Twenty Fourth Sunday after Pentecost and All Saints, November 3, 2024
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD
PRELUDE
Love Round
Mighty to Save
Goodness of God
When the Saints Go Marching In
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Pastor Jill
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
RE-ORIENTATION
Leader: As this series draws to a close, we may feel more or less resolved in our openness to each other. Loving our neighbors–including relatives, coworkers, acquaintances, strangers–as ourselves is no simple task. We need God. We need the love of God to show us mercy and strength to love as God loves. We need the story of Jesus–the one who loved across the lines that had been drawn in the society of his day but who also stood up for the least and the lost. We need faith that no matter the strain of differing positions, policies, and politics, we will move forward in love. Disagreeing need not be antithetical to love and grace. And indeed, our world depends on all of us working for a better world filled with more kindness, compassion, humility, respect, and love.
All are invited to stand (in body or spirit) and turn toward the Christ light, seeing one another all around, and “across the aisles.”] and remain standing until after the opening song
Please stand in body or spirit for the Introit and remain standing through the Opening Hymn
Reader Marcie Watson
The act of simply coming together is “revolutionary,” which in its earliest form meant “finding a course around a central point.” We gather around the Light of Christ as the center and guiding light of our lives. This becomes our point of reference for our relationships and our love in the world. This is our “love revolution.” Let us pray:
Loving and Hope-filled God,
we ask you to stay close in our lives
as we move into an unknown future.
Wrap us in your love, and invite us
to go and do likewise–to “do unto others” in ways that build up
your kin-dom on earth as it is in heaven.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, the Center That Holds,
and in the power of the Spirit That Transforms. Amen.
[the Christ Light moves forward to the front
and the people face the front]
*PEACE ACROSS THE DIVIDE
Marcie: It has been an eye-opening experience to be here.
Jill: In the end I’m still not sure I’m capable of moving closer.
Marcie: What if that never happens?
Jill: What if the chasm gets wider?
Marcie: But I have begun to imagine a way to live together.
Jill: I know we both are still afraid, but I wish you no harm.
Reader: Yes.
People: Breathe.
Reader: Let us imagine this kind of outcome.
People: Breathe again.
Reader: We are not alone.
People: Christ is with us.
Jill: Let us take a deep breath together [take a breath]…
The rhythm of our breath and heartbeat is the same.
Our desire for life and love is the same.
Our desire for a peace in which we flourish is the same.
Let this moment permeate our souls,
and let us pass the peace of Christ between us.
This peace is meant for all people.
Reader: The peace of Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.
Reader: Let us share signs of God’s peace with each other
*OPENING Song: Love Round (on screen and in handout)
GOD SPEAKS TO US
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH
This Little Light of Mine
Scripture Reading Matthew 22:34-40 NRSVUE
Intro
Jill: Jesus names us many times in scripture as “neighbors” to one another. We have been depending on his vision for the neighborliness of humanity as we navigate our own search for “good news.” Together, we will continue to find ways to tell deeply good news for all people by filtering our interactions through the lens of love. Today’s scripture reminds us that interpretation of the law has always been difficult for humanity. We have never been of one mind. But as we have heard in this series, what we put into the world is part of the ongoing creation of the world. Is it possible to put love out there as always the first impulse for interpretation?
Scripture Reader: When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, an expert in the law, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
Song OF PREPARATION Mighty to Save on screen and in handout
SERMON “With Malice Toward None: Love”
Rev. Dr Jill Sanders
Remembering the Saints and Giving Thanks for their Lives (This litany can be put on Proclaim but left out of the printed bulletin)
We remember the great ancestors of our faith,
from Abraham and Sarah to Paul and Phoebe:
Ancestors of the faith, we remember you.
We remember the prophets and priests,
the ministers and teachers who have taught us the way of God:
Teachers of the faith, we remember you.
We remember our grandparents, aunts and uncles,
those who have gone before us in our lifetime:
Family of our faith, we remember you.
We lift up the memories of children and grandchildren,
siblings, partners, and parents
whose lives ended too soon:
Those close in our heart, we remember you.
We lift up to You, O God,
the names of those we have lost in this past year from our lives,
knowing that they are with Your heart forever.
As we read these names of those from this community of faith who died this past year,
we will pause after every name
to remember, pray, and give thanks for their life.
(Reading of the names of those who have died in the past year.)
Carol Meyer
Jolene Speirs
Merle Harth
Caroll Bluhm
Michael Mosleth
We celebrate the lives of those we have named, O God,
and lift up many more names in our hearts—and we light one more candle to symbolize all of those we remember.
Family of God, we remember you, and we honor you.
We know you are with us in the spirit of worship,
and you will not be forgotten.
We give thanks, O God,
for all who have gone on to join with You beyond this life.
We trust in the hope of resurrection and the promise of new life in Christ,
and know that in our grief and celebration, O God,
You are with us through it all, and we are not left alone.
In the name of Christ, in whom love lives forever, we pray.
Amen.
Song For All the Saints, Blk #299, verse 4)
Ringed by the cloud of witnesses divine,
We feebly struggle; they in glory shine,
Yet in your love our faithful lives entwine.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
The Sacrament of Holy Communion
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Invitation
Today we gather around this table to remember what true relationship means. All are invited to this Table of [Kindness/Compassion/Humility/Respect/Love]. Jesus broke bread with those whose worldview did not mirror his. Jesus broke bread with those whose experience and traditions were sometimes not only different, but opposed, to his. He simply offered a place to be, to sit down at the same table, and see what transformation might happen between people.
Yet, as we prepare ourselves for this feast, we are called to admit the complexity that lies at the edges of our relationships.
Prayer of Confession
For all the ways we colonize each other–
with expectations, beliefs, judgments, and our own fear…
God, in your mercy, forgive and transform.
For all the ways we squander right relationship–
choosing being “right” over “relationship”…
God, in your mercy, forgive and transform.
For all the ways we abuse our freedom–
engaging hateful speech towards those not on “our” side…
God, in your mercy, forgive and transform.
For all the ways we deny equality and the belovedness of all–
Deeming some “in” and others “out…”
God, in your mercy, forgive and transform.
Silence
Words of Assurance
Jesus said, “I have come to set the prisoner free.”
No matter what binds you this day, freedom is yours through new life in Christ. In the name of him who came to loose the chains, you are forgiven.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven, set free. Glory to God! Amen!
The Great Thanksgiving
The Liberating God be with you!
And also with you!
Lift up your hearts with joy!
We lift them up to God!
Let us give praise to the Author of Freedom!
It is right to give our thanks and praise!
It is right, and a good and holy thing
to give our praise to you this day,
Liberator of all Humankind.
You unleashed your creative power,
and a world blossomed.
You bestowed upon every living thing
life and breath, color and movement.
No matter how many battles we wage
within and between ourselves and against you,
your promise, vision, and gifts of peace and abundance continue.
And so we lift up our voices in celebration of You!
Holy, holy, holy are You!
We join all the prophets and saints!
Heaven and earth are full of your glory!
We join the parade of justice!
Blessed are they who come in the name of the Lord!
We add our cries and exclamations!
Hosanna in the highest!
Holy are you and blessed is your son, Jesus.
To those who were imprisoned
by status, law, illness, poverty, gender, age, and disease,
he said, “your belief has set you free. You are a child of God.”
He invited disciples, friends, and strangers alike to his tables.
[lift the bread]
He proclaimed God’s grace to all with whom he broke bread.
[lift the cup]
He proclaimed God’s love to all with whom he shared the cup.
And he told us to remember:
You are one at this table, the table of grace.
For Christ has died, Christ has risen,
and Christ comes again in this meal we eat together.
Holy Spirit, transform this meal and transform this body
so that we might be free to love without condition,
invite without hesitation,
go without reservation,
and proclaim your love to all the world!
Let the people say, “Amen!”
Sharing the Bread and Cup
As people come forward to receive, please join in singing:
Let us Break Bread (v 1-3) on screen and in handout
Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Kindly
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.
WE RESPOND TO GOD
INVITATION TO GIVE GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS:
Offering Song Goodness of God
*DOXOLOGY We are an offering
Both on screen and in handout
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*SENDING SONG When the Saints Go Marching In on screen and in handout
*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH Pastor Jill
(Jill brings Christ Candle to the Center of the Sanctuary and speaks these words)
May the Holy One show you the way
to Do Unto Others with Love.
May the Christ whose Light is the Center of All-That-Is
ground you in the assurance that no one is outside of love.
May the Spirit show forth through you
in extraordinary acts you never imagined you had the power to achieve.
And may you know the peace that surpasses all understanding,
especially when it is difficult to understand.
And the people said, “Amen!”
POSTLUDE When the Saints Go Marching In
POSTLUDE When the Saints Go Marching In
| The Liturgy for this week is adapted from the Worship Design Studio and Resurrection Church’s series Do Unto Others. |
| 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 3, 2024
The Weekly Calendar
Sunday Nov 3, All Saints and First Sunday
10:00 Worship in person and online, Communion
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:00 Mission Committee meeting
Monday Nov 4
10-11 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
6:30 Listening Session for Conference Minister Search, NY Mills
7 pm Dart ball UCC @ Good Shepherd
Tuesday Nov 5
Election Day
Wednesday Nov 6
12-6 Day of Prayer
5:15 Choir rehearsal
Thursday Nov 7
9:00 Walking group@Church west entrance
12:00 Women’s Fellowship, 11 am Board meeting
4:30 Holy Happy Hour
Sunday Nov 10, KXRA Sunday
9:15 Choir practice
10:00 Worship in person and online, Stewardship Sunday
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
Communion Sunday
We are celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion this morning! You will be invited to walk down the center aisle to receive the bread and cup and then return to your seat. If you would prefer to be served where you are seated, please notify an usher.
All Saints Remembrance
Today, we remember and give thanks for the saints who have died and gone before us. During this past year, we have mourned the losses of five people from our faith community—Carol Meyer, Jolene Speirs, Merle Harth, Caroll Bluhm, and Michael Mosleth. We give thanks for all that they meant to this faith community and to all who loved them.
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.
Radio Sponsor needed
We need a sponsor for next Sunday’s radio broadcast. We broadcast our 2nd Sunday service on KXRA at 11:00 am. The cost of the broadcast is $110. Please contact the office if you are interested.
Election Day
Please be sure to exercise your right to vote if you have not done so already! The Rev. Raphael Warnock reminds us that a vote is a prayer for the way we want the world to be.
Listening Session
You are invited! The Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ is seeking a new Conference Minister, and we need your input. Join us at First Congregational UCC in New York Mills 11 Gilman St E , New York Mills at 6:30 pm. We anticipate that the session will be about 2 hours long.
Dart ball
Mon at 7 pm We are playing Good Shepherd here at church (this is a change from the regular schedule). If you are interested in playing with our Men’s Dartball League, please contact Clayton Mielke.
Day of Prayer
The church sanctuary is always open for prayer and reflection during office hours. This Wednesday, Nov 6, Pastor Jill invites you to come for a time of prayer for our nation anytime between 12-6 pm.
Choir Rehearsal
Choir rehearsal at 5:15 on Wednesday November 6.
Spaghetti Dinner
The Spaghetti dinner is Nov 14 4:30-7 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, children from 2-10 years old are $10, all others are free. Tickets and posters are at the back of the sanctuary.
Bake Sale
We need Bake Sale items for the spaghetti dinner. Please deliver the day before or the morning of Nov 14. Please mark your own items in whole dollar amounts.
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.
We need volunteers to help coordinate the Spaghetti dinner. Sign up 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.
Neighbors in Need
This year’s Neighbors in Need is designated for Mental Health Care as a Human right. This is a denomination wide offering. A portion of this offering goes to the Council of American Indian Ministry. Please put NIN in your check memo or put in the Neighbors in Need envelope.
Our Stewardship campaign, Imagine Together
We have begun our stewardship campaign. Look in the back of the sanctuary to get your stewardship letter.
Global Hope UCC Disaster Fund
On October 9th, 2024, Hurricane Milton landed on Florida’s west coast, less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated the region. As of Thursday, October 10th, over 3.3 million customers are without power, and several communities have been devastated by tornados and flooding.
Over the last two weeks, the Global HOPE team has regularly communicated with Southeast, Southern, and Florida Conference staff, ecumenical partners in disaster recovery, and response coordination calls with the national network of voluntary organizations active in disasters (VOAD).
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.
Bingo Gift Cards
Donations of cash, checkes and gift cards can still be accepted for the Alexandria Technical College Bingo night (which is Nov. 12).
Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries
Jim Charles 11/10
Jean Fulton 11/12
David Tukua 11/14
Mike Loch 11/14
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
