Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD
PRELUDE UCC Praise Band
Revelation Song, What A Beautiful Name, My Beloved
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Pastor Jill
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER Pastor Jill
*CALL TO WORSHIP Pastor Jill
One: Please Stand in Body or Spirit and remain standing until the passing of the Peace
One: On Friday, we thought the good news had been silenced.
Many: On Friday, we thought the good news had taken its last breath.
One: On Friday, we thought the good news had been buried.
Many: But today, we know the good news is alive and well.
One: The good news is dancing!
Many: The good news is on the loose!
One: The good news is out in the world, calling your name!
Many: Alleluia! Even death has lost its sting.
One: Let us worship our good-news Christ.
*GATHERING SONG Christ the Lord is Risen Today Blk 233
*CALL TO CONFESSION Pastor Jill
Friends, on Easter Sunday we remember that the world did its worst to God. The world battered and bruised, betrayed and abandoned, crucified and buried our living God.
And despite it all, Jesus still chose to return.
Jesus rose again and immediately went to work spreading God’s love to the very people who had hurt him. So hear me when I say, there is nothing you can do that could keep God’s love at bay.
With that good news mind, let us go to God in prayer, trusting that Jesus Christ loves, claims, and seeks us. Friends, let us pray:
*UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION Pastor Jill
Gracious God, we want to be Easter people. We want to shout your good news from the rooftop. We want to follow the disciples, who ran to look for you. We want to follow the angels, who said, “Be not afraid,” but we are afraid. And we don’t know where to look. And we are worried we’ll say the wrong thing. So forgive us, for we are imperfect Easter people. We are best intentions and best laid plans. We are an out-of-tune chorus of “alleluias.” We are on our way, but we are not there yet. Show us how to embody your good news in this world. Show us how to be your Easter people. With hope for tomorrow, we pray, Amen.
WORDS OF FORGIVENESS
One: Family of faith, even when we are an out-of-tune chorus of “alleluias,” we belong to God. Jesus died and rose for you. And there is nothing that could keep God’s love at bay. So join me in this good news declaration:
Many: Through Jesus Christ we are seen, saved, loved, and claimed. This is the good news of the gospel! Thanks be to God. Amen.
*Act of Praise Alleluia, Alleluia, on screen and in music handout
PASSING OF THE PEACE
GOD SPEAKS TO US In Word and Sacrament
Anthem Rejoice, Triumphantly Rejoice
THE Reading from the Psalms Psalm 118:1-2,14-24
A Song of Victory 1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever! 2 Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”
14 The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. 15 There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the Lord does valiantly;
16 the right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.” 17 I shall not die, but I shall live and recount the deeds of the Lord.
18 The Lord has punished me severely, but he did not give me over to death. 19 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.
20 This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. 21 I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.
22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. 23 This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH
Jesus Loves Me
THE GOSPEL READING Matthew 28:1-10 Pastor Jill
The Resurrection of Jesus 28 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.
2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow.
4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.
6 He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.”
8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.
10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers and sisters to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
SONG OF PREPARATION What A Beautiful Name handout
SERMON The Good News is Alive in the World Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
Sharing Joys and Concerns
The Great Thanksgiving and 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.
The Words of Institution
Giving the Bread and Cup
Please come forward to receive the bread and cup. As the bread and cup are shared, please join in singing:
Thine is the Glory Blk 253
You are My King on screen & handout
Prayer After Communion (unison)
Loving Christ,
thank you for the bread that nourishes our bodies.
Thank you for the cup that quenches our thirst.
Thank you for this community, which reminds us who we are.
Thank you for this Table that brings us together.
Thank you for the music that lifts our spirits.
Thank you for the promise that at this Table, and every table, you will be there.
May this holy meal nourish us to go out into the world speaking of your good, good news. With joy and hope we pray, Amen.
WE RESPOND TO GOD
INVITATION TO GIVE & OFFERING OUR GIFTS PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY What A Beautiful Name
*DOXOLOGY Holy Spirit chorus and interlude
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION Pastor Jill
*Closing Song Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH Pastor Jill
As you leave this place, when you meet anger, speak with love. When you meet fear, speak with hope. When you meet pain, speak with gentleness. But no matter what, speak this good news. For the good news of the gospel is love and justice for all. It is joy that surprises, and nonviolence that transforms. The good news of the gospel is alive in the world, so go forth speaking.
For if you won’t, then who will? Thanks be to God for this good, good news. Amen.
*Postlude My Beloved
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY April 5, 2026
Easter Sunday, Communion,
8:30 Choir rehearsal, band
10:00 Worship in person and online, First Sunday Music
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
Monday April 6
10:00 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
2-7 Voice lessons
Tuesday April 7
8-4 VITA tax services
Wednesday April 8
8-4 VITA tax services
4-6 Labyrinth Open
5:15 Choir rehearsal
5:30 Children’s program small group
Thursday April 9
9:00 Walking group@Mall
4:30 Happy Holy Hour @Pike & Pint
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
Communion Sunday
We celebrate communion at God’s table, and all are welcome at God’s Table. Today we are coming forward for communion. If you prefer to be served communion in your pew, let an 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.
The Book Study Group
The Book group will not meet this week. 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 as assigned.
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.
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
Sue Schneider 04/17
Woolery Anniversary 04/16
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.
Confirmation Sunday/Blessing
April 19 is Confirmation Sunday and we will be blessing Pastor Jill and Pastor Marc as she begins her sabbatical. There will be a lunch reception after the service.
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 TBD) 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.
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.
