Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany February 8, 2026
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD
PRELUDE Diane Alveshere
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Pastor Jill
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER Pastor Jill
INTROIT We are Marching in the Light of God
*CALL TO WORSHIP Betty Cichy-Anderson
Leader: Creator God, Light of heaven, we praise you!
All: Risen Christ, light of the world, we greet you!
Leader: Holy Spirit, light of God within us, we shine with your loveliness.
All: Our lives are your praise. Our Being is your glory.
Leader: God, you have created us to shine with your love.
All: We confess that we have hidden your light; but you forgive us, restore your radiance in us, and give us as light to the world. We thank you.
Leader: May your light redeem us, and gleam in us with beauty.
All: Alleluia! Come, Spirit of Light, and transform us by your grace.
*OPENING HYMN For the Healing of the Nations Blk 576 vs 1-4
*OPENING PRAYER Betty
Gracious God, Jesus expressed great faith in us, calling us salt for the earth and light for the world. Kindle your light in us through the reading of scripture and the proclamation of your Word, in prayer and in song, in bread and in silence. Light the lamps of our hearts that we may radiate with your love, in the name and the spirit of Christ. 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 Betty
GOD SPEAKS TO US
ANTHEM Here I Am, Lord from With One Voice
READING FROM THE HEBREW BIBLE Isaiah 58:1-12 Betty
False and True Worship 58 Shout out; do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins.
2 Yet day after day they seek me and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that practiced righteousness and did not forsake the ordinance of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments; they want God on their side.,
3 “Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?” Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day and oppress all your workers.
4 You fast only to quarrel and to fight and to strike with a wicked fist. Such fasting as you do today will not make your voice heard on high.
5 Is such the fast that I choose, a day to humble oneself? Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush and to lie in sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?
6 Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them and not to hide yourself from your own kin?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, “Here I am.” If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
10 if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.
11 The Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your needs in parched places and make your bones strong, and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters never fail.
12 Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH
READING FROM THE Gospel Matthew 5:13-30 Pastor Jill
Salt and Light 13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
The Law and the Prophets 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.
18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.
19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Concerning Anger 21 “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’
22 But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment, and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council, and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire.
23 So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you,
24 leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.
25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison.
26 Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. Concerning Adultery 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’
28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.,
30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.
HYMN OF PREPARATION O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright Red 39 v 1-4
SERMON “Becoming A People of Influence” Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
MUSIC FOR REFLECTION Diane Alveshere
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 Diane Alveshere
*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 On Eagles Wings Worship & Rejoice 438 vs 1-3
On screen and in bulletin
BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH Pastor Jill
CHORAL RESPONSE This Little Light of Mine Joel Raney
POSTLUDE Diane Alveshere
Today’s liturgy was written by the Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes and is posted on his website—www.unfoldinglight.net
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY February 8, 2026
THE WEEKLY CALENDAR
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
Monday February 9
10-11 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
2-7 Voice lessons
7 pm Villard @ UCC
Tuesday February 10
8-4 VITA tax services
9:00 Friendly Service
12:00 Elder network
2-7 Voice lessons
Wednesday February 11
Office Hour change 1-7 pm
8-4 VITA tax services
2:15 Connections
4-6 Labyrinth open
5:15 Choir
5:30 Childrens program small group
Thursday February 12
9:00 Walking group@mall
4:30 Holy Happy Hour
Next Sunday February 15
10:00 Worship in person and online,
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:30 Book discussion group
5:00 A service of Lament & Healing
KXRA Radio Sunday
We extend a warm welcome and greetingto our KXRA listeners this morning. Our service is broadcast the 2nd Sunday of the month at 11:00 am. Today’s broadcast is sponsored by Judy Kuhlmann and family in loving memory of Vern.
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 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.. If you are interested or would like to sign up, please contact the Church Office.
PASTOR JILL’S Office Hours
Pastor Jill will be participating in a required “Clergy Ethics” training in Iowa all day Thursday which means she will be out of the office on Wednesday and Thursday. Call the church office or Rev. Marc Blakesley for pastoral emergencies.
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.
DART Ball Team
Our game will be at here at 7 pm on Feb 9.
Friendly Service
Join us Tuesday February 10 at 9 am. Come help us tie quilts and otherwise finish quilts.
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.
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.
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
Niki Froemming 02/15
Joyce Hodge 02/16
Phil Pham 02/16
Brian Chlian 02/18
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.
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
Ecumenical Service of Lament and Healing
Next Sunday, 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!
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.
