July 29, 2018
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Prelude: Prelude from Suite No. 1 in G Major J.S. Bach
Mary Costanza, violoncello
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #65 Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
Welcome Kathy Mera
Joys and Concerns
Introit: #616 Our God is an Awesome God (Sung by all)
Our God is an awesome God who reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power, and love; our God is an awesome God! (repeat)
Call to Worship Clare Rashkoff
One: We join together as hungry eaters to be nourished by the food that you offer us.
All: God of sustenance, give us this day our daily bread.
One: As you care for the wheat fields that turn into bread and the vineyards that labor to produce sweet wine, tend to our bodies by feeding us what we need for healthy growth.
All: God of abundance, give us this day our daily bread.
One: The rich crops that you have prepared are now ready to be harvested by our hands and our hearts.
All: Holy Spirit, come! Give us this day our daily bread.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison) Clare Rashkoff
Holy Chef, may we savor the dishes that you have prepared for us this day. With each bite of your holy feast, enliven our senses so that we may delight in the new and tantalizing flavors you have created.
Call to Confession Sheryl Kennedy
Let us come to this time of confession, humbled before God, who knows when we have turned away and offers us love and forgiveness.
Prayer of Confession (in unison) Sheryl Kennedy
Great Provider, we recognize that widespread hunger is no longer necessary. You have given us humans the resources to feed all people, yet we are selfish. While we overfill our bellies with food and lay to waste the spaces needed for crops to flourish, others are crying out for crumbs from our tables. Living God, cultivate within our hearts reckless generosity, and plant within us spirits of simplicity and balance in bod and soul. 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 Sheryl Kennedy
Though at times we fail to be generous, your generosity toward us is never-ending! By sending Christ and the Spirit to your people, you have extended generosity beyond measure. Let us sing praise to God.
Gloria Patri: #583 Glory to God, glory to God, glory in the highest! Glory to God, glory to God, alleluia, alleluia!
Responsive Reading – Psalm 145 Charlie Norman
(Page 714 HS in the pew bible)
Reading from Hebrew Scriptures – 2 Kings 4:42-44
(Page 416 HS in the pew bible)
*Hymn: #460 Break Thou the Bread of Life
Call for the Offering Lorna Edmundson
Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” As we have been granted great abundance, let us offer up those blessings in God’s name.
Solo: Allemande from Suite No. 2 in D Major J.S. Bach
Mary Costanza, violoncello
*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 Lorna Edmundson
God of wonders, who enabled Jesus and Elisha to feed the multitudes, bless these gifts and use them to fill empty stomachs and empty hearts. May our offerings be multiplied to abundantly nourish all the people.
Scripture Reading – John 6:1-21 Jack Bowman
(Page 118 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: Please, Pass the Bread
Dr. Jack Bowman
Prayer Response, Lord’s Prayer & Silent Prayer
Response: #469 Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
(To be sung by all) Lord, listen to your children praying. Lord, send your spirit in this place. Lord, listen to your children praying. Send us love; send us power; send us grace.
*Hymn: #697 Take My Life and Let It Be
Benediction Kathy Mera
God’s love is overwhelming! As we have been fed this day, let us go and offer food and drinks to others. Grant us holy instincts of faith as we trust in you, O God, to place the final touches on our culinary masterpieces. Amen.
Postlude: Gigue from Suite No. 3 in G Major J.S. Bach
Mary Costanza, violoncello
(* 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.
Please join us in the Parish Hall for refreshments and fellowship following worship.
Many thanks to:
Mary Costanza for the lovely cello soli.
Jack Bowman for the sermon and prayers.
Deacons: Kathy Mera, Clare Rashkoff, Sheryl Kennedy, Charlie Norman, Lorna Edmundson for leading worship.
Kathy Mera and Stephanie Tierney for serving as ushers.
Prayer List
Salvo Family, Tristan Sorensen, Tom Splaine, Joe K., Linda & Peter Davis, John & Jan Hazard, Stan & Pam Brown, Ron Ham, Sal Accardo, Don & Bonnie Cuneo, Violet Hvasta, Bob “Bullet” Sherwood, Mary O’Neill, Laura Hawks, Debbie Merwin, Jessica Whelton, Keith Grant, Jack Ritchie, Marian Ferguson, Jane Fitting, Libby Bishop, Miles Bishop, 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
Pastor Diane will be on vacation beginning Monday, July 23 and returning Sunday, August 5. Please contact a Deacon in case of an emergency.
CALENDAR
Monday: 3:30 pm Parish Hall Library in use
Wednesday: Basement closed in the morning
OPPORTUNITIES
Rising Strong: Women’s Retreat to be held with United Congregational Church, Bridgeport from Friday, September 7 – Sunday, September 9 at Silver Lake Conference Center. Saturday, September 7 will feature a ‘Mindfulness Retreat’ led by Kathy Voldstad. Come for part or all! Details to follow.
HYMNALS FOR HOMES
There are still hymnals available for free on the marble top table. Between 25 and 40 hymnals will be going to a church in need, thanks to Lee and Barbara Collins. If you know of other churches in need, or donation sites, please give the contact name, phone # and/or email to Anne Williams.