• 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!

The First UCC People Books
 
Friday, September 13, 2019
6:30 – 9:00 PM
Blachly Room
 
We need  books and readers.
Books are created by people who wish to tell their story of: a personal experience, a unique experience, or something that matters to them.
Readers experience a new way of listening to gain an understanding of the book’s experience and perspective.
This innovative event, modeled on “The Human Library Project”  offers a comfortable environment for us to meet, ask questions, and learn from each other.

To apply to be a “people book”, please go to:  http://bit.ly/uccpeoplebooks

There you will find more information to help you create your book.

To be a “reader”, just come.  There will be just a few directions given at the event.
 
The Vitality Committee invites all to participate. We will provide the main dish, drinks and dessert.  If you wish to bring a side dish please do.

It’s Feast and Festival time! – Join us August 18th at 6 pm in Pioneer and Blachly Halls. Feast and Festival is an evening of food, fellowship, and fun! It is open to everyone. The Deacons will provide a cafeteria-style meal of pulled pork or fried chicken, baked beans, pasta salad, chips, and ice cream (vegetarian options also available). After you’ve eaten, you can visit the craft table offered by the Ministry of the Decorative Scissors, try your luck at the cake/dessert walk, and visit Leo Schell outside for a new and fun activity (weather permitting). Monetary donations are requested and if you have a cake/dessert to donate, it will be appreciated! Our friends from Second Helping will join us.