The Fifth Sunday of Easter, 1st Sunday Music May 3, 2026
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF GOD’S PRESENCE
PRELUDE UCC Praise Band
You are Holy” | “My Beloved” | “Honey in the Rock”
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Pastor Marc
REMEMBER OUR BAPTISM
*CALL TO WORSHIP
ONE: People of faith, come gather in this sacred time.
ALL: Christ has risen and greets us here.
ONE: Jesus greets us here with words and wonder.
ALL: Christ has risen and greets us here.
ONE: We see Christ in each face gathered here.
ALL: Christ has risen and greets us here.
ONE: Christ has risen indeed; and we see evidence of the resurrection everywhere.
ALL: Let us sing praises to worship our loving, living God.
*OPENING SONG You Are Holy
*WELCOMING PRAYER (unison)
O God of Welcome, Gentle Savior, Empowering Spirit, come to us now, accept our invitation to dwell. You have created us with various senses. Open our eyes to your work in the world. Open our ears to your words of grace. Come, Spirit of the Living God, clasp hands with us, whirl with us, blending our faith with your grace. Praying in the name of Jesus, our Christ, we ask this of you. Amen.
PASSING OF THE PEACE
GOD SPEAKS TO US
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH
This Little Light of Mine
THE GOSPEL READING John 21:1-17
1After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he showed himself in this way. 2 Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin,[a] Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he had taken it off, and jumped into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.
9 When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them, and though there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them and did the same with the fish.
14 This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 A second time Jesus said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 Jesus said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”
SONG OF PREPARATION Honey in the Rock handout
MESSAGE “Resurrection Happens… Rev. Marc Blakesley
Breakfast at the Beach”
WE RESPOND TO GOD
CALL TO THE TABLE
ONE: We gather here from many differing perspectives, from many different points on a faith journey.
ALL: We come with a hunger for connection and a thirst for justice.
ONE: Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life. You who come to me, shall not hunger; you who listen to me and believe, shall not thirst.”
ALL: Together with all who hunger and thirst, we come to this table to know Christ in the sharing of the bread and the cup.
WORDS OF REMEMBRANCE and CONSECRATING PRAYER
All are welcome at this table, no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey. We have gluten-free crackers available for those in need and unfermented grape juice is served in the cups.
SERVING THE BREAD & THE CUP (unison)
songs during the serving of communion “You are My King” & “Mighty to Save”
THANKSGIVING PRAYER (unison)
Gracious God, we have gathered as the body of the risen Christ and have found our place at this table of grace and new life.
We prepare now to leave with grateful hearts ready to do our part as witnesses to your love and grace in the world.
For all this we are grateful and offer our praise to you. Amen.
PRAYER SONG “Down to the River to Pray”
SHARING JOYS AND CONCERNS PASTORAL PRAYER
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 THE OFFERING
OFFERTORY You are My King (Amazing Love) (instrumental)
*OFFERING SONG Holy Spirit chorus and interlude
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
WE TAKE GOD’S WITNESS OUT
*PARTING SONG Sing Wherever I Go
*BENEDICTION Pastor Marc
*SENDING SONG Sing Wherever I Go The Praise Band
We welcome all who are joining us for worship virtually, on YouTube, https://tinyurl.com/firstcongalex 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 May 3, 2026
Sunday May 3, Communion
8:30 Band practice
10:00 Worship in person and online First Sunday Music
11:00 Mission Committee meeting
i11:00 Coffee Fellowship
Monday May 4
10:00 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
4-8 p Voice lessons
6:30 Confirmation @ Glenwood United Parish
Tuesday May 5
2:30 Voice Lessons
Wednesday May 6
2-3:30 Office closed
5:15 WoW Wednesday, Creating Sacred Spaces
Thursday May 7
9:00 Walking group@Big Ole
12:00 Women’s Fellowship, 11 am Board meeting
4;30 Holy Happy Hour
4:45 choir rehearsal
Next Sunday May 10, Mothers Day, KXRA Radio Sunday
9:15 Choir
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
Communion Sunday
Today is Communion Sunday and all are welcome at God’s table, no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey. We have gluten-free crackers available for those in need and unfermented grape juice is served in the cups. We will be serving communion in the pews.
Annual Programmatic Meeting The Annual Programmatic meeting is scheduled for Sunday, May 17. Please plan to stay a little longer after worship that morning! One of the main features of the Programmatic Meeting is to elect a slate of Committee and Board members and Chairs. Look for Programmatic Booklets the week of May 10. The deadline for contributions to the Programmatic Booklet is May 4.
Sabbatical Pastor Contact Information
Rev. Marc Blakesley is called to serve this church ½ time.
Email: marc@firstcongregationaluccalex.com
Cell Phone: 612-325-1467 (voice/text)
Follow Pastor Jill’s Sabbatical
Pastor Jill is on her renewal leave until August 2nd. If you would like to follow along with her journey, you can go read her journal at https://substack.com/@alongjillsjourney. If you “subscribe” (do not pay as it’s free), you will be notified when posts are made.
Office hour variation on Wednesday
The office will be closed from 2-3:30 Wednesday afternoon.
Come walk our Labyrinth: A path for Contemplative Prayer
The labyrinth will not be open this week. 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.
Wow Wednesday
Wednesday, May 6th will be our first session of Spiritual Renewal we are calling WOW Wednesdays, which is made possible through our Lilly Grant for Clergy and Congregational Renewal. It is FREE, even dinner. Sign up on the table in the sanctuary so we know how much food we need. We will begin with dinner at 5:15 PM and our program begins around 6:00 PM and lasts no longer than an hour. Pastor Marc will engage us in a discussion about the practice of creating sacred space in the places we live. We will play with our imaginations in what we see as holy and/or sacred. Consider bringing an object or a book or art that you find meaning in and that may be used in grounding you in personal connection with the Divine.
Women’s Fellowship
Thursday, May 7. Lunchtime and treats will be provided by Judy Rose and Ann Branch at noon in the Plymouth Room. Cathy Johnson will lead a devotion. We postponed the THANK OFFERING until May, so please consider a donation for that as well. We are thankful ALL the time and this offering is a token of our gratitude. A timely program about the organization “Let’s Go Fishing” will be provided by Artie Peiper. A short business meeting will follow.
Choir rehearsal
The choir rehearses on Thursday @4:45 this week. They also rehearse the Sundays they sing at 9:15 am. The choir sings in worship on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month through May.
Angel Care Team May
Nikki Froemming and Cathy Johnson are the Angels for May. Please let the office know if you would like to be visited or know someone who needs a visit. We need June Angel Care volunteers, please contact the office for more information.
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.
Lost Hearing Aid
A Hearing aid was found on the sidewalk. If you are missing one, it is in the office.
Advent Lanterns
There are still 5 lanterns in Pastor Jill’s office loaned by the congregation. All are red and are along the north wall of the office. If you haven’t picked your lantern up yet. It should be there.
Bountiful Basket
The Bountiful Basket is designated for Someplace Safe—suggested items are on the basket. We will collect for Someplace through May.
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.
BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Charles Lawrence Perkins 05/10
Megan Norling Wilken 05/11
Deb Bergstrom 05/11
Cindy Norling 05/14
Julie Hjelm 05/15
If we have missed your birthday or other important date, please let us know.
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 May 17 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.
WOW Wednesdays and Sabbath Saturdays
During Pastor Jill’s renewal leave, we have planned activities for the congregation that will encourage them to reflect, be creative and build our faith. Once a month we will have an activity on Wednesday and a Saturday. Our first Sabbath Saturday is a Drum Circle workshop beginning at 1 pm. Drums provided, attendance is the only requirement for participation. Snack provided. Watch for signups for all of the WOW Wednesdays and Sabbath Saturdays.
We are an inclusive community that welcomes extravagantly, seeks God and follows Jesus into the world.
This congregation is 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.
