June 18, 2023 3rd Sunday after Pentecost, Fathers’ Day
“See the Church—And Laugh”
*please stand in body and/or spirit
PRELUDE: Flute Choir
Karen Erickson, Andrea Olson, Kristen Buckley, and Pam Miller
WELCOME PastorJill
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Pastor Jill
POURING THE BAPTISMAL WATER: Pastor Jill
*CALL TO WORSHIP: Betty Cichy-Anderson, reader
One: This is a time of God’s appearing! Let us worship!
Let us recognize that God is within us and among us and always goes before us.
Many: God’s ear is inclined toward us. God listens and hears our prayers.
One: God bears us up on eagles’ wings. God draws us into covenant community.
Many: We will listen for God’s word to us. We will seek to do all that God asks of us.
*OPENING HYMN “All Things Bright and Beautiful” Blk#31 vs 1-3
*OPENING PRAYER (Unison) Betty
God of all creation, help us to recognize that you are present, not only here, but everywhere we go. Help us to offer hospitality to each other and to everyone we encounter in our neighborhood and community so that all people might be touched by your love. You are Love. In You, we find hope amid our weakness and doubt. May your glory shine in this place today—and shine through us as we leave this place and go to represent you this week. Amen.
*GLORIA Black 236
*PASSING OF THE PEACE: (responsive) Betty
MINISTRY IN MUSIC Flute Choir
Karen Erickson, Andrea Olson, Kristen Buckley, and Pam Miller
READING FROM THE HEBREW BIBLE Genesis 18:1-15 Betty
READING FROM THE GOSPEL Matthew 9:35-38 Betty
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Rev. Kelly Gallagher
HYMN FOR PREPARATION “Bring Many Names” Blk 11, vs 1-3, 6
SERMON: “See the Church – and Laugh!” Rev. Kelly Gallagher
MUSICAL REFLECTION Greg Kapphahn
LITANY OF AFFIRMATION (UNISON) on screen
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS,
A LITANY FOR FATHERS’ DAY
PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR
INVITATION TO GIVE, GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS: Pastor Jill
*DOXOLOGY Lasst uns Erfreuen
*PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS & PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*CLOSING HYMN: “In the bulb there is a flower” Blk 433 vs 1-3
*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH
*POSTLUDE: Greg Kapphahn
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Rev. Kelly Gallagher started in her role as settled Associate Conference Minister in the MN Conference UCC on January 10. Kelly joins us from Massachusetts where she previously served for eight years as Associate Conference Minister in the Massachusetts Conference UCC.
Rev. Gallagher brings with her deep experience in supporting congregations and their leadership and leading Committee on Ministry work. She also brings demonstrated commitment to the work of racial equity.
Rev. Gallagher also has extensive experience in filmmaking. She has produced and directed several films, including “What is God Doing in This Place: The Story of a Church Becoming Open & Affirming,” “The Hope for Peace: South Sudan,” “Watching Hope Form” (CONASPEH, The Protestant Council of Churches, Haiti), and “Sheltered” (CDIA/Boston University).
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY, June 18, 2023
The weekly Calendar
Sunday June 18 Father’s Day Sunday
10:00 Worship in-person & online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship and DC Youth Roll Fundraiser
Monday June 19, Juneteenth
10 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros.
Tuesday June 20
9:00 Pie making for Bazaar
11:30 Lunch Bunch @ Grand Arbor
5:45 Board of Administration
7:00 Church Council
Thursday June 22
9:00 Walk @ Big Ole
4:30 Holy Happy Hour at Pike and Pint
Friday June 23
Newsletter items due
Sunday June 25
10:00 Worship in-person & online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:00 Memorial Board meeting
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.
Happy Fathers’ Day
Today, we express our appreciation for the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, and father figures who enrich our character, love us unconditionally, and give so much of themselves every day so we can live lives worthy of their dreams and sacrifices.
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 new software provider, Churchtrac.
DC Youth Trip Fundraiser
Remember the Easter Breakfast Caramel Rolls made by Barb Anderson? They will make another appearance today following worship. Donations for the youth trip to Washington DC in July will be gladly accepted!
Tech Team Volunteers needed
Are you looking for a way to participate in our Worship but don’t want to be out front, you can help at the tech table. Training available. It is fun.
Help out with Worship
There are sign ups at the back of the church for June and July. If you are able to greet, usher, or read, help serve coffee or clean up after Fellowship, please sign up there.
Angel Express and Angel Care Team
Volunteers are needed to cover additional months. Please contact the church office or Daisy 763-9461.
Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries
Lori LeBrasseur 06/20
Penny Trenne 06/23
Pam Schauff 06/25
Deb Verpy 06/25
Capistrant anniversary 06/26
Erin Weatherwax 06/30
Summer Salad & Bake Sale
It is on Thursday, July 13th.This week we will be assembling pies for sale at the bake sale (Tuesday). Think of your favorite baked goodie you can make for the bake sale. Sign up to bring your special salad to contribute for the salad luncheon. We plan to make our famous turkey salad. Thanks for your help.
Meals available
Our church has received a donation of frozen meals to distribute to people in need of a nutrition supplement. If the economy and times have made you a person a supplement would benefit or are aware of a person in need please contact Pastor Jill. All information will remain confidential.
Tuesday Lunch Bunch
Grand Arbor Pioneer Grill Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. Come join us for lunch and lots of visiting.
Tuesday meetings
Tuesday is a busy day for meetings. If you have an agenda item let the office know.
Visitor Deadline
The deadline for articles for the newsletter is June 23.
50th Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, June 25–50th Anniversary party for Ron and Ann Branch, 1-4 pm at our farm, 1301 Firemans Lodge Road. Our church family is invited to help us celebrate. Thank you, Ron and Ann.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States and is the oldest known celebration honoring the end of enslavement of people of African descent. It became a federal holiday in 2021. It marks the emancipation of enslaved people in the state of Texas but has been celebrated nationally since the early 1900s.
