Reign of Christ Sunday November 24, 2024
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF GOD’S PRESENCE
PRELUDE Jane Herth
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Pastor Jill
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
*CHORAL INTROIT A Thanksgiving Anthem, Althouse
*CALL TO WORSHIP Lee Becker
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: Glorious God, mighty and eternal, you have conquered the powers of this world.
Many: But you have not done it with force or domination; you have done it with the love of the crucified and risen Christ.
One: God of perfect love and boundless grace, you are our Sovereign.
Many: Christ, you are the Chief and ruler of our lives. We thank you; we honor you; we seek to emulate you.
One: We worship in humble gratitude, with open hearts.
Many: By your Spirit, may Love rule in our lives.
(written by Steve Garnaas-Holmes)
OPENING HYMN Rejoice, Give Thanks and Sing Blk 303 vs. 1,2,4
*Opening Prayer (Unison) Lee
Sovereign God, come to us now in silent, holy power. Still our distracted minds, our bruised hearts, our longing bodies. Then speak the power of Jesus’ name in such a way that we might hear it, in such a way that we might bear it into the world—as people who seek not to preserve what we know but to make palpable who you are—for we move and pray by the gift of your breath within us. Amen.
*THE GLORIA Blk 301, vs 1
Crown with your richest crowns the Lamb upon the throne;
Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing of Christ who died for you,
And to your risen Savior bring your thanks for life made new.
*THE PASSING OF THE PEACE Lee
GOD SPEAKS TO US
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Pastor Jill
READING FROM THE Hebrew Bible Psalm 93 Lee
1 The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he is girded with strength. He has established the world; it shall never be moved;
2 your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.
3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their roaring.
4 More majestic than the thunders of mighty waters, more majestic than the waves of the sea, majestic on high is the Lord!
5 Your decrees are very sure; holiness befits your house, O Lord, forevermore.
CHOIR ANTHEM Crowded Table by the Highwomen
READING FROM THE Gospel John 18:33-37 Pastor Jill
33 Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
34 Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?”
35 Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?”
36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom belonged to this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”
37 Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
HYMN OF PREPARATION Praise and Thanksgiving W&R 722 vs 1-4
SERMON A Different Kind of King Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
MUSIC FOR REFLECTION Jane Herth
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 O For A World Blk 575, vs 1,2, 3, 5
CHORAL BENEDICTION A Thanksgiving Anthem, Althouse
*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH Pastor Jill
POSTLUDE Jane Herth
| 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 24, 2024
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
Monday Nov 25
10-11 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
5:15 Group Spiritual Direction
6:30 First Sunday Band Practice
7 pm Dartball UCC@Zion 1
Tuesday Nov 26
12-4 Elder network
Wednesday Nov 27
5:15 Choir rehearsal
Thursday Nov 28
Thanksgiving office closed
11-1 Thanksgiving dinner @ St Mary’s
Sunday Dec 1,
10:00 Worship in person and online, First Sunday Music
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:00 coffee fellowship hosted by Connections, Missions meeting
1 pm Open House for Donna Myers
Hanging of the Greens
Join us for our annual Hanging of the Greens immediately following the worship service today. 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
Today 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.
Bulletin board
There is a fresh bulletin board across from Cambridge Room that is inviting you to contribute photos, card fronts, or poems that say “this is beauty for all seasons”. These items to share, about 4×6, can be placed in Barb Brown’s mailbox. They will be changed out as we receive more examples. If you want your item returned please let me know. Looking forward to seeing your ideas of beauty.
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
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.
Choir Rehearsal
Choir rehearsal at 5:15 on Wednesday November 27.
St Mary’s Thanksgiving dinner
St. Mary’s is again hosting a free Thanksgiving Dinner on November 28, from 11:30-1 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. Volunteers and pies are needed, check with the office for details.
Sundays in Advent
Please bring a favorite quilt or family quilt to church for the Advent season. We will find a time to share stories about the quilts we bring!
Next Sunday
Coffee Fellowship
Please plan to attend the fellowship coffee time after church on December 1. The Connections Committee will be serving coffee, hot chocolate, sweets and prizes you can win by spinning the wheel. Let’s greet the month of December with a Sunday Funday.
Donna Myer’s celebration
Donna is thrilled to commemorate 30 years since her miraculous recovery from brain surgery. Let’s gather to show our love and support. Join us When: Saturday, December 1st, 2023 Time: 12:00 PM onwards Where: Edgewood Vista Party Room 1902 7th Ave E. Please join us for cake, buns, and other delicious treats. This is an open house, so feel free to stop by anytime.
Cookies needed
Women’s Fellowship would like members to make cookies for the Christmas Tea on Dec 5.
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.
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
Today is the last Sunday for the Small Mall. 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
James LeBrasseur 12/04
Leigh Nelson 12/04
Cindee Kakac 12/05
DiAnne Loch 12/05
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.
