Second Sunday after Christmas January 5, 2025
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF GOD’S PRESENCE
PRELUDE Worship Band
You Say, Eastward-Bonnie and Bruce, Light of the World
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER Pastor Jill
*Gathering Song Angels We Have Heard On High on screen and handout
OPENING PRAYER Pastor Jill
PASSING OF THE PEACE Pastor Jill
GOD SPEAKS TO US IN WORD AND SACRAMENT
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Pastor Jill
Away in the Manger
Scripture Readings Isaiah 43:16-21
16 Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters,
17 who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down; they cannot rise; they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: 18 Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old.
19 I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
20 The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people,
21 the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.
Matthew 2:1-12
2 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the east came to Jerusalem,
2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage.”
3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him,
4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.
5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet:
6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’ ”
7 Then Herod secretly called for the magi and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared.
8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”
9 When they had heard the king, they set out, and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen in the east, until it stopped over the place where the child was.
10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.
11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Special Music Eastward Bonnie and Bruce Bina
SERMON “The Road isn’t Straight” Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION AND RECEPTION OF STAR WORDS
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
INSTRUCTIONS FOR RECEIVING
GIVING THE BREAD AND THE CUP & GIVING OF STAR WORDS
Communion Songs: Christmas Amazing Grace, Light of the World
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (Unison)
Holy God who lights our way,
We thank you for this moment of respite along the journey,
a moment to be filled with good things,
to be reminded of our belovedness
and sent out to be your hands and feet in the world.
Though we’d often prefer a straightforward, step-by-step plan for our lives,
you’ve instead given us an invitation
to wander,
to seek,
to take a different road,
to be guided by a star.
May these star words be a map to you,
guiding us to look under every rock and around every corner,
seeking you out everywhere,
because everywhere is exactly where you are.
And next year, when the road leads back to this very place,
may we find that you were with us every step of the way.
With hope we pray as Jesus taught us:
The Prayer of Our Savior
Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Your Name.
Your Kingdom come, Your Will be Done on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours, now and forever. Amen.
PRAYER SONG Sanctuary
WE RESPOND TO GOD
INVITATION TO GIVE, GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS: Pastor Jill
Offering Song We Three Kings of Orient Are
*DOXOLOGY We Are An Offering
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*SENDING SONG As With Gladness Men of Old (dix)
*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH Pastor Jill
POSTLUDE As With Gladness Men of Old (dix)
Today’s liturgy includes prayers from a Sanctified Art’s Words for the Beginning.
| We welcome all who are joining us for worship virtually, on YouTube, https://tinyurl.com/firstcongalex 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 December 29, 2024
Sunday Jan 5, First Sunday Music
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:00 Quilts/Taking down the greens
Monday Jan 6
10 Caffeinated Christianity @ Dunn Bros
7:00 Zion 1@ UCC
Wednesday Jan 8
10:30 Connections
5:15 Choir rehearsal
6:15 Spirit on screen
6:15 Music Committee
Thursday Jan 9
9:00 Walking group@ the Mall
4:30 Holy Happy Hour @ Pike and Pint
Sunday Jan 12, KXRA Radio Sunday
9:15 Choir rehearsal
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
Quilts
If you brought a quilt to share—and have time after the service, we’d like to have a time for sharing their stories with those who are interested.
Today
Please plan to stay for a while after worship to put away our beautiful Christmas decorations until Advent 2025. Many hands make light work—and we will be out of here in no time!
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.
Bulletin board
There is a fresh bulletin board across from Cambridge Room that is inviting you to contribute photos, card fronts, or poems that say “this is beauty for all seasons”. These items to share, about 4×6, can be placed in Barb Brown’s mailbox. They will be changed out as we receive more examples. If you want your item returned please let me know. Looking forward to seeing your ideas of beauty.
Dart ball
If you are interested in playing with our Men’s Dartball League, please contact Clayton Mielke.
Connections
Connections committee will meet Wednesday January 8 at 10:30.
Choir Rehearsal
Choir rehearses at 5:15 on January 8.
Spirit on Screen
We will meet at 6:15 pm on January 8 in the Cambridge Room. Our January film is Barbie. Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans. Its advertising claims that if you love or hate Barbie, this film is for you.
This film by Greta Gerwig critiques the materialism and patriarchy. We will also look at how it sets out a spiritual view of the world. Join us for the viewing and stay for the discussion. We will provide beverages and popcorn. Bring a snack or a light meal for yourself.
Music Committee
The Music Committee will meet at 6:15 after choir rehearsal.
Worship Service volunteers
We need readers, ushers, greeters, tech staff and coffee fellowship servers through the end of the year. Sign up is at the back of the sanctuary.
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.
Tree of Lights
This year’s Tree of Lights recipient is the Teen and Adult Challenge center that just opened in Alexandria. For every $25, we will light one light on the tree in our sanctuary. We have lit 60 lights so far.
Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries
Bill Kahnke 01/12
John Chlian 01/16
Jo Undem 01/16
Tom Carlson 01/18
If the office has missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact us.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday, January 19, after the service, please plan to stay after worship for the Annual All-Church Financial Meeting. This is an important all-Church meeting when the financial records of 2023 will be reviewed; and then the Budget for 2025 will be presented as recommended by our Board of Administration. An opportunity will be given for comments and questions before the new 2025 Budget will be approved by vote of the congregation. Please plan to attend this important annual meeting. Thank you for participating!
Please Keep Sue Pommerenke in Your Prayers
Sue Pommerenke recently had a fall and could use some extra prayers and encouragement.
To send a card:
Sue Pommerenke, The Glenview, Pelican Bay, 100 Glenview Pl Naples, FL 34108
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.
