Reign of Christ Sunday, Nov 23, 2025
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD
PRELUDE Diane Alveshere
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER Pastor Jill
Choral Introit
*CALL TO WORSHIP Reed Becker
One: Alleluia! Christ is the image of the invisible God.
Many: In Christ all the fullness of God is pleased to dwell.
One: In Christ all things in heaven and on earth were created;
Many: Christ reigns over thrones and dominions and rulers and powers.
One: Christ is the head of the Body, the church.
Many: Through Christ all things are reconciled to God, making peace by his love on the cross. This is the love we adore, the love we worship, the love we serve.
–adapted from Colossians 1:15-20
*HYMN OF PRAISE Now thank we all our God, Blk# 419 Vs 1-3
*UNISON PRAYER Reed
God of power and might, there are many forces working woe in this world. So many powers vie for control. But you rule above all others. Save us, O God! So many leaders would claim our loyalty. So many voices would speak for our souls. Overrule them, O God! Take up your power and reign in our hearts. Call us and equip us to serve you for the sake of your Reign of Grace. Speak to us now that we may hear your word, be awakened and changed, and follow. Amen.
*THE ACT OF PRAISE (GLORIA) (Black #55. Verse 5)
Praise God who rules all worlds, the risen Christ adore,
Praise God the Spirit, Holy Fire, one God forevermore!
Rejoice, Rejoice, rejoice, give thanks and sing.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE Reed
GOD SPEAKS TO US
CHOIR ANTHEM Thanksgiving John Ness Beck
READING FROM THE Psalms Psalm 46 Reed
God’s Defense of His City and People To the leader. Of the Korahites. According to Alamoth. A Song. 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns.
6 The nations are in an uproar; the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice; the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations; I am exalted in the earth.” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
READING FROM THE HEBREW BIBLE Jeremiah 23:1-6 Reed
Restoration after Exile 23 Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord.
2 Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord.
3 Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply.
4 I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall no longer fear longer or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord.
The Righteous Branch of David 5 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.
6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Pastor Jill
READING FROM THE GOSPEL Luke 23:33-43 Pastor Jill
33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [[
34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”]] And they cast lots to divide Jesus’s clothing.
35 And the people stood by watching, but the leaders scoffed at Jesus, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!”
36 The soldiers also mocked Jesus coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over Jesus, “This is the King of the Jews.”
39 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding Jesus and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
41 And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.”
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom.” 43Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
HYMN OF PREPARATION O Jesus, I have promised, Blk# 493, Vs 1-3
SERMON A Different Kind of King Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
MUSIC FOR REFLECTION Diane Alveshere
WE RESPOND TO GOD
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS, PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE,
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
*DOXOLOGY Old Hundredth, Mary Luti
O hear your people as we trace
Your mercy and your boundless grace;
Receive our praise that’s never done,
O God, O Christ, O Spirit, One.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION Pastor Jill
*CLOSING HYMN O, God, who teaches us to live Blk# 359, Vs 1-3, 5
BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH
CHORAL RESPONSE Go Now in Peace D. Besig
POSTLUDE Diane Alveshere
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY Nov 23 2025
Sunday Nov 23
9:15 Choir
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Hanging of the Greens/light lunch after
Monday Nov 24
10-11 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
2-7 Voice lessons
5:15 Group Spiritual Direction
7:00 UCC @ Zion 1
Tuesday Nov 25
12-4 Elder network
2-7 Voice lessons
Wednesday Nov 26
6:30 Community Thanksgiving service @ First Lutheran
Thursday Nov 27 Thanksgiving
Office Closed
11:30-1 Thanksgiving Meal @St Mary’s
Saturday Nov 29
11:00 A Service of Remembrance for Marcus D. Erwin
Next Sunday Nov 30,1st Sunday of Advent, Fifth Sunday Music
10:00 Worship in person and online,, Fifth Sunday Music
11:15 Coffee Fellowship
Hanging of the Greens
Please join us following worship this morning for the Hanging of the Greens—as we prepare our sanctuary and other spaces in our building for the seasons of Advent and Christmas. A light lunch will follow in the Fellowship Hall.
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.
DART Ball Team
Our game will be again Zion 1 @ Zion at 7 pm Nov 24.
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.
Community Thanksgiving Service at First Lutheran
We along with many other churches in Alexandria are participating in a community Thanksgiving Service on Wed Nov 26 at 6:30. Jill and other members from our church will be reading during the service.
Thanksgiving Dinner
St. Mary’s is again hosting a free Thanksgiving Dinner on November 27, from 11:30 a.m. -1:00 pm in the St. Mary’s school gym. This meal is for those who would otherwise be alone or for those who would like to share a meal with other members of our community. If you are homebound, please call Bonnie Broman 320-763-9429 by November 20 to order delivered meals.
Volunteers wanting to help with set up, prepping, serving the meal, or cleanup, please contact Grace at 618-292-0506 or gracehlambert@yahoo.com. Help is also needed Nov. 23-26 in case you are unable to help on Thanksgiving Day.
If you would like to donate 1-2 pumpkin or fruit pies (no cream or custard pies), please bring to St. Mary’s school kitchen on Wednesday, November 26, noon-5:00 pm or Thanksgiving Day before 10 a.m
Service of Remembrance for Marcus Erwin
We will have a service of Remembrance for Marcus Erwin, Marcie Watson’s son, on Satudary Nov 29 at 11 am. A small luncheon will follow the service.
Lanterns needed
If you have a lantern to share for the seasons of Advent and Christmas, please bring them to worship or the church office. Make sure they are marked with your name.
Christmas Dinner
Each year, our congregation hosts a Free Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day. We always have plenty of volunteers for the actual event but need someone(s) to be the point person(s) or primary organizer(s). Are you willing?
Frozen Pies Available
There are a few pies still available. $15 a pie.
Bountiful Basket
The Small Mall gives students between kindergarten to 12th grade to purchase gifts for their family members at little cost. Gifts particularly for men are needed. Please no clothes. If you have questions, please ask Katy Mohabir. We will be packing up the basket after church on Nov. 30.
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
James LeBrasseur 12/04
Leigh Nelson 12/04
Cindee Kakac 12/05
DiAnne Loch 12/05
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. Please fill out the forms in your bulletin or email your choices to the church.
Save the Date
Welcome Winter Sunday Fun Day
Please join the Connections Committee for coffee/hot chocolate after church on November 30. We will have the Spinning Wheel out for you to take a spin and win special treats.
Women’s Fellowship Christmas Tea
Join us on Dec 4 at 2 pm to enjoy a light lunch and listen to the AAHS carolers. Donations of cookies for dessert will be appreciated.
Reading the Gospel of Mark
Join us as we read together the Gospel of Mark on December 7 at 11:30 in the Cambridge Room. It should be about an hour long.
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.
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.
