Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD
PRELUDE UCC Praise Band
Sing Hosanna, Blessed Be Your Name, My Beloved
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Pastor Jill
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER Pastor Jill
*CALL TO WORSHIP Marcie Watson
One: Will you follow?
Will you lay down your coat?
Will you lay down something important?
Will you shout “Hosanna”?
Will you join the parade?
Will you sing, even if your throat is hoarse?
Will you cut down a palm branch?
Will you wave it in the air?
Will you follow the one riding on a donkey?
Will you let this good news inspire you to act?
Many: We will. We will sing. We will pay close attention.
We will worship. We will follow.
One: Hosanna in the highest!
Many: Hosanna in the highest
*OPENING Song Lift High the Cross Blk 198
*CALL TO CONFESSION Marcie
The very first Palm Sunday was a day of action. It was a day of movement, of crowded city streets, and cries of “Hosanna!” It was a day of peaceful protest and dreams for a better world. The first Palm Sunday was a day of peaceful, hopeful action. So friends, on this Palm Sunday, let us join the saints before us in an act of faith. Let us begin with an act of prayer, an act of honesty, an act of transformation.
Let us begin by drawing close to God and sharing the truth of our lives. Let us begin with confession. Please join me in prayer:
*UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION Marcie
Jesus of Nazareth, we know that you spent your days teaching and healing. You marched through the streets and walked on water.
You laid hands on the sick and broke bread at crowded dinner tables. Your good news was not confined to conversation. It was not confined to the Temple.
Your good news was an act of love, alive in the world. Holy God, we long for a faith like that. Forgive us for the times when we confine our faith to something we think about, as opposed to something we act upon. Inspire us to love as you loved. Inspire us to act. With hope for tomorrow we pray, Amen.
*WORDS OF FORGIVENESS
One: Church family,
whether or not you wave your palm branch,
whether or not you live out your faith,
whether or not you allow this good news to inspire your actions,
God will never stop loving you.
Jesus will never stop marching for you.
The Spirit will never stop listening to you.
Many: We are claimed, loved, and held in grace.
What good, good news. Amen!
*PASSING OF THE PEACE
GOD SPEAKS TO US
THE Reading from the Hebrew Bible Zechariah 9:9-10 Marcie
The Coming Ruler of God’s People 9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
10 He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall command peace to the nations; his dominion shall be from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH
He’s Got the Whole World in his hands
THE GOSPEL READING Mark 11:1-11 Pastor Jill
Jesus’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem 11 When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples
2 and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it.
3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this: ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’ ”
4 They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, 5 some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?”
6 They told them what Jesus had said, and they allowed them to take it. 7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and Jesus sat on it.
8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields.
9 Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
11 Then Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple, and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
SONG OF PREPARATION Blue Skies Sara Robinson
SERMON It’s A Two-Procession World Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
WE RESPOND TO GOD
Reception of New Members
Invitation
We invite to come forward those who wish to affirm their baptism by uniting with us in this household of faith.
Received into Full Membership:
Dick Bromley Connie Burns Rick Butte Joel Kamholz Bernie Obrigewitsch
Jennie Schleppenbach Barbara Williams Leslie Woolery
Received into Associate Membership:
Jan Finazzo Mary Platt
Sentences
Questions of the Candidates
*Affirmation of Faith
Pastor: Please rise and let us unite with the church in all times and places in confessing our faith in the triune God.
Do you believe in God?
All: I believe in God.
Pastor: Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
All: I believe in Jesus Christ.
Pastor: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit.
All: I believe in the Holy Spirit.
(the Congregation may be seated)
Address
Question about Participation
Welcome and Reception
Pastor: Let us, the members of the First Congregational United Church of Christ express our welcome and affirm our mutual ministry in Christ.
Congregation: We welcome you with joy in the common life of this church. We promise you our friendship and prayers as we share in the hopes and labors of the church of Jesus Christ, By the power of the Holy Spirit, may we continue to grow together in the knowledge of God and in love and be witnesses of our risen Savior.
Greeting of Christian Love
Prayer
Pastor: Let us pray. O God, we praise you for calling us to faith and for gathering us into the church, the body of Christ. We thank you for your people gathered in this local church and rejoice that you have increased our community of faith. Together, may we live in the Spirit, building one another up in love, sharing in the life, worship, and ministry of the church, and serving the world for the sake of Jesus Christ.
People: Amen.
Song: Room at the Table
Prayer Song Down to the River to Prayer
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 The Old Rugged Cross
*DOXOLOGY Holy Spirit chorus and interlude
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION Pastor Jill
*Closing Song Blessed Be Your Name
*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 Blessed Be Your Name
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY March 29, 2026
Sunday March 29, Palm Sunday, New Member Sunday
10:00 Worship in person and online, Fifth Sunday Music
11:00 New Member Reception
11:30 Book discussion group
Monday March 30
10:00 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
2-7 Voice lessons
Tuesday March 31
8-4 VITA tax services
Wednesday April 1
8-4 VITA tax services
4-6 Labyrinth Open
5:15 Choir & Band Rehearsal
5:30 Children’s program small group
Thursday April 2
9:00 Walking group@Mall
12:00 Women’s Felllowship, 11 am Board
6:00 Holy Thursday Service, brief choir rehearsal before
Next Sunday Easter Sunday, Communion,
8:30 Choir rehearsal, band
10:00 Worship in person and online, First Sunday Music
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:30 Book discussion group
New Member Sunday
Today, we welcome new members! We have already been blessed by their presence in our midst and look forward to journeying with them in faith for years to come! Please stay for coffee and cake following worship to celebrate!
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.
Today, Book Study Group
Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang. Join us for our group book study exploring faith, civic life, and the call to love our neighbors. Chapters as assigned.
Come walk our Labyrinth: A path for Contemplative Prayer
The labyrinth will be open on Wednesdays beginning April 1 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.
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.
Choir rehearsal
The choir will resume rehearsals on Wednesday April 1. They will also rehearse Sunday mornings at 9 am on the Sundays on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month.
Women’s Fellowship
Bring your own bag lunch and a treat and coffee will be served by Glenda Richardson, Mary Jo Hochsprung and Evelyn Hendrickson at noon on Thursday. Sandy Grove will lead a devotion. Our speaker will be Megan Ramirez from West Central MN Community Action.
Holy Thursday
We will gather around tables at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, Thursday, April 2 to enjoy fellowship with charcuterie fare. The Service of Silence and Reflection will follow. Please plan to make Holy Week worship part of your Lenten practice this year!
Angel Care Team April
Joan Holverson and Lori LaBrasseur are the Angels for April. Please let the office know if you would like to be visited or know someone who needs a visit.
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.
Bountiful Basket
The Bountiful Basket will be collecting for the Outreach Food shelf in March. Non-perishable food and money are needed. A list of most desired items will be posted on the basket soon. We will be packing up the basket after church today.
One Great Hour of Sharing
One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is a Special Mission Offering of the United Church of Christ that supports partners worldwide with ministries that fund health, education, and agricultural development, emergency relief, refugee ministries, and both international and domestic disaster response. Thank you for your support of this offering!
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
Andrew Fleming 04/05
Evelyn Henrickson 04/06
Marc Blakesley 04/08
Linda Namur 04/11
Barb Yager 04/11
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. Hymn request forms can be found in the pews.
Upcoming Events or Community Events
Evening Prayer Services
All are welcome to join the First Lutheran Care for Creation team for a time of music, scripture, and prayer on the March 22, April 19, May 17 (typically the 3rd Sunday of the month) at 5:00pm. The purpose is to pray for the world, for peace, for all leaders, for creation, and for God’s presence in our lives.
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.
Habitat for Humanity Faith Build Day April 16
We have been invited by Sara Robinson to join in with another church to work on a Habitat for Humanity Faith Build on April 16. We can participate as we are able…building, cleaning up, preparing and serving lunch, snacks or financial support. Please contact the office asap to express interest and where you are able to assist.
Douglas County Senior Housing Tour, April 30, 8:30-12:30
Is a change of housing in the future for you or a loved one? Hosted by Douglas County Senior Services along with Douglas County Social Services and Horizon Public Health, you will learn about some of the choices in the Alexandria area (senior apartments, 55+ housing communities and assisted living communities). After a short informational session at the Public Works Conference Room (526 Willow Drive), we will board a school bus and visit 2 senior housing sites. The bus will have wheelchair accessibility. The Care Campus will present information about their Evansville and Brandon sites before we get on the bus; and then we will tour Edgewood Vista and Grand Arbor in person. Enrollment is $5.00. People can enroll at Alexandria Community Education online or call 320-762-3310.
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.
