• Looking for ways to help others? We've got a big list going and many things can be done from home.
• Second Helping continues. Read a call for new volunteers from our volunteer coordinator, Di. 
• Prayers of the Church will NOT happen this week because it's Maundy Thursday and we have a service at 6:00 p.m.
• We invite you to join us for the rest of Holy Week. Maundy Thursday dinner via Zoom at 6:00 p.m., Ecumenical Good Friday via Zoom (drop in anytime betweeen noon - 3:00 p.m., Holy Saturday (very brief) Paschal Fire Lighting via Zoom at 8:00 p.m. | get all the details about these activities here
• Easter is next Sunday! You are invited to our Easter Breakfast via Zoom at 9:30 a.m. and Easter Worship via Facebook Live at 10:45 a.m. As always, the audio-only call in option is available for worship. | details about Easter festivities here
• Fellowship Hour is happening right after worship today. Yay! Click to Zoom or call 1-669-900-6833 and dial meeting ID 606-107-240# at the prompt. 

• Watch the worship service video from Facebook Live (no login required)
• Listen to the audio of the service 

• Looking for ways to help others? We've got a big list going and many things can be done from home.
• Second Helping continues. Read a call for new volunteers from our volunteer coordinator, Di. 
• Connect Groups (virtual) are forming! Click here to learn more and sign up. 
• Prayers of the Church are now happening during our Prayers & Fellowship Zoom on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. Learn how to join us for this brief service of scripture, song, and prayer. 
• Lunch Bunch will gather via Zoom this Wednesday and you can learn more here. 
• Fellowship Hour is happening right after worship today. Yay! Click to Zoom or call 1-669-900-6833 and dial meeting ID 606-107-240# at the prompt. 
• Read more about One Great Hour of Sharing and make your contribution today. ​

• Watch the worship service video from Facebook Live (no login required)
• Listen to the audio of the service (audio begins at 7:10, sermon begins at around 13:55)

• Looking for ways to help others? We've got a big list going and many things can be done from home.
• Second Helping continues. Read a call for new volunteers from our volunteer coordinator, Di. 
• Connect Groups (virtual) are forming! Click here to learn more and sign up. 
• Prayers of the Church are now happening during our Prayers & Fellowship Zoom on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. Learn how to join us for this brief service of scripture, song, and prayer. 
• Fellowship Hour is happening right after worship today. Yay! Click to Zoom or call 1-669-900-6833 and dial meeting ID 606-107-240# at the prompt. 
• Read more about One Great Hour of Sharing and make your contribution on or before March 29th. 
• The Justice &  Witness Board invites us to support the work of Renters Together MHK to advocate for and with those in our community who are economically vulnerable. Watch the video below and visit the Renters Together website. 

• Watch the worship service video from Facebook Live (no login required)
• Listen to the audio of the service (audio begin at 13 seconds, sermon begins at around 12 minutes)

First Congregational United Church of Christ of Manhattan, KS
ONLINE WORSHIP, MARCH 22, 2020

GATHERING in the presence of God
Welcome and Centering Music

• Welcome! We’re so glad you’re here. 
• Here at First Congregational in Manhattan, KS we join with ALL the congregations in the United Church of Christ in proclaiming that no matter who we are or where we are on life’s journey, we are all welcome here. So that means you….wherever you are today, whatever questions you might have, however your spirit is today, YOU are welcome here and we’re so glad you’re worshiping with us today. 
• We start every Sunday at First Congregational by saying “happy Sunday!” Not because we always FEEL happy but because we want to remember that even when we don’t feel happy-clappy it is GOOD to be together on a Sunday morning. It is GOOD to have space to remember what matters most in life. It is GOOD to be connected to God and one another through the act of worship...especially in times like these. And so, let’s give it a try. I’m going to say “Happy Sunday!” and you say it back, even if it feels silly. “Happy Sunday!”
• A couple of folks said they lit candles at their homes last week during worship - what a great idea. We’re going to light some here and if you have any nearby, I invite you to do the same. If you have kids in your family, let them serve as acolytes, just like we do when we’re worshiping together in our sanctuary. The light reminds us that God’s Spirit is with us here and now. So as we light our candles and prepare our spirits to welcome the presence of God, we’ll enjoy some centering music. 

Centering Music                                                                                                                   David Simmons Wood

Called in God's Presence
One: God is in the water that restores our soul.
All: And God is in the night when we lose our way.
One: God is in today and tomorrow, raising up leaders, prophets and dreamers.
All: And God is in the wilderness with us—every step of the way.
One: So with confidence we declare--
All: If God is in those spaces, then God is surely here.
One: Let us worship the God of creation.
All: Let us worship the God of wilderness spaces.
(written by: sarah are | sanctifiedart.org)
 

Exchanging the Peace
You are encouraged to share the peace of Christ! Take a moment and say  hello in the comments if you’re joining us via Facebook Live. If you’re watching this with other people at home, say something like, “The peace of Christ be with you” or share another sign of peace. 






LISTENING for our still-speaking God
Word for Children
As we move into the “listening” section of our service, it’s time for a special message for the kids out there. So if you’ve got kiddos in your family and they’ve wandered off, bring them up close so they can hear and see!

All around the world right now, people are working together to keep everyone safe and healthy. We all have different things we can do to help. One of the things many people are doing these days is washing their hands. I have a good friend named Eleanor McCormick who is a pastor in Germany. She used to be a pastor right down the road in Lawrence, but she moved to Germany and now she works with the Church there!

I am so thankful for technology that allows Eleanor and I to stay in touch. Earlier this week, she posted a beautiful prayer for washing our hands on Facebook and I want to share it with you today. 

(Read Eleanor’s prayer and see the images she created here.)

This week, as you’re washing your hands at home, I want to invite you to write your OWN hand-washing prayer, just like Pastor Eleanor did. You can take a piece of paper and trace your hand. Then you can write a prayer in each finger space, like I’ve done here. When you’re washing your hands, you can pray for each person or thing. 

If your parents say it’s okay, take a photo of your prayer or a video of you praying while washing your hands and send it to Brandy.  She would love to see them!

Let’s pray together:
God, thank you for all the ways we are staying connected when we are physically apart. Help us to do our part to keep everyone safe and healthy. Help us to remember to pray when we are worried or scared or joyful or bored. Thank you for being with us all the time. Amen. 





Centering Music
As we prepare to hear God’s word through scripture and sermon, let’s sing together. We’ll sing “Stay with me” from the Taize tradition. Join in as you are able:

Stay with me, 
Remain here with me,
Watch and pray,
Watch and pray. X 2

Sermon and Scripture                                                                                                         Psalm 23 (read it here)
                                                                                                                                              “And All Shall Be Well”
                                                                                                                                      Rev. Caela Simmons Wood
                                                                                                                         (read the sermon by clicking here)

RESPONDING in hope and thanksgiving
Offertory 
While we may not be together on Sunday, the work and mission of First Congregational UCC continues. Please continue to financially support the church as we offer sanctuary and support to each other and the wider community. We also have a list of things you can DO right now (even from home!) available on our website and we’ll drop that link in the comments. 
Options for giving: 

1. Mail your contribution to 700 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502.
2. Donate online via PayPal (no login required)
3. Setting up a recurring online gift is a convenient way to provide consistent financial support to the church. Your bank may be able to do this for you OR you may mail a copy of this authorization form to the church office.

As we’re sharing our offerings this morning, we are also going to sing together. 


Music at the Offertory                                                                           HYMN My Shepherd is the Living God
Text: Isaac Watts, 1719
Tune: CONSOLATION

My shepherd is the living God,
I therefore nothing need;
In pastures fair, near pleasant streams
you settle me to feed.
You bring my wandering spirit back
when I forsake your ways,
And lead me for you mercy's sake
in paths of truth and grace.

When I walk through the shades of death,
your presence is my stay;
A word of your supporting breath
drives all my fear away.
Your hand, in sight of all my foes,
does still my table spread;
My cup with blessing overflows,
your oil anoints my head.

The sure provisions of my God
attend me all my days;
O may your house be my abode,
and all my work be praise.
There would I find a settled rest,
while others come and go
No more a stranger or a guest,
but like a child at home.


Doxology - we bless our gifts together by singing

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.

GOING FORTH to be messengers of Good News
Sharing Opportunities to live into our mission - Love unconditionally. Challenge spiritually. Minister fervently.

• As we mentioned a few moments ago, we have a link on our website where you can see ideas for how you can reach out and help your neighbors, community, and world. Many of these can be done from home. We are currently seeking new volunteers for our free Sunday evening meal who are NOT in the high-risk category so our volunteers who ARE high-risk can opt out. Our Blessing Box also needs some love and we made a special video this week to invite you to join with Renters Together MHK in advocating for those among us who are struggling economically. 
• As many of us are caring for the world by staying at home right now, we need to be sure we’re staying connected! We are currently setting up Connect Groups for our congregation and we invite you to consider joining one. These will all be virtual gatherings and you can learn more at uccmanhattan.org. 
• Living Room Worship is still ON (but not happening in-person) for this upcoming Saturday, March 28th. Details will be shared via our social media and e-news list, so watch for that info later this week. 
• One of the important parts of our weekly worship at First Congregational UCC is “prayers of the church” which we share aloud. We’ve moved these to Thursdays at 7pm and they are happening via Zoom. You can find the login information at uccmanhattan.org. 

Charge and Benediction
Beloveds, as we go into this week, take courage and strength in these ancient words from scripture: (read using Hoberman sphere for breathing)

God is my shepherd, 
I shall not want.

For thou art with me,
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me,
All the days of my life. 

And I shall dwell in the house of God, 
My whole life long. 


Musical Benediction
We close our service by singing together. Oh! And here’s something fun and new. This week we will also be gathering for a virtual fellowship hour right after the service! So join us via Zoom as soon as the service is over. You will find the link and call in information in the comments on this live feed and also as a separate post on our Facebook page. 

Let’s sing together now as we go forth to be bearers of God’s light and love in the world: 

Let us live in the light, 
Let up love in the light,
And let the Spirit do its work in us. X 2


Permissions:

• Call to Worship written by: sarah are | sanctifiedart.org 
• My Shepherd is the Living God, public domain. 
• “Stay With Me” by Jacques Berthier. © 1984, Les Presses de Taize, GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted with OneLicense #A-710121.
• “Let Us Live in the Light” Words and music by Barbara Hamm. © 2002, Abingdon Press. Reprinted with OneLicense #A-710121.
• Permission to print and stream the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-710121.

• Listen to the audio (service begins at 40 seconds in, sermon is at 14 minutes)
• Watch the Facebook Live stream (no login required)

GATHERING in the presence of God
Welcome and Centering Music

• Welcome! We’re so glad you’re here. 
• We start every Sunday at First Congregational by saying “happy Sunday!” Not because we always FEEL happy but because we want to remember that even when we don’t feel happy-clappy it is GOOD to be together on a Sunday morning. It is GOOD to have space to remember what matters most in life. It is GOOD to be connected to God and one another through the act of worship. And so, let’s give it a try. I’m going to say “Happy Sunday!” and you say it back, even if it feels silly. “Happy Sunday!”
• We also say this every Sunday: “Here at First Congregational, we join with all the congregations of the United Church of Christ in proclaiming that no matter who we are or where we are on life’s journey, we are all welcome here.” So that means you...whenever you are, whatever questions you might have, however your spirit is today, please know that we are so glad you’re with us. You are welcome here. 
• We are going to begin our worship now with a bit of centering music. I invite you to settle in, do whatever it is you need to do to allow your spirit to fully arrive here with your body. Maybe that means you watch your breath move in and out, or feel your feet grounding into the floor. Maybe that means you set aside your to do lists or move to a different space so you can really be here. Do what you need to do as we settle in to worship God together now. 

Called in God's Presence
One:        Come, all who thirst—come to the water!
Many:    You who long for the water of life—come and drink!
One:        Dip your soul in the river of God’s goodness;
Many:    quench your thirst at God’s well of grace.
One:        For God is here among us, offering living water to all.
Many:    Let’s worship God together!


Exchanging the Peace
You are encouraged to share the peace of Christ! Take a moment and say  hello if you’re joining us via Facebook Live. If you’re watching this with other people at home, say something like, “The peace of Christ be with you” or share another sign of peace. 

If you’re reading this at home later, take a moment and send a text message to a friend or even pause and pick up the phone to call someone. 



LISTENING for our still-speaking God
Centering Music
Stay with me, 
Remain here with me,
Watch and pray,
Watch and pray. X 2

Word for Children
Pastor Caela shared the story of Jesus and the Woman at the Well (John 4:5-42, read it here). She then invited the children to make their own wells at home this week and send photos or videos of their creation to Brandy. You can see some of the photos and videos we’re receiving in the church’s Facebook group.


Scripture                                                                                                                     Exodus 7:1-7 (read it here)

Sermon                                                                                                                “What We Need is Already Here” 
                                                                                                                                     Rev. Caela Simmons Wood
                                                                                                                          (read the sermon by clicking here)

RESPONDING in hope and thanksgiving
Offertory 
While we may not be together on Sunday, the work and mission of First Congregational UCC continues. Please continue to financially support the church as we offer sanctuary and support to each other and the wider community. 
Options for giving: 

1. Mail your contribution to 700 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502.
2. Donate online via PayPal (no login required)
3. Setting up a recurring online gift is a convenient way to provide consistent financial support to the church. Your bank may be able to do this for you OR you may mail a copy of this authorization form to the church office.

Music at the Offertory - shared by David Wood
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.

GOING FORTH to be messengers of Good News
Sharing Opportunities 

• One of the best things each of us can do right now to stay centered and connected with the Holy right now is focus on our own individual spiritual practices. If you’d like a copy of the Lenten Devotional, send us an email and we can mail it to you (office@uccmanhattan.org). 
• It’s also important for us to reach out and stay connected. We will gather for prayers this afternoon via Zoom at 4:00pm and info about that is in the comments. 
• We’ll be online next week in this same way. Join us!
• Our Blessing Box ministry continues and could use some love...we also can use cash donations and volunteers for the Second Helping, so please contact our church office if you’d like to get involved. 
• Things will continue to evolve and your church leaders covet your prayers as we make prayerful decisions during this time. Watch the church e-mail list for updates and let us know if you have questions. 

Charge and Benediction
Pandemic
by Lynn Ungar
 
What if you thought of it
as the Jews consider the Sabbath--
the most sacred of times?
 
Cease from travel.
Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now,
on trying to make the world
different than it is.
 
Sing. Pray. Touch only those
to whom you commit your life.
 
Center down.
And when your body has become still,
reach out with your heart.
 
Know that we are connected
in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.
(You could hardly deny it now.)
Know that our lives
are in one another’s hands.
(Surely, that has come clear.)
 
Do not reach out your hands.
Reach out your heart.
Reach out your words.
Reach out all the tendrils
of compassion that move, invisibly,
where we cannot touch.
 
Promise this world your love--
for better or for worse,
in sickness and in health,
so long as we all shall live.

Beloveds, hear the Good News: all we need is already here and God is faithful even in (especially in) the wilderness times. Go in peace to love and serve God and neighbor. Take extra care with yourselves and others. All shall be well. 


Musical Benediction
Let us live in the light, 
Let up love in the light,
And let the Spirit do its work in us. X 2


Permissions:

• “Stay With Me” by Jacques Berthier. © 1984, Les Presses de Taize, GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted with OneLicense #A-710121.
• “Let Us Live in the Light” Words and music by Barbara Hamm. © 2002, Abingdon Press. Reprinted with OneLicense #A-710121.
• Permission to print and stream the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-710121.

Ash Wednesday is February 26
Ash Wednesday is a Christian tradition that prepares us for the Lenten season
before Easter. The reasons Christians receive ashes on the forehead are twofold:
1. As a call to grieve and repent from the ways they have become separated from
God and Neighbor and 2. As a humble reminder of the dust from which we came
and the dust to which we’ll return.


Worship with imposition of ashes: Wednesday at 7pm
We invite you to join us for an interactive worship service at 7:00 p.m. in Pioneer-
Blachly Hall. Together, we will enter the Wilderness of Lent and each participant
will have the opportunity to create a piece of wilderness to take home as a focal
point for their own Lenten journey. If you'd like to bring your own clear
vase/wide-mouthed jar to use for your centerpiece, please do. We will also have
​containers on hand for you to use if you don't bring your own.

Ashes also available: Wednesday, 6-9am and 12-1pm
For those unable to attend the evening service, the Deacons and Pastor Caela will
also offer the imposition of ashes in the Sanctuary from 6:00-9:00 a.m. and noon-
1:00 p.m. We are also able to bring ashes to your home if you are unable to make
it to church - please contact the church office to make a request.

Continual Day of Prayer: Tuesday at 7pm through Wednesday at 7pm
The Deacons invite you to sign up for one or more slots in our Continual Prayer
Day. Enjoy the quiet peace of our sanctuary and help us create a 24-hour period
of prayer and reflection. A basket with materials to guide your time will be
provided. You may want to read devotionals or scripture, draw or color, create
music, or simply rest in God’s presence. Invite a friend to join you if you’d rather
have company during your shift! Paper sign ups are on the office door or you
can sign up online.

Ash Wednesday Material Donations Needed:
This year’s Ash Wednesday worship service will take us into the Wilderness as we begin the season
of Lent. Participants will get to make their old piece of “wilderness” to take home.
We are seeking donations of the following between now and Feb. 20th:

• sticks/branches (2-4 feet in length, able to be broken into smaller pieces)
• clear vases with wide mouths (note: will not be returned)
• smooth river stones (for writing on with Sharpies)
• sand  decorative moss

Please drop off donations in the church office or leave them outside Pastor Caela’s
door if the office is closed. Thank you!

READ MORE ABOUT OBSERVING THE SEASON OF LENT WITH US HERE

Ash Wednesday is February 26th and as we prepare for the season of Lent, we have two requests for you!

Continual Prayer Day
Deacons are planning to try a Continual Prayer Day starting on Tuesday, February 25th at 7 pm through Wednesday February 26th at 7 pm. Members will have time to sit in the quiet of the sanctuary to pray and reflect. This will not replace the Ash Wednesday service at 7pm, but we hope to enhance the beginning of your Lenten journey. People are encouraged to sign up for a half hour slot or more. You may also sign up as a
group or by yourself. There are paper sign ups available at church or you can sign up online.
Questions? Contact Gayle Doll. 

Ash Wednesday Material Donations Needed
This year’s Ash Wednesday worship service will take us into the Wilderness as we begin the season of Lent. Participants will get to make their old piece of “wilderness” to take home.

We are seeking donations of the following between now and Feb. 20th:

• sticks/branches (2-4 feet in length, able to be broken into smaller pieces)
• clear vases with wide mouths (note: will not be returned)
  
• smooth river stones (for writing on with Sharpies)
  
• sand  
  
• decorative moss

Please drop off donations in the church office or leave them outside Pastor Caela’s door if the office is closed. Thank you!

Living Room Worship is casual evening of acoustic guitar, singing, prayer, and fellowship. If you are hungry to deepen your connection to God and each other, join us in the living room! Questions? Contact Kerry Priest.

All gatherings are 6:30-8:30pm on Sunday evenings

Feb. 17 - ECM, 904 Sunset Ave.
Mar. 24 - 421 Leavenworth St.
Apr. 28 - 6900 Briar Circle

​

On November 4, we join with Christians around the globe in remembering our saints on All Saints Day. We invite you to remember the saints in your own life by bringing along an item that represents the person you wish to honor. We will have a table set up in Pioneer-Blachly for your items. Your saint might be a relative or friend. They might be someone famous that you've never met. A saint is simply someone who has gone before us and has showed us how to live. We remember their lives and honor them the first Sunday in November. You may want to bring a photograph, keepsake, newspaper article, or some other memento. We'll have cards available for you to write the saint's name and we can all browse the items during Fellowship Hour.