October 1, 2017
Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost
Prelude: Aria for Clarinet and Organ Alice Jordan
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #65 Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: Sheave of Wheat
Call to Worship
One: Praise the Lord who is our provider.
All: The Lord is our hope. Our trust is in God.
One: God brought us out of bondage and has made us free.
All: The Lord is our hope. Our trust is in God.
One: Glorious are the deeds of our God, and mighty are his acts.
All: The Lord is our hope. Our trust is in God.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Opening Prayer (in unison)
Gracious God, we thank you for being ever present with us. We know that we are never alone. Your mercies have been faithful and rich. Pour out your Spirit upon us, that we might do the work of your will. Hear the prayers we offer this day, in Christ’s name. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
Almighty God, we have been wandering in the wilderness of sin. We have complained in the face of your mercy. We have been selfish and conceited in the face of your sacrifice. We have not done your will. Teach us humility. Teach us gratitude. Infuse your spirit into our beings so that we might reconcile to 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: #584 Glory, glory, glory, glory to God on high! (repeat). And on earth peace to all people in whom God is well
pleased. (repeat)
Responsive Reading – Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16
(Page 661 HS in pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures – Exodus 17:1-7
(Page 79 HS in the pew bible)
*Hymn: #532 Sheaves of Wheat (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)
Loving Spirit, we give thanks for enlivening us through this meal. Help us to be emboldened by the grace and joy offered in this meal that we might be your implements of compassion, justice, forgiveness, and healing in the world. Amen.
*Hymn: #532 Sheaves of Wheat (v. 3 & 4)
(Children will collect food donations, bless them and leave for Sunday School and Youth Discussion Group)
Offering of our Gifts ~ Neighbors In Need
Anthem: Hear Me Redeemer Henry Mollicone
Andrea Bargabos, soprano
*Doxology: #607 Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise Christ, all people here below; praise Holy Spirit ever more; praise Triune God whom we adore. Amen.
*Prayer of Dedication
Gospel Reading – Matthew 21:23-32
(Page 28 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Wandering Arameans”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
Choral Response: Sheaves of Wheat
* Hymn: #645 Sing Praise To God Who Reigns Above
Benediction
Response: Seven-fold Amen
Postlude: Toccata 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 our guest book and introduce yourself to our Pastor or to one of the Deacons. Fill out a welcome card in the pew to be put on our email list!
Please join us in the Parish Hall for refreshments and fellowship following worship. All are welcome.
Today’s hosts are John & Linda Estabrook.
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:
Mary O’Neill for serving as lay reader
Cynthia LaPier for serving as Youth Discussion Leader
John Arnold for ushering
Organist James Hammann, clarinetist Cheryl Growden and soprano Andrea Bargabos for enhancing our music this morning.
Prayer List
Libby Bishop, Miles Bishop, Reverend Terry Ryan, Rod Lankler, Dick Taber, Gail Weigel, Paula Blumberg, Helen Ham, Harriet, Rich Reifsnyder, Lynn Reifsnyder, Emily and those among us who struggle with anxiety, depression and addiction
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Today: 11:30-12:30 pm Youth Discussion Group training in the Conference Room
2 pm Peace Through Understanding: “A Christian Response to Immigration”
with Reverend John Carter & Kara Hart, Esq.
2 pm Service at Noble
3 pm “Old World New World” Concert
James Hammann (organ) and Cheryl Growden (clarinet)
Tuesday: 5:30 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday: 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 4:30 pm Women’s Bible Study
7 pm HousaTonics
Friday: 7:45 am Men’s Bible Study
OPPORTUNITIES
FALL FESTIVAL
The Annual Fall Festival is almost here – October 6, 7, and 8. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase our church and to raise funds for local organizations in our community!
- Bring your quilt(s) on Monday-Thursday and drape over a pew for the Quilt Show.
- Help unpack and arrange items for the Treasure Trove on Monday-Thursday.
- Bake homemade goodies—wrap and label—and bring to the Parish Hall by 9 am on Friday, Oct 6 and Saturday, Oct 7.
- Volunteer to help during the Festival as a greeter, wrapper, money-collector, hot dog seller, apple crisp server, or question-answerer.
Here’s to another wonderful, fun-filled, and successful Fall Festival!