Twenty Second Sunday after Pentecost, October 20, 2024
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE GATHER IN GOD’S PRESENCE
PRELUDE Brad Lambrecht
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Pastor Jill
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
RE-ORIENTATION
Jill: Today, we continue our worship series that points us toward connection in a world of division. The root of the word “human” is the same as the word “humility.” This root means literally “on the ground.” From dust we came, and to dust we shall return. When we hear each other’s fears, anxieties, and pain, we can return to the ground of hope…that we are all experiencing the pain of being human. This week, we remember to look at our neighbor first as a person, not as a position on an issue. Beginning conversations this way may help us to stay human and “on the ground” with one another rather than needing to come out “on top.”
Please stand in body or spirit for the Introit and remain standing through the Opening Hymn
*Introit Christ Has Broken Down the Wall
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
Lee: 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 “humility revolution.” Let us pray
Unison Prayer:
Creator God, we ask you to come close and remind us of our belovedness as your children, for we are feeling distant. Open our eyes to the beauty and pain we all contain and invite us 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.
Words of Assurance (Please join in singing as the Christ Light is placed upon the altar)
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: We are on opposite sides it seems.
Reader: It’s hard to even talk about it.
Jill: What if we don’t see eye to eye?
Lee: What if you never see things as I do?
Jill: I cannot imagine what will happen to all of us.
Lee: I’m not sure I can handle the tension, this pain
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 Enter, Rejoice, and Come In, Blk 73 Vs: 1-4
GOD SHARES REALLY GOOD NEWS WITH US
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH
READINGs FROM THE Epistles
Jill Sometimes, even if we find it hard to believe, we must claim as truth the Gospel good news. Together, we find ways to tell deeply good news for all people by filtering our interactions through the lens of humility. Our Ephesians text speaks of approaching one another with all humility, gentleness, and patience. What we put into the world is part of the ongoing creation of the world. Notice the Scripture doesn’t say that unity requires agreement, Can we begin to believe this is possible?
Lee: Ephesians 4:1-6
I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace: there is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Parent of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Jill: James 3:1-12
3 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will face stricter judgment. 2 For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is mature,[a] able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. 4 Or look at ships: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of life, and is itself set on fire by hell.[b] 7 For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, 8 but no one can tame the tongue—a restless[c] evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless the Lord[d] and Father, and with it we curse people, made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth comes a blessing and a curse. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives or a grapevine, figs? No more can saltwater yield fresh.
Hymn OF PREPARATION Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness, Blk 286Vs 1,4
SERMON “Listen More, Speak Less (Humility)” Rev. Dr Jill Sanders
Reflection Hymn The Bond of Love W&R 395 vs 1-2 (on screen and in bulletin)
WE RESPOND TO GOD
PRAYERS OF THE Populace
Jill: Jesus’ ministry turned the idea of social stratification in his day on its head. Our response to the invitation of Christ to be his Body in the world is to make these alternative sacred narratives more real in our own lives for the sake of the world. We come to prayer today as the “populace”–a word whose French origins in the 16th century meant “the multitude of persons not distinguished by rank, education, office, or profession”–and perhaps we could add “political party” to that list. We are people first, “the populace,” not positions. And so, we pray together the prayers of the people, for we are all human, humus of the earth, before we are anything else.
We pray for a sense of connection,
for ourselves and others.
We pray for a setting aside of ego,
for ourselves and others.
We pray for the spiritual capacity for humility,
for ourselves and others.
We pray for the relief from fear,
for ourselves and others.
Holy, Loving, and Egalitarian 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.
*PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS & PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*CLOSING Hymn God, Speak to Me, That I May Speak Blk 531. Vs. 1-4
*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 Humility.
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 Brad Lambrecht
| 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 20, 2024
Sunday October 20, Stewardship Sunday
10:00 Worship in person and online,
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
Monday October 21
10-11: “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
7 pm Zion 1 @ UCC
Tuesday October 22
12:00 Elder network
Wednesday Oct 23
5:15 Choir rehearsal
Thursday Oct 24
9:00 Walking group@Big Ole
4:30 Holy Happy Hour
Sunday October 27,
9:15 Choir
10:00 Worship in person and online, KXRA and FROG Sunday
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
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. Shetypically takes Fridays off.
Choir Rehearsal
Choir rehearsal at 5:15 on Wednesday October 23.
Newsletter Deadline
The deadline for articles for the Church Visitor are due Oct 18.
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.
Multiple Volunteer Opportunities
Hanging Microphone assistance. We want to hang the microphones in the sanctuary either Oct 26 or November 2. If you are available one or both of these days contact Randy or the office.
Worship Service volunteers. We need readers, ushers, greeters, 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.
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 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
Barb Gralow 10/27
Katy Mohabir 10/31
Devika Mohabir 10/31
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
