First Presbyterian Church
News
Welcome to our news page! Here you’ll find the latest photos and stories from the life of our church. These moments reflect how God is at work among us.
Shining Christ's Light in the Holiday Parade
December 2025
The Downtown Holiday Parade was a joyful celebration of community spirit, and our church was delighted to take part once again. A special thank you goes to Lowell and Judy Vos, who graciously provided their beloved train for the little kids to ride. Those too big for the train, walked alongside with their furry pets and handed out candy to the parade-goers.
Volunteers Decorate for Advent
December 2025
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped transform our sanctuary for the Advent season. Your time, creativity, and good humor made this year's decorating both beautiful and memorable. Our volunteers worked together to put up the Christmas tree, hang wreaths and garland, and "fluff" the tree until every branch looked right. We're especially grateful for those willing to get on a ladder and the balcony-all in the name of making the sanctuary shine.
New Online Giving Platform
November 2025
We are excited to share we have launched a new and improved online donation platform, designed to make giving simpler, more flexible, and more convenient. One of the most helpful new features is recurring giving, allowing you to set up automatic contributions. The updated system also includes the option for donors to cover the small transaction fee. This allows more of your gift to directly support the ministries of the church.
Annual Meeting
November 2025
We had terrific attendance at the Annual Meeting and Potluck in November. It was a chance to reflect on God's faithfulness over the past year. During the meeting we approved the 2026 budget, received an update on pledges, and approved the 2026 slate of officers. We are grateful for their willingness to lead with wisdom and care.
Elders: Tim Hynds, Jeff Rarick, Gerald Messersmith, Suriana Uhl, Cathy Perley
Deacons: Neva Pierce, Patty Rarick, Aaron Eybers, Julie Berenstein, Tim Jacobs
Members at Large: Michael Rohlena, Heather Baier, Jane Vereen
Treasures Brunch
October, 2025
Member Care hosted a special brunch for our church treasures in October. Members 80 years young were honored. We are blessed to have these wonderful members as part of our church family.
Blessing of the Pets
October, 2025
On a beautiful October afternoon we gathered to celebrate the special bond we share with our pets!
We were reminded that “having dominion over other creatures doesn’t have to mean dominating them. It means developing relationships built on empathy and understanding.”
Our pets remind us daily of God’s love—unconditional, joyful, and full of grace.
Thank you to everyone (two-legged and four-legged alike!) who joined us for this special service.
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Donations Gathered for Crop Walk
October, 2025
Thanks to Jane Vereen, Jeff and Patty Rarick, and our Sunday School young disciples for collecting donations for the Sioux City CROP Hunger Walk. Members generously gave food items and over $1,400 in cash donations.
Thank you for supporting this very worthy cause.
Hunt School Supply Drive
November, 2025
The Mission Committee is supporting our neighbors at Hunt Elementary School with a fall School Supply Drive. Principal Tillo has identified several much-needed items for classrooms, including dry-erase markers, notebooks, pencils, Clorox wipes, and Kleenex.
Donations will be collected November 2–16. Look for the collection bins in the church.
Your generosity will help teachers and students start the winter season well-stocked and supported.
Church Night at the Explorers
September, 2025
On a warm summer evening, members and friends of First Presbyterian gathered at the Sioux City Explorer’s baseball game for a night of fun. It was wonderful to cheer on the Explorers team together and share conversation in the stands.
Events like these remind us that church is more than Sunday mornings—it’s about building relationships and celebrating community. Thank you to Paul and Patrice Johnson for organizing the event and for everyone who joined us!
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Worship in the Garden
August, 2025
First Presbyterian gathered for worship in Shepherd’s Garden recently, and it was nothing short of beautiful. The weather was perfect—sunshine, a gentle breeze, and butterflies among the flowers. The garden setting created a spirit of peace and joy that made our time together especially meaningful.
We were blessed with a wonderful turnout, including several new faces. It was clear that the setting drew us closer to both God and one another.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many asking that we worship in the garden more often. We are grateful for this chance to celebrate God’s creation and look forward to future times of worship surrounded by the beauty of Shepherd’s Garden.
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Fellowship in Bloom
August, 2025
The Presbyterian Women’s Group enjoyed a lovely night together at the flower farm—sharing laughter, stories, and God’s creation in full bloom. What a blessing to spend time in community surrounded by such beauty, both in the flowers and in each other!
Worship by the River
August, 2025
Despite the unseasonably cold and rainy weather, the Presbyterian Churches of Siouxland came together for a spiritual outdoor worship service by the river. Though the skies were gray, our spirits were full (and the blankets were warm) as we joined in song, prayer, and fellowship. We feasted at God's holy and abundant table, sharing in the gift of communion. Thank you to the volunteers and our friends at Westminster Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church of South Sioux City, and Faith United Presbyterian Church for contributing to and organizing this event with us. What a powerful reminder that God's love brings us together.
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