1st Sunday of Lent
First Sunday in Lent February 18, 2024 10:00 AM
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Dr Jill Sanders
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER
*CALL TO WORSHIP Evelyn Henrickson
One: Come in. Feel your feet on the floor. Settle your worries. Take a deep breath. Dust the cobwebs from your ears. Relax the tension in your jaw,
Many: for Christ is here. God never stops seeking us.
One: We have been found.
Many: Let us find God in return.
One: Let us worship the God of deep waters. Amen.
*OPENING HYMN “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing Blk 459, vs1-3
*CALL TO CONFESSION Evelyn
In our scripture passage for today, we will read about Jesus calling Peter to be a disciple. In the story, Peter is in the presence of the Divine for quite some time before he realizes it. Jesus crawls into Peter’s boat. He tells him to head toward deep water. Together, they let the nets down. And it is only when the boat threatens to sink, due to the extreme abundance of fish, that Peter turns to Jesus and truly sees who’s in his boat. Sometimes we miss what’s right in front of us. Fortunately, Christ keeps crawling into our boats anyhow. So join me in the prayer of confession, not out of fear, but out of a desire to finally see who’s right in front of us. Let us pray:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison) Evelyn
Loving God, You call us by name. You join us in the deep waters of life. You invite us to drop our nets and follow you, and yet, more often than we’d like to admit, we are like Peter. Over and over again, we stand slack jawed and surprised to find you in our midst. Forgive us for drowning out your voice with our own. Forgive us for assuming that we can tackle deep waters by ourselves. Forgive us for forgetting that you will never stop climbing into our boat. Turn our hearts, our minds, and our spirits toward you, for you are the Lord our God, and it is in your name that we pray. Amen.
WORDS OF FORGIVENESS Evelyn
Friends, Peter didn’t exactly make a good first impression when Jesus got into his boat. He questioned dropping his nets, as they hadn’t caught any fish all night. He was oblivious to who Christ was for quite some time, and once he realized the Divinity standing in his boat, he quickly deemed himself unworthy. And even still, Jesus called Peter a disciple and a friend. Church family, hear and believe this good news: You can make a thousand bad impressions. You can make every mistake in the book, roll your eyes, and assume you know better. And even still, Christ will forgive you, claim you, and continue to seek your heart. That is the good news of the gospel. Rest, celebrate, and trust in that. Amen.
*GLORIA Black 419, vs 3
All praise and thanks to God
our Maker now be given,
to Christ and Spirit too,
our help in highest heaven
the one eternal God,
whom earth and heaven adore;
for thus it was, is now,
and shall be evermore.
*PASSING THE PEACE Evelyn
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)
THE READING FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES: Psalm 25:1-10 Evelyn
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, in you I trust;
do not let me be put to shame;
do not let my enemies exult over me.
3 Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame;
let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long.
6 Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!
8 Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Pastor Jill
THE READING FROM THE GOSPEL: Luke 5:1-11 Pastor Jill
Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, 2 he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets.
3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”
5 Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break.
7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”
9 For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.”
11 When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
HYMN OF PREPARATION “You Walk Along Our Shoreline” Black 504 1-3
SERMON Jesus Sought Me Rev. Dr Jill Sanders
MUSIC for REFLECTION Margaret Kalina
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
One: I believe in a God of abundance—
Many: a God who sees possibilities where I cannot, and who holds onto hope when I am at the end of my rope.
One: I believe in a God who comforts—
Many: a God who says, “Do not be afraid;” a God who joins me in life’s deep waters.
One: I believe in a God who invites—
Many: a God who says, “Follow me,” and, “You will be fishers of people.”
One: I believe in a God who seeks after me relentlessly and persistently—
Many: a God of second chances and boundless mercy; a God who calls us by name.
All: We believe. Help our unbelief. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE, PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR
PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR
Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and for ever.
Amen.
– The New Zealand Book of Prayer
INVITATION TO GIVE, GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS:
OFFERTORY MUSIC
*DOXOLOGY Blk 420
We praise you, O God, our Redeemer, Creator;
in grateful devotion our tribute we bring;
we lay it before you; we kneel and adore you;
we bless your holy name: glad praises we sing.
*PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS & PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*CLOSING HYMN Jesus Calls Us, o’er the Tumult Blk 172 vs 1-2 & 5
*Blessing and Sending Forth Pastor Jill
Beloved wanderer,
as you leave this place,
may you carry your curious heart on your sleeve.
May you look for God in every face.
May you find the courage to get out of the boat,
to run to the tomb,
and to speak of your faith.
And when the world falls apart,
may you hear God’s voice deep within,
saying, “Take heart, it is I, be not afraid.”
You are called.
You are blessed.
In both your ups and your downs,
you always belong to God.
Go now in peace.
Go trusting that good news.
Amen.
POSTLUDE MUSIC Margaret Kalina
The Call to Worship, Confession, Affirmation of Faith and Benediction is from Sanctified Art Wandering Heart Words for Worship and used with permission. The sermon slide and music for reflection image is called River of Grace by Lisle Gwynn Garrity, published in Wandering Hearts Lenten devotional and used with permission. The Prayer of our Savior is from the New Zealand prayer book.
| 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 second Sunday of the month. |
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2024
The Weekly Calendar
Sunday February 18 FROG Sunday
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Lilly grant meeting for all subcommittees
11:00 FROG Power hosted lunch/fellowship
FROG activities following lunch
Monday February 19
10:00 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros.
Tuesday February 20
8-5 VITA Tax preparation WCMCA
11:30 Lunch bunch
5:45 Board of Administration
7:00 Council
Wednesday February 21
8-5 VITA Tax preparation WCMCA
5:15 Lenten dinner and program
Thursday February 22
Newsletter Items due
9:00 Walking group @Church or Mall
9:30 Morning Circle
4:30 Holy Happy Hour
5:15 Choir rehearsal
Friday February 23
5:30 Council Dinner
Sunday February 25 Worship
9:15 Choir
10:00 Worship in person and online
1:00 Dartball Final tournament @ Villard
Today is FROG Sunday
Join us for lunch after worship and FROG Power will begin immediately after fellowship. All are welcome to join us.
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.
Wandering Hearts Devotionals
There are devotionals at the back of the sanctuary. If you want one printed and put in your mailbox, let the office know.
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.
Year-end Tax Statements
Thank you for your support and generosity in 2023. Tax statements will be emailed out shortly. If you don’t have email or need a printed copy, please contact the office for it to be mailed out or printed for you.
Direct Thrivent Choice Dollars by March 31
Eligible Thrivent Financial members who have available Choice Dollars have until March 31, 2022, to direct them. Don’t miss this opportunity to recommend that Thrivent Financial provide funding to your church! Go to Thrivent.com/thriventchoice to learn more. Or call 800-847-4836 and say “Thrivent Choice” after the prompt.
VITA Tax Preparation
West Central Minnesota Community Action’s Volunteer Income Tax Preparation will meet here starting on Tuesday. They will be here Tuesdays and Wednesdays, each week, until Tax Day. To make an appointment or to find out more about the program call 320-304-3458.
Lilly Grant
We will have a brief meeting after worship and before we go to lunch downstairs.
To participate in the Lilly Grant Renewal Team for Jill’s 2025 sabbatical. Applications for 2025 are due March 13, 2024.
The goal is to have as many people from our congregation as possible participate in the planning and application process. This ad hoc group will work together for 2 months to dream about what renewal might look like for pastor and congregation. The competition for the grants will be stiff, but we feel it’s worth a try. If you were not able to attend the first meeting you can still participate with a group.
CUE
Our conference-wide conference offering is for Chicago United and Eden seminaries. We will be collecting for the rest of the month. Please use the CUE envelope and/or put CUE in your check memo.
Bountiful Basket
through March 31 we will be collecting for the Douglas County Food shelf. All non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, diapers and monetary donations accepted.
Use of Space at Church
As Tax season begins later this month, many of our rooms will have the West Central’s Volunteer Income Tax prep group in them. Groups from within our church can still use the Family room (shared with VITA), Cambridge Room, and the Fellowship Hall. The Plymouth Room can be used in the evenings and on weekends without issue. Please contact the office if you need to schedule a meeting.
Men’s Dartball
Contact Clayton for more information. The tournament will be February 25 at 1 pm.
Tuesday Lunch Bunch
February 20 at 11:30 a.m at the Pioneer Grill at Grand Arbor. Men and women are welcome. Hope to see you there.
Tuesday Meetings
Board of Administration and the Church Council meet on Tues Feb 20. If you have an agenda item, contact the office or the appropriate chair.
Lenten Dinner Series
Once again we will be having a Lenten Dinner discussion series. Our first meeting is Feb 21 at 5:15 pm. We will have a light meal that we share. The program begins at 6 pm. We have servers for Feb 21 and 28th but we are looking for more servers for the March Wednesdays. The video series is written and produced by Amy-Jill Levine and is called “Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week.” Discussions will be led by Pastor Jill and Joy Wrolson. For those who want to delve deeper there is a book by the same name that you can purchase.
Choir Rehearsal
Choir will have rehearsal on Thursdays, beginning Feb 22 at 5:15pm each week. This is a temporary change during Lent. All are welcome to join. If you cannot attend every rehearsal, you can still be part of the choir.
Help out with Worship
There are sign ups at the back of the church for January-March. If you are able to greet, usher, or read, help serve coffee or clean up after Fellowship, please sign up there.
First Sunday Music Worship Team
Do you like to sing, do you play an instrument? Do you want to join the First Sunday Music worship team. See Kayla or contact the church office for more information.
Child Care Needed:
On the first and fifth Sundays we need volunteers for nursery/child care. Kris Sundberg is available for some of the dates. Please sign up or contact the office to indicate your availability. 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.
Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries
Laurie Kroening 02/28
If the office has missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact us.
Community Events
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Celebration.
The event will be held Father’s Day, June 16th, 2024 at the Alexandria Area High School football field.
If you know or are a Viet Nam veteran who is a resident of Douglas County and want to participate at this event contact: Jeff Timm jefftimm01@gmail.com or 320.760.4893. For more details see www.WelcomeHomeVietnamVeterans.net
About First Congregational United Church of Christ
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.
