Fourth Sunday in Advent December 21, 2025
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD
PRELUDE Brad Lambrecht
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER Pastor Jill
INTROIT Advent Acclamation Choir
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Here in worship—
Many: we pray together,
One: we stand together,
Many: we sing together,
One: we listen together.
Here in worship—
we are not alone.
So when life gives you reason to grieve, to fear, or to worry, remember this moment.
Many: We are not alone.
One: Let us worship our with-us God.
*OPENING Hymn/Anthem Of the Maker’s Love Begotten (Choir/chimes), O Come, O Come Emmanuel (Congregation & choir) Red 110, Choir vs 1, congregation 2 & 3, all verse 1
*Advent Candlelighting DiAnne Loch & Glenda Richardson
A: In a world full of fear, where do you see
the presence of love?
B: I see love all around us. I see love when
people hold open the door. I see love in a
warm embrace, a homemade casserole,
a phone call after a long day. I see love in
random acts of kindness and intentional
acts of empathy. I see love all around us.
A: You are right. Even in a fearful world,
love is all around us.
B: Today we light the candle of love as a
reminder of this good news. May this flicker
of light help us remember that even in a
fearful world, love is here. Love is world-
changing. Love is shining bright. We only
have to look for it.
(Light candle.)
A: Thanks be to God for a love like that! Amen
*CALL TO CONFESSION
Friends, every day we are given choices—
the choice to be a friend, to be an ally, to extend a welcoming hand.
Some days we choose wisely, but from time time, we inevitably get it wrong.
That is one of the many reasons we need the Prayer of Confession.
In this moment of prayer, we are able to practice the art of forgiveness.
So join me in this transformative moment.
Join me receiving grace. Let us pray.
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION & Words of Forgiveness
One: When you were afraid,
did I stay by your side?
Did I offer my hand,
or did I leave you alone?
When you were afraid,
did I choose solidarity?
Did I see your fear,
or did I only see mine?
Many: Friend, none of us are perfect. We all make mistakes.
Fortunately, God offers grace, and we do too.
So take a deep breath, and let’s start again.
One: Thank you. Your mercy is a gift. Now we must ask—when you were afraid, did we stay by your side? Did we offer our hands, or did we leave you alone? When you were afraid, did we choose solidarity? Did we see your fear? Or did we only see ours?
Many: Friends, none of us are perfect. We all make mistakes. Fortunately, God offers grace, and I do too. So take a deep breath, and let’s start again.
One: Thank you. Your mercy is a gift. We accept your grace and would love to start again.
Many: May it be so, with God’s help. Alleluia, amen.
*ACT OF PRAISE Blk 125 Refrain
Gloria in excelsis Deo,
Gloria in excelsis Deo (x2)
*PASSING OF THE PEACE
GOD SPEAKS TO US
CHOIR ANTHEM Advent Lullaby Choir
READING FROM THE HEBREW BIBLE Isaiah 41:5-10
5 The coastlands have seen and are afraid; the ends of the earth tremble; they have drawn near and come. 6 Each one helps the other, saying to one another, “Take courage!”
7 The artisan encourages the goldsmith, and the one who smooths with the hammer encourages the one who strikes the anvil, saying of the soldering, “It is good,” and they fasten it with nails so that it cannot be moved.
8 But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend;
9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, “You are my servant; I have chosen you and not cast you off”;
10 do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Reading from the Gospel Matthew 1: 18-25 Pastor Jill
The Birth of Jesus the Messiah 18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant from the Holy Spirit.
19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to divorce her quietly.
20 But just when Joseph had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23 “Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.”
24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; Joseph took her as his wife 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had given birth to a son, and he named him Jesus.
Hymn OF PREPARATION Christ Be Our Light Congregation joins choir
Meditation When You’re Afraid, Give Me Your Hand Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
Hymn FOR REFLECTION We’re Not Alone (in bulletin and on screen )
WE RESPOND TO GOD
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS, PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE,
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
OFFERING MUSIC Keep your Lamps choir
*DOXOLOGY In the Bleak Midwinter Blk 128 verse 4
What Can I offer, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb.
If I were a wise one, I would do my part;
But what I can I offer: all of my heart
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION Pastor Jill
*CLOSING HYMN Joy to the World Blk 132
BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH
In a fearful world, may you look for God’s spirit. May you reach for each other’s hands. May you choose courage whenever you can. And in all things, may you remember that good news is louder than fear.
In the name of the one who calls, the one who sends, and the one who journeys with—go in peace and be not afraid.
Amen.
CHOIR RESPONSE Joy to the World
POSTLUDE Brad Lambrecht
Liturgy is from A Sanctified Art’s What Do You Fear sermon series. Song We’re Not Alone was commissioned for this sermon series by A Sanctified Art and are used and reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY Dec 21 2025
Sunday Dec 21
9:15 Choir rehearsal
10:00 Worship in person and online, Choir
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:30 Visio Divina
4:30 Blue Christmas
Monday Dec 22
2-7 Voice lessons
5:15 Group Spiritual Direction
Tuesday Dec 23
2-7 Voice lessons
Wednesday Dec 24 Christmas Eve
4:30 Christmas Eve Service
5:30 Hot Chocolate Fellowship
Thursday Dec 25
11-1 Christmas dinner
Next Sunday Dec 28,
9:15 Choir rehearsal
10:00 Worship in person and online, Choir
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
4:30 Blue Christmas
What Do You Fear? Visio Divina
You are invited to join us in the Cambridge Room from 11:30-12:15 today (following coffee) to reflect on art that accompanies our sermon series. We will use the process of Visio Divina.
Are you feeling a little blue this season?
Does it not feel like “the most wonderful time of the year? Do you want to be in solidarity with those who are struggling? Join us this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. for a quiet, contemplative Blue Christmas service. This service is sometimes called “The Longest Night” Service—and tonight is the longest, darkest night. Tomorrow, the days begin to lengthen.
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.
Caffeinated Christianity will not meet
Caffeinated Christianity will not meet Dec 22 or 29. It will resume on January 5.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Join us Christmas Eve at 4:30 p.m. for a service of Candle Light and Carols. We will remember how God’s love has been shared with us throughout the centuries—and most fully expressed in the coming of Jesus—God made flesh, God-with-us. If you don’t have anywhere you need to be right away after the service, plan to grab some goodies from our hot chocolate bar and enjoy conversation and fellowship. Hot chocolate to go is also an option!
Christmas Dinner Volunteer needs
This year’s Christmas dinner is being hosted and organized by Ron and Ann Branch. Sign up for volunteer positions of all kinds will be in the back of the sanctuary. We will need volunteers the day of and prior to the day.
Christmas Dinner
We encourage you to volunteer for the Christmas dinner but we are also encouraging you to invite friends, family and other loved ones to come share a meal on Christmas day, 11-1 pm
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. They will not meet on Christmas Eve.
Tree of Lights
The Tree of Lights gifts will go to Elder Network this year. We have had a long partnership with the Elder Network with their Coffee Break respite care. For every $25 donated, we will light one light each Sunday of Advent. Gifts in any amount welcomed. We have lit 53 lights so far.
Winter Weather Wear
If you have extra outerwear for winter that you don’t need, please bring it to church. It will be on display in the East Entry with a sign saying “Take what you need.” Examples could be new or gently used socks, gloves, scarves, hats and other warm things.
Christmas Fund
This is one of our 5 denomination wide offerings The Christmas Fund has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ for over 100 years, providing emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities and health premiums, and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks each December to our lower-income retirees.
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
Bonnie Haaven 12/31
Elaine Krassas 12/31
Carrie Thompson 12/31
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. Please fill out the forms in your bulletin or email your choices to the church.
Save the Date
Christmas Carol Sing
On Sunday, December 28, join us for an informal worship and a time of singing your favorite Christmas carols. Most hymns will not be chosen in advance but will be ones you suggest during the service! If you have a Christmas story, memory, poem or reading that you would like to share during this service, please contact Pastor Jill at jill@firstcongregationaluccalex.com or 319.361.0737.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL Fiscal MEETING
Sunday, January 11, after the service, please plan to stay after worship for the Annual All-Church Financial Meeting. This is an important all-Church meeting when the financial records of 2024 will be reviewed; and then the Budget for 2026 will be presented as recommended by our Board of Administration and Council. An opportunity will be given for comments and questions before the new 2026 Budget will be approved by vote of the congregation. Please plan to attend this important annual meeting. Thank you for participating!
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.
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.
