October 15, 2017
Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Prelude: Sing Praise to God -Var. I & II Arr. Robert Powell
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #39 Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: Jesus Stand Among Us
Call to Worship
One: Come away from the valleys of misplaced loyalty.
Come, seeking to meet the God of all worlds.
All: We have come to praise God and give thanks.
We believe God’s steadfast love endures forever.
One: We come together that our faith might be strengthened. We seek the strength to live by all we profess.
All: God’s awesome deeds saved our ancestors.
Surely God’s steadfast love continues with us.
One: God continues to deliver us in time of distress.
God’s steadfast love endures forever.
All: We rejoice that God is near and available to us.
We hear God welcoming us to this time in prayer.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Opening Prayer (in unison)
Gracious God, you have invited and welcomed us to this place of worship. You draw us away from the idols we create to take your place. When we come together, we sense that there is nothing in life that can substitute for a vital relationship with you. Yet we are only dimly aware of who you are. All the mysteries of the universe are in your hands, yet you have made yourself known among the people of this earth. We catch glimpses of your work among us and are amazed. We want to meet you again today, as for the first time. Touch us. Remake us. Help us stand firm in the faith. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
God of all mercy, you have planted within us a desire to observe justice and do righteousness. We want to be fair and honorable, delighting in life shared openly and honestly with family, friends and co-workers. Instead, we are often defensive, fearful and distracted. We spend more time with our toys than with your truth. We seek temporary thrills rather than lasting meaning. Then we are disappointed when our “golden calves” bring no fulfillment. We return to you, loving God, intent on following the guidance we are receiving from you. Save us from ourselves. 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: #584 Glory, glory, glory, glory to God on high! (repeat). And on earth peace to all people in whom God is well
pleased. (repeat)
Responsive Reading – Psalm 106: 1-6, 19-23
(Page 685 HS in pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures – Exodus 32: 1-14
(Page 97 HS in the pew bible)
Children’s Message & Lord’s Prayer
(Children leave for Sunday School and Youth Discussion Group)
*Hymn: #770 I’m Gonna Eat at the Welcome Table
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: Psalm 150 César Franck
*Doxology: #607 Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise Christ, all people here below; praise Holy Spirit ever more; praise Triune God whom we adore. Amen.
*Prayer of Dedication
Gospel Reading – Matthew 22:1-14
(Page 29 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Idolatry: 2017”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer & Silent Prayer
Choral Response: Breathe The Holy Spirit
* Hymn: #367 Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
Benediction
Response: Thus With Quickened Footsteps
Postlude: Sing Praise to God -Var. III Arr. Robert Powell
(* Please stand if able.)
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 our guest book and introduce yourself to our Pastor or to one of the Deacons. Fill out a welcome card in the pew to be put on our email list!
Please join us in the Parish Hall for refreshments and fellowship following worship. All are welcome.
Today’s host is the Hospitality Committee.
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:
Karin Noyes for serving as lay reader
Ward Belcher for serving as Youth Discussion Leader
John Arnold and Michael Voldstad for ushering
Prayer List
Dartanian Oyanadel, Jane Fitting, Libby Bishop, Miles Bishop, Reverend Terry Ryan, Chuck Carroll, Andrew Gunderson, Dick Taber, Gail Weigel, Paula Blumberg, Helen Ham, Harriet, Rich Reifsnyder, Lynn Reifsnyder, Emily and those among us who struggle with anxiety, depression and addiction
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Today: 11:15 am Christian Action Meeting
11:30 am Church Council Meeting
2 pm World Café: “Understanding the Reformation” with Tom Key
Tuesday: 5:30 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday: 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 4:30 pm Women’s Bible Study
7 pm HousaTonics
Friday: 7:45 am Men’s Bible Study
7-10 pm Sinfonietta Rehearsal
Saturday: 9-3 pm Mindfulness Retreat at Silver Lake Conference Center
Next Sunday: 11:30 am Deacons’ Meeting
OPPORTUNITIES
WORLD CAFÉ
You are invited to join us this afternoon, at 2 pm, for a dialogue with Tom Key titled “Understanding the Reformation.”
MINDFULNESS RETREAT AT SILVER LAKE
On Saturday, October 21, from 9:00-3:00 Kathy Voldstad will lead a Mindfulness Retreat at Silver Lake Conference Center. To reserve your space, contact Pastor Diane or sign up on the Marbletop Table.
Please bring a non-perishable food to worship next Sunday in honor of “Food Sunday”.