June 4, 2017
Pentecost
Prelude: Holy Spirit Helmut Walcha
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #280 Come, O Spirit, Dwell Among Us
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: Spirit of the Living God
Call to Worship
One: The peace of God be with you today.
Receive with joy the gift of the Holy Spirit.
All: We feel the winds of God blowing among us.
We sense the tongues of fire empowering us.
One: How amazing is the power God gives us.
How manifold are the works of our Creator.
All: The breath of God fills us with confidence.
The Spirit creates new life within and among us.
One: God calls us to be dreamers and prophets.
God gives us a vision for a world of peace.
All: May the glory of God endure forever.
We will sing praise to God as long as we live.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
Powerful God, whose ways are beyond our knowing, we long to grow spiritually. We are thirsty for the living water you have promised to those who seek. We are eager to catch the Spirit, to be set on fire with confidence and trust to use the gifts you have given. Let Pentecost happen again in this gathering of your people. Inspire us to witness to your love and prophesy in your name. Give us courage to speak of your deeds of power, and to take the risks of daring discipleship. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
O God, we are frightened by strange tongues and people out of control. We want to manage our own lives and assure our own safety. We are afraid that you will ask more of us than we are willing to risk. We do not want others to consider us strange or fanatical. We are skeptical of dreams and visions. We cannot trust some people you ask to love. We want to believe, but how can we know that you are more than our collective imagination, a hope we cling to in our despair? Help us, God. 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 104: 24-34, 35b
(Page 683 HS in the pew bible)
Reading from the Early Church – Acts 2:1-21
(Page 144 NT in the pew bible)
*Hymn: #286 Breathe on Me, Breath of God (vs.1&2)
Sacrament of Communion
The cut bread on the communion plate is gluten free.
The communion wine is non-alcoholic.
Communion Prayer
Gracious God, you have once again shown us your love by bringing us to this meal. We go from the 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 better and to receive you more fully. It is in Christ’s name that we pray. Amen.
*Hymn: #286 Breathe on Me, Breath of God (vs.3&4)
(Children leave for Sunday School)
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: An Invitation to Joy Joseph Martin
*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 – John 20:19-23
(Page 141 in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Receive God’s Holy Spirit”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
Taizé Choral Response: Veni Sancte Spiritus (sung by all)
*Hymn: #279 Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove
Benediction
Response: Come, O Holy Spirit, Come
Postlude: Toccata on Come Holy Spirit Flor Peeters
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.
Please join us in the Parish Hall for refreshments and fellowship following worship. All are welcome.
Our host today is the Hospitality Committee.
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:
Theresa Carroll for serving as lay reader
Pat Palmer & Ellie Owens for ushering
Prayer List
Elizabeth Adam, Bobbie Olsen, Gail Weigel, Ransom Larson, Nancy Rossi, Audrey Erickson, 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: 11:30 Trustees Meeting
2 pm Worship at Noble
1:00 Community Forum on Affordable Housing at Salisbury Central School
2:00 Worship at Noble Horizons
Monday: 6 pm Debtors Anonymous Meeting in the Parish Hall Library
Wednesday: 9 am Music Committee Meeting
Thursday: 7 pm HousaTonics Rehearsal
Sunday: 2 pm Private Function
OPPORTUNITIES
SILVER LAKE SUMMER CAMP
Registration for Silver Lake Conference Center in Sharon is now open. www.silverake.ctucc.org.
MUSIC ON THE FARM
Come join us July 22nd, 5-7 pm for hors d’oeuvres and wine.
For a gift of $50 or more to the church Music Fund, you will enjoy a wonderful party in The Hotchkiss School’s new Graf Barn at the Fairfield Farm on Sharon Road.
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