Second Sunday of Easter, Communion and First Sunday April 7, 2024 10:00 AM
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
PRELUDE MUSIC Kayla Noble
At the Cross/Revelation Song
WELCOME Rev. Dr Jill Sanders
REMEMBRANCE OF BAPTISM
*SONG OF PRAYER AND PRAISE “Raise A Hallelujah” on screen
*OPENING PRAYER Pastor Jill
*PASSING THE PEACE Pastor Jill
PROCLAMATION IN WORD
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Pastor Jill
Jesus Loves Me Blk #327
THE READING FROM GOSPEL: Luke 24:13-35 Pastor Jill
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 he 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 him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?”
19 He 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 he 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 his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he 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 him.”
25 Then he 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, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he 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 he went in to stay with them.
30 When he 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.
32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?”
33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!”
35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
SERMON Known in the Breaking Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
COMMUNION
INVITATION
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
SHARING THE BREAD AND SHARING THE CUP:
At the Cross
COMMUNION PRAYER
Nourished at this table, O God, may live a new and risen life. Help us to recognize the Risen Christ in the breaking of bread and see and serve him in all whose lives are broken. Give us grace to share our bread with the hungry and with the hungry of heart. Keep us faithful in your service until Christ comes in final victory, and we feast with all your saints in the joy of your eternal realm. Through Christ, all glory and honor are yours, almighty God, with the Holy Spirit in the holy church, now and forever. Amen.
RESPONSE TO GOD
SONG: Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
PRAYERS FOR OUR WORLD, And For EACH OTHER
(Please use the form of address for God that you choose. Some might choose a name for God that comforts them—and others might choose a name that challenges them or deepens their understanding of God.)
PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR (ecumenical version)
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
THE OFFERING
OFFERING SONG: The Revelation Song on screen
THE PRAYER OF DEDICATION
SENDING
*SONG My Redeemer Lives on screen
*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH Pastor Jill
POSTLUDE Kayla Noble
| We welcome all who are joining us for worship virtually, on YouTube, http://tiny.cc/firstcongo or Cable Channel #181 (each weekday). Our service is broadcast on KXRA 1490 AM at 11 am the second Sunday of the month. |
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY April 7, 2024
The Weekly Calendar
Sunday April 7 Communion and First Sunday
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
Monday April 8
10:00 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros.
Tuesday April 9
8-5 VITA Tax preparation WCMCA
9:00 Friendly Service
12:00 Elder network
Wednesday April 10
8-5 VITA Tax preparation WCMCA
9 am carpet cleaning
3:45 Connections
5:15 Choir rehearsal
6:15 Spirit on screen
Thursday April 11
9:00 Walking group@Church or Mall
4:30 Holy Happy Hour
Saturday April 13
1:00 We are better together
7:00 FROG Power Sleep over
Sunday April 14 KXRA Radio Sunday
9:00 FROG Power breakfast
9:15 Choir
10:00 Worship in person and online
Communion Sunday
All are welcome at God’s table. We celebrate open communion and the Communion elements (everyone invited). The elements, bread and grape juice, will be served to you in the pews.
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 software provider, Churchtrac.
VITA Tax Preparation
West Central Minnesota Community Action’s Volunteer Income Tax Preparation will meet here starting on Tuesday. They will be here Tuesdays and Wednesdays, each week, until Tax Day. To make an appointment or to find out more about the program call 320-304-3458.
Bountiful Basket
We need help packing our cars with the Outreach Food shelf items after church. We are currently collecting for Discovery Middle Schools food shelf. A list of specific items is on the basket. Think easy to prepare single serve items or easy to prepare for a family items and gift cards to grocery stores.
Elm St West Entrance ADA and Native Plant project
The Elm St/West Entrance ADA and Native Plant project is Andrew Fleming’s Eagle Scout Project. This project will make our west entrance accessible and it will also convert part of our grounds into a pollinator friendly, native species area. See the back of the sanctuary for plans, more information. You can support this project by an offering to the church. Volunteers needed on May 4 and May 18.
One Great Hour of Sharing
During the month of April, we are collecting for one of our 4 denomination wide missions, One Great Hour of Sharing. This year’s theme is Sharing the Light. Sharing our light, as the diverse and colorful expression of God’s love here on earth, leads to making blankets, staffing food pantries, cooking meals, building houses and schools, signing petitions for worthy causes, and protesting injustices. We also share the light through our contributions to One Great Hour of Sharing [OGHS]—supporting our siblings around the world after natural disasters; providing care and safety in places where war rages and poverty prevails; sharing techniques for sustainable agriculture, energy efficiency, and clean water; and advocating for the dignity of those who are marginalized. Please designate on your memo line that your offering is for OGHS.
Friendly Service
Everyone is welcome to come and help assemble our quilts. All the quilts are given to local charities. We have coffee and treats at about 10 a.m. The next gathering is Tuesday, April 9th at 9 a.m.
Carpet Cleaning
The downstairs carpets in Fellowship Hall will be cleaned on April 10 (alternate days will be April 11 or 12)
Choir Rehearsal
Choir will return to its usual time on Wednesdays, beginning March27 at 5:15pm each week. All are welcome to join. If you cannot attend every rehearsal, you can still be part of the choir.
Spirit on Screen
Wednesday April 10 at 6:15. We will be screening the documentary God & Country. Bring your dinner or a snack. We will be serving popcorn and water/beverage. Enjoy the film and the discussion to follow.
FROG Power sleep over
FROG Power invites you to our Youth group sleep over on April 13 at 7 pm. We will have fun activities and make breakfast for the church on April 14 at 9 am.
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.
Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries
Branch anniversary 04/14
Michael Mosleth 04/15
Sue Schneider 04/17
Alia Clark 04/19
Jane Harstad 04/19
Julie Thompson 04/19
If the office has missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact us.
Conference and Community Events
Kathryn LeBrasseur Estate Sale
The estate sale of Kathryn LeBrasseur will be April 18, 19, 20 at the Knights of Columbus Hall 722 6th Ave E. Thurs 12-4, Friday and Saturday 8-4 pm. Proceeds will benefit Women’s Fellowship and the Senior Center. Volunteer assistance on April 17 and the estate sale times will be appreciated. Sign up in the back of the sanctuary.
You Belong! Join the Spring 2024 Conference Youth Event
April 19-21, Camp Onomia $175
MN Conference youth will spend a weekend exploring “belonging.” Together we’ll reflect on how we as people and we as the church can extend our welcome to others and to ourselves through discussion, worship, play, time in nature, music, and art. For more information and to register: https://www.uccmn.org/event/spring-2024-conference-youth-event-you-belong/
Earth Day Hymn Sing
A Creation hymn sing will be held again this year for Earth Day on April 20 at 7:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 1655 18th Ave. E. in Alexandria.
Bring your voices! Honor the Earth and the glories of Creation!
Minnesota Conference Annual Meeting June 7-8
The Minnesota Conference is holding its annual meeting June 7-8 at the College of St Benedict. The theme is “Sacred Reimagining”. Our church is allowed two delegates, plus Pastor Jill and a youth delegate (13-29 yrs old). If you are interested in being a delegate contact Jill or the office.
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.
