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First Congregational United Church of Christ 700 Poyntz Avenue telephone 785-537-7006 Manhattan, Kansas 66502 www.uccmanhattan.org 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 Third Sunday of Easter April 10, 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: Susanne Gilmore Word for Children: Barrett Scroggs Reading Scripture: Marilynn Mock Flowers: Beth Davis, Kay Clarke Fellowship Hour: Ann Smit, Paulicia Williams 2
Gathering Gathering Music in the presence of God Tower Chimes Welcome & Announcements Prelude Dialogue sur les Grands Jeux Robert Edwards, organ L. N. Clerambault Called in God's Presence East: When Thomas touched the wounds and set himself free... West: it was Easter day. East: When Peter s three yes s to Jesus finished his three denials... West: it was Easter day. East: When Mary, ready to embalm the dead, ran in fear from the empty tomb... West: it was Easter day. East: When the disciples looked from afar at a breakfast of fish on the beach... West: it was Easter day. East: When Emmaus became synonymous with welcome and the breaking of bread with strangers... West: it was Easter day. East: When Paul was blinded by the light and recognized the voice chattering in his head... West: it was Easter day. East: When the hungry are fed at the same table as the rich... West: it is Easter day. East: When weapons are beaten to ploughshares and peace is a word to be shouted... West: it is Easter day. East: When the stranger is welcomed in community and the lonely are restored to relationship... West: it is Easter day. All: Come, let us worship the God of Easter Beginnings! Adapted from "Every Day is Easter" by Roddy Hamilton 3
Hymn 238 (The New Century Hymnal located in pew backs) Now the Green Blade Rises Noel Nouvelet Indicates all who are able, please stand. Affirmation of Faith Open and Affirming Statement We affirm that: Every person has equal worth as a special and unique creation made in God s image; That 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. That as agents of reconciliation and wholeness, we embrace justice and seek to support and offer sanctuary to all who suffer discrimination or who are disenfranchised from the community, and pledge ourselves to be a wellspring of faith for a diverse people in the heart of this community; That in the light of the Gospel we will strive to comprehend and continue to appreciate more fully our differences and gifts; That through grace, our love for God and neighbor may flourish. 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. 4
Listening Word for Children for our Still-speaking God Barrett Scroggs 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 Acts 9:1-6 (New Testament page 120 in the pew Bible) John 21:1-19 (New Testament page 110 in the pew Bible) The Word in Music Christ Hath a Garden Marilynn Mock Chancel Choir Gerald Near Sermon Love Story Rev. Caela Simmons Wood 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 Aria Joseph Jongen 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. 5
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: Jelani Yancey, Carolyn and Jim Hodgson, Sina Hanna.. 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. 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 250 (The New Century Hymnal located in pew backs) Listen to your Savior Call Charge and Benediction to be messengers of good news Orinetus Partibus 6
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 #A710121. 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. 7
THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE THIS 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 Helpin g MONDAY, APRIL 11 5:00 p.m. AAUW Dinner meeting, Pioneer/Blachly Halls 5:15 p.m. Yoga, Andover Hall 6:45 p.m. Timeless A Cappella, Andover Hall WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13 6:30 p.m. Board of Christian Education meeting, Blachly Hall 7:00 p.m. Vitality & Outreach meeting, Conference Room 7:00 p.m. Turning Point AA meeting, Andover Hall THURSDAY, APRIL 14 7:00 p.m. Taizé Service, Pioneer Hall SATURDAY, APRIL 16 1:00 p.m. K-STEP meeting, Conference room 2:00 p.m. Little Apple Pride Parade, gather in parking lot NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 17-COVENANT CELEBRATION SUNDAY 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 www.ksu.edu/ecm. 8
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. 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, 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 www.uccmanhattan.org/become-a-member. 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! 9
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. Adult Education Opportunities Causes We Can't Keep Quiet about (Apr. 10 - 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 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 25-40 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. 10
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 Sat., April 16 2:00 p.m. Join us as we march in the Little Apple Pride Parade. We'll gather in the church parking lot shortly before 2:00 p.m. and then march to the City Park Band Shell. The Pride celebration begins at 3:00 p.m. in City Park. Pastor Caela will be one of the keynote speakers at this year's festival. ECM Open House ECM will be open during the K-State Open House, Sat., April 16 from 9-3. Everyone is invited to come by and enjoy refreshments, while connecting with current ECM students and our campus pastor. Stop in for a short time or stay longer students would love to update you on all the recent activities at ECM. Questions, or want to help out? Contact David Jones at dajones@ksu.edu. 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. 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 11
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, 2016. 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 7-10 1 box crayons 1 coloring/ activity book 1 small stuffed animal 12
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