Twenty First Sunday after Pentecost, October 13, 2024
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE GATHER IN GOD’S PRESENCE
PRELUDE Diane Alveshere
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Pastor Jill
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
RE-ORIENTATION
Jill: Today, we continue our worship series that invites us to consider the qualities that will help us navigate the divisions we are experiencing in our world. This week, we consider compassion. Why do we need this quality more than ever now? Because we are complex beings living in a complex world. We sometimes deal with conflict within us in addition to the conflict between us. Research tells us that because we humans are desperate for a sense of cohesion and belonging in these confusing times, we are hanging onto ideological generalities instead of treating ourselves and each other with the compassion required to alleviate despair. Compassion grows when we are able to know ourselves and one another on a deeper level and act out of understanding
Please stand in body or spirit for the Introit and remain standing through the Opening Hymn
*Introit Christ Has Broken Down the Wall
Choir will sing through once, and the congregation is invited to join them the second time through.
Christ has broken down the wall.
Christ has broken down the wall.
Let us join our hearts as one,
Christ has broken down the wall.
(As the song is sung, Jill brings the candle to the center of the sanctuary, among the people.)
on screen
Betty: 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 “compassion revolution.” Let us pray:
Unison Prayer:
Reconciling God, we ask you to help us open to compassion,
for we are a divided world, and the conflict is waging even within us in this moment. Empower us, and invite us to “do unto ourselves and 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.
Words of Assurance (Sung, led by the choir)
We’re accepted as we are.
We’re accepted as we are.
Through God’s power, all is reconciled;
we’re accepted as we are.
Cast aside your doubts and fears.
Cast aside your doubts and fears.
Peace and love freely offered here;
cast aside your doubts and fears.
*PEACE ACROSS THE DIVIDE
Jill: Sometimes I can’t make out my own thoughts, much less yours.
Betty: Making sense of this life and this time seems unreachable.
Jill: What if we never figure it out?
Betty: What if we become too estranged?
Jill: I cannot imagine your viewpoint.
Betty: I’m not sure I am willing to believe that any solution will work.
One: Wait.
Many: Breathe.
One: Let the anxiety take a break for just a moment.
Many: Breathe again.
One We are not alone.
Many: 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.
Leader: The peace of Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.
*OPENING HYMN Now is The Time Approaching, Blk 609 vs 1-3
GOD SHARES REALLY GOOD NEWS WITH US
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH
READING FROM THE HEBREW BIBLE Isaiah 11: 6-9, NRSVUE
Jill: In this series we are examining the news we take in and share. We are looking for the “really good news” that can sustain us in the long haul. Together, we find ways to tell deeply good news for all people by filtering our interactions through the lens of compassion. Today’s scripture gives us what feels like an impossible vision: those who are enemies existing peacefully together. It is said that if we can envision something, we can work towards it. Can we believe in the vision that the scriptures offer us of a way of being “full of the knowledge of God” instead of our own limited imagination and knowing?
Betty: Isaiah 11:6-9 (NRSVUE)
The wolf shall live with the lamb;
the leopard shall lie down with the kid;
the calf and the lion will feed together,
and a little child shall lead them.
The cow and the bear shall graze;
their young shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
They will not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
Reader: A word of God for our times.
People: Thanks be to God.
Reading from the Gospel: Matthew 10:1-4
Then Jesus[a] summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. 2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus and Thaddaeus;[b] 4 Simon the Cananaean and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him.
Hymn OF PREPARATION Isaiah the Prophet has Written. Blk 108 1,2,4
SERMON “The Polarization Within: Compassion” Rev. Dr Jill Sanders
WE RESPOND TO GOD
Choir Anthem Down To the River to Pray
PRAYERS OF THE Wounded
Jill: Jesus was in the business of healing, whether that was physical or spiritual–and often those two things were intertwined. His alternative narrative that all people are worthy of healing and whole relationship inspires us in our response to be his Body in the world, making these alternative sacred narratives more real in our own lives for the sake of the world. We come to prayer today as those who are in need of compassion. Our most bonding realization in times of trial are that we are all hurting and in need. Ironically, it is in times of feeling hurt that we are most likely to hurt others. This is an untenable situation, and we call on the God of Overcoming to help us address wounds with balm, not further infecting and inflicting pain. And so we pray together the prayers of the people with a depth of faithful compassion for each other’s plight.
We pray for healing,
for ourselves and others.
We pray for belonging,
for ourselves and others.
We pray for the spiritual capacity for compassion,
for ourselves and others.
We pray for the ability to reach out beyond walls,
for ourselves and others.
Holy, Loving, Compassionate God…
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:
*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
*PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS & PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*CLOSING Hymn Blest Be the Tie That Binds Red 272
*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 Compassion.
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!”
BENEDICTION RESPONSE:
We will tear down the walls.
We will tear down every wall.
God has called us one and all;
Christ has broken down the wall,
Christ has broken down the wall.
POSTLUDE Diane Alveshere
| 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 Oct 13, 2024
Sunday October 13, KXRA Radio FROG Sunday
9:15 Choir
10:00 Worship in person and online, KXRA and FROG Sunday
11:00 Coffee Fellowship provided by FROG
Monday October 14
10:00 Caffeinated Christianity at Dunn Bros this week.
Tuesday October 15
11:30 Lunch bunch
5:00 Board of Administration
6:00 Council
Wednesday Oct 16
11:00 Someplace Safe/UCAN Domestic Violence Awareness Luncheon
5:15 Choir rehearsal
Thursday Oct 17
9:00 Walking group@Big Ole
9:30 Morning Circle
4:30 Holy Happy Hour
Sunday October 20, Stewardship Sunday
10:00 Worship in person and online,
11:00 Coffee Fellowship provided by FROG
KXRA Sunday
Today’s Radio broadcast of our service is sponsored by Celesta Podolske and her family in memory of Harold.
FROG Sunday
Today is FROG Sunday. Please wear your pjs or lounge wear and kooky or spooky hair in honor of Halloween. They will provide the after-service fellowship. Activities to follow the lunch.
Sermon Series Do Unto Others Guided Journal
There are supplemental guided journals at the back of the sanctuary for you to use as a journal or devotional.
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.
Tuesday Lunch Bunch
Meet us at 11:30 at Pioneer Grill, Grand Arbor. All are welcome.
Tuesday meetings
The Board of Administration and the Council will meet on Tuesday October 15. If you have an agenda item, see the chair or moderator or Joy in the office. Note new times.
UCAN/Someplace Safe Domestic Violence Awareness Luncheon
The program begins at 11:45. Doors open at 11:00 am. Be sure to get there before the program begins. If you haven’t gotten your ticket yet please see Joy today or Tuesday.
Choir Rehearsal
Choir rehearsal at 5:15 on Wednesday October 16.
Morning Circle
Morning Circle meets at 9:30 in the Cambridge Room on Thursday Oct 17. We have a devotional video, a brief business meeting and coffee and a treat.
Newsletter Deadline
The deadline for articles for the Church Visitor are due Oct 18. Volunteers needed
We need volunteers to help coordinate the Spaghetti dinner. Sign up at the back of the sanctuary.
Christmas dinner chair or area coordinators needed to make this important event possible. We always have enough volunteers but we need the coordinator/chairs to help make this the success it always is. You can take on a certain area of the event—takeout, PR, volunteer coordination, food buying etc or if you wish sign up for the whole event. If we can no longer have a team or chair to coordinate this event, we may need to consider passing it on.
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
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida late on Thursday, September 26, as a category four storm empowered by high water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico, bringing a devastating 20-foot storm surge and 140 mph winds. After landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region, the storm proceeded northeast into Georgia, western South Carolina, western North Carolina, and eastern Tennessee as a category 1 storm. As of this update, more than 100 people have been confirmed dead, with this number expected to rise as flood waters recede. 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 Helene 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 Bountiful Basket for ATCC students during the months of September and October. A list of items needed will be on the basket. You can also write a check or give cash as long as you designate on the check memo line ATCC or on the envelope. Money can also be brought to the church office.
Also needed local restaurant, Target, Walmart, grocery and gas gift cards.
Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries
Jay Clark 10/20
Celesta Podolske 10/22
If the office has missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact us.
Pies and Lefse available
Women’s Fellowship has a few pies and some lefse available for purchase. The pies are $15 apiece. Contact the office or pick up on Sunday.
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
