August 20, 2017
Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost
Prelude: Adagio in A Minor J.S. Bach
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #623 I’ve Got Peace Like A River
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: Panis Angelicus Cesar Franck
Andrea Bargabos, soprano
Call to Worship
One: We gather to worship the God of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar – author of all life, whose children are beautiful no matter the color of their skin or their place of origin.
All: This God of love deserves our songs of praise!
One: We gather to worship the God of Jesus, who raised him from the dead so that all might have abundant life.
All: This God of life is worthy of our faithful devotion!
One: We gather to worship the God of Sojourner and Martin, calling forth prophets in every age to speak truth in love to power.
All: This God of justice moves still among us. May we open ourselves today to hear God’s voice and respond with our full measure of commitment to the causes of love and justice.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Opening Prayer (in unison)
Merciful God, this day is full of your possibilities for healing and reconciliation, for new beginnings and restored relationships. Unite my heart with your will so that your abundant anointing will flow through me. Send me now with your promised blessings to preserve the lives of those in need. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
Holy God, we confess we have not been obedient to your will for us. We have sought justice for ourselves but neglected justice for others. We have insisted on our rights but have not lived rightly in our relationships. We have desired mercy for our sins, but we have not offered mercy to those who have sinned against us. By the power of your Holy Spirit free us from the prison of your disobedience. Help us to love as you have loved us that our lives may testify to your abounding grace through Jesus Christ. 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 67
(Page 650 HS in pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures – Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
(Page 839 HS in the pew bible)
*Hymn: #445 God, How Can We Forgive
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: I Am the Yearning for Peace Eric Charnofsky
Andrea Bargabos, 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 – John 8:1-11
(Page 122 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Cast the First Stone”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer & Lord’s Prayer (debts)
Choral Response: Peace of God Be with You
* Hymn: Let There Be Peace On Earth (see insert)
Benediction
Response: As-salaamu lakum
Postlude: Let Us Now Depart in Peace and Joy 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:
Andrea Bargabos for her lovely music this morning
Kathy Mera for serving as lay reader
John Arnold & Stephanie Tierney for ushering
Pastor Diane will be on vacation starting Friday, August 25thand returning on Wednesday, September 6th. If there is a pastoral emergency, please contact Deacon Theresa Carroll at 860-671-9672.
Prayer List
Pauline Moore Gaylord, Robert Hall, Elizabeth Adam, Gail Weigel, Ransom Larson, 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, Dottie and her family, 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
Saturday: 5pm Salisbury Band Dinner in the Parish Hall
OPPORTUNITIES
HOLD ON TO CLOTHING DONATIONS
The Christian Action committee requests that clothing donations be held until after September 15th. Thank you!
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS
The first day of Sunday School will begin on Sunday, September 10th. Registration and refreshments will begin at 9:15 am. New families are welcome! For more information please call the church office: 860-435-2442.
WOMEN’S/MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
The Women’s Bible Study group will resume meeting on Thursday, September 14th at 4:30 pm. All women are welcome to attend! No previous experience necessary.
Men’s Bible Study group will resume meeting Friday, September 15th at 7:45 am. The group will be studying, “The Parables of Jesus”. All men are welcome to join!
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.