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February 14 Highlights at First Congregational TODAY: Middle School Zoom Devotional with Pastor Nick ....................... p. 5 TODAY: Zoom Fellowship with Pastor Dianne............................................ p. 4 TODAY: “Sunday School at Home” via Facebook Live at 10:30 AM ......... p. 4 TODAY: Virtual Rally for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women ..... p. 14 February 16: Wine and Word ............................................................................... p. 9 February 17: Ash Wednesday Livestream Service at 7:00 PM ........................ p. 13

Donating to First Congregational UCC You are invited to donate via virtual offering. Please visit our webpage and click “Give” to make your weekly offering, or text FCUCC GIVE to 73256. Checks can also still be mailed to the church.

References to God References to God in traditional prayers, readings, and hymns in our worship may sometimes be gender specific. As we pray and sing together, you are invited to substitute terms that reflect your understanding of the full inclusiveness of the spirit of God.

Land Acknowledgement Our church is located on the ancestral homelands of the Menominee Nation. We acknowledge this indigenous community who stewarded this land throughout the generations and pay respect to their elders past and present.

Online Streaming and Podcasting Audio and video recordings of our sermons and a written transcript are accessible at www.firstcongoappleton.org/sermons.

You can watch a live stream of First Congo services on Facebook.com/1stCongo or at www.firstcongoappleton.org/worship-with-us/livestream.

Online Documents and Information Official documents of First Congregational and links to announcements, news and other information reside on our website: www.firstcongoappleton.org.

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THE ORDER OF WORSHIP TRANSFIGURATION

February 14, 2021 9:30 AM Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Savides, Senior Pastor

Rev. Nicholas J. Hatch, Pastor for Youth and Family Ministries Rev. Laurie Lyter Bright, Interim Pastor for Congregational Care and Missions

Pastor Dianne Droster, Interim Sabbatical Pastor

PRELUDE “This Little Light” Medley arr. Paul Nulton

(featuring songs by Paul Stookey and Leonard Cohen) Shelley Nulton, organ Paul Nulton, guitar

RINGING OF CHURCH BELL

YOUTH PRAYER Drew Gentile

WELCOME

OPENING PRAYER (in unison)

Glorious and loving God, you sent your Son into our world to show us who you are. In Christ we find love, forgiveness, peace and hope; we are grateful for that reflection of you. May we encounter you in this time of worship, and in doing so, experience more of you, our holy Creator God. Amen.

OPENING HYMN (see bulletin p. 5) Oh, Wondrous Image, Vision Fair DEO GRACIAS

CHILDREN’S SERMON Colleen Berry

SCRIPTURE INTRODUCTION

SCRIPTURE READING Luke 9:28-36 and 1 John 4:11-13

MEDITATION

“The Optical Physics of Blessing” Rev. Dianne Droster

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MUSICAL REFLECTION Ubi caritas Ola Gjeilo (2001) Text, 8th century Latin hymn

Where charity and love are, God is there. The love of Christ has gathered us together.

Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Let us revere and love the living God. And from a sincere heart let us love one another. Amen.

LU Music Scholars (pre-recorded)

(During this time, you are invited to a virtual offering. Please visit our webpage and click “Give” to make your weekly offering, or text FCUCC GIVE to 73256).

GATHERING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS (You are welcome to submit your prayer requests throughout the week to the church office, email to a pastor for confidentiality or share your prayer requests in real time in the Comments section under the live stream video.)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (In unison)

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. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

CLOSING WORDS

CLOSING HYMN (see bulletin p. 6)

Christ, Be Our Light CHRIST, BE OUR LIGHT

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LITANY Leader: When there is strife, All: We remain faithful. Leader: When there is hopelessness, All: We remain faithful. Leader: Even when we struggle to see you, All: We remain faithful. Leader: Help us to be faithful our whole life long. All: For God your faithfulness endures forever!

BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE Send the Light Charles H. Gabriel

TODAY’S MUSICIANS Shelley Nulton, organist Logan Willis, LU Music Scholar tenor Paul Nulton, guitar LU Music Scholars (pre-recorded) John Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries

Thank you to Susan McFadden for serving as our lay reader this morning!

Permission to stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, # A-714899. All rights reserved.

Join us for a Zoom Fellowship and Talk Back with Pastor Dianne Droster immediately after worship today at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86093385402

“Sunday School at Home” will continue this Sunday, February 14 at 10:30 AM via Facebook Live for children K-6th grade.

Today’s Lesson: Love IS (Mr. Albrecht will join us)

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Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-714899

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Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-714899

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Pastor Nick will host a Zoom Devotional for Middle School Youth at 10:30 AM TODAY at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81493974780

The previous Zoom Devotional was a “Pet Support Group.” We hope you will join us today for more fun and encouragement!

Upcoming Worship Schedule February 21, 2021 First Sunday in Lent Rev. Glenn Svetnicka (UCCI) Livestreaming at 9:30 AM Scripture Reading: Luke 10:25-42 Music: David Cook, assistant organist; LU Music Scholars (pre-recorded) Lay Reader: Michael Weaver

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JOYS AND CONCERNS OF OUR FAITH COMMUNITY Members of our church family benefit from our prayers, support, and words of encouragement as they celebrate special times or struggle with difficulties in their lives. Please keep these people in your prayers and greet them with a loving word when you see them.

If you are in the hospital, please let the church know, as we are not always notified. In cases of a pastoral emergency, please call (920) 810-2600.

All pregnancies to be safe and guided by our faith in God

Jill Anthony’s sister Jill Anthony’s nephew, Darryl Sherry Bassett Paul Bauman Katie Behl Barbara Ann Behl, Katie’s sister Arlene Beyer Clair Brown Judy Burdick, Megan Burdick-Grade’s mother Olive Bopp Alyssa Villarreal Brooks Don Brittnacher Charlie and Britt Carlson and infant son, Miller

Stephen Carlson Dick Casperson Steve Chapin Family of Carole Conway upon the death of

her daughter, Catherine Stevic Lynn Cook Karen Crawford Dana and Tony who are battling cancer Michael, Dick and Kathy Devries’ son-in-law Jim Edwards and Rachel DeMoss Edwards Friend of Pat Severin who is facing a serious

health issue Esther Gehrt Ken Geiger Family of Denny Giles upon his death Joan Gruenstern Lynn Hanna Jayne Heinrich Maggie Hendrick Ken Hocking Ron Hurm

Jean Jepson Elizabeth Keggi’s stepmother, Jeanne Our Kenyan partners and friends Allen Korth Rick Kramer, Richard Miller’s son-in law Jennifer Lemmert Lindsey, friend of Kristen Scheuerman David List, son of Bob and Sharon List (recently

diagnosed with stage 4 cancer) Mike Mathews Bob McClory and his family upon a COVID-19

diagnosis Drew Michyeta, Eilene Hoft-March’s uncle Shari Mitchell Mory, Anthony Padilla’s son Family of Diane Ragus upon her death Steve Reinkober, brother of Chris Brittnacher Sharrie Robinson Mary Rowland Frank Severin Mike Seymour’s mom, Debbie Jake Smasal Cole Stoffel Sue, friend of Mark Yonan Jack Thiel Peter Thiel Brenda Timm James Totzke and his mother, Leah Totzke Beverly Trombla Don Utschig Jean Van Wagenin Mya Wardle, Brian and Lecia Wardle’s daughter Jean Wegner Paris Wicker Jennifer Wild

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Congregational Life Embracing God, welcoming others,

knowing ourselves

Wine and Word Tuesday, February 16

For our meeting on February 16, we will complete the book; The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson. In this epic, beautifully written masterwork, Pulitzer Prize–winning author Isabel Wilkerson chronicles one of the great untold stories of American history: the decades-long migration of black citizens who fled the South for northern and western cities, in search of a better life. We will meet at 6:30 PM on Zoom. Please contact Gretchen Revie on Realm to obtain the meeting link.

Youth and Families Faith, fun and service.

Church School News “Sunday School at Home” kits were distributed on February 7 and included a special “Bring Lent to Life” package that will help the children experience Lent at home and prepare for the wonderful gift

of Easter and the new life of the risen Christ. Additional kits are available for pick-up at the church office during business hours; Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Feel free to contact Colleen at cberry@firstcongoappleton.org with any questions. February Lesson Themes:

TODAY, February 14: Love IS (Mr. Albrecht will join us for this lesson.) February 21: Keys to a Happy Heart February 28: Living Love (Mr. Albrecht will join us for this lesson.)

Worship and Music A diverse community practicing faith,

finding spiritual connection and experiencing the Holy through artful sound.

Welcome Dr. Nathan Birkholz, Organist/Accompanist!

We are pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Nathan Birkholz as our staff organist/accompanist, joining us as of Monday, April 12, 2021. Some of us have already worked with Dr. Birkholz through the Appleton Boychoir and the Lawrence Conservatory of Music. Our Organist Search Committee -David Cook, Lori Murphy, Shelley Nulton, Anthony Padilla, Ruby Wells, Ernestine Whitman, and John Albrecht (chair) believes that Nathan brings us exceptional musical artistry, coupled with a deep

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understanding of sacred music and its role in worship. Dr. Nathan Birkholz has been active in church music ministry for over a decade, most recently as organist and music director at First English Lutheran Church of Appleton. Nathan holds degrees in piano performance from Northern Illinois University, Indiana University, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with minors in French, conducting, and musicology. He studied organ with the late Frank Rippl of Appleton, was a member of the Appleton Boychoir, and has served as principal accompanist for the Appleton Boychoir and the Badger State Girl Choir. Dr. Birkholz also serves as staff accompanist at Lawrence University for the Voice Area.

Your Organist Search Committee, John Albrecht, chairperson

Dr. Nathan Birkholz

Lenten Bible Study Begins February 21

Pastor Dianne and Pastor Laurie will be hosting Lenten Bible Study classes from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM on Sundays via Zoom beginning on Sunday, February 21. Participants can either drop-in or attend weekly. They will be using a curriculum from Sanctified Art called "Cultivating and Letting Go". Everybody is welcome! We would appreciate it if folks could register their interest ahead of time so the Pastors can plan accordingly. You can register on Realm at: https://e.onrealm.org/events/a60dff6d-1799-45ca-b665-acc500faef95/meetings/2c7c76e9-550e-45fa-8d6a-acc500faef98 or by calling the church office at (920) 733-7393. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88429611887?pwd=bzNtelliNytSczZJdnh1UXRYQU1CQT09

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Mission and Service Building relationships, serving others,

pursuing justice.

Water Taps at Kenya Schools Installation of the water taps at Kenya schools has begun! The photo shows students from Sambalat Primary carrying bricks for the new water taps being installed at their school. Thank you to everyone who donated and helped to make this possible.

Kenya Sponsorships Students in Kenya returned to school January 4, 2021 to complete their 2020 school year. They had been home since last March. They are in an accelerated program of studies and will complete the 2020 school year July 16, 2021. We now know the upcoming school year dates:

2021 school year July 26, 2021–March 4, 2022 2022 school year April, 2022–November 2022 Sponsors were not asked for fees last fall because it was unknown when the

students would return and when the funds for 2021 would be needed. With the 2021 school year beginning the end of July, we are now seeking new sponsors. A full sponsorship is $500 and half is $250. This covers room, board and many other educational needs. Basic tuition is paid by the government of Kenya. With the majority of secondary schools being boarding schools, your sponsorship gives the gift of an education and different future for a student, family and community. You can send a check to First Congregational UCC with “Kenya Sponsorship” in the memo or donate online at: https://www.firstcongoappleton.org/give/. Select the “Give” button, then select “Kenya Student Scholarship” from the Fund dropdown menu. With the next school year beginning in April 2022, we will be asking for sponsors’ support between November 2021 and January 2022 so that fees can be wired and distributed to schools prior to the April start. Our program social worker in Kenya, Pius Gariwo, wrote recently; “All our students reported, and they were very glad to be back and embark extra hard on their academic studies. The holiday was long and challenging due to Covid-19 pandemic challenges, but we really thank all of our sponsors, committee and the UCC for their prayers. It was only through your prayers that enabled our students to reach this far. Thanks to you all.”

Please contact Wanda VandeHey at WanVanDH@gmail.com with any questions.

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Let’s Talk Some More About White Privilege

For anyone who wasn't able to join us last fall, the Anti-Racism Task Force is offering a second round of the Let's Talk about White Privilege classes. We will be using the same curriculum from the UCC national offices. The program will again be offered over Zoom and will begin the week of February 28; dates and times will be determined based on number of participants. This curriculum is designed to encourage folks to engage in safe, meaningful, substantive and bold conversations on race – it is a great opportunity to discuss what is going on at a national level as well as within our community. Everyone age 15 and up is welcome! If interested in joining, please register on Realm at: https://e.onrealm.org/events/71ffcf73-3afd-45ba-a705-acc50134599a/meetings/50dd3447-91ea-4bcd-8aa1-acc50134599f or contact the church office at (920) 733-7393. NOTE: If you register on Realm, please be sure to click the blue NEXT button to answer all the questions within the registration. Then click the REGISTER button to submit. If you don’t receive a confirmation email from Realm, your registration did not go through.

PBS Wisconsin Honors Black History Month

February 2021

PBS Wisconsin is honoring Black History Month with great programs, both live and on-line. The offerings are listed on their website at https://pbswisconsin.org/antiracism-and-racial-justice/. This week we recommend, The Black Church: This is Our Story. This is Our Song, hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr. This is a 2-part series that airs February 16 and 17 at 8:00 PM Central Standard Time.

We hope you will also consider joining the racial equity task force as we continue our efforts to learn, grow, and act for racial equity!

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Ashes for our Ash Wednesday service can be picked up Monday through Wednesday (February 15-17) from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM outside the main entrance.

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The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women organization is hosting a virtual

rally and webinar. Below is the link to register. https://us02web.zoom.us/.../reg.../WN_sS7I-ixmTBiVwpq8nnFu4g