March 31, 2019
FourthSunday in Lent
Prelude: My Heart is Ever Yearning Johannes Brahms
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #267 Come Christians Join to Sing
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Introit: #456 Listen, God is Calling
Call to Worship
One: A new day has dawned, God’s gift to us;
the fruits of the land are ours to enjoy.
All: We are a new creation in Jesus Christ;
the old has passed away, and the new has come.
One: This is a day for forgiveness and reconciliation;
celebrate God’s love for the lost who are found.
All: The glad cries of deliverance surround us;
shouts of joy arise from our hearts.
One: Let all who are faithful offer up prayers;
may all who are in Christ give thanks.
All: We will be glad and join the dance of life;
with the upright of heart, we rejoice and sing.
Invocation (in unison)
Welcoming God, we have gathered together so that you may teach us the way we should go. In our times of distress and need, you have provided. When we have stubbornly followed our own plans, you have curbed our impulses. From our days of confusion and aimless wandering, you have rescued us and restored us to our true identity. Meet us now as we worship together to shape us into righteous, reconciling people. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
O God, we will try not to hide from you the wrong we have done or the good we have neglected. You know our transgressions. You have observed our pretensions. We have claimed too lightly the label “Christian,” for often we cut ourselves off from you and from people we disdain. At times our rebellion leaves us hungry, alone and friendless. O God, we are not worthy to be called your children. Grant us, we pray, your forgiveness and pardon and a renewed sense of who you intend us to be and to become.
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 32
(Page 623 in the Hebrew Scriptures in the pew Bible)
Reading from Hebrew Scriptures:Joshua 5:9-12
(Page 244 in the Hebrew Scriptures in the pew Bible)
Children’s Message & Lord’s Prayer
(Children will leave for Sunday School)
*Hymn:#166 Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days
Offering of our Gifts ~ One Great Hour of Sharing
Anthem: I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked
Geoffrey O’Hara
*Doxology:#607 Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise Christ, all people here below; praise Holy Spirit ever more;praise Triune Godwhom we adore. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Gospel Reading: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
(Page 95in the New Testament in the pew Bible)
Sermon:Dr. Jason Larson
Pastoral Prayer & Silent Prayer
Response:#456 Listen, God Is Calling
*Hymn:#546 Lord, Dismiss Us With Your Blessing
Benediction
Response:#456 Listen, God Is Calling
Postlude: Toccata in B Minor Eugene Gigout
(* Please stand when 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. Today’s host is the Hospitality Committee. 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:
Dr. James Larson for leading Worship
Mary O’Neill for serving as our lay reader
Sharon Tingley & Pat Palmer for serving as ushers
Prayer List
Gail Weigel, Jean Gallup, Roberta Fay, J. Kevin Carroll, Siddhi, Evan Adsit, Marty Sorenson, Franny Yerkes, Terry Roy & family, Petee Robinson, Leonard Kaufman, Dick Taber,Tom Splaine, Joe K., Peter & Linda, Paula & Herman, Anne & Bill, Jan & John Hazard, Pauline
The family & friends of: Laura Hawks & Alain
CALENDAR
Monday: 1 pm Salisbury Duplicate Bridge
Tuesday: 5:30 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
6 pm Meeting House in use
Wednesday: 6 pm Lenten Dinner
7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 7 pm HousaTonics
Friday: 7:45 am Men’s Bible Study
Saturday: 11 am Memorial Service for Laura Flores
Sunday: 11:30 am Trustees Meeting
OPPORTUNITIES
EASTER LILIES
You are invited to contribute a Easter lily in memory of a loved one and take the plant home with you after the Easter service. Donations are $15 for each plant. You may send a check, along with the form, to the church office, or pay online. The deadline for purchasing Easter lilies is this Friday, April 12.
BIBLE STUDY
Men’s Ecumenical Bible Study meets on Friday at 7:45 a.m. All men are welcome.
Women’s Bible Study will meet Thursday, April 11. at 4:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall Library. Rev. Rich Reifsnyder is facilitating the group.