Transfirguration Sunday February 15, 2026
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD
PRELUDE Brad Lambrecht
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Pastor Jill
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER Pastor Jill
*CALL TO WORSHIP Marcie Watson
Leader: God of light, spark of Creation, fire of love, you dazzle us!
All: Your glory is beyond our understanding. We worship you in awe.
Leader: Christ, pillar of fire, light of the world, your love illumines our path as you lead us toward freedom.
All: Your grace is beyond our comprehension. We follow you in trust.
Leader: Holy Spirit, sun of our hearts, you enlighten us.
All: In the mystery of your presence, may we ourselves become flame.
*OPENING HYMN Jesus Take Us to the Mountain Blk 183 vs 1-5
*UNISON PRAYER Marcie
Light of God, you shine upon us, and we worship you. The rising dawn of your mercy envelops us, and awakens our hearts. The gentle glow of your forgiveness brings life to our spirit like flowers in spring. The radiance of your Word lights our path and leads our way. And Christ, the pillar of fire that goes before us, leads us always toward love and justice. By your grace, we listen, and we follow. Amen.
*ACT OF PRAISE Blk 8, v 4
Praise to the living God.
around, within, above,
beyond the grasp of human kind,
but whom we know as love,
in these tumultuous days,
so full of hope and strife,
may we bear witness to the Way,
O Source and Goal of life.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE Marcie
GOD SPEAKS TO US
READING FROM THE HEBREW BIBLE Exodus 33:18-23 Marcie
18 Moses said, “Please show me your glory.”
19 And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you the name, ‘The Lord,’ and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
20 But,” God said, “you cannot see my face, for no one shall see me and live.” 21 And God continued, “See, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock,
22 and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by;
23 then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.”
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH
READING FROM THE Gospel Matthew 17:1-9 Pastor Jill
The Transfiguration 17 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves.
2 And Jesus was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became bright as light. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.
4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will set up three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5 While Peter was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!”
6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.”
8 And when they raised their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
HYMN OF PREPARATION Let There Be Peace on Earth W& R 614
On screen and in bulletin
SERMON “Reverence” Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
MUSIC FOR REFLECTION Brad Lambrecht
D. Ziemer, Saxophone
WE RESPOND TO GOD
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 Brad Lambrecht
*DOXOLOGY Old Hundredth, Vicki Kemper
Praise God whose light upon us shines,
Praise Word made flesh by Love’s design,
Praise Spirit who reveals the way,
To wise ones seeking to this day.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION Pastor Jill
*CLOSING Hymn Renew Your Church Blk 311 vs 1-4
On screen and in bulletin
BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH Pastor Jill
POSTLUDE Brad Lambrecht
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY February 15, 2026
Sunday February 15, Transfiguration Sunday
10:00 Worship in person and online,
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:30 Book discussion group
5:00 A service of Lament & Healing
Monday February 16
10:00 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
2:-7 Voice lessons
6:30 Confirmation UMC
Tuesday February 17
8-4 VITA tax services
11:30 Lunch bunch
2-7 Voice lessons
5:00 Board of Administration
6:00 Council Meeting
Wednesday February 18, Ash Wednesday
Office Hour change 1-5:30 pm
8-4 VITA tax services
12:00 Ash Wednesday service
4:00 Choir
5:30 Ash Wednesday service
Thursday February 19
9:00 Walking group@mall
9:30 Morning Circle
4:30 Holy Happy Hour @ Pike and Pint
Next Sunday February 22
9:15 Choir
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:30 Book discussion group
12:00 Dartball tournament @ Good Shepherd
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.
Today, 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 15, at 11:30 a.m. This session will be no longer than one hour and will focus on Chapters 2 & 8.
Ecumenical Service of Lament and Healing
Tonight! Please join us here in our sanctuary at 5 p.m. for an ecumenical Service of Lament and Healing. In this difficult time in the life of our nation, gathering to hold space for our grief and for each other as well as for our hopes and dreams is essential. We hope you will join us!
Confirmation
We will have confirmation at United Methodist at 6:30 pm.
Lunch Bunch
Our next luncheon is on Tuesday, January 20 . We will meet at the Grand Arbor’s Pioneer Grill. Everyone is welcome to join us.
Tuesday is Meeting Day
The Board of Administration and Council meet on Tuesday. If you have an agenda item contact the office, Pastor Jill or either Bruce Bina or Clayton Mielke.
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 rehearsal begins at 4 pm on Wednesday. They will sing for Ash Wednesday service at 5:30. Beginning February 26 they will rehearse on Thursdays at 5:15 through Holy Week. They will also rehearse Sunday mornings at 9 am on the Sundays on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month.
Ash Wednesday services
Join us either at noon or 5:30 in Fellowship Hall for our Ash Wednesday Service. Please help us set for the Ash Wednesday services after church today.
Morning Circle
The Morning Circle will meet this Thursday at 9:30 in the Cambridge Room, for devotions, a coffee and refreshments and a brief business meeting.
Dartball Tournament
Sunday February 22 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church tournament begins at 1 pm, lunch begins at noon. Come cheer on our team.
Come walk our Labyrinth: A path for Contemplative Prayer
The labyrinth will be open on Mondays beginning February 23 from 4-6. 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.
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 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.
Direct Thrivent Choice Dollars by March 31st
Eligible Thrivent Financial members with available Choice Dollars have until March 31, 2025, 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.
BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Lilyanna Johnson Schauff 02/23
Annie Clark 02/24
Laurie Kroening 02/28
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.
Upcoming Events or Community Events
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.
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.
Knitting Group Fundraiser
Currently a group of knitters meets Mondays 11-1 at Rancho Viejo’s back room. They also meet on Tuesday evenings (5-8) next to RAW & Co at 110 6th Ave E, Suite B. This location has stairs. The group are knitting Red Resistance Hats as part of a mutual aid fundraiser.
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.
