First Sunday and Communion Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 25, 2024
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
WE BECOME AWARE OF GOD’S PRESENCE
PRELUDE Blessed Be Your Name/God of Wonders/Raise a Hallelujah Worship Band
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
POURING OF THE BAPTISMAL WATER Pastor Jill
*Gathering Music Blessed Be Your Name
OPENING PRAYER (Unison) Pastor Jill
God of power, God of people, you are the life of all that lives, the energy that fills the earth, the vitality that brings to birth, the impetus in making whole whatever is broken. In you, we know the truth that sets all creation free. You are the song the whole earth sings, the promise liberation brings, now and forever. Amen.
GOD SPEAKS TO US IN WORD AND SACRAMENT
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Pastor Jill
This Little Light of Mine
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 65:17-25 & Revelation 21:1-5
Isaiah 65:17-25
17–25 “Pay close attention now:
I’m creating new heavens and a new earth.
All the earlier troubles, chaos, and pain
are things of the past, to be forgotten.
Look ahead with joy.
Anticipate what I’m creating:
I’ll create Jerusalem as sheer joy,
create my people as pure delight.
I’ll take joy in Jerusalem,
take delight in my people:
No more sounds of weeping in the city,
no cries of anguish;
No more babies dying in the cradle,
or old people who don’t enjoy a full lifetime;
One-hundredth birthdays will be considered normal—
anything less will seem like a cheat.
They’ll build houses
and move in.
They’ll plant fields
and eat what they grow.
No more building a house
that some outsider takes over,
No more planting fields
that some enemy confiscates,
For my people will be as long-lived as trees,
my chosen ones will have satisfaction in their work.
They won’t work and have nothing come of it,
they won’t have children snatched out from under them.
For they themselves are plantings blessed by God,
with their children and grandchildren likewise God-blessed.
Before they call out, I’ll answer.
Before they’ve finished speaking, I’ll have heard.
Wolf and lamb will graze the same meadow,
lion and ox eat straw from the same trough,
but snakes—they’ll get a diet of dirt!
Neither animal nor human will hurt or kill
anywhere on my Holy Mountain,” says God.
Revelation 21:1-5
1 21 I saw Heaven and earth new-created. Gone the first Heaven, gone the first earth, gone the sea.
2 I saw Holy Jerusalem, new-created, descending resplendent out of Heaven, as ready for God as a bride for her husband.
3–5 I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re God’s people, he’s their God.
God will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.”
The Enthroned continued, “Look! I’m making everything new. Write it all down—each word dependable and accurate.”
Song OF PREPARATION God of Wonders
Sermon Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
“Becoming Aching Visionaries”
HOLY COMMUNION
All are invited to come forward to receive the bread and the cup. Please let an usher know if you prefer to be served where you are seated. As the congregation comes forward, please join in singing: Oceans and The River is Here
WE RESPOND TO GOD
PRAYER SONG Down to the River to Pray
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS, Prayers of the People, AND 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:
Offering Song Raise A Hallelujah
*DOXOLOGY We are an Offering
*PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS & PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*CLOSING Song Sing Wherever I Go
*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH
POSTLUDE Sing Wherever I go
| 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 September 1, 2024
Sunday September 1, First Sunday and Communion
10:00 Worship in person and online, Communion
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
Monday Sept 2, Labor Day
No Caffeinated Christianity at Dunn Bros this week.
Tuesday Sept 3
11:15-4 Office hour change for Tuesday
Wednesday Sept 4
5:15 Choir Rehearsal
Thursday Sept 5
9:00 Walking group@Big Ole
12:00 Women’s Fellowship, 11 am Bd
4:30 Holy Happy Hour
Sunday September 8, KXRA Sunday
9:15 Choir rehearsal
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
11:30 Voices of Inspiration discussion group
Today is Communion Sunday
Our Communion table is open to all people. We believe it is God’s Table and all are welcome to come to the table. This Sunday, we will be coming forward to the table. If you prefer to be served in your pew, please let an usher know and the communion elements will be brought to you.
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.
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.
Voices of Inspiration Discussion Group
No discussion group this week, due to the holiday weekend.
Choir Rehearsal
Choir rehearsal at 5:15 on Wednesday Sept 4.
Women’s Fellowship
As Fall begins, Women’s Fellowship resumes at noon on September 5. Bring your bag lunch, coffee and dessert will be provided. This is an informal meeting and we will not have a speaker. The program for this meeting will be to think about how Women’s Fellowship and our church make your life better.
Harvest Table
The church mission committee is once again making extra produce available to members and friends. If you have extra produce from your garden, you may bring it in to the church on Sunday for others to enjoy. There will be a basket for donations. All the money collected will go towards covering food costs to provide lunch for 30 plus HFH volunteers on September 19th. Thank you to all.
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.
Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries
Lee Becker 09/09
Donna Jamieson 09/09
Pastor Jill Sanders 09/09
Hodges/Puyear anniv 09/13/13
If the office has missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact us.
Outdoor Projects
If you have specific ideas or suggestions for outdoor landscaping of the south yard/West yard that is not part of the Eagle Scout project, please contact the office either via email or phone or in person with proposals that will be brought to the Board of Administration. If you have a budget or other similar items, please include that with your ideas.
UCAN Domestic Abuse Awareness Luncheon
Are you interested in attending the UCAN luncheon Oct 16 at Arrowwood? UCAN is an organization committed to reducing domestic violence in Douglas County. We have reserved two tables at this event and space is available. Please let Joy or Ann know you if you would like a vegetarian meal. Tickets are $25 payable to UCAN in check or cash. We have 4 spots available.
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.
Community Events in September
Polka Fest
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Sept 14 4-6 pm
Home cooked German-themed meal. Adults $10, 4-12 years old $5. Music by Chuck Thiel and The Jolly Ramblers
Diversity Fest
Alexandria Technical and Community College Law enforcement bldg. Sept 19. 3:30-6:30 Food and beverage samples $1. Entertainment and community dance beginning at 6 pm.
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.
