January 7, 2018
First Sunday After Epiphany
Prelude: Toccata Eugene Gigout
Chiming of the Hour
*Hymn: #475 Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: You Have Put On Christ
Call to Worship
One: The powerful voice of God created all worlds.
That same voice calls us to worship.
All: Ascribe to our God glory and strength.
Come before God’s glorious majesty.
One: God’s strength shakes the wilderness.
That same strength is offered to people of faith.
All: The flames of God penetrate our cold hearts.
May God bless all people with true peace.
One: Come together to remember your baptism.
Gather to celebrate the Spirit’s gifts.
All: The heavens open to us at the Word of God.
Surely God forgives and makes whole.
One: Come let us worship together!
Opening Prayer (in unison)
In the beginning, O God, you fashioned a universe. Each star and planet had its beginning in you. Out of the void, you brought light and life. Through eons of creativity, you have acted, and today we are here, inheritors of an amazing process, tiny specks in the limitless reaches of time and space. And you are here, waiting to greet us. As you acted in our baptism, you are still acting to make all things new within us and among us. Let your light awaken us and your Spirit.
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
Creator God, you have created us, but we have chosen to go our own way. You have reclaimed us, but we have, by our arrogant attitudes and actions, rejected the claim. You have sent your Holy Spirit to break into our controlled and unimaginative routines, and we have not appreciated that burst of creative energy. We are ready now, ready to admit that our ways are full of dangerous byways. Our mistakes and failures have often come because, in our false pride, we have not listened to you. Save us again by your forgiving love. Hear now our silent confessions as we turn to you seeking 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 29 (Page 621 HS in the pew bible)
Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures – Genesis 1:1-5 (Page 1 HS in the pew bible)
*Hymn: #480 Take Me To The Water
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 this 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 you better and to receive you more fully. It is in Christ’s name that we pray. Amen.
*Hymn: #480 Take Me To The Water
(Children will leave for Sunday School and Youth Discussion Group)
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: There’s A Sweet, Sweet Spirit
*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 1:4-11 (Page 42 NT in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Remembering Our Baptism”
Reverend Dr. Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
Choral Response: You Belong to Christ
Hymn: #488 I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry
Benediction
Response: Three-fold Amen
Postlude: Toccata in E Minor
(* 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 host is Michael Parris & Sue Bucceri.
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
Sharon Tingley & Becky Belcher Feen for ushering
Prayer List
Debbie Merwin, Gloria Buckley, Jessica Whelton, George Kieffer, Keith Grant, Ellie Owens, Jack Ritchie, Marian Ferguson, Jane Fitting, Libby Bishop, Miles Bishop, Chuck Carroll, Andrew Gunderson, Dick Taber, Gail Weigel, Paula & Herman Blumberg, Harriet, Emily, Anne, Bill, Carolyn, Peter, the family & friends of Erik Rydingsword, family & friends of Barbara Pogue and those among us who struggle with anxiety, depression and addiction.
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Today: 11:30 am Trustees Meeting
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
Next Sunday: 10 am Youth Group Resumes
OPPORTUNITIES
COATS & SOCKS FOR BRIDGEPORT
Men’s large and extra-large coats, and socks for men and
women are in need. Please bring your donations in to church
and they will be delivered to those in need to Bridgeport.