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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called
both Congregational and then United Church of Christ?
I would guess that a more detailed explanation
could be found on the UCC
home page. the short answer is: The church was originally
formed as a Congregational church; meaning, that it is governed
autonomously by the members of the Congregation. In the early
1960's autonomy was not enough for the Congregational Church
in Belchertown and so it entered into covenant (sacred relationship)
with other Congregational Churches...as well as Evangelical/Reformed
Churches. The union was/is called the "UNITED CHURCH
OF CHRIST." Our motto is "That they may all be one
in Jesus Christ". Get it? We're united with other churches!
Where is
the church located?
We are located on the town common in
Belchertown, Massachusetts. Please click
here for directions.
Where is the Parish
House?
The building located directly across
the driveway from the Church is the Parish House. Sunday School,
the Chapel, social hall, and the Church offices are all located
in the Parish House.
Umm, where
are the restrooms?
They are located on the first floor
of the Parish House.
What programs are
there for my children?
In the Fall 2003 we introduced a new curriculum. Youth education continues through High
School with an opportunity
for young adults (9th - 12th grade) to enter into an intentional
time of "faith exploration" with our pastor and
other adult leaders. This time of exploration is intended
to offer young adults a chance top confirm their baptism.
Is nursery care available?
Yes, nursery care is available during
worship for children under the age of four.
We have a certified care giver who is assisted by a volunteer
adult each week.
Are there
devices for the hard of hearing?
Yes, available at the door from an Usher.
What is the
service like?
A SACRED CIRCUS! Really, please come
and see for yourself, all are welcome! All kidding aside there
Our service is a blended service that features traditional and contemporary elements. Following the "Children's
message" - where the minister speaks directly to the children - students
from kindergarten to high school are dismissed to attend Sunday School
in the Parish House. There is always
a time for sharing in our dining room afterwards. All are
welcome.
On the first Sunday of every month,
communion is served at a 9:30 service.
Do my children
attend the worship service?
Sunday school is offered during
our 9:30am service. Child care for small children is available during
the service. Children attend worship during the first
5-10 minutes of the service and are then dismissed to
their Sunday school classrooms.
I am not
from your church, can I take communion?
Yes indeedy! Communion is a gift offered
to all people from Jesus Christ. The local church leaders
only administer this gift from God to any who are desiring
of it..including children!
How do I join
the Church?
Every other month the deacons meet with
individuals interested in learning more about the church.
People who wish to unite with the church are then invited
to a breakfast the following week, after which they join the
church during a brief liturgy that takes place in the midst
of worship. Individuals may join through letters of transfer
from another church, or by affirmation of faith in Jesus Christ.
As we are not a creedal or doctrinal church, there are no
tests of faith that must be passed to be included as a voting
member of the congregation.
I have
special needs, how do you help me?
Let us know your needs and we will try
to accomodate them. We can make worship accessible to most
people. There are elevators located on the north side of the
sanctuary and on the north west side of the parish house.
Handicap parking spaces are located next to the elevator for
the sanctuary. Personal hearing assistance headsets are available
as you enter the sanctuary.
I am getting
married, will you perform the cermony?
An ordained clergyperson must officiate
at any wedding ceremony in our sanctuary. Rev. Farnsworth
does not limit his ministry to members of the congregation.
Since we are an open and affirming
church, Rev. Farnsworth is happy to perform weddings for couples
who are gay, lesbian or heterosexual. Our music director is also
available to perform at weddings. Please contact
the church office for more information.
I
heard you offer prayers for people, how do I let you know?
This can be done during the week by
calling the church office and leaving a prayer concern. It
can happen by e-mailing us. It
can happen by filling out a PRAYER CARD (which is located
in the pew rack) and placing the PRAYER CARD in the prayer
offering plate as our PRAYER BEARER passes by your row.
What programs
do you have to help others?
Whew! This is a long list...the Helping hands Food pantry, web site ministry,
domestic violence ministry, battered women support group,
teen center chaperone ministry, youth group, parish representatives
(home visits to shut ins), crop walk,
blanket drive, survival center necessities drive, western
ma foodbank, adult education, if you
have an idea and the energy to do something that's not happening
now...see >a href="http://belchertownucc.org/index.php?pk=im">intentional ministry page and give us a call.
How do I
get on your mailing list?
Send us your name and address (by
mail, email, or calling the church office) and say, "Hey,
I'd like to be added to your mailing list." There is
also a guest register at the church. |
