23rd Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, November 5, 2023 10:00 AM
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Dr Jill Sanders
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER
Choral Introit
*CALL TO WORSHIP Micki Schneider
One: Loving God, the saints through all the ages praise you.
Many: Your glory shines. Alleluia!
One: The saints in our lives have borne witness to you grace.
Many: Your mercy raises us to new life. Alleluia!
One: Fill us with your spirit, that we may be your saints, shining with your light in the darkness.
Many: Your love shines in us; and we praise you and serve you. Alleluia!
*OPENING HYMN “I Sing a Song of the Saints” Red 481 vs. 1-3
*OPENING PRAYER (unison) Micki
Loving God, we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses, saints through the ages who have shone your light on our way. We are surrounded by saints who have gone before us in death, who have borne your grace in our lives. We are surrounded by the saints among us, who bless us, sustain us, teach us, and pray for us. Speak your Word to us and sanctify us, that we may be made holy by your Spirit of love in us, through the grace of Jesus Christ, our Beloved, our Savior, and our hope. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be.
World without end. Amen. Amen.
*PASSING THE PEACE Micki
ONE: May the peace of Christ be with you.
ALL: And also with you.
ONE: Let us share a sign of peace with one another.
Choir Anthem
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Pastor Jill
THE READING FROM THE Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12 Micki
THE Revelation according to John: Revelation 7:9-17 Pastor Jill
HYMN OF PREPARATION “Humble thyself in the Sight” The Faith We Sing 2131
Sermon “Thin Places” Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
MUSIC for REFLECTION Gale Maxwell
REMEMBERING THE SAINTS & GIVING THANKS FOR THEIR LIVES (Ending with the Prayer of our Savior)
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 and parents,
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,
brothers and sisters, husbands and wives 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, a chime will sound, and 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.)
Romayne Strand (March 20, 2023)
Rev. James Winters (August 1, 2023)
Kathryn LeBrasseur (August 21, 2023)
We celebrate the lives of those we have named, O God,
and lift many more names in our hearts.
(Moments of Silence)
Family of God, we remember you, and we honor you.
We know you are with us in the spirit of worship, and around this Table
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.
PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR (ecumenical version)
Our Father 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.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours.
Now and for ever. Amen
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
INVITATION
GREAT THANKSGIVING
God is with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to the Holy One, our God.
It is good and beautiful to give God our praise.
God, what love you have given us!
For we are your children.
You create us in love, claim us with delight, and covenant with us in faithful compassion.
You guide us, accompany us, and bless us.
Even when we sin you respond with love, and surround us with loving people to show us the way.
So we gather with the communion of saints to sing your praise.
Holy, holy, holy One,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed are all who come in your name, and blessed is Jesus, your Christ.
Jesus lived your love, showed us how to love, and created a community of love.
The world did not know him, because it did not know love.
He died in love for us, and you raised him in love.
BLESSING THE BREAD AND CUP
One: Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” As often as we break this bread and share this cup we remember his death and resurrection until he comes again.
Many: Remembering these, your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a living and holy
sacrifice, in union with Christ’s offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of our faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
One: Pour out your Holy Spirit on these gifts of bread and cup, that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ.
Many: Pour out your Holy Spirit on us, that we may be for the world the Body of Christ. Amen.
One: Don’t need to print these words in the bulletin).
On the night in which Jesus gave himself for us, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, blessed it with thanks and gave it to them, saying, “Drink of this, all of you. This is my blood, poured out for you and for many, in a new Covenant, which is the forgiveness of sin.” As long as we break this bread and share this cup, we remember his death and resurrection, until he comes again.
GIVING OF THE BREAD AND CUP
If you are able, please come forward to receive the bread and juice, If you would prefer to be served where you are seated, please signal and usher.
THANKSGIVING AFTER COMMUNION (Unison) You have made us your saints, set apart for your purposes, holy and radiant with your presence. Send us into the world to humbly serve, trusting in your grace, in the name of Christ and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
INVITATION TO GIVE, GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS:
OFFERTORY MUSIC
*DOXOLOGY tune: Lasst Uns Erfreuren
Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship God in humbleness
O Praise God, Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three-in-One.
O praise God, O praise God
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
*PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS & PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*CLOSING HYMN “For All The Saints” Black 299 vs 1,2& 4
*BENEDICTION Pastor Jill
*Choral Benediction
*POSTLUDE MUSIC Gale Maxwell
Bulletin cover and sermon slide art is “A Gathering of Spirits” by Jan Richardson
We welcome all who are joining us for worship virtually, on YouTube, http://tiny.cc/firstcongo or Cable Channel #181 (each weekday). Our service is broadcast on KXRA 1490 AM at 11 am.
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY November 5, 2023
The Weekly Calendar
Sunday Nov 5, KXRA Radio, Communion and All Saints Sunday
9:15 Choir rehearsal
10:00 Worship in person & online
11:15 Freeing Jesus
Monday Nov 6
10:00 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
7:00 Dartball UCC@Good Shepherd
Tuesday Nov 7
9:00 Lefse making party
2:00 Worship Committee
Wednesday Nov 8
3:45 Connections meeting
4:30 Choir rehearsal
6:00 Spirit on Screen
Thursday Nov 9
9:00 Walking@Church
4:30 Spaghetti and Meatball Supper &Bake/Art Sale Silent Auction
Sunday Nov 12,
9:15 Choir rehearsal
10:00 Worship in person & online
11:15 Freeing Jesus
KXRA Radio Sunday
We extend a warm welcome and greeting to our KXRA listeners this morning. Our service is re-broadcast each 1st Sunday of the month at 11:00 am. Clayton Mielke is sponsoring today’s service in memory of his mother, Shirley Mielke Beckman.
Communion Sunday
All are welcome at God’s table. We celebrate open communion (everyone invited), and for today’s Communion, we will invite everyone to come forward to receive the sacrament. Those who wish may be served in their pew.
All Saints Sunday
Next Sunday, we will observe All Saints Sunday. We will remember and celebrate the lives of the saints of our church who died this past year, as well as the lives of those who’ve impacted our lives and have now gone on before us. Please bring a picture of the one(s) you are remembering for our sacred space in worship.
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.
Stewardship campaign begins
Our annual stewardship campaign has begun next week. Our campaign is “Because of you, our church changes lives.” Contact Jill if you have an example of this.
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.
Freeing Jesus — Book Discussion Group
Meets at 11:15 today. Feel free to join.
Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner
Thursday Nov 9. We are looking for volunteers for various positions throughout the week and bake sale items and those willing to donate a basket or parts of a basket for the silent auction. If you have an idea and want to bounce it off the organizers, let us know.
Men’s Dartball
Contact Clayton for more information.
Lefse making party
Come join us Tuesday at 9 am as we make lefse for the bake sale. If you can’t join on Tuesday morning, we can use additional riced potatoes that you can make ahead.
Spirit on Screen
Wed 6:00 pm. Henry Poole is Here 1 hr 39 min. Join us for a film that will make us laugh, be thankful and have faith in others and ourselves. Popcorn and a beverage will be provided. Bring your dinner or other snack. This film is a stealth Thanksgiving film and we can talk about what makes us thankful or our neighbors.
Bountiful Basket
We will fill the Bountiful Basket for the Small Mall, “think like a child” as you select your donations. We need gifts for men too.
Tree of Lights
The Mission Board is looking for ideas for the Tree of Lights. We welcome input from the congregation. Please contact Judy Kuhlmann763-6033 or Cathy Johnson 763-3947.
Help out with Worship
There are sign ups at the back of the church for November and December. 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 320-763-9461. The Angels for the month of November are Glenda Richardson (320-763-4946) and MaryJo Hochsprung (218-338-2551)
Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries
Jean Fulton 11/12
Mike Loch 11/14
Rev. Scott Keehn 11/17
Sandy Grove 11/18
If the office has missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact us.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Veteran’s Day Program
The Alexandria area Veterans Day program will be conducted this year on Saturday November 11, 2023 at 11 AM at the Reach Church in Alexandria. Prior to the program coffee and donuts will be served at 10 AM. Following the program, lunch will be served at Alexandria VFW Post 936. In recognition of our area veterans and to commemorate their service to our country, all are invited to this event. Thank you in advance, Dave Anderson Commandant – Marine Corps League – Runestone Detachment 1409 – Alexandria
Thanksgiving meal at St. Mary’s
Nov 23 11:30- 1pm Free meal for any who wish to share a meal with others or would be alone.
Volunteers should contact Grace at 834-3722 or email gracehlambert@yahoo.com Help is also needed Nov 19-22.
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.
