Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, KXRA Radio* September 14, 2025
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD
PRELUDE Diane Alveshere
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER Pastor Jill
INTROIT A Welcome Place Williams & Raney
*CALL TO WORSHIP Betty Cichy-Anderson
One: Here in this space, we wear our hearts on our sleeves.
Many: There is no use in filters or walls. This space is an authentic space.
One: This space is a brave space.
Many: For when it comes to God, we are always invited to bring our full selves into the room.
One: So come into this space with your hurt and your joy, your prayers and your dreams.
Many: All of God’s children are welcome here.
One: Let us worship Holy God.
*HYMN OF PRAISE Amazing Grace, Blk #547 Vs 1-4
*CALL TO CONFESSION Betty
If we were to call the prayer of confession by another name,
I would call it a moment for truth telling—
A moment to pause, to reflect,
to be honest about the places we want to grow
and the way we need God’s help.
Family of faith, there is power in honesty.
So pray with me. We worship a loving and gracious God.
Prayer of confession | Truth Telling
A poetic prayer of confession, written for two voices (This can go in the script but doesn’t need to be in the slides)
Betty: I’ve been meaning to ask…
Jill : How are you? What has your year been like? Did you know that I have been thinking of you?
Betty: I have been meaning to ask…
Jill : Is your mom okay? Did your sister find a job? Did you ever think we’d still be here?
Betty: I’ve been meaning to ask…
Jill : Did it get easier? Did the grief subside? Were you ever able to sleep at night?
Betty: I’ve been meaning to ask but I haven’t—
Jill : Because it’s hard. Because I want to say the right thing. Because I’m not sure what you need.
Betty: I’ve been meaning to ask, so I’m sorry for my silence.
Jill : Forgive me. Show me where it hurts.
Betty: Let’s start again.
Jill: Family of faith, we could all use some practice in asking where it hurts. Take a moment of silent prayer to think of the people in your world, in your lives, who may need you to reach out and ask. Give their names to God.
(Pause for silent prayer.)
Betty: Trusting that God hears all things, we say together: Amen.
*WORDS OF FORGIVENESS Betty
One: Family of faith, in the journey to love and care for one another, we are bound to make mistakes. Fortunately for us, we worship a God who showed us how to love, and who extends grace to us when we fail to do so for others. So hear and believe the good news of the gospel:
We are seen. We are heard. We are loved. We are forgiven.
Many: Thanks be to God for this endless grace. Amen.
*THE ACT OF PRAISE (GLORIA) (Black #55. Verse 5)
Praise God who rules all worlds, the risen Christ adore,
Praise God the Spirit, Holy Fire, one God forevermore!
Rejoice, Rejoice, rejoice, give thanks and sing.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE Betty
GOD SPEAKS TO US
CHOIR ANTHEM The Prayer with Lead Us, Lord Sager & Foster, T Fettke
READING FROM THE HEBREW BIBLE 1Samuel 1: 1-18 Betty
Samuel’s Birth and Dedication 1 There was a certain man of Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham son of Elihu son of Tohu son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.
2 He had two wives; the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
3 Now this man used to go up year by year from his town to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord.
4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters,
5 but to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb.
6 Hannah’s rival used to provoke her severely, to irritate her, because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb.
7 So it went on year by year; as often as she went up to the house of the Lord, Peninnah used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat.
8 Her husband Elkanah said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? Why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?”
9 After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the Lord. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord.
10 Hannah was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly.
11 She made this vow: “O Lord of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite until the day of his death. He shall drink neither wine nor intoxicants, and no razor shall touch his head.”
12 As Hannah continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth.
13 Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore Eli thought she was drunk.
14 So Eli said to her, “How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself? Put away your wine.”
15 But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord.
16 Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time.”
17 Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him.”
18 And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your sight.” Then the woman went her way and ate and drank with her husband, and her countenance was sad no longer.,
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH
READING FROM THE GOSPEL Mark 5:21-43 Pastor Jill
A Girl Restored to Life and a Woman Healed 21 When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him, and he was by the sea.
22 Then one of the leaders of the synagogue, named Jairus, came and, when he saw Jesus, fell at his feet
23 and pleaded with Jesus repeatedly, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.”
24 So Jesus went with him. And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. 25 Now there was a woman who had been suffering from a flow of blood for twelve years.
26 She had endured much under many physicians and had spent all that she had, and she was no better but rather grew worse.
27 She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched Jesus’s cloak, 28 for she said, “If I but touch his cloak, I will be made well.”
29 Immediately her flow of blood stopped, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.
30 Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my cloak?”
31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, ‘Who touched me?’ ” 32 He looked all around to see who had done it.
33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before Jesus, and told him the whole truth.
34 Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
35 While he was still speaking, some people came from the synagogue leader’s house to say, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?”
36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the synagogue leader, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” 37 He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James.
38 When they came to the synagogue leader’s house, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly.
39 When he had entered, he said to them, “Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.”
40 And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was.
41 Taking her by the hand, he said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, get up!”
42 And immediately the girl stood up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement.
43 He strictly ordered them that no one should know this and told them to give her something to eat.
HYMN OF PREPARATION Pass Me not, O gentle Savior, Blk #551, Vs. 1,3,4
SERMON Where Does It Hurt? Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
MUSIC FOR REFLECTION Diane Alveshere
WE RESPOND TO GOD
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Unison)
On my best days,
I believe that God is there—standing in the sun with me,
laughing a contagious laugh and cheering me on.
On my hardest days,
I believe that God is there—standing in the rain with me,
holding me up and sharing in my grief.
No matter where I go—
in joy or in loss,
in pain or in love,
in heartache or in gratitude—
I believe that God is there,
leaning in, noticing where it hurts,
and carrying me through it.
And so, I believe we are called
to care for each other
as God cares for us.
On your best days in the sun
and on your worst days in the rain,
I will do my best
to be there for you too. Amen.
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS, PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name,
Thy Kingdom Come,
Thy Will be Done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors,
And Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil,
For thine is the kingdom the power and the glory forever.
Amen.
INVITATION TO GIVE & OFFERING OUR GIFTS PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
*DOXOLOGY Old Hundredth, Matt Laney
Do justice, says the One we praise,
In loving kindness, spend your days,
Walk humbly with the living Christ:
The way, the truth, our endless life.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION Pastor Jill
*SENDING HYMN There is a balm in Gilead, Blk #553, Vs. 1-3
*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH Pastor Jill
Family of faith, as you leave this place, may God grant you the curiosity to counter assumptions, the vulnerability to befriend, the bravery to speak your truth, the wisdom to listen, the strength to ask for help, the resiliency to choose love, even when it’s hard, and the awareness of the Holy Spirit always beside you. In the name of the Great Connector—Love itself, go in peace.
*CHORAL RESPONSE Go Now in Peace, D Besig
Our words for worship today were written by the Rev. Sarah Are, sanctifiedart.org. Sermon slide art is Seen by Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity and inspired by 1 Samuel 1:1-18.
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY Sept 14, 2025
Today Sunday September 14
9:15 Choir rehearsal
10:00 Worship in person and online, KXRA Radio Broadcast
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:30 Adult Education, I’ve Been Meaning to Ask?
Monday September 15
10:00 Caffeinated Christianity @ Dunn Bros
2:00 Voice Lessons
Tuesday Sept 16
11:30 Lunch bunch
12 -4 Elder network
2:00 Voice Lessons
5:00 Board of Administration meeting
6:00 Church Council
Wednesday Sept 17
Office closed, Joy working remotely
9:00 Kitchen for Habitat Lunch
5:15 Choir
Thursday Sept 18
9:00 Kitchen for Habitat Lunch
9:00 Walking group@Big Ole
9:30 Morning Circle in Cambridge Rm
4:30 Holy Happy Hour
Saturday Sept 20
11:00 Sacred Site tour, leaves church @11:15
Next Sunday September 21
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:30 Adult Education, I’ve Been Meaning to Ask?
Today is KXRA Radio Sunday
Today’s Radio broadcast of our service is sponsored by Daisy Stahlberg and her family: Robin, Janet, Jennifer, Dawn, Bruce and Lillian. They are sponsoring it in memory of Ron Stahlberg.
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.
I’ve Been Meaning to Ask
Join us each Sunday in September from 11:30-12:15 in the Cambridge Room. We will explore the day’s question in a little more depth, sharing ourselves and our stories with each other. All are welcome!
Lunch Bunch
Our next luncheon is on Tuesday, September 16 at 11:30. We will meet at the Grand Arbor’s Pioneer Grill. Everyone is welcome to join us.
Tuesday meetings
The Board of Administration and the Church Council will meet on Tuesday. If you have an agenda item, please pass them on to Clayton Mielke, Bruce Bina, Pastor Jill or the office.
Choir rehearsal
The Choir starts their fall rehearsal schedule this week. Every Wednesday at 5:15 pm. They will also sing on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and will rehearse before church. If you are interested in joining them, feel free to come to a rehearsal.
MORNING CIRCLE begins its Fall meetings on September 18 at 9:30 am. Coffee and a treat will be served. There will also be devotionals and a brief business meeting.
Newsletter Deadline
The Newsletter Deadline is September 19.
Frozen Pies Available
There are a few pies still available. $15 a pie.
Harvest Table
Once again, we are opening our harvest table. Please bring in any excess produce, flowers or herbs from your garden. Free will offering will go to support our Missions Committee activities.
The Good Samaritan Fund
We have given a lot of gas cards, grocery cards and a few one- or two-night stays in hotels since we collected for the Good Samaritan fund last year. The ability to provide these gifts to people in need is an important part of our extravagant welcome mission. We are currently in need of donations to this fund.
VIRTUAL GIVING OPTIONS: ONLINE AND TEXTCheck 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.
BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Clayton Mielke 09/24
Craig Mische 09/25
Mike Gralow 09/26
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.
ANGEL CARE TEAM September VOLUNTEERS
September Volunteers are Mary Jo Hochsprung, Glenda Richardson & Betty Cichy-Anderson. If you would like a visit or know someone who needs a visit, please contact one of them or the office.
Senior Housing Tour is scheduled for Tuesday September 16, 8:30-noon. Hosted by Bonnie Bina at Douglas County Senior Services along with Social Services and Horizon Public Health. Learn about some of the choices in the Alexandria area (senior apartments and 55+ housing communities.) We will meet at the Public Works Conference Room 526 Willow Drive, and then visit 2-3 senior housing sites. Register by calling Community Ed 320-762-3310.
Global Bites & Beats
September 18 3:30-6:30 pm Law Enforcement Building Alexandria College. A Celebration of culture and community. Food samples starting at $1 each. Free Entertainment
Sacred Sites tour
Healing Minnesota Stories is an effort to create understanding and healing between Native American and non-Native people, particularly those of faith communities. The tour led by Jim Bear Jacobs and Kelly Sherman Conroy will visit sites located around the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. We will leave church at 11:15 on Sept 20 and return around 9 pm. Bring your lunch with you. The cost to participate is $50, this includes a donation to the Minnesota Council of Churches the sponsor of Healing Stories MN and for transportation. Please make your check payable to First Congregational UCC. It is limited to 50 participants. For more details contact Jill at jill@firstcongregationaluccalex.com or to the office.
UCAN Luncheon Table
The 25th Annual Domestic Abuse Awareness Luncheon is Wednesday, October 15, 2025 from 11:30 – 1:00 P.M at the Broadway Ballroom. We will host 2 tables this year for the October 15th UCAN luncheon. There is a sign up at the back –the luncheon is $25 in cash or check payable to UCAN. We have 3 spots left at our table. Please pay asap.
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.
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.
