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.

April

Wednesday

Building Beds for Kids

April, 2026

Our church had the privilege of serving with Sleep in Heavenly Peace—sanding, drilling, and branding boards that will soon become beds for children in need.

Together, we built 15 beds, but more importantly, we helped create comfort, dignity, and a place to rest.

Grateful for the hands that served and the hearts behind it. 

Easter Joy Fills Our Sanctuary

April, 2026

Our Easter celebration was a truly joyful gathering, as we came together to proclaim the good news that Christ is risen. The sanctuary was filled with uplifting music including a brass quartet and an inspiring message that reminded us of the hope and grace found in the resurrection. The service concluded with a powerful congregational Alleluia chorus, as voices joined together in celebration and praise. It was a beautiful and meaningful morning of worship, shared in community and filled with Easter joy.

Bedding Drive

March, 2026

The Sleep in Heavenly Peace tree will be displayed in front of Calvin Chapel. Each egg on the tree lists a specific type of gift needed for local children.

Please consider taking an egg, purchasing the listed items, and returning them to the church by April 12. Your generosity will help ensure that children in our community have a safe, comfortable place to sleep. Thank you for your support!

Paint, Laugh, Repeat

February, 2026

The Presbyterian Women’s Group continues to be a place of fellowship, service, and joyful connection. February’s gathering was a delight as the women met at Pickled Palette to paint pottery. It was a lovely evening filled with creativity and conversation—exactly the kind of time together that makes this group so special.

Pastor Sabbatical

February 2026 Pastor Mark will be taking a sabbatical in the Summer of 2027. In the Presbyterian Church, a pastoral sabbatical is designed for renewal—caring for the pastor so they can continue to serve with joy and vitality. Pastor Mark intends to spend his sabbatical studying British children’s literature. “I hope that this sabbatical will enrich my abilities as a storyteller, especially in my preaching, my children’s sermons, and in Christian Education. I look forward to coming back renewed and ready to continue my work." Pastor Mark applied for sabbatical support grants from the Lilly Foundation and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Board of Pensions.

Welcome New Member

January, 2026 We had a joyful moment in worship in January as we welcomed Emily Oberle as a new member of our church family! We’re so glad you’re here, Emily, and we look forward to growing in faith and fellowship together. Please join us in extending a warm welcome!

Our Church Family Grows

December, 2026 In December we had the privilege of welcoming two new members to our church - Kim Crain and Michaela Berenstein. Both of them come to us through a reaffirmation of faith. We are grateful for the ways God is at work among us and thankful that they have chosen to walk this journey of faith with us. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Kim and Michaela.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Events

April

2026