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 HYMN “God 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
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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.
