Second Sunday in Lent, Communion March 1, 2026
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD
Gathering Songs UCC Praise Band
Raise A Hallelujah, I Speak Jesus, At the Cross see music handout, on screen
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Pastor Jill
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER Pastor Jill
*CALL TO WORSHIP Pastor Jill
One: Tell me something good!
Many: God loves you more than you could imagine.
One: Tell me something good!
Many: God loves all of creation more than you could imagine.
One: Tell me something good!
Many: God’s love meets us in this service of worship. We are not alone.
One: This is good news indeed!
Many: Let us worship our compassionate God.
*OPENING SONG Raise A Hallelujah
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION Pastor Jill
Merciful God, did we see you hungry and give you something to eat? Did we see you thirsty and give you something to drink? Did we see you alone and offer you compassion? Or did we cross the street? Did we avert our eyes? Did we come up with every excuse in the book? God, we long to be people who love our neighbors with the same overwhelming love that you have for them. But we must admit, we have a long way to go. Forgive us for the times when we let bias, scarcity, or fear get in the way of love. Wash us clean and give us the courage to try again. With hope for a better tomorrow we pray, Amen.
*WORDS OF FORGIVENESS Pastor Jill
One: Faith family,
even when we act with judgment,
even when we are guided by fear,
even when we turn our back on a neighbor in need,
God does not turn God’s back on us.
So join me in this good-news declaration:
Many: We are seen.
We are forgiven.
We are invited to try again.
Thanks be to God for this unending love.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE Pastor Jill
GOD SPEAKS TO US IN WORD AND SACRAMENT
THE FIRST GOSPEL READING Luke 7:36-50 Pastor Jill
A Sinful Woman Forgiven 36 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and when Jesus went into the Pharisee’s house he reclined to dine.
37 And a woman in the city who was a sinner, having learned that Jesus was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment.
38 She stood behind Jesus at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair, kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment.
39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw it, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.”
40 Jesus spoke up and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Teacher,” he replied, “speak.” 41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
42 When they could not pay, he canceled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?”
43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the greater debt.” And Jesus said to him, “You have judged rightly.”
44 Then turning toward the woman, Jesus said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair.
45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment.
47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven loves little.” 48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 But those who were at the table with Jesus began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 But Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH
This Little Light of Mine
THE SECOND GOSPEL READING Matthew 25:35-40 Pastor Jill
35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’
37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink?
38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? 39 And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’
40 And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’
SONG OF PREPARATION Goodness of God
SERMON The Good News Is Great Love for God and Neighbor Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
Invitation
One: God be with you,
Many: And also with you.
One: Open wide your hearts!
Many: We open them up to God.
One: Let us give thanks for this time and space,
Many: Giving praise to God for this meal we will share.
Communion Prayer
SHARING THE BREAD While the bread passed, please reflect silently or join in singing: At the Cross
SHARING THE CUP While the cup is passed, please reflect silently or join in singing: I Speak Jesus
Prayer of Thanksgiving After Communion: We are grateful for your provision for us, Divine Companion. As this spiritual meal has nourished us, inspire us to feed our neighbors and journey with the lonely. Through our co-creation together, may we spread love throughout our world and extend your hospitality to people in need. Amen.
WE RESPOND TO GOD
Prayer Song Down to the River to Pray
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 At the Cross instrumental
*DOXOLOGY Holy Spirit
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION Pastor Jill
*CLOSING Song All the People Said “Amen”
*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.
*Sending Song All the People Said “Amen”
Today’s liturgy is from the Tell Me Something Good series written by Sarah (Are) Speed for A Sanctified Art. Today’s communion liturgy was adapted from one written by the Rev. Michelle L. Torigian and is used with permission.
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY March 1, 2026
Sunday March 1
9:30 Centering Prayer
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:30 Book discussion group
Monday March 2
10:00 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
2-7 Voice lessons
4-6 Labyrinth open
6:30 Confirmation at Glenwood United Parish
Tuesday March 3
8-4 VITA tax services
11:00 Worship Committee
12-4 Elder Network
Wednesday March 4
8-4 VITA tax services
5:15 Lenten dinner/discussion group
5:30 Children’s program small group
Thursday March 5
9:00 Walking group@mall
12:00 Women’s Fellowship, 11:00 am Women’s Fellowship Bd
4:30 Holy Happy Hour @ Pike and Pint
5:15 Choir rehearsal
Next Sunday March 8,
9:15 Choir
9:30 Centering Prayer
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:30 Book discussion group
3-5 pm Singing Resistance
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, Group Book Study
Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang. Join us for a new group book study exploring faith, civic life, and the call to love our neighbors. Our first meeting will be held Sunday, February 15, at 11:30 a.m.
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.
Confirmation
Confirmation meets at 6:30 in Glenwood at the United Parish.
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).
Women’s Fellowship
Women’s Fellowship will have its first 2026 meeting on Thursday, March 5 at Noon. Bring your own lunch and Bonnie Haaven and Judy Kuhlmann will serve a sweet treat and coffee. The Board will meet at 11:00 am in the Cambridge Room.
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 beginning this Sunday. 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.
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
Gary Zavadil 03/10
Randy Hansen 03/11
Kate LeBrasseur 03/14
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.
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.
Next Sunday
You are invited to join us for our first Singing Resistance Event at First Congregational UCC. Everybody (all voices/singing abilities) is encouraged to come rehearse/sing/perform as we go. A dessert potluck and hot beverage will be served afterward.
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.
