Church Bulletin for Nov 17, 2024

*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit

WE BECOME AWARE OF GOD’S PRESENCE

PRELUDE                                                                                                          Brad Lambrecht

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS                                         Pastor Jill

POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER                         Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                     Marcie Watson

One:    Please stand in body or spirit and join me in the Call to worship and remain standing until the Passing of the Peace

One:     Eternal God, we praise you!

Many:  Amidst all that changes, you are present.

One:     You have been here forever, waiting for us.

Many: We are here, to be present for you.

One:     Let all that is passing fall away.

Many: With open hands, we let go of all but you.

Alleluia! Spirit of Life, transform us by your grace. Alleluia!

OPENING HYMN      Hear We Have Gathered,

(words on screen, tune: Red 451)

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)                                    Marcie

Redeemer and Liberator, we call upon your power to make all things new. We confess that we have compromised your good news and settled for a comfortable gospel rather than embrace the radical love, hospitality, and inclusion of your kin-dom. We have been satisfied with a faith that conforms to the world rather than one that challenges the systems and ways of the world. Forgive us for our focus on our own survival and pleasure while your creation perishes all around us. For your mercy, we pray.  Amen.

*Assurance of Forgiveness   (Lamentations 3:22-23)              Marcie

One:      The steadfast love of God never ceases.

               God’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.

Many:   Great is your faithfulness, O God.  We are grateful for your never-ending love.  Amen.

*THE GLORIA                                                                                         Blk 8, vs 4

Praise to the Living God, around, within, above,

Beyond the grasp of humankind but whom we know as Love.

In these tumultuous days, so full of hope and strife,

May we bear witness to the Way, O Source and Goal of life.

*THE PASSING OF THE PEACE                                                         Marcie

GOD SPEAKS TO US

MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH                          Pastor Jill

READING FROM THE Hebrew Bible        1 Samuel 1:4-20       Marcie

On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters,

5 but to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb.

6 Her rival used to provoke her severely, to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb.

7 So it went on year by year; as often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat.

8 Her husband Elkanah said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? Why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?”

9 After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the Lord. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord.

10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly.

11 She made this vow: “O Lord of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite until the day of his death. He shall drink neither wine nor intoxicants, and no razor shall touch his head.”

12 As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore Eli thought she was drunk.

14 So Eli said to her, “How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself? Put away your wine.”

15 But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord.

16 Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time.”

17 Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him.”

18 And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your sight.” Then the woman went her way and ate and drank with her husband, and her countenance was sad no longer.,

19 They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. Elkanah knew his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her.

20 In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I have asked him of the Lord.”

READING FROM THE Gospel            Mark 13:1-8     Pastor Jill

13 As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!”

2 Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”

3 When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately,

4 “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5 Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray.

6 Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come.

8 For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.

HYMN OF PREPARATION Great is Thy Faithfulness W&R 72 vs 1-3

SERMON                      Birth Pangs                                      Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders

MUSIC FOR REFLECTION      Brad Lambrecht

WE RESPOND TO GOD

SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS, PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE, AND THE PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR                                                          Pastor Jill

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:     Pastor Jill

*DOXOLOGY                                                                                             Black 780

          Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

          Praise God all creatures here below;

          Praise God above you heavenly host;

          Praise Creator,Christ, and Holy Ghost.   

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

*CLOSING Hymn My Life Flows on In Endless Song, Blk 476, vs 1-3

*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH                                                      Pastor Jill

POSTLUDE                                                                                      Brad Lambrecht

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 Nov 17, 2024

The Weekly Calendar

Sunday Nov 17,

10:00   Worship in person and online

11:00   Coffee Fellowship

Monday Nov 18

10-11:  “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros

7 pm    Dartball Villard @ UCC

Tuesday Nov 19

11:30   Lunch bunch

5:00     Board of Administration

6:00     Council

Wednesday Nov 20

10:30   Connections

5:15     Choir rehearsal

Thursday Nov 21

9:00     Walking group@Church

9:30     Morning circle

4:30     Holy Happy Hour

 Sunday Nov 24,

9:15     Choir Practice

10:00   Worship in person and online

11:00   Hanging of the Greens, FROG POWER lunch Memorials Committee

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.  She typically takes Fridays off.

Thank you

To all that gave of your time and talent for the Spaghetti supper.

Dart ball

Mon at 7 pm We are playing Villard here. If you are interested in playing with our Men’s Dartball League, please contact Clayton Mielke.

Lunch Bunch

The Lunch Bunch meets on the third Tuesday of the month at Grand Arbor’s Pioneer Grill.  Please join us at 11:30 on Nov 19.  All are welcome.  It’s Dutch treat.

Tuesday meetings

The Board of Administration and Church Council are meeting on Tuesday Nov 19.  If you have an agenda item, please contact either Jane Harstad or Clayton Mielke to let them know.

Choir Rehearsal

Choir rehearsal at 5:15 on Wednesday November 20.  

Morning Circle

We meet in the Cambridge room at 9:30 Thursday Nov 21.  We share a coffee and a treat and devotions.  There will also be a brief business meeting.

Hanging of the Greens

Join us for our annual Hanging of the Greens immediately following the worship service next Sunday.  As we prepare our hearts and sanctuary for the joyous celebration of the Advent Season, let’s decorate the sanctuary and fellowship hall together. A lunch/coffee fellowship will be provided.  All are welcome to participate.

FROG Sunday

Next Sunday is Fully Rely on God Sunday, it is our Christian education program for younger students.  They will provide our lunch/fellowship on Sunday. They will be helping us hang the greens.

Multiple Volunteer Opportunities

Worship Service volunteers. We need readers, ushers, greeters, tech staff and coffee fellowship servers through the end of the year.  Sign up is at the back of the sanctuary.

Christmas dinner volunteers needed.  Look for more information soon. 
As always, your time and talents are always appreciated and as we approach Advent we have many opportunities available for you.

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.

Global Hope UCC Disaster Fund

Hurricanes Milton and Helene hit the southeastern United States hard and several UCC churches throughout the affected region have suffered extensive damage to their church buildings and surrounding communities. As the full impact of both storms continues to become realized, the Global HOPE team is helping to connect victims of the storm’s devastation with immediate resources as well as preparing to support long-term recovery efforts.  As we continue to pray for and support those who have experienced unimaginable loss this past week, we invite you to support the UCC’s recovery efforts in the following ways:

Hurricane 2024 Recovery Appeal: The National Ministries of the United Church of Christ has a long history of supporting communities as they recover from disaster and their plight fades from the headlines. Your support of this appeal will ensure that communities are supported and accompanied for years as they rebuild. You can give directly via the website https://support.ucc.org/global-HOPE or by texting UCCDISASTER to 41444 or by writing a check with Global Hope or UCC Disaster or Hurricane Helene in the memo line.

Harvest Table

We are continuing the Harvest Table until people have nothing to bring in.  We appreciate all who have contributed extra produce and are willing to make donations to Missions in this way.

Bountiful Basket

We will be filling the basket for the Small Mall during the month of November, there is a list of wanted items on the basket, they include, money, gently used or new toys, gifts for men, women, and teens, wrapping paper and gift bags and boxes.  Gifts for men are particularly needed.

Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries

Ron Rokes                               11/15
Jon Hall                                   11/25
Tara LeBrasseur Pham            11/25
Lauren Davis                           11/27
David Fleming                         11/27
Merlin Moser                          11/28

If the office has missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact us.

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.