It's back! One of our favorite Sundays of the year. Join us for smooth and raucous jazz on Sunday, August 12 at 10:45 a.m. (And, yes, you'll get to sing and dance along. Jesus loves a good party.) ![]() Sunday, August 19 we will have a Blessing of the Backpacks and Teachers during worship at 10:45 a.m.. Children are invited to bring their backpacks and receive a blessing as they return to school. We are thrilled that the Ministry of the Decorative Scissors is again providing the custom-made backpack trinkets for our children. "Big kids" and adults are welcome to bring along their briefcases, diaper bags, work uniforms or other items that represent their daily work in the world. We will also bless those who are returning to teaching – whether that’s in a college classroom, an elementary school, or at home with young children.
This is also the same day we return to OUR school year with Sunday School for all ages beginning at 9:30am. We hope you'll be able to join us! Information about Sunday School.... ....for adults & youth ....for children Our nursery is also open for children aged birth to three. Estimated cost $12 or less. Order by August 5th.Order online or by paper sign up in the lobby by August 5th. Pay when shirts arrive in late August.
If you have financial need, please contact Pastor Caela. ![]() Sunday, July 15 7:30pm First Congregational UCC Trying to understand the current context of immigration in our Kansas communities? Us too! Join us for a panel to explore: Immigration and the agricultural economy of Kansas Statuses of non-citizens and pathways to citizenship Impact of immigration laws and regulations on immigrants in our community Confirmed panelists: Debra Bolton, Extension Agent in Southwest Kansas Karen Couch, Immigration Attorney for Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas, which serves the Catholic Diocese of Salina Matthew R. Sanderson Randall C. Hill Distinguished Professor of Sociology, Kansas State University
We would love to send someone from our congregation to pray with you or simply give a brief blessing at your workplace or home during the week. Click here to reserve your time slot, or you can contact the church office. One of our pastors and/or a Deacon will visit you at the time and location you select to offer a blessing. Invitation from Pastor CaelaSummer in a college town often marks a change of pace, even for those of us who aren’t affiliated with the university. The town empties out a bit and it’s easier to park in Aggieville, go for a stroll downtown, or simply rest in any of our beautiful natural areas near Manhattan. In the years that I’ve been at First Congregational, we’ve often focused on a communal spiritual practice each summer. In 2014, when I first arrived as your pastor, I spent the summer meeting with about 75 of you one-on-one. Together, we practiced the holy act of “holding space” as I was able to hear your stories and we started to get to know each other. In 2015, we had several social meet ups around town – going for walks, having drinks, playing at the playground. Again, we “held space” in community – laughing together and swapping stories. Last summer we focused our attention on Keeping Sabbath. Our boards and committees each took a month off and we found breathing space in our shared ministry. Additionally, I made an intentional shift in how I focused my own time, carving out more space for my own spiritual practices, big dreaming and pondering, Bible study, and more. My guess is that focus on making space for Sabbath will continue in the summer of 2018….and that the Holy Spirit is probably smiling about that.
This summer, the Deacons and I want to present two new options for your consideration. Both are very minimal and flexible time commitments. Both would be a blessing to you. Both would deepen your sense of connection with God. I hope you’ll consider participating in one of these spiritual practices with us this summer. If you have any questions, please do reach out! - Pastor Caela The Vitality and Outreach Committee invites you to join us for a Dinner Discussion with the Ministry of the Decorative Scissors on Friday, May 18 at 6pm. Come for a simple supper and great conversation with new and old friends. Members of the Ministry of the Decorative Scissors will join us to talk crafting!
This training will include specific information regarding how to participate in the direct actions in May and June, including a schedule, demonstration of various roles and updated legal information.
Please RSVP here: https://bit.ly/2rd6TSn All community members who are interested in this work are welcome to attend and participate. Those who have not attended previous trainings will have the opportunity to stay after for a few minutes to review the principles of the Poor People's Campaign and the covenant of non-violence. Share via Facebook
Our neighbors at First Lutheran Church are opening their kitchen and fellowship hall to us to allow us to continue serving our Second Helping Meals while our floors are under renovation. We will be cooking and serving there on April 15th and 22nd. In return, the Board of Missions is encouraging us to help them in their mission by bringing personal items to our church on Sunday, May 20; we will take them to the Lutheran Church to help them stock their Donation Closet, from which their guests can choose two personal items each week. Since the First Lutheran Church serves an average of 60 people each week, we feel this would be an appropriate way to partner with them in mission to our local community. Items of special need include packages of toilet paper, soap, feminine hygiene products, razors, and regular-sized containers of shaving cream, deodorant, and toothpaste.
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