Fourth Sunday in Lent March 10, 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 Marcie Watson
One: On our worst days,
Many God is good.
One: On our best days,
Many: God is good.
One: When life is consistent,
Many: God is good.
One: And when life turns on its head,
Many: God is good.
One: Day and night, Monday through Sunday,
Many: God is good. God is here. God is love.
One: Hold tight to that good news. Let us worship God!
From Sanctified Art Wandering Heart Words for Worship
*OPENING HYMN “O Jesus Christ, May Grateful Hymns” Blk 212 vs 1-3, choir sings vs 1, congregation 2-3
*CALL TO CONFESSION Marcie
There’s a moment in our scripture today when Jesus turns to Peter, named “the rock” of the church, and says, “Get behind me, Satan!” I don’t know about you all, but that’s a pretty bad day for Peter. It’s a pretty bad day when Jesus calls you Satan! Fortunately, this absurd moment comforts me with the knowledge that even Peter made mistakes. Peter, who was given the keys to Heaven. Peter, Jesus’ right-hand man, made mistakes just like me. And still, Jesus chose him. Knowing that, let us speak honestly with God. For even on our worst days, we belong to God, and that will never change. Join me in prayer—
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison) Marcie
Holy God, We often find ourselves moving through a world that does not make sense. Like Peter, we want to yell out, “This should not happen!” We want to control scenarios beyond our reach. We want to hold your world in our hands. Forgive us for the moments when we lead with declarations instead of curiosity. Forgive us for arguing when we could listen. Forgive us for fixating on one truth, when we could open ourselves up to many. Soften our hard edges and teach us how to listen. With hope in our hearts we pray, amen.
WORDS OF FORGIVENESS Marcie
Friends, no matter how many times you have dug your heels in, no matter how many fights you have wanted to pick with God, no matter how many times you have disagreed, raged, or clung to what you know instead of embracing holy change— we worship a God of grace. Nothing can separate us from God’s love, not even a stubborn attitude or a tense heart. So hear and believe the good news of the gospel: God’s love for us will always be deeper than we can imagine. We are seen. We are loved. And we are forgiven. Now follow Peter, and go be the Church in the world. 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 Marcie
THE READING FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES: Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 Marcie
1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
those he redeemed from trouble
3 and gathered in from the lands,
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south.
17 Some were sick through their sinful ways,
and because of their iniquities endured affliction;
18 they loathed any kind of food,
and they drew near to the gates of death.
19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress;
20 he sent out his word and healed them,
and delivered them from destruction.
21 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wonderful works to humankind.
22 And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices,
and tell of his deeds with songs of joy.
CHORAL ANTHEM Glory Be To Jesus! Liebergen
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Pastor Jill
THE READING FROM THE GOSPEL: Matthew 16:21-23 Pastor Jill
21 From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.
22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.”
23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
HYMN OF PREPARATION O Radiant Christ, Incarnate Word on screen
SERMON Wandering Heart: I am Fixed Upon It Rev. Dr Jill Sanders
MUSIC for REFLECTION Diane Alveshere
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
One: I believe in a God of second chances,
Many: a God who sees through my stubbornness and holds my fear with tenderness.
One: I believe that this God of second chances uses ordinary people like Peter to do good in the world.
Many: Therefore, I believe and hope that God can use me too.
One: I believe that from time to time, God invites us to imagine the impossible. I believe that from time to time, God invites us to change our minds.
Many: This change is holy and important work, although challenging. When fear and scarcity plague me, or when the impossible feels out of reach, I believe that God meets me with grace and invites me to follow.
One: Thanks be to God for a love like that.
Many: Amen.
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
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION FOR OUR LILLY GRANT PROPOSAL
(Unison) We gather today, hearts united, as a congregation seeking to make a difference in our community. Our hands have labored diligently, weaving hope and compassion into the fabric of this grant proposal. We lift our voices in prayer, dedicating our efforts to Your divine purpose. Gracious God, as our proposal finds its way to decision-makers’ desks, we surrender the outcome. May their hearts be open, their discernment keen. May they recognize the potential within these pages. We offer our effort and this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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 “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” Black 459 1-3
*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH Pastor Jill
Beloved wanderer,
as you leave this place,
may you carry your curious heart on your sleeve.
May you look for God in every face.
May you find the courage to get out of the boat,
to run to the tomb,
and to speak of your faith.
And when the world falls apart,
may you hear God’s voice deep within,
saying, “Take heart, it is I, be not afraid.”
You are called.
You are blessed.
In both your ups and your downs,
you always belong to God.
Go now in peace.
Go trusting that good news.
Amen.
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 lifre.
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 Hymn O Radiant Christ, Incarnate Word – ©1992 GIA Publications, Inc. is used and reprinted under OneLicense A- 715438. The Prayer of our Savior is from the New Zealand prayer book.
| 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 10, 2024
The Weekly Calendar
Sunday March 10 KXRA Radio Sunday
9:15 Choir
10:00 Worship in person and online
11: 00 Coffee Fellowship
Monday March 11
10:00 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros.
Tuesday March 12
8-5 VITA Tax preparation WCMCA
9:00 Friendly Service
11:00 Worship Committee
12-4 Elder network
Wednesday March 13
8-5 VITA Tax preparation WCMCA
3:45 Connections Committee
5:15 Lenten dinner and program
Thursday March 14
9:00 Walking group @Church or Mall
4:30 Holy Happy Hour
5:15 Choir rehearsal
Sunday March 17 FROG Power Sunday
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 FROG Eggstravaganza/Eggcelent lunch/games and egg hunt/
11:00 Memorial committee
Today is KXRA radio Sunday
We broadcast our worship service the second Sunday of every month. This broadcast is sponsored by Sandy, Cathy and Bob in memory of Bill Grove.
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.
Wandering Hearts Devotionals
There are devotionals at the back of the sanctuary. If you want one printed and put in your mailbox, let the office know.
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.
Front Entrance ADA and Native Plant project
See the back of the sanctuary for plans, more information. You can donate to the project by an offering to the church.
Friendly Service
will meet on Tuesday, March 12th at 9 am in the Fellowship Hall. We assembled 2 quilts last month. All are welcome to come and help.
Lenten Dinner Series
Once again we will be having a Lenten Dinner discussion series. Our first meeting is Feb 21 at 5:15 pm. We will have a light meal that we share. The program begins at 6 pm. The video series is written and produced by Amy-Jill Levine and is called “Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week.” Discussions will be led by Pastor Jill, Joy Wrolson and Marc Blakesley. For those who want to delve deeper there is a book by the same name that you can purchase. You are welcome to come at any time and stay for as long as you can.
Choir Rehearsal
Choir will have rehearsal on Thursdays, beginning Feb 22 at 5:15pm each week. This is a temporary change during Lent. All are welcome to join. If you cannot attend every rehearsal, you can still be part of the choir.
Next Sunday is FROG’s Eggstravaganza
Join FROG for lunch, games, and an egg hunt Sunday March 17 after worship.
Help out with Worship
There are sign ups at the back of the church for January-March. 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
Kathy Midtvedt 03/18
Henrickson anniversary 03/18
Pastor Michael Fritz 03/21
If the office has missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact us.
Community Events
The Bible book of the month will take place on March 19, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. on zoom. The logins are 597 949 7340 and 9UQu5r.
After reading The Gospel of Mark for February the participants decided to examine the themes of the earliest writings of the Christian movement. We will read the two letters to Thessalonians for March.
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.
Habitat Restore community-wide pick up
The Greater Alexandria Area Association of REALTORS will be picking up donations for the ReStore on March 15. Donations accepted: appliances, building materials, cabinets, countertops, furniture, lighting and more. Call 320-335-0794 to schedule a pick-up. Sign ups will be taken until March 12.
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
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.
