Second Sunday in Advent, Communion, 1st Sunday Music Dec 7, 2025
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD
Gathering Songs UCC Praise Band
Light of the World, Waiting Here for You
O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Show Up
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER Pastor Jill
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Family of faith, God is at work!
Many: God is healing and creating,
One: redeeming and dreaming,
Many: calling and sending,
One: listening and loving.
Many: Yes, indeed, God is at work!
One: So may we worship our God who never gives up.
Many: May we worship our God who holds onto hope.
Amen.
*OPENING SONG Looking Out A Prison Window on screen & music handout
*Advent Candlelighting Joel & Pamela Kamholz
A: In a world full of fear, where do you see glimmers of peace?
B: I see glimmers of peace in the quiet of early morning, when people shake hands, when loved ones say they’re sorry, andwhen the church sings together.
A: You are right. Even in a fearful world, peace is all around us.
B: Today we light the candle of peace as a reminder of this good news. May this flicker of light help us remember that even in a fearful world, peace is present. We only have to look for it.
(Light candle.)
A: Thanks be to God! Amen.
*CALL TO CONFESSION
Near the end of his ministry, John the Baptist reached out to Jesus with a heart full of anxiety. John was in jail. He knew he might not get out, so he asked Jesus, “Did I make a mistake? Am I making a difference here? Or did I get it all wrong?” Like John, let us be fully honest with Jesus about our innermost thoughts. We can pour our heart out to God because God always meets us with grace, tenderness, and mercy.
So friends, let us go to God in prayer. Let us be honest, just like John the Baptist. Let us pray.
*UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION:
On-the-move God, we have every reason to hold onto hope. We have every reason to believe that spring will come, that flowers will bloom, that the sun will rise. And yet, too often hope slips through our fingers. With anxious hearts we cry out to you, “Will change ever come? Will things ever get better? Will I ever make a difference?” Soothe our wandering hearts and show us the places where the sun is shining. Show us the places where you are on the move. With open hearts we pray, Amen.
*WORDS OF FORGIVENESS
One: Family of faith, in our honesty,
Many: we are heard.
One: In our worries,
Many: we are held.
One: In our failings,
Many: we are forgiven.
One: In our fear,
Many: we are not alone.
One: Friends, this is the good news of the gospel!
Many: When we’re running out of hope, God is still at work.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE
GOD SPEAKS TO US In Word and Sacrament
SONG Jesus Loves Me
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Pastor Jill
Jesus Loves Me
SCRIPTURE READINGS Isaiah 43:19-21 & Matthew 11:1-11
Isaiah 43:19-21
19 I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
20 The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people,
21 the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.
Matthew 11:1-11
11 Now when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and proclaim his message in their cities.
Messengers from John the Baptist 2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said toJesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?”
4 Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see:
5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with a skin disease are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them.
6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”
Jesus Praises John the Baptist 7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind?
8 What, then, did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9 What, then, did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
10 This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’
11 “Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist, yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
SONG OF PREPARATION Show Up
SERMON When We’re Running Out of Hope, God is at Work Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
Invitation to the Table
Friends, did you ever have a moment growing up when you walked into the school cafeteria, panned the faces in the crowd, and wondered if you were going to have a place to sit? Did you ever have a moment, maybe as a new student or at the start of a new school year, when fear nibbled at the back of your mind because you weren’t sure where you belonged? I imagine, at some point or another, most of us have experienced that kind of fear. But here at this Table,
you never have to wonder. Here at this Table, there is enough room, enough food, enough love for everyone. Here at this Table, Jesus is standing up on his chair, waving his hands over his head, saying to each of you, “I saved you a seat!” Here at this Table, you are wanted and welcomed. You are safe and loved.
Here at this Table, you belong. So my friends, there is no need for fear here, for this is a joyful feast. And you are invited. Come. All are welcome.
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
With-us God,
We live in a fearful world.
If we’re honest, we come to this Table today with the taste of fear on our tongues.
We come to this Table carrying our anxiety.
We come to this Table asking for guidance.
We come to this Table with all of life’s “what-ifs.”
But you do not disregard our fear.
You do not brush it under the rug or call us foolish.
You do not ignore the realities in front of us.
You do not dish out hurtful platitudes,
telling us to “toughen up” or “power through.”
Instead, you meet us here.
You listen to our fears.
You remind us that we are not alone.
You surround us with people who love us.
You show us where we are strong.
You walk beside us.
And you give us a new song to sing.
So today we pray, gracious God:
replace the fear on our tongues with words of hope and songs of joy.
As we come to this Table, pour out your Spirit on this bread and cup.
Remind us that even in a fearful world, you are on the move.
Remind us that even in a fearful world, you are here,
inviting us to the Table,
nourishing our spirits,
reminding us that we belong,
calling us by name.
Instill that good news in us, for this is a joyful feast.
Fear is not the loudest voice today.
What a gift that is. You fill us with hope for a better tomorrow.
We are grateful. Amen.
Words of Institution
Giving the Bread and Cup
(You are invited to come forward as you are able to receive the bread and the cup. Please notify an usher if you prefer to be served where you are sitting. A Gluten free option is available upon request. As we receive God’s good gifts, let us join in singing:
Light of the World
Waiting Here for You
Prayer after Communion (Unison):
Loving God, In a world racked with fear, you gather us together. You set the table. You meet us here. You nourish our bodies as you nourish our spirits. You remind us that this is a joyful feast, and that fear cannot win every time. So with renewed courage, with renewed hope, with renewed conviction, send us out into the world. Help us to feed others as you have fed us. With gratitude we pray. Amen.
WE RESPOND TO GOD
PRAYER SONG Sanctuary
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 Come thou Long Expected Jesus (instrumental)
*DOXOLOGY Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION Pastor Jill
*CLOSING SONG O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
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.
*RESPONSE O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
| Liturgy is from A Sanctified Art’s What Do You Fear sermon series. Songs Show Up and Looking Out A Prison Window were commission for this sermon series by A Sanctified Art and are used and reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. |
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY Dec 7 2025
Sunday Dec 7,2nd Sunday of Advent, 1st Sunday Music
10:00 Worship in person and online, Communion, First Sunday Music
11:00 Coffee Fellowship with Connections
11:30 The Book of Mark reading group
1:30 Laura Harding student recital
Monday Dec 8
10-11 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
2-7 Voice lessons
7pm UCC @ Good Shepherd
Tuesday Dec 9
9:00 Friendly Service
12-4 Elder network
2-7 Voice lessons
Wednesday Dec 10
9:45 Connections Coffee Pot
5:15 Choir
5:30 Children’s program small group
6:30 Spirit on Screen, Miracle on 34th St
Thursday Dec 11
Office hours 10-1 pm
9:00 Walking group@Church
4:30 Holy Happy Hour
Next Sunday Dec 14, KXRA Radio Sunday
9:15 Choir
10:00 Worship in person and online, KXRA
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
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.
Office Hours this week
The office will close early on Thursday. Joy is typically here and available Tues-Thurs from 10-2 pm Tues-Thursday. This week the office will close at 1 pm.
Reading the Gospel of Mark
Join us as we discuss the Gospel of Mark on December 7 at 11:30 in the Cambridge Room. It should be about an hour long. You are encouraged to read the gospel before we meet, but it is not required.
DART Ball Team
Our game will be at Good Shepherd on Dec 8 at 7 pm.
Choir rehearsal
The choir rehearses on Wednesdays at 5:15 and at 9 am each Sunday they sing. You are more than welcome to come to a rehearsal and sing with the choir.
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.
Spirit on Screen
Join us Wednesday at 6:30 in the Cambridge Rm or Sanctuary for Miracle on 34th St. We will have popcorn and a beverage as we watch this Christmas classic.
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. Also we will need baked goods for a bake sale and cookies for the dessert.
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 26 lights so far.
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
Judy Rose 12/14
Diane Severson 12/14
Mary Jo Hochsprung 12/16
Patty Puyear 12/16
Carol Zavadil 12/18
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
Living Nativity
First Lutheran is hosting a Living Nativity on Dec 7 4:30-6:30 pm.
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
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.
