Third Sunday in Easter, Confirmation April 19, 2026
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD
PRELUDE Jane Herth
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Pastor Jill
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER Pastor Jill
*CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Marc Blakesley
One: Please Stand in Body or Spirit and remain standing until the passing of the Peace
Leader: Christ is Risen!
All: Christ is risen indeed.
Leader: Christ, you have walked with us in our joy and in our sorrow
though we have not recognized your presence.
All: We give thanks, and worship in awe and wonder, in gratitude and joy.
Leader: Living Christ, give us eyes to see you.
All: Come, Holy Spirit, and transform us by your grace. Alleluia!
*Hymn of Praise Love Divine, All Loves Excelling Black #43
*UNISON PRAYER Pastor Marc
O God, on all our journeys, paths of joy and sadness, ways of knowing and not knowing, you walk with us and open to us the truth. Open our eyes to see you. Open the ears of our hearts to hear you, singing to us your love. Amen.
*ACT OF PRAISE Halle, Halle, Halle Blk 236
Halle, Halle, Halleluja
Halle, Halle, Halleluja
Halle, Halle, Halleluja
Halleluja, Halleluja (x2 )
PASSING OF THE PEACE Pastor Marc
ONE: May the peace of Christ be with you.
MANY: And also with you.
ONE: Let us share a sign of peace with one another.
One: Please be seated
GOD SPEAKS TO US
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Pastor Marc
THE GOSPEL READING Luke 24:13-35 Pastor Jill
The Walk to Emmaus 13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened.
15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.
17 And Jesus said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad.
18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered Jesus “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?”
19 Jesus asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,
20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him.
21 But we had hoped that Jesus was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place.
22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning,
23 and when they did not find Jesus’s body there they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that Jesus was alive.
24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
25 Then Jesus said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared!
26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?”
27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, Jesus interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
28 As they came near the village to which they were going, Jesus walked ahead as if he were going on.
29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So Jesus went in to stay with them.
30 When Jesus was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight.
Hymn OF PREPARATION Now the Green Blade Rises Black #238
SERMON “With Us On the Journey” Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
MUSIC FOR REFLECTION Jane Herth
WE RESPOND TO GOD
CONFIRMATION: AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM
Invitation
Bruce: We invite Skylar and Lillyana Johnson to come forward to affirm their baptism.
Jill: Friends in Christ, we are all received into the church through the sacrament of baptism. Skylar and Lillyana found nurture and support through this family of Christ. Through prayer and study, they have been led by the Holy Spirit to affirm their baptism and to claim in our presence their covenantal relationship with Christ and the members of the church. They are here for service to Jesus Christ, using the gifts which the Holy Spirit has given them.
Sentences
Bruce: Hear the words of Jesus. I am the vine, and you are the branches. Anyone who abides in me, and I in that person, is the one who bears much fruit. If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love. These things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be full.
Questions of the Candidates
Jill: Skylar and Lillyana, do you desire to affirm your baptism into the faith and family of Jesus Christ?
Skylar and Lilly: I do.
Jill: Do you renounce the powers of evil and desire the freedom of new life on Christ?
Skylar and Lilly: I do.
Jill: Do you profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?
Skylar and Lilly: I do.
Jill: Do you promise by the grace of God, to be Christ’s disciple, to follow in the way of Jesus, to resist oppression and evil, to show love and justice, and to witness to the work and word of Jesus Christ as best you are able?
Skylar and Lilly: I promise, with the help of God.
Jill: Do you promise, according to the grace given you, to grow in the Christian faith and to be a faithful member of the church of Jesus Christ, celebrating Christ’s presence and furthering Christ’s mission in the world?
Skylar and Lilly: I promise, with the help of God.
Affirmation of Faith: Sharing of Statements of Faith
Prayers of the Congregation (Candidates Kneeling)
Jill: Let us pray together.
All: Almighty God, who in baptism received Skylar and Lillyana into your church, forgave their sin, and promised them eternal life, increase in the gifts of your Holy Spirit. Grant them love for others, joy in serving you, peace in disagreement, patience in suffering, kindness toward all people, goodness in evil times, faithfulness in temptation, gentleness in the face of opposition, and self-control in all things. Strengthen them for their ministry in the world, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Act of Confirmation
Jill: I invite the family of Skylar and Lilly and their faith partners to come forward and place their hands upon them. We will begin with Skylar and then move to Lilly.
Jill: O God, in the grace of Jesus Christ, you have accepted this your servant. Skylar, through the water of baptism. Nourish in her the power of your Holy Spirit that she may serve you in the world. And let all God’s people say: “Amen!”
Jill: O God, in the grace of Jesus Christ, you have accepted this your servant. Lillyana, through the water of baptism. Nourish in her the power of your Holy Spirit that she may serve you in the world. And let all God’s people say: “Amen!”
Confirmation Prayer
Jill: We rejoice, O Merciful God, with Skylar and Lillyana in the gift of the Holy Spirit, and in the Spirit’s power to awaken us to new truth and to inspire us to venture into fullness of life. We give you thanks that they have been moved to affirm their baptism. Help them to live not for themselves alone but for Christ and those whom Christ loves. Keep them steady and abounding in hope, never giving up, pressing toward the goal of life with you in Jesus Christ.
All: Amen.
Address
Jill: By your baptism you were made one with us in the body of Christ, the Church. Today we rejoice in your journey of faith which has brought you to this time and place. We celebrate your presence in this household of faith.
Question about Participation
Jill: So now we ask, do you promise to participate in the life and mission of this family of God’s people, sharing regularly in the worship of God and enlisting in the work of this local church as it serves this community and world?
Skylar and Lilly: I promise, with the help of God.
Welcome
Jill: Let us, members of First Congregational United Church of Christ express our welcome and affirm our mutual ministry in Christ.
Congregation: We promise our continuing friendship and prayers as we share our hopes and work together in the church of Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit may we continue to grow together in knowledge of God and love and be witnesses of the risen Jesus.
Greeting of Christian Love
Jill: In the name of Jesus Christ and on behalf of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, we extend to you the hand of Christian love.
Bruce, DiAnne, Jill—Greet and shake hands with S & L.
Prayer and Blessing
Jill: Let us pray.
O God, we praise you for calling us to faith and for gathering us into the church, the body of Christ. We thank you for your people gathered in this local church and rejoice that you have increased our community of faith. Together may be live in the Spirit, building one another up in love, sharing in the life and worship of the church, and serving the world for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
SHARING JOYS AND CONCERNS, Pastoral Prayer
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 Jane Herth
*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 Peace I Leave with You, my Friend Black #249
*RECEIVING THE REV. MARC BLAKESLEY AND BLESSING HIS MINISTRY AMONG US
*SENDING PASTOR JILL AND BLESSING HER TIME OF RENEWAL
*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH
*POSTLUDE
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY April 19, 2026
THE WEEKLY CALENDAR
Sunday April 19, Confirmation/Blessing Sunday
10:00 Worship in person and online,
11:00 Confirmation lunch reception
7:00 Creation hymn sing
Monday April 20
10:00 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
2-7 Voice lessons
6:30 Confirmation
Tuesday April 21
11:30 Lunch bunch
5:00 Board of Administration
6:00 Church Council
Wednesday April 22
4-6 Labyrinth Open
5:15 Choir rehearsal
5:30 Children’s program small group
Thursday April 23
9:00 Walking group@Church
1:00 Labyrinth walk with retired clergy
4:30 Holy Happy Hr
Saturday April 25
9:00 Confirmation service project picnic table build at UMC
Next Sunday April 26
9:15 Choir
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:30 Book discussion group
Confirmation Sunday
We celebrate with Skylar Johnson and Lillyana Johnson as they are received into full membership in this congregation this morning. They are affirming the vows made at their baptism and confirming their faith. You are invited to a celebration luncheon in the Fellowship Hall following worship this morning.
Pastor Jill’s sabbatical
Jill’s renewal leave begins on April 26. If you would like to follow along with her journey while she is on renewal leave, go to https://substack.com/@alongjillsjourney. If you “subscribe” (do not pay as it’s free), you will be notified when posts are made.
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!
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.
Lunch Bunch
Join us at 11:30 Tuesday Apr 21 at the Pioneer Grill as we eat lunch together. We will
Tuesday is Meeting Day
Our Board of Administration and Church Council meet on Tuesday. If you have an agenda item, please see Clayton Mielke, Bruce Bina or alert the office.
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.
Newsletter deadline
The deadline for submitting articles to our newsletter is April 24. This issue will be a double issue for the month of May and June. Please send your article submission to office@firstcongregationaluccalex.com or bring it to the office.
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!
The Book Study Group
The book group will not meet this week. The April 26 meeting will be the group’s last meeting. 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 7 &12 will be discussed at 11:30 after the coffee fellowship.
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
Becky Strand 05/01
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.
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.
WOW Wednesdays and Sabbath Saturdays
Our first WOW Wednesday is May 6 5:15. It will be led by Pastor Marc and will include a catered meal and a program exploring ways to create sacred space in our homes. Our first Sabbath Saturday is a Drum Circle workshop beginning at 1 pm. Drums provided, attendance is the only requirement for participation. Snack provided. Watch for signups for all of the WOW Wednesdays and Sabbath Saturdays.
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.
