Downtown Mitchell
First United Methodist Church
310 N Rowley
Mitchell SD 57301
Sharing the love of Jesus
from the heart of Downtown
wifi password: L&ve1234
VERSE FOR REFLECTION: Isaiah 9:6-7
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
IN OUR PRAYERS
Bill Lippert
John Claggett
Kason Rice, Verna Hofer’s grandson
The Hofer family
Joan Usher
David Mah
Kathy Mah
Wayne Adams
Laura Barta Lindquist
Hank & Bonnie Kor
Jason & Laurie Kor
That we would all experience anew The Light of The World this Christmas and in the New Year
HAPPY NEW YEAR
We wish our church family a Happy New Year! The church office will be closed on Wednesday, January 1st in observance of New Years Day.
RADIO BROADCAST (KORN 1490 AM, 101.3 FM 10 AM
Is given in loving memory of Elvina Hubbard whose birthday would have been January 1st by Janet (Hubbard) Jorgensen and families.
LIVESTREAM
Is given anonymously.
OUR WORSHIP OPTIONS ARE:
~ In person each Sunday at 10:00 am
~ Mitchell Telecom channel 110 at 10:00 am
~A link to our livestream is provided on our Facebook page for
Sunday Worship: @MitchellsDowntownChurch
~ Radio Broadcast KORN1490 AM & 101.3 FM at 10:00 am, Sunday
~ Livestream on our website (www.downtownfirstumc.com) live at
10:00 am on Sundays or at any time.
MISSION OF THE MONTH
Global Aids Project
DECEMBER “ONE THING”
Our December “One Thing” is new underwear for the Mitchell School District Caring Closet. Boys and Girls sizes XS/4T through youth size XL/18 are needed.
HELP WANTED
We are seeking a self-motivated individual to fill the position of full-time facility manager. This person will be responsible for maintaining the church building and premises. Candidate should have janitorial and basic maintenance skills and be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Apply in person at FUMC or email tonya@downtownfirstumc.com. Wage is dependent on experience. A full list of duties and responsibilities are available upon request.
WINTER CONNECTION
Winter Connection is an annual event for middle school and high school youth sponsored by the Dakotas Conference Council on Youth Ministry and will be held at our church. Winter Connection is an opportunity for youth to gather, share, worship, and serve others. All youth in grades
6-12 are invited. The cost is $40. Youth will be spending the night at the church with other youth from around Southeast South Dakota. Please let Cindy know right away if you plan on attending and if you have any questions, please let her know.
A NOTE FROM THE FINANCE TEAM
As 2024 comes to a close, you may be considering your plans for year-end giving. Please prayerfully consider including the church in your plans. Your generous support helps sustain the vital ministries and programs that touch lives. By investing in the work of the church, you play an important role in the church’s mission of sharing the love of Jesus Christ from the heart of Downtown Mitchell. Commitment cards for 2025 giving are still available on the tables by the entrances to the worship center, as well as the connection center in the gathering area. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and continued support.
SUNDAY SCHOOL AND YOUTH GROUP
There will not be Sunday School on December 29th or January 5th. Sunday School will resume on Sunday, January 12th.
There will not be youth group on December 25th or January 1st.
Youth group will resume on Wednesday, January 8th.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Natalie’s’ adult bible study will begin again after the Christmas Holiday.
We will be looking at Immerse Poets. We will cover the books of Psalms, Lamentations, Song of Songs, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job. We will meet on Sundays beginning January 5th at 9am, and Wednesday evenings beginning January 8th at 7pm. There are books available in the office for $13, please see Tonya for those. There is also a podcast available that you can listen to daily that reads word for word what we are studying. Several of us are using both to get a better understanding of the scriptures. All are welcome to attend.
LUKE & ACTS IN 2025
Beginning in January, Bishop Lanette is encouraging United Methodist across the Dakotas-Minnesota Area to join in a journey through Luke and Acts, reading one chapter each week. This shared experience will foster a sense of encouragement, challenge, and community as we delve into the seamless story of Jesus’ life, ministry, death, resurrection, and the Spirit’s work through the early church. Comprised of 52 chapters together, they provide a natural framework for intentional spiritual practice throughout the year. The full article can be found at: https://www.dakotasumc.org/news/2025-in-luke-acts-an-area-wide-discipleship-journey.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wed., Jan 1, Happy New Year/Office Closed
Wed., Jan 8, Youth Group Resumes
Thurs., Jan 9, Love Feast
Sun., Jan 12, Sunday School Resumes
Thurs., Jan 23, Love Feast
Fri., Jan 24-25, Winter Connection
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
SUNDAY
9:00 AM Adult Bible Study (Dave’s Rm S1)
10:00 AM Worship
MONDAY
NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
TUESDAY
9:30 AM Staff
WEDNESDAY
HAPPY NEW YEAR/OFFICE CLOSED
THURSDAY
NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
FRIDAY
NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
SATURDAY
NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Music- Nancy Nelson & Song Leaders
Scripture- Lane Wilson
HYMN SINGS: What Child Is This 219 UMH
Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates 213 UMH
Star- Child 2095 TFWS
The First Noel 245 UMH
GREETING:
CALL TO WORSHIP:
L: God is the shining star in every dark sky,
P: The kindness in every embrace,
L: The love in every gift given,
P: The joy in every new birth.
L: God is the hope in every deep sigh,
P: The sparkle in the angels’ song,
L: The peace in every night’s rest,
P: The delight in every carol sung.
L: Let us praise God for Christmas!
P: Let us praise God for Emmanuel- God with us!
OPENING SONG: Joy to the World Vs.1,2,4 246 UMH
CENTERING PRAYER:
CHRISTMAS HYMN SING: The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy
Vs.1,2,3 2098 TFWS
CHILDREN’S MOMENT:
TIME OF PRAYER:
Silent Reflection~ Pastor’s Prayer ~ The Lord’s Prayer
(I will be alternating between the Traditional and an Alternate that is more contemporary in wording.)
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is 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 into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen
SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:22-38
MESSAGE: The Hope of a Better Tomorrow
SHARING OUR GIFTS:
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING:
MOMENT FOR RENEWAL: A Covenant Prayer in the Wesleyan
Tradition 607 UMH
CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:
SENDING SONG: Go, Tell It on the Mountain 251 UMH
BENEDICTION:
POSTLUDE: