March 12, 2017
Second Sunday in Lent
Prelude: Prelude in E-Flat J.S. Bach
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #321 The Church’s One Foundation
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: Jesus Stand Among Us
Call to Worship
One: I lift my eyes to the hills-
From where will my help come?
All: My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
One: God will not let your foot be moved,
All: The One who keeps you will not slumber….
One: The Lord will keep you from all evil;
All: God will keep your life.
One: The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in
All: From this time on and forevermore.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
God of the ages, you call your people into new
pilgrimages of faith. We are so often fearful and
reluctant to start something new. We don’t want to
leave what is comfortable. Give us brave and faithful
hearts, that we may trust in your promise of
unending love and care. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
O Lord, sometimes we come to you in the night, afraid of
what others might think. Sometimes, when you invite us
to begin journeys of faith, we refuse. We hear your promises, but we are filled with doubts, unsure about our future. Give us courage, beckoning God, to answer your call and become a blessing to the world. May the promise of eternal life make us bold and daring in this life, so that we live by grace alone.
Moment of Silence
Assurance of God’s Love
*Gloria Patri: 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.
Responsive Reading – Psalm 121
(Page 702 HS in the pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures –
Genesis 12:1-4a
(Page 12 HS in the pew bible)
Children’s Message and Lord’s Prayer (debts)
(Children will leave for Sunday School and Youth Discussion Group)
*Hymn: #486 Child of Blessing
Offering of Gifts
Anthem: God So Loved the World John Stainer
*Doxology: Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
New Testament Reading – John 3:1-17
(Page 114 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: For God so Loved the World
Reverend Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer
Response: Breathe The Holy Spirit Into Every Heart
*Hymn: #53 O God Who Gives Us Life
Benediction
Response: Thus With Quickened Footsteps
Postlude: Fugue in E-Flat “St. Anne” J.S. Bach
(*Please stand if able)
If you are visiting us today, Welcome! Please sign the guestbook at the front door and introduce yourself to our Pastor or to one of our Deacons.
Please join us in the Parish Hall for refreshments and fellowship following worship. All are welcome. Our hosts today are Peggy & Dave Heck.
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:
Mike Clulow for serving as lay reader
Orrin & Erik Rydingsword for ushering
Prayer List
Walter Crain, Alice Gustafson, Leonard Kaufman, Laura Flores, Margie Vail, Gordon Weekly, Paul McAbee, Shirley Rogers, Jane Fitting, Nancy Tuckerman, Barbara Jacquette, Gloria Buckley, Petie Robinson, Gay Ayers, The Sosnoff Family, Wilma Tillerman, Emily, Will.
Pastor Diane will be on vacation March 15-20.
For pastoral emergencies, please contact a deacon.
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Today 11:30 am Christian Action Meeting
2 -4 pm Lenten Lecture: Exploring One’s Spirituality, Reverend Ryan Gackenheimer
Tuesday 5:15 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday 4:30 pm Women’s Bible Study
7 pm HousaTonics Rehearsal
Friday 7:30 am Men’s Bible Study
Sunday 11:30 am Church Council Meeting
OPPORTUNITIES
LENTEN DINNERS
You are invited to join the congregation for dinner on Wednesday evenings: March 22 & April 5 during Lent. The Deacons host a simple meal of soup and salad from 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm. All are welcome! To sign up, access the Doodle Poll in the weekly e-blast or contact the office.
NEW MEMBERS CLASS ON MARCH 26
You are invited to become a Covenant Partner (member)
of the Salisbury Congregational Church. If you are interested in formalizing your commitment to this faith
community, please contact Pastor Diane.
PHOTOS FOR NEW DIRECTORY
Kristine Jennings will be taking photos for our new directory on Tuesday, March 28th, 5:30 – 7 pm. Kristine will be in the Parish Hall. If you have not already done so, please make the time to see her, so you can be in the directory. This will be the final session.
THE CORNER FOOD PANTRY
The Corner Food Pantry in Lakeville is very low on donations and our bins at church are empty. Nonperishable food items needed!