Fourth Sunday after Epiphany February 2, 2025
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF GOD’S PRESENCE
PRELUDE UCC Praise Band
Joy of the Lord
What a Beautiful Name
Revelation Song
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER Pastor Jill
GATHERING SONG Joy of the Lord
*OPENING PRAYER
God of love, Jesus’ hearers did not always want to hear of your infinite love. Quiet our doubts and open our hearts to hear your love, to receive your love, to trust that we and all people are your Beloved. God of love, your beloved children are listening. Speak to us. Amen.
PASSING OF THE PEACE
GOD SPEAKS TO US IN WORD AND SACRAMENT
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Pastor Jill
This Little Light of Mine
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
8 all the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had given to Israel.
2 Accordingly, Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month.
3 He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand, and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law.
5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people, and when he opened it, all the people stood up.
6 Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped God with their faces to the ground.
8 So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law.
10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our GOD, and do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Luke 4:14-21
14 Then Jesus, in the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding region. 15 He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
16 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read,
17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 20 And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.
21 Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
SONG OF PREPARATION Breathe Ray Noble
SERMON “Living the Good News, Now” Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
God of love we thank you,
for in love you create us and claim us as your Beloved.
In love you confront all that oppresses us and all people,
and in love you set us free.
Though we reject your love for us, and for others,
still you are faithful.
Blessed are all who come in your name,
and blessed is Jesus, your Christ,
who loved beyond all boundaries,
who included the rejected and blessed the broken,
who invited all to his table of grace.
For his generosity of love he was opposed;
he was scorned and crucified.
But you raised him from the dead,
and still he invites us to the table he shares
with all your Beloved of every tribe and tradition.
As long as we break this bread and share this cup
we remember his death and resurrection, until he comes again.
Therefore, remembering these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ,
we offer ourselves in love, in holy self-giving,
in union with Christ’s self-giving,
as we proclaim the mystery of our faith:
Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again.
We give thanks that at this table all are invited, all are welcome.
For your love is for all people, and no one is excluded.
Pour out your Holy Spirit on these gifts of bread and cup,
that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ.
Pour out your Spirit on us,
that we may be for the world the Body of Christ,
made one not by our faith but by your grace,
fearless in love, inclusive in generosity,
and courageous in the face of opposition,
for the sake of the wholeness of the human family,
in the name and the company of Jesus.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
INSTRUCTIONS FOR RECEIVING
GIVING THE BREAD AND THE CUP
While the bread is being distributed, please join in singing:
What a Beautiful Name
While the cup is passed, please join in singing:
Mighty to Save
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (Unison)
Gracious God, we thank you for this mystery in which you have given yourself to us. You come to us in humble bread and feed us with unexpected grace. Send us into the world, to serve among those who are overlooked and rejected, to meet you among those who are not loved, to receive your grace from those who are outcast. Lead us by your Spirit, in the name of Christ, to bring good news to the poor. Amen.
WE RESPOND TO GOD
PRAYER SONG Sanctuary
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS, PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR
The Prayer of Our Savior
Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Your Name.
Your Kingdom come, Your Will be Done on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours, now and forever. Amen.
INVITATION TO GIVE, GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS: Pastor Jill
OFFERING SONG Revelation Song
*DOXOLOGY We are An Offering
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*CLOSING Song And All the People Said Amen
On screen and in bulletin
*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH Pastor Jill
Sending Song And All the People Said Amen
On screen and in bulletin
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY February 2, 2025
Sunday Feb 2 Communion Sunday
10:00 Worship in person and online, Communion, 1st Sunday
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
Memorials Board
Monday February 3
10:00 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
2:30 Voice Lessons with Heather Hjelle
7 pm Dartball Villard @UCC
Tuesday February 4
8-4 VITA Tax prep
Wednesday Feb 5
8-4 VITA Tax prep
5:15 Choir rehearsal
Thursday Feb 6
9:00 Walking group@Mall
4:30 Holy Happy Hour
Sunday February 9
9:15 Choir
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
Communion Sunday
All are welcome at God’s table. We celebrate open communion (everyone invited). The elements, bread and grape juice, will be served to you in the pews. If you need a gluten free option, let the usher know.
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.
Bulletin board
There is a fresh bulletin board across from Cambridge Room that is inviting you to contribute photos, card fronts, or poems that say “this is beauty for all seasons”. These items to share, about 4×6, can be placed in Barb Brown’s mailbox. They will be changed out as we receive more examples. If you want your item returned please let me know. Looking forward to seeing your ideas of beauty.
Dart Ball
The men’s dartball team will host Villard on Monday at 7 pm.
Choir Rehearsal
Choir rehearses at 5:15 on January Feb 5.
Worship Service volunteers needed
We need readers, ushers, greeters, tech staff and coffee fellowship servers through the end of the year. Sign up is at the back of the sanctuary.
Tax Statements
Check your mailboxes for your 2024 Giving Statements. If you need additional copies, would prefer it as an electronic copy or if you need revisions let the office know.
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 a giving account online using our provider, Churchtrac.
Bountiful Basket
February’s Bountiful Basket is for Love INC. The list of the recommended items is on the basket. We are also asking for donations of gently used, clean clothing for them. Please bring items to the office or on a Sunday.
At Love In The Name of Christ, we work alongside the church and community to serve our neighbors in need, transforming lives In The name of Christ. One key way we do this is by providing essential personal items like clothing and household goods, through donations from generous supporters like you. These incentives are given to our clients who shop at our facility for clothing and those who attend our 10-week life skills classes. By offering these practical items, we not only meet immediate needs but also encourage personal growth, empower self-sufficiency, and demonstrate God’s love. Thank you First Congregational United Church of Christ, your support helps make this transformative work possible and changes lives in lasting ways.
Global Hope
On January 7, 2025, wildfire activity began in Los Angeles County, California. The Disaster Ministries Team and other staff at the National Setting of the United Church of Christ continue to be in communication with the Southern California and Nevada Conference to monitor the situation and determine how best to support communities at this time.
The devastation caused by the California wildfires has left countless families without homes, communities in mourning, and landscapes forever changed. As the smoke clears, the work of recovery begins—and it’s a long road ahead. The Altadena UCC church lost their building, many of its members have lost their homes and the various ministries and community organizations that the church housed has far-reaching impact.
To support the long-term recovery of those affected by the California Wildfires you can put a check in the offering plate, please put California Wildfire and Global Hope in the memo line, you can also give online at https://support.ucc.org/global-HOPE
Non-financial means of support is also welcome. Cards can be sent to :
SCNC UCC Conference Office
For the Altadena UCC
333 North Santa Anita
Suite 5
Arcadia, California, 91006
Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries
Kathy Hodges 02/02
Ron Branch 02/08
If the office has missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact us.
VITA Tax Prep
We will again be hosting West Central Community Action’s VITA tax services on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Jan 29-April 15. If you would like to use their tax preparation services, please call 218-685-7004. Scheduling opens January 13.
Doodling Divina Retreat
Join Marcie Watson, spiritual director, on Saturday, February 22nd from 9:30 a.m. to noon to learn this practice of drawing repetitive patterns as a form of meditation and prayer. Learn to focus, relax your mind, and boost your creative confidence. Ages 8 to 98 will be able to find their own rhythm using the Doodling Divinaprocess. Sign up is at the back of the sanctuary. Supply kits will be provided for all who sign up
Spiritual Direction Opportunity
Spiritual direction, a.k.a. spiritual companionship, is a way of paying attention to how God or the Divine is present and acting in your life. Julie McCarty is a trained and experienced spiritual listener who offers confidential, nonjudgmental, monthly, one-on-one spiritual direction in person or online. More info in newsletter or contact Julie at 320-766-6176 or e-mail juliemccarty@usfamily.net .
We are an inclusive community that welcomes extravagantly, seeks God and follows Jesus into the world.
We are also a member of the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ and honor the dignity of each person created in God’s image. All are welcome here.
