THE FIRST CHURCH OF DEERFIELD
“The Brick Church” / “The Brickless Church”
Good morning (or afternoon, or evening) and welcome to worship. The Brick Church Meeting House remains closed due to coronavirus response measures, and so we invite you to worship with us here — in the Brickless Church.
Whoever you are, wherever you may be (figuratively or literally), you are welcome here.
All today’s photographs were taken yesterday at Walking Cloud Farm, Shelburne Falls, MA.
AFFIRMATION Each week of Eastertide, our worship will include an affirmation from a different part of our spiritual traditions. Today’s is one of the best-known and best-beloved — not a creed in the usual sense of the word, but rather a profound affirmation of trust in God’s loving presence:
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff–
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Tender Shepherd,
When we get lost — look for us.
When we are in danger — protect us.
When we are hungry — nourish us.
When our friends go astray — help us bring them home.
And if we didn’t notice they were missing — forgive us,
and teach us to keep better watch over one another.
Amen.
MEDITATION (IN MEMORIAM)
Still Waters From Sally Laubin: “My cousin Paul Laubin died March 1; he was the present maker of the world famous Läubin oboe so this is a loss to the whole music world not just our family. This video was made by the CT River (you may recognize the spot) as Paul was born in Hartford Hospital which looks out over the CT River. The music is Satie (you may recognize that too) played by the Boston Pops with Alfred Genovese playing the solo on his Läubin oboe. I envision this video as a way of honoring all those we have lost during this ‘400-day Lent.’”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE April 25, 2021 shared by Mary Dancer
OFFERING
“If anyone has the world’s goods and sees their sibling in need, yet closes their hand, how does God’s love abide in them? Little children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and in truth.” 1st Letter of John 3:17-18
(To make a donation to the First Church of Deerfield, or to donate to our Community Meal, see Announcements below.)
The Mission Committee will again host a Community Meal on May 4 by rehiring Brad’s Place for $325.00. Unfortunately our MC budget lacks $197.55 to cover that sum. We are requesting that, if possible, you send a check to The First Church of Deerfield for whatever sum you wish and in the memo line please write: “For the Mission Committee’s Budget”. If we receive a surplus then the extra will remain in the budget for further use. As always, multiple thank yous for your attention and consideration to this worthy event.
BE A PART OF OUR MINISTRY
If you have found spiritual sustenance at the Brick Church (or the Brickless Church!), and you would like to be part of our ministry and mission, we hope you will consider making a donation or pledge in support to the First Church of Deerfield.
