Second Sunday after Pentecost, Communion and First Sunday June 2, 2024 10:00 AM
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF GOD’S PRESENCE
PRELUDE MUSIC Kayla Noble
This is Amazing Grace/Word of God Speak/Sing Wherever I Go
WELCOME & ANNOUCEMENTS Rev. Dr Jill Sanders
REMEMBRANCE OF BAPTISM
*CALL TO WORSHIP Pastor Jill
One: God of Truth, in darkness and unknowing, you call us.
Many: Here we are; we are listening.
One: God of Love, you call us by name.
Many: Here we are; Speak to us.
One: God of justice, you call us to your work.
Many: Here we are; send us.
One: God of mercy, reform us by your Word.
Many: Gracious God, we worship you with open hearts.
(written by the Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes)
*GATHERING MUSIC This is Amazing Grace on screen
*OPENING PRAYER
*PASSING THE PEACE Pastor Jill
GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH WORD AND SACRAMENT
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Pastor Jill
Jesus Loves Me Blk #327
SCRIPTURE READINGS: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 Pastor Jill
3 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.
2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; 3 the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was.
4 Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” 5 and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down.
6 The Lord called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.
8 The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy.
9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening
SERMON “Listening to God” Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
HOLY COMMUNION
Invitation, Consecration, Sharing the Bread and Cup
COMMUNION SONG: Speak, O Lord on screen
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING FOLLOWING COMMUNION:
Gracious God, we thank you for the mystery in which you have given yourself for us. Shine in us with your love. Send us, as beams of your light, into the world, for the sake of all Creation. In the name of Christ. Amen.
WE RESPOND TO GOD
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR
SONG Spirit Intercedes
(Please use the form of address for God that you choose. Some might choose a name for God that comforts them—and others might choose a name that challenges them or deepens their understanding of God.)
PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR (ecumenical version)
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.
INVITATION TO GIVE & GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERING SONG: Word of God, Speak on screen
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*CLOSING SONG Sing Wherever I Go on screen
*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH Pastor Jill
POSTLUDE Kayla Noble
Sing Wherever I Go
| We welcome all who are joining us for worship virtually, on YouTube, http://tiny.cc/firstcongo 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 2, 2024
The Weekly Calendar
Sunday June 2 First Sunday/Communion Sunday
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:15 Memorials Committee
Monday June 3
10:00 Caffeinated Christianity at Dunn Bros
5:00 Pastoral relations committee
Wednesday June 5
5:15 Choir rehearsal
Thursday June 6
9:00 Walking group@Church
11:00 Women’s Fellowship Board meeting
12:00 Women’s Fellowship meeting
4:30 Holy Happy Hour
Friday June 7
MN Conference Annual meeting St Ben’s
Saturday June 8
MN Conference Annual meeting St. Ben’s
9:00 Boy Scouts event
Sunday June 9 KXRA Radio Sunday
9:15 Choir
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
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.
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 your giving account online using our software provider, Churchtrac.
Bountiful Basket
We are collecting for Someplace Safe through May and June. A list is on the basket to find suggested items.
Strengthen the Church offering
Our denomination-wide mission for June is Strengthen the Church. We will be collecting each Sunday in June. See bulletin insert for the types of projects that Strenghten the Church funds.
Elm St West Entrance ADA and Native Plant project
The Elm St/West Entrance ADA and Native Plant project is Andrew Fleming’s Eagle Scout Project. Thank you to all who have helped so far. We have planted the area with seeds and will be getting signage for this new pollinator native species landscape. There are a few more things that need to happen to make this project complete. You can support this project by an offering to the church flemingajf4@gmail.com or (320) 808-5195
Sound system project
As you may know our aging sound board has a channel that is no longer working. We hope to upgrade our entire sound system to improve sound quality in our sanctuary and online. The cost for the new equipment (sound board, new mics, etc) is $7000. If you would like to contribute, please indicate on the memo line that your gift is for the “sound system”.
Pancake Breakfast Update
Thank you to all 41 volunteers who worked on Monday at the Pancake Breakfast. And thank you to those that worked “behind the scenes” to support the event. Your efforts are really appreciated. We served 207 diners.
Choir Rehearsal
Choir rehearsal is at 5:15pm each week. All are welcome to join. If you cannot attend every rehearsal, you can still be part of the choir. Beginning in June the choir will be on their summer schedule and only sing on the second Sunday of the month. Rehearsals will skip the Wednesday immediately following the 2nd Sunday.
Women’s Fellowship
June 6 12:00 June is the month we remember the women of our group who have passed away this year. They are: Marilyn Johnson, Kathryn LeBrasseur, Carol Meyer, and Jolene Speirs. Carol Zavadil will lead a us in a time to honor these special women. In addition, we will have a hymn sing-along with Diane Alveshere. What a wonderful way to start the summer!! Box lunches and coffee will be available.
Help out with Worship
There are sign ups at the back of the church for May and June. If you are able to greet, usher, or read, help serve coffee or clean up after Fellowship, please sign up there.
Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries
Maryjane Westra 06/06
If the office has missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact us.
Hello Neighbor
June 11 5-7 this is an annual event for people who work and study in Alexandria make connections within the community. Our congregation will have a table there to let folks know that they are welcome to worship and serve with us!
Country and Gospel Worship
June 30 is the fifth Sunday of the month and the Nobles will be featuring a Country and Gospel service. Invite your friends and family as we worship together and enjoy country and gospel music.
Conference and Community Events
Minnesota Conference Annual Meeting June 7-8
The Minnesota Conference is holding its annual meeting June 7-8 at the College of St Benedict. The theme is “Sacred Reimagining”. Our church is allowed two delegates, plus Pastor Jill and a youth delegate (13-29 yrs old). Our congregation will be represented by Pastor Jill, Rev. Marc Blakesley, and Bruce Bina this year.
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Celebration
June 16, 2024. This free event is to honor our Vietnam War veterans. The Vietnam Traveling Wall will be on display at the Alexandria Area High School. More information at 320-760-7150.
.
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.
