Third Sunday in Lent* March 23, 2025
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF GOD’S PRESENCE
PRELUDE Diane Alveshere
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER Pastor Jill
INTROIT
*CALL TO WORSHIP Lee Becker
One: Worship is a place to rest.
Many: We breathe deeply here.
One: We still our aching bones.
Many: We sit in the quiet.
One: We surround ourselves with music.
Many: Worship is a place to rest.
One: Worship is a place to grow.
Many: We listen for God’s word.
One: We invite it to challenge us.
Many: We lean in with curiosity.
One: We ask questions.
Many: Worship is a place to grow.
One: So come into this space.
Come rest and grow here.
Many: For where two or more are gathered,
God is always there.
One: Let us worship our gracious God.
*HYMN of Praise Come Away From Rush and Hurry, W&R #655 Vs 1-3
*CALL TO CONFESSION Lee
Friends, we carve out time for confession in worship because it is not enough to hear about God’s grace once. We need that reminder again, and again, and again.
So join me in speaking the truth of our lives, and join me in receiving God’s grace again.
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION (UNISON): Lee
Holy God,
There are days when we fail to rest.
We stretch ourselves too thin. We say “yes” to every invitation.
We run a million miles a minute. We ignore your command to rest.
There are also days when we fail to act.
We wait for someone else. We take the easy road.
We find excuses and justify our inaction.
God, forgive our imbalance.
Remind us that birds rest, and they also fly.
Show us how to do the same. Amen.
*WORDS OF FORGIVENESS Lee
One: Family of faith, I have good news! Our God does not keep score. Our God does not hold grudges. Our God does not assume the worst about us. No, our God offers grace, and endless second chances, and boundless love.
So join me in proclaiming the good news of the gospel:
Many: God’s grace is deeper than the ocean. God’s love is wider than the sky.
We are seen. We are claimed. We are forgiven.
May this realization change and inspire us.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
*GLORIA tune from blk 759
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen.
PASSING OF THE PEACE Lee
GOD SPEAKS TO US
CHOIR ANTHEM Requiem, E. Gilkyson (Carrie will speak before choir sings, set up handheld or use the hanging over head?)
READING FROM THE PSALMS Psalm 1 Lee
1 Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path that sinners tread or sit in the seat of scoffers,
2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on God’s law they meditate day and night.
3 They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.
4 The wicked are not so but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous,
6 for God watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Pastor Jill
READING FROM THE GOSPEL Luke 13:6-9 Pastor Jill
6 Then Jesus told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it and found none.
7 So he said to the man working the vineyard, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’
8 He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, well and good, but if not, you can cut it down.’ ”
HYMN OF PREPARATION Beneath the Soil, vs 1-4
on screen and in bulletin
SERMON Everything In Between: Rest & Growth Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
MUSIC FOR REFLECTION Diane Alveshere
WE RESPOND TO GOD
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in a God who loves and tends to us like a gardener.
We believe that like the trees,
some seasons are for growth,
and some seasons are for rest.
Some days require pruning,
and some require planting.
Fortunately, we believe that our green-thumbed God
sees us and cultivates the sweetest fruit.
So may we plant roots,
reach for the sky,
grow where we can,
and rest when we need,
for we believe there is holiness in the pruning and
in the planting. And we do not grow alone.
Thanks be to God, AMEN.
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS, PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & 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.
INVITATION TO GIVE, GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS: Pastor Jill
*DOXOLOGY Old Hundredth, Mary Luti
Praise God, the source of breath and birth,
Who formed us from the dust of earth,
And made us one humanity
To love and set each other free.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*CLOSING HYMN Lead On Eternal Sovereign, Blk #573, Vs 1-3
*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH Pastor Jill
May you know that the world is bigger than two sides.
May you trust that you are made in the image of God, and therefore, you contain multitudes.
So may you move through this world with an open heart, with a curious mind, and with the confidence that you do not go alone.
God is with you in the mountains, in the valleys, and everywhere in between. Believe that good news–and go in peace.
CHORAL BLESSING Into the Desert
Congregation to join choir as directed, on screen & in bulletin
POSTLUDE Diane Alveshere
Liturgy is from Everything In Between series by A Sanctified Art. The hymn Beneath the Soil is also from this series.
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY March 23, 2025
Sunday March 23
9:15 Choir Practice
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:30 Visio Divina Bible Study
Monday March 24
10 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
2-7 Voice lessons with Heather Hjelle
5:15 Group Spiritual Direction
Tuesday March 25
8-4 VITA Tax prep
12-4 Elder Network
Wednesday March 26
8-4 VITA Tax prep
5:15 Lenten meal and program
Thursday March 27
9:00 Walking group@Mall
4:30 Holy Happy Hour
5:15 Choir practice
Sunday March 30 Fifth Sunday worship
8:30 Fifth Sunday practice
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:30 Visio Divina Bible Study
Visio Divina Bible Study
Visio Divina is a form of meditation, reflection, and prayer through a process of intentional seeing. Visio Divina extends the 6th century Benedictine practice of Lectio Divina by the use of visual imagery. Traditionally, Visio Divina was accompanied by Benedictine iconography and illuminations, however, different faith traditions have adopted the process over time, utilizing both secular and nonsecular images.
Beginning March 9, for five weeks following Worship and Coffee time, 11:30 to 12:15 p.m., we will be using this ancient practice to look deeper into the Bible passages we read in Worship. Just show up, no sign up is necessary.
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.
Lenten Discussion series
We are screening the video series How Did We Get…? It gives us an introduction on key tenets of Christianity. Each video has discussion questions to guide us. A light meal will be provided at each meeting. We need volunteers to serve on March 26 and April 9.
Choir Rehearsal
Choir rehearses at 5:15 on Thursdays. Note this is a change during Lent to accommodate the Lenten Wednesday night discussion group.
Fifth Sunday
March 30 is the Fifth Sunday of the month. The UCC Praise Band will lead music on March 30. Genre is pending.
Fifth Sunday Practice
The worship band will meet at 8:30 am on Sunday for rehearsal.
Worship Service volunteers needed
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.
Bountiful Basket
March’s Bountiful Basket is for the food shelf. Please pick up a list of most needed items from the Basket. The last day to contribute items for this basket is March 30.
Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries
Larry Zilliox 03/31
Joy Wrolson 04/03
Andrew Fleming 04/05
If the office has missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact us.
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.
Tax Statements
Check your mailboxes for your 2024 Giving Statements. If you need additional copies, would prefer it as an electronic copy or if you need revisions let the office know.
VITA Tax Prep
We will again be hosting West Central Community Action’s VITA tax services on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Jan 29-April 15. If you would like to use their tax preparation services, please call 218-685-7004. Scheduling opens January 13.
Spiritual Direction Opportunity
Spiritual direction, a.k.a. spiritual companionship, is a way of paying attention to how God or the Divine is present and acting in your life. Julie McCarty is a trained and experienced spiritual listener who offers confidential, nonjudgmental, monthly, one-on-one spiritual direction in person or online. More info in newsletter or contact Julie at 320-766-6176 or e-mail juliemccarty@usfamily.net .
Updating the Church Directory
We are working on an update to the Church directory. Beginning in March there will be a form at the back of the sanctuary for you to confirm what information you want to include in the directory or what you want to opt out of including.
Community Events and News
Special Olympics
Can you help? Alexandria Special Olympics needs a Head Coach for the Golf Program. Will you volunteer for this rewarding position/adventure? Contact Karyn Sportel at (320) 491-8759 or Gail Feriancek at (320)-808-8176. Thank you!
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.
