Communion Sunday, July 9, 2023

July 9, 2023                             Communion, 6th Sunday after Pentecost

“Praying Our Pain”                                                                                              

*please stand in body and/or spirit

PRELUDE:                                                                                         Margaret Kalina

WELCOME                                                                                                      PastorJill

ANNOUNCEMENTS:                                                                                   Pastor Jill

POURING THE BAPTISMAL WATER:                                                     Pastor Jill

*CALL TO WORSHIP:                                                  Evelyn Henrickson, reader

One:       Even when we feel most alone and everything seems hopeless,

Many: We remember the faithfulness of God and our hope is restored.

One:       When our circumstances make it difficult to sing God’s song,

Many: We remember God’s acts of saving grace and our hope is restored.

One:       Let us worship-

Many: the God of hope!

*OPENING HYMNGod is Here” Blk#70 vs 1-3

*Prayer of Confession (UNISON):                                                           Evelyn

O God, we confess that our experiences of suffering sometimes make us doubt your promise and power.  Like the captives in Babylon, we see no reason and no way to sing your praise.  In the depth of darkness, we do not see your light.  In isolation, we do not feel your nearness.  Forgive us, God.  You gave your own Son for us and never promised a world without suffering, but instead that you would bear us through suffering.  Cleanse us of all bitterness and doubt, and renew us by your merciful Spirit.  Amen.

Assurance of Pardon:                                                                                 Evelyn

One:          Do not fear, says the Lord, for I have redeemed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine. God is doing a new thing; now it springs forth!  By the grace of God through Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

Many:       Thanks be to God!

*GLORIA                                                                                                      Black 236

*PASSING OF THE PEACE: (responsive)                                                  Evelyn

MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH                                         Pastor Jill

HYMN FOR PREPARATION                    “Here, O My Lord, I See You Face to Face” Blk 336, vs 1,2 &5

LECTIO DIVINA     Psalm 137:1-4,8-9                                       Marcie Watson

SERMON:  “Praying Our Pain”                            ………..    Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders

MUSICAL REFLECTION                                                                 Greg Kapphahn

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS

INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE

THANKSGIVING AND COMMUNION                              (On screen)

PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR

GIVING THE BREAD AND CUP

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING AFTER COMMUNION    (on screen)

INVITATION TO GIVE, GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS: Pastor Jill

*DOXOLOGY                                                                                Lasst uns Erfreuen

*PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS & PRAYER OF DEDICATION   

*CLOSING HYMN: “By the Streams of Babylon,” Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. see screen or bulletin

*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH

*POSTLUDE:                                                                                  Greg Kapphahn

Text Box: Copyright © 2016 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette.  All rights reserved. New Hymns: www.carolynshymns.com___________________________________________________________

Text Box: We welcome all who are joining us for worship virtually, on YouTube, http://tiny.cc/firstcongo or Cable Channel #181 (each weekday).  NEWS IN THE PEWS:  SUNDAY, July 9, 2023

The weekly Calendar

Sunday July 9, Communion Sunday

10:00                  Worship in-person & online

11:00                  No Coffee Fellowship, Luncheon & Bake Sale setup

Monday July 10

10                        “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros.

5:30                    online Pilgrimage informational meeting

Tuesday July 11

9 am                   Lefse making

12-4                    Elder Network

Wednesday July 12

9:00                    Salad Prep/drop off

6:00                    Spirit on Screen Wall-E

Thursday July 13

No Walk @ Big Ole this week, Bake Sale and Luncheon prep

10:30-1              Bake Sale

11:00-1              Salad Luncheon

1:00                    Quilt Drawing

4:30                    Happy Holy Hour

Sunday July 16, Communion Sunday

10:00                  Worship in-person & online

11:00                  Coffee Fellowship

Today is Communion Sunday

All are welcome at God’s table.  We celebrate open communion (everyone invited), and today’s Communion, we will invite every one to come forward to receive the sacrament.  Those who wish may be served in their pew.

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 your giving account online using our new software provider, Churchtrac.

Tech Team Volunteers needed

Are you looking for a way to participate in our Worship but don’t want to be out front, you can help at the tech table.  Training available.  It is fun.

Help out with Worship

There are sign ups at the back of the church for July and August.  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

Joy Wrolson, 612-227-4220 and Lee Becker will be the angels for July. Volunteers are needed to cover additional months. Please contact the church office or Daisy 763-9461.

Pies available

Contact Judy Kuhlmann (763-6033) or Mary Mische (320-491-0341) to purchase pies.  They are $12.

Decorations wanted

Mary Jo H and Barb B are looking for loon (wood or ceramic) figurines to use as table decorations for the salad luncheon.  Please put your name on tape on the bottom unless you don’t want it back.  Leave them on the round table in Cambridge Room by July 9th.  

Set up Day

There will be no coffee fellowship today and we encourage all who are able to help set up the Plymouth Room and Fellowship hall for the Bake Sale and Salad Luncheon.

Celtic Spirituality Pilgrimage Sept 9-20, 2024

There will be an online Celtic Spirituality informational session July 10 at 5:30 pm.  Contact Jill to sign up and get detailed zoom connection information.  If you are unable to attend and have questions send them to Jill for her to ask on your behalf.

Lefse Makers wanted

Sign up for making Lefse at 9 am July 11.  No previous experience necessary. Sign up is at the back.

Salad Prep day

Help make a couple of signature salads on July 12.  Check the sign up sheets.

Spirit on Screen Wall-E

July 12, 6:00 pm Cambridge Room.  Bring a snack or a light supper.  Beverage and popcorn provided.  Wall-E is a 2008 Pixar film and has 1 hour 38 min run time.  What the film, stay for discussion if you can.  We will look at how the film addresses isolation, friendship, stewardship and responsibility while still being a light and entertaining film.

Summer Salad & Bake Sale 

will be on Thursday, July 13th from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is the last reminder before our delicious Salad Luncheon and Bake Sale. You can bring your salad or baked goods on Wednesday or Thursday. Call the church on Wednesday to be sure the doors are unlocked. Someone will be here on Thursday to help you bring your salad downstairs. We will make lefse on Tuesday so if you can help, that would be great. If you can’t help, you are welcome to come and enjoy eating the Salad luncheon or buying our homemade baked goods. Hope to see you Thursday!

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.

Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries

Joan Carlson                                 07/16

Renee Norling                              07/16

Mike Doxey                                   07/17

Chlian anniversary                     07/17/71

Hochsprung anniversary          07/18/69

Harlan Campbell                         07/18

If the office has missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact us.

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. 

Conference Events

Women’s Retreat

September 8 – September 10

Cost: $200/person (shared room) | $250/person (private room) only available to the first 5 requests, REGISTER by September 1

For this weekend of rest and renewal on the banks of Lake Shakopee, Rev. Claire Klein shares music, dance, and storytelling, as we weave our stories with the women in Scripture. While Miriam led the people to dance in the wilderness and Tabitha created beautiful robes for the poor, the Spirit was weaving each of our stories together with love and compassion. Rev. Claire will guide us in activities that weave our stories together in new ways through song and movement.

There will be plenty of time to rest, relax, and enjoy each other’s company, along with an opportunity to take a forest meditation walk at Kathio State Park.

Retreat begins Friday with a 5:00pm check-in. Dinner is served at 6:00pm. The event ends on Sunday at 11:00am. Packing and other information will be emailed to you a week before the event.