January 14, 2018
Second Sunday After Epiphany
Prelude: Chaconne François Couperin
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #300 We Are One In the Spirit
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: O Lord Have Mercy
Call to Worship
One: The one who calls you together this day
yearns for each of you and for all the people to hear
and be blessed.
All: Speak, Lord, for your servants are listening.
One: Blessed is the One who comes bringing
trustworthy words for the healing of the world.
All: Speak, Lord, for your servants are listening.
One: Come, let us worship together!
Opening Prayer (in unison)
As I rise this day; O God, I give you thanks for breath of life, for the people I see today, for families and friends, and for those whose ways are challenging to my serenity. Help me to give thanks especially for the people who pull me to new understandings and show me sides of life that I have not known or do not welcome. Urge me to follow you today; in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
Holy God, you see into each of us and know us fully as creatures in need of your constant care. We confess that we have neither heard your word nor followed your will. We have failed our nation, neighbors, families, friends and ourselves. Give us ears to hear your wisdom. Lead us to honesty and faith so that we may begin with renewed strength. 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: #583 Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest! Glory to God, glory to God, alleluia, alleluia!
Responsive Reading – Psalm 139:1-6,13-18
(Page 710 HS in pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures – 1 Samuel 3:1-10
(Page 306 HS in the pew bible)
Children’s Message Reverend Dick Taber
Lord’s Prayer
(Children will collect food donations, bless them and leave for Sunday School and Youth Discussion Group)
*Hymn: #834 Precious Lord
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: How Can I Keep From Singing Alfred Fedak
Christine Deng, flute
*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 – John 1:43-51
(Page 112 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Who Are You Following?”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer
Response: When The Shadows Appear
* Hymn: #339 Lift Every Voice
Benediction Reverend Dick Taber
Response: #339 Facing The Rising Sun (to be sung by all)
Postlude: Toccata Eugene Gigout
(* 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 see an usher:
If you would like to use a hearing device
If you would like to bring your child to the Nursery
Please join us in the Parish Hall for refreshments and fellowship following worship. All are welcome.
Many thanks to:
John Estabrook for serving as lay reader
Rev. Dick Taber for offering the Children’s Message & Benediction
Erin Swett for leading our Youth Discussion Group
Janet Accardo & Becky Belcher Feen for ushering
Prayer List
Debbie Merwin, Gloria Buckley, Jessica Whelton, George Kieffer, Keith Grant, Ellie Owens, Jack Ritchie, Marian Ferguson, Jane Fitting, Libby Bishop, Miles Bishop, Chuck Carroll, Andrew Gunderson, Dick Taber, Gail Weigel, Paula & Herman Blumberg, Harriet, Emily, Anne, Bill, Carolyn, Peter, the family & friends of Erik Rydingsword, family & friends of Barbara Pogue and those among us who struggle with anxiety, depression and addiction.
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Today: 11:15 am Christian Action Meeting
Wednesday: 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 4:30 pm Women’s Bible Study
5:30 pm Deacons’ Meeting
7 pm HousaTonics
Friday: 7:45 am Men’s Bible Study
Next Sunday 10 am & Coffee Hour, The World Café, “A Christian Response to Mass Incarceration” with Rev. Marilyn B. Kendrix
OPPORTUNITIES
THE WORLD CAFÉ
A Christian Response to Mass Incarceration
You are invited to join us, next Sunday, January 21st, during worship and coffee hour, to hear Reverend Marilyn B. Kendrix share with us about A Christian Response to Mass Incarceration.
WELCOMING NEW COVENANT MEMBERS & POTLUCK ~ SUNDAY, JANUARY, 28th
On Sunday, January 28, 2018, we will have a Midwinter potluck lunch after worship. Come and share what you love
about our church, and invite those interested in learning about the life of the church. Bring your favorite midwinter
comfort food to share. We will provide salad and drinks. RSVP to Kathy @ 860-435-2442 [email protected].
COATS & SOCKS FOR BRIDGEPORT
Men’s large and extra-large coats, and socks for men and women are in need. Please bring your donations in to church and they will be delivered to those in need to Bridgeport.