Palm Sunday March 24, 2024 10:00 AM
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Dr Jill Sanders
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER
CHORAL INTROIT Sing and Rejoice
Sing and rejoice
sing and rejoice
Let all things living
now sing and rejoice. (X 2)
*CALL TO WORSHIP Marc Blakesley
One: Sing songs of loudest praise!
Many: Hosanna!
One: Sing songs that are unashamed.
Many: Hosanna!
One: Sing songs without being afraid.
Many: Hosanna!
One: Sing for the God of tomorrow and today.
Many: Hosanna!
One: Let us worship the One worthy to be praised.
From Sanctified Art Wandering Heart Words for Worship
*OPENING HYMN “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” Black 213 vs 1-3
*CALL TO CONFESSION Marc
The Gospel of John tells us that crowds gathered to praise Jesus as he entered Jerusalem, singing and shouting with confidence. After describing the crowd, however, the Gospel writer zooms in on the disciples and tells us that while the crowds shouted praise at Jesus, the disciples were confused. The text says, “the disciples did not understand what was happening” (John 12:16). A lot of our lives may look like this: either we understand God’s presence in our lives and want to shout it from the rooftop—or we’re standing on the side of the parade missing our chance to sing. That is why we need the prayer of confession. Because life happens fast, and without a doubt, we have stood where the disciples stood. So let us pray, for we don’t want to miss our chance to sing:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison) Marc
Holy God, we want to run into the streets and sing your praise! We want to be bold and unashamed of this good-news Gospel. However, too often we find ourselves standing against the wall. Too often we stay quiet. Too often we let others carry the song.
Forgive us for the moments when we could lead the parade but instead find ourselves standing on the sidelines.
Show us which songs are ours to sing. Show us which parades are ours to lead, and then give us the courage and conviction to do both. With hope and honesty we pray, amen.
WORDS OF FORGIVENESS Marc
Friends, no matter where you are on the parade route—whether you are waving palm branches through the streets or standing against the wall, quiet and cautious—Jesus marched for you. Jesus’ love, his striving for justice and mercy, it was for you. You are included in this story and nothing can ever change that. So hear these words and trust them deep in your bones: We have reason to sing, for Jesus Christ loved you yesterday. Jesus Christ loves you today. And Jesus Christ will love you tomorrow. You are forgiven, claimed, and sent to serve. Go out and sing. Go out trusting these words. Amen.
*GLORIA Black 419, vs 3
All praise and thanks to God
our Maker now be given,
to Christ and Spirit too,
our help in highest heaven
the one eternal God,
whom earth and heaven adore;
for thus it was, is now,
and shall be evermore.
*PASSING THE PEACE Marc
Choral Anthem Hosanna Liebergen
THE READING FROM THE Gospel: John 12:12-16 Marc
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Pastor Jill
HYMN OF PREPARATION “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” Black 459 1, 2
SERMON Wandering Heart: Songs of Loudest Praise Rev. Dr Jill Sanders
MUSIC for REFLECTION Diane Alveshere
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
One: We believe in Jesus of Nazareth,
Many: who rode through the streets of Jerusalem on a donkey.
One: We believe in Jesus of Nazareth,
Many: who challenged Rome’s oppressive power with peaceful protest.
One: We believe in Jesus of Nazareth,
Many: who was surrounded by crowds of dreamers and believers.
One: We believe in Jesus of Nazareth,
Many: so even today, we will sing songs of loudest praise.
One: Hosanna!
Many: Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE, PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR
PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR
Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and for ever.
Amen.
– The New Zealand Book of Prayer
INVITATION TO GIVE, GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS:
OFFERTORY MUSIC
*DOXOLOGY Blk 420
We praise you, O God, our Redeemer, Creator;
in grateful devotion our tribute we bring;
we lay it before you; we kneel and adore you;
we bless your holy name: glad praises we sing.
*PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS & PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*CLOSING HYMN “All Glory, Laud, and Honor” Blk 216 vs 1-3
*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH Pastor Jill
Choral Benediction
May the peace of the Lord bring joy.
May the peace of the Lord bring love.
May the peace of the lord bring comfort.
May the peace of the Lord bring hope;
May the peace of the Lord bring rest.
May the peace of the Lord bring life.
May the peace of the Lord surround you.
May the peace of the Lord go with you.
Amen.
POSTLUDE MUSIC Diane Alveshere
The Call to Worship, Confession and Affirmation of Faith is from Sanctified Art Wandering Heart Words for Worship and used with permission. The Prayer of our Savior is from the New Zealand prayer book. The choir anthem is by Patrick Liebergen and published by Carl Fisher.
| 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 March 24, 2024
The Weekly Calendar
Sunday March 24 Palm Sunday
9:15 Choir rehearsal
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
Monday March 25
10:00 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros.
Tuesday March 26
8-5 VITA Tax preparation WCMCA
12-4 Elder network
Wednesday March 20
8-5 VITA Tax preparation WCMCA
5:15 Choir rehearsal
Thursday March 28
9:00 Walking group @Church or Mall
9:30 Morning Circle
6:30 Maundy Thursday Service
Sunday March 31 Easter
9:15 Choir rehearsal
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.
Direct Thrivent Choice Dollars by March 31
Eligible Thrivent Financial members who have available Choice Dollars have until March 31, 2022, 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.
VITA Tax Preparation
West Central Minnesota Community Action’s Volunteer Income Tax Preparation will meet here starting on Tuesday. They will be here Tuesdays and Wednesdays, each week, until Tax Day. To make an appointment or to find out more about the program call 320-304-3458.
Bountiful Basket
through March 31 we will be collecting for the Douglas County Food shelf. All non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, diapers and monetary donations accepted. There is a list on the basket with suggested items. We will pack up the basket on April 7.
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. This project will make our west entrance accessible and it will also convert part of our grounds into a pollinator friendly, native species area. See the back of the sanctuary for plans, more information. You can support this project by an offering to the church.
Choir Rehearsal
Choir will return to its usual time on Wednesdays, beginning March27 at 5:15pm each week. All are welcome to join. If you cannot attend every rehearsal, you can still be part of the choir.
Holy Thursday—Worship—The Stations with Peter at 6:30 p.m.
As a nod to the “Stations of the Cross,” this liturgy highlights Peter’s role in the crucifixion narrative. It includes 6 stations, inviting you to walk “the way of sorrows” to the cross with Peter as your companion.
Easter Sunday
Worship Celebration at 10 a.m. with Traditional and Contemporary Music
Help out with Worship
There are sign ups at the back of the church for April and May. 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
Larry Zilliox 03/31
Mielke-Hjelm anniversary 04/01
Joy Wrolson 04/03
Caroll Bluhm 04/04
Andrew Fleming 04/05
Evelyn Henrickson 04/06
If the office has missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact us.
Community Events
Free Easter Food Basket
If you live in Douglas County and need help with purchasing an Easter meal for you and your family, The Salvation Army of Douglas County (in partnership with Eldens, the Outreach Foodshelf, and Pratt Packaging) can help! Register at the website: https://www.databae.com/outreach-food-shelf/ if you don’t have online access call 651-746-3507 to register. Distribution will be on Thursday March 28 from 4-6 pm. The Easter food box distribution site will be at the Outreach Food shelf. You must be pre-registered to receive a food box. Limited quantities. One box per household. Registration opens Friday March 1.
Beginning Experience of Central Minnesota
A weekend away for a lifetime of change: April 5-7 2024
The loss of a loved one through separation, divorce or death is one of life’s most traumatic experiences. Beginning Experience Retreat is an international program that helps facilitate the grief resolution process for those who have suffered such a loss and frees them to again love themselves, others and God. This is accomplished by offering time-tested and copyrighted grief resolution programs presented by trained peers. Founded by a Catholic nun and rooted in the Christian tradition, the ministry’s open, ecumenical spirit serves those of all faiths. Beginning Experience of Central Minnesota is just one of over sixty teams serving communities across the United States. To register or get more information, call: 320-319-8863
You Belong! Join the Spring 2024 Conference Youth Event
April 19-21, Camp Onomia $175
MN Conference youth will spend a weekend exploring “belonging.” Together we’ll reflect on how we as people and we as the church can extend our welcome to others and to ourselves through discussion, worship, play, time in nature, music, and art. For more information and to register: https://www.uccmn.org/event/spring-2024-conference-youth-event-you-belong/
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.
