Sunday April 23, 2023 10 am
221 Seventh Avenue West
Alexandria, Minnesota, 56308
Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders, Pastor
Web: firstcongregationaluccalex.com
Email: office@firstcongregationaluccalex.com
Church Phone: 320-763-3341
“Like Us” on Face Book- /1st Congo UCCAlex
April 23, 2023 3rd Sunday of Easter
“Light Walking Around”
*please stand in body and/or spirit
PRELUDE: Margaret Kalina, Accompanist
WELCOME PastorJill
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Pastor Jill
POURING THE BAPTISMAL WATER: Pastor Jill
*CALL TO WORSHIP: Evelyn Henrickson, reader
Please stand in body or spirit and remain standing in body or spirit until the passing of the peace.
One: We long for community and the Presence of God.
Many: In whom we live and move and have our being.
One: Christ tells us that we will never be alone. An Advocate—spirit of Truth–will share our journey.
Many: With whom we will live and create community and celebrate being.
One: May love of God be with you.
Many: And the joy of Christ surround you.
One: May we know the presence of the Spirit as we gather in this community of peace, May your Truth lead us to the path of discipleship with deeds of bold mercy and courageous justice.
Many: As an Easter People following a Risen Lord, may the life of Jesus live on in us and through us. Amen.
*OPENING HYMN “We Cannot Own the Sunlit Sky” Blk 563 Vs 1-3
*OPENING PRAYER (Unison) Evelyn
God of mystery and of judgment, who has made us to be salt and light in a tasteless, shadowed world, guide us in this time of worship. Grant us understanding and spiritual discernment so that others may see your good works through us, give you the glory,and be moved to serve you. Amen.
~ posted on the website of the Caldwell United Methodist Church. http://www.caldwellumc.org/
*GLORIA Black 236
*PASSING OF THE PEACE: (responsive) Evelyn
READING FROM THE Gospel Matthew 5:13-16 Evelyn
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH
HYMN FOR PREPARATION Touch the Earth Lightly Blk 569 Vs 1-4
SERMON: Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
“Light Walking Around”
Readings from Revelation Chapters 2 and 3
MUSICAL REFLECTION Greg Kapphahn
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS, A MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PASTORAL PRAYER
PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR
INVITATION TO GIVE, GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS: Pastor Jill
*DOXOLOGY Lasst uns Erfreuen
*PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS & PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*CLOSING HYMN: Renew Your Church. Blk 311 vs 1-4
*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH
*POSTLUDE: Greg Kapphahn
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY, April 23, 2023
The weekly Calendar
Sunday April 23
10:00 Worship service in person and online
11:00 Fellowship/ OnA word
11:30 Chasing Francis book group
Monday April 24
10 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros.
4-5:30 Group Spiritual Direction
Tuesday, April 25
12-4 Elder Network
6:00 Prayer Connection
Thursday April 27
9:00 Walk@ church weather permitting
4:30 Holy Happy Hour @ Pike and Pint
Sunday April 30
10:00 Worship in-person & online
11:00 Fellowship/OnA word
11:30 Chasing Francis book group
Pastor Jill’s Office Hours
Pastor Jill is available throughout the week for pastoral care, conversation, or coffee! She is typically in the office on Tuesday mornings—and other times as well. It is always best to schedule a time if you want to talk. She can be reached directly at jill@firstcongregationaluccalex.com or (319) 361-0737. Shetypically takes Fridays off.
Virtual Giving Options: Online and Text
Check out our updated website: firstcongregationaluccalex.com. Click on the word “Give” at the top of the screen. You can also text (844)987-4483 to give to our general fund. Please contact the office if you need help setting up your giving account online using our new software provider, Churchtrac.
Bountiful Basket
We will be collecting for Someplace Safe in April and May. Please check the list on the basket for needed items.
One Great Hour of Sharing
Your gifts to the UCC One Great Hour of Sharing offering provide immediate aid and long-term support to people experiencing hunger, thirst, disaster, or crisis around the world. Specific envelopes on the usher table in the back are available. Please notate OGHS on memo line of check.
Chasing Francis Book group
This book upends the way many of us were taught about what it means to be a follower of Christ. For six weeks, beginning April 16, let’s read and consider our own crazy, circuitous journeys to God. I’d like to meet following worship and coffee time, from 11:30 to 12:15. Please sign up on the signup table at the back of the sanctuary or contact me at marciewatson2027@gmail.com All are welcome!
Help Us Write The Ona Statement
Join the Board of Spiritual Life and the Open and Affirming Taskforce for three Sundays beginning April 16 as we collect words that you feel should be part of the open and affirming statement (OnA). We ask that you put a single word on 5 post it-notes in the Plymouth Room. More detailed instructions and prompt will be on the 150th Anniversary banner.
Cookies/Baked Goods Wanted
Do you have extra cookies or baked goods? Love to bake but don’t want a lot of extras at home. We would love to have a supply of frozen cookies to serve on Sundays. This would relieve the burden on those who choose to serve on Sunday. Please put them in the freezer in the Plymouth Room.
Help out with Worship
There are sign ups at the back of the church for April and May. If you are able to greet, usher, or read, help serve coffee or clean up after Fellowship, please sign up there.
Angel Express and Angel Care Team
The Angels for the month of March and April are Daisy Stahlberg (320) 763-9461 and Lee Becker (320) 524-2635. Volunteers are needed to cover additional months.
Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries
Stuart Henrickson 5/4
If we have missed your birthday or anniversary, let usknow. Also we have discovered as we have transferred over to Churchtrac that we don’t have birthdays and special dates for a lot of us. Feel free to call the church to help us keep this up to date.
Prayer Connection
Prayer connection meets via Zoom
https://zoom.us/j/9990015170 Meeting ID: 999 001 5170
2) To dial in by phone:
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 999 001 5170
Annual Programmatic Meeting
Our annual programmatic meeting will be May 21 after church. If you are a committee chair you will need to submit your report to the church office by May 4.
Community Events
Hard Hat Events
May 10 6:15 am-8 am and 4:30-6:30 pm
Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County is hosting the 17th annual Hard Hat Events, at the Broadway Ballroom. The event kicks off its annual campaign to support its mission by raising funds to build homes and complete repair projects for 30 families in 2023 –Everyone is welcome to attend! Join us for an inspirational hour to connect with friends and hear from Habitat homeowners who, with your help, are building strength, stability, and self-reliance for their families. Habitat invites community members interested in making an impact on affordable housing and helping our neighbors build a brighter future to attend. Donations can be made online to support the event at hfhdouglascounty.org.
Safe Families for Children
Equipping to Serve: Incorporating Mental Health into Volunteer Experiences May 9 and their Spring Social and fundraiser May 19 for more information go to www.safefamiliesmn.org