Palm Sunday * April 13, 2025
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF GOD’S PRESENCE
PRELUDE Diane Alveshere
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER Pastor Jill
*INTROIT Mantos y Ramos, Blk 214 verse 1, chorus
Choir sings Spanish, congregation sings English version
*CALL TO WORSHIP Betty Cichy-Anderson
One: Please stand in body or spirit until the Passing of the Peace
One: On this day, Jesus marched
Many: in between the city walls and the Temple,
in between joyful Hosannas and doubtful whispers,
in between oppressive poverty and greedy power,
in between rampant fear and hope unfurled.
One: On this day, Jesus marched in between what had been and what could be.
Many: So may we meet Christ in that liminal space.
May we lay down our coats in that messy middle.
Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna in between!
PROCESSIONAL HYMN All Glory, Laud and Honor, Blk 216, vs 1-3
*CALL TO CONFESSION Betty
Friends, we are truthtellers in the prayer of confession.
We are honest about the fact that we are works in progress.
We tell the truth of our lives.
We lay it all out before God.
But this moment of prayer isn’t just about us.
In the prayer of confession we also reveal who God is, and our God is merciful.
Our God is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
So let us pray, knowing that God’s truth will always mean grace for us.
*UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION Betty
Great Creator, forgive me when I speak before listening, when I speak over my neighbor, when I speak with barbed words. Creator God, forgive me when I listen to society, when I listen to my friends, when I listen to the news, but I do not listen to you. Creator God, forgive me when I shout out, but do not shout your name, when I listen, but do not listen for your voice. Forgive me. Create in me a heart like yours. Amen.
*WORDS OF FORGIVENESS Betty
One: Friends, whether or not you stuck to your Lenten goals this year, whether or not this is your first time in church or your thousandth time, whether or not you know to speak to God or listen for God’s voice, God listens to you. God is merciful. God is abounding in steadfast love. There is nothing you could do or leave undone that could keep God from loving you. So hear and believe the good news of the gospel:
Many: We are seen. We are heard. We are loved. We are forgiven. Not a day goes by that we ever walk alone. Hosanna in the highest! Amen.
*GLORIA tune from blk 759
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.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE
GOD SPEAKS TO US
CHOIR ANTHEM Hosanna, Loud Hosanna,
Congregation will join as directed, music is on screen and in bulletin
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Pastor Jill
READING FROM THE HEBREW BIBLE Zechariah 9:9-10 Betty
9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
10 He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall command peace to the nations; his dominion shall be from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.
READING FROM THE GOSPEL Luke 19:28-44 Pastor Jill
28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
29 When Jesus had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples,
30 saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here.
31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ” 32 So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them.
33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They said, “The Lord needs it.”
35 Then they brought it to Jesus, and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it.
36 As Jesus rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road.
37 Now as Jesus was approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen,
38 saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!”
39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.”
40Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.” 41 As Jesus came near and saw the city, he wept over it,
42 saying, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
43 Indeed, the days will come upon you when your enemies will set up ramparts around you and surround you and hem you in on every side.
44 They will crush you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave within you one stone upon another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.”
HYMN OF PREPARATION Be Still My Soul, Blk # 488 Vs 1-2
SERMON Everything In Between: Shouting & Silence
Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
MUSIC FOR REFLECTION Diane Alveshere
WE RESPOND TO GOD
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe that many years ago a peaceful parade wove its way through the streets of Jerusalem.
We believe that on that day the people cried out, longing and praying for a better world. We believe that these longings came from a place of deep hope, and we believe that hope cannot be silenced.
So we listen for the Spirit. We sing Hosanna. We pay attention.
For in between the silence and the song, we believe the Spirit is speaking. Amen.
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS,PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR
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: Pastor Jill
OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY Old Hundredth, Mary Luti
Praise God, the source of breath and birth,
Who formed us from the dust of earth,
And made us one humanity
To love and set each other free.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*CLOSING Hymn O Day of God , Draw Near Blk #611 Vs 1-5
*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH Pastor Jill
May you know that the world is bigger than two sides.
May you trust that you are made in the image of God, and therefore, you contain multitudes.
So may you move through this world with an open heart, with a curious mind, and with the confidence that you do not go alone.
God is with you in the mountains, in the valleys, and everywhere in between. Believe that good news–and go in peace.
BLESSING RESPONSE Mantos y Ramos, Blk 214 verse 2, chorus
Choir sings Spanish, congregation sings English version
Liturgy is written by Rev. Sarah Speed from Everything In Between series by A Sanctified Art. www.sanctifiedart.org I Believe and Steve Prince’s artist statement is also from Everything in Between.
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY April 13, 2025
Sunday April 13KXRA Palm Sunday FROG Sunday
9:15 Choir
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Mission Board
11:00 Potluck, FROG Eggstravaganza
Monday April 14
10-11 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros
2:-7 Voice lessons
Tuesday April 15
8-4 VITA Tax prep
11:30 Lunch bunch at Pioneer Grill
5:00 Board of Admin
6:00 Church Council
Wednesday April 16
8-4 VITA Tax prep
5:15 Choir Practice
Thursday April 17
9:00 Walking group@Church
9:30 Morning Circle
6:00 Maundy Thursday service,
Sunday April 20 Easter
9:15 Choir
10:00 Worship in person and online
Radio Sunday
The 2nd Sunday of each month our service is on KXRA 1490 at 11 am. The month’s radio broadcast is sponsored by Linda Namur in honor of her parents, Hop and Leanne.
Today is Palm Sunday
Please pick up a palm at the back of the sanctuary to wave during the processional hymn.
FROG Power Eggstravaganza and Potluck
There is a potluck after the service today. Join us for the potluck and an egg hunt and other games. All ages welcome.
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.
Lunch Bunch
Lunch Bunch meets at 11:30 on April 15 at the Pioneer Grill in Grand Arbor. Each person is responsible for their own lunch. All are welcome to join.
Tuesday meetings
The Board of Administration and the Church council meet on Tuesday. If you have an agenda item please contact the office or Clayton Mielke or Jane Harstad before the meeting.
Choir Rehearsal
The choir will meet on Wednesday April 16 at 5:15, they are returning to their regular schedule.
Morning Circle
We will meet April 17 at 9:30 am in the Cambridge Rm. All are welcome. We serve coffee and a treat and have a devotional/video.
Holy Thursday
We will gather at table in the Fellowship Hall at 6 p.m. for Charcuterie and Communion as we remember three movements of Jesus’ final days on earth—the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Tomb. Our Church Choir will sing.
Easter Celebration
Our Easter Celebration is on Sunday, April 20 at 10 a.m. We will enjoy great music and reflect on the theme “Grief & Hope.”
Newsletter Deadline
The deadline for the Church Visitor (newsletter) is April 21.
Worship Service volunteers needed
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.
One Great Hour of Sharing
We participate in 5 conference wide offerings. We collect this offering during the month of April. The United Church of Christ uses this offering to fund comprehensive development programs in areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, food security, microfinancing, and women’s empowerment. By partnering with Global Ministries and international response networks, OGHS maximizes its impact. Your contributions help meet urgent needs while addressing the root causes of vulnerability, ensuring long-term, sustainable solutions for affected communities.
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.
Bountiful Basket
Bountiful Basket is collecting for Someplace Safe in the months of April and May.
Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries
LuWanna Hintermeister April 16
Brian Fleming April 25
Pam Nachbor April 25
If the office has missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact us.
Tax Statements
Check your mailboxes for your 2024 Giving Statements. If you need additional copies, would prefer it as an electronic copy or if you need revisions let the office know.
VITA Tax Prep
We will again be hosting West Central Community Action’s VITA tax services on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Jan 29-April 16. If you would like to use their tax preparation services, please call 218-685-7004. Scheduling opens January 13. They added a day due to weather closure.
Updating the Church Directory
We are working on an update to the Church directory. Beginning in March there will be a form at the back of the sanctuary for you to confirm what information you want to include in the directory or what you want to opt out of including.
Community Events and News
Passion Drama
Zion Lutheran church present a passion drama. Join Zion for a 10-minute walk-through living drama of Jesus’ last days on Earth.
Sunday, April 13th 12-4pm. Zion Lutheran’s address is 300 Lake St. Alexandria, MN
The Gospel of Mark
Mount Carmel Ministries invites you to a reading/recitation of the entire Gospel of Mark starting at 4:30 April 13. A soup supper will be served between the two halves of the Gospel reading. 800 Mount Carmel Dr NE.
National Poetry Month
Come celebrate National Poetry Month at Evansville Arts Coalition’s Annual Poetry Night. It is at 111 Main St, Evansville, MN 56326. Door Open at 6:30, reading starts at 7 pm. Share a favorite poem or something you’ve written. Open to all poetry lovers, young or old. More information at www.evansvileartcenter.org
Harvest Pack 2025
St Mary’s School is hosting this event this year, taking over from the Forada Lions. It is FRIDAY, April 25th from noon-8 pm..
If you are interested in volunteering, please go to this link to register https://www.stmaryalexandria.org/event/harvest-pack-2025-april-25/ or contact the church office 320-763-3341
Earth Day Hymn Sing
First Lutheran is again hosting a hymn sing on April 26 at 7:00 pm. Come with your voice.
Just One
Just One is a youth-focused event featuring author Sam Eaton, a hip-hop concert, and resources for mental health and suicide prevention. We, along with Alexandria United Methodist Church, Calvary Lutheran and First Lutheran are sponsoring this suicide prevention event. Please spread the word!! The event is April 27 at 6:30, at the Discovery Middle school, doors open at 6 pm. To reserve your free ticket go to : justonealexandria.eventbrite.com
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.
