November 26, 2017
Reign of Christ Sunday
Prelude: Psalm XVIII Benedetto Marcello
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #320 The Church of Christ
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: #288 Spirit of the Living God
Call to Worship
One: Come, God is seeking to gather us together.
Like a shepherd searching for lost sheep, God calls us.
All: Something or someone has summoned us here.
Dare we believe that God knows and welcomes us?
One: God reaches out to rescue all who have strayed.
Scattered, weak, and injured ones are drawn to God.
All: We come in, need of healing, seeking a blessing.
Our faith draws us here, in spite of our doubts.
One: Come, above all else, to worship and give thanks.
Make a joyful noise to the Creator of all the worlds.
All: God’s steadfast love becomes real to us here.
We are reminded of God’s immeasurable greatness.
One: Come, Let us worship God together!
Opening Prayer (in unison)
We come with gladness, loving God, drawn by our need and by a desire to praise you and give thanks. Enlighten the eyes of our hearts that we may be full of hope. Enlarge the circle of our concern that we may see the stranger as next of kin, the hungry person as part of our own family, the one who is sick as a whole individual deserving of our care. Grant us the presence of Christ that we may learn more fully to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
All knowing-God, you are aware of our comfort-seeking wellness. We ignore strangers in need as if they were no concern of ours. We resist programs that might threaten our privileges. We do only enough good to keep us from feeling guilty. We give grudgingly our time and resources, instead of overflowing with thanksgiving and joyous sharing. We treat the church as our possession rather than letting Christ rule as head of the body. O God, we pray we have not wandered beyond your reach. 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 95:1-7a
(Page 676 HS in pew bible)
Reading from Hebrew Scriptures – Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
(Page 984 HS in pew bible)
Children’s Message & Lord’s Prayer
(Children leave for Sunday School and Youth Discussion Group)
Hymn: #343 Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: Bless The Lord Michail Ippolitoff-Ivanoff
*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 – Ephesians 1:15-23
(Page 234 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Hearts full of Gratitude”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer & Silent Prayer
Choral Response: #288 Spirit of the Living God
* Hymn: #353 My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less
Benediction
Response: #288 Spirit of the Living God
Postlude: Rigaudon Andre Campra
(* 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 Sue Bucceri & Jane Capecelatro.
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:
Dick Taber for serving as lay reader
Pat Palmer & Becky Belcher Feen for ushering
Prayer List
Allen Blagden, Jack Ritchie, Marian Ferguson, Jane Fitting, Libby Bishop, Miles Bishop, Chuck Carroll, Andrew Gunderson, Dick Taber, Gail Weigel, Paula Blumberg, Harriet, Emily, Carolyn and Peter, family and friends of Evan Rashkoff, and those among us who struggle with anxiety, depression and addiction
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Tuesday: 5:30 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 4:30 pm Women’s Bible Study
5:30 pm Deacons Meeting
7 pm HousaTonics
Next Sunday 9:15 am Choir Rehearsal
11:30 am Trustees Meeting
2 pm Service at Noble Horizons
OPPORTUNITIES
This year Christian Action is providing a variety of opportunities for donating gifts to those less fortunate. You will find small and large trees with ornaments listing desired gifts for different organizations. You have the option to purchase a gift or order on line…to wrap or leave unwrapped…so do help make Christmas a little brighter for others!
Simply Smiles – ornaments list the website (Simply Smiles Christmas Party Link) where you can purchase a gift from www.Amazon.com for a child on the Cheyenne River Reservation in SD. Order by Mon. Nov. 27.
United Congregational Church in Bridgeport – ornaments list gifts for children that Santa will hand out at their “Feel the Warmth” dinner on Dec 14. Return wrapped and labeled gifts by Wednesday, December 13.
Astor Early Childhood Program – ornaments list items for children and their families in Millerton. Do not wrap as the gifts will be set out in a room so parents can “shop” for their children. Return by Sunday, December 17.