First Congregational United Church of Christ

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2 First Congregational United Church of Christ 700 Poyntz Avenue telephone Manhattan, Kansas The Rev. Caela Simmons Wood, Pastor The Rev. David Jones, Campus Pastor Alfred Cochran, Moderator Sandy Nelson, Administrative Assistant Tai Amri Spann-Wilson, Youth Ministry Robert Edwards, Mary Ellen Sutton, Organists Barrett Scroggs, Director of Children s Ministries Nancy Holmes, Custodian Gretchen Lewis, Choir Director Dave Smit, Treasurer Joy Schell, Financial Secretary Holy Humor Sunday April 3, 2016, at 10:45 a.m. Welcome! If you are worshipping with us for the first time, we hope that you will find God s presence among us. Your presence with us enriches our vision of the Body of Christ, and we give thanks that you have joined us today. We hope you will sign the register pad when it is passed. Immediately following worship, refreshments are served at Fellowship Hour in Pioneer and Blachly Halls. Just exit the doors to the left of the pulpit and follow the crowd. Enjoy a cup of fair trade coffee. We look forward to greeting you there. If you have questions, please ask. If you have special needs, please let one of the ushers know. Hearing assist devices, wheelchairs, and walkers are available. The elevator provides access to all three floors of the building. Restrooms are located on each floor. Our lower level has wheelchair accessible, all gender restrooms. A diaper changing table is in the Nursery upstairs. Children are welcome in worship (and we know they may need to wiggle!). If you'd prefer, we do offer activities upstairs. Children ages 3 and under are welcome in the Nursery at any time. After the Word for Children, children 3 and up are invited to join us in the theater for Kids Worship - a worship service that mirrors our service in the Sanctuary. Please check out our website for information about Sunday School for children and adults at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays during the school year Assisting in Today s Worship ---- Greeters: TBA Word for Children: Pastor Caela Reading Scripture: Sue Zschoche Fellowship Hour: TBA Flowers: TBA 2

3 Gathering in the presence of God This morning we join with other Christians around the world in Holy Humor Sunday. In some parts of the Global Church, it s an ancient tradition to set aside the Sunday after Easter as a special time to remember God's amazing gift of humor and laughter. In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, the entire week after Easter Sunday is called Bright Week and it set aside as a lighthearted time of festive celebrations with friends and family. Bavarian churches in the 15th century would celebrate the Sunday after Easter as Risus Paschalis ("the Easter laugh") in an acknowledgment that on Easter morning, God played a great practical joke on the forces of death and evil. Gathering Music Tower Chimes Welcome & Announcements Prelude Prelude in G Major Mary Ellen Sutton, organ Bach Called in God's Presence One: This is the time to rejoice! Many: What better time than now?! One: How many Congregationalists does it take to change a light bulb? Many: Ten but first they ll need to have several meetings to determine whether or not the light bulb actually exists. After a vote, if they determine there is indeed a light bulb, they ll still need to do follow up meetings to decide if an LED or CFL bulb will make the best, most eco-friendly replacement. One: No, really. How many Congregationalists does it take to change a light bulb? Many: Five one to change the light bulb and four to serve refreshments afterwards. One: Seriously. One last time. How many Congregationalists does it take to change a light bulb? Many: We re not sure. But whether your bulb is bright, dim, or completely out, you are welcome here! Leader: What s the greatest joke ever? All: The one God played on death on Easter morning! Come, let us worship God with laughter and joy. 3

4 Hymn Mixed Up Medley Hark The Herald Angel Said Hark the herald angel said, Why seek Jesus with the dead? He's not here, as you can see, gravecloths lie where he would be. On your way now, tell the others, Jesus will be with his brothers. Sisters, too, he wants to see on the hills of Galilee. Hark the herald angel said, He is risen from the dead! Take Time to Be Funny Take time to be funny, rejoice in the Lord Let laughter burst forth and have fun with God s Word For laughter is healing, gives strength to the weak God loves to see smiles, they lift up the meek. Mendelssohn Away in the Manger 4 Take time to be silly, it s good for the soul Too many are somber and grabbing control. Let go and let God s love wash over your soul And heaven's transcendence can be your life s goal. For humor is holy, it sanctifies life, Replenishes hope and oft softens advice It undercuts sorrow, deflates haughty pride So smile and hang on, rejoice in life s ride. Indicates all who are able, please stand. Opening Prayer for Holy Humor Sunday One: O Great Laughing God, we come into your presence with joy and longing to be surprised. Many: We thank you that you have given to us the gift of laughter and delight. One: These things give hints as to the nature of your purpose for us and for all the earth.

5 Many: May we find that in giving up to laughter there is healing and hope and abundance and blessing. One: Tickle our souls with the brush of your Spirit to renew our worship and our living. Many: Amen. From the United Church of Canada s Bay of Quinte Conference Exchanging the Peace One: The peace of Christ be with you. Many: And also with you. As a sign of our reconciliation, please greet those around you with words such as: Peace be with you. / And also with you. Act of Praise (all join in singing Hymn #85) I Woke Up This Morning I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus, Woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus, Woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus, Hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah. Singing and praying with my mind stayed on Jesus, Singing and praying with my mind stayed on Jesus, Singing and praying with my mind stayed on Jesus, Hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah. Listening Word for Children for our Still-speaking God Pastor Caela If your child is going to the Nursery or Kids' Worship for the first time today, please fill out a Child Information Card (located in the back of the pew) and deliver it to one of our staff members upstairs. Scripture Lesson Sue Zschoche Psalm 150 (Page 723 The New Century Hymnal read responsively; all join in singing the refrain as indicated by the symbol R.) John 20:19-31 (New Testament page 110 in the pew Bible) 5

6 The Word in Music Wondrous Love Chancel Choir arr. Paul Christiansen Sermon Rev. Caela Simmons Wood Laughing Thomas: A Mad-Libs Sermon for Holy Humor Sunday Responding in hope and thanksgiving Offertory Sentence Prefer to make an electronic contribution? Visit the Giving Station located in the back of the Sanctuary to make a credit or debit card gift or set up recurring contributions from your bank account. MUSIC AT THE OFFERTORY That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright Wood Doxology Praise God from whom our humor flows Praise God, all joyful hearts below Praise God with whom our spirits soar Praise Christ whose smile is evermore. Amen. Prayer of Dedication The Service of Sacred Communion This is the table of Christ, not of this church. All are welcome and encouraged to join in the sharing of communion at Christ's Table, regardless of age or tradition, for this is the meal which binds all of us, different as we are, together. 6 We will commune by intinction (dipping the bread in the cup) at the front of the church. The ushers will direct you. If you would rather remain seated, please let an usher know and we will bring the elements to you. The bread served contains gluten and the cup contains grape juice. If you need gluten-free bread, please ask the server. As you come forward, you are invited to "fill the breadbasket." The gifts shared support the work of The Second Helping ministry of this church.

7 The Invitation to the Table The Great Prayer of Thanksgiving One: May the God of bright laughter be with you. Many: And also with you. One: Lift up your joyous chortles and guffaws. Many: We lift them up to God. One: Let us rejoice and make merry at the Table together. Many: It is right to give God thanks and praise. One: We give you thanks, God of Fools, Ruler of Clowns and Smiling Saints. Our souls can rest in you, knowing you as a God of both laughter and of tears. Blessed are you, for you have rooted within us the gifts of humor, lightheartedness, and mirth. With jokes and comedy, you cause our hearts to sing as laughter is made to flow out of us. One: We, who are so easily tempted to barter our freedom for tiny speckles of honor and power, are filled with gratitude that through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we are reminded of the power of love, the holiness of community, and the importance balancing honor with humor. One: Jesus, who was this world s master of wit, daily invites us to be fools for your sake, to embrace the madness of your prophets, holy people, and saints. This holy madness becomes the very medicine which heals the chaos of the cosmos; calling us out of the hum-drumness of daily life into joy, adventure, and freedom. With prophets and fools, the lost and the found, we raise our voices and glorify you: Many: Holy, holy, holy, God of laughter and joy. The whole universe delights in your presence. Blessed is the one who comes bearing the Good News of your freedom. Hosanna in the highest! One: We remember that on that night of betrayal and desertion, Jesus took bread, gave you thanks, blessed the bread, broke it, and shared it with his friends, the disciples, urging them to remember the jokes they had shared, the parties they had attended, the tricks they had played. One: In the same way, after the meal, Jesus also took the cup, and shared it with his friends, proclaiming the mystery of the new life found within. As we give thanks for the new life found at this table, we raise our voices in a joyful chorus, proclaiming the mystery of faith: Many: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. 7

8 8 One: And now, with circus bands and organ grinders, with fools, clowns, court-jesters, and comics, with high-spirited angels and saints, we too join the fun and foolishness of life, so that your holy laughter may ring out to the edges of the universe. Many: Blessed are you, God of Laugher and Love, who invites us to be holy fools. Amen. Liturgy remixed from Prayer: God of Fools, Lord of Clowns by Edward Hays and found on the Re:Worship Blog Sharing Gifts of Food and Communion Unison Prayer of Gratitude One: Let us lift our bodies and spirits and give thanks for the gifts of God! Many: Foolish, foolish God, your belly laugh echoes through the world, We have responded to your invitation to join in the Banquet. Here we have eaten, we have drunk, we have tasted your goodness. May the joy we find in this meal together lift up our hearts, may we carry your laughter to the world around us, may we live out that foolishness called love wherever we go. Amen. Adapted from PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH You are invited to share your joy or concern aloud. If you would prefer to have Caela read your prayer aloud, please use one of the cards located at the back of the Sanctuary. We respond: Merciful God...hear our prayer. Each week, we hold a few of our members in prayer, working our way through the entire membership over the course of a year. This week, we hold the following people in prayer: Charlotte and David MacFarland, Linda Thurston, Grace McKay. PRAYER OF JESUS (said in unison) Our Father is the traditional way this prayer begins. For many, however, the traditional language is a hindrance to the intimacy of their relationship with God. You are invited to use whatever name for God you find most meaningful (Mother, Father, Creator, God, Friend, etc,). Together, our names for God will create a beautiful chorus reaching out to the Holy. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come.

9 Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Going Forth Hymn 4 (The New Century Hymnal located in pew backs) Joyful, Joyful We Adore You Charge and Benediction to be messengers of good news Hymn to Joy Congregational Choral Benediction Let Us Live in the Light (Sung two times) Let us Live in the Light words and music by Barbara Hamm 2002 Abingdon Press. All rights reserved. Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A

10 Take time for Taizé Join us on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. for Taizé Worship. Taizé is a 30 minute service of singing, scripture, prayer and silence based on the pattern of worship in use at the ecumenical community at Taizé, France. First Congregational UCC, Manhattan an Open and Affirming Congregation In the spirit of love, openness, and inclusiveness we welcome persons of every race, culture, nationality, age, family configuration, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, and socio-economic status to participate fully in all aspects of our church s life and ministry. from Open and Affirming Statement adopted May 11, 2003 The Mission of First Congregational United Church of Christ is To love and accept others unconditionally as God loves and accepts us, and by example, to encourage others to do the same. To challenge ourselves to grow spiritually through worship, education, nurture, reflection, discussion, fellowship, and outreach. To minister to others locally, nationally, and globally with the same fervor as we minister to ourselves, through the sharing of our talents, gifts, and resources. THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 3 HOLY HUMOR SUNDAY 8:30 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. Sunday School for all ages 10:45 a.m. Service of Word and Sacrament, Rev. Caela Simmons Wood preaching Fill the Breadbasket 12:00 p.m. Fellowship Hour 6:00 p.m. Second Helping MONDAY, APRIL 4 5:15 p.m. Yoga, Andover Hall 6:45 p.m. Timeless A Cappella, Andover Hall TUESDAY, APRIL 5 6:00 p.m. Living Positive, Conference Room WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6 11:30 a.m. Lunch Bunch, Houlihan's 5:30 p.m. Board of Mission meeting, Blachly Hall 10

11 7:00 p.m. Board of Trustees meeting, Blachly Hall 7:00 p.m. Board of Deacons meeting, Conference Room 7:00 p.m. Turning Point AA meeting, Andover Hall THURSDAY, APRIL 7 7:00 p.m. Taizé Service, Pioneer Hall FRIDAY, APRIL 8 9:00 a.m. Ministry of the Decorative Scissors, Andover Hall SATURDAY, APRIL 9 5:00 p.m. Youth Fundraising Dinner, Pioneer/Blachly Halls NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 10 8:30 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. Sunday School for all ages 10:45 a.m. Service of the Word, Rev. Caela Simmons Wood preaching 12:00 p.m. Fellowship Hour 6:00 p.m. Second Helping Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/uccmanhattanks Ecumenical Campus Ministry at Kansas State University is a cooperative ministry supported by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the United Church of Christ, and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). For more information on ECM s activities and schedules, please visit us on Facebook (ECM at K-State) or at Lunch Bunch April 6 Join the Women of the Church for Lunch Bunch on Wednesday, April 6 at Houlihan's (Holiday Inn at Anderson and 17th Streets). It s not for women only everyone is welcome to join us for lunch at 11:30 a.m. (See individual Lunch Bunch locations for the year by going to the church website at and then clicking on Community Life/Events Calendar.) Electronic Giving! First Congregational is pleased to offer an electronic option for making regular offerings. Contributions can be securely debited automatically from your checking or savings account. Our electronic giving program offers convenience for you and much-needed donation consistency for our congregation. Collection basket offerings can fluctuate significantly from week to week due to travel, illness and other circumstances, but when contributions are automated, the church receives funds on a steady, 11

12 uninterrupted basis. To set up your electronic donation, ask treasurer Dave Smit for an authorization form or stop by the church office. Ready to Become a Member? On April 17th, we will welcome a new group of members who desire to join with us in covenant as the people of First Congregational United Church of Christ. If you are interested in membership and haven't yet had a chance to sit down with Pastor Caela to talk about what membership means and have your questions answered, please contact her (pastor@uccmanhattan.org) to set up an appointment. You can also learn more and fill out a new member information form at Blessing of the Bicycles Mark your calendar for Sunday, May 1st! As a part of Manhattan's Bike Month, we'll be blessing bicycles in our church yard immediately after worship. Plan to join us as we bless the bikes, remember lives lost, share in a brief ride around downtown, and enjoy refreshments together. Know someone who is a cyclist? Invite them to the blessing! Transgender Faith Tour We are honored to welcome Stephanie Mott as our guest preacher on Sunday, April 17th during worship. From Stephanie's biography on the Huffington Post: "Stephanie Mott is a transsexual woman from Topeka, Kan. She has published nearly 100 articles and provided nearly 300 workshops and presentations on being transgender. Stephanie is the founder and executive director of Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project, president of the Topeka chapter of NOW, a commissioner on the City of Topeka Human Relations Commission, and community liaison for transgender inmates at the Shawnee County (Kansas) jail. She is also the director of the Transgender Faith Tour, seeking to share her faith as a transgender woman in faith institutions everywhere." You can learn more about Stephanie at transfaithtour.org. Upcoming Adult Education Opportunities Causes We Can't Keep Quiet about (Apr May 22) - Jim and Marilynn Mock will facilitate a discussion of Pastors Sound Off! From the publisher: "In this collection of brief and very personal essays, eleven pastors and preachers "sound off" on the issues that get them so worked up they can't shut up! These 12

13 aren't impersonal position statements - they are passionate arguments, rooted in faith, written from very personal perspectives. From pretending racism is over, to churches in denial about addiction, these writers address social issues and justice concerns that you probably have strong feelings about, too." Second Helping Time Change We are very thankful for all who volunteer for Second Helping, our Sunday evening community meal program. We continue to serve people every week. In order to make our serving time more consistent with other community meals during the week, the serving time of Second Helping will change. Beginning April 3rd, meals will be served at 6:00 p.m. For those volunteering, prep time begins at 4:15 and clean-up should be complete around 7:30 p.m. Lost A 9x13 Pyrex baking dish and small square serving utensil with a wooden handle went missing after the Easter potluck breakfast. If the items accidentally ended up at your home or you know of their whereabouts, please contact the church office. World War II Scrapbook A scrapbook from the church archives has recently come to light that may be of interest to you. The book includes information about and pictures of several church members who served in the military during World War II. The scrapbook is currently in the church office and available for viewing during office hours (M-F 9:00-noon and 1:00-3:00). The scrapbook will also be available for viewing on Sunday mornings throughout April. Little Apple Pride Parade Saturday, April 16 Details are still coming together for the annual Little Apple Pride Parade. Watch the Sunday bulletins and the church web site for details as they become available. Pastor Caela will be one of the keynote speakers at this year's festival. Blanket Festival for Backpacks of Hope Saturday, April 30 Everyone is invited to a Blanket Festival on Saturday, April 30, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Andover Hall. We will try to complete thirty quilts and blankets to place into Backpacks of Hope. 13

14 We need you whether you are a quilter or not, a knitter or not, a crocheter or not. In order to be successful, we need folks who can cut fabric, sew two pieces together in a straight line, tie a knot, or provide simple meals and snacks. Feel free to provide fabric for a quilt or use fabric that we will have available. For more information contact Sue Gerth Fill a Backpack of Hope In partnership with the Interfaith Welcome Coalition in San Antonio, TX, we would like to ask that you help us to provide much needed travel supplies families so desperately need after being detained in San Antonio. We need you to buy a backpack, either adult or child size and fill them with items for these families to travel to their next destination in the US. Even from as far away as Kansas we can send a message that immigrants and refugees are welcome here. You can sponsor a backpack individually or even partner with some of your church friends. We ask you to please drop the backpacks off in our church and we will ship the first collection by May 31, THANK YOU! For any additional questions please contact Susanne Gilmore Mom's Backpack: 2 pack travel size Kleenex 1 washcloth 1 small hairbrush & comb 1 small travel size deodorant 2 pair adult socks 4 sanitary napkins 1 hotel size soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion 1 travel size toothbrush & toothpaste 1 small package of hand wipes Small writing pad & pen or pencil Child's Backpack: 1 washcloth 1 child toothbrush and toothpaste 2 travel size Kleenex 1 small package of hand wipes 2 youth or child socks/ size box crayons 1 coloring/ activity book 1 small stuffed animal 14

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