August 27, 2017
Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost
Prelude: Introduction and Allegro William Walond
Chiming of the Hour
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Call to Worship
One: In the beginning, before time, before people,
before the world began
All: God was.
One: Here and now, among us, beside us, enlisting the people of the earth for the purposes of heaven
All: God is.
One: In the future, when we have turned to dust and all
we know has found its fulfillment
All: God will be
One : Not denying the world, but delighting in it, not
condemning the world, but redeeming it, through
Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
All: God was, God is, God will be.
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
Gracious God: lead us in our worship today, that our thoughts might honor you, our lips might praise you, our lives might glorify your name. Be with us as we come to sing and pray and learn. We know that you always hear us. Help us this day to hear you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
A Hymn Sing – An opportunity to select and sing some of our favorite hymns
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
We confess to you, O God that we are not the persons we would like others to think we are. We are not even the persons we would like to think of ourselves as being. Only in the security of your love are we able to admit our failure to be what we want to be and what you desire for us. Give us new life from above. Direct us to what we ought to be. Reshape us more fully in the image of Christ, who provides the way, the truth, the life which leads to happiness and joy. Amen.
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 138
(Page 709 HS in the pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures – Isaiah 11:1-9
(Page 784 HS in the pew bible)
*Hymn: #632 I’ve Got Peace Like a River
Offering of our Gifts
Offertory: Singing more of our favorites
*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 14: 23-27
(Page 133 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: The Peaceable Kingdom
The Reverend Dr. Richard W. Reifsnyder
Pastoral Prayer and Prayer of St. Francis
*Hymn: #753 Make Me a Channel of your Peace
Benediction
Organ Response
Postlude: Toccata in A Minor Johann Pachelbel
(* Please stand if able.)
THE PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much
Seek to be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
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.
Please see an usher if you would like to use a hearing device
Many thanks to:
The Reverend Dr. Richard Reifsnyder for leading worship
Bob Maxwell for serving as lay reader
Kathy Mera & Stephanie Tierney for serving as ushers
Pastor Diane is on vacation and will be returning on Wednesday, September 6th. If there is a pastoral emergency,
please contact Deacon Theresa Carroll at 860-671-9672.
Prayer List
Reverend Sara Smith,,Pauline Moore Gaylord, Robert Hall, Elizabeth Adam, Gail Weigel, Ransom Larson, Nancy Rossi, Audrey Ericksson, Emma Mae, Paul McAbee, Shirley Rogers, Jane Fitting, Nancy Tuckerman, Barbara Jacquette, Gloria Buckley, Petie Robinson, Gay Ayers, Sosnoff Family, Sorenson Family, Wilma Tillerman, Holly, Alex, John, Will, Nina, Jack and Linda, Paula, Harriet, family of Cynthia Conklin, family & friends of Peggy Connelly, those among us who struggle with anxiety, depression and addiction.
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Thursday: 4 pm Fall Festival Meeting
Next Sunday 2 pm Service at Noble Horizons
OPPORTUNITIES
On September 1 we will start a new prayer list. Please contact the office if you would like to continue to include names previously submitted. Names may be added at any time by calling the office 860-435-2442 or emailing [email protected].
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS
The first day of Sunday School will begin on Sunday, September 10th. Registration and refreshments will begin at 9:15 am. New families are welcome! For more information please call the church office: 860-435-2442.