Third Sunday in Advent , Communion Sunday, December 10, 2023 10:00 AM
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Dr Jill Sanders
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER
CHORAL INTROIT
*CALL TO WORSHIP Marc Blakesley
ONE: Please rise in body and/or spirit and join me in the Call to Worship and remain standing through the Opening Hymn
One: Our God can part the sea.
Many: God can bring water from a rock, and provide bread in the desert.
One: Our God can walk on water.
Many: He can heal the sick, and turn water into wine.
One: Our God sets the stars in the sky.
Many: God hears our voice when we cry, and is closer than our own breath.
One: There is nothing our God cannot do.
Many: Let us stand in awe. Let us worship God with wonder.
*OPENING HYMN “Joy to the World” Red #130 v. 1-3
One: Please be seated
CANDLELIGHTING LITURGY Jennie Schleppenbach &Marcie Watson
A: How does a weary world practice joy?
B: By dancing, and throwing birthday parties. By hanging Christmas lights, and holding sleepy babies. By singing loudly, and looking for good news. By telling the story of Jesus, and showing up for our community.
A: There are a million ways to practice joy. So today we light the candle of joy as a reminder and a charge. With God’s help, may we bring joy into a weary world. Amen.
RESPONSE TO CANDLELIGHTING Bridge over Troubled Water
When you’re weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I’ll dry them all
I’m on your side
Oh, when times get rough
And friends just can’t be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
*CALL TO CONFESSION Marc
One: Please stand in body or spirit.
One: If you spend any time with a child, you will quickly notice that children see the world differently. For a child, a ladybug is a miracle. A pine tree is a wonder. Curiosity is a love language, and water is not only for survival, but for joy. As adults, we forget this language of awe and wonder, and when we do, we distance ourselves from God. In confession, we have the opportunity to close that distance. So let us return to God with hearts wide open. Let us return to God in prayer. Join me in the prayer of confession:
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison) Marc
Somewhere in our childhood we face pressure to outgrow awe.
We turn into adults who obsess over data and facts.
We praise those who have answers, and assume that wonder is an answerless game.
Forgive us for closing that door to you.
Remind us that the kingdom of God belongs to children.
Teach us the ways of awe and wonder, so that like Zechariah, when we find ourselves speechless, our first words will be words of praise.
With hearts open wide, we pray, amen.
WORDS OF FORGIVENESS Marcie
One: Family of faith, Just as we marvel at mountains and newborns, at sunrises and sunsets, God marvels at us.
There is nothing you could do or leave undone that could prevent God from loving you. So hear and believe the good news of the gospel:
Many: We are forgiven. We are loved. We belong to God. Amen.
*GLORIA Angels We have heard on High, Gloria
Glo——–ria, in excelsis Deo!
Glo——–ria, in excelsis Deo!
*PASSING THE PEACE
ONE: May the peace of Christ be with you.
ALL: And also with you.
ONE: Let us share a sign of peace with one another.
One: Please be seated (after a moment)
CHOIR ANTHEM Three Kings arr. Wilhelm Krumnach
THE READING FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES: Psalm 126 Marc
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Pastor Jill
THE READING FROM THE GOSPEL: Luke 1:57-66 Pastor Jill
HYMN OF PREPARATION “We Light the Advent Candles” W&R 175 vs1-4
SERMON How Does A Weary World Rejoice?
We allow ourselves to be amazed Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
MUSIC for REFLECTION Diane Alveshere
SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
INVITATION
365 times in Scripture, we hear the words “Do not be afraid,” not because fear isn’t real, but became God promises to be with us. At this table, we are invited into the life of God, into community with one another, and deeper into joy. All are welcome at this table.
Great Thanksgiving
One: God be with you.
Many: And also with you.
One: Lift up your hearts.
Many: We lift them to God.
One: Let us give thanks to God.
Many: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
One: Holy God, we are grateful to know that you are near to us in so many ways.
In Christ, we know that you are standing at the door; you are throwing your arms around us; you are calling us out of isolation; and you are inviting us to come to your table. We receive the sacred gifts of your presence and your invitation and affirm that we belong to God.
So, with the saints before us and beside us and with the angels above us, we join our voices together in the song:
Many:Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God.
Hosanna in the highest!
The Story
Blessed is our brother Jesus, who walks the long and weary road of suffering.
On the night of his arrest, Jesus took bread—and having blessed God, he broke the bread and gave it to his disciples saying: This is my body given for you.
In the same way, he took the cup having given thanks for it, he shared it with his disciples saying: This cup is the new relationship with God. Take it and share it.
Holy God, pour out your Spirit upon this bread and this juice, calling us into one body.
Pour out your Spirit on us, weaving us together in laughter and hope, sharing with one another in wisdom and joy. Amen.
Breaking the Bread
When joy felt impossibly out of reach, Jesus became one of us and broke bread with friends and strangers. (Break bread)
When the weary world cried out for justice and peace, Jesus came near to us offering friendship through this cup. (Lift cup.)
These are the gifts of God for the people of God.
Many: Thanks be to God.
Sharing the Bread and Cup
Prayer after Communion: God has blessed the lowly with love. God has filled the hungry with good things. Help us to carry this song into our lives, turning weariness into joy. Amen.
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS,
O Little Town of Bethlehem these words Red 134
O little town of Bethlehem,
So still in our minds’ eye
With candle lights and starlit nights,
And angels drawing nigh.
Yet in thy dark streets soundeth
The echoed wails of grief,
Of ancient fears, of bombs and tears,
Of agony and strife.
O holy Child of Bethlehem,
Reveal to us thy Way
Of justice, peace, and healing Grace;
Be born in us today.
We are the Christmas angels;
Help us glad tidings tell.
O walk with us, shine forth through us:
Each one, Emmanuel!
SILENT PRAYER,
PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR (ecumenical version)
Our Father 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.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours.
Now and for ever. Amen
INVITATION TO GIVE, GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS:
OFFERTORY MUSIC
*DOXOLOGY DIVINUM MYSTERIUM
Christ to thee with God the Savior,
And O Holy Ghost, to thee.
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving,
And unwearied praises be,
Honor, glory, and dominion and eternal victory.
Evermore and evermore.
*PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS & PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*CLOSING HYMN “Isn’t It Amazing” “Angels We Have Heard on High”
*BENEDICTION Pastor Jill
Family of faith, as you leave this place, you go into a weary world— so speak tenderly. Do the good that is yours to do. Choose connection. Hold onto hope. And remember that Christ took on flesh for you. You are God’s beloved. So go rejoicing. The world needs it. Amen.
*CHORAL BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE MUSIC Diane Alveshere
Alternate words for O Little Town of Bethlehem written by Trelawney, the Hymn “We Light the Advent Candles” is published in Worship & Rejoice reprinted and used with permission under OneLicense: A-715438. All rights reserved. Today’s Liturgy is written by Rev. Sarah Speed for A Sanctified Art for the sermon series How Does A Weary World Rejoice? The Hymn “Isn’t It Amazing” was written by Anna Strickland and commissioned by A Sanctified Art and is free to use by congregations. “Watercourses” by Hannah Garrity is the art work on the Music for Reflection slide.
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 first Sunday of the month.
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY December 10, 2023
The Weekly Calendar
Sunday December 10, 3nd Sunday in Advent, Communion
9:15 Choir rehearsal
10:00 Worship in person & online
11:30 Freeing Jesus
Monday Dec 11
10:00 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
7 pm Dartball Good Shepherd@ UCC
Tuesday Dec. 12
9:00 Friendly Service
12:00 Elder Network
Wednesday Dec 13
4:30 Choir Rehearsal
5:00 Connections @ Pike & Pint
6:00 Spirit on the Screen
Thursday Dec. 13
9:00 Walking Group @ church
4:30 Holy Happy Hour @ Pike and Pint
Sunday December 17, 4th Sunday in Advent
9:15 Choir rehearsal
10:00 Worship in person & online, FROG and Choir program
11:00 Lunch provided by FROG
After lunch, Christmas goodie and lefse making with FROG
Today is Communion Sunday
All are welcome at God’s table. We celebrate open communion (everyone invited), and for today’s Communion, we will invite everyone to come forward to receive the sacrament. Those who wish may be served in their pew.
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.
Youth talent needed
Contact Pam Schauff if you want to participate in the December 17 FROG Power program 320-304-0066 or jpschauff@embarqmail.com with your child’s name, contact information and choice of independent talent (song, dance, instrumental or reading). Deadline is Dec 10.
FROG Power Sunday
FROG will be providing lunch on December 17. After lunch, FROG power will be making lefse and Christmas cookies for our Christmas dinner. All generations are invited to join us as we make these goodies
Men’s Dartball
Contact Clayton for more information.
Spirit on Screen
Our December Spirit on Screen we will be watching Charlie Brown’s Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Boris Karloff version). We will have apple cider and popcorn. Please join us Wednesday at 6 pm.
Christmas Dinner
“Don’t spend Christmas alone” Join us on Christmas Day for our annual Christmas Day Dinner. Served on Monday December 25th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sign-up at the back of the church to help serve the dinner. If you make lefse or Christmas cookies, please consider donating some for the dinner. The lefse can be small rounds. All donated lefse or Christmas cookies can be put in the large freezer in the Fellowship Hall. Please take posters to put up at places you frequent or live. Thanks for your help.
Tree of Lights
Our Good Samaritan Fund is this year’s Tree of Lights mission. We use the Good Samaritan Fund to help people who have immediate needs for groceries or gas cards and occasionally a hotel room. We typically work with one or more agencies to meet these needs. Or have provided additional relief after another benefit had been exhausted. We have lit an additional 35 lights this week.
Book Exchange
Any money donated for the books in the Plymouth Room will be given to the Tree of Lights/Good Samaritan Fund.
Help out with Worship
There are sign ups at the back of the church for December. If you are able to greet, usher, or read, help serve coffee or clean up after Fellowship, please sign up there.
Child Care Needed:
Beginning in January, Kayla and Ray Noble will be leading music on the first Sunday each month–as well as fifth Sundays as they arise. They have two little ones who will need shepherding during worship when their parents are leading. They can sit with you in the sanctuary or spend time playing in the nursery with your companionship. Ideally, if the nursery is used, we would like to have two adults providing care. If you are willing to volunteer for one of these first Sundays, please contact the church office or Pastor Jill. The first date needed is January 7.
Angel Express and Angel Care Team
Volunteers are needed to cover additional months. Please contact the church office or Daisy 320-763-9461. The Angels for the month of December are Daisy and Sandy Grove (320) 491-2441.
Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries
Carol Zavadil 12/18
If the office has missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact us.
News from the Library:
Please stop in ands check out the wonderful assortment of Christmas books in the library.
Blue Christmas Service
Dec 20 5:30pm. Do you doubt that this is the most wonderful time of the year? Are life’s changes robbing you of joy? If so—or if you want to support with your presence those who feel this way. Join us in the Guild Room at the back of the sanctuary. All are welcome.
