Easter Sunday March 31, 2024 10:00 AM
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
At the Cross/Revelation Song
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Dr Jill Sanders
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER
CHORAL INTROIT Sing and Rejoice
Christ is alive! Christ is alive!
Christ is risen! Christ is alive!
*CALL TO WORSHIP Marcie Watson
One: Yesterday we thought death had won. Yesterday we thought all was lost. Yesterday we thought Christ was gone.
Many: But not today. Today we know that love has won. Today we know that hope is real. Today we know that Christ is here.
One: We have a reason to hope.
Many: We have a reason to sing!
One: Alleluia!
Many: Alleluia!
One: Christ is risen today.
*OPENING HYMN “Christ, the Lord is Risen Today” (on screen)
*CALL TO CONFESSION Marcie
In the Gospel of Luke, the women come to the tomb, and to their surprise, instead of finding Jesus, they find angels. The angels tell the women, “Jesus is not here,” and when that answer is met with confusion, the angels say, “Remember what he told you.” Remember. It’s one of the words Jesus used at his last supper, and it’s one of the first words we hear at the empty tomb. Remember. I think this call to remember is why we need the prayer of confession and these words of forgiveness every single week. It’s not enough to hear of God’s grace once. We need to hear it over and over again, week after week. We need to be reminded that God’s grace and mercy will never run out. So friends, let us run to God like the women ran to the tomb. Let us tell the truth of our lives so that once again we can be reminded that our God is a God of grace, mercy, and love. Let us pray so that we can remember. Join me in the prayer of confession:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (responsive) Marcie
One: The stone is rolled away!
Many: We assume it is a mistake.
One: The angels say, “He is not here!”
Many: We assume their news is fake.
One: The women tell the story,
Many: but we do not want to hear it.
One: Peter runs to the tomb,
Many: but we do not understand.
One: Forgive us, God, for thinking an empty tomb is nothing more than a prank.
Many: Forgive us for seeing discarded burial cloths and still holding tight to death.
One: Forgive us for pushing away reasons to hope when you are alive and well in the world.
Many: Teach us to see what you see.
One: Unravel the threads of our unbelief.
Many: Amen.
WORDS OF FORGIVENESS Marcie
The angels tell the women, “Remember what Jesus told you.” So, church, remember this: You are seen. You are forgiven. You are held in God’s grace. All of this is true. Grace and mercy abound for you. Remember this. Amen!
*GLORIA UMH 162
Alleluia, Alleluia! give thanks to the risen Lord.
Alleluia, Alleluia! Give praise to God’s name. (x2)
*PASSING THE PEACE Marcie
CHORAL ANTHEM Allelluia! Christ is Risen Liebergen
THE READING FROM THE Gospel: Luke 24:1-12 Marcie
24 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in, they did not find the body.
4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. 5 The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.
6 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” 8 Then they remembered his words,
9 and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles.
11 But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Pastor Jill
Jesus Loves Me before and after the children’s message
HYMN OF PREPARATION “In Christ Alone”
SERMON Wandering Heart: And I Hope Rev. Dr Jill Sanders
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Unison)
We may weep through the longest nights. We may stare at the empty tomb with more questions than answers. We may run our fingers over the burial cloths and still long for more. But today, we are a people of hope. We believe in new beginnings. We believe that the God who created the world is stronger than death. We believe that Jesus abides among us, healing, teaching, and leaving fingerprints throughout this world. We believe that a tomb could not hold him. We believe that the sun does rise. We believe that Peter was there with questions, awe, and faith the size of a mustard seed. We believe that the story is not over yet, for God is among us. Today we are a people of hope.
SONG Lord Listen to Your Children Praying on screen/handout
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS, MOMENTS OF SILENCE, PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR
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:
OFFERTORY MUSIC
*DOXOLOGY Blk 785
We give you but your own
Whate’er the gift may be.
All that we have is yours alone,
We give it gratefully.
*PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS & PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*CLOSING HYMN “Christ is Risen” on screen and handout
*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 life.
May the peace of the Lord surround you.
May the peace of the Lord go with you.
Amen.
POSTLUDE MUSIC My Redeemer Lives Worship Band
The Call to Worship, Confession and Affirmation of Faith is from Sanctified Art Wandering Heart Words for Worship and used with permission. 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 31, 2024
The Weekly Calendar
Sunday March 31 Easter
9:15 Choir rehearsal
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
Monday April 1
10:00 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros.
Tuesday April 2
8-5 VITA Tax preparation WCMCA
Wednesday April 3
8-5 VITA Tax preparation WCMCA
5:15 Choir rehearsal
Thursday April 4
9:00 Walking group@Church
12:00 Women’s Fellowship and Board mtg @ 11 am
4:30 Holy Happy Hour
Saturday April 6
1:00 We are better together
Sunday April 7 Communion and First Sunday
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.
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. Volunteers needed on May 4 and May 18.
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.
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
Marc Blakesley 04/08
Linda Namur 04/11
Barb Yager 04/11
If the office has missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact us.
Community Events
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.
