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 Mary Ellen Barkley, Moderator Sandy Nelson, Administrative Assistant Tracey Weston, 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 The Third Sunday After Epiphany January 25, 2015, 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: Mary Ellen Barkley, Brent Maner Sanctuary Flowers: Donna Keyser Word for Children: Jonathan Mertz Snow Removal: Craig Weston Reading Scripture: Mary Ellen Barkley Fellowship Hour: Donna Keyser 2

3 Gathering Gathering Music in the presence of God Tower Chimes Welcome & Announcements Prelude Music Now I Stand Before Thy Throne Mary Ellen Sutton, organ Bach Called in God's Presence One: The Word of our God came, Many: hope for all people cradled in the Holy One's arms. One: The Word of our God comes, Many: calling us out of our comfort zones, to go where grace is needed most. One: The Word of our God will come, Many: gathering all the outsiders and insiders into one community fashioned in the Way of Christ. Adapted from Thom Shuman Hymn 70 (The New Century Hymnal located in pew backs) God Is Here! As We Your People Meet Abbot s Leigh Indicates all who are able, please stand. Prayer of Brokenness One: Spirit of Life, we confess that we often do not want to listen. One: We want to follow our own way and lead lives of relative comfort and security. Many: Move us out of our comfort zone to a place of compassion and empathy. One: Move us away from our own fears so that we can work into the ways of justice for all. One: Call us into Your ministry of love, restoration, justice and peace. Many: In the name of Jesus the Christ we pray. Amen. (Moment of silent confession) One: Through Jesus Christ our Ruler and Savior. Many: Amen. 3

4 Assurance of Pardon One: God is always calling your name, in whispers on the wind, the cry of the waves on the beach, even in the sheer silence: God is calling your name. Many: God is calling you to restoration and reconciliation. You are forgiven, loved, and restored. Amen. The Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell, 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 The Word for Children for our Still-speaking God Jonathan Mertz Scripture Lessons 4 Mary Ellen Barkley Jonah 3:1-5, 10 (Old Testament page 816 in the pew Bible) Psalm 62:5-12 (Page 659 The New Century Hymnal read responsively; all join in singing the refrain as indicated by the symbol R.) Mark 1:14-20 (New Testament page 33 in the pew Bible)

5 The Word in Music Dear Lord and Father of Mankind Sermon This Love is Too Big to Fail The Chancel Choir Sam Pottle Caela Simmons Wood Time of Reflection Responding Offertory Sentence MUSIC AT THE OFFERTORY All Glory Be to God on High in hope and thanksgiving Sweelinck Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heav nly host: Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Amen. WE THANK AND BLESS OUR CHURCH OFFICERS Thanksgiving for Those Completing Service Outgoing Moderator: Friends, we celebrate with joy and gratitude that you were called by God and chosen by the people of First Congregational UCC for leadership in the church. Pastor: Your ministry has been a blessing, an honor, and a responsibility. Your work during this time has been a celebration of your special gifts even as it has pushed you outside of your comfort zone. People: We thank you for your service and we challenge you to continue to offer your best to God, and to all God s people. 5

6 Commissioning of Church Officers Incoming Moderator: As you come to assume the duties of your new office, or as you continue in the duties that you are already fulfilling, let us make a covenant before God and one another. Pastor to Officers: As a disciple of Jesus Christ, will you continue to live out your faith with praise and thanksgiving? Will you carry out your responsibilities in this congregation with integrity and joy? Officers: I will, with God as my helper. Pastor to Congregation: Will you, as the people of First Congregational UCC honor the leadership of these people? Will you assist them through daily prayer, generous support, and personal example, so that, together, we may be a faithful church of Jesus Christ? People: We will, with God as our helper. Prayer (in unison) Loving God, you have called these people to serve you. Send your Holy Spirit upon them and upon us all that we may keep the promises we have made today. Help them to fulfill their responsibilities. May their leadership help us all to reflect your love and grace always. Amen. PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH You are invited to share your joy or concern aloud. If you would prefer to have Pastor 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. 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. 6

7 Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. 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 504 You Walk along Our Shoreline to be messengers of good news Salley Gardens Charge and Benediction Congregational Choral Benediction Let Us Live in the Light (Sung two times) 7

8 Let us Live in the Light words and music by Barbara Hamm 2002 Abingdon Press. All rights reserved. Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A 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. THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE THIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 8:30 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 9:30 p.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Service of the Word, Caela Simmons Wood, preaching 12:00 p.m. Fellowship Hour 12:15 p.m. Congregational Meeting 5:15 p.m. The Second Helping, Blachly Hall 7:00 p.m. Youth Group MONDAY, JANUARY 26 5:15 p.m. Yoga, Andover Hall THURSDAY, JANUARY 29 7:00 p.m. Taizé Service, Pioneer Hall NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 8:30 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 9:30 p.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Service of Word and Sacrament, Caela Simmons Wood, preaching Fill the Breadbasket 12:00 p.m. Fellowship Hour 5:15 p.m. The Second Helping, Blachly Hall 7:00 p.m. Youth Group 8 Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/uccmanhattanks

9 Annual Meeting & Recognition of Church Officers Today, January 25 Please join us on today, January 25 as we begin our new church year. First, during the worship service there will be a special blessing of outgoing and incoming church officers. Then following worship we will hold our annual meeting. At that time, we will briefly review the annual report, and our 2015 budget. 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. We hold ourselves accountable before God for this mission statement. Black Lives Matter The Vitality & Outreach Committee invites you to take home a yard sign to display in your yard. You can pick up your sign after worship during Fellowship Hour in Pioneer-Blachly Halls. Please join us in boldly affirming Black Lives Matter in your neighborhood and around our community. Washer/Dryer? ECM is looking for an electric washer and dryer set, either for sale or donation for student residents to use at 908 Sunset Avenue. If you have a set that you might be willing to part with, please contact David Jones at ecm@ksu.edu or

10 Adult Sunday School Updates On Sunday, Feb. 22 you are invited to join us for a Taste of Taizé. Those who regularly participate in Taizé invite you to join us at 9:30 a.m. to worship in Pioneer Hall. Taizé is a contemplative style of worship which originated in an intentional Christian community in Taizé, France. We will sing, pray (silently and aloud), hear scripture, and spend time in silent contemplation. On Sunday, March 1 we will revisit Barbara Brown Taylor s book, An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith. Jim Mock will lead us in a five-week discussion on the second half of the book. Nora Gallagher says, An Altar in the World is about how faith can be both practical and sensuous. In Barbara Brown Taylor s hands, the old division between heaven and earth is healed and both come alive. Your mind, your body and your soul will be well fed by this wonderful book. If you would like the church office to order you a copy of the book, please contact Sandy and we d be happy to help. Board of Mission Ecumenical Campus Ministries at KSU requests three members to serve on their Board of Directors from each local participating denomination. Jan Lange and Millie Schroeder currently serve on that Board and a third member for our congregation would be much appreciated. This is an exciting time as ECM completes the building of the new home for the ministry and attempts to meet the financial challenges to keep programs active. The ECM Board meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. A second opportunity to represent our church is to the Voice of Justice group. This is a group of civic and religious organizations concerned with the welfare of local undocumented immigrants. Jerry Hanna served as this church s representative last year. Please contact Jan Lange if you are interested in serving First Congregational UCC on either of these two groups. Our church s presence in these organizations is a great way to be known as people who are committed to being part of making a better Manhattan. For Parents Parents, we are in the process of updating our Child Information and Photo Release forms. Even if you have already filled out one or both of these please update the information. This way we can all be on the same page with the most up-to-date information. Look for these new cards in the Nursery, Sunday school classes, and the pews in the Sanctuary. You can return these forms to Barrett or put them in his mailbox above the coat rack. 10

11 Second Helping Thanks to all who continue to contribute to Second Helping This is very much appreciated and important for enabling 2nd Helping to provide this ministry in our community. Following are ways that you can continue to support Second Helping: Volunteers are often needed. Contact Mary Ellen Barkley for more information Food donations may be made on communion Sunday (first Sunday of the month). Items most needed are: Boxes of instant oatmeal, 10 individual bags per box of any flavor Individually wrapped granola bars Individually wrapped snack crackers, such as crackers and peanut butter or crackers with cheese Individual serving bags of chips, generally sold in a large bag of servings Large jar of creamy peanut butter and large jar of jelly Cash donations may also be made during communion Sunday or put in the collection plate (indicate for 2nd Helping) These donations will be a great help to us in our mission to feed the hungry in Manhattan, Kansas. Donations unable to be used by the Second Helping mission will be forwarded on to the Flint Hills Bread Basket. Thank you Pancakes for the Community Meals Network The Manhattan SERTOMA Club plans to make a major donation of equipment to the Community Meals Network (CoMN Table). CoMN Table is the local consortium of individuals and churches (including this one) committed to providing meals for those who need them. Support SERTOMA and CoMN Table by attending the 53rd annual SERTOMA PANCAKE AND GROUND HOG FEED Saturday Feb. 7, 7am-1pm Cico Park, Pottorf Hall Tickets: Adults $6, Children Ages 6-12 $3 Partner: HCI Sales 11

12 Festive Feaster Sign Up Today Sign up for Festive Feasters, our small-group church fellowship groups, today after church. Couples, singles, and families are welcome; it's a great way to get to know members of your church family. Gretchen Lewis will be signing folks up today; you'll be given a chance to choose meat-friendly, vegan, vegan-friendly, vegetarian, vegetarian-friendly, and child-friendly-group options. Sign up today so you don't forget and miss out on the fun! Who are the Festive Feasters? Festive Feasters are fellowship groups of 6 to 8 people from our church family who meet once a month from February through May for food and fellowship. The meeting place rotates each month as folks take turns hosting the event. Who Can Be in Festive Feasters? Couples and singles are all welcome to join. What are the rules? There are no rules! Meals can be in our homes, at a restaurant, in a park, or wherever you choose to meet. The group can choose to meet for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or sometime in between. Can I join even if I live in too small a place to host when it's my turn? Yes, you can. Many times folks have acted as "hosts" in the home of another group member. Can I bring my children? You can choose when you sign up to be in a child-friendly group so that families can get together. I'm a vegetarian or vegan; is there a group for me? Yes, indeed. Just indicate your dietary preference when you sign up. Why should I take time from my busy schedule to do this? Festive Feasters is a great way for people to get to know one another in our church family. We have many "new faces" in the congregation; this is a different opportunity from Fellowship Hour after church to include and be included in our loving community of people! 12

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