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January 7, 2024 – Midrash of the Magi

 

ORDER OF WORSHIP 
January 7, 2024
Epiphany Sunday

Click on each link in turn; pause for reflection as you wish.

WELCOME & PRAYER
Rev. Liza B. Knapp

HYMN 
We Three Kings
sung by Tom and Dorian Pousont (2021)

SCRIPTURE
Matthew 2:1-12
read by Liza

MIDRASH OF THE MAGI
a reflection for three voices
written by Liza Knapp

 MIDRASH, PART ONE
“Gold”
read by David James

MIDRASH, PART TWO
“Frankincense”
read by Barbara Alden

MIDRASH, PART THREE
“Myrrh”
read by Bruce Brown

HYMN
As with Gladness
sung by Tom and Dorian Pousont (2021)

BENEDICTION
Rev. Knapp

Table Scraps

 

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE, 16:19-31: Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, enjoying himself in splendor every day. And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, and longing to be fed from the scraps which fell from the rich man’s table; not only that, the dogs also were coming and licking his sores.  Now it happened that the poor man died, and was carried away by the angels to the bosom of Abraham; and the rich man also died, and was buried. And in Hades he raised his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his arms. And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus, so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set, so that those who want to go over from here to you will not be able, nor will any one cross over from there to us.’  And he said, ‘Then I request of you, father, that you send Lazarus to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that they will not come to this place of torment as well.’  But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ But he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!’  But Abraham said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’”

 

For the past several days, my family has been fostering a shelter puppy. “Spike,” as we have taken to calling him, was left in a box on the doorstep of the local Animal Shelter. They took him in, but at first he was so listless and disoriented that they feared he might have a concussion or head injury of some kind. The next day, after some food, water, and a bath, he was much improved, and they called us to see if we could care for him at home for a week or so.

Spike is a sweet faced, shaggy mutt with a gentle disposition. He is unusually trusting, for a rescue dog, and unusually mellow, for a four-month-old puppy. He is also unusually large for a four-month-old puppy, and his feet and tail are even larger; he will grow into a great big cuddly dog. After just a week in our home, he is playing, wagging his tail, and exuding sweetness and charm. He will be ready for adoption soon, and we have no doubt he will find a home.

What happens, when it is not a dog, but a human being lying on the doorstep?

Today we are confronted with the story of Lazarus, a poor man who is left at the gate of a rich man. The story says, not that Lazarus lay there, but that he was laid there; someone apparently dropped him off there, hoping perhaps that the rich man might take him in. But the rich man, who dressed in fine clothes and feasted every day, is indifferent to the man at his gate; he walks by him, perhaps even steps over him, every day, without bringing him in for a bath or a meal.

So Lazarus lies there, hungry and suffering. In a memorable detail, the parable tells us, “the dogs came and licked his sores.”

Biblical scholars are divided, over the meaning of those dogs. Were they soothing Lazarus, or feeding on him? Perhaps they were just exhibiting solidarity; after all, Lazarus, too, had to beg for scraps from the master’s table.

The poor man dies; we are prepared for this event, for how could he survive in this manner? The rich man, however, also dies. The sturdy gate that protected him from Lazarus’ poverty failed to protect him from Lazarus’ fate. In the end, death claims us all, rich and poor.

Death is sometimes called the great equalizer; but in this parable, it is even more than that, for death brings a great reversal. Lazarus is welcomed into the tender care of his ancestor Abraham; it is now the rich man, who lies outside, barred from entry, without even the  comforting presence of a dog.

So perhaps it’s true, that all dogs go to heaven.

Even after this reversal of fortune, the rich man asks for no forgiveness from Lazarus. He speaks only to Abraham, and he asks him to send Lazarus down with some water. Even in death, the rich man cannot let go of the class division he clung to in life. Abraham informs the rich man that there is now an impassable barrier, a great chasm between him and Lazarus.

This should come as no surprise to the rich man; he built that gate himself. The surprise, is that he was on the wrong side, all along.

The conclusion of the parable is in equal parts satisfying and terrifying. Satisfying to our sense of justice; terrifying to our complacency.

Something feels right, about this reversal of fortune; it feels right that Lazarus should be raised up, and the rich man cast down. We recognize in this story the hand of that same God that frees the enslaved and raises up the crucified, the same God of whom Mary sang, “he has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly; He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.”

But there is also something frightening about the permanence of this reversal. After all, we want to believe in a God of mercy, of forgiveness, of second and third chances. And we worry, perhaps, that we have more in common with the rich man than we might care to admit.

But this is a parable told to the living, not the dead. There is a deep irony in its final words, when Abraham tells the rich man that it would do no good for Lazarus to go warn his living brothers. Because what is this parable, if not a word of warning to the living? What is the point of telling it, if not to open our eyes to the great chasm that exists here, in this world, between rich and poor, insider and outcast? If we are disturbed by this image of a perpetual caste system in heaven, perhaps we should take a hard look at the caste systems we perpetuate here on earth. Which side of the fence do we come down on?

Last week, a puppy was brought to our doorstep, so we brought him inside, and we gave him a name and a hug. The poor man left on the rich man’s doorstep already had a name — in fact, he is the only character in any of Jesus’ parables who has a name. Lazarus is the Greek version of his name, but Jesus would have used the original Aramaic or Hebrew – “Eliezar.” It means, the One Whom God Helps.

Which should have been a clue, right there, as to which side of the fence God was on.

 

Rev. Liza B. Knapp
October 2, 2022

 

March 20, 2022 – Calamity (Lent III)

THE FIRST CHURCH OF DEERFIELD
The Brick Church / The Brick-less Church

Whoever you are, wherever you may be on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

ORDER OF WORSHIP
March 20, 2022 – Lent III

PRELUDE
Pastorale   G. Sammertini
Dr. Thomas Pousont – organ

CALL TO WORSHIP
from the Lorica of Saint Patrick

I arise today
through the strength of heaven;
light of the sun,
splendor of fire,
speed of lightning,
swiftness of the wind,
depth of the sea,
stability of the earth,
firmness of the rock.

I arise today
through the mighty strength
of the Lord of Creation.

HYMN
How Firm A Foundation
Karen, vocalist

READING
Psalm 46

To the leader. Of the Korahites. According to Alamoth. A Song.

 

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.  The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.    Selah

 

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.    Selah

 

Come, behold the works of the Lord;
see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
‘Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.’

The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.     Selah

          

UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of mercy, you are our refuge and our strength. Yet we confess, we have sought other protection. For the times when we have chosen security over peace, strength over mercy, forgive us. Teach us to trust in you, and to embrace our neighbor in mercy and in peace. In Christ’s / Love’s name, Amen.

WORD OF ASSURANCE

The God who created you is both just and merciful, abounding in steadfast love.
Hear then the good news: we are forgiven, and beloved.

RESPONSE
Loving Spirit

Loving Spirit, loving Spirit, you have chosen me to be,
you have drawn me to your wonder, you have set your sign on me.

READING
The Gospel According to Luke 13: 1-5
read by Ben

SERMON
Calamity
Rev. Liza B. Knapp

THE LORD’S PRAYER
The Lord’s Prayer
Liz, vocalist

OFFERING OF GIFTS & PRAYERS
We are uniting to help our neighbor, Father Andriy Krip and his parishioners at Ukrainian churches in South Deerfield and Ludlow, MA in their efforts to help the people of Ukraine. Monetary contributions may be by clicking HERE and choosing “Ukrainian Support” from the drop down menu. 

OFFERTORY MUSIC

We Are Pilgrims
Andrea & Dorothy, vocalists

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessing flow, Praise God all creatures here below
God’s praise ye hosts on high proclaim, Who doth create, redeem, sustain.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

We offer our gifts to you, loving God; teach us how to use them
to care for your people, to promote peace and justice,
and to make your graceful presence known
in the places where it is needed most. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

The people of the church request prayers for:

Liza’s sister Jennifer, for her recovery from Covid

Those celebrating birthdays this week:
Denham, Henry, Betsy, David B., Carol V., Carl, and Dorothy

Those under attack and forced to leave their homes — may they find refuge

The people of Mariupol who defended it by night,
and, according to news reports, went to church today.

These are the prayers of the people; let the people say, AMEN.

HYMN
Lord Who Throughout These Forty Days
Marc, Nancy, & Thomas, vocalists

BENEDICTION
from the Lorica of Saint Patrick

May you arise today
Through God’s strength to pilot you;
God’s might to uphold you,
God’s wisdom to guide you,
God’s eye to look before you,
God’s ear to hear you,
God’s word to speak for you,
God’s hand to guard you,
God’s way to lie before you,
God’s shield to protect you,
God’s hosts to save you,
Afar and anear,
Alone or in a multitude.

May you arise today
through the mighty strength
of the Lord of Creation.

Amen.

POSTLUDE
Tiento de Falsas    Pablo Bruno

ORDER OF WORSHIP

March 13, 2022 – Lent II

Whoever you are, wherever you may be on life’s journey (literally or figuratively), you are welcome here.


PRELUDE

Soll es Sein       J.P. Sweelinck

Dr. Thomas Pousont – organ

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

 

We gather today
in the presence of God
which is to say
in the presence of Love

for there is no place so large
that God’s love cannot fill it,
no place so small
that God’s love cannot find it,
no place so lofty
that God’s love cannot reach it,
no place so lowly
that God’s love will not abide in it.

We gather today
in the presence of God
which is to say

in the presence of Love

 

HYMN

Lord Who Throughout These Forty Days

Marc and Nancy – vocalists

 

READING
Isaiah 65: 17-25
read by Jean

 

UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

Still-speaking God: We give thanks to you
for the prophets of the past, but we confess:
your modern-day messengers make us uncomfortable.
Forgive us, we pray.
Send your Spirit among us, that we may hear your Word for us,
in the words of our scripture, in the whispers of our hearts
in the warnings of your prophets, and in the weeping of the world.
Amen.

 

WORD OF ASSURANCE

 

Here now the good news:
If any one is in Christ,
if any one is in Love,
that one is a new creation.

The old has passed away,
and the new has come.
Rejoice and be glad:
we are forgiven, and beloved.

 

RESPONSE

Loving Spirit

Loving Spirit, loving Spirit, you have chosen me to be,
you have drawn me to your wonder, you have set your sign on me.

 

READING
Luke 13: 31-35

read by Jean

 

SERMON

“Insert place name here”
Rev. Knapp

 

PRAYER
The Lord’s Prayer

Marc – vocalist

 

OFFERING OF GIFTS
We are uniting to help our neighbor, Father Andriy Krip of the Ukrainian Church in South Deerfield and Ludlow, and his parishioners, in their efforts to help the people of Ukraine. We will be collecting supplies (first aid kits, bandages, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Diapers, Baby Wipes and socks) at church on 3/13 and 3/20. Monetary contributions may be by clicking HERE and choosing “Ukrainian Support” from the drop down menu. You may also choose to direct your donation to the Church or to the Franklin County Community Meal Program.

 

OFFERTORY ANTHEM

When Jesus Wept      William Billings

Marc, Dorian and Thomas – vocalists

 

DOXOLOGY

 

Praise God from whom all blessing flow, Praise God all creatures here below
God’s praise ye hosts on high proclaim, Who doth create, redeem, sustain.

 

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

 

We offer our gifts to you, loving God; teach us how to use them

to care for your people, to promote peace and justice,

and to make your graceful presence known

in the places where it is needed most. Amen.

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

 

The congregation requests prayers for:

 

Sydney and Elaine, celebrating birthdays this week

David’s brother Norman

Liza’s sister Jennifer

Betsy’s friend Doug, who passed away last week

the people of Ukraine

leaders of NATO and Russia

baby Victoria, born in Ukraine after her mother was forced to leave a bombed hospital

 

HYMN

This Is My Song

Liz – vocalist

 

BENEDICTION
Book of Common Prayer

Go forth into the world in peace.
Be of good courage.
Hold fast that which is good.
Render to no one evil for evil.
Strengthen the fainthearted.
Support the weak.
Help the afflicted.
Show love to everyone.
Love and serve God,
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

 

POSTLUDE

All Glory Be To God On High       F.W. Zachau
{ We invite you to remain seated for the Postlude.}

March 6, 2022 – Temptation and Resistance (Lent I)

 

ORDER OF WORSHIP
March 6, 2022
First Sunday of Lent

PRELUDE

Air from Suite in D   J.S. Bach
Dr. Thomas Pousont, organ

CALL TO WORSHIP

This is the season
when wanderers wander
and prophets climb mountains
and seekers leave home.
This is the season of Lent,
and into its wilderness,
God calls us.

HYMN

Forty Days and Forty Nights
Marc, Nancy & Thomas – vocalists

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your (Son/Love), have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

ASSURANCE

The God who created you is steadfast in love and abundant in mercy.
In the name of Love, in the name of Christ, we are forgiven.

READINGS AND REFLECTION

First Reading: Psalm 91: 9-16
Second Reading: Luke 4: 1-13
Sermon: “Temptation and Resistance”

HYMN

Loving Spirit
Marc – vocalist

PRAYERS

Pastoral Prayer
Rev. Knapp

The Lord’s Prayer
Karen – vocalist

OFFERTORY

Lord, Speak to Me   J.E. Roberts
Choral Scholars Stephen & Christopher – vocalists

DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessing flow, Praise God all creatures here below
God’s praise ye hosts on high proclaim, Who doth create, redeem, sustain.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

We offer our gifts to you, loving God; teach us how to use them
to care for your people, to promote peace and justice,
and to make your graceful presence known
in the places where it is needed most. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Prayers of concern:
…for resolution of the conflict in the war in Ukraine
…for Ukrainian students in the US, and their families
…for President Putin, to stop the violence against Ukraine’s people
… for Ukraine’s people, and for all those facing war, violence, and homelessness

Prayers of thanksgiving:
… honoring and celebrating the long and dedicated career of Bob Schmitt, who took gentle and expert care of generations of creatures great and small throughout Franklin County and the world.

HYMN

Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days
Marc – vocalist

BENEDICTION

the Love of God to protect you,
the Word of God to guide you,
the Spirit of God to light your path,
in all your wilderness journeys

POSTLUDE

Toccata ex d (SwWV 285)           Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck

February 13, 2022 (Love Sunday)

THE FIRST CHURCH OF DEERFIELD
“The Brick Church”  / “The Brickless Church”

Good morning (or afternoon, or evening) and welcome to worship. 
Whoever you are, wherever you may be (figuratively or literally), you are welcome here.

ORDER OF WORSHIP
February 13, 2022

 

PRELUDE

O Waly Waly     Barbara Harbach (2007)

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

Love bade me welcome. Yet my soul drew back,
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,
If I lacked any thing.
A guest, I answered, worthy to be here.
Love said, You shall be he.

(George Herbert, Love III)

 

HYMN

Hymn 367   Come Down, O Love Divine
Thomas, organ and soloist

 

READING

The Gospel According to Mark 12:28-34
(NRSV translation)

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’  The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

(we invite you to read these words aloud)

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Love, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

READING

1st Corinthians, 13: 1-13
(NRSV translation)

If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

READING

1st Corinthians 13: 1-3
(as paraphrased by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 1969
)
read for us by Bruce B.

INTERLUDE

Interlude   The Water is Wide   trad., arr. Marc Dancer
Marc, guitar & recorders

SERMON

Real People
Rev. Liza B. Knapp

 

(Sanitation Workers’ Strike, Memphis, 1968. Detail of photo by Ernest Withers.)

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

We ask for prayers today
for all those sick or recovering,
in hospital or at home.

We do not know the suffering of others
as you do, God

you whose love formed us
you who know each beat of our heart
you to whom even the fall of a sparrow matters

be with those who are in pain
of body or soul
and with those who care for them

may we tend to one another
as if to our own bodies

in sickness or health,
may we draw comfort
from knowing we are not alone

amen

These are the prayers of the people;
Let the people say, Amen. 

OFFERING

The Mission Committee is asking for donations towards church sponsored Community Meals. The church is currently paying for the hire of a restaurant to provide the meal. Any donations will help with that cost.  You may pay by checks (made out to the First Church of Deerfield with “Community Meals” in the memo line) or by Online donation through Breeze (click HERE and choose “Community Meals”)

DEDICATION

beloved:
we offer these gifts to you
accept them, and use them
to make your love
real
to those who need to know

Amen.

HYMN

Hymn 372    Though I May Speak vv. 1 & 3
Maddalena, Choral Scholar & Soloist

BENEDICTION

May the strength of God uphold you,
May the love of God enfold you,
May the spirit of God embolden you,
as you go forth to serve God’s world.
AMEN.

POSTLUDE

Wedding March from a Midsummer Night’s Dream Felix Mendelssohn

 

February 6, 2022

ORDER OF WORSHIP
February 6, 2022

 

ANNOUNCEMENT

The 348th Annual Meeting of the First Church of Deerfield will take place on Sunday, February 13th, following the worship service.
Reading of the Warrant
by Carole Pennock, clerk

PRELUDE

Choral (1955)   Flor Peeters
Dr. Thomas Pousont, organ

CALL TO WORSHIP

Come —
you who are
house-bound
hunkered-down
snowed-in
stocked-up
Come —
you who have braved
the slick-iced sidewalks
and have returned home
with wet feet
and an even wetter dog
Come —
you who cannot
trust your legs
nor risk a fall
in seasons such as these
Come —
winter-bound and wonder-filled
to this, our brickless church
for neither rain nor snow nor sleet
can separate us
from the love of God.

HYMN

Jesus, Lover of My Soul

READING

 

Because We Hunkered Down, by Malcolm Guite (2016)

These bleak and freezing seasons may mean grace
When they are memory. In time to come
When we speak truth, then they will have their place,
Telling the story of our journey home,
Through dark December and stark January
With all its disappointments, through the murk
And dreariness of frozen February,
When even breathing seemed unwelcome work.

Because through all of these we held together,
Because we shunned the impulse to let go,
Because we hunkered down through our dark weather,
And trusted to the soil beneath the snow,
Slowly, slowly, turning a cold key,
Spring will unlock our hearts and set us free.

 

 

INTERLUDE

In the Bleak Midwinter (1906)  Gustav Holst
**Choral Scholar Stephen makes his organ debut**

 

READINGS

We invite you to pause after each of these readings, and notice what thoughts or feelings arise.

1st Letter of Paul to the Corinthians 15: 12-21

Being the Resurrection by Peter Rollins

SERMON

What if?
Rev. Liza B. Knapp

 

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

We ask for prayers today
for those in the path of winter storms

God of the Cosmos,
you who set the planets in motion
around your countless stars
we praise you for the turning of the earth
and for the beauty of the seasons

but we are tender creatures
and winter can be cruel as well as beautiful

and so we pray for all in need of warmth this day:
those without shelter
those without power
those without heat
those without hope

that your loving care reach them
through the help of a stranger
through the hospitality of a neighbor
through the concern of a friend

and may our hearts, too, be warmed

amen

These are the prayers of the people;
Let the people say, Amen. 

OFFERING
The Mission Committee is asking for donations towards church sponsored Community Meals. The church is currently paying for the hire of a restaurant to provide the meal. Any donations will help with that cost.  You may pay by checks (made out to the First Church of Deerfield with “Community Meals” in the memo line) or by Online donation through Breeze (click HERE and choose “Community Meals”)

OFFERTORY

Pastorale (1955)   Flor Peeters

DEDICATION

beloved:
we do not seek to purchase your love
nor pay the debt we owe to you
but to follow your example
of grace

and so we pray:
may this gift bring hope
to one in need

Amen.

HYMN

Be Still My Soul

BENEDICTION

May the strength of God uphold you,
May the love of God enfold you,
May the spirit of God embolden you,
as you go forth to serve God’s world.
AMEN.

POSTLUDE

Invention (1955)  Flor Peeters

 

January 30, 2022

ORDER OF WORSHIP
January 30, 2022

ANNOUNCEMENT

The 348th Annual Meeting of the First Church of Deerfield will take place on Sunday, February 13th, following the worship service.
Reading of the Warrant
by Carole Pennock, clerk

PRELUDE

Vom Himmel hoch (1st setting)   F.W. Zachau
Thomas Pousont, organ

CALL TO WORSHIP

Come as you are
not as you wish you were
or as others expect you to be
or as you think others expect you to be

Come as you are
not as you see yourself
or as others see you
not as your resume
or your curated online presence

Come as you are
not as the girl your mother raised you to be
or the man your father hoped you would become
or the hero you want your kids to see

Come as you are
there are no imposters here
no interlopers
no unwanted guests

Come as you are
for whoever you are
you are
welcome.

HYMN

God, Who Gives to Life its Goodness

PRAYER

 

God, you are a mystery to us,

but we are no mystery to you.

You have searched us and known us;

before a word is on our lips, O God,

you know it altogether.

You know our hardness of heart,

and our tenderness.

You know each wound we carry,

and each we have inflicted.

You know the measure of our strength,

and of our weakness.

And knowing this, still you call us your own.

 

Teach us, O God, to trust in your love.

Forgive us that we put more effort

into keeping up appearances

than into seeing beyond them.

Grant us the courage to be ourselves,

the compassion to let others be themselves,

and the wisdom to let you be God.     Amen.

 

1st CALLING

Isaiah 6: 1-8

 

2nd CALLING

Luke 5: 1-11

 

3rd CALLING

1st Corinthians 15: 3-10

 

INTERLUDE

Vom Himmel hoch (2nd setting)  F. W. Zachau

 

SERMON

Unfit
Rev. Liza B. Knapp

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

We ask for prayers today
for the people of Ukraine

Somewhere, right now, God,
there are soldiers getting ready for war
and children getting ready for bed
and patients getting ready for surgery
and teachers getting ready for school

You see them, you know them,
surely as you see us, right now.

Deliver them all, safely,
into tomorrow,
without harm.

These are the prayers of the people;
Let the people say, Amen. 

OFFERING
The Mission Committee is asking for donations towards church sponsored Community Meals. The church is currently paying for the hire of a restaurant to provide the meal. Any donations will help with that cost.  You may pay by checks (made out to the First Church of Deerfield with “Community Meals” in the memo line) or by Online donation through Breeze (click HERE and choose “Community Meals”)

ANTHEM

Vom Himmel hoch   Michael Praetorius
Dorian Pousont & Thomas Pousont, vocalists

“From heaven above to earth I come
to bring good news to every home
great tidings of abundant joy I bring
Of which I now will say and sing!

DEDICATION

God of Grace,
it is from your hand
that we have received our being:
accept now these gifts
that we place in your hands
for the care of your church,
your people, and your world.
Bless those who receive;
bless also those who give,
so that each of us may be
both the blessing and the blessed.
amen

HYMN

God of Grace and God of Glory

BENEDICTION

May the strength of God uphold you,
May the love of God enfold you,
May the spirit of God embolden you,
as you go forth to serve God’s world.
AMEN.

POSTLUDE

Vom Himmel hoch   J.S. Bach

 

 

Images:
Isaiah, by Marc Chagall
The Miraculous Draught of Fishes, by Raphael
The Conversion of Saul, source? (if you know, please tell me!)
Sir Lancelot at the Chapel of the Grail, by Burne-Jones

January 23, 2022

ORDER OF WORSHIP
January 23, 2022

ANNOUNCEMENT

The 348th Annual Meeting of the First Church of Deerfield will take place on Sunday, February 13th, following the worship service.
Reading of the Warrant
by Carole Pennock, clerk

PRELUDE

Magnificat Fugue No. 15   Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706)
Thomas Pousont, organ

WELCOME AND PRAYER

“Ev’ry Little Cell…”
Rev. Liza B. Knapp

 

HYMN

All Creatures of Our God and King

READING

1st Corinthians 12: 14-27

2nd READING

“My right hand….”
a reading from Thich Nhat Hanh

 

HYMN

Be Thou My Vision

 

SERMON

Part of the Whole
Rev. Liza B. Knapp

 

ANTHEM

Magnificat Fugue No. 32  J. Pachelbel

PRAYER

The Julian Prayer

OFFERING
The Mission Committee is asking for donations towards church sponsored Community Meals. The church is currently paying for the hire of a restaurant to provide the meal. Any donations will help with that cost.  You may pay by checks (made out to the First Church of Deerfield with “Community Meals” in the memo line) or by Online donation through Breeze (click HERE and choose “Community Meals”)

 

DEDICATION

God of Wholeness,
accept these gifts from our hands,
that by these offerings shared
with your people.
we may be part of the whole.
amen

PASSING OF THE PEACE

Janaury 23, 2022

HYMN

Thuma Mina (Send Me)

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

offered by Liza, Mary, Nancy and Ben

POSTLUDE

Magnificat Fugue No. 14  J. Pachelbel

January 16, 2022 – Gifts of the Spirit

ORDER OF WORSHIP
January 16, 2022

 

 

PRELUDE

Prelude   Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern  Hugo Distler, 1933
“How Brightly Shines the Morning Star”
Thomas Pousont, organ

CALL TO WORSHIP

When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and the princes are home,
when the shepherds are back with their flocks,
the work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,
to heal the broken,
to feed the hungry,
to release the prisoner,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among the people,
to make music in the heart.

(Howard Thurman 1899-1981)

HYMN

Hymn   O Morning Star How Fair and Bright 
(Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern)
Dorian Pousont, vocalist

1st READING
The Gospel According to Luke 4: 16-21

When Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind
to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of grace and glory,
forgive us our timid response
to your call to discipleship.
Pour your power on us
and on the whole church,
so that we will desire
the things you desire for us:
freedom from our many fears,
fearless trust in you,
joy in one another,
clear vision, bold speech,
and new strength
for confronting the evils around us.
We ask in the name of Jesus,
who calls us to follow him today.

Amen.

(Prayer by Mary Luti)

 

2nd READING

The First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians 12:1-13

READ FOR YOU BY LIZA

 

…Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses…

 

PAUSE FOR REFLECTION

What gifts of the Spirit do you discern in your own Beloved Community? To whom do you turn for wisdom, or for knowledge? for healing, or for discernment? for music, or laughter, or a listening ear? Pause a moment to remember, and give thanks.

 

3rd READING

Bernard of Clairvaux, On Loving God (12th c. CE)

You must know, then, what you are, and that it is not of yourself that you are what you are, lest either you not glory at all, or glory in vain…. We must vigilantly guard against this ignorance, by which we might perceive ourselves as less than we really are, or by which we might grant to ourselves more than we ought, when we wrongly think that the good which is in us, is also from us.

PAUSE FOR MEDITATION

Consider what gifts of the Spirit have been given to you. When have others turned to you? Pause a moment to remember, and give thanks.

SERMON

Gifts of the Spirit
Rev. Liza B. Knapp

ANTHEM

Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern   Michael Praetorius, 1604
Dorian Pousont & Thomas Pousont, vocalists

PASTORAL PRAYER / DISCIPLES’ PRAYER

January 16, 2022

OFFERING
The Mission Committee is asking for donations towards church sponsored Community Meals. The church is currently paying for the hire of a restaurant to provide the meal. Any donations will help with that cost.  You may pay by checks (made out to the First Church of Deerfield with “Community Meals” in the memo line) or by Online donation through Breeze (click HERE and choose “Community Meals”)

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

Accept, we pray, these gifts
which we have received freely from your hand
and which we now return freely into your hands,

and with them, our hope:
that through these offerings,
we may become part of your answer
to the cries of this world
and a part of the new world to come

made known to us through Jesus,
your child and our brother.

In his name,
and by all your holy names,
we pray.

Amen.

(UCC book of worship, adapt.)

BENEDICTION

For all that God can do without us,
For all that God can do within us,
Thanks be to God.
For all in whom Christ lived before us,
For all in whom Christ lives beside us,
 Thanks be to God.
For what the Spirit wants to give us,
For where the Spirit wants to send us
Thanks be to God.

(Iona Community)

POSTLUDE

Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern  Hugo Distler, 1933

 

January 9, 2022 – Epiphany

ORDER OF WORSHIP


January 9, 2022 – Epiphany

 

 

WELCOME & INTRODUCTION

January 9, 2022
Rev. Liza B. Knapp

 

PRELUDE

Noël – Josef est bien marié Claude Balbastre

“Joseph is well-married”
Thomas Pousont, organ

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

Arise, shine: for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples:

But the LORD will arise upon you,
and his glory will appear over you.
Nations shall come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your rising.

(Isaiah 60:1-2)

 

HYMN

We Three Kings of Orient Are

Thomas & Dorian Pousont, vocalists

 

 

READING

The Gospel According to Matthew 2:1-12

read by Sally Laubin

 

SERMON

Change of Plans

Rev. Liza B. Knapp

 

 

POEM

Word for the Magi
a poem by Elizabeth Jennings

‘Shall I bring you wisdom, shall I bring you power?”
The first great stranger said to the child.
Then he noticed something he’d never felt before—
A wish in himself to be innocent and mild.

‘Shall I bring your glory, shall I bring you peace?”
The second great stranger said when he saw
The star shine down on entire helplessness.
The gift that he offered was his sense of awe.

‘Shall I show you riches’ the third one began
Then stopped in terror because he had seen
A God grown-up and a tired tempted man.
‘Suffering’s my gift’ he said
‘That is what I mean.’

 

 

INVITATION TO THE OFFERING

This week, in addition to our pledges and offerings, we are receiving donations for the Franklin County Community Meal Program and food pantry. To give online, click here and choose “FCCMP” from the menu. If you would like to make a gift in kind of non-perishable groceries, they may be delivered curbside at the Brick Church on Tuesday, Jan 11, 1-1:30pm.

 

HYMN OF OFFERING

As With Gladness Men of Old

Thomas & Dorian Pousont, vocalists

 

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

 

Holy One, some of us have travelled far to find you,

and some of us have long roads ahead.

But we step forward in faith, O God,

that at the end of all our journeying

We shall find you waiting for us.

You are our beginning, and our ending,

and all our days we dedicate to you.

May the offerings of our hands,

the prayers of our heart,

and the steps of our feet,

bring us ever closer to that kingdom

where love is Lord of all.

Amen.

 

 

EPIPHANY BENEDICTION

May the light of God guide you in your journey,
may the Spirit give you gifts in abundance to share,
and may the love of Christ fill your hearts with wonder,
this day and evermore,
Amen.

 

POSTLUDE

Noël                Jean-Baptiste Loeillet

Marc Dancer, recorder

 

 

 

November 28, 2021 – Advent I (Come Again)

THE FIRST CHURCH OF DEERFIELD

The Brick Church  /The Brick-less Church

 

Whoever you are, wherever you may be on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

 

We ask that all members and guests wear masks throughout the service.

We ask also that you refrain from singing; humming is permitted during hymns.

ORDER OF WORSHIP

November 27, 2021 – Advent I

 

Today’s readers and candle-lighters are Tim N. and Tom M.

For reasons of safety due to Covid, today’s Interlude has been pre-recorded.

 

PRELUDE

 

Adagio   Pietro Nardini
Dr. Thomas Pousont, organ

 

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

HYMN

 

Watchman, tell us of the night; what its signs and promise are.
Traveler, o’er yon mountain height, see that glory-beaming star!
Watchman, does its beauteous ray aught of joy or hope foretell?
Traveler, yes: it brings the day, promised day of Israel.

 

LIGHTING OF THE FIRST ADVENT CANDLE

We invite you to light a candle at home, as part of your worship.

 

One candle is a fragile defense,
against the darkness of a winter night.
But one candle can kindle another,
and so bring light to the world.

 

God of Advent, kindle within our hearts a flame of hope.

 

We light this candle in hope.   {1st candle is lit}

 

 

FIRST READING

 

from V’al Hanissim, traditional Hanukkah prayer

 

[We thank you] for the miracles and for the redemption and for the mighty deeds and for the saving acts and for the victories that you wrought for our ancestors in those days at this time.

In the days of Mattathias son of Yohanan the high priest, the Hasmonean, and his sons, when an evil kingdom stood against your people Israel in order to make them forget your Torah and violate your laws,

You, in your enormous mercy, stood up for them in their time of great need, upheld their cause, judged their case, and avenged their oppressors.

You delivered the mighty into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few, the impure into the hands of the pure, the wicked into the hands of the righteous, and the degenerates into the hands of those who cling to your Torah;

And you made for yourself a great and holy name in your world, and performed a great deliverance and miracle for your people Israel; as you do today.

And afterward, your children came to the Holy of Holies in your House, and they cleansed your Palace and purified your Temple. And they kindled lights in the courtyard of your Sanctuary, and they established these eight days of Hanukkah, to give thanks and to praise your great name.

 

PRAYER OF RECONCILIATION
Psalm 25 (NRSV, adapt.)

 

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord;  teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation.

Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord; remember your steadfast love.

For your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great.

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.

Relieve the troubles of my heart, and bring me out of my distress.

Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.

O guard my life, and deliver me, for I take refuge in you.

May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.

Redeem the nation, O God, out of all its troubles, for your goodness’ sake.

 

INTERLUDE

 

Veni, Veni Emmanuel     trad., 12th century

sung by Stephen, Choral Scholar

 

SECOND READING
The Gospel According to Luke, 21:25-36

 

 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place.  Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

 “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

 

SERMON

 

Come Again
Rev. Liza B. Knapp

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

(an Advent prayer by Walter Brueggemann)

 

In our secret yearnings
we wait for your coming,
and in our grinding despair
we doubt that you will.
And in this privileged place
we are surrounded by witnesses who yearn more than do we
and by those who despair more deeply than do we.
Look upon your church and its pastors
in this season of hope
which runs so quickly to fatigue
and in this season of yearning
which becomes so easily quarrelsome.
Give us the grace and the impatience
to wait for your coming to the bottom of our toes,
to the edges of our fingertips.
We do not want our several worlds to end.
Come in your power
and come in your weakness
in any case
and make all things new.
Amen.

 

 

RESPONSE

 

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel
who mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

 

OFFERING OF GIFTS

 

OFFERTORY

 

Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns Die Stimme   J.G. Walther

 

DOXOLOGY

 

Praise God from whom all blessing flow,
Praise God all creatures here below
God’s praise ye hosts on high proclaim
Who doth create, redeem, sustain.

 

ADVENT DEDICATION
from Jan L. Richardson, Night Visions

 

Ancient One
who makes all things new,
may we receive with gentleness
and touch with hopefulness
and protect with fierceness
and love with tenderness:
and may we celebrate with gratefulness
and welcome with humbleness
and tend with gracefulness
all that you give
into our care.

 

HYMN

 

Watchman, tell us of the night, higher yet that star ascends.
Traveler, blessedness and light, peace and truth its course portends.
Watchman, will its beams alone gild the spot that gave them birth?
Traveler, ages are its own; see, it bursts o’er all the earth!

 

A CELTIC BENEDICTION

 

may the blessing of light be upon you
light without, and light within

may the blessed sunlight shine on you
and warm your heart

until it glows like a peat fire

 

so that a stranger come
and may be warmed by it

and, also, a friend

 

 

POSTLUDE

 

God Gave To Us This Glorious Day   J.G. Walther

 

 

**

ANNOUNCEMENTS !!

The Brick-less Church presents: 
A Virtual Advent Calendar!

Each evening at 8pm, from December 1st through December 25th, those who wish may receive a special Advent Calendar email to open.

Each of these digital “windows” will contain a poem, an image, or a music link, each selected by the pastor or a member of the Brick Church community. Our hope is that these “treats” will help us to pause and experience the hope, peace, and mystery of Advent.

If you would like to contribute an item (poem, picture, or music link) to be included in the Advent Calendar, or if you would like to be added to the Calendar mailing list, please email Pastor Liza.

 

The First Church of Deerfield

PO Box 276, Deerfield, Massachusetts 01342

office@firstchurchofdeerfield.org / (413) 773-5323

November 7, 2021 – Remembrance of All Souls

Good morning (or afternoon, or evening) and welcome to worship. 
Whoever you are, wherever you may be (figuratively or literally), you are welcome here.

ORDER OF WORSHIP
Sunday, November 7, 2022

Remembrance of All Souls

CALL TO WORSHIP

Come now, and worship, but do not come alone;
bring with you all the souls you have loved–
for God knows them well,
and welcomes them all.

PRELUDE

Ein’ feste Burg ist unser Gott   Johann Pachelbel
Dr. Thomas Pousont, organ

READING

from Isaiah 25:6-9

On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.  And God will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; God will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have been waiting, for You.

 

RAISING OF THE PRAYER FLAGS

(to view the flag raising, click here)
Flags of Remembrance, 2021

(to sing along with choir members, click here)
For All the Saints   (Tune: Sine Nomine)

 

READING

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-6

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to scatter the stones, and a time to gather them together…
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to let go.

READING

Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and every sin that entangles us, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

PRESENTATION OF CROSS

From the First Congregational Church of Greenfield, Massachusetts
Barbara Alden

 

 

PRAYER
from Psalm 25

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;
O my God, in you I trust.
Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation
Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!

READING

Sonnet 71 of William Shakespeare

No longer mourn for me when I am dead
Than you shall hear the surly sullen bell
Give warning to the world that I am fled
From this vile world with vilest worms to dwell;
Nay, if you read this line, remember not
The hand that writ it; for I love you so,
That I in your sweet thoughts would be forgot,
If thinking on me then should make you woe.
O, if (I say) you look upon this verse,
When I (perhaps) compounded am with clay,
Do not so much as my poor name rehearse,
But let your love even with my life decay,
Lest the wise world should look into your moan,
And mock you with me after I am gone.

 

REFLECTION

may their memory be a blessing

AFFIRMATION OF REMEMBRANCE

(by Sylvan Kamens and Rabbi Jack Riemer)

At the rising sun and at its going down: We remember them.

At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter: We remember them.

At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring: We remember them.

At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer; We remember them.

At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of the autumn: We remember them.

At the beginning of the year and when it ends: We remember them.

As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us:

We remember them.

When we are weary and in need of strength: We remember them.

When we are lost and sick at heart: We remember them.

When we have decisions that are difficult to make: We remember them.

When we have joy we crave to share: We remember them.

When we have achievements that are based on theirs: We remember them.

For as long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us:

We remember them.

SHARING OF OUR GIFTS

(To make a donation to support the ministry of the First Church of Deerfield, click here.)

 

OFFERTORY ANTHEM

Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit    arr. William Grant Still
The First Church of Deerfield Choir

 

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

 We place our offerings in your hands, O Beloved.
Bless these small gifts, that they might become
the seeds of a greater harvest
of blessing and hope for your people.
In (Christ’s/Love’s) name, Amen.

 

HYMN

Be Still My Soul
Tom, Marc, Karen, and Nancy, vocals

 

POSTLUDE

Ein’ feste Burg ist unser Gott   J.G. Walther

ANNOUNCEMENTS !!


Sunday, November 14

Join us for a musical treat! Our organist Tom Pousont will be joined by guest musician Alice Robbins playing viola da gamba. At this service we will collect donations of non-perishable food for the Franklin Community Meal Program.

Sunday, November  21
There will be no worship at the Brick Church on November 21, as we gather instead via Zoom for our annual “seder” – a Thanksgiving celebration of feasting, friendship, and story-telling. Watch for more details coming next week!

 

October 31, 2021 – Hallowe’en

THE FIRST CHURCH OF DEERFIELD
The Brick Church  / The Brick-less Church
Whoever you are, wherever you may be on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

ORDER OF WORSHIP
Sunday, October 31, 2021

 

PRELUDE
Pastorale     Flor Peeters (1903-1986)
Dr. Thomas Pousont, organ

CALL TO WORSHIP

 Love is the Spirit of this church,
and service its law.
This is our covenant:
To dwell together in peace,
To seek truth in love,
And to help our neighbor.

HYMN (559)

Come, thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount I’m fixed upon it, mount of God’s redeeming love.

Oh, to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the Way I love;
Here’s my heart, Lord, take and seal it; Seal it for thy courts above.

 

RESPONSIVE PRAYER OF CONFESSION
(This morning’s prayer of confession is drawn from the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism and from the Gospel According to Mark 9:24)
Congregational response (after each statement): “help our unbelief”

We believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person;
We believe in justice, equity, and compassion in human relations;
We believe in acceptance and encouragement of one another;
We believe in a free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
We believe in the right of conscience, and in the democratic process;
We believe in the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all;
We believe in respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part.

We believe; help our unbelief.

INTERLUDE

Dona Nobis Pacem        Trad. (attrib. to Mozart)
The Deerfield Choral Scholars: Christopher, Maddalena, & Stephen
(due to Covid safety measures, this musical offering has been pre-recorded)

 

READING, REFLECTION, AND HYMN

READING
Mark 9: 14-28

REFLECTION
If the Great Pumpkin Comes
Rev. Liza B. Knapp

HYMN (286)

If you will trust in God to guide you, and hope in God through all your ways,
God will give strength, whate’er betide you, and bear you through the evil days.
Who trusts in God’s unchanging love, builds on the rock that will not move.

Sing, pray, and keep God’s ways unswerving; so do your own part faithfully,
and trust God’s word; though undeserving, you’ll find God’s promise true to be.
God never will forsake in need the soul that trusts in God indeed.

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Mary Dancer

OFFERTORY & DOXOLOGY
A Dorian Prelude Flor Peeters

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

We offer these gifts in Faith,
believing that you will provide for us, according to our needs;

We offer these gifts in Hope,
believing that the seeds we scatter will bear fruit, according to their kinds;

We offer these gifts with Love,
believing there is no gift greater, than Love.

In the name of Christ, In the name of Love,
Amen

PASSING OF THE PEACE

 

HYMN, BENEDICTION, & POSTLUDE

 

HYMN (tune: 559)

Sent to share the Spirit’s blessing, we go forth renewed, restored,
humbled by the task before us, strengthened by the love outpoured.
Finding faith confirmed in action, led by hope through each new day,
we are called to be God’s people, living as we sing and pray.

BENEDICTION

Believe the day is coming, when God’s
Believe the day is coming, when Christ’s compassion will fill the world.
Believe the day is coming,

(by M. Luti, adapted)

POSTLUDE
March (1955)         Flor Peeters

 

***

The First Church of Deerfield  is an inclusive, inquisitive, open-and-affirming congregation
of the United Church of Christ and the Unitarian Universalist Association

PO Box 276, Deerfield, Massachusetts 01342

office@firstchurchofdeerfield.org / (413) 773-5323

Rev. Liza B. Knapp, Pastor – deerfieldpastor@gmail.com / (413) 768-9412

Dr. Thomas Pousont, Organist and Director of Music Ministry

Pat Auchard, Administrator  – Tom Mershon, Sexton – Rev. Ann Hallstein, Pastor Emerita

October 24, 2021

THE FIRST CHURCH OF DEERFIELD

The Brick Church  / The Brick-less Church

Whoever you are, wherever you may be on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

We ask that all members and guests wear masks throughout the service.

We ask also that you refrain from singing; humming is permitted during hymns.

 

ORDER OF WORSHIP
October 24, 2021

PRELUDE

Elevation – Tierce en Taille     François Couperin
Thomas Pousont, organ

 
CALL TO WORSHIP

(From Psalm 146)

Happy are those whose hope is in the Lord their God:

who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith forever;
who executes justice for the oppressed;
who gives food to the hungry;
who sets the prisoners free;
who opens the eyes of the blind;
who lifts up those who are bowed down;
who loves the righteous;
who watches over the strangers;
who upholds the orphan and the widow;
who frustrates the ways of the wicked;
who reigns forever, for all generations.

Praise the Lord! 

 

HYMN (642)

(to hear the tune, click here)

Be thou my vision, O joy of my heart;
naught be all else to me, save that thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night;
waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true word;
I ever with thee, and thou with me, Lord.
Thou and thou only, first in my heart,
Great God of heaven, my treasure thou art.

 

READING

As Jesus and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When Bartimaeus heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.        (Mark 10: 46-52, NRSV)

 

PRAYER

(by Richard of Chichester, 1197-1253)

O most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother, may I know you more clearly, love you more dearly, follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen.

 

ANTHEM

A Prayer of St. Richard of Chichester     L.J. White
Karen & Liz, sopranos

 

SERMON

Rev. Liza B. Knapp

 

(Bartimaeus casting off his cloak – sculpture by Gordon Brewster)

 

HYMN (642, continued)

Great God of heaven, when vict’ry is won,
may I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Mary Dancer

 

SHARING OF GIFTS

(to make a gift to the First Church of Deerfield, click here)

DOXOLOGY

(to hear the tune, click here)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise God all creatures here below,
God’s praise ye host on high proclaim,
who doth create, redeem, sustain.

PRAYER

We offer these gifts, and with them this prayer:
That those who receive, and those who give,
might be one. In Christ’s/ Love’s name, Amen.

 

HYMN

(to hear the tune, click here)

Live into hope of captives freed,
of sight regained, the end of greed.
The oppressed shall be the first to see
the year of God’s own jubilee!

Live into hope of liberty,
the right to speak, the right to be,
the right to have one’s daily bread,
to hear God’s word and thus be fed.

 

BENEDICTION

May God bless you and keep you
May God’s face shine upon you
and be gracious unto you
May God look upon you with kindness
and give you peace.
Amen.

POSTLUDE

Trumpet Tune    Henry Purcell

 

 

The First Church of Deerfield  is an inclusive, inquisitive, open-and-affirming congregation
of the United Church of Christ and the Unitarian Universalist Association

PO Box 276, Deerfield, Massachusetts 01342
office@firstchurchofdeerfield.org / (413) 773-5323
Rev. Liza B. Knapp, Pastor – deerfieldpastor@gmail.com / (413) 768-9412
Dr. Thomas Pousont, Organist and Director of Music Ministry
Pat Auchard, Administrator  – Tom Mershon
Sexton – Rev. Ann Hallstein, Pastor Emerita

June 13, 2021 – Being Good Ancestors, Part I (Forever Stamps and Permanent Tattoos)

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.

 

ORDER OF WORSHIP
Sunday, June 13, 2021

 

PRELUDE
Prelude    Lied   Louis Viverne
Dr. Thomas Pousont, organ

WELCOME
June 13, 2021
Rev. Liza B.Knapp

HYMN
Hymn  As Those of Old Their First Fruits Brought
Marc Dancer, soloist

 

READING

Psalm 90,  verses 1-13
You may listen to the psalm here, or read it aloud. If you are worshipping with a friend, we invite you to read it responsively, with one reading the italics.

Lord, you have been our dwelling place
in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

You turn us back to dust,
and say, “Turn back, you mortals.”
For a thousand years in your sight
are like yesterday when it is past,
or like a watch in the night.

You sweep them away; they are like a dream,
like grass that is renewed in the morning;
in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;
in the evening it fades and withers.

For we are consumed by your anger;
by your wrath we are overwhelmed.
You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your countenance.

For all our days pass away under your wrath;
our years come to an end like a sigh.
The days of our life are seventy years,
or perhaps eighty, if we are strong;
even then their span is only toil and trouble;
they are soon gone, and we fly away.

Who considers the power of your anger?
Your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.
So teach us to count our days
that we may gain a wise heart.

 

 

ANTHEM
Anthem  No Longer Mourn For Me   Shakespeare/ Charles H.H. Parry
Stephen Morris, Choral Scholar;  Yu-Mei Wei, piano

THREE READINGS ON TIME

I.
Consider the earth’s history as the old measure of the English yard, the distance from the kings nose to the tip of his outstretched hand. One stroke of a nail file on his middle finger erases human history.
(John McPhee)

II.
Most educated people are aware that we are the outcome of nearly 4,000,000,000 years of Darwinian selection, but many tend to think that humans are some help the combination. Our sun, however, is less than halfway through its lifespan. It will not be humans who watch the sun’s demise, 6 billion years from now ….
(Martin Rees, astrophysicist)

III.

Eternity is not infinity.
It is not a long time.
It does not begin at the end of time.
It does not run parallel to time.
In its entirety it always was.
In its entirety it will always be.
It is entirely always present.

(Wendell Berry,
from This Day: Collected and New Sabbath Poems)

 

 

SERMON
Forever Stamps and Permanent Tattoos
Rev. Liza Knapp

 

A PAUSE FOR MEDITATION

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings, that you are mindful of them,
or mortals, that you care for them?
 (Psalm 8)

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Eternal One: You give to us the gift of Time,
so that our lives may unfold
as a song, or a flower.

But often we see time as our enemy.

For hours that we have squandered,
which we might instead of savored: forgive us.
For kindness as we have postponed,
which we might instead of rendered: forgive us.
For changes we have delayed,
which we might instead of he said: forgive us.

Teach us to befriend your gift of time.

We place in your hands
not only our future, but also our past;
trusting in your everlasting love,
to bless and redeem them both.

amen.

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
June 13, 2021

  https://youtu.be/sPhLCx5kZQs
shared by Mary Dancer

 

SHARING OF GIFTS
To make a donation
to the First Church of Deerfield
(aka “The Brick Church,” aka “The Brick-less Church”),
click here.
For more ways to give, see announcements, below.

 

ANTHEM
Anthem  Du bist wie eine Blume  Robert Schumann
Christopher Gergis, Choral Scholar; Thomas Pousont, piano

 

OFFERING PRAYER

Bless these our offerings,
that they might serve your people,
and bring your healing love
to the places it is needed most.

in Christ’s name / in Love’s name,
amen

 

HYMN
Hymn   Eternal, Unchanging We Sing
Karen Smith Emerson, soloist

 

BENEDICTION
(Wendell Berry)

The seed is in the ground.
Now may we rest in hope
While darkness does its work.

Amen.

 

POSTLUDE
Postlude   Trumpet March  Jeremiah Clark
Dr. Thomas Pousont, organ 

Images:
Brick Church Window, L. Knapp
Ancient Yew Tree, Church of St. Cynog, Powys, Wales – estimated age > 5000 years
Bristlecone Pine, National Forest, Madera County, California – estimated age >5000 year
Baobab Trees by starlight, photograph by Beth Moon. Baobabs may live 2000-3000 years
Walking under Baobab trees, photograph by Yasmine Arfaoui, unsplash.com

 

FURTHER EXPLORATION

For more astonishing images of ancient trees by photographer Beth Moon
click here

 

The First Church of Deerfield
an inclusive, inquisitive congregation of
the United Church of Christ
and the Unitarian Universalist Association

Rev. Liza B. Knapp, Pastor
deerfieldpastor@gmail.com
office@firstchurchofdeerfield.org.
Dr. Thomas Pousont, Director of Music Ministry
Tom Mershon, Sexton
Pat Auchard, Office Administrator
Ann Hallstein, Pastor Emerita

If you wish to make a donation in support of our ministry,
text “GIVE” to (413) 307-3730 or click below:
https://fcd.breezechms.com/give/online.

July 18, 2021 – Unassimilated

The First Church of Deerfield, Massachusetts

The music for this morning’s service is pre-recorded.
Our thanks to Marc Dancer, our worship DJ, and to the recording artists, local and distant.

 

PRELUDE
Andante Tranquillo from Sonata III (Bartholdi Mendelssohn)
Tom Pousont, organ

 

 WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Joe Durham, moderator 

 

CALL  & INVOCATION (responsive)
(from Spaciousfaith.com, adapted)

Some of us are exhausted.       We come to rest.
Some of us are curious.           We come to learn.
Some of us are hungry.           We come to be fed.
Some of us are disoriented.     We come to pray.
Some of us are broken.           We come to be healed.
All of us are beloved.             We come to love.

From east and west, from north and south,
we gather together in common prayer:
Teach us, feed us, hear us, heal us.
Grant us your peace. Amen.

 

1st READING
Paul’s Letter to the Galatians 3:26-29

In Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise. (NRSV trans.)

 

ANTHEM
In Christ there is no East or West (MCKEE)
sung by the choir of St Martin in the Fields

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)
listen here or read below

Heart of Courage, Heart of Compassion,
you call us to love both neighbor and self;
but we confess, we are afraid to bridge the gap.
We long for unconditional love,
but we offer our own with strings attached.
We long to be included,
but we deny the subtle ways that we exclude others.
We build walls to shut out the stranger,
and so imprison ourselves as well.

Forgive our narrowness of heart.
Cast out our fear, and free us to live at peace,
both with the Other, and with our Self. Amen.

{a time for silent prayer follows}

 

2nd READING
Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians 2:11-22
read by deacon Jean Turner

 

REFLECTION
Unassimilated
Rev. Liza B. Knapp, pastor

 

ANTHEM
Ubi Caritas (Dufle)
sung by the Choir of St. John’s Elora

Where charity and love are, God is there.
Christ’s love has gathered us into one.
Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him.
Let us fear and love the living God.
And may we love each other with a sincere heart.

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
deacon Mary Dancer

 

THE DISCIPLE’S PRAYER (unison)
Our (Father / Mother / God), who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

 

OFFERTORY ANTHEM
United We Are (Boyd/Manor)
sung by the Choirs of Deerfield Academy and The First Church of Deerfield

 

DEDICATION (responsive)

Make of these gifts, one gift —
not ours alone, but ours together.
May our shared offering be a sign
of our solidarity with one another,
and with all who, like us, are in need
of love, of compassion, of friendship.
Amen.

 

BENEDICTION
God be with you til we meet again
The First Church of Deerfield Choir

 

POSTLUDE
Lobt Gott, ihr Christen allzugleich (Walther)
Thomas Pousont, organ

 

The service is over;
Let our service begin.
The Church will now leave the building.

July 11, 2021 – The Church is in the House

 

 

ORDER OF WORSHIP

Sunday, July 11, 2021

Note about today’s music: We include today two different choral settings of the same Latin text, “Locus iste…”, which means, “This is the place that God has made.” Traditionally sung at the anniversary of the dedication of a house of worship, it seemed an appropriate choice; for today, we returned to our Brick Church Meetinghouse after more than a year’s absence.

PRELUDE 

Ein feste burg (Walther)

Tom Pousont, organ; recorded October, 2020

 

WORDS OF WELCOME

July 11, 2021

 

CALL  TO WORSHIP

Psalm 122: 1-2

I was glad when they said to me,

“Let us go to the house of the Lord!”

Our feet are standing

within your gates, O Jerusalem.

 

READING 

1st Chronicles 17: 1-15

read here

 

ANTHEM

Locus Iste (Bruckner)

performed by Tenebrae

 

“This place was made by God”

 

SERMON

The Church is in the House

Rev. Liza Knapp, pastor

 

BLESSING OF THE HOUSE

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

July 11, 2021

Mary Dancer, deacon

 

THE DISCIPLE’S PRAYER

Our (Father / Mother / God), who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

 

SHARED CONFESSION

Iona Community, adapted

 

Before God, with the people of God, I confess to my brokenness,

and to the ways that I have wounded myself, my neighbors, and our world.

May God forgive you, renew you, and enable you to grow in love. Amen.

 

OFFERING

In addition to tithes and offerings to the church, today we receive and bless donations of food and financial support for the Franklin County Community Meal Program. To make an online donation to the meal program, CLICK HERE and select “FCCMP” from the drop-down menu. To make an online donation to the Church, select “CHURCH DONATION.”

 

OFFERTORY ANTHEM

Locus iste (Mealor)

performed by Voces 8

 

 DEDICATION

 

We offer our grateful thanks

for this place of shelter

given to us by those who came before.

We offer our gifts

in hope that they in turn

may offer shelter.

In Christ’s/Love’s name,

Amen.

 

CHORAL BENEDICTION

First Church of Deerfield Choir

 

God be with you til we meet again

Loving arms surround, uphold you

With a shepherd’s care enfold you

God be with you til we meet again

 

 

POSTLUDE

La Rejouissance

Music for the Royal Fireworks (Handel)

Tom Pousont, organ;

Thomas Bergeron, trumpet;

recorded April, 2020

 

 

CHARGE

The service is over;

Let our service begin.

The Church will now leave the building.

 

June 27, 2021 – Being Good Ancestors, Pt III (The Prodigal’s Inheritance)

ORDER OF WORSHIP
Sunday, June 27, 2021
Whoever you are, wherever you may be on life’s journey,
you are welcome here.

 

CALL AND INVOCATION
Psalm 24, adapted

The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof;
the world, and all who dwell therein.

For God has founded it upon the seas,
and established it upon the floods.

Who shall ascend into the hill of the Holy One?
or who shall stand in God’s holy place?

Let this be the generation of them that seek You;
O Beloved, may your face shine upon us!

 

HYMN 

All Creatures of our God and King
Karen Smith Emerson, soloist; Tom Pousont, organ

 

READING & REFLECTION

Inheritance
Rev. Liza B. Knapp

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Wendell Berry, adapted

It is the destruction of the world
in our own lives that drives us
half insane, and more than half.

To destroy that which we were given
in trust: how will we bear it?

It is our own bodies that we give
to be broken, our bodies
existing before and after us
in clod and cloud, worm and tree,
that we, driving or driven, despise
in our greed to live, our haste
to die. 

To have lost, wantonly,
the ancient forests, the vast grasslands
is our madness, the presence
in our very bodies of our grief.

 

(A time for silence follows)

 

 

HYMN
We cannot Own the Sunlit Skies
Sung by the virtual choir of Payton Park UCC, Belmont, MA

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
June 27, 2021
Sally Laubin

 

OFFERING

To make a donation to the First Church of Deerfield  (aka “The Brick Church,” aka “The Brick-less Church”), click here

 

DOXOLOGY
Thomas Pousont, organ

 

BLESSING OF GIFTS

All good gifts around us come from you,
Creator, Wellspring, Ground of Being.
May we, your people, made of earth and clay,
become good gifts to one another;
as you intended us to be.

Bless these gifts;
bless those who give
and bless those who receive
with abundant life.

By all your holy names we pray,
Amen.

 

BENEDICTION

May the road rise up to meet you,
may the wind be always at your back,
may the sun shine warm on your face,
may the rain fall soft on your fields.

May God hold us tenderly in the palm of Her hand,
and may we hold God’s creation tenderly in ours.

 

POSTLUDE HYMN
What a wonderful world
Sung by Louis Armstrong

 

Prodigal Son by Pompeo Battoni (18th c.)

image: The Prodigal Son, by Pompeo Batoni

June 20, 2021 – Being Good Ancestors, Pt II (Legacies)

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.





ORDER OF WORSHIP
Sunday, June 20, 2021

The First Church of Deerfield
Order of Worship for June 20, 2021

Whoever you are, wherever you may be on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

Prelude

My Lord, What a Morning
as performed by Jessye Norman (1972)

Call to Worship

This morning marks the most ancient of feasts:
the longest of days, the shortest of nights –
although elsewhere, it is the reverse.
Winter is past, and summer is here.
Summer is here, but winter is coming.
God of all seasons, of shadow and light,
be with us on this day, in this light,
as we give thanks for the turning of the year.

1st Reading

Psalm 78, verses 1-8
as read by Liza Knapp

2nd Reading

2nd Kings 2: 1-14
as read by Tim Neumann

Reflection

Legacies
Rev. Liza B. Knapp

Prayer of Confession and Hope

God of the past, present and future:
Have mercy on us

For we have repeated the errors of our ancestors.
and have invented new errors of our own
and we have passed them on,
for our children to bear.

In our grief, we turn to you
remembering your mercy
and your steadfast love
to all generations.

We ask your forgiveness and your blessing,
Bless the past, bless the present,
and bless, O God, the days to come.
Amen.

Anthem

Breaths
as performed by Sweet Honey in the Rock (1988)

Prayers of the People

June 20, 2021
Mary Dancer

Offering

We do not inherit this world from our ancestors;
we borrow it, from our children.

To make a donation to the First Church of Deerfield  (aka “The Brick Church,” aka “The Brick-less Church”), click here

Dedication

Bless these gifts with your spirit,
that they may follow where it blows,
to those most in need of its refreshing touch.

Benediction

May the God of our ancestors,
bless our days and our nights,
our winter and summer,
our past, present and future.

Bless the sun in its shining,
the earth in its turning,
the seasons in their changing,
and our lives in their passing,
from generation to generation,
Amen.

Postlude

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Etta James (1983)