3rd Sunday after Pentecost, KXRA Radio Sunday June 14, 2026
*Indicates please rise in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF GOD’S PRESENCE
PRELUDE Brad Lambrecht
GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Pastor Marc
REMEMBERING OUR BAPTISM
*CALL TO WORSHIP Betty Cichy-Anderson
ONE: It is written, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” We believe God is still creating even today.
ALL: We give thanks for a creating God.
ONE: It is also recorded, “God looked upon all of creation, blessed it saying, ‘It is good, indeed very good.’”
ALL: We give thanks for a God who blesses.
ONE: In John’s gospel we hear, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God; and the Word was God.”
ALL: We give praise for the Word, Jesus, our Christ; a testimony to the humanity of God.
ONE: The story of God’s love is written across the pages of history, in our sacred scriptures and in other places.
ALL: We give praise to the living God, made known to us in both word and deed.
*OPENING HYMN Sing Them Over Again to Me Black #319
*INVOCATION Pastor Marc
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)
O God, we want easy answers.
We confess we want a faith that does not ask too much of us.
Forgive us for thinking we can crack open a book and the answers will simply be there.
We confess we want to be certain in every step we take.
Forgive us when we ignore the people you place on our journey that may be your witness to a living Word.
We confess our ignorance that leads us to stop looking for hope in you here and now.
Forgive us, O God, when we think that you are locked up in some dusty ancient book and we stop seeking the movement of the Holy Spirit in today’s world.
O God, we confess a need for easy answers.
Forgive us, we pray. Amen.
*WORDS OF ASSURANCE Betty
Friends, God never promised that a life of faith would be easy.
Jesus asks us to trust in grace and that the burden would be lighter, not completely gone.
The assurance of this faith we profess is that God promises to be with us in ALL of it. THAT is the Good News… even in the bad times and in our questioning, God is with us.
The knowledge of God being with us and offering us grace upon grace gives us peace. Thanks be to God!
*ACT OF PRAISE Glory, Glory Hallelujah Black #2 (verse 1-3)
*PASSING OF THE PEACE
GOD SPEAKS TO US
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Pastor Marc
Epistle Reading 2 Timothy 3:10-17 Betty
Our Epistle reading this morning comes from Paul’s second letter to an early church leader named Timothy. Here these words from the third chapter of Second Timothy, verses 10 through 17.
10Now you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11my persecutions, and my sufferings, the things that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13But wicked people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived. 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, 15and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
ANTHEM I Love to Tell the Story Chancel Choir
Tech team, switch slide as directed Congregation to join choir for verse 4
GOSPEL READING Luke 4:16- 24 Betty
Our Gospel reading for today comes from the Evangelist Luke, The fourth chapter, verses 16 to 24. Let us listen for what the Holy Spirit is saying to the church of today.
16When Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
18‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’
20And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ 22All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, ‘Is not this Joseph’s son?’ 23He said to them, ‘Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, “Doctor, cure yourself!” And you will say, “Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.”’ 24And Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown.”
May God add a blessing to the reading and hearing of the reading of our sacred scriptures for this morning. Amen.
MESSAGE “Why The Bible?” Rev. Marc Blakesley
WE RESPOND TO GOD
RESPONSE HYMN We Limit Not the Truth of God Black #316
(use alternative tune: FOREST GREEN)
SHARING JOYS AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYER
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 THE OFFERING
OFFERTORY Brad Lambrecht
*OFFERING RESPONSE TUNE: Lasst Uns Enfreuen
To God, we lift our voice in praise;
For these, our gifts, and all our days.
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!
Thanks for your goodness all around!
Great blessings everywhere abound!
Praise Creator and the Savior! Praise the Spirit,
Holy Spirit! Al-le-lu-ia!
*DEDICATION PRAYER Pastor Marc
WE TAKE GOD’S WITNESS OUT
*PARTING HYMN Lead On Eternal Sovereign Black #573
*BENEDECTION Pastor Marc
*THE BLESSING Chancel Choir
Congregation to join choir as directed
May God bless you and keep you, may God’s face shine upon you
and be gracious to you.
May God turn their face toward you and give you peace.
*POSTLUDE MUSIC Brad Lambrecht
Call to Worship and Prayer of Confession written by Marc W Blakesley. Copyright © 2023, New Thing Ministry Consulting. Used with permission.
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 June 14 2026
Sunday June 14, KXRA Sunday
9:15 Choir
10:00 Worship in person and online,
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:15 Council meets
Monday June 15
10:00 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
4-8 Voice lessons
Tuesday June 16
10:30 Congregational renewal
11:30 Lunch bunch
2:30 Voice lessons
Wednesday June 17
5:15 WOW Wednesday
Thursday June 18
9:00 Walking group @ Big Ole
11:30 Morning Circle@ Barb Grover’s home.
4-7 Arts Space
4:30 Holy Happy Hr
Next Sunday June 21, Fathers’ Day
10:00 Worship in person and online,
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
Sabbatical Pastor Contact Information
Rev. Marc Blakesley is called to serve this church ½ time.
Email: marc@firstcongregationaluccalex.com
Cell Phone: 612-325-1467 (voice/text)
Follow Pastor Jill’s Sabbatical
Pastor Jill is on her renewal leave until August 2nd. If you would like to follow along with her journey, you can go read her journal at https://substack.com/@alongjillsjourney. If you “subscribe” (do not pay as it’s free), you will be notified when posts are made.
Lunch Bunch
Please join us for a social meal on June 16 at 11:30 at Pioneer Grill.
WOW Wednesday
Our second WOW Wednesday meets on Wednesday 6/16 at 5:15.
Please RSVP, if you have not yet done so by Tuesday June 15 Please invite friends to this event. Jennifer Weber will guide participants through a session of somatic meditation, a calming mindfulness technique focused on the body. This practice emphasizes awareness of physical sensations to support emotional health, healing, and overall well-being. Everyone can do it in their chair. No experience needed.
Come walk our Labyrinth: A path for Contemplative Prayer
The labyrinth is closed this week. The labyrinth is open on Wednesdays 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.
Office closed on Thursday
The office will be closed all day on Thursday. Joy will be able to respond to emails on Friday.
Morning Circle
Morning Circle meets at Barb Grover’s house at 11:30 for a potluck celebration. They will meet again in September. Barb’s address is 6340 E Lk Carlos Dr NE.
Arts Space
This summer, artist Jax Rose will be holding an arts space for teens on Thursday nights 4-7 in our Fellowship Hall. These classes are free to any student who attends, and every student receives one on one instruction. Students are highly encouraged to bring their sketchbook or any projects they might be working on. Classes start June 11th and go to September 3rd. Hope to see you there!”
Newsletter Deadline for July/August Visitor—June 22
Please send your newsletter articles to the office by the end of the day.
Angel Care Team June
LuWanna Hintermeister will be the June Angel visitor. If you know of someone who needs a visit, please contact the office.
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.
Strengthen the Church Offering
The Strengthen the Church Offering furthers the work of our conferences and the national UCC as we work together to strengthen and renew existing congregations, fund leadership development, and provide exciting new programs for youth and young adults. The offering is divided with 50% staying regionally within your conference and 50% supporting the National Ministries. We begin officially collecting for this conference wide offering June 1.
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.
BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Penny Trenne 06/23
Logan Winters-Helmbrecht 06/23
Pam Schauff 06/25
Deb Verpy 06/25
Capistrant anniversary 06/26
If we have missed your birthday or other important date, please let us know.
Upcoming Events or Community Events
Evening Prayer Services
All are welcome to join the First Lutheran Care for Creation Team for a time of music, scripture, and prayer. The purpose is to pray for the world, for peace, for all leaders, for creation, and for God’s presence in our lives. This prayer service is the 3rd Sunday of every month at 5:00 pm.
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.
WOW Wednesdays and Sabbath Saturdays
During Pastor Jill’s renewal leave, we have planned activities for the congregation that will encourage them to reflect, be creative and build our faith. Once a month we will have an activity on Wednesday and a Saturday. Sign ups for all Wow Wednesdays and Sabbath Saturdays are at the back of the sanctuary. The St. John’s Bible trip is our next Sabbath Saturday on June 27. You can also call the office to sign up.
Pride Volunteers needed
We need volunteers to help welcome people to Pride at our booth. We are looking for people who will give Mom or Dad Hugs or otherwise provide extravagant welcome. The event is July 11. We will need volunteers for 2 hour shifts between 10-4 and help set up and pack up our booth.
Women’s Fellowship Salad Luncheon
We will have our annual salad luncheon and bake sale on July 16. We will need volunteers and salads and baked goods. Sign ups at the back of the sanctuary soon.
We are an inclusive community that welcomes extravagantly, seeks God and follows Jesus into the world.
This congregation is 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.
