January 6, 2019
Epiphany Sunday
Prelude: To Bethlehem They Came Helmut Walcha
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #151We Three Kings of Orient Are
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Introit: #152 What star is this, with beams so bright?
Call to Worship
One: Arise, shine; for your light has come. The glory of God has risen among us.
All: We are awake; we are alive! Praise God for deliverance and blessings.
One: Lift up your eyes to see all around you. Let your hearts rejoice, and be radiant with hope.
All: May justice water the earth like a shower; let righteousness and peace abound.
One: Receive again the promises of the gospel. Participate in the mystery of Jesus Christ.
All: God’s ways are being revealed to us today. Our church proclaims the unsearchable riches of Christ.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
Eternal God, because your purposes become clear to us in Jesus Christ, we come with boldness to claim our relationship with you. We are grateful for pioneers in the faith whose stewardship has salvaged for us a way of life rooted in the gospel. The flames you ignited in them have not gone out, in spite of our faithlessness. Your wisdom is still proclaimed in the church, challenging centers of earthly power with the claims of heaven. Today our search for meaning has led us to this place of worship. You are here; we rejoice! Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession
God of light, we admit our retreat into the shadows of pretension and exclusion. How often we choose to associate with people who are like us and then look down on others who differ from us. It is easier to discover their sins than to admit our own. We judge the poor and join their oppressors, while you call us to identify with those in need, that all may prosper together. We imagine that we alone are faithful stewards of your grace, while you welcome, as fellow saints with us, many whom we ignore. Save us from our earthbound judgments, that we may look up and be guided by the star that draws all people to yourself. Awed by your forgiving presence, we fall down to worship you. 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: #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 72:1-14
(Page 656 in the Hebrew Scripture in the pew Bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures – Isaiah 60:1-6
(Page 844 in the Hebrew Scriptures in the pew Bible)
*Hymn: #147The First Nowell (v. 1 & 2)
Sacrament of Communion
The cut bread on the communion plate is gluten free.
The communion wine is non-alcoholic.
Communion Prayer (in unison)
Gracious God, you have once again shown us your love by bringing us to this meal. We go from this table, renewed in faith, renewed in courage, and strengthened by your presence. Thank you for loving us so tenderly. Thank you for challenging us to know you better and to receive you more fully. It is in Christ’s name that we pray. Amen.
*Hymn: #147The First Nowell (v. 5 & 6)
(Children will leave for Sunday School & Youth Group)
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: #144In the Bleak Midwinter
*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 2:1-12
(Page 2 in the New Testament in the pew Bible)
Sermon: “Partners on the Journey”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Covenant Renewal
Pastor: Let us renew our covenant vows together:
ALL: We covenant with God and with one another to walk in God’s holy ways. We unite for the worship of God and for continued striving to know and to do God’s will and for the service of God and humanity.
We acknowledge this Church to be part of all those in every age and nation who are united by the Holy Spirit of God in Christ, and we dedicate ourselves to serve this fellowship according to our strength, ability and opportunity. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
Response: #152 ‘Tis now fulfilled what God decreed
*Hymn:#150 As with Gladness Men of Old
Benediction
Response: #152 What star is this, with beams so bright
Postlude: The Old Year Has Passed 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.
Many thanks to:
Mary O’Neill for serving as our lay reader
Pat Palmer & Roger Crain for serving as ushers
Prayer List
J. Kevin Carroll, Siddhi, Evan Adsit, Marty Sorenson, Franny Yerkes, Terry Roy & family, Petee Robinson, Leonard Kaufman, Dick Taber,Tom Splaine, Laura Hawks, Joe K., Peter & Linda, Paula & Herman, Anne & Bill, Jan & John Hazard.
CALENDAR
Today: 11:15 am Christian Action Meeting in the Parish Hall Library
11:30 am Trustees Meeting in the Conference Room
Monday: 1 pm Salisbury Bridge Club
5:30 pm Bereavement Group
Wednesday: 9 am Music Committee Meeting
7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 4:30 pm Women’s Bible Study
7 pm HousaTonics
Friday: 7:45 am Men’s Bible Study
HONORING PASTOR DIANE
On Sunday, January 13th, after church service, we will be celebrating Pastor Diane’s many accomplishments and years of service as our pastor. A potluck meal will be served immediately following worship. All are welcome to contribute a lunch or brunch dish to share (just a regular size recipe, no need to double!) You may drop off your dishes at the kitchen beginning on Saturday and until right before service on Sunday. Please contact Cynthia LaPier with any questions concerning the meal: [email protected]. Sunday School, Youth Group, and young folks who have “grown up” during Diane’s time at SCC, are encouraged to participate in a tribute to Diane during the potluck that will involve singing. No rehearsal is necessary. Please contact Barbara Collins for more
information: [email protected].Written (hard copy) Tributes are being collected to present to Diane. Tributes can be memories, wishes, hopes and must be in hard copy – no emails please! Tributes can be dropped off at the office during office hours. If you have questions, please contact Lorna Edmundson for more information: