May 20, 2018
Pentecost Sunday
Prelude
*Hymn: #280 Come O Spirit, Dwell Among Us
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Introit
Call to Worship
One: The day of Pentecost has come, and we are together. Will the works of God be known among us today?
All: We live in the valley of dry bones.
Around and within us is emptiness.
One: God comes to us as a gentle breath or violent wind. Catch your breath, God’s breath, and live.
All: There are stirrings deep within that give us hope. There is a Spirit linking us to one another.
One: The fires of love dispel life’s shadows.
God’s Spirit comes to give us new life.
All: Surely God is in this place! May the glory of God be known among us today!
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
Amazing God, how manifold are your works! The earth is full of life you have created, in forms too numerous to count. You have linked us, your people, to the earth and to all living things. We are interdependent. We can survive only if we have reverence for life. Come among us now to make your ways known. Help us to dream dreams and see visions of your intentions for this world and for your church. Through your Holy Spirit enable us to move boldly into the future and to fulfill the hope of love that Jesus taught. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
When your face is hidden from us, mighty God, we forget that there is more to life than the daily pursuits that occupy our attention. We are weak because we have not tapped the resources you place within us. We are engaged only by what we can see and touch and hear. Our frantic self-centeredness dries up our bones and we lose hope. Call us out of the graves in which we have chosen to live, the deep ruts that keep us from knowing the fullness of life you reveal when we become your Spirit. 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: #581 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, Amen.
Responsive Reading – Psalm 104:24-34
(Page 683 HS in the pew bible)
Reading from Early Church – Acts 2:1-21
(Page 144 NT in the pew bible)
*Hymn: #36 For the Fruit of all Creation
Offering of our Gifts
*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
Scripture Reading – John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
(Page 134 NT in the pew bible)
Pastoral Prayer & Silent Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
The Sunday School Children
Present
The Fruit of the Spirit
Written & Directed by Barbara Collins
Benediction
Postlude
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. Today’s hosts are Clare Rashkoff & Sheryl Knapp.
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 Dick Taber for serving as lay reader
Prayer List
Mary Davidson, Jack Bowman, Sal Accardo, Don & Bonnie Cuneo, Violet Hvasta, Bob “Bullet” Sherwood, Sandra Schafer, Mary O’Neill, Laura Hawks, Debbie Merwin, Jessica Whelton, Keith Grant, Jack Ritchie, Marian Ferguson, Jane Fitting, Libby Bishop, Miles Bishop, Chuck Carroll, Andrew Gunderson, Gail Weigel, Paula & Herman Blumberg, Harriet, Emily, Anne, Bill, Peter, Connie, Cheryl and those among us who struggle with anxiety, depression and addiction
CALENDAR
Today: 10 am Children’s Musical ~The Fruit of the Spirit
3:30 pm Community Dinner in Torrington
Monday: 3:15 pm SOAR Cooking Class
3:30 pm Parish Hall Library in use
Tuesday: 3:15 pm SOAR Cooking Class
5:30 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 4:15 pm Meeting House in use
7 pm HousaTonics
Friday: 3:30 pm Meeting House in use
Sunday: 2 pm Private Piano Recital
COMMUNITY DINNER IN TORRINGTON
Volunteers are needed this afternoon from 3:30-6:30 pm to help serve dinner for 100 people at the Torrington UCC. Torrington UCC is so appreciative of our involvement – so join the fun!
FILE OF LIFE
The Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service has provided us with important FILE OF LIFE cards, for anyone who would like to take one. Fill it out with important medical information and keep in the magnetic pocket/holder on your refrigerator. In the case that you are ever in need of emergency services, the EMTs will take this card and be better able to treat you, with this information handy. Pick one up in the Parish Hall or church office.