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Please join us for Sunday Service....
Welcome Back!!!
Please join us for service this Sunday both in the Sanctuary (you read it right....in the sanctuary!!) and via Zoom.
In person, Covid safety protocols are below. Hope to see you there!
------------------------------------------------
BUCC SANCTUARY SAFETY PROTOCOL (May'21) –
Masks and social distancing will be required at all times when inside and tracing before entering the sanctuary. Windows and doors will be open for air circulation so dress appropriately.
DO NOT enter the sanctuary for services if you have any of the below. Please join us via Zoom instead if you have
o tested positive for COVID-19
o any symptoms of COVID-19 such as
§ Fever
§ Headache
§ Body ache
o had close contact with anyone who is suspected of or has tested positive for COVID -19
o been asked or required to self-quarantine
Please arrive at church a little early to sign-in on the Covid-19 tracing sheet. An address label with the addition of your phone number and email address can speed this process along.
Use hand sanitizer when entering church.
An usher will direct you to a pew that is appropriate for your pod, filling the church from front first to the back. Many pews have been blocked and the floor marked to help ensure safe distancing from neighboring pods.
Congregants will be dismissed from pews in the back of the church first, moving toward the front to maintain social distancing. Please exit the sanctuary and narthex quickly to permit the next group to be dismissed.
Use hand sanitizer when exiting church – located near offering basket.
While there will be music (live or via YouTube) played during the service we will not be singing. There will be no hymnals, Bibles, prayer requests or visitor information cards in the pews.
Communion elements will be for carry-out and not taken in the sanctuary.
Offering plates will not be passed around but rather offering collected in a plate or basket at the entry - exit.
Thank you for your understanding and adhering to these safety precautions.
BELCHERTOWN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Online Sunday Service – 6th Sunday of Easter
May 9, 2021 – 9:30 AM
Rev. Jan Powers
Invitation, Order of Worship for Confirmation and Communion & Announcements
Join the Service Online via ZOOM
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; Belchertown, MA
May 9, 2021 – Sixth Sunday of Easter
Confirmation & Communion
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! Today we celebrate the Confirmation of four of our youth – a defining moment for them and for the congregation. We also celebrate the mothers among us, and give thanks for those who’ve nurtured us along life’s way, while recognizing and praying for those for whom this day may cause pain or sadness. Today is also Communion Sunday.
Call to Worship
One: Christ is risen! Alleluia! Because of God’s great love for us, in enormous mercy, we are made alive in Christ Jesus. It is by grace we have been saved, through faith. This doesn’t originate with us, but it begins and ends with God. Give thanks to God!
Song 546 Amazing Grace
Prayer (unison, seated)
Merciful God, we confess that sometimes we hate, and Love is not in us;
sometimes the darkness threatens, and your Light seems dim; and
sometimes the culture of death ensnares us, and we deviate from Life in you.
Please forgive us when we choose a way that is not your Way.
Help us, by the power of the One whom the grave could not keep,
to choose to live under the reign of Christ: where love, light, and life are victorious.
Even when we don’t believe, help our unbelief.
May we act as if we believe: apprenticing ourselves to Jesus, choosing justice, kindness, and humility.
We pray in Jesus’ name and for the sake of your glory. Amen.
Words of Pardon
One: As far as the east is from the west, so far does God remove our sin from us. In the name of Christ, I proclaim to you the forgiveness of all your sins.
All: Thanks be to the God of our salvation!
Scripture Readings Acts 10:44-48 & Nehemiah 8:9-12
Acts 10:44-48
44While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 46for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, 47“Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.
Nehemiah 8:9-12
9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” 12 And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.
Sung Response 326 Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet, and a Light unto my path.
Sermon
Offering 46 Old 100th or alternatively, #48
Prayer of the People
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, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Order for Confirmation: Affirmation of Baptism
Sue: Friends in Christ, we all are received into the church through the sacrament of baptism. These people have found nurture and support in the midst of the family of Christ. Through prayer and study they have
been led by the Holy Spirit to affirm their baptism and to claim in our presence their covenantal relationship with Christ and the members of the church. They are here for service to Jesus Christ, using the gifts which the Holy Spirit bestows.
A Few Words from the Confirmands
Jan: Hear the words of Jesus: I am the vine, you are the branches. Anyone who abides in me, and I in that person, is the one who bears much fruit. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Sue: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are equally citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus alone being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in Christ; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Rev. Jan: Do you desire to affirm your baptism/be baptized into the faith and family of Jesus Christ?
CANDIDATES: I do.
Sue: Do you renounce the powers of evil and desire the freedom of new life in Christ?
CANDIDATES: I do.
Sue: Do you profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?
CANDIDATES: I do.
Jan: Do you promise, by the grace of God, to be Christ’s disciple, to follow in the way of our Savior, to resist oppression and evil, to show love and justice, and to witness to the work and word of Jesus Christ as best you are able?
CANDIDATES: I promise, with the help of God.
Jan: Do you promise, according to the grace given you, to grow in the Christian faith and to be a faithful member of the church of Jesus Christ, celebrating Christ’s presence and furthering Christ’s mission in all the world?
CANDIDATES: I promise, with the help of God.
Affirmation of Faith - A New Creed - unison
ALL: We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.
We believe in God:
who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others
by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone. Thanks be to God.
A New Creed is a brief and well-loved affirmation of faith used widely in the worship of the United Church of Canada
(1968; rev. 1980, 1995).
Prayers for the Confirmands
Sue: Let us pray together, saying:
ALL: Almighty God, who in baptism received these your servants into the church, forgave their sins, and promised them eternal life, increase in them the gifts of your Holy Spirit. Grant love for others, joy in serving you, peace in disagreement, patience in suffering, kindness toward all people, goodness in evil times, faithfulness in temptation, gentleness in the face of opposition, self-control in all things. Thereby strengthen them for their ministry in the world; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
The Laying on of Hands
Parents and confirmation mentors may come forward and stand near the confirmands. Candidates may be invited to kneel. The pastor and other leaders of the local church may place hands upon each candidate individually.
Sean Szumny Lindsay Mentor Brian Kruse
Zoë Ellen Eyler-Pelletier Mentor Meghan Overgaard
Cian Markowski Lindsay Mentor Bob Radowski
Olivia Caylor Eyler-Pelletier Mentor Bob Stephens
Rev. Jan: O God, in the grace of Jesus Christ you have accepted this your servant, (name), through the water of baptism. Nourish in her/him the power of your Holy Spirit that she/he may serve you in the world.
Each time, CANDIDATES AND PEOPLE: Amen.
Prayer, Sue: We rejoice, O merciful God, with this person/these people in the gift of the Holy Spirit, and in the Spirit’s power to awaken us to new truth and to inspire us to venture into fullness of life. We give you thanks that they have been moved to affirm their baptism. Help them to live not for themselves but for Christ and those whom Christ loves. Keep them steady and abounding in hope, never giving up, pressing toward the goal of life with you in Jesus Christ. ALL: Amen!
Jan: By your baptism you were made one with us in the body of Christ, the church. Today we rejoice in your pilgrimage of faith which has brought you to this time and place. We celebrate your presence in this household of faith.
QUESTION ABOUT PARTICIPATION
Jan: Do you promise to participate in the life and mission of this family of God’s people, sharing regularly in the worship of God and enlisting in the work of this local church as it serves this community and the world?
CANDIDATES: I promise, with the help of God.
Sue: Let us, the members of BUCC, express our welcome and affirm our mutual ministry in Christ, saying:
PEOPLE: We promise you our continuing friendship and prayers as we share the hopes and labors of the church of Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit may we continue to grow together in God’s knowledge and love and be witnesses of our risen Savior.
Jan, Sue, & Mentors: In the name of Jesus Christ, and on behalf of this our local church, we extend to you the hand and heart of Christian love.
Prayer & Anointing with Oil (all Confirmands, please kneel)
PASTOR: Almighty and everliving God, may your care be over your servants confirmed today. May your Holy Spirit ever be with them. So lead them in the knowledge and obedience of your Word that they may serve
you in this life and dwell with you in the life to come; through Jesus Christ.
Jan: I anoint you in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
ALL: Amen. (applause is appropriate!)
Communion
*Invitation (Please stand as you are able)
Come to this table not in your own strength but in yielding weakness.
Come not because of any goodness of your own but because God is good.
Come because you love the Lord a little and would like to love him more.
Come because you are beloved of God through Jesus who is alive forevermore.
*The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you! And also with you!
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. (please be seated)
Pastor: Holy Mystery that is Wholly Love, you are beyond our knowledge, you exceed description.
First and Last, Friend, and Fire, Source of Life, Living Word, and Bond of Love; You live in the near and distant corners of the universe. Nothing exists that does not find its source in you. Through fear-filled days and aching nights when the powers of death have done their worst, your love has never deserted us. Even when we turn away from you, you remain with us. Your friendship never fails us; you gift us with new life and hope!
We praise you for Jesus Christ, risen to life, eternal as your love. With the women at the tomb, we raise the melodies of gladness. Alleluia! Life is stronger than death; all fear is gone. And so we join with all your people of every time and place, and with angels and archangels, to proclaim the glory of your name:
Sanctus (unison)
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!
Pastor: O Jesus, you prayed for all your children to be one. Bind us together now as we approach this table. You levelled the playing field by calling us – each one - not on our own merit, but solely by your invitation. We yearn to follow you in good times and in difficult times, when we understand and when we don’t. In this meal we remember you, Jesus: your promises, and the price you paid for who you were, what you said, and what you did. We joyfully hold fast to the hope of your coming kindom which we trust will be made complete in paradise! Amen.
Words of Institution
Acclamation
Pastor: Let us affirm the mystery of faith.
All: Dying you destroyed our death; rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.
Epiclesis
Sharing the Bread and Cup
Prayer after Communion (unison)
ALL: Thank you, God, for life in the Spirit of Jesus,
for gladness in this bread and cup,
for love that cannot die, for peace the world cannot give,
for joy in the company of friends, for the splendors of creation,
and for the mission of justice you have made our own.
Give us the gifts of this holy communion –
oneness of heart, love for neighbors,
forgiveness of enemies, the will to serve you every day,
and risen life that never ends!
In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. (Prayer by Rev. Dr. J. Mary Luti)
Blessing Hymn 422 Let Us Talents & Tongues Employ Jamaican Folk Song/Fred Kaan, words
Benediction
Pastor: May the living God who raised Jesus from the dead
bless you and keep you and make you shine with joy.
May God raise up new life in you, and give you peace, for the sake of Jesus, Lord of Life!
All: The joy of the Lord is our strength. Praise God!
Passing the Peace
One: The peace of Christ be with you! Another: And also with you!
A very special thanks, indeed, to Sue Stephens who led the Confirmands through the 7-month Confirmation program. And thanks to the mentors, who allowed themselves to be interviewed five times by their Confirmand. Your contributions are invaluable. Thanks to the Confirmands’ parents, also, for helping to lead their children to this critical juncture. And thanks to BUCC for welcoming them into our midst. Bless you all for your faithfulness to Christ Jesus. Alleluia.
Zoë Ellen Eyler-Pelletier Mentor Meghan Overgaard DOB July 4, 2008
Olivia Caylor Eyler-Pelletier Mentor Bob Stephens DOB July 4, 2008
Sean Szumny Lindsay Mentor Brian Kruse DOB April 20, 2009
Cian Markowski Lindsay Mentor Bob Radowski DOB April 20, 2009
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
”WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND WEDNESDAY”: Please join us for this Wednesday evening get together. We meet via Zoom, at 6:30pm to share, well, what's on your mind. For about 30 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. Join the Service Online via ZOOM
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 when you register to give to Belchertown United Church of Christ (BUCC). AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know.
Register TODAY!!!!!
You shop. Amazon gives.
(amazon.com)
BUCC VIRTUAL TAG SALE! If you have any items of reasonable value that you’d like to donate to BUCC, we will put them up for sale on the Belchertown Trash to Treasure Facebook site, and all proceeds from the sale of the item will go to BUCC. Please contact Brian Kruse regarding any items you’d like to donate; bwkruse@charter.net or call/text 413-478-7040.
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 – While the old Belchertown water tower is being torn down and the larger replacement is installed there will be a construction fence in the parking lot. We should see the fence installed within a couple of weeks. This may necessitate even more changes in the way that we can park our cars and hold worship. Updates will be sent to you as required.
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
NOTE – We are phasing out our belchertownucc@yahoo.com account and moving to gmail. Please correspond to Belchertownucc@gmail.com in the future. Thank you.
Welcome Back!!!
Please join us for service this Sunday both in the Sanctuary (you read it right....in the sanctuary!!) and via Zoom.
In person, Covid safety protocols are below. Hope to see you there!
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BUCC SANCTUARY SAFETY PROTOCOL (May'21) –
Masks and social distancing will be required at all times when inside and tracing before entering the sanctuary. Windows and doors will be open for air circulation so dress appropriately.
DO NOT enter the sanctuary for services if you have any of the below. Please join us via Zoom instead if you have
o tested positive for COVID-19
o any symptoms of COVID-19 such as
§ Fever
§ Headache
§ Body ache
o had close contact with anyone who is suspected of or has tested positive for COVID -19
o been asked or required to self-quarantine
Please arrive at church a little early to sign-in on the Covid-19 tracing sheet. An address label with the addition of your phone number and email address can speed this process along.
Use hand sanitizer when entering church.
An usher will direct you to a pew that is appropriate for your pod, filling the church from front first to the back. Many pews have been blocked and the floor marked to help ensure safe distancing from neighboring pods.
Congregants will be dismissed from pews in the back of the church first, moving toward the front to maintain social distancing. Please exit the sanctuary and narthex quickly to permit the next group to be dismissed.
Use hand sanitizer when exiting church – located near offering basket.
While there will be music (live or via YouTube) played during the service we will not be singing. There will be no hymnals, Bibles, prayer requests or visitor information cards in the pews.
Communion elements will be for carry-out and not taken in the sanctuary.
Offering plates will not be passed around but rather offering collected in a plate or basket at the entry - exit.
Thank you for your understanding and adhering to these safety precautions.
BELCHERTOWN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Online Sunday Service – 6th Sunday of Easter
May 9, 2021 – 9:30 AM
Rev. Jan Powers
Invitation, Order of Worship for Confirmation and Communion & Announcements
Join the Service Online via ZOOM
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; Belchertown, MA
May 9, 2021 – Sixth Sunday of Easter
Confirmation & Communion
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! Today we celebrate the Confirmation of four of our youth – a defining moment for them and for the congregation. We also celebrate the mothers among us, and give thanks for those who’ve nurtured us along life’s way, while recognizing and praying for those for whom this day may cause pain or sadness. Today is also Communion Sunday.
Call to Worship
One: Christ is risen! Alleluia! Because of God’s great love for us, in enormous mercy, we are made alive in Christ Jesus. It is by grace we have been saved, through faith. This doesn’t originate with us, but it begins and ends with God. Give thanks to God!
Song 546 Amazing Grace
Prayer (unison, seated)
Merciful God, we confess that sometimes we hate, and Love is not in us;
sometimes the darkness threatens, and your Light seems dim; and
sometimes the culture of death ensnares us, and we deviate from Life in you.
Please forgive us when we choose a way that is not your Way.
Help us, by the power of the One whom the grave could not keep,
to choose to live under the reign of Christ: where love, light, and life are victorious.
Even when we don’t believe, help our unbelief.
May we act as if we believe: apprenticing ourselves to Jesus, choosing justice, kindness, and humility.
We pray in Jesus’ name and for the sake of your glory. Amen.
Words of Pardon
One: As far as the east is from the west, so far does God remove our sin from us. In the name of Christ, I proclaim to you the forgiveness of all your sins.
All: Thanks be to the God of our salvation!
Scripture Readings Acts 10:44-48 & Nehemiah 8:9-12
Acts 10:44-48
44While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 46for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, 47“Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.
Nehemiah 8:9-12
9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” 12 And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.
Sung Response 326 Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet, and a Light unto my path.
Sermon
Offering 46 Old 100th or alternatively, #48
Prayer of the People
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, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Order for Confirmation: Affirmation of Baptism
Sue: Friends in Christ, we all are received into the church through the sacrament of baptism. These people have found nurture and support in the midst of the family of Christ. Through prayer and study they have
been led by the Holy Spirit to affirm their baptism and to claim in our presence their covenantal relationship with Christ and the members of the church. They are here for service to Jesus Christ, using the gifts which the Holy Spirit bestows.
A Few Words from the Confirmands
Jan: Hear the words of Jesus: I am the vine, you are the branches. Anyone who abides in me, and I in that person, is the one who bears much fruit. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Sue: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are equally citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus alone being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in Christ; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Rev. Jan: Do you desire to affirm your baptism/be baptized into the faith and family of Jesus Christ?
CANDIDATES: I do.
Sue: Do you renounce the powers of evil and desire the freedom of new life in Christ?
CANDIDATES: I do.
Sue: Do you profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?
CANDIDATES: I do.
Jan: Do you promise, by the grace of God, to be Christ’s disciple, to follow in the way of our Savior, to resist oppression and evil, to show love and justice, and to witness to the work and word of Jesus Christ as best you are able?
CANDIDATES: I promise, with the help of God.
Jan: Do you promise, according to the grace given you, to grow in the Christian faith and to be a faithful member of the church of Jesus Christ, celebrating Christ’s presence and furthering Christ’s mission in all the world?
CANDIDATES: I promise, with the help of God.
Affirmation of Faith - A New Creed - unison
ALL: We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.
We believe in God:
who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others
by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone. Thanks be to God.
A New Creed is a brief and well-loved affirmation of faith used widely in the worship of the United Church of Canada
(1968; rev. 1980, 1995).
Prayers for the Confirmands
Sue: Let us pray together, saying:
ALL: Almighty God, who in baptism received these your servants into the church, forgave their sins, and promised them eternal life, increase in them the gifts of your Holy Spirit. Grant love for others, joy in serving you, peace in disagreement, patience in suffering, kindness toward all people, goodness in evil times, faithfulness in temptation, gentleness in the face of opposition, self-control in all things. Thereby strengthen them for their ministry in the world; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
The Laying on of Hands
Parents and confirmation mentors may come forward and stand near the confirmands. Candidates may be invited to kneel. The pastor and other leaders of the local church may place hands upon each candidate individually.
Sean Szumny Lindsay Mentor Brian Kruse
Zoë Ellen Eyler-Pelletier Mentor Meghan Overgaard
Cian Markowski Lindsay Mentor Bob Radowski
Olivia Caylor Eyler-Pelletier Mentor Bob Stephens
Rev. Jan: O God, in the grace of Jesus Christ you have accepted this your servant, (name), through the water of baptism. Nourish in her/him the power of your Holy Spirit that she/he may serve you in the world.
Each time, CANDIDATES AND PEOPLE: Amen.
Prayer, Sue: We rejoice, O merciful God, with this person/these people in the gift of the Holy Spirit, and in the Spirit’s power to awaken us to new truth and to inspire us to venture into fullness of life. We give you thanks that they have been moved to affirm their baptism. Help them to live not for themselves but for Christ and those whom Christ loves. Keep them steady and abounding in hope, never giving up, pressing toward the goal of life with you in Jesus Christ. ALL: Amen!
Jan: By your baptism you were made one with us in the body of Christ, the church. Today we rejoice in your pilgrimage of faith which has brought you to this time and place. We celebrate your presence in this household of faith.
QUESTION ABOUT PARTICIPATION
Jan: Do you promise to participate in the life and mission of this family of God’s people, sharing regularly in the worship of God and enlisting in the work of this local church as it serves this community and the world?
CANDIDATES: I promise, with the help of God.
Sue: Let us, the members of BUCC, express our welcome and affirm our mutual ministry in Christ, saying:
PEOPLE: We promise you our continuing friendship and prayers as we share the hopes and labors of the church of Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit may we continue to grow together in God’s knowledge and love and be witnesses of our risen Savior.
Jan, Sue, & Mentors: In the name of Jesus Christ, and on behalf of this our local church, we extend to you the hand and heart of Christian love.
Prayer & Anointing with Oil (all Confirmands, please kneel)
PASTOR: Almighty and everliving God, may your care be over your servants confirmed today. May your Holy Spirit ever be with them. So lead them in the knowledge and obedience of your Word that they may serve
you in this life and dwell with you in the life to come; through Jesus Christ.
Jan: I anoint you in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
ALL: Amen. (applause is appropriate!)
Communion
*Invitation (Please stand as you are able)
Come to this table not in your own strength but in yielding weakness.
Come not because of any goodness of your own but because God is good.
Come because you love the Lord a little and would like to love him more.
Come because you are beloved of God through Jesus who is alive forevermore.
*The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you! And also with you!
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. (please be seated)
Pastor: Holy Mystery that is Wholly Love, you are beyond our knowledge, you exceed description.
First and Last, Friend, and Fire, Source of Life, Living Word, and Bond of Love; You live in the near and distant corners of the universe. Nothing exists that does not find its source in you. Through fear-filled days and aching nights when the powers of death have done their worst, your love has never deserted us. Even when we turn away from you, you remain with us. Your friendship never fails us; you gift us with new life and hope!
We praise you for Jesus Christ, risen to life, eternal as your love. With the women at the tomb, we raise the melodies of gladness. Alleluia! Life is stronger than death; all fear is gone. And so we join with all your people of every time and place, and with angels and archangels, to proclaim the glory of your name:
Sanctus (unison)
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!
Pastor: O Jesus, you prayed for all your children to be one. Bind us together now as we approach this table. You levelled the playing field by calling us – each one - not on our own merit, but solely by your invitation. We yearn to follow you in good times and in difficult times, when we understand and when we don’t. In this meal we remember you, Jesus: your promises, and the price you paid for who you were, what you said, and what you did. We joyfully hold fast to the hope of your coming kindom which we trust will be made complete in paradise! Amen.
Words of Institution
Acclamation
Pastor: Let us affirm the mystery of faith.
All: Dying you destroyed our death; rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.
Epiclesis
Sharing the Bread and Cup
Prayer after Communion (unison)
ALL: Thank you, God, for life in the Spirit of Jesus,
for gladness in this bread and cup,
for love that cannot die, for peace the world cannot give,
for joy in the company of friends, for the splendors of creation,
and for the mission of justice you have made our own.
Give us the gifts of this holy communion –
oneness of heart, love for neighbors,
forgiveness of enemies, the will to serve you every day,
and risen life that never ends!
In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. (Prayer by Rev. Dr. J. Mary Luti)
Blessing Hymn 422 Let Us Talents & Tongues Employ Jamaican Folk Song/Fred Kaan, words
Benediction
Pastor: May the living God who raised Jesus from the dead
bless you and keep you and make you shine with joy.
May God raise up new life in you, and give you peace, for the sake of Jesus, Lord of Life!
All: The joy of the Lord is our strength. Praise God!
Passing the Peace
One: The peace of Christ be with you! Another: And also with you!
A very special thanks, indeed, to Sue Stephens who led the Confirmands through the 7-month Confirmation program. And thanks to the mentors, who allowed themselves to be interviewed five times by their Confirmand. Your contributions are invaluable. Thanks to the Confirmands’ parents, also, for helping to lead their children to this critical juncture. And thanks to BUCC for welcoming them into our midst. Bless you all for your faithfulness to Christ Jesus. Alleluia.
Zoë Ellen Eyler-Pelletier Mentor Meghan Overgaard DOB July 4, 2008
Olivia Caylor Eyler-Pelletier Mentor Bob Stephens DOB July 4, 2008
Sean Szumny Lindsay Mentor Brian Kruse DOB April 20, 2009
Cian Markowski Lindsay Mentor Bob Radowski DOB April 20, 2009
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
”WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND WEDNESDAY”: Please join us for this Wednesday evening get together. We meet via Zoom, at 6:30pm to share, well, what's on your mind. For about 30 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. Join the Service Online via ZOOM
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 when you register to give to Belchertown United Church of Christ (BUCC). AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know.
Register TODAY!!!!!
You shop. Amazon gives.
(amazon.com)
BUCC VIRTUAL TAG SALE! If you have any items of reasonable value that you’d like to donate to BUCC, we will put them up for sale on the Belchertown Trash to Treasure Facebook site, and all proceeds from the sale of the item will go to BUCC. Please contact Brian Kruse regarding any items you’d like to donate; bwkruse@charter.net or call/text 413-478-7040.
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 – While the old Belchertown water tower is being torn down and the larger replacement is installed there will be a construction fence in the parking lot. We should see the fence installed within a couple of weeks. This may necessitate even more changes in the way that we can park our cars and hold worship. Updates will be sent to you as required.
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
NOTE – We are phasing out our belchertownucc@yahoo.com account and moving to gmail. Please correspond to Belchertownucc@gmail.com in the future. Thank you.