

“Are You in Need of a Hearing Aid?”

Jan. 24th, 2020 Jonah 3:1-5, 10 “Obedience”

Jan. 31st, 2020

Deuteronomy 18:15-20 “The Voice of the Prophet”

https://www.facebook.com/rapidcityfirst/http://www.rapidcityfirst.org

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Links for First Church Kids Information:

First Church Kids

Facebook Page First Church Newsletters

FIRST CHURCH KIDS

Our MMO Ministry will begin again this coming Fall semester. We have truly missed our fami-lies so very much during this time and cannot wait till we can be together again. Please look

for more information on how to get your child signed up in the months to come. If you have

questions about this ministry email Miss Jessica at rcfumcchildrensministry@gmail.com

Virtual Sunday School 10am each Sunday

First Church Kids Facebook Page Resumes on Jan.10th, 2021

WNL Zoom Resumes on Jan. 13th, 2021

Thank you to everyone who tuned into our Children’s Christmas Eve service. It was a huge success and we are so very proud of our First Church Kids. Thank

you for your wonderful feedback and support as we got creative

during this crazy year.

https://www.facebook.com/rcfirstchurchkids/https://www.facebook.com/rcfirstchurchkids/https://www.rapidcityfirst.org/newsletter/

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It costs approximately $50 per night per family to provide child care, meal and produce the materials for a class at Life Inc. These adult

education classes provide needed education and care in our community. Awesome volunteers, area churches, and several organizations come

together to offer classes in employment, parenting, faith and finances. Hundreds of families have benefited from this life changing program.

Other benefits:

• Children’s Ministry provided on site

• Weekly incentives offered

• Meal each week before classes. No cost!

During the month of January we will be raising money to help Love Inc. supply this amazing opportunity to our community. If you would

like to donate send a check to the church with memo: Life Inc. For more information on Life. Inc click this link here.

Thank you!!

https://loveinconline.com/life-inc/

Monthly Contribution Update:

November 2019 November 2020 November 2020

Actual Actual Budget

$43,139 $42,604 $54,519

• November Contributions were below budget and last year.

The church continues to pay all salaries and expenses even with reduced

revenues.

The 2020 Contribution Statements will be mailed the first or second

week of January 2021. Please Review your statement and let me know

if you have any questions.

Giving envelopes will be available to pick up in the office from 8-11am

M-Th., starting January 4th, 2021.

If you have any questions or concerns about our finances, please contact me at the church office……. 342-4498.

--Bill Waugh, Business Administrator

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FINANCIAL NEWS

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MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

2020 has been a year of many challenges. Sharing God’s love through the pandemic has deepened our faith as we find new ways to worship and share God’s love. Deb had knee replacement surgery on both knees and cataracts removed. She spent the year rehabbing and getting ready for a great 2021. Cory and Amanda continue to live in River Falls WI. Cory is a Reference & Instruction Librarian at Bethel University in St. Paul MN. Amanda is a Special Ed. Teacher and has went back to college to get her Master of Educational Administration. Henry 14, Ellie 9, Charlie 7 have adjusted to a different school routine and sports because of COVID.

Annie and Paul still call Avon home. Paul is at the Community Bank and keeps busy with cattle and hogs. Annie is a Certified Nurse Practitioner at the Parkston Clinic and hospital. Lincoln 17, Landon 15, Rilyn 11, remain active in 4H and have adjusted to school activities during the season of COVID..

Barry and Sarah live in Milbank SD, Barry is full time with the National Guard as a Training NCO. Sarah is working at St. Lawrence school with the 3rd grade class, she is getting a teaching degree from Dakota State. Oakley 9, Eli 6, have found a new rhythm to school during COVID.. They spend much time camping, boating and enjoying the outdoors. In this Christmas season we pray God’s blessings on you and your families.

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT!!

In Christ’s Love – Barry and Deb

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Thank you to all who contributed Christmas Gift Cards for Rapid City Abbott House Therapeutic Foster Homes. Thank you to Janet Henzlik and the Pray Shawl Mission Committee members who met in December and proceeded to distribute shawls they had created to various places in the community. Thank you to Pastor Barry for dedicating the shawls. See the article in the January 2021 UMW News. Leadership Team News members of the team concur that UMW Sunday and presentation of Mission Recognition Award(s) will be postponed until in-person church services are possible. Perhaps in February? Reminder January is UMW Pledge Month. See the January 2021 UMW News for words from the January program in the current UMW program book. Please mail pledge payments at any time best for you to Treasurer Shirley Huisman. If you would like the UMW News mailed to you, contact LaRee at 605-341-1568.

UMW NEWS

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Our Christmas Eve services looked a little different this year but the celebration of the birth of our Savior could not be dampened. We want to thank all those who tuned in. A lot

of work and love went in to our services. A big THANK YOU to Stephen Branch, Diane Ketel, Ali Kennedy and our musicians who brought us such beautiful music.

Pictured above: The Hey Family enjoying the Christmas Eve Service at home with family.

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*COVID PROTOCOLS for in person worship*

Entering and Exiting the church

Hand sanitizer will be available at each door.

We ask everyone to wear a face mask when they enter the church.

Disposable face masks will be available for those who do not have one

Ushers will seat everyone so families may be together and social distance is observed.

Every other pew will be left empty for social distancing, balcony is closed.

Exiting will be through the two side doors at the front of the sanctuary.

If people want to visit, they will be encouraged to do so outside.

Worship Experience

All worship materials will be removed, no items will be shared during worship.

Offering plates will be placed in the back and front of the sanctuary.

Offerings may also be given through EFT or at our website.

We are unable to provide nursery or childcare currently.

Those leading the worship service will remain on the altar, chairs provided.

Singing in your heart is encouraged but not a verbal expression.

We trust those who participate in worship will respect others and do what is appropriate to keep everyone safe.

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Church Office and Staff information

In January the office will be open by appointment. Staff are here most mornings. Please continue to call for pastoral care and to make appointments to enter the church. You may call the church at 605-342-4498(M-Th 8:00am-4:30pm, also Sunday mornings

9:00am-12:00pm)You can also email the staff using the following email addresses:

Pastor Barry: barry@rapidcityfirst.org Pastor Michele: michele@rapidcityfirst.org Destri Fagerland: destri@rapidcityfirst.org Jessica Makoutz: rcfumcchildrensministry@gmail.com Brady Wichmann: brady@rapidcityfirst.org Stephen Branch: sfbranch@gmail.com Diane Ketel: dkketel@live.com Bill Waugh: bill@rapidcityfirst.org Margot Burton: 343-1832

Web site: www.rapidcityfirst.org

Live Stream: www.rapidcityfirst.org

(usually opens 5-10 minutes before the service)

Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/rapidcityfirst/

Virtual Kids Sunday School: www.facebook.com/rcfirstchurchkids/

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/channel/

Adult Virtual Sunday School – (First Church Studies Facebook Page) www.facebook.com/RapidCityFirstUMC/

Please let Destri know if you would like to be part of the main church email. You will receive important information

and the Newsletter each month. Email Destri at

destri@rapidcityfirst.org to get on the list.

https://www.rapidcityfirst.org/https://www.rapidcityfirst.org/https://www.facebook.com/rapidcityfirst/?ref=bookmarkshttps://www.facebook.com/rcfirstchurchkids/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_lj34t5cN-P-vnNT3-L1ghttps://www.facebook.com/RapidCityFirstUMC/

For those of you collecting Family Fare UPCs: Thank you!

• Make sure you save only Family Fare UPCs. The barcode includes “70253.”

• UPCs from other brands sold at Family Fare do not qualify for the Labels for Education program. Thank you for helping support UMW missions.

• 0 70253 16109 (Sample UPC number)

ITEMS needed!

Warm Clothing

Water Bottles/to go drinks

Nutrition bars

Fresh fruit

Snacks in individual bags

Canned goods(with pop tops)

Etc. Vienna Sausages, Spaghetti-o’s, Soup

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Keep The Receipts Coming—- Once we reach $150,000, the church receives $1,000 from Nash Finch to help with church expenses. Please turn in your entire receipts in the metal basket on the red wall by the Welcome Center. To date, we have collected $137,136.

You can turn in at any time to the church office. Please keep portion of receipt that says, “Direct your Dollar”

with number on each receipt.

“We Care” food certificates are finally available again. Thank you

for your patience.

Cornerstone Mission Meal

A big THANK YOU to Delane Rains for organizing food to be dropped off to donate in December. If you’re interested in helping with this (we serve dinner on the third Sun-

day of every month), call the office at 605-342-4498 when we begin serving again!

Church Response Please consider bringing any kind of canned veggies (corn, green beans, carrots,

mixed veggies-15-16oz.)for our church response food drive. Please call the church if you would like to drop items off during the week.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Important News

Friends, in our last meeting with the Leadership Council, we discussed the great importance of safely opening to in-person worship again. We know that this is greatly on the minds of a number of people and we honor that need while we also honor the need to prevent the spread of the virus.

We ask you to pray with us and circle the date of January 17 as a date we would hope to be able to offer a return to in-person worship, with our safety protocols in place. Please lift up your hearts with us that conditions would support that move.

Your servants in Christ,

The Leadership Council

There will be no Prime Timer events till it is deemed safe to do so. For more information please call Margot Burton at 343-1832.

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Join Pastor Barry and Pastor Michele who will be hosting Coffee Fellowship over a Zoom Video Call and we invite you all to participate! We will continue this time even after we reopen for in person services for those still more comfortable at home.

For easiest access, send a text message from your phone to 81010 with the following code as the message content: @434efg. If you would prefer to call the office or email us to sign up with an email address instead of phone number, we can set that up and you will get a reminder email sent to you each week, instead of a text message.

This will add you to our “class” on an app designed for educators called Remind. We will then send you the direct Zoom link each week to join the “Zoom Call” for Coffee Time. All you will need to do is click on that link Sunday morning, and it should open the Zoom meeting for you on your device allowing all of us to fellowship together! Please feel free to try it out in advance.

NOTE: The Zoom link will not open completely if the “host” hasn’t started the meeting. We will plan to have it opened on Sundays from 10:05-10:50 am unless the first service runs late.

Note: You will be required to provide your own

coffee and cookies! :)

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WOMEN'S STUDY BEGINNING JAN. 20th

The Belonging Project is a new, four-week Women's Faith Study we invite you to participate in by watching the videos on Amplify Media, ordering and reading the book if you'd like, then meeting to discuss! Discussion begin

January 20th at 6:30 pm, but you can watch the videos any time prior. Please contact the church with an email or phone number, and we will give you the

access code to watch the videos and send you the zoom link to join! Anne Torgerson will be our leader for the four weeks.

Our Advent Study was such a fun and engaging time together as families at First Church. If you would like more information about studies we will have in the

future, please follow our First Church Studies page on Facebook or contact the church office.

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Food Boxes Our lovely First Church volunteers

(Calvin Luke, Rosetta West, Penny and James Degeest, Margot Burton and

John Hey) helped hand out and deliver food boxes to those

who participated in a program with local schools, United Methodist churches and Monument

Health Dialysis Center.

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Reflections

January 2021! A brand new year! To be sure, 2020 has been a bit of a thing, but tucked into each day have been blessings we may have forgotten by now, or missed in the first place. All the more reason to decide to keep an eye out for the blessings yet to be. We are followers of Jesus. We can be certain they will come.

Thumbing through the pages of a past year (past week, past day?), we readily note the world (yea, even our own country) has plenty of turmoil. Where have the blessings been? ‘Seek and you shall find’ comes to mind. ‘Count your blessings, count them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God has done.’ Remember singing that? It was a perker-upper back then and still is. Deciding to count blessings helps bring them to mind. We might even have a good laugh over some incongruities that really didn’t seem too humorous at the time.

Speaking of laughing, have you heard about the ‘laughing’ sessions that some medical facilities schedule for their patients? Even if a ‘ha-ha-ha-ha-ha’ must be purposely done to begin with, real laughter manages to come along if for no other reason than because of the sheer ridiculousness of the exercise. Anyway, it’s nice to hear that, even as we enjoy laughing, we are reaping health benefits. God said it first: “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance…A merry heart hath a continual feast…” (Proverbs 15:13 & 15) and “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine…” (17:22.) It’s good when researchers begin to catch up with God’s Wisdom

God is more than willing to share His wisdom. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God…and it shall be given him…But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering….” (James 1:5&6) In fact, as we comb through His Word, we get the distinct message that He yearns not only to give wisdom, but to mingle His whole existence—His goodness, kindness, bounty, peace, His everything—with us. He inspired men to put pen to scroll to record what He wants us to know. So, we have Bibles all over the place, translated into every language you can think of. There are concordances, plus pastors and preachers, reference books, programs, listening devices of every kind, fellowship with other Believers—all wonderful resources that help us get to know what He is like, how He thinks and how He operates. We learn why Jesus willingly shed His blood on the cross. We learn that He is risen and has given us His Holy Spirit to help us along the way. We’re even citizens of Heaven, so at the close of our earthly assignments, safe passage home has already been arranged! Blessed. That’s what we are. Blessed.

2020 has been difficult for many reasons, not the least of which has been that many of us have been parted from loved ones who have reached the end of their time on earth. Tears happened, yes, but what a blessing it has been to be able to say to them, “I’ll be seeing you” and know that it will be so. We don’t know what all will happen in 2021, but “Count your blessings, count them…” We may not note them all, but we can give it a good try.

Love and prayers, Kathy Moose

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