WELCOME!
Whoever you are, and wherever you may be on your journey, you are welcome here.
|
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! |
Please join us for this Sundays Service in the Sanctuary:
† † †
Invitation, Order of Worship & Announcements
Palm/Passion Sunday Service in the Sanctuary
& via Zoom
3-24-24
The Reverend Bill Ault
+ + +
To Join the Service
By Computer
Please click (control + click) on the following link, by 9:25 AM and follow the prompts:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/715073542?pwd=UWlLWGNobVdTVWhwRGhHclVFZ2p2UT09
By Phone
Dial: (253) 215 8782
Meeting ID: 715 073 542, followed by #, (no participant code - #)
Belchertown United Church of Christ, Belchertown, MA
March 24, 2024, Palm/Passion Order for Worship
Preparation Please use these moments to center your hearts on worship. Quietly greet a friend, find the scripture passages in your Bible, pray in silence, practice rhythmic breathing, etc. Invite the Spirit into this hour. *means please stand as you are able.
Prelude
Announcements
Welcome
No matter who you are, whatever your life circumstance, and wherever you are in the journey of faith, we welcome you; Jesus welcomes you! We especially welcome any first time guests. Today is Palm-Passion Sunday, the first day of Holy Week. Jesus enters Jerusalem, and the people celebrate him with a street party. Soon after come a blessing, a holy meal, betrayal, a trial; and death will follow. It’s a hard story to hear. May God open our hearts to hear this Truth, and to faithfully follow the Servant Christ.
Choral Introit An Upper Room
*Call to Worship (Standing as you are able) from Isaiah’s Servant Songs
One: Two marks of God’s Servant: The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue,
All: for me to know how to give a word of comfort to the weary.
One: Each morning he wakes me to hear, to listen like a disciple.
All: The Lord has opened my ears! May God open my heart as well.
*Hymn #191 “Ride On, Ride On in Majesty”
Unison Prayer of Invocation
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Sovereign. Amen.
Choir Anthem He Came Riding
Scripture Reading Mark 11: 1-11 (NRSV)
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
A Thought for Young Minds
A Palm Sunday Homily Rev. William Ault
*Hymn #192 “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”
Offering
*Doxology
Prayer of Dedication
Joys and Concerns of the Congregation
Pastoral Prayer and Silent Prayer
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, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Scripture Reading Mark 14: 32-42 (NRSV)
They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”
A Passion Sunday Homily Rev. William Ault
*Hymn #197 “Beneath the Cross of Jesus”
*Benediction
*Choral Benediction We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations
Postlude
* * * * * * *
† † †
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EASTER FLOWER SALE. Holly Rainaud will be in Church this Sunday with the forms. Last day to order is TODAY, March 24, 2024. Choose from Hyacinth, Daffodils and Tulips for $9.00 and Lillies for $10.00.
THE SOUTH HADLEY CHORALE will present its annual concert TODAY, March 24, 2024 at 3:00p.m. In Abbey Memorial Chapel at Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley. For more information about the concert, please visit www.southhadleychorale.org or call 413-533-3833.
LOAVES & FISHES will be Thursday, April 25, 2024. We will need Shepard’s Pie, Salad, Brownies and Servers. See sign up sheets or contact Sue Stephens (413) 427-9674
BUCC’S BOUTIQUE OF TREASURES It is open in the Parish House Sun 10:30 to 12:30, Tues 9 to 11:30, Wed 10-2:00pm. The Boutique offers jewelry, collectibles, new and used items. Stop by and see!!
LIKE TO SING? Then you are invited to join the BUCC choir. Practice every Thursday at 7 PM in either the sanctuary or the parish house and Rejoice. See Sally for more information.
PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO UKRAINE – A list of organizations accepting donations is available in the sanctuary or emailed upon request from the church office. We have also contacted Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ludlow to identify material donations being gathered to be shipped to Europe. Their wish list with Amazon is available through the link I Stand with Ukraine. Please donate as you are able.
PRAYER REQUESTS – You are invited to Personal Message your requests for prayers of joy or concern on the church FaceBook page - www.facebook.com/BelchertownUnitedChurchOfChrist and note desire whether or not to mention during Sunday worship. Peace and wellness to all.
Belchertown Town Website Survey
The town is collecting the opinions of Belchertown residents and businesses to help evaluate and provide insights for the new town website.
Our goal is to provide you with as much valuable information that you need to know about town services, events, living in Belchertown, etc.
We know your time is valuable, but please take a few minutes and complete the survey.
Go to the link below.
Thank you!
Belchertown Communication Committee
https://www.belchertown.org/commitees/communications_committee
APRIL 2 – Tuesday @ 9:30 AM-2 PM – COMMUNITY INCLUSION SUMMIT - at the Jewish Community Center in Springfield. Gather and meet with other faith and community organizations to explore ways to invite and include people with developmental disabilities to our welcoming communities. Participants will learn concrete strategies and techniques for supporting inclusion within their own programs, and have opportunities to connect with like-minded organizations, representing recreational, cultural, enrichment, faith based, or any community organization/business seeking to create a culture of inclusion.
· Hear from a panel of community organization representatives on how they support inclusion
· Learn about the principles of disability inclusion that community-based programs should embrace and implement
· Learn proper terminology, empowering language and suggested disability etiquette and interactions
· Leave with action points to implement back to your organization immediately
Your next steps:
REVIEW the attached promotional flyer
REGISTER using this link: Pioneer Valley Community Inclusion Summit ($25 fee includes breaks and lunch)
SHARE with others who may be interested
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: 9am-2pm, Tues through Fri
Belchertown United Church of Christ
18 Park Street, P. O. Box 603
Belchertown, MA 01007
Church Office Phone: (413) 323-7442
Church Office email: belchertownucc@gmail.com
† † †
Invitation, Order of Worship & Announcements
Palm/Passion Sunday Service in the Sanctuary
& via Zoom
3-24-24
The Reverend Bill Ault
+ + +
To Join the Service
By Computer
Please click (control + click) on the following link, by 9:25 AM and follow the prompts:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/715073542?pwd=UWlLWGNobVdTVWhwRGhHclVFZ2p2UT09
By Phone
Dial: (253) 215 8782
Meeting ID: 715 073 542, followed by #, (no participant code - #)
Belchertown United Church of Christ, Belchertown, MA
March 24, 2024, Palm/Passion Order for Worship
Preparation Please use these moments to center your hearts on worship. Quietly greet a friend, find the scripture passages in your Bible, pray in silence, practice rhythmic breathing, etc. Invite the Spirit into this hour. *means please stand as you are able.
Prelude
Announcements
Welcome
No matter who you are, whatever your life circumstance, and wherever you are in the journey of faith, we welcome you; Jesus welcomes you! We especially welcome any first time guests. Today is Palm-Passion Sunday, the first day of Holy Week. Jesus enters Jerusalem, and the people celebrate him with a street party. Soon after come a blessing, a holy meal, betrayal, a trial; and death will follow. It’s a hard story to hear. May God open our hearts to hear this Truth, and to faithfully follow the Servant Christ.
Choral Introit An Upper Room
*Call to Worship (Standing as you are able) from Isaiah’s Servant Songs
One: Two marks of God’s Servant: The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue,
All: for me to know how to give a word of comfort to the weary.
One: Each morning he wakes me to hear, to listen like a disciple.
All: The Lord has opened my ears! May God open my heart as well.
*Hymn #191 “Ride On, Ride On in Majesty”
Unison Prayer of Invocation
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Sovereign. Amen.
Choir Anthem He Came Riding
Scripture Reading Mark 11: 1-11 (NRSV)
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
A Thought for Young Minds
A Palm Sunday Homily Rev. William Ault
*Hymn #192 “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”
Offering
*Doxology
Prayer of Dedication
Joys and Concerns of the Congregation
Pastoral Prayer and Silent Prayer
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, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Scripture Reading Mark 14: 32-42 (NRSV)
They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”
A Passion Sunday Homily Rev. William Ault
*Hymn #197 “Beneath the Cross of Jesus”
*Benediction
*Choral Benediction We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations
Postlude
* * * * * * *
† † †
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EASTER FLOWER SALE. Holly Rainaud will be in Church this Sunday with the forms. Last day to order is TODAY, March 24, 2024. Choose from Hyacinth, Daffodils and Tulips for $9.00 and Lillies for $10.00.
THE SOUTH HADLEY CHORALE will present its annual concert TODAY, March 24, 2024 at 3:00p.m. In Abbey Memorial Chapel at Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley. For more information about the concert, please visit www.southhadleychorale.org or call 413-533-3833.
LOAVES & FISHES will be Thursday, April 25, 2024. We will need Shepard’s Pie, Salad, Brownies and Servers. See sign up sheets or contact Sue Stephens (413) 427-9674
BUCC’S BOUTIQUE OF TREASURES It is open in the Parish House Sun 10:30 to 12:30, Tues 9 to 11:30, Wed 10-2:00pm. The Boutique offers jewelry, collectibles, new and used items. Stop by and see!!
LIKE TO SING? Then you are invited to join the BUCC choir. Practice every Thursday at 7 PM in either the sanctuary or the parish house and Rejoice. See Sally for more information.
PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO UKRAINE – A list of organizations accepting donations is available in the sanctuary or emailed upon request from the church office. We have also contacted Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ludlow to identify material donations being gathered to be shipped to Europe. Their wish list with Amazon is available through the link I Stand with Ukraine. Please donate as you are able.
PRAYER REQUESTS – You are invited to Personal Message your requests for prayers of joy or concern on the church FaceBook page - www.facebook.com/BelchertownUnitedChurchOfChrist and note desire whether or not to mention during Sunday worship. Peace and wellness to all.
Belchertown Town Website Survey
The town is collecting the opinions of Belchertown residents and businesses to help evaluate and provide insights for the new town website.
Our goal is to provide you with as much valuable information that you need to know about town services, events, living in Belchertown, etc.
We know your time is valuable, but please take a few minutes and complete the survey.
Go to the link below.
Thank you!
Belchertown Communication Committee
https://www.belchertown.org/commitees/communications_committee
APRIL 2 – Tuesday @ 9:30 AM-2 PM – COMMUNITY INCLUSION SUMMIT - at the Jewish Community Center in Springfield. Gather and meet with other faith and community organizations to explore ways to invite and include people with developmental disabilities to our welcoming communities. Participants will learn concrete strategies and techniques for supporting inclusion within their own programs, and have opportunities to connect with like-minded organizations, representing recreational, cultural, enrichment, faith based, or any community organization/business seeking to create a culture of inclusion.
· Hear from a panel of community organization representatives on how they support inclusion
· Learn about the principles of disability inclusion that community-based programs should embrace and implement
· Learn proper terminology, empowering language and suggested disability etiquette and interactions
· Leave with action points to implement back to your organization immediately
Your next steps:
REVIEW the attached promotional flyer
REGISTER using this link: Pioneer Valley Community Inclusion Summit ($25 fee includes breaks and lunch)
SHARE with others who may be interested
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: 9am-2pm, Tues through Fri
Belchertown United Church of Christ
18 Park Street, P. O. Box 603
Belchertown, MA 01007
Church Office Phone: (413) 323-7442
Church Office email: belchertownucc@gmail.com