May 7, 2017
Fourth Sunday of Easter
10:00 a.m.
Prelude: Allegro from Sonata in C Felix Mendelssohn
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #804 Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice Give Thanks, and Sing
Call to Worship
One: How awesome to gather before God!
We are here to celebrate with wide-eyed wonder.
All: The God of all worlds is with us.
Praise God for this season of Easter.
One: Praise God for all the signs of new life.
Praise God for all we can do together.
All: Praise God for the life and ministry of Jesus.
Praise God for all who share that ministry today.
One: Christ came to offer us abundant life.
We are here today to reclaim that gift.
All: We gather in the name of Jesus Christ.
We want to follow in the steps of Jesus.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
Let us hear your voice today, O Shepherd. Call our names and claim us as your own. Lead us beside still waters and restore our souls. Comfort those who suffer pain and loss. Assure all who are afraid. Lead us in right paths for your name’s sake. We have known your goodness and mercy in so many times and places. We open ourselves now to receive these gifts again. Unlock within us the barriers that keep us from recognizing and appreciating all the evidence of your love that surrounds us. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
O God, we do not want to admit that our possessions possess us. Yet we do not seem captive to all the things we have acquired and all the things we want. We are reluctant to share too much, lest we be deprived of the comforts we cherish. We do not want to suffer for our faith. There are limits to our willingness to follow Jesus. O God, help us trust beyond your limits. Hear us now as we turn to you with our silent confessions, seeking your mercy, forgiveness and grace.
Moment of silent prayer
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 23
(Page 617 HS in the pew bible)
Reading from the Early Church– Acts 2:42-47
(Page 145 NT in the pew bible)
*Hymn: #801 The Lord’s My Shepherd (verses 1-3)
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: #801 The Lord’s My Shepherd (verses 4-5)
(Children leave for Sunday School and Youth Discussion Group)
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: Now With Hands to God Uplifted Antonio Lotti
*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
Gospel Reading – John 10:1-10
(Page 126 in the pew bible)
Sermon: “A Shepherd’s Love”
Reverend Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer and Silent Prayer
Choral Response: Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus
*Hymn: #187 Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us
Benediction
Response: Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus
Postlude: Carillon-Sortie Henri Mulet
Welcome Statement
We, the Salisbury Congregational Church, seek to love God with all our hearts, souls and minds and love our neighbors as ourselves.
This Church declares itself to be Open and Affirming to all for participation, membership, leadership and employment regardless of race, ancestry, class, gender identity, physical/mental ability or sexual orientation.
We further declare ourselves to be Affirming of each individual as a child of God, celebrating the total identity of each person.
As a declared Open and Affirming Congregation, we commit ourselves to work toward ending ignorance, fear, hatred, prejudice and discrimination against any person.
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!
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 the Deacons.
Please join us in the Parish Hall for refreshments and fellowship following worship. All are welcome. Our host today is Sarah Rydingsword.
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:
Carol Magowan for serving as lay reader
Kathy Mera & Sal Accardo for ushering
Prayer List
Maggie Crain, Emma Mae, Leonard Kaufman, Laura Flores, Paul McAbee, Shirley Rogers, Jane Fitting, Nancy Tuckerman, Barbara Jacquette, Gloria Buckley, Petie Robinson, Gay Ayers, Sosnoff Family, Wilma Tillerman, Alex, John, Will, Nina, Jack and Linda, Tully family.
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Today: 11:30 am Trustees Meeting
2 pm Service at Noble
3 pm Litchfield North Assn. Annual Meeting
Monday: 6 pm Debtors Anonymous Meeting in the Parish Hall Library
Tuesday: 5:30 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday: 7 pm Bell Choir performs at Geer Village
7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 4:30 pm Women’s Bible Study
Saturday: All Day ~ PTU Rehearsal
Next Sunday 10 am Bell Choir performs during Worship
11:15 am Christian Action Meeting
2 pm PTU Lecture
3 pm PTU Concert
OPPORTUNITIES
SILVER LAKE SUMMER CAMP
Registration for Silver Lake Conference Center in Sharon is now open. Take a look at the many great offerings by visiting: www.silverake.ctucc.org. Brochures can also be picked up at the Opportunity Table at in the Parish Hall.
CREATED BY GOD
CALLED BY JESUS CHRIST
GUIDED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
DEDICATED TO LOVING AND SERVING GOD AND NEIGHBOR
The Reverend Diane Monti – Catania, Pastor