10th Sunday after Pentecost, Communion & 1st Sunday Aug 2, 2026
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF GOD’S PRESENCE
GATHERING SONGS UCC Praise Band
God so Loved, I Speak Jesus, My Jesus
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
REMEMBERING OUR BAPTISM
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Creator God, we praise you!
Many: Risen and reigning Christ, we greet you!
One: Christ, you took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to your followers.
Many: Take us, bless us, break us, and give us to the world, in your name. Come, giver of life, and transform us by your grace.
*OPENING SONG God So Loved
*OPENING PRAYER an Invitation to Sabbath, by Brian Keepers
PASSING OF THE PEACE
GOD SPEAKS TO US IN WORD AND SACRAMENT
READING FROM THE PSALMS Psalm 3
Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom. 1 O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; 2 many are saying to me, “There is no help for you in God.” Selah
3 But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. 4 I cry aloud to the Lord, and You answer me from your holy hill. Selah
5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for God sustains me. 6 I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.
7 Rise up, O Lord! Deliver me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. 8 Deliverance belongs to the Lord; may your blessing be on your people! Selah
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
THE GOSPEL READING Luke 5:15-16
15 But now more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds were gathering to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. 16 Meanwhile, Jesus would slip away to deserted places and pray.
SONG OF PREPARATION Breathe, Jonny Diaz Ray Noble
SERMON Selah: Practicing the Pause Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
INVITATION TO TABLE
SHARING JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYER SONG “Down to the River to Pray”
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING AND PASTORAL PRAYER
One: God is with you.
Many: And also with you.
One: Lift up your hearts.
Many: We lift them up to God.
One: Let us give thanks to the Holy One, our God.
Many: It is good and beautiful to give God our praise.
One: Holy Mystery, Infinite Love, we praise you.
Many: Giver of all gifts, we praise you.
One: You fashion creation like the finest bread, and we feast upon it.
Many: You pour out life like the best wine, and we drink deeply of it.
One: You provide for us when we hunger, and accompany us when we wander.
Many: You confront all that oppresses us with your grace, setting us free.
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
All are welcome at this table, no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey. We have gluten-free crackers available for those in need and unfermented grape juice is served in the cups.
GIVING THE BREAD & THE CUP
Please come forward to receive the bread and cup. As the bread and cup are shared, please join in singing: I Speak Jesus, Honey in the Rock
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
*PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY I Speak Jesus instrumental
*OFFERING SONG Holy Spirit chorus and interlude
RELEASE FROM MINISTRY COVENANT
*PARTING SONG God So Loved
*BLESSING & SENDING FORTH Pastor Jill
*SENDING SONG God So Loved The Praise Band
We welcome all who are joining us for worship virtually, on YouTube, https://tinyurl.com/firstcongalex 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 August 2, 2026
Sunday August 2
8:30 Praise Band rehearsal
10:00 Worship in person and online, communion, 1st Sunday Music
Monday August 3
10:00 Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros (with Pastor Jill)
4-8 Voice lessons
Tuesday August 4
11:00 Worship Committee
2:30 Voice lessons
Wednesday August 5
4-6 Labyrinth
4:45 Choir rehearsal
5:45 Music Committee
Thursday August 6
4-7 Arts Space
4:30 Holy Happy Hour
Sunday, August 9, KXRA Radio Sunday
9:15 Choir rehearsal
10:00 Worship in person and online, choir
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
Communion Sunday
We celebrate communion at God’s table, and all are welcome at God’s Table. Today we are coming forward for communion. We have gluten-free crackers available for those in need and unfermented grape juice is served in the cups. If you prefer to be served communion in your pew, let an usher know.
Thank you
To all who brought such wonderful food and thank you to those who volunteered to help at the potluck (set up, dishes and other clean-up). It was thoughtful and appreciated.
Sabbatical Pastor Contact Information
Rev. Marc Blakesley is called to serve this church ½ time.
Email: marc@firstcongregationaluccalex.com
Pastor Jill’s Office Hours
Pastor Jill returns this Sunday. 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. She typically takes Fridays off. She will have hours this week.
Come walk our Labyrinth: A path for Contemplative Prayer
The labyrinth is open on Wednesdays 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.
Choir rehearsal
The choir is on its summer schedule and will rehearse on August 5 and August 19 at 4:45. They also rehearse the Sundays they sing at 9:15 am. The choir sings in worship on the 2nd Sunday of the month through June-August.
Arts Space
This summer, artist Jax Rose will be holding an arts space for teens on Thursday nights 4-7 in our Fellowship Hall. These classes are free to any student who attends, and every student receives one on one instruction. Students are highly encouraged to bring their sketchbook or any projects they might be working on. Classes start June 11th and go to September 3rd. Hope to see you there!”
Angel Care Team July/August
August Angels are Judy Kuhlmann and Mary Mische. Please let the office know if you would like 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.
Good Samaritan
Our Good Samaritan fund is need of replenishing. We gas prices and grocery inflation many people are trying to make ends meet. We also have had a few larger requests. Many needs are outstripping other places’ capacity too, so we have had a few people come to us after being turned away elsewhere. We try not to turn anyone away.
Venezuelan Earthquakes
In response to the two devastating earthquakes near Caracas, the United Church of Christ is launching an urgent appeal to support both immediate life-saving aid and long-term recovery. Working through our trusted partners on the ground like Global Ministries and ACT Alliance, we are delivering emergency relief to displaced families, distributing food and water, and offering pastoral care to those facing profound loss and trauma.
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
Gralow anniversary 08/10/69
Lisa Berglund 08/10
If we have missed your birthday or other important date, please let us know.
Upcoming Events or Community Events
Nancy Hansen’s Bingo Bash
Please join us for Nancy’s bingo Bash on Sunday, August 16 at 11:30 am. Lunch will be provided. If you have a bingo prize to donate, you can bring them to the church office. Sign up at the back of sanctuary or email to 99nahansen@gmail.com
Evening Prayer Services
All are welcome to join the First Lutheran Care for Creation Team for a time of music, scripture, and prayer. The purpose is to pray for the world, for peace, for all leaders, for creation, and for God’s presence in our lives. This prayer service is the 3rd Sunday of every month at 5:00 pm.
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.
