WELCOME!
Whoever you are, and wherever you may be on your journey, you are welcome here.
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We're glad you landed here and we hope that it will be the start of a colorful relationship.
We hope that it will be a relationship that will begin with you getting to know us, and lead toward us getting to know you. At the Belchertown United Church of Christ (BUCC) we believe that the stuff of faith is found in community; folks working and laughing and crying and singing and worshiping together, making a difference in the world. If that's a good place to start, click the TICKET below and let the ride begin! |
Welcome!!!!
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BELCHERTOWN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
February 5, 2023 – 9:30 AM
In-Person & Zoom Online
Invitation, Order of Worship & Announcements
Reverend Jan Power
+ + +
To Join the Service
By Computer
Please click (control + click) on the following link, by 9:25 AM and follow the prompts:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/715073542?pwd=UWlLWGNobVdTVWhwRGhHclVFZ2p2UT09
By Phone
Dial: (253) 215 8782
Meeting ID: 715 073 542, followed by #, (no participant code - #)
Belchertown UCC, Belchertown, MA
February 5, 2023
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude
Announcements
Welcome
No matter who you are, whatever your life circumstance, and wherever you are in the journey of faith, we welcome you; Jesus welcomes you! If you are worshiping via zoom, please gather communion elements so you can participate later in the service.
Today we focus on Jesus’ image that those who love him are the light-bearers to the world. May we open our hearts to the Spirit as we grapple with this image.
Call to Worship (Standing as able) from Isaiah 55
One: Listen! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;
And you who have no money, come buy and eat wine and milk
without money and without cost.
All: Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good.
One: Incline your ear and come to me. Listen, that you may live.
I make an everlasting covenant with you of faithful mercy.
All: We trust your promise that when we seek you, we will find you;
that when we call upon you, you are near. Praise God.
Opening Song (Standing as able) 480 I Love to Tell the Story
Invitation to Prayer and Prayer
One: Praying honestly, so that the Light of Christ may be made visible, we say:
All: Dear Jesus, You name us light-bearers to the world. You make it clear that what you’ve given us shouldn’t be kept secret. We confess that many of us find it difficult to speak about you. Sometimes we are afraid. Sometimes our tongues are tied. Sometimes we are so emotional, we can’t croak the words out. Often, we are just too self-involved to broach the subject with those who need you, too, but who just don’t know it yet. Help us to reach out beyond this congregation to the least, to the last, to the lost. And who isn’t least, last, and lost? Give us courage and wisdom to speak freely of our experience of all that is real, all that is true, all that is of you: to the glory of your name. Amen.
Words of Pardon
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
For the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus will set you free from the law of sin and death.
Children’s Time
Hymn 422 Let Us Talents & Tongues Employ
Scripture Readings Psalm 112:1-9 & Matt 5:13-16, 6:1-4
Sermon
Offering/Anthem
Sung Response 46 Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
Prayer of Dedication
All: Gracious and loving God, bless these gifts that we offer to serve in ministries of this church and those of Our Church’s Wider Mission. We deeply desire to share Jesus’ message of love and hope and promise of new life; in Christ’s name. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer
Lord’s Prayer (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 trespasses As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Communion Invitation
Song (chorus Key of D) Christ, be our Light; shine in our hearts, shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our Light, shine in your church, gathered today.
The Great Thanksgiving (responsively)
One: The Lord be with you.
All: And with your spirit.
One: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them to the Lord.
One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All: It is right to give God thanks and praise. (Prayer continues. . .)
Sanctus
All: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Words of Institution
Acclamation
All: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Epiclesis (calling upon/invoking)
Sharing the Bread and Cup
Prayer after Communion (unison)
All: We praise you, O God who satisfies. Thank you for this meal that remembers Christ’s self-giving, and that unites us in service in Christ’s name. Thank you for this reminder of the heavenly banquet that awaits us, when by your grace the least and the last and the lost of all your children will gather together in a new heaven and a new earth. Help our lives reflect these truths. Glory be to Christ! Amen.
Blessing Prayers & Song This Little Light Of Mine
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine (3 X), let it shine, let is shine, let it shine.
Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine (3X), let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Jesus gave it to me, I’m gonna let it shine (3X), let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Feel free to come to the front for a blessing, to pray with deacon Tom, or to light a candle as an act of prayer.
Benediction
One: "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light" ~ Ephesians 5:8
Postlude
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Psalm 112:1-9
Shout praises to the Lord! The Lord blesses everyone who worships him
and gladly obeys his teachings.
2 Their descendants will have great power in the land, because the Lord blesses all who do right.
3 They will get rich and prosper and will always be remembered for their fairness.
4 They will be so kind and merciful and good,
that they will be a light in the dark for others who do the right thing.
5 Life will go well for those who freely lend and are honest in business.
6 They won't ever be troubled, and the kind things they do will never be forgotten.
7 Bad news won't bother them; they have decided to trust the Lord.
8 They are dependable and not afraid, and they will live to see their enemies defeated.
9 They will always be remembered and greatly praised,
because they were kind and freely gave to the poor.
Matt 5:13-16, 6:1-4
5 13 You are the salt for everyone on earth. But if salt no longer tastes like salt, how can it make food salty? All it is good for is to be thrown out and walked on.
14 You are the light for the whole world. A city built on top of a hill cannot be hidden, 15 and no one lights a lamp and puts it under a clay pot. Instead, it is placed on a lampstand, where it can give light to everyone in the house. 16 Make your light shine, so others will see the good you do and will praise your Father in heaven. (17-48) . . .
6 When you do good deeds, don't try to show off. If you do, you won't get a reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to the poor, don't blow a loud horn. That's what show-offs do in the synagogues and on the street corners, because they are always looking for praise. I can assure you that they already have their reward.
3 When you give to the poor, don't let anyone know about it. 4 Then your gift will be given in secret. Your Father knows what is done in secret and will reward you.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
SAVE THE DATE - 2/19/2023 - The annual meeting will be held in the sanctuary following worship so please plan to attend and lend your voice to this assembly. Annual reports will be available on 2/12/2023 for you to pick up for review before the meeting.
LOAVES & FISHES, Thursday, February 16th 2023, South Congregational Church, 45 Maple St, Springfield. We need - Shephard’s Pie, Salad, Brownies, Servers (yes, we’re back in the building!!) Sign-Up sheets are in the Narthex. For more information, please contact Sue Stephens (413) 427-9674.
“WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND WEDNESDAYS” on Zoom, Wednesdays from 6:30 PM - 7:25PM. What’s on Your Mind Wednesdays is led by Jen LeBeau and the topics will be - well, whatever’s on your mind! This is a chance to connect with friends in a COVID safe Zoom format, share thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams and to support one another during these trying times. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jen at 413-256-1595.
MURDER MYSTERY SHOW FUNDRAISER - While the show on Feb. 11 is sold out at East Mountain Country Club in Westfield, tickets are still available for the 2/4/2023 show at Villa Rose by calling Tom Stockton (413-323-7452) or purchasing at Belchertown Discount Liquors (413-323-7621).
PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO UKRAINE – A list of organizations accepting donations is available in the sanctuary or emailed upon request from the church office. We have also contacted Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ludlow to identify material donations being gathered to be shipped to Europe. Their wish list with Amazon is available through the link I Stand with Ukraine. Please donate as you are able.
PRAYER REQUESTS – You are invited to Personal Message your requests for prayers of joy or concern on the church FaceBook page - www.facebook.com/BelchertownUnitedChurchOfChrist and note desire whether or not to mention during Sunday worship. Peace and wellness to all.
SUPPORT BUCC WHILE YOU SHOP! – Beginning February 20, 2023, Amazon will no longer be donating to the Smile.Amazon Fundraising program. Thanks to everyone who participated in the past.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: 9am-2pm, Tues through Fri
Belchertown United Church of Christ
18 Park Street, P. O. Box 603
Belchertown, MA 01007
Church Office Phone: (413) 323-7442
Church Office email: belchertownucc@gmail.com
