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Sunday Worship – Sixth Sunday of Easter Sacrament of Baptism and Rite of Confirmation

May 17, 2020 – 10am

Our Mission: Through the power of the Spirit, Beneficent Church creates meaningful connections to God and one another and promotes justice, peace and healing in our local and global communities. We are a Christ-centered, Open and Affirming, racially, culturally, and socio-economically diverse

congregation.

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When you join our virtual worship, you will be muted. Click “unmute” in the lower left corner of your screen to be heard, then “mute” again as worship begins.

For more information, refer to “Etiquette for Our Online Gatherings” found in this bulletin.

If you’d like to focus on a specific person during the service today, click the three small

buttons at the top right corner of that person’s image. On that menu, choose “Pin Video.” You still will hear everything that’s taking place,

and that “pinned” image will stay centered on your screen even if someone else is speaking.

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We Gather

Prelude “Change My Heart, O God” (Espinosa) Earnest Cox Welcome Pastor Elizabeth Hymn “I Ain’t Gwine Study War No More” Insert, p. 7 (“Down By the Riverside”) (Spiritual) v. 1, 3, 4 Words of Gathering Deacon Kim Leimer

One: Thus says the LORD, the one who created and formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have called you by name, you are mine.

All: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.

One: For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. All: You are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you. One: Let us lift our hearts together in prayer. All: O God, in this house of faith,

one hands down and another takes up the heritage of mind and heart and spirit, laughter and tears, musings and deeds.

Love, like a carefully loaded ship, crosses the gulf between the generations, and from one soul to another.

Therefore we do not neglect the ceremonies of our passage: when we depart and when we arrive; when we plant and when we harvest.

We live, not by things, but by the meanings of things, and by all that is wordless and full of wonder.

Now we transmit the keys from one hand to another, and the passwords from one heart to the next.

Thanks be to you, O God, who blesses us in this new beginning. Amen.

Sharing of the Peace Deacon Kim Leimer One: The peace of Christ be with you. All: And also with you. One: Let us greet one another.

(Please remember to “mute” again after greeting one another.) Announcements Pastor Elizabeth

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Anthem “Taste and See” (Bartholomew) Beneficent Choir Children’s Moment Amy Kinney Sung Response “Shine, Jesus, Shine” (Kendrick) Insert p. 8 Chorus

We Share the Word

Scripture Psalm 34 Sage Leimer The Confirmands Share Their “Taste and See” Confirmands and Statements of Faith Joshua Maria Garcia Hymn “Anointing Fall On Me” (Thomas) Insert p. 8 Chorus

We Celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism: Jae Vero Hogarth

Invitation and Words of Gathering Pastor Elizabeth Presentation and Questions Pastor Elizabeth Congregational Assent Pastor Elizabeth Covenant (unison)

We receive Jae from the hand of a loving Creator.

With humility and hope, we accept the obligation that is ours to love and nurture him and to strengthen his Christian faith by teaching and example.

We ask for the power of the Holy Spirit to help us to be good companions to him, in his lifelong journey of faith.

Congregational Song “Take Me to the Water” (Spiritual) Insert p. 10 vv. 1, 4 Prayer of Consecration of the Baptismal Waters Pastor Elizabeth

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Act of Baptism Pastor Elizabeth Congregational Song “Take Me to the Water” (Spiritual) Insert p. 10 v. 6

We Celebrate the Rite of Confirmation

Confirmands: Andrea Lynn Dropkin Lukas Francis Vincent Fritsch Jae Vero Hogarth Evan Matthew Nolan

Invitation and Words of Gathering Pastor Elizabeth Presentation and Questions Joshua Maria Garcia Congregational Assent Pastor Elizabeth Prayer of the Candidates Joshua Maria Garcia

O God, my God, known to me in Jesus Christ, I give myself to your church to love and serve you faithfully all the days of my life. Amen.

Act of Confirmation Pastor Elizabeth Greeting of Christian Love Pastor Elizabeth Congregational Song “Take Me to the Water” (Spiritual) Insert p. 10 v. 6

We Offer Our Prayers and Ourselves

During the music, please use the chat box to share a prayer with the congregation or reflect quietly.

Invitation to the Offering Pastor Cleo Offertory “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” (Indian Folk Melody) Earnest Cox

(To make a donation, please visit https://onrealm.org/Beneficent/give/now or text “give2bcc” to 73256.)

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Doxology Tune: Lasst Uns Erfreuen Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below: Alleluia, alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Prayer of Dedication Pastor Cleo

O God, who has greatly loved us, long sought us, and mercifully redeemed us, give us grace that in everything we may yield ourselves, our wills, and our works, a continual offering to you through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We Go Forth

Hymn “Oh Happy Day” (Doddridge) Sing-Along with the Edwin Hawkins Singers

Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day), Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day), When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed) Oh, when He washed (When Jesus washed) When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed) He washed my sins away (Oh, happy day). Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day)

Oh, happy day …

He taught me how (he taught me how) To watch, fight and pray, Fight and pray; And live rejoicing every day; Every day.

Oh, happy day …

He taught me how …

Oh, happy day …. Benediction Joshua Maria Garcia Postlude “Volunteer” Earnest Cox

As the Postlude ends, we still stop the recording of today’s worship service.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Soup Still Available Thanks to our friends at Blount Fine Foods, we have more soup available for those who are having a hard time making ends meet right now or are unable to get to the store easily. If this sounds like you, we can bring a bag of soup to you! To find out more details about the kinds available an arrange for delivery to your home, please contact Pastor Elizabeth (401-479-6791), Pastor Cleo (401-479-6960), or send a note to office@beneficentchurch.org. Freezer Found! Thanks so much to Beneficent member Jermaine Pearson for his generous donation of a chest freezer! Having this extra storage space means that we can continue to have available a store of delicious soups and stews to help both our church community and our neighbors during this uncertain time. Thanks also to member Enno Fritsch and Building and Grounds Supervisor Bruce Mitchell for helping to transport and unload this wonderful gift! New: Minister’s Discretionary Fund In just the two weeks since Pastor Elizabeth announced the formation of the new Minister’s Discretionary Fund to help friends of the Beneficent community who aren’t yet members, your generosity already has raised $650 to support those efforts. Thank you!

If you would like to make a donation to either the Ministers’ Discretionary Fund (assisting non-members) or the Deacons’ Fund (assisting members), use the giving instructions shown in the article below. Online and Text Donations to Support Beneficent Church We now have more ways to receive donations to Beneficent Church:

• If you already have set up your account in Realm, our online giving platform, you can make a one-time or recurring donation anytime from your computer or device.

• If you don't have an account and still want to give, visit our website at www.beneficentchurch.org and look for the large blue button just below the large picture on the home page. (Or click the button to the right to go directly to the donation page.)

• You also can text give2bcc to 73256 to receive a link to a giving form where you can donate to a particular offering via your credit card or bank account.

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Interested in setting up your own account in Realm for your regular pledges and to donate to special offerings? Signing up is quick and easy, and it allows you to make donations directly from a credit card or bank account. To learn more, contact Michele Adamo at office@beneficentchurch.org.

Thank you for supporting the mission and ministries of Beneficent Church! Staff Schedules The Church Office technically is already closed, and the staff of the Church Office will be away from their computers and unavailable to respond to work matters on the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, May 25. If you have an urgent pastoral need, please contact Pastor Elizabeth at 401-479-6791 or revelizabeth@beneficentchurch.org.

In addition, Office and Communications Manager Michele Adamo will take vacation time from Monday, May 18 through Friday, May 22. During that time she won’t respond to emails or voicemails.

Pentecost – May 31 The final Sunday of this month, May 31, is Pentecost which marks the end of the Easter season. You are invited to wear “fire” colors (red, orange, yellow) as we mark the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles and the start of their mission to share the good news.

Need Work? Rent Sons is looking for workers. If you’ve been displaced from work because of COVID-19 and want employment, they are a local helping-hands service whose mission is centered on building community. Join them and gain experience in a variety of areas, including (but not limited to) landscaping, painting, moving, event assistance, and many other types of job, while simultaneously building personal relationships with individuals in the community.

College students, this may also be a way to earn some money during the summer!

For more information, contact Adam Tarczali: 401-203-4944 or pvd@rentsons.com.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

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There also may be work opportunities closer to home. If you could use a little extra income, visit our virtual “bulletin board” and offer your services. And if you’re looking for some extra help around the house or yard, sign up with your request.

You can access this bulletin board by visiting https://tinyurl.com/yx4cj5ba

Note that Beneficent Church is offering this bulletin board as an opportunity to connect; we are not involved in any arrangements. 2020 Beneficent Photo Contest

You’ve submitted some wonderful photos over the past few weeks – thank you for sharing your memories with us!

While we continue worshiping together virtually, please also continue sharing those pics that are stored on your phone from church worship, events, and activities during the past year. As an added incentive, we offer a prize each week, which will be mailed to your house!

The contest continues each week of our "worship-from-home" season. You can submit a favorite photo to office@beneficentchurch.org using the subject "Photo of the Week"; please also include the name and date of the event (and names of the folks pictured if applicable). Each week's entries will be judged by our international, intergenerational panel of judges and the winner will be announced the following Tuesday in Extra!

The contest starts each Tuesday and submissions are due no later than Saturday at midnight. If you miss the deadline, not to worry:

just enter for the next week's contest! Remember that all photos submitted should be no more than 12 months old. And kindly submit only one photo per person, per week.

If you haven’t yet done so, use the links below to check out all the entries from each week of our contest. Remember that all submitted photos will be stored and could be used for our new website, future e-newsletters, or other outlets.

• Through 4/18/20

• Through 4/25/20

• Through 5/2/20

• Through 5/9/20

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Zoom Events This Week For important notes related to all Zoom gatherings, review the article below, "Etiquette for Our Online Gatherings."

• New Member Orientation – Today – 11:30am o Click here to connect. o Should you need it, the "Meeting ID" is 821 9171 3364. o If your computer doesn't have speakers and a microphone, you can call in

separately to 1- 301-715-8592.

• Community Ministry Team – Today – 11:45am o Click here to connect. o Should you need it, the "Meeting ID" is 839 4408 6905. o If your computer doesn't have speakers and a microphone, you can call in

separately to 1-646-558-8656.

• Open Sanctuary - Wednesdays - 12pm: Join us online for a prayer, reflection and a guided meditation Come when you can and leave when you must.

o Click here to connect. o Should you need it, the "Meeting ID" is 821 831 076. o If your computer doesn't have speakers and a microphone,

you can call in separately to 1-646-558-8656.

• Church Council – Wednesday, May 20 – 7pm o Click here to connect. o Should you need it, the "Meeting ID" is 839 4408 6905. o If your computer doesn't have speakers and a microphone, you can call in

separately to 1-646-558-8656.

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• Vent & Pray - Wednesdays - 8pm: This time is for parents and guardians to share our successes and challenges, supporting each other with laughter, tears, and of course, with God.

o Click here to connect.

o Use password chat2day

• Personnel Committee – Thursday, May 21 – 6pm o Click here to connect. o Should you need it, the "Meeting ID" is 676 294 824. o If your computer doesn't have speakers and a microphone, you can call in

separately to 1-646-558-8656.

• The CHAT Chronicles - Thursdays - 6:30pm: Beneficent families are invited to come together as a "Sunday School" for our virtual children's program so we can connect to find "Christ Here And There." All children and youth are welcome to learn and share about God in a new way. There will be music, art, conversation, and fellowship. Join us!

o Click here to connect.

o Use password chat2day

• Song & Story Time - Saturdays – 11am: This new gathering is a special 1/2-hour program for the youngest members of our Beneficent community. Children under 5 are invited to join Alex Hinton for fellowship, fun, singing, and stories on Saturday mornings. Come and join us!

o Click here to connect.

o Use password chat2day

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Reimbursement for Long-Distance Calls for Worship We know that some of our members are dialing in to our weekly Zoom worship from their landlines and incurring long-distance charges on their phone bills. We want everyone to be able to join us for worship, so if this cost is a hardship, please contact Presiding Deacon Paul Leimer (paleimer@gmail.com) or Pastor Elizabeth for reimbursement of those costs from the Deacons Fund. Have Questions Related to COVID-19? Here are some links that may be useful as we navigate the new normal.

• For a list of information, resources, and details related to the virus in our state, and ways you can help, visit https://health.ri.gov/covid/

• For a list of all COVID-19 resources available from the federal government, visit here: https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/covid-19-federal-resources-for-rhode-islanders

Online Office Hours

Connect with Pastor Elizabeth Pastor Elizabeth will have open "office hours" on Thursday afternoons from 5pm to 6pm for anyone to join her. Note that these sessions will have a "waiting room" feature so your conversations with Pastor Elizabeth can be private.

• Visit https://zoom.us/j/803072240 to meet with Pastor Elizabeth.

• Should you need it, the "Meeting ID" is 803 072 240.

• If your computer doesn't have speakers and a microphone, you can call in separately to 1-646-558-8656.

Connect with the Church Office Office and Communications Manager Michele Adamo will host open "Church Office hours" each Friday from 9am to 12pm for anyone to drop in with a question, concern, or just to visit. She'll also be available to answer your questions about how to use Zoom or how to sign up for online pledging.

• Visit https://zoom.us/j/342714213 to connect to the drop-in session.

• Should you need it, the "Meeting ID" is 342 714 213.

• If your computer doesn't have speakers and a microphone, you can call in separately to 1-301-715-8592.

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Virtual Worship Each Sunday All are invited to join us for our live virtual worship each Sunday at 10am! Be sure to forward this invitation to friends and others who want to experience our Beneficent community.

To participate:

• Visit https://www.beneficentchurch.org/ and download a PDF of the bulletin.

• Visit https://zoom.us/j/594289087 to connect to the service.

• Should you need it, the "Meeting ID" is 594 289 087.

• If your computer doesn't have speakers and a microphone, you can call in separately to 1-646-558-8656.

Note that recordings of our worship services will be made available at https://www.beneficentchurch.org/virtual-worship.html for those who may want to review them again later.

Etiquette for Our Online Gatherings

When using Zoom, our online videoconference platform, for meetings and gatherings, please keep in mind:

• When you join in, you can choose to use just audio, just video, or both.

• If your computer has speakers and not a microphone, you'll be able to hear others, but won't be heard.

• If your computer has a microphone and speakers, you'll be able to hear and be heard.

• If your computer has a camera, you'll be able to be seen. (Use the "Stop Video" button in the lower left corner of your Zoom screen to block others from seeing you.)

When you first log in to your gathering, you will be muted; scroll down to the lower left corner of your screen to unmute when, for example, it's time to say prayers in unison. Scroll down and press "mute" again after to minimize distracting background noises. Please remain muted unless you are speaking.

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Prayer Requests: Annie Jones; Gordon Smith; Randy Bertholdt; Marguerita DelGiudice; Carol and Ethan Alli; Brendon Curran; Ruth Whipple; Halina Hencler; Linda Drywa; Pat Auger; Lauris Speid; Perry Gebhardt; Debbie & Stanley Scott; Mary Ryder; Selvin Lemus; Jay & Oliver Frails; Shenny Carrillo; Larry Shaw; Jane & Gerry Houle; Robert Gonzenbach; Carol Kanea; Nancy Egan; Sue Belles; Edward Moretti; Maggie/Emily Kanea; Dr. Michael Saulle; Jasmin Osorio; Marilyn Washington; Lynn Estrada; Pastor Chontell’s mother, Rev. Nelson; Terry Beu; Dr. Clarice Thompson and her mother; Janet Musa; Dani-Mari Austin; Ed Masilunas; Jack Cassidy (John Felker’s uncle); George Cassidy (John Felker’s cousin); Jana Hesser Departed: Stan Cobb (Laurel Cobb’s husband)

Happy Birthday! 5/3 - Sandra Farnum 5/7 - Jason Pina 5/8 - Nicole Sundlun 5/16 - Ben Czech 5/20 - Bobbi Jo McNeill 5/26 - Domenic Lemus 5/26 - Leslie Felker

Cover image: found at https://www.pinterest.com/pin/7881368075797731/

Beneficent Congregational Church maintains licenses with OneLicense.net (A-723451) and CCLI (3165881) for

the reproduction of music that is under copyright.

Words of Gathering: Adapted from Isaiah 43 and Antoine de St Exupery

Serving the Church

Senior Minister - Rev. Elizabeth Chandler Felts | revelizabeth@beneficentchurch.org | 401.479.6791 (cell)

Associate Minister - Rev. Cleo D. Graham | revcleo@beneficentchurch.org | 401.479.6960 (cell) Minister of Music - Earnest Cox | Building and Grounds Supervisor - Bruce Mitchell

Director of Christian Education – Amy Kinney | Nursery Attendants – Melissa Callahan, Alejandro Hinton

Office & Communications Manager - Michele Adamo | Director of Business Administration - Martha Ahern

www.beneficentchurch.org | 401.331.9844 | office@beneficentchurch.org | finance@beneficentchurch.org

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND