Downtown Mitchell
First United Methodist Church
“Sharing the love of Jesus from the heart of Downtown”
310 N Rowley
Mitchell SD 57301
www.downtownfirstumc.com
wifi password: L&ve1234
“We exist to be the hands and feet of Jesus, showing love and grace to all we encounter, by living out God’s Kingdom together.”
IN OUR PRAYERS
Paul Szabo
Frances Conraads, Cindy Bierman’s mother
Bryan Vogel
Priscilla Stevenson
Jackie Hess
Charlotte Chenoweth
LaVerna Neugebauer, LeAnn Moe’s mother
Larry Griffith
Jayne Barnard
Jason Rice, Verna Hofer’s grandson
Laura Barta Lindquist
Pray for our church and one another as we begin a New Year. May we truly strive to live out our Purpose Statement in the New Year.
OFFICE CLOSED
We wish our church family a Happy New Year! The church office will be closed on Thursday, January 1st in observance of New Years Day.
LIVESTREAM
Wishing you and your family a joyful and blessed New Year. May God’s grace and peace guide us as we walk together in faith in the year ahead. Given by Ron and Sheilah Gates.
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
~ 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 cup noodles for our new Little Free Pantry (which will be installed by the ramp.)
JANUARY “ONE THING”
Our January “One Thing” will be Adopt a Senior for the class of 2026 for the MSD Caring Closet. Donations will help purchase Caps/Gowns/ Tassels/ Year Books and a graduation gift.
REMEMBRANCE TREE
This Christmas, we invite you to stop by the hallway near the chapel and add an angel to our Remembrance Tree. You may write the names of any loved ones you’re missing along with a memory if you wish. As we decorate the tree together, we honor those who shaped our lives and continue to shine in our hearts.
“REVIVAL” BIBLE STUDY
Join us for a step back and look at Adam Hamiltons study on John Wesley. With this we will look at John Wesleys life and legacy and the message that he preached so that we might experience the modern day “Revival” that Wesly shared with us all. This is a 6-week study that will start after the Holidays, January 7, 2026, at 7pm. “Revival” books are available in the church office for $12.00. Hope to see you there. Any questions, please let Natalie know.
WINTER CONNECTION
Winter Connection is an annual event for Middle School and High School youth sponsored by the Dakotas Conference Council on Youth Ministry. This year’s event will be held in Sioux Falls at Sioux Falls First UMC. Winter Connection is an opportunity for youth to gather, share, worship, and serve others. The event will be held January 30-31, and the cost is $40 per person. Please let Pastor Amber know if you plan on attending and if you have any questions.
ATTENTION MOMS!
Starting Sunday, Jan 11th, a new ministry called “Common Grounds: Downtown Moms” will begin. Moms are invited to gather for coffee, connection, and encouragement while kids are in Sunday School. No prep, no pressure- just a welcoming place to relax, breathe, and belong.
BELOVED WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
Join us at our church for a two- day women’s conference experience featuring worship, encouragement, and connection February 6th and 7th. All women from our church and community are welcome as we gather and are reminded that we are deeply loved. Sign up today in the gathering area!
YEAR- END GIVING
We have come to the final week of the year; we invite you to consider Downtown Mitchell First UMC in your year-end giving plans. In addition to traditional gifts, the church is able to receive a variety of non-cash contributions such as grain, stock, and minimum required distributions. These options can offer meaningful stewardship opportunities while also providing potential tax advantages. If you have questions or would like guidance, please contact the church office or Craig McManus, the Finance Team chair. We are grateful for the many ways you support the ministry we share.
2026 BIBLE READING PLAN
In 2025 Bishop Lanette asked us to read with her through the New Testament books of Luke and Acts. Today marks the last day of reading through that plan. For those of you who like to have a reading plan, Pastor Keith has developed a plan for 2026 in which we’ll read together through Paul’s letter, which makes up about 2/3 of the New Testament. This reading plan will take us chronologically through Paul’s letters and we’ll be reading 1-2 chapters a week. You can pick up a reading guide on the tables at each entry to the Worship Center or at the Welcome Desk by the church office.
SUNDAY SCHOOL AND YOUTH GROUP
There will not be Sunday School on December 28th. Sunday School will resume on Sunday, January 4th.
There will not be Youth Group on December 31st. Youth Group will resume on January 7th.
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sun., Jan. 4, Sunday School Resumes
Wed., Jan.7, Youth Group Resumes
Thurs., Jan.8, Love Feast
Thurs., Jan, 22 Love Feast
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
SUNDAY
9:00 AM Adult Bible Study (Dave’s Rm. S1)
10:00 AM Worship Service
MONDAY
NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
TUESDAY
9:00 AM LifeQuest (Dining Room)
4:30 PM TOPS
7:00 PM Troop 75
WEDNESDAY
9:00 AM LifeQuest (Dining Room)
THURSDAY
HAPPY NEW YEAR/OFFICE CLOSED
FRIDAY
NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
SATURDAY
NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Music- Nancy Nelson & Song Leaders
Scripture Reader- Lisa McManus
HYMN SING: Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates 213 UMH
It Came upon the Midnight Clear 218 UMH
What Child Is This 219 UMH
Good Christian Friends, Rejoice 224 UMH
PRELUDE:
GREETING:
CALL TO WORSHIP:
L: To us, watchful and waiting, a gift has been slipped into our midst.
P: A tiny child, born in a manger,
L: A gift of peace to troubled souls and danger-filled moments.
P: A gift of joy to sad hearts and cautious lives,
L: A gift of hope to wearied brows and oppressed peoples.
P: A tiny baby.
L: A gift from God
P: Meant for us.
L: Open your hearts,
P: Raise your voices,
L: Give thanks to the Giver,
P: Welcome the Gift!!
OPENING SONG: Joy to the World (Vs.1,2,4) 246 UMH
CENTERING PRAYER:
CHILDREN’S MOMENT:
SONG: There’s a Song in the Air 249 UMH
TIME OF PRAYER:
Silent Reflection~ Pastor’s Prayer~ The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who is in heaven, honored be your name. Your kingdom Come; your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us, not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For yours, God, is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, now and forever. Amen
SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 10:1-6 & Philippians 2:5-8
MESSAGE: No Nails Needed!
SONG: Angels from the Realms of Glory (Vs.1,2,4) 220 UMH
SHARING OUR GIFTS:
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING:
CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:
SENDING SONG: Go, Tell It on the Mountain (Vs.1,2,3) 251 UMH
BENEDICTION:
POSTLUDE: