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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Volunteer Opportunity:
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO VOLUNTEERED!!!!!!
FLOCK TO THE FAIR” - SEPTEMBER 23, 24 AND 25TH - BUCC - TACO SALAD BOOTH
If you’re around - please stop by we can always use a couple of extra hands. Specifically needed is coverage on the Taco Salad line on:
Friday 3-5, 5-7pm
Saturday 3-5, 5-7 and 7-9pm
Sunday - 10:30-1:00pm and 3-5pm
Call Lucy if you can help out. (413) 530-9787. Your help is greatly appreciated.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please join us for Sunday Service 9:30am in the Sanctuary. Details below.
Hope to see you there!
------------------------------------------------------------
BELCHERTOWN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
October 2, 2022 – 9:30 AM
In-Person & Zoom Online
Invitation, Order of Worship & Announcements
In-Sanctuary
&
Zoom Virtual Sunday Service
10-2-22
The Reverend Jan Powers
+ + +
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, Belchertown, MA
October 2, 2022; World Communion Sunday
“World Communion Sunday – celebrated the first Sunday in October since 1936 – is one of the most venerable of special Sundays. The day has taken on new relevancy and depth of meaning in a world where globalization often has undermined peace and justice – and in a time when fear divides the peoples of God’s earth. On this day we celebrate our oneness in Christ, the Prince of Peace, in the midst of the world we are called to serve – a world ever more in need of peacemaking.”
From the National Council of Churches website
Announcements
Welcome
One: Creator of the universe,
All: you bring forth all Creation, and we belong.
One: You give birth to all peoples;
All: you create one human family, and we belong.
One: You feed us with your love;
All: you make of us one Body in your Spirit, and we belong.
So we come, people of every race and nation and tribe and people,
All: to worship together and to feast on your love. Alleluia! written by Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Sung Call To Worship For the Sky written by Janet E. Powers c. 1992
For the sky and for the land, mystic unifying hand we thank you (we thank you)
Make this time a welcome place, full of laughter, hope and grace for friend and stranger
Through all cyclic season song, join our voices clear and strong in gladness (in gladness)
For the tune in nature’s call, for all things living, great and small, we thank you (we thank you)
May the cosmic thread of peace be woven here by all who cease their hating and judging
For our labor yet to be, may we birth it joyfully in praise to you.
May the Spirit shower us with love. Let it be.
Opening Prayer
God of endless imagination, thank you for this world
and for all the people and every living thing in it.
As we gather to praise you, so do countless others all around the globe.
As we seek to learn truth and live in it, so do diverse peoples everywhere.
As we strive to spread love by our words in English,
and demonstrate love by our actions which are universal,
so do others spread love by their words in over 7000 languages,
and by their actions which are universal.
Forgive us, please, when our loyalty to tribe or nationality or language
or race or creed or anything else
exceeds our loyalty to the Way of Christ:
a Way of grace, and of compassion, and of justice.
Our feeble efforts do not unite us in one human family.
But your Spirit can and does unite us.
All are created, all precious and valued by you;
each one made from the dust of earth and each one to dust we shall return.
Although Death is the great equalizer, forbid us not to wait for that,
but to restore each one to whole human dignity, today and every day.
In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. written by Jan Powers
Children’s Time
Good morning! Today is a special day! Does anyone know what we’re celebrating today?
. . . just take a moment
Those are some good guesses! Today is actually World Communion Sunday. On this day, most churches in the world have communion. Some churches have communion every Sunday, some churches have communion once a month, and some churches have communion four times a year. This is a Sunday when almost all churches, all over the world, from many different cultures, will have communion. That’s pretty cool, right? It’s cool to think that while we take communion today, people in churches all over the world are having communion, too! It’s a reminder to us that we are all members of the Christian family.
I wonder, are there any countries or places you’d like to pray for today?
Adults, would you help out? Let’s try and name countries from all over the world, on many different continents, to remember in prayer.
Praying for each other is a great way to care for one another. Let’s pray together.
God, thank you so much for World Communion Sunday. Today, we pray especially for our family, our church family, in all the places we mentioned. Help us to remember that we are all your children and are loved by you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
Scripture Reading John 17:11-21
Sermon
Offering Reminder
Communion
Invitation
One: The Spirit’s unearned gift of grace pushes us to realize how true it is
that God does not show favoritism;
All: God accepts from every nation the ones who do what is right.
One: Sing to the Lord all the nations, Proclaim God’s salvation day after day
All: Declare God’s glory among the nations, The Lord’s marvelous deeds among all peoples
One: Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the people of the world worship the Lord.
All: Sing to the Lord a new song; Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
—Based on Acts 10; 1 Chronicles 16:23-24; Psalm 33:8; Psalm 96:1
One: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you.
One: Lift your hearts All: We lift them to God.
One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. All: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Communion Prayer
Sanctus Sung 111
Holy, holy, holy. My heart, my heart adores you.
My heart knows how to say to you: Holy are you, Lord.
Words of Institution
Acclamation: Christ Has Died, Sung
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. (2 X) music JEP © 1992
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Epiclesis Sung
Pour out the pow’r of your holy Spirit on us, and on these gifts. music JEP © 1992
Pour out the love that we know in Christ, that others, too may live.
That in the breaking of this bread
And the drinking of the fruit of the vine
We may know the mystery, know the presence of the living Christ . . .
And ever more . . . be one.
Closing Communion Prayer quoted in the Chalice Hymnal, and from The Didache, 2nd c.
As the bread which we break was scattered over the mountains
And when brought together became one,
So let your church be brought together from the ends of the earth into your eternal realm;
For yours is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ forevermore. Amen.
Song 404 A Hymn of Joy We Sing
Blessing
May God prosper you.
May your days be long and your nights serene.
May your friendships honor you, and your family love you.
May you eat at your table, and
may you be gathered into to God’s embrace with a smile.
written by Elena Huegel, UCC Mission Co-worker in Chiapas, Mexico
Passing the Peace of Christ
One; the peace of Christ be with you. Another: And also with you!
***************************
John 17: 11- 21
11 Holy Father, I am no longer in the world. I am coming to you, but my followers are still in the world. So keep them safe by the power of the name you have given me. Then they will be one with each other, just as you and I are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost, except the one who had to be lost. This happened so that what the Scriptures say would come true.
13 I am on my way to you. But I say these things while I am still in the world, so my followers will have the same complete joy that I do. 14 I have told them your message. But the people of this world hate them, because they don't belong to this world, just as I don't.
15 Father, I don't ask you to take my followers out of the world, but keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They don't belong to this world, and neither do I. 17 Your word is the truth. So let this truth make them completely yours. 18 I am sending them into the world, just as you sent me. 19 I have given myself completely for their sake, so they may belong completely to the truth.
20 I am not praying just for these followers. I am also praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me. 21 I want all of them to be one with each other, just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me.
**********************************************************************************
† † †
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EACH VOTE IS PRECIOUS - PRIMARY ELECTION NOVEMBER 8, 2022 - The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) joins with our member denominations to affirm that each vote is precious, just as each person is a precious child of God. Voting is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union. The right to vote is the way we determine the future for our families, communities, and country. We are stronger as a nation when more people participate in our democracy.
MASSACHUSETTS BASIC VOTING LAWSREGISTRATION LAWSVOTER ID LAWS Primary November 8, 2022: General election Polling hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. To vote in Massachusetts, one must be a United States citizen, a resident of Massachusetts, and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. The deadline for registration is 20 days prior to the election. A voter can register online, by mail, or in person at any registration office or the Registry of Motor Vehicles A form of identification is required to register. The following are acceptable forms of identification: ●Valid driver's license ●State-issued identification card ●Current utility bill ●Bank statement ●Paystub ●Government-issued check ●Any other government document displaying the voter's name and address A voter may be asked to show identification when check-in at the polling place for any of the following reasons: ●The voter is voting for the first time in Massachusetts in a federal election ●The voter is an inactive voter ●The voter is casting a provisional or challenged ballot ●The poll worker has a reasonable suspicion that leads them to request identification. Acceptable identification must include the name and the address of the voter. Examples of acceptable identification include: a driver's license, state-issued ID card, recent utility bill, rent receipt, lease, a copy of a voter registration affidavit, or any other printed identification which contains the voter's name and address. ●Those voting for the first time in a federal election in Massachusetts after registering to vote by mail, may be required to show identification under federal law.
IS BUCC " steady in purpose, but flexible in strategy" - Please click and read - we could be Habit Forming!
11th Annual Quilt Show and Sale will take place October 21, 10-7; October 22, 10-7; and October 23, 10-5. Featuring but not limited to Nine Patch Patterned Quilts. Sewing Tag Sale continues through Saturday 10-29.
2022 CRAFT FAIR - APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE. Craft Fair is Saturday November 5th. Contact Lucy Jamgocian for information or an application (call or text) 413-530-9787 or luse26@charter.net.
WINTER LIGHT NIGHT- NOV. 26th - BUCC will be participating in this annual event on the common, sponsored by the Belchertown Cultural Council. We need a point person to volunteer for BUCC to be the contact person with the cultural council. The assignment is simple (Brian Kruse can provide details) and the community goodwill is priceless. Please contact any church council member with your acceptance.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER – We are looking for a volunteer teacher, or two to alternate, to teach our children about Christ. Please inform a council member or deacon of your interest. We will provide you with a CORI check release form and will setup a review by the church council for approval.
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!
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
BELCHERTOWN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
October 2, 2022 – 9:30 AM
In-Person & Zoom Online
Invitation, Order of Worship & Announcements
In-Sanctuary
&
Zoom Virtual Sunday Service
10-2-22
The Reverend Jan Powers
+ + +
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, Belchertown, MA
October 2, 2022; World Communion Sunday
“World Communion Sunday – celebrated the first Sunday in October since 1936 – is one of the most venerable of special Sundays. The day has taken on new relevancy and depth of meaning in a world where globalization often has undermined peace and justice – and in a time when fear divides the peoples of God’s earth. On this day we celebrate our oneness in Christ, the Prince of Peace, in the midst of the world we are called to serve – a world ever more in need of peacemaking.”
From the National Council of Churches website
Announcements
Welcome
One: Creator of the universe,
All: you bring forth all Creation, and we belong.
One: You give birth to all peoples;
All: you create one human family, and we belong.
One: You feed us with your love;
All: you make of us one Body in your Spirit, and we belong.
So we come, people of every race and nation and tribe and people,
All: to worship together and to feast on your love. Alleluia! written by Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Sung Call To Worship For the Sky written by Janet E. Powers c. 1992
For the sky and for the land, mystic unifying hand we thank you (we thank you)
Make this time a welcome place, full of laughter, hope and grace for friend and stranger
Through all cyclic season song, join our voices clear and strong in gladness (in gladness)
For the tune in nature’s call, for all things living, great and small, we thank you (we thank you)
May the cosmic thread of peace be woven here by all who cease their hating and judging
For our labor yet to be, may we birth it joyfully in praise to you.
May the Spirit shower us with love. Let it be.
Opening Prayer
God of endless imagination, thank you for this world
and for all the people and every living thing in it.
As we gather to praise you, so do countless others all around the globe.
As we seek to learn truth and live in it, so do diverse peoples everywhere.
As we strive to spread love by our words in English,
and demonstrate love by our actions which are universal,
so do others spread love by their words in over 7000 languages,
and by their actions which are universal.
Forgive us, please, when our loyalty to tribe or nationality or language
or race or creed or anything else
exceeds our loyalty to the Way of Christ:
a Way of grace, and of compassion, and of justice.
Our feeble efforts do not unite us in one human family.
But your Spirit can and does unite us.
All are created, all precious and valued by you;
each one made from the dust of earth and each one to dust we shall return.
Although Death is the great equalizer, forbid us not to wait for that,
but to restore each one to whole human dignity, today and every day.
In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. written by Jan Powers
Children’s Time
Good morning! Today is a special day! Does anyone know what we’re celebrating today?
. . . just take a moment
Those are some good guesses! Today is actually World Communion Sunday. On this day, most churches in the world have communion. Some churches have communion every Sunday, some churches have communion once a month, and some churches have communion four times a year. This is a Sunday when almost all churches, all over the world, from many different cultures, will have communion. That’s pretty cool, right? It’s cool to think that while we take communion today, people in churches all over the world are having communion, too! It’s a reminder to us that we are all members of the Christian family.
I wonder, are there any countries or places you’d like to pray for today?
Adults, would you help out? Let’s try and name countries from all over the world, on many different continents, to remember in prayer.
Praying for each other is a great way to care for one another. Let’s pray together.
God, thank you so much for World Communion Sunday. Today, we pray especially for our family, our church family, in all the places we mentioned. Help us to remember that we are all your children and are loved by you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
Scripture Reading John 17:11-21
Sermon
Offering Reminder
Communion
Invitation
One: The Spirit’s unearned gift of grace pushes us to realize how true it is
that God does not show favoritism;
All: God accepts from every nation the ones who do what is right.
One: Sing to the Lord all the nations, Proclaim God’s salvation day after day
All: Declare God’s glory among the nations, The Lord’s marvelous deeds among all peoples
One: Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the people of the world worship the Lord.
All: Sing to the Lord a new song; Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
—Based on Acts 10; 1 Chronicles 16:23-24; Psalm 33:8; Psalm 96:1
One: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you.
One: Lift your hearts All: We lift them to God.
One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. All: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Communion Prayer
Sanctus Sung 111
Holy, holy, holy. My heart, my heart adores you.
My heart knows how to say to you: Holy are you, Lord.
Words of Institution
Acclamation: Christ Has Died, Sung
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. (2 X) music JEP © 1992
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Epiclesis Sung
Pour out the pow’r of your holy Spirit on us, and on these gifts. music JEP © 1992
Pour out the love that we know in Christ, that others, too may live.
That in the breaking of this bread
And the drinking of the fruit of the vine
We may know the mystery, know the presence of the living Christ . . .
And ever more . . . be one.
Closing Communion Prayer quoted in the Chalice Hymnal, and from The Didache, 2nd c.
As the bread which we break was scattered over the mountains
And when brought together became one,
So let your church be brought together from the ends of the earth into your eternal realm;
For yours is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ forevermore. Amen.
Song 404 A Hymn of Joy We Sing
Blessing
May God prosper you.
May your days be long and your nights serene.
May your friendships honor you, and your family love you.
May you eat at your table, and
may you be gathered into to God’s embrace with a smile.
written by Elena Huegel, UCC Mission Co-worker in Chiapas, Mexico
Passing the Peace of Christ
One; the peace of Christ be with you. Another: And also with you!
***************************
John 17: 11- 21
11 Holy Father, I am no longer in the world. I am coming to you, but my followers are still in the world. So keep them safe by the power of the name you have given me. Then they will be one with each other, just as you and I are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost, except the one who had to be lost. This happened so that what the Scriptures say would come true.
13 I am on my way to you. But I say these things while I am still in the world, so my followers will have the same complete joy that I do. 14 I have told them your message. But the people of this world hate them, because they don't belong to this world, just as I don't.
15 Father, I don't ask you to take my followers out of the world, but keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They don't belong to this world, and neither do I. 17 Your word is the truth. So let this truth make them completely yours. 18 I am sending them into the world, just as you sent me. 19 I have given myself completely for their sake, so they may belong completely to the truth.
20 I am not praying just for these followers. I am also praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me. 21 I want all of them to be one with each other, just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me.
**********************************************************************************
† † †
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EACH VOTE IS PRECIOUS - PRIMARY ELECTION NOVEMBER 8, 2022 - The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) joins with our member denominations to affirm that each vote is precious, just as each person is a precious child of God. Voting is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union. The right to vote is the way we determine the future for our families, communities, and country. We are stronger as a nation when more people participate in our democracy.
MASSACHUSETTS BASIC VOTING LAWSREGISTRATION LAWSVOTER ID LAWS Primary November 8, 2022: General election Polling hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. To vote in Massachusetts, one must be a United States citizen, a resident of Massachusetts, and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. The deadline for registration is 20 days prior to the election. A voter can register online, by mail, or in person at any registration office or the Registry of Motor Vehicles A form of identification is required to register. The following are acceptable forms of identification: ●Valid driver's license ●State-issued identification card ●Current utility bill ●Bank statement ●Paystub ●Government-issued check ●Any other government document displaying the voter's name and address A voter may be asked to show identification when check-in at the polling place for any of the following reasons: ●The voter is voting for the first time in Massachusetts in a federal election ●The voter is an inactive voter ●The voter is casting a provisional or challenged ballot ●The poll worker has a reasonable suspicion that leads them to request identification. Acceptable identification must include the name and the address of the voter. Examples of acceptable identification include: a driver's license, state-issued ID card, recent utility bill, rent receipt, lease, a copy of a voter registration affidavit, or any other printed identification which contains the voter's name and address. ●Those voting for the first time in a federal election in Massachusetts after registering to vote by mail, may be required to show identification under federal law.
IS BUCC " steady in purpose, but flexible in strategy" - Please click and read - we could be Habit Forming!
11th Annual Quilt Show and Sale will take place October 21, 10-7; October 22, 10-7; and October 23, 10-5. Featuring but not limited to Nine Patch Patterned Quilts. Sewing Tag Sale continues through Saturday 10-29.
2022 CRAFT FAIR - APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE. Craft Fair is Saturday November 5th. Contact Lucy Jamgocian for information or an application (call or text) 413-530-9787 or luse26@charter.net.
WINTER LIGHT NIGHT- NOV. 26th - BUCC will be participating in this annual event on the common, sponsored by the Belchertown Cultural Council. We need a point person to volunteer for BUCC to be the contact person with the cultural council. The assignment is simple (Brian Kruse can provide details) and the community goodwill is priceless. Please contact any church council member with your acceptance.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER – We are looking for a volunteer teacher, or two to alternate, to teach our children about Christ. Please inform a council member or deacon of your interest. We will provide you with a CORI check release form and will setup a review by the church council for approval.
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!
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
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Volunteer Opportunity:
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO VOLUNTEERED!!!!!!
FLOCK TO THE FAIR” - SEPTEMBER 23, 24 AND 25TH - BUCC - TACO SALAD BOOTH
If you’re around - please stop by we can always use a couple of extra hands. Specifically needed is coverage on the Taco Salad line on:
Friday 3-5, 5-7pm
Saturday 3-5, 5-7 and 7-9pm
Sunday - 10:30-1:00pm and 3-5pm
Call Lucy if you can help out. (413) 530-9787. Your help is greatly appreciated.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please join us for Sunday Service 9:30am in the Sanctuary. Details below.
Hope to see you there!
------------------------------------------------------------
BELCHERTOWN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
October 2, 2022 – 9:30 AM
In-Person & Zoom Online
Invitation, Order of Worship & Announcements
In-Sanctuary
&
Zoom Virtual Sunday Service
10-2-22
The Reverend Jan Powers
+ + +
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, Belchertown, MA
October 2, 2022; World Communion Sunday
“World Communion Sunday – celebrated the first Sunday in October since 1936 – is one of the most venerable of special Sundays. The day has taken on new relevancy and depth of meaning in a world where globalization often has undermined peace and justice – and in a time when fear divides the peoples of God’s earth. On this day we celebrate our oneness in Christ, the Prince of Peace, in the midst of the world we are called to serve – a world ever more in need of peacemaking.”
From the National Council of Churches website
Announcements
Welcome
One: Creator of the universe,
All: you bring forth all Creation, and we belong.
One: You give birth to all peoples;
All: you create one human family, and we belong.
One: You feed us with your love;
All: you make of us one Body in your Spirit, and we belong.
So we come, people of every race and nation and tribe and people,
All: to worship together and to feast on your love. Alleluia! written by Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Sung Call To Worship For the Sky written by Janet E. Powers c. 1992
For the sky and for the land, mystic unifying hand we thank you (we thank you)
Make this time a welcome place, full of laughter, hope and grace for friend and stranger
Through all cyclic season song, join our voices clear and strong in gladness (in gladness)
For the tune in nature’s call, for all things living, great and small, we thank you (we thank you)
May the cosmic thread of peace be woven here by all who cease their hating and judging
For our labor yet to be, may we birth it joyfully in praise to you.
May the Spirit shower us with love. Let it be.
Opening Prayer
God of endless imagination, thank you for this world
and for all the people and every living thing in it.
As we gather to praise you, so do countless others all around the globe.
As we seek to learn truth and live in it, so do diverse peoples everywhere.
As we strive to spread love by our words in English,
and demonstrate love by our actions which are universal,
so do others spread love by their words in over 7000 languages,
and by their actions which are universal.
Forgive us, please, when our loyalty to tribe or nationality or language
or race or creed or anything else
exceeds our loyalty to the Way of Christ:
a Way of grace, and of compassion, and of justice.
Our feeble efforts do not unite us in one human family.
But your Spirit can and does unite us.
All are created, all precious and valued by you;
each one made from the dust of earth and each one to dust we shall return.
Although Death is the great equalizer, forbid us not to wait for that,
but to restore each one to whole human dignity, today and every day.
In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. written by Jan Powers
Children’s Time
Good morning! Today is a special day! Does anyone know what we’re celebrating today?
. . . just take a moment
Those are some good guesses! Today is actually World Communion Sunday. On this day, most churches in the world have communion. Some churches have communion every Sunday, some churches have communion once a month, and some churches have communion four times a year. This is a Sunday when almost all churches, all over the world, from many different cultures, will have communion. That’s pretty cool, right? It’s cool to think that while we take communion today, people in churches all over the world are having communion, too! It’s a reminder to us that we are all members of the Christian family.
I wonder, are there any countries or places you’d like to pray for today?
Adults, would you help out? Let’s try and name countries from all over the world, on many different continents, to remember in prayer.
Praying for each other is a great way to care for one another. Let’s pray together.
God, thank you so much for World Communion Sunday. Today, we pray especially for our family, our church family, in all the places we mentioned. Help us to remember that we are all your children and are loved by you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
Scripture Reading John 17:11-21
Sermon
Offering Reminder
Communion
Invitation
One: The Spirit’s unearned gift of grace pushes us to realize how true it is
that God does not show favoritism;
All: God accepts from every nation the ones who do what is right.
One: Sing to the Lord all the nations, Proclaim God’s salvation day after day
All: Declare God’s glory among the nations, The Lord’s marvelous deeds among all peoples
One: Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the people of the world worship the Lord.
All: Sing to the Lord a new song; Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
—Based on Acts 10; 1 Chronicles 16:23-24; Psalm 33:8; Psalm 96:1
One: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you.
One: Lift your hearts All: We lift them to God.
One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. All: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Communion Prayer
Sanctus Sung 111
Holy, holy, holy. My heart, my heart adores you.
My heart knows how to say to you: Holy are you, Lord.
Words of Institution
Acclamation: Christ Has Died, Sung
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. (2 X) music JEP © 1992
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Epiclesis Sung
Pour out the pow’r of your holy Spirit on us, and on these gifts. music JEP © 1992
Pour out the love that we know in Christ, that others, too may live.
That in the breaking of this bread
And the drinking of the fruit of the vine
We may know the mystery, know the presence of the living Christ . . .
And ever more . . . be one.
Closing Communion Prayer quoted in the Chalice Hymnal, and from The Didache, 2nd c.
As the bread which we break was scattered over the mountains
And when brought together became one,
So let your church be brought together from the ends of the earth into your eternal realm;
For yours is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ forevermore. Amen.
Song 404 A Hymn of Joy We Sing
Blessing
May God prosper you.
May your days be long and your nights serene.
May your friendships honor you, and your family love you.
May you eat at your table, and
may you be gathered into to God’s embrace with a smile.
written by Elena Huegel, UCC Mission Co-worker in Chiapas, Mexico
Passing the Peace of Christ
One; the peace of Christ be with you. Another: And also with you!
***************************
John 17: 11- 21
11 Holy Father, I am no longer in the world. I am coming to you, but my followers are still in the world. So keep them safe by the power of the name you have given me. Then they will be one with each other, just as you and I are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost, except the one who had to be lost. This happened so that what the Scriptures say would come true.
13 I am on my way to you. But I say these things while I am still in the world, so my followers will have the same complete joy that I do. 14 I have told them your message. But the people of this world hate them, because they don't belong to this world, just as I don't.
15 Father, I don't ask you to take my followers out of the world, but keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They don't belong to this world, and neither do I. 17 Your word is the truth. So let this truth make them completely yours. 18 I am sending them into the world, just as you sent me. 19 I have given myself completely for their sake, so they may belong completely to the truth.
20 I am not praying just for these followers. I am also praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me. 21 I want all of them to be one with each other, just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me.
**********************************************************************************
† † †
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EACH VOTE IS PRECIOUS - PRIMARY ELECTION NOVEMBER 8, 2022 - The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) joins with our member denominations to affirm that each vote is precious, just as each person is a precious child of God. Voting is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union. The right to vote is the way we determine the future for our families, communities, and country. We are stronger as a nation when more people participate in our democracy.
MASSACHUSETTS BASIC VOTING LAWSREGISTRATION LAWSVOTER ID LAWS Primary November 8, 2022: General election Polling hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. To vote in Massachusetts, one must be a United States citizen, a resident of Massachusetts, and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. The deadline for registration is 20 days prior to the election. A voter can register online, by mail, or in person at any registration office or the Registry of Motor Vehicles A form of identification is required to register. The following are acceptable forms of identification: ●Valid driver's license ●State-issued identification card ●Current utility bill ●Bank statement ●Paystub ●Government-issued check ●Any other government document displaying the voter's name and address A voter may be asked to show identification when check-in at the polling place for any of the following reasons: ●The voter is voting for the first time in Massachusetts in a federal election ●The voter is an inactive voter ●The voter is casting a provisional or challenged ballot ●The poll worker has a reasonable suspicion that leads them to request identification. Acceptable identification must include the name and the address of the voter. Examples of acceptable identification include: a driver's license, state-issued ID card, recent utility bill, rent receipt, lease, a copy of a voter registration affidavit, or any other printed identification which contains the voter's name and address. ●Those voting for the first time in a federal election in Massachusetts after registering to vote by mail, may be required to show identification under federal law.
IS BUCC " steady in purpose, but flexible in strategy" - Please click and read - we could be Habit Forming!
11th Annual Quilt Show and Sale will take place October 21, 10-7; October 22, 10-7; and October 23, 10-5. Featuring but not limited to Nine Patch Patterned Quilts. Sewing Tag Sale continues through Saturday 10-29.
2022 CRAFT FAIR - APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE. Craft Fair is Saturday November 5th. Contact Lucy Jamgocian for information or an application (call or text) 413-530-9787 or luse26@charter.net.
WINTER LIGHT NIGHT- NOV. 26th - BUCC will be participating in this annual event on the common, sponsored by the Belchertown Cultural Council. We need a point person to volunteer for BUCC to be the contact person with the cultural council. The assignment is simple (Brian Kruse can provide details) and the community goodwill is priceless. Please contact any church council member with your acceptance.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER – We are looking for a volunteer teacher, or two to alternate, to teach our children about Christ. Please inform a council member or deacon of your interest. We will provide you with a CORI check release form and will setup a review by the church council for approval.
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!
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
BELCHERTOWN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
October 2, 2022 – 9:30 AM
In-Person & Zoom Online
Invitation, Order of Worship & Announcements
In-Sanctuary
&
Zoom Virtual Sunday Service
10-2-22
The Reverend Jan Powers
+ + +
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, Belchertown, MA
October 2, 2022; World Communion Sunday
“World Communion Sunday – celebrated the first Sunday in October since 1936 – is one of the most venerable of special Sundays. The day has taken on new relevancy and depth of meaning in a world where globalization often has undermined peace and justice – and in a time when fear divides the peoples of God’s earth. On this day we celebrate our oneness in Christ, the Prince of Peace, in the midst of the world we are called to serve – a world ever more in need of peacemaking.”
From the National Council of Churches website
Announcements
Welcome
One: Creator of the universe,
All: you bring forth all Creation, and we belong.
One: You give birth to all peoples;
All: you create one human family, and we belong.
One: You feed us with your love;
All: you make of us one Body in your Spirit, and we belong.
So we come, people of every race and nation and tribe and people,
All: to worship together and to feast on your love. Alleluia! written by Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Sung Call To Worship For the Sky written by Janet E. Powers c. 1992
For the sky and for the land, mystic unifying hand we thank you (we thank you)
Make this time a welcome place, full of laughter, hope and grace for friend and stranger
Through all cyclic season song, join our voices clear and strong in gladness (in gladness)
For the tune in nature’s call, for all things living, great and small, we thank you (we thank you)
May the cosmic thread of peace be woven here by all who cease their hating and judging
For our labor yet to be, may we birth it joyfully in praise to you.
May the Spirit shower us with love. Let it be.
Opening Prayer
God of endless imagination, thank you for this world
and for all the people and every living thing in it.
As we gather to praise you, so do countless others all around the globe.
As we seek to learn truth and live in it, so do diverse peoples everywhere.
As we strive to spread love by our words in English,
and demonstrate love by our actions which are universal,
so do others spread love by their words in over 7000 languages,
and by their actions which are universal.
Forgive us, please, when our loyalty to tribe or nationality or language
or race or creed or anything else
exceeds our loyalty to the Way of Christ:
a Way of grace, and of compassion, and of justice.
Our feeble efforts do not unite us in one human family.
But your Spirit can and does unite us.
All are created, all precious and valued by you;
each one made from the dust of earth and each one to dust we shall return.
Although Death is the great equalizer, forbid us not to wait for that,
but to restore each one to whole human dignity, today and every day.
In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. written by Jan Powers
Children’s Time
Good morning! Today is a special day! Does anyone know what we’re celebrating today?
. . . just take a moment
Those are some good guesses! Today is actually World Communion Sunday. On this day, most churches in the world have communion. Some churches have communion every Sunday, some churches have communion once a month, and some churches have communion four times a year. This is a Sunday when almost all churches, all over the world, from many different cultures, will have communion. That’s pretty cool, right? It’s cool to think that while we take communion today, people in churches all over the world are having communion, too! It’s a reminder to us that we are all members of the Christian family.
I wonder, are there any countries or places you’d like to pray for today?
Adults, would you help out? Let’s try and name countries from all over the world, on many different continents, to remember in prayer.
Praying for each other is a great way to care for one another. Let’s pray together.
God, thank you so much for World Communion Sunday. Today, we pray especially for our family, our church family, in all the places we mentioned. Help us to remember that we are all your children and are loved by you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
Scripture Reading John 17:11-21
Sermon
Offering Reminder
Communion
Invitation
One: The Spirit’s unearned gift of grace pushes us to realize how true it is
that God does not show favoritism;
All: God accepts from every nation the ones who do what is right.
One: Sing to the Lord all the nations, Proclaim God’s salvation day after day
All: Declare God’s glory among the nations, The Lord’s marvelous deeds among all peoples
One: Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the people of the world worship the Lord.
All: Sing to the Lord a new song; Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
—Based on Acts 10; 1 Chronicles 16:23-24; Psalm 33:8; Psalm 96:1
One: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you.
One: Lift your hearts All: We lift them to God.
One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. All: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Communion Prayer
Sanctus Sung 111
Holy, holy, holy. My heart, my heart adores you.
My heart knows how to say to you: Holy are you, Lord.
Words of Institution
Acclamation: Christ Has Died, Sung
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. (2 X) music JEP © 1992
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
Epiclesis Sung
Pour out the pow’r of your holy Spirit on us, and on these gifts. music JEP © 1992
Pour out the love that we know in Christ, that others, too may live.
That in the breaking of this bread
And the drinking of the fruit of the vine
We may know the mystery, know the presence of the living Christ . . .
And ever more . . . be one.
Closing Communion Prayer quoted in the Chalice Hymnal, and from The Didache, 2nd c.
As the bread which we break was scattered over the mountains
And when brought together became one,
So let your church be brought together from the ends of the earth into your eternal realm;
For yours is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ forevermore. Amen.
Song 404 A Hymn of Joy We Sing
Blessing
May God prosper you.
May your days be long and your nights serene.
May your friendships honor you, and your family love you.
May you eat at your table, and
may you be gathered into to God’s embrace with a smile.
written by Elena Huegel, UCC Mission Co-worker in Chiapas, Mexico
Passing the Peace of Christ
One; the peace of Christ be with you. Another: And also with you!
***************************
John 17: 11- 21
11 Holy Father, I am no longer in the world. I am coming to you, but my followers are still in the world. So keep them safe by the power of the name you have given me. Then they will be one with each other, just as you and I are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost, except the one who had to be lost. This happened so that what the Scriptures say would come true.
13 I am on my way to you. But I say these things while I am still in the world, so my followers will have the same complete joy that I do. 14 I have told them your message. But the people of this world hate them, because they don't belong to this world, just as I don't.
15 Father, I don't ask you to take my followers out of the world, but keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They don't belong to this world, and neither do I. 17 Your word is the truth. So let this truth make them completely yours. 18 I am sending them into the world, just as you sent me. 19 I have given myself completely for their sake, so they may belong completely to the truth.
20 I am not praying just for these followers. I am also praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me. 21 I want all of them to be one with each other, just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me.
**********************************************************************************
† † †
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EACH VOTE IS PRECIOUS - PRIMARY ELECTION NOVEMBER 8, 2022 - The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) joins with our member denominations to affirm that each vote is precious, just as each person is a precious child of God. Voting is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union. The right to vote is the way we determine the future for our families, communities, and country. We are stronger as a nation when more people participate in our democracy.
MASSACHUSETTS BASIC VOTING LAWSREGISTRATION LAWSVOTER ID LAWS Primary November 8, 2022: General election Polling hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. To vote in Massachusetts, one must be a United States citizen, a resident of Massachusetts, and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. The deadline for registration is 20 days prior to the election. A voter can register online, by mail, or in person at any registration office or the Registry of Motor Vehicles A form of identification is required to register. The following are acceptable forms of identification: ●Valid driver's license ●State-issued identification card ●Current utility bill ●Bank statement ●Paystub ●Government-issued check ●Any other government document displaying the voter's name and address A voter may be asked to show identification when check-in at the polling place for any of the following reasons: ●The voter is voting for the first time in Massachusetts in a federal election ●The voter is an inactive voter ●The voter is casting a provisional or challenged ballot ●The poll worker has a reasonable suspicion that leads them to request identification. Acceptable identification must include the name and the address of the voter. Examples of acceptable identification include: a driver's license, state-issued ID card, recent utility bill, rent receipt, lease, a copy of a voter registration affidavit, or any other printed identification which contains the voter's name and address. ●Those voting for the first time in a federal election in Massachusetts after registering to vote by mail, may be required to show identification under federal law.
IS BUCC " steady in purpose, but flexible in strategy" - Please click and read - we could be Habit Forming!
11th Annual Quilt Show and Sale will take place October 21, 10-7; October 22, 10-7; and October 23, 10-5. Featuring but not limited to Nine Patch Patterned Quilts. Sewing Tag Sale continues through Saturday 10-29.
2022 CRAFT FAIR - APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE. Craft Fair is Saturday November 5th. Contact Lucy Jamgocian for information or an application (call or text) 413-530-9787 or luse26@charter.net.
WINTER LIGHT NIGHT- NOV. 26th - BUCC will be participating in this annual event on the common, sponsored by the Belchertown Cultural Council. We need a point person to volunteer for BUCC to be the contact person with the cultural council. The assignment is simple (Brian Kruse can provide details) and the community goodwill is priceless. Please contact any church council member with your acceptance.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER – We are looking for a volunteer teacher, or two to alternate, to teach our children about Christ. Please inform a council member or deacon of your interest. We will provide you with a CORI check release form and will setup a review by the church council for approval.
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!
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
