Posts from the ‘Posts’ Category

June 6, 2021 (Sabbath and Healing)

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 6, 2021

PRELUDE
Prelude   Salve    Sebastiàn Aguilera de Heridia
Dr. Thomas Pousont, organ 

CALL TO WORSHIP

Even in the desert,
even in the wilderness,
sabbath comes.
May you keep it.
Light the candles,
say the prayers:

Welcome, sabbath.
Welcome, rest.
Enter in
and be our guest.

—Jan Richardson

HYMN
Hymn #217 All Creatures of Our God and King  vv. 1-2
Karen Smith Emerson, soprano

FIRST READING
Genesis 2:1- 3 (NRSV)

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.

REFLECTION ON THE FIRST READING
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Herschel, The Sabbath

The words: “On the seventh day God finished His work” (Genesis 2:2), seem to be a puzzle. Is it not said: “He rested on the seventh day”?…We would surely expect the Bible to tell us that on the sixth day God finished His work. Obviously, the ancient rabbis concluded, there was an act of creation on the seventh day. Just as heaven and earth were created in six days, menuha was created on the Sabbath. “After the six days of creation—what did the universe still lack? Menuha. Came the Sabbath, came menuha, and the universe was complete.” Menuha which we usually render with “rest” means here much more than withdrawal from labor and exertion, more than freedom from toil, strain or activity of any kind. Menuha is not a negative concept but something real and intrinsically positive. This must have been the view of the ancient rabbis if they believed that it took a special act of creation to bring it into being, that the universe would be incomplete without it.

ANTHEM
Anthem   Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel   African-American Spiritual

Maddalena Honablue, soprano

SECOND READING

Mark 2:23 – 3:6

One sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?”And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need of food? He entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave some to his companions.” Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath; so the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”

Again Jesus entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. They watched him to see whether he would cure him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man who had the withered hand, “Come forward.” Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. He looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.

REFLECTION ON THE SECOND READING
Healing and Sabbath
Rev. Knapp

(Mulyadi, unsplash.com)

BLESSING

Blessed are you
who bear the light
in unbearable times,
who testify
to its endurance
amid the unendurable,
who bear witness
to its persistence
when everything seems
in shadow
and grief.

— Jan Richard

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
   June 6, 2021  
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.

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 #626  I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
Marc Dancer, bass

BENEDICTION
Early Scottish Blessing

Deep peace of the running wave to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
Deep peace of the Son of peace to you, forever.

POSTLUDE
Postlude     Tiento de Falsas     Pablo Bruna

 ***********

ANNOUNCEMENTS

From the Mission Committee

This month’s non-perishable food collection will be held Tuesday,  June 8, at the church from 1 – 1:30.  Joe and Nancy Durham will be there to receive your donation! Thank you!

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

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

May 30, 2021 – “ordinary time” – (Land of Bees & Honey)

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, May 30, 2021

*Note: Music links marked with an asterisk may be preceded by advertisements. These ads are not part of the service and their presence does not imply endorsement by the church.

WELCOME
May 30, 2021
Rev. Liza B. Knapp

HYMN
For the Beauty of the Earth
Marc Dancer & Nancy Pond
(lyrics: hymnal #226 / tune:Dix)

FIRST READING
Job 12:7-10

Ask the animals, and they will teach you;
the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you.
and the fish of the sea will declare to you.
Who among all these does not know
that the hand of the LORD has done this?
In God’s hand is the life of every living thing
and the breath of every human being.

SECOND READING
from Winnie the Pooh by AA Milne
read by Liza

SERMON
Land of Bees and Honey
Rev. Knapp

ANTHEM
Honey on my Grave
performed by Red Molly

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
May 30, 2021
shared by Mary Dancer

PAUSE FOR MEDITATION
pollinators*

SHARING OF GIFTS
Today’s special offering will go to Save the Children, to support their work in caring for children in crisis at the US border. To make a donation, click here and select “Save the Children” from the drop-down menu.  For more ways to give, see announcements, below.

OFFERING PRAYER

We give thanks for the earth
which is your gift to us.
Teach us so to live
that we may in turn become
your gift to the earth.

Accept, we pray, our offerings,
and by your grace bless us all:
those who give,
those who receive,
and those who wait in need.

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

BLESSING
God of Small Things
Rev. Knapp

POSTLUDE ANTHEM
I remember, I believe*
performed by
Sweet Honey in the Rock

Images:  Oculus Window, Canterbury Cathedral; Bee on Flower, photo by L.Knapp; Winnie the Pooh, illustration by E.H. Shepherd

______________

ANNOUNCEMENTS

From the Church Life and Mission Committees

From time to time the Church Life and or/ Mission Committee offer opportunities to donate to organizations outside of our regular ones.  Tim Neumann suggested that helping the unfortunate children at the border would be worthy of our assistance.  Both committees agreed, and felt that Save the Children would offer the most  help for these children as it directly advocates for the children by making their spaces as child friendly as possible, offers psychological assistance, makes sure they are properly fed, assists in locating their family, etc., etc while working with the Border Patrol.   We are offering 3 ways to donate:

1. Through the May 23 outdoor church service
2. Through Breeze, click on the link and choose Save the Children from the drop-down menu:  https://fcd.breezechms.com/give/online
3. Through a check to the church with  “Children at the US Border Crisis” in the memo

~~~
The Mission Committee is adding $100 from its budget towards this cause.

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

May 23, 2021 – Pentecost

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

Good morning (or afternoon, or evening) and welcome to worship. This morning, for the first time in fourteen months, members of First Church of Deerfield gathered bodily for worship, on the lawn of the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association in old Deerfield. We give thanks for the dual blessings of warm weather and effective vaccines that made this gathering possible, and for the many creative spirits and willing hands that helped in preparing our reunion.

For our members and friends who are unable gather in person, we offer this digital version of the morning’s service, and continue to make this pledge: whoever you are, and wherever you may be (figuratively or literally), you are welcome here.

ORDER OF WORSHIP
Sunday, May 23, 2021 – PENTECOST

PRELUDE
Prelude   Andante   G.P Telemann
Dr. Thomas Pousont, organ

CALL TO WORSHIP

Today we feel the wind beneath our wings,
Today the hidden fountain flows and plays,
Today the church draws breath at last and sings,
As every flame becomes a tongue of praise.
This is the feast of Fire, Air and Water,
Poured out and breathed and kindled into Earth.
The Earth herself awakens to her maker,
Translated out of death and into birth.
The right words come today in their right order
And every word spells freedom and release.
Today the gospel crosses every border,
All tongues are loosened by the Prince of Peace.
Today the lost are found in his translation,
Whose mother-tongue is love, in every nation.
​(Malcolm Guite, Pentecost)

HYMN
Hymn  Siyahamba
Thomas Pousont, vocals

READING
The Acts of the Apostles 2:1-21 (NIV)
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.  They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome¹¹ (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

“‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young people will see visions,
your elders will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.

PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of Pentecost,send your translating spirit among us. Teach us to speak in tongues of love;
so that speaking, we may be heard; and hearing, we may understand; and understanding, we may be reconciled to one another and to you. Amen.

SERMON
What just happened?
Rev. Knapp

HYMN
Hymn  Be Still, My Soul
Karen Smith Emerson, Nancy Pond, Thomas Pousont, Marc Dancer

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
May 23, 2021
shared by Mary Dancer

SHARING OF GIFTS
Today’s special offering will go to Save the Children, to support their work in caring for children in crisis at the US border. To make a donation, click here and select “Save the Children” from the drop-down menu. 

BLESSING OF THE OFFERING

As a fire spreads,
As a wind blows,
As a dove flies,
So your Spirit moves,
Disregarding the boundaries
we have set for your grace.
May our love, too,
Reach beyond our borders.

Bless these gifts we offer today,
And through them, bless
The children who come from away.
Guard them from all harm,
And speed their deliverance
Into safe and loving homes.

You have taught us,
That where our treasure is, there
Will our heart be also;
May this offering open our hearts,
To those who seek refuge.
For we remember that our ancestors, too
Were once strangers in a strange land.

In the name of Christ, in the name of Love,
And by all your holy names, we pray. Amen.

HYMN
Hymn  O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing
Karen Smith Emerson, Nancy Pond, Thomas Pousont, Marc Dancer

BENEDICTION 

Go now in peace, in love, and in joy.
To seek the signs of grace.
May your souls be refreshed by the winds of the Spirit.
May your hearts be ignited by her flame.

May your scars you bear become your story,
And may your story become your gift to the world.

RESPONSE
Benediction Response  God Be With You ‘Til We Meet Again
Karen Smith Emerson, Nancy Pond, Thomas Pousont, Marc Dancer

POSTLUDE
Postlude  Lobe den Herren   J.G. Walther

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

LET’S GET TOGETHER!  As the weather warms, new possibilities emerge for connection. The deacons are helping to arrange small, outdoor gatherings (of no more than four people) for the purpose of enjoying one another’s company and (re)discovering our common ground.  If you would like to participate in one of these gatherings, CLICK HERE to let us know you are interested, and one of the deacons will contact you.  I look forward to seeing you soon! — Pastor Liza

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. MAKE A PLEDGE or GIVE NOW or send check to:
The First Church of Deerfield, P.O. Box 276, 71 Old Main Street, Deerfield, MA 01342)

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.

May 16, 2021 (Ascension)

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, May 16,  2021
7th Sunday of Eastertide / Ascension Sunday

PRELUDE
Premier Kyrie     François Couperin
Dr. Thomas Pousont, organ

CALL TO WORSHIP
Welcome and Call to Worship
Rev. Liza B. Knapp

HYMN
Hymn #211  Crown Him with Many Crowns (Verses 1-3)
Thomas Pousont, vocalist

AFFIRMATION
(Each week during Eastertide, we offer an affirmation from a different part of our wider tradition. This week’s affirmation comes from the Iona Community of Scotland.)

With the whole church
we affirm that we are made in God’s image,
befriended by Christ,
empowered by the Spirit.

With people everywhere
we affirm God’s goodness at the heart of humanity,
planted more deeply than all that is wrong.

With all creation
we celebrate the miracle and wonder of life,
the unfolding purposes of God,
forever at work in ourselves and the world.

PAUSE FOR CONTEMPLATION

rest here in openness,
for a moment, or more

READING
The Acts of the Apostles 1:1-11
read by Liza

SERMON
Heads in the Clouds
Rev. Knapp

ANTHEM
Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen    African-American Spiritual  
Choral Scholar Christopher Gergis, bass

PRAYERS OF THE WORLD
(Rabbi Ethan Witkovsky of the Park Avenue Synagogue, NYC)

We pray that our prayers change us and the world.
We pray for the safety of Israelis and Palestinians.
We pray that both sides find a way to forge a lasting peace.
We pray that no one with the power to save life stands idly by.
Amen

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
May 16, 2021
shared by Mary Dancer

ANTHEM
Steal Away       African-American Spiritual 
Choral Scholar Stephen Morris, baritone

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 ministries of First Church of Deerfield, see Announcements below.)

DEDICATION

May these gifts
be a sign of our gratitude,
that you are steadfast in your love;
and a sign of our intent,
to be more steadfast in ours.
Amen.

HYMN
Hymn #232   Joyful, Joyful We Adore You (Verses 1,2, & 4)
Karen Smith Emerson & Joanne Potee, vocalists

BLESSING
Benediction May 16, 2021

POSTLUDE
Dialogue    François Couperin

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BIG NEWS
!!!NEXT SUNDAY!!!

PENTECOST, IN-PERSON
Outdoors at PVMA

Sunday. May 23rd, at 10 am
(weather permitting)

Friends, it has been over a year since we gathered in person for worship. Now, thanks to the dual blessings of warm weather and effective vaccines, we are ready at last for a reunion of our beloved community! Join us for a safely distanced, in-person, outdoor worship service, May 23rd at 10 am. (Note: a digital worship service will also be available as usual, for those unable to attend — and in case of rain!)

We will gather on the west lawn of the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association. (Enter from their parking lot on Memorial Street in Old Deerfield — just follow the red balloons!) Socially-distanced seating will be provided; bring a cushion for comfort if you wish. Wear sturdy shoes and bring your cane if needed, as we will be on the grass. MASKS ARE REQUIRED. There will be no live singing at this service, but we may hum along to music specially recorded for us by Tom Pousont.

Questions? Concerns? Contact Liza or Mary D.

*******

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.

MAKE A PLEDGE
or
GIVE NOW

or send check to: The First Church of Deerfield, P.O. Box 276, 71 Old Main Street, Deerfield, MA 01342)

*******

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
Dr. Thomas Pousont, Director of Music Ministry
Tom Mershon, Sexton
Pat Auchard, Office Administrator
office@firstchurchofdeerfield.org.
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.

May 9, 2021

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, May 9, 2021 6th Sunday of Eastertide PRELUDE Voluntary in G major   William Boyce Dr. Thomas Pousont, organ   CALL TO WORSHIP May 9, 2021 Rev. Liza B. Knapp   HYMN Come and Find the Quiet Centre Thomas Pousont, vocalist   PAUSE FOR CONTEMPLATION rest here in openness, for a moment, or more READING Mother’s Day Proclamation by Julia Ward Howe (1870) read by Mary Clark SERMON Reclaiming Mother’s Day Rev. Knapp CONFESSION AND AFFIRMATION (from “Creating Peace,” a Statement of Conscience passed by the General Assembly of the UUA in 2010)   Our faith calls us to create peace, yet we confess that we have not done all we could to prevent the spread of armed conflict throughout the world. At times we have lacked the courage to speak and act against violence and injustice; at times we have lacked the creativity to speak and act in constructive ways; at times we have condemned the violence of others without acknowledging our own complicity in violence; too often we have allowed our disagreements to distract us from all that we can do together. We affirm a responsibility to speak truth to power, especially when unjust power is exercised by our own nation. In reverence for all life, we covenant to practice peace at all levels of human interaction. Amen. Shalom. Blessed Be. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE May 9, 2021 shared by Mary Dancer   ANTHEM The 23rd Psalm     Bobby McFerrin The Deerfield Academy Chorus, directed by Thomas Pousont   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.) DEDICATION May these gifts be a sign of our gratitude, that you are steadfast in your love; and a sign of our intent, to be more steadfast in ours. Amen. HYMN God Who Gives to Life its Goodness Nancy Pond, vocalist BLESSING May 9, 2021 POSTLUDE Voluntary in D major  William Boyce

Smith College Greenhouse, 2018  ANNOUNCEMENTS BIG NEWS !!!SAVE THE DATE!!! PENTECOST, IN-PERSON Outdoors at PVMA Sunday. May 23rd (weather permitting) Friends, it has been over a year since we gathered in person for worship. Now, thanks to the dual blessings of warm weather and effective vaccines, we are ready at last for a reunion of our beloved community! Join us for a safely distanced, in-person, outdoor worship service, May 23rd at 10 am. (Note: a digital worship service will also be available as usual, for those unable to attend — and in case of rain!) Stay tuned for more details…. Questions? Concerns? Contact Liza or Mary D. From the Mission Committee This month’s non-perishable food collection will be held next  Tuesday, May 11, at the church from 1 – 1:30.  Bette Schmitt will be there to receive your donation! Thank you! ~~ Thank you, First Church, for your extremely generous response to our call for donations to cover this month’s Community Meal. We are no longer in need of funds and due to your generosity, we now have surplus funds, that will be held for a future good cause(s). 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. MAKE A PLEDGE or GIVE NOW or send check to: The First Church of Deerfield, P.O. Box 276, 71 Old Main Street, Deerfield, MA 01342)

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.

May 2, 2021

ORDER OF WORSHIP Sunday, May 2, 2021 / 5th Sunday of Eastertide Street art by Banksy PRELUDE Prelude on Siyahamba     Andrew Sutherland, 2007 Dr. Thomas Pousont, organ CALL TO WORSHIP for May 21, 2021 Whoever we are, wherever we may be, we worship this morning on sacred ground. For there is no place so large God’s love cannot fill it, no place is so small God’s love cannot find it, no place so lofty God’s love cannot reach it, no place so lowly God’s love will not abide in it. Let us welcome God’s love, with our own. amen. INTROIT & HYMN  #646  Siyahamba vocals by Tom Pousont   PAUSE FOR CONTEMPLATION rest here in openness, for a moment, or more READING from the Christian scriptures The 1st Letter of John 4:7-21 read by David, Jean, Bruce, Mary, Alain, and Ben REFLECTION God is Love is God is Love… Rev. Knapp AFFIRMATION Each week of Eastertide, our worship includes an affirmation from a different part of our spiritual traditions. These words, from the contemporary Unitarian Universalist tradition, are an affirmation, not of common theology, but of common purpose.  We affirm that love is our greatest purpose. Accepting one another is the truest form of faithful living. The search for truth is our constant star. We pledge our hearts, minds, and hands: To challenge injustice with courage; To find hope in times of fear; And to live out our values every day as a beloved community. Thus do we covenant with each other and with all that is sacred in life. ANTHEM Shumayela Deerfield Academy Chorus PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE May 2, 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.) ANTHEM Ke Laolwa (“I am led by the Spirit”) Deerfield Academy Chorus   DEDICATION May these gifts be a sign of our gratitude, that you are steadfast in your love; and a sign of our intent, to be more steadfast in ours. Amen.   BLESSING May love bless us and keep us; may love shine upon us and be gracious unto us; may love abide in us, and we in love, this day and evermore, amen RECESSIONAL HYMN  #497   Send Me, Lord  Thuma Mina

Street art by Nick Walker.  A note on today’s music: We are pleased to welcome the members of the Deerfield Academy Chorus as our virtual guest musicians this morning. These student recently undertook a workshop under the guidance of conductor/arranger Steven Fischer, who has worked with both South African and American choirs. Today’s beautiful anthems are the fruits of that workshop.  All the hymns and songs in this morning’s service originated in South Africa, and reflect its history and spirit of ubuntu and social justice. To learn more, we invite you watch this beautiful Lesson on Ubuntu, prepared by members of the Chorus. ANNOUNCEMENTS A Request from the Mission Committee 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. MAKE A PLEDGE or GIVE NOW or send check to: The First Church of Deerfield, P.O. Box 276, 71 Old Main Street, Deerfield, MA 01342)

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.

April 25, 2021

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. ORDER OF WORSHIP Sunday, April 25, 2021 4th Sunday of Eastertide PRELUDE Prelude on Amazing Grace  P. Pindar Sterns Dr. Thomas Pousont, organ CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 100 Rev. Liza B Knapp HYMN Now the Green Blade Rises Karen Smith Emerson, soprano & Marc Dancer, recorder 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:  Psalm 23  (read by Liza) 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. PAUSE FOR CONTEMPLATION rest here in openness, for a moment, or more READINGS From the Gospel According to John 10: 11-18 and 21: 15-17 REFLECTION Feeding Lambs Rev. Knapp PRAYER 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.) ANTHEM United We Are! FCD Choir and Deerfield Chorus DEDICATION May these gifts be a sign of our gratitude, that you are steadfast in your love; and a sign of our intent, to be more steadfast in ours. Amen. HYMN Amazing Grace Karen Smith Emerson, soprano & Marc Dancer, bass BLESSING God be with you ‘til we meet again; by Her counsels guide, uphold you, with Her sheep securely fold you. God be with you, ‘til we meet again. POSTLUDE All Glory be to God on High  N.A. Vetter

ANNOUNCEMENTS A Request from the Mission Committee 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. MAKE A PLEDGE or GIVE NOW or send check to: The First Church of Deerfield, P.O. Box 276, 71 Old Main Street, Deerfield, MA 01342)

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.

First Church in the News

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