December 10, 2017
Second Sunday of Advent
Prelude: Carol-Prelude on Greensleeves Searle Wright
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #88 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (v.1, 5, 6, 7)
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: #87 Comfort, Comfort Now My People
Lighting of the Second Advent Candle – Peace
One: A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare ye a way for the Lord.”
All: Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low;
One: The uneven ground shall become level,
All: And the rough places a plain.
One: Arise and Ascend! Let us go to the highest and most visible places, and let us proclaim good tidings of peace:
All: Christ is coming!
One: Do not be afraid, lift up your voices so that all may hear and find peace!
All: Christ is coming!
One: Here is our Peace! Although, as sheep, we have often gone astray, God has gathered us with arms of compassion. We are protected in God’s bosom and led to quiet waters. Let us light this candle as we proclaim peace to all.
All: We have been gathered; let us share our song of peace with one another.
One: Today we light the second candle on our Advent wreath, the candle of Peace. We celebrate and remember that God offers each and all of us a peace that passes all understanding, a peace that shines most fully in the One who is coming into the world once more.
Choral Response: #85 Light two candles to watch for Messiah
Call to Worship
One: The day of God is coming; lift up your voices.
Cry out with strength God provides.
All: We await God’s coming day with anticipation.
We seek the peace and patience God provides.
One: Comfort, comfort my people, says our God.
Speak tenderly to my suffering people.
All: We will prepare the way for One who is coming.
We look forward to baptism in Spirit.
One: God will feed us like a shepherd.
God will gather us in gentle, caring arms.
All: God’s hand is upon us in blessing;
We are welcomed by God’s steadfast love.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Opening Prayer (in unison)
Righteous and holy God, your glory is revealed to us day by day as valleys of despair are lifted up and mountainous problems are leveled. In your presence, we see more than our immediate situation. We catch a glimpse of your eternal purposes. So come among us now and speak your word of peace. Feed us with your truth, and equip us to welcome Christ’s coming. Amen.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
God of glory, we confess that we have not recognized you in our midst nor listened for your voice. Our faith is fragile, and our iniquity goes unrecognized amid our massive self-concern. We have lived as if we have no need to account for the life we have been given. Our church is focused more on our own survival than on its mission in the world. We come to you today with sincere repentance for our neglect. We have failed to prepare the way for Christ’s entry into our everyday environment. Pardon and change us. 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: #583 Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God in the highest! Glory to God, glory to God, alleluia, alleluia!
Responsive Reading – Psalm 85:1-2,8-13
(Page 668 HS in pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures – Isaiah 40:1-11
(Page 816 HS in the pew bible)
Children’s Message & Lord’s Prayer
(Children will collect food donations, bless them and leave for Sunday School and Youth Discussion Group)
*Hymn: #119 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: O Holy Night Adolphe Adam
Abby Adam, 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 – Mark 1:1-8
(Page 42 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Peace = Absence of Fear”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer
Response: #87 Comfort, Comfort Now My People
* Hymn: #93 Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates
Benediction
Response: #87 Comfort, Comfort Now My People
Postlude: Veni, Emmanuel Alex Wyton
(* Please stand if able.)
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 see an usher:
If you would like to use a hearing device
If you would like to bring your child to the Nursery
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!
The flowers today are dedicated in loving memory of Jeri & Trish Johnson by Gordon Johnson.
A special welcome and thanks to Abby Adam, our guest soprano. Abby is the daughter of Melissa (and Dan) Adam, our Financial Assistant.
Please join us in the Parish Hall for refreshments and fellowship following worship. All are welcome.
Today’s host is Nancy Rossi.
Many thanks to:
Lorna Edmundson for serving as lay reader
The Wolgemuth Family for lighting the Advent wreath.
Sharon Tingley & Joe Catania for ushering
Prayer List
Barbara Pogue, George Kieffer, Keith Grant, Ellie Owens, Allen Blagden, Jack Ritchie, Marian Ferguson, Jane Fitting, Libby Bishop, Miles Bishop, Chuck Carroll, Andrew Gunderson, Dick Taber, Gail Weigel, Paula Blumberg, Harriet, Emily, Anne, Bill, Carolyn and Peter, family and friends of Evan Rashkoff and Patty Hink, and those among us who struggle with anxiety, depression and addiction.
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Today: 11:15 am Children’s Christmas Pageant
3-4:30 pm Christmas Concert
Tuesday: 5:15 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday: 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 4 pm Bridgeport Community Dinner and Christmas Party
7 pm HousaTonics
Next Sunday: 11:15 am Christmas Caroling
4 pm Chorus Angelicas Concert
OPPORTUNITIES
SIGN UP FOR CHRISTMAS POINTSETTIAS
You are invited to contribute a plant in the name of a loved one and take the plant home with you after Christmas Eve service. Donations are $15 for each plant. Please send a check, along with a form to the office, or to pay by credit card, please use the Give Online button on the website by December 18th.
THE FESTIVAL OF THE INN
Come join us this afternoon at 3 pm for our Annual Christmas Concert. The Bell Choir and the Adult Choir will be performing. Admission is free.
THE UNITED CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
In Bridgeport will have the “Feel the Warmth Dinner” this Thursday, December 14 beginning at 4 pm. If you are interested in participating please contact Jeanette Weber or Peggy Heck.
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. Please return by Sunday, December 17.