June 2020

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

Prime Timers/Children’s 2

COVID Response 3

A Minute with Michele 4

Youth/Confirmation News 5

Financial News 6

Church Family 7

UMW News 8

Announcements 9

Reflections 10

Helping Others 11

Chapel News/Church Projects

12 13

Barry’s Thoughts Genesis 2:2 On the seventh day, having finished his task, God rested from all his work. I’ve been thinking about rest. Sometime we don’t fully understand the importance of rest. We work hard we play hard and we sometimes lose sight of the beauty of simply resting. During this time of isolation, it seems like we should catch up on our rest. Resting also means giving up the anxiety of the day. My wife always knows when I am getting tired, my words are not always in touch with my brain, and I begin to struggle to remember a name or a task. These little things let me know it’s time to rest. We all have different ways of resting. Some go fishing, some ride bike, some play golf; others find a comfortable chair and open a good book. What ever you choose to do may it bring a renewed level of energy and enthusiasm for whatever task lays before you. Rest is so important that even God found time to rest. This summer may you find some time to rest and to reflect upon God’s love and grace in your life. I pray that this summer COVID-19 may be overcome and we may be allowed to participate in the activities we love. I pray that you will choose to find time for worship and fellowship with God. Make it a priority to rest and trust in the Lord so that your strength may be renewed.

In Christ,

Sermons and Scripture

June 7th Matthew 10:24-39

“What’s Your Value?”

June 14th Matthew 9:35-38

Romans 5:1-8 “Journey to Harvest”

June 21st Matthew 28:16-20 “A Father’s Love”

June 28th Genesis 22:1-14

“Obedience Is Costly”

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PRIMETIMERS EVENTS All events have been cancelled until it is deemed safe to meet again. We

will keep you all updated if that changes and will get schedules to you when activities commence.

Look for emails and updates on our

FIRST CHURCH KIDS Facebook page for

weekly events every other

Wednesdays at 6:30pm and Sunday mornings at 10am.

If you are not receiving emails, text messages, or other information from Children's Ministry that may mean that we do not have updates contact information. So, please be sure to call the church (605)342-4498 or email rcfumcchildrensministry@gmail.com to update your records. Also, PLEASE be sure to check your junk mail as often times this is where our important information ends up.

Children's Ministry is still very active, and we would love to get your feedback. If you have children in our program, please take a few moments to share your thoughts through this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TXXHG6Z . Your thoughts and suggestions will help drive our activities and programs as we move through the next few months.

Lastly, as we were disappointed that our current times caused us to change our VBS plans, however we are still planning on KNIGHTS OF THE NORTH CASTLE Backyard VBS EDITION! Backyard VBS boxes will be equipped with all necessary items to enjoy a few VBS lessons from your backyard with your family. These boxes will take a bit of time to assemble, so we are looking at having them complete by the end of June. If this is something you are interested in, please contact Miss Jessica at rcfumcchildrensministry@gmail.com or Destri at destri@rapidcityfirst.org. Boxes will be made for pre-orders only, so be sure to reserve yours now! Just like VBS, these boxes are free to our families as a way for us to show and teach Christ's love to the future of our church. If you are interested in providing a donation, please contact us.

We thank you, families and congregation, for your continued prayers and support as we all encounter these different times. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay prayerful!

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Church Response to Covid-19

Rapid City First UMC remains committed to serving Jesus Christ through worship, prayer and virtual contact with all who need help and the love of Jesus during this time of uncertainty. As we wrestle with the proper response to the current state of Covid-19 in Rapid City and the surrounding area, the Leadership Council has been meeting weekly to evaluate our potential risks for exposure to Covid-19, and the rate-of-increase of infected individuals within our community. We are sharing information and ideas with the other United Methodist Churches in Rapid City so that we might gain insight and be on a united front to keep people safe.

We receive information weekly from our Dakotas’ conference office and from the Minnesota conference concerning guidelines that should be considered in opening our churches to in-person worship. We have determined that currently we are seeing an increase in Covid-19 cases in Rapid City and it is not safe to open our church for in-person worship. This will be assessed each week and when we feel the Covid-19 exposure has been in decline or eliminated we will share a plan to open our church in a safe and responsible way.

Until that time, we ask that you continue to be the church in the world, sharing Jesus in ways that the Holy Spirit may lead you. We pray that you will stay connected with us through Live Stream, Facebook Live, by phone, by e-mail or by text. We are here to meet your needs in this ever-changing time. We are committed to listening to each of you and we are committed to loving and praying for you.

Bishop Reuben P. Job, writes in his book, Three Simple Rules, based on John Wesley’s teaching, states that rule number one is, “We are a people that do no harm.” All that we do to share the love of Jesus is done in a way where we firmly believe we will do no harm. Our church has never closed, but the way we share Jesus' love and how we interact with you has simply changed.

Pray that those affected by Covid-19 may be healed, pray that this virus will end and pray that we will remain united as a church who is not bound by our building. Pray for the Leadership Council that they will be led by the Holy

Spirit as they lead us through this critical time. In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Barry

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Youth/confirmation News

As we wrap up the year, I continue to want to build relationships with our youth AND look ahead into the fall. I know it's hard doing so much through technology, but I'm doing my best to find interesting content and engaging means of delivery. Please join us when you can! My new 1/4 time shift in appointment beginning July 1 with Open Heart UMC will hopefully open some new doors of relationship, ministry and fun for ALL of us. And I am still here for our Youth! See summer schedule changes and other info below. ~ Pastor Michele

CONFIRMATION 2019-2020

Confirmation Class is finishing up with recorded videos on YouTube and a final Zoom lesson on May 31. If the activity of COVID-19 is down enough to enable us to worship as a fuller community (more

than 10 in church-which currently seems highly doubtful) on June 14, we will proceed with a confirmation service that day. If that should NOT be possible, we will reschedule for a time or in a

way where congregants can somehow voice their acceptance, support and celebration of our newest young members as they pledge their support to following Christ into the future through First UMC.

CONFIRMATION 2020-21

What is Confirmation? Well, it's learning more about what it means to follow Christ as we get older - middle school and beyond. We do our best to get it all in during a single school year. It's a bit of church history, theology, Bible study, service, fellowship, and more. If you have a student who is going into 7th grade or older who has not yet been confirmed, please let me know and I can share more about the program. We will begin a new class in the fall and I would love to know who all is

joining us!

YOUTH GROUP FOR SUMMER - Zoom Every OTHER Wednesday

Youth Group continues! Those in recent attendance have shown interest in continuing to "gather" in a virtual way during the summer, but attendance has started to fade as the weather has gotten MORE

beautiful and school work gets finished up. We will follow the younger kids' WNL schedule and also plan to meet every OTHER week to allow consistency across age groups but also a bit more freedom for

families' schedules...All youth, finishing grades 5-12 are invited to meet on Zoom every OTHER Wednesday, meeting June 10 and 24 (off June 3 and 17) at 6:30 pm. Please contact me if you don't

already have the Zoom meeting ID. If we get an "all clear" sometime in June, we will arrange to meet in-person going forward for fun in the sun!

YOUTH 2020-2021 Numbers Needed

All those families with kids going into grades 5-12 this fall are invited to PLEASE shoot me an email or text to let me know their child(ren) is(are) going to be part of Youth in September, whether

virtually or in-person (hopefully the latter). This will help me plan rooms, adult helpers, activities, etc. in what I'm guessing may be an age of some continued social distancing measures. We are also look-

ing at the possibility of combining some or all activities with Open Heart UMC as that church also comes within my responsibility, so numbers are very important to the planning process. You may

reach me at PastorMich.SD@gmail.com or 605-390-8757. THANK YOU!

Monthly Contribution Update:

April 2019 April 2020 April 2020

Actual Actual Budget

$49,297 $43,061 $46,919

• April Contributions were below last year and budget. Even though we did not meet budgeted revenue we continue to cut expenses and we have been able to pay all bills and payrolls

• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is a very quick and safe method of donating to the church. If you are interested in using EFT please contact me and I will give you an easy form to fill out.

If you have moved or changed phone number/address please notify the church office so we can update the church records. Also we need updated EMAIL

ADDRESSES as the church will start sending church information via the internet!

Thanks to all the folks who have donated to the Capital Fund and please continue to donate to this fund as we continue to

upgrade equipment and keep our property in good shape.

--Bill Waugh, Business Administrator

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Financial News

Ways to Tithe

With the COVID-19 causing the cancellation of all church services our church is asking everyone to make the effort to continue their giving.

Online at www.rapidcityfirst.org click the Giving to the Church tab– then press Online Giving

Send a check to: 629 Kansas City Street, Rapid City SD 57701

We can email EFT (electronic funds transfer) forms to you or you may pick up form at the church office

Call Vanco at 1.800.675.7430 to directly donate

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Thank you for turning in your HEART pictures for our Mother’s Day

surprise presentation. It was such a beautiful and community filled way to say THANK YOU to all of our Mother’s near,

far and no longer here with us.

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UMW Notes “Stay Tuned” Future Local UMW events will be rescheduled when it becomes clear we can do so. Whenever that happens, let’s resolve to return in force to reconnect with one another and recharge to live out the UMW purpose with “Faith, Hope, and Love in Action.” The UMW Purpose The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship, and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. All-Church Rummage Sale Save your rummage! An all-church rummage sale is being planned. The funds will be designated as the planners decide with discussion with the pastors. The tentative date for the sale will be at the end of July or beginning of August. Contact Delane Rains 348-4294 to arrange a time to drop off items.

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Church Office and Staff

Most staff will be remotely working at home during the month of June. The physical church office will be closed but you can still get ahold of us by calling 605-342-4498 or emailing. If you

are needing to drop off or enter the church for any reason, please call and we will make sure someone can let you in.

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

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 – (currently Minor Prophets) www.facebook.com/RapidCityFirstUMC/

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Reflections And so, to the relief of a population eager to get on with life, the country sets about re-opening. As we approach some sort of normal living, we continue to appreciate the creativity and diligence of those who improvise virtual ways for folks to continue working, learning and worshipping together.

The business of waiting for complication, deprivation, and isolation to end hasn’t been easy for more than a few, although waiting may be a bit easier for followers of the Lord our God. Sure, we observe the prescribed safety protocols. We honor ‘Please take only one’ store shelf signs. Where masks must be, we wear them. So what’s the difference? And besides, isn’t drawing distinctions between followers and others a bit prideful? No. The folly of pride has no place in the Kingdom of God. The difference is in the waiting.

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul explained “…now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” (2:13) “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” (2:19) “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.” (5:8)

Anyone who receives Christ Jesus as their Savior and Lord, is given the measure of faith. (Romans 12:3) In Romans 10:17 we learn that “…faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Regarding His Word, the Lord our God is adamant: “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in thine heart. They are life unto those that keep them, and health to all their flesh.” (Proverbs 4:20-22.) It is in God’s Word we begin to see that waiting on the clock, the calendar, or someone’s decision is quite different from waiting on the Lord.

Isaiah 40:31 provides a good example: “…they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” The word translated as ‘wait’ is not simply a reduction of action. To wait on the Lord is to be confident, to expect, to trust, to hope, to be enduring. This is our attitude as we wait on the Lord. We know He has something good for us. It’s on its way. Confidently, we can endure whatever hardness comes our way as a true II Timothy 2:3 “…soldier of Jesus Christ.” Wait on the Lord? Oh, yes. Psalm 25:3 encourages us: “Indeed, none of those who wait for Thee will be ashamed.”

There’s another matter to consider. It’s in Luke 12. As Jesus addressed the multitude, He said (vs. 48b) this: “…unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required.” We’ve been given so many blessings we don’t even give them much thought. We need to think about them and thank Him for them. Knowing how deeply He yearns to bless the others who will turn to Him, might we be of some use there? Obviously we can’t do it all, but Ephesians 2:10 does say “…we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Would He not have designed each of us to fit the work He wanted us to do? We’ll have to ask Him about that. Love, prayers, and virtual hugs all around, Kathy Moose

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)

Donations Needed Rapid Ride Bus tickets

Travel size shampoos & conditioners

Laundry detergent (powder or pods)

Paper cups Small food trays

Sanitizer Deodorant

Toilet Paper Blankets

Toilet Paper Postage Stamps

Canned Food Sack Lunches

Coffee Frozen food items

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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 $98,348. You can turn in when we all get back to church!

“We Care” food certificates are a great way to give to your church and your community! Simply write a check to

First UMC and get a food gift certificate (Safeway, Walmart or Family Fare) for

the amount of your check. You are given the full amount, but Church Response

and First UMC both get a percentage! It is a win-win proposition!! Please keep

portion of receipt that says, “Direct your Dollar” with number on each receipt.

Call the church to set up time to purchase.

Cornerstone Mission Meal

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

on the third Sunday 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 for our

church response food drive. Call office if you would like to drop off.

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The Chapel will be available for prayer, Monday-Thursday from 8am-11am each

week by appointment. Please call the church to get on the schedule. This allows us to keep track of when people are in the church and

keep up with our cleaning protocols. The chapel has been deep cleaned and will be sanitized as people come and go. We know how important it is for people to have a place to pray and spend time with

God within our church walls. Though we are not able to meet all

together, we hope this will give people a time of connection and

peace till that day comes.

Father’s Day is coming up on June 21st! Join us in celebrating this

day with your best Dad jokes. Send to

destri@rapidcityfirst.org

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We would LOVE to compile pictures from all of you of what you have been up to when we resume services again eventually! Please send us your

pictures to destri@rapidcityfirst.org. Have you been reading, gardening, playing board games, taking long

walks, running like Pastor Barry?