Ringing of the Hour

Welcome and Announcements Winston Baldwin

Prelude

Bringing in the Light of God

Call to Worship Sharon Farmer
All who are able, please stand
Jesus invites us to join him at table,
To eat, share and fellowship with one another.
Jesus invites us into community with each other,
To share our joys, our burdens, to heal each other.
Jesus invites us to embrace life;
Hope over despair, relationship over alienation, good over evil.
Jesus invites us to embrace life with hope, justice and equality.
Jesus invites us to life here and now.

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Opening Hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King” LASST UNS ERFREUEN

Prayer of Awareness Tim Damon
As we come to table this morning, we recall Jesus.
His love softens our inflexibility. His inclusiveness opens our hearts
and minds. His fellowship renews our trust in the goodness of life.
For the gift of Jesus among us, We give you thanks, O God. Amen.

The Lesson from the Hebrew Scripture Genesis 1:24 – 31

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response “Spirit of the Living God” LIVING GOD
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the Living God, move among us all;
make us one in heart and mind, make us in love:
humble, caring, selfless, sharing.
Spirit of the Living God, fill our lives with love!

The Lord’s Prayer
Father, your name be revered. Impose your reign and rule.
Provide us with the bread we need for the day. Forgive our debts to the extent
that we have forgiven those in debt to us. Amen.
–an older version from the Q Gospel

Offering of Our Gifts and Second Offering for Margaret’s Pantry
Thank you for your generous contributions to United Congregational Church,
Holyoke. You help us carry out our ministry in Holyoke and the world. Thank you.

Offertory Music

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
As we gather at table this morning, may this bread and this cup remind us of
Jesus’ table fellowship and of his healing relationship with us. May our
fellowship with one another and our care for each other become for us the real
presence of Jesus in our midst. Amen.

Sacrament of Communion
The Sacrament of Communion is offered to all who are present.
Communion Hymn “Morning Has Broken” BUNESSAN

Invitation To Communion
Sisters and brothers, the Gospel tells us that Jesus was raised from the dead, and on
that same day he sat at a table with two disciples and was made known to them in
the breaking of the bread. We gather here at this table to break bread with Jesus in
our midst. This is the table to which we come to celebrate life and to remember our
past, which is enfolded into and transformed by God’s future. This is God’s
inclusive table to which all are invited.

This is the joyful feast of the people of God, all genders, all sexual orientations,
all children, all adults, everyone who comes from east and west, north, and
south, to gather at God’s table. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is
with us, thanks be to God. Amen.

Words of Institution

The Bread of Hope
Sharing the Bread

The Cup of Joy
Sharing the Cup

Prayer of Thanksgiving
We give you thanks, O God, that you have renewed us
at your table in fellowship with one another and with Jesus.
Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another
that we follow you in courage and peace. Amen.

Closing Hymn “From All That Dwell Below the Skies” LASST UNS ERFREUEN

Benediction
The peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Go in peace.

Postlude

Pentecost
Ringing of the Hour
Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin
Prelude “Sleepers Awake” JS Bach
Bringing in the Light of God
Call to Worship Paula Thouin
All who are able, please stand
May fire and wind, voices and vision, fill us on this Pentecost.
May God’s wind refresh and renew us.
May God’s fire kindle our passions for love and justice,
As the Spirit spreads through us.

Greeting The Peace of God with you.
Opening Hymn “On Pentecost They Gathered” MUNICH

The Prayer of Awareness
Spirit of life and hope, may we be aware of your presence among us.
Awaken us again to the mysteries that humble us, the realities that orient
us, the fellowship that sustains us, that we may give ourselves in honesty
and openness to the life before us. Amen.

Lesson from the Christian Scriptures Acts 2: 1 – 17 Dorothy Claire Glover

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response “Spirit of the Living God” LIVING GOD
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the Living God, move among us all;
make us one in heart and mind, make us in love:
humble, caring, selfless, sharing.
Spirit of the Living God, fill our lives with love!

Memorial Day Litany
On this Memorial Day weekend, we remember those who have died in service to
our country.
We remember their lives, what could have been but was not.
We offer thanksgiving for their lives, their valor, their last full measure.
We offer thanksgiving for those who severed and did not die, and those who are
serving now for justice and for freedom for all of God’s children.
We remember that peace comes through justice, not power.
For lives lived, for lives lost, we give you thanks, O God.
In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us, thanks be to God.

Offering of our gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
May the gifts we bring, be our openness to one another.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen

Closing Hymn “Praise with Joy the World’s Creator” LAUDA ANIMA

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

Ringing of the Hour

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Prelude

Bringing in the Light of God

Call to Worship Muriel Griffin
All who are able, please stand
God calls us to bring new life where life is worn and tired,
To bring new life where things have turned hard hearted,
To bring forgiveness, where we have wounded,
To bring joy and freedom where there is oppression.
God calls us to live as a resurrection community.

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You HYMN TO JOY

Lesson from the Christian Scriptures Jim Johnson
Thomas 2 Jesus says, “Those who seek should not stop seeking until they
find. When they find, they will be disturbed. When they are disturbed, they
will marvel and will reign over all.”

Thomas 94 Jesus says: “ The one who seeks will find, knock and it will be
opened.”

Thomas 113 “God’s imperial rule is spread out upon the earth, people do not
see it.”

Mark 1: 14 – 15
Now after John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the
good news of God, saying, “It is here! The reign of God is within your reach,
turn and receive it!”

Sermon

Anthem “I Am Thine, O Lord” A.L. “Pete” Butler arr. Mark Patterson

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response “Creative God, Creating Still” ST ANNE

Creator God. creating still, by will and word and deed.
Create a new humanity to meet the present need.

Redeemer God, redeeming still, with overflowing grace.
Pour out your love on us, through us, make this a holy place.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive those indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

Offering of our gifts and Second Offering for Rebekah’s Closet
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
May the gifts we bring be our seeking and finding.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen

Closing Hymn “How Firm a Foundation” FOUNDATION

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

Ringing of the Hour

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Prelude

Bringing in the Light of God

Call to Worship Robert Grammo
All who are able, please stand
Blessed is the One who speaks creation into existence.
Blessed is the One who speaks and does.
Blessed is the One who has compassion for the earth.
Blessed is the Holy One.
Blessed is Sophia, Wisdom of all creation.

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn “Praise to the Living God” DIADEMATA

A Litany for Women Paula Thouin
Within our religious tradition many women have been silenced.
They are given no name, no place. Today, let us break that silence.

We remember our foremothers, who, throughout time,
have used their gifts of power, love, and strong minds
to change the world. We call upon these foremothers to help us discover
within ourselves our gifts.

We remember Sarah, a strong woman of faith who answered God’s call to
leave her homeland, to put her faith in the promises and covenant of God.

We pray for her power of faith and commitment.

We remember Esther, Deborah, and Rahab, who by acts of courage saved
their people. We pray for their strong minds and courage acting for the
greater good.

We remember Mary Magdala, her leadership in the Jesus Movement, her
special relationship to Jesus, Johanna, and the other women who followed
Jesus. We pray for their love and faith in the face of skepticism.

We remember Phoebe, Priscilla, and all the women leaders of the early
church. We pray for their power and creativity that spread the gospel and
inspired congregations.

We pray for the creativity of women who are first in their field.
We pray for their power of leadership and their creative thinking. May
they be given power and responsibility as they open new possibilities for
all women.

We pray for our daughters and granddaughters. May they be granted the
power, love, and creative minds to seek that life which is uniquely theirs.

We celebrate the power of women, their love, their strong minds,
determination, creativity. They are cocreators with God. The Spirit of
God be with us in our loving, in our searching, in our celebration of
women. Amen.
–By Rex A. E. Hunt, adapted

Lesson from the Hebrew Scriptures Provers 8: 1 – 36 selected verses

Sermon

Anthem “All Night, All Day” Greg Gilpin

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response “Creative God, Creating Still” ST.ANNE
Creator God. creating still, by will and word and deed.
Create a new humanity to meet the present need.
Redeemer God, redeeming still, with overflowing grace.
Pour out your love on us, through us, make this a holy place.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom
come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive those indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the
kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

Offering of our gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
May the gifts we bring, be God’s love and justice in the world.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen.

Closing Hymn  “Restless Weaver” BEACH SPRING

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

Ringing of the Hour

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Prelude

Bringing in the Light of God

Call to Worship Lynda Overlock
All who are able, please stand
Jesus invites us to join him at the table,
To eat, share, and fellowship with one another.
Jesus invites us into community with each other,
To share our joys, our burdens, to heal each other.
Jesus invites us to embrace life;
Hope over despair, relationship over alienation, good over evil.
Jesus invites us to embrace life with hope, justice and equality.
Jesus invites us to be involved in life here and now.

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Opening Hymn “All People That on Earth Do Dwell” OLD HUNDREDTH

Prayer of Awareness Sharon Farmer
As we come to table this morning, we recall Jesus.
His love softens our inflexibility. His inclusiveness opens our hearts and
minds. His fellowship renews our trust in the goodness of life.
For the gift of Jesus among us, We give you thanks, O God. Amen.

The Lesson Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress: Ah, Neighbor Christian, where are we now?

Sermon

Anthem “Christ Has No Body Now but Yours” by David Ogden

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response “Creator God, Creating Still” ST. ANNE
Creator God. creating still, by will and word and deed.
Create a new humanity to meet the present need.
Redeemer God, redeeming still, with overflowing grace.
Pour out your love on us, through us, make this a holy place.

The Lord’s Prayer
Father, your name be revered. Impose your reign and rule.
Provide us with the bread we need for the day. Forgive our debts to the
extent that we have forgiven those in debt to us. Amen. –an older version
from the Q Gospel

Offering of Our Gifts and Second Offering Thank you for your generous
contributions to United Congregational Church, Holyoke. You help us carry out our
ministry in Holyoke and the world. Thank you.

Offertory Music

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication Rev. Lance Humphrey
As we gather at table this morning, may this bread and this cup remind
us of Jesus’ table fellowship and of his healing relationship with us.
May our fellowship with one another and our care for each other become
for us the real presence of Jesus in our midst. Amen.

Sacrament of Communion

The Sacrament of Communion is offered to all who are present.

Communion Hymn “Let Us Break Bread Together”
LET US BREAK BREAD TOGETHER

Invitation To Communion
Sisters and brothers, the Gospel tells us that Jesus was raised from the dead,
and on that same day he sat at a table with two disciples and was made known
to them in the breaking of the bread. We gather here at this table to break
bread with Jesus in our midst. This is the table to which we come to celebrate
life and to remember our past, which is enfolded into and transformed by
God’s future. This is God’s inclusive table to which all are invited.

This is the joyful feast of the people of God, all genders, all sexual
orientations, all children, all adults, everyone who comes from east and
west, north and south, to gather at God’s table. In life, in death, in life
beyond death, God is with us, thanks be to God. Amen.

Words of Institution Rev. Lance Humphrey and Rev. Winston Baldwin
The Bread of Hope
Sharing the Bread

The Cup of Joy
Sharing the Cup

Prayer of Thanksgiving Rev. Winston Baldwin
We give you thanks, O God, that you have renewed us
at your table in fellowship with one another and with Jesus.
Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another
that we follow you in courage and peace. Amen.

Closing Hymn “The Gift of Love” GIFT OF LOVE

Benediction
The peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Go in peace.

Postlude

Worship Bulletin for Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023

Prelude
Bringing in the Light of God
Tolling of the Bell
Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin
Call to Worship Paula Thouin
All who are able, please stand
Jesus imagines what is possible amid what is oppressive, unjust,
and destructive.
He imagines a different way of relating, a different use of power.
He makes his choices based upon what he imagines to be God’s realm.
Palm Sunday is about imagination. Jesus acts on his imagination
of what can be in the face of what is.

Greeting The Peace of God with you.
Passing of the Palms and Opening Hymn  “Hosana, Loud Hosana” ELLACOMBE

Prayer of Awareness Karin Luce
As we come to table this morning, we recall Jesus.
His love softens our inflexibility. His inclusiveness opens our hearts
and minds. His fellowship renews our trust in the goodness of life.
For the gift of Jesus among us, we give you thanks, O God. Amen.

Lesson from the Christian Scriptures Mark 11: 1 – 10; 15 – 19

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Pray Response  “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” TRENTHAM

The Lord’s Prayer
Father, your name be revered. Impose your reign and rule. Provide us
with the bread we need for the day. Forgive our debts to the extent that
we have forgiven those in debt to us. Amen.
–an older version from the Q Gospel

Offering of our gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Offertory Music

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Communion Prayer
As we gather at table this morning, may this bread and this cup remind
us of Jesus’ table fellowship and of his healing relationship with us.
May our fellowship with one another and our care for each other
become for us the real presence of Jesus in our midst. Amen.

Sacrament of Communion
The Sacrament of Communion is offered to all who are present.

Communion Hymn “Bread of the World” EUCHARUSTUIC HYMN

Invitation To Communion
Sisters and brothers, the Gospel tells us that Jesus was raised from the dead,
and on that same day he sat at a table with two disciples and was made known
to them in the breaking of the bread. We gather here at this table to break
bread with Jesus in our midst. This is the table to which we come to celebrate
life and to remember our past, which is enfolded into and transformed by
God’s future. This is God’s inclusive table to which all are invited.

This is the joyful feast of the people of God, all genders, all ages,
all people, who come from east and west, from north and south,
to gather at God’s table.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us, thanks be to God. Amen.

Words of Institution
The Bread of Hope
Sharing the Bread

The Cup of Joy
Sharing the Cup

Prayer of Thanksgiving
We give you thanks, O God, that you have renewed us
at your table in fellowship with one another and with Jesus.
Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another
that we follow you in courage and peace. Amen.

Hymn “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” PASSION CHORALE

Mark 15: 1 – 5

Mark 15: 22 – 24

Mark 15: 34 – 37

Anthem “What Wonderous Love Is This” arr. By Trevor Manor

Benediction
Go in peace.

Worship Bulletin for Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023

Prelude “Low in the Grave He Lay” arr. Mark Hayes
Bring in the Light of God
Tolling of the Bell
Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin
Call to Worship Myra Cardona – Grammo
All who are able, please stand
This morning we recall the traditions of the Feast of the Passover
and the Easter Feast.
We remember our ancestors, Jews and Christians,
Gathered in your love and justice, O God.
As we stand with hope in the future,
Let us include all peoples, all religions, all spiritual practices
as equal recipients of your love and justice, O God. May it be so.

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” EASTER HYMN

Prayer of Awareness Jim Johnson
Spirit of life and hope, may we be aware of your presence among us.
Awaken us again to the mysteries that humble us, to the realities that
orient us, the fellowship that sustains us, that we may give ourselves in
honesty and openness to the life before us. Amen.

Lesson from the Christian Scriptures Mark 16: 1 – 8

Sermon

Hymn “The Day of Resurrection” LANCASHIRE

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” TRENTHAM

The Lord’s Prayer
Father, your name be revered. Impose your reign and rule. Provide us
with the bread we need for the day. Forgive our debts to the extent that
we have forgiven those in debt to us. Amen.
–an older version from the Q Gospel

Offering of our gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Offertory Music

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
God’s gifts to us are generous. Therefore, may our giving be generous
and our work be done with joy. Amen.

Anthem “Halle, Hallelujah” arr. John Michniewicz

Closing Hymn “Lord of the Dance” LORD OF THE DANCE

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude “This Joyful Eastertide” arr. John Behnke

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, April 16, 2023

Prelude

Bringing in the Light of God

Ringing of the Bell

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Lance Humphrey

Call to Worship Sharon Farmer
All who are able, please stand
What if Christ is a name for the oneness of God and humanity,
the earthly and the divine?
Let us join, in Christ’s name, into the wholeness of this special realm.
What if Christ is a name for acts of selflessness, giving, and acceptance?
Let us bear our gifts and let us receive, in Christ’s name.
What if Christ is a name for unwavering and universal love?
Let us celebrate with joy and thanksgiving and love others in Christ’s name AMEN

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Hymn “Here I Am Lord”

Prayer of Awareness
Lord Jesus, From the utter darkness of the cave, where hope and
love had lain lifeless, you arose. Your breath, your body, your life,
your spirit became our gift; the blessing which transcends all else.
Your life and teachings, your love and sacrifice, your death and
resurrection is our light. May we be one with you. Amen

Gospel of John 20: 19-31 Tim Damon

Sermon

Anthem “Amazing Grace / Pachabel’s Canon” arr. Jean Anne Schafferman

Sharing of Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response see back pages “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” TRENTHAM

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth
as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

The Offering of Our Gifts and Second Offering for Rebekah’s Closet
Thank you for your support of United Congregational Church
and its ministry to Holyoke and the World.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
On this day of celebration of ancestors, let us give thanks
to God. Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work
be done with joy. Amen.

Closing Hymn “ To God be the Glory” TO GOD BE THE GLORY

Benediction
Let us proceed, beyond doubt, with fearlessness and faith.
Let us go boldly forth knowing we are among the blessed.
Let us step out into the world knowing that we are not alone.
Let us go forth, assured that the risen Christ is with us. Amen

Postlude

Worship Bulletin for Sunday, April 23, 2023

Ringing in the Hour

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Prelude

Bringing in the Light of God

Call to Worship Myra Cardona – Grammo
All who are able, please stand
God calls us to listen to the earth, our Mother,
To pay attention to the earth.
God calls us to honor the earth and all that is in her.
God calls us to separate ourselves from hatred,
prejudice, injustice, misinformation, disinformation.
God calls us to respect each other as God’s children.
God calls us to pay attention to what is going on around us.
We are all God’s children. Let us honor each other.

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Hymn “For the Beauty of the Earth” DIX

Prayer of Awareness Ed Lynch
Why are we gathered here? What compels us to keep coming back by
this place and space? What is our purpose, our reason to be?
Some of us are caught by the esthetics of these worship spaces,
others by our ministry to the community, others because we honor our
differences with each other. For all these reasons and more, we are the
church in this place and space. Let us be that, celebrate it, be that together.
Amen

Lesson from the Hebrew Scripture Genesis 1 (selected verses)

Sermon

Sharing of Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” TRENTHAM

Prayer
God who creates and is creating still, create in us passion for our Mother,
the Earth, who brings us forth, nourishes us, guides us, as her children
into community with each other. Who gives us our daily bread. And who
forgives us our debts, as we forgive those indebted to us. Mother God,
help us preserve this good earth for all your children who come after us.
Amen.

The Offering of Our Gifts
Thank you for your support of United Congregational Church and its ministry to
Holyoke and the World.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
We stand in the long line of God’s love, grace and justice.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen.

Anthem “Shalom, Chaverim” Hebrew folksong arr. Stan Pethel
“Shalom, chaverim, shalom chaverim, shalom shalom;
“We go now in peace, we go now in peace, my friends, my friends;
Lehitraot, lehitraot, shalom, shalom.”
‘til we meet again, ‘til we meet again, have peace, have peace.”

Closing Hymn  “In the Midst of New Dimensions” NEW DEMENSIONS

Benediction
The Peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Let us go in peace.

Postlude

Worship Bulletin for April 30, 2023

Ringing of the Hour
Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin
Prelude
Bringing in the Light of God
Call to Worship Debra Deveno
All who are able, please stand
God has told you, O humankind, what is good.
What does Yahweh require from us but to do justice,
to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?
–Micha 6: 8

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Hymn “God Is My Shepherd” BROTHER JAMES’ AIR

Psalm 23 Tim Damon
God is my shepherd; I shall not want.
God makes me lie down in green pastures;
leads me beside still waters;
restores my soul, leads me in right paths.
Even though I walk through the valley of death,
I fear no evil, for you, God, are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You, God, 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 follow me all the days of my life.
I shall dwell in the house of God my whole life long.
Let it be so.

Sermon

Anthem “Wonderful Words of Life” Clayton Lloyd Moore

Sharing of Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers
Sung Prayer Response  “Breathe on Me, Breath of God ”

Prayer
Creator God, creating still, create a new humanity
to meet our present need. Pour out your love on us.
Sustain us, empower us to do your love and justice.
God, for these days and times, we need your presence.
Create in us a new humanity to meet our present need.
Amen Adapted from “Creator God, Creating Still” New Century Hymnal

The Offering of Our Gifts
Thank you for your support of United Congregational Church and its ministry to
Holyoke and the World.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
God, we are grateful for your continued creation that brings new life.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen.

Closing Hymn “O for a World” AZMON

Benediction
The Peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Let us go in peace.

Postlude

Sunday, March 5, 2023

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Call to Worship Lynda Overlock
All who are able, please stand.
Jesus invites us to join him at table,
To eat, share and fellowship with one another.
Jesus invites us into community with each other,
To share our joys and our burdens, to heal each other.
Jesus invites us to embrace life;
Hope over despair, relationship over alienation, good over evil.
Jesus invites us to embrace life with hope, justice and equality.
Jesus invites us to be involved in life here and now.

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Opening Hymn “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” ST. DENIO

Prayer of Awareness Myra Cardona – Grammo
As we come to table this morning, we recall Jesus.
His love softens our inflexibility. His inclusiveness opens our hearts and
minds. His fellowship renews our trust in the goodness of life.
For the gift of Jesus among us, We give you thanks, O God. Amen.

Reading from the Hebrew Scripture Genesis 12: 1-5a; 9

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response  “The Lord is my song”

The Lord’s Prayer
Father, your name be revered. Impose your reign and rule.
Provide us with the bread we need for the day.
Forgive our debts to the extent that we have forgiven those in debt to us.
Amen. –an older version from the Q Gospel

Offering of Our Gifts and Second Offering for Margaret’s Pantry
Thank you for your generous contributions to United Congregational Church, Holyoke.

Offertory Music

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
As we gather at table this morning, may this bread and this cup remind
us of Jesus’ table fellowship and of his healing relationship with us.
May our fellowship with one another and our care for each other become
for us the real presence of Jesus in our midst. Amen.

Sacrament of Communion
The Sacrament of Communion is offered to all who are present.

Communion Hymn  “As We Gather at Your Table ” BEACH SPRING

Invitation To Communion
Sisters and brothers, the Gospel tells us that Jesus was raised from the dead,
and on that same day he sat at a table with two disciples and was made known
to them in the breaking of the bread. We gather here at this table to break
bread with Jesus in our midst. This is the table to which we come to celebrate
life and to remember our past, which is enfolded into and transformed by
God’s future. This is God’s inclusive table to which all are invited.

This is the joyful feast of the people of God, men and women, all genders,
all people, youth and children, who come from east and west, from north
and south, to gather at God’s table.
In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us,
thanks be to God. Amen.

Words of Institution
The Bread of Hope
Sharing the Bread

The Cup of Joy
Sharing the Cup

Prayer of Thanksgiving
We give you thanks, O God, that you have renewed us
at your table in fellowship with one another and with Jesus.
Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another
that we follow you in courage and peace. Amen.

Closing Hymn “For All That Dwell below the Skies” LASST UNS ERFREUEN

Benediction
The peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Go in peace.

Postlude

Sunday, March 12, 2023

Prelude

Bringing in the Light of God

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Sharon Farmer
All who are able, please stand
God calls us to honor each other, listen to one other.
God calls us to separate ourselves from hatred, prejudice, injustice.
God calls us to respect each other as God’s children.
God calls us to pay attention to what is going on around us.
We are God’s, all of us. Let us pay attention to who we are.

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Hymn  “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You ” HYMN TO JOY

Prayer of Awareness Paula Thouin
Why are we gathered here? What compels us to keep coming back by
this place and space? What is our purpose, our reason to be?
Some of us are caught by the esthetics of these worship spaces;
Others by the ministry to the community, others celebrate our diversity.
We are the church in this place and space. Let us be that, celebrate it, do
that together. Amen

Lesson from the Hebrew Scripture Exodus 17: 1- 7

Sermon

Sharing of Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response “Lead Me, Lord”

Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth
as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive those indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

The Offering of Our Gifts
Thank you for your support of United Congregational Church and its ministry to
Holyoke and the World.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
We stand in a long line of God’s love and grace.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen.

Closing Hymn “In the Midst of New Dimensions” NEW DEMENSIONS

Benediction
The Peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Let us go in peace.

Postlude

Sunday, March 19, 2023

Prelude

Bringing in the Light of God

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Lisa Hraba
All who are able, please stand
On this Saint Patrick’s weekend, celebration, parade,
Many remember and celebrate their ancestors.
No matter our ancestors, we are all God’s children,
God’s descendants.
Let us celebrate our diversity and unity as God’s children.

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Hymn “Be Thou My Vision” SLANE

Prayer of Awareness Jim Johnson
God has made us responsible for the earth.
Grandfather, Look at our brokenness
We know that in all creation
Only the human family
Has strayed from the Sacred Way
We know that we are the ones
Who are divided
And we are the ones
Who must come back together
To walk in the Sacred Way
Grandfather, Sacred One,
Teach us love, compassion and honor
That we may heal the earth
And heal each other. Ojibway Prayer

Lesson from the Hebrew Scripture 1 Samuel 16: 1 – 13

Sermon

Sharing of Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response “Lead Me Lord”

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth
as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive those indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

The Offering of Our Gifts and Second Offering for Rebekah’s Closet
Thank you for your support of United Congregational Church
and its ministry to Holyoke and the World.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
On this day of celebration of ancestors, let us give thanks
to God. Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work
be done with joy. Amen.

Closing Hymn “ God Is My Shepard” BROTHER JAMES AIR

Sung Benediction “An Old Irish Blessing” James Biery

Benediction
The Peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Let us go in peace.

Postlude

Sunday, March 26, 2023

Prelude

Bringing in the Light of God

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Randy Hyvonen

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Barbara Blodgett
All who are able, please stand
Creator, the world you have made is powerful and dangerous,
diverse and beautiful.
By praising your goodness in all creation, we creatures learn our place
and know our strength.
Open us here to recognize the One you sent into this complicated world,
Jesus – Holy one, Human One, Vulnerable Child –
At home wherever there is rejoicing, or struggle, or anguish, or hope. Teach us
to follow Jesus along the paths of praise and service which lead to You.

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Hymn “Before Your Cross, O Jesus” ST. CHRISTOPHER
1. Be-fore your cross, O Jesus, our lives are judged to-day;
The mean-ing of our ea-ger strife is test-ed by your way.
A-cross our rest-less liv—ing the light streams from your cross,
And by its clear, re-veali-ing beams we mea-sure gain and loss.
2. The hopes that lead us on-ward, the fears that hold us back,
Our will to dare great things for God, the cour-age that we lack,
The faith we keep in good-ness, our love, as low or pure,
On all the judg—ment of the cross falls stead-y, clear, and sure.
3. Yet hum-bly, in our striving, we raise to face its test.
We crave the power to do your will once you did it best.
On us let now the heal—ing of your great Spir-it fall,
And make us brave and full of joy to an-swer to your call. Frederick C. Maker

Prayer of Awareness Tim Damon
Gentle and holy God, we acknowledge to you, one another, and to ourselves
that we are not what you have called us to be. We have stifled our gifts and
wasted our time. We have avoided opportunities to offer kindness, but have
been quick to take offense. We have pretended that we could make no
contribution to peace and justice in our world and have excused ourselves
from risk-taking in our own community. Have mercy on us, forgive us our
sins, and help us to live our lives differently.

Lesson from the Hebrew Scripture John 14: 23 – 29

Sermon

Anthem “God Calls you Good” Paul Vasile

Sharing of Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response see back pages “Lead Me, Lord”

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth
as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive those indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

The Offering of Our Gifts
Thank you for your support of United Congregational Church
and its ministry to Holyoke and the World.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
Embolden us, O God, as people of your global village to trust a new
creation is possible. May our sharing be a symbol of that trust. Amen.

Closing Hymn “ This Is My Song” FINLANDIA

Benediction
The Peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Let us go in peace.

Postlude

February 5, 2023

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Call to Worship Lisa Hraba
All who are able, please stand.
Jesus invites us to join him at table,
To eat, share and fellowship with one another.
Jesus invites us into community with each other,
To share our joys and our burdens, to heal each other.
Jesus invites us to embrace life;
Hope over despair, relationship over alienation, good over evil.
Jesus invites us to embrace life with justice and equality.
Jesus invites us to be involved in life here and now.

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Opening Hymn “God of the Sparrow God of the Whale” ROEDER

Prayer of Awareness Ed Lynch
As we come to table this morning, we recall Jesus.
His love softens our inflexibility. His inclusiveness opens our hearts and
minds. His fellowship renews our trust in the goodness of life.
For the gift of Jesus among us,
We give you thanks, O God. Amen.

Anthem “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me” arr. K. Lee Scott

Lesson from the Christian Scripture Matthew 5:13 -15 Thomas 32, 33

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response
In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;
in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
from “In the Bulb There is a Flower” PROMISE

The Lord’s Prayer
Father, your name be revered. Impose your reign and rule. Provide us
with the bread we need for the day. Forgive our debts to the extent that we
have forgiven those in debt to us. Amen. –an older version from the Q Gospel

Offering of Our Gifts and Second Offering for Margaret’s Pantry
Thank you for your your generous contributions to United Congregational Church,
Holyoke that we are able to carry out our ministry in Holyoke and the world.

Offertory Music

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
As we gather at table this morning, may this bread and this cup remind
us of Jesus’ table fellowship and of his healing relationship with us. May
our fellowship with one another and our care for each other become for
us the real presence of Jesus in our midst. Amen.

Sacrament of Communion
The Sacrament of Communion is offered to all who are present.

Communion Hymn “Won’t You Let Me Be Your Servant” SERVANT SONG

Invitation To Communion
Sisters and brothers, the Gospel tells us that Jesus was raised from the dead,
and on that same day he sat at a table with two disciples and was made known
to them in the breaking of the bread. We gather here at this table to break
bread with Jesus in our midst. This is the table to which we come to celebrate
life and to remember our past, which is enfolded into and transformed by
God’s future. This is God’s inclusive table to which all are invited.

This is the joyful feast of the people of God, men and women, all genders,
all people, youth and children, who come from east and west, from north
and south, to gather at God’s table.
In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us,
thanks be to God. Amen.

Words of Institution
The Bread of Hope
Sharing the Bread

The Cup of Joy
Sharing the Cup

Prayer of Thanksgiving
We give you thanks, O God, that you have renewed us
at your table in fellowship with one another and with Jesus.
Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another
that we follow you in courage and peace. Amen.

Closing Hymn “God of Grace and God of Glory” CWM RHONDDA
“God of Grace and God of Glory on your people
pour your power.” Words by Harry Emerson
Fosdick, Pastor, Riverside Church, NYC,

Fosdick was Riverside’s pastor until 1946 and professor of practical
theology at Union Theological Seminary, NY, He was a proponent of the
Social Gospel. He influenced M.L.King Jr’s commitment to the Social
Gospel. Fosdick’s mark is apparent in King’s sermons and papers.

Benediction
The peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Go in peace.

Postlude

February 12, 2023

Prelude

Bringing in the Light of God

Welcome and Announcements  Rev. Winston Baldwin

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Sharon Farmer
All who are able, please stand
God calls us to claim God’s reign in us, around us, with us.
God calls us to work for justice.
Without justice there is no peace.
God calls us to do justice in our time and place,
that will bring peace in our time.

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Hymn  “Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart” MORECAMBE

Prayer of Awareness Paula Thouin
Spirit of life and hope, may we be aware of your presence among us.
Awaken us again to the mysteries that humble us, the realities that orient us, the fellowship that sustains us, that we may give ourselves in honesty and openness to the life before us. Amen.

Lesson from the Christian Scripture Matthew 5:23 – 24

Sermon

Anthem “A Prayer for Humility” arr. Mark Patterson

Sharing of Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response “The Lord is my song” Taize Community

Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth
as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive those indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

The Offering of Our Gifts
Thank you for your support of United Congregational Church and its ministry to Holyoke and the World.

*Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
God’s steadfast love and loving kindness are ours all the days of our lives. Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy. Amen.

Closing Hymn “Bring Many Names” WESTCHASE

Benediction
The Peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Let us go in peace.

Postlude

February 19, 2023

Prelude Prelude from Prelude, Fugue, et Variation. Op. 18 by Cesar Franck
Dorothy Claire Glover, Roy Perdue, Piano / Organ Duet

Bringing in the Light of God

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Debra Deveno
All who are able, please stand
God calls us to the here and now,
To pay attention to what is happening around us.
God calls us to attend to the needs of those in the earthquake,
Turkey and Syria, and the Ukrainian War.
God calls us to give out of our means to those in need.
Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Hymn  “Restless Weaver” BEACH SPRING

Prayer of Awareness Myra Cardona-Grammo
Grandfather, Look at our brokenness
We know that in all creation
Only the human family
Has strayed from the Sacred Way

We know that we are the ones
Who are divided
And we are the ones
Who must come back together
To walk in the Sacred Way

Grandfather, Sacred One,
Teach us love, compassion and honor
That we may heal the earth
And heal each other. Amen Ojibway Prayer

Lesson from the Christian Scripture Matthew 17: 1 – 9

Sermon

Sharing of Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response “The Lord is my song”

Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive
those indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from
evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

The Offering of Our Gifts and Second Offering for Rebekah’s Closet
Thank you for your support of United Congregational Church and its ministry
to Holyoke and the World.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
Every time we feel the Spirit moving in our hearts, we act.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen.

Closing Hymn “Every Time I Feel the Spirit African American Spiritual

Sung Benediction
Live in charity and steadfast love.
Live in charity, God will dwell with you

The Peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Let us go in peace.

Postlude “Baroque Trumpet” by Gordon Young

February 26, 2023

Prelude

Bringing in the Light of God

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Martha May
*All who are able, please stand
Your steadfast love, O God, extends to the heavens,
Your faithfulness to the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
Your judgments are like the great deep;
How precious is your steadfast love, O God.
With you, O God, is the foundation of life,
In your light, we see light. – selected verses, Psalm 36

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Hymn  “God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens” HOLY MANNA

Lesson from the Hebrew Scripture Psalm 8 Tim Damon
O God, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name
in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.

Out of the mouths of babes and infants
you have founded a bulwark because of your foes,
to silence the enemy and the avenger.

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,
mortals that you care for them?

Yet you have made them a little lower than God,
and crowned them with glory and honor.

You have given them dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under their feet, all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish
of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

O God, our Sovereign, how majestic
is your name in all the earth!

Sermon

Anthem “Non Nobis, Domine” William Byrd
(Not unto us, O God, the glory, but unto your great Name the glory.)

Sharing of Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response “The Lord is my song”

Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth
as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive those indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

The Offering of Our Gifts
Thank you for your support of United Congregational Church and its ministry
to Holyoke and the World.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
We stand in a long line of justice. Therefore, may our giving be generous
and our work be done with joy. Amen.

Closing Hymn  “O How Glorious, Full of Wonder” IN BABILONE

Benediction
The Peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Let us go in peace.

Postlude

Sunday, January 1, 2023

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

Call to Worship
All who are able, please stand.
We have awakened this day with newness in our souls. We leave the past and look forward to new opportunities, new relations, new ways of being among the universe.
Alleluia, a new King is born.

Hopefulness abounds. Though we are frail in many ways, we are strong in our faith and our Holy Parent is there to guide and care for us.
Alleluia, a new King is born.

The hunger has persisted, we have rarely been satisfied, but today is a new day. The bread and juice, the body and blood, will fill us completely – wholly.
Alleluia, a new King is born.

Centering in the Spirit, helping those in need, feeding the hungry, putting others before ourselves, letting go of fears and phony securities, and loving unconditionally in this new day.
Alleluia, a new King is born. Amen!

Opening Music Faithwaze Band

Lesson from the Hebrew Scripture Luke 2:15-21

Sermon: Celebrating our lowliness

Psalm 8, adapted from Psalms for Praying, an Invitation to Wholeness., by Nan C. Merrill

O’ Love, my Beloved, How powerful is your Name is all the earth!
You, whose glory is sung in heaven by the angels and saints,
Who with the innocence and spontaneity of a child,
Confound those who are mighty and proud,
You comfort the unloving and fearful.

When I look up at the heavens, at the work of Love’s creation,
At the infinite variety of your Plan,
What is women that You rejoice in her,
And man that You do delight in him?
You have made us in your image, You will fill us with your love;
You have made us co-creators of the earth! Guardians of the Planet!
To care for all your creatures, to tend the land, the sea, the air we breathe;
All that You have made, You have placed in our hands.

O’ Love, my Beloved, How powerful is your Name in all the earth!
Amen.

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response
“Lord prepare me to be your sanctuary
Pure and holy, tried and true
And with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living
Sanctuary for You.”

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Offering and Second Offering for Margaret’s Pantry
Your gifts to The United Congregational Church of Holyoke are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your gifts.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
As we gather at table this morning, may this bread and this cup remind us of Jesus’ table fellowship and of his healing relationship with us.
May our fellowship with one another and our care for each other become for us the real presence of Jesus in our midst. Amen.

Sacrament of Communion
The Sacrament of Communion is offered to all who are present.

Invitation To Communion
Sisters and brothers, the Gospel tells us that Jesus was raised from the dead, and on that same day he sat at a table with two disciples and was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
We gather here at this table to break bread with Jesus in our midst.
This is the table to which we come to celebrate life and
to remember our past, which is enfolded into and transformed by God’s future. This is God’s inclusive table to which all are invited.

This is the joyful feast of the people of God, men and women,
all genders, all people, youth and children, who come from
east and west, from north and south, to gather at God’s table.
In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us, thanks be to God.
Amen.

Words of Institution
The Bread of Hope
Sharing the Bread

The Cup of Joy
Sharing the Cup

Closing Music Faithwaze Band

Benediction

Postlude

Sunday, January 8, 2023

Prelude

Bringing in the Light of God

Welcome and Announcements

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship
All who are able, please stand
We stand in need of truth, direction and leadership in our divided country.
We seek to walk in your way, O God, teach us the way of truth, give us courage and grant us leadership.
Send your light and truth upon us, O God,
That we may hear one another in truth and build trust between us.

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Hymn “From All That Dwell below the Skies”

Prayer of Awareness

God, we know that our ancient Hebrew ancestors sat in the dark despair in exile. Yet, your Light shown upon them creating a future they could celebrate with hope.
Here we are, God, facing the future with change and new beginnings.
You have been our sure and certain hope all these years.

You call us to five witness to your truth and justice.
Give us the security to do your love and justice as we live out our hopes and dreams for United Congregational Church of Holyoke. Blessed are you, O God of Grace and Glory. Amen.

Lesson from the Hebrew Scripture Isiah 60: (selected verses)

Sermon

Sharing of our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response
In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;
in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
From “In the Bulb There is a Flower”

Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive those indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

The Offering of Our Gifts

Thank you for your support of United Congregational Church and its Ministry. Without your support, we could not offer ministry to ourselves, Holyoke and the World. Thank you!

Prayer of Dedication
We celebrate God’s love and justice in our world.
In the bulb there is a flower of hope.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy. Amen.

Closing Hymn “We are Marching in the Light of God”

Benediction
The Peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you
Let us go in peace.

Postlude “The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba”

Sunday, January 15, 2023

First Sunday after Epiphany

Prelude

Bringing in the Light of God

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Lisa Hraba
We are to be the people of love and justice in our world.
This is difficult to discern and do.
Yet, God is with us, leading us, calling us.
God is our stronghold on our journey of love and justice.
May the Grace of God be in us, around us, with us.
On this journey, we are one with each other.
We are God’s children proclaiming love and grace.

Lesson from the Hebrew Scripture Paula Thouin
You shall love Yahweh your God with all of your emotion
with all of your intellect and with all of your will. Deuteronomy. 6:5

You shall not seek vengeance, and you shall not harbor
a grudge against your fellow citizens; and you shall love your neighbor like
yourself; I am Yahweh, your God! Leviticus. 19:18

Reflection

Anthem “How Can I keep from Singing” arr. Ginger Littleton

Sharing of Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response
In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;
in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
from “In the Bulb There is a Flower” PROMISE

The Offering of Our Gifts
Thank you for your support of United Congregational Church and its Ministry. Without your support, we could not offer ministry to ourselves, Holyoke and the World. Thank you!

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Hymn “The Church of Christ, in Every Age” WAREHAM

Prayer of Dedication
We celebrate God’s love and justice in our world.
In the bulb there is a flower of hope.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen.

Closing Hymn “In Christ There Is No East or West” ST PETER

Benediction
The Peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Let us go in peace.

Postlude

Sunday, January 22, 2023

Prelude “White’s Air” arr. WILLIAM CHURCHILL HAMMOND

Bringing in the Light of God

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Debra Deveno
We are here in the presence of God.
God calls us to celebrate life today.
God calls us to be open to the future of United Church.
God calls us to be present to where we are now
that we will know where we need to be in the future.

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Hymn “Guide My Feet” GUIDE MY FEET

Anthem “God in Mine Eternity” CLIVE WALKLEY

Prayer of Awareness Sharon Farmer
As we gather in this sacred place,
We are aware of God’s presence with us,
Joy and celebration, hope and fulfillment.

As we recognize the presence of God among us,
May we share this presence with those we meet.
May we listen to each other’s needs and share one another hopes.
May we be aware of God among us.
Amen

Lesson from the Christian Scripture Matthew 4: 16 -25; John 1: 37 – 42

Sermon

Sharing of Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response
In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;
in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
from “In the Bulb There is a Flower” PROMISE

The Offering of Our Gifts
Thank you for your support of United Congregational Church and its
Ministry. Without your support, we could not offer ministry to ourselves,
Holyoke and the World. Thank you!

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
In the bulb there is a flower of hope.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen.

Closing Hymn “Dear God, Embracing Humankind” REST

Benediction
The Peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Let us go in peace.

Postlude “Adagio in D flat Major” by FRANZ LISZT

Sunday, January 29, 2023

Prelude

Bringing in the Light of God

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Martha May
Blessed is the One who creates the world.
Blessed is the One who speaks and does.
Blessed is the One who has compassion for the earth.
Blessed is the Holy One.
adapted, Congregation Beth El, Sudbury River Valley

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Hymn “God, We Thank You for Our People” HOLY MANNA

Prayer of Awareness Tim Damon
God of all creation creates in us anew each day, a sense of hope
and attraction toward the future. Creating God, creating still,
create in us a sense joy for living. Teach us love, compassion,
and honor, that we may heal the earth and heal each other.
Amen

Lesson from the Christian Scripture Matthew 5: 3 – 10

Sermon

Sharing of Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response
In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;
in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
from “In the Bulb There is a Flower” PROMISE

The Offering of Our Gifts
Thank you for your support of United Congregational Church and its Ministry.
Without your support, we could not offer ministry to ourselves, Holyoke and the
World. Thank you!

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
Thank you God for hope, joy, and the celebration of life.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen.

Closing Hymn “O Day of God, Draw Near” ST. MICHAEL

Benediction
The Peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Let us go in peace.

Postlude

Sunday, December 4, 2022 Second Sunday of Advent

Prelude
Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Call to Worship Myra Cardona-Grammo
All who are able, please stand.
On this Second Sunday of Advent, peace to all
who enter this house.
On this Second Sunday of Advent, God challenges us
to vision what is yet to be.
On this Second Sunday of Advent, we remember Isaiah’s words.
The earth shall be full of the knowledge of Yahweh as the waters cover
the sea.
On this Second Sunday of Advent, God calls us
into the way of peace.
Peace to all who enter this house.

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Opening Hymn “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN

Lighting of the Advent Wreath Lisa Hraba and Tim Damon
Lighting the second candle of Advent, we celebrate the coming
of the Light of God in the way of Jesus.
There is a Sacred Light which enlightens the world.
All religious traditions see it, know it, celebrate it.
In the Kaleidoscope of our lives, the whole and the broken pieces
interact with one another, reflecting the Light of Life,
bringing light out of darkness.
The kaleidoscope of our lives comes to life when the broken
and whole pieces interact, reflecting the Sacred Light of creation,
creating and recreating our lives anew.
On this Second Sunday of Advent, we celebrate the coming
of the Light of God among us.

Anthem “Sing We Now of Christmas” arr. MARK PATTERSON

Lesson from the Hebrew Scripture Isaiah 11: 1 -2; 5 – 9 Rev. Lance Humphrey

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response
O for a world where everyone respects each other’s ways,
Where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.

The Lord’s Prayer
Father, your name be revered. Impose your reign and rule. Provide us
with the bread we need for the day. Forgive our debts to the extent that
we have forgiven those in debt to us. Amen.
–an older version from the Q Gospel

Offering and Second Offering for Margaret’s Pantry
Your gifts to The United Congregational Church of Holyoke are greatly
appreciated. Thank you for your gifts

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
As we gather at table this morning, may this bread and this cup remind
us of Jesus’ table fellowship and of his healing relationship with us.
May our fellowship with one another and our care for each other become
for us the real presence of Jesus in our midst. Amen.

Sacrament of Communion

The Sacrament of Communion is offered to all who are present.

Communion Hymn “I Come with Joy” DOVE OF PEACE

Invitation To Communion
Sisters and brothers, the Gospel tells us that Jesus was raised from
the dead, and on that same day he sat at a table with two disciples and was
made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
We gather here at this table to break bread with Jesus in our midst.
This is the table to which we come to celebrate life and
to remember our past, which is enfolded into and transformed by
God’s future. This is God’s inclusive table to which all are invited.
This is the joyful feast of the people of God, men and women,
all genders, all people, youth and children, who come from
east and west, from north and south, to gather at God’s table.
In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us, thanks be to God.
Amen.

Words of Institution
The Bread of Hope
Sharing the Bread

The Cup of Joy
Sharing the Cup

Prayer of Thanksgiving
We give you thanks, O God, that you have renewed us
at your table in fellowship with one another and with Jesus.
Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another
that we follow you in courage and peace. Amen.

Closing Hymn “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” ES IST EIN ROS

Benediction
The peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Go in peace.

Postlude

Sunday, December 11, 2022 Third Sunday of Advent

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles –Bring in The Light of God

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Martha May
All who are able, please stand
Namaste, face the person to your right then to your left,
clasping your hands and say, “Namaste.”
Namaste, The Divine in me honors the Divine in you.
On this, Third Sunday of Advent, we acknowledge the Divine presence
among us. O God of Hosts, may your face shine upon us.
May we be aware of your presence, which brings joy
and good will to all people.
O God of Hosts, may your face shine upon us.
On this third Sunday of Advent, may we sing
your songs of joy! Namaste!

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn  “Now Bless the God of Israel” FOREST GREEN

Lighting of the Advent Wreath Tim Damon
On this third Sunday of Advent, God comes to us in unexpected ways and
places. May we be surprised with the joy of God’s presence.
May we learn to make this world a more caring place.
On This Third Sunday of Advent, may we be aware of God’s presence with us.
May we see you, God, “Namaste,” in each other.
As we light the third candle of Advent, may we recall and hope for days filled
with joy, may we share the joy of God’s presence with all we meet.
Joy to all who enter this house.

Anthem “Bethlehem Lullaby” arr. Greg Gilpin

Lesson from the Christian Scriptures Matthew 11: 2 – 5; Luke 1: 46 – 55

Sermon

Hymn “In the Bleak Midwinter” CRANHAM

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response
O for a world where everyone respects each other’s ways,
Where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.
from “O for a World,” AZMON

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive
those indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

Offering of our Gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
Thank you, O God, for your steadfast love and lovingkindness that is ours
all the days of our lives. Therefore, may our giving be generous and our
work be done with joy. Amen.

Closing Hymn “Arise, Your Light Is Come ” FESTAL SONG

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

Poinsettia Sunday, December 18, 2022 Fourth Sunday of Advent

Call to Worship Karin Luce
All who are able, please rise
Advent is expectation and hope.
As we read and sing words of hope and justice,
It is our prayer that these images will be realized in our world.
In this season of Advent, God’s justice brings peace.
In our preparation for Christmas, may we stop, listen
and know the presence of God within us, around us, with us.

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Hymn Angels, from the Realms of Glory REGENT SQUARE

Lighting of the Advent Wreath Lynda Overlock & Paula Thouin
As we light the fourth candle of Advent, the days are short
and the nights are long.
Yet, like the Winter Solstice, the Light of God
brings light into our lives, giving us hope.
Why do we light the fourth candle of Advent?
The fourth candle reminds us that God’s love is for all people.
Love, in Mary’s song, is full of praise, filled with hope, filled with the
Light.
As we light the fourth candle of Advent, the days are short and the nights are
long.
Yet, like the Winter Solstice, the Love of God brings light into
the dark places in our lives.

Anthem Walk in the Light Andre Thomas

Lesson from the Hebrew and Christian Scripture Isaiah 40:3-5 Luke 3:1-6
Ed Lynch, Rev. Winston Baldwin

Sermon

Hymn Of the Father’s Love DIVINUM MYSTERIUM

Sharing of Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response
O for a world where everyone respects each other’s ways,
Where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.
from “O for a World,” AZMON

Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as
we forgive those indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation but
deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen

The Offering of Our Gifts & Second Offering for Rebekah’s Closet
Thank you for your support of United Congregational Church and its
Ministry. Without your support, we could not offer ministry to ourselves,
Holyoke and the World. Thank you!

Prayer of Dedication
We remembered and celebrated Hope, Peace, Joy and Love this Advent.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen.

Closing Hymn “What Child Is This” GREENSLEVES

Benediction
The Peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Let us go in peace.

Postlude

Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2022

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles –Bring in The Light of God

Welcome and Announcements

Call to Worship & Lighting of Candles
All who are able, please stand
In this season of waiting, of longing,
Yearning for your presence in this
world. We are seeking Holy light.

We are seeking Holy light (candle 1)
Amongst family, neighbors, and
workmates, and strangers.

We are seeking Holy light (candle 2)
In the comfortable nooks and crannies of our lives.
We are seeking Holy light
Throughout our nation and the world

We are seeking Holy light (candle 3)
In your Mercy and Grace

We are seeking Holy light (candle 4)
Seek and you shall find. Knock and the
door will be opened. Ask and it will be
given to you. (candle 5)

Jesus Christ you are the light of the
world. May our eyes behold you.
May our ears hear your truth.
Come into our world today and be
the light of our salvation. Amen

Hymn “Good Christian Friends Rejoice” IN DULCI JUBILO

Poem

Sermon “The Present of Presence”
Carol & Hymn Family of God Hymnal & Pilgrim Hymnal

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive those indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

Offering of our Gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Prayer of Dedication
We give thanks this Christmas day for the spirit of giving which is one of the great lessons we learn from Jesus. Use these gifts to shine your light into the darkness of the world.

Closing Hymn “Away in a Manger” AWAY IN A MANGER

The Benediction

Postlude

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Call to Worship Sharon Farmer
All who are able, please stand.
Jesus invites us to join him at table,
To eat, share and fellowship with one another.
Jesus invites us into community with each other,
To share our joys and our burdens, to heal each other.
Jesus invites us to embrace life;
Hope over despair, relationship over alienation, good over evil.
Jesus invites us to embrace life with hope, justice and equality.
Jesus invites us to life, here and now.
We celebrate Jesus on this World Communion Sunday.

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Opening Hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” NICAEA

Prayer of Awareness Jim Johnson
As we come to table this morning, we recall Jesus.
His love softens our inflexibility. His inclusiveness opens our hearts and
minds. His fellowship renews our trust in the goodness of life.
For the gift of Jesus among us,
We give you thanks, O God. Amen.

Lesson from the Christian Scripture Luke 6:37-39; 41-42

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Father, your name be revered. Impose your reign and rule. Provide us
with the bread we need for the day. Forgive our debts to the extent that
we have forgiven those in debt to us. Amen. –an older version from the Q
Gospel

Offering of Our Gifts and Second Offering for Margaret’s Pantry
Your gifts to The United Congregational Church of Holyoke are
greatly appreciated. Thank you for your gifts.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
As we gather at table this morning, may this bread and this cup remind
us of Jesus’ table fellowship and of his healing relationship with us. May
our fellowship with one another and our care for each other become for
us the real presence of Jesus in our midst. Amen.

Sacrament of Communion

The Sacrament of Communion is offered to all who are present.

Communion Hymn “Break, Thou the Bread of Life” BREAD OF LIFE

Invitation To Communion
Sisters and brothers, the Gospel tells us that Jesus was raised from
the dead, and on that same day he sat at a table with two disciples and was
made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
We gather here at this table to break bread with Jesus in our midst.
This is the table to which we come to celebrate life and to remember our past,
which is enfolded into and transformed by God’s future. This is God’s
inclusive table to which all are invited.

This is the joyful feast of the people of God, men and women,
all genders, all people, youth and children, who come from
east and west, from north and south, to gather at God’s table.
In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us, thanks be to God.
Amen.

Words of Institution
The Bread of Hope
Sharing the Bread

The Cup of Joy
Sharing the Cup

Prayer of Thanksgiving Paula Thouin
We give you thanks, O God, that you have renewed us
at your table in fellowship with one another and with Jesus.
Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another
that we follow you in courage and peace. Amen.

Closing Hymn “How Firm a Foundation” FOUNDATION

Benediction
The peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Go in peace.

Postlude

Sunday, November 13, 2022

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Mission Moment

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Paula Thouin
All who are able, please stand
We come to light a Memorial / Peace Candle.
It is a candle of remembrance of those who died
in military service to our country.
It is a candle of remembrance for their lives,
of what could have been but was not.
It is a candle of thanksgiving for their lives,
their valor, their last full measure.
It is a candle of thanksgiving for those who
severed and did not die, those who are serving now
for freedom and justice for all of God’s children.
It is a candle of hope that peace comes through justice,
not through power.
For lives lived, for lives lost, we give you thanks, O God.
Thanks be to God.

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn “How Beautiful, Our Spacious Skies” MATERNA

Prayer of Awareness Tim Damon
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in
1918 the Germans sued for peace from the Allied
Forces on the Western Front at Compiegne, France,
Armistice Day, preceding Veterans Day.
We thought it was the war to end all wars but it was not.
So, here we are World War II,
Korean War, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine.
There are wars and there are wars, some more justified than
others. As the scripture says, may we learn war no more
and beat our spears into plowshares. Amen

Lesson from the Hebrew Scriptures Micah 4: 1 – 5 Ed Lynch

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as
we forgive those indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation but
deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen

Offering of our Gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
For Freedom and the ability to use freedom wisely,
we give you thanks, O God. May the gifts we bring be used
for the liberation of those who are held captive by fear, hunger,
and ignorance. Amen.

Closing Hymn “This Is My Song” FINLANDIA

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

Sunday, November 20, 2022

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles – Bring in the Light of God

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Mission Moment

Tolling of the Bell
Call to Worship Robert Grammo
All who are able, please stand
Let us bless the God of creation who creates and is creating still.
Blessed is the One who has compassion for the earth.
Blessed is the One who is the source of all goodness.
For the fruit of all creation, thanks be to God.

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn “Come, You Thankful People, Come” ST. GEORGE’S, WINDSOR

Prayer of Awareness Lisa Hraba
God, each of us has gifts, skills, and talents unique to us that we bring
to this community of faith. May we use our gifts, skills, and talents
with humility and patience for the common good of our community and the world.
Help us to recognize and honor each other’s differences.
May we see you, God, in each other’s face.
May we continue to grow in our diversity as we encourage, support,
and care for one another. Amen.

Lesson from the Hebrew Scriptures Psalm 91 Micah 6: 6-8; 7:18

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Response “Lead Me, God”
Lead me, God, lead me in your righteousness,
make your way plain before my face.
For it is you, and you, God only who makes me to dwell in safety.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as
we forgive those indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation but
deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen

Offering of our Gifts and Second Offering for Rebekah’s Closet
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
We are thankful for our relation to the earth and the blessings we receive
from one another. Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work
be done with joy. Amen

Closing Hymn  “For the Fruit of All Creation” AR HYD Y NOS

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

Sunday, November 27, 2022

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles –Bring in The Light of God

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Mission Moment

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Barbara Blodgett
All who are able, please stand
Advent is a time of waiting, of expectation, hope.
The ancient hymn we sing this morning was once part
of Advent Vespers in the Middle Ages. It reminds us of the
hope, peace, joy, and love we expect in our lives.
“O come, Desire of Nations, bind all peoples in one heart
and mind; Make envy, strife, and quarrels cease;
fill the whole world with heaven’s peace. Rejoice!…”

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn  “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” VENI EMMANUEL

Lighting of the Advent Wreath Sharon Farmer & Roxana Farmer
Since ancient times, fire has been a symbol of the divine.
We use fire this day to remind us of hope in our midst.
Let us open ourselves to the sacred within us.
Why do we light this one candle?
We light this single candle as a sign of hope.
Hope comes to us like light in the darkness.
Even though the days are getting shorter, light,
like hope, still breaks through the darkness.

Lesson from the Hebrew Scriptures Isaiah 2: 1 – 5

Sermon

Anthem “Make me a Channel of your Peace” arr. Jane Holstein

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Sung Prayer Response
O for a world where everyone respects each other’s ways,
Where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as
we forgive those indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation but
deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen

Offering of our Gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
The words and images of this Advent season
set before us what can be in the world of what is.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and
our work be done with joy. Amen.

Closing Hymn “Come, O Long-Expected Jesus” STUTTGART

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

Sunday, October 2, 2022

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Mission Moments

Call to Worship Paula Thouin
All who are able, please stand.
Jesus invites us to join him at table,
To eat, share and fellowship with one another.
Jesus invites us into community with each other,
To share our joys and our burdens, to heal each other.
Jesus invites us to embrace life;
Hope over despair, relationship over alienation, good over evil.
Jesus invites us to embrace life with hope, justice and equality.
Jesus invites us to life, here and now.
We celebrate Jesus on this World Communion Sunday.

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Opening Hymn  “As We Gather at Your Table” BEACH SPRING

Prayer of Awareness Barbara Blodgett
As we come to table this morning, we recall Jesus.
His love softens our inflexibility. His inclusiveness opens our
hearts and minds. His fellowship renews our trust in the
goodness of life. For the gift of Jesus among us,
We give you thanks, O God. Amen.

Lesson from the Hebrew Scripture Psalm 146

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Father, your name be revered. Impose your reign and rule. Provide us
with the bread we need for the day. Forgive our debts to the extent that
we have forgiven those in debt to us. Amen. –an older version from the Q
Gospel

Offering of Our Gifts and Second Offering for Kate’s Kitchen
Your gifts to The United Congregational
Church of Holyoke are greatly appreciated. It is through your generous
contributions that we are able to carry out our ministry in Holyoke and the
world. Thank you.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
As we gather at table this morning, may this bread and this cup remind
us of Jesus’ table fellowship and of his healing relationship with us. May
our fellowship with one another and our care for each other become for
us the real presence of Jesus in our midst. Amen.

Sacrament of Communion
The Sacrament of Communion is offered to all who are present.

Invitation To Communion
Sisters and brothers, the Gospel tells us that Jesus was raised from
the dead, and on that same day he sat at a table with two disciples and was
made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
We gather here at this table to break bread with Jesus in our midst.
This is the table to which we come to celebrate life and to remember our past,
which is enfolded into and transformed by God’s future.
This is God’s inclusive table to which all are invited.

This is the joyful feast of the people of God, men and women,
all genders, all people, youth and children, who come from
east and west, from north and south, to gather at God’s table.
In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us, thanks be to God.
Amen.

Words of Institution
The Bread of Hope
Sharing the Bread

The Cup of Joy
Sharing the Cup

Prayer of Thanksgiving
We give you thanks, O God, that you have renewed us
at your table in fellowship with one another and with Jesus.
Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another
that we follow you in courage and peace. Amen.

Closing Hymn “God of the Sparrow God of the Whale” ROEDER

Benediction
The peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Go in peace.

Postlude

Sunday, October 9, 2022

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Lance Humphrey

Mission Moment

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Martha May
All who are able, please stand
Sing to God, all the earth.
Give God praise, come and see what God has done.
Bless God all you peoples.
You, God, are our stronghold. You, God, keep us safe
in times of trouble. You watch our comings and goings,
you provide for us. Praise be to you, O God of Creation.

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn  “O How Glorious, Full of Wonder” IN BABILONE

Litany for Justice Dan Fitzgerald
Congregation responds with italicized portions
Show me the suffering of the most miserable
so I will know my people’s plight.
Free me to pray for others
for you are present in every person.
Help me take responsibility for my own life
so that I can be free at last.
Grant me courage to serve others
for in service there is true life.
Give me honesty and patience
so that I can work with other workers.
Bring forth song and celebration
so that the spirit will be alive among us.
Let the spirit flourish and grow
so that we will never tire of the struggle.
Let us remember those who have died for justice
for they have given us life.
Help us love even those who hate us
so that we can change the world. Amen.
United Farm Workers

Lesson from the Hebrew Scriptures Jeremiah 29: 1, 4 – 7 Rev. Lance Humphrey

Sermon

Anthem “Teach Me” arr. Stacey Nordmeyer

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as
we forgive those indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation but
deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen

Offering of our Gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
May our giving be generous and our work be done with joy! Amen.

Closing Hymn  “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” AZMON

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude “In Christ There Is no East or West” arr. David P. Dahl

Sunday, October 16, 2022

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements

Mission Moment

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Lisa Hraba
All who are able, please stand
The creator God, creating still, calls us into new life
and responsibility for each other.
God calls us to create new relationships to meet
our present need.
God calls us across social, political, ethnic differences.
God calls us to create new relationships of affirmation,
sharing and healing. God calls us into community
and responsibility for one another.

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn “Creator God, Creating Still” ST ANNE

Prayer of Awareness Robert Grammo
God, help us to be conscious and attuned to your presents
in us, individually and collectively. May we stop, listen,
attend to your presence, which is in us all. We inherently
know the right thing to do because of your presence in us.
May we encourage each other to live your love and justice.
Thanks be to you, God, who is creating still. Amen.

Lesson from the Hebrew Scriptures Jeremiah 31: 31 – 34

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as
we forgive those indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation but
deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen

Offering of our Gifts and Second Offering for Rebekah’s Closet
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
The Creator God, is creating still, in us, with us, around us.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy!
Amen.

Closing Hymn  “Lead On Eternal Sovereign” LANCASHIRE

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

Sunday, October 23, 2022

Prelude “Nun bitten den heiligen Geist” BUXTEHUDE

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Lance Humphrey

Mission Moment

Tolling of the Bell

Choral Call to Worship “Dona Nobis Pacem.”

Call to Worship Barbara Blodgett
All who are able, please stand
God calls us to speak what we know, to say who we are.
God calls us to speak truth to power.
God calls us to speak the difference between truth and falsehood.
God calls us to follower justice in God’s name.
Thanks be to you O God of truth and justice.

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn “Guide My Feet” GUIDE MY FEET

Prayer of Awareness Tim Damon
For love, grace, and forgiveness, we are thankful, O God.
You, God, create community in your presence to which all are
invited. May we, as a community of faith, extend the
invitation to your presence. Help us realize our dependance
on you, our mother, the earth, and on each other.
May we be stewards of this good earth for its continual
creation, creator God, creating still. Amen.

Lesson from the Christian Scriptures Luke 18:9 – 14 Rev. Lance Humphrey

Sermon

Anthem “Here I Am, Lord” arr Jack Schrader

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as
we forgive those indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation but
deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen

Offering of our Gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
God’s grace is more inclusive than we would ever have imagined.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy!
Amen.

Closing Hymn “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” IN BABILONE

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

Sunday, October 30, 2022

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Mission Moment

Tolling of the Bell
Call to Worship Martha May
All who are able, please stand
Neither death nor life nor anything else in all of creation,
Can separate us from the love of God.
In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us.
As we gather on this All Saints Sunday, we remember
All who have gone before us. For their love and wisdom shared,
We give thanks.

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Rev Winston Baldwin
For All the Saints who from their labors rest, we give thanks.
Let us join in thanksgiving for those we remember,
those named and those not named as the bell tolls again.

Vera Jones, Tim Lavelle, Roger Mars, Hazel Masse, Shirley Morrison, Helen Parker

Opening Hymn “For All the Saints” SINE NOMINE

Prayer of Awareness Ed Lynch
Thanks be to you, O God, for our ancestors and their resources passed on
to us that we can be a community of faith in this time and place. We are
thankful for all that has been given to us. May we use it with wisdom and
insight for the future of United Congregational Church and the
community of Holyoke.

Beati Omnis Richard Ewer

Lesson from the Christian Scriptures Luke 19: 1 – 10 Rev. Winston Baldwin

Sermon

Deep River arr. Russell Robinson

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Father, your name be revered. Impose your reign and rule.
Provide us with the bread we need for the day.
Forgive our debts to the extent that we have forgiven those in debt to us.
Amen. an older version from the Q Gospel

Offering of our Gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Ave Maria Anthony Giamanco

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
God’s grace is more inclusive than we would ever have imagined.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy!
Amen.

Closing Hymn “In the Midst of New Dimensions” NEW DIMENSIONS

Choral Benediction “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” Peter C. Lutkin

Postlude

September 4, 2022

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Lance Humphrey

Call to Worship Lisa Hraba
All who are able, please stand.
Gather us in, the lost and the lonely, the broken and the breaking, the tired and
aching, who long for the nourishment
– Found at your feast.
Gather us in, the done and the doubting, the wishing and wondering, the puzzled
and pondering, who long for the company
– Found at your feast.
The proud and pretentious, the sure and superior, the never inferior, who long for
the leveling
– Found at your feast.
The bright and the bustling, the stirrers, the shakers, the kind laughter makers, who
long for the deeper joys
– Found at your feast.
From corner or limelight, from mansion or campsite and fears and obsession, from
tears and depression, from treasured successes to untold excesses, to meet, to greet,
and be offered a seat, be joined by the vine, be offered new wine, to become like the
least – To be found at your feast.
Come together, right now! Over me.

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Opening Hymn  “Morning Has Broken” BUNESSAN

Prayer of Awareness Sharon Farmer
Like a tree planted by the water,
we reach to you for your life giving energy,
we long for our leaves to grow rich
and full, to be filled with color and life.
Like a tree planted by the water,
we become rooted through the nutrient rich soils
our roots passing around rocks and obstacles
making them firm and enduring.
Like a tree planted by the water,
we provide shade for those who need cover
and feed the hungry with our shoots
and excess growth.
Like a tree planted by the water,
we know the seasons of plenty,
and the seasons of waiting.
We are grateful for this precious life.
Amen

Lesson from the Christian Scripture

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as
we forgive those indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation but
deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen

Offering of Our Gifts and Second Offering for Kate’s Kitchen
Your gifts to The United Congregational Church of Holyoke are greatly
appreciated. It is through your generous contributions that we are able to carry out
our ministry in Holyoke and the world. Thank you.

Offertory Music

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
As we gather at table this morning, may this bread and this cup remind
us of Jesus’ table fellowship and of his healing relationship with us.
May our fellowship with one another and our care for each other become
for us the real presence of Jesus in our midst. Amen.

Communion Hymn “Let Us Break Bread Together” LET US BREAK BREAD TOGETHER

Sacrament of Communion
The Sacrament of Communion is offered to all who are present.

Invitation To Communion Rev. Lance Humphrey
Sisters and brothers, the Gospel tells us that Jesus was raised from the dead,
and on that same day he sat at a table with two disciples and was made known
to them in the breaking of the bread. We gather here at this table to break
bread with Jesus in our midst. This is the table to which we come to celebrate
life and to remember our past, which is enfolded into and transformed by
God’s future. This is God’s inclusive table to which all are invited.

This is the joyful feast of the people of God, men and women, all genders,
all people, youth and children, who come from east and west, from north
and south, to gather at God’s table. In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us, thanks be to God. Amen.

Words of Institution Rev. Lance Humphrey
The Bread of Hope
Sharing the Bread

The Cup of Joy
Sharing the Cup

Prayer of Thanksgiving
We give you thanks, O God, that you have renewed us
at your table in fellowship with one another and with Jesus.
Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another
that we follow you in courage and peace. Amen.

Closing Hymn  “ It’s Gonna Cost You” CLIFTON J. NOBLE JR.

Benediction Rev. Lance Humphrey
The peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Go in peace.

September 11, 2022

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Muriel Griffin
All who are able, please stand
The Blessing of God,
Rests upon our shoulders.
The Love of God,
Dwells in our hearts.
The Presence of God,
Compels us to sing.
The Mystery of God,
Leads us into worship.

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn  “Amazing Grace” AMAZING GRACE

Prayer of Awareness Jim Johnson
God’s love and justice are ours all the days of our lives.
God calls us to seek the truth, to do justice and to work
in the places we live to enact the truth. Amen.

Lesson from the Christian Scriptures Luke 15: 1 – 10

Sermon

Lighting of the Peace Candle
On this day of remembrance, September 11, we are aware
of the need of peace in our world and the need to honor one
another as God’s children.
We remember the death and loss on September 11, 2001,
8:14 A.M. EDT. Death, loss, and evil, continue to be too
much with us. May we honor one another in the midst
of our honest differences.
We call to mind the war in the Ukraine, needless loss and death. We
know that peace comes through justice. May we live and work to make
justice a reality.
We are grateful the peaceful transfer of power from Queen to King,
Prime Minister to Prime Minister. May we learn the importance of this
peaceful process from our ancestors and
its necessity to democracy.
On this day of remembrance, let us work for peace through
justice. Amen.

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as
we forgive those indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation but
deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen

Offering of our Gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Offertory Music “White’s Air”(American Folk Tune) arr. DR. WILLIAM CHURCHILL HAMMOND

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
For your unconditional love of us, O God, we give you thanks.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen.

Closing Hymn  “Abide with Me” EVENTIDE

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

September 18, 2022

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Lynda Overlock
All who are able, please stand
God calls us to rejoice in God’s creative power.
The earth is God’s and all that dwell in it.
The Creator’s praise we sing.
Let God’s reign and rule be known and praised.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
God’s name be sung through every land, by every tongue.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn “From All That Dwell below the Skies” LASST UNS ERFREEUEN

Prayer of Awareness Paula Thouin
God’s reign and rule is here and now, in us, with us,
around us. God’s reign and rule is not something we hope
for the future. It is here and now. God’s reign and rule is
within our reach, turn and receive it. God’s reign and rule is
spread out upon the earth and we do not see it. Give us wisdom and
insight to see and act upon your reign and rule in our midst, O God.
Amen.

Lesson from the Christian Scriptures Thomas 113: 1 – 4 Luke 17: 20 – 21

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as
we forgive those indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation but
deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen

Offering of our Gifts and Second Offering for Rebekah’s Closet
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
May our giving be generous and our work be done with joy! Amen.

Closing Hymn  “Joyful, Joyful” HYMN TO JOY

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you

Postlude

September 25, 2022

Prelude “His Eye is On the Sparrow” arr. MARK HAYES

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements

Tolling of the Bell
Call to Worship Lisa Hraba
All who are able, please stand
Blessed be those who stand and sing God’s praise.
They celebrate the blessings of life.
You, God, are the creator of the universe.
To you belong majesty and power.
Yours is the earth and all that is in it.
Come, let us sing to God.
Praise be to you, O God of creation.

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn  “Won’t You Let Me Be Your Servant?” SERVANT SONG

Prayer of Awareness Tim Damon
Wars and roomers of wars are in our daily lives.
Who, O God, could stand if your presence did not give
us hope, even in the midst of war.
You, O God, are our hope and deliverance.
In you we find strength to address the present
and affirmation of the future. Amen.

Lesson from the Hebrew Scripture Isaiah 2: 2 – 4; Micah 4 : 1 – 4

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive
those indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from
evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

Offering of our Gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
O God of peace, give us peace in our time. May our giving be generous
and our work be done with joy! Amen.

Closing Hymn “Lead On Eternal Sovereign” LANCASHIRE

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

Sunday, August 7, 2022

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Call to Worship Myra Cardona – Grammo
*All who are able, please stand.
Jesus invites us to join him at table,
To eat, share and fellowship with one another.
Jesus invites us into community with each other,
To share our joys and our burdens, to heal each other.
Jesus invites us to embrace life;
Hope over despair, relationship over alienation, good over evil.
Jesus invites us to embrace life with hope, justice and equality.
Jesus invites us to life, here and now.

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Opening Hymn “God of the Sparrow God of the Whale” ROEDER

Prayer of Awareness Tim Damon
As we come to table this morning, we recall Jesus.
His love softens our inflexibility. His inclusiveness opens our hearts
and minds. His fellowship renews our trust in the goodness of life.
For the gift of Jesus among us,
We give you thanks, O God. Amen.

Lesson from the Christian Scripture Hebrews 11: 1-3  Rev. Winston Baldwin

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Father, your name be revered. Impose your reign and rule. Provide us
with the bread we need for the day. Forgive our debts to the extent that
we have forgiven those in debt to us. Amen. –an older version from the Q Gospel

Offering of Our Gifts and Second Offering for Kate’s Kitchen
Your gifts to The United Congregational Church of Holyoke are greatly
appreciated. It is through your generous contributions that we are able to carry out
our ministry in Holyoke and the world. Thank you.

Offertory Music

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
As we gather at table this morning, may this bread and this cup remind
us of Jesus’ table fellowship and of his healing relationship with us.
May our fellowship with one another and our care for each other become
for us the real presence of Jesus in our midst. Amen.

Sacrament of Communion
The Sacrament of Communion is offered to all who are present.

Invitation To Communion Rev. Winston Baldwin
Sisters and brothers, the Gospel tells us that Jesus was raised from the dead,
and on that same day he sat at a table with two disciples and was made known
to them in the breaking of the bread. We gather here at this table to break
bread with Jesus in our midst. This is the table to which we come to celebrate
life and to remember our past, which is enfolded into and transformed by
God’s future. This is God’s inclusive table to which all are invited.

This is the joyful feast of the people of God, men and women, all genders,
all people, youth and children, who come from east and west, from north
and south, to gather at God’s table.
In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us, thanks be to God.
Amen.

Words of Institution Rev. Winston Baldwin
The Bread of Hope
Sharing the Bread

The Cup of Joy
Sharing the Cup

Prayer of Thanksgiving
We give you thanks, O God, that you have renewed us
at your table in fellowship with one another and with Jesus.
Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another
that we follow you in courage and peace. Amen.

Closing Hymn “Let Justice Flow like Streams” ST. THIMAS

Benediction Rev. Winston Baldwin
The peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Go in peace.

Postlude

August 14, 2022

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Martha May
* — All who are able, please stand
God calls us to pay attention to what is happening in
our time, in our world.
God calls us to know the signs of what is happening
like we know the signs of the weather.
If we know where we are now.
We can know how to deal with the future.
Praise be to you, O God of past, present and future.

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn  “O Day of God draw Near” ST. MICHAEL

Prayer of Awareness Paula Thouin
God’s love and justice are ours all the days of our lives.
God calls us to seek the truth and to do justice.
Truth is the basis of our democratic process.
Without truth we are lost. Without truth there is no democracy.
You, O God, are our truth and our deliverance.
May your truth be with us that we can discern our present times. Thanks
be to you, O God of truth and justice. Amen.

Lesson from the Christian Scriptures Luke 12: 54 – 56; Thomas 91: 2

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as
we forgive those indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation but
deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen

Offering of our Gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
For your truth and justice, O God, we give you thanks.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen.

Closing Hymn “In the Midlist of New Dimensions NEW DIMENSION

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

August 21, 2022

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Tim Damon
All who are able, please stand
God calls us to speak what we know, to say who we are.
God calls us to speak truth to power.
God calls us to speak the difference between truth and falsehood.
God calls us to be a follower of justice in God’s name.
Thanks be to you, O God of truth and justice.

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn “Immortal, Invisible, God Only, Wise” ST. DENIO

Prayer of Awareness Robert Grammo
We are in difficult times, questions of truth and reality.
People are calling their own realities. It is their opinion, their political
stance, their reality.
Help us, O God, to affirm a larger reality, the truth outside our opinions.
May we affirm your truth, your call to do justice. Your love and justice
bring us to affirm community. Your love and justice call us to live in
conversation with our neighbor. Amen

Lesson from the Hebrew Scriptures Jeremiah 1: 4 – 10

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as
we forgive those indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation but
deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen

Offering of our Gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.
The Second Offering today is for Rebekah’s Closet.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
In response to your love and justice, O God,
may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy. Amen.

Closing Hymn “Be Now My Vision” SLANE

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

August 28, 2022

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Lance Humphrey

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Barbara Blodgett
* — All who are able, please stand
All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All that is wise and wonderful
O’God you made them all.

That stranger who comes seeking
The one who has lent a hand,
The ones who ask forgiveness,
O’God you made them all.

The one who cries for justice,
The hungry, the tired, the poor,
The ones who believe they have power,
O’God you made them all.

The table where we gather,
The message we soon will hear,
The thoughts and prayers we share,
O’God you made them all.

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn “Bring Many Names” WESTCHASE

Prayer of Awareness Myra Cardona-Grammo
For the invitation you forever extend,
For the abundance you provide,
For the seat at your table,
We give thanks.

For your gracious patience,
For your enduring presence,
For the grace you shower upon us,
We give thanks.

For the spirit which abounds,
For the spirit which resides,
For the spirit which breathes life into the universe,
We give thanks.

Lesson from the Hebrew Scriptures Rev. Lance Humphrey

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as
we forgive those indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation but
deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen

Offering of our Gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
In response to your love and justice, O God,
may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy. Amen.

Closing Hymn  “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” FAITHFULNESS

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

July 3, 2022

Prelude “Spirit of God, Descend upon my Heart” arr. KELLNER

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Call to Worship Muriel Griffin
*All who are able, please stand.
Jesus invites us to join him at table,
To eat, share and fellowship with one another.
Jesus invites us into community with each other,
To share our joys and our burdens, to heal each other.
Jesus invites us to embrace life;
Hope over despair, relationship over alienation, good over evil.
Jesus invites us to embrace life with hope, justice and equality.
Jesus invites us to be involved in life here and now.

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Opening Hymn  “How Beautiful, Our Spacious Skies” MATERNA

Prayer of Awareness Rev. Lance Humphrey
As we come to table this morning, we recall Jesus.
His love softens our inflexibility. His inclusiveness opens our hearts
and minds. His fellowship renews our trust in the goodness of life.
For the gift of Jesus among us,
We give you thanks, O God. Amen.

Lesson from the Hebrew Scripture Isaiah 40: 21 – 31 selected verses Rev. Winston Baldwin

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Father, your name be revered. Impose your reign and rule. Provide us
with the bread we need for the day. Forgive our debts to the extent that
we have forgiven those in debt to us. Amen. –an older version from the Q Gospel

Offering of Our Gifts
Your gifts to The United Congregational Church of
Holyoke are greatly appreciated. It is through your generous contributions that we are able to carry out our ministry in Holyoke and the world. Thank you.

Offertory Music “Divinest Comfort” arr. GAYDEN SIKES

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication Rev. Lance Humphrey
As we gather at table this morning, may this bread and this cup remind
us of Jesus’ table fellowship and of his healing relationship with us.
May our fellowship with one another and our care for each other become
for us the real presence of Jesus in our midst. Amen.

Sacrament of Communion
The Sacrament of Communion is offered to all who are present.

Invitation To Communion Rev. Winston Baldwin
Sisters and brothers, the Gospel tells us that Jesus was raised from the dead,
and on that same day he sat at a table with two disciples and was made known
to them in the breaking of the bread. We gather here at this table to break
bread with Jesus in our midst. This is the table to which we come to celebrate
life and to remember our past, which is enfolded into and transformed by
God’s future. This is God’s inclusive table to which all are invited.
This is the joyful feast of the people of God, men and women, all genders,
all people, youth and children, who come from east and west, from north
and south, to gather at God’s table.
In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us, thanks be to God.
Amen.

Words of Institution Rev. Winston Baldwin and Rev. Lance Humphrey
The Bread of Hope
Sharing the Bread
“Jesus, Keep me Near the Cross” arr. DENNIS ALEXANDER

The Cup of Joy
Sharing the Cup
“Be Still My Soul” arr. MARK HAYE

Prayer of Thanksgiving Barbara Blodgett
We give you thanks, O God, that you have renewed us
at your table in fellowship with one another and with Jesus.
Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another
that we follow you in courage and peace. Amen.

Closing Hymn  “Restless Weave” BEACH SPRING

Benediction Rev. Winston Baldwin
The peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Go in peace.

Postlude “Praise my Soul, The King of Heaven” arr. BEHNKE

July 10, 2022

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Lisa Kochian
All who are able, please stand
The Blessing of God,
Rests upon our shoulders.
The Love of God,
Dwells in our hearts.
The Presence of God,
Compels us to sing.
The Mystery of God,
Leads us into worship.

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn  “God of Grace and God of Glory” CWM RHONDDA

Prayer of Awareness Paula Thouin
God’s love and justice are ours all the days of our lives.
God calls us to seek the truth, to do justice and to work
in the places we live to enact the truth.

Truth is the basis of our democratic process. Without truth we
are lost. Without truth there is no democracy. Whose truth? Whose
democracy is this?

You, O God, are our truth and our deliverance.
Come to us, be with us. May your justice be with us,
around us, in us. Thanks be to you, O God
of truth and justice. Amen.

Lesson from the Christian Scriptures Mark 12: 12 – 17; Thomas 100: 1 – 2 Rev. Winston Baldwin

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Father, your name be revered. Impose your divine rule. Provide us with
the bread we need for the day. Forgive our debts to the extent that we
have forgiven those in debt to us.
Amen. An older form, from the Q Gospel

Offering of our Gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Offertory Music

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
For your love and justice, O God, we give you thanks.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen.

Closing Hymn  “O for a World” AZOMON

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

July 17, 2022

Prelude “Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts”

Lighting of the Candles

Intro Randy Purinton

Welcome and Announcements Tim Damon

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Debra Deveno
All who are able, please stand
God calls us to see ourselves as persons of value and worth.
Yet, none is more valued or more worthy than another.
Jesus says, love God with all your imagination,
all your being and with all your intellect.
And love your neighbor as yourself.
Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Opening Hymn “O Grant Us Light”

Prayer of Awareness Ojibway Prayer Page 95 Earth Prayers Robert Grammo
Grandfather, look at our brokenness
We know that in all creation
Only the human family
Has strayed from the Sacred Way

We know that we are the ones
Who are divided
And we are the ones
Who must come back together
To walk in the Sacred Way

Grandfather,
Sacred One,
Teach us love, compassion and honor
That we may heal the earth
And heal each other

Lessons from the Christian Scriptures Luke 10:38-42 Randy Purinton

Sermon Martha vs. Mary: Who Got it Right?

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by 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 debts, as we forgive those indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Offering our Gifts and Second Offering for Rebekah’s Closet
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done; 
Creator, Son and Spirit One. Amen.

Prayer of Dedication
We thank you, God, for your love and acceptance of us all the days of our lives. Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy. Amen.

Closing Hymn “Blessed Be the Tie That Binds”

The Benediction
The Peace of God be with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

July 24, 2022

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Martha May
* — All who are able, please stand
God calls us to acknowledge our indebtedness to one another.
To whom and to what are we responsible as people of God?
We are responsible for the earth and for one another.
When we pray,
Let us remember and name the earth and each other.

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn “O Day of God, Draw Near” ST. MICHAEL

Prayer of Awareness Jim Johnson
For love, grace, and forgiveness, we are thankful, O God.
You, God, create community in your presence to which all are
invited. May we, as a community of faith, extend the invitation to your
presence. Help us realize our indebtedness to you, to our mother, the
earth, and to one another. May we be stewards of this good earth for its
continual creation, creator God, creating still. Amen.

Lesson from the Christian Scriptures Luke 11: 1 – 4 Rev. Winston Baldwin

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Father, your name be revered. Impose your reign and rule.
Provide us with the bread we need for the day.
Forgive our debts to the extent that we have forgiven those in debt to us.
Amen. –an older version from the Q Gospel

Offering of our Gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
For the gift of all creation, O God, we are thankful.
Therefore, May our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen.

Closing Hymn “It Is Well with My Soul” VILLE DU HAVRE

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Postlude

July 31, 2022

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Lance Humphrey

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Barbara Blodgett
All who are able, please stand
God provides a unique power – a divine source of strength – for all who come
to the table.
Share with us the power, O God, let us know this strength.
God’s power can heal the sick, bring light to darkness, and turn fear to
courage.
Share with us the power, O God, let us know this strength. Amen!

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn  “Blessed Assurance” ASSURANCE

Prayer of Awareness Tim Damon
O Father of all fathers, Mother of all mothers, nutrient of all life, cosmic
curator~
With Your help we open ourselves to know the Christ in us.
Let us see and know the Christ in others. Let us trust in the Christ in all
things.
Let us nurture this spirit of wholeness that all your creation may be
blessed.
Accept this as our covenant; Be with us in this endeavor;
Hear us, know us, Forgive us, Love us,
In the Glory and Awe of your presence, we pray.
Amen!

Lesson from the Christian Scriptures Luke 12: 13-21

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom
come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive those indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the
kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

Offering of our Gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
For the gift of all creation, O God, we are thankful.
Therefore, May our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen.

Closing Hymn  “Holy, Holy, Holy” NICAEA

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

June 5, 2022

Pentecost Sunday
Celebration of Communion
Order of Worship 10: 00 A.M.

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Lance Humphrey

Call to Worship Paula Thouin
*All who are able, please stand.
May fire and wind, voice and vision
fill us on this Day of Pentecost.
We seek the gust of God’s wind to refresh and renew us.
May God’s fire kindle our passions for love and justice,
As the Spirit spreads through our lives.

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.
Opening Hymn  “Creator God, Creating Still” ST ANNE

Prayer of Awareness Tim Damon
Spirit of life and hope, may we be aware of your presence among us.
Awaken us again to the mysteries that humble us, the realities that orient
us, the fellowship that sustains us, that we may give ourselves in honesty
and openness to the life before us. Amen.

Lesson from the Christian Scripture Acts 2: 1 – 17 Rev. Winston Baldwin

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Father, your name be revered. Impose your reign and rule. Provide us
with the bread we need for the day. Forgive our debts to the extent that
we have forgiven those in debt to us. Amen. –an older version from the Q Gospel

Offering of Our Gifts Your gifts to The United Congregational Church of
Holyoke are greatly appreciated. It is through your generous contributions that we
are able to carry out our ministry in Holyoke and the world. Thank you.

Offertory Music

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication Rev. Lance Humphrey
As we gather at table this morning, may this bread and this cup remind
us of Jesus’ table fellowship and of his healing relationship with us.
May our fellowship with one another and our care for each other become
for us the real presence of Jesus in our midst. Amen.

Sacrament of Communion
The Sacrament of Communion is offered to all who are present

Invitation To Communion Rev. Winston Baldwin 
Sisters and brothers, the Gospel tells us that Jesus was raised from the dead,
and on that same day he sat at a table with two disciples and was made known
to them in the breaking of the bread. We gather here at this table to break
bread with Jesus in our midst. This is the table to which we come to celebrate
life and to remember our past, which is enfolded into and transformed by
God’s future. This is God’s inclusive table to which all are invited.
This is the joyful feast of the people of God, men and women, all genders,
all people, youth and children, who come from east and west, from north
and south, to gather at God’s table.
In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us, thanks be to God.
Amen.

Words of Institution Rev. Winston Baldwin and Rev. Lance Humphrey
The Bread of Hope
Sharing the Bread
(Communion music during the sharing of the bread and the cup)
The Cup of Joy
Sharing the Cup

Prayer of Thanksgiving  Rev. Lance Humphrey
We give you thanks, O God, that you have renewed us
at your table in fellowship with one another and with Jesus.
Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another
that we follow you in courage and peace. Amen.

Closing Hymn  “Spirit of God, Descend upon my Heart” MORECAMBE
Verses 1, 2, and 3

Benediction Rev. Winston Baldwin
The peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Go in peace.

Postlude

Sunday, June 19, 2022

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Lance Humphrey

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Barbara Blodgett
* — All who are able, please stand
The Blessing of God,
Rests upon our shoulders.
The Love of God
Dwells in our hearts.
The Presence of God
Compels us to sing.
The Mystery of God
Leads us to worship

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn “Praise to the Living God” DIADEMATA

Litany for Justice Myra Cardona – Grammo
Congregation responds with indented portions
Show me the suffering of the most miserable
so I will know my people’s plight.
Free me to pray for others
for you are present in every person.
Help me take responsibility for my own life
so that I can be free at last.
Grant me courage to serve others
for in service there is true life.
Give me honesty and patience
so that I can work with other workers.
Bring forth song and celebration
so that the spirit will be alive among us.
Let the spirit flourish and grow
so that we will never tire of the struggle.
Let us remember those who have dies for justice
for they have given us life.
Help us love even those who hate us
so that we can change the world. Amen. United Farm Workers

Lesson from the Hebrew Scriptures 19: 9 – 15a Rev. Lance Humphrey

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our
debts, as we forgive those indebted to us. And lead us not into
temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

Offering of our Gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
For your love and justice, O God, we give thanks.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy. Amen.

Closing Hymn  “We Shall Overcome” WE SHALL OVERCOME

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

June 12, 2022

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Lance Humphrey

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Sharon Farmer
* — All who are able, please stand
God calls us to be open to the future,
Because God has always been faithful to us in our past.
Therefore, God is here among us,
God is in us, around us, with us.
Thanks be to God.

Greeting The Peace of God with you.
Opening Hymn  “Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise” ST DENIO

Prayer of Awareness Rev. Lance Humphrey
In these difficult days of mass shootings, untruth,
misinformation, vested interested, and diversion, help
us to stay focused on your truth of love and justice, O God.
May we be mediators of your truth. Help us to speak
your truth to the powers that be, that love and justice will
prevail. Give us peace in our time, O God. Amen

Lesson from the Hebrew Scriptures Psalm 8 Rev. Winston Baldwin

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom
come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive those indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the
kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

Offering of our Gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
We give thanks for all of God’s blessings.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen.

Closing Hymn  “O for a World” AZMON

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

June 26, 2022

Third Sunday after Pentecost

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Lance Humphrey

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Sharon Farmer
All who are able, please stand
God calls us to embrace the future with hope.
God calls us to a future that enfolds our past into God’s future.
God calls us into a future of a just world for all people.
God calls us into a future of hope that begins here
in the present.

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn “Come, O Fount of Every Blessing” NETTLETON

Lesson from the Christian Scriptures Luke 4: 14 -21 Rev. Lance Humphrey

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

Offering of our Gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
Your love and justice, O God, create community among us.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen.

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

May 1, 2022

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Lance Humphrey

*Call to Worship Lisa Kochian

*All who are able, please stand.
Jesus invites us to join him at table,
To eat, share and fellowship with one another.
Jesus invites us into community with each other,
To share our joys and our burdens, to heal each other.
Jesus invites us to embrace life;
Hope over despair, relationship over alienation,
Good over evil.
Jesus invites us to embrace life with hope, justice, and equality.
Jesus invites us to be involved in life here and now.
*Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Opening Hymn “Praise to the Living God”

*Prayer of Awareness Paula Thouin
As we come to table this morning, we recall Jesus.
His love softens our inflexibility. His inclusiveness opens our hearts and
minds. His fellowship renews our trust in the goodness of life. For the
gift of Jesus among us, We give you thanks, O God. Amen.

Lesson from the Christian Scripture John 21: 4 – 13 Rev. Winston Baldwin

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Father, your name be revered. Impose your reign and rule. Provide us
with the bread we need for the day. Forgive our debts to the extent that
we have forgiven those in debt to us. Amen. — an older version from the Q Gospel

Offering of Our Gifts
Thank you for your gracious gifts to UCCH, that enable us
to carry out our ministry to Holyoke and the world.

Offertory Music “You’ll Never Walk Alone” LERNER & LOEWE
Dan Fitzgerald, soloist

Prayer of Dedication Rev. Lance Humphrey
As we gather at table this morning, may this bread and this cup remind
us of Jesus’ table fellowship and of his healing relationship with us. May
our fellowship with one another and our care for each other become for
us the real presence of Jesus in our midst. Amen.

Sacrament of Communion
The Sacrament of Communion is offered to all who are present.

Invitation To Communion Rev. Winston Baldwin
Sisters and brothers, the Gospel tells us that Jesus was raised from the dead,
and on that same day he sat at a table with two disciples and was made known
to them in the breaking of the bread. We gather here at this table to break
bread with Jesus in our midst. This is the table to which we come to celebrate
life and to remember our past, which is enfolded into and transformed by
God’s future. This is God’s inclusive table to which all are invited.

This is the joyful feast of the people of God, men and women, all genders,
all people, youth, and children, who come from east and west, from north
and south, to gather at God’s table. In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us, thanks be to God. Amen.

Communion Hymn  “Be Now My Vision” SLANE

Words of Institution Rev. Winston Baldwin and Rev. Lance Humphrey
The Bread of Hope
Sharing the Bread

(Communion music during the sharing of the bread and cup.)

The Cup of Joy
Sharing the Cup

Prayer of Thanksgiving Rev. Lance Humphrey
We give you thanks, O God, that you have renewed us at your table in
fellowship with one another and with Jesus. Strengthen our faith,
increase our love for one another that we follow you in courage and
peace. Amen.

Closing Hymn “Come O Fount of Every Blessing” NETTLETON

Benediction Rev. Winston Baldwin
The peace of God with you, sisters, and brothers.
And also with you.
Go in peace.

Postlude

May 8, 2022

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Tolling of the Bell

*Call to Worship Lisa Hraba
* — All who are able, please stand
Blessed is the One who speaks creation into existence.
Blessed is the One who speaks and does.
Blessed is the One who has compassion for the earth.
Blessed is the Holy One.
Blessed is Sophia, Wisdom of all creation.

*Greeting The Peace of God with you.

*Opening Hymn  “Bring Many Names” Verses 1 – 4 WESTCHA

A Litany for Women Sharon Farmer, Muriel Griffin
Sharon
Within our religious tradition many women have been silenced.
They are given no name. Today, let us break that silence.
We remember our foremothers, who, throughout time, have used their gifts of
power, love, and the strong minds God gave them to change the world.
We call upon these foremothers to help us discover within ourselves our gifts.
We remember Sarah, a strong woman of faith who answered God’s call to
forsake her homeland and to put her faith in the promises and covenant of
God. We pray for her power of faith.
We remember Esther, Deborah, and Rahab, who by acts of courage saved
their people. We pray for their sound minds and courage acting for the greater
good.

Muriel
We remember Mary Magdala, Johanna, Mary, and the other women who
followed Jesus. We pray for their love and faith in the face of skepticism.
We remember Phoebe, Priscilla, and all the women leaders of the early
church. We pray for their power and creativity that spread the gospel and
inspired congregations.
We remember Antoinette Brown Blackwell, the first woman to be ordained in
a Protestant church in America. We pray for the love and creativity of women
who were first in their field.
We pray for their power of leadership and their creative thinking. May they
be granted power and responsibility as they open up new possibilities for all
women.
We pray for our daughters and granddaughters. May they be granted the
power, love and creative minds to seek that life which is uniquely theirs.
We celebrate the power of women, their love, their strong minds. They have
been given these gifts by God.
The Spirit of God be with us in our loving, in our searching
and in our celebrating. Amen. –By Rex A. E. Hunt, adapted

Lesson from the Hebrew Scriptures Provers 8: 1 – 36 selected verses Rev. Winston Baldwin

Sermon
*Hymn “For All That Dwell below the Skies ” LASST UNS ERFREUEN

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom
come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive those indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the
kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

Offering of our gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
May the gifts we bring, be God’s love and justice in the world.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen.

*Closing Hymn  “God, We Thank You for Our People” HOLY MANNA

*The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

May 22, 2022

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Winston Baldwin

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Lisa Hraba
* — All who are able, please stand
God calls us to see ourselves as persons of value and worth.
Yet, none is more valued or more worthy than another.
Jesus says, Love God with all your imagination,
all your being and with all your intellect.
And love your neighbor as yourself.

Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn “God of Grace and God of Glory” CWM RHONDDA

Prayer of Awareness Jim Johnson
Grandfather, Look at our brokenness
We know that in all creation
Only the human family
Has strayed from the Sacred Way

We know that we are the ones
Who are divided
And we are the ones
Who must come back together
To walk in the Sacred Way

Grandfather,
Sacred One,
Teach us love, compassion and honor
That we may heal the earth
And heal each other
Ojibway Prayer from Earth Prayers

Lesson from the Christian Scriptures Acts 16: 9 – 15 Rev. Lance Humphrey

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom
come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive those indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the
kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

Offering of our gifts Rev. Lance Humphrey
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
God’s love and acceptance are free and equal to all people.
In response to God’s free gifts, may our giving be generous
and our work be done with joy. Amen.

Closing Hymn “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You” HYMN TO JOY

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude

Sunday, April 3, 2022
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke
An Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey,
you are welcome here!
300 Appleton Street (corner Maple and Appleton), Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 532-1483 www.uccholyoke.org
Office Hours: M – F 9am – 2pm (Appleton Street Door)
Rev. Winston Baldwin, Interim Minister
Rev. Lance Humphrey, Associate Minister
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Celebration of Communion
Order of Worship 10:00 A.M.

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements by Lance Humphrey

Call to Worship  by Martha May
*All who are able, please stand
God calls us to speak truth and to do justice.
Truth and Justice are the way of peace.
May truth and justice prevail in the Ukraine.
Thanks be to you, O God of justice and peace.
*Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Opening Hymn: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You” HYMN TO JOY

Prayer of Awareness by Barbara Blodgett
As we come to table this morning, we recall Jesus. His love softens our
inflexibility. His inclusiveness opens our hearts and minds. His fellowship
renews our trust in the goodness of life. For the gift of Jesus among us, we
give you thanks, O God. Amen.

Lesson from the Christian Scripture Thomas 96 and 113 by Winston Baldwin

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Father, your name be revered. Impose your reign and rule. Provide us
with the bread we need for the day. Forgive our debts to the extent that we
have forgiven those in debt to us. Amen. –an older version from the Q Gospel

Offering of Our Gifts
Your gifts to The United Congregational Church of Holyoke
are greatly appreciated. It is through your generous contributions that we are
able to carry out our ministry in Holyoke and the world. Thank you.

Prayer of Dedication by Lance Humphrey
As we gather at table this morning, may this bread and this cup remind us
of Jesus’ table fellowship and of his healing relationship with us. May our
fellowship with one another and our care for each other become for us the
real presence of Jesus in our midst. Amen.

Sacrament of Communion
The Sacrament of Communion is offered to all who are present.

Invitation To Communion by Winston Baldwin
Sisters and brothers, the Gospel tells us that Jesus was raised from the dead, and
on that same day he sat at a table with two disciples and was made known to
them in the breaking of the bread. We gather here at this table to break bread
with Jesus in our midst. This is the table to which we come to celebrate life and
to remember our past, which is enfolded into and transformed by God’s future.
This is God’s inclusive table to which all are invited.

This is the joyful feast of the people of God, men and women, all genders,
all people, youth and children, who come from east and west, from north
and south, to gather at God’s table.
In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us, thanks be to God.
Amen.

Communion Hymn “As We Gather at Your table” BEACH SPRING
Words of Institution by Winston Baldwin and Lance Humphrey

The Bread of Hope
Sharing the Bread
The Cup of Joy
Sharing the Cup

Communion Music

Prayer of Thanksgiving by Lance Humphrey
We give you thanks, O God, that you have renewed us at your table in
fellowship with one another and with Jesus. Strengthen our faith, increase
our love for one another that we follow you in courage and peace. Amen.

Closing Hymn “ God is My Shephard” BROTHER JAMES AIR
Benediction by Winston Baldwin

The peace of God with you, sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Go in peace.

Postlude

Palm Sunday, April 10, 2022

Prelude Faithwaze Band

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Lance Humphrey

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship Dan Fitzgerald
* — All who are able, please stand
Jesus imagines what is possible amid what is oppressive, unjust,
and destructive.
He imagines a different way of relating, a different use of power.
He makes his choices based upon what he imagines to be God’s realm.
Palm Sunday is about imagination. Jesus acts on his imagination
of what can be in the face of what is.
*Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn: “All Glory, Laud, and Honor” ST THEODULPH

Prayer of Awareness Tim Damon
Jesus makes choices of what can be in the face of what is.
Here on Palm Sunday, remind us, O God, that Jesus empowers us
to make choices, to act on what we imagine life can be in the face
of what is. May Jesus’ presence with us empower us to make effective
choices all our journey through.

Lesson from the Christian Scriptures Luke 19: 28 – 38 Rev. Winston Baldwin

Sermon

Hymn: “In the Bulb There is a Flower” PROMISE

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Father, your name be revered. Impose your reign and rule. Provide us
with the bread we need for the day. Forgive our debts to the extent that
we have forgiven those in debt to us. Amen.
–an older version from the Q Gospel

Offering of our gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication Rev. Lance Humphrey
May the gifts we bring, be God’s love and justice in the world.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen.

Closing Hymn: “Lord of the Dance” SIMPLE GIFTS

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude Faithwaze Band

Thank you to the Faithwaze Band, Joseph Trapasso, Andrew O’Connor, and
Dio Williams, for helping lead Worship this morning.

Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022

Prelude “Christus Am Olberge”, Opus 85, Beethoven. Performed by Charlie Berrios

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements, Rev. Winston Baldwin

Tolling of the Bell

Call to Worship, Myra Cardona-Grammo
*all who are able, please stand
This morning we recall the traditions of the Feast of the Passover and of the Easter Feast.
We remember our ancestors, Jews and Christians,
Who are gathered in your love and justice, O God.
As we stand with hope in the future,
Let us seek the inclusion of all peoples, all religions, all spiritual practice as equal recipients of your love and justice. May it be so.

Greeting The Peace of God be with you.

Opening Hymn “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”

Prayer of Awareness, Robert Grammo
Sing to Yawheh a New Song
Play Bach, jazz, blues, and reggae.
Gather the children, give them Orff instruments.
Gather the old folks, give them tambourine and djembe
Gather all God’s children.
Let them sing Bach and blues, reggae, and rap.
Let them remember the old songs. 
Let them sing songs not yet written to children not yet born.
Sing to Yahweh all of God’s children, Sing to Yahweh anew.
Sing to Yahweh a new song.

“Ave Verum Corpus”

Lesson from the Christian Scriptures Mark 16: 1-8, Rev. Winston Baldwin

Sermon

Hymn “My Shepherd is the Living God”

Sharing our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer from the Q Gospel
Father, your name be revered. Impose your reign and rule. Provide us witht he bread we need for the day. Forgive our debts to the extent that we have forgiven those in debt to us. Amen.

Offering of our gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Offertory Music Vecheryai, Rado (Bulgarian folk song)

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son and Spirit One. Amen.

Prayer of Dedication, Rev. Winston Baldwin
We thank you God for your love and justice which leads to the way of peace. Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy. Amen.

Closing Hymn “The Day of Resurrection”

The Benediction
The Peace of God with you sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Postlude “As I Went Down to the River to Pray”

Sunday, March 20, 2022
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke
An Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey,
you are welcome here!
300 Appleton Street (corner Maple and Appleton), Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 532-1483 www.uccholyoke.org
Office Hours: M – F 9am – 2pm (Appleton Street Door)
Rev. Winston Baldwin, Interim Minister
Rev. Lance Humphrey, Associate Minister

Third Sunday in Lent

Prelude
Lighting of the Candles
Welcome and Announcements Lance Humphrey
Tolling of the Bell

*Call to Worship Myra Cardona-Grammo
* — All who are able, please stand
We are here in the presence of God.
God calls us to affirm life in the midst of war.
God calls us to be open to the future with hope.
God calls us to be present to where we are now
that we will know the future when we see it.
*Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn  Be Now My Vision SLANE

* Prayer of Awareness Robert Grammo
In this world of chaos and order, of poverty and riches,
of justice and injustice, of birth and death, God brings Light to life.
Light, Energy, and Spirit, create and sustain us.
By God’s Light we are empowered to do our work,
To seek justice, to show mercy, and to act in love.
Praise be to you, O God of Light.
May the Great Light, Who shines in the darkness, illuminate us all.
Amen.

Lesson from the Christian Scriptures Luke 13: 1 -9 Lance

Sermon Winston

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom
come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive those indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the
kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

Offering of our gifts

Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication Lance
These are the gifts we bring, O God, in response to your love and grace.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen.

Closing Hymn Come, O Fount of Every Blessing NETTLRTON

The Benediction
The Peace of God with sisters and brothers.
And also with you.
Postlude

Sunday, March 27, 2022
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke
An Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey,
you are welcome here!
300 Appleton Street (corner Maple and Appleton), Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 532-1483 www.uccholyoke.org
Office Hours: M – F 9am – 2pm (Appleton Street Door)
Rev. Winston Baldwin, Interim Minister
Rev. Lance Humphrey, Associate Minister

Fourth Sunday in Lent

Prelude

Lighting of the Candles

Welcome and Announcements

Tolling of the Bell

*Call to Worship

All who are able, please stand

God calls us to solidarity with the poor, the hungry and the marginalized.
God calls us to hear and help those who have lost their way.
God calls us to share God’s love with all we meet.
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy like the wideness of the sea.

*Greeting The Peace of God with you.

Opening Hymn (see attached page) There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy IN BABILONE

* Prayer of Awareness
For all that dwell below the skies and all that live, we say,
Alleluia, Alleluia. Praise be to you, God of all creation.
What could we hope, if it were not for you, O God? What could we
expect, if not for your power and glory. You, God, are our stronghold
and deliver. You are our strength, our rest, our deliverance, our sure
and certain hope. Alleluia, Alleluia, thanks be to God of hope and
deliverance. Amen.

Lesson from the Christian Scriptures Luke 15: 1 – 6; 8 – 9 

Sermon

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Prayers for the Church and the World, Silent Prayers

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom
come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive those indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the
kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

Offering of our gifts
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry of
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Son, and Spirit One. Amen

Prayer of Dedication
God seeks us when we are lost and brings us home.
Therefore, may our giving be generous and our work be done with joy.
Amen.

Closing Hymn (see attached page) Amazing Grace AMAZING GRACE

The Benediction
The Peace of God with sisters and brothers.
And also with you.

Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021

HYMN Christ the Lord is Risen Today
1. Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Mortal tongues and angels say: Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, glad heavens, and earth reply: Alleluia!

2. Let the Victor’s people sing, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now your sting? Alleluia!
Dying once, Christ lives to save, Alleluia!
Where your victory, O grave? Alleluia!

3. Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids Christ rise, Alleluia!
God has opened paradise, Alleluia!

4. Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Christ, like Christ we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

BELL

WELCOME

CALL TO WORSHIP
Christ is Risen!
Christ is risen, indeed!
Hope is alive!
Hope is alive, indeed!
God’s love is eternal!
Hallelujah! Let us give thanks for what God has done.

INVOCATION:
We pray:
God of terror and joy, you arise to shake the earth.
Open our graves and give us back the past;
so that all that has been buried
may be freed and forgiven,
and our lives may return to you.
May it be so.

CENTERING WORDS
How good it is to be alive! Yes, we feel the beat of our own hearts, the pulsing
of life in our veins, the rhythm of our breathing. We come into the silence of
this time with gratitude for this day.
We come with our needs, and we come because we have gifts to share.
In our coming and in our going may we be strengthened
in our bonds of love and peace.

READING Thank God for Bursting Life! By Shirley Erena Murray. A Place at the Table/37
Thank God for bursting life, for greening leaf, for sign of Spring’s sowing!
The Easter sunrise brings the light that can illumine all our knowing!
What crucifixion failed to kill, is well alive this Day:
a peace-determined Way, God’s realm of hope and promise,
of peace lived in promise, as Jesus lived this promise.

Thank God for courage raised to roll away the stones of dead traditions,
to crack the codes of death, and to give the fearful hope and strength!
What crucifixion failed to kill, is well alive this Day:
a fairer, kinder Way, a signatory to justice,
commitment to justice, as Jesus lives this justice.

Thank God for feisty souls who let no weight of history deter them!
Who liberate the faith, who let the Easter air revive and stir them!

What crucifixion failed to kill, is well alive this Day:
non-violent, this Way, a charter for compassion,
the power of compassion, as Jesus lived compassion.

Thank God for fresh-baked bread, the loaf we share, the yeasty fragrance
rising. The bubbling up of hope, the wine outpoured in joy of God’s devising!
What crucifixion failed to kill, is well alive this Day:
the Gospel-driven Way; the human spirit’s freedom,
the risen life’s freedom, as Jesus lived this freedom.

READING Mark 16:1-8
When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James,
and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very
early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the
tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for
us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the
stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the
tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side;
and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are
looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not
here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter
that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told
you.” So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had
seized them; and they said nothing to any one, for they were afraid.

SERMON

ABBA PRAYER (Josephine McDonnell Inkpin/fb)
Breath of our every fiber flowing in and beyond the stars, may we rejoice in
your ever-renewing life. May your love flourish and your peace be known in all
beings and becomings. Sustain us in what we need. Transform the suffering we
inflict as we transform the suffering we endure. Free us from all that crushes
joy and keep us from unbearable pain. Let your way be our journey, your truth
our story and your life our coming home, now and always.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HOLY COMMUNION (Adapt. Michael Morwood).
God is the heart of life and we are the heartbeat.
May our hearts be filled with thanks and praise and songs of joy.
We rejoice in the miracle of life and delight in our participation.

We give thanks for the invitation to be at this table, for here we are shown our
lives… The daily bread of our work and care, the wine of delight, pressed from
the fruits of our creativity and our brokenness, with all its pain and self-knowledge. We celebrate the life that is ours for we know we are precious in God’s sight. We celebrate the life of the one called Jesus, pattern of reality for us: life that is love revealed, love given, and love received in action.
Therefore, with all your lovers throughout the ages we praise you saying:
Holy, holy, holy, resurrecting God,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God.
Hosanna in the highest.

We give thanks for the Spirit of New Life active in our lives as it was in the life
of Jesus. At this gathering in this sacred place we take bread as Jesus took
bread, and we remember as Jesus remembered, the constant presence of the
Spirit of Life and Love. We break and share this bread as Jesus broke and
shared it.
(Break bread)

We take wine and pour it as Jesus poured it.
(White wine poured)

We drink as Jesus invited his friends to drink, mindful of a relationship of love
and trust between ourselves and the Spirit of Life,
believing as Jesus believed, that beyond pain and darkness and death,
life in the Spirit continues in ways beyond our imaginging.

Silence

The gifts of God for the people of God.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
O Christ, we thank you for this feast of life. Fed by your love, and strengthened
by your life; we humbly accept your call to go into this world to live with hope,
and to share your joy. You commission us to feed as we have been fed, forgive
as we have been forgiven, and love as we have been loved. Thanks be to God.
Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy
will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and
forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power
and the glory, forever. Amen.

BENEDICTION
May God’s abiding love and hope give us new life.
May God’s unmerited grace and mercy keep us hope-filled.
And may God’s restorative justice bring to us all, perfect peace.
For Christ is risen! Praise God! Hallelujah!

HYMN The Day of Resurrection
1. The day of resurection! Earth, tell it out abroad:
the Passover of gladness, the Passover of God.
From death to live eternal, from earth unto the sky.,
our Christ has brought us over with hymns of victory.

2. Our hearts be pure from evil, that we may see aright
the Christ who reins eternal in resurrection light;
We listen for the teachings once heard so calm and plain,
for we, too, want to follow and raise the victor strain.

3.Now let the heavens be joyful, let earth its song begin,
the whole world keep high triumph, and all that is therein:
Let all things seen and unseen their notes of gladness blend,
for Christ again has risen, our joy that has no end.

April 11, 2021

HYMN Arise, Your Light is Come!
1. Arise, your light is come! The Spirit’s call obey;
Show forth the glory of your God which shines on you today!

2. Arise, your light is come! Fling wide the prison door;
Proclaim the captive’s liberty, good tidings to the poor.

3. Arise, your light is come! All you in sorrow born,
Bind up the brokenhearted ones and comfort those who mourn.

4. Arise, your light is come! the mountains burst into song!
Rise up like eagles on the wing: God’s power will make us strong.

BELL

WELCOME

CALL TO WORSHIP
We pray:
We gather to give thanks to the Holy One, and to celebrate the gift of Sabbath.
As the body of the risen Christ, we arise today with renewed hope!
May God inspire our community toward justice, peace, and creativity!
May the Holy One bless our coming week with food, shelter, safety,  health and meaningful occupation.
May the Spirit of Wisdom inspire and challenge us even though we are apart.
May it be so.

AT THE RIVER CLARION – Mary Oliver
1.
I don’t know who God is exactly.
But I’ll tell you this.
I was sitting in the river named Clarion, on a water splashed
stone
and all afternoon I listened to the voices of the river talking.
Whenever the water struck a stone it had something to say,
and the water itself, and even the mosses trailing under the
water.
And slowly, very slowly, it became clear to me what they
were saying.
Said the river I am part of holiness.
And I too, said the stone. And I too, whispered the moss
beneath the water.
I’d been to the river before, a few times.
Don’t blame the river that nothing happened quickly.
You don’t hear such voices in an hour or a day.
You don’t hear them at all if selfhood has stuffed your ears.
And it’s difficult to hear anything anyway, through all the
traffic, the ambition.

2.
If God exists he isn’t just butter and good luck.
He’s also the tick that killed my wonderful dog Luke.
Said the river: imagine everything you can imagine, then
keep on going.
Imagine how the lily (who may also be a part of God) would
sing to you if it could sing,
if you would pause to hear it.
And how are you so certain anyway that it doesn’t sing?
If God exists he isn’t just churches and mathematics.
He’s the forest, He’s the desert.
He’s the ice caps, that are dying.
He’s the ghetto and the Museum of Fine Arts.
He’s van Gogh and Allen Ginsberg and Robert Motherwell.
He’s the many desperate hands, cleaning and preparing
their weapons.
He’s every one of us, potentially.
The leaf of grass, the genius, the politician, the poet.
And if this is true, isn’t it something very important?
Yes, it could be that I am a tiny piece of God, and each of
you too, or at least
of his intention and his hope.
Which is a delight beyond measure.
I don’t know how you get to suspect such an idea.
I only know that the river kept singing.
It wasn’t a persuasion, it was all the river’s own constant joy
which was better by far than a lecture, which was
comfortable, exciting, unforgettable.

3.
Of course for each of us, there is the daily life.
Let us live it, gesture by gesture.
When we cut the ripe melon, should we not give it thanks?
And should we not thank the knife also?
We do not live in a simple world.

4.
There was someone I loved who grew old and ill
One by one I watched the fires go out.
There was nothing I could do
except to remember
that we receive
then we give back.

5.
My dog Luke lies in a grave in the forest, she is given back.
But the river Clarion still flows from wherever it comes from
to where it has been told to go.
I pray for the desperate earth.
I pray for the desperate world.
I do the little each person can do, it isn’t much.
Sometimes the river murmurs, sometimes it raves.

6.
Along its shores were, may I say, very intense cardinal
flowers.
And trees, and birds that have wings to uphold them, for
heaven’s sakes–
the lucky ones: they have such deep natures,
they are so happily obedient.
While I sit here in a house filled with books,
ideas, doubts, hesitations.

7.
And still, pressed deep into my mind, the river
keeps coming, touching me, passing by on its
long journey, its pale, infallible voice
singing.

“At the River Clarion” by Mary Oliver, from Evidence: Poems, Beacon Press.

CONVERSATION ABOUT THE EARLY CHURCH

READING Acts of the Apostles 4: 32-35 (Inclusive Text)
The whole group of believers were united, heart and soul; none claimed for their own use anything that they had, as everything they owned was held in common. The apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of Jesus Christ with great power, and they were given great respect. None of their members was ever in want, as all those who owned land or houses would sell them, and brought the money from them, to present it to the apostles; it was then distributed to any member who might be in need.

ABBA PRAYER (Henry Horton/lp)
Our Mother, whose body is the Earth, Sacred is thy being. Thy gardens grow. Thy will be done in our cities, as it is in nature. Thanks be this day for food, and air, and water. Forgive us our sins against Earth, as we are learning to forgive one another. And surrender us not unto extinction, but deliver us from our folly. For thine is the beauty, and the power, and all life, from birth to death, from beginning to end. Amen. So be it. Forever. Blessed be.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

READING John 20:19-23 (Inclusive Text)
In the evening on that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the people. Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you,’ and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw The Risen One, who said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As God sent me, so I am sending you.’ After saying this Jesus breathed on them and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven. For those whose sins you retain, they are retained.’

SERMON

NOTES ABOUT THE COMING TRANSITION AT UCCH

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom
come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

A BLESSING FOR THE COMING WEEK
And now may the blessings of life be upon us, and upon this
congregation. May the memories we gather here give us hope for the
future. May the love that we share bring strength and joy to our hearts,
and the peace of this community be with us until we meet again.
Amen. May it be so.

HYMN God of the Ages

1. God of the ages, who with sure command
brought forth in beauty all the starry band
of shining worlds in splendor through the skies,
our grateful songs before your throne arise.

2. Your purpose, just, envisions mortals free;
God, set our path toward human liberty.
Still be our ruler, guardian, guide and stay —
your Word our law, your paths our chosen way.

3. From war’s alarms, from deadly pestilence,
with steadfast care be ever our defense;
Your love and faith within our hearts increase;
with bounteous goodness nourish us in peace.

4. Refresh your people on life’s toilsome way;
lead us from night to never-ending day;
With truth and love guide us through error’s maze,
and we shall give you glory, laud, and praise.

Earth Sunday, April 18, 2021

“This we know: All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the children of the earth. We did not weave the web of life; we are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.” (Paraphrase of a letter wrongfully attributed to the hand of Chief Seattle. Still, the words speak truth.)

HYMN For the Beauty of the Earth
1. For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies,
for the love which from our birth over and around us lies:

Refrain
Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

2. For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night,
hill and vale, and tree and flower, sun and moon, and stars of light:

Refrain
Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

3. For the joy of ear and eye, for the heart and mind’s delight,
for the mystic harmony linking sense to sound and sight:

Refrain
Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

4. For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth, and friend above, for gentle thoughts and mild:

Refrain
Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

5. For thyself, best figt divine to the world so freely given;
for that great, great love of thine, peace on earth and joy in heaven:

Refrain
Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

BELL

WELCOME

GATHERING (St Andrew’s, Auckland)
We gather here as the human ones of creation. We name ourselves threads in the web of life. We give thanks for connection, that we are all part of one another and that we are part of the Sacred. So let us celebrate the richness and diversity of life.

SPOKEN HYMN “Where are the Voices” (Shirley Erena Murray)

Where are the voices for the earth?
Where are the eyes to see her pain,
wasted by our consuming path,
weeping the tears of poisoned rain?

Sacred the soil that hugs the seed,
sacred the silent fall of snow,
sacred the world that God decreed,
water and sun and river flow.

Where shall we run who break this code,
where shall tomorrow’s children be,
left with the ruined gifts of God,
death for the creatures, land and sea?

We are the voices for the earth,
we who will care enough to cry,
cherish her beauty, clear her breath,
live that our planet may not die.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

ABBA PRAYER
Loving Presence, luminous in all creation, hallowed be your name. Thy kin-dom come. May we reflect on earth the yielding perfection of the heavens. Help us to receive an illumed measure from the earth this day. Forgive us when we trespass against others, human and other than human, as we forgive others who trespass against us. Keep us on the path of wisdom when we are tempted to take the selfish path. May it be your rule we follow, your power we exercise, and your radiance that allures. May this be the truth that guides our lives, the ground from which our future will grow, until we meet again.

READING Luke 24:35-44 (Inclusive Text)
The disciples told their story of what happened on the road and how they had recognized Jesus at the breaking of bread. They were still talking about this when Jesus himself stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ In a state of alarm and fright, they thought they were seeing a ghost. But Jesus said, ‘Why are you so agitated, and why are these doubts rising in your hearts? Look at my hands and feet; yes, it is I indeed. ‘Touch me and see for yourselves; a ghost has no flesh and bones as you can see I have.’ And as Jesus said this he showed them his hands and feet. Their joy was so great that they could not believe it, and they stood dumbfounded; so Jesus said to them, ‘Have you anything here to eat?’ And they offered Jesus a piece of grilled fish, which he took and ate before their eyes.

EARTH DAY REFLECTIONS -the Seekers Reading Group, inspired by Spiritual Ecology, ed. by Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee. Slide presentation prepared by Sharon Farmer.

REFLECTIONS AND CONVERSATION

LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

BLESSING (Eric Williams/uuaww)
May the firmness of the earth be yours. May the flow of the water be yours. May the freedom of the air be yours. May the fierceness of the fire be yours.

May all of the gifts of this life, The Below and the Above, Be with you now and remain with you always. May it be so with us.

HYMN All Creature of our God and King
1. All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

2.Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
ye clouds that sail in heaven along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

3. Thou flowing water, purse and clear,
make music for thy Lord to hear,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light,
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

4. Let all things their Cerator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness.
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in one! O praise Him!

5. Lift up your voices once again,
And then before the last “Amen!”
Listen to the organ playing:
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

March 7, 2021

“We should not mind so small a
flower —
Except it quiet bring
Our little garden that we lost
Back to the Lawn again.
So spicy her Carnations nod —
So drunken, reel her Bees —
So silver steal a hundred flutes
From out a hundred trees —
That whoso sees this little flower
By faith may clear behold
The Bobolinks around the throne
And Dandelions gold.”
–Emily Dickinson

HYMN Immortal Invisible God Only Wise
1. Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.

2. Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

3. To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small:
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leave on the tree,
And wither and perish — but naught changeth Thee.

BELL

WELCOME

OPENING WORDS (P. H. L’Herrou)
We gather in community to rest from our labors, to greet our neighbors, and to
open our being to insight and intuition of that greater reality of which we are a
part. May we find in our time together, inspiration and renewal. May we touch
the holy in each other and be touched by the graciousness of life. And may we
find here a calm peacefulness that will carry us through the days ahead.

ACT OF AWARENESS
In each moment of this day resides incredible power:
new life, new healing, new opportunity.
May this time together empower us to take some new steps
so all our living is transforming and the
yearning of our hearts become reality.

POEM Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church by Emily Dickinson
Some keep the Sabbath going to Church —
I keep it, staying at Home —
With a Bobolink for a Chorister —
And an Orchard, for a Dome —

Some keep the Sabbath in Surplice —
I, just wear my Wings
And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church,
Our little Sexton sings.

God preaches, a noted Clergyman —
And the Sermon is never long,
So instead of getting to Heaven, at last —
I’m going, all along.

CONVERSATION

READING John 2:13-22
Just before the Jewish Passover Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and in the Temple
found people selling cattle and sheep, and pigeons, and the money changers
seated at their counters there. Making a whip out of some cord, Jesus drove them
all out of the Temple, cattle and sheep as well, scattered the money changers’
coins, knocked their tables over and said to the pigeon-sellers, ‘Take all of this out
of here and stop turning God’s house into a market!” Then the disciples
remembered the words of scripture: Zeal for your house will devour me. The
Temple authorities intervened and said: ‘What sign can you show us to justify what
you have done?’ Jesus answered: ‘Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will
raise it up.’ The authorities replied, ‘It has taken 46 years to build this sanctuary:
are you going to raise it up in three days?

SERMON

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

ABBA PRAYER By Alex Jensen
Spirit of Life and Love, Holy God, Source Eternal, in our midst yet still ever so elusive: To breathe your sacred name is a blessing. Your world become, Your will be done here, on Earth, inspired by our aspirations to do and be better people. May we have all that we need to survive, live, and thrive. Remind us to be gentle; may we love mercy and kindness, recalling the times when we’ve fallen short ourselves. Call us to be firm; may we not be tempted to follow selfish motivations or reside in our narrow privileges, unexamined and uninterrogated; move us to counter and overcome evil and injustice in ourselves, our lives, and institutions. Yours is the Beloved Community, the fire of commitment in our hearts, and the spirit of generosity and abundance, now and always. Amen.

PRAYER FOR SPIRIT’S PRESENCE (Adapt. Dorothy McRae-McMahon/ith)
God is with us. This we celebrate. For we have seen the signs of grace in every place, in every generation. The beauty of the creation, in all its pristine wonder, is not the only dwelling place of Creativity. This, our God, is born again in cities as well as country stables; is found in holy places and the supermarket, sits with us in coffee shops, and by the one who hopefully sings a song on the streets of this day. The spirit dances on concrete and holds in comfort those who walk with briefcase or shopping bag. The God who is more than we can ever name or know is beside us in every work place and every hidden home of our body, mind and soul.

SACRAMENT OF LOAF AND CUP By Jeanyne Slettom
Jesus said: I am the bread of life. All who come to me shall not hunger, and all who
believe in me shall not thirst. With Christians around the world and throughout the
centuries, we gather around these symbols of loaf and cup—simple elements that speak of nourishment and transformation.

Let us pray. Loving God, we thank you that you are as close to us as breath, that your love is constant and unfailing. We thank you for all that sustains life, and especially for Jesus Christ, who teaches us how to live out an ethic of justice and peace, and for the promise of transformation made manifest in his life, death and resurrection.

We ask you to bless this bread and this cup. Through this meal, make us the body of
Christ, that we may join with you in promoting the well-being of all creation. Amen.

We remember on the night when Jesus and the disciples had their last meal together,
Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, and gave it to the disciples, saying “This is my body,
which is broken for you. Take and eat it, and as often as you do, remember me.”
[Break the loaf.]

In the symbol of the broken bread, we participate in the life of Christ and dedicate
ourselves to being his disciples.

In the same way he took the cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to the disciples,
saying: “Drink this, all of you. This cup is the new covenant, poured out for you and for
many. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.
[Pour the cup.]

In the symbol of the cup, we participate in the new life Christ brings. Let us pray. We give thanks, loving God, that you have refreshed us at your table. Strengthen our faith;
increase our love for one another. As we have been fed by the seed that became grain, and then became bread, may we go out into the world to plant seeds of justice,
transformation, and hope. Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will
be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us
our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us
from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

BENEDICTION
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony
with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice
glorify the sacred source of all being.

HYMN Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
1. Guide me, O though great Jehovah,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but thou art mighty;
hold me with thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me till I want no more; feed me till I want no more.

2. Open now the crystal fountain,
whence the healing stream doth flow;
let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong deliverer, strong deliverer,
be thou still my strength and shield, be thou still my strength and shield.

3. When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside;
lead me on through death’s destruction,
land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises,
I will ever give to thee; I will ever give to thee.

March 14, 2021

HYMN Here I Am, Lord
1. I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in deepest sin my hand will save,
I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to then? Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

2. I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them, they turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them. Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

3. I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them, my hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

BELL

WELCOME

INVOCATION The United Church of Christ Worship Ways
Thankful are we for all the blessings of this life; love, freedom, bounty and
beauty. The joy we know is beyond our words to speak. We can only image the
suffering and pain of human slaves, past and present, which yearn from the
depths of their souls to know the freedom we enjoy. We celebrate this day the
heritage we have in the cause of human freedom. We celebrate this day our
spiritual ancestors who worked for the freedom of the Mendi people on the
slave ship, Amistad. May that ship, like the cross, remind us of the ever present
possibility of human evil. And may that ship, like the cross, remind us of the
power of divine love. May we, through divine love, shed the false, unneighborly, covetous and dishonorable desires of the lives we sometimes live
and keep the commandments and walk in the way that brings life. Amen.

POEM Wild Nights — Wild Nights! Emily Dickinson
Wild Nights — Wild Nights!
Were I with thee
Wild Nights should be
Our luxury!
Futile — the winds —
To a heart in port —
Done with the compass —
Done with the chart!
Rowing in Eden —
Ah, the sea!
Might I moor — Tonight —
In thee!

CONVERSATION

READING John 3:19-21 The Message
“This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and
women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because
they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a
practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t
come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth
and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.”

SERMON

OPEN TO BLESSING
God of wilderness and water, guide us through this season, that we may not
avoid struggle, but open ourselves to blessing through the cleansing depths of
repentance and the heaven-rending words of the Spirit. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

ABBA PRAYER
Life-Giver, Pain-Bearer, Love-Maker. Source of all that is and that shall be.
Father and Mother of us all, Loving God, in whom is heaven: The hallowing of
your name echo through the universe! The way of your justice be followed
by all peoples of the world! Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on
earth. With the bread we need for today, feed us. In the hurts we absorb from
one another, forgive us. In times of temptation and test, strengthen us. From
trials too great to endure, spare us. From the grip of all that is evil, free us. For
you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and forever. Amen.

A BEATITUDES LITANY (Jacob, Santiago Chile/lol)
Blessed are the poor;
Not the penniless, but those whose heart is free.
Blessed are those who mourn;
Not those who whimper, but those who raise their voices.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice;
Not those who whine, but those who struggle.
Blessed are the merciful;
Not those who forget, but those who forgive.
Blessed are the pure in heart;
Not those who act like angels, but those whose life is transparent.
Blessed are the peace-makers;
Not those who shun conflict, but those who face it squarely.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for justice; not because they suffer,
but because they love.

CONVERSATION

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy
will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and
forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power
and the glory, forever. Amen.

BLESSING (William L Wallace/wb)
May the freshness of the dawn enliven our spirits –
May the rising of the sun enlighten our minds –
May the noon-tide of the day warm our hearts –
May the sunset clothe us with restfulness.
May it be so with us.
Amen.

HYMN Amazing Grace
1. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind but not I see.

2.’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!

3. Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
‘Tis grace has brought me save thus far,
and grace will lead me home.

4. My God has promised good to me,
whose word my hope secures;
God will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.

5. When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
than when we’d first begun.

March 21, 2021

HYMN My Life Flows On In Endless Song
1. My life flows on in endless song, above earth’s lamentation.
I hear the clear, though far off hymn that hails a new creation.
Refrain: No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since love is Lord of heav’n and earth, how can I keep from singing?

2. Through all the tumult and the strife, I hear that music ringing.
It finds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing?
Refrain: No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since love is Lord of heav’n and earth, how can I keep from singing?

3. What though my joys and comforts die? I know my Savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round? Songs in the night he giveth.
Refrain: No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since love is Lord of heav’n and earth, how can I keep from singing?

4. The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, a fountain ever springing!
All things are mine since I am his! How can I keep from singing?
Refrain: No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since love is Lord of heav’n and earth, how can I keep from singing?

BELL

WELCOME

CALL TO WORSHIP (Diarmuid O’Murchu)
Arise, O Living Spirit, embrace the day ahead, awaken our eyes and ears
for wonder. Invoke anew the wisdom which is our daily bread. Protect
anew the pilgrim of the dawn. We pray: God of all life, we give thanks for
the signs of love and creativity that surround us and bless us in each
moment. May it be so.

POEM I Know That He Exists Emily Dickinson
I know that He exists.
Somewhere — in silence
He has hid his rare life
From our gross eyes.

‘Tis an instant’s play
‘Tis a fond Ambush —
Just to make Bliss
Earn her own surprise!

CONVERSATION

READING John 12:20-27 (Inclusive Text)
Among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks.
These approached Philip, who came from Bethsaida in Galilee, and put
this request, ‘We should like to see Jesus.’ Philip went to tell Andrew, and
Andrew and Philip together went to tell Jesus. Jesus replied to them:
‘Now the hour has come for the Human One to be glorified. I tell you,
most solemnly, unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies, it
remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest. Anyone
who loves their life will lose it; Those who hate their life in this world will
keep it for eternal life. Those who serve me, must follow me, for where I
am, my servants will be there too. Those who serve me, my God will
honor.’

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

‘ABBA’ Prayer (MFurlong/nwi)
God, who cares for us,
The wonder of whose presence fills us with awe. Let kindness, justice and
love shine in our world. Let your secrets be known here as they are in
heaven. Give us the food and the hope we need for today. Forgive us our
wrongdoing as we forgive the wrongs done to us. Protect us from pride
and from despair and from the fear and hate which can swallow us up. In
you is truth, meaning, glory and power, while worlds come and go.
Amen.

SERMON

POEM Your Thoughts Don’t Have Words Every Day Emily Dickinson
Your thoughts don’t have words every day
They come a single time
Like signal esoteric sips
Of the communion Wine
Which while you taste so native seems
So easy so to be
You cannot comprehend its price
Nor its infrequency

CONVERSATION

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom
come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead
us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

A BLESSING FOR THE COMING WEEK
And now may the blessings of life
be upon us, and upon this congregation.
May the memories we gather here give us hope for the future.
May the love that we share
bring strength and joy to our hearts,
and the peace of this community be with us
until we meet again.
Amen. May it be so.

HYMN The Church’s One Foundation
1. The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
she is his new creation by water and the Word:
from heav’n he came and sought her to be his holy bride;
with his own blood he bought her, and for her life he died.

2. Elect from eve’ry nation, yet one o’er all the earth,
her charter of salvation one Lord, one faith, one birth;
one holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food,
and to one hope she presses, with ev’ry face endued.

3. Though with a scornful wonder men see her sore oppressed,
by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed,
yet saints their watch are keeping, their cry goes up, “How long?”
And soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song.

4. The church shall never perish! Her dear Lord to defend,
to guide, sustain, and cherish, is with her to the end;
though there be those that hate her, and false sons in her pale,
against or foe or traitor she ever shall prevail.