Anticipation

- By Nathan Esser -

These words reverberate the message shared by Isaiah 43. In every season of life, there is a new thing that God is doing, if we will open our hearts and spirits to its unfolding.

Immanuel - God with Us

- By Rev. Pat Hammond -

Because our God is a “with us” God. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas we celebrate the birth of Immanuel, which means “God is with us.” This is the good news we carry with us as we walk through this life – God is with us!

First PresbyterianDecember 28, 2018First Presbyterian Churcheaster, christ, jesus, church, sioux falls, south dakota, hope, presbyterian, first presbyterian church, Christian poetry, moving parents, transitions, James K. Smith, You are what you love, discipleship, new year

A Story of German Heritage

- By Jennifer Noble -

A small Swastika on the cover of “Secrets She Kept,” along with details on the back describing this story as “crying out to be told,” made the title by Cathy Gohlke one I wanted to read and explore as part of the Presbyterian Readers’ selections for the year.

First PresbyterianDecember 20, 2018First Presbyterian Churcheaster, risen, christ, jesus, church, sioux falls, south dakota, pentecost, hope, presbyterian, first presbyterian church, Christian poetry, moving parents, selling home, transitions, mission trip

Prayer for a Stronger Faith

- By Jana Elkins -

Help us to keep our focus first on you this season. Help us to reflect again, on what Christmas is really all about.

First PresbyterianDecember 14, 2018be still, stillness, scripture, psalm 46:10, presbyterian, first presbyterian church, sioux falls, south dakota, sd, inspire, encouragement, self care, letting go, stress, support, church

This Advent Season

- By Rev. Pat Hammond -

The word “advent” means “coming” or “arrival” and so during this season of Advent we celebrate Christ’s coming into the world and we watch with expectant hope for his coming again.

First PresbyterianDecember 6, 2018First Presbyterian Churcheaster, christ, jesus, church, sioux falls, south dakota, hope, presbyterian, first presbyterian church, Christian poetry, moving parents, transitions, James K. Smith, You are what you love, discipleship

Arrival

- By Nathan Esser -

If we are intentional to seek Jesus throughout this season, we will discover a new dimension to our lives and faith – and all the more as we share in this commitment together!

You are Loved

- By Nathan Esser -

Following Thanksgiving it doesn't seem to take very long for the arrival of Christmas morning. As a child, I spent most Thanksgivings and a good chunk of Christmas vacation with my Mom's side of the family at my Grandparent's farm. I always cherished the time I spent on the farm.

The Giving Room

- How can we make a difference? -

The purpose of The Giving Room is to help you enter the world of someone you notice who could use some compassion.…

First PresbyterianNovember 19, 2018wellness, health, walk, walking, body, spirit, church, presbyterian, first presbyterian church, sioux falls, south dakota, walking group, club, devotion, devotions, scripture, class, learning, indoor, exercise, christian, western mall

In a Place of Refuge

It was from God and First Presbyterian Church that I found hope, and healing and was able to let my guard down enough to show my vulnerabilities and let others help me to work through them.

First PresbyterianNovember 12, 2018be still, stillness, scripture, psalm 46:10, presbyterian, first presbyterian church, sioux falls, south dakota, sd, inspire, encouragement, self care, letting go, stress, support, church, marriage

Making Family Movie Nights More Meaningful

The Santa Clause is a series of comedy films starring Tim Allen is their go-to for the silliness of the season. Finding they usually land their course on network TV, it makes this annual experience something to look forward to every year. With three siblings, they each have their own Santa mug to fill with cocoa and relax together. Small says, “In today’s world, having everyone together like that is a big deal.” It makes family nights meaningful and creates lasting memories.

First PresbyterianNovember 1, 2018stillness, scripture, presbyterian, first presbyterian church, sioux falls, south dakota, sd, encouragement, letting go, stress, support, church, Christmas, Movie Nights, Parenting

First Presbyterian Youth Senior Spotlight

The Sioux Falls School District has created a fantastic new video for us highlighting Jane Walsh who makes her church home at First Presbyterian Church.

SchoolFirst PresbyterianOctober 22, 2018First Presbyterian Churchmusic, camp, presbyterian, church, first presbyterian church, sioux falls, summer, kids, children, ministry, learning, south dakota, pcusa, Jane Walsh, Sioux Falls Washington High School

You Are What You Love

- By Rev. Pat Hammond -

These cultural liturgies tell us that we don’t really need God—we’ve got this. And when this happens God is pushed to the margins of our life and we become the center of our world. It really does become all about me.

First PresbyterianOctober 15, 2018First Presbyterian Churcheaster, christ, jesus, church, sioux falls, south dakota, hope, presbyterian, first presbyterian church, Christian poetry, moving parents, transitions, James K. Smith, You are what you love, discipleship

Active Sewing Group Meeting at First Presbyterian

There is a hum of sewing machines in the air, as projects move forward and new ideas become a reality.

First PresbyterianOctober 10, 2018be still, stillness, scripture, psalm 46:10, presbyterian, first presbyterian church, sioux falls, south dakota, sd, inspire, encouragement, self care, letting go, stress, support, church

Sculpting a Vision of Servant Leadership

- By Nathan Esser -

In short, the plan describes the “what” and the ministry teams describe the “how.” The overall strategic plan is wrapped with a church-wide emphasis on servant leadership.

Honduras Missions Team Extends a Welcome to Participate

- By Jennifer Noble -

There’s space available for people to join First Presbyterian’s service in South America. A small sample of leadership from the Honduras Vision Team tells of opportunities they have witnessed firsthand through their experience and what January’s trip will be like.

First PresbyterianSeptember 25, 2018First Presbyterian Churcheaster, risen, christ, jesus, church, sioux falls, south dakota, pentecost, hope, presbyterian, first presbyterian church, Christian poetry, moving parents, selling home, transitions, mission trip

Being the Visible Face of Christ

- By Rev. Pat Hammond -

With every card, every note of sympathy and encouragement, every text message and email, every phone call – Christ became visible through you and your actions. You helped me make decisions when I was overwhelmed, you lifted me up when I was beat down, and you took care of my family when I could not.

First PresbyterianSeptember 25, 2018First Presbyterian Churcheaster, christ, jesus, church, sioux falls, south dakota, ascension, pentecost, hope, presbyterian, first presbyterian church, Christian poetry, moving parents, selling home, transitions

Don’t Miss God in the Transition

- By Jana Elkins -

There can be many reasons why we miss God in transitions: lack of trust, lack of faith, fear of the unknown, the list is endless. But is it really worth it to miss God in His transitions of our lives because of our own insecurities towards Him, not so much the situation? Is it worth the risk to go for it with God and not be afraid of the transitions, because God's transitions always leads to transformation?

VBSFirst PresbyterianAugust 31, 2018be still, stillness, scripture, psalm 46:10, presbyterian, first presbyterian church, sioux falls, south dakota, sd, inspire, encouragement, self care, letting go, stress, support, church

Wake Up! Playlist

Four tracks in “Commodity” would make an ideal addition to a morning devotional, perhaps bringing motivation to break out of sleepy rest into prayer and movement. This playlist is provided with suggested activities to add depth to the music’s themes.