March 5, 2017
First Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Our Father Who Art In Heaven J.S. Bach
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #65 Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: Jesus Remember Me
Call to Worship
One: We have entered into the season of Lent.
Sundays, however, are not a part of Lent.
All: We have entered a wilderness time. Yet this day of worship is an oasis in the desert.
One: We are here to worship the God of all creation.
We gather to remember God’s revelation in Jesus.
All: Today we revisit the garden of Eden. We remember God’s overflowing generosity.
One: We worship God, who gives us choices and limits. Are we open to God’s counsel and instruction?
All: Today we remember the temptations Jesus faced. We want to learn to make good choices.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
We listen for your voice, holy God, amid the clamor of a
world that scarcely notices this season of self
examination and instruction. Too long we have heeded
the serpents among us whose craftiness beckons us
away from faith and faithfulness. We delight in
forbidden fruits and complain when they turn sour. Lead
us, faithful Spirit, through the wilderness of our own
creation, that we may once more find our way to you.
Instruct us in the way we should go, and counsel us day
by day. Help us to rediscover your steadfast love. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
Holy God, we confess our transgressions before you. We resent limits on our freedom to follow the impulses of the moment. We want life to revolve around us. We want other people to fit into the patterns that serve us best. Like a horse or a mule, we resent the bit and bridle that make us useful participants in the community you seek to create. We have tried to live apart from you. We sense that something is missing from our lives. Will you walk with us in this season and help us become all we are created to be? Hear now our silent confessions as we turn to you seeking mercy, forgiveness and grace. Amen.
Moment of Silence
Assurance of God’s Love
*Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Responsive Reading – Psalm 32
(Page 623 HS in the pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scripture –
Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7
(Page 2 HS in the pew bible)
Hymn: #166 Lord Who Throughout These Forty Days
Sacrament of Communion
The cut bread on the communion plate is gluten free.
The communion wine is non-alcoholic juice.
Communion Prayer
Gracious God, you have once again shown us your love by bringing us to this meal. We go from this table, renewed in faith, renewed in courage, and strengthened by your presence. Thank you for loving us so tenderly. Thank you for challenging us to know you better and to receive you more fully. It is in Christ’s name that we pray. Amen.
*Hymn: #175 Seek Ye First
(Children leave for Sunday School and Youth
Discussion Group)
Offering of Gifts
Anthem: Lonesome Valley Graham/Nix
*Doxology: Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
New Testament Reading – Matthew 4:1-11
(Page 3 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Watching for Serpents”
Reverend Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer, Lord’s Prayer
Response: Jesus Remember Me
*Hymn: #213 In the Cross of Christ I Glory
Benediction
Response: Amen
Postlude: The Ten Commandments J. S. Bach
(*Please stand if able)
If you are visiting us today, Welcome! Please sign the guestbook at the front door and introduce yourself to our Pastor or to one of our Deacons.
Please join us in the Parish Hall for refreshments and fellowship following worship. All are welcome. Our hosts today are Susie Belcher & Jeanette Weber.
Please see an usher:
If you would like to use a hearing device;
If you would like to bring your child to the Nursery
Many thanks to:
Mary O’Neill for serving as lay reader
Orrin & Erik Rydingsword for ushering
Prayer List
Leonard Kaufman, Laura Flores, Margie Vail, Gordon Weekly, Paul McAbee, Shirley Rogers, Jane Fitting, Nancy Tuckerman, Barbara Jacquette, Gloria Buckley, Petie Robinson, Gay Ayers, The Sosnoff Family, Wilma Tillerman, Emily, Will.
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Today 11:30 am Trustees Meeting
2 -4 pm Lenten Lecture: Understanding Our Church, Reverend Dr. Rich Reifsnyder
2 pm Worship at Noble
Tuesday 5:15 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday 9 am Music Committee Meeting
6 pm Lenten Dinner
7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday 4:30 pm Women’s Bible Study
7 pm HousaTonics Rehearsal
Friday 7:30 am Men’s Bible Study
Sunday 11:30 am Christian Action Meeting
2 -4 pm Lenten Lecture: Understanding Your Relationship with God, Rev. Ryan Gackenheimer
OPPORTUNITIES
LENTEN DINNERS
You are invited to join the congregation for dinner on Wednesday evenings: March 8, 22 & April 5 during Lent. The Deacons host a simple meal of soup and salad from 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm. All are welcome! To sign up, access the Doodle Poll in the weekly e-blast or contact the office.
NEW MEMBERS CLASS ON MARCH 26
You are invited to become a Covenant Partner (member) of the Salisbury Congregational Church. If you are interested in formalizing your commitment to this faith community, please contact Pastor Diane.