Second Sunday in Easter, April 12, 2026
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD
PRELUDE Diane Alveshere
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Pastor Jill
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER Pastor Jill
INTROIT Easter Angel Song C. Berry
*CALL TO WORSHIP Betty Cichy-Anderson
One: Christ is risen!
All: Christ is risen indeed!
One: Jesus has appeared to his disciples.
All: And we have seen his glory,
beloved as a parent’s only child,
full of grace and truth.
One: From Christ’s fullness we have all received grace upon grace.
All: No one has ever seen God, but Christ has made God known.
One: In his dying, Christ embodied God’s love for us.
All: And in his rising, God enacts God’s delight for us.
One: We thank you, God!
All: We praise you! We worship you! We love you! Alleluia!
*GATHERING HYMN My Faith Looks Up to Thee Red 348 vs 1-4
*UNISON PRAYER Betty
Gracious God, Thomas wanted to see proof of Christ’s rising. We, too, want to touch and feel your presence. We want to hear your Living Word. Come to us, speak to us, and fill us with your Spirit, so that we ourselves may be living signs of resurrection. We pray in the name of Christ and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
*ACT OF PRAISE Alleluia, Alleluia, on screen (United Methodist #162)
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Give thanks to the risen Lord.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Give Praise to his name. (x2 )
PASSING OF THE PEACE
GOD SPEAKS TO US
ANTHEM I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light K. Thomerson, B. Harlan, B. Adams
THE EPISTLE READING 1 Peter 1:3-9 Betty
A Living Hope 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials,
7 so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
8 Although you have not seen Jesus, you love him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in Christ and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,
9 for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH
THE GOSPEL READING John 20:19-31 Pastor Jill
Jesus Appears to the Disciples 19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”
20 After Jesus said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When Jesus had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
Jesus and Thomas 24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples told Thomas, “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in Jesus’s hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later Jesus’s disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”
27 Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Jesus said to Thomas, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
The Purpose of This Book 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book.
31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
Hymn OF PREPARATION Not With Naked Eye Blk 406 1-5
SERMON “Not Seeing—And Believing” Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
MUSIC FOR REFLECTION Diane Alveshere
WE RESPOND TO GOD
SHARING JOYS AND CONCERNS, PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR
Our God in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen.
INVITATION TO GIVE & OFFERING OUR GIFTS PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY Diane Alveshere
*DOXOLOGY St. Anne, Mary Luti
Today, the kingdoms of despair
In wreckage fade away;
Now Hope her victory declares:
God’s love has won the day.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION Pastor Jill
*SENDING HYMN These Things Did Thomas Count Blk 254 1-4
*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH Pastor Jill
*CHORAL RESPONSE Lord Let Us Now Depart Whelpton
*POSTLUDE Diane Alveshere
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY April 12, 2026
THE WEEKLY CALENDAR
Next Sunday April 12, KXRA Sunday
9:15 Choir rehearsal
10:00 Worship in person and online,
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:30 Book discussion group
Monday April 13
10:00 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
2-7 Voice lessons
Tuesday April 14
8-4 VITA tax services
9:00 Friendly Service
12-4 Elder network
Wednesday April 15
8-4 VITA tax services (last day)
4-6 Labyrinth Open
5:15 Choir rehearsal
5:30 Children’s program small group
Thursday April 16
Habitat for Humanity Faith build day
9:00 Walking group@Church
9:30 Morning Circle
4:30 Holy Happy Hr
Friday April 17
5-7 Understanding Immigration (Grand Arbor Community Room)
Next Sunday April 19, Confirmation/Blessing Sunday
10:00 Worship in person and online,
11:00 Confirmation lunch reception
7:00 Creation hymn sing
KXRA Radio Sunday
The 2nd Sunday of each month our service is on KXRA 1490 at 11 am. The month’s radio broadcast is sponsored by Linda Namur in honor of her parents, Hop and Leanne.
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.
The Book Study Group
Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang. Join us for our group book study exploring faith, civic life, and the call to love our neighbors. Chapters 6 and 11 will be discussed at 11:30 after the coffee fellowship.
Come walk our Labyrinth: A path for Contemplative Prayer
The labyrinth will be open on Wednesdays beginning April 1 from 4-6. Anyone at church or the greater community is warmly invited to participate. The labyrinth is a path of prayer, a walking meditation, a crucible of change, a watering hole for the spirit, and a mirror of the soul. May it serve as one of these, and more, for you.
Small Group Parent and Caring Adult Education
The Faith Formation Groups will be meeting in the building for the first time on Oct 29 beginning at 5:30. You are welcome to attend these groups.
Choir rehearsal
The choir will resume rehearsals on Wednesday April 1 at 5:15. They will also rehearse Sunday mornings at 9:15 am on the Sundays on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month.
Understanding Immigration Event
All are welcome to an evening of learning and conversation about immigration. The speakers will provide helpful information, perspectives, and space for questions as we seek to better understand immigration and its impact on our communities. Our congregation is one of the sponsors and Pastor Jill is the MC. This event is free to attend. Grand Arbor Community Room April 17 5-7 pm
Confirmation Sunday
Next Sunday April 19 is Confirmation Sunday.There will be a luncheon to follow in the Fellowship Hall. Please plan to stay for food and fellowship!
Blessing Sunday
Next Sunday, April 19, Pastor Jill will pass the mantle to Rev. Marc Blakesley as her renewal leave begins. Pastor Marc will be working half-time during Pastor Jill’s leave and will tend primarily to worship planning and pastoral care needs.
Creation Hymn Sing
The gathering to sing will take place on Sunday, April 19 at 7:00 p.m. at Shalom Lutheran Church, 681 Voyager Dr, Alexandria.
Hymns, very old and very new, have been selected from hymnals in local use. New this year will be presentations of chimes, the Runestone Choral and the Calvary Lutheran Choir. Bring your voices! Honor the Earth and the glories of Creation!
Confirmation/Habitat for Humanity Picnic Table build at UMC
Our confirmands have one additional service project. Saturday, April 25, 9:00 am – Noon Location: Alexandria United Methodist Church (with backup location of Habitat warehouse) We will be building four picnic tables: Three tables to be gifted to the new Habitat homeowners, One table for the Community Gardens at Alexandria UMC. Coffee and rolls will be available at 9:00 am. A light lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the build. Ways to be involved: 1) Show up in support. 2) Contribute toward the cost of a picnic table 3) Swing a hammer or coach the hammer swingers. 4) Help serve lunch. Please talk to Pastor Jill if you can help in any of these ways!
Angel Care Team April
Joan Holverson and Lori LaBrasseur are the Angels for April. Please let the office know if you would like to be visited or know someone who needs a visit.
Worship Volunteers Needed
We have sign ups at the back of the sanctuary for volunteers interested in ushering, greeting and providing coffee fellowship. You are free to sign up for as many as you wish at a time. If you are interested in tech, let someone at the tech desk know and we can train you on the job.
Bountiful Basket
The Bountiful Basket is designated for Someplace Safe—suggested items are on the basket. We will be collecting for Someplace through May.
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.
BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Alia Clark 04/19
Jane Harstad 04/19
Julie Thompson 04/19
Finazzo Anniversary 04/21
Schleppenbach Anniversary 04/24
Brian Fleming 04/25
Pam Nachbor 04/25
If we have missed your birthday or other important date, please let us know.
FAVORITE HYMNS NEEDED
Those who select hymns for our traditional services would like to hear suggestions favorite hymns. The list will then be used when possible as they choose hymns for us to sing that might fit into the theme for a Sunday. Hymn request forms can be found in the pews.
Upcoming Events or Community Events
Evening Prayer Services
All are welcome to join the First Lutheran Care for Creation team for a time of music, scripture, and prayer on the March 22, April 19, May 17 (typically the 3rd Sunday of the month) at 5:00pm. The purpose is to pray for the world, for peace, for all leaders, for creation, and for God’s presence in our lives.
ALZHEIMER & DEMENTIA CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
Join us at the Public Works Dept. meeting room (526 Willow Dr) on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 3-4:30. Please contact the facilitator Stephanie Aasness at 320-766-1856, to learn more.
Knitting Group Fundraiser
Currently a group of knitters meets Mondays 11-1 at Rancho Viejo’s back room. They also meet on Tuesday evenings (5-8) next to RAW & Co at 110 6th Ave E, Suite B. This location has stairs. The group are knitting Red Resistance Hats as part of a mutual aid fundraiser.
Habitat for Humanity Faith Build Day April 16
We have been invited by Sara Robinson to join in with another church to work on a Habitat for Humanity Faith Build on April 16. We can participate as we are able…building, cleaning up, preparing and serving lunch, snacks or financial support. Please contact the office asap to express interest and where you are able to assist.
Douglas County Senior Housing Tour, April 30, 8:30-12:30
Is a change of housing in the future for you or a loved one? Hosted by Douglas County Senior Services along with Douglas County Social Services and Horizon Public Health, you will learn about some of the choices in the Alexandria area (senior apartments, 55+ housing communities and assisted living communities). After a short informational session at the Public Works Conference Room (526 Willow Drive), we will board a school bus and visit 2 senior housing sites. The bus will have wheelchair accessibility. The Care Campus will present information about their Evansville and Brandon sites before we get on the bus; and then we will tour Edgewood Vista and Grand Arbor in person. Enrollment is $5.00. People can enroll at Alexandria Community Education online or call 320-762-3310.
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.
