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!!!!
Please join us for Sunday Service (9:30am) in the Sanctuary and via Zoom details below.
Hope to see you there!
------------------------------------------------------------
2022 PLANT SALE – SATURDAY MAY 7, 9 to 2. Just in time for Mother’s Day! A wide variety of hanging baskets, patio pots and bedding plants will be for sale.
SUNDAY SCHOOL STARTS MAY 8 !!!! - Miss Louise and Miss Amy have the lessons ready and will be ready for children in Sunday School on May 8. Parents / Grandparents / Friends / All - bring your children to church at 9:30 AM and see them off to the parish house after the children's message. Remember to pick them up after church - please! Perhaps normalcy resumes?!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BELCHERTOWN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
May 8, 2022 – 9:30 AM
In-Person & Zoom Online
Invitation, Order of Worship & Announcements
Lay Leader, Bob Stephens
+ + +
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
May 8, 2022
The 4th Sunday of Easter
Lay Leader - Bob Stephens
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHORAL INTROIT: All Things Bright and Beautiful
OPENING PRAYER
Lord, as we gather here in the harbor of your safety
We thank you for fellowship and family.
We ask that you strengthen us, restore us, and inspire us with signs of your love. Lord, fill us with your peace so that as we journey onwards, carried forward by angels so that we would pour out your love and grace to others.
We ask that our souls catch the wind of your spirit
so that we would take your promises to all the earth. Amen.
CALL TO WORSHIP Please read the words in bold print
When I think of God’s presence in the world, I am grateful:
Grateful for the presence of hope; grateful for the gift of life.
And when I think of God’s presence in my life, I am humbled:
Humbled by the gift of grace; humbled by the invitation to begin again.
And when I think of God’s presence in this community, I am glad:
Glad to be surrounded by holy people worshipping our Holy God.
CHILDRENS MESSAGE: Jesus’ Ascension –YouTube Video
CHORAL ANTHEM: Take Time to be Holy (Children dismissed to Sunday School during anthem)
*OPENING HYMN: He Lives #226
SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 1 1-8 New Testament for Everyone
Here Comes the Sequel!1 Dear Theophilus, the previous book which I wrote had to do with everything Jesus began to do and teach. 2 I took the story as far as the day when he was taken up, once he had given instructions through the holy spirit to his chosen apostles. 3 He showed himself to them alive, after his suffering, by many proofs. He was seen by them for forty days, during which he spoke about God’s kingdom. 4 As they were having a meal together, he told them not to go away from Jerusalem, but to wait, as he put it, ‘for the father’s promise, which I was telling you about earlier. 5 John baptized with water; you see; but in a few days from now you will be baptized with the holy spirit.’
When, What and How?6 So when the apostles came together, they put this question to Jesus. ‘Master,’ they said, ‘is this the time when you are going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’7 ‘It’s not your business to know about times and dates,’ he replied. ‘The father has placed all that under his own direct authority. 8 What will happen, though, is that you will receive power when the holy spirit comes upon you. Then you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judaea and Samaria, and to the very ends of the earth.’
*GLORIA PATRI All
Glory be to the Father
and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Amen.
MESSAGE: Who Knows Where the Time Goes? Bob Stephens
OFFERING OUR GIFTS
*Doxology: Praise God from Whom all Blessing Flow 46
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD’S PRAYER
CLOSING MUSIC: Who Knows Where the Time Goes Eva Cassidy
BENEDICTION All
God, give us grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as we would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If we surrender to Your will,
So that we may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.
A BLESSING FOR PILGRIMS (written by Jan Powers)
Tom: Sue and Bob Stephens will embark on a pilgrimage in Portugal and Spain this week. I invite you to join in this blessing:
ALL: Good God, you have taught us that discipleship is a journey.
Tom: Sometimes we spiral closer to you, or further away. Sometimes the road is rough, and the way is narrow. Other times it’s all downhill, and we feel part of something bigger than ourselves, something with eternal consequences.
ALL: Thank you, God, that no matter where we are, you accompany us!
For wherever love is found, you are there.
Tom: Bless now, these two pilgrims, who are committed to seeking, knocking, and asking for more of you. May they be surprised and enriched as they walk the Camino de Santiago.
(Tom lays hands on their heads or shoulders as the people pray):
ALL: Pour out your Holy Spirit upon them as they begin this honest walk toward a deeper knowing. Fill them with wonder, joy, and curiosity.
Tom: May you keep them safe, Lord; lead them to people who affirm and strengthen their faith, and to others who need the encouragement and presence Bob & Sue provide. Return them to our midst with stories to tell, laughter to spread, and new perspectives that enliven this community of faith.
ALL: We pray this in the name of Christ, who is our peace. Amen!
PASSING OF THE PEACE
---------------------
Who knows where the time goes?Written by Sandy Denny
Performed by Eva Cassidy
Across the evening sky,
all the birds are leaving,
But how can they know,
it's time for them to go?
Before the winter fire,
I will still be dreaming,
I have no thought of time.
For who knows,
where the time goes?
Who knows,
where the time goes?
Sad, deserted shore,
your fickle friends are leaving,
Ah, but then you know,
it's time for them to go,
But I will still be here,
I have no thought of leaving,
I do not count the time.
For who knows,
where the time goes?
Who knows,
where the time goes?
And I am not alone,
while my love is near me,
I know it will be so,
until it's time to go,
So come the storms of winter,
and then the birds in spring again,
I have no fear of time.
For who knows,
how my love grows?
And who knows,
where the time goes?
(Copyright © 1967 Sonet Music)
-------------------------
ANNOUNCEMENTS
2022 PLANT SALE – SATURDAY MAY 7, 9 to 2. Just in time for Mother’s Day! A wide variety of hanging baskets, patio pots and bedding plants will be for sale.
SUNDAY SCHOOL STARTS MAY 8 !!!! - Miss Louise and Miss Amy have the lessons ready and will be ready for children in Sunday School on May 8. Parents / Grandparents / Friends / All - bring your children to church at 9:30 AM and see them off to the parish house after the children's message. Remember to pick them up after church - please! Perhaps normalcy resumes?!
THE BELCHERTOWN LIONS CLUB will hold a drive-thru/pickup MEATBALL GRINDER SALE ON SATURDAY, MAY 21ST FROM NOON - 3:00 PM on the lawn. $10 includes the sub, chips, and beverage...and there's no need to pre-order! As always, all proceeds from the Club's fundraising events go to charity...and this year in particular, there will be several graduating seniors receiving $1,500 Lions Club scholarships to help continue their education! Hope to see you all on the 21st!
PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO URAINE – 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.
CIRCLES of CARE - Catholic Charities has established Circles of Care (comprised of 6-10 people) for specific Afghan refugee families, providing support to help people transition in their first year, including providing transportation to doctor's appointments, helping navigate local community resources, etc. For additional information see http://welcomehomenorthampton.org. Marla Lindsay is currently helping a resettled woman to use the bus, practice English, go food shopping, etc. If you would like to help her in some way, contact marla0680ml@gmail.com.
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.
PARKING LOT IS PAVED! You can use the handicapped spaces in the BUCC parking lot. But continue to park in the town lot and along Park Street as most of the lot is still fenced off.
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.
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
Please join us for Sunday Service (9:30am) in the Sanctuary and via Zoom details below.
Hope to see you there!
------------------------------------------------------------
2022 PLANT SALE – SATURDAY MAY 7, 9 to 2. Just in time for Mother’s Day! A wide variety of hanging baskets, patio pots and bedding plants will be for sale.
SUNDAY SCHOOL STARTS MAY 8 !!!! - Miss Louise and Miss Amy have the lessons ready and will be ready for children in Sunday School on May 8. Parents / Grandparents / Friends / All - bring your children to church at 9:30 AM and see them off to the parish house after the children's message. Remember to pick them up after church - please! Perhaps normalcy resumes?!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BELCHERTOWN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
May 8, 2022 – 9:30 AM
In-Person & Zoom Online
Invitation, Order of Worship & Announcements
Lay Leader, Bob Stephens
+ + +
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
May 8, 2022
The 4th Sunday of Easter
Lay Leader - Bob Stephens
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHORAL INTROIT: All Things Bright and Beautiful
OPENING PRAYER
Lord, as we gather here in the harbor of your safety
We thank you for fellowship and family.
We ask that you strengthen us, restore us, and inspire us with signs of your love. Lord, fill us with your peace so that as we journey onwards, carried forward by angels so that we would pour out your love and grace to others.
We ask that our souls catch the wind of your spirit
so that we would take your promises to all the earth. Amen.
CALL TO WORSHIP Please read the words in bold print
When I think of God’s presence in the world, I am grateful:
Grateful for the presence of hope; grateful for the gift of life.
And when I think of God’s presence in my life, I am humbled:
Humbled by the gift of grace; humbled by the invitation to begin again.
And when I think of God’s presence in this community, I am glad:
Glad to be surrounded by holy people worshipping our Holy God.
CHILDRENS MESSAGE: Jesus’ Ascension –YouTube Video
CHORAL ANTHEM: Take Time to be Holy (Children dismissed to Sunday School during anthem)
*OPENING HYMN: He Lives #226
SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 1 1-8 New Testament for Everyone
Here Comes the Sequel!1 Dear Theophilus, the previous book which I wrote had to do with everything Jesus began to do and teach. 2 I took the story as far as the day when he was taken up, once he had given instructions through the holy spirit to his chosen apostles. 3 He showed himself to them alive, after his suffering, by many proofs. He was seen by them for forty days, during which he spoke about God’s kingdom. 4 As they were having a meal together, he told them not to go away from Jerusalem, but to wait, as he put it, ‘for the father’s promise, which I was telling you about earlier. 5 John baptized with water; you see; but in a few days from now you will be baptized with the holy spirit.’
When, What and How?6 So when the apostles came together, they put this question to Jesus. ‘Master,’ they said, ‘is this the time when you are going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’7 ‘It’s not your business to know about times and dates,’ he replied. ‘The father has placed all that under his own direct authority. 8 What will happen, though, is that you will receive power when the holy spirit comes upon you. Then you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judaea and Samaria, and to the very ends of the earth.’
*GLORIA PATRI All
Glory be to the Father
and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Amen.
MESSAGE: Who Knows Where the Time Goes? Bob Stephens
OFFERING OUR GIFTS
*Doxology: Praise God from Whom all Blessing Flow 46
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD’S PRAYER
CLOSING MUSIC: Who Knows Where the Time Goes Eva Cassidy
BENEDICTION All
God, give us grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as we would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If we surrender to Your will,
So that we may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.
A BLESSING FOR PILGRIMS (written by Jan Powers)
Tom: Sue and Bob Stephens will embark on a pilgrimage in Portugal and Spain this week. I invite you to join in this blessing:
ALL: Good God, you have taught us that discipleship is a journey.
Tom: Sometimes we spiral closer to you, or further away. Sometimes the road is rough, and the way is narrow. Other times it’s all downhill, and we feel part of something bigger than ourselves, something with eternal consequences.
ALL: Thank you, God, that no matter where we are, you accompany us!
For wherever love is found, you are there.
Tom: Bless now, these two pilgrims, who are committed to seeking, knocking, and asking for more of you. May they be surprised and enriched as they walk the Camino de Santiago.
(Tom lays hands on their heads or shoulders as the people pray):
ALL: Pour out your Holy Spirit upon them as they begin this honest walk toward a deeper knowing. Fill them with wonder, joy, and curiosity.
Tom: May you keep them safe, Lord; lead them to people who affirm and strengthen their faith, and to others who need the encouragement and presence Bob & Sue provide. Return them to our midst with stories to tell, laughter to spread, and new perspectives that enliven this community of faith.
ALL: We pray this in the name of Christ, who is our peace. Amen!
PASSING OF THE PEACE
---------------------
Who knows where the time goes?Written by Sandy Denny
Performed by Eva Cassidy
Across the evening sky,
all the birds are leaving,
But how can they know,
it's time for them to go?
Before the winter fire,
I will still be dreaming,
I have no thought of time.
For who knows,
where the time goes?
Who knows,
where the time goes?
Sad, deserted shore,
your fickle friends are leaving,
Ah, but then you know,
it's time for them to go,
But I will still be here,
I have no thought of leaving,
I do not count the time.
For who knows,
where the time goes?
Who knows,
where the time goes?
And I am not alone,
while my love is near me,
I know it will be so,
until it's time to go,
So come the storms of winter,
and then the birds in spring again,
I have no fear of time.
For who knows,
how my love grows?
And who knows,
where the time goes?
(Copyright © 1967 Sonet Music)
-------------------------
ANNOUNCEMENTS
2022 PLANT SALE – SATURDAY MAY 7, 9 to 2. Just in time for Mother’s Day! A wide variety of hanging baskets, patio pots and bedding plants will be for sale.
SUNDAY SCHOOL STARTS MAY 8 !!!! - Miss Louise and Miss Amy have the lessons ready and will be ready for children in Sunday School on May 8. Parents / Grandparents / Friends / All - bring your children to church at 9:30 AM and see them off to the parish house after the children's message. Remember to pick them up after church - please! Perhaps normalcy resumes?!
THE BELCHERTOWN LIONS CLUB will hold a drive-thru/pickup MEATBALL GRINDER SALE ON SATURDAY, MAY 21ST FROM NOON - 3:00 PM on the lawn. $10 includes the sub, chips, and beverage...and there's no need to pre-order! As always, all proceeds from the Club's fundraising events go to charity...and this year in particular, there will be several graduating seniors receiving $1,500 Lions Club scholarships to help continue their education! Hope to see you all on the 21st!
PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO URAINE – 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.
CIRCLES of CARE - Catholic Charities has established Circles of Care (comprised of 6-10 people) for specific Afghan refugee families, providing support to help people transition in their first year, including providing transportation to doctor's appointments, helping navigate local community resources, etc. For additional information see http://welcomehomenorthampton.org. Marla Lindsay is currently helping a resettled woman to use the bus, practice English, go food shopping, etc. If you would like to help her in some way, contact marla0680ml@gmail.com.
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.
PARKING LOT IS PAVED! You can use the handicapped spaces in the BUCC parking lot. But continue to park in the town lot and along Park Street as most of the lot is still fenced off.
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.
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
