May 21, 2023 7th Sunday of Easter
“The Mark of the Beast”
*please stand in body and/or spirit
PRELUDE: Margaret Kalina, Accompanist
WELCOME PastorJill
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Pastor Jill
POURING THE BAPTISMAL WATER: Pastor Jill
*CHORAL INTROIT Surely the Presence of the Lord by Wolfe
*CALL TO WORSHIP: Micki Schneider, reader
One: Are you awake? Are you alert?
Many: Christ is coming into our lives in a new way.
One: Are you watching the signs?
Are you interpreting what is happening today?
Many: Christ is coming into our lives in a new way.
One: Do you see opportunities for ministry?
Do you see the poor, the homeless, the hungry, the needy?
Many: Christ is coming into our lives in a new way.
One: Come, let us worship and let us work in the reign of God.
Many: Christ has extended the invitation:
let us work together in the reign of God on earth.
~ Rev. Mindi, on her Rev-o-lution blog.
*OPENING HYMN “Help Us Accept Each Other” W&R 596 vs 1, 2, &4 (in bulletin and on screen)
*OPENING PRAYER (Unison) Micki
O Living God of past and future, we praise you for this present moment. Fill us with your joy and empower us with your Holy Spirit, that our strength may be renewed to sing a new song of your glory in a world which longs for your justice and peace. All this we ask in the name of Jesus, in whom we become your new creation.
~ from All Things New, written by Rev. Susan A. Blain and Rev. Scott Ressman. Posted on the United Church of Christ website.
*GLORIA Black 236
*PASSING OF THE PEACE: (responsive) Micki
CHOIR ANTHEM The Prayer by Sager/Foster, arr. Chinn
READING FROM THE BOOK OF REVELATION Revelation 13: 1-18 Micki
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH
HYMN FOR PREPARATION “Shadow and Substance” Blk 398, vs 1-3
SERMON: “The Mark of the Beast” Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
MUSICAL REFLECTION Greg Kapphahn
ORDER FOR THE RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS, QUESTIONS FOR NEW MEMBERS, WELCOME AND THE RECEPTION, GREETING IN CHRISTIAN LOVE, A PASTORAL PRAYER, PASTORAL BENEDICTION
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS, A MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PASTORAL PRAYER
PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR
INVITATION TO GIVE, GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS: Pastor Jill
*DOXOLOGY Lasst uns Erfreuen
*PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS & PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*CLOSING HYMN: Of All the Spirits Gifts to Me W&R 401 vs 1,2,4 &5 (in bulletin and on screen)
*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH
*CHORAL BENEDICTION Blessing by Katie Moran Bart
*POSTLUDE: Greg Kapphahn
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY, May 21, 2023
We welcome all who are joining us for worship virtually, on YouTube, http://tiny.cc/firstcongo or Cable Channel #181 (each weekday)
The weekly Calendar
Sunday May 21 Communion Sunday Mothers’ Day
9:00 Choir Rehearsal
10:00 Worship in-person & online
11:00 Annual Programmatic Meeting
11:00 FROG power
11:30 Chasing Francis
Monday May 22
10 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros.
4:15 Group Spiritual Direction
Tuesday, May 23
12-4 Elder Network
Thursday May 18
9:00 Walk @ Church
4:30 Holy Happy Hr @ Pike & Pint
Sunday May 28 Sunday, Pentecost
10:00 Worship in-person & online
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.
Office Hours for this week
Marc Blakesley will be covering for Joy in the office. He will be in the office 10-1 Monday and Tuesday only. Thank you for your understanding.
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.
Bountiful Basket
We will be collecting for Someplace Safe in May. Please check the list on the basket for needed items. The last day to bring something for the basket is May 28.
Chasing Francis Book group
This book upends the way many of us were taught about what it means to be a follower of Christ. Today is the last day of our discussions. Let’s read and consider our own crazy, circuitous journeys to God. We will meet following the Annual Programmatic Meeting.
Cookies/Baked Goods Wanted
Do you have extra cookies or baked goods? Love to bake but don’t want a lot of extras at home. We would love to have a supply of frozen cookies to serve on Sundays. This would relieve the burden on those who choose to serve on Sunday. Please put them in the freezer in the Plymouth Room.
Help out with Worship
There are sign ups at the back of the church for June and July. 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
The Angels for the month May are Cathy Johnson (320) 763-3947 and Carolyn Chlian (218) 943-5630. Volunteers are needed to cover additional months. Please contact the church office or Daisy 763-9461.
Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries
Diane Alveshere 05/29
Sydney Gauthier 05/29
If we have missed your birthday or anniversary, let usknow. Also we have discovered as we have transferred over to Churchtrac that we don’t have birthdays and special dates for a lot of us. Feel free to call the church to help us keep this up to date.
Annual Programmatic Meeting
The Annual Programmatic meeting is today. Please plan to stay a little longer after worship. One of the main features of the Programmatic Meeting is to elect a slate of Committee and Board members and Chairs. We also will have a resolution to pass on our Open and Affirming status and statement. Look for Programmatic Booklets on May 14. If you want or need a programmatic booklet sent via mail or email let the office know.
FROG Power
Join us after the Programmatic Meeting for our Fully Relying On God monthly meeting.
Pancake Breakfast
We need volunteers to help on Memorial Day particularly pancake flippers.
Tickets are available to purchase and share or sell at the back of the sanctuary.
Do you have any Graduates (high school, college, tech, etc.) in your immediate family this spring? We will be celebrating their achievements in worship on Sunday, June 4th, with a reception following. Please call the Church office with names and a brief description of their accomplishments to be shared that Sunday Photos are welcome, too, and can be emailed to office@firstcongregationaluccalex.com Thank you!
Meals available
Our church has received a donation of frozen meals to distribute to people in need of a nutrition supplement. If the economy and times have made you a person a supplement would benefit or are aware of a person in need please contact Pastor Jill. All information will remain confidential.
