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 Back!!!
Please join us for Sunday service both in the Sanctuary and via Zoom.
Hope to see you there!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPCOMING EVENT
Saturday, November 3rd – BUCC Annual Craft Fair, 18 Park Street, 9am – 3pm. Come start your holiday shopping as we will have many vendors here selling their crafts. For more information contact Lucy Jamgocian at luse26@charter.net or 413-530-9787.
+ + + + +
BELCHERTOWN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
October 17, 2021 – 9:30 AM
In-Person & Zoom Online
Invitation, Order of Worship & Announcements
In-Sanctuary
&
Zoom Virtual Sunday Service
10-17-21
Lay Leader: Lois Pare
+ + +
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 United Church of Christ
October 17, 2021
Lay Leader- Lois Pare
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The words to today’s hymns and scriptures can be found at the end of the bulletin.
OPENING PRAYER
Abba, Father, it is our privilege and joy to praise you. As we sing, let us make a joyful noise to you. As we pray, may our words and thoughts be a pleasing aroma to you. As we open your word may we trust in your unfailing promises. Your word holds true, it is living and active, sharper than a two-edged sword. Open the eyes of our hearts that we may see you more clearly today. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
OPENING MUSIC: # 65 A Mighty Fortress is Our God
CALL TO WORSHIP PLEASE READ THE WORDS IN BOLD PRINT
Strength is commanding the wind and sea to obey,
Strength is wielding a slingshot in the face of a raging giant.
Strength is accepting vulnerability from inside the boat,
Strength is standing in solidarity with the powerless.
Strength is turning a cheek,
Strength is loving an enemy.
We come to worship a God who redefines our vision of strength. AMEN
SCRIPTURE READINGS:
1 Samuel 17: 45-47
Acts 4: 13-20
GLORIA PATRI: PLEASE READ THE WORDS TOGETHER
“Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.” Amen.
MESSAGE: The Lion Within Lois Pare
OFFERING OUR GIFTS
*PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD’S PRAYER
*CLOSING MUSIC: #480 I Love To Tell the Story
*BENEDICTION
May the strength of God sustain us; may the power of God preserve us; may the hands of God protect us; may the way of God direct us; may the love of God go with us this day (night) and forever. Amen. The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make His face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. Amen. (Chaplains Prayer Book)
VIRTUAL PASSING OF THE PEACE
# 65 A Mighty Fortress is Our God
1. A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing
our present help amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe,
with craft and power great, and armed with cruel hat,
on earth without an equal.
2. Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
but there is one who takes our side, the one of God's own choosing.
You ask who that my be? Christ Jesus, it is he
with mighty powe'r to save, victorious o'er the grave,
Christ will prevail triumphant!
3. God's word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth.
The Spirit and the gifts are ours, through Christ, who with us sideth.
Let good and kindred go, this mortal life also.
The body they may kill, God's truth abideth still,
God's reign endures forever.
1 Samuel 17: 45-47
David answered: You've come out to fight me with a sword and a spear and a dagger. But I've come out to fight you in the name of the LORD All-Powerful. He is the God of Israel's army, and you have insulted him too! Today the LORD will help me defeat you. I'll knock you down and cut off your head, and I'll feed the bodies of the other Philistine soldiers to the birds and wild animals. Then the whole world will know that Israel has a real God. Everybody here will see that the LORD doesn't need swords or spears to save his people. The LORD always wins his battles, and he will help us defeat you.
Acts 4: 13-20
13 The officials were amazed to see how brave Peter and John were, and they knew that these two apostles were only ordinary men and not well educated. The officials were certain that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But they could not deny what had happened. The man who had been healed was standing there with the apostles.
15 The officials commanded them to leave the council room. Then the officials said to each other, 16 “What can we do with these men? Everyone in Jerusalem knows about this miracle, and we cannot say it didn’t happen. 17 But to keep this thing from spreading, we will warn them never again to speak to anyone about the name of Jesus.” 18 So they called the two apostles back in and told them that they must never, for any reason, teach anything about the name of Jesus.
19 Peter and John answered, “Do you think God wants us to obey you or to obey him? 20 We cannot keep quiet about what we have seen and heard.”
#480 I Love To Tell the Story
I love to tell the story, Of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, Of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story, Because I know ’tis true;
It satisfies my longings, As nothing else can do.
REFRAIN:I love to tell the story, ’Twill be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.
2
I love to tell the story; ’Tis pleasant to repeat
What seems each time I tell it, More wonderfully sweet.
I love to tell the story; For some have never heard
The message of salvation, From God’s own holy Word. REFRAIN
4
I love to tell the story; For those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,
’Twill be the old, old story, That I have loved so long. REFRAIN
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
132nd ANNUAL CHICKEN PIE SUPPER (TO GO) – Saturday October 16, meal pickup from 4:00 to 6:00pm Granby Church of Christ is serving chicken pie, mashed potatoes, gravy, boiled onions, squash, cranberry sauce, and apple crisp. Adults $15, children 6-10 $5, age 5 and under free. Call 413-563-0174 for advance tickets.
10th ANNUAL BUCC QUILT SHOW AND SALE – Mark your calendars for this show featuring embroidered quilts and sewing tag sale – October 22-24, 10 AM – 7 PM on Fr. & Sa. and 10 AM – 5 PM on Sun. To donate, exhibit or consign call or email Jane (413-283-4456, ahc60@hotmail.com ). Visit the show site at www.buccquiltshowandsale.weebly.com Please pass the word and wear your masks (required).
ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR will be happening this year! Saturday, November 6, from 9 to 3. Hope United Methodist Church will be having theirs as well. You’ll be able to shop for some of your holiday gifts from this year’s crafters. Please consider donating a “theme basket” for our “Chinese raffle” (please drop off by Friday, November 5.)
LOAVES AND FISHES – Thursday, November 11, we will again be providing shepherds’ pie, salad, and brownies for distribution by South Congregation Church in Springfield. Sign-up sheets will be available in the Narthex. See Sue Stephens if more information is needed.
WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND WEDNESDAY Please join us Wednesday evenings for this fun, virtual, get together. We will meet via Zoom, at 6:30pm to share, well, what's on your mind. For about 45 minutes, Bob Stephens will facilitate an open Zoom discussion of relevant topics of the day, or yesterday for that matter, and when possible, sprinkle in opportunities for us to grow in faith. So, zoom us up and join the conversation (or if you don't feel like talking, listen to others) we would love to see you.
See below for the next month’s schedule:
We will be reading the book: The Bridge of Saint Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder
Yep, our very own 'Our Town" author Thornton Wilder wrote this book back in 1927 and won a Pulitzer Prize for it in 1928. It is thought to be his best book.
So, if your game, join us to read and discuss this interesting novel.
Wednesday 10/20/2021 – No Session
Wednesday 10/27/2021 – Meet to discuss Parts Four and Five of the book
By Computer
Please click (control + click) on the following link, by 6:25PM 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 - #)
SUPPORT BUCC WHILE YOU SHOP!
By starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com
AMAZON DONATES 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases
To Belchertown United Church of Christ (BUCC)
AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know.
Register TODAY!!!!!
You shop. Amazon gives.
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.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION – The town is working on renovating the storm drain outside the parish house as well as repaving the entire parking lot. As of today, parking lot is entirely dirt. Parking is only available along Park Street and in the parking lot on the common until paving is finished. Sorry for the inconvenience.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: 9am-2pm, Tues and 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
Please join us for Sunday service both in the Sanctuary and via Zoom.
Hope to see you there!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPCOMING EVENT
Saturday, November 3rd – BUCC Annual Craft Fair, 18 Park Street, 9am – 3pm. Come start your holiday shopping as we will have many vendors here selling their crafts. For more information contact Lucy Jamgocian at luse26@charter.net or 413-530-9787.
+ + + + +
BELCHERTOWN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
October 17, 2021 – 9:30 AM
In-Person & Zoom Online
Invitation, Order of Worship & Announcements
In-Sanctuary
&
Zoom Virtual Sunday Service
10-17-21
Lay Leader: Lois Pare
+ + +
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 United Church of Christ
October 17, 2021
Lay Leader- Lois Pare
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The words to today’s hymns and scriptures can be found at the end of the bulletin.
OPENING PRAYER
Abba, Father, it is our privilege and joy to praise you. As we sing, let us make a joyful noise to you. As we pray, may our words and thoughts be a pleasing aroma to you. As we open your word may we trust in your unfailing promises. Your word holds true, it is living and active, sharper than a two-edged sword. Open the eyes of our hearts that we may see you more clearly today. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
OPENING MUSIC: # 65 A Mighty Fortress is Our God
CALL TO WORSHIP PLEASE READ THE WORDS IN BOLD PRINT
Strength is commanding the wind and sea to obey,
Strength is wielding a slingshot in the face of a raging giant.
Strength is accepting vulnerability from inside the boat,
Strength is standing in solidarity with the powerless.
Strength is turning a cheek,
Strength is loving an enemy.
We come to worship a God who redefines our vision of strength. AMEN
SCRIPTURE READINGS:
1 Samuel 17: 45-47
Acts 4: 13-20
GLORIA PATRI: PLEASE READ THE WORDS TOGETHER
“Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.” Amen.
MESSAGE: The Lion Within Lois Pare
OFFERING OUR GIFTS
*PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD’S PRAYER
*CLOSING MUSIC: #480 I Love To Tell the Story
*BENEDICTION
May the strength of God sustain us; may the power of God preserve us; may the hands of God protect us; may the way of God direct us; may the love of God go with us this day (night) and forever. Amen. The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make His face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. Amen. (Chaplains Prayer Book)
VIRTUAL PASSING OF THE PEACE
# 65 A Mighty Fortress is Our God
1. A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing
our present help amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe,
with craft and power great, and armed with cruel hat,
on earth without an equal.
2. Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
but there is one who takes our side, the one of God's own choosing.
You ask who that my be? Christ Jesus, it is he
with mighty powe'r to save, victorious o'er the grave,
Christ will prevail triumphant!
3. God's word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth.
The Spirit and the gifts are ours, through Christ, who with us sideth.
Let good and kindred go, this mortal life also.
The body they may kill, God's truth abideth still,
God's reign endures forever.
1 Samuel 17: 45-47
David answered: You've come out to fight me with a sword and a spear and a dagger. But I've come out to fight you in the name of the LORD All-Powerful. He is the God of Israel's army, and you have insulted him too! Today the LORD will help me defeat you. I'll knock you down and cut off your head, and I'll feed the bodies of the other Philistine soldiers to the birds and wild animals. Then the whole world will know that Israel has a real God. Everybody here will see that the LORD doesn't need swords or spears to save his people. The LORD always wins his battles, and he will help us defeat you.
Acts 4: 13-20
13 The officials were amazed to see how brave Peter and John were, and they knew that these two apostles were only ordinary men and not well educated. The officials were certain that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But they could not deny what had happened. The man who had been healed was standing there with the apostles.
15 The officials commanded them to leave the council room. Then the officials said to each other, 16 “What can we do with these men? Everyone in Jerusalem knows about this miracle, and we cannot say it didn’t happen. 17 But to keep this thing from spreading, we will warn them never again to speak to anyone about the name of Jesus.” 18 So they called the two apostles back in and told them that they must never, for any reason, teach anything about the name of Jesus.
19 Peter and John answered, “Do you think God wants us to obey you or to obey him? 20 We cannot keep quiet about what we have seen and heard.”
#480 I Love To Tell the Story
I love to tell the story, Of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, Of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story, Because I know ’tis true;
It satisfies my longings, As nothing else can do.
REFRAIN:I love to tell the story, ’Twill be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.
2
I love to tell the story; ’Tis pleasant to repeat
What seems each time I tell it, More wonderfully sweet.
I love to tell the story; For some have never heard
The message of salvation, From God’s own holy Word. REFRAIN
4
I love to tell the story; For those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,
’Twill be the old, old story, That I have loved so long. REFRAIN
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
132nd ANNUAL CHICKEN PIE SUPPER (TO GO) – Saturday October 16, meal pickup from 4:00 to 6:00pm Granby Church of Christ is serving chicken pie, mashed potatoes, gravy, boiled onions, squash, cranberry sauce, and apple crisp. Adults $15, children 6-10 $5, age 5 and under free. Call 413-563-0174 for advance tickets.
10th ANNUAL BUCC QUILT SHOW AND SALE – Mark your calendars for this show featuring embroidered quilts and sewing tag sale – October 22-24, 10 AM – 7 PM on Fr. & Sa. and 10 AM – 5 PM on Sun. To donate, exhibit or consign call or email Jane (413-283-4456, ahc60@hotmail.com ). Visit the show site at www.buccquiltshowandsale.weebly.com Please pass the word and wear your masks (required).
ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR will be happening this year! Saturday, November 6, from 9 to 3. Hope United Methodist Church will be having theirs as well. You’ll be able to shop for some of your holiday gifts from this year’s crafters. Please consider donating a “theme basket” for our “Chinese raffle” (please drop off by Friday, November 5.)
LOAVES AND FISHES – Thursday, November 11, we will again be providing shepherds’ pie, salad, and brownies for distribution by South Congregation Church in Springfield. Sign-up sheets will be available in the Narthex. See Sue Stephens if more information is needed.
WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND WEDNESDAY Please join us Wednesday evenings for this fun, virtual, get together. We will meet via Zoom, at 6:30pm to share, well, what's on your mind. For about 45 minutes, Bob Stephens will facilitate an open Zoom discussion of relevant topics of the day, or yesterday for that matter, and when possible, sprinkle in opportunities for us to grow in faith. So, zoom us up and join the conversation (or if you don't feel like talking, listen to others) we would love to see you.
See below for the next month’s schedule:
We will be reading the book: The Bridge of Saint Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder
Yep, our very own 'Our Town" author Thornton Wilder wrote this book back in 1927 and won a Pulitzer Prize for it in 1928. It is thought to be his best book.
So, if your game, join us to read and discuss this interesting novel.
Wednesday 10/20/2021 – No Session
Wednesday 10/27/2021 – Meet to discuss Parts Four and Five of the book
By Computer
Please click (control + click) on the following link, by 6:25PM 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 - #)
SUPPORT BUCC WHILE YOU SHOP!
By starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com
AMAZON DONATES 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases
To Belchertown United Church of Christ (BUCC)
AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know.
Register TODAY!!!!!
You shop. Amazon gives.
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.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION – The town is working on renovating the storm drain outside the parish house as well as repaving the entire parking lot. As of today, parking lot is entirely dirt. Parking is only available along Park Street and in the parking lot on the common until paving is finished. Sorry for the inconvenience.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: 9am-2pm, Tues and 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
