May 28, 2017
Ascension Sunday
Prelude: Prelude in F Major J.S. Bach
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #268 Crown Him with Many Crowns
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: Come, Christians, Join to Sing
Call to Worship
One: In awe and wonder, we lift our eyes to the heavens.
We raise our songs of joy to the Ruler of all time and space.
All: Sing praises to God; sing praises;
Shout to God with loud songs of joy.
One: We gather to remember the One who shared our common lot. Jesus Christ, who visited this earth, dwells in heaven.
All: We celebrate the life and ministry of Jesus. We rejoice in the hope to which Christ has called us.
One: We open ourselves to baptism with the Holy Spirit. We expect to be empowered as witnesses in today’s world.
All: We seek a spirit of wisdom and revelation. We are here to be filled with power from on high.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
As Christ ascended to heaven, our spirits are lifted to you this day, O God. Your spirit fills the universe. We dwell within your embrace and cannot escape from your watchful care. You are with us here, choosing us as apostles and instructing us in the way we should go. Focus our limited understanding on the person of Jesus, that all he did and taught might come alive in us during this hour. Grant to us convincing proof of your promises as we welcome your winds of change in our lives. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
Hear us, God, our hope, for we have too easily denied our heritage amid the competing claims all around us. We declare ownership of what is only lent to us for a time. We strive for knowledge and control beyond our capacity, wanting power on our own terms rather than through the unpredictable empowerment of your Spirit. Sometimes we stand on tiptoe to view what is out of sight, then arrogantly conclude that there is nothing to see. O God, open your eyes and our hearts that we might be forgiven and find true life in you. 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
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 47
(Page 637 HS in the pew bible)
Reading from the Early Church– Acts 1:1-11
(Page 143 NT in the pew bible)
(Children leave for Sunday School and Youth Discussion Group)
*Hymn: #43 You Who Dwell in the Shelter of the Lord
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: For The Beauty of the Earth John Rutter
*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
Gospel Reading – Luke 24:44-53
(Page 111 in the pew bible)
Sermon: “And He will Raise You Up”
Reverend Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
Choral Response: And He Will Raise You Up
*Hymn: #331 God of the Ages, Whose Almighty Hand
Benediction
Response: Fill All our Lives With Love and Grace Divine
Postlude: Fugue in F Major J.S. Bach
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 the guestbook at the front door and introduce yourself to our Pastor or to one of the Deacons.
We will not be hosting fellowship hour today in order to allow the Hospitality Committee time to set up for the memorial service at 1:00 pm.
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:
Karin Noyes for serving as lay reader
Kathy Mera & John Arnold for ushering
Joan Wallace for donating the flowers
Prayer List
Elizabeth Adam, Bobbie Olsen, Gail Weigel, Ransom Larson, Nancy Rossi, Gordon Weekly, Emma Mae, Leonard Kaufman, Paul McAbee, Shirley Rogers, Jane Fitting, Nancy Tuckerman, Barbara Jacquette, Gloria Buckley, Petie Robinson, Gay Ayers, Sosnoff Family, Wilma Tillerman, Alex, John, Will, Nina, Jack and Linda, Tully family, those among us who struggle with anxiety, depression and addiction.
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Today: 1 pm Memorial Service for Jeri & Trish Johnson
Monday: Office Closed ~ Memorial Day
10 am Memorial Day Parade
6 pm Debtors Anonymous Meeting in the Parish Hall Library
Thursday: 7 pm HousaTonics Rehearsal
Friday: 1-4:30 pm Presentation of the film: Uprooting Addiction: Planting the Seeds of Recovery & Exploring the factors that hold Substance and Behavioral Addictions in place
OPPORTUNITIES
A DOCUMENTARY OF HOPE
There will be a special presentation on Friday, June 2nd,
1-4:30 pm in the Parish Hall ~ Uprooting Addiction: Planting the Seeds of Recovery & Exploring the factors that hold Substance and Behavioral Addictions in place. If you are interested in attending, kindly RSVP to: [email protected]
SILVER LAKE SUMMER CAMP
Registration for Silver Lake Conference Center in Sharon is now open. Take a look at the many great offerings by visiting: www.silverake.ctucc.org. Brochures can also be picked up at the Opportunity Table at in the Parish Hall.
CREATED BY GOD
CALLED BY JESUS CHRIST
GUIDED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
DEDICATED TO LOVING AND SERVING
GOD AND NEIGHBOR
The Reverend Dr. Diane Monti – Catania, Pastor