May 21, 2017
Sixth Sunday after Easter
Prelude: Prelude In E Minor Johann Sebastian Bach
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #301 Let Us Build A House
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Organ Introit
Call to Worship
One: We long for community and the Presence of God.
All: In whom we live and move and have our being.
One: This day Christ tells us that we will never be alone.
An Advocate will share our journey.
All: With whom we will live and create community and celebrate being.
One: May the ever present love of God be with you.
All: And may the joy of Christ surround you.
One: May we know the presence of the Advocate as we gather in this community of peace, continuing to share the cost of discipleship with deeds of bold mercy and courageous justice.
All: As an Easter People following a Risen Lord, may the life of Jesus live on in us and through us. Amen.
One: Come let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
Still-speaking God, we have come here today for many reasons, each with our own story. May these reasons and stories be immersed in your Sacred Story, finding ourselves caught up in the drama and beauty of Jesus’ teachings, life, and ministry. Through your Holy Spirit enable us to move boldly into the future and to fulfill the hope of love that Jesus taught, even as we pray the prayer he taught us saying,
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 out 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.
Call to Confession
Let us pray for forgiveness for those times we have turned away from God:
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
Holy Advocate, it seems, at times, we forget that you know us at our every depth. We become anxious and afraid that you are not with us, and that our lives have lacked meaning and purpose. You have called us to great things, but we focus instead on what we lack, rather than on Whose we are. By your mercy, help us to live out the commandments of Christ beyond these walls, beyond this hour, and in so doing, may be become for the world the very presence of justice, hope and peace. Hear now our silent confessions as we seek your mercy, forgiveness and grace.
Moment of Silent Prayer
Assurance of God’s Love
All of us have been created and called to be in a community. Know this, but most importantly, live this: As God’s children we are loved and equipped for great ministry. Follow Jesus’ commandment to love boldly as you are held in the grace and love of God. Let us sing praise to God!
*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 8
(Page 605 HS in the pew bible)
Reading from the Early Church – I Peter 1:13-16
(Page 282 NT in the pew bible)
*Hymn: #462 I Love to Tell the Story
Offering of our Gifts
We share our gifts, O God, to demonstrate action and intention, fulfilling Christ’s commandment to love. The morning offering will now be received.
Organ Offertory: Trumpets in Dialogue L. Clerambault
*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
Bless these gifts, O God, that we may use them to spread your love throughout the world. It is in Christ’s name that we pray. Amen.
Scripture Reading – Luke 10:25-37
(Page 87 NT in the pew bible)
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer
The Sunday School Children
Present
God’s Family Tree
Written & Directed by Barbara Collins
Benediction
Now go back into the world from which you have come and let love be true and freely given. And may you be encouraged and blessed by the Advocate whose love warms and surrounds you like the sun, believing that God is with us always, as close as our beating hearts. Amen.
Postlude: God’s Family Tree
(* Please stand if able.)
Please see an usher:
If you would like to use a hearing device;
If you would like to bring your child to the Nursery.
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.
Many thanks to:
Caleb May, Landon Good, Jake Metcalf, and Molly Metcalf for serving as lay readers.
Kathy Mera & Sal Accardo for ushering
Nancy Kellett for donating the flowers
Prayer List
Bobbie Olsen, Gail Weigel, Ranson Larson, Nancy Rossi, Gordon Weekly, Emma Mae, Leonard Kaufman, 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, those among us who struggle with anxiety, depression and addiction.
CALENDAR
Today: 11:30 am Church Council Meeting
Monday: 6 pm Debtors Anonymous in the Parish Hall Library
Thursday: 7 pm HousaTonics
Next Sunday: 1pm Memorial Service for Jeri & Trish Johnson
CREATED BY GOD
CALLED BY JESUS CHRIST
GUIDED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
DEDICATED TO LOVING AND SERVING GOD AND NEIGHBOR
The Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania, Pastor