August 6, 2017
Ninth Sunday After Pentecost
Prelude: I Call To Thee Lord Jesus Christ Dietrich Buxtehude
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #511 Come Behold, the Feast of Heaven
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: Come to the Table of Grace
Call to Worship
One: God meets us in our greatest need and satisfies us with divine presence and provision. In gratitude, let us worship the Lord our God.
One: Come, let us worship together!
Opening Prayer (in unison)
God, you have touched us and transformed us to reach out to all who hunger for what only you can give. Keep our feet in your paths and bless us to multiply blessings to others, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer and Lord. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
God of compassion, we are sick. We have wrestled all night with worry instead of resting in you. We have asserted our own goodness instead of awakening to yours. We have turned away those hungry for your help instead of trusting you and feeding them from your limitless supply of blessings. Forgive us, heal us, and help us to hold on to you. We call upon you, for you will answer us, O God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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 17: 1-7, 15
(Page 610 HS in pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures – Genesis 32: 22-31
(Page 37 HS in the pew bible)
Blessing and Welcome for Indigo Silverthorn Newton
*Hymn:#498 Loaves Were Broken, Words Were Spoken (v.1&2)
Sacrament of Communion
The cut bread on the communion plate is gluten free.
The communion wine is non-alcoholic.
Communion Prayer (in unison)
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:#498 Loaves Were Broken, Words Were Spoken (v.3&4)
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: Jesu, Word of God Incarnate W.A. Mozart
*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 14:13-21
(Page 19 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Wrestling the Night Away”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer & Lord’s Prayer (debts)
Choral Response: Come to the Table of Grace
* Hymn: #366 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Benediction
Response: Come to the Table of Grace
Postlude: In Thee Is Gladness J.S. Bach
(* 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:
John Estabrook for serving as lay reader
Prayer List
Pauline Moore Gaylord, Robert Hall, Elizabeth Adam, 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, Holly, Alex, John, Will, Nina, Jack and Linda, family & friends of Peggy Connelly, those among us who struggle with anxiety, depression and addiction.
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Today: 2 pm Worship at Noble
OPPORTUNITIES
WORSHIP & CHURCH PICNIC
Come and join us on Sunday, August 20th at 11 am for worship on the lawn, followed by our annual picnic at Joe & Pastor Diane’s home, 5 Bunker Hill. All are welcome!
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. Please, one per family.
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.