July 30, 2017
Eighth Sunday After Pentecost
Prelude: Canon in D Major Johann Pachelbel
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #39 Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor
Call to Worship
One: Blessed be God whose word gives hope and shapes our dreams,
All: Whose love has conquered death.
One: Blessed be God who orders our way and guides our steps,
All: Who leads us into life.
One: Come, let us worship together!
Opening Prayer (in unison)
God, you have given us a dream for your world made whole, a heavenly realm that is near in heart and close at hand, and it is ours to choose each day. May our smallest acts of courtesy, when transformed by your love, grow abundantly into a realm of flourishing for all. Enlightening God, the unfolding of your Word gives light and provides wisdom to all who seek your truth. Open our minds and hearts by the presence of your Holy Spirit that the mystery of your heavenly realm is made evident here on earth. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
We confess that we have turned away from you and have not lived with upright hearts. Forgive us for failing to follow you. Guide our feet to walk in your ways and serve the world to the glory of your name. 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 119:129-136
(Page 700 HS in pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures – 1 Kings 3:5-12
(Page 379 HS in the pew bible)
*Hymn: #766 The Church of Christ Can Not Be Bound
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: I Love All Graceful Things Eric Thiman
Jennifer Tyo, soprano
*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 – Matthew 25:31-46
(Page 35 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Sheep or Goat?”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer & Lord’s Prayer (debts)
Choral Response: The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor
* Hymn: #852 When the Lord Redeems the Very Least
Benediction
Response: The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor
Postlude: Toccata in G Major Théodore Dubois
(* 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 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
There is no Nursery Care for young children, Sunday School or Youth Discussion today.
Many thanks to:
Jennifer Tyo for sharing beautiful music with us
Linda Estabrook for serving as lay reader
Kathy Mera & Stephanie Tierney for ushering
Prayer List
Robert Hall, Elizabeth Adam, Bobbie Olsen, Gail Weigel, Ransom Larson, Nancy Rossi, Audrey Ericksson, Emma Mae, Paul McAbee, Shirley Rogers, Jane Fitting, Nancy Tuckerman, Barbara Jacquette, Gloria Buckley, Petie Robinson, Gay Ayers, Sosnoff Family, Sorenson Family, Wilma Tillerman, Alex, John, Will, Nina, Jack and Linda, the family and friends of Pauline Moore Gaylord, those among us who struggle with anxiety, depression and addiction.
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Next Sunday: 10 am Indigo Robertson’s Baptism
2 pm Worship at Noble
OPPORTUNITIES
2017 FAMILY DIRECTORY
The new directories are located on the marble table in the Parish Hall. Please feel free to pick up a copy after worship. Please check your name off on the list provided when you pick one up. One per family, please.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
The Women’s Bible Study group will be reading “A Timbered Choir” by Wendell Berry over the summer. If you are interested, please speak with Pastor Diane.
Women’s & Men’s Bible Study will resume meeting in the Fall.
SIGN UP FOR COFFEE HOUR AND FLOWERS
Please consider helping to host coffee hour alongside a Hospitality Committee Member, or providing flowers for Worship. See Cynthia LaPier or Nancy Rossi for more information. Sign up sheets are in the Parish Hall.
FEED OUR HUNGRY NEIGHBORS
The Corner Food Pantry in Lakeville continues to seek nonperishable food donations! Please bring your donations to worship with you on Sunday and place in the basket at the door. Tom Key delivers our donations to the food pantry.