September 30, 2018
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Prelude: Prelude in F Major Dietrich Buxtehude
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #300 We Are One In The Spirit
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Introit: #322 We Are One In Christ Jesus
Call to Worship
One: Come one and all to meet God here. Let all who are suffering find hope in this place.
All: We have come that God might raise us up. Our only hope is in the Maker of heaven and earth.
One: Come, all who are weary and oppressed. God offers relief and enlists our mutual helpfulness.
All: God hears our prayers and answers us. God equips us to be helpful to one another.
One: Come together to sing songs of praise to God. Give thanks for God’s wondrous deeds.
All: God’s glory abides in this place of worship. God’s presence and help are real.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
May all your people find favor with you this day, God of majesty and power. Turn our sorrow into gladness and our morning into a holiday, a holy day, in which to praise you and find ways to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Lift us from our daily preoccupations that we may pray with earnest intent, both to thank you and be changed by you. Let our prayers be powerful and effective. May our worship be alive and life-changing. May the service we extend find favor in your eyes, blessed God. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession
Alert us now, eternal Spirit, to your presence among us in this place. Together, we confess that we have been busy with so many things that we have often forgotten you. We have made idols out of material things and sometimes out of our own beliefs, failing to recognize the value of our neighbor’s lives. We have forgotten that your love is stronger than any force on earth. Forgive our mistrust of its power, and draw us back into the company of disciples who are learning and growing in love. Hear now our silent confessions as we turn to you, seeking your mercy, forgiveness and grace.
Moment of silent prayer
Assurance of God’s Love
Gloria Patri: Glory Be To The Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen.
Responsive Reading – Psalm 124
(Page 703 HS in the pew Bible)
Anthem: Go Not Far From Me, O God Niccolò Zingarelli
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures –Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22
(Page 554 HS in the pew Bible)
Children’s Message & Lord’s Prayer
(Children will leave for Sunday School)
*Hymn: #321 The Church’s One Foundation
Offering of our Gifts
Offertory: Stand By Me King, Leiber, Stoller
Charlie Noyes, tenor
*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 – Philippians 4:4-14
(Page 242 NT in the pew Bible)
Sermon: “Think on These Things”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer & Silent Prayer
Response: #469 Lord, Listen to your Children Praying (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: #675 All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night (v. 3 sung as a canon, with congregation starting)
Benediction
Response: #70 What Does The Lord Require of You (v. 1, 2, 3 – sung by all)
Postlude: Fugue in F Major J.S. Bach
(* 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.
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:
Mary O’Neill for serving as lay reader
Kathy Mera & Jim Hussey for ushering
Prayer List
Natalie Crain, Dick Taber, Tom Splaine, Jack & Sue Ritchie, Harriet, Peter & Linda, Paula & Herman, Joe K.
Family & friends of Don Cuneo
CALENDAR
Monday-Thursday: Fall Festival set up in the Parish Hall
Tuesday: 6 pm Granola Making for Fair
Wednesday: 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 4:30 pm Women’s Bible Study
6 pm Fudge Making for Fair
7 pm HousaTonics
Friday-Sunday: Fall Festival
OPPORTUNITY
2018 CROP HUNGER WALK
The CROP Hunger Walk will take place this afternoon at Housatonic Valley Regional High School. Salisbury Congregational Church has once again built a spirited team to walk and/or donate. Cammiel Hussey and Mary O’Neill are co-captains for CROP Walk 2018. Registration begins at 1 pm. The walk starts at 1:30 pm. Join our team! Walk! Donate! Help our local, national, and global neighbors fight hunger and build self- sufficiency.
2018 FALL FESTIVAL
The Annual Fall Festival is almost here—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase our church and welcome visitors from near and far. Plus all proceeds go to Christian Action to donate to local organizations in our community.
Come and enjoy! Buy some “treasures” or homemade baked goods, jams, granola, and fudge. Admire the beautiful quilts and listen to the bell choir. Eat a hot dog or chili dog, enjoy the magic show, and go on a hayride. Stroll through town. Over 40 local organizations and artisans will be offering a variety of activities and events throughout the weekend. For the complete schedule: www.salisburyfallfestival.org.
BIBLE STUDY
Women’s Bible Study meets on Thursdays at 4:30 pm in the Parish Hall Library. All women are welcome, no previous experience necessary.
Men’s Ecumenical Bible Study meets on Friday mornings at 7:45 am. All men are welcome. There will be no Bible Study on Friday, October 5 but will resume on Friday, October 12th.