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! |
CHURCH HAPPENINGS
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BELCHERTOWN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Drive-In and Online Sunday Service
October 25, 2020 – 9:30 AM
Lay Leader – Bob Stephens
Invitation, Order of Worship & Announcements
Drive In
BUCC Parking Lot (FM 87.9)
(FM radio broadcast in the church parking lot
please stay in your car, facing toward back middle of church and tune to FM 87.9)
or
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 - #)
Order of Worship
Drive-In & Online Sunday Service
October 25, 2020
Lay Leader – Bob Stephens
WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
OPENING SONG – James Taylor – You’ve Got a Friend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvvJ7MYaK8o
SCRIPTURE: Todays scripture reading is from the book of Mathew, Chapter 22, Verses 34-46:
When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" He said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
GLORIA PATRI:
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.
PRAYER/MESSAGE – Join me! There is an open seat right here! Bob Stephens
VIRTUAL OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
PRAYERS of the PEOPLE
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
Amen.
CLOSING HYMN – for our listening - Phillip Philips - Home
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTg1n95--KE
BENEDICTION/PASSING OF THE PEACE
As we go out into the world today let us do so pondering the words of AUTHOR Leslie Dwight.
Please Note: These are the same, now somewhat modified, words that I shared with you for the first time back in September, words that continue to be thought provoking today!!….
What if 2020 is the year we’ve been waiting for? A year so uncomfortable, so painful, so scary (like the first drop on a roller coaster), so raw that it finally forces us to grow. A year that screams so loud (like someone on the first drop of a roller coaster),, finally awakening us from our ignorant slumber. A year we finally accept the need for change. Declare change. Work for change. Become the change. A year we finally band together, instead of pushing each other further apart. 2020 isn’t cancelled, but rather the most important year of them all. Come on, there is a seat open right here, let’s all get a ticket to ride!
VIRTUAL PASSING OF THE PEACE – PEACE BE WITH YOU ALL!!!
Reminder – If you are participating in our drive-in worship service please stay in your cars, be safe and keep others safe.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
LOAVES & FISHES - Thursday Nov 5th - We need Shepherd’s Pies, Salad and Brownies. Due to the Covid-restrictions, the food will be dropped off at South Congregational Church, and then it is distributed ‘to go’. Sue will collect and bring the food to Springfield. Contact Sue Stephens at (413) 427-9674 or stephens156@charter.net, if you have any questions or are able to contribute part of the meal.
A QUICK PLEDGING REMINDER - as the church remains open during these challenging times, it too continues to incur expenses and consequently requires an income to be able to offset these. Given this, please consider dropping off (see hours below) or mailing your offering to the church at P. O. Box 603 (18 Park Street). Also, you can pledge online by going to the church website: http://www.belchertownucc.org/ and clicking the yellow “Donate” button on the first page of the website to send your offering electronically. Please note that, while we have cost cutting measures in place, BUCC is currently running a shortfall of about $20,000 year-to-date.
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join Rev. Jan Powers Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM in a "group Zoom" to learn a little and grow a little in faith as we care for each other. Brief (5 min) inspiration; conversation, and prayer. 15 - 30 minutes total, depending on conversation.
Join Wednesday’s Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/95081843179
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,95081843179# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 - US (New York)
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
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 note desire whether or not to make mention during Sunday worship. Peace and wellness to all.
PASTORAL CARE or CONVERSATION - Your church leadership has entered into an agreement with Rev. Jan Powers to serve Belchertown UCC June-September as our Supply Pastor. While she will lead worship twice a month, she also offers pastoral care and conversation to anyone who asks. You may arrange pastoral care or conversation by calling the church office. Marcelle will let her know, and Rev. Jan will call you back as soon as able. For now, pastoral care will be done via phone or Facetime or Zoom.
BUCC VIRTUAL TAG SALE! Like most things in 2020, we’re having to move the annual BUCC Tag Sale fundraiser to a “virtual” format! 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.
Here’s how the virtual tag sale will work:
• Please contact Brian Kruse regarding any items you’d like to donate; bwkruse@charter.net or call/text 413-478-7040
• Provide photo(s) and a complete description of the item to include;
o Dimensions (height, width, depth, weight, etc.)
o Age (if know)
o General condition (like new, good, fair, poor)
• If we determine the item is marketable, we’ll ask you to either:
o Drop it off at the Parish house at an agreed date/time; or
o Coordinate to have the item picked up at your home
• Once we have the item at BUCC, we’ll put it up for sale online!
These are challenging financial times for BUCC so we appreciate your participation in this virtual event! Please contact Brian Kruse with any questions.
PLEASE NOTE – Marcelle will be in the Parish House on Tuesday, Friday and working from home Wednesday, Thursday. As always if you need anything either leave a voice mail or send an email and she will handle as usual.
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@yahoo.com
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CARE & CONVERSATION WEDNESDAY
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join Rev. Jan Powers Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM in a "group Zoom" to learn a little and grow a little in faith as we care for each other. Brief (5 min) inspiration; conversation, and prayer. 15 - 30 minutes total, depending on conversation.
Join Wednesday’s Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/95081843179
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,95081843179# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 - US (New York)
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
+ + + +
BELCHERTOWN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Drive-In and Online Sunday Service
October 18, 2020 – 9:30 AM
The Reverend Janet Powers
Invitation, Order of Worship & Announcements
Drive In
BUCC Parking Lot (FM 87.9)
(FM radio broadcast in the church parking lot
please stay in your car, facing toward back middle of church and tune to FM 87.9)
or
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
Oct 18, 2020
9:30 am – Virtual Sunday Service and FM Transmission
The Reverend Janet Powers
Belchertown United Church of Christ
Order of Worship, Oct 18, 2020
Welcome & Announcements
No matter who you are, whatever your life circumstance,
And wherever you are in the journey of faith,
We welcome you,
Jesus welcomes you.
Centering Song Anointing, Fall on Me
Invitation to Prayer and Prayer
One: As we pray, may the stillness fill us, opening up spaces in our hearts and lives where the Spirit of God might sing:
All: God of all mystery and all knowledge, be among us. We confess that we often fail you in the mission and ministry to which you have called us. We avoid self-discipline. We make excuses for ourselves. We lack the passion that following Christ demands. We not only fail to love ourselves and others, we blame, shame, and judge ourselves and others. Forgive us, God of endless mercy. May your forgiving grace crumble our defenses. In humility and in vulnerability may we know your name as “I am becoming who I am becoming,” and may we know our names are so precious to you that they are written on the palms of your hands. In gratitude, may we share the blessings and kindnesses with others. In Jesus’s blessed name: Amen.
Words of Pardon
One: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins
and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9) Thanks be to God.
Scripture Readings
Isaiah 45:1-7
Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped
to subdue nations before him and strip kings of their robes,
to open doors before him— and the gates shall not be closed:
2 I will go before you and level the mountains,[a]
I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron,
3 I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places,
so that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name.
4 For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen,
I call you by your name, I surname you, though you do not know me.
5 I am the Lord, and there is no other; besides me there is no god.
I arm you, though you do not know me,so that they may know, from the rising of the sun
and from the west, that there is no one besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other.
7 I form light and create darkness, I make weal and create woe;
I the Lord do all these things.
Exodus 3:1-5, 13-15 CEV
One day, Moses was taking care of the sheep and goats of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, and Moses decided to lead them across the desert to Sinai,[a] the holy mountain. 2 There an angel of the Lord appeared to him from a burning bush. Moses saw that the bush was on fire, but it was not burning up. 3 “This is strange!” he said to himself. “I’ll go over and see why the bush isn’t burning up.”
4 When the Lord saw Moses coming near the bush, he called him by name, and Moses answered, “Here I am.”
5 God replied, “Don’t come any closer. Take off your sandals—the ground where you are standing is holy.
13 Moses answered, “I will tell the people of Israel that the God their ancestors worshiped has sent me to them. But what should I say, if they ask me your name?”
14-15 God said to Moses:
I am the eternal God. So tell them that the Lord,[c] whose name is “I Am,” has sent you. This is my name forever, and it is the name that people must use from now on.
Gloria Patri
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.
Homily The Power of Naming
Virtual Offering
Prayers of the People
One: May our prayers be pleasing to God, like sweet incense rising,
Response: This we pray, O Christ.
One: We give thanks for this day, for the gift of life we receive, and for those with whom we share this gift, (R)
One: For gratitude in the artistic brilliance of Autumn colors, for skies that pour forth sun and rain, (R)
One: Hear our cries for the planet. The earth is the Lord’s - yet we have arrogantly neglected and abused it. Forgive us, and empower us to rectify things, and soon. (R)
One: For our governmental representatives and for the democratic process, and especially that our upcoming elections would enjoy high levels of participation, (R)
One: For those struggling with illness, depression, joblessness, homelessness, hunger, and loneliness, or isolation, have mercy, (R)
One: Make us doers of your Word, and not casual dabblers in churchianity, (R)
One: For the sake of all those Christ came to serve, who he names beloved, (R)
Amen. And amen.
Lord’s Prayer (unison)
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Closing Song from La Cage aux Folles music & Lyrics, Jerry Herman
I am what I am
I am my own special creation
So come take a look
Give me the hook or the ovation
It's my world that I want to have a little pride in
My world, and it's not a place I have to hide in
Life's not worth a damn till you can say
"I am what I am"
I am what I am
I don't want praise, I don't want pity
I bang my own drum
Some think it's noise, I think it's pretty
And so what if I love each feather and each bangle?
Why not try to see things from a different angle?
Your life is a sham till you can shout out
"I am what I am"
I am what I am
And what I am needs no excuses
I deal my own deck
Sometimes the ace, sometimes the deuces
It's one life and there's no return and no deposit
One life so it's time to open up your closet
Life's not worth a damn till you can shout out
"I am what I am"
I am what I am
And what I am needs no excuses
I deal my own deck
Sometimes the ace, sometimes the deuces
It's one life and there's no return and no deposit
One life so it's time to open up your closet
Life's not worth a damn till you can shout out
"I am what I am"
Benediction
Passing the Peace
One: The peace of the Lord be with you.
Another: And also with you!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
LOAVES & FISHES - Thursday Nov 5th - We need Shepherd’s Pies, Salad and Brownies. Due to the Covid-restrictions, the food will be dropped off at South Congregational Church, and then it is distributed ‘to go’. Sue will collect and bring the food to Springfield. Contact Sue Stephens at (413) 427-9674 or stephens156@charter.net, if you have any questions or are able to contribute part of the meal.
A QUICK PLEDGING REMINDER - as the church remains open during these challenging times, it too continues to incur expenses and consequently requires an income to be able to offset these. Given this, please consider dropping off (see hours below) or mailing your offering to the church at P. O. Box 603 (18 Park Street). Also, you can pledge online by going to the church website: http://www.belchertownucc.org/ and clicking the yellow “Donate” button on the first page of the website to send your offering electronically. Please note that, while we have cost cutting measures in place, BUCC is currently running a shortfall of about $20,000 year-to-date.
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join Rev. Jan Powers Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM in a "group Zoom" to learn a little and grow a little in faith as we care for each other. Brief (5 min) inspiration; conversation, and prayer. 15 - 30 minutes total, depending on conversation.
Join Wednesday’s Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/95081843179
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,95081843179# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 - US (New York)
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
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 note desire whether or not to make mention during Sunday worship. Peace and wellness to all.
PASTORAL CARE or CONVERSATION - Your church leadership has entered into an agreement with Rev. Jan Powers to serve Belchertown UCC as our Supply Pastor. While she will lead worship twice a month, she also offers pastoral care and conversation to anyone who asks. You may arrange pastoral care or conversation by calling the church office. Marcelle will let her know, and Rev. Jan will call you back as soon as able. For now, pastoral care will be done via phone or Facetime or Zoom.
BUCC VIRTUAL TAG SALE! Like most things in 2020, we’re having to move the annual BUCC Tag Sale fundraiser to a “virtual” format! 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.
Here’s how the virtual tag sale will work:
• Please contact Brian Kruse regarding any items you’d like to donate; bwkruse@charter.net or call/text 413-478-7040
• Provide photo(s) and a complete description of the item to include;
o Dimensions (height, width, depth, weight, etc.)
o Age (if know)
o General condition (like new, good, fair, poor)
• If we determine the item is marketable, we’ll ask you to either:
o Drop it off at the Parish house at an agreed date/time; or
o Coordinate to have the item picked up at your home
• Once we have the item at BUCC, we’ll put it up for sale online!
These are challenging financial times for BUCC so we appreciate your participation in this virtual event! Please contact Brian Kruse with any questions.
PLEASE NOTE – Marcelle will be in the Parish House on Tuesday, Friday and working from home Wednesday, Thursday. As always if you need anything either leave a voice mail or send an email and she will handle as usual.
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@yahoo.com
+ + + +
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join Rev. Jan Powers Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM in a "group Zoom" to learn a little and grow a little in faith as we care for each other. Brief (5 min) inspiration; conversation, and prayer. 15 - 30 minutes total, depending on conversation.
Join Wednesday’s Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/95081843179
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,95081843179# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 - US (New York)
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
+ + + +
BELCHERTOWN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Drive-In and Online Sunday Service
October 11, 2020 – 9:30 AM
Lay Leader - Tom Shattuck
Invitation, Order of Worship, The Sacrament of Baptism, & Announcements
Drive In
BUCC Parking Lot (FM 87.9)
(FM radio broadcast in the church parking lot
please stay in your car, facing toward back middle of church and tune to FM 87.9)
or
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
Oct 11, 2020
9:30 am – Virtual Sunday Service
Lay Leader- Tom Shattuck
WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS Tom Shattuck
CALL TO WORSHIP
This is our inheritance: It is hard to be attentive. It is hard to be patient. It is hard to wait. We are Noah, waiting for rain, waiting for the rain to stop, waiting for the waters to recede, always waiting. We are the Israelites, waiting and wandering in the desert. We are Elijah, waiting for God’s voice, expecting it in the wrong places. We are the Psalmist, beckoning our hearts to be still before the Lord. We are the prodigal son, disbelieving our Father waits patiently for us to turn. We are the disciples, waiting fearfully in the upper room. We are believers waiting expectantly, impatiently, and sometimes obliviously, for Christ’s return. But we are here, and we are waiting. Let us awaken our hearts to worship attentively as we wait for God’s voice.
OPENING MUSIC Be Thou My Vision sung by Nathan Pacheco
SCRIPTURES: Psalm 33: 20-22
We wait in hope for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.
21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in you.
James 5:7,8
My friends, be patient until the Lord returns. Think of farmers who wait patiently for the spring and summer rains to make their valuable crops grow. Be patient like those famers and don’t give up. The LORD WILL SOON BE HERE.
GLORIA PATRI
MESSAGE – Waiting For God Tom Shattuck
VIRTUAL OFFERING OUR GIFTS
PRAYERS AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
CLOSING HYMN – Blessed Assurance sung by Matthew West
BENEDICTION
VIRTIAL PASSING OF THE PEACE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
LOAVES & FISHES - Thursday Nov 5th - We need Shepherd’s Pies, Salad and Brownies. Due to the Covid-restrictions, the food will be dropped off at South Congregational Church, and then it is distributed ‘to go’. Sue will collect and bring the food to Springfield. Contact Sue Stephens at (413) 427-9674 or stephens156@charter.net, if you have any questions or are able to contribute part of the meal.
A QUICK PLEDGING REMINDER - as the church remains open during these challenging times, it too continues to incur expenses and consequently requires an income to be able to offset these. Given this, please consider dropping off (see hours below) or mailing your offering to the church at P. O. Box 603 (18 Park Street). Also, you can pledge online by going to the church website: http://www.belchertownucc.org/ and clicking the yellow “Donate” button on the first page of the website to send your offering electronically. Please note that, while we have cost cutting measures in place, BUCC is currently running a shortfall of about $20,000 year-to-date.
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join Rev. Jan Powers Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM in a "group Zoom" to learn a little and grow a little in faith as we care for each other. Brief (5 min) inspiration; conversation, and prayer. 15 - 30 minutes total, depending on conversation.
Join Wednesday’s Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/95081843179
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,95081843179# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 - US (New York)
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
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 note desire whether or not to make mention during Sunday worship. Peace and wellness to all.
PASTORAL CARE or CONVERSATION - Your church leadership has entered into an agreement with Rev. Jan Powers to serve Belchertown UCC as our Supply Pastor. While she will lead worship twice a month, she also offers pastoral care and conversation to anyone who asks. You may arrange pastoral care or conversation by calling the church office. Marcelle will let her know, and Rev. Jan will call you back as soon as able. For now, pastoral care will be done via phone or Facetime or Zoom.
CONFIRMATION CLASS - Reverend Jan has offered to teach a confirmation class for anyone ages 13 to 18. This will be running from September with Confirmation taking place in early March 2021. Please consider if anyone in your family may benefit from receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Further information is being sent to families that we know have children, but feel free to send information if you know someone who might be interested.
BUCC VIRTUAL TAG SALE! Like most things in 2020, we’re having to move the annual BUCC Tag Sale fundraiser to a “virtual” format! 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.
Here’s how the virtual tag sale will work:
• Please contact Brian Kruse regarding any items you’d like to donate; bwkruse@charter.net or call/text 413-478-7040
• Provide photo(s) and a complete description of the item to include;
o Dimensions (height, width, depth, weight, etc.)
o Age (if know)
o General condition (like new, good, fair, poor)
• If we determine the item is marketable, we’ll ask you to either:
o Drop it off at the Parish house at an agreed date/time; or
o Coordinate to have the item picked up at your home
• Once we have the item at BUCC, we’ll put it up for sale online!
These are challenging financial times for BUCC so we appreciate your participation in this virtual event! Please contact Brian Kruse with any questions.
PLEASE NOTE – Marcelle will be in the Parish House on Tuesday, Friday and working from home Wednesday, Thursday. As always if you need anything either leave a voice mail or send an email and she will handle as usual.
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@yahoo.com
+ + + +
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join Rev. Jan Powers Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM in a "group Zoom" to learn a little and grow a little in faith as we care for each other. Brief (5 min) inspiration; conversation, and prayer. 15 - 30 minutes total, depending on conversation.
Join Wednesday’s Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/95081843179
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,95081843179# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 - US (New York)
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
_ _ _ _
BELCHERTOWN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Drive-In and Online Sunday Service
October 4, 2020 – 9:30 AM
REV. JANET POWERS
Invitation, Order of Worship, The Sacrament of Baptism, & Announcements
Drive In
BUCC Parking Lot (FM 87.9)
(FM radio broadcast in the church parking lot
please stay in your car, facing toward back middle of church and tune to FM 87.9)
or
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...
By Phone
Dial: (253) 215 8782
Meeting ID: 715 073 542, followed by #, (no participant code - #)
Belchertown United Church of Christ
October 4, 2020
The Order of Worship
The Sacraments of Baptism & Communion
Welcome and Announcements
One: No matter who you are, whatever your life circumstance,
and wherever you are in the journey of faith,
we welcome you; Jesus welcomes you!
Announcements are printed on our website.
Call to Worship
One: We come with hopeful yearning,
longing for God’s green pastures, for God’s still waters.
All: Send your Spirit, O God, to lead and guide us!
One: We come together because Jesus said,
“Where two or more of you gather in my name, I will be there, in the midst of you.”
All: We trust in Jesus, and we proclaim his promise!
Opening Song River of Love /Rita Coolidge
Invitation to Prayer One: Let us confess to God saying,
Opening Prayer
All: We pray to the God whom we dare to approach through the mercies of Christ.
We pray because we can do no other.
We pray sometimes in desperation, or in want, or out of faulty motives,
or to appease some god in whom we do not really believe.
Forgive us, Lord. Help us to pray with more variety and with deep intimacy.
Help us to name exactly those things with which we wrestle,
and help us to desire your input more than some pre-determined result.
Open us by your Spirit to welcome your presence and your answers,
even when we don’t like those answers.
Help us to truly trust “thy will” and not our own. Amen.
Words of Pardon
One: God’s mercies are new every morning.
In the name of Christ, we are forgiven and set free to love and serve!
All: Praise God!
The Sacrament of Baptism
Deacon: Members and friends in Christ, we gather now
to celebrate the gift of grace in the Sacrament of Baptism.
All: There is one body and one Spirit. There is one hope in God’s call to us.
Deacon: There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Creator of us all.
Pastor: The sacrament of baptism is an outward and visible sign of the grace of God.
Inasmuch as the promise of the gospel is not only to us but also to our children
baptism with water and the Holy Spirit is the mark of acceptance and care
into Christ’s church, the sign and seal of participation in God’s forgiveness,
and the beginning of growth into full Christian faith and discipleship.
A Word about Creeds
Pastor: Let us each affirm our faith together, saying:
The Nicene Creed (Unison/UCC version)
We believe in three divine persons in one God:
We believe in the Creator, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is seen and unseen.
We believe in one Savior, Jesus Christ, eternally begotten of the Creator,
God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,
begotten, not made, one in Being with the Creator.
Through Christ all things were made.
For us and for our salvation, the only Begotten came down from heaven and,
by the power of the Holy Spirit, was born of the virgin, Mary, and became human.
For our sake, Jesus was crucified under Pontius Pilate, suffered, died, and was buried,
but on the third day rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures,
then ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Creator.
One day, Christ will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and God’s kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier, the Giver of Life,
who proceeds from the Creator, and who, with the Creator and the Begotten,
is worshiped and glorified.
The Spirit has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy, catholic, and apostolic church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Covenant Promises
Parents: Kelsey & Morgan LaValle Sponsors: Jared LaValle & Alyssa Fleurent
Pastor to parents: Do you desire to have your child baptized into the faith and family of Jesus Christ? We do
Pastor: To Parents and Sponsors: Will you encourage her to renounce the powers of evil
and to receive the freedom of new life in Christ? We will, with the help of God.
Pastor: Do you promise, by the grace of God, to be Christ’s disciples,
to follow in the way of the 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? We do, with the help of God.
Pastor: How will you help your child to grow in the Christian faith,
and come to know God as her Creator, Jesus as her Savior,
and the Holy Spirit as her strength?
Parents & Sponsors:
We will bring Lainey to church for worship, Church School,
and the Christian nurture of this family of faith.
We will show her by our example
what it means to have a living faith that guides our lives.
We will teach her Christian values, model gratitude and service,
help her apprentice herself to Jesus,
and show her the connection between these things and our faith in God,
so that she may come to affirm her baptism.
Pastor to ALL: Jesus calls us to make disciples of all nations,
and to offer them the gift of grace in baptism.
Do you, who witness and celebrate this sacrament,
promise your love, support, and care to this child, as she lives and grows in Christ?
ALL: We promise our love, support, and care to Lainey
and we promise to encourage her parents, Kelsey and Morgan, in the Way of Christ.
Blessing Over the Water
Deacon: We thank you, God, for the gift of creation called forth by your saving Word.
Before the world had shape and form, your Spirit moved over the waters.
Pastor: Out of the waters of the deep you formed the firmament
and brought forth the earth to sustain all life.
In the time of Noah, you washed the earth with the waters of the flood,
and Noah’s ark of your salvation bore a new beginning.
Deacon: In the time of Moses, your people passed through the Red Sea waters
from slavery into freedom,
and crossed the flowing Jordan River to enter the promised land.
Pastor: In the fullness of time, you sent Jesus, who was nurtured in the water of Mary’s womb. Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan,
became living water to a woman at the Samaritan well, washed the feet of the disciples,
and sent them forth to baptize all the nations by water and the Holy Spirit.
Bless by your Spirit, gracious God, this water.
Deacon: By your Spirit save those who confess the name of Christ.
Create new life in this child, baptized this day, that she may rise in Christ.
Pastor: Glory to you, eternal God,
the one who was, and who is, and who is to come, world without end. Amen.
What name do you give this child? (parents respond)
Pastor: Lainey Kathleen, I baptize you
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
Pastor: The Holy Spirit be upon you, child of God, disciple of Christ,
member of the church universal.
O great God, bless, too, the parents and sponsors of this child.
May their gratitude for Lainey’s life, entrusted to them,
be reflected in loving and caring for their child. Amen.
Scripture Reading Psalm 19:1, 7-14 (Deacon)
1The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
7The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
8the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
9the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
11Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
13Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Gloria Patri
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.
Homily
Tithes & Offerings
Prayers of the People
One: For the burdens and the joys that are on our hearts this day:
(R) Lord, hear our prayer!
One: Thank you Awesome Birther of Life, for the fetid earth and the swarming seas,
And for babies and children in our midst. (R)
One: For the blessings of friendship and the kindnesses of strangers, thank you (R)
One: Open wide our hearts and hands to extend your extravagant grace
to everyone we meet (R)
One: For the poor among us, especially the hungry and the homeless. (R)
One: For those who are so broken that they cannot reach out, cannot speak their need, (R)
One: Free us by your Spirit to make visible our oneness in Christ, and
to weep with those who weep and to celebrate with the joyful. (R)
One: Our planet cries out for justice. May we heed its call, and cease our destructive ways, in honor of both the Creator and the Creation. (R)
One: Make us a people who pray, who pray often, who pray fiercely,
and who align our actions with our prayer. (R)
One: We quiet our hearts before you in silent prayer, naming in our hearts those people and those issues that are cause for concern or celebration ( . . . )
And now we pray as Jesus taught us, saying:
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 sins As we forgive those who sin 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.
Communion
Invitation
The Great Thanksgiving
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.
Words of Institution
Epiclesis
Sharing the Bread & Cup
Prayer after Communion
Benediction
Passing the Peace
One: The peace of the Lord be with you.
Another: And also with you.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
A QUICK PLEDGING REMINDER - as the church remains open during these challenging times, it too continues to incur expenses and consequently requires an income to be able to offset these. Given this, please consider dropping off (see hours below) or mailing your offering to the church at P. O. Box 603 (18 Park Street). Also, you can pledge online by going to the church website: http://www.belchertownucc.org/ and clicking the yellow “Donate” button on the first page of the website to send your offering electronically. Please note that, while we have cost cutting measures in place, BUCC is currently running a shortfall of about $20,000 year-to-date.
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join Rev. Jan Powers Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM in a "group Zoom" to learn a little and grow a little in faith as we care for each other. Brief (5 min) inspiration; conversation, and prayer. 15 - 30 minutes total, depending on conversation.
Join Wednesday’s Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/95081843179
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,95081843179# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 - US (New York)
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
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
note desire whether or not to make mention during Sunday worship. Peace and wellness to all.
PASTORAL CARE or CONVERSATION - Your church leadership has entered into an agreement with Rev. Jan Powers to serve Belchertown UCC as our Supply Pastor. While she will lead worship twice a month, she also offers pastoral care and conversation to anyone who asks. You may arrange pastoral care or conversation by calling the church office. Marcelle will let her know, and Rev. Jan will call you back as soon as able. For now, pastoral care will be done via phone or Facetime or Zoom.
CONFIRMATION CLASS - Reverend Jan has offered to teach a confirmation class for anyone ages 13 to 18. This will be running from September with Confirmation taking place in early March 2021. Please consider if anyone in your family may benefit from receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Further information is being sent to families that we know have children, but feel free to send information if you know someone who might be interested.
BUCC VIRTUAL TAG SALE! Like most things in 2020, we’re having to move the annual BUCC Tag Sale fundraiser to a “virtual” format! 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.
Here’s how the virtual tag sale will work:
• Please contact Brian Kruse regarding any items you’d like to donate; bwkruse@charter.net or call/text 413-478-7040
• Provide photo(s) and a complete description of the item to include;
o Dimensions (height, width, depth, weight, etc.)
o Age (if know)
o General condition (like new, good, fair, poor)
• If we determine the item is marketable, we’ll ask you to either:
o Drop it off at the Parish house at an agreed date/time; or
o Coordinate to have the item picked up at your home
• Once we have the item at BUCC, we’ll put it up for sale online!
These are challenging financial times for BUCC so we appreciate your participation in this virtual event! Please contact Brian Kruse with any questions.
PLEASE NOTE – Marcelle will be in the Parish House on Tuesday, Friday and working from home Wednesday, Thursday. As always if you need anything either leave a voice mail or send an email and she will handle as usual.
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@yahoo.com
+ + + +
TACO SATURDAY (10/3/20) !!!!!
Don’t forget: This Saturday is your chance to come out, support us, and get the yummy taco salad you have been dreaming about!
Come get yours on the common at the Rustic Fusion Mobile Cafe from 4-7 pm. (and nothing helps you digest a taco salad better than Hope’s brownie sundae!)
+ + + +
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join Rev. Jan Powers Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM in a "group Zoom" to learn a little and grow a little in faith as we care for each other. Brief (5 min) inspiration; conversation, and prayer. 15 - 30 minutes total, depending on conversation.
This week's topic for Care & Conversation is SOUR GRAPES!
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join Rev. Jan Powers Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM in a "group Zoom" to learn a little and grow a little in faith as we care for each other. Brief (5 min) inspiration; conversation, and prayer. 15 - 30 minutes total, depending on conversation.
Join Wednesday’s Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/95081843179
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,95081843179# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 - US (New York)
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
Join Wednesday’s Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/95081843179
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,95081843179# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 - US (New York)
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
+ + + +
BELCHERTOWN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Drive-In and Online Sunday Service
September 27, 2020 – 9:30 AM
Lay Leader – Bob Stephens
+ + + +
Invitation, Order of Worship & Announcements
Drive In
BUCC Parking Lot (FM 87.9)
(FM radio broadcast in the church parking lot
please stay in your car, facing toward back middle of church and tune to FM 87.9)
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE A POLITCAL RALLY ON THE COMMON STARTING AT 10AM.
WE WILL BE PUTTING UP SAWHORSES AT THE ENTRANCES TO THE CHURCH PARKING LOT DENOTING CHURCH SERVICE PARKING.
PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE EARLY SO THAT WE CAN START PROMPTLY AT 9:30AM.
or
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 - #)
+ + + +
Order of Worship
Drive-In & Online Sunday Service
September 27, 2020
Lay Leader – Bob Stephens
WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
OPENING SONG – Michael Jackson’s – Man in the Mirror https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnwGU6Ycgmc
SCRIPTURE: Letter to the Romans, Chapter 12, Verse 2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
GLORIA PATRI:
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 – I’m Starting with the person in the mirror….. Bob Stephens
VIRTUAL OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
PRAYERS of the PEOPLE
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
Amen.
CLOSING HYMN – for our listening - Christina Aguilera - Change
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBSghlH0JgM
BENEDICTION
What if 2020 is the year we’ve been waiting for? A year so uncomfortable, so painful, so scary, so raw that it finally forces us to grow. A year that screams so loud, finally awakening us from our ignorant slumber. A year we finally accept the need for change. Declare change. Work for change. Become the change. A year we finally band together, instead of pushing each other further apart. 2020 isn’t cancelled, but rather the most important year of them all. Leslie Dwight
VIRTUAL PASSING OF THE PEACE – PEACE BE WITH YOU ALL!!!
Reminder – If you are participating in our drive-in worship service please stay in your cars, be safe and keep others safe.
+ + + +
ANNOUNCEMENTS
A QUICK PLEDGING REMINDER - as the church remains open during these challenging times, it too continues to incur expenses and consequently requires an income to be able to offset these. Given this, please consider dropping off (see hours below) or mailing your offering to the church at P. O. Box 603 (18 Park Street). Also, you can pledge online by going to the church website: http://www.belchertownucc.org/ and clicking the yellow “Donate” button on the first page of the website to send your offering electronically. Please note that, while we have cost cutting measures in place, BUCC is currently running a shortfall of about $20,000 year-to-date.
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join Rev. Jan Powers Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM in a "group Zoom" to learn a little and grow a little in faith as we care for each other. Brief (5 min) inspiration; conversation, and prayer. 15 - 30 minutes total, depending on conversation.
Join Wednesday’s Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/95081843179
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,95081843179# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 - US (New York)
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
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 note desire whether or not to make mention during Sunday worship. Peace and wellness to all.
PASTORAL CARE or CONVERSATION - Your church leadership has entered into an agreement with Rev. Jan Powers to serve Belchertown UCC June-September as our Supply Pastor. While she will lead worship twice a month, she also offers pastoral care and conversation to anyone who asks. You may arrange pastoral care or conversation by calling the church office. Marcelle will let her know, and Rev. Jan will call you back as soon as able. For now, pastoral care will be done via phone or Facetime or Zoom.
CONFIRMATION CLASS - Reverend Jan has offered to teach a confirmation class for anyone ages 13 to 18. This will be running from September with Confirmation taking place in early March 2021. Please consider if anyone in your family may benefit from receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Further information is being sent to families that we know have children, but feel free to send information if you know someone who might be interested.
BUCC VIRTUAL TAG SALE! Like most things in 2020, we’re having to move the annual BUCC Tag Sale fundraiser to a “virtual” format! 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.
Here’s how the virtual tag sale will work:
• Please contact Brian Kruse regarding any items you’d like to donate; bwkruse@charter.net or call/text 413-478-7040
• Provide photo(s) and a complete description of the item to include;
o Dimensions (height, width, depth, weight, etc.)
o Age (if know)
o General condition (like new, good, fair, poor)
• If we determine the item is marketable, we’ll ask you to either:
o Drop it off at the Parish house at an agreed date/time; or
o Coordinate to have the item picked up at your home
• Once we have the item at BUCC, we’ll put it up for sale online!
These are challenging financial times for BUCC so we appreciate your participation in this virtual event! Please contact Brian Kruse with any questions.
PLEASE NOTE – Marcelle will be in the Parish House on Tuesday, Friday and working from home Wednesday, Thursday. As always if you need anything either leave a voice mail or send an email and she will handle as usual.
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@yahoo.com
+ + + +
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join Rev. Jan Powers Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM in a "group Zoom" to learn a little and grow a little in faith as we care for each other. Brief (5 min) inspiration; conversation, and prayer. 15 - 30 minutes total, depending on conversation.
This week in Care & Conversation we’ll be talking about the question, “Why?”
“Why” can be a window to another world. It can also be scary sometimes.
Join us in planting some metaphorical seeds for our spiritual growth.
You may think you learn nothing, and change not at all, and then,
if you’ve given some water, air, and nourishment to spiritual seeds,
they can suddenly bear fruit.
Join Wednesday’s Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/95081843179
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,95081843179# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 - US (New York)
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
+ + + +
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
A QUICK PLEDGING REMINDER - as the church remains open during these challenging times, it too continues to incur expenses and consequently requires an income to be able to offset these. Given this, please consider dropping off (see hours below) or mailing your offering to the church at P. O. Box 603 (18 Park Street). Also, you can pledge online by going to the church website: http://www.belchertownucc.org/ and clicking the yellow “Donate” button on the first page of the website to send your offering electronically. Please note that, while we have cost cutting measures in place, BUCC is currently running a shortfall of about $20,000 year-to-date.
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join Rev. Jan Powers Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM in a "group Zoom" to learn a little and grow a little in faith as we care for each other. Brief (5 min) inspiration; conversation, and prayer. 15 - 30 minutes total, depending on conversation.
Join Wednesday’s Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/95081843179
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,95081843179# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 - US (New York)
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
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 note desire whether or not to make mention during Sunday worship. Peace and wellness to all.
PASTORAL CARE or CONVERSATION - Your church leadership has entered into an agreement with Rev. Jan Powers to serve Belchertown UCC June-September as our Supply Pastor. While she will lead worship twice a month, she also offers pastoral care and conversation to anyone who asks. You may arrange pastoral care or conversation by calling the church office. Marcelle will let her know, and Rev. Jan will call you back as soon as able. For now, pastoral care will be done via phone or Facetime or Zoom.
CONFIRMATION CLASS - Reverend Jan has offered to teach a confirmation class for anyone ages 13 to 18. This will be running from September with Confirmation taking place in early March 2021. Please consider if anyone in your family may benefit from receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Further information is being sent to families that we know have children, but feel free to send information if you know someone who might be interested.
BUCC VIRTUAL TAG SALE! Like most things in 2020, we’re having to move the annual BUCC Tag Sale fundraiser to a “virtual” format! 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.
Here’s how the virtual tag sale will work:
• Please contact Brian Kruse regarding any items you’d like to donate; bwkruse@charter.net or call/text 413-478-7040
• Provide photo(s) and a complete description of the item to include;
o Dimensions (height, width, depth, weight, etc.)
o Age (if know)
o General condition (like new, good, fair, poor)
• If we determine the item is marketable, we’ll ask you to either:
o Drop it off at the Parish house at an agreed date/time; or
o Coordinate to have the item picked up at your home
• Once we have the item at BUCC, we’ll put it up for sale online!
These are challenging financial times for BUCC so we appreciate your participation in this virtual event! Please contact Brian Kruse with any questions.
PLEASE NOTE – Marcelle will be in the Parish House on Tuesday, Friday and working from home Wednesday, Thursday. As always if you need anything either leave a voice mail or send an email and she will handle as usual.
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@yahoo.com
+ + + +
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join Rev. Jan Powers Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM in a "group Zoom" to learn a little and grow a little in faith as we care for each other. Brief (5 min) inspiration; conversation, and prayer. 15 - 30 minutes total, depending on conversation.
Join Wednesday’s Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/95081843179
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,95081843179# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 - US (New York)
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
+ + + +
This Wed at 6:30, you are invited to listen and join in as we plant seeds for spiritual growth. The topic this Wednesday is “Letting Go.” This Is a Zoom meeting that lasts about 20 minutes. I am willing to meet outside and in person (masked and 6 feet separating us) in the future if people would prefer that. Please notify the church office to express your opinion. Here’s the link:
Join Wednesday’s Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/95081843179
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,95081843179# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 - US (New York)
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
Blessings,
Rev Jan
+ + + +
BELCHERTOWN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
September 6, 2020 – Ordinary Time
Online Service Invitation, Order of Worship, & Announcements
To Join the Service
By Computer
Please (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 #)
For additional information on how to use the ZOOM software, Control + Click the following link:
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/categories/200101697-Getting-Started
Order of Worship, September 6, 2020 – Ordinary Time
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
No matter who you are,
whatever your life circumstance, and
wherever you are in the journey of faith,
we welcome you, Jesus welcomes you.
CALL TO WORSHIP
One: We gather in the name of Christ, the Servant King. We gather remembering our forbears in the faith, children of Eve & Adam, of Abraham & Sarah, of Jonathan & David, of Ruth and Naomi. We gather because Christ is risen, and we are now the Body of Christ in the world. We gather to praise, to learn, to be challenged, to encourage one another. It is good to be together in love. May our fellowship be sweet.
All: Amen!
OPENING SONG (listening) Please Come; Nichole Nordeman
OPENING PRAYER
One: Gracious and holy God, I speak aloud for all of us gathered here this day. Forgive us for making your good news too small, for turning it into a personalized guilt-management ticket to heaven. We offend Christ by our narrowing and minimizing of so great a gift. Forgive us. Help us step into the abyss of your love, so vast as to swallow our arrogance and fear, so true as to dispel our petty judgments about who is in and who is out.
Open us to your way of relating, which reaches through our cobweb defenses and teaches us deep humility, honest humanity, fierce tenderness. Make us genuine followers of Jesus, in whose name we pray.
All: Amen.
WORDS OF PARDON
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus will set you free from the law of sin and death.
SCRIPTURES
Ezekiel 33:1-11
The word of the Lord came to me: 2O Mortal, speak to your people and say to them, If I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take one of their number as their sentinel; 3and if the sentinel sees the sword coming upon the land and blows the trumpet and warns the people; 4then if any who hear the sound of the trumpet do not take warning, and the sword comes and takes them away, their blood shall be upon their own heads. 5They heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning; their blood shall be upon themselves. But if they had taken warning, they would have saved their lives. 6But if the sentinel sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any of them, they are taken away in their iniquity, but their blood I will require at the sentinel’s hand. 7So you, mortal, I have made a sentinel for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. 8If I say to the wicked, “O wicked ones, you shall surely die,” and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from their ways, the wicked shall die in their iniquity, but their blood I will require at your hand. 9But if you warn the wicked to turn from their ways, and they do not turn from their ways, the wicked shall die in their iniquity, but you will have saved your life. 10Now you, mortal, say to the house of Israel, Thus you have said: “Our transgressions and our sins weigh upon us, and we waste away because of them; how then can we live?” 11Say to them, As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from their ways and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel?
Matthew 18:15-20
15“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. 16But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
THY WORD Amy Grant
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, And a Light unto my path
HOMILY
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD’S PRAYER - The New Zealand Book of Prayer | He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa
Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and for ever. Amen.
COMMUNION edited/liturgy source unknown
INVITATION
One: Those of us who rebelled during our youth, certain in our young arrogance that we knew a better way existed even if we couldn’t yet find it;
those of us who continue to rebel as we age, not yet ready to give up the certainty that a better way exists, even if we can’t yet find it;
those of us who come to know how finite life can be, how limited our resources really are, how fast plans and dreams turn to malaise and dust;
we’re the people who feel most at home at this open table where Jesus is host, where Jesus insists we are beloved, we belong beside him.
This is where we hear the message from the margin.
This is where we are called from the well-trod way to the side of the road.
This is where we’re caught off-guard, finding ourselves called not to defend or fight,
but gently beckoned, warmly welcomed, accept an invitation.
For the first time in our lives we join a great conspiracy, one of acceptance, and of justice. Finally we are part of a collective act, instead of standing singly aside. Finally we belong.
Here, raising a cup and breaking bread becomes an act of defiance, a challenge to the world of mediocrity, capitulation and limited horizons, of walls and anger and hate.
Here, joining in a circle is where a spiritual nomad pitches a tent.
Here, what has been freely given to the Church is freely given to those who are least, last, and lost. United by Jesus, together we find that a better way exists.
One: Peace to you.
All: And to you.
PRAYER
For all the good you create, for all the hope you inspire, for all the love you insist we share, we give you thanks, O God. And for Jesus, who left the throne of heaven and came in humility to show us who you are, we give thanks and praise and honor and glory. Bless these gifts to our use, and us to your service. In Christ’s name. Amen.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
EPICLESIS
SHARING THE BREAD AND CUP
One: For you, and for many: the broken bread that satisfies; the saving cup that runs over.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
All: Our Lord, may we never forget that we are yours. The bond you make with us is stronger than any power trying to separate us from you. Thank you. Make us your servants in the cause of love, for the sake of the world you love so much. Amen.
CLOSING SONG In Your Eyes/Rob Leveridge
BENEDICTION
PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
One: The peace of the Lord be with you.
Another: And also with you.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
BUCC Virtual Tag Sale! Like most things in 2020, we’re having to move the annual BUCC Tag Sale fundraiser to a “virtual” format! 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.
Here’s how the virtual tag sale will work:
• Please contact Brian Kruse regarding any items you’d like to donate; bwkruse@charter.net or call/text 413-478-7040
• Provide photo(s) and a complete description of the item to include;
o Dimensions (height, width, depth, weight, etc.)
o Age (if know)
o General condition (like new, good, fair, poor)
• If we determine the item is marketable, we’ll ask you to either:
o Drop it off at the Parish house at an agreed date/time; or
o Coordinate to have the item picked up at your home
• Once we have the item at BUCC, we’ll put it up for sale online!
These are challenging financial times for BUCC so we appreciate your participation in this virtual event! Please contact Brian Kruse with any questions.
Reverend Jan has offered to teach a Confirmation Class for anyone ages 13 to 18. This will be running from September with Confirmation taking place in early March 2021. Please consider if anyone in your family may benefit from receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Further information is being sent to families that we know have children, but feel free to send information if you know someone who might be interested.
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join Rev. Jan Powers Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM in a "group Zoom" to learn a little and grow a little in faith as we care for each other. Brief (5 min) inspiration; conversation, and prayer. 15 - 30 minutes total, depending on conversation.
Join Wednesday’s Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/95081843179
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,95081843179# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 - US (New York)
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
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 note desire whether or not to make mention during Sunday worship. Peace and wellness to all.
PASTORAL CARE or CONVERSATION - Your church leadership has entered into an agreement with Rev. Jan Powers to serve Belchertown UCC June-September as our Supply Pastor. While she will lead worship twice a month, she also offers pastoral care and conversation to anyone who asks. You may arrange pastoral care or conversation by calling the church office. Marcelle will let her know, and Rev. Jan will call you back as soon as able. For now, pastoral care will be done via phone or Facetime or Zoom.
HOW WE CAN HELP OTHERS AND KEEP OUR DISTANCE - During this time of social distancing and self-isolation let's give “Ma Bell” some business. Have you picked up the phone and called, yes actually verbally spoken to, a BUCC friend or acquaintance recently? If you are a church member or friend wanting to call another and need a telephone number, you may obtain it by requesting it from Marcelle at the church office.
PLEASE NOTE – Marcelle will be in the Parish House on Tuesday, Friday and working from home Wednesday, Thursday. As always if you need anything either leave a voice mail or send an email and she will handle as usual.
A QUICK PLEDGING REMINDER - as the church remains open during these challenging times, it too continues to incur expense and consequently requires an income to be able to offset the expenditures. Given this, please consider dropping off (see hours below) or mailing your offering to the church at P. O. Box 603 (18 Park Street). Also, you can pledge online by going to the church website: http://www.belchertownucc.org/ and clicking the yellow “Donate” button on the first page of the website to send your offering electronically. Our thanks to everyone who has contributed to the church during these unique times. We are most grateful and continue to pledge to do our best to efficiently and effectively utilize the funds to continue to do God’s work.
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@yahoo.com
+ + +
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join Rev. Jan Powers Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM in a "group Zoom" to learn a little and grow a little in faith as we are for each other. Brief (5 min) inspiration; conversation, and prayer. 15 - 30 minutes total, depending on conversation.
Join Wednesday’s Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/95081843179
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,95081843179# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 - US (New York)
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
+ + +
BELCHERTOWN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
August 30, 2020 – Ordinary Time
Online Service Invitation, Order of Worship, & Announcements
To Join the Service
By Computer
Please (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 #)
For additional information on how to use the ZOOM software, Control + Click the following link:
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/categories/200101697-Getting-Started
Order of Worship, August 30, 2020 – Ordinary Time
WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP © Janet E. Powers
One: God has told us what is good: do justice, love kindness, walk in humility.
Sounds simple enough. Anyone else find this difficult? This difficulty, of carrying through on the things of God, is one reason we gather. I need encouragement, and so do you, so does your neighbor, friend, sister, uncle. Today, let’s offer and receive that encouragement, let’s cheer each other on! And so, we gather again to worship God and to learn of God.
All: Amen. Make it so!
OPENING SONG In the Midst of New Dimensions Julian Rush
OPENING PRAYER © Janet E. Powers
One: I invite us to confess our sin to God, saying:
One (and all): We confess we have made religion about belief. If we believe the “right” doctrine, then you’re a Christian. If we assert that certain statements are true, such as the historic creeds, then you are a believer. We’ve ignored the total lifestyle changes demanded of discipleship, and substituted a list of statements to which we simple assent. Hearts aren’t changed. Lives aren’t transformed. But it’s easy to tell who’s in and who’s out, this way!
We confess to this, and today we seek forgiveness. We remember that Jesus asked for “metanoia;” he asked us to turn 180 degrees and go in a new direction. This metanoia is total, utter transformation of our values, our actions, our loyalties, our focus. It’s huge. It’s not a list. It’s a way of life, given to us from the Way of Life, Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we move from mere assent to verbs. We move from a laundry list of doctrines, to the power of radical love to change us and our world. In Christ’s name. Amen.
SCRIPTURES
Romans 12:9-21
9Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Matthew 16:21-28
21From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” 23But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
24Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? 27“For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. 28Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
GLORIA PATRI
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.
HOMILY Be Like Ostrich
VIRTUAL OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
PRAYERS of the PEOPLE
One: God of rainbows, lift our hearts as we pray for our world and ourselves. By your Holy Spirit, help us to do all the good we can, by all the means you can. Where there is hurt, help us bring healing, because we’ve known the healing touch of Christ. Where there is poverty of material things, or poverty of spirit, help us to share what we’ve been given in the economy of God’s kindom. Where there is despair, help us to live in hope and to lift hearts toward joy. We name, now, those for whom we have compassion or with whom we celebrate ________________. In Jesus’ name, who taught us to pray, saying:
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,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Song for Listening: Nothing More, by The Alternate Routes
To be humble, to be kind
It is a giving of the peace in your mind
To a stranger, to a friend
To give in such a way that has no end
REFRAIN
We are love, we are one
We are how we treat each other when the day is done
We are peace, we are war
We are how we treat each other and nothing more
And to be bold, to be brave
It is the thinking that the heart can still be saved
And the darkness can come quick
The danger's in the anger and in the hanging on to it
Refrain. . .
And tell me what it is that you see
A world that's full of endless possibility
And heroes don’t look like they used to,
They look like you do.
Ahh …
Refrain. . .
BENEDICTION
VIRTUAL PASSING OF THE PEACE
One: The peace of the Lord be with you.
Another: And also with you.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join Rev. Jan Powers Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM in a "group Zoom" to learn a little and grow a little in faith as we care for each other. Brief (5 min) inspiration; conversation, and prayer. 15 - 30 minutes total, depending on conversation.
Join Wednesday’s Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/95081843179
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,95081843179# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 - US (New York)
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
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 note desire whether or not to make mention during Sunday worship. Peace and wellness to all.
PASTORAL CARE or CONVERSATION - Your church leadership has entered into an agreement with Rev. Jan Powers to serve Belchertown UCC June-September as our Supply Pastor. While she will lead worship twice a month, she also offers pastoral care and conversation to anyone who asks. You may arrange pastoral care or conversation by calling the church office. Marcelle will let her know, and Rev. Jan will call you back as soon as able. For now, pastoral care will be done via phone or Facetime or Zoom.
HOW WE CAN HELP OTHERS AND KEEP OUR DISTANCE - During this time of social distancing and self-isolation let's give “Ma Bell” some business. Have you picked up the phone and called, yes actually verbally spoken to, a BUCC friend or acquaintance recently? If you are a church member or friend wanting to call another and need a telephone number, you may obtain it by requesting it from Marcelle at the church office.
PLEASE NOTE – Marcelle will be in the Parish House on Tuesday, Friday and working from home Wednesday, Thursday. As always if you need anything either leave a voice mail or send an email and she will handle as usual.
A QUICK PLEDGING REMINDER - as the church remains open during these challenging times, it too continues to incur expense and consequently requires an income to be able to offset the expenditures. Given this, please consider dropping off (see hours below) or mailing your offering to the church at P. O. Box 603 (18 Park Street). Also, you can pledge online by going to the church website: http://www.belchertownucc.org/ and clicking the yellow “Donate” button on the first page of the website to send your offering electronically. Our thanks to everyone who has contributed to the church during these unique times. We are most grateful and continue to pledge to do our best to efficiently and effectively utilize the funds to continue to do God’s work.
THANKS TO THE VOLUNTEERS of BUCC’s Helping Hands Cupboard Foodshelf for their monthly distribution on Thursday to many families in the community experiencing food insecurity. Your work demonstrates love and compassion for others who may be known or unknown to you. Blessings!
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@yahoo.com
+ + +
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join Rev. Jan Powers Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM in a "group Zoom" to learn a little and grow a little in faith as we care for each other. Brief (5 min) inspiration; conversation, and prayer. 15 - 30 minutes total, depending on conversation.
Join Wednesday’s Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/95081843179
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,95081843179# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 646 876 9923 - US (New York)
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
+ + +
Online Service Invitation, Order of Worship & Announcements
BUCC Virtual Sunday Service
8-23-20
Lay Leader, David Crutchfield
+ + +
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…
By Phone
Dial: (253) 215 8782
Meeting ID: 715 073 542, followed by #, (no participant code - #)
For additional information on how to use the ZOOM software, Control + Click the following link:
https://support.zoom.us/…/categor…/200101697-Getting-Started
+ + +
Order of Worship
Virtual Sunday Service
August 23, 2020
Lay Leader – David Crutchfield
WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
OPENING HYMN for our listening – Gifts from God –
https://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=C6HFR_bkPMM
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 51:1-6; Romans 12:1-8 (see below to read along)
GLORIA PATRI:
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 – Walking in the Will of God written by Sandy Adams and delivered by David Crutchfield
VIRTUAL OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
PRAYERS of the PEOPLE and THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
Amen.
CLOSING HYMN – for our listening - This is the Will of God
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXDxodTQZMA
BENEDICTION
VIRTUAL PASSING OF THE PEACE
Isaiah 51:1-6
(Contemporary English Version)
The Lord Will Bring Comfort
51 If you want to do right and obey the Lord, follow Abraham’s example. He was the rock from which you were chipped. 2 God chose Abraham and Sarah to be your ancestors. The Lord blessed Abraham, and from that one man came many descendants. 3 Though Zion is in ruins, the Lord will bring comfort, and the city will be as lovely as the garden of Eden that he provided. Then Zion will celebrate; it will be thankful and sing joyful songs.
The Lord’s Victory Will Last
4 The Lord says: You are my people and nation! So pay attention to me. My teaching will cause justice to shine like a light for every nation. 5 Those who live across the sea are eagerly waiting for me to rescue them. I am strong and ready; soon I will come to save and to rule all nations. 6 Look closely at the sky! Stare at the earth. The sky will vanish like smoke; the earth will wear out like clothes. Everyone on this earth will die like flies. But my victory will last; my saving power never ends.
Romans 12:1-8
(Contemporary English Version)
Christ Brings New Life
12 Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That’s the most sensible way to serve God. 2 Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him.
3 I realize how kind God has been to me, and so I tell each of you not to think you are better than you really are. Use good sense and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you. 4 A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has its own use. 5 That’s how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another. 6 God has also given each of us different gifts to use. If we can prophesy, we should do it according to the amount of faith we have. 7 If we can serve others, we should serve. If we can teach, we should teach. 8 If we can encourage others, we should encourage them. If we can give, we should be generous. If we are leaders, we should do our best. If we are good to others, we should do it cheerfully.
This is the Will of God
By: Heather Schopf
Many those who seek to know the Father’s will;
Their searching seems unending and, yet, they seek it still.
Hoping not to miss it, like passing starts at night,
Eagerly they wait for revelation’s light.
Yet, if they only knew, that he who has God’s Word
Need never be uncertain, no endless search endure.
For all that God desires, His will for you and me,
Is found within the Bible; we find it written clearly.
You desire quietness and meekness of my soul.
You desire peaceful thoughts that trust in Your control.
You desire lowliness that quickly condescends.
You desire gentleness and words that help to mend.
You want me, without ceasing, to pray a constant prayer.
You want my cheerful giving, of my rich bounty share.
You want me to be willing, my brother’s burden bear.
This, this is the will of God.
Hands are quick to labor, feet are quick to go;
Many the accomplishments that wearied hands may show.
But do not be mistaken to think a task fulfilled
Is all that God desires, all that God would will. His purposes go far beneath what human eyes can see
And, much more than achievements, He wants the inward me.
To take a wretched heart and make it like His own
Is just the way that He desires to make His glories known.
You desire truthfulness that flows from deep inside.
You desire thankfulness for all things all the time.
You desire eagerness to pardon each offense.
You desire readiness, my enemy to bless.
You want my works of service to flow from selfless love.
You want all my affection to be set on things above.
You want my heart’s contentment that says, “I have enough.”
This, this is the will of God.
You desire faithfulness in duties big and small.
You desire tenderness to heed the Spirit’s call.
You desire hopefulness that seeks the good to find.
You desire lovely thoughts to dwell within my mind.
You want a heart of gladness in service of the King.
You want me long enduring through all my suffering.
You want my body daily to be my offering.
This, this is the will of God.
Gifts from God
Chris Tomlin
Back when I was a kid
I thought gifts from God only came from church
But the more that I live
The more I learn, it's not always the way it works
Sometimes you don't see it till your looking back
When ya didn't get what ya thought ya had to have
'Cause He had a bigger plan than the one you had
Yours didn't work out and aren't you glad?
When you take a look around it ain't hard to find
Everybody's got things that money can't buy
If the ones ya love are sitting right beside ya
Then I'd say ya got a lot
The best things in life are straight from His hands
It's like we're raising kids on a piece of land
A little piece of mind when the day is done
Where ya think that comes from?
That's gifts from God
Ah yeah
It makes ya thankful for the hills that we climb
For the waves that we ride
For the lows and the highs
For the wrongs made right
For the songs we sing
For the dreams we dream
Makes ya thankful for everything
When you take a look around, it ain't hard to find Everybody's got things that money can't buy
If the ones ya love are sitting right beside ya
Then I'd say ya got a lot
The best things in life are straight from His hands
It's like we're raising kids on a piece of land
A little piece of mind when the day is done
Where ya think that comes from?
That's gifts from God
You know that's gifts from God
Hallelujah, every day's a gift from God
Hallelujah, every day's a gift
Hallelujah, every day's a gift from God
Hallelujah every day's a gift
When you take a look around it ain't hard to find
Everybody's got things that money can't buy
If the ones ya love are sitting right beside ya
Then I'd say ya got a lot
The best things in life are straight from His hands
It's like we're raising kids on a piece of land (On a piece of land)
A little piece of mind when the day is done
Where ya think that comes from?
That's gifts from God
(Hallelujah)
Where ya think that comes from?
That's gifts from God
(Hallelujah)
You know that's gifts from God
(Hallelujah)
Every day's a gift from God (Hallelujah)
Every day's a gift
Gifts from God
+ + + +
WALKING IN THE WILL OF GOD – Part II
https://sandyadams.org/media/pdf/2303.pdf
ROMANS 12:1-8 (Contemporary English Version)
12 Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That’s the most sensible way to serve God. 2 Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him.
3 I realize how kind God has been to me, and so I tell each of you not to think you are better than you really are. Use good sense and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you. 4 A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has its own use. 5 That’s how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another.
6 God has also given each of us different gifts to use. If we can prophesy, we should do it according to the amount of faith we have. 7 If we can serve others, we should serve. If we can teach, we should teach. 8 If we can encourage others, we should encourage them. If we can give, we should be generous. If we are leaders, we should do our best. If we are good to others, we should do it cheerfully.
Did you know God has given to each of us certain spiritual gifts? To some of you He's given more than one, but to each of you He's given at least one!
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 tells us, "there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. and there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all."
Some Bible teachers see here three categories of spiritual gifts... The first category Paul calls "gifts" or "charismata." The second, are "ministries." The third are "activities" or in the Greek "energeo" or "energies."
Risking oversimplification this points to three types of spiritual gifts: motivations, ministries, manifestations.
The manifestations are listed in 1Corinthians 12. They include tongues, healing, words of knowledge.
The ministries are found in Ephesians 4. And there are four: apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor-teacher.
And the motivations are here in Romans 12.
That being true, the gifts listed in our text are basic motivations that the Holy Spirit places in our spirit at the time of our conversion. In doing so, God colors our perspective with a tint. The Spirit writes His will on our hearts by planting in us certain spiritual tendencies.
Our motivational gift will determine how we approach and react to situations.
Recognizing and utilizing our spiritual gift is crucial to walking in the will of God.
Realize, a spiritual gift is not a natural talent or a learned skill. Its a supernatural enabling, that you'd never possess if it hadn’t been given by the Holy Spirit.
The Greek word is "charismata" - which combines two words "charis" or "grace" and "mata" or "gifts".
Your motivational gift is a grace-gift! You don't deserve it - you can't earn it - it's prompted by God's grace. And Paul lists seven possible motivational gifts.
The first gift is prophecy. Sometimes we hear the word "prophecy" used as a synonym for "prediction" or "premonition." We associate it with fore-telling the future, but it’s primary meaning is that of forth-telling.
It's been said, "A prophet was not known primarily for his hindsight or his foresight, but for his insight."
With this gift, God stirs a heart, fills a mind, opens a mouth, and the prophet uses his faith to utter the specific message God has given him. The prophet is God's bullhorn. He declares God's truth loud and clear.
The person with this motivational gift is quick to take a stand. He insists on correction and righteousness.
He or she sees issues in black and white.
They refuse to compromise. The prophet rises up in faith - and without any fear of offending - He boldly speaks the particular word God has laid on his heart.
The second motivational gift on the list is ministry.
The root word is "servant." We're all called to be servants, but the person with this gift goes above and beyond the call of duty. He depicts God's truth.
The person with the gift of ministry has a supernatural knack for helping others in practical ways.
He or she just loves serving the Lord!
I’ll never forget, one Saturday I was at the church and saw a brother busy doing a handful of odd jobs we really needed done. I went to tell him how much I appreciated what he was doing. And his reply was classic, "Don't mention it, that's what I'm here for."
This is a person with the gift of ministry.
The person with this gift seeks no recognition or payback. His reward is the fulfillment that comes from using his gift to the glory of God! He's at perfect peace because he knows what he's here for and he's doing it!
The third motivational gift is the gift of teaching. This is my gift! Nothing fires my engines more than studying God’s Word and teaching His truth to His people.
William Magee observed, "Teachers are divided into three classes: those you can listen to - those you can't listen to - and those you can't help listening to."
The latter is a person with the gift of teaching.
Teaching defines God's truth. A person with the gift of teaching can take profound truths and make them simple, easy to understand. It was said of a good teacher, “He put the cookies on the bottom shelf.”
I’ve heard it put, "A teacher's task is to take a roomful of live wires and see to it they're properly grounded."
The fourth motivational gift is exhortation. Teaching instructs us what to do - exhortation encourages us to do with it what we know to do! It demands God's truth.
The person with this gift challenges, and motivates, and incites to action. He's the spiritual booster cables who jump starts brothers or sisters with weak batteries.
An ocean liner was in the midst of a storm when a woman fell overboard. The passengers were clinging to the ship’s rail, watching - when suddenly a man dove into the icy waters and rescued the drowning gal.
Everyone was surprised when the hero turned out to be an 80 year-old man. Later the crew threw a party in his honor. The hero was called on to make a speech.
He stood and said, "I have just one thing to say: who pushed me?" At times we need a little push to do what we know is right. The person with the gift of exhortation knows how to apply a gentle "kick in the pants."
The fifth gift on Paul's list is giving. Again, giving is a discipline we all should develop, but the person with the gift of giving has a special knack for loosening the purse-strings to bless others and further God's work.
I'll never forget the guy who used to go to Calvary Chapel who had the gift of giving. God had blessed his business and he loved to give back to the Lord. And he had an interesting method for distributing his gifts. He'd give $100 handshakes. The fellow would come up to shake your hand and he'd slip you a crisp new $100 bill.
I never missed shaking hands with him after church!
Paul says he who has this gift needs to exercise it with "liberality." The word suggests we give with no ulterior motives - "with no strings attached." If you possess the gift of giving give freely and selflessly.
The sixth gift is the gift of leading. "Spiritual management" we could call it. 1 Corinthians 14:40 tells us, "Let all things be done decently and in order."
Recall when Jesus fed the 5000 He first organized the multitude into groups of fifty.
Throughout the Bible we learn God is organized and we should be too.
It’s been said, "Don't agonize - organize." That’s why God has gifted certain individuals within the Body of Christ to help us organize, and mobilize our efforts.
Every year the makers of "Duct Tape" give a $5000 award for the most creative use of their product.
One year the prize money went to Anthony Green who was scheduled on a flight from Honduras to Guatemala. The pilot announced there was a hole in the wing and the flight would be delayed. Green pulled out the Duct tape he always carried with him, patched the hole, and the airplane made its destination on time.
Some people help the church in the same way. They know how to patch things up and make things fly. God gives some members of the Body the gift of leading to help us reach our God-appointed destination on time.
And the seventh and final motivational gift is the gift of mercy. "Mercy" has been defined as "your pain in my heart." It’s two hearts tugging on the same load.
Again, we're all called to be merciful, but the believer with the gift of mercy has a special capacity to feel and identify and empathize with another person's suffering.
Paul tells those with the gift of mercy to exercise it with “cheerfulness." Because of their sensitivity and sympathy people with this gift can be drawn into the depression of the person their trying to help.
The two empathizers end up in a huge pity party.
That’s why when you exercise the gift of mercy you should reach out with a merry heart and stay upbeat.
It’s the joy of the Lord that heals.
Now, the question arises, "Sandy, you say every believer has a spiritual gift, but how do I identify mine?"
And the answer is surprisingly easy.
Ask yourself the question, "If I were made the pastor of Calvary Chapel what would I immediately want to do? What would be the first changes I would make?"
If you say, "We’d get more involved in political issues. We’d take a more public stand for godliness." Then you probably have the gift of prophecy.
If you respond, "No, we need to get involved helping each other. Let’s reach out to the elderly. Have more activities for the kids." You have the gift of ministry.
Or if you say, "We need classes that offer in-depth studies on cults, history, apologetics - even a course in New Testament Greek." Yep, that’s the gift of teaching.
If your response is, "We need more home fellowships, small groups, opportunities to encourage and challenge one another." Then that's exhortation.
Or you might say, "We need to put more stress on giving to missions, and assisting the poor. Let's add to the benevolence fund." There's the gift is giving.
Or maybe your response is, "I'd love to be pastor because I'm so frustrated with the lack of organization around this place. We need better lines of communication."
Perhaps your gift is the gift of leading.
Or if you say, "Let's start a prison ministry and visit the shut-ins." Well, that's the beautiful gift of mercy.
If you need more help identifying your gift here’s another exercise. Let's say my grandson, Colt, makes a little potted plant for his mom in Sunday School.
Yet after church he decides he wants to see G-daddy, so he comes running down the aisle. Half-way down he trips and drops the plant - crash - dirt and pottery spill everywhere. How would you react?
If your first move is to jump up and start looking for a broom and dust pan you have the gift of ministry.
If your first reaction is to pull out your wallet and offer to pay for the broken pot your's is the gift of giving.
If you say to my grandson, "Young man let this be a warning. Thus saith the Lord, there’re will be many opportunities to stumble in life and if you need to watch-eth your step-eth." That’s the gift of prophecy.
Or if your first reaction is to show Colt a clever foot maneuver he can use to right himself the next time he starts to slip - then your gift is the gift of teaching.
If your first thought is "how can we rearrange these chairs so this will never happen again." That's leading.
Or maybe you'd put your arm around Colton and give him a pep talk. "That's okay Colt! Don’t quit trying. Next time you'll do better." That’s exhortation.
Or if you picked him up, and cuddled him, and kissed his "ittle-bitty-boo-boos” – you have the gift of mercy.
But realize if Colton fell in the aisle this morning, and broke his potted plant there would be seven diverse reactions among the people in this room today. All of which would be valid, God-ordained reactions!
If we realize this we can avoid a lot of conflict... Say you've got the gift of mercy and you see a guy with the gift of prophecy standing over Colton warning him about tripups - you might assume the guy is insensitive and callous. Who does he think he is?
Or if you have the gift of ministry and you see a fellow teaching Colt some steps - you could think, "Look at the lazy jerk, why doesn't he help clean up?"
It’s everybody’s tendency to judge other people in the Body on the basis of our own particular giftedness. Yet in so doing we can destroy harmony and unity.
Don’t forget we all have different gifts that cause us to react to situations differently.
Be glad everyone is not like you - that other points-of-view exist in the Body. A healthy church will appreciate it’s spiritual diversity.
Well, how are you doing skiing across the lake of God’s will? Maybe you just can’t get out of the water...
If that’s so, here are six steps you should take... Present your body - Renew your mind - Humble your heart - Exercise your faith - Find your place - Use your gift... follow those steps and your life will “prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Walking in the will of God is not as complicated as we make it... we just need to get up and get moving!
I hope you’ll begin that process today!
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ANNOUNCEMENTS:
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join Rev. Jan Powers Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM in a "group Zoom" to learn a little and grow a little in faith as we care for each other. Brief (5 min) inspiration; conversation, and prayer. 15 - 30 minutes total, depending on conversation.
Join Wednesday’s Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/95081843179
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
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Dial by your location
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Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
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 note desire whether or not to make mention during Sunday worship. Peace and wellness to all.
PASTORAL CARE or CONVERSATION - Your church leadership has entered into an agreement with Rev. Jan Powers to serve Belchertown UCC June-September as our Supply Pastor. While she will lead worship twice a month, she also offers pastoral care and conversation to anyone who asks. You may arrange pastoral care or conversation by calling the church office. Marcelle will let her know, and Rev. Jan will call you back as soon as able. For now, pastoral care will be done via phone or Facetime or Zoom.
HOW WE CAN HELP OTHERS AND KEEP OUR DISTANCE - During this time of social distancing and self-isolation let's give “Ma Bell” some business. Have you picked up the phone and called, yes actually verbally spoken to, a BUCC friend or acquaintance recently? If you are a church member or friend wanting to call another and need a telephone number, you may obtain it by requesting it from Marcelle at the church office.
PLEASE NOTE – Marcelle will be in the Parish House on Tuesday, Friday and working from home Wednesday, Thursday. As always if you need anything either leave a voice mail or send an email and she will handle as usual.
A QUICK PLEDGING REMINDER - as the church remains open during these challenging times, it too continues to incur expense and consequently requires an income to be able to offset the expenditures. Given this, please consider dropping off (see hours below) or mailing your offering to the church at P. O. Box 603 (18 Park Street). Also, you can pledge online by going to the church website: http://www.belchertownucc.org/ and clicking the yellow “Donate” button on the first page of the website to send your offering electronically. Our thanks to everyone who has contributed to the church during these unique times. We are most grateful and continue to pledge to do our best to efficiently and effectively utilize the funds to continue to do God’s work.
THANKS TO THE VOLUNTEERS of BUCC’s Helping Hands Cupboard Foodshelf for their monthly distribution on Thursday to many families in the community experiencing food insecurity. Your work demonstrates love and compassion for others who may be known or unknown to you. Blessings!
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@yahoo.com
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This week in Care & Conversation on Wed, Aug 19 at 6:30 PM,
we’ll talk about Wind as a metaphor for the Holy Spirit.
I hope you can join in, as a listener or a participant.
We’re planting seeds for spiritual growth.
Topic: Care & Conversation
Time: Aug 19, 2020 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
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BELCHERTOWN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
August 16, 2020 – Ordinary Time
Online Service Invitation, Order of Worship, & Announcements
To Join the Service
By Computer
Please (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 #)
For additional information on how to use the ZOOM software, Control + Click the following link:
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+ + +
Order of Worship, August 16, 2020 – Ordinary Time
WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP © Janet E. Powers
One: Jesus shows us who God is, so we look to him today for knowledge.
More than that, we look to him to change us more and more into his likeness.
Otherwise, what’s the point? Otherwise, our faith is mere navel gazing.
No. We believe in the Creator, who never ceases creating.
We believe in the One Sent, who showed us the possible, formerly believed to be impossible.
We believe in the Breathe that pushes Life into us, despite ourselves.
And so, this morning, we worship and give thanks and seek more wholeness in our lives, for the sake of the world God loves so much.
All: Amen. Make it so!
OPENING SONG John Mayer - Waiting On the Word to Change
Me and all my friends, we’re all misunderstood
They say we stand for nothing and There's no way we ever could
Now we see everything that's going wrong
With the world and those who lead it
We just feel like we don't have the means to rise above and beat it
So we keep waiting (waiting) Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting (waiting) Waiting on the world to change
It's hard to beat the system When we're standing at a distance
So we keep waiting (waiting) Waiting on the world to change
Now if we had the power to bring our neighbors home from war
They would have never missed a Christmas No more ribbons on their door
And when you trust your television What you get is what you got
Cause when they own the information, oh They can bend it all they want
That's why we're waiting (waiting) Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting (waiting) Waiting on the world to change
It's not that we don't care We just know that the fight ain't fair
So we keep on waiting (waiting) Waiting on the world to change
And we're still waiting (waiting) Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting (waiting) Waiting on the world to change
One day our generation is gonna rule the population
So we keep on waiting (waiting) Waiting on the world to change
No we keep on waiting (waiting) Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting (waiting) Waiting on the world to change
Waiting on the world to change
Waiting on the world to change
Waiting on the world to change.
Songwriters: John Mayer
Waiting On the World to Change lyrics © Reach Music Publishing!
OPENING PRAYER © Janet E. Powers
One: We are made in God’s image.
We forget this, or neglect this, or defy this.
Let us confess our sin in order to move on from it, saying:
All: Lord, you have made all things that creep and trot and fly
and swim and slither and walk.
You have made these to live, and to die,
and in-between to grow and to change.
There are times, we confess, that we resist this ever-constant change. Sometimes we just want to settle in, and enjoy the status quo.
But this is not the way of creation, and you have set
the parameters of creation for us, as well as for the evolving creation.
Help us to fear less, and to love more.
Help us to stop resisting the gathering, spinning and weaving of our lives, and to embrace the joy and adventure of life in all its fullness.
We will do this by the power of your Spirit,
if we acknowledge that you are beside us,
and that we can also lean into community and
the companionship of all the saints.
Make us joyful lovers of evolutionary change.
In Jesus’ name, who taught us this. Amen.
One: As far as the east is from the west, so far does God remove our transgressions from us. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, and freed to serve the cause of love in this, God’s world. Amen!
SCRIPTURES
Psalm 133
1How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!
2It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard,
on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes.
3It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion.
For there the Lord ordained his blessing, life forevermore.
Matthew 15:21-28
21Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” 23But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” 24He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” 27She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
GLORIA PATRI
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.
HOMILY
VIRTUAL OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
PRAYERS of the PEOPLE
One: O God of Moses and Miriam, of David and Deborah, of Jesus and of us: thank you that you are God, and that we are not.
Turn our hearts to humility,
our minds toward beauty,
and our hands toward justice.
Today we lift up those individuals
Who struggle with health issues,
who are without gainful employment,
who worry about their housing and feeding their families,
who cannot escape despair or who wrestle with issues of mental health,
who feel lonely, abandoned, confused, or worthless.
We name some of these in our hearts, silently, before you. . . . . .
Hear our prayers for the world, which suffers much.
For the people of Lebanon,
for the people and leadership of low-lying countries that are relentlessly inundated by rising waters due to global climate change,
and for those places where leaders abuse their power
and their own people suffer.
Where we can effect positive change, grant us courage to do so.
Where we have no influence, help us to trust others to do good.
In Jesus’ name, who taught us to pray, saying:
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,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Song for Listening: Change Is Gonna Come, Sam Cook
I was born by the river in a little tent
Oh, just like a river, I've been running ever since
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change's gonna come, oh, yes, it will
It's been too hard living, but I'm afraid to die
'Cause I don't know what's up there above the sky
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change's gonna come, oh, yes, it will
And I go to the movies, and I go downtown
Somebody keep telling me, don't hang around
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change's gonna come, oh, yes, it will
Oh, when I go to my brother
I'd say brother, help me, please
But he winds up knockin' me
Back down on my knees
There been times that I thought I wouldn't last for long
Now I think I'm able to carry on
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change's gonna come, oh, yes, it will
Source: Musixmatch;
Songwriters: Everton Bonner / John Christopher Taylor / Sam Cooke
A Change Is Gonna Come © Universal Music Publishing Int. Ltd., Abkco Music Inc.
BENEDICTION
VIRTUAL PASSING OF THE PEACE
One: The peace of the Lord be with you.
Another: And also with you.
******************************************************************
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
EVERYONE IS INVITED to join Rev. Jan Powers in a "group Zoom" to learn a little and grow a little in faith as we care for each other. Brief (5 min) inspiration; conversation, and prayer. 15 - 30 minutes total, depending on conversation.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/95081843179
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,95081843179# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,95081843179# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
Find your local number: https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/u/abtDfHO8zr
Join by SIP
95081843179@zoomcrc.com
Join by H.323
162.255.37.11 (US West)
162.255.36.11 (US East)
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 note desire whether or not to make mention during Sunday worship. Peace and wellness to all.
PASTORAL CARE or CONVERSATION - Your church leadership has entered into an agreement with Rev. Jan Powers to serve Belchertown UCC June-August as our Supply Pastor. While she will lead worship twice a month, she also offers pastoral care and conversation to anyone who asks. You may arrange pastoral care or conversation by calling the church office. Marcelle will let her know, and Rev. Jan will call you back as soon as able. For now, pastoral care will be done via phone or Facetime or Zoom.
KEEPING IN TOUCH – The Council and Deacons would like to update our old “member directory.” This will help us to be able to keep in touch, especially now. We would also like to be aware of everyone’s prayer concerns, joyful occasions, and to provide spiritual support. So, Marcelle will be calling to update our information and attempt to get additional information so, in the end, she can update records to include email addresses, home and cell phone numbers, mailing addresses and authorization to share if requested by other church members or friends. You could always reply directly to the church office email with this information. Thanks in advance.
HOW WE CAN HELP OTHERS AND KEEP OUR DISTANCE - During this time of social distancing and self-isolation let's give “Ma Bell” some business. Have you picked up the phone and called, yes actually verbally spoken to, a BUCC friend or acquaintance recently? If you are a church member or friend wanting to call another and need a telephone number, you may obtain it by requesting it from Marcelle at the church office.
PLEASE NOTE – Marcelle will be in the Parish House on Tuesday, Friday and working from home Wednesday, Thursday. As always if you need anything either leave a voice mail or send an email and she will handle as usual.
A QUICK PLEDGING REMINDER - as the church remains open during these challenging times, it too continues to incur expense and consequently requires an income to be able to offset the expenditures. Given this, please consider dropping off (see hours below) or mailing your offering to the church at P. O. Box 603 (18 Park Street). Also, you can pledge online by going to the church website: http://www.belchertownucc.org/ and clicking the yellow “Donate” button on the first page of the website to send your offering electronically. Our thanks to everyone who has contributed to the church during these unique times. We are most grateful and continue to pledge to do our best to efficiently and effectively utilize the funds to continue to do God’s work.
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@yahoo.com
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Last week in Care & Conversation we talked about the holy - what is sacred, divine, mysterious?
Tomorrow at 6:30 PM the topic is DUTY.
What duties tug at our lives, and how do we feel about them?
What does Jesus have to say about duty?
Join us if you can.
We are planting seeds for spiritual growth, not solving the world's perennial problems.
And we do it in about 15-20 minutes!
Looking forward to the conversation -
Blessings,
Rev. Jan
Join Zoom Meeting
https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/j/95081843179
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
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+12532158782,,95081843179# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location
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+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 950 8184 3179
Find your local number: https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/u/abtDfHO8zr
Join by SIP
95081843179@zoomcrc.com
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162.255.37.11 (US West)
162.255.36.11 (US East)
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