When we gather for worship at First Congregational UCC in Manhattan, it is a time to celebrate God’s presence in our lives—in the good and the bad, the joys and the sorrows. We worship through music, scripture, art, singing, listening, praying, and reflecting.

When the community of faith gathers, it makes a joyful noise. Singing is a natural thing to do at a celebration, so we always involve the whole gathered assembly in singing—often in ancient and modern hymns of faith that help us tell our story. It has been said that one who sings prays twice—and we are especially grateful for that when words fail us and music “moves us to a more profound Alleluia.” We understand the gifts of art and music to be expressions of God’s creativity among us.

Choir
Choir Worship choir of teens and adults is a part of our worship from late August through June. The choir usually sings at least one selection in worship each Sunday. Members also prepare additional music for Advent and Easter celebrations.

Instrumentalists and Soloists
When the choir is not singing, we have many talented musicians in the congregation who share their gift of music—vocal solos; instrumental music by brass, woodwinds, and strings; small ensembles; Men’s Chorus, and Women’s Chorus. Our congregation includes college-level and public school music teachers of various instruments, as well as talented amateurs who simply love to play and sing.

The Congregational Brass
The Congregational Brass often plays for special services. Sometimes it’s a quartet or quintet, sometimes a trombone trio.

Our Organ
Our organ is an important part of our worship. In 1974, the Möller Organ Company of Hagerstown, Maryland, built a new instrument for the church. It has received subsequent additions and continues to lift our spirits in praise. From time to time, the organ is featured in concerts offered to the community. Often these include guest musicians from throughout Manhattan.

Handbell Choirs
Handbell choirs often form to play for special occasions. We have a 3-octave set of Mallmark handbells. Handbell choirs often include children, youth, and adults.

Each Thursday evening at 7:00 we gather in Pioneer Hall (our original church building) for a worship experience very different from Sunday morning. Taizé (pronounced tay-zay) 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. It is a contemplative, candlelight service in which we sing and pray together. The music is that of the Taizé community in France, consisting of simple chants and rounds that are easily learned and quite beautiful. Taizé worship is intentionally ecumenical and we welcome regular worshippers and guests from throughout Manhattan and the world.

If your in our area, please stop by and join us!

Visit ... ucc.manhattanks.org

First Congregational United Church of Christ
700 Poyntz Avenue
Manhattan, Kansas 66502

Phone: 785-537-7006

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