SENDING SONG Sing Wherever I Go
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany February 1, 2026
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD
Gathering Songs UCC Praise Band
Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly, I Speak Jesus, Sing Wherever I Go
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Pastor Jill
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER Pastor Jill
*CALL TO WORSHIP Pastor Jill
Leader: When we hunger and thirst for God,
All: God satisfies us.
Leader: When we are weak or brokenhearted,
All: God comforts and heals us.
Leader: When we seek to be peacemakers and do justice, and despair of our smallness,
All: God empowers us. God we thank you; we praise you; we worship you. Alleluia!
*OPENING SONG Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly *OPENING PRAYER Pastor Jill
Gracious God, we come to you poor in spirit. Fill us with the riches of your Word. We come to you hungry for justice. Give us hope and joy. We come to you powerless in this violent world. May we inherit the world of your grace. We come to you desiring to be your peacemakers. Bless us that we might receive your Spirit, and serve you in the name of Christ. Amen.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE Pastor Jill
GOD SPEAKS TO US IN WORD AND SACRAMENT
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH
This Little Light of Mine
READING FROM THE Gospel Matthew 5:1-12 Pastor Jill
The Beatitudes 5 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And Jesus began to speak and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Song OF PREPARATION The Goodness of God on screen and in music handout
SERMON Unconventional Blessings Rev. Wendy Vander Hart
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
COMMUNION PRAYER
Leader: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Realm of God.
All: We are poor beggars, O God. Feed us with your grace.
Leader: Blessed are the broken hearted, for God holds them close.
All: In this broken bread, hold us and comfort us.
Leader: Blessed are the gentle, for you give them all of Life.
All: Nourish us with Christ’s tender love, that we, too may be gentle.
Leader: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for deeper love.
All: Satisfy us with your love; and deepen our hunger and thirst for you.
Leader: Blessed are they who are merciful, knowing you shower them with mercy.
All: We give thanks for your mercy, that we too may live lives of mercy.
Leader: Blessed are those who are pure in love, for they shall see God.
All: In this meal fill us with the love of Christ for all the world.
Leader: Blessed are those who bring reconciliation, for they are God’s beloved children.
All: In this meal we are one, all of us saints and sinners,
at peace with you and with one another.
Leader: Blessed are those whom the world scorns, for God is present with them.
All: Sharing this meal, we are one with the outcast of this world, as Jesus was an outcast.
The Blessing and the Covenant
Pour out your Holy Spirit on these gifts of bread and cup,
that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ.
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us,
that we may be the Body of Christ for the world.
Strengthen us with courage to bear witness to love and to work for justice,
to devote our lives to nonviolence and the mending of the world,
despite the world’s resistance, to be your saints in the name of Christ.
Amen.
On the night in which he gave himself for us
Jesus took bread, blessed it,. broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying,
“Take and eat; this is my body.”
In the same way, after the supper he took the cup,
blessed it with thanks and gave it to them, saying,
“Drink of this, all of you. This is my blood,
poured out for you and for many, in a new Covenant,
which is the forgiveness of sin.”
As long as we break this bread and share this cup
we remember his death and resurrection, until he comes again.
Giving of 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:
I Speak Jesus, Messiah Camp Song
Prayer after Communion (Unison): Gracious God, we thank you for this mystery in which you have given yourself to us. We entrust ourselves to your grace, surrender to your desire for us, and go forth as your light, for the sake of the healing of all Creation. Amen.
WE RESPOND TO GOD
Prayer Song Spirit Intercedes
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS, PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE, Pastor Jill
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
OFFERTORY Messiah Camp Song Instrumental
*DOXOLOGY Come Thou Fount on screen and music handout
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION Pastor Jill
*CLOSING SONG Sing Wherever I Go on screen and music handout
BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH Pastor Wendy
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY February 1, 2026
THE WEEKLY CALENDAR
Sunday February 1
10:00 Worship in person and online, First Sunday Music
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:30 Generosity:Now and Later
Monday February 2
10:00 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
2-7 Voice lessons
6:30 Confirmation at Glenwood United Parish
7:00 UCC @ St. John’s
Tuesday February 3
8-4 VITA tax services
2-7 Voice lessons
Wednesday February 4
8-4 VITA tax services
4-6 Labyrinth open
5:15 Choir
5:30 Children’s program small group
6:00- Get Acquainted dinner
Thursday February 5
9:00 Walking group@mall
11:30 am Social Gathering/Morning Circle Host
4:30 Holy Happy Hour
Next Sunday February 8, KXRA Radio Sunday
9:15 Choir
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:30 Book discussion group
Today is Communion Sunday
All are welcome at God’s Table. 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.
We welcome the Rev. Wendy Vander Hart to Alexandria today! She is an ordained UCC minister who has served local churches and in conference staff positions, and currently serves on the Minnesota Conference UCC staff. Wendy is passionate about helping communities discern and live into their God-given mission and purpose. She is committed to living the love and justice of Jesus. Wendy will bring the message this morning—and lead a workshop: “Generosity: Now and Later” beginning at 11:30 this morning. Lunch will be served.
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.
Star Words
Did you receive a star word to guide you through 2026? If not, there are still star words available in the back of the sanctuary. Get yours today.
DART Ball Team
Our game will be at St. John’s at 7 pm on Feb 2
Come walk our Labyrinth: A path for Contemplative Prayer
The labyrinth will be open Wednesdays from 4-6 pm. 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.
On Wednesdays, the labyrinth will be prepared and ready for walking, with no need for participants to move furniture or make arrangements. Information will be available about different ways to walk and pray within the labyrinth. However, participants are encouraged to know that there is no wrong way to walk or pray—the path is open to personal interpretation and individual experience.
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.
Choir rehearsal
The choir rehearses on Wednesdays at 5:15 pm and at 9 am each Sunday that they sing. You are more than welcome to come to a rehearsal and sing with the choir.
GET ACQUAINTED GATHERING
If you are new to the church, the Connections Team invites you to join us for a light meal on Wednesday, February 4 at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall. This is a great time to get to know more about the UCC, our congregation, and each other. If you plan to come, please contact the church office or Pastor Jill (jill@firstcongregationaluccalex.com).
Social Gathering Hosted by Morning Circle
1st Thursday February 5, 11:30 am. Bring your own lunch. There will be no program.
Angel Care Team February
Katy Mohabir and Julie Thompson are the Angels for the month of February. If you know of a need, please let the office know.
Bountiful Basket
The Bountiful Basket will be collecting for Love, Inc in January and February. Lists of needed items will be posted on the Basket (but will include household cleaning products, paper products and other similar items.)
VIRTUAL GIVING OPTIONS: ONLINE AND TEXTCheck 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
Ron Branch 02/08
Eric LeBrasseur 02/09
Aaron Larson 02/10
Eric Larson 02/10
Glenda Richardson 02/11
Pam Randle 02/14
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.
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.
Upcoming Events
Group Book Study
Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang. Join us for a new group book study exploring faith, civic life, and the call to love our neighbors. Our first meeting will be held Sunday, February 8, at 11:30 a.m. The initial session will be no longer than one hour and will focus on the Introduction and first two chapters of the book. Watch for additional details in the coming weeks.If you are interested or would like to sign up, please contact the Church Office.
Ecumenical Service of Lament and Healing
We will host a service of Lament and healing on February 15 at 5 pm. In a time of sorrow and unrest, let us come together in prayer, reflection and hope. Join us in person or online via YouTube.
Ash Wednesday services
Join us either at noon or 5:30 in Fellowship Hall for our Ash Wednesday Service.
Wednesdays Lenten Discussion and Light Meal
Join us Wednesdays beginning February 25 at 5:15. We will serve a light meal and use the study Way of Life to direct our conversations. We have a participant guide available for you to use. If you wish to defray cost, a donation is appreciated. Please bring a bible (we will have additional ones available too). If you are available to volunteer to cook and serve a meal, please let the office know.
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.
