PRELUDE MUSIC Jane Herth
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Dr Jill Sanders
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER
*CALL TO WORSHIP Lee Becker
One: God of Absolute Compassion, you have loved us with all of your heart and soul, your strength and your mindfulness.
Many: Christ, you have loved us as yourself.
One: Fill us with your love, that we may love you by loving our neighbors.
Many: Alleluia! Come, Holy Spirit! Transform us by your grace!
*OPENING HYMN “God of Creation, All Powerful,” W&R #27 vs. 1,2,4,5, on screen and in the bulletin
*OPENING PRAYER (unison) Lee
God of love and mercy, we love because you first loved us. Open our hearts to your love as we listen for your Word. May the light of your love fill us, warm us, re-shape us, and empower us to love, in the name of the spirit of Christ. Amen.
*GLORIA “How Majestic is Your Name” #2023 TFWS
O Lord, our God, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
O Lord, our God, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
O Lord, we praise your name. O Lord, we magnify your name:
Prince of Peace, mighty God; O Lord God Almighty.
*PASSING THE PEACE Lee
THE READING FROM THE EPISTLES 1 Thessalonians 3:1-8 Lee
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Pastor Jill
THE READING FROM THE Gospel: Matthew 22:34-40 Pastor Jill
HYMN OF PREPARATION “Spirit of God, Descend Upon my Heart,” Black #290 vs 1,3,5
Sermon “Love is the Bottom Line” Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
MUSICAL REFLECTION Jane Herth
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS, SILENT PRAYER, PASTORAL PRAYER
PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR (ecumenical version)
INVITATION TO GIVE, GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS:
OFFERTORY MUSIC
*DOXOLOGY tune: Old 100th (short)
O God, may we who bear your name
By gentle love your grace proclaim.
Christ’s gift of peace on earth declare,
And your anointing Spirit share.
*PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS & PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*CLOSING HYMN “Bring Forth the Kingdom” TFWS 2190
On screen and in the bulletin
*BENEDICTION Pastor Jill
*POSTLUDE MUSIC Jane Herth
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 October 29, 2023
The Weekly Calendar
Sunday Oct 29 Stewardship Sunday Kickoff, FROG Sunday Spooktacular
10:00 Worship in person & online
11:00 FROG Power Spooktacular &Potluck
Monday Oct 30
10:00 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
7:00 Dartball Zion 2@UCC
Wednesday Nov 1
4:30 Choir rehearsal
Thursday Nov 2
9:00 Walking@Church
12:00 Women’s Fellowship and board meets prior
4:30 Holy Happy Hourr @Pike & Pint
Sunday Nov 5, KXRA Radio, Communion and All Saints Sunday
9:15 Choir rehearsal
10:00 Worship in person & online
11:15 Freeing Jesus
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.
Spooktacular Potluck
Join us for the potluck in Fellowship Hall after the service.
FROG Power
Today After the pot-luck we will experience being swallowed by a whale, weather permitting go trick or treating for the food shelf, and play some games. Everyone is welcome to join us and wear their costume.
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.
Stewardship campaign begins
Our annual stewardship campaign begins 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.
Lost or missing items
There are also two books of poetry missing. These are personal items, not library items. If you see them, return to the office.
Freeing Jesus — Book Discussion Group
Will not meet today. We will meet Nov 5 at 11:15.
Men’s Dartball begins
The first game is on Monday Oct 23 here at church. Contact Clayton for more information.
Women’s Fellowship
Womens Fellowship will meet on Thursday Nov. 2 at noon in the Plymouth Room. Bring your own “bag lunch” and a treat will be provided by Betty Anderson and Mary Mische. Carol Zavadil will share a devotion. November’s Thank Offering is “Safe Families for Children”. Sarah Boll from that group will be present to explain the program that provides informal family like support for families facing crisis. A basket for donations will be available and appreciated.
Neighbors in Need Offering
Neighbors in Need (NIN) is one of our regular United Church of Christ offerings and we will be collecting for the NIN fund throughout the month of October.
This offering supports the UCC’s ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries to fund a wide array of local and national justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects.
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.
United Way Coat drive
The United Way is having its annual winter coat drive. Contact Judy for more information.
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
Suzanne Norling 11/05
Kylie Schauff 11/05
Christian Fleming 11/07
Jim Charles 11/10
If the office has missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact us.
Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner
Thursday Nov 9. We are looking for volunteers for various positions 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.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
November 4 Bazaars
Shalom Lutheran Church is having its fall bazaar, 9- 2 pm There will be a quilt drawing at 2 pm. They also have craft items and a bake sale.
Bethesda Lutheran Church is having its 51st Fall Bazaar from 8-1 pm. They have a 5-prize raffle. Breakfast or lunch will be served. Bake sale and craft sale too.
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.
About First Congregational United Church of Christ
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.
