Second Sunday in Lent February 25, 2024 10:00 AM
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Dr Jill Sanders
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER
Choral Introit Sing and Rejoice
Sing and rejoice
sing and rejoice
Let all things living
now sing and rejoice. (X 2)
*CALL TO WORSHIP Judy Rose
ONE: Please rise in body and/or spirit and join me in the Call to Worship and remain standing through the Passing the Peace.
One: God welcomes the dreamers and the doubters,
Many: the courageous and the fearful,
One: the hungry and the hopeful,
Many: the impatient and the reserved.
One: God welcomes the young and the old,
Many: the poets and the prophets,
One: the faithful and the tired,
Many: the curious and the convicted.
One: Wherever you are on your journey, wherever your boat is at sea,
Many: there is room for all to gather here.
One: This is God’s house.
Many: Let us worship the one whom even the seas obey.
*OPENING HYMN “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” Black 459 1-3
*CALL TO CONFESSION Judy
In our scripture passage for today, Peter is out on a boat with the disciples when a storm hits. Instead of cowering in fear, Peter spots Jesus on the water and bravely crawls out of the boat to move closer to Christ. Friends, I think the prayer of confession is one way that we do the same; it’s one way that we can crawl out of our boats. And here’s what I mean: In the prayer of confession, we are honest about the storms that rage within and around us. In this prayer, we speak with honesty in an effort to move closer to God. This is our moment to crawl out of the boat. So friends, let’s be like Peter. Join me in being courageous. Join me in truth-telling. Join me in prayer. It’s time to get our feet wet. Let us pray together:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison) Judy
Gracious God, There are days that threaten to swallow us, days when the storms of life feel too big. In those moments, we often cling to the sides of our ships in fear, spending more energy hiding from storms than looking for you. Forgive us for doubting ourselves. Forgive us for doubting you. Rescue us from the storms of today and from the fears that trap us. With hope in our hearts we pray, amen.
WORDS OF FORGIVENESS Judy
Family of faith, You could get out of the boat and walk on water like Peter, or fall to your knees and stay in one place. No matter what you do, Christ’s love for you is unchanging. Fearful or brave, faithful or doubting, Christ is always walking toward you. So hear and believe this good news: God’s love is stronger than any storms. On our best days, and on our worst days, we are seen, forgiven, and loved. God is always walking toward you. Thanks be to God! 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 Judy
THE READING FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES: Psalm 22:23-31 Judy
23 You who fear the Lord, praise him!
All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him;
stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!
24 For he did not despise or abhor
the affliction of the afflicted;
he did not hide his face from me,
but heard when I cried to him.
25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation;
my vows I will pay before those who fear him.
26 The poor shall eat and be satisfied;
those who seek him shall praise the Lord.
May your hearts live forever!
27 All the ends of the earth shall remember
and turn to the Lord;
and all the families of the nations
shall worship before him.
28 For dominion belongs to the Lord,
and he rules over the nations.
29 To him, indeed, shall all who sleep in the earth bow down;
before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,
and I shall live for him.
30 Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord,
31 and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn,
saying that he has done it.
Choral Anthem Jesus Walked this Lonesome Valley
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Pastor Jill
THE READING FROM THE GOSPEL: Matthew 14:22-33 Pastor Jill
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea.
26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
28 Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus.
30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
HYMN OF PREPARATION God’s Eye is on the Sparrow Blk 475
SERMON Wandering Heart: Rescue Me from Danger Rev. Dr Jill Sanders
MUSIC for REFLECTION Diane Alveshere
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
I believe in a God who moves toward me when storms rage.
I believe in a God who invites me to be brave.
I believe in a God whom the wind and waves obey.
I believe in a God who knows my name.
I believe in a God of love.
I am not afraid. 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 Dear God, Embracing Humankind Blk 502 vs 1,2, 4
*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.
CHORAL BENEDICTION
May the peace of the Lord bring joy.
May the peace of the Lord bring love.
May the peace of the lord bring comfort.
May the peace of the Lord bring hope;
May the peace of the Lord bring rest.
May the peace of the Lord bring lifre.
May the peace of the Lord surround you.
May the peace of the Lord go with you.
Amen.
POSTLUDE MUSIC Diane Alveshere
| The Call to Worship, Confession and Affirmation of Faith is from Sanctified Art Wandering Heart Words for Worship and used with permission. The Prayer of our Savior is from the New Zealand prayer book. |
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| 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 25, 2024
The Weekly Calendar
Sunday February 25 Worship
9:15 Choir
10:00 Worship in person and online
1:00 Dartball Final tournament @ Villard
Monday February 26
10:00 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros.
Tuesday February 27
8-5 VITA Tax preparation WCMCA
12-4 Elder Network
Wednesday February 28
8-5 VITA Tax preparation WCMCA
5:15 Lenten dinner and program
Thursday February 29
9:00 Walking group @Church or Mall
4:30 Holy Happy Hour
5:15 Choir rehearsal
Sunday March 3 Communion, First Sunday
10:00 Worship in person and online
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.
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
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.
Men’s Dartball
Contact Clayton for more information. The tournament will be February 25 at 1 pm.
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
Barb Brown 03/04
Shirley Otto 03/04
If the office has missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact us.
Community Events
Habitat Restore community-wide pick up
The Greater Alexandria Area Association of REALTORS will be picking up donations for the ReStore on March 15. Donations accepted: appliances, building materials, cabinets, countertops, furniture, lighting and more. Call 320-335-0794 to schedule a pick-up. Sign ups will be taken until March 12.
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
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.
