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 Betty Anderson
One: God loves the field mouse.
Many: God loves the crows that take flight when church bells ring.
One: God loves the baby, cooing in the back pew.
Many: God loves the child who rocks and claps.
One: God loves the one with wrinkled hands and soft eyes.
Many: God loves the bumblebees and the tabby cats.
One: God loves those who walk, crawl, and roll.
Many: God loves the giant oaks and the evergreens,standing strong over all of us.
One: God loves the young, the impressionable, and the earnest.
Many: There is no bit of creation that God does not love.
One: So let us worship this good-news God!
Many: Amen.
*OPENING HYMN Surely No One Can Be Safe, Blk 487 vs 1-4
*CALL TO CONFESSION Betty
Family of Faith, every week we pray the Prayer of Confession, because every week we need to be reminded of God’s abundant grace. Every week we need to be reminded of God’s love.
Every week we need to be reminded that we too can grow and change.
So join me in this moment of honesty as we seek transformation.
Friends, let us pray:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION and Words of Forgiveness Betty
One: God said, “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them.” (Leviticus 19:33)
Many: Holy God, we confess, we have mistreated the immigrants in our land.
One: Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Many: We confess, we have clung to guns and war more than we have pursued peace.
One: God said, “When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, do not glean what is left; it shall be for the alien, the orphan, and the widow.” (Deuteronomy 24:21)
Many: We confess, we have hoarded our resources and failed to care for our neighbors.
One: Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them.” (Matthew 9:14)
Many: We confess, we have gatekept the good news in unfair ways.
One: Fortunately for all of us, God also said, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;I have called you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)
Many: By God’s grace, despite our sin and shortcomings, we are redeemed, claimed, forgiven, and loved. May this good news change our lives! Amen.
*GLORIA tune from blk 759
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE Betty
GOD SPEAKS TO US
THE Reading from the Hebrew Bible Deuteronomy 24:17-22 Betty
17 “You shall not deprive a resident alien or an orphan of justice; you shall not take a widow’s garment in pledge.
18 Remember that you were a slave in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there; therefore I command you to do this.
19 “When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be left for the alien, the orphan, and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all your undertakings.
20 When you beat your olive trees, do not strip what is left; it shall be for the alien, the orphan, and the widow.
21 “When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, do not glean what is left; it shall be for the alien, the orphan, and the widow.
22 Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I am commanding you to do this.
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH
THE GOSPEL READING Matthew 19:13-15 Pastor Jill
Jesus Blesses Little Children 13 Then children were being brought to Jesus in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them,
14 but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” 15 And Jesus laid his hands on them and went on his way.
HYMN OF PREPARATION When the Poor Ones W&R 624 vs 1-2
on screen and in bulletin
SERMON The Good News Is: Protection and Care for the Vulnerable Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
MUSICAL REFLECTION Brad Lambrecht
WE RESPOND TO GOD
Reception of New Members
Invitation
We invite to come forward those who wish to affirm their baptism by uniting with us in this household of faith.
Received into Full Membership:
Dick Bromley, Connie Burns, Rick Butte, Bernie Obrigewitsch, Jennie Schleppenbach
Leslie Woolery
Received into Associate Membership: Jan Finazzo, Mary Platt
Friends in Christ, we all are received into the church through the Sacrament of Baptism. These people have found nurture and support in the midst of the family of Christ. Through prayer and study, they have been led by the Holy Spirit to affirm their baptism and to claim in our presence their covenantal relationship between Christ and members of the church. They are here for service to Jesus Christ, using the gifts which the Holy Spirit bestows.
Sentences
Questions of the Candidates
*Affirmation of Faith
Pastor: Please rise and let us unite with the church in all times and places in confessing our faith in the triune God.
Do you believe in God?
All: I believe in God.
Pastor: Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
All: I believe in Jesus Christ.
Pastor: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit.
All: I believe in the Holy Spirit.
(the Congregation may be seated)
Address
Question about Participation
Welcome and Reception
Pastor: Let us, the members of the First Congregational United Church of Christ express our welcome and affirm our mutual ministry in Christ.
Congregation: We welcome you with joy in the common life of this church. We promise you our friendship and prayers as we share in the hopes and labors of the church of Jesus Christ, By the power of the Holy Spirit, may we continue to grow together in the knowledge of God and in love and be witnesses of our risen Savior.
Greeting of Christian Love Prayer
Pastor: Let us pray. O God, we praise you for calling us to faith and for gathering us into the church, the body of Christ. We thank you for your people gathered in this local church and rejoice that you have increased our community of faith. Together, may we live in the Spirit, building one another up in love, sharing in the life, worship, and ministry of the church, and serving the world for the sake of Jesus Christ.
People: Amen.
Hymn They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love W &R 595 vs 1-3
on screen & bulletin
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, Mary Luti
Praise God, the source of breath and birth,
Who formed us from the dust of earth,
And made us one humanity
To love and set each other free.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION Pastor Jill
*SENDING HYMN See the Precious Children vs 1,3, 5
on screen & bulletin
*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH Pastor Jill
As you leave this place,
when you meet anger, speak with love.
When you meet fear, speak with hope.
When you meet pain, speak with gentleness.
But no matter what, speak this good news.
For the good news of the gospel is
love and justice for all.
It is joy that surprises,
and nonviolence that transforms.
The good news of the gospel is alive in the world,
so go forth speaking.
For if you won’t, then who will?
Thanks be to God
for this good, good news.
Amen.
*POSTLUDE Brad Lambrecht
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY March 15, 2026
Sunday March 15, New Member Sunday
9:30 Centering Prayer
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship, New Member Reception
11:30 Book discussion group
Monday March 16
10:00 No “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
2-7 Voice lessons
4-6 Labyrinth open
6:30 Confirmation here
Tuesday March 17
8-4 VITA tax services
11:30 Lunch bunch
5:00 Board of Administration
6 pm Church Council
Wednesday March 18
8-4 VITA tax services
5:15 Lenten dinner/discussion group
5:30 Children’s program small group
Thursday March 19
9:00 Walking group@mall
9:30 Morning Circle
4:30 Holy Happy Hour @ Pike and Pint
5:15 Choir rehearsal
Saturday March 21
11:00 Celebration of Life of Bill Riggs
Next Sunday March 22,
9:15 Choir rehearsal
9:30 Centering Prayer
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:30 Book discussion group
Today is New Member Sunday
Today we are welcoming the following new members: Dick Bromley, Connie Burns, Rick Butte, Bernie Obrigewitsch, Jennie Schleppenbach, Leslie Woolery, Jan Finazzo, and Mary Platt. Please plan to stay for cake and coffee following the service.
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.
Centering Prayer
You are invited to join Marcie Watson in the Cambridge Room for a time of centering prayer from 9:30-9:50 am during the season of Lent.
Today, Book Study Group
Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang. Join us for our group book study exploring faith, civic life, and the call to love our neighbors.
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.
Lunch bunch
Join us for lunch on Tuesday March 17 at the Pioneer Grill at Grand Arbor. All are welcome.
Tuesday is meeting day
The Board of Administration and the Church Council meets on Tuesday evening. If you have an agenda item, please let the office know.
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.
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).
Morning Circle
Morning Circle meets on March 19 at 9:30 am. Coffee and a treat will be served. There will also be devotionals and a brief business meeting.
Choir rehearsal
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.
Angel Care Team March
Betty Anderson and Joy Wrolson are the Angels for the month of March. If you know of a need, please let the office know.
Bountiful Basket
The Bountiful Basket will be collecting for the Outreach Food shelf in March. Non-perishable food and money are needed. A list of most desired items will be posted on the basket soon.
Worship Volunteers Needed
We have sign ups at the back of the sanctuary for volunteers interested in ushering, greeting and providing coffee fellowship. You are free to sign up for as many as you wish at a time. If you are interested in tech, let someone at the tech desk know and we can train you on the job.
One Great Hour of Sharing
One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is a Special Mission Offering of the United Church of Christ that supports partners worldwide with ministries that fund health, education, and agricultural development, emergency relief, refugee ministries, and both international and domestic disaster response. Thank you for your support of this offering!
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
Jerald Fulton 03/24
Martha Hartz 03/26
Darcell Danziesen 03/27
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. Hymn request forms can be found in the pews.
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.
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.
Empty Bowls Project
4th Annual Empty Bowls Project is happening at AAHS Commons! March 19 5-7 pm. Tickets sold at the door $10 for simple soup meal and $15 for meal+ hand crafted pottery bowl from AAHS Pottery classes! All proceeds go to Outreach Food Shelf, AAHS & DMS food shelves, United Way’s Backpack Attack/Mobile Food Drop!
Evening Prayer Services
All are welcome to join the First Lutheran Care for Creation team for a time of music, scripture, and prayer on the March 22, April 19, May 17 (typically the 3rd Sunday of the month) at 5:00pm. The purpose is to pray for the world, for peace, for all leaders, for creation, and for God’s presence in our lives.
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.
